The movie takes place on a college campus, so Newman created an Alma Mater for MU called “Monsters University” which was performed by a team from Pixar Canada who sounded just like the giant crowd of monsters that sing the anthem in the film.

“We needed a giant crowd of crazy monster students to be singing it and the Canada team was great for this—the end result is sort of perfectly ‘off,” said Dan Scanlon, the film’s director.

Newman also recruited the international drum corps The Blue Devils to contribute to the college sound, in addition to incorporating concert band music creating the feeling of being on a college campus.

The film’s score was recorded with a 112-piece orchestra and features several character themes such as a “laidback shuffle” to introduce Sulley and an accordion for the less-than-cool Oozma Kappa fraternity. Atlanta rock band Mastodon is featured through their song “Island.” And, Axwell & Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House Mafia provide a party song called “Roar” that plays during a fraternity party scene. The song features an upbeat electronic dance sound.

The Monsters University soundtrack will be available on June 18. Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University hits theaters on June 21.

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These cuts are not thought to be related to similar personnel cuts at Disney that resulted in about 150 layoffs in April. In the most recent fiscal report from Disney, ESPN accounted for 54.7 percent of all operating income.

A statement from ESPN about the cuts said only that “we are implementing changes across the company to enhance our continued growth while smartly managing costs.”

ESPN recently announced the creation of a new channel that is focused on the U.S. Southeastern Conference (SEC) college football and will carry 45 games beginning in 2014. The network has also announced it would pay for the rights to exclusive coverage of the U.S. Open Tennis tournament, a move that reportedly will cost $825 million.

Aside from the network’s statement, no other information about the layoffs was available.

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Of course, fall at Epcot means the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and this year’s event is planned for September 27 through November 11. Guests will have the chance to sample food from six continents at more than 25 food and beverage kiosks. New to the event this year is the Scottish Marketplace featuring beers, meads, Scotch, and authentic foods from the homeland of Princess Merida.

In addition to the food, guests have a chance to enjoy programs such as Party for the Senses, celebrity chef culinary demonstrations, and the nightly Eat to the Beat concert series. For all things Food & Wine, be sure to visit our friends at the Disney Food Blog for updates and news.

Over at the Magic Kingdom fall is celebrated at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which begins on September 10 and runs through November 1 on 23 select dates. Party goers have a chance to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy “not so scary” fun including Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, HalloWishes, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Tickets for the event are on sale now.

And princess fan everywhere will be thrilled to know that a fall 2013 opening is planned for the Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland. This is the new home for Disney princesses to meet their “loyal subjects.” The castle-like entrance features stone walls and stained glass windows and the open gallery is where guests will find portraits of the princesses.

Other magical fall events include the 31^st Night of Joy on September 6-7, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend on October 4-5, Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend on November 8-9, the 38^th Annual Festival of the Masters in Downtown Disney on November 8-10.

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The book is set in the world of Jake and the Never Land Pirates and follows Mama Hook as she reminisces about her own great adventures sailing the Never Sea and the stories she told Captain Hook when he was a young boy.

“I have such a wonderful time playing Mama Hook on ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates,’” said Osbourne. “To be able to take that role to the book world and share Mama Hook’s stories with families around the world is an honor. I hope kids enjoy reading Mama Hook’s pirate tales and continue to fall in love with her, just as I have.”

The book is being published by Disney Worldwide Publishing and will be available in the fall. It comes with an audio CD that features original narration by Osbourne and will also be available as an e-book.

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Working in conjunction with poet and youth arts advocate Azure Antoinette, ABC Family is asking millennials to submit original videos and written works that illustrates their sense of self-identity.

ABC Family is working to strengthen its relationship with the millennial audience by providing this unique outlet where they can express themselves – sharing their beliefs, dreams, and goals. People can vote for their favorite story by “liking” it on abcfamily.com. The top two winners will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize.

Azure Antoinette is often referred to as “the Maya Angelou of the Millennial generation” and is the creator of STUDIO: alchemy, an arts-in-education organization that operates in New York, Iowa, and Los Angeles. She has also been commissioned to work for Maria Shriver, Beats by Dr. Dre, and Girl Scouts of America.

All entries must be original works and entrants must be a legal resident, currently reside within the 50 states or District of Columbia, and be between the ages of 14-22. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 12, and voting closes on Friday, July 19. Official rules can be found at youshouldknow.abcfamily.com/. On the same site, participants can also find sample videos of materials written by real millennials and performed by ABC Family stars including Keegan Allen, Chelsea Kane, and Katie Leclerc.

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Disney Fine Artist Greg McCullough will have an artist showcase at Uptown Jewelers at the Magic Kingdom June 3-6 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. each day. Disney Design Group Artist Natalie Kennedy will be at Disney’s Pin Traders in the Downtown Disney Marketplace on June 7 from 5-7 p.m. where she will be signing the latest pin and Vinylmation release from the 2013 series.

Internationally-known artist Larry Dotson is set to showcase a few of his newest releases at the Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace from June 13-16. Larry is also scheduled to be at Uptown Jewelers in the Magic Kingdom on June 27-30.

Vinylmation fans should stop by D Street at Downtown Disney West Side on June 14 to meet Disney Design Group artists Ron Cohee who is scheduled to appear at a signing of the new Monsters University Series 1 Vinylmation from 5-7 p.m. Guests can also celebrate Father’s Day weekend at Cars Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney Westside where Chip Foose, owner of Foose Design and star of Overhaulin’ will be on hand for a special signing event June 15 and 16.

Fans of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast should stop by D Street in Downtown Disney Westside on June 21 to see the new Beauty and the Beast Vinylmation releases designed by Maria Clapsis and Caley Hicks. Vinylmations includes Belle, Beast, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, Maurice, Gaston, and more. A special artist signing is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on release day.

June 22 marks the release of the Hollywood & Dine limited edition Ink & Paint cel featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse enjoying a star-filled evening at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while being served by a hand-painted Goofy. This cel is available in a variety of formats and Disney is taking pre-orders through June 21. Several Ink & Paint artists will be attending a special signing on June 22 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at Animation Gallery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For complete details on all the merchandise events at the Walt Disney World Resort visit http://www.disneyparksmerchandise.com/events/venue/walt-disney-world-resort/.

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At the Magic Kingdom, guests can stop by Gaston’s Tavern in the New Fanstasyland and pick up a chocolate Monsters University cupcake. The Ice Cream Parlor and the Plaza Restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. will be serving an “Eye Scream Sundae” made with either strawberry or mint chocolate chip ice cream. And, the Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland is serving Randall’s Suds and Mike’s Punch.

Over in Disneyland, guests can dine on steak and eggs for breakfast at the Carnation Café or they can choose breakfast pizza at Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port. The Blue Bayou is serving roasted bourbon shrimp for those looking to fuel up later in the day.

Guests can also find a Monster Nacho Dog at Award Weiners in Disney California Adventure and a Monstrous Open-Face Turkey Sandwich at Flo’s V-8 Café

Be sure to stop by and visit our friends at the Disney Food Blog for more details on the “monstrous” specialty foods available during the all-nighter!

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The gowns are designed and created in collaboration with Ashdon Inc., a leader in the special occasions fashion industry. Each gown combines classical styling with elements of fantasy and magic. The debut line features 21 gowns, with two styles for each Disney Princess and a new gown, “la Corona de la Princesa” will be added to the line each year.

A Quinceañera is a coming of age celebration for Latinas that signifies her journey from childhood to womanhood. The celebration, which is similar to a “Sweet 16”, often includes a religious ceremony followed by a reception – and the gown is an integral and festive part of the celebration.

“The Latino community has a strong affinity for Disney, and the Disney Royal Ball Quinceañera collection offers another avenue to make the Quinceañera celebration even more unique and meaningful for Latina teens and their families,” said Gilberto Martinez Kladt, vice president of licensing for Disney Princess. “Disney is thrilled to provide young Latinas with the opportunity to celebrate the elegance, grace and poise of their favorite Disney Princess characters on such a special and momentous day.”

The dresses come in a variety of colors and feature accents of crystal, embroidery, and beadwork and are inspired by the Disney Princess characters Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pochontas, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Tiana. The dresses are available in sizes 0-20 with MSRPs ranging from $530-$999. For more information on the dresses, please visit wwwQuinceRoyalBall.com.

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A one hour pilot episode of a new animated feature, Star Wars Rebels, is in production at Lucasfilm and is set to premiere on the Disney Channel in the fall of 2014. The show is then set to move to Disney XD as on ongoing series.

While there is no official word on who might make an appearance in the series, iconic characters such as Darth Vader, Princess Leia, or even Han Solo could show up as the series takes place during the time when the Empire is tightening its grip on the galaxy and the rebellion against the Empire is starting.

The series boasts three executive producers – screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (X:Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes), Dave Filoni who was supervising director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Greg Weisman who brings animation experience from Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man, and Gargoyles. Kinberg is set to write the premiere episode of Star Wars Rebels.

“I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”

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The show includes a journey to the magical world of Enchancia where Sofia, her step-siblings Amber and James, and their whole kingdom are preparing for the friendship festival. Cinderella visits the castle to help Sofia on her mission to find the perfect gift to deliver to her royal subjects during the celebration.

Next, the audience visits Never Land where Jake and his Yo Ho pirate friends Izzy and Cubby are in a race against time to locate a mysterious treasure-filled volcano. The friends battle Captain Hook during their adventure, and Peter Pan makes a special appearance. Jake and his friends fly above the stage during their journey with the help of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust.

The show is produced by Alana Feld and Kenneth Feld, and directed by David Killinger. The director/choreographer is Fred Tallaksen, the writer is Bradley Zweig, with costume design by Mirena Rada, scenic design by Rick Papineau, and lighting design by Sam Doty.

This 90-city national tour starts in July and the world premier happens in Hollywood on September 27. Tickets for all 2013 engagements go on sale May 28. For more information and to purchase tickets visit disneyjuniorlive.com.

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