"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. 

"Nightmare Before Christmas" Returning to the Hollywood Bowl; "Beauty and the Beast" as Told by Emoji

"Nightmare Before Christmas" Returning to the Hollywood Bowl:

Next month, "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" will be creeping back into the Hollywood Bowl for a live performance with an orchestra as the film is played on screen. The stars of the film Danny Elfman (Jack Skellington), Catherine O'Hara (Sally), Ken Page (Ooggie Boogie), and Paul Reubens (Lock) will all return to sing live with the orchestra. The show debuted last year and will return this year October 29-30. 

Elfman had this to say about the return to the Hollywood Bowl, "Being able to perform Nightmare live last year, in synch to the movie with a full orchestra was such a thrill. But having Catherine O’Hara, Ken Page, and Paul Reubens to perform with me really made it a unique and magical experience. I'm happy to bring it to our amazing Los Angeles audience one more time."

O'Hara added, "I'm proud to once again be part of such a fun evening celebrating Danny's musical genius." 

Ahead of the show, there will be some spooky activities that will include a costume contest, unique photo opportunities, and trick-or-treating stations. The Nightmare Before Christmas will be performed on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the shows will go on sale this Friday, September 9.

"Beauty and the Beast" as Told by Emoji:

Does anyone else when Disney releases a new "As Told by Emoji" video. I love being able to watch my favorite animated films as told by the cute little characters. Today, they released "Beauty and the Beast" in celebration for its 25th anniversary. Here is "Beauty and the Beast" as told by emoji:

Pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents – #BeautyAndTheBeast As Told By Emoji. 🍽✨ pic.twitter.com/k5tHo5EBwI

— Disney (@Disney) September 6, 2016

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

Toys 'R' Us Details for Rogue One Force Friday; Star Wars Firework Goes Rogue onto World Drive

Toys 'R' Us Details for "Rogue One" Force Friday:

Photo Courtesy: Toys 'R' Us

Last year's Force Friday for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was a huge success. It wasn't a surprise when they announced they would be doing the same thing for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" ahead of its release in December.  The merchandise for "Rogue One" will be released on Friday, September 30. Toys 'R' Us announced details and a preview of some of the merchandise that will be available for the event.

Some Toys 'R' Us stores will open at 12:01 a.m. on September 30 and be transformed into Destination Star Wars: Rebel Base for the events. The preview items are available on ToysRUs.com for pre-order ahead of the 9/30 release.

Some other details the retailer announced included guests attending the premiere event will enjoy giveaways that include a poster and a t-shirt (while supplies last). They will be the first to shop the new "Rogue One" merchandise that will be set up in the front of stores for one-stop shoppers. For those who want to shop from the comforts of their own home, the entire line of toys will be available on Toys 'R' Us' website at Midnight on the East Coast.

Star Wars Firework Goes Rogue onto World Drive:

During last night's showing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios one of the fireworks misfired onto World Drive. The rogue firework actually exploded next to a passing vehicle on World Drive. No one appeared to be injured during the incident. A spectator on a Disney bus captured the incident posting on YouTube. Here is the video:

Video is courtesy of YouTube user: Vewser.

New "Star Wars Rebels" Promo Features Thrawn; Mickey's Not-So-Scary Returns Tonight at Magic Kingdom

New "Star Wars Rebels" Promo Features Thrawn:

We are just three weeks away from the Season 3 premiere of "Star Wars Rebels." Today, we got a new promo released from Star Wars featuring Grand Admiral Thrawn. The 45-second promo is called, "Enter Thrawn." Check it out below:

The hour-long Season 3 premiere of "Star Wars Rebels" premieres at 8:30 ET/PT on September 24 on Disney XD.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Returns to Tonight at Magic Kingdom:

Fall is in the air tonight at the Magic Kingdom. If you happen to be there right now in fact, you are enjoying the very first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year. Return this year is the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular, and Happy HalloWishes fireworks. The Disney Parks Blog said there is some new experiences to look forward to as well. They are:

• “Zootopia” Clawhauser Stars In This Year’s Exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card – This year’s exclusive card is “Clawhauser’s Tricky Treat,” and when an “apprentice” uses this card to cast a spell in the game, dozens of magical donuts appear.
• “Zootopia” Nick and Judy Join The Creepa Crew – The Creepa Crew, which entertains guests waiting on Main Street, U.S.A. will be led by two of the Zootopia PD’s finest, BFFs Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.
• The “Boo to You” Parade Will Give You A Sugar Rush – Vanellope von Schweetz from “Wreck It Ralph” will bring in the candy this year during the “Boo To You” parade. Spy her and her squad of dancers toward the end of the parade.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party continues from now until Halloween night on October 31 on select nights at the Magic Kingdom. 

Sneak Peak Tease of Live-Action "Beauty and the Beast"; "Finding Dory" as Told by Emoji

Sneak Peak Tease of Live-Action "Beauty and the Beast":

We are all very excited for the upcoming live-action film of "Beauty and the Beast." Today, Disney announced that we will be getting a better look into the film when they re-release the animated version for its 25th Anniversary in the next few weeks. In the Blu-Ray, we will get our first look at Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as Beast in a table-read of the film. Here is the tease we received today:

"Beauty and the Beast" Walt Disney Signature Collection Edition will be released on Digital HD on September 6 and on Blu-Ray, September 8, 2016. Meanwhile, we have to wait just a bit longer for the live-action film that hits theaters March 17, 2017.

"Finding Dory" as Told by Emoji:

We didn't have to wait too long for "Finding Dory" to be told by Emoji. Today, we got the chance to see the film, still in theaters, as told by our favorite Disney phone emoji's. So without further ado here is "Finding Dory":

Ladies and gentlefish! Put your fins together for @FindingDory As Told By Emoji. 🐟💙🐠 pic.twitter.com/xXCvWla44k

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) September 1, 2016

"Finding Dory" is expected to be released on Digital HD and on Blu-Ray sometime in November.

Star Wars - Season of the Force Coming to Disneyland Paris, Mark Hamill Confirms He'll be in Episode IX?, and More

Star Wars - Season of the Force Coming to Disneyland Paris:

Star Wars - Season of the Force is making its way over to Disneyland Paris at least for a limited time in early 2017. While it is a limited time it is coinciding with the parks update of Star Tours to Star Tours - The Adventures Continue. Here is the press release:

Soon, in a future not so far away, Disneyland Paris will awaken the Force with an all-new and exclusive celebration of the Star Wars saga featuring live characters and stunning entertainment.  

For a limited time only, in early 2017, Disneyland Paris will be gripped by the Season of the Force:

• The Walt Disney Studios Park will present a giant night-time spectacular, which will transport guests into the heart of the Star Wars saga. This show, only available at Disneyland Paris, will combine live entertainment, breathtaking special effects and an epic sound and light show projected on the Park’s most iconic architecture.

• Throughout the day, guests will also come face to face with heroes from the Star Wars universe. Encounter a patrol of Stormtroopers (similar to Disney’s Hollywood Studios), face some of the most powerful members of the Dark Side or join the rebellion with the friendly Chewbacca.

This experience is guaranteed to dazzle everyone, from the youngest Padawan to the wisest Jedi. From 14 January to 26 March 2017, come to the Walt Disney Studios Park and let the force be with you with Star Wars, Season of the Force.  More information coming soon.

Star Wars is slowly invading every Disney Park across the globe.

Mark Hamill Confirms He'll be in Episode IX?:

Mark Hamill has been quite the character these days and making sure no secrets get out about Luke Skywalker and his fate for Episode VIII. Hamill who has frightened fans months earlier saying he was out of work, really though he had just got done filming Episode VIII.

Yesterday, however he may have let the cat out of the bag when he tweeted a video of him shaving his beard. In the tweet he said, #ByeByeBeard (at least until Episode IX). Here is the tweet:

Haven't seen my chin since May '15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard (at least til #EpisodeIX) @popculturequest pic.twitter.com/gaScz1okk6

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 30, 2016

The question still remains though, What is the fate of Luke Skywalker? Star Wars fans everywhere sure want to know soon.

Go Rogue and Win a Trip to See 'Rogue One' at Lucasfilm:

Fans now have a chance to win a trip to attend a screening of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" at Lucasfilm in San Francisco. It is your turn to #GoRogue as fans can create a 2-minute video inspired by "Rogue One" for a chance at the grand prize of seeing your video on the big screen before the screening. Here is a video that also shows a preview of the new 'Rogue One' merchandise that will be available in stores soon.

Watch Part 1 of a toy-sized adventure inspired by #RogueOne & find out how you can #GoRogue. https://t.co/HB7kv2blUy pic.twitter.com/hDOPuO1KTV

— Star Wars (@starwars) August 31, 2016

Contest begins September 30 and will run through October 21. Entries will be separated by age groups, 13-17 and 18+.  Here is the Grand Prize details:

• Trip for 2 (Winner and a Guest) to San Francisco for 4 days/3 nights
• Visit to Lucasfilm and a campus tour
• Attend a screening of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
• Your Winning Entry Appearing on the Big Screen
• A Visit to Rancho Obi-Wan

For Official Rules visit here. Here is the full schedule of when the entry begins and when the winner will be announced after judging.

 CONTEST PERIOD

Begin Date & Time 12:00 p.m. P.T. September 30, 2016

End Date & Time 11:59 p.m. P.T. October 21, 2016

JUDGING PHASE

Begin Date & Time 12:00 p.m. P.T. October 24, 2016

End Date & Time 11:59 p.m. P.T. November 11, 2016

WINNER CONFIRMATION PERIOD

Begin Date & Time 12:00 p.m. P.T. November 14, 2016

End Date & Time 11:59 p.m. P.T. November 28, 2016

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS

Begin Date & Time 12:00 a.m. P.T. December 5, 2016

End Date & Time 11:59 p.m. P.T. December 9, 2016