When You Wish...

by Al Kessel

Joyce and I, as so many of you know, are HUGE Disney fans. We love the Resorts, the movies, the merchandise, and of course, Walt Disney. For us, he epitomized fun and success. He stared adversity in the eyes and succeeded, when most said he'd fail. He did things his way, despite the naysayers, and when his way didn't work, he'd reinvent and go again. These are the things that catapulted Walt Disney to the level of LEGEND. And you can see this all for yourself. Well, sort of. In the new musical play, When You Wish: The Story of Walt Disney (playing at the Phoenix Theater May 18 - June 12, 2016, you can witness for yourself, Walt's trials, tribulations, triumphs and victories, all set to some very fun, toe-tapping musical numbers!

When You Wish is the story of Walt Disney, from his early days as a young animator at his company Laugh O Gram Studios, all the way to the opening of Walt's beloved Disneyland. 

The show is presented in a very appealing way. It's narrated by Walt's brother and business partner Roy Disney. It all starts with Walt trying to sell Roy on the concept of Disneyland, then, we flash back to 1908 with a six year old Walt drawing his cartoons on the family home, barn, and toilet paper! 

The show progresses through the major milestones throughout Walt's life, such as Laugh O Gram Studios, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt's famous move to California, Disney Brothers Studios, meeting and marrying his soul mate Lillian, the creation of Mickey Mouse and ultimately the opening of Disneyland (with Walt reciting the now famous "To All Who Come To This Happy Place, Welcome..." speech). 

Eighteen original (and very well done) musical numbers and dances, help to present Walt's story in a very fun and enjoyable way. I don't usually enjoy musicals, but When You Wish is just one of those you can't help but love! 

Veteran Broadway actor Joey Sorge plays Walt, and although at

Joey Sorge as Walt Disney

first I thought "hey, he doesn't look like Walt at all!", he quickly won me (and Joyce) over with his command of the role. Joey's performance makes When You Wish so special. Sydney Marie Hawes portrayed Lillian and Andy Umberger (another veteran of Broadway) portrays Roy Disney. I must add that Andy Umberger does a wonderful job as Roy, and he and Joey are very convincing. In fact, we quickly got lost in their performance and the ease in which they played off of one another. The total cast consists of 20 actors/actresses and they all make this show a pleasure to watch. 

Walt and Roy 

When You Wish was created by Dean McClure, who wrote the play as well as all the musical numbers. Mr. McClure's journey to bring When You Wish to life is quite interesting. Born out of a desire to see Walt's story on Broadway, Dean conducted intensive research and began writing his play. 

When You Wish is directed by Larry Raben, the musical director is Alan Ruch and the choreographer is Lee Martino. The show is broken into two acts, with act one running one hours 20 minutes, and act two running one hour. Although coming in at two hours 20 minutes, it sure didn't seem like it! Time VERY well spent. When You Wish: The Story of Walt Disney is playing at the Phoenix Theater (in Phoenix, Arizona) from May 18 - June 12, 2016, with multiple show times, including matinees. For tickets visit The Phoenix Theater. 

All in all, When You Wish: The Story of Walt Disney is a fabulous musical, and in our opinion, a must see event. Well acted, well choreographed and well presented, we give this show 5 stars out of 5! 

**Joyce and I were given tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Miles From Tomorrowland: Let's Rocket!

by Al Kessel

On August 11th, 2015, Disney Junior released Miles From Tomorrowland: Let's Rocket on DVD, and it's sure to be a HIT!

Disney Junior's "Miles from Tomorrowland" is an intergalactic adventure that charts the outer space missions of young adventurer Miles Callisto and his family – mom and ship captain, Phoebe; mechanical engineer dad, Leo; tech-savvy big sister, Loretta; and best friend robo-ostrich pet, Merc – as they help connect the galaxy on behalf of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Miles, Merc and the Callisto family explore wondrous and diverse new worlds, taking young viewers and their families on a futuristic journey designed to fuel kids' natural interest in space, and at the same time reminding them of the importance of what lies close to home – the family bond. 


Join Miles, his family and his best friend and pet Merc on a super-galactic adventure!  This value-packed DVD includes the premiere episode plus 4 additional episodes, nearly two hours of fun! Plus FREE inside every DVD is an exclusive Clip-on Blastboard Flashlight that you can’t get anywhere else! 

And, in case you missed it, this Disney Junior series stars a young boy named Miles Callisto and his family who are always going on some sort of adventure, because, you know, they work for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and that has them fixing all kinds of problems throughout space, as they travel in their spaceship home (I WANT ONE!!!). Of course, as you know by now, we won't spoil anything for you, so if you want DETAILS about this fun adventure, you'll need to pick up your very own copy. Don't worry, it's WELL worth the price for the DVD. And actually, you're getting a lot for your dollar here: TEN episodes with a total running time of about two hours, AND...it's pretty darned educational, as well as fun for the entire family. Seriously. I found myself getting kind of caught up in their adventures. But then, I'm a geek that way! 

Honestly, as with most everything made by Disney, the animation and colors are very well done and vibrant, and the stories are engaging as well as educational. OH, plus, with each DVD, you get a really COOL gift: a sweet clip-on "Blastboard Flashlight" (made of that puffy plastic material) that's actually quite bright. I used it the other night while operating the train. Cool!!! YOWZERS!!

With a great voice cast including Cullen McCarthy (from Mr. Peabody & Sherman) Olivia Munn (Ironman 2), Fiona Bishop (Disney Junior's Sofia The First) and Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), this is a must have addition for anyone's Disney library. 

Miles From Tomorrowland: Let's Rocket is now available on DVD everywhere.

To Stay or Not To Stay (Outside the Berm)...

by Joyce Kessel

Some say yes, while others say no way! It’s a matter of personal preference, but in my opinion, everyone needs to experience the magic of staying “on-property”, at least once. 

When Walt designed Disneyland, he wanted everyone to leave all their cares at the gate and enjoy family fun time.  He did everything he could to make the outside world invisible. He and the imagineers achieved this by adding the Disneyland berm.  

You may be asking, what is the Disneyland 'berm'.  Well, It’s the structures, tunnels, Main Street train platform, and the tall trees that give us the illusion that we are transported into the Happiest Place on Earth - miles away from the 'real world'. The physical things that keep the outside world from invading.

That being said, there are three hotels on Disneyland Resort property that are not technically inside the berm, but still give us the illusion that they ARE inside the most magical place on earth.  Currently, there are three resort hotels: the original Disneyland Hotel; the fun, beach-themed  Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel; and the elegant Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Each of these hotels are unique in both price and atmosphere.  

Staying “inside the berm” is an experience that comes with many perks. Here are my top five:

• Exclusive entrance (located at Grand Californian Hotel) into Disney California Adventure for hotel guests. No need to search for a parking spot. 
• Magic Morning Monorail Entry
• Watch the Fireworks from your room
• Character Rise and Shine calls
• Cast Member interaction day and night

One of the disadvantages to staying inside the berm is cost, so we have to ask what is more important: being immersed in the 'Disney Magic' 24/7, or staying outside the berm in one of the Good Neighbor Hotel recommended by Disney, and spending more money inside the park.  

All Good Neighbor Hotels are within close proximity to Disneyland (most within walking distance) and there is sure to be one to fit any budget.  When staying off property, select one that is preferably within walking distance to the resort. If you are not familiar with the area, ask friends and family for their recommendation, check with your trusted travel expert or peer reviewed sites such as trip advisor, or listen to your favorite Disneyland podcast - Tales From The Mouse House!   If walking is not an option, Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) is an affordable option and convenient mode of transportation. 

If you'd like to book your Disneyland Resort Vacation, why not visit someone WE trust? Visit our good friend and fellow Disney Lover Randy Crane from Mouse Ear Vacations at: randyc-mouseearvacations.com. Randy WILL get you THE best deal available! Trust him. We do!

So, To Stay Inside or Outside the Berm? We have stayed inside and outside the berm many times. My preference will always be inside. But, if staying outside the berm was the only option for our budget, I would not hesitate to experience the Disneyland Resort without the perks of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. I would not choose this option during the “off-peak” season when the Parks close early because when the hours are shorter, you obviously do not spend the majority of the time inside the Parks. 

So, what are your thoughts? Inside or Outside the Berm? Do you have a favorite hotel?  I would love to hear your thoughts. Send your thoughts to us at talespodcast@cox.net!

Tater Travel Tips!

by Joyce Kessel
What better time to create life long family memories than Summer break!!   It can be challenging to prepare for the trip, but Mrs. Potato Head shared all her secrets with us!

Now, Mrs. Potato Head has some challenges when it comes to the Potato Head family get-aways but she doesn’t let that stop her.  Ready, set, GO!!


‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #1: MAKE A LIST!
Mr. Potato Head can be a klutz when it comes to packing, which is why Mrs. Potato Head loves to make a list of packing essentials for their vacation needs. It’s a good idea for the sweet potato to start planning her list weeks before the traveling ‘taters head off on their journey. By planning so far in advance, you are much less likely to miss off any travel necessities!

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #2: ROLL UP, ROLL UP!
Who wants to iron an outfit when you reach your destination? Mr. Potato Head doesn't, that’s for sure! Instead of folding your clothes and placing them in your suitcase, try rolling them. Tightly rolled clothes are less likely to get heavy wrinkles from fold creases and they take up less room.

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #3: PACK LIGHTLY!
Nobody wants to be weighed down with heavy baggage, especially if you’re a tourist ‘tater who wants to wander around with ease. That’s exactly why Mrs. Potato Head suggests everybody packs lightly. Pack layers of clothing that you can easily put on or take off. And think twice about adding that spare pair of shoes to your luggage. Do you really need them?

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #4: KNOW THE RULES!
Mrs. Potato Head is a stickler for the rules. Get to know them all before you travel, especially if you’re flying! If your journey involves an airplane ride, make sure you pack correctly and don’t place any large liquids (such as a regular-sized bottle of perfume or a can of hairspray) in your carry-on luggage. All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller. And they must all be placed inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.

‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #5: CARRY-ON VALUABLES…
What would Mr. Potato Head do without his trusty bowler hat and his angry eyes? Well, every now and then luggage gets delayed or lost – and that’s exactly why it’s a good idea to pack your travel essentials and valuables in your carry-on bag. Never put them in your checked luggage! Make sure your ID, passport, keys, money, credit cards, jewelry and electronics are safe and secure in your carry-on bag, as well as items like extra contact lenses and a spare pair of undies. Happy traveling!


MRS. POTATO HEAD’S PACKING ESSENTIALS

Mrs. Potato Head says: “I’m packing your extra pair of shoes!” 
Don’t be a couch potato on your summer vacation; head outside and explore. When you’re packing your bags, make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes in your luggage. Nobody wants sore tootsies!  

“And your angry eyes, just in case!”  

Who wants to get angry-eyed in the blazing sunshine? Nobody! That’s why it’s important to pack your sunglasses. If your eyes need some extra help, don’t forget to take your spectacles and contact lenses, too.

“A dime!”
A few dollars will certainly help ease your summer vacation needs. It also helps to have a credit card for any unexpected incidentals, as well as the purchase of the odd souvenir or two. See if you can seek out a bargain!

“Cheese puffs!”
Don’t forget to pack some snacks for the journey. If you’re a picky eater, it might be wise to add a few of your favorite munchies to your suitcase to ensure you’ve got lots of treats to eat while you’re away, too. Mmmm!

“A spare set of lips!”
Mr. Potato Head can swap his lips with a spare set if they become chapped or sore in the sizzling sunshine. Non-spuds can’t do that, which is why it’s a good idea to pack some lip balm for your travels. Pucker up!

“A key!”
It’s always a good idea to keep all your essentials together in one place, including your keys, money, ID and passport. Be a safe spud on your travels; don’t be a loser this summer!

“Sunscreen!”
Never forget to apply sunscreen in the scorching summer sun… Or, you’ll end up baked!

Now Walt knew how to pack!

Free Stylin' - Now It's YOUR Turn

by Joyce Kessel

Getting to know you, getting to know me!!! 

In most of our recent podcast episodes, we hosted what we're calling the Free Stylin’ format.  In these episodes, we asked each other questions about the Disneyland Resort, and just chatted about our answers. Now, Al and I did not share our answers with one another before the show, so there would be an element of surprise.

Here are some of the questions from the episodes.  We'd LOVE it if you would answer and share your results with us on our Facebook page: Tales from the Mouse House, or by sending us an email to talespodcast@cox.net. We'll compile all the responses and record a special Free Stylin' episode with all of YOUR answers! Don't forget to include your name when you reply!!  Of course, there's no right or wrong answer, just yours! And we'd love it if you could maybe say why you gave a certain answer. Ok, have fun!!

• Things to do on a rainy day at Disneyland.
• Things to do on a Holiday at Disneyland.
• Secret cool things that you can do and how at Disneyland.
• Favorite Way To Eat on the Cheap
• Favorite Guided Tour
• LEAST Favorite Attraction, Why?
• Which Attraction would you wait over an hour for? Why?
• If you could turn your favorite Disney movie into an attraction at the Disneyland Resort, which would it be, how would design it what land would it fit into and why?
• What Ride/Attraction Do you hope will never become an Extinct Attraction? 
• If you could spend one day at the Disneyland Resort with any Disney personality (living) Who would it be and why? What would you do? Why?
• Favorite Hotel
• Favorite Attraction
• Favorite Place to Grab a Quick bite
• Favorite Place to have a meal
• Favorite Place to Rest your feet
• Favorite Show or Parade
• Favorite Parking Structure
• If you only had 1 hour to spend in the park what would you be sure to do.
• What is fondest memory of Disneyland?  Why?
• Favorite Item on display at the Disneyland Resort and why? (Ex. the bench inside the Opera House)
• Favorite must-have souvenir to purchase?
• The coolest Hidden Mickey you've found?
• If you could voice one character at the Disneyland Resort, which one would it be and why?
• Favorite place to sit and people watch?

If you'd like to hear our answers and discussions to these questions, tune in to Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast, on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and on our main website at www.talescast.com !

Our dear friend Ragtime Robert has been 'off duty' from the piano at Disneyland due to some health issues lately, so we thought we'd share some of his AWESOME piano skills with anyone who's been missing him - and, if you've never seen or heard Ragtime...WHY NOT?!, Err, I mean, now's your chance to hear the BEST piano player around! - Al 

Disney Saving Mr. Banks...The Blu-Ray Review

by Al Kessel


By now, most of you probably know our thoughts on the Disney motion picture, Saving Mr. Banks. We LOVED it. We treated ourselves to an outing to see it at the theatre, and wrote a short review then and expressed our views. But recently, we were surprised to receive a review copy of the Blu-Ray/Digital HD version of this wonderful film, and our thoughts did change a bit. Now we TOTALLY love Saving Mr. Banks! 

Tom Hanks as Walt Disney

Ok, before you go saying "Uh-oh, they drank the Disney Kool-Aid", let me explain a few things to you. I love Disneyland. I do. I'm not ashamed to admit that, and say it proudly! And I love the Walt Disney, because of what he did for the world. No matter what a person may think of the Disney company, or of Walt himself, you have to admit that he IS responsible for so many wonderful things in our world. He reinvented entertainment, and, through his films and theme parks, reintroduced so many people to happiness and their inner-child. Saving Mr. Banks is the story of one particular project that he fought long and hard to bring to the world, called Mary Poppins. 

Walt, The Sherman Brothers and Don DaGrati

I'm not going to get into all the pros/cons of this film, but suffice it to say that a LOT of people vehemently dislike Saving Mr. Banks and accuse it of so many negative things, as well as being totally historically incorrect. Well, I wasn't there. I don't know exactly what went down during the period this film depicts. Disney may have taken some liberties with certain aspects, but you know what? No where did they claim this was a documentary. Right? Unlike many docudramas like Lincoln for example, who without any doubt at all took HUGE artistic liberties. But I don't recall anyone crying foul on that! Anyway, I digress...

Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers

Saving Mr. Banks brings to live the untold story about the origins of one of the most treasured Disney classics of all time - Mary Poppins. Millions love and adore Mary Poppins, but few knew the almost impossible task it was to bring this film to the big screen. It took Walt twenty years to convince author P.L. Travers to allow him the rights to her beloved Mary Poppins (NEVER just Mary!), and Saving Mr. Banks shows us how Walt was able to fulfill a twenty year old promise to his daughters. Through flashbacks, we learn a great deal about P.L. and her childhood, her relationship with her adoring father, and how she found inspiration for her most treasured, and popular, character. 

Walt introduces P.L. to Disneyland

Strolling Down Main Street, U.S.A.

P.L. on Jingles...Joyce's Favorite as well!

Tom Hanks brings an incredible believability to his portrayal of Walt Disney. Although Tom looks nothing like Walt, through his vocal inflections and body language, you actually find yourself believing he IS Walt. Although until this film I was unfamiliar with P.L. Travers as a person, I have since watched video and heard the real Travers on audio, and I must say, in my opinion, Emma Thompson did a WONDERFUL job portraying the uncompromising and stubborn author of Mary Poppins. Featuring a stellar supporting cast that includes Colin Farrell as Travers Goff, Paul Giamatti as Ralph (P.L.'s driver), Jason Schwartzman as Richard M. Sherman, B.J. Novak (from T.V.'s The Office) as Robert Sherman, Bradley Whitford as Don DaGradi and many more, Saving Mr. Banks is without a doubt an incredible, heartwarming and uplifting movie true to the Disney name. 

Colin Farrell as Travers Goff

Just a side note here: Paul Giamatti's character Ralph is a completely fictitious invention of Disney. Although many may say this is just another example of Disney altering facts to their favor, I see it in a different way. In order for the storytellers to portray P.L. Travers backstory, it was necessary to introduce a 'vehicle' of sorts. I'm certain 'Ralph' is an amalgam of many characters, but it was just simpler to portray them as one person. I personally feel his character worked very well!

Paul Giamotti as 'Ralph'

Saving Mr. Banks is now available on Blu-Ray, Digital Copy, DVD now and includes the following:

• The Walt Disney Studios: From Poppins to Present (Blu-Ray & Digital HD) Join Director John Lee Hancock on a tour of the Disney Studios lot, reflect on studio life during the making of Mary Poppins, and discover how Walt’s creative spirit still flourishes today.
• Let's Go Fly A Kite: (Blu-Ray & Digital HD) - Cast and crew sing break out in a rousing, heartfelt tribute to Composer Richard Sherman on the last day of filming.
• Deleted Scenes:
• Stargaze (Blu-Ray & Digital HD) - A picture on Walt's desk leads to a flashback of Pamela's childhood
• Nanny Song (Blu-ray, DVD, & Digital HD) – The Sherman Brothers perform a song for Pamela that she is less than thrilled with.
• Pam Leaves (Blu-Ray & Digital HD) - After yet another disagreement with Walt, Pamela leaves his office and heads for the airport

All of the bonus material is terrific. The Walt Disney Studios special, however, is our favorite. This exclusive and wonderful behind the camera look at the Walt Disney Studios is, in my opinion, well worth the purchase of Saving Mr. Banks. 

The 'Real' Mary Poppins?

At just over two hours, Saving Mr. Banks is certainly a great family movie that's not too long, not too short, but "practically perfect"! A MUST HAVE for anyone who loves Mary Poppins, Walt Disney, or Disneyland (when Walt takes P.L. to Disneyland....well, I was just in heaven!). But of course, that's just OUR opinion! - Al 

Tales From The Mouse House...Ep 88

Well, welcome to Episode 88 of Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast!!! YAHOO! We’ve got a special sort of different kind of show for you today! Instead of our usual format, we change things up a bit and launch a (possibly) NEW style - FREE STYLIN’!! We go off script and share some of our favorite things about the Disneyland Resort! You’ve GOT to tune in to this EXTRA LARGE episode to find out!

Ok, we'll give you a hint: we decided to come up with a series of questions, like, what's your favorite attraction, that sort of thing. Then we'll reveal what we answered then discuss. Now, neither of us knows what the other answered so some things may be the same, some different. Joyce came up with this idea, to shake things up a bit and keep things FRESH. So, if you like it, be sure to thank her...WE certainly enjoyed recording this episode! We had a lot of fun and Joyce actually said this was her favorite show to record - out of the MANY, MANY we've done in almost FOUR years!

We'd LOVE for you guys to get in to this fun! How about, after listening, you come up with your own answers to the questions we posed each other and email them to us at talespodcast@cox.net. 

Oh, our GREAT friend Dean Carrington sent us a terrific gift, actually two. He sent us a couple copies of a new Disney Hyperion Publishing book called Big Rig. Dean is friends with the illustrator of this awesome children's book, set in the Cars world, and both are autographed by the narrator! One for us and one for...whoever wins the contest we're launching soon!! So, be sure to keep an ear out!

Hey, if YOU'RE in need of a great travel agent, why not give our sponsor, Randy Crane from Mouse Ear Vacations a holler! I bet he can make YOUR vacation a MAGICAL one! Visit Randy at www.randyc-mouseearvacations.com. NOW is the time to book your 2014 Disney adventure! 

As always, If you’d like to send in comments for the show, you can send us an email to talespodcast@cox.net, leave us voicemail on the Hotline at 304-TALES23, leave us feedback in iTunes or leave comments for us on our Twitter account @talespodcast. Heck, you can even find us on FaceBook, just search for Tales From The House House - Disneyland podcast! 

Thanks for making us part of your Disney experience and remember…

"Make It A Mickey Day!" ~~ Al & Joyce

Tales From The Mouse House Ep...87

Welcome to Episode 87 of Tales From The Mouse House Disneyland Podcast!! As we promised you earlier in the year, we’ll be doing more ‘out of the norm’ episodes, you know, to spice things up a bit! So, on this go ‘round, we’ve got something SPECIAL for you.

DCA of yesteryear 

On February 8th, Disney California Adventure celebrated it’s 13th birthday! Wow, seems just like yesterday we saw the “OPENING SOON” commercials on TV! Well, over the last 13 years, California Adventure has gone through quite a few changes - some great, some...well, let’s just leave that one alone. Disney California Adventure has introduced us to some terrific things (like CORN DOGS), and has reinvented itself recently to include a trip through Walt Disney’s history, as well as incorporate an animated world into our own. All these things add up to one great adventure! So, in honor of their 13th birthday, we thought we’d share some of our favorite Disney California Adventure photos with you, set to music, in this latest VIDEO PODCAST EXTRAVAGANZA! (cue impressive music here)

Hey, if YOU'RE in need of a great travel agent, why not give our sponsor, Randy Crane from Mouse Ear Vacations a holler! I bet he can make YOUR vacation a MAGICAL one! Visit Randy at www.randyc-mouseearvacations.com. NOW is the time to book your 2014 Disney adventure! 

Disney California Adventure TODAY!

YEP! Cars Land has arrived in the REAL world!

As always, If you’d like to send in comments for the show, you can send us an email to talespodcast@cox.net, leave us voicemail on the Hotline at 304-TALES23, leave us feedback in iTunes or leave comments for us on our Twitter account @talespodcast. Heck, you can even find us on FaceBook, just search for Tales From The House House - Disneyland podcast! If you'd like to listen to the show, you can find it on iTunes, on our podcast site at talescast.com, the direct episode link: Episode 87, or on Stitcher Radio now! Just visit www.stitcher.com and search for Tales From The Mouse House - Disneyland Podcast!

Thanks for making US a part of your Disney Experience, and remember...
"Make It A Mickey Day!"

                                          ~~ Al, Joyce and Kate (the pup)

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

Winds In The East, Mist Coming In...

by Al Kessel 

Well, if you're a regular reader of our blog, you'll remember that recently we posted our review of The Walt Disney Studios film, Saving Mr. Banks. Let me save you some time (unless of course, you'd like to go back and read the original review!), in one word, WE LOVED THE MOVIE! (ok, that was like four words but hey...I'm pretty jazzed up at the moment...read on, you'll see why).

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment proudly announces the home entertainment release of the heartwarming drama Saving Mr. Banks, arriving on Blu-ray + Digital Copy, DVD, Digital HD and On-Demand on March 18, 2014.

Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson bring to life the untold true story about the origins of one of the most treasured Disney classics of all time.  John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) directs this acclaimed film, which reveals the surprising backstory behind the making of Mary Poppins.  Determined to fulfill a promise to his daughters, Walt Disney (Hanks) tries for twenty years to obtain the rights to author P.L. Travers’ (Thompson) beloved book.  Armed with his iconic creative vision, Walt pulls out all the stops, but the uncompromising Travers won’t budge.  Only when he reaches into his own complicated childhood does Walt discover the truth about the ghosts that haunt Travers, and together, the set Mary Poppins free.

From Disney's Mary Poppins, now available 

Featuring a stellar supporting cast that includes Colin Farrell (Total Recall), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore), Bradley Whitford (TV’s The West Wing), Annie Rose Buckley (TV’s Home and Away), Ruth Wilson (The Lone Ranger), B.J. Novak (TV’s The Office), Rachel Griffiths (TV’s Brothers & Sisters) and Kathy Baker (Edward Scissorhands), Saving Mr. Banks was directed by John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, The Rookie), produced by Alison Owen, Ian Collie and Philip Steuer, and written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith. Executive producers are Paul Trijbits, Andrew Mason, Troy Lum and Christine Langan.  

On Blu-ray and Digital HD, Saving Mr. Banks sweeps viewers away with enchanting high definition picture and sound, plus delightful, never-before-seen bonus features, including “The Walt Disney Studios: From Poppins to Present,” in which director John Lee Hancock takes viewers on an insider’s tour of Disney Studios today and reflects on studio life during the creation of Mary Poppins.  Additional bonus materials include “Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” in which the film’s cast and crew sing an impromptu version of the iconic song on set during the last day of shooting, and deleted Scenes.

From Disney's Mary Poppins, now available 

Bonus Materials*:
• The Walt Disney Studios: From Poppins to Present (Blu-ray & Digital HD) - Join Director John Lee Hancock on a tour of the Disney Studios lot, reflect on studio life during the making of Mary Poppins, and discover how Walt’s creative spirit still flourishes today. 
• Let’s Go Fly a Kite (Blu-ray & Digital HD) - Cast and crew sing break out in a rousing, heartfelt tribute to Composer Richard Sherman on the last day of filming.
• Deleted Scenes
➢ Stargaze (Blu-ray & Digital HD) – A picture on Walt’s desk leads to a flashback of Pamela’s childhood. 
➢ Nanny Song (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD) – The Sherman Brothers perform a song for Pamela that she is less than thrilled with. 
➢ Pam Leaves (Blu-ray & Digital HD) – After yet another disagreement with Walt, Pamela leaves his office and heads for the airport. 

*Digital HD bonus offerings vary by digital retailer

Disc Specifications:

Feature Run Time: Approximately 125 minutes
Rating: Feature Film: “PG-13” in U.S., “PG” in Canada, bonus features not rated
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray = 2.40:1 1080p High Definition Widescreen
DVD = 1.78:1 – Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions 
Audio: Blu-ray = English 5.1 DTS-HDMA and DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks 
DVD = English 5.1 and DVS 2.0 Dolby Digital; Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks 
Languages/Subtitles: Blu-ray = English SDH, French and Spanish Subtitles 
DVD = English SDH; Spanish and French Subtitles 

Yeah, to say the least, Joyce and I are GEEKED out about Saving Mr. Banks coming to Blu-Ray and DVD! We're hoping to get a review copy to...err...well, review, AND if we're lucky (and you too), we'll be able to get a giveaway copy as well! Fingers crossed! - Al