As the countdown to the 2010 elections continues, Cast Members have the chance to register to vote or change their registration without ever leaving Walt Disney World Resort. On September 14 the Orange, Osceola and Polk County supervisors of elections will be collaborating with Disney to host a voter registration drive across the resort.

This September’s event is part of the ongoing “Make Freedom Count” voter registration events that have registered thousands of Cast Members over the past several election cycles and will ensure Cast Members are registered in time for the November elections

“We encourage Cast Members to exercise their right to vote by taking the first step in the political process and registering,” said Jacob DiPietre, director of government relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “That’s why we work closely with our local supervisors of elections to make it easy for our Cast Members across Walt Disney World Resort to register to vote or update their registration so their voices are heard on Election Day.”

On June 23 and 24 another “Make Freedom Count” drive was held at the Disney Reservation Centers in Orlando and Tampa, the Team Disney building, and the Transportation and Ticket Center offices. For Cast Members at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, the Cast Services buildings for Disney’s All Star Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort all hosted registration tables. And locations were also set up backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom beginning as early as 6 a.m. so Cast Members working overnight had the chance to take part in the drive.

The June voter registration drive took place in time to register Cast Members to vote in the August primary elections.

Part of the “Make Freedom Count” voter registration campaign is educating Cast Members they can register to vote anytime using a link on Disney’s internal website for Cast Members.

According to the State Division of Elections, more than 11,000,000 Floridians are already registered to vote for the upcoming 2010 elections.

Walt Disney World  Media Relations

Planning that next magical Disney vacation?  The newly released Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget is a free application that can be downloaded to a PC or Mac computer to view news, videos, weather, park hours, events and vacation planning tips.  Also included is a Disney vacation countdown clock that will tell guests the days, hours and minutes until their next Disney vacation.

Content on the app includes Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.

With the Disney Vacation Connection widget loaded on their desktop, Disney guests will be able to:

• Stay up-to-date on the latest news and special offers
• Plan their next magical Disney vacation
• Count down to the vacation with the countdown clock
• Check Disney theme park hours
• Learn about upcoming special events
• Find out the weather forecast for the Disney vacation destination

The widget is a free download.  Guests can learn more about the Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget, and download it, by visiting www.DisneyVacationConnection.com.

Walt Disney World News

Disney is rebooting its cult classic 80′s sci-fi film, Tron , and it wants the world to know. As part of Disney’s promotional blitz for the upcoming film,  Tron: Legacy , the company has released a free official game for the iPhone and iPod Touch, simply called Tron. The game features unlockable surprise content for users who visit the Tron booth at this week’s Comic-Con in San Diego, as well as video trailers and a spruced up remake of the classic Tron Tank arcade game.

Tron uses a cryptic, futuristic interface that plays into the new film’s aesthetic–a melding of the classic Tron’s iconic imagery with the flashy special effects that modern audiences demand. You can tap on different icons to view a trailer for the upcoming Tron: Legacy film, another trailer and game info for the soon-to-be-released Tron Evolution game, and to play a drastically updated version of the classic Tanks arcade game.

For more information and the rest of the article…please go to MacWorld

Image Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

We are celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland park this weekend! Over the past few months, we have been sharing key moments in each year of the park’s history in our Countdown to 55 weekly feature. In honor of this weekend, we are bringing you the entire history of the Park we’ve featured on the blog – in one post! Read on to discover all the events, attractions and people that made Disneyland park the magical place it is.

1961 – This marked the year that the beam of the Disneyland Monorail, the transportation of the future, was expanded to reach the Disneyland Hotel. The Monorail began whisking hotel guests past the Main Entrance ticket booths and directly into Tomorrowland, where the hovering Flying Saucers debuted the same year for space travelers. Guests could also wish for their own Prince Charming at a quaint wishing well alongside marble statuettes of the seven dwarfs at Snow White’s Grotto. 1961 was the first year a Grad Night was hosted in Disneyland Park and 8,500 graduating seniors came to celebrate their accomplishments at the Happiest Place on Earth.

1962 – Guests were invited to live the life of adventure by climbing and exploring the new Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, towering 70 feet over Adventureland.The year 1962 also saw the debut of the Safari Shooting Gallery – where the guns actually used real pellets! Also added in 1962: the picturesque elephant bathing pool within the world famous Jungle Cruise. Walt Disney also celebrated the 10,000th performance of the Golden Horseshoe Revue by airing it on television with its stars, including Betty Taylor, Wally Boag, Gene Sheldon and Ed Wynn.

1963– In 1963, the then-groundbreaking technology of sophisticated Audio Animatronics debuted to Disneyland park guests in an attraction that was touched by Walt Disney in every aspect of its planning. TheEnchanted Tiki Room opened in Adventureland, featuring colorful singing birds, delicate singing flowers and powerful tiki gods. With its infectious songs and lovable hosts — Fritz, Michael, Pierre and Jose — the Enchanted Tiki Room is still a favorite with park guests of all ages. Walt also hosted a press conference to explain his upcoming Audio Animatronics exhibits for the New York World’s Fair the following year.

1964 – Although the 1964 New York World’s Fair didn’t actually occur at the Disneyland Resort, many of Walt Disney’s exhibits for the fair found their permanent homes in Disneyland park after debuting for enthusiastic Fair audiences. Walt used the opportunity of presenting at the Fair to fine-tune and perfect his technologically advanced Audio Animatronic figures through four exhibits: “it’s a small world,” “Progressland,” The Magic Skyway and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” Of course we all know that Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and “it’s a small world” are now classic Disneyland attractions, but “Progressland” also came to the park as The Carousel of Progress, and The Magic Skyway utilized omnimover technology, which was used in many Disneyland classics including The Haunted Mansion. Disneyland also hosted more than 400 American athletes heading to Japan for the 1964 Summer Olympics. Events included a tribute show on the shores of the Rivers of America, featuring Bob Hope and a cast of Hollywood stars.

1965 – Disneyland park marked its first decade with a yearlong “Tencennial.” Celebration elements included parkwide decorations, a grand parade and numerous special events throughout the year. To help represent the park during the busy year, the role of Disneyland Ambassador to the World was created. Tour guide Julie Reihm was selected as the first “Miss Disneyland” — as the position was originally called — and she spent the year traveling throughout the United States and the world as the official emissary of Disneyland park. 3D Jamboree debuted at the Fantasyland Theater starring Mouseketeers. The film was presented in 3D, a technology that wouldn’t be used again at Disney Parks until Magic Journeys was produced for Epcot 25 years later. Also in 1965, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln found its permanent home in the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A.

1966 – Walt Disney brings an attraction first developed for the 1964-65 World’s Fair to Disneyland park and presides at the opening of “it’s a small world.” A spectacular new geometric facade and giant animated clock with figures representing the children of the world parading each hour are designed for the attraction’s new home. In June, the Disneyland Hotel adds the Sierra Tower annex with 150 rooms and The Plaza Building shopping complex opens a few months later. In July, Primeval World Diorama, a world of gigantic dinosaurs, is unveiled as a major addition to the diorama along the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad. Also in July, the first new land in Disneyland park – New Orleans Square – opens its initial phase with a re-creation of New Orleans’ French Quarter, featuring typical belle-epoch architecture for shops, restaurants and musical stages, in addition to a new waterfront area along the Rivers of America. The colorful dedication is one of Walt Disney’s last official ceremonies before his untimely passing in December.

1967 – On March 18, Pirates of the Caribbean opens in New Orleans Square as the first mega-scale, indoor ride-through adventure and it gets rave reviews. The Blue Bayou Restaurant featuring Cajun-inspired cuisine also opens inside the attraction. Later in the year, Club 33, Walt Disney’s private dining establishment, opens to members for the first time, and that’s not all! Tomorrowland adds SIX new attractions to the park: Rocket Jets, the centerpiece of the new Tomorrowland; Carrousel of Progress, a show featuring the memorable theme song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow;” America the Beautiful, an all-new film journey across the United States; People Mover, a perpetual-motion transportation system of the future; Flight to the Moon, a reality-based simulation of flight into space, and Adventure Through Inner Space, an omni-mover trip exploring the inside of molecules and atoms.

1968 – Following a massive year of new projects in Tomorrowland and New Orleans Square in 1967, construction in this year concentrates on the Main Entrance complex for improved guest ticketing and major changes in the guest parking lot. Special events include a record-breaking New Year’s Eve Party, Spring Fling, Old Fashioned Easter Parade, Angels-Disneyland Funday Doubleheader, the first Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and first St. Patrick’s Day Parade at the Park.

1969 – Haunted Mansion opens after 15 years of planning and features a doom buggy tour through a mysterious ante-bellum home complete with 999 ghosts. Also in 1969, a new Disneyland Monorail station is completed to accommodate a larger, new generation of Monorail trains, the Mark IV.

1970 – At the beginning of this year, the Legacy of Walt Disney opens on Main Street, U.S.A., featuring a display of Walt Disney’s awards and memorabilia along with an exhibit on the California Institute of the Arts. Later in the year, the Disneyland Hotel opens the 319-room Marina Tower with a new registration lobby. “Show Me America” comes to the Tomorrowland Stage as a fast-paced musical comedy revue with more than 120 costumes and impressive backdrops built just for this show.

1971 – An amazing attendance mark was recorded when Disneyland greeted its 100-millionth visitor in just under 16 years. The lucky 100-millionth guest Valerie Suldo from New Brunswick, N.J., came through the gates on June 17, launching a summer-long celebration of entertainment called “Year of One Million Smiles.” The world’s biggest New Year’s Eve party was celebrated with 23,000 guests on hand, the largest number in Disneyland history. New in Frontierland, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes were introduced as a way to see the Rivers of America. The year marked the debut of the first All-American College Marching Band. During the four-day President’s Holiday in February, the park rolled out lavish red-white-and-blue “I Am an American” ceremonies in Town Square. Sadly, the year ended with the death of Roy O. Disney on Dec. 20. Walt Disney’s brother was co-founder of Walt Disney Productions and chairman of the board.

1972 – Disneyland park added Bear Country as a seventh land on the far corner of Frontierland. A new production of Walt Disney World, Country Bear Jamboree, was brought to Disneyland park, and new eateryHungry Bear Restaurant opened. What was to become the most popular entertainment feature in all Disney parks, the Main Street Electrical Parade, debuted as a major summer nighttime feature with millions of tiny lights creating images from Disney animated film classics. Winnie the Pooh campaigned for president with a red-white-and-blue parade and pep rally on Main Street, U.S.A. Rock ‘n Roll Reunion sparked September entertainment with Frankie Avalon, Chuck Berry, The Drifters and The Platters. Disneyland Hotel opened a $7.2 million Convention Center with a 29,000 square-foot exhibit hall and an 18,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom.

1973 – Disney celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney Productions with the opening of “The Walt Disney Story” in April, attended by Mrs. Walt Disney, and a special tribute October 20-21 that included special parades, a cartoon festival and complimentary posters, attended by more than 100,000 guests. Disneyland Showcase, located in Town Square, displayed models and artist renderings of new attractions planned for future expansion at the park. Special events included a Viva Mexico Salute, Star Spangled Holidays, Festival Pan American Saludos Amigos, Big Band Festival and Angels-Disneyland Fun Day. Cary Grant narrated the Christmas Candlelight Procession. General Electric’s “Carousel of Progress” closed to the public on Sept. 9 in preparation for relocation to the Walt Disney World Resort.

1974 – Disneyland park was featured in two televised specials, “Sandy in Disneyland” starring Sandy Duncan, in April, and “Herbie Day at Disneyland” in July. In Tomorrowland, America Sings, a humorous musical review, opened in the Carousel Theatre with a cast of 110 comical Audio-Animatronic animals singing America’s favorite heritage folk music and campfire tunes led by emcee Sam the Eagle. It replaced General Electric’s Carousel of Progress. The Main Street Electrical Parade entertained millions of summertime visitors, as did the All-American College Marching Band and a new addition, The Kids of the Kingdom. Special events included Alice in Wonderland Days, Viva Mexico, Disneyland and All That Jazz, “Herbie Rides Again” Days, and “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too” Days.

1975 – Disneyland park celebrated its 20th anniversary and began a 15-month salute to the U.S.A. Bicentennial with the most elaborate parade in the park’s history – “America on Parade,” which featured 50 floats and 150 giant performers at least eight feet tall, in addition to an all-new red, white and blue fireworks spectacular “Fantasy in the Sky.” Disneyland park welcomed back Christine Vess Watkins and Michael Schwartner, the park’s first visitors in 1955. Mission to Mars, an updated version of Flight to the Moon, was an exciting journey deep into space, since man had already reached the moon in real life. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln returned to Main Street, U.S.A. as a featured part of The Walt Disney Story.

1976 – Disneyland park welcomed its 150,000,000th visitor – Elsie Mae Houck of Tulare, Calif. It also welcomed a slew of “name” guests during the year, including Olympic gold medal darling Nadia Comaneci and Alabama governor George Wallace. On the entertainment side, a special Thanksgiving show featured singer Pearl Bailey on a Rivers of America floating stage, while Disney fans got a chance to walk down memory lane as the original Mouseketeers gathered at the park for a 20-year reunion of the Mickey Mouse Club. Adding to the magic, Jungle Cruise underwent major changes with seven new scenes and 31 new Audio-Animatronics animals.

1977 – Openings and closings highlighted the year, as famed astronauts, including Alan Shepard, gathered for the opening of Space Mountain…and Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland closed after 21 years to make way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In addition to Space Mountain, Tomorrowland also debuted the PeopleMover SuperSpeed Tunnel, Starcade, and the Space Place restaurant. Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade returned for the summer after a two-year break, while an all-new Very Merry Christmas Parade bowed for the Christmas seasons.

1978 – Mickey Mouse’s 50th birthday was all the rage, as special shows and parades were peppered throughout the year. The official celebration took place on Nov. 18 and 19, with Annette Funicello and other fave Mouseketeers on hand to celebrate. New elements were added to the popular Matterhorn Bobsleds, while the Disneyland Hotel opened the 13-story Bonita Tower, the first hotel in the U.S. with a solar heating system. Grad Nite continued its popular run, growing to eight parties for 821 high school graduating classes.

1979 – Disneyland park welcomed its first birth: Teresa Salcedo was born on a busy July 4th near Main Street, U.S.A., and she was later presented with the official “Disneyland Birth Certificate No. 1.” Teresa wasn’t the only new addition, as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad took its maiden trip in September. Celebrating his 75th birthday in grand style, Count Basie welcomed several of his closest celebrity pals to a summer party, including Sammy Davis Jr. and Ed McMahon Other hot names (for the time) who showed up throughout the year included Peaches and Herb, Evelyn “Champagne” King and Buddy Rich.

1980 – Disneyland park kicked off a year-long Silver Anniversary celebration with a pre-parade show at the Tournament of Roses on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. Several special parades and shows followed for the rest of the year, but it was a special event in March, featuring Michael Jackson and Danny Kaye, that brought national attention to the celebration. On July 17, the 25th anniversary of the park’s opening, doors were open for 25 straight hours. In April, Family Reunion Night Celebration brought out several famous Disney faces, including Jackson, Fred MacMurray, Ernest Borgnine as well as the Carpenters, Ray Bradbury and even…Elliot Gould.

1981 – The New Fantasyland was still two years away, but a project on par with that one developed in small scale along the banks of Storybook Land in June, 1981. All of the original miniature buildings and scenery details built for the Storybook Land Canal Boats attraction in 1956 were removed and replaced with brand-new ones. Efforts were made to make the replicas as similar to the originals as possible, stressing even the most minute details. In this year, Disneyland park also welcomed its 200,000,000th guest: 26-year-old Gert Schelvis of Santa Barbara, California received a lifetime pass to Disneyland, as well as an assortment of goodies from the Park’s sponsors.

1982 – When Disneyland park first opened, guests used tickets to gain admission to individual attractions. Those tickets eventually gave way to the A–E coupons, which could be used for multiple attractions. All tickets were retired in June of 1982 and replaced with the Passport – an all-encompassing ticket providing unlimited access to all attractions and shows (except the arcades). In Frontierland, Disney Legend Wally Boag hung up his carpet bag and officially retired from the Golden Horseshoe Revue after more than 39,000 performances. The SuperSpeed Tunnel along the PeopleMover route received a futuristic makeover and became the World of Tron, showing highlights from Disney’s big summer film release, “Tron,” on massive circular screens.

1983 – Fantasy reigned in 1983, as a whole new version of Fantasyland was unveiled in May. The new land cast aside its old facades of tournament tents and banners and became the Fantasyland of Walt Disney’s imagination: a quaint little fairy-tale village, where the denizens of Disney’s classic animated features lived and thrived. Old classics like Snow White’s Adventures and Peter Pan Flight remained, but with new technology, slightly altered names (they were now Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Peter Pan’s Flight), and brand-new facades that stressed the distinct cultural origins of each characters’ story. A new adventure, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, joined the group. The whole Park celebrated the new Fantasyland with the aptly titled Flights of Fantasy Parade.

1984 – This year was a grab bag of special events and activities. Summer Olympic fever spread from Los Angeles to Disneyland park, and the pre-games Olympic Night Charity Benefit on May 24 brought in $600,000 to Team U.S.A. During the games, the park hosted hundreds of athletes on Olympic Spirit Weekends. Donald Duck finally got his due with a 50th Birthday Parade. The Magic Eye Theater replaced the Space Stage in Tomorrowland and premiered EPCOT Center’s Magic Journeys 3D film. Elsewhere in Tomorrowland, Circle-Vision 360 reopened with two new breathtaking films: “American Journeys” and “Wonders of China.” The Country Bears received a special Christmas makeover for the first time, and the New Fantasyland was finally complete with the opening of the refurbished Alice in Wonderland attraction.

1985 – Disneyland park’s 30th anniversary was celebrated in spectacular style. A gigantic machine called the Gift Giver Extraordinaire doled out thousands of prizes to guests as they entered the gates, including brand-new GM cars to every 30,000th guest; Disneyland park stayed open for a full 24 hours to mark the actual anniversary on July 17. A new version of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln premiered on Main Street, U.S.A., complete with an advanced Audio-Animatronics figure. Videopolis opened, bringing teens and young adults a place to dance the night away to the latest popular tunes. And for the first time in the park’s history, Disneyland park began operating 365 days a year (before this time, the Park was closed Mondays and Tuesdays in the off-season).

1986 – With a party that lasted 60 hours, Captain EO leaped off the screen in Tomorrowland for the first time, giving guests an intergalactic musical adventure that could only initially be seen at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort (and nowhere else in the universe). On the other side of the park, Big Thunder Ranch opened, and for the first time, guests could visit with some of the animals from the Circle D Corral. Guests could also visit the new Big Thunder Barbecue where they could drink from a glass jar and get their food from the “chuck wagon.”

1987 – Star Tours officially opens at Disneyland park in January! A galaxy far far away was brought a lot closer as Star Tours began transporting guests to Endor in a new type of experience, combining military grade flight simulation and a first-person perspective of flight scenes. The Disney Gallery also opened its doors above the Pirates of the Caribbean and offers guests an opportunity to view unique Disney art.

1988 – The celebration of 60 years with Mickey Mouse started with a visit to Disneyland park by Earforce One, a 100-foot hot air balloon. In November, five thousand children from North America and parts of Asia were treated to a day at Disneyland park to celebrate. The ’50s were also celebrated in Disneyland Blast to the Past, and the Main Street Hop filled the street with cast members dressed in poodle skirts and saddle shoes. In 1988, Disneyland park set the record for the most people hula hooping at the same time in one location – 1,527 people gathered in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle to break the record. Also in this year, Disney purchased the Disneyland Hotel from the Wrather Company, and Bear Country’s name was changed to Critter Country in preparation for Splash Mountain.

1989 – Splash Mountain debuts and is the fastest, tallest and steepest flume attraction at its time! Disneyland park welcomed its 300 millionth Guest with a new marquee in 1989. The new marquee featured a digital board with changing messages and fiber optics that helped the name Disneyland sparkle at night. “Blast to the Past” returned with Chubby Checker and 2,248 guests breaking the record for most people doing the twist in one location. In the winter, the “One Man’s Dream” show premiered at Videopolis.

1990 – Disneyland park celebrated its 35th anniversary with “Disneyland Big” and a new parade called Party Gras that featured a parade float that towered 37 feet. The Dream Machine, located in Central Plaza, gave some fortunate guests an opportunity to try their luck to win one of many prizes that included Walt Disney Home Videos, a Mickey Mouse plush or even a new car.

1991 – As the Persian Gulf War came to an end, Disneyland park honored thousands of veterans returning home from the region with a daily cavalcade from April 17 to June 17. The park also helped raise money for the U.S. Olympic Committee with Olympic Salutes, a five-mile cast member torch relay in June leading to Sleeping Beauty Castle. Elsewhere in the park, the Blue Ribbon Bakery opened its doors on Main Street, U.S.A., and those with fond memories of watching Darkwing Duck and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers after school remember the thrill of meeting their favorite stars live at Disney Afternoon Avenue. This temporary Fantasyland attraction featured the TaleSpin stage show “Plane Crazy” at Videopolis, plus redressed rides including the Rescue Rangers Raceway (Fantasyland Autopia) and the Motor Boat Cruise to Gummi Glen (of Gummi Bears fame).

1992 – Mickey Mouse ignited the night for the first time with Fantasmic!, an epic battle between good and evil on the Rivers of America featuring water, pyrotechnic and laser effects. Though the show begins its 19th year this summer, it wasn’t the only entertainment of note in 1992. Coinciding with the theatrical release, a live Beauty and the Beast stage show debuted on the Videopolis stage, which ran for several years and eventually inspired the Broadway smash. Goofy also celebrated his sixtieth birthday with the larger than life parade, “The World According to Goofy,“ and opened his first restaurant as Goofy’s Kitchen debuted at the Disneyland Hotel. The park’s biggest special event was the private 60th birthday party of actress Elizabeth Taylor, featuring a performance of “Happy Birthday” led by Barry Manilow.

1993 – The toons finally received their very own home in Mickey’s Toontown, the first all-new land added to Disneyland park in over 20 years. Featuring a gag-filled downtown inspired by the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the cartoon-like design was influenced by the personalities of the characters living there, with Donald taking up residence in a boat while Chip and Dale inhabited an acorn tree. With Aladdin hitting theatres in the summer, a Royal Caravan parade made its way to Main Street, U.S.A., while the Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland was replaced by a new restaurant, Aladdin’s Oasis. As Mickey Mouse celebrated his 65th birthday, the “Partners” statue featuring Walt Disney that sits in Disneyland park’s Central Plaza was also dedicated.

1994 – Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin welcomed its first fares on the one-year anniversary of Mickey’s Toontown. This innovative dark ride featured vehicles that could be rotated in any direction or speed. One of the biggest parades in Disneyland park history debuted, as “The Lion King Celebration” showcased unique Audio-Animatronics and larger-than-life puppets along with more than 100 live performers. The park said goodbye to a longtime favorite, as the Skyway attraction connecting Fantasyland and Tomorrowland closed after 38 years of operation. 1994 also brought the spring break which saw Disneyland park go Pog Wild and Rollerblade Crazy.

1995 – Indiana Jones Adventure (TM), the thrilling off-road journey through an ancient temple, blazed its way to Disneyland park. On July 17, a time capsule was buried in the Sleeping Beauty Castle forecourt containing items that would not be revealed until the park’s 80th anniversary. The dance club Videopolis was transformed into Fantasyland Theatre, featuring the all-new stage show “The Spirit of Pocahontas.” The Disneyland Resort expanded to include the Disneyland Hotel’s next-door neighbor, the Pan Pacific Hotel, which was transformed into the Disneyland Pacific Hotel (and later Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel).

1996 – A record number of guests turned out for Main Street Electrical Parade before the show dimmed the lights. The new stars from Disney•Pixar’s hit “Toy Story” opened up the Toy Story Funhouse over in Tomorrowland. In Frontierland another guest experience premiered at Big Thunder Ranch. The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools completely immersed the audience in an exciting song, dance and fun-filled extravaganza.

1997 – The Hercules Victory Parade traveled through the park for the first time, celebrating Disney’s newest hero. Light Magic opened, and Main Street, U.S.A., got a lot more tasty with new locations for the Carnation Café, Blue Ribbon Bakery and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor. On Refreshment Corner, a window was dedicated to honor Bob Penfield, the last original cast member to retire. Bob was a part of “Club 55,” which was the term for those who were on the job the day Disneyland park opened.

1998 – Three new attractions transformed Tomorrowland this year, including the Astro Orbitor, “Honey I Shrunk the Audience” and Rocket Rods. Over in Fantasyland, Fantasyland Theatre received an entirely new look with a new roof and a whole new show – Anamazement – starring some of Disney’s famous animated characters.

1999 – Disney’s FastPass service makes its official debut with “it’s a small world” holiday in November. The Plaza Gardens undergoes a revitalization effort with a new canopy and stage. New faces can be seen throughout the park, such as Radio Disney DJs Just Plain Mark and Zippy, who begin broadcasting live from underneath the Observatron. Tarzan moves into a tree house in Adventureland.

2000 – A brand new parade – 45 Years of Magic Parade – and a dazzling new fireworks spectacular – Believe…There’s Magic in the Stars – debuted this year. The only original Tomorrowland attraction left from park opening, Autopia, is reimagined. Combining the old Fantasyland and Tomorrowland attractions, young drivers now cruised along a modern highway through scenic forests and past shimmering waters.

2001 – This year saw the completion of the largest expansion in Disneyland history at that time, and on just the second day of the year, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel welcomed its first guests. Shortly after,Downtown Disney opened the doors to its shopping, dining and entertainment venues, while Disney’s California Adventure park celebrated its grand opening in February. Over at Disneyland park, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante opened in Frontierland. On July 4, guest favorite “Disney’s Electrical Parade” returned after an absence of almost five years to light up the streets of Disney’s California Adventure park. Grim grinning ghosts celebrated the holidays with the first appearance of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park, and band lovers celebrated “The Power of Blast!” at the Hyperion Theater at Disney’s California Adventure park, featuring brass and percussion instruments and choreography reminiscent of a halftime spectacular.

2002 – “a bug’s land” opened at Disney’s California Adventure park, offering guests the chance to see the world through a bug’s eyes. In October, the first CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park saw 11,000 participants stroll through the Resort. After baseball’s fall classic had ended, the Resort was awash in a sea of red as fans came out to cheer the Angels in a victory celebration. The year ended with three wishes as the Disney’s California Adventure production of “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” had its first performance.

2003 – “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” came to Disney’s California Adventure park and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh debuted at Disneyland park. Jingles and the rest of King Arthur Carrousel’s72 steeds were ready for guests again after an extensive refurbishment. In June the Pirates franchise was born when we rolled out the red carpet on Main Street, U.S.A. for a Hollywood-style premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”

2004 – Over at Hollywood Pictures Backlot, guests began having hair-raising experiences when The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened May 4. At Disneyland park, three Olympic gold medalists took to the water at the Disneyland Resort in a pool built in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. during the final stop of the “Disney’s Swim With the Stars” tour. “Snow White – An Enchanting New Musical” debuted. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel completed a renovation in June featuring redesigned guest rooms, an enhanced lobby and a new pool area with a waterslide.

2005 – A 50th anniversary celebrity kick-off event included Julie Andrews, Steve Martin and Tim Allen. Sleeping Beauty castle underwent a beauty makeover, complete with crowns. “Remember…Dreams Come True” fireworks show made its debut. Neil Armstorng re-dedicated Space Mountain. Disneyland park was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crushpremiered at Disney’s California Adventure park.

2006 – In addition to the changes to Pirates of the Caribbean, this year was also a year of firsts as Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort debuted. Disney’s Princess Fantasy Faire and the Jedi Training Academy also debuted this year, allowing guests the opportunity to meet with Disney royalty or battle Darth Vader and Darth Maul.

2007 – Two major re-imagined adventures on the high seas came to Disneyland park: the return of the submarines and the debut of Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. The debut of Pirate’s Lair occurred in the same year as the premiere at Disneyland park of the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, “At World’s End.” Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage opened to rave reviews as the subs had been missing from Tomorrowland for nine years.

2008 – Toy Story Mania! inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” films debuted at Disney’s California Adventure park. In Adventureland, the Enchanted Tiki Room celebrated 45 years of singing birds, plants and totem poles. The year 2008 also saw the return of a re-imagined Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthroughattraction.

2009 – New magic was added to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers visited the Disneyland Resort to celebrate his fourth NBA championship.
2010 – Captain EO returned almost two decades after it first debuted. Opening day was quite a scene as fans came out in complete EO garb to see the show.

2010 – Captain EO returned almost two decades after it first debuted. Opening day was quite a scene as fans came out in complete EO garb to see the show.

Disney Parks Blog

Argentina, Introduced: 1996

• Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
• Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec
• Bodega Norton Cosecha Tardía
• Kaiken Cabernet
• Pasual Toso Torontes

Australia, Introduced: 1997

• Seared Barramundi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes,Arugula, and Lemon Oil
• Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction
• Lamington (sponge cake dipped in chocolate)
• Rosemount Traminer Riesling
• Marquis Philips, Shiraz
• Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
• Nugan Estate Riverina Chardonnay

Belgium, Introduced: 2010 (New!)

• Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream
• Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
• Stella Artois
• Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee
• Leffe
• Hoegaarden

Brazil, Introduced: 1996

• Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa
• Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime
• Leblon Frozen Caipirinha

Brewer’s Collection, Introduced: 2003

• Radeberger Pilsner
• Schofferhofer Weizen
• Hovels
• Schlosser, Alt
• Altenmünster, Octoberfest
• Altenmünster Dunkel
• Altenmünster Märzen
• Clausthaler Classic N/A

Canada, Introduced: 1996

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Maple-Glazed Salmon with Lentil Salad
• Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta
• Nanaimo Bar
• Moosehead Beer
• Vidal Icewine
• Chateau De Charmes Riesling
• St. David’s Bench Vineyard Merlot

Charcuterie & Cheese, Introduced: 2010 (New!)

• Cheese Fondue with Croutons and Roasted Potatoes
• Applewood Smoked Beef, Duck; and Ham
• MARTINI® Prosecco
• Ace Joker Hard Cider
• MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Chile, Introduced: 1997

• Shrimp Ceviche
• Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Pie)
• Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc
• Santa Ema Reserve Chardonnay
• Casa Carmenere
• Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon

China, Introduced: 1996

• Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
• Pork Pot Stickers
• Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick
• Tsingtao Beer
• Dragon’s Hollow Chardonnay
• Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler
• Happy Lychee

Desserts & Champagne, Introduced: 2000

• Strawberry Angel Verrine
• Pear Streusel Pudding Cake
• Dark Chocolate Sensation
• Moët & Chandon: White Star Impérial
• Rosé Impérial
• Nectar Impérial
• Nectar Impérial Rosé

France, Introduced: 1996

• Escargots Persillade en Brioche
• Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes
• Crème Brulée au Chocolate au Lait
• Merlot, Chateau Des Deux Rives, Bordeaux
• Chardonnay, Private Selection, Barton & Guestier
• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
• Parisien Cosmo Slush

Germany, Introduced: 1996

• Spätzle Gratin with Ham and Cheese
• Nürnberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll
• Apfel Strudel featuring Werther’s Original Karamell Sauce
• S.A. Prüm Essence Riesling
• Hooked Riesling
• Gunderloch Diva Spatlese Riesling
• Rudi Wiest Rhine River Riesling
• Radeberger Pilsner
• Hovels
• Altenmünster Octoberfest

Greece, Introduced: 1996

• Greek Salad with Pita Bread
• Spanakopita
• Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
• Baklava
• Boutari Moschofilero
• Enoteca Emery Athiri Mountain Slopes
• Boutari Naoussa
• Atlantis White

Hops & Barley, Introduced: 2005

• Boston-style Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Rémoulade
• New England Lobster Roll
• Pecan Bread Pudding
• Samuel Adams® Beers:
  Boston Lager®
  Octoberfest
  Cherry Wheat®
  15th Anniversary Festival Beer Coastal Wheat Light®
  Cream Stout
  Blackberry Witbier
  Latitude 48 IPA

Ireland, Introduced: 2001

• Lobster and Scallop Fisherman’s Pie
• Kerrygold® Cheese Selection
• Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Baileys Irish Cream Ganache
• Guinness Draught
• Bunratty Honey Meade Wine

Italy, Introduced: 1996

• Polpettine Toscane with a Rosemary Breadstick
• Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Bolognese Sauce, Melted Mozzarella
• Cannolo Al Cioccolato
• Primavera Fruit Smoothie
• Fantinel Prosecco
• Chianti Placido Banfi
• Pinot Sartori
• Moretti Beer

Japan, Introduced: 1996

• Spicy Tuna Roll
• California Sushi Roll
• Tuna Sensation
• Wafu Ribettes
• Kirin Draft Beer
• Hatsumago sake
• Denemon Junmai sake

Mexico, Introduced: 1996

• Tamal de Pollo
• Taco de Chilorio
• Esquites(Pan-Fried Corn and Spices)
• Churro
• Dos Equis Beer
• Passion Fruit Frozen Margarita
• Conga Fruit Punch
• Wine L.A. Cetto Chardonnay
• Wine L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah

Morocco, Introduced: 1996

• Beef in a Pita Pocket
• Falafel Pita Pocket
• Baklava
• Amazigh Red wine
• Sangria
• Tangerine Mimosa Royale
• Iced Mint Tea
• Casa Beer

New Zealand, Introduced: 1997

• Seared Sea Scallop with Vegetable Slaw and Lemon Oil
• Lamb Slider with Tomato Chutney
• Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
• Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon
• Villa Maria Private Bin “Unoaked” Hawkes Bay Chardonnay
• Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Pinot Noir

Poland, Introduced: 1996

• Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
• Golabki (Pork Stuffed Cabbage)
• Chopin Strawberry Balsamic Chiller

Puerto Rico, Introduced: 2005

• Asopao de Pollo (Chicken Soup with Rice)
• Medianoche Sandwich
• Bacardi Frozen Torched Cherry Colada
• Bacardi Frozen Limón Mojito

Singapore, Introduced: 2005 (Returning)

• Shrimp Cake with Singapore Noodle Salad
• Coconut-Braised, Beef Rendang with Jasmine Rice
• Singapore Sling
• Tiger Beer

South Africa, Introduced: 1997

• Flavors of Africa (Salad, Bread, and Spreads)
• Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Purèe and Mango Barbecue Sauce
• Goats do Roam White
• La Capra Pinotage
• La Capra Shiraz
• La Capra Chardonnay
• La Capra Sauvignon Blanc

South Korea, Introduced: 2010 (New!)

• Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
• Barbecue Short Rib with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi
• Honey Ginger Tea
• Jinro Chamisul Soju
• Bohae Bokbunjajoo (Black Raspberry Rice Wine)

Spain, Introduced: 1997

• Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives, and Tomato Bread
• Seared Albacore Tuna with Romesco Sauce
• Spanish Almond Cake
• Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza Red
• Paul Cheneau “Lady” Blanc de Blancs Cava
• Marqués de Cáceres Rioja White

United States, Introduced: 1996

• Bison Chili with Wild Mushrooms, Cabernet, and Pepper Jack Cheese
• Heirloom Tomatoes with Oregon Blue Cheese, Red Onions, and Basil
• Sagelands Vineyard Merlot, Four Corners
• Sagelands Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley
• Red Stag by Jim Beam

The Regal Sun Resort, an official Walt Disney World Hotel property, is offering group booking discounts throughout 2011. Those booking ten or more rooms per night can receive special discounts at the Lake Buena Vista hotel and resort, including ten percent off their theme park events and complimentary breaks and receptions.

To reserve the ”Shine Brighter” promotion, simply make a reservation for ten or more rooms (per night) between now through August 31, 2010 for stays in 2010 or 2011. In return, the Lake Buena Vista hotel will offer ten percent off a Disney Theme Park Event

• and the following additional promotions:

• 10 Rooms/NightFree AM Break
• 20 Rooms/NightFree AM & PM Break
• 30 Rooms/NightFree Reception
• 40 Rooms/NightFree Breaks & Reception

In addition, meeting planners will receive additional incentives based on the revenue booked. Incentives at the Lake Buena Vista hotel and resort include complimentary guest rooms, guest room upgrades, discounts on audio / visual services, food and beverages and complimentary internet access.

Whether you are planning a meeting, cocktail reception, unique networking venue or large-scale celebration, a portion of a Disney Theme Park or an entire park buyout, we can customize it to fit your needs. Meeting amenities at the Official Walt Disney World hotel include:

• 19,000 square feet of meeting and event space
• 15 beautifully appointed meeting rooms accommodating up to 1,200 guests
• 12,000-square-foot Ballroom
• Exhibit capacity for 80 8′x10′ booths
• Assistance with all aspects of meeting planning including pre-registration
• State-of-the-art technology including Wireless Internet access and teleconferencing capabilities
• Onsite event technology service, provided by Presentation Services
• Culinary creativity from our catering staff for everything from coffee breaks to dinners
• Continuous shuttle transportation to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

To request a Request For Proposal, visit www.RegalSunResort.com or call (888) 684-4373.

• Room night qualification is based on actual consumption (pick-up) per night; Chef’s choice.
• Discount applies to food items for events in the Disney Theme Parks through the Disney Event Group. This promotion does not apply to existing groups or with any other promotion.

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply. This promotion may end at any time and at the discretion of the hotel.

About the Regal Sun Located within the Walt Disney World Resort, the Regal Sun boasts a water park-type environment along the shores of Lake Buena Vista, complete with a “beach entry” pool and a tropical mountain with waterfalls. In addition, guests can enjoy a character breakfast with the Disney gang, a Nintendo Wii console in the lobby and much more. To learn more about the Regal Sun, a Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotel, visit www.RegalSunResort.com or call (888) 684-4373.

More than 60 of the world’s top baseball players made their way down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park on Tuesday before heading to Angel Stadium for the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The procession followed the public portion of the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show in Anaheim.

One of the best players ever to wear an Angels uniform, Rod Carew, served as Grand Marshal of the event in Disneyland. This event celebrated the 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game. For more information go to www.allstargame.com.

The MLB All-Star event is one more celebration taking place during a year when Disney Parks asks guests, “What Will You Celebrate?”  For more information about Disneyland Resort, go to www.disneyland.com, and for information about Disney Parks, visit www.disneyparks.com.

Disneyland Resort News

From Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel, from the Matterhorn to Midway Mania, Disney fans will embark on an all-day search that will take them throughout the Disneyland Resort on September 26 in the very first GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT from D23, the official Disney fan club.

It’s the ultimate Disney test, with teams of up to four people racing against the clock to gather as many points as possible. The top 10 teams will win Disney prizes. Any Disney fan can register for the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT by visiting www.disney.com/D23.

Registration opens July 12 and is $50 for a team (up to four people) of D23 Members and $75 for a team of non-members.

The GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel, and teams will need to scour the entire Disneyland Resort for clues. (Note that theme park admission is not included in the registration fee, but special convention-rate admission will be available during the weekend’s Destination D: Disneyland ’55 event.) Teams will have five hours to search everywhere from Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resort Hotels to Disney’s California Adventure and, of course, Disneyland.

For the top 10 teams, D23 has assembled an amazing array of prizes from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, the Walt Disney Collectors’ Society, Disney Publishing, Walt Disney Records and more.

The GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT caps an exciting weekend for D23 Members, as they’ll also have the opportunity to take part in the first Destination D event, a two-day celebration of the Disney’s legacy of magic and creativity.

Destination D: Disneyland ’55 illuminates the fascinating history behind Disney’s flagship park, taking members on a mesmerizing journey through the design, creation and debut of the world’s first Disney theme park.

Destination D will also feature a special homage to the 55th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club, with original Mousketeers in attendance, including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (nee Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien and Mary Geoff (nee Espinosa).

Throughout the two days of Destination D – which will be held September 24 and 25 – guests will also enjoy panels, presentations and guest speakers, including explorations of the development of Audio Animatronics; Disneyland’s unique place in pop culture; amazing never-completed Disney attractions; and an appearance by Disneyland President George Kalogridis.

Tickets to Destination D: Disneyland ’55 and the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT will be available separately beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, July 12.

Attendance at Destination D is reserved for members of D23, Disney’s official fan club, while the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT is open to all Disney fans.

Disney fans can become members of D23 by visiting www.disney.com/D23, select shops at the Disneyland(R) and Walt Disney World(R) Resorts, and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

Every day of the year, D23 Membership brings exciting Disney discoveries, special savings, and a host of benefits. Gold-level D23 Memberships are $74.99 and include a one-year subscription to the exquisite Disney twenty-three magazine. Silver-level memberships, which offer all benefits except the magazine subscription, are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

PRNewswire

If there’s a special event at this year’s fest that you don’t want to miss, start dialing 407-WDW-FEST at 7 a.m. July 20 – that’s when the Disney reservations team will start bookings for events for the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

With a “Delicious Discoveries” theme, there are plenty of events that are free with park admission, but fans will want to try to snag a spot at the first-ever First Bites Opening Reception ($195 plus tax and theme park admission). Or the new “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery ($45 plus park admission) with a front-row seat and sweets for viewing IllumiNations.

We love to wander, sip and nosh our way around World Showcase – the lobster and scallop fisherman’s pie is back in the Ireland Marketplace, ditto the braised beef short ribs in France. And we can’t wait to try the mussels in garlic cream at the new Belgium Marketplace. With more than 250 Disney and celeb chefs showing off their skills throughout the festival, any day is a good day.

Festival details will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine before reservations open July 20.

Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club began selling real estate interests for the company’s first family-friendly destination resort in Hawaii on July 2.  Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawaii, is scheduled to open its first phase in fall 2011 and will mark the eleventh resort for Disney Vacation Club.

“We are thrilled to give families joining Disney Vacation Club a new resort option in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world,” said Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis.  “Once Aulani opens, families will be able to immerse themselves in the culture of Hawaii while knowing that they will get the quality vacation experience only Disney can deliver.”

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii, is planned to include 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas and 360 traditional hotel rooms upon its completion.  Other family-friendly resort amenities are scheduled to include an 18,000-square-foot spa, two restaurants, a wedding lawn, a kids’ club, a conference center and a pool area complete with a feature pool, wading pool, tube slides, sunset-facing hot tubs and a snorkel lagoon.

Built adjacent to a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, Aulani is located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development, near the existing Ko Olina Marina and a Ted Robinson-designed, 18-hole Championship Golf course.  Located on the western side of Oahu, the resort will also offer easy access to other points of interest on the island, such as the North Shore area and Pearl Harbor.

Disney Vacation Club offers families unparalleled flexibility and is designed to accommodate changing vacation needs as families are able to determine where to go, when to visit, how long to stay and what size of accommodations best suits their needs on each trip.

To begin, Disney Vacation Clubmembers are able to choose from among a variety of exciting vacation destinations, including a stay at any Disney Vacation Club resort, a trip on one of the Disney Cruise Line ships, a guided vacation with Adventures by Disney or a jaunt to one of more than 500 other destinations around the world. Plus, members staying at Disney Vacation Club resorts truly get “more room in the room,” as they can choose from four sizes of accommodations that sleep from four people up to 12 and range from 350 square feet to more than 2,000 square feet.  Additionally, vacations at a Disney Vacation Club resort can last any length of time, from one night to several weeks.

“Families can experience diverse destinations around the world with their Disney Vacation Club membership,” Lewis said.  “Plus, Disney Vacation Club can be enjoyed by generations of family members, allowing families to continue to experience the magic of memorable Disney vacations year after year.”

Disney Vacation Club revolutionized the timeshare industry in October 1991 when it introduced a flexible, vacation points-based model.  Today, more than 450,000 individual members from approximately 100 countries and all 50 states have discovered the joys of membership with Disney Vacation Club.

Disneyland Resort News

Viewers around the world will join a one-of-a-kind, online phenomenon in July to experience the extraordinary magic of “World of Color,” the new after-dark spectacular presented nightly in Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim. The interactive tour will feature live shows in four California cities, and the online audience will travel “virtually” to each location to watch the shows and interact with the webcast.

In each city, specially produced animation will be projected onto a familiar city landmark, using a sensational mixture of special effects, high-tech projections and one of the storytelling themes presented in “World of Color.”

The public is invited to participate online only at the “World of Color” Road Show website  (www.WorldofColorRoadShow.com), where viewers will enjoy a rich experience that includes Disney animation and music, video entertainment and a “viewer’s choice” opportunity to vote for the starring color in that evening’s show. Each city will have a broadcast location designed for media only.

This “online spectacular” is inspired by the dazzling “World of Color” show, which combines music, animation, water and a multitude of special effects in a magical celebration of Disney characters and storytelling. A new venture for the Disneyland Resort, the tour will utilize streaming online video to bring its own special magic to the World Wide Web and to iconic locations in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and Los Angeles. Each locale will deliver a different, amazing show.

ONLINE EXPERIENCE: Viewers will be able to access the webcast performances live and on encore nights at the website, in English at www.WorldofColorRoadShow.com and in Spanish at www.coloresdisney.com. The site also features an artistic video mashup, interviews with the creators of “World of Color” and the voting option. Video clips from each iconic location will be added to the show on ensuing nights, inspiring viewers to follow the virtual tour throughout California.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Just as fairies cast their spells, online viewers will cast their votes each night for one of three colors representing each of the Three Good Fairies from “Sleeping Beauty” – Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.  The color with the most votes will be featured in the show’s opening moment, complete with a trail of pixie dust. In true Disney style, the winning fairy will fly from computer screens to the landmark location and she will conjure the magical transformation of the landmark using the chosen color – red, green or blue. With this bit of magic, online audience members are able to lend their own spark of inspiration to the show.

SHOW THEMES: A different theme will come alive in each of the four cities, with each show reflecting a theme from the “World of Color” production at Disney California Adventure.  To experience the show in each city, people will have to visit the website.  There will be no accommodations on site in each city.

SAN FRANCISCO: In San Francisco, the unique animation will be projected onto the façade of a landmark that will be revealed online on Opening Night. The presentation is dedicated to the theme of “Love,” featuring romantic couples from Disney and Disney – Pixar animated films. The live show, presented Wednesday and Thursday, July 7 and 8, will repeat continuously from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Pacific time and will be shot from several different angles for the ongoing, live webcast. Encore webcasts (not live) of the San Francisco show will appear online from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 9 through 11.

SACRAMENTO: With forest and garden scenes from such films as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Pocahontas,” “Bambi” and “Alice in Wonderland,” the online experience in Sacramento will be built around the theme of “Nature.” Presented Thursday through Sunday, July 15-18, in historic Old Sacramento, it will be webcast live from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. each evening.

SAN DIEGO: The next stop will be San Diego where, appropriately enough, “Water” will be the theme of the interactive experience, featuring scenes from “The Little Mermaid,” “Finding Nemo” and others projected onto the U.S.S. Midway Museum at Navy Pier. The San Diego webcasts will be live from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, July 22-25.

LOS ANGELES: The final shows of the online tour will be projected onto the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los AngelesThursday and Friday, July 29 and 30. The theme will be “Sky,” illustrated by scenes from such films as “Aladdin” and “Fantasia.” As before, the live online presentation will be repeated continuously from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Encore performances (not live) will be webcast from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 31 and August 1.

Rehearsals are underway for the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra’s summer production, Dream Our Dreams, A Musical Tribute to the Legacy of Disney. Known for staging spectacular charity concerts, the volunteer ensemble has chosen Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida as their 2010 beneficiary.

Encore! offers Cast Members an outlet for their creativity and a chance to showcase their talents while performing great music for worthy causes. The troupe, founded in 2002, has grown to include roughly 330 singers, 100 instrumentalists, 50 dancers and a production team of 40. Encore! producer Bruce Light says at least half of the group has jobs outside of entertainment and aren’t performers by trade. For all involved, it’s a labor of love.

Since its inception, Encore! has donated the funds from its ticket sales to local charities, raising more than $115,000 to date. The group recognized early on that they could do a lot of good by giving back. “We were getting a good amount of money from ticket sales and we didn’t need it,” said Clay Price, Encore! co-founder, artistic director and conductor. “We thought let’s give it to an organization that is going to benefit from this more than us.”

Each year, Encore! determines its beneficiary by group vote; Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida is the current recipient of their charitable giving. Past recipients include United Arts of Central Florida, SPCA of Central Florida, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and A Gift For Teaching.

Dream Our Dreams is scheduled for Aug. 6 – 8 at Epcot World ShowPlace. Performances are open to the public. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and available through www.encorecentral.org.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Weeks before the release of Toy Story 3, guests at Walt Disney World Resort had a sneak peek at characters and storylines from the new hit film.

Since early May, guests have experienced the new characters in many ways, through attractions, shows and parades, merchandise, and food and beverage.

It’s a prime example of Disney putting synergy in motion across its various business units.

“We regularly evaluate synergy opportunities between our films and our parks, looking for ways to bring proven guest favorites to life in a way that only Disney can do,” said Darlene Papalini, vice president of global synergy, broadcast marketing and talent relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “Franchises are never manufactured but always organically come to life in our parks. The response of our guests to stories and characters determines the strength of the franchise.”

Papalini says the teams look at each franchise and story individually; there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Where there is a natural fit to bring in a new story or new characters from an existing franchise – like Toy Story for example – they carefully consider it.

The new characters from the latest chapter from the Toy Story franchise have already been popping up in numerous ways across Walt Disney World Resort:

• A “balloon pop” game hosted by Rex and including new Toy Story 3 characters Trixie and Mr. Pricklepants has been integrated into the Toy Story Mania! attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests visiting the Magic of Disney Animation can stop by the colorful toy room of the Sunnyside Day Care and meet Lotso, the newest star of Toy Story 3. Guests can also catch Lotso in the Block Party Bash parade at the park.
• More than 50 Toy Story 3 merchandise items exclusive to theme parks have been sold at locations across property since May, including action figures, plush toys, t-shirts and even a plush Lotso that smells like strawberries.
• Since April, various dining locations across property are using children’s beverage cups featuring Toy Story 3 characters, including a light up Buzz Lightyear straw clip.

Additionally, guest favorites from the Toy Story franchise, like the meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Woody and Buzz Lightyear across from the Toy Story Mania! attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, are spread out at locations across Disney Parks.

Papalini says the idea is to seamlessly bring new characters from the latest chapter of the story into the parks because as the film grows in popularity, more and more guests have an expectation of seeing the new characters.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Disney Family.com announced today the first ever Take a Chance — Make a Change Contest inspiring people to visit GetHatched.com, Disney Online’s latest Web site created with award winning actress Teri Hatcher. The contest encourages people to share a life-long goal that they have yet to achieve, with the grand prize winner receiving $10,000 to put toward fulfilling their goal or improving an area of their life that they have always wanted to change. The contest will run through July 26, 2010.

“We are delighted to launch the first ever Take A Chance — Make a Change Contest with Teri and help make an unfulfilled dream become a reality for one lucky person,” said Emily Smith, vice president of Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. “Whether a woman’s goal is to return to school, learn a foreign language, or be more adventurous, we invite women to ‘hatch out’ of their shell and submit their story to us.”

“GetHatched was created to celebrate women, to help them rediscover and reinvent themselves. This contest is giving a woman a chance to do something for herself and achieve a personal goal that may have been deferred to responsibilities of life circumstances,” stated Ms. Hatcher.

The grand prize winner and their winning story will be announced on the site in August.

GetHatched.com, ‘A Chick’s Guide to Life,’ is an online destination that balances having fun, finding inspiration, and gaining understanding from other women. The site offers a decidedly unique take on popular topics for women including beauty, relationships, style, health and happiness. The site is produced by Disney Family.com, with creative and editorial content and insight provided by Ms. Hatcher and a team of experts.

For more details and official entry guidelines for the Take a Chance — Make a Change contest, visit GetHatched.com. For ongoing news updates, follow us on Twitter at @GetHatchedNews or visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/GetHatched.

The Walt Disney Co. helped make the musical thrive again with its “High School Musical” film series. Now it’s trying to bring back an even older format with a radio serial.

Next week Radio Disney is launching a 20-episode series that follows a 14-year-old girl as she tries to pursue a dream of becoming a singer and songwriter.

The serials won’t be too taxing on listeners, coming in 90-second chunks. Anyone who misses an episode can catch up on mobile phones or computer.

The idea for “My Dream” recalls serials that were popular in the early days of radio, a format that was essentially destroyed when television came in. Radio Disney says it will wait to see how the first serial fares before committing to others.

The spirit of the Fourth of July is up in the air after dark, and three Disney parks will be making a bang, with Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios presenting special pyrotechnics and Epcot adding a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular.

Here’s what’s in store on July 4 (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):

• Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m.  After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight.  Park hours are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m., providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.).  Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale.  The performance begins at 10 p.m.  Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage.  In addition, Betsy Ross will be engaging guests inside The American Adventure with storytelling, while Ben Franklin will be making appearances on the promenade near the attraction.  Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Walt Disney World

Special Event – Sneak Preview

Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival

Celebrating 15 Years of Delicious Discoveries

Epcot® – Wonders Retreat

Located on the 2^nd floor The Wonders of Life Pavilion

Thursday, July 8, 2010

6:30 – 9 p. m.

With the 15^th annual Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival just around the corner, we would like to invite Tables in Wonderland members only to a “sneak preview” of this year’s Festival!

Be the first to sample the food and hear speakers talk about what new and exciting things we have in store for you this year!   Learn what new marketplace kiosks will be added this year, as well as new special events.  You will find out all of the information before it goes live on the website, and before reservations open to begin booking the events.   Be the first, and be “in the know” as we celebrate 15 Years of Delicious Discoveries!

Price: $95.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

Reception

Roasted Corn Empanada

Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw

Shrimp Ceviche (Fresh Laughing Bird Shrimp with Corn Nuts

Paul Cheneau “Lady” Blanc de Blanc Cava

Plated Dinner

Seared Albacore Tuna and Romesco Sauce

Heirloom Tomatoes with Oregon Blue Cheese, Macerated Red Onions, and Basil

Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad, Red Wine Reduction, and Murray River Sea Salt

Bodega Norton Cosecha Tardia

Penfolds Rawson’s Retreat Merlot

Dessert Sampler

Strawberry Angel Verrine

Pear-Streusel Pudding Cake

Dark Chocolate Sensation

Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee

Menu – inspired by the International Marketplaces

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 80 Guests.

Tables in Wonderland Presents:

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

Thursday, July 15, 2010

6:30 p.m. Reception 7 p.m. Dinner

Location: The Wave . . . of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Please meet at restaurant’s main podium

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Brooks Tropicals has been growing tropical fruits and vegetables in Florida and the Caribbean since the 1920s. Brooks sells more than 28 different tropical fruits and vegetables; its specialties are SlimCado avocados, Caribbean Red papayas and Florida starfruit.   Representing Brooks Tropicals at this event will be Mary Ostlund, director of marketing

Hispanics call Caribbean Red papayas by the nickname “fruta bomba,” literally “bomb fruit.” One look at the three-to-five-pound fruit will tell you why. Consumers sometimes wonder whether the Caribbean Red is genetically modified, which it is not. It is naturally large and naturally good for you.

The SlimCado has a great avocado taste; it’s a much lighter-tasting avocado. It should be, with less than half the calories and a third less fat than the Hass avocado. And it’s so much bigger! SlimCado avocados can be three to five times larger than a Hass avocado.

Last but not least, the last tropical fruit star of the menu for this event is a star in itself – the starfruit.  Brooks Tropicals was a U.S. pioneer for this Asian treat. Starfruit grow under the canopy of the rainforests in Southeast Asia. In Florida, Brooks grows them in the sandy soils of Pine Island on the west coast of Florida

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Laughing Bird Shrimp Salsa on a Pineapple Crisp

Tenderloin Satay on a Sugar Cane Skewer (Side Note-Marinade in Papaya Vinaigrette

Clayhouse “Adobe White”, Paso Robles, CA, 2008

Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Seafood Course

A South Florida Seafood Trio:

Lobster SlimCado Cocktail, Fried Oyster on the Half Shell (Guava Chili Jam), Blue Crab Slider

Domaine Siglas, Asyritiko, Santorini, Greece 2008

Salad Course

Roasted Georgia Corn with Santa Sweet Tomatoes, Cipollini Onions, Gorgonzola, and Micro Greens

Domaine de la Chanteleuserie, Bourgueil “Les Alouettes”, Loire Valley, France, 2007

Entrée Course

Kubota Pork Loin with Carambola and Dark Rum, Sugar Cane-glazed Sweet Potato and Long Beans

La Columbia “Ripasso” de la Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy, 2007

Intermezzo

Tropical Guava Sorbet

Brinley’s Mango Rum of St Kits

Dessert

Chocolate Truffle “Mirage” with Raspberry Crème Brûlée, Black Currant Gelée, SlimCado Sabayon, and Mamey Sapote Ice Cream

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Coastal Region, South Africa, 2008

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis.  Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 50 Guests.

Tables in Wonderland

Special Event The Great Movie Ride Dinner

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Friday July 16 and Saturday July 17, 2010

7:30 – 10 p.m.

Arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and walk through the courtyard of the Majestic Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. Then you will be invited to come inside The Great Movie Ride after the attraction is closed with exclusive backstage VIP access

We’ve cleared the track for you to walk through and dine inside the attraction where you will experience some of the most classic scenes in motion picture history. Sets from Busby Berkeley musicals, crime dramas, old-fashioned Westerns, and more!

Price: $155.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

7:30 – 8 p.m.

Passed Reception in the Gangster Scene

Bugsy’s Fire-roasted Duck with Cherries

Dillinger’s Seared Shrimp with Dill

Bonnie and Clyde’s favorite Chive-stuffed Potatoes

8 – 9 p.m.

Plated Dinner in the Western Scene

Creamy Free-range Yard Bird Corn Chowder with Grilled Flatbread

Wild Greens tossed with Cactus and Cilantro Vinaigrette plated tableside and topped with Carrot Tumbleweeds

Mesquite-grilled Beef Filet with Herb Butter

Truffle Mac and Cheese and Molasses Pinto Beans

House made Roasted Onion Bread with Butter

9 – 10 p.m.

Dessert Buffet in the Land of Oz

Display of Munchkin-sized Desserts

Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay and Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 80 Guests per day.

And yes, bedtime stories with staff will be included as one of the special features at the 50,000-square-foot resort. You’ll also be able to choose from a list of la carte activities for your pet, including one-on-one play times and social playgroup with other dogs and ice cream time.

The resort’s exclusive dog park will have a fenced walking trail bordering natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, there will be different play areas, including a 3,300 square-foot area covered in artificial turf, a 4,500 square-foot area with shade trees, and a 1,300 square-foot “canines only” water park.

Feline guests will spend visits in a separate “Kitty City” pavilion – away from dogs – in two and four-room condos. And there will be a special facility for the boarding of “pocket pets,” such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.

The resort is located on property at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway, across from the Port Orleans Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. Check out www.bestfriendspetcare.com to make a reservation for pet stays beginning August 27, 2010, or call 877-4-WDW-PETS.

Disney Parks Blog

Take a look at the first released artist rendering of a Tuscan village courtyard home – it’s one of several architectural styles that’ll be featured at Golden Oak. Parks, pedestrian pathways and a private clubhouse are also planned for the community designed especially for resort living.

Golden Oak, named after Walt’s Golden Oak Ranch in California, will offer single-family, custom homes priced between approximately $1.5 million and $8 million, with fewer than 30 home sites available for sale this year. Residents will also have access to select amenities at the planned Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, including the full service spa, restaurants, golf course and event space.

Disney Parks Blog

Kobe was spending the day with his family and friends, taking in as much of both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park as possible. He told me that his daughters have a new favorite attraction — The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror! But that didn’t stop them from taking a spin on the Mad Tea Party and two trips through Space Mountain.

After visiting Goofy, the Bryants were off to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

It was great to see Kobe again, and I’m guessing that the hundreds of people I saw wearing purple and gold throughout the Resort felt the same way!

Disney Parks Blog

“Disney Parks have long been at the forefront of providing accessibility for guests with disabilities,” said Greg Hale, chief safety officer and vice president of Worldwide Safety and Accessibility for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “We are pleased to build on this legacy with new technology that enables us to do something that has never been done before – provide rich audio description in moving rides and outdoor environments.”

Via an interactive audio menu, the newly enhanced Assistive Technology Device lets guests choose the type of information they would like to receive about outdoor areas, from architectural elements to the location of the nearest restroom. The 7.2-ounce device, which utilizes wireless technology to pinpoint its location and take pre-programmed actions, also offers guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort:   ·

• Detailed audio description of key visual elements, including action and scenery, for more than 50 attractions;
• Amplified audio for most theater-type attractions for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss; ·
• Handheld captioning that enables guests to read captions while enjoying specific rides; and ·
• Activation of closed captioning in pre-show areas where television displays narrate the upcoming experience.

“I know of no other public space in this country – or anywhere else for that matter – that is as welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities as Disney’s theme parks,” said Larry Goldberg, director of media access at WGBH Boston, which is considered a pioneer in developing multimedia and new technologies that make media accessible for the disabled. “With their captioning systems for guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and now outdoor environmental description for guests who are blind or visually impaired, Walt Disney World is now more inclusive than ever. WGBH is proud of our role in helping make this happen.”

WGBH teamed up with Disney to deliver outdoor audio description, marking the latest collaboration between the two organizations, which began with the installation of WGBH’s Rear Window® Captioning system in Disney’s theater-based attractions in1996.

Disney has patented and licensed the assistive technology, which could serve a wide variety of retail, commercial and industrial applications. The technology is already being used at the World of Coca Cola Museum, The Hall at Patriot Place and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and will receive the National Society of Professional Engineers 2010 “New Product Award” next month.

“We are particularly excited to make this technology available beyond Disney Parks and extend accessibility where it was previously impractical,” added Hale. Softeq Development Corporation is licensed to make the technology available beyond Disney Parks.

Other examples of Disney Parks’ services for guests with disabilities include:

• Accessible Experiences – From vehicles at Toy Story Midway Mania! that enable guests to remain in their wheelchair to experience the ride to American Sign Language interpretation at live shows, the focus is on providing accessible experiences. ·
• Recreation Devices – Specially designed vehicles – such as an adaptive golf cart and sand and aquatic wheelchairs – enable guests to experience leisure activities throughout the resort..            ·
• Guidemaps For Guests With Disabilities – Theme park-specific maps provide an overview of services and facilities available for guests with disabilities. Braille guidebooks are also available to assist guests during their visit. ·
• Resort Access – Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort offer special equipment and facilities for guests with disabilities such as phone text, visual indicator door knocks, sloped-entry pools and aquatic chairs.

The Handheld Assistive Device is offered at no cost with a refundable deposit at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks. Audio description of outdoor areas will be available at Disneyland Resort next year. For further information about services for guests with disabilities, guests should visit the Walt Disney World Web site at disneyworld.com or contact Walt Disney World Information at 407-824-4321 (voice) or 407-827-5141 (TTY).

Walt Disney World Public Affairs/Media Relations

Featuring dark finishes, neon lighting and a cyber aesthetic, DCP’s new TRON: Legacy line will immerse kids and adults alike into the amazing, illuminated cyber world of TRON. Developed in collaboration with leading industry innovators including Spinmaster, Monster, Performance Designed Products (PDP) and Razer, TRON products will be available at retail beginning this October and will be showcased at the San Diego Comic Con International Convention next month giving fans an exclusive first look.

“TRON: Legacy is a cutting-edge film with a unique futuristic feel, and we wanted to create products with new technology and high-end design that live up to what you will see on screen,” said Chris Heatherly, VP of toys and electronics, Disney Consumer Products. “This is not a typical movie line. We’re working exclusively with trailblazers who normally do not do movie merchandise, but they believed so passionately in TRON that they jumped at the chance to help us make great products.”

BusinessWire

“We expect those areas to be extremely congested,” said Sergeant Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Within the past two weeks, one of the top two online travel agencies has reported double digit increases in trips booked to Orlando, according to Gary Sain, president of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“I gotta believe Harry Potter is part of that,” Sain said.

Universal executives provided only vague descriptions of attendance or revenue projections for the new attraction.

“We obviously expect this to have a very, very nice effect on our attendance,” said Bill Davis, chief operating officer and chairman of Universal Orlando Resorts. “We expect it will help tourism overall in the state and Orlando.”

Universal is opening its parking garage at 5:30 a.m. to accommodate the expected crowds for the 9 a.m. grand opening ceremony.

In the days leading up to the opening, the theme park has maintained a round-the-clock media center on a back lot soundstage for reporters here from around the world to cover the event.

Universal Orlando is co-owned by the Blackstone Group private equity firm and NBC Universal, a unit of General Electric Co.

The 20-acre Harry Potter attraction reportedly cost $250 million to build and recreates the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and other sites dreamed up by author J.K. Rowling in her seven fantasy novels about the boy wizard.

DRAGON CHALLENG AND HIPPOGRIFF

Major attractions include the Dragon Challenge, a high-speed ride based on the Triwizard Tournament, a fictional 13th Century contest between students of the three most prestigious magical schools of Europe.

Flight of the Hippogriff is a roller coaster based on Rowling’s magical creature with the head, wings and front legs of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs and tail of a horse.

The stars of the Harry Potter movies have been walking red carpets, doing interviews and mingling with guests who qualified by virtue of special travel packages to get a preview of the attraction. They were also scheduled to attend Friday’s grand opening.

Rowling made a special appearance at one of two VIP evening extravaganzas in which kegs of “Butterbeer” were flowing and fireworks provided the backdrop to Hogwart’s Castle.

On Wednesday Rowling rode on the signature “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride, which puts film, technology and robotics together in a new way to bring riders physically close to the action. It is touted as creating a more realistic sense of flying than other soaring rides on the market.

“She was very pleased. She was actually thrilled,” said creative director Thierry Coup said.

So were guests.

“It made you feel like you were flying. You wanted to just reach out and touch stuff,” said Susan Benoit, a tourist from Fredericksburg, Virginia, after her first ride.

Jeff Guillaume of Lansing, Michigan, who in 2002 founded an early online Harry Potter news aggregator and fan site HPANA.com, said fans like him will be disappointed because of limitations on body size to ride the Forbidden Journey.

At 5 feet, 8 inches and 265 pounds (1.72 meters and 119 kg), Guillaume said his mid-section would not allow the restraint system to close, so he could not board the most heavily promoted ride. He said some other rides include special cars for larger guests.

But Coup said that Orlando Magic basketball player Dwight Howard fit into the restraint and rode the ride this week. Howard is listed on the NBA’s website as 6 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds (2.11 meters and 119 kg).

The only posted restriction is a minimum height of 48 inches. Coup said the ride is designed the way it is “to ensure the safety of our guests. It’s No. 1.”

Reuters

Although it may seem a trivial change in any other business, the relaxing of dress codes at Disneyland is a significant move considering that founder Walt Disney was adamant about making sure all employees maintained a well-groomed, all-American look.

Disney officials said the latest change, announced companywide May 28, was prompted by a routine review of company guidelines and a comparison with the dress codes of other Fortune 500 corporations.

“We continuously evaluate our appearances,” Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez said. “We are trying to stay relevant.”

The decision to permit female employees to forgo pantyhose applies to most Disney employees, except where the leg wear is part of a particular costume, such as the outfit for characters such as Tinker Bell or Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

For the rest of the story…please go to the Los Angeles Times

Event Information
DATE
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

LOCATION
North Ballroom, Disneyland Hotel
Anaheim, California

TICKETS
Available June 23 at 10 a.m. PST. Check back here for ticket link.

COST
Free (please note there will be a $5 ticket processing fee).

SCHEDULE
7 – 9 p.m.

You will have the opportunity to chat with the D23 team and mingle with your fellow D23 “Ohana” (family, of course!). Disney Vacation Club Cast Members will be on-hand to answer questions about this new Hawaiian Resort — and other properties — and if you’re interested, you can sign up to attend a session that week to learn more about Aulani and Disney Vacation Club.

All guests who attend will also receive a D23/Disney Vacation Club gift to commemorate the occasion! Mahalo!

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and two (2) guests. There are a limited number of tickets available. Disney Vacation Club will not be soliciting timeshare opportunities at this event; guests will be able to sign up to attend a session to learn more about the Aulani resort and the Disney Vacation Club. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, tickets are not transferrable.

D23

Disney’s ‘World of Color’ a look behind the scenes from Chris Fisher on Vimeo.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

A “Pop” of Color: Popcorn wagons at Disney California Adventure park get in the fun with flavored and colored popcorn in a souvenir bucket, with tastes of cherry, blueberry and plum. Or if you prefer your popcorn plain, you can get a souvenir bucket, travel mug and sipper to carry home.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Eat ‘n Glow: Light-up cotton candy! White cotton candy with a ribbon of pink, blue or purple wraps around a light-up wand. Or just eat: the “World of Color” cupcake has raspberry filling and milk chocolate frosting with a “World of Color” chocolate image.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Drink ‘n Glow: Spectrum Splash is Minute Maid Light Lemonade with a shot of flavored syrup in strawberry, blueberry or Granny Smith apple, served in a light-up “World of Color” plastic glass. Or with a kick: the Tropical Mist cocktail features Vodka X-fusion and coconut rum topped with sprite – and a light-up swizzle stick, available only at Ariel’s Grotto, Cove Bar and Wine Country Trattoria.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

If you prefer bling, a light-up bangle bracelet comes in red, blue and green. Or a “light”-er-than-air light-up glasshouse balloon.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

We plan on eating popcorn with a side of cotton candy and a Spectrum Splash to wash it all down – with light-up bangle bracelets on both arms and a balloon tied to our backpack. (And a cupcake for a midnight snack.)

Disney Parks Blog

D23 Members in the Chicago area are in for a special treat. Actress Joan Cusack, who voices Jessie in the Toy Story films, will be at the Disney Store in Chicago on June 16 to sign the new limited-worldwide-edition 2010 Jessie doll created to celebrate the release ofToy Story 3. Our friends at the Disney Store are offering forty 40 lucky D23 Members the chance to be first in line to purchase the doll ($79.50)* and have Joan sign their box or Certificate of Authenticity (C of A).
The adorable 16-inch scale talking doll says 11 different phrases, and her outfit features a rhinestone studded belt buckle, glittery hat, satin shirt with rhinestone button details along with a jewel trimmed yoke and cuffs, glittering chaps, faux leather boots and a horseshoe doll stand.

On Monday, June 7 at noon PST, we will post an email address on this page where guests may write in. The first 40 emails received from D23 Members will be guaranteed a spot in line to purchase the doll (only 2,010 created) and have their C of A or box signed by Ms. Cusack.

The Chicago Disney Store is located at 717 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 654-9208. For this day only, doors will open at 9:00 a.m. for Limited-Edition Doll sales only. The doll will be unveiled at 10:00 a.m., and the signing will begin at 10:30 a.m. Guests must arrive BEFORE 10:15 a.m. in order to claim their doll and space in line. Only one doll may be purchased per entry. Please bring your confirmation email, a photo ID and your D23 Membership card. Guests who do not bring their confirmation email, photo ID and D23 Membership card will not be admitted.

* No discounts will be allowed on the purchase of this doll. These include Cast Member discounts, Disney Reward Visa discounts, or any other coupon or discount.

D23

Participants at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon also received a free DVD, Disney’s Wild About Safety with Timon and Pumbaa: Safety Smart in the Water. In the DVD, Timon and Pumbaa help children learn that fun in the water starts with safety.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines joined Mickey Mouse and Goofy just outside the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool for the official start to the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.

During the 30-minute lesson taking place simultaneously all over the world, guests received instruction on proper swimming strokes, kicks and floating techniques.

“We were honored Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park served as the official headquarters location for the record-breaking World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” said Jean Gallagher, director of water parks for Walt Disney World Resort. “Safety is a cornerstone of our company and at the heart of everything we do. The record-breaking World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a reminder to guests of all ages that when they step in the water we want them to have fun and be safety smart at the same time.”

Tragically, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintended, injury-related death in children over the age of one. In fact, more than one in four fatal drowning victims is under the age of 14.  Research shows if a child doesn’t learn to swim before the third grade, they likely never will.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

It’s been 40 years since Chief Archivist and Disney Legend Dave Smith founded the Walt Disney Archives — a collection that over the years has grown to house thousands of amazing props, costumes, sets and pieces of Disney history dating back to Walt’s earliest days. D23 is proud to join Disney President and CEO Bob Iger and The Walt Disney Company as we honor the Archives for its astounding work preserving the Disney legacy for the past four decades.

Guests will be welcomed into the historic Studio Theatre, where Walt himself screened Fantasia back in 1940. Bob will present Dave with his 40th anniversary service award, honoring his personal and professional contributions to Disney.

Event Information
DATE
Friday, June 25, 2010

LOCATION
Studio Theatre,
The Walt Disney Studios
Burbank, California

TICKETS
Click here for tickets.

COST
$50 per person (plus a $5 processing fee)

SCHEDULE
Check in begins at 3:30 p.m., presentations begin at 5 p.m.

The night’s festivities will also include the premiere of the Archives’ first “home movie” — four decades in the making — Archiving the Archives: Forty Years of Preserving the Magic, which details some of the highlights of the Walt Disney Archives from Roy O. Disney’s hiring of Dave in 1970 to the fantastic exhibit and fan outreach programs of today. Film historian and critic Leonard Maltin will lead a question-and-answer session with Dave, revealing some surprising stories sure to delight Disney fans. And Archives Manager Becky Cline will give an overview of current Archives programs and introduce special guests who will be on hand to present several new spectacular pieces into the Archives’ ever-growing collection. You will have to be there to see what they are!

Following the festivities is a champagne and dessert reception where guests can mingle in the tree-lined splendor of Disney’s studio amidst some of the lot’s historic buildings including the original Animation Building, which housed Walt’s offices and was the stomping ground of the Nine Old Men.

Exclusive D23 merchandise, including a brand-new, limited-edition pin celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Walt Disney Studios as well as colorful polo shirts designed just for the Archives Anniversary event, will be available for sale at our new shopping kiosk.

And of course no D23 event would be complete without a special gift! To commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime experience, every guest will receive a limited-edition pin honoring the Archives’ 40th anniversary.

We hope you will be a part of Walt Disney Archives history, which celebrates the past 40 years of preserving the magic and looks forward to the future of this important home for Disney’s most treasured treasures.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. There are a limited number of tickets available. Dinner is not provided during the reception; we suggest attendees eat a light dinner or late lunch before the event. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, tickets are not transferrable.

D23

As part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to encourage guests to celebrate the milestones in their lives at a Disney park, finishers at the Disney Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, will receive complimentary admission to a Walt Disney World theme park the Monday after the race.

And for the first time ever, runners and fans can choose the official 2011 Disney Marathon medal, which will be their unofficial “ticket’’ to Disney on “Marathon Monday.’’  Through online voting this summer, fans can vote for their favorite from three medal designs, all created by Jostens Inc., which has designed Super Bowl rings and college football’s prestigious Heisman Trophy.  The medal with the most votes will become the official medal of the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon.

Voting is underway now and runs through July 28 at disneyworldmarathon.com.  The winning medal will be announced in early August.

“Running 26.2 miles is quite an accomplishment even if you’re energized by Disney entertainment along the way, so what better way to celebrate such an achievement than a complimentary fun-filled day at Disney where you can show off your new medal,’’ said Faron Kelley, director of marketing for Disney Sports.  “These new features are just more ways runners and their families can combine their passion for running with a memorable trip to their favorite vacation destination.’’

Registration remains open for the 2011 Walt Disney Marathon Weekend (Jan. 6-9), which is approaching 50 percent of capacity.  The Disney Marathon Weekend (typical race start temperature 48.6 degrees) will once again include a variety of events for all ages and running abilities – kids races, a Family Fun Run 5K, the Goofy Race & a Half Challenge, the Disney Half Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & Fitness Expo.  To sign up for any of the weekend events, go to disneyworldmarathon.com.

Last year’s Disney Marathon Weekend, which drew a record 55,500 registered runners from all 50 states and 50 countries, was highlighted by Adriano Bastos’ sixth consecutive Disney Marathon victory and Lisa Mizutani’s second straight women’s title.

Be one of the first 50 to answer three trivia questions correctly, and you and a guest can be livin’ large on the red carpet and be among a select few to attend the opening ceremony and the world premiere of “World of Color” on June 10! You can’t put a price tag on this prize.

Here are the questions:

1. Which two Disney VIPs are featured in a video helping to refill Paradise Bay for “World of Color?”
2. Which musical piece is featured in the video in Steven Davison’s behind-the-scenes look at recording the music for “World of Color?”
3. What is the name of the California artist who created three-dimensional paper sculptures of Disney characters that were turned into models or puppets with computer animation for “World of Color?” (Hint: she was featured in a video on the Disney Parks Blog).

To enter, e-mail your answers along with your full name to contests@disney.go.com. Once the contest is over, we’ll send notifications to the winners via e-mail. If you win, you must to be able to attend the “World of Color” premiere on June 10 between 6:00 p.m. and approximately 10:00 p.m., and you and your guest must check-in no later than 5:00 p.m. Please note that you will be standing for most of the event. To read all the contest rules and eligibility requirements, click here.

If one of the winners cannot attend the event and lets us know before the event, we will then select the next person who answered the trivia questions correctly.

Disney Parks Blog

• Beginning June 11, guests can go online and order a special boxed picnic meal that includes “World of Color” Reserved Viewing.  Picnic meals may be ordered online – www.disneyland.com – or by walk-up purchase, subject to availability, at the Sonoma Terrace, Golden Vine Winery.  They are not available for order via the 714/781-DINE line.
• Online orders may be placed up to 60 days in advance.  Meals may be picked up at Sonoma Terrace from 2 p.m. to up to one hour prior to “World of Color” show time.
• Picnic meal options include four selections for adults: The All American (cold honey-stung fried chicken), The Taste of Asia (chilled miso-glazed salmon), The European Antipasto (cured meats, regional cheeses, artichoke heart, sun-dried tomato) and The Mediterranean Vegetarian (marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus).  Kids’ options include The Junior All American (chicken), The Lunchbox Classic (peanut butter and jelly) and The Little Squirt’s Box (apple wedges, string cheese).
• Beer and wine for adults are available at an additional cost.
• As a special bonus for pre-purchasing a meal, the entire party’s online order will be packaged in a souvenir “World of Color” reusable tote.
• Guests who opt for a walk-up purchase at the park will be able to buy individual picnic meals that also include admission to the “World of Color” Reserved Viewing area if space is available.
• All picnic meals with “World of Color” Reserved Viewing are priced at $14.99 and must be redeemed for the designated reserved show date and time. No refunds, exchanges or other discounts.

• Guests can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner in the newly expanded and remodeled Wine Country Trattoria ($39.99 for adults; $18.99 for children ages 3-9). Following dinner, the guests will be admitted to the Preferred Reserved Viewing area for the show.  The Italian meal includes choice of starter, entrée and dessert plus a special wine pairing.

• A prix fixe meal with reserved viewing will be available in the elegant surroundings of Ariel’s Grotto (starting at $29.99 for adults; $15.99 for children ages 3-9), on the edge of Paradise Bay.  After dinner, guests will be offered admission to the “World of Color” Preferred Reserved Viewing area.

• “Spectrum Splash”: Beverages in light-up souvenir glasses with a colorful choice of flavors – strawberry red, blueberry blue, or sour Granny Smith apple green.
• “Light-Up Cotton Candy”: White cotton candy with a colorful swirl, on an illuminated wand that lights the cotton candy from inside.
• Multi-Colored & Flavored Popcorn: A delicious treat that comes in three flavors – red cherry, blueberry and purple grape – and mixed in with regular kettle corn, all served in a Disney California Adventure see-through “World of Color” souvenir popcorn bucket.
• Tropical Mist Cocktail (for adults): It’s a passion fruit and mango liqueur with coconut rum – and a light-up swizzle stick.  Available at the Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto restaurant.
• Even More Fun: Light-Up Balloons – transparent balloons with light-up “World of Color” art inside; Light-Up Bangle Bracelets; and souvenir “World of Color” travel mugs and sipper cups.

The application, called Disney Tickets Together, could transform how Hollywood sells movie tickets by combining purchases with the powerful forces of social networking. When you buy a ticket through Disney’s application, for instance, it alerts your Facebook friends and prompts you to invite them to buy tickets of their own.

Disney quietly introduced the service on May 26 with a simple post on the site’s official “Toy Story 3” page, which has over 732,000 followers. While many theaters will not make tickets available for the film, which was made by Disney’s Pixar unit, for another week — its release date is June 18 — early results indicate that people are using the application to buy tickets in groups as large as 80, according to Disney.

Disney Tickets Together, which has been in development for months, works with ticket-buying sites like Fandango.com and covers the majority of the movie theaters in North America, Mr. Luckett said. Facebook receives no percentage of the ticket sales but does, in theory, get more visitors on its site.

For the rest of the article by Brooks Barnes…please go to the New York Times

The third instalment of the toys-come-to-life fantasy, launched in 1995 with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen playing Woody the cowboy and Buzz Lightyear, opens June 18. But Disney has plans for the franchise after its theatrical release.

Borrowing a page from its “Cars” franchise, executives said they planned to make as many as four short “Toy Story” cartoons per year for television and online, keeping the brand alive.

“Cars” has generated $2 billion a year in global merchandise sales since that movie came out in 2006.

Some analysts say that projection may be overly ambitious. The $2.4 billion Disney is expecting in total retail sales, of which the company gets a portion, would be heavily tilted to the next few months to the end of September, when the company’s current fiscal year ends. The figure is roughly equivalent to the turnover Disney’s consumer division generates every year.

“We’re more than halfway through the year so we feel pretty comfortable with that number,” said Andy Mooney, head of Disney’s consumer products division. “It would most likely be our biggest event property ever.”

Disney does not disclose how much revenue it receives from licensing, but analysts said the company could receive more than $200 million from its “Toy Story” merchandise line, based on the company’s projections.

“They’ve been waiting for this one, anticipating huge sales,” said Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of Time To Play Magazine, which examines the toy industry.

Disney’s projections for “Toy Story 3″ merchandising are based on initial sales, predictions from licensing partners and the historical performance of other franchises.

In Disney’s partnership with Toys “R” Us, the retailer is creating special boutiques within its nearly 1,300 stores that will be dedicated to the movie’s products.

The first “Toy Story” movie came out in 1995 and the sequel “Toy Story 2″ in 1999. Both movies and this latest instalment are from Pixar Animation Studios, which Disney bought in 2006.

Combined merchandising — from toys and apparel to stationery and books — has so far generated more than $9 billion in global retail sales, Disney said.

Doug Creutz, analyst with Cowen and Company, does not expect an automatic hit for “Toy Story” merchandising, but that it should perform strongly.

“A lot of it is going to have to do with how the movie does. If the movie is a big hit then they won’t have much of a problem,” he said.

Disney’s consumer products division generated $2.4 billion in revenue last fiscal year, or about 6.7 percent of the company’s overall revenue of $36.1 billion.

An episodic cartoon series tied to “Toy Story”, called “Buzz Lightyear Star Command”, aired in recent years. But that was focused on just one character, and Mooney said that it contributed little to the merchandising line.

“What we’ve learned is, the strength of the property rests on the relationship between the core characters, and that was missing from the original Buzz Lightyear series,” he said.

Mooney said the planned “Toy Story” cartoons of under seven minutes will be more thematically aligned with the films.

Reuters

PRNewswire

Bloomberg Business Week

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is an action-packed 3D arcade video game that casts players in the role of Dave, the powerful sorcerer’s apprentice, as he joins a mystical fight against the ultimate evil in a world filled with fantastical quests and magical combat.
In the game, evil sorcerers have escaped from their centuries old prison, the Grimhold, and taken over New York City. The legendary master sorcerer Balthazar is trapped in the magical realm, so it’s up to Dave to save New York. Guided by Balthazar, he travels throughout New York and the magical realm using special portals in order to defeat the enemy. Dave must master the elements of sorcery using magical attacks and spells to defeat the six evil sorcerers and their army of minions in order to free Manhattan.
“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice video game expands on the film experience by allowing fans to wield magic spells with their own hands,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “The fast-paced action, magical spells and unique gameplay brings the adventure to life.”
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice video game will include competitive play with Pass the DS challenge modes for up to four players. The game will also include 30 achievements to unlock, as well as DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios’ innovative technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and will have a suggested retail price of $29.99.

BusinessWire

The new baby (no name yet!) is the second calf for Donna, who gave birth to a female calf, Nadirah, in 2005. This birth raises the number of elephants in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom herd to thirteen, including five males and eight females.

Elephant births are among the most amazing and complicated processes in the animal kingdom. Our animal care team has worked with Donna attentively throughout the course of her pregnancy. At this point, we’re optimistic for the calf’s likelihood of survival and are thrilled that both Donna and her calf are doing well.

Donna became pregnant through artificial insemination in July 2008 and received extensive pre-natal care throughout her pregnancy. In addition to regular ultrasounds, veterinarians and elephant managers monitored her hormone levels on a daily basis to help them determine when she would give birth. Labor appeared imminent last night and the animal care team stayed with her to provide round-the-clock care until the female calf was born around 11:30 p.m.

This is the fifth elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition to Donna’s first female calf, Nadirah, Tufani, a male, was born in 2003; Kianga, a female, was born in 2004; and Tsavo, the youngest male, joined the herd in 2008. All remain on the savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

I am very proud to say that the Disney’s Animal Programs team has been at the forefront of efforts to better understand and care for endangered elephants. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is part of a breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that is focused on sustaining the elephant population in North America. AZA’s Elephant Species Survival Plan has called for a five-fold increase in African elephant reproduction efforts – using both natural and artificial breeding methods – in order to create a self-sustaining elephant population among North American zoos and wildlife centers.

And our team and the Disney company also support elephant conservation in the wild. For example, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and the Disney Foundation have directed over $1 million to projects in 20 countries to help protect and conserve elephants.

Disney Parks Blog

Disney Interactive Studios has announced Phineas and Ferb: Ride Again for Nintendo DS. In this new game inspired by the hit Disney XD and Disney Channel television series, players will enter the world of Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher where they will adventure through the depths of Atlantis and outer space, not to mention their own backyard, to build the most wicked rides ever.
“With the success of the first video game, we are excited to offer a new Phineas and Ferb video game to fans this summer,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “True to the Disney Channel series, Phineas and Ferb: Ride Again will bring the humor and sense of adventure from the show home to fans of all ages.”
In this new action platformer game, players will be able to construct and race awesome new rides like skateboards and mine carts, complete puzzles and participate in 12 zany mini-games to build and upgrade new gadgets such as jet packs and tractor beams. Fantastic action sequences including cool boss battles with Agent P will add brand new elements not seen in the first game. Players will also have the opportunity to gather various collectibles around the world, as well as play in four new bonus levels.
The game will also feature many notable characters from the hit TV show including Baljeet, Buford, Isabella and many more. Secret Agent P, Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus, will have plans of his own as he battles Dr. D and his evil creations including the Norm Robots using his cool new gadgets for battle. Candace will also be around with new “You’re So Busted” mini games where the boys use trampolines, turtles and sinking logs to get away from her.
Phineas and Ferb: Ride Again will take full advantage of the various DS capabilities. Players will be able to compete and play with their friends and share four cool rides via DS download play. In addition, the game will feature DGamer, the online community exclusive to Disney gamers on Nintendo DS, allowing players to connect with others and unlock additional items in their DS game.
Phineas and Ferb: Ride Again will be available this summer for Nintendo DS and is rated E with Mild Cartoon Violence by the ESRB.
Also available this summer from Disney Interactive Studios is a new game addition to the top selling iPhone/iPad game Phineas and Ferb Arcade. In “Escape from Mole-troplis”, fans play as Phineas and Ferb as they venture underground and creep through passages, climb ladders and slide down pipes to try and save Candace. “Escape from Mole-troplis” joins the cast of games that include “S’no Problem”, “Agent P’s Hideout” and “Cowabunga Candace.” All four games are included in Phineas and Ferb Arcade and can be downloaded in the iTunes App Store.

BusinessWire

The Devil Wears Prada’s Aline Brosh McKenna has penned the new version, which is intended to be shot as a live action movie. Disney, fresh from its success with Burton’s film, which has taken a staggering $980m worldwide, also made the hitherto most famous screen version of Cinderella, the 1950 animated tale.

According to the Deadline blog, executives are not revealing whether the new project will be shot in 3D, nor whether it will update the original story, or stick closely to it. In recent years, Hollywood has borrowed elements of the folk tale for movies such as Ever After, starring Drew Barrymore, and A Cinderella Story, featuring Hilary Duff.

You can “be the first to be among the last” passengers aboard Star Tours before the famed attraction “powers down” to make way for its new “reimagining” in 2011.

Scheduled for August 14 from 8:00 p.m.– 1:00 a.m., the “Last Tour to Endor” party will feature intergalactic party zones, Star Wars shows, a “Death Star Disco” and a Star Wars-themed fireworks spectacular. Star Wars fans of all ages will have the chance to experience the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combining for one special night. And it’s all designed for guests attending Star Wars Celebration V.

It’ll be the place to be for all of the Sith, Bith, Twi’leks, Rodians and their best friends to celebrate the Star Wars saga in one of the most magical places on earth. For more information about Star Wars Celebration V and to purchase tickets, check out www.starwarscelebration.com/Disney.

Disney Parks Blog

According to a recent online survey from Disney Family.com, moms shoulder the burden of the health of their families with 77 percent of respondents reporting they are charged with scheduling the family medical appointments and keeping the family medical records. This often leads to women ignoring their own health needs to care for those of their family. Seventy-two percent of women know it is important to get a pap smear every year, but only 59 percent receive one. Additionally, 68 percent of women are aware that they should receive a yearly mammogram or a breast examination if they are under 40-years-old however, only 50 percent actually get the examination. In addition, only 56 percent of women reported having their cholesterol checked and only 46 percent having their blood sugar checked, two major risk factors for developing heart disease.

“Many moms are aware of the tests they should be receiving annually, but this knowledge doesn’t always correlate with what examinations they actually receive every year,” said Emily Smith, Vice President of the Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. “We are pleased to offer a range of content with simple tips and advice to help moms take care of their health.”

Additionally, in honor of “Month of Mom,” Disney Family.com has partnered with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement to aid moms in the fight against women’s No. 1 and 3 killers — heart disease and stroke, and City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading research and treatment centers in the fight against the No. 2 killer – cancer. City of Hope maintains a specialized multidisciplinary women’s cancer program to improve outcomes for women battling breast and gynecological cancers. The Disney Family.com site features quick and easy tips moms can do to decrease their risks of these top health threats.

“Mothers are usually so focused on their families that they often forget about themselves,” said Emily Smith, Vice President of the Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. “We are delighted to help women make their health a top priority.”

Disney Family.com will include a list of necessary health screenings women need annually and encourages moms to give back to their families during the month of May by scheduling appointments such as:

– Gynecological Exam — Including a pap smear every year

– Mammogram — It is recommended for women to have a mammogram every one to two years starting at age 40

– Dermatologist Visit — Know your family history and perform self examinations for any mark in the skin for change or growth on a regular basis

– Heart Health Check – Ask your healthcare professional to check your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, glucose and body mass index beginning at age 20

– Colorectal Cancer — Colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 50

For more information visit Disney Family.com or follow us on Twitter at @familydotcom.

In an exquisite, top-deck restaurant with incredible ocean views, Disney Cruise Line debuts Remy – its first-ever premier dining option. With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, Remy melds classic and contemporary styles in a sophisticated new dining concept exclusively for adults on the Disney Dream.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort, are collaborating to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world.

Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek of Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort and Chef Mattieu Gerard Siegrist of l’Assiette Champenoise will lend their talents to create Remy’s savory breads and delectable dessert offerings.

French-trained Chef Patrick Albert, executive chef for Remy, oversees an all-star culinary team that will provide guests with a superb experience and epicurean excellence each day aboard the ship.

“Remy, a first-of-its-kind onboard experience, takes Disney Cruise Line dining to new heights,” said Ozer Balli, vice president, Disney Cruise Line Hotel Operations. “The extraordinary success of Palo on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder encouraged us to create this elegant, upscale and even more intimate dining experience for the Disney Dream.”

Dinner at Remy is a lavish and leisurely affair, starting with a signature chilled Champagne cocktail made tableside, followed by eight to nine small courses complemented by a stellar wine list. Lallement’s cuisine is simple and stylish, such as roasted lobster with cream, and fresh asparagus with black truffles and vin jaune. It earns l’Assiette Champenoise two stars (of a possible three) from Michelin, making the experience “excellent cooking and worth a detour.” Hunnel’s innovative dishes offer small tastes of everything from wild caviar to Kobe beef and Japanese Wagyu strip loin. His cuisine earns Victoria & Albert’s the coveted AAA Five Diamonds, a rating accorded a mere 0.19 percent of restaurants in North America and the Caribbean.

Polished touches at Remy include a tableside trolley for serving international cheeses, decanting stations for wines, and post-prandial coffee service including French press and grand crème.

With a subtle nod to the hit Disney•Pixar film “Ratatouille” and its petite French star Remy, the softly lit main dining room with seating for 80 is designed in Art Nouveau style with a palate of soft greens, deep reds and rich gold. The restaurant’s classic French design features graceful sinuous lines on chair backs, etched in glass and in wall treatments, Nouveau-style floral and leaf design in the carpet and warm lighting. The famous Remy character is subtly and artfully integrated into the design.

Tables are elegantly set with Frette linens, Riedel glassware, Christofle silverware and china made exclusively for Remy, with gracious accents such as purse stools for women’s handbags. The attentive serving staff is part of the sophisticated story, dressed in long white aprons, black jackets or burgundy vests, and bow ties. “From the moment our guests walk through the door, they are seamlessly transported to a fine French dining experience,” said Balli.

As part of the main dining room, a glass-walled wine room with marble flooring seats guests amid more than 900 bottles of wine including a fine rare selection of Old World wines balanced with a solid selection of New World wines. Once dinner is booked and guests are on board, they are invited to meet with a sommelier in Remy’s wine room to taste and pre-select their wines for the evening.

The private Chef’s Table dining room seats 16 and offers a glimpse into the kitchen. The room is furnished with rich “Ratatouille”-inspired décor – bold red carpet, chairs and drapes with touches of gold, opulent chandeliers, and scenes of Paris on the walls. The private Chef’s Table dining room has its own entrance to the kitchen to allow the chefs easy access, and offers a special multi-course menu.

Disney Cruise Line

Almost five years to the day after launching at Orlando International Airport, Disney’s Magic Express welcomed it’s 10,000,000th guest today.

The 10,000,000th guest, Lori Ogurkis and her family from Hazelton, PA, received a special reception at the airport, complete with a surprise visit and a gift basket from Mickey Mouse. The Ogurkis family then rode in their own private motor coach to Disney’s Polynesian Resort to begin their magical vacation.

Disney’s Magical Express provides complimentary motor coach transportation and luggage transfer services from Orlando International Airport to and from select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for passengers of all Orlando air carriers.

“We are delighted to welcome the Ogurkis family to Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Magical Express Service, introduced in 2005, has been extremely popular with our guests and has become an important part of the overall guest experience,” said Jo-Ann Arndt, who oversees Disney’s Magical Express in her role as Vice President of Shoreside Travel Operations for Disney Cruise Line. “Our Guests love the convenience of our service and Disney’s Magical Express helps maintain both Orlando International Airport’s and Central Florida’s image as a quality and affordable destination.”

“Orlando International Airport is pleased to support innovative and seamless means of transportation for the traveling public. Resort transportation as provided by Disney’s Magical Express is a unique option that helps enhance the overall travel experience for millions of visitors to Central Florida,” said Steve Gardner, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Each year Disney’s Magical Express now carries more than 2.2 million guests and their luggage, reducing highway and terminal traffic and shortening wait times at Orlando International Airport.

Walt Disney World Public Relations

Just yesterday at 5 a.m. another goat at Circle D Corral named Mulan gave birth to Stitch and Lilo. In the photo below, Stitch is shown on the left, and Lilo (with the white patch on her head) can be seen laying down on the right.

You can see several animals, including two more expectant goats in Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland park, and you’ll be able to can see the baby goats at Big Thunder Ranch in a couple of weeks.

Disney Parks Blog

Enjoy an iconic movie experience when the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents its 21st annual silent film celebration on Sunday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at UCLA’s Royce Hall. D23 Members will receive a 10-percent discount on the $35 and $75 tickets for this fun-filled evening.

This year, LACO presents Walt Disney’s 1924 short Alice’s Wild West Show and Buster Keaton’s hilarious The Cameraman with live orchestral accompaniment. Composer Timothy Brock conducts the world premiere of his score for The Cameraman; music for theAlice comedy is by Alexander Rannie, a frequent consultant to The Walt Disney Studios who has served as assistant production manager on the Mickey Mouse featurette The Prince and the Pauper (1990) to audio designer and animation art researcher for theEncyclopedia of Classic Disney Characters CD-ROM.

Alice’s Wild West Show combines live action with animation as Alice puts on a show for the neighborhood kids of her wild west adventures. Everything goes well until the local bully, Tubby O’Brien, shows up…

We hope you’ll take this unique opportunity to see these silents as the filmmakers originally envisioned — with live music to underscore the action!

Click here for D23 Member tickets. Gala tickets, which include a post-film supper, are $300 (no discount) are available by calling 213-622-7001, x215.)

Click here for more information about LACO’s 21st annual silent film celebration. Proceeds from this event benefit the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Dustin Hoffman is the honorary chair.

Click here to learn more about D23 Member Special Offers and Discounts.

The eFX collectibles line includes an extraordinarily detailed, four-foot model of Capt. Nemo’s Nautilus, which attracted rave reviews when it was previewed at the D23 Expo and last summer’s Comic-Con. Only 500 hand-crafted, individually numbered pieces will be produced worldwide, and is priced at $1,799 — but D23 members can order it for $1,699.

eFX has also announced that orders can be placed beginning May 4 for its replica of the evil Queen’s Heart Box, based on the designs of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which is priced at $799, or $724 for D23 Members. In addition to receiving special pricing, D23 members can place their eFX orders one day before sales open to the general public.

“No Disney fans are more devoted and enthusiastic than D23 Members, and we wanted to do something special for them,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc., which also produces highly sought-after collectibles based on such classic entertainment as Star Wars and Star Trek.

D23 Membership information will be validated upon ordering at www.efxcollectibles.com, and the special D23 Member pricing will be applied with the final payment prior to shipping.

The new D23 pricing from eFX joins a long list of special offers and benefits that make membership in D23 truly magical. D23 Members can also receive 10 percent off purchases at selected retail and restaurant locations at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney; access exclusive content from Scrapblog to personalize their Disney memories and experiences; and take advantage of special offers from ESPN Zone, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group locations in New Orleans; and much more.

D23

Mandara — which has spas in both Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and the Walt Disney World Dolphin & Swan — will give D23 Members 10 percent off their treatment when a member presents his or her D23 Membership Card upon payment.

Mandara, which also has North American locations in Las Vegas and Hawaii, is known for soothing experiences like their signature Stone Therapy Massage. For a complete list of North American locations and a list of treatments, please visit MandaraSpa.com. Offer expires December 31, 2010.

D23

Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer.  For details about the Festival* events, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Look for chefs Guy Fieri and Cat Cora of Food Network, along with Disney culinary masters and special guests as they present their gastronomic talents in a full menu of complimentary demonstrations and signature paid events. The signature events include Sweet Sundays, “Taste Wine Like an Expert” classes, and Taste Food-Wine-Life, a night that celebrates the essence of the festival with a mosaic of food, wine and live entertainment.

Opening weekend features celebrity chef Guy Fieri, the popular television personality and “food dude” who appears on shows such as “Guy’s Big Bite” on the Food Network. Fieri will conduct complimentary food demonstrations on the Festival’s main stage Friday, April 16, and Saturday, April 17.

“Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival is a great time,” Fieri said. “Of course the kids love Disneyland, but now this is something extra for the adults. It’s incredible chefs, great wines from around the world and Disney. You’re gonna dig it. See you there!”

Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park. Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations.

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival includes experiences for anyone who appreciates the art of food, wine and beer.

• The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection. At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the new Hollywood & Wine Lounge.
• Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs. Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saad and Kerry Simon.
• Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs. Guests will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
• At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.

Events returning for 2010 include the gala Taste Food-Wine-Life” and other popular experiences:

• Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29. The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful décor. Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
• Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure. Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
• “Taste Wine Like an Expert”: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting. Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.

Festival events held in Disney’s California Adventure may require park admission, which is not included in the event price. For details and pricing information, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

D23 Members will be among the first to see the Woody, Buzz and the gang in the new Disney·Pixar film Toy Story 3 as part of a Toy Story marathon — all in dazzling Disney Digital 3D™ — at the historic El Capitan Theatre on June 17, 2010.

Grab your complimentary (commemorative) popcorn bucket and drink and head to your seats! The curtain rises on the original Toy Story at 3 p.m., and from then on, it’s a day of delights and surprises. Special guests will make appearances throughout the event. During breaks, guests will be offered a meal as well as an ice cream treat to keep thing sweet!

Following the screening of Toy Story 3 guests will head back to the Toy Story 3 Fun Zone behind the El Capitan to enjoy the complete Toy Story experience. Woody, Buzz and Jessie will be there to meet guests, and will be starring in the “Dancing with the Toys” show. Take a seat on the Ferris wheel, maybe challenge some friends in an obstacle course, play the latest video games in Andy’s Game Room or bounce in Buzz’s bounce house! There will be something for everyone to enjoy. And every guest will receive a commemorative, limited-edition surprise gift for joining the fun!

Included with the price of admission:

• Screenings of Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 in Disney Digital 3D
• Assigned seat
• Special popcorn bucket and a beverage
• One boxed meal and a beverage
• An ice cream treat and a beverage
• Admission to the Toy Story 3 Fun Zone following the screenings of Toy Story 3
• Surprise guest appearances
• Commemorative, limited-edition surprise gift

Event Information
DATE
June 17, 2010

LOCATION
El Capitan Theatre
Hollywood, California (6838 Hollywood Blvd.)

TICKETS
Please call (818) 845-3110 for tickets.

COST
$100 per ticket (D23 Members may purchase up to four tickets)

SCHEDULE
First screening begins at 3 p.m.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. D23 Members may purchase a ticket for themselves and up to three (3) guests. There are a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members have the chance to purchase these tickets first; tickets will be released to the general public beginning April 26, 2010. There will be breaks between each screening. The first screening will begin at 3 p.m., but screening times for the second two films will not be announced prior to the event. D23 Members will be required to give their membership number when purchasing tickets. Tickets will be mailed in advance, all guests will need to bring their tickets to check in at Will Call to receive the credential for the event and the food vouchers. Will Call will open ONE HOUR before the performance with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD at the El Capitan Theatre. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to theater. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice.

D23

“I’m definitely a Disney fan,” Cage admitted. “[Walt Disney] has inspired me in so many ways, including how I feel, where I chose to live my life, and what I wanted to be. I spent a lot of time in New Orleans, and that’s all because of the Haunted Mansion. Over the years, I just would try to find [Walt] wherever I would go and try to get inspired the way he was inspired.”

Cage’s Bel Air castle—  turns out it may have just been an homage to his lifelong inspiration: Walt Disney. Could Cage’s obsession with Disneyland compel him to run an electric train choo-chooing around a breakfast room and two bedrooms in his magical castle?

Cage, who will outfan you any day by analyzing the aesthetic nuances of various Disney films (for the record, he thinks Fantasia is “the most beautiful” but Pinocchio is a “masterpiece”), also stars in this July’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Cage admits that his favorite movies are of a G-rated nature.

“I want to make movies to share with the whole family,” Cage says. “Not those that resort to gratuitous violence. That’s a priority for me. Going to the movies becomes a family ritual. They’re waiting for the movie to come out, and they go together, and they go get the popcorn and the tickets and they sit down, and they have that bond.”

After checking in, guests will be escorted to the front of the Feature Animation Building where they will have the chance to join Disney employees, luminaries and special guests for the dedication of the iconic structure as it is renamed the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.

Following the fanfare, you will be escorted back to the Studio Theatre on the main lot where Disney historian Stacia Martin will introduce the first, and only, True-Life Fantasy: Perri. The adorable film, which Roy worked on as both a cameraman and photographer, follows a little pine squirrel named Perri and her life from childhood to maturity.

After the movie, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner inside the Disney Studio Commissary. A limited menu of freshly prepared edibles — including the famous chili Walt used to enjoy — will be available for purchase. After its opening on March 21, 1940, Walt himself used to enjoy lunch at the Commissary nearly every day he was at the Studio.

Following the dinner break, it’s back to the Studio Theatre where Academy Award®-nominated film producer Don Hahn will reminisce about working with Roy before introducing a screening ofFantasia/2000. The film, executive produced by Roy, built upon the success of the original Fantasia — which inspired the look of the Studio Theatre — using vibrant animation, rich scores, and a few celebrity appearances, both live and drawn! Hahn will also present the animated short Lorenzo, about a sassy cat terrorized by his own tail, which Hahn executive produced with Roy.

It promises to be a memorable event, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Event Information
DATE
May 7, 2010

LOCATION
The Walt Disney Studios
Burbank, California

TICKETS
Available April 23, 2010, 10 a.m. PST. Please check this page for the ticket link.

COST
$50 per person (plus a $5 processing fee)

SCHEDULE
Check in begins at 3:15 p.m.; event starts at 4 p.m.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. There are a limited number of tickets available. Dinner in the commissary is not included with the price of the ticket; guests who wish to enjoy dinner will need to bring cash or credit card for the meal. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, tickets are not transferrable.

D23

Six Polar Patios are available for rental and take relaxation to a new level. Each space includes upgraded furniture, towels, waiter service, private locker, all-day drink mugs, a cooler with ice and bottled water.  (Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park also offers six new Beachcomber Shacks for rental.)

Pricing depends on date and time of visit.  Callers to 407/WDW-PLAY can get pricing, reservations and more information.

Walt Disney World Press Release

For $25.99 ages 10 and older, $13.99 ages 3 to 9, guests can settle in an hour before “Wishes” and enjoy a wide range of sweets with coffee, tea and other beverages. Magic Kingdom admission is required. Advance reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Walt Disney World Press Release

For the third year in a row, the Newport Beach Film Festival presents their Disney Rarities screening with Academy Award®-nominated film producer Don Hahn and director/producer David Bossert of the Walt Disney Studios. Tickets for D23 Members are just $10 for this event on Saturday, April 24 at 1 p.m. (tickets are usually $12). The screening is at the Regency South Coast Village Theatre (1561 W. Sunflower Ave, Santa Ana, Calif.).

Each year Disney Rarities has presented a collection of unforgettable but seldom-seen Disney animated films, and this year will be no exception. We hope to see you there! Click here for D23 Member tickets.

Click here for more information about the Newport Beach Film Festival, which runs April 22 through 29.

A team of Disney engineers is providing the answers, taking their road show to local schools across Central Florida.  The team does a demonstration highlighting Disney Park attractions, using models and videos to create an excitement amongst the children about math and science.  In the past, they’ve even brought in a Tiki Bird to tell the story of the math and science behind the Magic.

“There really is an interest not only to see us but to learn more about their favorite attraction,” said Lee Wilson, an engineer with Walt Disney World Design and Engineering. “We want to get them excited about math and science but we also want to provide a visual for teachers to use and refer back to.”

Wilson says the most popular attractions to use for the demonstration are the Disney roller coasters, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

“We have some very dedicated cast members,” added Wilson. “It really is a program where all of our engineering partners from across Walt Disney World Resort come together to teach these kids and show students the exciting possibilities of careers involving math and science.”

The hour-long session always generate plenty of questions from the kids – and the teachers.

The Disney team of engineers is back on the road April 30 at Sand Hill Elementary after stops and lessons with various school groups from across Central Florida.

So is there a clear favorite amongst all of the Disney attractions for the kids to learn about?

Wilson says it’s a tossup. “Everybody has a favorite.”

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Special Event – Mothers Day Brunch

Epcot^® – Living Seas Salon

Located on the 2^nd floor of The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion

Sunday, May 9, 2010

First Sitting: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Second Sitting: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Price: $95.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

Come celebrate mom with an “Under the Sea Garden” Brunch at the Living Seas Salon.  This breathtaking hideaway is one of the most unique locations for private events at the Walt Disney World® Resort.  The venue allows you the opportunity to get up close with over 3,000 varieties of sea life in the 5.7 million gallon aquarium.  This is definitely an event to make mom feel special, and one she’ll always remember!

Menu

First Course

Strawberries with Devonshire Crème

Second Course

Traditional Niçoise Salad – Greens, Tuna, Boiled Eggs, Baby Green Beans, Olives, and Hard Cooked Eggs

Third Course

Filet Mignon Benedict

English Muffins with Petite Tenderloin of Beef, Poached Eggs, and Béarnaise Sauce

Skillet Potatoes and Asparagus

Dessert Station

Crêpes Suzette Prepared-To-Order

Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Bean Gelato

An Array of Housemade Miniature Pastries

Sliced Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Berries

Charles de Fère Cuvée “Jean-Louis” Brut

Mimosas and Magnolias

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 108 Guests per sitting times

Tables in Wonderland Presents:

The Wave… of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

Thursday, April 15, 2010

6:30 p.m. Reception.  7 p.m. Dinner

Location: The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Please meet at restaurant’s main podium)

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Reception in The Wave… of American Flavors Lounge

Cold Smoked Cedar Key Clams with Cured Lemons and Roasted Garlic

Rock Shrimp Flatbread

Pegasus Bay Semillon–Sauvignon Blanc Blend

Dinner in The Wave… of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Appetizer

Laughing Bird Shrimp Cocktail with Mango, Arugula, and Goat Cheese

Clearview Unwooded Chardonnay

Entrée

Trio of Florida Seafood featuring:

• Spiced-rubbed Mullet with Heirloom Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives

• Mangrove Snapper with Edamame and Cilantro Chutney

• Sautéed Tripletail Oscar with Colossal Blue Crab and Avocado-Citrus Hollandaise

Seven Terraces Pinot Noir

Salad

Locally Grown Micro Greens with Red Watercress and Peaches from Arcadia, Florida

Main Divide Riesling

Dessert

Key Lime Bavarian Cheesecake with Chocolate Crème Brûlée Center

Coconut Ice Cream in a Macadamia Nut Tuile

Mango and Raspberry Coulis

Yalumba Antique Tawny Port

The Wave… of American Flavors is proud to partner with Fresh from Florida spokesperson, David Fennesey, in presenting an array of great seafood from Florida’s coastal waters.   David represents Central Seafood and will host the dinner with Chef Frank Brough and Area Manager Stephen Shepherd.  David, who has 40 years of seafood experience, is a graduate of New York University, an Air Force veteran, and a former Regional Director for National Fisheries Institute.  David has served on President Gerald Ford’s committee on implementing a 200-mile limitation of American coastal waters.  He is also liaison to the Mexican Government on developing a commercial fishery out of the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, a current member of Monterey Bay Aquarium, and President of SBI/Fresh from Florida.

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 50 Guests.

Tables in Wonderland presents: Jiko-The Cooking Place Wine Dinner

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Please check in between 6:20 – 6:30 p.m. in the back of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby, left hand side.

Reception 6:30 p.m.  Dinner 7 p.m.

Price: $160 per person, including tax and gratuity

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

Avontuur Estate, home of fine wines and fast horses, nestles against the Helderberg between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The host for the evening will be Avontuur Winery General Manager, Pippa Mickleburgh. Pippa has been with the Avontuur farm for nearly 20 years and handles both the winery and thoroughbred stud farm side of the business.

The wines for this dinner will include:

Avontuur Minelli Pinot Noir

Avontuur Vintner’s Red Blend

Bouchard Finlayson Croc’s Lair Chardonnay

Hartenberg Eleanor Chardonnay

Avontuur Shiraz

Avontuur Pinotage

Avontuur Baccarat

Menu:

Reception in the Sunset Lounge in the back of the Lobby at Jambo House

Braised Beef Tongue with Onion Purée

Tuna Tartare with Coconut-Curry Sauce

Quinoa Cake with Red Pepper Yogurt and Potato Crisps

Appetizers

Oak-grilled Ostrich Filet with Creamy Polenta, Asparagus, and Cassis Reduction

Smoked Wild Salmon-Lobster Terrine with Chorizo, Peppadew, Peppers, Spring Onions, and Lobster Nage

Soup Course

Spring Pea Soup with Morel-Bacon Compote

Intermezzo

Mango Caviar

Entrée

Petite Veal Chop with Porcini-Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Wild Leek Fondue, and Natural Jus

Cheese Course

Dessert

Spiced Chocolate Cake served with Marinated Pears and Vanilla Foam

(Menu is subject to change based upon availability of items)

For reservations, email WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information:  your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. The event will be limited to 36 Guests.

Garden Town Breakfast

The 17th Annual Epcot^® International Flower & Garden Festival is now upon us!  Here’s your chance to reserve a spot for a special Garden Town Breakfast, new to the Festival this year, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on select Sundays.   Enjoy a welcome breakfast buffet prepared by our Disney chefs that will include a special selection of fresh ingredients from our own Land Pavilion, while having the opportunity to learn some garden and culinary techniques from professional horticulturists and chefs.

The Garden Town Breakfast events are open to all Guests.

To purchase your ticket or get more information about the event,

call (407) WDW-FEST (407-939-3378)

Dates:

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Place: Wonder’s Retreat (Garden Town 2nd floor)

Price $60.00 per person, plus tax.

Gratuity is included. Theme Park ticket is required.Please note that this is not a Tables in Wonderland exclusive event.

This November a new crop of teams will huddle-up at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with one goal: the 2010 Old Spice Classic championship.  California, Notre Dame, Temple, Texas A&M and Wisconsin – all of which went to the NCAA’s “big dance” this spring – will be joined by Boston College, Georgia and Manhattan for a Thanksgiving weekend basketball feast that will feature 12 games through three days, Nov. 25, 26 and 28.

Additional information can be found on the Old Spice Classic Web site atwww.OldSpiceClassic.com.  For more information about ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, visit www.DisneySports.com.

Walt Disney World

Imagine a foot race that starts at 10 p.m. and finishes, 13.1 miles later, with an exclusive party replete with culinary delights and specialty drinks from around the world.  That’s the scenario for the signature race of the inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend on Oct. 1-2.

The half marathon on Oct. 2 caps a schedule that also includes a two-day expo, 5K fun run and kids races – all during the opening two days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  The full details and registration are at www.disneywinedinerun.com.

Walt Disney World

• In Italy at Epcot World Showcase, Via Napoli, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, will feature wood-burning ovens – and will import water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough.  This 300-seat pizzeria will feature a menu inspired by the famous pizzerias of southern Italy.  The menu also will feature pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines.  The Patina Restaurant Group also operates Tutto Italia Ristorante at the pavilion.
• At Downtown Disney Marketplace, Pollo Campero, an international Latin chicken quick-service restaurant chain, has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to deliver a new restaurant concept.  The restaurant will showcase Pollo Campero’s signature Latin chicken (which features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices) as well as a new fresh concept named Fresh A-Peel (featuring fresh salads, sandwiches, fruits and healthy snacks) plus vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-sodium or organic offerings.
• In Mexico at Epcot World Showcase, an expanded Cantina de San Angelrestaurant will feature 400 combined seats with al fresco seating for quick-service meals plus a new, air-conditioned table-service restaurant featuring authentic specialty dishes from Mexico created by the talented culinary team at San Angel Inn, LLC., which has operated the food service at the Mexico pavilion for more than 25 years.

Walt Disney World

“Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members work daily to help realize the dreams of our community,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We actively seek ways to conduct our business in the most responsible way.”

As the largest single private employment site in the United States, Walt Disney World Resort and its more than 58,000 Cast Members play a vital role in Central Florida. The 2009 Community Report details their commitment with a focus on Disney’s accomplishments related to the environment, workplace and community, with a special emphasis on the well-being of children and families.

In 2009, Walt Disney World Resort contributed more than $28.5 million to community efforts, granted nearly 7,000 wish trips to children facing life-threatening medical conditions and generated approximately $586 million in taxes to Central Florida governments. Other highlights include:

Disney Cast Members Reach Record Level of Volunteerism

In 2009, Disney VoluntEARS gave a record 251,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, from donating more than 650,000 school supplies to local students through A Gift For Teaching and S.T.A.R.S. to serving 9,000 meals at Coalition for the Homeless. In addition, 130 Disney Cast Members provided support to local non-profits by serving on their boards.

The momentum continued earlier this year through “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.,” which inspired one million people to give back to their communities through volunteer service. More than 6,500 Central Floridians joined in 303 local “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” projects, ranging from community beautification events to sorting food for the hungry. “This was a starting point for many people,” said Chris Allen, Executive Director of HandsOn Orlando, the agency that oversaw many of the efforts. “We’ve found that if first-time volunteers have a great experience, they realize their potential and want to do more. Many will go on to volunteer again and again.”

Eco-Friendly Actions Make Big Impact

In 2009, The Walt Disney Company announced environmental goals to help manage and minimize its overall impact on the environment and inspire others to action. At Walt Disney World Resort, waste management and energy conservation initiatives are yielding impressive results. More than 92,000 tons of waste was diverted from landfills in 2009 through recycling efforts, enough to fill Spaceship Earth at Epcot more than seven times. Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort has reduced energy consumption by more than 5% since 2006, enough to power 4,100 Central Florida homes for a year.

Central Florida Charities “Shine On” With Disney Grants

Celebrating those who work tirelessly to build better futures for Central Florida’s children, Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $700,000 in grants to 34 non-profit organizations via prize patrols that blanketed the region in May 2009. Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants recognize charities that commit their time and talent to making a difference in the lives of Central Florida’s children through programs that focus on connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion. Top recipients in 2009 were Coalition for the Homeless and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida.

“Walt Disney World Resort is always looking for ways to invest in the children of Central Florida and demonstrate our commitment to their healthy development,” says Shannon McAleavey, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Walt Disney World Resort. “We look to collaborate with organizations that will help us make a difference in children’s lives through long-term, sustainable efforts. Ultimately, this creates a stronger community for us all.”

More than 170 local charities applied for 2010 Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants. Applicants will discover if they will be Disney Grants recipients this May, when prize patrols will yet again descend across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake Counties to award funding to those selected. Learn more about Disney’s charitable contributions, VoluntEAR efforts in the community, the company’s environmental stewardship and its initiatives that benefit and enhance the quality of life for Cast Members by reading the 2009 Community Report atwww.wdwpublicaffairs.com/Resources/pdf/WDW_v13.pdf.

Walt Disney World Public Affairs

Named after the petite French star from the hit film “Ratatouille,” Remy will serve French-inspired, gourmet cuisine paired with impeccable service, a stellar wine list and breathtaking views of the ocean. With a subtle nod to the film, the main dining room is designed in Art Nouveau style. If you look very closely you may even find artful interpretations of the character Remy integrated into the design.

Creating such an exclusive dining experience called for a truly exquisite menu that could only be delivered by two award-winning chefs: Chef Arnaud Lallement, a Michelin two-starred chef from Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s. They are working together to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world.

To get a taste of the cuisine awaiting you at Remy, check out this delicious dish. It’s the Japanese Wagyu Beef with Garlic-Potato Purée.

We couldn’t leave you without showing you a sweet treat to tempt your taste buds. Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek of Victoria & Albert’s is hard at work creating the grand finale to this delightful dining experience. Take a look the White Chocolate and Meyer Lemon Purse with Blackberry-Violet Sherbet.

Bon Appétit!

Disney Parks Blog

Kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE* when you purchase a 4-night, 5-day Magic Your Way vacation package at a select Disney Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort for stays most nights May 2 – June 3, 2010. Book by May 8, 2010

Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, 10th Avenue North and Sidewalk Prophets.

From 7 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. each night – after regular Magic Kingdom hours – the special-ticket event will feature live performances on several stages throughout the park.  In addition, guests can experience some of the park’s most popular attractions during Night of Joy hours.

Musically, the acts add up to a lineup that runs the spectrum from Rock, Hip Hop and R&B … to Pop, Adult Contemporary and Gospel – continuing a tradition that has been a hallmark of Night of Joy since 1983 when the event began.

It’s also a lineup laden with accolades.  Ten of the artists have amassed a combined 81 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and six The Recording Academy Grammy Awards.  Twelve of the artists are nominated for a total of 33 Dove Awards this year.  Winners will be announced April 21 at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House.

Five artists are new to Night of Joy, bringing the event’s all-time talent list to 144 Christian music acts. The newbies:

• 10th Avenue North, the 2009 New Artist of the Year
• Group 1 Crew, which has carried home Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year honors the past two years
• Day of Fire, which earned the Rock Album of the Year accolade in 2005
• Sidewalk Prophets, a pop/rock group nominated for two Doves in 2010, including New Artist of the Year
• Lecrae, a Hip Hop/R&B artist who has garnered nominations in previous years.

Night of Joy tickets go on sale May 1.  For more information about the event, visitwww.nightofjoy.com.

Walt Disney World News

Event Information
DATE
May 15-16, 2010

LOCATION
Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida

TICKETS
Available April 8, 2010, 10 a.m. PST. Please check this page for the ticket link.

COST
$195 per person

SCHEDULE
Check-in is Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

The weekend blossoms Saturday evening as guests gather at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for a delicious beachside cookout. Enjoy a savory salad before diving into a grilled beef burger from the Evo Grill (veggie burgers too!) or chicken breast with Floridian citrus barbeque sauce glaze, served with all the fixings. Make sure to leave room for mouth-watering side dishes like creamy Southern-style cole slaw, slow-cooked vegetarian baked beans and Baked Mac ‘n’ Fine Cheeses. And don’t forget dessert! (We know we won’t!) Choose between Mickey Strawberry Shortcake or Hershey’s Chocolate S’mores Bread Pudding with Vanilla Crème Anglaise Sauce. Or enjoy both! During dinner, some of Disney’s most beloved characters will also hit the sand to visit with you.

Then sit back and watch a private viewing of the delightful Electrical Water Pageant as it sails by on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Pageant — Disney’s longest-running parade, having launched in 1971 — boasts a bevy of colorful characters on barges illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights. Following the show, guests will be treated to an exclusive presentation about the creation of Walt Disney World’s fireworks spectaculars. And the night wouldn’t be complete without a private lakeside viewing of the Magic Kingdom’s beloved fireworks spectacular Wishes.

Sunday morning meet at 9 a.m. in the Grand Harbor Ballroom of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts for a morning of special presentations, created just for D23 Members and their guests. After enjoying breakfast from the continental buffet including “A Spoonful of Sugar” breakfast scones with clotted cream and fresh jams and warm cinnamon loaf laced with fondant, “Mad Hatter” scrambled eggs (with assorted “Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum toppings”!), Snow (Egg) White Vegetable Frittata, Tink’s Yogurt Parfaits and classic Mickey Waffles fresh fruit toppings and pecans and whipped cream, grab a seat as Epcot Vice President Dan Cockrell will kick off the morning, giving insider insight into the new additions currently being built at Epcot — a new authentic Neapolitan pizzeria at Italy’s pavilion and expanded outdoor for Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion. Michael Jenner, WDW Park Events Content Development Operations Manager, will give an exclusive sneak peek at what’s to come at this fall’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which will be celebrating its 15th year of cooking up delicious dishes for Disney guests! Eric Darden, Horticulture Manager of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, will present “The History and Behind the Scenes Secrets of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.” Then, Daniel Wasilick of Twinings Tea — one of the original partners at Epcot — will serve up something special just for guests, including a look at their refreshing teas that can only be found at Epcot. And of course, there will be some terrific surprises and gifts!

After a morning of enriching panels and presentations inside, it’s time to hit Epcot to see theInternational Flower & Garden Festival up close and personal. Guests will have several hours during the day to enjoy the park at their own pace.

That evening, get ready for some Flower Power as you head to the American Gardens Theatre to do the twist with Chubby Checker! D23 Members and their guests will enjoy reserved VIP seating for the concert. And after burning off some calories twisting the night away, it’s time for dessert! A selection of savory sweets — including some of Walt’s personal favorites — will be awaiting guests at Italy Isola, where everyone will also be able to enjoy private viewing of the Epcot signature spectacle,IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Of course, no D23 event would be complete without some extra magic! We look forward to making once-in-a-lifetime memories over these two days of festivities.

Included with the cost of your ticket:

• Private dinner on the beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa
• Private viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes
• Presentation on the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks spectaculars
• Continental breakfast at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Exclusive presentations from Dan Cockrell, Michael Jenner, Eric Darden, and Daniel Wasilick
• Private VIP seating at Chubby Checker’s Flower Power concert
• Private dessert party and viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
• Commemorative gift (one per guest)

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and THREE (3) guests. Epcot park admission IS REQUIRED for Sunday’s Flower Power concert, dessert party, and IllumiNations viewing, park tickets are NOT included with the price of the event. Guests are required to provide their own transportation to and from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort on Saturday (Disney transportation will be available). On Sunday, guests must provide their own transportation to and from the Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center Grand Harbor Ballroom; please note, guests staying on Disney property may take a Disney bus (Disney buses begin running at 6:45 a.m.) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and change bus to a Yacht & Beach Club bus. There are a limited number of tickets available. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

D23

changed the face of animation forever

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. The conditions produced a series of box office flops and pessimistic forecasts: maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn’t care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending.

Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It’s the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits—“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King” and more—over a 10-year period.

Director Don Hahn and producer Peter Schneider bring their insider knowledge to Waking Sleeping Beauty. Hahn was one of the Young Turks at Disney who produced some of its biggest sensations. Schneider led the animation group during this amazing renaissance and later became studio chairman. Their film offers a fascinating and candid perspective of what happened in the creative ranks set against the dynamic tensions among the top leadership, Michael Eisner, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Roy Disney (the nephew of Walt).

The process wasn’t always pretty. The filmmakers bring a refreshing candor in describing ego battles, cost overruns and failed experiments. During times of tension, the animators’ favorite form of release was to draw scathing caricatures of themselves and their bosses. Director Hahn puts several memorable ones on display and marshals a vast array of interviews, home movies, internal memos and unseen footage.

Announcing the world premiere of Waking Sleeping Beauty at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival, the festival’s documentary programmer Thom Powers said, “Waking Sleeping Beauty celebrates the rich history of Disney animation and honors the many writers, artists and composers who created the Disney magic. The treatment is so thorough that it includes key figures who famously left Disney such as Don Bluth, John Lasseter and Tim Burton. At one time, children imagined that Walt Disney’s signature meant a film was the creation of one man. This is a more grown-up portrayal that reveals the collaborative, often contentious, experience in all its complexity.”

MAKING WAKING SLEEPING BEAUTY

For 10 years, producer Peter Schneider contemplated the idea of making a documentary about the incredibly fertile and turbulent decade that produced some of Disney’s most successful films and revitalized the animation industry. There had been plenty of reporting about this moment in Disney history, but none of it told the complex, riveting story that Schneider had witnessed up close.

“The articles and books that have been written never captured the whole story because they were told from an outsider’s point of view,” says Schneider. “They didn’t capture the joy of a group of creative people firing on all pistons or the unique drama among the key players as they clashed over who would take credit for the renaissance of the animation department.

“Once animation became the ‘heart and soul’ of the company again, everybody started vying for a piece of it,” he says. “Feature Animation was central to the drama.”

Schneider and Don Hahn, the film’s director, were both present during the era they have documented in Waking Sleeping Beauty. “The story parallels the animated films themselves,” Hahn points out. “They’re all about love and conflict. Waking Sleeping Beauty is about the love of a group of people for an art form and the conflict that occurred when that art form became incredibly lucrative and prestigious.”

Both Schneider and Hahn had been deeply involved in the creation of films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.” Many years later, they got together. “As with most good films, the idea for this one started in a coffee shop,” says Hahn. “As we sat down with our lattes, we inevitably started talking about our time together at Disney.”

They recalled their years at the studio with mixed emotions of euphoria and horror. They had been part of a team that produced a series of films that were phenomenally successful artistically and financially. “On the other hand, it took its toll,” says Hahn. “And it left us with some incredible Hollywood stories to tell.”

Initially, Hahn was concerned that the story covered too many movies, too many characters and too much time to be told succinctly. “It’s a rich period with some of the most dynamic personalities in the history of entertainment,” he says. “How are you going to capture all that in a 90-minute film?”

But Schneider convinced him that they were in a unique position to tell the real story. “We were in the room,” says Schneider. “We probably knew too much about what happened.”

“But,” adds Hahn, “we thought that if we could tell that story in as honest a way as possible, it would be an amazing tale: Shakespearean characters and palace intrigue mixed with cartoons. Who wouldn’t love that?”

The filmmakers first enlisted the support of Dick Cook, who at that time was chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. He had worked side by side with Schneider and Hahn during those years. “We warned him the film might stray into difficult areas,” says Schneider. “Without hesitation, Dick said ‘Yes.’”

They all felt enough time had passed that the central players on both the artistic and business sides would be willing to speak openly. “It would be at the least cathartic, and possibly an instructional parable for the future,” Hahn says. “Dick recognized that it was a unique time in all of Hollywood—a perfect confluence, as he put it, of executive boldness, artistic excellence and sheer luck.”

Although the film shows the studio in a less than positive light at times, Cook’s backing of the film never wavered. “There were many late nights when I was tearing my hair out trying to tell a tough story,” says Hahn. “I was always wondering if there would be some ‘day of reckoning’ on the film, a day when we would be asked to censor it and edit down some of the more unflattering passages. That day never came.”

The next hurdle was securing the cooperation of Michael Eisner, Roy Disney and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Fifteen years had passed, but they had never before gone on record with their personal memories of that time. “For a long time, it was too raw for them to be able to speak about,” says Schneider. “The biggest surprise for me was how frank everyone was. There was a consensus that the story needed to be told.”

The intervening years had a cooling effect on the former rivals. “At that point, there was no reason for them not to talk about it,” continues Schneider. “No one was feuding. They had each made peace with themselves.”

“In fact,” says Hahn, “Roy Disney was eager to talk. And Jeffrey Katzenberg couldn’t have been more cooperative. Michael was apprehensive at first, but when he saw our approach to the material, we gradually won him over.”

It was unavoidable that the filmmakers, who were so intimately involved in the events they were retelling, would bring their own points of view to the story. “I realized very early that my truth on this topic would not always jibe with Peter’s truth or the truth of the other participants,” says Hahn. “We decided to interview all the players and let them describe their own experiences – their own ‘truth,’ — sort of like 10 blind men describing an elephant. We had some of the best storytellers on earth, why not let them tell their stories in their own words about this insane, creative thrill ride we all lived through.”

To maintain some distance from their material and emotional connection to that period, Schneider suggested that Patrick Pacheco, a veteran journalist who has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal, conduct the interviews.

“It was important to have someone involved who challenged our assumptions,” Schneider says. “We thought Pacheco could better elicit some provocative material from the interview subjects. So we sent him off with his tape recorder and a list of names. We thought we could capture the story by interviewing 20 people. He interviewed OVER 75.”

“Peter and Don made the contacts and then got out of the way,” says Pacheco.  “They made no demands except to tell me that they were looking for an emotional and dramatic story. It became clear early on that Howard Ashman was its poignant heart, not only because of his untimely death but also because of his crucial role. At one point, Roy Disney even compared him to Walt in terms of his influence.”

Pacheco’s interviews uncovered some other surprises for the filmmakers. “Another revelation was the key diplomatic role played by Frank Wells in the delicate balance among Roy, Jeffrey and Michael, something which had never before been explored in accounts of this period,” says Pacheco. “I assumed that Frank’s value to the company was his business acumen. But his talents as a diplomat were just as important—if not more so—to the success of this period.

“It was striking how Roy’s behavior was molded by his innate sense of responsibility, because he alone carried the name Disney and how subtly he was able to wield that power,” says Pacheco. “To my surprise, Jeffrey and Michael were also open in talking about past grievances. It was almost as if they were using the interviews as an opportunity to speak to each other after a long, deep freeze.”

“It’s really a classic Hollywood story in that it reminds us that this town was built by a bunch of ambitious, eccentric and passionate artists, which included Walt Disney and his successors,” says Pacheco.

Waking Sleeping Beauty painstakingly balances the sometimes conflicting points of view of the animation team members and the studio chiefs who competed against each other for control and credit. However, Schneider observes, “It was not us versus them. Sure, the artists can be a subversive lot. Believe me, I took a lot of hits when I first arrived at Disney and they are in the movie. But we all got into the trenches together and that led to a mutual respect.”

And as Eisner says in the film, “Go to any institution, any university, any hospital, any corporation, any home, any house, you know what, the human condition overshadows bricks and mortar, every time.  And it’s about fear, and envy, and jealously, and comfort, and love, and hate, and accomplishment.  Every institution has it.  Were we a bunch of artistic, emotional people running around screaming and crying and ranting and raving?  No, it was an organized group of people, working together, saying, let’s put on a show.”

This often contentious collaboration resulted in a “perfect storm” of talent which led to an extraordinary renaissance of the art of animation, which led to artistic recognition, a lot of attention, and incredible box office grosses.

Large egos and infighting are legendary in Hollywood, but much of it usually stays behind closed doors. The power struggle at Disney played out in a uniquely public way and the rumors and reality coming out of the studio transfixed the Industry.

“Disney offered one of the biggest stages on earth for the personalities to surface,” says Hahn. “With success came magazine covers and talk show appearances—and not just for the top brass. Prior to that, the animation industry had been one of the most anonymous professions on earth, not unlike monks copying bibles.. Suddenly the artists got their 15 minutes of fame and more.  With fame came ego, and with all the good press, it was easy to start believing that you deserved to be in the spotlight. It’s fleeting, as the film shows.”

Prior to 1984, animated films were produced through what Hahn calls “a well-tooled production pipeline.”

“The era from 1984 to 1994 was more akin to a gasoline fire,” says Hahn. “It was a time of high productivity, stressful debate on every creative grain of the movie, and intense pressure to out-do the last accomplishment. It was chaotic, exhausting and thrilling.”

When conceiving the documentary, the filmmakers posted two key rules over the AVID editing system: “No talking heads. No old guys reminiscing.”

”It was Don Hahn who came up with the idea to use only footage that was shot during this 10-year period, with current voiceover,” says Schneider.

“Using only the archival footage from that era was the big breakthrough,” Hahn adds, “I wanted to transport the audience into the rooms where Peter and I sat, into the eye of the storm.

And we were really fortunate because unauthorized photography was always strictly prohibited on the Disney lot, but some of the best and rarest footage comes from animator Randy Cartwright,” Hahn continued.  “Cartwright would covertly walk the halls with his cameraman, a young John Lasseter, and film the inner workings of the animation division.  This rare glimpse into the studio became the centerpiece of the documentary’s first act.”

“What makes it even funnier is that studio head Ron Miller walks into what is essentially Randy’s opening shot,” says Hahn. “Randy could have been thrown into jail, but thanks to a good-natured Miller, the footage survived.”

Cartwright’s home movies lend immediacy to the story that transports the viewer back in time. “I wanted that voyeuristic feeling of actually walking the hallways and being there in the room,” says Hahn. “We see these guys – Glen Keane, Tim Burton, John Musker, Ron Clements, John Lasseter — operating at the very beginning of their careers.”

Writer Jim Cox shot another round of film during the making of “Oliver & Company,” this time capturing a young Peter Schneider, “Oliver” director George Scribner, and some precious footage of the late Vance Gerry and Joe Ranft at work in their story room.

The filmmakers were given access to all the archival vaults at Disney for clips, and discovered another, more unorthodox source for some unique images: Hahn’s mother. She had taped television coverage when the films first came out.

Schneider and Hahn also were able to choose from a rich catalogue of caricatures created by artists for an annual show that was held each year to lampoon them and their bosses. “There were thousands of the funniest, nastiest caricatures imaginable to choose from,” says Hahn, “so the biggest problem was selecting which drawings were best to tell the story.”

Greed, envy, hope, desire, passion, jealousy, fear and love are the stuff of great movies. They also worked behind the scenes of one of the greatest Hollywood dramas in history. “You name it, and it was there,” says Hahn. “We were people with hopes and ambitions who lived with each other as a family in order to make the best movies we could.”

“Making the film was emotional, cathartic and difficult,” says Hahn. “But when I look back, at those years, I do so with equal parts pride, joy, sadness and humility. Pride in what we accomplished together with some paint, pencils, paper and persistence, and sadness at the loss of Howard Ashman, our friend and mentor.”

“I’m humbled to this day by the audience’s reaction to these films, and happy to have been in the right place at the right time to see it all happen,” Hahn continues. “It was a winning season, in every way as exciting and hard fought as any winning season in any sport. And we were lucky to be players.”

“So many people grew up with the movies created during that period,” says Schneider. “This is the story behind those films and it’s a story you can’t get from any other source. In the ‘50s, Walter Cronkite had a series called ‘You Are There.’  Well, it’s Disney, 1984 to 1994. And you are there. I hope the audience will find it as amusing, passionate, emotional and provocative as those years were for Don and myself.”

According to L.A. Times, the mouse house wants both “Alice in Wonderland” director Tim Burton and the “Salt” star to join the project, but nothing concrete has been made.

It is unclear if Jolie, who is said to be actively engaging with the planned film, will get involved if Burton also takes on the project.

“Maleficent,” the classic children’s story, which was adapted into an animated film by Disney in 1959, will take a live-action approach. The main focus will be on the titular villainess instead and the story would be told from her perspective.

Jolie is currently filming the action thriller “The Tourist” in Italy with Burton’s frequent collaborator Johnny Depp.

All Headline News

Disney Cruise Line partnered with Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force responsible for designing Disney theme parks and resorts world-wide, to develop new forms of family entertainment for the Disney Dream. New experiences planned for the Disney Dream include:

Animator’s Palate
For the Disney Dream, Disney Cruise Line is re-imagining a fan favorite from the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder – Animator’s Palate restaurant. The restaurant design is that of a classic animation studio filled with character sketches, maquettes (three-dimensional character models), paint brushes, colored pencils and other tools of the animation trade. Scenes and characters from popular Disney•Pixar films adorn the walls.

Once the dinner service begins, however, the dining room begins a magical transformation as scores of wall-mounted LCD screens switch to scenes of a vivid undersea environment. It’s as if the restaurant was transported to the ocean floor and the LCD screens are windows, providing incredible views of a colorful coral reef and creatures that reside on the reef.

While dining, Crush, the surfer-dude sea turtle from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” makes a special appearance, swimming around the restaurant and engaging in live impromptu interactions with guests. Crush will ask guests about the experience onboard the ship and in turn answer questions about life under the sea. While Crush is moving throughout the restaurant, other characters from “Finding Nemo,” such as Nemo, Dory, Squirt and Bruce the shark, swim by and visit with guests.

The dining experience culminates with a surfing lesson led by Crush as the EAC (East Australian Current) swirls around the room. As Crush swims away, other characters from “Finding Nemo” make a final appearance before magically turning into pencil sketches.

Interactive Play-floor
For young cruisers, Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab will feature an interactive play-floor, a cruise industry first that blends the latest in gaming technology with Disney’s panache for storytelling. Located in the main gathering space in both venues, the interactive play-floor allows children to engage in team play exercises where their movements control the action on the interactive floor. For example, one activity has children scrambling around the perimeter of the interactive play-floor with their movements controlling the pitch of a virtual tilt maze.

On the interactive play-floor, children will be able to explore a wide variety of gaming options with varying levels of difficulty. Disney Cruise Line youth counselors will use the interactive play-floor during storytelling activities where children will be able to fly over the streets of London with Peter Pan or ride the ocean waves with Crush.

Living Characters
Also in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab youth areas, Disney characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences. On a 103-inch screen, Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo,” or the mischievous animated alien Stitch make scheduled appearances to chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed conversations.

Sometimes using silly props from their digital environments, Crush and Stitch amaze and entertain children during real-time, personalized appearances. These magical experiences with Crush and Stitch continue Disney’s legacy of bringing characters to life in new and incredible ways.

Enchanted Art
Throughout the Disney Dream, guests will encounter Enchanted Art that immerses guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. Appearing as traditional framed art, Enchanted Art magically comes alive when guests pause to admire the artwork. Enchanted Art will carry the appearance of popular art mediums – photography, oil paintings, paper sculpture, travel posters and animation cells. In reality though, they are framed LCD screens made to look like artwork through special effects and recognizes when a guest is present…which triggers the animated sequence. Guests may see new and different animations each time they come back and visit the Enchanted Art pieces.

In addition, the Enchanted Art is used as part of a one-of-a-kind detective themed adventure where guests of all ages join a ship-wide quest to find either stolen artwork or missing puppies. By using a simple card that serves as a high-tech detective device, guests can peer behind virtual canvases and discover clues that will lead them to solve the mystery and capture the villain responsible. A self-paced adventure, the game offers six potential villains and features randomized events so each time a guest plays they will encounter a different and unique gaming experience.

Virtual Porthole
The Disney Dream carries on the spirit of innovation with a cruise industry first for all inside staterooms. Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole. The live video feed corresponds to the stateroom location – with a view to port, starboard, forward or aft.

As guests are observing the outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters may pop by the Virtual Porthole. Characters may include Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar film “Finding Nemo,” the flying balloon house from “UP” or even Mickey Mouse.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on its maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, and will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.

Disney Cruise Line Press Release

“I am very excited to partner with Disney Family.com (which is already the top site for moms*) to launch, in the spring, a new destination for women that will be innovative and empowering and provide, with humor, insight and vulnerability, solutions to the needs and obligations of today’s modern women,” stated Ms. Hatcher.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Teri to bring her unique twist on life to other women through GetHatched.com,” stated Emily Smith, vice president of Disney Online Mom and Family Portfolio. “The site will offer a place for women to be entertained, connect with others who face the same daily challenges and become inspired along the way.”

“Our goal with this site is to offer women a different take on everyday topics and needs, and we feel that Teri’s candid and humorous point of view is a perfect fit,” stated Paul Yanover, executive vice president and managing director, Disney Online. “We look forward to bringing women from all walks of life together on GetHatched.com.”

Ms. Hatcher will contribute original content to the site, which will feature articles, blogs, original videos series, and advice from her team of experts on everything pertaining to the demands on a woman 24/7.

Business Wire

In Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is a leader in the use of environmentally-friendly, low VOC paint.  Some of the chemicals found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.  Previously, VOCs were considered essential to the durability and performance of paint, both in how well the paint withstood outdoor weather conditions and how quickly it dried.

Until Walt Disney World Resort began using the paint just a year or so ago, low VOC paint was not widely available at most large paint distributors in Florida.

Low VOC paint significantly reduces environmental emissions that react with other elements to produce ozone and cause air pollution.  Low VOC paint improves those emissions as the paint dries, in some cases by 90%.

The Blizzard Beach rehab is an excellent example of a large-scale project using the paints. The use of low VOC paint is not mandated in Florida but its use is consistent with Disney’s longstanding commitment to the environment.

“This is one of our largest rehabs that we’ve ever had.  We had a chance to go in while our park was closed and do a great refresh,” said Blizzard Beach GM Jean Gallagher. “With the ‘snow’ for example, we had our Imagineers and our art directors that come out and help direct what that painting looked like. So from the art side, you don’t just take a gallon of white paint – it’s got blue aspects, it’s got glistening ‘pixie dust’ so when the sun shines on it you can really see that shine.”

Walt Disney World Media Relations

The RIDEMAKERZ experience invites guests into the ultimate car customizing shop where they can build a one-of-a-kind radio control car or “RIDE”.  Between bodystyles and colors, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, accessories and decals, RIDEMAKERZ estimates there are more than 649 million possible build combinations, not including individual decal placement.

“The RIDEMAKERZ experience is pure fun, and the process is designed to spark creativity, encourage collaboration and build confidence,” says RIDEMAKERZ ZEO (CEO) Larry Andreini.

In a nod to real-world car culture, RIDEMAKERZ has agreements with several automotive manufacturers to offer versions of today’s most popular cars in its line-up. Guests, or “Customizers”, can choose from the Ford Mustang and F-250 Super Chief Alternative Fuel Concept Truck, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R and C6RS, Dodge Ram, Challenger, and Viper, MINI Cooper S, and Scion xB.  Retro hot rods, fire engines, racecars, cab-over tow and dump trucks, and many more favorites are also available.

Complete RIDEZ range in price from $10 to $32, depending on body and paint style chosen. Radio remote control can be added for an additional $25, and custom accessories range in price from $2 for grill guards, spoilers and hoods scoops to $15 for themed kits that include a wide range of complementary accessories. RIDEZ measure approximately 12 inches long, or 1:18 scale, and are easy to assemble with snap-in, snap-on components that do not require glue.

“RIDEMAKERZ delivers a high-octane experience and one-of-a kind fun,” said Downtown Disney Vice President Keith Bradford. “We’re excited to add RIDEMAKERZ to our existing portfolio of unique offerings at Downtown Disney. It fills a niche our guest’s have been looking for.”

RIDEMAKERZ’ Orlando shop, which occupies the former home of Virgin Records, delivers an even higher-octane experience to visitors by incorporating a specially designated radio-control test track and real-world auto salon. Eight world-class show cars are on display, including a Chevrolet C5.R racecar built by Pratt & Miller Engineering for General Motors.  The display also features an F150 NASCAR Pace Truck and Dodge Ram from the personal collection of legendary car customizer Chip Foose, as well as a MINI Cooper from the private collection of famed movie car designer Fireball Tim Lawrence.

“The RIDEMAKERZ brand and this shop, in particular, are close to my heart,” said Foose during an autograph session at the grand opening on March 25th.  “I learned about car customizing from my Dad, and now I get to help pass that experience on to fathers, sons and families across America.”  Foose also serves as an advisor to RIDEMAKERZ.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

The Wave… of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

Thursday, April 15, 2010

6:30 p.m. Reception.  7 p.m. Dinner

Location: The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Please meet at restaurant’s main podium)

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Reception in The Wave… of American Flavors Lounge

Cold Smoked Cedar Key Clams with Cured Lemons and Roasted Garlic

Rock Shrimp Flatbread

Pegasus Bay Semillon–Sauvignon Blanc Blend

Dinner in The Wave… of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Appetizer

Laughing Bird Shrimp Cocktail with Mango, Arugula, and Goat Cheese

Clearview Unwooded Chardonnay

Entrée

Trio of Florida Seafood featuring:

• Spiced-rubbed Mullet with Heirloom Tomatoes and Kalamata Olives

• Mangrove Snapper with Edamame and Cilantro Chutney

• Sautéed Tripletail Oscar with Colossal Blue Crab and Avocado-Citrus Hollandaise

Seven Terraces Pinot Noir

Salad

Locally Grown Micro Greens with Red Watercress and Peaches from Arcadia, Florida

Main Divide Riesling

Dessert

Key Lime Bavarian Cheesecake with Chocolate Crème Brûlée Center

Coconut Ice Cream in a Macadamia Nut Tuile

Mango and Raspberry Coulis

Yalumba Antique Tawny Port

The Wave… of American Flavors is proud to partner with Fresh from Florida spokesperson, David Fennesey, in presenting an array of great seafood from Florida’s coastal waters.   David represents Central Seafood and will host the dinner with Chef Frank Brough and Area Manager Stephen Shepherd.  David, who has 40 years of seafood experience, is a graduate of New York University, an Air Force veteran, and a former Regional Director for National Fisheries Institute.  David has served on President Gerald Ford’s committee on implementing a 200-mile limitation of American coastal waters.  He is also liaison to the Mexican Government on developing a commercial fishery out of the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, a current member of Monterey Bay Aquarium, and President of SBI/Fresh from Florida.

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 50 Guests.

Tables in Wonderland presents: Jiko-The Cooking Place Wine Dine

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Please check in between 6:20 – 6:30 p.m. in the back of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby, left hand side.

Reception 6:30 p.m.  Dinner 7 p.m.

Price: $160 per person, including tax and gratuity

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

Avontuur Estate, home of fine wines and fast horses, nestles against the Helderberg between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The host for the evening will be Avontuur Winery General Manager, Pippa Mickleburgh. Pippa has been with the Avontuur farm for nearly 20 years and handles both the winery and thoroughbred stud farm side of the business.

The wines for this dinner will include:

Avontuur Minelli Pinot Noir

Avontuur Vintner’s Red Blend

Bouchard Finlayson Croc’s Lair Chardonnay

Hartenberg Eleanor Chardonnay

Avontuur Shiraz

Avontuur Pinotage

Avontuur Baccarat

Menu:

Reception in the Sunset Lounge in the back of the Lobby at Jambo House

Braised Beef Tongue with Onion Purée

Tuna Tartare with Coconut-Curry Sauce

Quinoa Cake with Red Pepper Yogurt and Potato Crisps

Appetizers

Oak-grilled Ostrich Filet with Creamy Polenta, Asparagus, and Cassis Reduction

Smoked Wild Salmon-Lobster Terrine with Chorizo, Peppadew, Peppers, Spring Onions, and Lobster Nage

Soup Course

Spring Pea Soup with Morel-Bacon Compote

Intermezzo

Mango Caviar

Entrée

Petite Veal Chop with Porcini-Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Wild Leek Fondue, and Natural Jus

Cheese Course

Dessert

Spiced Chocolate Cake served with Marinated Pears and Vanilla Foam

(Menu is subject to change based upon availability of items)

For reservations, email WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information:  your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. The event will be limited to 36 Guests.

Garden Town Breakfast

The 17th Annual Epcot^® International Flower & Garden Festival is now upon us!  Here’s your chance to reserve a spot for a special Garden Town Breakfast, new to the Festival this year, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on select Sundays.   Enjoy a welcome breakfast buffet prepared by our Disney chefs that will include a special selection of fresh ingredients from our own Land Pavilion, while having the opportunity to learn some garden and culinary techniques from professional horticulturists and chefs.

The Garden Town Breakfast events are open to all Guests.

To purchase your ticket or get more information about the event,

call (407) WDW-FEST (407-939-3378)

Dates:

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Place: Wonder’s Retreat (Garden Town 2nd floor)

Price $60.00 per person, plus tax

Gratuity is included. Theme Park ticket is required.

Please note that this is not a Tables in Wonderland exclusive event.

REMINDER:

There are still a few spots available for the Tables in Wonderland Presents:  Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant

DOWNTOWN DISNEY — Pleasure Island

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

7 p.m. Reception.  7:30 p.m. Dinner

Dress code is Casual Evening Attire

Price: $115.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

Master Chef Kevin Dundon is delighted to bring a taste of modern Irish cuisine to DOWNTOWN DISNEY in the form of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. Chef Kevin is also chef/proprietor of the 5-star Dunbrody House Hotel & Cookery School in Wexford, Ireland and brings his philosophy on great food to the menu at Raglan Road.

Join Chef Kevin for a very unique dining experience in the beautiful surrounds of the Raglan Room. This oak-paneled room was built using original woods from an old Georgian mansion in Dublin. Throughout the restaurant you will find antique furnishings, grand fixtures, marble adornments, leaded glass, and ornate detailing.  The entire pub was built in Ireland then shipped to Orlando.

The menu is inspired by the best of traditional Irish cuisines, using the finest quality ingredients with delicate complementary flavors to create remarkable dishes served with a stylish twist.

Chef Kevin will give a detailed description of each dish on the menu before you decide which wonderful option to choose. Guest will also be treated to a complimentary signed copy of Kevin’s book “Great Family Food.”

For reservations, please email WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 63 Guests.

Bill’s vocal talents starred in our lovable Goof’s first animated feature film, A Goofy Movie, the television series Goof Troop and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. He has performed in more than 40 other films and shows, including Disney’s DTV Doggone Valentinetelevision special in 1987 — the first time he voiced Goofy and barked for Pluto in the same project. He also lent his vocal talents to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast and Ed Wood and to such Disney·Pixar films asa bug’s life, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story and the upcoming Toy Story 3. But of all the characters he has brought spectacularly to life, it is Goofy that he cherishes most. “The hardest thing to learn was ‘ya-ha-hooooooiieewe!’” Bill says about the Goofy calling card that accompanies every deliciously sinewy tumble or high-jinks pratfall down steps.

“Doing the voice of Goofy has become second nature to me,” Bill says. “In the beginning, I had to stop and think what his motivation was, but now he lives inside me. He’s a real father as well as the classic Goofy that everyone knows.”

You can begin submitting your questions on Wednesday, March 31 at 1 p.m. ET. Starting at that time, you can come back to this page to begin submitting your questions and on Friday, April 2 return to this page to join the live chat!

D23

Disney Parks Blog

But unlike her fellow performers in the popular High School Musical 3 show and the Block Party Bash parade, Allison Becker can’t hear the music she’s dancing to – that’s because Allison has been deaf since she was 16 months old.

Just because Allison can’t hear the music doesn’t mean she can’t feel it.  Vibrations from the park’s speakers keep her on the beat.

“It comes from the ground, the bass notes,” Allison says. “That’s what I can hear the loudest. High pitches, I can’t hear anything.”

She also learns her steps by watching. “Everything to me is very visual. I picked things up by watching people,” she added. “It’s a process for me — making sure I get the steps, then how it goes with the music.”

Some guests and cast members may recognize her from her performance on the reality television show “So You Think You Can Dance?”

Allison came to Walt Disney World in January after attending open calls for performers in Austin, Texas.  She says her hearing disability hasn’t been an obstacle for her to dance for guests and build friendships with her fellow cast members at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  “It’s going great.  Everybody’s been really helpful and watching out for me,” Allison said. “I love it already.”

Allison wears a hearing aid that helps her pick up speaking voices a bit, though she depends on reading lips during conversations. Hearing loss is categorized by degree, and Allison says she falls somewhere between “severe” and “profound.”

She may not be able to hear the cheers of the guests during the show but Allison adds that has not diminished her enjoyment of being on stage. “It’s exciting. I get to be on the float for my particular role in High School Musical 3,” she says. “I see little kids all excited.”

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Before she was ever introduced to Wendy and the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell met Lizzy, a girl with a steadfast belief in fairies. Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue begins in summertime in the beautiful English countryside. An enchanting encounter unfolds when Tinker Bell is discovered by Lizzy, and as their different worlds unite, Tink develops a special bond with the curious girl in need of a friend.

As her fellow fairies launch a daring rescue, Tinker Bell takes a huge risk, putting her own safety and the future of the fairies in jeopardy. This action-packed adventure takes the fairies of Pixie Hollow on a daring flight to London to save Tinker Bell and all of fairy kind.

Produced by DisneyToon Studios, Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue is a captivating and exciting adventure for all the family.

Disney Fairies has become one of the Walt Disney Company’s most successful franchises– driven on multiple platforms and across numerous business units of The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Consumer Products, Parks and Resorts, Disney Interactive Media Group, and Disney Channel.

Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company , issued the following statement:

“Like many kids growing up in the 50′s, Davy Crockett was my first hero, and I had the coonskin cap to prove it. Fess Parker’s unforgettable, exciting and admirable performance as this American icon has remained with me all these years, as it has for his millions of fans around the world. Fess is truly a Disney Legend, as is the heroic character he portrayed, and while he will certainly be missed, he will never be forgotten.”

SOURCE: The Walt Disney Company

Fess Parker, the enormously popular actor who launched a coonskin cap craze in 1954 when he starred as Davy Crockett in the first of five hour-long episodes for Walt Disney’s Disneyland TV series, passed away at his home in California’s Santa Ynez Valley today, March 18, from age-related causes. He was 85 years old. Parker went on to play another iconic American hero in the popular Daniel Boone NBC TV series that lasted for six seasons and 165 episodes. In addition to his numerous successes in the world of entertainment, Parker became a phenomenally successful businessman, developer, and vintner through his Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort (in Santa Barbara), and Fess Parker Winery (in Los Olivos). Commenting on Parker’s passing, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger said, “Like many kids growing up in the 50s, Davy Crockett was my first hero, and I had the coonskin cap to prove it. Fess Parker’s unforgettable, exciting and admirable performance as this American icon has remained with me all these years, as it has for his millions of fans around the world. Fess is truly a Disney Legend, as is the heroic character he portrayed, and while he will certainly be missed, he will never be forgotten.”

Noted film critic and author Leonard Maltin, added, “Fess had an enormous impact on a whole generation of kids. It’s almost impossible to overstate how popular Davy Crockett was, and it made him an overnight star. The nicest part about meeting him in later years was discovering that he was just as genuine and likeable as he seemed on screen.”

Visual effects artist, Disney veteran and Parker family friend Harrison Ellenshaw said, “Fess Parker was an icon to generations of kids with coonskin caps. He was also a wonderful husband, family man, role model, and a gentleman beyond reproach. I have personally known Fess since 1954, and I will forever remember his kindness and generosity; he will be terribly missed.”

Pete Docter, Oscar®-winning director of Disney·Pixar’s Up, observed, “Meeting him was a real high point, and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that better fit the word ‘gentleman.’ He was patient and kind, both with me and all my questions about his career and collaborators, as well as with our young kids who had been obsessively watching the Davy Crockett DVDs for months prior. Though I’m sure he was a busy man, he spent the entire afternoon showing me and my family around his winery, treating us to lunch, and talking about his life. It was a day we’ll never forget.”

In all, Parker starred as Davy Crockett in five one-hour episodes for the Disneyland TV series on ABC. The titles were: “Davy Crockett: Indian Fighter,” “Davy Crockett Goes to Congress,” “Davy Crockett at the Alamo,” “Davy Crockett’s Keelboat Race,” and “Davy Crockett and the River Pirates.” The first three episodes of the miniseries (the first in television history) were edited together as the 1955 theatrical film Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

According to Disney A-Z: The Official Encyclopedia by Disney archivist Dave Smith, “The Davy Crockett craze started a run on coonskins, both real and artificial, as kids across America yearned to dress like their frontier hero with the telltale cap. ‘The Ballad of Davy Crockett’ rushed to the top of the Hit Parade, and remained there for 16 weeks. In all, the nationwide Crockett frenzy helped Disney licensees sell $300 million worth of merchandise.”

In addition to his starring role as Davy Crockett, Parker also appeared in four other Disney feature films: Westward Ho the Wagons! (1956), The Great Locomotive Chase (1956), Old Yeller (1957) and The Light in the Forest (1958).

Born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in San Angelo, Parker served in the United States Navy during WWII and then returned home to Texas to graduate from the University of Texas-Austin in 1950. He was honored as a distinguished alum of the university in 1969.

A desire to act took him to California in the early 50s where hard work and great good fortune led him to be cast in Walt Disney’s Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, co-starring the late Buddy Ebsen. While under personal contract to Walt Disney, Parker made numerous pictures for the studio including the prequel Davy Crockett and the River Boat Pirates as well as The Great Locomotive Chase. A successful television career in the 1960′s followed with NBC’s long runningDaniel Boone show co-starring his friend and neighbor Ed Ames.

The early 70′s found Parker eager to explore the business world as a real estate developer in Santa Barbara, California. After successfully opening three high-end mobile home parks, the 360 room Fess Parker Doubletree Resort opened in 1985. It is one of the most successful hotels on the Santa Barbara waterfront. A 150 room luxury hotel is also in the final stages of planning on an adjacent piece of beach front property.

In 1989, Parker and his family turned an interest in fine wine into an adventure now 20 years in the making. The Fess Parker Winery is a highly regarded and popular destination on the Foxen Canyon wine trail in Los Olivos, California. The family also farms over 300 acres of vineyard in the Santa Ynez valley. Creating a successful business with his family was one of Parker’s proudest achievements.

Parker and his wife Marcella celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January of 2010. Their son Eli and daughter Ashley, as well as 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild spent a great deal of time with Parker in his final months and weeks.

It should be said that Parker was always extremely grateful to his long time fans for their continued support and friendship over the years.

D23

Moviegoers will have the option of watching “Alice” at home in about three months, worrying some theater owners who fear that narrowing the gap between theatrical runs and DVD debuts will undermine ticket sales as some fans skip the cinema and wait for the DVD.

“A robust, exclusive theatrical window remains vital for the health of cinemas and the movie industry as a whole,” John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, told members in a speech Tuesday at their annual ShoWest convention.

Studios like short windows between theatrical and DVD releases because it speeds up their cash flow and allows them to pull in DVD business while films are fresh in audiences’ minds. Longer lags for DVDs also leave more time for movie pirates to sell counterfeit copies.

The issue is a key topic this week at ShoWest, where studios trot out stars, films and footage to promote upcoming releases.

The time window between theatrical and home-video releases gradually shrank as studios cashed in on booming DVD sales starting in the late 1990s. The average gap between big-screen and DVD releases has held steady at about four months in recent years.

Now, cinema operators worry other studios might follow Disney’s lead, though the head of Sony Pictures assured theater owners that Hollywood is not aiming to squeeze them out in favor of DVD revenues.

“Showing films in theaters is what makes a movie a movie. It’s what makes stars stars. It’s what makes films famous. It’s what makes the public perk up and pay attention,” said Michael Lynton, Sony chairman and chief executive officer, in the ShoWest keynote address Monday.

Theater owners and studio executives say they are open to flexibility on DVD release patterns for some movies if it benefits both sides. Cinemas always beg Hollywood to release big movies in typically slow months at theaters rather than bunching up top hits during the busy seasons.

“You always have the issue of lots of movies coming in the summer, lots of movies coming in the holiday period, and so our members have been talking to distributors about getting movies into late winter, like `Alice,’ trying to get movies into September. Places where we typically don’t have great movies,” Fithian told reporters Tuesday.

But putting a potential blockbuster in theaters in September might mean shortening the time until the DVD release to three months or less so the film can be in stores for Christmas, which Fithian said theater owners are open to discussing.

The huge business Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s “Alice in Wonderland” did over normally slow March weekends might ease theater owners’ worries. “Alice in Wonderland” shot past $200 million domestically and $400 million worldwide after just two weekends.

With audiences now watching movies and other entertainment on portable devices such as laptop computers and cell phones, studios need to experiment with release patterns for new technology without undermining big-screen business, Sony chief Lynton said.

“We do not want to open a new window in a way that closes yours,” Lynton told theater owners.

Associated Press

This May through September, vacationers can receive two extra nights of hotel accommodations and two more days of theme park adventures for free when they purchase a three-night, three-day Disneyland Resort vacation package.  This special vacation package provides guests five days and nights of Disneyland Resort experiences, for the price of three.

For those who already have theme park admission tickets, the Disneyland Resort is rolling out a second offer that features great savings at any of its three on-site resort hotels.  Guests can take 40 percent off their room rate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; save 35 percent at the Disneyland Hotel; or get 30 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.  These hotel room offers require a two-night minimum stay.  Resort hotel benefits include Disney character wake up calls, easy access to character dining locations, and a Key to the Magic card – which allows guests to charge meals and merchandise to their hotel account.  In addition, clients staying at any one of the Disneyland Resort hotels are within an easy walk to both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District, an exciting shopping, dining and entertainment zone.

Booking for either vacation offer begins March 16 and runs through Sept. 1, 2010.  Travel must occur between May 1 andSept. 26, 2010.  The “Two More Days & Nights Free Vacation Package” when you buy three days/nights is valid at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels and at participating Anaheim-area Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels, allowing a wide range of hotel accommodations and prices to fit every budget.  Vacations may be booked through travel agents, at www.disneyland.com, or by calling the Walt Disney Travel Company at 800/854-3104.

Along with all the fun and entertainment of the Disneyland Resort attractions, a spring or summer visit offers some special highlights.  Spring marks the return of Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival to Disney’s California Adventure park and other Resort locations.  The return of the “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment lineup to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure theme parks will be highlighted by the all-new “World of Color” nighttime spectacular.

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will create culinary experiences for guests of every palate – April 16 through May 31 – at Disney’s California Adventure park and select locations across the Disneyland Resort.  Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer.  Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park.  Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations.  For details, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

* Guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend; valid ID required. Space is limited. Admission to Disney’s California Adventure Park is required for events held within the Park and is not included in the event price. Information is subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

“Summer Nightastic!” Returns

Beginning June 11, “Summer Nightastic!” returns to the Disneyland Resort, featuring exciting evening events that will electrify the night.  “Summer Nightastic!” runs through Aug. 29 at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure theme parks.

Headlining the entertainment is the new nighttime water spectacular – “World of Color” – at Disney’s California Adventure park.  Surpassing all previous water productions, “World of Color” brings Disney animation to life with powerful fountains that are the stars of the show, forming the world’s largest projected water screen.  In the making since 2005, “World of Color” combines hundreds of magnificent fountains, LED-produced dazzling colors, and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects to take water-infused entertainment to a new level of artistry.

Located in Paradise Bay, Disney’s newest production features an unprecedented infrastructure of water effects, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images.  This technical wizardry, combined with classic, animated Disney and Disney-Pixar film sequences, creates an emotional experience for guests as jaw-dropping effects sweep across the lagoon and soar into the sky.

Meanwhile, at Disneyland park, “Fantasmic!” ignites the night with thrills, life-like creatures including a fire-breathing dragon, and spine-tingling adventures for Sorcerer Mickey.  Also, in the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, “Magical”sparks to life with a dazzling fireworks spectacular in which colorful choreographed pyrotechnics burst and soar to a soundtrack of celebratory Disney songs.  ”Magical,” which premiered in summer 2009, features both Tinker Bell and Dumbo in flight over the castle.

PRNewswire

Inspired by the soothing environment of nature, the lobby features beloved and nurturing Disney characters such as Timon and Pumbaa from “The Lion King,” Flounder and Sebastian from “The Little Mermaid” and Rutt and Tuke from “Brother Bear.” Walt Disney Imagineers designed the space with these thoughtfully chosen characters to complement the hospital’s healing environment where young patients are supported by caring, medical professionals, along with family and friends.

“Our goal is to create a therapeutic environment that reflects the type of attention and care children and their families receive during their visit,” said Marla Silliman, administrator of Florida Hospital for Children. “With this captivating entrance, we hope young patients overcome the apprehension of a hospital stay by engaging them in a world of fantasy, imagination and adventure.”

“I didn’t feel like I was in a hospital,” said Kyle Bennett, a 6-year-old boy from Orlando. “‘The Little Mermaid’ section of the lobby was my favorite part and I loved scaring the salmon away.”

The lobby of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children features several interactive activities and experiences that children of all ages can enjoy to ultimately enhance patient experience. For example, kids can fish for virtual salmon, step into a safari to touch and illuminate markings on a cave wall, generate jungle sounds on musical step pads, swat chirping bugs that glow during an engaging game that tests memory skills or play in a magical world of bubbles and dancing creatures from under the sea.

“This lobby was created with all the care and attention to detail that we devote to an attraction in our theme parks,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s a place to leave worries behind and replace them with immersive, interactive fun. We’re delighted to have helped create a calm and relaxing environment for the children and families who will come here for care.”

As part of a part of a $10 million commitment by Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Worldwide Outreach, the lobby represents the first in a series of significant milestones for the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children. Construction and renovations are currently underway and will continue throughout the year to complete units and patient rooms. By early 2011, the addition including seven stories and more than 200 dedicated pediatric beds, will open featuring concepts, colors, sounds and themes inspired by the lobby design. While patients, families and visitors will enter through the lobby, the same calming and reassuring atmosphere will be reflected throughout the entire Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children facility.

Florida Hospital is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to help complete the development of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children.

PRNewswire

Bob Gurr. Named a Disney Legend in 2004 for his decades of innovative work at Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob specialized in vehicle design and worked on the designs of the Autopiaautomobiles and the antique cars and double-decker buses used on Main Street, U.S.A. He also played a lead role in the design of the Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds and Flying Saucers attractions and more.

Tony Baxter. A legendary Imagineer, Tony has played a key role in the design and creation of many Disney attractions and theme parks of the last 40 years, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, the Indiana Jones Adventure and the overall creative role for Disneyland Paris.

Kevin Corcoran. Named a Disney Legend in 2006, Kevin has enjoyed a long and distinguished acting career with Disney, starring in such classic films as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson and more.

Bill Farmer. Named a Disney Legend at the inaugural D23 Expo in 2009, Bill’s voice is familiar to cartoon fans around the world as the voice of Goofy and Pluto. He has also lent his talents to a long list of Disney favorites, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Beauty and the Beast and such Disney·Pixar films as a bug’s life, Toy Story and Toy Story 2.

Margaret Kerry. Margaret was the original live-action model for Tinker Bell.

Dave Smith. Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Dave Smith, chief archivist, the Walt Disney Archives, founded the Disney Archives in 1970.

Dan Roebuck. For more than two decades Dan has enjoyed a successful acting career. He currently shines in the role of Dr. Leslie Arzt on the hit ABC series LOST.

David Stollery. Named a Disney Legend in 2006, David Stollery enjoyed a solid acting career before he came to the Walt Disney Studios but it was there that he made his biggest mark. He played Marty Markham, the spoiled rich boy, in The Adventures of Spin and Marty and Dan Thompson in Westward Ho The Wagons!

Denny Newell. A senior show director at Disneyland, Denny is a 24-year Disneyland Cast Member who has played a directorial role for Celebrate! A Street Party, Disney’s Electrical Parade,A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Drawn to the Magic and Pixie Hollow.

Since the program started just 10 weeks ago, on Jan. 1, a million people already have volunteered or have committed to volunteer in their communities, according to Disney Parks and HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network and a facilitator of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.”

To celebrate the good deeds of these individuals, Disney Parks offered each volunteer who completed an eligible project a free one-day admission to one theme park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California.  Although registration is now closed and the program has ended, those who volunteered have until Dec. 15, 2010, to redeem their free park ticket (certain block-out dates apply).

“By any measure, the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program exceeded our expectations,” said Tom Staggs, chairman ofWalt Disney Parks and Resorts.  ”These one million volunteers touched their communities with their hearts and hands.  Their commitment to service is truly worth celebrating, and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Disney Parks.”

Volunteerism has been a part of the Disney culture since the beginning. Through Disney VoluntEARS, cast members have been giving back to communities for more than a quarter century. More than 5.5 million hours of volunteer service worldwide have been donated, and Disney’s commitment to volunteerism will continue even as “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” draws to a close.

Officials at HandsOn Network credited the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program for increasing volunteer activities this year.

“The innovative nature of this program has exponentially increased our capacity to both invite and excite people about volunteerism,” said Michelle Nunn, co-founder of HandsOn Network and CEO of Points of Lights Institute.  ”The overwhelming participation of families – and youth especially – is a testament to a growing trend.  Many of these volunteers are serving for the first time, and some will develop into service leaders who help change the face of our nation.”

Encouraging that kind of commitment was one aim of the Disney program, Staggs said.

“The goal of the ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ program was to lay the groundwork for a new spirit of volunteerism,” he said.  ”The need for volunteers across the country is ongoing.  We look forward to more people, especially families, carrying on the momentum and giving back to their communities through volunteerism.”

Neighborhoods in need were the big beneficiaries of “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” – from San Juan to San Diego, Vero Beach to Vancouver.

In Puerto Rico, 500 volunteers cleaned the beaches of Vaciatalega and La Perla located in the vicinity of Old San Juan.  InOakville, Ontario, a neighborhood center got new shelving and a spruced-up mural.

In Boston, volunteers served meals to people in need, knitted and crocheted scarves and mittens for children afflicted with life-threatening illnesses and helped as caregivers at an animal adoption center.  In California, San Francisco Bay-areavolunteers helped with basic English lessons, painted park benches and planted flowers.

In Jacksonville, Fla., volunteers painted murals and spruced up rooms at a home for women and children, while inPittsburgh they took on construction tasks – tiling, sanding, staining and painting – to help create affordable housing.

Although the program has ended and a free Disney theme park ticket will no longer be provided, those still interested in volunteering may search for opportunities through HandsOn Network at http://HandsOnNetwork.org, or in Canada,http://govolunteer.ca/.

PRNewswire

Disney is wringing the pink out of its princess movies.

After the less-than-fairy-tale results for its most recent animated release, “The Princess and the Frog,” executives at the Burbank studio believe they know why the acclaimed movie came up short at the box office.

Brace yourself: Boys didn’t want to see a movie with “princess” in the title.

This time, Disney is taking measures to ensure that doesn’t happen again. The studio renamed its next animated film with the girl-centric name “Rapunzel” to the less gender-specific “Tangled.”

The makeover of “Rapunzel” is more than cosmetic. Disney can ill afford a moniker that alienates half the potential audience, young boys, who are needed to make an expensive family film a success.

For the rest of the article by Dawn C. Chmielewski and Claudia Eller…go to the Los Angeles Times

A window honoring Richard and Robert Sherman, who wrote the song you can’t get out of your head and many other songs for the Walt Disney Company, will be unveiled in a ceremony at Disneyland next week.

For the rest of Mark Eades’ article…please go to the Orange County Register

The ad, believed to be the first of its kind among America’s leading big-city dailies, dismayed some readers and was lamented by media scholars as the latest troubling sign of difficult times at the newspaper and for journalism generally.

The ad features a full-color photo of actor Johnny Depp in gaudy makeup, wig and costume as the film’s Mad Hatter character, superimposed across an authentic-looking front page mock-up, topped by the Times’ traditional masthead.

Depp’s image — emblazoned with the phrase, “Johnny Depp is the Mad Hatter” — overlaps an old weather photo and two columns of reprinted stories about healthcare and Afghanistan, minus bylines and other names. The word “Advertisement” appears in smaller type just below the masthead.

To get to Friday’s real news, readers had to open the so-called cover wrap, which was folded around the Times’ entire A section as a two-page, front-to-back promotional spread.

A Times spokesman, John Conroy, declined to discuss the cost of the ad, but said, “The Times’ front section is our most valuable real estate, so the ad unit was priced accordingly.”

Hollywood blogger Sharon Waxman cited one “media buyer insider” as saying the Walt Disney Co, the studio behind the film, paid $700,000 for the space.

“That’s a low price to sell your soul,” said Roy Peter Clark, senior scholar at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, who expressed sympathy for the paper and discomfort at the blurring of commercial and editorial interests.

SAD DAY FOR GREAT PAPER?

“I want the Los Angeles Times to make a lot of money, and I want them to do use that money to do some of the best journalism they’ve ever done,” he said. “But I think that this strategy is deceptive, and that my old school ulcer is starting to burn a little a bit.”

Others were more blunt.

“It’s a sad day in the history of a great newspaper, and my impression is they have received a lot of calls from people who are incensed by it, loyal readers,” said Bryce Nelson, a former Times correspondent who teaches journalism at the University of Southern California.

The Times promotion apparently held little or no sway for the newspaper’s main film critic, Kenneth Turan, whose review on Thursday called Tim Burton’s take on the Lewis Carroll classic “middling” and “surprisingly inert.” The film has drawn mixed reviews overall.

Conroy disputed the notion that the ad undermines the paper’s editorial integrity.

“We made it clear that this was a depiction of the front page, rather than a real front page of the newspaper,” he said. “We had an unusual opportunity here to stretch the traditional boundaries and deliver an innovative ad unit that was designed to create buzz.”

But Nelson said the ad would prove a turnoff to many subscribers, some of whom he knows had called him to protest.

“What this demonstrates is the newspaper’s seeming willingness to put revenues over news coverage,” he said.

Conroy said the editorial staff was informed in advance of the Depp ad, but he did not know if it elicited the kind of grumbling that occurred when the paper ran a cover-wrap in June promoting the new HBO television series “True Blood.” That wrap was not presented as a faux front page.

The Times, which began selling display ads on its front page in 2007, also raised eyebrows last year when it ran a front-page TV advertisement that resembled a news story.

The nationally circulated USA Today drew criticism for a pseudo edition of its newspaper distributed at an AIDS conference in Geneva as a promotion for a pharmaceutical company. The Wall Street Journal and other dailies have run partial wrap sleeves around the outsides of their papers.

Like many newspapers, the Times has been hit hard by declining circulation and shrinking ad revenues, forcing the paper to scale back coverage and lay off hundreds of employees in recent years. The paper’s corporate parent, the Tribune Co, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2008.

Reuters

Free of the Walt Disney Corporation, that is. However, the beloved mascot is still under the wings of the University.

Last week, Disney and the University struck a deal that separated the licensing of the school’s mascot and the licensing of the school’s merchandise. Negotiators reasoned that the likeness of the mascot differs from the likeness of the character frequently seen on T-shirts and other products. They said the image on T-shirts and other merchandise resembles Donald Duck more than the actual mascot. The mascot does not resemble the trademark Donald Duck enough to qualify for licensing.

Julie Brown, University director of media relations, said this decision resulted from ongoing discussions between the University and Disney.

“There are benefits to all if there was a change of oversight of the mascot specifically,” Brown said. “The overall agreement pertains to the character and the merchandise.”

Athletic department spokesperson Dave Williford said the decision didn’t affect the athletic department because the agreement exists between Disney and the University. But it does give the school more leeway.

“This obviously gives more latitude for the University to use the mascot,” he said.

The reason for a handover in licensing agreements is complicated.

The University received permission from Walt Disney himself in 1947 in a handshake deal with Leo Harris, the University’s first athletic director, to use Donald Duck as its mascot. However, upon Disney’s death in 1966, both the Disney Corporation and the University realized that a formal agreement didn’t exist. A contract was finally struck up that honors Disney’s original request that the mascot could stay with the University “as long as it was in good taste,” according to the athletic department’s Web site.

The deal has had some people asking questions as to whether it will affect the mascot’s use.

“Essentially he will appear at the same type of events,” Brown said. “The usage isn’t going to change much. There will probably be a little bit more flexibility. The use and the management will stay the same.”

Puddles the mascot can be seen the most at sports events, orientations and fundraisers.

University student Jamie Slade, member of the group Supwitchugirl and participant in the fall’s viral YouTube video “I Love My Ducks,” finds the situation humorous after what his band went through with the athletic department over the right to use the mascot in the video.

Supwitchugirl ruffled feathers with the University in the fall when Puddles appeared in the “I Love My Ducks” video, forcing the band to take the video off of YouTube.

“I think now we’re going to put the video back up on YouTube because the University told us to take it down (because of the licensing),” Slade said. “I’m not sure if ‘I Love My Ducks’ has anything to do with this agreement, but I think it’s funny now. I just wish that they had come to this agreement in the fall.”

Brown said that because of this new agreement, the relationship between the Univesity and Disney would become smoother.

“This essentially removes a step in the process of determining appropriate use of the mascot,” Brown said. “Prior to this agreement, we had to make written requests to use the mascot. Now these decisions are made on campus.”

The Walt Disney Corporation benefits in the agreement by streamlining its relationship with the University through focusing solely on merchandising.

Oregon Daily Emerald

It’s only on select Sundays at the Garden Town Wonder’s Retreat, where you get a bird’s-eye view of the welcome center from the second-floor dining room. And because it’s part of the 17th annual festival, some of the ingredients from each week’s breakfast buffet will come from The Land Pavilion –- based on what’s ready to harvest.

But you don’t just get to eat. Sip a sangria and watch one of the Disney horticulturists show you grow-it-yourself herbs and veggies, many not readily available in local markets. They’ll tell you what seeds to buy, how to care for and harvest, and answer your questions.

Each breakfast has its own special dessert, and while you dig in, a Disney chef will give you tips on how to make your own version of the elegant sweet ending.

Picky eaters will find Danish pastries, scrambled eggs, oven-roasted potatoes and French toast. We splurge on the orange poppy seed bread with real butter, but you can behave and have the yogurt with fresh fruit and granola. Or the spinach and tomato frittata.

Time is 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and it’s all you care to eat, so come hungry and enjoy. Call 407-939-3378 to make a pre-paid reservation. Cost is $60 plus tax, gratuity included. Theme park admission is required to attend.

Disney Parks Blog

D Street, will be located in the Downtown Disney West Side and showcase a mix of products for both men and women. Items include cutting-edge apparel, pop culture novelties, Vinylmation figures and collectibles, artwork, handbags, accessories, jewelry and more. The store will have a raw, unfinished industrial look, an provide a great venue to showcase Disney art created by local artists.

Product lines will feature vintage looks from Disney Couture and urban styles inspired by the surf and skate lifestyle. Vintage apparel includes artwork from classic Disney attractions and characters. D Street will also showcase jewelry designers Tarina Tarantino and Classic Hardware, and fashion labels Mighty Fine and Harajuku Lovers.

The new urban-style location will also pave the way for everything in Vinylmation figures. D Street will become the flagship stores for Vinylmation figures, and become the platform to showcase the latest releases from the various collections, including the Park Series, Urban Series, Holiday Series, Cutesters and more. Designed by the creative talents from our Disney Design Group, Disney’s Vinylmation figures take on a whole new meaning in the world of collectibles. These 3″ and 9″ figures are often designed to represent icons, attractions and characters from Disney Parks & Resorts or have more of street feel with their urban-inspired looks.

Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom are getting a special treat along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where they can get a rare glimpse of a newborn gorilla born Feb. 19. The critically endangered western lowland gorilla, whose gender is still unknown, is doing well and has already become an integral member of the gorilla family group which includes first-time mother, Kashata, father Gino, and two other females,Benga and Hope.

Members of the primate team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are encouraged by Kashata’s natural instincts at motherhood. First-time mothers often experience difficulty knowing the right things to do. They must learn to properly hold the baby and adapt to a demanding nursing schedule.  “Kashata has been a model mother from the moment the baby was born, said Matt Hohne, animal operations director for Disney’s Animal Programs. “She immediately knew how to properly hold the baby and her nursing skills have been exemplary.”

Since Kashata has been holding the baby close to her body, animal keepers have yet to determine the baby’s gender. Most gorilla mothers keep their offspring close for several months while the baby adjusts to the environment. In addition, gorilla babies typically nurse for approximately 12 months and may be weaned between the ages of four and five.

The new baby, which is yet to be named, is the third gorilla born at Disney’s Animal Kingdomas part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan which manages genetic diversity among species through detailed records of individual animals. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also participates in AZA Species Survival Plans for several other animals, including elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi. The first gorilla birth occurred in 1997 before Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened, and the second baby arrived in 1999.

Aside from breeding activities, Disney’s Animal Programs team remains active in gorilla conservation in other areas. The team currently:

·         provides staff expertise for the creation of the first rescue and rehabilitation center in eastern Africa for  orphaned gorillas to ultimately reintroduce them back into the wild. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has provided funding to support this effort.
·         has developed an innovative training technique that enables team members to monitor the heart health of gorillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by administering cardiac ultrasound exams on fully alert gorillas.

GORILLA FACTS:
·         Gorillas are the largest of all primates, standing 5-6 feet tall and weighing up to 450 lbs.
·         In the wild, western lowland gorillas are found in lowland tropical rainforests throughout western Africa.
·         Gorilla habitat in Africa is quickly disappearing because of coltan mining, a mineral used to make batteries for electronics. Recycling cell phones or laptops may contribute to gorilla conservation.

The Wave… of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

Thursday, March 18, 2010

6:30 p.m. Reception.  7 p.m. Dinner

Location: The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Please meet at restaurant’s main podium)

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Reception in The Wave… of American Flavors Lounge

Smoked Tomato Quesadillas with Onion Jam

Fresh Mozzarella, Micro Basil, and UglyRipe™ Tomato Crostini

Wild Rock Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Dinner in The Wave… of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Appetizer

Butternut Squash and Country Ham Ravioli with Corn and Thyme Broth

Adeluna Torrontes, Argentina

Salad

Santa Sweets and Heirloom Tomato Salad with aged Balsamic, Blood Orange Olive Oil, and Parmigano Reggiano

Wild Rock Vin Gris, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Entrée

Game Poultry Plate featuring Ostrich Tenderloin, Faison Blanc Pheasant, and Marinated Quail served with Traditional Spring Accompaniments

Epiphany Gypsy, Santa Barbara, California

Dessert

“Santa Sweets BLT” Dessert: Santa Sweets Tomato Crème Brûlée, Candied Bacon, and Lace Pistachio Tuile on Grilled Pound Cake with White Balsamic Reduction.

R.L Buller and Son Fine Muscat, Victoria

The Wave… of American Flavors Discovery Dinners continue in March by celebrating Santa Sweets Tomatoes as our guest farmer.

Santa Sweets, Inc. is the country’s only grower and packer of Santa Sweets™ grape tomatoes, selling its harvest of 3,000 acres to a wide variety of foodservice operators and just about every large supermarket chain in the country. They are also the only grower of UglyRipe™ tomatoes. Their heirloom UglyRipe™ tomato is quickly becoming a favorite among chefs and consumers alike. All of their products are also available as USDA-certified organic. In fact, they are one of the largest growers of organic tomatoes in the United States.

Headquartered in Plant City, Florida, Santa Sweets growing locations include Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Mexico.

For reservations, e-mail to WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 50 Guests.

Tables in Wonderland Presents:

Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant

DOWNTOWN DISNEY — Pleasure Island

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

7 p.m. Reception.  7:30 p.m. Dinner

Dress code is Casual Evening Attire

Price: $115.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

Appetizer

Crumbled Goat Cheese Salad with Orange Vinaigrette served on a Bed of Organic Leaves with Caramelized Walnuts

or

Crispy Filet of Fresh Atlantic Salmon served in Saffron Broth

Soup

Delicate Lobster Bisque garnished with Crème Fraîche and Lobster Meat

Entrée

Roast Loin of Lamb with Dauphine Potatoes and Miniature Lamb Pie

or

Oven-roasted Turbot with Crispy Potato Scales and Caper Vinaigrette served on Leak Fondue

Dessert

Baked Chocolate Fondant with Stout-flavored Ice Cream

Irish Coffee served with selection of Petits Fours

Wines

14 Hands Merlot.  Classic aromas of blackberries and dark cherries. Expressive flavors of dark stone fruits are joined by subtle notes of cocoa and toast.

14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon.  Aromas of black currants and plums with subtle hints of cedar and dried herbs

Master Chef Kevin Dundon is delighted to bring a taste of modern Irish cuisine to DOWNTOWN DISNEY in the form of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. Chef Kevin is also chef/proprietor of the 5-star Dunbrody House Hotel & Cookery School in Wexford, Ireland and brings his philosophy on great food to the menu at Raglan Road.

Join Chef Kevin for a very unique dining experience in the beautiful surrounds of the Raglan Room. This oak-paneled room was built using original woods from an old Georgian mansion in Dublin. Throughout the restaurant you will find antique furnishings, grand fixtures, marble adornments, leaded glass, and ornate detailing.  The entire pub was built in Ireland then shipped to Orlando.

The menu is inspired by the best of traditional Irish cuisines, using the finest quality ingredients with delicate complementary flavors to create remarkable dishes served with a stylish twist.

Chef Kevin will give a detailed description of each dish on the menu before you decide which wonderful option to choose. Guest will also be treated to a complimentary signed copy of Kevin’s book “Great Family Food.”

For reservations, please email WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 63 Guests.

Garden Town Breakfast

The 17th Annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is rapidly approaching.  Here’s your chance to reserve a spot for a special Garden Town Breakfast, new to the Festival this year, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30pm on select Sundays.   Enjoy a welcome breakfast buffet prepared by our Disney chefs that will include a special selection of fresh ingredients from our own Land Pavilion, while having the opportunity to learn some garden and culinary techniques from professional horticulturists and chefs.

The Garden Town Breakfast events are open to all Guests.

To purchase your ticket or get more information about the event,

call (407) WDW-FEST (407 939 3378)

Dates:

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Place: Wonder’s Retreat (Garden Town 2nd floor)

Price $60.00 per person, plus tax.

Gratuity is included. Theme Park ticket is required.

Please note that this is not a Tables in Wonderland exclusive event.

Tony has played a key role in the design and creation of many Disney attractions and theme parks of the last 40 years, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, the Indiana Jones Adventure and the overall creative role for Disneyland Paris. Now a senior vice president of Creative Development and creative director of Disneyland Park, Tony is responsible for providing imaginative ideas and input for Walt Disney’s original theme park. Some of his recent projects as creative executive include the refurbishments and re-openings of the 3D space adventure Captain EO (for which he worked as a producer on the original),Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough attraction. Tony welcomes your questions about his career and Imagineering accomplishments, but may not be able to answer questions concerning projects currently in development at Disneyland Resort.

You can begin submitting your questions on Tuesday, March 2 at 2 p.m. PT. Starting at that time, you can come back to this page to begin submitting your questions and on Thursday, March 4 return to this page to join the live chat!

D23

Signs, banners and a new welcome center greet guests now when they enter the ESPN Wide World of Sports, home to the Atlanta Braves and 300 events a year for youth, amateur and professional athletes ranging across 60 sports.

“Many people have asked us what was the big idea: ‘Why are you doing this?’ ” ESPN president George Bodenheimer said at a news conference announcing the re-branding. “When you [can] combine the brand names of Disney and ESPN, that’s just an opportunity too good to pass up. Today is the culmination of several years of work we’ve put into this beautiful facility.”

For the rest of the article…please go to Orlando Sentinel

Since its release last spring, “Up” has sold more than $725 million worth of tickets worldwide. It follows a string of successes that include “The Incredibles” and “Cars.”

Disney/Pixar chief creative officer John Lasseter, a major star in the world of animation, spoke to Reuters about “Up” and the company’s moviemaking philosophy, including another Disney Oscar hopeful, “The Princess and the Frog.”

Q: Any film with the Pixar stamp seems to spell success. Do you ever worry that a film may stumble?

A: “Probably more than any other movie we’ve made here at Pixar, “Up” was the one we were the most nervous about … Our audience is so important to us. Every single day, the question that is foremost in my mind is: ‘Are we holding our audience?’ We think our audience is very smart, especially kids. But when someone describes “Up” to you, it doesn’t seem like a movie kids would like. It’s about a 78-year-old guy!”

Q: What kept you going with it?

A: “When (writer/co-director) Bob Peterson read me the treatment, with that opening sequence (in which a boy and girl grow up, get married and live life), I had tears in my eyes. It was so moving. That was the core of the story, so we held on to that and said, ‘We have potential here; stay focused on that.’

Q: A lot of people are saying this year’s animated Oscar nominees — including Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” are the best ever. Describe the state of animation in Hollywood.

A: “There were 20 animated films released in 2009, which is a record. But more than that, it was the quality of the films and the wide variety. There were computer animated, hand drawn animated and stop motion animated films like “Coraline” and “The Fantastic Mr. Fox.” It was a spectacular year.”

Q: Four years ago, Disney bought Pixar and made you chief creative officer of the animation unit. What’s changed?

A: “The very first thing I wanted to do was hand-drawn animation again. So we hired (animation team) John Musker and Ron Clements back to the studio. They had been let go because Disney stopped doing hand-drawn animation.”

Q: The result was “The Princess and the Frog,” which gave birth to Disney’s first black princess and earned three Oscar nominations including best animated feature. With all the computer technology in films today, why go back to hand drawn?

A: “I love the medium. It was where I got my training. Never in the history of cinema has a medium entertained an audience. It’s what you do with the medium. But for some reason, hand-drawn animation became the scapegoat for bad storytelling.”

Q: Why do you think that was?

A: “Toy Story” was the first computer animated feature ever, so I think others kept looking at the success we had and thought it must be because of the computer animation.”

Q: But you say it’s not.

A: “If you’re sitting in your minivan, playing your computer animated films for your children in the back seat, is it the animation that’s entertaining you as you drive and listen? No, it’s the storytelling. That’s why we put so much importance on story. No amount of great animation will save a bad story.”

Q: Clearly it works. “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille” “Wall-E” and now “Up” have all earned best screenplay Oscar nominations. What’s the secret?

A: “I believe in research. Each movie at Pixar involves research with college professors or taking trips to learn as much as we can about a particular subject matter…I have met a lot of top chefs around the world during my travels. Each one of them has said “Ratatouille” is their favorite movie and the only movie that truly captures what they do. Auto Week called “Cars” the best car movie because the details were spot on.”

Q: Pixar’s 11th film is “Toy Story 3,” due out June 18th. What can you say about this third installment?

A: “In “Toy Story 2,” Barbie appeared. In “Toy Story 3″ she meets Ken, who makes his film debut. He is voiced by Michael Keaton and it’s one of the funniest things you have ever seen.”