9 Academy Award Nominations for Disney; Marvel Day at Sea Expands Aboard Disney Cruise Line

9 Academy Award Nominations for Disney:

"Zootopia" already took the Golden Globe, will it take the Oscar?

2016 was the Walt Disney Company's most successful year at the box office and it proved that today with 9 Academy Award Nominations leading the way were Walt Disney Animation's "Moana" and LucasFilm's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" with 2 each. "Zootopia" along with "Moana" were both nominated for Best Animated Feature. Here is list of nominations:

• Best Documentary - "OJ - Made in America", ESPN
• Sound Mixing - "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", LucasFilm
• Visual Effects - "Doctor Strange"- Marvel, "The Jungle Book" - Walt Disney Studios, and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" - LucasFilm
• Original Song - "How Far I'll Go" - Disney's "Moana" Music & Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Best Animated Feature - "Zootopia" - Walt Disney Animation and "Moana" - Walt Disney Animation
• Best Animated Short Film - "Piper" - Pixar

"Zootopia" just a few weeks ago already secured Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes. The 89th Annual Academy Awards airs on February 26th on ABC hosted this year by Jimmy Kimmel. 

Marvel Day at Sea Expands Aboard Disney Cruise Line:

The Marvel Universe is expanding its way into 2018 aboard the Disney Cruise Line. The event aboard the Disney Magic. The events kick off with 7 special sailings in the Fall later this year from New York. In 2018 from January through April from Miami, guests will be able to enjoy one magical day with their favorite Marvel characters. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

We also unveiled new experiences in the lineup of immersive entertainment. The event features exclusive character interactions, including the debut of Black Panther and Loki as part of a Disney vacation experience. Marvel Day at Sea also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise Line ship. 

In the Walt Disney Theatre, a spell-binding new show featuring Doctor Strange will keep families on the edge of their seats. Doctor Strange will showcase his journey from doubter to practitioner as he demonstrates the power of the mystic arts. The show concludes with an epic battle where guests must help Doctor Strange against the Dark Dimension. 

Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the special Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the Marvel Universe assembles on the ship. The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck party, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings. 

Also featured are exclusive at-sea screenings of fan-favorite films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe including the newest theatrical releases, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

The 2017 Marvel Day at Sea dates with sailings from New York are October 6, 14, and 28, November 4, 11, and 18. These sailings include a stop at Castaway Cay, the Bahamas, Port Canaveral, and a day Walt Disney World for 7 and 8-night sailings. There will also one more date on October 21 sailing from New York to Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney, Canada for a 7-night cruise. 

In 2018, Marvel Day at Sea will set sail from the port of Miami for 5-night cruises. These will take place on January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18, March 18, and April 1, 15, and 29. These sailings will take you to Castaway Cay and either Cozumel, Mexico or the Grand Cayman. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Rogue One" Destroys Weekend Box Office, Has Second Best December Debut Ever

Second only to the record-performance of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," Rogue One: A Star Wars Story smashed the weekend box office bringing in $155 million domestically in its debut. It opened no.1 internationally, bringing in $290 million with the film yet to premiere in both China and Korea. The film had the best Thursday-opening of the year bringing in $29 million.

After its big Thursday debut, "Rogue One" out-performed its expectations for a predicted $130 million debut. It is expected with no other big films set to debut for the rest of 2016, "Rogue One" may remain number 1 at the box office for the remainder of the year into 2017.

"Rogue One" which sets up the story of "A New Hope" in the Star Wars Galaxy stars Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso and Diego Luna as Captain Cassian Andor. The two lead a group of rebels in their mission to steal the plans of the Empire's destructive weapon, the Death Star.

The first standalone Star Wars film overtook Disney's "Moana" for number 1 at the box office, after it held the top spot over the last 3 weeks leading up to the monster debut of "Rogue One." "Moana" was a distant second over the weekend taking in $11.66 million in its 4th week since it debuted during Thanksgiving. Also still clinging in the top 10 is Marvel's "Doctor Strange" which took in $2 million over the weekend.

Source: ABC News

Movie Review: "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Starts Slow But Ends with a Bang (Spoiler Free)

After taking in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" last night, I had to let my feelings about the film actually settle before I wrote my review. "Rogue One" is the story of Jyn Erso and a crew of rebels assembled to steal the plans for the Death Star from the Galactic Empire. The film itself started out slow and could be boring for fans of the saga. It is the second half of the film that will get you excited  for the film.

I will not spoil what happens in the film but you can certainly say that the saying, "expect the unexpected," holds true. "Rogue One" is a great beginning for the Star Wars standalone films. You will not be disappointed when you go see this film. Once again Disney and LucasFilm have done it again after last year's success of "The Force Awakens." I came away so impressed on how they did this film and where they took the storyline. 

I had low expectations going into the film since it had nothing to do with the main storyline of the Star Wars saga. I came away with high expectation to see what they will do with the next standalone films after this one was so well done. It's going to be interesting where they take the next one in the story of a young Han Solo.  

My favorite characters were definitely Baze Malbus and Chirrut Imwe, what a duo that played their characters so well. I believe that "I am one with the force, the force is one with me," will be one of the most quoted lines of the film. Their friendship showed through to the end of the film as Baze guided his blind friend into battle against the Galactic Empire.

Overall, I'll give this film 4 out of 5 popcorn bags. It was a great beginning for the Star Wars standalone films. As I said though if the film had carried through with an exciting film throughout the whole film, it might have been my favorite Star Wars film. Alas though with its great second half, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will be another great success at the box office. 

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Second Trailer Released

We've been waiting all week for this and it finally arrived just a few minutes ago. Absolutely amazing is all I can say about the new "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" trailer. And yes, we do just get a glimpse of Lord Vader himself. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will soar into theaters this December. Check out the new trailer below:

This December, hope lies in rebellion. #RogueOne pic.twitter.com/Zj3mc143jm

— Star Wars (@starwars) August 12, 2016

New "Rogue One" High Resolution Stills Released Ahead of Tomorrow's Trailer

Tomorrow, the new trailer for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be released during Olympics coverage on NBC. Today, however Lucasfilm released 13 amazing new high resolution stills ahead of tomorrow's trailer release. Check them out below:

Also, in case that wasn't enough to get you excited for tomorrow's trailer here is the teaser to get you excited for tomorrow.



Of course you can stay tuned for the trailer as it will be posted right here on It All Started With a Mouse once it is released.

Two New Clips from Disney's "Zootopia"; Han Solo Standalone Film Confirmed for May 2018

Two New Clips from Disney's "Zootopia":

Between yesterday and today, Disney released two new clips from its upcoming film Zootopia which is due out in theaters next month, March 4th. The first clip features a closer look at Officer Clawhauser (Nate Torrence), a cheetah in the force who has a love for donuts. Personally, after seeing the clip he may be one of my favorite characters from the new film. The clip shows Officer Clawhauser and meeting Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) for the first time.

Officer Clawhauser reporting for duty (and snacking)! See @DisneyZootopia in theatres March 4. 🍩https://t.co/MAu0Qa3ssu

— Disney (@Disney) February 10, 2016

The next clip which was just released shows Judy Hopps getting into police bunny action as she chases down a criminal. Check the new clip out:

It's the bunny cop film you've been waiting for. See @DisneyZootopia March 4.https://t.co/T8NSPbCJ85

— Disney (@Disney) February 10, 2016

Han Solo Standalone Film Confirmed for May 2018:

Well we now know that the Han Solo standalone film of the "Star Wars Anthology films" will be released in May 2018 as Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed during the quarterly earnings call. The film is already in pre-production. The first of the anthology films, "Rogue One," will be released later this year in December. 

Of course, we all know that May 2018 could be changed but we do know its a good thing its already in pre-production. That wasn't the only Star Wars news heard in the earnings call. Great news is Star Wars "Episode VIII" has begun filming. We already know that was delayed until December of 2017. 

More Star Wars News from the D23 EXPO

Star Wars Rogue One Cast and Details Announced:

Principal photography has began for "Star Wars Rogue One" for the first film in the standalone Star Wars films as announced by Lucasfilm during the D23 EXPO yesterday. Director Gareth Edwards says the story will be based on a group of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans of the Death Star. The movie is set before the events of "Star Wars: A New Hope." 

Producer Kathleen Kennedy said it would be a departure from the saga films but will have elements familiar to the Star Wars universe. She continued, "It goes into new territory, exploring the galactic struggle from a ground-war perspective while maintaining the essential Star Wars feel that fans have come to know. Gareth is such an innovative director and I'm so excited to be working with him and the extraordinary ensemble cast he's selected for "Rogue One."

The cast includes Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), Diego Luna (Milk and Killing Them Softly), Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline), Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker (The Butler), Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale), Alan Tudyk, and Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler).

The film is set for a release date of December 16, 2016. 

Colin Trevorrow Set to Direct Star Wars Episode IX:

While filming won't begin for a few years on Episode IX of the Star Wars sage, yesterday during the Walt Disney Studios panel a director was announced for the film. Colin Trevorrow who just finished directing this summer's smash hit "Jurassic World" has been chosen to direct the film that is set for release in 2019.

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said, "Colin is someone I've been wanting to work with ever since I saw "Safety Not Guaranteed." The power of that film paired with the enormous success of "Jurassic World" speaks volumes about his abilities both as a storyteller and skilled filmmaker. We are thrilled to have such an incredible talent as Colin join our family and step into the Star Wars universe."

Trevorrow had this to say about being chosen, "This is not a job or an assignment. It is a seat at a campfire, surrounded by an extraordinary group of storytellers, filmmakers, artists, and craftspeople. We’ve been charged with telling new stories for a younger generation because they deserve what we all had—a mythology to call their own. We will do this by channeling something George Lucas instilled in all of us: boundless creativity, pure invention and hope.”

Episode IV will complete the third trilogy of the Star Wars saga.

More Details Announced For Star Wars: The Force Awakens and other Upcoming Films:

With Director J.J. Abrams on the stage more news during the presentation more details were announced on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", it opens in only 123 days. Abrams introduced stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and Lupita Nyong'o were welcomed to the stage. 

Boyega made the big announcement that everyone in the audience would get a commemorative Drew Struzan D23 EXPO special poster. Then in a very surprising appearance Harrison Ford appeared on stage with the rest of cast members to wild applause.

Alan Horn took the stage to reveal some details on other Star Wars films that are in the works with their scheduled dates and directors. 

• Star Wars Episode VIII will be released May 26, 2017 directed by Rian Johnson
• The "Untitled" Han Solo Standalone film will be released May 25, 2018 and will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller with Lawrence Kasdan and John Kasdan writing the screenplay.

Star Wars Designs and Special Meet & Greet Available for Disney Rewards Visa By Chase:

Yesterday, it was announced Chase that new Star Wars designs would be made available to new and current Disney Reward Visa Cardmembers. New designs will feature Darth Vader, Yoda, or R2-D2 with C-3PO.

That's not all as Disney Cardmembers will be given the benefit of an exclusive meet & greet that will feature Darth Vader in a private setting at both Disney World and Disneyland beginning in 2016.

The New Disneyland App Looks A Lot Like the My Disney Experience App and Tons of Star Wars News

The New Disneyland App Looks A Lot Like the My Disney Experience App:

The other day I wrote about a new Disneyland App coming out this week, well it now has been released. Once you download the new app you'll notice it looks eerily similar to the My Disney Experience App for Disney World. Disney has stated MagicBands are not coming to Disneyland but it was reported a few months ago that it will be testing My Magic+. Here is a look at the new Disneyland app.

See Wait Times in Real Time

Link Your Annual Passes

Make Dining Reservations right on the app.

Toys "R" Us To Launch New Star Wars Saga Products With Midnight Events Worldwide:

Force Friday is a month a way today on September 4 and Toys "R" Us announced today that it was going into hyperdrive for this global experience today. Here is the full release today from the toy store: 

WAYNE, NJ (August 4, 2015) – Toys“R”Us^® is going into hyperdrive and preparing an out-of-this-galaxy, global celebration for the upcoming debut of toys based on the next chapter of the Star Wars^™ Saga at 12:01am on Force Friday, September 4. Counting down to the highly anticipated toy launch and this fall’s new theatrical release, Toys“R”Us stores worldwide and Toysrus.com have transformed into Destination: Star Wars, every fan’s retail source for The Force with hundreds of new products, including those only available at Toys“R”Us. On Force Friday, Toys“R”Us stores around the globe will open their doors for special midnight opening festivities, providing customers of all ages the opportunity to be among the first to purchase must-have merchandise, receive exclusive giveaways and immerse themselves in all things Star Wars. The company’s international flagship store, Toys“R”Us Times Square in New York City, will host a historic Star Wars toy exhibition leading up to the grandest midnight opening celebration of all, welcoming legions of eager fans with costumed characters, signing events, giveaways and more all day on Thursday, September 3.

Click to Tweet: .@ToysRUs announces nationwide midnight openings for #ForceFriday & epic #ToysRUsTimesSquare celebration! #DestinationStarWars

“Since the introduction of the first Star Wars toy in 1977, Toys“R”Us has served as the ultimate destination for Star Warsplaythings, providing millions of kids and collectors worldwide with their most beloved memorabilia,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “Since then, Star Wars has become a time-honored franchise with loyal fan interest, making it a perennial, top-selling licensed property. With the upcoming introduction of the new Star Wars toy line, we’re excited to welcome the next generation of fans into our stores around the world with exclusive products, special events, feature shops and giveaways.” 

Toys“R”Us to Help Fans Worldwide Build Their Toy Empires

With operations in 38 countries, Toys“R”Us is leveraging its global footprint and position as the toy authority to provide an unprecedented Star Wars experience worldwide. On Force Friday, September 4, Toys“R”Us locations in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the U.K, will open at 12:01am to welcome eager shoppers. The first customers to line up for the big product debut will receive Star Wars giveaways, including an exclusive poster, as well as the chance to be among the first to purchase exclusive Star Wars merchandise in dedicated front-of-store feature shops.

Leading up to Force Friday, stores in each of these countries will count down the minutes to 12:01am on September 4 with digital clocks, as well as Star Wars-themed microsites on each of their respective e-commerce pages. Social media users can follow the company’s worldwide midnight openings on each country’s social media channels, as well as via the Toys“R”Us U.S. Twitter channel, @Toysrus.

Midnight Openings Descend on Destination: Star Wars in the U.S.

When the clock strikes 12:01am on September 4, all Toys“R”Us stores in the U.S. will open their doors, giving customers the opportunity to be among the first to purchase hundreds of new Star Wars playthings, including a wide variety of merchandise they can’t find anywhere else.^*As an added bonus, little Jedi Knights and their families attending midnight opening events will have the chance to receive special giveaways, including a limited edition LEGO^® Star WarsCommemorative Brick and an exclusive Star Wars poster, while supplies last.^** Also at midnight on Force Friday, shoppers will be able to browse and purchase the new products online at Toysrus.com/StarWars.

Those eager to count down to the highly anticipated toy debut can now find digital clocks at all Toys“R”Us locations nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/DestinationStarWars. Beginning on Force Friday, dedicated Star Wars feature shops will be found at the front of all stores nationwide, featuring a combination of figures, construction sets, accessories and more, plus updated countdown clocks reset to tick off the minutes to the release of the new movie.

Additionally, gamers can now preorder Star Wars Battlefront^™, the ultimate Star Wars video game experience, along with Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars, at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/StarWars.

For the latest Destination: Star Wars news and updates, fanatics can follow @ToysRUs on Instagram and Twitter, as well as Facebook.com/Toysrus. Followers are encouraged to post photos of their Star Wars toy empire, themselves dressed in their best Star Wars cosplay and their midnight opening experience, as well as engage with one another and Toys“R”Us using #DestinationStarWars.

The Force is Strong at Toys“R”Us Times Square

The biggest midnight opening celebration will take place at the company’s international flagship store in New York City, Toys“R”Us Times Square, where fans of all ages are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character and take part in dozens of one-of-a-kind activities designed especially for Star Wars aficionados.^***

The World’s Greatest Toy Store^™ is kicking the party off early with a special exhibition featuring prototypes, originals and early editions of some of the best-known Star Wars toys in the world, curated by Rancho Obi-Wan, Inc., a non-profit museum that houses the Guinness World Record-certified largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia. Presented prominently throughout the store, “Destination: Star Wars – The Experience,” will be on display from Wednesday, August 26 through Monday, September 7 and will feature dozens of notable collectibles based on all six feature films from the Star Wars Saga, including the original first four mail-away action figures from 1978, a large-sized Chewbacca figure in never publicly-released The Empire Strikes Back packaging from Kenner Products and a rare 2003 LEGO Star Wars Cloud City building set.^****

The adventure kicks into high gear on Thursday, September 3, when the store hosts Star Wars activities throughout the day, beginning at 9am^****, including:

• A book signing and meet and greet with Steve Sansweet, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rancho Obi-Wan, Inc., storied Star Wars author and former Head of Fan Relations and Director of Content Management at Lucasfilm Ltd.
• An art class and meet and greet with fan-favorite Star Wars and science fiction artist, Jeff Carlisle.
• Star Wars product demonstrations and activations throughout the store, including Star Wars-themed 3-D action figure creation with 3D Plus Me, video gaming on Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars kiosks and experiencing intergalactic sound on Star Wars-themed headphones powered by SMS Audio.
• A LEGO Star Wars make and take for rebels looking to build their toy empire brick by brick.
• A Light Saber Academy with members of New York Jedi, a community of cosplayers, martial artists and teachers who share practical stage combat techniques oriented toward Light Sabers.
• Photo opportunities with costumed characters, including Furbacca, a character versioned after the Hasbro^® toy that makes wookiee sounds like CHEWBACCA, Geoffrey the Giraffe and more.
• Ice cream flavors inspired by the Star Wars Saga from Scoops“R”Us^™, the flagship store’s in-house ice cream shop located on the Lower Level.
• Star Wars-themed cookie decorating at a “Wookiee” Cookie Party on Level 1.
• Special giveaways for the first fans in line, including a Collector’s Edition LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick, an exclusive, limited edition Star Wars poster and a Star Wars Character Flashlight from JAKKS Pacific.^***
• Star Wars trivia, a costume contest and a galaxy of excitement and prizes, while supplies last, for those fanatics waiting in line.
• A panel discussion with Steve Sansweet and Jeff Carlisle for select lucky fans, which will also be livestreamed via Periscope @Toysrus on Twitter.
• The ultimate unveiling of the official Toys“R”Us Times Square Star Wars feature shop at 12:01am on Force Friday, September 4.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Won't Be the Only Star Wars Topic at the D23 EXPO:

The D23 EXPO is sure to have tons of news on the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" but that won't be the only Star Wars topic. With the release of the new official D23 EXPO app it shows that a change in Saturday's schedule will not only include information on "The Force Awakens" but all Star Wars live-action projects.

With this news it is possible we will get news on the two anthology films "Star Wars Rogue One" and  the Han Solo film, as well as possible news on the rumored Netflix original series.

Analysts Project $2.2 Billion Box Office for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens":

We are just months away from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and as the summer months come to an end movie analysts have turned their attention to the expected move hit due out in December. Analysts are saying it the movie blockbuster could approach "Avatar" statistics by predicting $2.2 billion for the new film in the Star Wars trilogy.

"Avatar" opened on the same day (December 18) in 2009 and over 34 weeks it made $761 million domestically (people saw it multiple times) and $2 billion internationally ($380 million from China and Japan alone). Analysts from Stifel are saying the new Star Wars film has favorable conditions to what "Avatar" had in 2009. 

Since 2009 however there is twice as many IMAX screens, four times as many 3D screens, significant growth in middle class in major international markets, along with the rising cost of movie tickets all set up for a potential giant box office for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." How much do you think "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will make at the box office? 

"Rogue One" Teaser and Details Revealed on Final Day of Star Wars Celebration

Usually Sunday's are reserved for my in-depth look at Disney World's hotels, but today is an exception with the final day of Star Wars Celebration. Just a little while ago during the spinoff presentation details and a teaser for "Star Wars: Rogue One" were revealed. The spinoff films were the idea of George Lucas himself and will be called the "anthology" films. The films will vary in genre and scope and feature new characters and worlds.

Concept Art for "Rogue One"

"Rogue One" will begin shooting this summer said one of the directors Gareth Edwards. Josh Trank the other director did not make it to the panel due to an illness. The setting will take place between Episodes III and IV. The footage of the teaser showed a flyover over the jungles of Yavin with a TIE-fighter coming into frame and the Death Star in the background. You can hear screaming and here the voice of Obi-Wan and his quote about a million voices from Episode IV. The plot of the film will be about plans of stealing the Death Star. The plot is, "A band of resistance fighters unite  for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans in Star Wars anthology film, Rogue One." There will be no Jedi in Rogue One.

Rogue One Logo

The characters in the world of Rogue one are in the grey area and are neither good or bad. They are complicated and rich while film will focus on the realities of the war. Felicity Jones will play a rebel soldier in the film. Edwards said he could not turn down the film once he read the script. He also said that he kept his hiring as director of Rogue One for six months until "The Hollywood Reporter" had leaked it. The film itself will be produced in the UK and filmed around the world starting this summer. Here is the teaser that was shown during the presentation. Best quality of the teaser that I have seen so far.