Ryan Seacrest Coming Back to Host American Idol, New Way to Find Magic Shots at Walt Disney World

Ryan Seacrest Coming Back to Host ABC's American Idol:

Ryan Seacrest is returning to host ABC's version of American Idol as he announced today on Live with Kelly and Ryan. Only one judge so far has been announced for the show and that is Grammy-winning recording artist, Katy Perry. Shooting for the show will begin this summer. 

This will be one of Seacrest’s many, many jobs, including the aforementioned Live With Kelly and Ryan hosting job, as well as his continuing radio gig: “On Air with Ryan Seacrest.” He originally hosted American Idol since its inception, from 2002 to 2016. Seacrest warmed up his vocals for the show on the show's Instagram page:

🚨this is not a #tbt 🚨

A post shared by American Idol (@americanidol) on Jul 20, 2017 at 6:09am PDT

New Way to Find Magic Shots at Walt Disney World:

With Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass Service, you can transform your photos into unique keepsakes of you recreating a favorite movie moment, enjoying your vacation with a Disney Character, or reacting to a fun surprise. All you need is a little imagination, and a PhotoPass photographer.  Now you can find all the available Magic Shots all in one place. 

Head over to the Albums page on the Disney PhotoPass Facebook page, where through the photos tab in Albums you can see a Magic Shot album in each park. The information will continue to be updated as the offerings for Magic Shots adjust and expand. 

Please note that Magic Shot offerings are subject to change and photographer availability. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Mickey Mouse Club Returning as Club Mickey Mouse; New Details on Food & Wine Festival

Mickey Mouse Club Returning as Club Mickey Mouse on Facebook:

Everyone wanted to be a part of the Mickey Mouse Club as a child. Yesterday, brought news that Disney would be bringing back the famous television show back but not on television. The new revamped show called, Club Mickey Mouse, will be an exclusive series on Facebook. 

Josh Mattison, VP of Digital Ad Sales for Disney Consumer Products had this to say, "That's the beauty. We're not bound to one format. We're not bound to one length. You don't have the same lines when you're not producing 11s and 22s [referring to 11-minutes and 22-minute standard length TV series]. What makes sense for a consumer? How long would you spend looking at something?"

"Club Mickey Mouse" is one of nine programs created in partnership with Facebook Anthology, advertising partnerships between the platform, media companies, and brands. No cast for the show has been announced, but it is expected that Disney will draw from its in-house multi-channel network and talent company, Maker Studios. 

Are you excited for the return of the Mickey Mouse Club now to be known as "Club Mickey Mouse"?

Source: Yahoo Finance

New Details on the 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Announced:

It's getting closer and closer and the days goodbye and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be returning later this summer for a record 75 days. This year's festival runs August 31 through November 13, 2017. This year in its 22nd year the festival will be celebrating in conjunction with Epcot's 35th Anniversary this year. This year there will be 35 marketplaces scattered around World Showcase and stretching once again this year into Future World. 

While details on the likes of the Eat to the Beat concert series, your favorite celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations at the Festival Center, and Party of the Senses have not yet been announced we do have some of the details on some of the new food that will debut at this year's festival. 

Some of the new eats this year include a new crispy chicken with griddled cornbread and a red-eye gravy from the Farm Fresh Marketplace, the Spicy Korma Chicken with a cucumber-tomato salad, almonds, cashews, and warm Naan bread from the India Marketplace, or the charcuterie in a cone that is perfect for strolling and tasting from the Spain Marketplace. One of the new desserts for the sweet tooth guests can taste the pistachio cardamom cake with a dollop of chocolate mousse at the India Marketplace. These are just a few of the new eats guests will be able to try at this year's festival.

More details on the events and marketplaces at the 22nd Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be released in the coming weeks and months leading up to this year's festival. For all the details and more check out, epcotfoodfestival.com.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

March Magic is Back Beginning Tomorrow

It's March and that means the madness of March Magic is back. Yesterday, the Disney Parks Blog announced the tournament of attractions facing off against each other to see who will be the champion will return tomorrow March 14. Fans for the fourth year will be able to vote for their favorite attraction teams who will eventually be crowned the "March Magic" Champion. Voting will take place between March 14 and April 3 on both the Walt Disney World Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Here is the bracket for the Walt Disney World attractions:

Guests will find returning favorites such as the Future World Phoenicians as well as last year's champions the Hollywood Tower Hotel Bellhops. New teams this year such as the Electrical Water Pageant Sea Serpents, the SeaBase Alphas, and the Carousel of Progress Rovers. 

As always t-shirts of the teams will be made available on the DisneyStore.com beginning tomorrow, March 14 through April 4. For the first time ever, all teams t-shirts will be available throughout the tournament. 

To place an order for your t-shirts, visit DisneyStore.com/MarchMagic and allow 3-5 weeks for shipment. Tune in throughout the month of March to see the teams battle out and watch on April 3 as they crown the March Magic champion of 2017.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Some Exciting News to Share.......

I have some exciting news to share with you all. Over the last few weeks, months actually, I have been working on something new. Something I never thought would ever happen when I started this blog over a year and a half ago. A few months ago, I was added to a group of Disney fans that wanted to help make Disney Twitter great again. I know kind of corny you would think, however through this group called the Small World Club another group of friends came together.

Yes, I say friends because that is what we have become in a few short weeks, we have really come together to form a bond like no other. Now you may be saying why is he babbling on and on, just get on with it already. So anyways a few weeks ago, the MouseLife podcast was formed and the cast of crazy Disney fans is now a group of amazing friends.

So in the beginning, I said to myself no don't do it who wants to hear your voice discuss Disney. I said to the guy forming the group, "Barry, I'm not ready to commit to this but give me a few weeks and I'll give you a decision." Quickly, it was noted that I wouldn't have to be on the podcast right in the beginning, that I could become the Social Media Expert of the group, filling in when other members of the cast were absent.

That changed pretty quickly too as last week when we began test recording I was right in the thick of things along with the rest of the members discussing the latest news from Disney. So yes this is a new  adventure that I am very excited to begin. Last night, we recorded our very episode and we couldn't be more excited to be able to share it with you very soon. The MouseLife will be a weekly Disney podcast filled with Disney news, interviews, past memories, planning tips, and so much more with cast of characters from all around the USA.

Thanks to our producer/editor/member, Jeff along with help from a friend of another member, Kathy, we have already been able to secure theme music for the show. Soon you will all be able to hear all of us (Len (host), Jeff, Kathy, Shelby, Samantha, Jennifer K., Jennifer S., and myself) on SoundCloud and eventually on iTunes. If you would like please follow us on Twitter: @MouseLifePod. Also on Facebook: MouseLife.

So you may ask, what will happen with It All Started With a Mouse? Have no worries, the blog will continue daily, except for most Saturdays, of course. Please join me in the excitement on this new adventure. I can't wait to share the MouseLife with you all very soon. In the meantime sit back, relax, live the MouseLife.

- John

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" News, Previews for Seasons of the Force Begin Tonight at Disneyland, and More

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" News:

It seems we can't go a day without more news about "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as it is only 36 days away from release. Today, we got a release of the IMAX poster featuring Rey and BB-8 with the sunset on Jakku in the background. Will you be seeing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens in IMAX 3D. Here is the poster:

As you already have seen the TV spot that was released last Sunday with new footage it appears as a much shorter TV spot has also been released that is only 15 seconds. There is some new footage including scenes that we saw stills in the Entertainment Weekly exclusive. Here is the second 'Force Awakens' TV spot:



During the next two nights we will see some exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Tonight, as we wrote on the blog earlier this week we will get an 'Exclusive Special" look during #TGIT with Shonda Rhymes and the casts of "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away With Murder" hosting.

UPDATE: Here is the TV spot that debuted tonight during ABC's #TGIT. There is some new footage and dialogue. This would include Han giving Rey what appears to be either a lightsaber or a blaster saying she may need it. Check it out:


Tomorrow night on Disney Channel we will also get a behind-the-scenes look where it appears we will get some snippets and interviews. Here is the preview:



Previews for Seasons of the Force Begin Tonight at Disneyland:

Tonight, previews for Star Wars Seasons of the Force begin at Disneyland. We now have even more details on the event that were released by Disneyland Resort. Here is what they released:

STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY
Located on the lower level of the Tomorrowland Expo Center, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central space for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars. Guests will be welcomed to this multi-sensory space with the iconic phrase, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.…” Once inside, they may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, step into a Star Wars-themed cantina, and have access to Star Wars merchandise.

• First Order stormtroopers patrolling the area outside Launch Bay and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue are on a mission to find members of the rebel alliance
• After entering a themed atrium with authentic replicas of Star Wars props, guests may Journey to the dark side and come face to face with Darth Vader, or they may choose the light side by stopping in at a makeshift Rebel base to meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
• Inside, guests may encounter iconic characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca or even Boba Fett.
• Inspired by the iconic opening crawl in every Star Wars film, a welcoming text scroll on the carpet will greet guests as they enter the building
• Launch Bay Theater – Guests will hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers and other key crew members who continue to bring the saga to life.
• The Cantina is a unique experience inspired by the “hive of scum and villainy” guests will recognize from the Star Wars From bounty hunters and smugglers to aliens, guests never know who they may meet here.
• The Cantina becomes the gathering place to take memorable photos with a holochess or sabacc (Sabacc is a popular card game played throughout the galaxy, often with high stakes. Holochess is a chess-like game that utilizes holographic representations of the playing pieces.)
• Guests may join the Resistance or come to the dark side, choosing a path that takes them into one of two character greeting
• When it’s time to meet the character, portal doors open to welcome guests into a fully immersive 360-degree space, inspired by a Rebel base or Star (Destroyer?)
• Throughout the space, guests will find Aurebesh writings in the Aurebesh is a writing system used to transcribe Basic, the most used language in the Star Wars galaxy.
• Guests may play current and upcoming Star Wars video games at the Game Center, including new and exclusive Disney Infinity toy box levels created exclusively for this experience.
• Exploring the Light Side Gallery, guests will find replicas of iconic helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi heroes, including Luke And in the Dark Side Gallery, they’ll discover replicas of helmets and lightsabers used by the Sith, mortal enemies of the Jedi.
  • The Dark Side Gallery features pieces of Stormtrooper armor and Sith lightsabers.
  • The Light Side Gallery displays rebel flight helmets and Jedi lightsabers.
  • Authentic replicas of props and costumes from both the light and dark sides of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will appear in the Preview Gallery.
  • Models of famous starships and their pilots will be on display in the Starship Gallery.
• Large-scale replicas of film props, costumes, ship models, droids, artwork and other notable items are on display for Star Wars fans to enjoy.
• Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo – Guests may bring home high-end artifacts and treasures, including signed memorabilia, studio models and personalized D-Tech on Demand mobile device cases.

STAR TOURS – THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE

• A new adventure awaits guests as they climb aboard a Starspeeder 1000 and blast off on a thrilling tour of the Star Wars universe.
• The new adventure includes scenes and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

HYPERSPACE MOUNTAIN

• The popular Space Mountain attraction is reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, thrusting guests into an X-wing Starfighter battle as they race through the galaxy
• The guest experience is enhanced by a new soundtrack, inspired by the films’ musical themes and re-orchestrated to match every move in the film
• The soundtrack was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra

JEDI TRAINING: TRIALS OF THE TEMPLE

• This re-imagined battle experience takes younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple, where they discover if they have the makings of a true jedi
• It debuts December 8, 2015
• Villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney XD series ‘Star Wars Rebels’ join the battle

STAR WARS: PATH OF THE JEDI

• Guests can relive stories from the Star Wars saga – or discover them for the first time – through this short, film compilation at Tomorrowland
• It includes moments from the new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
• This cinematic short connects iconic scenes from the films in fun new ways, following the journey of Luke Skywalker

GALACTIC GRILL AND STAR WARS-INSPIRED MENUS

• The Force takes over the Tomorrowland Terrace to offer dark side and light side menu items
• For breakfast, guests may enjoy a blue corn Darth Tamale, with scrambled eggs and chorizo, red chili sauce and For lunch and dinner, the First Order Specialty Burger is tempting with a patty of angus beef and chorizo, topped with fried cherry peppers and spicy-lime aioli on a dark bun.
• Fun collectible items to take home include the BB-8 sipper cup and TIE Fighter premium popcorn bucket
• Pizza Port in Tomorrowland also will offer new Star Wars-inspired menu items

Walt Disney World Releases New 360 Video Hosted by Goofy:

A new 360 degree video was released by Walt Disney World on their Facebook page. The tour of the parks by Goofy in a helpful and accidental way. The tour highlight the thrills, sights and you may even run into a few familiar friends. You the guest controls the full-circle tour of all four theme parks. 

It is almost as if your are visiting the most magical place in the world in person. To note though the video is not supported on all browser. I got the best experience by using my phone.

Downtown Disney to Become Disney Springs Next Week; Disney World Says Goodbye to Duffy; and More

Downtown Disney to Officially Become Disney Springs Next Week:

Well it's going to finally be official, as Walt Disney World will say goodbye to Downtown Disney next week as it officially becomes Disney Springs on Tuesday, September 29. Although construction won't be completed until sometime next year, the majority of work has been completed and the transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs is finally here.

The expansion has included new retail outlets and more restaurants including the new Morimoto Asia restaurant opening next week as well. It also opened two new 6,000-space parking garages. The name change event will take place across from the newly opened Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at 5 p.m.

Walt Disney World Saying Goodbye to Duffy:

Duffy the Disney Bear will no longer be greeting guests in Epcot, his last day will be October 3. He will be replaced by Daisy Duck in the current Duffy location after 5 years. The adjacent store from the meet & greet was stripped of Duffy merchandise and replaced with Star Wars and Marvel merchandise.

Duffy the Disney Bear debuted in 2010 on both coasts after unbridled success at Tokyo Disneyland. More experiences were planned, but never came about as sales of the plush never reached what Disney expected. Duffy is still expected to be sold in the parks and there are no plans at this time to retire the nightly bedtime story on Walt Disney World Resort TV. 

Speed Across Jakku in New 360 Experience Exclusively for Facebook:

Today, on the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Facebook page an exclusive 360 experience was debuted. The video can only be seen on Google Chrome and Firefox as the 360 video experience doesn't work on Safari or Internet Explorer. 

The experience lets you speed through Jakku as you wreckage from the Imperial Ship and the planet. Here is the link: 360 Degree Jakku Experience. Remember video can only be viewed on Google Chrome and Firefox. 

It All Started With a Mouse is Now on Facebook

It All Started With a Mouse is now on Facebook. www.facebook.com/itallstartedwithamouse5689 Like it and share with your friends. Working on a twitter account soon.