Final "Cars 3" Trailer Released; Setlist for Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission Breakout! Revealed

Final "Cars 3" Trailer Released:

We are less than two months away from "Cars 3" racing into theaters and today we got a look at the final trailer. It is one last chance and one more dream for Lightning McQueen. Is this the end of a career for the once lightning fast race car?

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

"Cars 3" races into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Setlist for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! Revealed:

The setlist has been revealed and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! looks to be a rocking hit. The new attraction at Disney California will rise and fall to the tune of some amazing tunes from the 60's, 70's, and early 80's. Check out the list:

• “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980)
• “Give Up The Funk” by Parliament (1975)
• “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968)
• “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969)
• “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winters Group (1973)
• “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972)

Here is what the imagineers had to say about the new attraction:

The multiple ride experiences are the result of extensive research, experimentation and ride testing by the creative team at Walt Disney Imagineering. The team worked from a list of nearly 100 fun, high-energy songs, narrowing the list down to the final six by testing each one in action. Boarding a gantry lift, they donned their own headsets – just like Star-Lord – and played each track to see which songs worked best with potential ride profiles.
“A strong identifiable rhythm and a memorable hook were key points,” explained John Dennis, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “For example, ‘Free Ride’ has an iconic guitar hook, a killer bass line in the verse and, in the chorus, the backing vocals have a great ascending line. The rock n roll music playing on board the ride is just plain fun. The songs, each paired with its own ride profile, give us six unique experiences.”
The songs enhancing the adventure of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! aren’t the only ways in which the attraction acknowledges the importance of music in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. “Guardians of the Galaxy” film composer Tyler Bates wrote the music for The Collector’s Fortress lobby and office scenes, as well as for the attraction exit.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! rocks its way into California Adventure on May 27.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Cars 3" Road to the Races Tour Kicks Off in Disney Springs Later This Month

Disney Pixar's "Cars 3" will begin a huge tour across the country later this month. The "Road to the Races" Tour will kick off later this month March 23-26, 2017 at the Disney Springs Marketplace. Fans of the film can get an early glimpse of the film's stars which include Lightning McQueen and newcomers Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm. 

Alamo Rent A Car will sponsor a giant color mural; Coppertone will encourage guests to take part in a racer pit crew tire-changing activity and a fun photo opportunity; Crest and Oral-B will pass out prizes from the Piston Cup prize wheel (I hope I win a new toothbrush!) and will offer fans the chance to create a digital postcard with Lightning McQueen; at the Dole Refueling Station, you can sample high-octane smoothies; Mattel plans to present an interactive play area; and last, but not least, NASCAR will be on hand to share the history and science behind their iconic brand.

There will also be new "Cars" merchandise, special menu items at select food & beverage locations, plus a DJ dance party with tracks that will make guests want to rev up their engines. The event at Disney Springs will be located in the former Marketplace Bus Loop area near Once Upon a Toy. It will be open to the public on Thursday, March 23 at 12:00 p.m. and will run until 7:00 p.m. that evening. On Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, join the fun from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. And on the final day, Sunday, March 26, guests can enjoy the experience from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

This will kick off a 27 city tour that includes visits to:

Walt Disney World, Miami, FL, Tampa, FL, Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Boston, MA, Allentown, PA, New York, NY, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, Greensboro, NC, Charlotte, NC, Cincinnati, OH, Kansas City, MO, Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Phoenix, AZ, San Diego, CA, Disneyland, Los Angelas, CA, San Jose, CA, and Sonoma, CA.

For dates for each tour city visit here. Meanwhile "Cars 3" races into theaters June 16, 2017.

Two New Clips from "Beauty and the Beast" Released; New "Cars 3" Trailer Released:

Two New Clips from "Beauty and the Beast" Released:

Over the last two days, we got a new tv spot as well as a new clip for the upcoming release of the live-action re-telling of "Beauty and the Beast." Today's clip gives us our first glimpse of Josh Gad as LeFou and Luke Evans as Gaston showing off their pipes singing the famous song from the animated tale, "Gaston." Check it out below:

Last night, a new television spot aired during the Oscars, where we catch a glimpse of what will be the beginning of the song "Be Our Guest" as several other new scenes we haven't seen before.



"Beauty and the Beast" will waltz into theaters in less than 3 weeks on March 17.

New "Cars 3" Trailer Released During Daytona 500:

It was very fitting yesterday that a new "Cars 3" trailer was released during yesterday's opening Nascar race in the iconic and legendary Daytona 500. The new trailer states, "The Next Generation is Coming." You hear someone telling Lightning he'll never be the racer he once was and he can't turn back the clock but he can wind it up again. Check out the new trailer below:

"Cars 3" races into theaters June 16, 2017.

New "Cars 3" Trailer Released During College Football's National Championship

During tonight's College Football National Championship Game we got an extended look at "Cars 3" with a new trailer. In it we see a new tag line for the film, "It's not over until Lightning strikes." Check out the new look below:

Lightning McQueen and "Cars 3" will race into theaters this June 16.

Meet the New & Old Faces from "Cars 3"; 2 Stores at Hollywood Studios Closing for Lengthy Refurbishments

Meet the New & Old Faces Coming to "Cars 3":

Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

In an exclusive with Entertainment Weekly, we got our look at the new faces coming to "Cars 3" this summer including a look at the sleek new design of Lightning McQueen. We also got our first look at Jackson Storm (voiced by Armie Hammer) and Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo). Let's check them out:

 “Jackson was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Everything comes easy to him, and everything about him says he’s faster, so much so that we’ve designed him so that even when he’s standing next to McQueen, McQueen looks old. Technologically, he’s lightyears ahead of Lightning, a legitimate reflection of the actual years that have passed in the real world since our introduction to the first Cars in 2006. After more than a decade, shiny new rival roadster Jackson represents the peak of real-time innovation," said Brian Fee, director of the film.

Now for Cruz Ramirez, "Cruz may be on Jackson’s side of the age gap, but she’s on Lightning’s side of the conflict. As a lifelong fan of McQueen, she’s optimistic, sunny, fierce, and friendly — and now, she’s his new, younger coach, coming to Lightning’s aid with stars in her eyes when he shows up at the Rust-eze Racing Center. “Whereas others like Jackson would look at McQueen and dump him, Cruz isn’t like that at all. She’s the most optimistic person in the world and wants to do anything to help,” says Fee, who was sold on Alonzo’s voice partly from her short-lived ABC series but primarily from her stand-up comedy specials.

Finally Lightning McQueen will get a new sleek design. Fee added, "McQueen is not the young hotshot anymore, the kid he was back then in Cars 1. He’s in the middle of his life, and as an athlete, that’s getting up there. You have your whole life ahead of you, yet your career is starting to show its age. He’s looking in the mirror and realizing, ‘I’m 40 years old,’ and dealing with the fact that the thing that you love more than anything else, you might not be able to do forever.”

"Cars 3" races into theaters June 16, 2017.

The Darkroom and Cover Story to Undergo Lengthy Refurbishments at Hollywood Studios:

The Darkroom and Cover Story located, both located as you enter Hollywood Studios on Hollywood Boulevard, will close for lengthy refurbishments. They will both be closed beginning this coming Monday, January 9, and will remain closed until March 23. The are both expected to re-open on March 24, 2017. 

Cover Story serves as the location where guests view and purchase their Disney PhotoPass images. While the Darkroom sells MagicBands and camera accessories. 

Source: WDW Magic

First "Cars 3" Poster Revealed; New Highway in the Sky Dine-Around Coming Soon

First "Cars 3" Poster Revealed:

Last week, the very first teaser of Pixar's "Cars 3" was released showing Lightning McQueen, the veteran now, lagging behind and him flipping. The teaser ended with it saying, "From this moment, everything will change." The new poster released today takes on the same concept shows McQueen in midair of his crash. Could this be the end of the career of Lightning McQueen? Here is the poster:

"Cars 3" hits theaters June 16, 2017. 

New Highway in the Sky Dine-Around Coming Soon to Walt Disney World:

Beginning this Friday, December 2 a brand new dining experience is coming to the Walt Disney World. The new Highway in the Sky Dine-Around will allow guests to travel around on the monorail for an unparalleled dining journey to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney's Contemporary Resort. 

The tour begins at The Wave... of American Flavors at Disney's Contemporary. Here you'll begin with a welcome cocktail. Then you will board the monorail and head over to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to celebrate the Spirit of the South Pacific with island-inspired sips and appetizers. 

You will then head over to Disney's Grand Floridian for a sumptuous entree and meal with wine pairing at the award-winning Citricos. After dinner guests will enjoy wine and sample artisanal cheeses in the lavish lobby of the resort. Guests will finish the tour by heading back to Disney's Contemporary. Here guests will enjoy desserts, cordials, and coffee on a private patio where they will also enjoy a viewing of Wishes over Cinderella Castle. 

The dining experience will take place on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays beginning December 2. The Highway in the Sky Dine-Around will not be available December 23-31. Reservations are open today and it will cost $150/person, gratuity included and tax is not included. Valet Parking is included. For reservations, you can call 407-WDW-DINE.

Introducing the Epcot International Festival of the Arts; First "Cars 3" Teaser Trailer Released

Introducing the Epcot International Festival of the Arts:

A brand new festival is coming to Epcot called the Epcot International Festival of the Arts in 2017. The arts festival will debut beginning January 13, 2017 and will run through February 20. It will be a trifecta of global masterpieces: combining visual, culinary, and performing arts for six colorful weekends.

Some of the art on hand will be from Disney historical artists in Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot to more modern Disney artists in Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos. Guests will not only be surrounded by incredible visions, they will also be watching the creative process live. 

The inaugural year of the festival, which is a collaboration with Disney Theatrical, will bring an exciting new showcase of favorite music and Broadway to the American Gardens Theater. Over the six weeks, guests will enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert singing the award-winning music from Disney on Broadway.

Of course what is a festival without food. Guests will feast on creations that will look almost too good to eat, but they won't be able to resist the new Food Studios.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run Friday through Monday's and will unveil brand new art each weekend. What does everyone think of the brand new festival coming to Epcot?

First "Cars 3" Teaser Trailer Released:

The very first teaser trailer for "Cars 3" was released today and Lightning McQueen fans everywhere just might be a tad bit devastated. In the teaser, we see the veteran McQueen lagging behind in a race when all of sudden everything changes. Check it out below:

From this moment, everything will change. Watch the #Cars3 teaser trailer now. pic.twitter.com/tMJCu7SWUX

— Disney (@Disney) November 21, 2016

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing's biggest stage!

"Cars 3" races into theaters Summer 2017 on June 16. 

"Cars 3" Will Bring New Characters to Radiator Springs; Possible 'Episode VIII' Title Leaked

"Cars 3" Will Bring New Characters to Radiator Springs:

Concept Art of Cars 3 from Pixar

We are more than a year away of the release of "Cars 3" but USA Today gave us our first look into the sequel to the story of Lightning McQueen. This includes the introduction of a new character named, Cruz Ramirez, who is being brought to help train McQueen (Owen Wilson will return to voice) in competing in the increasingly high-tech racing world.

Cruz Ramirez (role hasn't been casted yet) is a young Hispanic female yellow sleek race car brought in to, "teach an old dog new tricks," said "Cars 3" director Brian Fee. He added, "Think of where he'd be in his career now in real time. (McQueen) is not an old man, but he's one of the older cars on the circuit with new rookies coming in. People start to wonder and ask when he might retire."

'Cars 3' Concept Art Photo Courtesy: Nick Klocek, Pixar

One of those rookies will be Jackson Storm, an upstart new car on the scene who trounces McQueen in a race. The plot thickens in the film as McQueen is not ready to close the door on his career just yet and that is where Cruz Ramirez comes in. During the off-season Ramirez will prepare Lightning that he's got the goods to still race in the upcoming Florida 500 (equivalent to Nascar's Daytona 500). 

The film is in deep production with some story points still being solidified, animation however is already underway in some of the established scenes as seen in the concept art. Lightning McQueen will return to his original signature look and familiar characters will return in McQueen's best friend Tow Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), his girlfriend Sally Carrera (Bonnie Hunt), and auto-body show owner from Radiator Springs, Ramone (Cheech Martin). 

The story will stay in America and hit race tracks across America. Fee added, "This movie is a love letter to racing and the American way. We're inspired by the Americana you see traveling through the South where every small town has a dirt track."

"Cars 3" has a release date for theaters set for June 16, 2017.

Possible 'Episode VIII' Title Leaked: 

A Star Wars Celebration poster may have leaked the title of the upcoming film, "Star Wars Episode VIII" discovered by GamesRadar. The film which isn't due to be released until December of 2017 may now have a title. 

Star Wars Celebration may be where we hear the official title but until then all we can go on is the poster. The title in question is Star Wars: Fall of the Resistance which brings into question what the plot of the eighth film in the saga. Does the title mean the First Order will bring an end to the Resistance and the Rebellion that we have known for so long. 

Many are expecting 'Episode VIII' to have a much darker tone to the film than "The Force Awakens" much like "Empire Strikes Back" followed with after "A New Hope." Is the future of the Resistance in jeopardy, we don't know and we won't for a while. 

If this is the title we could probably expect to hear the official title when Star Wars Celebration London does occur July 15-17, 2016. Meanwhile, we do know "Star Wars Episode VIII" will hit theaters December 15, 2017. Oh yeah countdown to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has officially hit 200 days.

Note: Happy Memorial Day and a special thank you to all our military men and women who have fought and died for our freedom. We wouldn't be free without the bravery of these heroes. 

Multiple Offerings Ending at Hollywood Studios on Monday; "Zootopia" Trailer Released, Sneak Preview Coming to Disney Parks

First off Happy New Year, 2016 is off and running and so is the Disney news. Last night's live stream of the 'Fantasy in the Sky' fireworks on the Disney Parks Blog was the perfect way to ring in the new year. I hope everyone had a wonderful start to their new year as well. I would also like to thank each and everyone that reads what is put out the blog for making 2015 such a great year. I'm hoping 2016 is just as good if not better for It All Started With a Mouse.

Multiple Offerings Ending at Hollywood Studios on Monday:

In preparation of the construction of both Star Wars and Toy Story Lands at Hollywood Studios, multiple offerings on the Streets of America will be permanently ending at end of business day Monday, January 4th. With the last night of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights ending on Sunday, two character meet & greets will be ending. 

The Lightning McQueen & Mater as well as the Phineas & Ferb meet & greet will be ending in preparation for the incoming construction. Also closing on Monday will be the recently built Joffrey's  Coffee kiosk. 

This is just speculation and not anything I've heard however I believe the Lightning McQueen & Mater meet & greet will eventually return once Cars 3 hits theaters in a few years. No word on any other removal of attractions on Streets of America or any other nearby establishments that have long been rumored to be going when construction on Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land begins. Stay tuned for details.

"Zootopia" Trailer Released, Sneak Preview Coming to Disney Parks:

Yesterday, on New Year's Eve (or as they are calling it Zoo Year's Eve.) the second trailer for Disney's Zootopia was released. The trailer features the new song "Try Everything" sung by one of the film's stars and Grammy-winning artist, Shakira. Here is the trailer:

The Disney Parks Blog also released that guests will be able to get a sneak preview of the film at Disney Parks beginning January 21. At Disney California Adventure, the preview will be shown inside the Bug's Life Theater with special in-theater effects. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the preview will once again be shown inside the One Man's Dream attraction where guests will see advance clips from the film.

Zootopia is a melting pot, where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, con-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Walt Disney Animation Studios brings "Zootopia" to theaters in 3D on March 4. The film is directed by Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It-Ralph, The Simpsons) and is produced by Clark Spencer (Wreck-It-Ralph).