Minnie: Helping Hearts

by Joyce Kessel

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day, than by celebrating with Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck?! 

The Happy Helpers are on their way!  When their friends need help, these two BFFs are at the ready! As the Happy Helpers from Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Minnie and Daisy can complete any task at hand, whether they are babysitters, personal assistants, or cruise ship directors leading the Valentine’s Day dance contest! Every day is an exciting new adventure and you can always count on the Happy Helpers to show up with happy hearts and helping hands!

With a whopping EIGHT episodes and a running time of about 96 minutes total, Disney Junior Minnie Helping Hearts is loaded with lots of fun that will keep your little ones (and maybe you!) entertained. 

The first episode, “The Happiest Helper Cruises”,  introduces Minnie and Daisy as cruise ship directors and they lead the Valentine’s Day dance contest, along with helping their friends complete the tasks at hand.  

The fun continues with The Big Broadcast,  Adventure in Buddysitting, Lights! Camera! Help!, Grandpa Beagle’s Day Out, Artful Helpers, Cuckoo La-La, and Figaro’s new friend.

All the episodes were fun, but my favorite episode was Adventures in Buddysitting.  The play center was closed so Minnie and Daisy extended their helping hands to care for their friends children.  Buddy was new to town and did not any friends, so they attempted to welcome him and introduce him to new friends.  When Daisy thought Buddy escaped, she mistakenly ran after the squirrel in the chicken suit.  Meanwhile, the happy helpers helped Buddy overcome his shyness and make new friends.

Episodes Included Are:

 * The Happiest Helpers Cruise!

 * The Big Broadcast

 * Adventures in Buddysitting!

 * Lights! Camera! Help!

 * Grandpa Beagle's Day Out

 * Artful Helpers

 * Cuckoo La-La

 * Figaro's New Friend

 Each episode runs about 11 minutes, just the right amount of time!

Minnie Helping Hearts released on DVD February 6, 2018 and is available just about everywhere! With a voice cast including Russi Taylor (Minnie), Tress MacNeille (Daisy), Bret Iwan (Mickey) Daniel Ross (Donald), Bill Farmer (Goofy), April Winchell (Clarabelle) and Jim Cummings (Pete), this is a must have for every Disney fan!

Here are some fun Valentine's Day Activities you can download, print off and play!

              

Jake and the Neverland Pirates - Battle For The BOOK!!

by Joyce Kessel 

Jake the Neverland Pirates: Battle for the Book!!!  sailed into store for home viewing on January 6, 2015 


We received a review copy in exchange for a DVD  review and as with other Disney Junior Jake and the Never Pirates stories, Battle for the Book was entertaining and the 141 minute running time would keep the attention of kids of all ages, and the kids at heart.    My favorite part of the story was Wendy and the songs she sang.  

This value-packed DVD includes the Battle for the Book! adventure plus 4 additional episodes, over two hours of fun! Plus FREE inside every DVD is an exclusive checker board bandana with gold coins, you can’t get anywhere else! 


Synopsis: When Wendy’s special Storybook is stolen by Captain Hook, Jake and his mates go to London to help Peter Pan’s friend (from the classic movie Peter Pan). The longer the book is out of Wendy’s hands, the more she and her brothers (John and Michael) forget about their past adventures on Never Land. The battle for the book continues in Never Land, where Hook plans to destroy the book and its stories in the legendary Ring of Blue Fire. It’s up to our young heroes to save Wendy’s Storybook and the Story of Peter Pan!

Voice Talents are:  Sean Ryan Fox (Life Tracker, East of Kensington) as Jake, Madison Pettis (Cory in the House, Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 and 3, The Game Plan) as Izzy, Jadon Sand (Frozen, Wreck it Ralph) as Cubby, David Arquette (Scream movies) as Skully, and Corey Burton (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Captain Hook Executive Producer: Rob LaDuca Producer: Mark Seidenberg Director: Howy Parkins 

Pick up your copy today and set sail on a adventure you and your little pirates are sure to enjoy!!!

Minnie-Rella...

by Joyce Kessel

Minnie-Rella on DVD is a fun-filled Disney Junior Adventure perfect for the entire family.   I loved the music, love and friendship shared between our most-loved Disney Characters.  Put on your dancin’ shoes and read my review, and tune in to Disney Junior or purchase the DVD and share with your favorite Prince and Princess. 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Don’t Miss The Latest Full-Length Adventure from
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 
MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE: MINNIE-RELLA

Available To Own on Disney DVD on February 11
Premieres on Disney Channel and Disney Junior on February 14




Synopsis:  Our beloved Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy need to get Minnie a surprise present, but they keep her busy with plenty of chores to do at the Clubhouse.  Minnie is tired from so much work, and falls asleep and dreams that she is MINNIE-RELLA!  Inspired by the fairy tale of Cinderella, the story of Minnie-rella sparkles with music and fun as we recognize our favorite Clubhouse characters in familiar roles.

Poor Minnie-rella needs a lot of help to get ready for Prince Mickey’s Grand Ball!  With a wave of her wand and some “Mouseke-doodle-lee-doo” magic, Minnie-rella’s Fairy Godmother, Clarabelle, transforms an ordinary tomato into a magnificent carriage and Minnie-rella’s raggedy dress into a beautiful gown that is perfect for a princess.  But Minnie-rella’s enchanted dance with Prince Mickey at the ball must end when the spell is broken at midnight.  With our help, Prince Mickey finds the princess who fits into her lost glass slipper – Princess Minnie-rella!

The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie-rella DVD comes packaged with the full-length adventure, a FREE Castle Play Set, 3 additional Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes and 10 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Shorts!

Cast:  Bret Iwan (as Mickey Mouse); Russi Taylor (as Minnie Mouse);Bill Farmer (as Goofy and Pluto); Tony Anselmo (as Donald Duck); and Tress MacNeille (as Daisy Duck).

Director:  Donovan Cook (Return to Never Land)
Exec. Producer:  Rob LaDuca (Jake and the Never Land Pirates)
Producer and Story Editor:  Mark Seidenberg (Jake and the Never Land Pirates)

Release Dates: DVD debuts on Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Airs on TV on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Channel and 5:30 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior

Packaging:  1-Disc DVD (Each DVD comes with a FREE Castle Play Set, 3 additional episodes and 10 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Shorts)

Bonus Episodes:                    

Pluto’s Tale – In Pluto’s very first fairytale adventure, we help Prince Pluto rescue Princess Bella from the clutches of sneaky Wizard Pete.

Mickey and the Enchanted Egg – Mickey finds an egg which soon hatches into a Baby Dragon. Mickey and his friends have to return the Dragon back to her castle home and convince the powerful Wizard Pete that they didn’t steal the egg in the first place.

Daisy’s Pony Tale – When Professor Von Drake’s new invention, a Fritzer-Spritzer Spray Potion, accidentally gets spritzed on Daisy’s ponytail, it makes her hair grow super long! That’s not goody-good at all. Along with Mickey and Sire Goofs-a-Lot, Daisy travels on her pony to find twelve leaves of the magical plant, Rapunzel, in order to reverse the effects of the Professor’s potion and fix her ponytail.

Minnie Bow-Toons Shorts:   
Piano Movers and Shakers
*A Good Sign
*Locked Out
*Feelin’ Crabby
*Cucko-Loca’s Egg-celent Adventure
*Funny Bunny
*Weather or Not
*Mechanical Mayhem
*Adventures in Piggy Sitting
*Minnie’s Makeover Madness

Ratings:         TV-Y (US)
Feature Run Time:   Approx. 102 minutes
Aspect Ratio:    2.35:1
Audio:               Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Languages:       English
Subtitles:            English, Spanish

Jake and the Never Land Pirates....DVD Review

by Joyce Kessel

Something VERY strange is happening all over Never Land, and things have gone missing! There's only one brave pirate that can save the day: Jake and the Never Land Pirates!!

In Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue, Jake embarks on his most heroic mission ever as the magic of Never Land begins to disappear just as the ancient Forever Tree seems to be fading away. After a mysterious figure known as "The Guardian" arrives to explain that only the pirate who truly believes in himself can save Never Land, Jake must break off from the rest of his faithful crew and go it alone on a mission to save the Forever Tree, which as you know, is the source of ALL magic in Never Land. Guiding Jake on his perilous quest is none other than the Green Fairy herself - Tinker Bell (making her first EVER appearance in the Jake and the Never Land Pirates series).

Well, as you know, we're not the spoiler types here at Tales From The Mouse House, so I won't go in to greater detail than this, but rest assured, in Never Land Rescue things get quite hairy because, the pirate who rescues the Forever Tree also gets some of it's special magic. And you know what THAT means, right? Yep, Captain Hook wants in on that action! So, it's up to Jake and Tink to save the day, and Never Land. 

Of course, Jake and the Never Land Pirates is a Disney Junior series, and Never Land Rescue, although a separate DVD, is actually part of that television series. Included on the DVD, in addition to the full-length feature Never Land Rescue, are five episodes from the series not yet seen:

• It's A Pirate Picnic/The Key To Skull Rock - Hook digs up the crew’s picnic spot and the crew gets a key to a treasure.
• The Golden Twilight Treasure/Rock The Croc! - The crew must rescue a firefly from Hook and a treasure map lands in Croc’s mouth.
• Jake and Sneaky Le Beak/Cubby The Brave - A sneaky pirate steals from Hook and a pair of boots makes Cubby brave.
• Jake's Special Delivery/Seahorse Saddle-Up! - A mysterious package washes ashore and the crew races in a seahorse race.

Obviously this DVD isn't for everyone. In fact, Al fell asleep while I was watching, because, well, like I said, isn't for everyone! But trust me, the younger Disney fans will LOVE this. It has everything they could want in a Disney DVD: action, pirates, adventure, pirates, Tinker Bell, pirates, swords, pirates, mysteries and, did I mention pirates? This is certainly a terrific way to entertain the young ones during those cold winter months, or even for the warmer ones! And for the parents wondering if they SHOULD allow the kids to sit and watch a cartoon...yep. You should. Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue isn't just a cartoon, it's a fun way to teach the kids important things, like team-work, acceptance, faith and facing their fears. In fact, I would LOVE to send a copy to my grandson Isaiah and granddaughter Emma! 

Also included on the DVD are eight bonus Playing With Skully cartoon shorts:

• Sailing The Never Sea
• Where's Sandy
• Pulley Hook
• North Bound
• Diving in the Coral Reef
• Ship Ahoy!
• Pirate Puzzle
• Coconuts On Pirate Island

AND, if that weren't enough, the DVD comes with a free inflatable sword (the Sword of Destiny from the movie) with glow in the dark stickers to decorate it with!  What little Jake fan wouldn’t love that! (Yeah, Al wanted to keep that, but I insisted it should go to someone who WATCHED the movie!)

Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Never Land Rescue is now available on DVD, and is rated TV-Y.

Presenting....Sofia The FIRST!

Review by: Joyce Kessel

On September 17, 2013 Disney Junior’s Popular TV Show “Sofia the First” released on DVD.  I love all things Disney and am aware of this newest Princess in training but this is the first time I have watched the show.  I loved the story, music and Sofia’s character.  She has all the qualities of a Disney Princess. 

Sofia the First is from the makers of Tangled and Wreck-it-Ralph.  Before the episodes begin, be sure to enjoy the previews for Disney’s Frozen out in theaters on Thanksgiving as well as Disney’s Little Mermaid Diamond Edition and the next Tinker Bell Movie: The Pirate Fairy.  I am so excited for all three!!!!

Special Guest Jasmine 

For those of you like me who are familiar with the newest Princess but not as familiar with the TV Series, “Sofia the First” is set in the storybook world of Enchancia and tells the story of Princess Sofia, an adventurous little girl who is learning how to adjust to royal life after her mom marries the king and she becomes a princess overnight.  Sofia quickly discovers that looking like a princess isn't all that difficult, but possessing the characteristics of a true princess – honesty, loyalty, courage, independence, compassion and grace – is what makes one truly royal.   

This Fairytale DVD includes 5 fun-filled episodes from the TV Series, including a special appearance by Princess Jasmine and a Sofia Dress Up Doll Kit.

Dress Up Doll Kit

Synopsis: Your favorite little princess-in-training returns for more music, majesty and magical fun, so get ready to have a ball with Sofia the First! Becoming royalty overnight is every girl’s dream, and Sofia is eager to prove she can be a true princess. Visit an enchanted circus, meet a pet dragon and soar through desert skies with Sofia and Amber on a magic carpet ride!  But when their high-flying adventure veers off course, it’s special guest Princess Jasmine to the rescue with inspiring advice about trying new things, staying strong and trusting yourself. Sparkling with extraordinary song unforgettable characters and thrilling surprises, Ready to Be A Princess opens the door to a whole new world of kindness, helping others and being the best you can be!

The first of the five episodes is titled: “ A Royal Mess”.   

In this episode, James, Sofia’s brother is excited as The Golden Wing Circus, grandest circus in the world, return to Enchancia, and they all sing with joy in the streets.  As they enter the Throne Room of the Castle to ask their father’s permission, James, still full of excitement,  is juggling and is reminded of the dangers of playing in the castle.  As his father leaves to get Sofia’s mother, he continues juggling and breaks the window.  Things gets worse from here when they try to fix it with magic.  Sofia covers for him and he is able to go to the Golden Wing Circus, but she is forbidden to go.  Will James go to the circus or tell the truth? Will Baileywick keep her secret?  Will Amber keep his secret?

Episode 2: The Shy Princess

Sofia attends art class and is paired up with a classmate to build their dream castle. Sofia is paired up with Princess Vivian and the other Princesses do not care for her because she is “strange”.  Sofia learns that is not strange but shy.  She finds beauty in her home and not a dark castle with gnomes and bats.   I like the songs and the message.  

This was my favorite episode. 

Episode 3: Blue Ribbon Bunny

Sofia visits the village fair for the first time as does Clover the Rabbit.  Sofia enters Clover the rabbit.  Since she has always dreamed of riding on the float she has to convince him to enter.  Can she and how will he do?  Clover has high self-esteem and thinks he is a blue ribbon bunny.  Will he win the blue ribbon and will her dreams come true?

Episode 4: The Princess Test

In this episode, Sofia learns a lesson more valuable that the lessons she would learn in the Princess training class.  Will this be enough to pass the test?  Will doing a good deed prevent her from taking the test and becoming a Princess?

Episode 5: Two to Tangu: 

During their first visit to Tangu, Sofia and Amber go on a magic carpet ride and they have trouble navigating their magic carpet, they fear that they may miss the party as they crash land because they cannot control their flying carpet. They get a special visit from Princess Jasmine who teaches them how to train their wild flying carpet.


As with most Disney stories, there are messages for all ages, some that we forget as adults and those that we can teach  younger children and reinforce in older children. 

The run time is approximately 110 minutes and is appropriate for all ages and genders.  Although girls may enjoy it more than boys.  The creator of Sofia the First, Craig Gerber is a Dad with two boys, who love hearing Sofia stories.

The DVD features languages and subtitles in English, French and Spanish.    

The Doc Is In...Doc McStuffins Review

Tales From The Mouse House Co-Host Joyce shares her review on Disney Jr's all new Doc McStuffins DVD! 


Our Granddaughter, Emma loves Doc McStuffins and tell us all about Lambie, Hallie and friends who are loved and nurtured by Doc in the backyard clinic. 

She cannot get enough of the show and loves to sing along with Doc McStuffins and friends.  After watching Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Checkup on DVD, I understand why she loves the Disney Junior Original Program so much!

The Doc Is In and “On” whenever and wherever your child or the child at heart, needs to visit the this imaginative six-year old girl, better known as Doc.  The  2012 #1 cable series in preschool age children tells the story of a girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic.  Assisting Doc at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including: Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her  cuddly best friend lamb; Hallie, a jolly and caring  hippo nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic.  Whether it's a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who has sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others.

The DVD arrived in stores May 7th and brings five full length episodes each consisting of two separate adventures.

The episodes featured on this DVD include:
1. Gulpy Gulpy Gators! – Doc and her toys learn a lesson about overeating when Donny overfills his game and Gus the Gator is diagnosed with Stuffedfulliosis and can't gulp again.
One Note Wonder – Alma's xylophone toy, Xyla, loses a key by accident and needs Doc's help to play in the band again.
2. Tea Party Tantrum – When Susie Sunshine doesn't get any sleep, she ends up cranky and not wanting to play. Doc and her trusty team have to help her get a nap so that she can be full of sunshine and cheer again.
Blast Off! – Along with Star Blazer Zero, Doc and her pals find out about the importance of always wearing a seat belt.
3. Arcade Escapade – When Doc visits an arcade, she discovers a stuffed giraffe in need of help who is trapped inside the claw game. Can Doc successfully get her out and repair her so that she can go to a good home?
Starry, Starry Night – Doc discovers a telescope that has lost her eyepiece, showing the importance of wearing glasses when needed to make the world clear.
4. Bronto Boo-Boos – Doc tells Donny's new brontosaurus toy, Bronty, that he needs to be careful when the other toys are diagnosed with a bad case of Bronto Boo-Boos.
Brontosaurus Breath – Doc helps Bronty brush his teeth after she diagnoses him with Stinkysalamibreath.
5. Doctoring The Doc – Even doctors get sick sometimes. Doc's toys find out that sometimes the best medicine for getting well is a lot of rest and love.
Hot Pursuit – When Doc and her toys spend time outdoors in the sun, they find out just why it is important to take breaks and rest in the shade. 

Even our pup Katie LOVES Doc McStuffins!

The Run Time is 120 minutes and the DVD retails for $19.99. At this time, this second DVD compilation of the Disney Junior hit is only available on DVD

Mickey & Donald...Have A Farm!

Mickey & Donald...Have A Farm!

Old Mac Mickey Had A Farm...oh, and his friend Donald owned it with him! Meeska-Mouska-Do! And all their Mickey Mouse Clubhouse© friends help them keep their musically fun farm running smoothly...well, almost! So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, hop on the Clickety-Clack tractor and prepare to lend a helping hand in this barnyard adventure!

Fun On The Farm

Ok, if you have little ones, you're most likely very familiar with the Disney Junior channels Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Of course, if you don't have little one's in your life, odds are you MAY have heard of this show, but never watched it...right? The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is targeted to preschoolers but is appropriate for children of any age. In true Disney fashion, the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse sets our Disney heroes in a series of escapades designed to teach viewers how to solve a specific age-appropriate problem utilizing basic skills, such as identifying shapes and counting through ten. 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Mickey & Donald Have A Farm continues this premise, and adds fun activities that are farm/barnyard related, like operating the Clickety-Clack tractor and planting seeds to grow food. Comprised from previous seasons, included on the DVD are five fun and educational episodes:

• Mickey and Donald Have a Farm
• From Season One of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Goofy's Petting Zoo
• From Season One of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Clarabelle's Clubhouse Mooo-Sical
• From Season Two of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Goofy the Homemaker
• From Season Two of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Donald Hatches and Egg
• From Season Three of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Packed with nursery rhymes, sing-a-long songs and how-to instructions, each episode invites the viewers to play along with the Clubhouse friends and learn about teamwork, problem solving and even early math skills (something I wish I'd have had when I was a kid!). 

All in all, even for an older Disney fan like myself, Mickey & Donald Have A Farm is a cute engaging and fun filled trip to the farm. With approximately Two Hours of adventure and learning,  you can let your little ones watch without feeling like they've wasted their time! Oh, and included in the DVD packaging is a hands-on activity that you can join your little ones on: Let's Get Growing Mickey's Planting Kit PLUS Fun Farm Facts - A neat little kit to let you grow your very own Clubhouse Garden! With detailed instructions on how to turn an egg carton into a seed starter, Farm Funnies (cute jokes your little ones can share with their friends and family), a package of seeds to plant and pretty high quality plastic soil stakes for your seeds. Seed selections will vary but in our pack, we received Nevada Lettuce...and when they grow we'll share photos! 

Grow Your Own Salad!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey & Donald Have A Farm is available on DVD now for an SRP of $19.99, and you can find it just about any place that sells DVD's, or, you can find it on our Amazon Affiliate Store at Tales From The Mouse House Amazon Store . If you're looking for a fun way to teach your little ones some amazing things, this is definitely the DVD series to buy! Ah, if only I were a kid again...I mean chronologically...we all know I'm still a kid at heart! So, while you're waiting for your copy to arrive, check out a preview below! -- Al