I thought I was done, but sometimes plans change and its good to be back!

Sometimes when you think all is lost, and sometimes the answer or what is lost is right in front of you. After over 2 years of not writing one single blog post here on It All Started with a Mouse, I am back. Since my last post, everything has changed including myself. I welcomed 2 wonderful kids most recently our second son was born prematurely at 26 weeks and he is growing stronger everyday. The now 2 year old is taking toddlerhood by storm. I sometimes wonder if he 14 and not 2 but guess what he is a Disney lover just like his parents. He's already been to Disney twice and will be back for a third time later this year.

Back to It All Started with a Mouse, we are back with some changes instead of daily because you know adulthood, parenthood, and life prove they are a lot this will be a weekly blog post now. I will still bring Disney news, trip reports, and more of what I had brought to the blog previously. I also want to bring new stuff to the blog as well including my wife and I have recently set a goal to run a runDisney race next year so maybe share our training plans. The big reason I am back though is I do miss the writing and a dream of mine which was recently discussed with my wife is that I want to write a book one day and with the birth of my 2 children over the last 2 1/2 years and my love of Disney I most recently realized is the type of book I want to write a children's book (possibly a Disney children's book).

I missed this and I kept the Facebook page going as most recently just sharing news, the podcast I have been a part of for the last 7 years, the MouseLife is still going on, and over the last year and a half I have hopped on TikTok, you can find me @MouseLifeJohn on both TikTok and Instagram. So tune in for the first true blog post soon and we will see you real soon and remember It All Started with a Mouse. 

- John

Planet Hollywood Observatory is Finally Opened; Preview of Beauty & the Beast Coming to Disney Parks

Planet Hollywood Observatory is Finally Opened:

After weeks of speculation and delays, the Planet Hollywood Observatory officially opened today. The re-imagined restaurant transformed from its iconic globe into a 4-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu with the help of Food Network's Guy Fieri, and an exciting new look and feel to the restaurant. 

Inside it’s an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l’oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions.

Classic dishes remain on the menu but it is the new over the top burgers and sandwiches inspired by Fieri that highlight the new menu. Of course, we can't forget the hand-dipped milkshakes and generous sweets that highlight the dessert menu. Beer, wine and cocktails offer a little something for every taste, and Stargazers Lounge has a beverage menu that focuses on Florida craft beers (with 20 on tap) and 10 signature cocktails. The Stargazer Lounge has yet to open but will be soon.

Check out this quick video of Guy and a look inside the Planet Hollywood Observatory:



Source: Disney Parks Blog

Preview of 'Beauty and the Beast" Coming to Disney Parks:

Beginning February 10, guests visiting Disney Parks will get a special sneak peak into the live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "Beauty and the Beast."

At Disney California Adventure park, the preview of “Beauty and the Beast” will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, while guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at a segment from the film as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction. Each sneak peek location will also include a display featuring a collection of props and costume pieces actually used in the film’s production.

You can catch the 8-minute sneak peak of the film at Disney Parks beginning February 10 then experience the film as it waltz' into theaters March 17, 2017.

Special 2-Year Anniversary Note:

Today, marks the two year anniversary of It All Started With a Mouse and I just wanted to send a special thank you to you the readers. Never did I think two years ago, how I would continue to blog almost everyday. I also never thought I would be so involved in the Disney community which is amazing. Year 2 brought even more changes with the addition of me joining the podcast world.

The MouseLife family has helped me improve It All Started With a Mouse. Speaking of the MouseLife, I cannot wait to share with all of you what's coming very soon. Stay tuned. Thank you all so much don't forget that it was all started by a mouse and please continue living the MouseLife.

- John

New Behind the Scenes Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar; Merry Christmas

New Behind the Scenes Look at Pandora: The World of Avatar:

During this morning's Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, we got an extended and inside look at Pandora: The World of Avatar. In the clip in which Bob Iger himself opens the segment which included segments from Joe Rohde, Jon Landau, and James Cameron. In the clip we get an inside look once again at both the Na'vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. 

We also get a look at the beautiful floating mountains as well as the incredible bioluminescent plant life that will light up Pandora: The World of Avatar. Here are some images as well as the clip that was shown during the parade:

Pandora: The World of Avatar will be opening sometime in Summer 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Merry Christmas:

I would just like to say to all of you the readers that I appreciate all of you for joining me on this journey and most of all a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Enjoy the time with your loved one and cherish every moment with them. Hug them tight if you can and just share the joys of the holiday season. Thank you to all of you.

Your Friend, 

John, It All Started With a Mouse

New Dinner Show Debuts at Aulani; "Finding Dory" Approaching the $1 Billion Mark at the Box Office

New Dinner Show Debuts at Aulani:

I haven't reported on any news from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Today, I bring you news on the Hawaiian Disney resort. A new dinner show called 'Menehune Mischief' debuted this week at the Makahiki Restaurant. The dinner show celebrates the story of the Menehune, the magical little people of Hawaiian legend. The story is told with the help of Uncle and our favorite Disney characters. 

During the delicious dinner buffet, guests will enjoy delightful tales that are brought to life through enchanting music, sing-along fun, and engaging storytelling. 

Menehune Mischief is offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Dinner reservation times are 4:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. The character dinner experience is $49 for adults and $24 for keiki (children ages 3-9 years old). For reservations, visit disneyaulani.com or call (808) 674-6200.

"Finding Dory" Approaching the $1 Billion Mark at the Box Office:

"Finding Dory" is approaching the $1 billion at the mark at the box office after passing the $900 million mark over the weekend. In the 9 weeks that is has been released it has earned approximately $477 million domestically and around $423 million globally. 

The film will surely cross the $1 billion plateau in the coming weeks as it hasn't been released in some countries. The film will debut in the coming weeks in countries such as Italy and Germany. Those are just two of the markets that it has yet to debut. Although Germany will not have it's release of the film until September 29. 

The question isn't whether it will cross the plateau but when it will cross the $1 billion mark. "Finding Dory" was an amazing film and once it hits this amazing honor, of course it will be another success for Disney/Pixar. It's another notch in the belt for an already very successful 2016. 

Note:

This the the 500th blog on It All Started With A Mouse and I can't believe it. Little did I know in January 2015 when I started this venture that I would be writing 500 blogs. Thanks to you the readers we had our most successful month yet last month as we keep going up every month. With your help the blog has reached over 50,000 views and that is all thanks to you the readers. So here's to another 500 and many more after that.

Thank You, 

John