As Disney fanatics, my boyfriend Chris and I love finding fun ways to bring Disney magic into our dates. We especially love getting dinner and seeing a movie that we both love — which is most always Disney. With the excitement of the new year, I am sure you are all as eager as we are to find out what movies Disney will be releasing during 2012. The wait is now over! Since this post is geared towards mommy and daddy (or me and my boyfriend) date nights, below are the movie releases that can be enjoyable while the kids are away. For family fun nights, look for my next post with the list of movies that the kiddies will enjoy most!

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Since I have been writing for Babes in Disneyland for a few months now, I finally feel comfortable admitting to something that I have not yet shared — I am a Beauty and the Beast FANATIC. Though I am a 21 year old college graduate, I still proudly announce my love of the eighty four minute masterpiece when asked what my favorite movie is. I do not know if it’s book-loving Belle’s kind heart and determination, or the cold-hearted Beast’s transformation into a compassionate prince that have captured my Disney loving heart, but I do know that I am experiencing greatness for those eighty four minutes. With all of that being said — well, written — it’s not surprising that I am most excited about the January 13th release of Beauty and the Beast 3D! This classic returns to theaters, but with the addition of 3D technology. Imagine what the “Be Our Guest” scene will be like in 3D — dancing plates all around! 

Make next Friday a date night by seeing the movie at the AMC Downtown Disney 12, then get dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen or get a drink at the tiki themed Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel! Evening showtimes are at 5:10, 7:30 and 9:50. Or make a day date and see it at 10:10am, 12:30 or 2:50 and spend the evening experiencing the romance of Disneyland! Here’s the official trailer:
 

John Carter
Experience life and an adventure on another planet in John Carter, premiering on March 9th. This action-adventure film — which is based on the novel “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs — is set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). War-weary, former military captain John Carter (played by Taylor Kitsch) is inexplicably transported to Mars, where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet. Among the inhabitants are Tars Tarkas (played by Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (played by Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter discovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. If the epic plot line is not convincing enough, it is also worth mentioning that the movie’s scores are produced by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, who has won several accolades for movies such as Up, Ratatouille, and The Incredibles.  

Since the movie is set to release in a little over three months, it could be a fun couple activity to begin reading the novel together now — or take turns reading chapters and giving the other a synopsis. 

Check out the trailer:


Chimpanzee
After the excitement of March’s date night, spend some quality time with your loved one watching the incredible story of Oscar the playful chimp in Disneynature’s Chimpanzee, swinging into theaters on Earth Day (April 20th). I have to admit, I have not always been a huge fan of nature-themed documentaries, but Disneynature does a fantastic job of captivating the magic of the wild in a way that brings the spirit of Disney to nature — just look at the poster and try not to be captivated! The film takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa for the True Life Adventure of an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and triumph.(Lisa will review the movie just before it comes out 
and let you know if it is appropriate for younger audiences.)

After watching the trailer for Chimpanzee, I will now begin planning an Earth Day date around the movie. I’m thinking of a day at the LA Zoo, picnic lunch at Griffith Park (or Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney), then seeing Chimpanzee in the evening. 
   

Marvel’s The Avengers

My excitement of the Beauty and the Beast 3D release is matched by my boyfriend’s excitement for this next movie. Return to action-adventure on May 4th, with the release of Marvel Studios’ Marvel’s The Avengers. In this Super Hero team up of a lifetime, iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow join together to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team of Super Heroes. This exciting event movie, based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers”, is packed with action and spectacular special effects and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johanson, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson.     
Make it a date night by making The Avengers themed desserts or meals. Captain America is Chris’s favorite, so I’ll make a blueberry and raspberry cobbler with a white chocolate sauce that will make him feel super satisfied! I also found a recipe for a drink called the Black Widow that could be a fun addition to the world-saving evening.    

Frankenweenie 

Both Chris and I are equally excited for this upcoming Tim Burton film, which will be premiering just in time for the Halloween season. On October 5th, experience creative genius Tim Burton’s (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. When young Victor unexpectedly loses his beloved dog Sparky, he harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life — with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers, and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous. A stop-motion film, Frankenweenie will be filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience. The voice cast includes Martin Short, Winona Ryder, Martin Landou, and Catherine O’Hara, who have all been part of other Burton films. 

In honor of Victor’s home-sewn creation, turn seeing the movie into a date night by making a gourmet dinner out of whatever is in your cupboards already. Not only will it be fun to see how you can revive last night’s leftovers and transform it into a new meal, it is also a great way to save money on food! Try mixing up a franken-cocktail that neither of you have tried to add an extra “spark” to the evening. 

As part of my new Dreamy Disney Dates series, I’ll be highlighting fun outings for those kid-free nights. Share your Dreamy Disney Date experiences with us by posting on the Babes in Disneyland Facebook page! 


This post was written as a personal opinion piece and without pay. Neither the text nor the pictures were provided as proprietary information and does not represent the views or opinions of The Walt Disney Company.