Last week, I had the chance to see Finding Dory during the red carpet premiere and it was well worth the 13 year wait! Sometimes I’m leery about sequels but this one is so good! I laughed, I cried – and then I cried some more so remember to bring some tissues, parents!

This will be a spoiler-free review, as I don’t like revealing anything big that happens – I want you to completely enjoy the movie!

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres), who’s living happily in the reef with Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence) and Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks). When Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute, a rehabilitation center and aquarium. In an effort to find her mom (voice of Diane Keaton) and dad (voice of Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey (voice of Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his echolocation skills are on the fritz; and Destiny (voice of Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark. Deftly navigating the complex innerworkings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.

There’s so much to love about Finding Dory – it will bring smiles to both young kids and their parents who remember seeing Finding Dory in theaters.

Beloved Characters and New Friends

Someone recently asked me if Nemo was in the film and the answer is YES! All of your favorite characters from Finding Nemo are in Finding Dory – Dory (of course!), Nemo, Marlin, Crush and more! You’ll love seeing these characters back on the big screen but you’re also going to love all of the NEW characters like Hank, Bailey, Destiny, Gerald and Becky!

Animation

I remember seeing Finding Nemo and being stunned by the quality of the animation. Finding Dory doesn’t disappoint and I feel like you can clearly see how far Pixar has came in the last 13 years. I loved seeing the clarity of both the ocean and the Marine Life Institute in California not to mention all of the fun characters that we meet. In some scenes, you would think you’re looking at the real ocean…if it wasn’t for a talking fish swimming by.

Just Keep Swimming

Every Pixar has a great message that will resonate with parents and bring tears to their eyes while also teaching a valuable lesson to kids. While Just Keep Swimming was the main message of Finding Nemo, it also is the primary message in Finding Dory. No matter what obstacles Dory has come across since being a child, she just keeps swimming and perseveres. You’ll find yourself asking, “What would Dory do?”.

I’m bringing my son to see Finding Dory this week (in theaters on June 17th!) and I can’t wait for him to see it. We have been watching Finding Nemo a lot lately and I know that Finding Dory will find a place into his heart and become one of his favorite Pixar films!

Make sure to like Finding Dory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Win an Alex Woo Finding Dory inspired necklace! 

The giveaway is open to residents of the US only, ages 18 and up. It will end on 6/27/16 at 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited.

Disclosure: Disney provided an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles including travel, accommodations and activities. All thoughts and opinions are my own.