New Park-Themed Gift Cards Released, Festival of the Arts Begins Today, and More

New Park-Themed Gift Cards Released:

You can now make your visit to Disney Parks even better with park-themed gift cards released for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The gift cards feature the icons of both parks. The gift cards are available online and if you purchase them inside the parks they will come enhanced with a special sparkle treatment that will enhance Sorcerer Mickey's magic. 

Heading over to the first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts? A special edition wearable gift card has been released for the inaugural festival. With as little as $15 you can load this special gift card that can be used to purchase culinary marvels and artistic wonders of the festival. Have no fear if you have money left on it as you can use the gift card practically anywhere at Disney destinations worldwide.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts Begins Today:

Speaking of the inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts, it officially began today and will run over the next 6 weekends Friday-Monday until February 20. Here is what you can expect along with a video:

The event will feature new art each week, showcasing celebrated work by Disney historical artists like Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. The event will also feature art being created live by artists like Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos.

That's not all as guests can enjoy exciting performances from your favorite Disney broadway stars who will be performing at the American Gardens Theatre. Each weekend the artists will be different with shows at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Finally, what is a festival without food. New food studios will be scattered throughout Epcot with food and beverages themed to the arts. You can check out the full menus here. Check out the video below of all the highlights of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts:

"Moana" Coming to Digital February 21 and Blu-Ray March 7:

I loved Disney's "Moana" and now we know when it will be released on Digital HD and Blu-Ray. "Moana" is coming to Disney Movies Anywhere and Digital HD on February 21 it will then be released on Blu-Ray/DVD on March 7. To celebrate the news Disney released a never before seen hilarious clip from the film featuring Maui struggling with the ocean and catching a fish. Check out the hilarious clip below:

Maui’s in for a reel treat! 🐟 Catch #Moana on Digital HD February 21 and Blu-ray March 7: https://t.co/TX5FRPt7r6 pic.twitter.com/Wbsq0dDJbk

— Disney (@Disney) January 13, 2017

Live-Action Mulan Fast-Tracked for 2018; "Piper" Available for Free for Limited Time on Disney Movies Anywhere

Live-Action Mulan Fast-Tracked for 2018:

"Everybody loves kungfu fighting.... huh!" Disney confirmed today that they are fast-tracking their live-action remake of Mulan for 2018. The film will now open in theaters on November 2, 2018. Walt Disney Studios is currently launching a worldwide casting search for a Chinese actress to play Mulan. 

The film will be written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Jurassic World), they were brought on to re-write the spec script that was originally written in 2015. The duo is also working on the Avatar sequel. Jason Reed, Chris Bender, and Jake Weiner are all attached to produce the film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, “The Disney team saw the spec, by Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin, as a jumping-off point for a more nuanced and elaborate adaptation, combining the legendary Chinese ballad and the 1998 animated film.”

Are you excited for the the new re-imagined live version of Mulan?

"Piper" Available for Free for Limited Time on Disney Movies Anywhere:

Pixar's latest short, "Piper", is now available for free for a limited time on Disney Movies Anywhere. From today until October 17, 2017 the Disney Pixar short that appeared before "Finding Dory" is available for free on the app. 

The Disney Movies Anywhere app is available on both iOS and Android devices. 

"Finding Dory" Blu-Ray/Digital HD Release Date Set; Disneyland Downtown Disney Discontinuing Valet Service

"Finding Dory" Blu-Ray/Digital HD Release Date Set:

"Finding Dory" will be making its way to Blu-Ray on November 15 and on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on October 25. There will be over an hour of deleted scenes released with the film that will include a scene with the Tank Gang called, "Starting Over," which is 20 minutes alone. It is available for pre-order now. When you pre-order on the DisneyStore.com a set of limited edition lithographs will come with the movie release.

Here are the other bonus features coming with "Finding Dory":

Deleted Scenes (with Introductions):

• General Introduction (:48)
• Losing Nemo (4:48) – While watching the stingray migration, Dory starts to follow two fish that remind her of her parents, leaving Nemo all alone.
• Sleep Swimming (2:50) – Dory begins to talk and swim in her sleep, revealing what seem to be clues to her past.
• Tank Gang (15:17) (DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE) – After a close encounter with a squid leaves them separated from Dory, Marlin and Nemo unexpectedly meet up with the Tank Gang from Finding Nemo, who make it their mission to get to the Marine Life Institute … by any means necessary.
• Little Tension in Clown Town (7:09) – In this alternate version of the film, Dory tries to ‘follow her fins’ to her parents, but ends up in a strange place with even stranger fish fashion.
• Meeting Hank (3:15) – Wandering the Marine Life Institute’s elaborate pipe system, Dory happens upon the abode of Hank the cranky octopus.
• The Pig (1:55) – Frantically navigating the pipes of the Marine Life Institute in search of her parents, Dory crosses paths with a terrifying cleaning device.
• Dory Dumped (5:30) – In this early version of the story, Dory’s parents had short-term memory loss as well.
• Starting Over (21:24) – Director Andrew Stanton presents four different versions of the movie’s opening scene to illustrate the filmmakers’ search for the best way to introduce Dory’s backstory and to connect this new film to Finding Nemo.

Animation and Acting (6:36) – How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? This behind-the-scenes look behind the curtain examines the process of constructing believable performances through a unique collaboration between the director, voice actors and animators.

Casual Carpool (3:34) – What’s it like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? Join Finding Dory writer/director Andrew Stanton as he drives Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell and Ed O’Neill to work.

Creatures Features (2:51) – The cast of Finding Dory share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film.

Deep in the Kelp (3:08) – Disney Channel’s Jenna Ortega guides us on a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to show how far the Finding Dory crew went to make Dory’s world feel real.

Dory’s Theme (4:42) – A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of Finding Dory about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme.

Finding Nemo as told by Emoji (2:37) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

Fish Schticks (3:23) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

Marine Life Interviews (All-New Mini Short) (1:55)- Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember our favorite blue tang.

Rough Day on the Reef (1:04) – Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making Finding Dory.

The Octopus that Nearly Broke Pixar (8:39) – Pixar’s ‘Team Hank’ unravels the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of bringing to life the studio’s crankiest and most technically complicated character ever.

What Were We Talking About? (4:16) – This piece showcases the complex routes Dory’s story took as the filmmakers worked to construct a comprehensive narrative involving a main character with short-term memory loss.

Skating and Sketching with Jason Deamer (4:01) – Finding Dory character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life.

Living Aquariums: Sea Grass (:34); Open Ocean (:32); Sting Rays (:32); Swim to the Surface (5:57) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

International Trailers: Sleep Swimming – United States (1:37); Theatrical Payoff – Japan (2:00); Journey – Russia (2:22) – (May be (digital) exclusive)

Audio Commentary (1:33:00) – Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on Finding Dory.

Theatrical Short Piper (5:46) – A hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is that the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore.

Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory (Digital Exclusive) – Take a deep dive to catch secret Easter Eggs throughout the movie.  And just like Hank, they’re hidden in plain sight.

"Finding Dory" will be swimming into your hands on Blu-Ray/Digital HD very soon.

Disneyland Downtown Disney Discontinuing Valet Service:

According to a report by WDW News Today, Downtown Disney at Disneyland will be discontinuing their valet service beginning this Saturday, September 10, 2016. They said Disney is not giving any reason for the discontinuation.

It is said to be likely related to Disneyland's expansion of its park as well as the new resort being built. The space of the valet service is rumored to be the new space for a parking structure that will be shared by the new hotel and Downtown Disney. 

Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise Coming to Seven Seas Lagoon, New Partners & Apps for Disney Movies Anywhere, and More

Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise Coming to Seven Seas Lagoon:

A new way to view Wishes at Magic Kingdom is coming to the Seven Seas Lagoon beginning October 5, 2015. Check out the new Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise that will give guests a dazzling view of the park's fireworks at nights end with dessert and drinks that will dazzle as well.

Guests will sail off from the Ticket & Transportation Center Ferryboat dock an hour before "Wishes" Nighttime Spectacular, that will be offered on select nights on the famous double-stacked ferryboat. The decks of the ship will be laden with desserts like "The Grand" key lime tart, pineapple upside down cake from Disney's The Polynesian; spiced flourless chocolate cake from The Contemporary, "Main Street" Mickey Balloon Tarts, mini fireworks cupcakes with a pop, Cinderella's Sugar Slipper with Orange Financier, no sugar-added Florida mango panna cotta, and a fabulous fruit and cheese spread. Specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for guests to enjoy.

There will be a limited amount of guests for each sailing with tickets costing $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 to 9, including tax and gratuity. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE or visit DisneyWorld.com/DINE.

Note: On Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very-Merry-Christmas Party nights, the fireworks show will be Happy HalloWishes or Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Spirit of the Season instead of "Wishes" Nighttime Spectacular.

New Partners & Apps for Disney Movies Anywhere:

Today, Disney and Disney Movies Anywhere announced that with upcoming release of its live-action film Cinderella, on September 15 that the app will now be available on Roku and Android TV. The app is already working on iTunes, Google Play, and Wal-Mart's VUDU. The announcement was just in time for today's early digital release of "Marvel's Avenger's: Age of Ultron."

In celebration of the launch, Disney Movies Anywhere is offering a free digital copy of Disney/Pixar's Monster's Inc. to new and existing customers who connect an iTunes, Amazon Video, VUDU, Microsoft Movies & TV, or a Google Play account for the first time. Starting today in the U.S., Amazon Video and Microsoft Movies & TV customers can connect to Disney Movies Anywhere and access their digital collection across the Disney Movies Anywhere ecosystem, including via the new Disney Movies Anywhere app for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and for Amazon’s Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick. 

In addition to the Disney Movies Anywhere app, customers can access and watch titles in their Disney digital collection directly through the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/amazonvideo, and via the Microsoft Movies & TV service on Windows and Microsoft Xbox devices or at microsoft.com/en-us/store/movies-and-tv.

A new trailer for the new updated Disney Movies Anywhere App was also released:

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Map Released:

The map for the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was released today in advance of the party at the Magic Kingdom that is scheduled to begin next week. Take a look: