Walt Disney Co. said Friday that it has agreed to sell its Miramax Films business to Filmyard Holdings for over $660 million. The sale includes rights in over 700 film titles such as Chicago, Shakespeare in Love and No Country for Old Men, as well as other assets including books and development projects, Disney said. Partners in Filmyard include Los Angeles businessman Ron Tutor, Tom Barrack and Colony Capital, it added. “Although we are very proud of Miramax’s many accomplishments, our current strategy for Walt Disney Studios is to focus on the development of great motion pictures under the Disney, Pixar and Marvel brands,” said CEO Robert Iger. The deal is expected to close between Sept. 10 and the end of the year.

MarketWatch

Earlier today we announced the extension of Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade at Walt Disney World, and if that’s not enough good news for a Thursday, there’s also a fresh, new show coming to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this Fall.

A live, rock-concert style show will blast popular music from a variety of Disney Channel hits, including the “High School Musical” series, “Camp Rock” and “StarStruck.” The show, which has yet to be officially named, will follow a format that is similar to “High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!” The new show is scheduled to debut at Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 22.

In order to make way for this exciting addition, the Wildcats from High School Musical will cheer in their last performance of “High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!” at Disney California Adventure park on October 17 and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 2. Don’t miss your last chance to sing, dance and cheer with the Wildcats before school’s back in session, but rest assured the Wildcats will be back in a new way on October 22.

Disney Parks Blog

Image Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company

Just as scores of you had hoped – we’re leaving the lights on and extending Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” at Walt Disney World. By popular demand, the parade at Magic Kingdom Park will continue an open-ended run when “Summer Nightastic!” ends on August 14.

It’s probably no surprise to hear that the parade has been one of our highest rated entertainment experiences at Magic Kingdom Park since returning in early June. It’s been an “overwhelming success,” according to Park Vice President Phil Holmes. And now, you’ll be able to continue cheering and humming “Baroque Hoedown.”

Of course, new elements of Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” will continue during the encore phase of the run. Those include:

• Tinker Bell leads the eye-filling procession, waving from the basket of a balloon floating gracefully above a magical garden shimmering in fairy light.
• Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade, and Snow White joins the Seven Dwarfs on a diamond mine float.
• There are new lighting effects, and the parade’s highly recognizable musical theme is brightened by new technology.

Disney Parks Blog

Stephen McPherson, ABC’s head of programming, was shown the door by the Walt Disney-owned network Tuesday night.

McPherson, who helped develop “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” was asked to resign, and did, as president of the ABC Entertainment Group, which consisted of the network and its TV studio.

“I will be announcing my future plans shortly, which will include a new entrepreneurial venture in the spirits business,” McPherson said in a statement.

Walt Disney Co will acquire start-up Playdom Inc for $563.2 million, as the media giant aims to take a leading role in the fast-growing market for games played on sites such as Facebook and MySpace.

The deal is the richest ever in the young but fast-growing market for social games, which are free to play and appeal to a wider range of users than traditional video games.

The deal, which is expected to close by the end of Disney’s 2010 fiscal year, includes an additional performance-linked earn-out of up to $200 million, Disney said on Tuesday.

Playdom is the fourth-largest developer on Facebook when measured by active monthly users, according to analytics tracker AppData.

Playdom draws an estimated 42 million active players each month for games such as “Mobsters” and “Social City.”

Disney’s expansion into the still-evolving market for social games comes as it seeks to sell other businesses like its Miramax film unit. The company is refocusing on big franchise films and brands.

Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey was surprised at the high price Disney agreed to pay for Playdom, but said it shows how serious a business social gaming has become.

“When you look for growth in the near and medium term, it’s digital online that will likely be the real contributor,” Hickey said.

“It definitely gives a bit more credibility to the market opportunity,” he said.

The valuation on social gaming companies appears to be soaring. Last year, Electronic Arts agreed to buy Playfish, then the No. 2 game maker on Facebook, for $275 million in cash plus other consideration. Playfish at the time reported more than 60 million active monthly players.

Excluding potential earnouts, Disney is spending more than $13 per user to acquire Playdom, well above the almost $4.70 per user that EA paid for Playfish.

But the giant in the social gaming space remains Zynga, one of the hottest tech start-ups to come along in years. The company boasts more than 200 million monthly users on Facebook.

Zynga, whose venture capital investments give it a valuation of more than $4 billion, has been mum on its future plans. But many analysts expect the company to pursue an initial public offering as early as next year.

Disney emphasized the growth potential it sees in online social games.

Social games are free to play and generate revenue by charging users to buy virtual goods, such as clothes, furnishings and weapons.

“This acquisition furthers our strategy of allocating capital to high-growth businesses that can benefit from our many characters, stories and brands,” Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in a statement.

Playdom, which has 15 game development studios, will remain headquartered in Mountain View, California. Playdom’s investors include Lightspeed Venture Partners and Norwest Venture Partners.

The company has raised a total of $76 million in funding.

In June of 2009 John Pleasants, then EA’s chief operating officer, raised eyebrows in the gaming industry when he left the company to become Playdom’s chief executive.

“We are at the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way people of all ages play games,” Pleasants said in a news release.

Pleasants will become an executive vice president of the Disney Interactive Media Group and general manager of Playdom.

The Playdom deal follows Disney’s purchase, earlier this month, of iPhone app developer Tapulous for an undisclosed amount.

Reuters

Hoping to take a page from its wildly successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, Walt Disney Co said on Thursday it was developing a film based on its popular Haunted Mansion theme park attraction.

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will write and produce the film based on the landmark Disney ride that features a plantation-style mansion with ghosts, creepy creatures, secret passages and all the related sounds.

Disney said each year millions of people visit the Haunted Mansion, which opened in 1969 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Versions of the Haunted Mansion have been built at Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.

The “Pirates” franchise, also based on a theme park attraction, has grossed over $2.6 billion globally and a fourth “Pirates” film, starring Johnny Depp, is being filmed and is scheduled to be released in 2011.

No release date has been set for the “Haunted Mansion” movie.

Reuters

One of the oldest attractions in Disneyland, the Alice in Wonderland ride, was closed since last week so that workers could install safety barriers recommended by California work-safety inspectors. Disneyland officials hope to reopen the ride in the next few weeks.

Disneyland officials voluntarily closed the ride July 15 when California Department of Occupational Safety and Health inspectors pointed out that it lacked handrails needed for maintenance crews who work on an elevated segment of the ride.  The Cal/OSHA inspectors were in the park on a separate matter and did not order closure of the ride.

Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown said. “We like to have all of our rides ready for our guests,” she said.

From a sparkling ice castle and symphony of dazzling lights … to legendary international customs and wondrous displays … to magical entertainment and musical delights, Walt Disney World Resort unwraps an enchanting celebration of the holiday season in 2010.

Electrifying fireworks, charming parades and all the sounds of the season help transform the 40-square-mile resort into a winter wonderland where holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 8.  Guests who believe “there’s no place like home for the holidays” can enjoy the merriment at Disney and still curl up in a cozy place at home for Christmas … while other guests can spend the holidays at Mickey’s place, since many seasonal happenings continue through Jan. 3, 2011.

Disney’s stocking full of cheer includes:

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 magical nights between Nov. 8 and
Dec. 19, holiday revelers can sip cocoa, catch a “snowflake” on a fingertip and catch the spirit of the season through enchanting entertainment that includes live shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings (after regular Magic Kingdom closing), is pure, time-honored Disney magic:

Dancing gingerbread, marching soldiers and Santa’s sleigh parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to seasonal melodies during the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” … Cinderella Castle is draped radiantly with 200,000 glistening white lights … and “Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks lights the night sky during a pyrotechnics show orchestrated to holiday melodies.

The night wouldn’t be complete without the forecasted flurry of snowflakes along Main Street, U.S.A. and a warming cup of cocoa in hand.  Party-goers also enjoy complimentary cookies and apple slices and enjoy unlimited admission to favorite attractions.

This after-hours family-friendly outing takes place Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19.  The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. and continues until midnight.  Day-of-party ticket pricing is $59.95 ($53.95 for ages 3-9).  Advance tickets are available with $6 savings for most dates.  Guests can visit Disneyworld.com/christmasparty or call 407/W-DISNEY.

Castle Dream Lights – When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony.  Each evening Nov. 8, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.

Walt Disney World News

Parents of tweens and young “fashionistas” on the hunt for the latest back-to-school fashions can now enjoy designs inspired by the style of their favorite Disney Channel characters such as Sonny Munroe played by Demi Lovato from Sonny With A Chance. Disney and Target today announce a new fashion line of apparel and accessories called “D-Signed,” available only at Target stores nationwide and Target.com on August 1st. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) collaborated with Target to deliver unique attire that can be mixed and matched for tween girls in sizes 4 to 16.

D-Signed is a departure from more general entertainment-inspired tween based clothing as these items do not portray the characters likeness, instead they’re inspired by their look and personality on the hit series–the items you would find in their closet. The fashion line and its mix-and-match versatility are featured in this new YouTube music video from Disney Living featuring Demi Lovato’s song “Me, Myself, and Time” and directed by filmmaker Ross Ching.

“Tween girls want fashionable clothes that express their individuality and style but that moms approve of,” said Pam Lifford, executive vice president, global fashion and home, DCP. “Our D-Signed collection at Target brings it all together in a way that allows young girls to express their fashion sense with quality clothing at budget friendly prices.”

“We are thrilled to work with Disney on this fun and stylish program just in time for back to school,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target. “The affordable line is perfect for our trendy tween guests that want to stand out in the crowd.”

The first installment of D-Signed is inspired by the personal style of the Sonny Munroe character from Disney Channel’s popular television series Sonny With A Chance. Ranging from $4.99 – $19.99, the Sonny Munroe “D-Signed” collection includes: embellished graphic tees, skirts, dresses, pants, knit dresses, shorts, fashion tops and jackets, headbands, necklaces and bags. This initial collection will be available for three months, followed by a second assortment of apparel and accessories from the Sonny Munroe collection available at Target just in time for the holidays. Future collections of D-Signed will include fashions based on the style of other popular Disney Channel characters including Alex Russo played by Selena Gomez on Wizards of Waverly Place.

BusinessWire

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

The new restaurant at the Italy Pavilion at Epcot, Via Napoli, will begin taking reservations Aug. 6 for Sept. 10, the official opening day. A “Grand Opening” celebration will be Aug. 5, but the restaurant will be in a “soft opening” walk-in phase with no reservations between then and Sept. 10.

More answers to reader questions :

• The restaurant is table service only, no quick service.
• Disney Dining Plan is accepted (one point per person per meal).
• The hottest menu item is the wood-fired pizza, and it comes in three sizes: individual; large with eight slices; and a “mezzo metro,” or half meter, that is 12 slices.
• There is one menu for both lunch and dinner. Average check is around $23.
• There are several vegetarian options, including the pizza Margherita, fusilli pasta in a Southern Italian-style pesto, salads, minnestrone and more.

Disney Parks Blog

Goofy’s Sky School will add a new look to an old ride when the re-themed roller coaster replaces the unimaginative Mulholland Madness that earned Disney California Adventure its on-the-cheap reputation.

Making its debut in 2011, the complete makeover will mark the third ride in three years that Disney  California Adventure has retooled in an effort to add more classic Disney characters to the under-performing Anaheim theme park.

The Goofy overlay removes the giant foldout map of Southern California that always seemed like a futile attempt to hide the fact that Mulholland Madness was nothing more than an off-the-shelf wild mouse ride found at any freeway entertainment center. Gone too is the Magic Mountain-esque, slapdash, Caltrans maintenance-yard theme involving little more than a plastering of roadwork signs.

Inspired by the 1940 cartoon short “Goofy’s Glider,” the ride’s new flying academy back story follows the clumsy anthropomorphic dog’s attempts to teach a group of novice pilots how to fly. Naturally, things go awry.

For more information…go to the Los Angeles Times

Walt Disney Co. has agreed to sell its Miramax film unit for $675 million to a consortium of investors, according to a media report late Thursday.

TheWrap.com reported that Burbank, Calif.-based Disney agreed to sell the virtually defunct studio to Los Angeles billionaire Ronald Tutor and his partners, Morgan Creek studios, financial house Colony Capital and Hollywood mogul David Bergstein.

Disney officials would not comment on the report.

Citing various unnamed sources, TheWrap said the studio would be run as a standalone company with Morgan Creek acting as a distribution partner.

The sale of Miramax is expected to come as a blow to Harvey and Bob Weinstein, who founded the studio and hoped to retain the 700-film library they compiled over the quarter-century that they ran Miramax.

The Weinsteins formed the company in 1979 and sold it to Disney in 1993, but continued to run it until 2005.

The arthouse studio is responsible for a number of Oscar contenders, a fact which Hollywood insiders have said is partly due to content and partly due to the Weinsteins’ formidable awards campaigns.

The list includes Academy Award best-picture winners “Shakespeare in Love,” “The English Patient,” “Chicago” and “No Country for Old Men.”

MarketWatch

The Walt Disney Co. has lost a $270 million jury verdict revolving around royalties for the once hugely popular “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” game show, the company said Wednesday.

A U.S. District Court jury in Riverside, Calif., ruled against the entertainment conglomerate in a case brought by the British firm Celador International, creator of the show.

Celador, which debuted the show in 1998 and allowed Disney use it in 1999, had claimed Disney artificially deflated the amount of money it paid for the rights to the franchise. The Hollywood Reporter said on its Web site Wednesday that the jury awarded Celador $269.4 million, but Disney vowed to appeal the verdict.

“We believe this verdict is fundamentally wrong and will aggressively seek to have it reversed,” Disney officials said in a written statement.

Disney shares were up 4.5% at the close to $33.14, amid a broad market rally.

Hosted by Regis Philbin, “Millionaire” was hugely popular for Disney’s ABC Television Network during 1999 and 2000. It was so popular that the network broadcast it five nights a week at one point.

That turned out to be ABC’s undoing, as the network eventually plummeted in ratings due to lack of new programming. But “Millionaire” still lives on daytime TV and now is hosted by Meredith Vieira. An Indian version of the show also was central to the plot of the 2008 Academy Award best picture, “Slumdog Millionaire.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Celador’s attorney Roman Silberfeld argued that Disney used “Hollywood accounting” when it determined how to pay fees for the program. Disney discounted the amount it paid to its subsidiaries, and that led to lower fees paid to Celador.

Marty Katz, Disney’s lawyer, said the company lived up to its part of the bargain and paid Celador millions for the use of the concept, the Hollywood Reporter said.

MarketWatch

This year is the 55th anniversary of Disneyland Resort, and D23 is celebrating this milestone year with the premiere of Destination D: Disneyland ’55, a brand-new, two-day event that illuminates the fascinating history behind Disney’s flagship park.

Destination D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a mesmerizing journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The event will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that give fans an inside view of this fascinating era in Disney history and let them meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future Destination D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s amazing creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, Destination D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 Expo.

Event highlights include our Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary presentation, reuniting original Mouseketeers Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (formerly Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien, and Mary Geoff (formerly Espinosa) for a delightful trip back in time to the dawning of the television era with the club that was, like D23, “made for you and me.”

Destination D will also mark the debut of the Disney Legends Celebration, a heartfelt tribute to those who have made a lasting contribution to the Disney legacy. All Destination D attendees and Disney Legends will be invited to attend E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks, a concert of memorable tunes through the years at the Disneyland Resort with some very special guests, including Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

All guests will also receive a limited-edition set of colorful, vintage Disneyland postcards from the Walt Disney Archives Collection. It’s a reproduction of actual postcards sold when Disneyland opened in 1955 — it’s just a coincidence that the complete set features 23 images!

There will also be a selection of limited edition merchandise available for purchase at the event.

Shown below is the current lineup for Destination D: Disneyland ’55 (times to be announced later this summer; panels and talent subject to change):

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary
Join original Mouseketeers including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien and Mary Geoff (Espinosa) for a magical walk down memory lane as they recall their favorite behind-the-scenes stories from the classic Disneyland attraction Mickey Mouse Club Circus.

Weird Disney
From the startling visuals of the 1930′s Fanchon & Marco “Mickey Mouse Idea” vaudeville shows to Disneyland’s “Kap the Kaiser Aluminum Pig” and the “Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow,” Disney’s history has included some pretty offbeat stuff. Join Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney historian Paul Anderson as they act as your tour guides on a fun-filled, irreverent and often-surprising road trip through the wonderfully weird and wacky side of Disney.

From Quirky to Collectible: The Wonderful World of Disneyland Merchandise
Curiouser and curiouser! From a Mark Twain Riverboat AM radio to a Matterhorn bank, we will present a treasure trove of timeless trinkets and unique souvenirs. Merchandise mavens Stacia Martin andPaul Anderson and Disney Archivist Rob Klein will take you to a collector’s Cloud Nine, including the “Top 5 Rarest Pieces of Disneyana” and the “Top 5 Strangest Items of Disneyland Memorabilia.” You won’t believe what they have found!

The 1964 New York World’s Fair and the Development of Audio-Animatronics® Characters With so many incredible Disney achievements over the years, it’s hard to pick one as most impressive. But one milestone — Disney’s contribution to the 1964 New York World’s Fair — arguably stands far and above any other for its impact on Disneyland, the dawning of Walt Disney World and now, the Disney theme park experience around the world. Hosted by historian Paul Anderson, this is a fascinating and remarkable story of how 50 years ago Walt and his Imagineers broke the barriers of technology and pioneered an entirely new chapter in the history of entertainment, and in doing so, drastically changed the course of Disney theme park history.

Imagineering the Magic of Disney
Disney Legend Marty Sklar hosts a prestigious panel of some of Disney’s most creative minds made up of Imagineering Legends and current Imagineers. Join us as Bob Gurr, Blaine Gibson, Dave Durham,Kathy Mangum, Kevin Rafferty and other Imagineers share their memories and favorite moments about creating iconic attractions at the world’s most popular theme parks.

E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks
As part of this year’s inaugural Disney Legends Celebration, D23 Members are invited to join some Disney Legends for a colorful concert of music from the past and present of Disneyland Resort. Highlighting the concert will be Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who — along with his brother Robert — has contributed a multitude of songs to the Disney parks legacy, including “it’s a small world,” “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and many more. Performing will be a host of special guests, including John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Johnny and the Sprites), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty),Wilson Cruz (Rent, My So-Called Life), members of the Disney Employee Choir and many more, all paying tribute to some of the most enduring tunes in the Disney canon.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

Disneyland Through the Eye of Television
Archivist Rob Klein presents this unique look at the history of Disneyland as it was first seen by the general public — on television. This vibrant presentation includes Walt’s first announcement of Disneyland, highlights from the original Disneyland television anthology series showing progress on the park and classic anniversary specials, as well as rarely seen promotional spots for Disneyland from the ’60s and ’70s for the Matterhorn, Main Street Electrical Parade, “New” Tomorrowland 1967 and much more!

Disney Undiscovered
No creative idea, no matter how marvelously imagined, is guaranteed to make it from the sketchbooks of Disney Imagineers to the parks. 2010′s D23 Member gift, Disney Undiscovered, pays tribute to Disney’s enduring creative spirit by celebrating the work of some of Disney’s greatest dreamers and artists, whose feats of creative daring — even if never completed — will stand the test of time as masterpieces of the imagination. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the further fascinating details about these rare, never-produced park attractions and the Imagineers who dreamed them up.

Disneyland: The Happiest Place in Pop Culture
A humorous and informative journey through 55 years of popular culture as reflected in the original Magic Kingdom. Featuring rarely seen photos and film clips, the presentation, hosted by Disney authority Tim O’Day, will take you down memory lane, narrowly escaping bad fashions, bad hair and park entertainment, and events and attractions that definitely belong in Memoryland.

Disneyland: The Way We Were
Remember the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, TWA Rocket to the Moon, The Frito Kid, or America Sings? Join Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith as we explore some vintage images of Disneyland: first some rare color photographs taken during the park’s construction, then a look at some beloved, gone-but-not-forgotten attractions, shops and restaurants. Throughout this presentation, Dave will reminisce about early visits to Disneyland, taking the audience back to some classic moments in the park’s rich history.

A Word from the President
Disneyland President George Kalogridis shares a very special presentation with D23.

The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland — In Color!
Media Preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter share a trove of archival treasures and screen rarely seen color footage of Disneyland from the 1950s and 1960s.

Disneyland, U.S.A. Screening and Panel
A big-screen presentation of the classic 1956 People and Places featurette, Disneyland, U.S.A., followed by a panel featuring members of the film’s restoration team, Disney Imagineers and Disney Legends who experienced the park first-hand during those early years, including Tony Baxter, Ed Hobelman, Dave Smith and Geri Bumpass. Hosted by Tim O’Day.

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. The room will be cleared during several breaks; during these breaks seats may not be saved. Meals are not included with the price of the ticket. This is a separate event from D23′s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when purchasing tickets. Credentials 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. Panels are subject to change. Talent is subject to availability. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

We have some exciting news to share this holiday weekend. Starting tomorrow morning, Sunday, July 4, the Disney California Adventure park gate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will open at 9:00 a.m. exclusively for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests so they can get in line for Disney’s FASTPASS tickets to each evening’s performances of “World of Color.” The Disneyland Resort hotels include the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.‬ The main entrance will open, as scheduled, at 9:30 a.m. for all other day guests.

While Park hours may vary, please check disneyland.com for the most up-to-date schedule. The early access for Disneyland Resort Hotel guests at the Disney California Adventure park gate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be 30 minutes earlier than the opening listed for main entrance.

This is a great benefit for guests staying at Disneyland Resort Hotels, but guests not staying at the hotels will still have access to Disney’s FASTPASS tickets for “World of Color.

Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney plans to rapidly expand its language schools across mainland China with the aim of teaching English to 150,000 children by 2015, a newspaper reported Wednesday.

After a successful trial phase that began in 2008, the number of schools will expand from 11 to 148 in five years, Russell Hampton, president of Disney Publishing Worldwide, told the Financial Times in an interview in Los Angeles.

“It is a very sizeable opportunity, something that can deliver operating earnings of well over 100 million dollars in the next five years,” Hampton said.

The schools are part of expansion plans in China that are to be crowned by the entertainment giant opening its first mainland theme park in Shanghai, expected in 2014.

As the first foreign media company to run schools in China, Disney is seizing an opportunity to tap a growing middle class market, while strengthening its bond with a new generation of consumers, the report said.

“We wouldn?t enter this business just to use it as a marketing tool to get Disney in front of people,” Hampton was quoted as saying.

“But there?s no doubt that a side benefit is broader exposure to Chinese consumers and to build familiarity with the rich heritage of Disney story-telling,” he said.

Government media controls and quotas governing television content and capping the number of foreign films in cinemas at 20 a year have limited Disney’s expansion in China.

AFP

Disney could start building its planned theme park in Shanghai as early as November, a year after Chinese authorities gave the green light for the project, a report said Tuesday.

“Talks on the Disney project are in the final stages and the construction is expected to start as early as November,” the China Business News reported, citing an unnamed source.

The park would be Disney’s fourth outside the United States and its third in Asia, after Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong — the last to open in 2005.

All major construction in Shanghai has been suspended until after the World Expo ends on October 31 as part of efforts to improve the city’s air quality during the six-month event.

The Shanghai government announced its long-awaited approval for the project in November last year after authorities in Beijing approved Disney’s application.

Neither side disclosed any figures or gave a timeframe for the project, but previous reports have said the US entertainment giant will invest 3.6 billion dollars in the 10-square-kilometre (four-square-mile) park.

When asked about the report, Disney said it looked forward to being able to announce a final deal and a timeline for opening in the future.

“Final discussions between Disney and the Shanghai government are not yet complete, and detailed negotiations to produce a final deal will continue for a number of months,” a Hong Kong-based Disney spokeswoman told AFP in an email.

AFP

Offer Details:

When you purchase a 5-night, 6-day Disney package that includes accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Moderate Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, you’ll get the Disney Dining Plan free**.

Purchase a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package with accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.

Booking and Travel Window:

•Booking Window: May 3 – Aug. 14, 2010
•Travel Window: Valid for stays most nights August 15, 2010 – October 7, 2010, October 22 – October 28, 2010, November 12 – November 18, 2010, November 27 – December 2, 2010 and December 10 – December 21, 2010

Sample Pricing:

•US $1,843 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort. That’s like paying US $77 per person, per day!
•US $1,440 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That’s like paying US $60 per person, per day!
Ask about packages for other lengths of stay and accommodations at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

Contact The Mouse for Less for details and to book.

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

Disney Legend Ilene Woods, who voiced Cinderella in the 1950 classic, has passed away at the age of 81. Woods was born on May 5, 1929 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, U.S.A. and was both a singer and actress.

Woods started acting at two years old. When she was 14, she was given her own radio show on the new station called The Blue Network on ABC Radio during the summer of 1944. A lot of songwriters came on the show to present their music to her, which is how she became friends with Mack David and Jerry Livingston.

David and Livingston asked her to record a few of their most recent written songs for a movie. They also wanted her not just to record them, but to sing them. Soon the songs were presented to Walt Disney so it could be used in the animated Cinderella. She won the role against more than 300 other auditioning girls.

D23

After Walt Disney died in 1966, his grieving staff sealed his office suite in Burbank, and even as work proceeded on “The Jungle Book” there was anxiety that the company’s past might be brighter than its future.

Four years later, those worries deepened as key executives approached retirement, including Walt’s older brother, Roy O. Disney. That’s why, in 1970, the company handed the key to Walt’s still-sealed office to a former UCLA research librarian named Dave Smith, who was sent into the chamber to learn its history.

“I didn’t expect this to become my life’s work, but it did,” Smith, 69, said on a recent afternoon as he gave a tour of the Disney Archives, a massive collection spread across several in-house libraries and high-security warehouse space filled with Disney movie props, costumes, toys, art, animation, vintage theme-park gear and company publications.

It all began with the items that Smith found in Walt’s desk all those years ago.

“It was an eerie thing to sit … in his chair and count the paper clips in the drawer,” Smith recalled with a nervous chuckle. On the bookshelves, he discovered books and letters given to Walt by Upton Sinclair, Winston Churchill and C. S. Lewis, who inscribed one of his books of poetry with the words: “From one visionary to another.”

Friday, 40 years and a day after he was hired, Smith will announce his imminent retirement from a corporation that, as he put it, “reuses and returns to its past more often than any company in the world.”

On a recent afternoon at one of the archive’s secret Glendale warehouses, Disney archive manager Becky Cline held up one recent find — a cache of storyboards and concept art for the 1964 classic ” Mary Poppins.”

“This hasn’t been seen or touched since the movie came out, and it’s never been reproduced in any way,” said Cline, who will take over Smith’s title as official archivist after his departure in October. “This is simply amazing stuff. And we’re going to get to show it to the world.”

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

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

To participate in the monthly payment program, you must have a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida state-issued ID card with a Florida address and be at least 18 years of age.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Who is eligible to purchase passes under the Walt Disney World® Annual Pass Monthly Payment program?
A. The Monthly Payment program is currently only available to permanent Florida residents for the purchase of select Florida resident passes. The contract purchaser must have a valid Florida driver’s license or Florida state-issued ID card with a Florida address and be at least 18 years of age.
Q. Which passes are eligible for the Walt Disney World® Annual Pass Monthly Payment program?
A. The monthly payment program is only available when purchasing a Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass, Florida Resident Annual Pass, Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, Florida Resident Weekday Select Pass or Florida Resident Epcot After 4PM Annual Pass.
Q. How much will my monthly payment be?
A. Please see the Monthly Payments page for complete pricing details.

Q. Are there any finance charges with the Monthly Payment program?
A. No. Currently there are no finance charges with the Monthly Payment program. Additional fees may be incurred as a penalty for late payments.

Q. Am I able to pay off the balance at any time?
A. Yes. You may pay off your amount due in its entirety at any time without penalty by visiting any theme park or Downtown Disney Guest Relations window or by calling Passholder Payment Services at (888) 701-4100.

Q. Will it cost me more to purchase a Pass with the Monthly Payment program?
A. No. At this time, the price of a Pass is the same for Passes paid in full and those purchased using the Monthly Payment program (assuming that all payments are made on time).

Q. Can I pay more than the required down payment so that my monthly payments are lower?
A. No. At this time, only the required down payment amount (equal to the price of a non-discounted one-day, one-park theme park ticket plus tax) is accepted at time of purchase.

Q. Can I change the credit or debit card on file during the contract period?
A. Yes. You can change the credit or debit card on file at any time by contacting Passholder Payment Services at (888) 701-4100. Please remember to do this if you are issued a new card during the payment period.

Q. Can I renew my Pass online using the Monthly Payment program?
A. No. The Monthly Payment program is currently available for the purchase of select new annual passes only.

Q. Can I purchase a pass under Monthly Payment program in person or on the phone?
A. No. At this time, the Monthly Payment program is only available online.

Q. I purchased a Pass under the Monthly Payment program. Who can I speak to about my payments?
A. If you have questions about your payments you may call Passholder Payment Services at (888) 701-4100 or visit any theme park or Downtown Disney Guest Relations window.

Q. If I purchase a select Florida resident annual pass using the Monthly Payment program, will it auto-renew?
A. No. Your Pass will be valid for one year from the date of issuance and will not be automatically renewed.

Q. When will my Florida resident annual pass expire?
A. Your Pass will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of annual passes that I can purchase?
A. Yes. There is a limit of 8 Florida resident annual passes per transaction.

Q. What forms of Florida Resident ID are accepted?
A. Please see the proof of Florida residency page for complete details on accepted forms of identification.

Q. I previously purchased a theme park ticket. Can I upgrade my ticket to a Annual Pass and take advantage of the Annual Pass Monthly Payment program?
A. No. At this time, you cannot upgrade the value of a theme park ticket towards the purchase of an annual pass using the Monthly Payment program.

Q. I purchased an annual pass online. Where do I redeem my eCertificate?
A. Please bring your eCertificate along with a photo ID and required proof of residency to any Walt Disney World theme park ticket window for redemption.

How It Works

At the time of purchase, you will be required to make a down payment equal to the price of a non-discounted one-day, one-park theme park ticket plus tax. The remaining cost of your Florida resident Annual Pass will be split into 12 monthly payments that will be automatically billed to a credit card that you provide. The first monthly payment will be charged on the day that you sign up or shortly thereafter.

Walt Disney World

Chuck Viane, president of distribution for Disney, said in a statement the recent performance of the studio’s movies in IMAX theaters has “demonstrated that the combination of IMAX and Disney resonates with moviegoers worldwide.”

The movies covered under the new agreement are “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” with Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz; the animated “Mars Needs Moms” with voice work from Seth Green and John Cusack; and the Disney/Pixar cartoon “Cars 2.”

IMAX has emerged as a major player in 3D exhibition, taking advantage of an audience appetite for a more in-depth visual experience that has helped drive box office growth.

“Toy Story 3,” Disney’s latest 3D release from its Pixar animation division, played in more than 4,000 theaters in the United States and Canada when it opened this past weekend. Of those, 180 were IMAX theaters, which contributed $8.4 million to the film’s overall gross of $110 million.

Reuters

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

“These new offerings will help us meet the growing demand from Southern California business professionals who wish to learn Disney best practices and apply them to their own organizations,” said Jeff James, vice president of Disney Institute.

  The new sessions include the following courses:
  --  Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence
  --  Disney's Approach to Quality Service
  --  Disney's Approach to People Management
  --  Disney's Approach to Brand Loyalty
  --  Disney's Approach to Inspiring Creativity

Each program offers case studies, guest speakers and field experiences within and behind the scenes of Disneyland Park. Pricing of a one-day session is $499 with discounts available. Additional program options, including three-and-a-half day and five-day programs, are offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Visit the public programs page at www.disneyinstitute.com for additional information.

After a decade-plus absence from theaters, the animated heroes of “Toy Story 3″ sold $153.8 million worth of tickets during their opening weekend at the worldwide box office, according to estimates issued on Sunday by distributor Walt Disney Co.

Moviegoers in the United States and Canada accounted for $109 million, a new opening record for a film produced by Disney’s Pixar Animation unit. The old mark of $70.5 million was set by “The Incredibles” in May 2004.

Only two other cartoons have opened to more than $100 million — “Shrek the Third” with $122 million in 2007, and “Shrek 2″ with $108 million in 2004.

Pundits had forecast a $100 million-plus opening for the film, which was universally acclaimed by critics and marks the debut appearance of Mattel Inc’s Barbie and Ken.

Pixar’s perfect record of 11 No. 1 movies also remains intact, as expected. “Nobody’s had that kind of success,” said Chuck Viane, president of Disney’s theatrical distribution arm. “Everything about this movie just oozes success.”

Woody the cowboy (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear the space ranger (Tim Allen) and their pals in the toy chest starred in Pixar’s debut release, “Toy Story,” in 1995. The film inaugurated the era of computer-generated animation. They returned in November 1999 with a sequel that opened to $57.3 million in North America.

Ticket prices have risen since then, and “Toy Story 3″ received an extra boost from premium pricing for 3D screenings, which accounted for about 60 percent of sales, Disney said.

If Disney’s estimate holds when final data are issued Monday, “Toy Story 3″ will rank as the biggest June opener in North America, breaking the record of $108.97 held by last year’s “Transformers” sequel.

While “Toy Story 3″ was a preordained hit, the film did have to contend with a soft marketplace. Business was weak in May, the start of the lucrative summer moviegoing season, with movies such as “Sex and the City 2″ and “Shrek Forever After” underperforming their predecessors.

Sales picked up last weekend when Sony Corp’s “Karate Kid” smashed forecasts with a $56 million debut. The remake slipped to No. 2 with $29 million, taking its 10-day total to $106.3 million.

Reuters

Guests 17 and under can sail free on seven-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests occupying the same stateroom (government taxes and fees excluded). This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 23 to March 20, 2011, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms (categories 4 to 11). However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer.  Guests can book through July 31, 2010.

Guests sailing to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Disney Wonder will experience exciting ports of call combined with a family-friendly cruise only Disney can deliver. The seven-night cruises include visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta coupled with three fun-filled days at sea. Onboard, guests will enjoy dazzling stage spectaculars, including “Toy Story-The Musical,” inspired by the Disney•Pixar films; over-the-top deck parties, featuring the only fireworks display at sea; nearly an entire deck dedicated to youth activities; sophisticated offerings for adults and fun experiences for the entire family.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

To book a vacation or to get complete details on the “Kids Free” special offer, guests can visit disneycruise.com/kidsfree, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Guests should mention or input booking code “KFMR” when making the reservation.

Disney Cruise Line

Toy Story 3: The Video Game is now available in retail stores nationwide for Wii(TM), PlayStation 3 system, Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo DS(TM), Windows-based PC/Mac and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system.

“From initial concept to the final product, we knew we had something special on our hands that would appeal to audiences across all ages,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “The game’s Toy Box mode allows anyone to return to their childhood and relive those magical moments where toys came alive and did anything and everything their imagination dared.”

Toy Box mode lets players choose which activities they want to do and the order they wish to do them. The more they use their imagination and create their own story, the more they get rewarded. All play styles are welcome in the game — players can choose to be achievers and complete missions to earn gold and unlockables, explore the deep environments, or customize buildings and townspeople. By purchasing and adding Deluxe Playsets into the Toy Box mode, such as Sid’s Haunted House and Lotso’s Enchanted Glen, new themed characters, customizations and toys will be added.

In Story mode, players can experience key film moments, interact with new and returning characters, and visit locations seen in the film through a multitude of missions. As missions are completed, players can earn rewards, including gold and new customizations purchased from the toy catalogue. These items can then be used to change and introduce new ways to play in the Toy Box mode.

“With Toy Story 3: The Video Game, we wanted to capture the fun of imaginative gameplay that kids experience when mixing and matching items from their toy boxes at home,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “By combining these unique play mechanics with characters, settings and scenarios from the movies, fans will be amazed at how closely this mirrors an actual toy playing experience.”

Offering different feature sets, while still embracing the same characters and settings as the console versions, are the handheld games where the toys journey through the real world and must come up with unique ways to escape hazardous situations. In Playtime mode, which is exclusive to the DS, players can find out what happens when Andy’s away and toys decide to have some playtime inspired by the popular tower defense genre. Players will also have the ability to collect prestigious honors and achievements, and gain new costumes and accessories for DGamer avatars.

The PSP system version boasts unique offerings as well, including a battle against the evil Emperor Zurg. Players will also help Sheriff Woody keep the Old West safe in exciting mini-games where they tackle toy-sized challenges in a big, human world. In addition, bonus content can be accessed from the PlayStation(R)Store.

Disney Interactive Studios is also releasing a new, free Toy Story 3 App for the iPhone and iPod touch. The Toy Story 3 App lets fans play, personalize and stay connected to their favorite Toy Story characters, stories and happenings. The app offers free and premium content such as Woody’s Greeting, Woody’s Wild Ride, Toy Story Digicomics, Operation Camouflage and Sound Around. Users will be rewarded for exploring, playing and purchasing new apps with collectible, Toy Story-themed virtual Pins. The App also features cross over with the Mac version of Toy Story 3: The Video Game in which players can use the Toy Story 3 App on their iPhone or iPod touch to control their gaming experience. The Toy Story 3 App is available for free from the App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Premium pricing for additional games and activities ranges from $.99 to $3.99.

BusinessWire

Constructed at a cost of some 6 billion yen (US$65.5 million), Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a theater-type attraction where visitors sit down and watch a 3-D movie. In addition to the visual presentation, the attraction includes special effects such as wind to give viewers the impression of flying through the sky along with characters from animated films such as “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

The theater seats 454 for the 11-minute presentation. It will be the 43rd attraction at Tokyo Disneyland and the only one to open in the year ending March 2011.

Press Release

TRON Evolution — Battle Grids (Wii), TRON: Evolution (DS) and TRON: Evolution PSP are action packed games set within the combat arenas and mysterious cities of the TRON world. All game versions give fans a unique way to battle and explore the TRON universe alone or with friends and family.

“These games offer unique experiences within the TRON universe that are ideal for their individual platforms,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “TRON is an exciting, dynamic property that appeals to interactive entertainment fans of all ages.”

TRON: Evolution, for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC was announced in December 2009. Set during the era between the two TRON films, TRON: Evolution conveys a story of significant events within the TRON mythology. The game features an epic adventure across the massive digital TRON world filled with high-mobility disc-based combat and light cycle action.

The TRON games for Nintendo platforms (TRON: Evolution — Battle Grids for Wii and TRON: Evolution for DS), include games and art styles appropriate for a wide audience, including families and kids.

TRON: Evolution – Battle Grids (Wii)

Developed by n-Space Inc. partnering with Propaganda Games for the unique features of Wii(TM) and targeting both families and a younger audience, TRON: Evolution – Battle Grids is an action game set in the combat arenas and streets of the TRON Universe. The game features a championship mode where friends can compete against each other or play together in fully customizable tournaments. Story mode allows players to evolve their created character in the quest to become the Game Grids Champion. In addition, the game features more than 15 game grid challenges with iconic TRON weapons and vehicles such as battle and survival mode in light cycles and battle and grid capture mode in light discs. In grid challenges players can compete with family and friends in local games for one to four players.

TRON: Evolution (Nintendo DS)

TRON: Evolution for DS casts the player in the story as an up-and-coming TRON entity. TRON: Evolution for DS features an adventure mode where players battle in arenas while uncovering a conspiracy to rig the Grid Games. In addition, the game features a Grid Games Championship where players compete in arena matches or in races. Grid games feature local multiplayer with iconic TRON vehicles, such as light cycles and light tanks in competitive and cooperative modes, including capture the flag and last man standing.

TRON: Evolution PSP (PSP system)

A familiar face from the outside world has organized the first Grid Games Tournament of Champions in TRON: Evolution PSP. Players advance and customize their character as they compete in an extensive series of action-packed game grid challenges, ranging from intense light cycle racing, to light disc combat. Players can battle and compete with up to four friends in multiple head-to-head matches and play modes. Players can also unlock exciting bonus content that is sure hit home with TRON fans. TRON: Evolution PSP is being developed by SuperVillain Studios.

BusinessWire

]]> http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/15/halloween-horror-nights-tickets-on-sale/feed/ 1 http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/14/disney-interactive-studios-will-bring-family-and-friends-together-this-fall-with-cars-toon-maters-tall-tales-exclusively-for-wii/ http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/14/disney-interactive-studios-will-bring-family-and-friends-together-this-fall-with-cars-toon-maters-tall-tales-exclusively-for-wii/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:12:57 +0000 Ray http://www.thetravelears.com/?p=7576

Disney Interactive Studios today announced that Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales is revving its engine for an exclusive Wii release this fall. A follow up to last year’s hit, Toy Story Mania! also on Wii, Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales is part of the Mania! line of games, featuring fast-paced, multiplayer, family fun. This captivating game is as fun to watch as it is to play and will engage up to four players of all ages.

Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales will feature a large collection of pick-up-and-play games inspired by Disney*Pixar’s popular Mater’s Tall Tales animated short series. The game will bring Mater together with Lightning McQueen and the “Cars” gang for a new set of adventures, capturing the endearing sense of humor of everyone’s favorite tow truck. Players will join Mater and his pals as they relive the wild stories he conjures up about hilariously unpredictable events that may or may not have taken place.

“Fans of Mater’s Tall Tales and families everywhere who enjoy in-home multiplayer gaming will love this latest entry in the ‘Cars’ entertainment franchise and Mania! brand,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “With Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales, we want to convey the outrageous personality and vivid imagination of Mater and his tall tales set within the Mania! style gameplay of engaging, fast-paced, family fun.”

Designed to keep family and friends entertained for hours, Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales will feature more than 30 levels of play involving a variety of cooperative and competitive mini-games, designed to fully utilize the Wii controls. Offering a large collection of games that will get everyone in the living room off of the couch, players can experience death-defying stunts in “Mater the Greater,” run with the bulls in “El Materdor” or appreciate the heroism of a fire truck in “Rescue Squad Mater.”

Cars Toon: Mater’s Tall Tales for Wii will allow family and friends to experience Mater’s Tall Tales with a Mania! twist. The Mania! franchise, hosted by beloved characters, provides accessible and frenzied pick-up-and-play experiences to be enjoyed by everyone in the living room. With up to four players at once, Mania! video games reward competitiveness and cooperative play among players and features immersive storytelling experiences that are appropriate for all ages.

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

This new dimension of Disney storytelling, brimming with water, color, music and animation, opens to guests at Disney California Adventure Friday, June 11.

Robert A. Iger, president and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company, joined Thomas O. Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and Mickey Mouse to welcome the special VIP premiere guests.

“‘World of Color’ is a testament to the creativity, passion, innovation and talent of people throughout our organization,” Iger said.  “The combination of water, light, fire, and music makes ‘World of Color’ a truly magical event that showcases beloved Disney characters in an entirely new way.”

Added Staggs: “‘World of Color’ transforms the landscape of the Disneyland Resort and marks a major milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure.  It’s a spectacular show that is distinctly Disney, and unlike any attraction we’ve created before.  It will captivate our guests with an end-of-day experience that is exhilarating, emotional and highly memorable.  We are excited to debut this great, new experience for our guests and extremely proud of the talented team that drove its creation.”

There has never been a show like “World of Color,” the mega-scale, after-dark celebration of Disney storytelling.  “World of Color” brings animation to life with powerful fountains that become stars of the show as they create one of the world’s largest projected water screens.  In just under 25 minutes, “World of Color” immerses audiences in technological wonder and the enchanting magic of beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters, combining nearly 1,200 versatile fountains, dazzling colors, Disney music and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, taking water-based entertainment to a new level of artistry.

The inspiration for the show came from Walt Disney himself and “World of Color” features characters and images that span the history of Disney and Disney•Pixar moviemaking.

“Our entire team – from every corner of the Walt Disney Company – is thrilled to finally share ‘World of Color’ with our guests,” said Steve Davison, show director and vice president, parades and spectaculars, for Walt Disney Imagineering.  “It’s very exciting to take audiences on an emotional journey as they experience laughter, drama and beauty in this breathtaking extravaganza.”

Disney cast members and crews built nearly an acre of superstructure to support the complex production.  Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment installed the massive infrastructure and revolutionary technology that created the stage for “World of Color.”  On this stage, the team directs a unique variety of water effects, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fog, flames, surround sound and stunning images.

The sweeping story and stunning effects are created with:

* Nearly 1,200 powerful and programmable fountains with heights ranging from 30 feet to 200 feet (50 feet higher than Mickey’s Fun Wheel). Each fountain has multiple points of control to direct the lighting, color intensity, water angle and height.

* One of the world’s largest projected water screens – a wall of water 380 feet wide by 50 feet high, for a projection surface of 19,000 square feet.

* Nearly 30 high-definition projectors – 14 of them submersible.

* Synchronized flame projections, lasers and special effects that will flood the senses.

* A soundtrack performed by more than 100 musicians.

“World of Color” has been some five years in the making, beginning with brainstorming by show director Davison and his creative crew.  As the concept grew, the Disney team sought out new technologies and multi-media to support a visionin which water and light could dance, change character and move the audience, becoming, in effect, the “stars” of the show.

Helping to tie it all together is a musical score that combines both familiar and new melodies and introduces a newly arranged version of the 1960s television theme for “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” originally composed by Richard B. and Robert M. Sherman, the Oscar-winning composers of “Mary Poppins” and “It’s a Small World.”  The “World of Color” score was composed by Mark Hammond, and orchestrated and conducted by David Hamilton, both celebrated music industry professionals.

Disneyland Resort Newsroom

“Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue takes players outside of Pixie Hollow for the first time in this exciting franchise,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Fans will be able to experience the excitement of Summer on the Mainland and team up with fairy friends in this all new action-adventure.”
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, expands on the forthcoming movie in which Tinker Bell meets Lizzy, a little girl with a steadfast belief in the magic of fairies. Determined to mend the girl’s relationship with her distant father, Tink stays with her new human friend — risking her own safety and the future of fairykind.
In the game, players fly into Fairy camp to help bring summer to the English Countryside. It’s up to the player to team up with their fairy friends and complete 6 action-levels throughout the English Countryside to find and grow the rare Rainbow Lily in time for the End-of-Summer celebration. Using different fairy skills and talents, fans will partake in a variety of quests, solve puzzles, participate in arts and crafts and complete over 25 mini-games, including baking and cookie decorating.
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue offers exciting new interconnectivity with the Pixie Hollow virtual world. Players can either create and customize a fairy avatar in the DS game with over 260 items and send it to the virtual world, or they can create a fairy avatar in the virtual world and send it to the English Countryside in their DS game. They will also be able to upload items and even send postcards from Fairy camp to friends on PixieHollow.com.
Also included in Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue is 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.
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue will be available this September for Nintendo DS.

Walt Disney Co. is shutting down most of its ESPN Zone stores, a chain of sports-themed restaurants in seven cities, according to a person familiar with the matter. The only outlets to remain open are those tied to a Disney property, such as the Downtown Disney shopping district in Anaheim.

ESPN Zone opened in 1998 to capitalize on ESPN’s brand, while bringing Disney’s family-friendly atmosphere to the sports bar concept. The upscale eateries serve burgers and brews as walls of big-screen TVs beam baseball and other sporting events into the dining area. Separate gaming rooms, dubbed “Sports Arenas,” provide access to interactive games, such as virtual golf and boxing.

It’s unclear what has prompted Disney to close the establishments, although the bars may well be a casualty of the recession. A poll released in March by AlixPartners found that 30% of consumers planned to eat out less frequently, and spend less per meal than they did the year before.

For the rest of Dawn C. Chmielewski’s article…please go to the Los Angeles Times

]]> http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/09/disney-closing-most-of-its-espn-zones/feed/ 0 http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/08/disney-cruise-line-announces-new-captain-for-disney-dream/ http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/08/disney-cruise-line-announces-new-captain-for-disney-dream/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:58:20 +0000 Ray http://www.thetravelears.com/?p=7548 The Disney Cruise Line would like to introduce the newest Captain aboard Disney Cruise Line – Marco Nogara!

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

As we continue to grow the Disney Cruise Line business, more ships, mean more Captains and Marco joins an elite line-up at Disney Cruise Line, as our sixth Captain.

A native of Venice, Italy, Marco fell in love with the sea early on and now enjoys an extensive 24-year career in the maritime industry commanding cruise ships worldwide from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. His most recent post was aboard Carnival cruise ships, where he served as Captain for 12 years. Marco also has experience in the ship-building process, which is certain to come in handy for Disney’s two new ships that are currently under construction, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Over the next few months, Marco will become familiar with the shipboard and shoreside operations at Disney and will eventually find his new home aboard one of the Disney ships as Master in December. Be sure to say hello to Captain Marco when you see him out on the high seas!

Here are a few of Captain Marco’s Disney favorites…

• Disney character: Donald Duck
• Disney movie: “Toy Story”
• Disney attraction: Pirates of the Caribbean
• Disney theme park: Epcot

Disney Parks Blog

With its two new ships to be based at Port Canaveral, Disney already plans to permanently move one of its two existing vessels to the West Coast and to at least temporarily send the other to Europe.

“We thought we had an opportunity to expand our horizons, no pun intended,” Iger said. “We’re going to take advantage of that with Alaska, Southern California and Mexico, parts of Europe and, maybe down the road, Asia or Hawaii.”

For the rest of Jason Garcia’s article…please go to the Orlando Sentinel

Investigators say the woman was found with at least 15 skimming devices and prosecutors say the Disney worker is responsible for $83,000 in losses.

The employee admitted she stole the credit card numbers, but claims she never made any purchases; she just sold the information. She signed a plea agreement last Thursday that will send her to jail.

Disney is changing the way it watches its employees after the worker was caught stealing credit card information from guests for months. Ana Rosa worked as a hotel receptionist at both the Saratoga Springs and Old Key West resorts. Detectives say she had stolen credit card numbers from 173 guests in a four-month period last year.

For the rest of the article…please go to WFTV

Disney announced that the Disneyland Resort will be issuing a limited number of tickets for the first time to visitors that will guarantee spots to watch a nighttime show.

For the upcoming World of Color show, park goers will be able to pick up Fastpasses that will allow them to get into specific viewing areas at night at Disney California Adventure. Normally, the Fastpass system is only for rides, giving visitors a ticket to get in the front of the line at designated times.

Fastpasses are free with admission. Read a previous story about plans for tickets to World of Color.

Disney also will be offering dining packages that reserve spots for seeing World of Color, a major light-and-water show that debuts to regular theme park visitors June 11.

The meal options are:

For the restaurant meals, visitors can make reservations by calling 714-781-DINE. Restaurant diners will get access to the specific standing-only viewing areas after they eat.

Since the show is expected to be popular, Disney will be allowing visitors to line up June 11 before the park opens and they will be led to the Fastpass area by Grizzly River Run to get tickets for that day.

Disney originally expected that 9,000 people would be able to fit in an amphitheater park area, which was constructed for viewing World of Color, but only about half as many people are now expected to go in that area. The show also can be seen from other areas around Paradise Bay.

PRNewswire

Mickey’s Halloween Party will debut at Disneyland park this Halloween season. The private, costumed trick-or-treat party that guests enjoyed at Disney’s California Adventure park and was formerly known as Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party has moved to Disneyland park. The new event has some new, really cool benefits:

• Access to Disneyland park – With a ticket to Mickey’s Halloween Party, you’ll get access to nearly all the attractions Disneyland park has to offer—from the classic attractions in Fantasyland to the Halloween-themed attractions like Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday.
• Earlier access – We’re starting the party early at Disneyland park at 4:00 p.m (we used to start 6 p.m. or even 7 p.m.).
• Tons of treats – We’re adding even more trick-or-treat locations – more treats!
• Exclusive access to Halloween Screams – Mickey’s Halloween Party guests will have exclusive access to one of the most popular fireworks spectaculars ever – Halloween Screams!

Mickey’s Halloween Party will be offered on Halloween night and every Tuesday and Friday in October. Annual Passholders can purchase tickets starting June 4, at www.disneyland.com/APParty. General sales will begin July 16 at www.disneyland.com/Party.

Disney Parks Blog

The biggest transformation (and what I’m most looking forward to) are the changes coming to the pool area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” will be spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two huge water slides (the larger slide will be 26 feet high and will stretch 187 feet before it plunges into a splash pool below). Reminiscent of the original Monorail station at the Disneyland Hotel, at each slide’s entrance will sit a replica Monorail Car that guests will glide through as they twist and turn their way to the pool below. The pool will also feature a third, two-lane mini slide, perfect for little ones, which is just 3 1/2 feet high and is 19 feet long.

The Never Land Pool will receive a complete cosmetic makeover but will retain its unique shape. A new, four-foot deep pool will be built between the Never Land Pool and the water play area. A footbridge will stretch over this new pool, connecting both sides of the courtyard area and giving easy access across the property. Six new cabanas will also be added. To help you visualize all these exciting, new changes, here’s a rendering from an aerial view.

And that’s not all! Two new dining locations will be introduced in the current location of Hook’s Pointe, Croc’s Bites and Bits, the Wine Cellar and the Lost Bar. A new “smart casual” dining concept will feature Tahitian architecture that is reminiscent of the ’50s and ’60s era of the hotel and the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland park. A new bar will draw on the adventure theme from the Jungle Cruise attraction.

The new water play area, pool and dining locations are scheduled to be completed by summer 2011, and the remodeled Never Land Pool is slated to be completed by summer 2012.

The hotel’s three guest room towers will be renamed to reflect Disneyland park’s distinctive lands. The Dreams Tower, currently under renovation and scheduled to be completed in 2010, will become the Adventure Tower. The Wonder Tower, next to undergo transformation and slated for completion in 2011, will be the Frontier Tower, and the Magic Tower, which will be finished in 2012, will become the Fantasy Tower. A large marquee featuring classic artwork for Adventureland, Frontierland and Fantasyland will identify each tower.

Disney Parks Blog

The company will launch Disney Junior, a 24-hour channel devoted to youngsters aged 2-7. The move will expand Disney Channel’s current daytime programing block, Playhouse Disney, into its own network. The network will debut in 2012, taking advantage of the 75-million-home distribution of SoapNet.

“SoapNet was created in 2000 to give daytime viewers the ability to watch time-shifted soaps, before multiplatform viewing and DVRs were part of our vocabulary,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks. “But today, as technology and our businesses evolve, it makes more sense to align this distribution with a preschool channel that builds on the core strengths of our company.”

SoapNet mainly airs repeats of broadcast network daytime soap operas, particularly ABC programs, such as “All My Children” and “One Life to Live,” as well as more contemporary titles like “One Tree Hill” and “Gilmore Girls.”

With daytime soaps a dying breed on broadcast, and the kids TV market booming, it’s no surprise Disney would shift the channel to target younger viewers.

Disney Junior will launch with 200 episodes annually of new series and current Playhouse Disney titles such as “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Jungle Junction,” as well as showcase classic Disney movies such as “Little Mermaid.”

The company will launch Disney Junior, a 24-hour channel devoted to youngsters aged 2-7. The move will expand Disney Channel’s current daytime programing block, Playhouse Disney, into its own network. The network will debut in 2012, taking advantage of the 75-million-home distribution of SoapNet.

“SoapNet was created in 2000 to give daytime viewers the ability to watch time-shifted soaps, before multiplatform viewing and DVRs were part of our vocabulary,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks. “But today, as technology and our businesses evolve, it makes more sense to align this distribution with a preschool channel that builds on the core strengths of our company.”

SoapNet mainly airs repeats of broadcast network daytime soap operas, particularly ABC programs, such as “All My Children” and “One Life to Live,” as well as more contemporary titles like “One Tree Hill” and “Gilmore Girls.”

With daytime soaps a dying breed on broadcast, and the kids TV market booming, it’s no surprise Disney would shift the channel to target younger viewers.

Disney Junior will launch with 200 episodes annually of new series and current Playhouse Disney titles such as “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Jungle Junction,” as well as showcase classic Disney movies such as “Little Mermaid.”

Reuters

Art Linkletter, who as the gently mischievous host of TV’s “People Are Funny” and “House Party” in the 1950s and ’60s delighted viewers with his ability to get kids — and grownups — to say the darndest things on national television, died Wednesday. He was 97.

Linkletter died at his home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles, said his son-in-law, Art Hershey, the husband of Sharon Linkletter.

“He lived a long, full, pure life, and the Lord had need for him,” Hershey said.

Linkletter had been ill “in the last few weeks time, but bear in mind he was 97 years old. He wasn’t eating well, and the aging process took him,” Hershey said.

Linkletter hadn’t been diagnosed with any life-threatening disease, he said.

Linkletter was known on TV for his funny interviews with children and ordinary folks. He also collected their comments in a number of best-selling books.

“Because of Art Linkletter, adults found themselves enjoying children,” said Bill Cosby, whose style interviewing kids on his own show in the late ’90s was often compared to Linkletter’s.

“An amazing fellow, a terrific broadcast talent, a brilliant businessman. An all-around good guy,” CNN’s Larry King added about his longtime friend and frequent guest.

Asked what made Linkletter so appealing to audiences, King said, “He had an unusual voice, a twang to his voice that was immediately recognizable. And he looked like your favorite uncle.”

“Art Linkletter’s House Party,” one of television’s longest-running variety shows, debuted on radio in 1944 and was seen on CBS-TV from 1952 to 1969.

“On `House Party’ I would talk to you and bring out the fact that you had been letting your boss beat you at golf over a period of months as part of your campaign to get a raise,” Linkletter wrote.

“All the while, without your knowledge, your boss would be sitting a few feet away listening, and at the appropriate moment, I would bring you together,” he wrote. “Now, that’s funny, because the laugh arises out of a real situation.”

Linkletter’s programs — like many of today’s reality TV shows — often relied on ordinary people sharing too much information on national television.

But his shows were far gentler than today’s often mean-spirited productions. His guests experienced, at most, mild embarrassment instead of utter humiliation. When Linkletter elicited an all-too-revealing remark from a guest, he did it with devilish charm, not malice.

Though “House Party” had many features, the best known was the daily interviews with schoolchildren.

Linkletter collected quotes from children into “Kids Say The Darndest Things,” and it sold in the millions. The book “70 Years of Best Sellers 1895-1965″ ranked “Kids Say the Darndest Things” as the 15th top seller among nonfiction books in that period.

The prime time “People Are Funny,” which began on radio in 1942 and ran on TV from 1954 to 1961, emphasized slapstick humor and audience participation — things like throwing a pie in the face of a contestant who couldn’t tell his Social Security number in five seconds, or asking him to go out and cash a check written on the side of a watermelon.

The down-to-earth charm of Linkletter’s broadcast persona seemed to be mirrored by his private life with his wife of more than a half-century, Lois. They had five children, whom he wrote about in his books and called the “Links.”

But in 1969, his 20-year-old daughter Diane jumped to her death from her sixth-floor Hollywood apartment. He blamed her death on LSD use, but toxicology tests found no LSD in her body after she died.

Still, the tragedy prompted Linkletter to become a crusader against drugs.

A son, Robert, died in a car accident in 1980. Another son, Jack Linkletter, was 70 when he died of lymphoma in 2007.

Art Linkletter got his first taste of broadcasting with a part-time job while attending San Diego State College in the early 1930s. He graduated in 1934.

“I was studying to be an English professor,” Linkletter once said. “But as they say, life is what happens to you while you’re making other plans.”

He held a series of radio and promotion jobs in California and Texas, experimenting with audience participation and remote broadcasts, before forming his own production company in the 1940s and striking it big with “People Are Funny” and “House Party.”

Linkletter was born Arthur Gordon Kelly on July 17, 1912, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. His unwed mother put him up for adoption when he was a baby; when he was about 7, he and his adoptive parents moved to the U.S., eventually settling in San Diego.

He recalled his preacher-father forced him to take odd jobs to help the family. So Linkletter left and became a hobo, hopping trains across the West, working where he could. He recalled later that he felt the religious faith instilled by his father had been a great gift.

After leaving daily broadcasting in 1969, Linkletter continued to write, lecture and appear in television commercials.

Among his other books, were “Old Age is Not for Sissies,” “How To Be a Supersalesman,” “Confessions of a Happy Man,” “Hobo on the Way to Heaven” and his autobiography, ‘`I Didn’t Do It Alone.”

A recording Linkletter made with his daughter Diane not long before she died, “We Love You, Call Collect,” was issued after her death and won a Grammy award for best spoken word recording.

“Life is not fair … not easy,” Linkletter said in a 1990 interview by The Associated Press. “Outside, peer pressure can wreak havoc with the nicest families. So that’s the part that’s a gamble.

“But I’m an optimist. Even though I’ve had tragedies in my life, and I’ve seen a lot of difficult things, I still am an optimist,” he said.

Linkletter had extensive business interests. He headed a company involved in real estate development and management and operation of cattle ranches in Montana, New Mexico and California. He held interests in oil and gas wells, owned livestock in Australia and was involved in a solar energy firm.

“In a couple of months Art Linkletter would have been 98 years old, a full life of fun and goodness, an orphan who made it to the top,” reflected Phyllis Diller. “What a guy.”

He is survived by his wife, Lois, whom he married in 1935, and daughters Dawn Griffin and Sharon Linkletter, as well as seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

The family said no services were planned at this time.

Associated Press

The name change helps tell the rest of the Cinderella story that inspired the carrousel. Here’s the official story behind it:

Following their fairy-tale romance and happily-ever-after wedding, Cinderella and Prince Charming took up residence in Cinderella’s Castle. With peace throughout the kingdom, Prince Charming had time to practice for jousting tournaments. In the countryside near the castle, he built a training device of carved horses, on which he could practice the art of ring-spearing, a tournament event in which a knight rides his horse full speed, lance in hand, toward a small ring hanging from a tree limb, with the object of spearing the ring. This event was known by various names throughout the lands, but generally came to be called “carrousel.”

The carrousel device drew the attention of the villagers, who wanted to take a turn on this amazing spinning contraption. So Prince Charming had a second carrousel constructed closer to the Castle, where everyone could take a spin on this wondrous invention. Instead of a working knight’s training device, however, this new carrousel is more befitting its regal location in the Castle Courtyard – its rustic training horses replaced with ornately decorated prancing steeds adorned with golden helmets and shields, flower garlands, feathers and other festoons. Prince Charming invites one and all to test their horsemanship skills and to enjoy their own happy ending.

Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog

Dates

• September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
• October 1, 3, 7, 8*, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22*, 24, 26, 28*, 29, and 31
• November 1

Times

7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Pricing

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9)

Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Dates

• November 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, and 30
• December 2, 3, 5, 7*, 9, 10*, 12*, 14, 16, 17*, and 19*

Times

7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Pricing

*Advance Purchase Price not available on 12/7, 12/10, 12/12, 12/17, 12/19. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 – 9)

Standard Magic Kingdom theme park admission tickets will not allow Guests to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

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.

If you’d you like to take a last daily express ride to Endor, make your plans to visit the parks before the closing dates. And as we announced last week, there will be a special “Last Tour to Endor” party on August 14 during “Star Wars Celebration V” in Orlando. For more information about “Star Wars Celebration V” and to purchase tickets, check out www.starwarscelebration.com.

Disney Parks Blog

We received a lot of comments on the Blog asking for Aladdin to continue its run. It’s almost as if the Genie granted your wish!

Although “Toy Story – The Musical” was scheduled to move into Hyperion Theater following Genie’s last bow, Buzz, Woody and their pals will stay focused on the new additions in Toy Story Mania…for now.

Construction has been scheduled near the Hyperion Theater for August 15. Although that may still impact some performances, we’re doing everything we can to keep the show up and running. Stay tuned to the Blog for updates, and we’ll share details when we have them (or, you can always check disneyland.com for showtimes).

Now, close your eyes, make a wish and hit play to see Genie in action. And don’t forget to tell us your favorite Genie joke – and oh, no wishes for more wishes.

Disney Parks Blog

“We have infused Disney magic into all elements of this one-of-a-kind retail experience, and have selected prime retail centers to launch the Disney Store of the future,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide. “Special features like the iconic Disney Princess castle with magic mirror and the Disney Store Theater are just two of the amazing elements in the new store that will enrich every child and family’s experience at the Disney Store.”

More than 20 new and remodeled Disney Store locations are slated to open this year in premier retail centers throughout North America and Europe. North American locations have been confirmed for Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York; Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California; International Plaza in Tampa, Florida; Stockton St. in San Francisco, CA; and Fashion Valley in San Diego, CA. European locations cover four markets with openings in Spain, Portugal, Italy and the UK. These include NorteShopping in Oporto, Portugal; Orio Center in Bergamo, Italy; and UK locations including Centre MK in Milton Keynes, Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen and Donegal Place in Belfast.

Each new store has special significance and will be celebrated as an important milestone in Disney Store’s growth and evolution.

– Roosevelt Field will be the first east coast newly-designed store to open in the United States.

– In August, Disney Store will join a group of exclusive retailers for the re-opening of the new Santa Monica Place shopping center near the legendary Santa Monica Pier in southern California. Santa Monica Place is a modern shopping and dining destination that combines contemporary styles with sustainable architecture, and Disney Store will offer a comprehensive assortment of unique Disney products to the elite clientele.

– Disney Store at International Plaza in Tampa, Florida will be nearest to Walt Disney World Resort, allowing families to visit both this summer.

– Fashion Valley brings together San Diego’s finest collection of stores set in a beautiful outdoor shopping center, and the newly-designed Disney Store will launch there this summer.

– Disney Store will join retailers in the historic Union Square of San Francisco, one of the largest shopping areas in the United States. Union Square became San Francisco’s shopping epi-center in the early 1900s and today, upscale stores and hotels surround Union Square, and shopping extends blocks from the central plaza.

– In Europe, Oporto will be the first Disney Store to open in the north of Portugal and only the second to open in the country, following the successful launch of the brand to the market in 2007.

With each new store opening in 2010, Disney Store will designate a day for 10 percent of the sales to be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the U.S., Spain, Italy and Portugal and to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in the UK.

Business Wire

The company said it expects to cease widespread discounting sometime this fall.

“We are determined and confident that we can take our pricing back to normalized levels,” Walt Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo said during a conference call with stock analysts.

Disney’s announces that company-wide profits surged 55 percent during the its fiscal second quarter, as Disney reaped a windfall from its hit 3-D movie Alice in Wonderland.

Disney’s theme parks continued to struggle, however, despite an improving overall economy. Operating profit at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts sank 12 percent for the quarter, falling from $171 million a year ago to $150 million. Sales inched up 2 percent to $2.4 billion.

The parks unit was also hurt by declines at Disney Cruise Line, which was squeezed both by rising fuel costs and greater promotional activity to stimulate bookings.

Attendance fell approximately 4 percent at Disney’s U.S. theme parks and was down 6 percent at Walt Disney World but flat at Disneyland. The decline was partly the result of a shift in Disney’s fiscal calendar that stripped from the second quarter the typically busy week around New Year’s. Without that shift, domestic attendance would have been flat.

Hotel occupancy also fell, dropping 8% in Orlando to 81 percent and two percentage points in California to 67 percent.

Disney has already begun reducing the size of available discounts in recent months, and the effect was clear in the second quarter. While attendance and occupancy fell, guest spending climbed from a year ago, when Disney was offering its steepest promotions.

Average guest spending rose 5 percent in Disney theme parks, while per-room spending in its hotels jumped 8 percent.

Across Disney’s other divisions, the company’s cable- and broadcast-television networks reported flat operating profit of $1.3 billion.  Operating profit in Disney’s consumer-products unit grew 37 percent to $133 million, while the company’s digital-media operations reported an operating loss of $55 million, 10 percent better than a year ago.

Walt Disney World soon will begin building its first new hotel in nearly seven years, a 2,000-room resort that is planned to open in 2012.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature 1,120 suites with room for as many as six people each and another 864 traditional hotel rooms, with a design theme based on four of the company’s most popular animated movies.

The resort is expected to be priced as a “value” hotel.

Disney also appears to be betting that travelers will continue the frugal spending habits many adopted during the downturn.  Up until now, Disney has been relying on discounts to sustain attendance during the past year, and executives have acknowledged that consumers are still searching for deals.

The new resort will be built on a 65-acre plot across a lake from Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The new hotel will allow Disney to use a pair of long-neglected, unfinished buildings that Disney originally constructed as a second phase of Pop Century but which it abandoned amid the 2001 recession.

Plans show that the new resort will have 10 wings of rooms and a separate building housing the check-in lobby and restaurants. The hotel wings will be separated into four distinct groups, each with a theme from a different animated movie: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars.

Because the majority of its rooms will be six-person suites, the Art of Animation Resort will have roughly the same capacity as Pop Century, which has 2,800 conventional rooms.

With the project, Disney is placing an aggressive bet on what it says is a growing market for affordable suites aimed at families traveling with several children or extended families.

Disney declined to say how much it will spend to build the hotel. It expects to break ground this summer and open it in phases throughout 2012.

Vroom, Vroom…Vroooooom! If you’re in Disney’s California Adventure park this week, you just may hear the sound of engines revving. It’s very exciting because you’re actually hearing the first early ride system tests for Radiator Springs Racers, the new E-ticket attraction coming to the all-new Cars Land, which opens in 2012.

This Radiator Springs Racers test vehicle arrived this morning, and while you’re not likely to get a good view of the car on a visit to the Park, we’re sharing some fun behind-the-scenes photos we took earlier today.

Disney Parks Blog

After a three-week trial in Orange County Circuit Court, the three-woman, three-man jury deliberated about three hours before agreeing that the ride is not dangerous and that Disney was not negligent in providing it as an attraction.

The case is the first in more than six years in which a jury got to hear complaints alleging safety problems on a Central Florida theme-park ride. Other ride-related suits were filed, but so far all those were either settled or dismissed.

Marvin Cohen, now 80, filed his suit in 2002, saying he had no idea that the Tower of Terror was a high-speed thrill ride when he boarded it in 1998 with members of his family, including a granddaughter. He said one of the sudden drops might have caused his head and neck to move in such a way that he suffered a tear in an artery leading to his brain, and that led to a debilitating stroke a few weeks later.

Cohen has 10 days to request a new trial and file a notice for an appeal.

As the sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance, Emperor Zurg enters the video game’s Toy Box mode complete with his sphere-shooting cannon and speed on wheels to unleash mayhem on Woody’s Western Town.

“What we love about the evil Emperor is that he may be only six-inches tall, but he never comes to grips with his ‘toyhood’ – Zurg is forever out to conquer the universe,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software, the developer of the game. “We worked closely with Pixar to ensure the game’s animated toys behave true to their physical counterparts. Zurg is mischievous and fast, and with his arm cannon, he’s great at blasting things–he’ll earn you a lot of gold. But don’t ask him to climb any ledges – we’ve respected the fact that he’s got wheels, not legs.”

The game’s developer, Avalanche Software in Salt Lake City, UT and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) have also worked together to build PlayStationMove compatible gameplay into the game. Following the game’s launch, PS3 players will be able to download mini-games that will be playable with the PlayStation Move when the new motion controller is available to consumers this fall.

“Disney is bringing PlayStation fans a unique and compelling experience through Toy Story 3: The Video Game’s exclusive PS3 content and PlayStation Move mini-games. PS3 is the only platform where players can become the beloved Zurg and hop in his specialized car, or take aim in the shooting gallery with PlayStation Move and experience an unmatched level of precision and realism,” said Rob Dyer, senior vice president of publisher relations, SCEA.

Developed by Avalanche Software in close collaboration with filmmakers at Pixar Animation Studios, Toy Story 3: The Video Game will debut June 15, 2010. While Toy Story 3: The Video Game debuts alongside the franchise’s third film, the videogames feature unique storylines and gameplay. The video game will be available on all major gaming platforms, and Disney Interactive Studios will be releasing a new “Toy Story 3″ app for the iPhone and iPod touch. Additional information can be found onwww.disney.com/toystoryvideogames.

Toy Story Mania! – the 4-D interactive ride-game attraction inspired by the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” films – is extremely popular with Disney Parks guests on both coasts.  This high-energy, immersive adventure puts players squarely in the action as their game play triggers surprises that deliver a fourth dimension of fun.  Toy Story Mania! engages guests in a whole new way with delightful characters of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2.”

Starting in late May, Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head and the gang are joined by a whole new set of characters from “Toy Story 3.” The new game greeting guests, “Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts,” invites riders to shoot their virtual darts at all-new balloon targets in a primeval world filled with volcanoes and lava balloons, explained Sue Bryan, senior show producer, director, Walt Disney Imagineering.

Game players are welcomed by Rex (the nervous Tyrannosaurus rex) and his new friend Trixie (a blue Triceratops and one of the toy characters from the new film) cheering them on. The new game (it replaces “Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop”) turns up the fun with more hidden surprises and the potential for volcanic levels of excitement.  Other changes:

·  The “Hamm & Eggs” game will now be hosted by Hamm and Buttercup (a toy unicorn with heart-shaped nostrils).

·  In the prize scene, Trixie, Buttercup, Dolly (a doll), Mr. Pricklepants (a lederhosen-clad hedgehog) and one other surprise – all from “Toy Story 3” – will appear with Woody and Jessie.

“Our number-one goal in creating Toy Story Mania! was to come up with game-play challenges appropriate for all guests, from little kids to serious gamers,” Bryan said.  “I love that we are keeping things fresh and new by adding these great new friends and fun to join some of the most popular characters of all time.”

Disneyland News/Walt Disney World News

image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Yes, you read right…the classic 3-D film experience “Captain EO” is coming back to Walt Disney World Resort this summer just months after it reopened to rave reviews at Disneyland park. The 17-minute musical space-fantasy adventure film is now scheduled to begin at Epcot on July 2.

I remember enjoying “Captain EO” during its original run at Epcot from 1986 -1994. But for some of you, it’ll be a new experience. The film features Michael Jackson as “Captain EO” and a crew of Disney-created space characters. During their journey, the group uses the power of dance, light and music to turn a colorless planet into a world of color and happiness.

And there’s more. “Captain EO” will be returning to other Disney Parks locations. It’s scheduled to open at Tokyo Disneyland on June 30 and Disneyland Paris on June 12. We’ll have more details on the film’s return to Walt Disney World in upcoming weeks but we wanted Disney Parks Blog readers to be among the first to know. Please check back for updates.

Disney Parks Blog

Barbara Wormald was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Authorities said Wormald suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and a possible spinal injury. It’s unknown how long she will remain hospitalized.

William Green, the captain of the ferry boat, told investigators he was traveling southbound along a waterway at Walt Disney World and witnessed a small two-seat watercraft traveling recklessly toward his vessel. Green said the watercraft hit the ferry, and he immediately put the ferry into reverse.

Green stated that the watercraft went under the ferry and surfaced in front of it with the injured passenger.

Michael Wormald, the victim’s husband, was driving the boat at the time of the crash. Wormald stated that he believed the ferry was going to move away for him and his wife, but he then noticed the vessel was coming towards their boat when it was only a short distance away. He said he attempted to make a sharp right turn to avoid the ferry, but it was too late.

The report, published by the Burbank-based Themed Entertainment Assn., shows that overall theme park attendance in North America dropped about 1.3%, a reflection of the ongoing weak economy.

Attendance at Disney World in Florida rose 1%, from 17 million in 2008 to 17.2 million in 2009, according to the report. At Disneyland, crowd numbers jumped 8%, from 14.7 million in 2008 to 15.9 million in 2009. Disney’s neighboring California Adventure saw an increase of 9.5%, from 5.6 million in 2008 to 6 million in 2009.

For the rest of Hugo Martin’s article…please go to the Los Angeles Times

The concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, will be at the America Gardens Theatre stage beginning October 1. Performances will be nightly at 5:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. This year’s schedule (subject to change) includes:

10/1-10/3 — Taylor Dayne, “Tell It to My Heart”

10/4-10/5 — Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”

10/6-10/8 — Sugar Ray, “Fly”

10/9-10/10 — Taylor Hicks, “Do I Make You Proud ”

10/11-10/12 — Air Supply, “Lost in Love”

10/13-10/15 — Sister Hazel, “All For You”

10/16-10/17 — Howard Jones, “No One Is To Blame”

10/18-10/19 — Exposé, “Seasons Change”

10/20-10/21 — 38 Special, “Hold on Loosely ”

10/22-10/24 — Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”

10/25-10/27 — Billy Ocean, “Caribbean Queen”

10/28-10/31 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas, “We Built This City”

11/1 – 11/3 — Boyz II Men, “End of the Road”

11/4-11/5 — Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp, “Give A Little Bit”

11/6-11/7 — Jon Secada, “Just Another Day”

11/8-11/9 — Hanson, “MMMBop”

11/10-11/11 — Rick Springfield, “Jessie’s Girl”

11/12-11/14 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, “Go Daddy-O”

Disney Parks Blog

At a press briefing at The Walt Disney Co. headquarters in Burbank on Thursday, studios chairman Rich Ross said Disney’s Pixar division is creating a sequel to “Monsters Inc.” that will hit theaters in November 2012.

The original film from 2001 grossed $529 million worldwide.

Ross also said the studio was about to give the go-ahead to a new movie featuring the Muppets which will introduce a new character named Walter.

It was not clear when the movie would hit theaters. But Ross said there will be plenty of cameos, as with all Muppet movies. So watch for Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, too.

James Bobin, the creator of “The Flight of the Conchords” TV series, is set to direct.

Associated Press

Carney, co-founder of communications planning company Naked NY, fills a post left vacant by Jim Gallagher, who left last year as part of the studio overhaul.

Carney will oversee all aspects of worldwide marketing and distribution for films released under the Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures banners, the company said.

“Just as we have looked at ways to restructure how we create and distribute our movies, we also needed to hire someone like MT, who can lead our incredibly creative global marketing teams and ensure that our films reach audiences around the world,” Rich Ross, chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, said in a statement.

Prior to launching Naked, Carney was Worldwide Planning Director at Ogilvy & Mather.

Reuters

Lights, water, fire, music and animation will come together like never before on June 11 when “World of Color” makes its dazzling debut at Disney’s California Adventure park. You will get to experience some of your favorite Disney stories – from the charming to the adventurous – in a magical, new way.

Many of you, as readers of the Disney Parks Blog, have been following our documentation of the development of this playful, nighttime water spectacular. I’ve loved reading your comments and sharing in the enthusiasm for this highly anticipated show, and we want you to be among the first to see some up-close footage we recently captured during a rehearsal.

Enjoy the video and a special introduction from the man behind the magic, Steve Davison from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment.

As you saw in the video, the show is brilliantly choreographed as it combines nearly 1,200 powerful fountains, popular Disney music, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images. On top of that, the magnificent, moving fountains are capable of reaching enormous heights — from 30 to 200 feet -– while maintaining their dazzling colors.

As I’m sure you know from reading the Disney Parks Blog, “World of Color” is a major milestone in the multi-year expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park.

“World of Color” debuts this year as part of Summer Nightastic! –- a lineup of exciting, after-dark entertainment at the Disneyland Resort. Summer Nightastic! will run from June 11 through August 29, and you’ll be able to catch “World of Color” year-round at Paradise Bay.

The phased shutdown will result in the layoff of about 20 to 25 employees after they finish promoting existing albums. It comes amid a cost-cutting overhaul at Disney’s studio, which oversees the music group.

Bob Cavallo, chairman of the Disney Music Group, said Wednesday that the company needs to find alternative ways of marketing its artists given the ”changing nature of the music business” and streamlining at the studio.

Other Disney music labels, such as Hollywood Records, which promotes the music of starsMiley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, are unaffected by the announcement.

Associated Press

Carroll, who was also known for his stage tribute to comic Jack Benney, died Tuesday at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, his wife, Carolyn, told the Los Angeles Times.

Carroll became the second actor to give voice to Jiminy Cricket, starting in 1973, the Times said. The native Canadian holds the record for voicing the same Disney character longer than anyone else, Rick Dempsey, senior vice president of Disney’s Character Voices division, told the Times.

“He totally was Jiminy Cricket,” Dempsey said. “He really took what the character was into his own heart and in a sense lived that in his own life. He also was one of the best Jack Benny impersonators on the planet.”

Carroll toured six months out of the year in his one-man tribute, “Jack Benny: Laughter in Bloom,” from the mid 1980s up until last years, the Times said.

He was born Eddie Eleniak in Edmonton, Canada, and went to high school with a young Robert Goulet, the Times said. The friends moved to Los Angeles as part of an NBC talent program in the mid-1950s and he formed a production company in the 1960s with “MASH” star Jamie Farr.

In addition to his wife, Carroll is survived by children, Tia Monti and Leland Carroll; and brothers, Bob Elen and Dale Eleniak.

UPI

This summer, Disney Vacation Club is scheduled to open the doors of its first ever international sales preview center at Tokyo Disney Resort. The 15,000-square-foot interactive center will give guests a peek at Disney Vacation Club resort hotels as well as other vacation offerings Disney offers. Guests can see for themselves a two-bedroom model of the vacation home accommodations that DVC members and families can expect to find on the island of O’ahu at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. And kids won’t be bored because Disney designed a supervised play area and interactive family discovery zone within the space. Check out this first artist rendering.

Disney Parks Blog

By Mid-May, Disney says, nearly all of its hotel guests flying on Southwest will be able to check in for their flights and drop off their bags before leaving the resort. The remote check-in service is a key component of Disney’s Magical Express.

Southwest customers staying at Disney hotels have always been able to use the Magical Express shuttles to the airport, they had to carry their luggage with them and check in for their flights themselves once they arrived at Orlando International Airport. They no longer have to worry about such airport problems.

Disney has been trying to strike a deal with Southwest for quite some time, but an agreement was slowed by hurdles such as incompatible computer systems, along with Southwest concerns that the volume of its traffic could potentially overwhelm Magical Express.

When the service starts, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and the 2,112-room Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will not be included. Disney says it is in the midst of expanding the luggage drop-off facilities at Old Key West and that it is considering similar changes at Caribbean Beach.

Disney unveiled its applications two days before the iPad goes on sale. It said one new application will extend its ABC.com’s full episode player onto the iPad, enabling iPad users to watch ad-supported episodes from 20 popular ABC series through a wi-fi connection.

The application will also allow iPad users to purchase downloads of episodes via the iTunes store.

Disney Publishing Worldwide has built two original “Toy Story” read-along applications for the iPad, featuring video from the feature films, karaoke, voice record features and a feature that lets kids finger-paint on the screen.

The “Toy Story” app is free and the “Toy Story 2″ application is $8.99 and comes with a one month free subscription to disneydigitalbooks.com. In addition, “Disney Princess,” “Phineas & Ferb,” “Winnie the Pooh” and “Toy Story 3″ applications will go live on the iPad this spring.

Reutes

April 6:  My Friends Tigger & Pooh – Super Duper Super Sleuths (DVD)

April 13:  The Great Mouse Detective – Mystery in the Mist Edition (DVD)

April 20:  Handy Manny – Big Race (DVD)

April 27:  Armageddon (Blu-Ray), Tombstone (Blue-Ray)

June 15:  When in Rome (DVD/Blu-Ray)

September 21:  Tinker Bell & the Great Fairy Rescue (Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD, Movie Download)

And possibly the highlight of the schedule….

October 5:  Beauty and the Beast (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack)

Universal Studios Orlando announced today that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open June 18 in the theme park’s Islands of Adventure. The Harry Potter area is a $200 million addition for Universal.

There will be familiar spots for Harry Potter fans (Honeydukes sweets shop, Zonko’s Joke Shop, the Three Broomsticks pub) and new thrills (a twin high-speed rollercoaster called the Dragon Challenge which contains elements of a Triwizard Tournament and a more family-friendly ride called the Flight of the Hippogriff) to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

At Dervish and Banges, a shop that sells magical equipment, you’ll also find your very own magic wand. And the coolest part of all might be within Hogwarts Castle where visitors can be immersed in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, in which Universal officials said that new technology would bring the characters to life.

St. Petersburg Times

According to the Orlando Sentinel, that information came to light in documents filed in Orange County court, in a suit filed by the victim’s family.

Ausitn Wuennenberg was killed last July, when he was crushed inside a monorail he was operating, by another monorail.

Disney admits a worker mistakenly radioed others that he had activated a track switch, to keep the train off different lines.

The monorail pilot was then told to go in reverse, and ended up slamming into Wunnenberg’s monorail.

According to the report, Disney is also requesting a trial by jury in the wrongful death suit filed by Wuennenberg’s family.

ABC Action News

Family spokeswoman Sao Anash said Parker, who was also TV’s Daniel Boone and later a major California winemaker and developer, died at his Santa Ynez Valley home. His death comes on the 84th birthday of his wife of 50 years, Marcella.

“She’s a wreck,” Anash said, adding Parker was coherent and speaking with family just minutes before his death. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The first installment of “Davy Crockett,” with Buddy Ebsen as Crockett’s sidekick, debuted in December 1954 as part of the “Disneyland” TV show.

The 6-foot, 6-inch Parker was quickly embraced by youngsters as the man in a coonskin cap who stood for the spirit of the American frontier. Boomers gripped by the Crockett craze scooped up Davy lunch boxes, toy Old Betsy rifles, buckskin shirts and trademark fur caps. “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” (“Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee…”) was a No. 1 hit for singer Bill Hayes while Parker’s own version reached No. 5.

“It was an explosion beyond anyone’s comprehension,” Parker recalled decades later. “The power of television, which was still new, was demonstrated for the first time.”

The first three television episodes were turned into a theatrical film, “Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier,” in 1955.

During a cross-country personal appearance tour in the summer of 1955, as many as 20,000 fans reportedly showed up to greet the actor when he landed at each city’s airport.

By the time Disney realized it had a hit on its hands, it was already producing its third “Davy Crockett” episode. And true to history, it killed off its hero in “Davy Crockett at the Alamo,” where the real-life Crockett died in 1836 at age 49. But spurred by popular demand, Disney brought Crockett back for some episodes in the 1955-56 season, including “Davy Crockett’s Keelboat Race.” In reporting this development, Hedda Hopper wrote: “Take off those black armbands, kids, and put on your coonskin caps, for Davy Crockett will hit the trail again.”

Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger already had captivated television’s first generation of young viewers when the first Crockett adventure aired, but nothing before had equaled the effect of the buckskinned hero.

“Those Davy Crockett episodes really brought American history — indeed, a Disney version of American history — to the playground as well as to the American living room,” Robert Thompson, director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University, told the Los Angeles Times some years ago.

“You not only could watch these programs, but you could play them, dress up like them, make the Davy Crockett aesthetic infiltrate every part of your life,” said Thompson. “And, of course, those coonskin caps: No self-respecting kid under the age of 12 could go through American life without one.”

“I left the business after 22 years,” Parker told The Associated Press in 2001. “It was time to leave Hollywood. I came along at a time when I’m starting out with Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Sterling Hayden and Gregory Peck.”

“Who needed a guy running around in a coonskin cap?” he said.

Parker had made his motion picture debut in “Springfield Rifle” in 1952. His other movies included “No Room for the Groom” (1952), “The Kid From Left Field” (1953), “Them!” (1954), “The Great Locomotive Chase” (1956), “Westward Ho, the Wagons!” (1956), “Old Yeller” (1957) and “The Light in the Forest” (1958).

Several of Parker’s films, including “The Great Locomotive Chase” and “Old Yeller,” came from the Disney studio.

It was Parker’s scene as a terrified witness in the horror classic “Them!” that caught the attention of Walt Disney when he was looking for a “Davy Crockett” star. He chose Parker over another “Them!” actor, James Arness – who became a TV superstar in the long-running “Gunsmoke.”

After departing Hollywood, Parker got into real estate with his wife, Marcella, whom he had married in 1960.

He bought and sold property, built hotels (including the elegant Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos and Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort Santa Barbara) and grew wine grapes on a 2,200-acre vineyard on California’s Central Coast, where he was dubbed King of the Wine Frontier and coonskin caps enjoyed brisk sales.

After its inaugural harvest in 1989, Parker’s vineyard won dozens of medals and awards. The Parkers’ son, Eli, became director of winemaking and their daughter, Ashley, also worked at the winery.

Parker was a longtime friend of Ronald Reagan, whose Western White House was not far from the Parker vineyards. Reagan sent Parker to Australia in 1985 to represent him during an event, and when Parker returned he was asked by White House aide Michael Deaver if he was interested in being ambassador to that country.

“In the end, I decided I’d better take myself out of it. But I was flattered,” Parker said.

Parker also once considered a U.S. Senate bid, challenging Alan Cranston. But Nevada Sen. Paul Laxalt said it would be a rough campaign, and a key dissenter lived under the same roof.

“My wife was not in favor,” Parker said. “I’m so happy with what evolved.”

Fess Elisha Parker Jr. was born Aug. 16, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas – Parker loved to point out Crockett’s birthday was Aug. 17. He played football at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene but was injured in a nearly fatal road-rage knifing in 1946.

“There went my football career,” Parker had said.

He later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas.

Parker, who for many years divided his time between homes in Montecito and the Santa Ynez Valley, often greeted visitors to his winery, many of them aging baby boomers, who would reach out to shake the hand of the gray-haired man who had once portrayed Davy Crockett or have their picture taken with him.

“I think I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Parker told a reporter for the Cleveland Plain Dealer in 1994. “I’ve lived long enough and observed enough to make myself very comfortable with the realization that the Disney films and particularly Davy Crockett gave me an image that is unbelievably durable. It’s been 40 years and people are still talking about it.

“Had I played Hamlet and starred in a number of Broadway shows or motion pictures as a very versatile actor, I wouldn’t have had the identity, recognition and, most importantly, the welcome I’ve been accorded by most of the homes of viewers. It’s like we’re old friends.”‘

Besides his wife of 50 years and his children, Parker is survived by 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Associated Press

Starting June 11, Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular will take the stage seven days a week at Disney’s California Adventure until the show closes on August 15.

Over the last few weeks, approximately 1,700 individual Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members raised more than $47,000 for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund through direct contributions from their paychecks. Many donations came from Cast Members who work in Disney Resorts; they have found the effort especially meaningful as many been directly impacted by the tragedy in Haiti.

“I would love to be in Haiti to help out my family and friends but until I can get there, I do what I can to help from here,” said Wendy Richard, who works as a Cast Service Specialist at Disney’s All-Star Resort. “I am very grateful for this effort and the many Cast Members who contributed together to make it their own cause,” said Richard.

In recognition of the accomplishment, a team of Resorts Cast Members joined by Kevin Myers, vice president of Resort Operations for Walt Disney World Resort, presented a check to Joel Hass, Central Florida CEO of the American Red Cross, along with a gift of more than 1,700 Mickey Mouse plush dolls – one for each Cast Member who donated – for use in their disaster relief efforts involving children. With a smile, Myers noted this is just one example of the care and compassion that Disney Cast Members show the world and each other.

“To see Disney Cast Members giving of themselves to our efforts is just wonderful,” said Joel Hass, Central Florida CEO of the American Red Cross. “This money will go to use right away in helping us in Haiti take care of victims with food, clothing, whatever they need – their immediate humanitarian needs.”

Offering to help with the American Red Cross efforts is just one of many ways that Disney Cast Members and The Walt Disney Company are extending support to the people of Haiti. The Walt Disney Company has committed $100,000 in humanitarian aid through the Red Cross International Fund to support relief efforts and is working closely with Cast Members from Haiti to accommodate their needs. Additionally, Disney VoluntEARS have been instrumental behind-the-scenes by lending their support to the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon and Clean the World recycling efforts in Disney Resorts.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Before everyone jumps to book a weekend trip to the Disneyland, remember that this is only tentative and subject to change.  Disney will probably save one showing for a private media event.

At least we now have a target date for World of Color.

The closure of the facility in Marin County, north of San Francisco, will be completed by January and result in the loss of 450 jobs.

The facility was built by ImageMovers Digital, a company co-founded by “A Christmas Carol” director Robert Zemeckis and partially owned by Disney. Motion-capture technology in that facility was used to make the movie; Carrey wore sensors as he acted out scenes, and the data were used to recreate his character on the screen.

Before it closes, the complex will continue to be used by Zemeckis and his team to complete production of “Mars Needs Moms!,” a 3-D movie set for release in March 2011.

“Given today’s economic realities, we need to find alternative ways to bring creative content to audiences and IMD no longer fits into our business model,” Walt Disney Studios president Alan Bergman said.

In a statement, Zemeckis said he was “incredibly proud” of the ImageMovers team and the work it accomplished.

Disney said it hoped to come to a new long-term production deal with Zemeckis and his ImageMovers partners, Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey, including one for a future project called “Yellow Submarine.”

Disney’s studio has been paring costs and decreasing its movie slate, most recently putting a halt to “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” “Wedding Banned” and “Wild Hogs 2.”

The cuts have occurred since Rich Ross, formerly the head of Disney Channels Worldwide, took over the studio in October following the abrupt resignation of Dick Cook and more than a year of disappointing results.

Disney is also looking for a buyer of its Miramax Films division, which it bought from the Weinstein brothers in 1993. It shut down Miramax offices in January, and Disney CEO Bob Iger said last month that new investment in the unit would be limited to releasing its six remaining films through 2011.

Associated Press

The transformed trains will feature futuristic motorcycle-like vehicles from the upcoming film “Tron: Legacy.” The trains will also include walls of trailing colored light.

“Tron: Legacy” is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world inspired by the 1982 film, ”Tron,” starringJeff Bridges , who recently won an Oscar for his role in “Crazy Heart,” and Bruce Boxleitner (“Babylon 5″ and “Heroes”).

Bridges reprises his role as Kevin Flynn in “Tron: Legacy.”   This time around, Sam Flynn ( Garrett Hedlund), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin, looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years.

MyFox Orlando

Breaking news…we just announced during Disney’s annual shareholders meeting that a new premium annual pass for admission to the parks at both Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort will be offered beginning Thursday. It’s called “Disney Premier Passport” and it’ll feature the same benefits you get with the “premium” annual passes for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts for $700, plus applicable- sales tax.

So, what’s in it for you? At Walt Disney World:

• Unlimited admission for a period of one year to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, including park hopping privileges
• Unlimited admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Parks
• Unlimited admission to DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex(valid only on event days; some events require an additional admission charge) and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course (greens fee only. Tee time reservations are required and subject to availability)
• Parking at all four Theme Parks
• Subscription to Mickey Monitor, a collectible Passholder-only publication

And at Disneyland Resort:

• Unlimited admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Parks for a period of one year, including park hopping privileges
• Parking at any pay-on-entry parking lot
• Subscription to Backstage Pass.
• Complimentary subscription to Disney’s Family Fun Magazine (one per household)

If you’re already holding a Premium Annual Pass for both Resorts, you’ll automatically be issued a “Disney Premier Passport” – with an expiration date based on the later of the two annual passes. You may also upgrade your annual or seasonal pass for one resort to a “Disney Premier Passport” for an additional fee.

The Passport will be available for sale at the Disneyland Resort box office and Walt Disney World Guest Relations windows beginning tomorrow.

D23 announced its latest members-only event on its first anniversary – capping a year in which Disney’s first-ever fan community grew to encompass tens of thousands of members from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries worldwide.

The inaugural DESTINATION D, whose theme is “Disneyland ’55,” will be held this Sept. 24-25. DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The first DESTINATION D will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel.

DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that let fans meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future DESTINATION D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, DESTINATION D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 EXPO.

The next D23 EXPO is set for Aug. 19-21, 2011, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the 2011 D23 EXPO will go on sale Aug. 19 (one year in advance), with specially priced tickets available exclusively to D23 Members. In addition, D23 Charter Members will have access to a special Charter Member Lounge at the 2011 D23 EXPO, at no additional cost.

The first-ever D23 EXPO attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans when it debuted last September, bringing the entire world of Disney under one massive roof. During the D23 EXPO, fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and John Travolta; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.

“The first D23 EXPO surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23.

“We’re very excited to also be creating an entirely new event with DESTINATION D, which will bring Disney’s fascinating history to D23 Members in ways no other Disney fan can experience,” Clark said. “There’s nowhere on earth quite as special as Disneyland, and we want fans to see it as they never have before.”

The D23 team is in the midst of developing exclusive programming for DESTINATION D – but an early peek at plans reveals a host of special speakers, presentations and panels throughout the two-day event, including:

“Disneyland: The Way We Were” – Disney’s Chief Archivist Dave Smith will look back at highlights from Disneyland history;

“Disney Undiscovered” – An exploration of never-built projects and attractions developed for Disneyland;

“23 on 55″ – The Walt Disney Archives celebrates Disneyland’s 55th anniversary;

“Weird Disney” – A showcase for some of the quirky, little-known facts, places, people and ideas that even the most avid fan might not know.

More details on the programming and events planned for DESTINATION D: Disneyland ’55 – as well as details about the 2011 D23 EXPO – will be available soon atwww.disney.com/D23. Tickets will go on sale early this summer.

DESTINATION D joins a lineup of special events throughout 2010 designed exclusively for D23 Members. Among them are free screenings of classic Disney movies during the “50 & Fabulous” film festival at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank; members-only tours of the famed Walt Disney Archives; an exclusive Sip & Stroll event during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and holiday-themed Magic and Merriment weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

PR Newswire

Imagine a place where every step you take immerses you further into the Disney movies, magic and memories that live so deeply in your heart. A place where pavilions and exhibits from every part of The Walt Disney Company transport you on an unforgettable adventure through the past, present and future of the Disney imagination. It’s a pixie-dusted world where magical experiences — celebrity appearances, special screenings, never-before-seen exhibits and special presentations — are around every corner, just waiting to whisk you off into the very heart of Disney magic! And, of course, each day at this celebration gives you the opportunity to meet and mingle with thousands of people you have something very special in common with: A LOVE OF DISNEY!

This place is the D23 Expo, the single largest gathering of all things Disney and one of the most unique ways to connect fans to Disney’s timeless stories, characters, movies, Parks and more. At the inaugural D23 Expo, held September 10-13, 2009, thousands of excited fans discovered what happens when you put the many wonderful worlds of Disney under the same roof for four days: Magic!

The first-ever D23 Expo attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans, bringing the entire world of Disney under one massive roof. During the D23 Expo, fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and John Travolta; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.

The next D23 Expo, which will light up the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19-21, 2011, promises to deliver even more excitement! We’re still hard at work finalizing plans for the D23 Expo 2011, but you can expect to see what’s new and what’s next from Parks and Resorts, The Walt Disney Studios, Media Networks and Disney Consumer Products and more. Of course, there will be special exhibits of rarely seen Disney props and costumes from the legendary Walt Disney Archives, headline-grabbing celebrity appearances, screenings of classic Disney movies and exclusive sneak peeks at some that no one has seen yet, musical performances, panel discussions with legendary Disney actors, performers, animators, Imagineers and more and of course, Mickey and some of our favorite characters will be on hand to make sure the fun never stops!

Tickets for the D23 Expo 2011 will go on sale August 19 (one year in advance), with specially priced tickets available exclusively to D23 Members. In addition, D23 Charter Members will have access to a special Charter Member Lounge at the D23 Expo 2011, at no additional cost.

“The first D23 Expo surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23.

Stay tuned… we’ll update this site as new details are announced.

D23

One day after March 19 was set as the deadline for binding offers for MGM, the same date has emerged as a deadline in the latest round of bidding for Miramax.

Owner Walt Disney Co. hopes to select a winning bidder from offers received by that date and close on a sale of the one-time indie highflyer within 30 days of the deadline.

Interested parties offer conflicting takes on how heated interest in Miramax has been. Some say Disney’s suggested minimum bid of $700 million is overcooked by at least $200 million, and others claim sufficient interest to deliver offers of that level or higher.

Disney finally allowed some financial due diligence among prospective suitors during the past few weeks. But with the studio running the Miramax auction without the assistance of an outside consultant, Disney has been able to control information about individual bidders — and the Burbank studio’s ultimate intentions in the process.

“They’re keeping things tightly under wraps,” a representative of one interested party said Tuesday.

MGM, which is using Moelis & Co. to conduct its solicitation of bids, is racing against a March 31 deadline on a big interest payment owed by the studio. If no acceptable offer is secured by then, a bankruptcy reorganization of the Lion and its $3.7 billion in debt is likely.

Disney execs have no such gun to their heads in putting Miramax and its 700-title library up for sale. But the studio maintains hope of wrapping up its auction quickly, assuming one or more reasonable offer is secured by the bidding deadline.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Sibling cable network ABC Family has acquired the rights to Tim Burton’s 3D fantasy in a deal that will kick off in 2012.

It also bought the rights to “The Blind Side,” for which Sandra Bullock won an Oscar on Sunday. The drama will also premiere in 2012.

“Alice” earned $116.1 million during its first three days of release across North America, according to final data issued Monday, setting a new record for a film opening in the traditionally slow first quarter.

The cable network has not decided whether it would telecast the movie in 3D or 2D. Financials were not disclosed, but an opening of that caliber normally fetches about $24 million. ABC Family’s small slate of acquired features also includes the “Harry Potter” franchise.

Reuters

The movie also set other records: the biggest debut for March and for a 3-D film, the largest opening weekend for the year, and the best-ever Imax opening, Hollywood.com Box-Office said.

“Alice,” which stars Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, opened in 3,728 domestic theaters with 2,063 3-D screens and on an additional 188 in Imax 3-D, according to Hollywood.com. Movie studios are turning to 3-D films to bolster attendance and ticket sales following the record box-office success of “Avatar,” James Cameron’s 3-D epic. Cinemas on average charge about $3 more per ticket for a 3-D film.

“This is a sensational opening weekend,” said Brandon Gray, president of Box Office Mojo, a research company in Sherman Oaks, California.

“It’s not just kids going to see the picture,” he said. “Adults are going as well, and adults without kids.”

“Alice” is the first film ever to cross the $100 million mark in the January-to-March period. Its $11.9 million in Imax receipts is also a record, Hollywood.com said.

Worldwide, “Alice” made $210.3 million, the box-office tracker said.

BusinessWeek

“We are happy to report that WABC Channel 7 has returned to Cablevision’s 3 million New York area homes. We are very grateful to our customers for their support and pleased to welcome ABC back,” said Charles Schueler, Cablevision’s executive vice president of communications.

Disney had turned off ABC for the New York subscribers at midnight, only to restore it less than 15 minutes after the Academy Awards got underway, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The terms of the deal that allowed the return of ABC weren’t immediately known, according to the report.

The dispute over monthly subscription fees had left households in the New York City and in parts of Connecticut and New Jersey without access to ABC television stations since early Sunday.

“Cablevision will agree to binding arbitration and calls upon Disney CEO Bob Iger to immediately return ABC to New York area viewers, and join us in binding arbitration to resolve this matter fairly,” Charles Schueler, Cablevision’s executive vice president of communications, had said before the deal was struck.

Concerns about the absence of ABC’s programming on Cablevision had reached new heights for many viewers in the tri-state area just hours ahead of one of the most watched television events each year: the Academy Awards.

People familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that earlier in the negotiations, Disney had proposed that Cablevision pay about $1 per subscriber per month for ABC. Another person told the paper that Disney more recently asked for about half that amount.

Earlier Sunday, Rebecca Campbell, president and general manager of WABC-TV, said the loss of ABC on Cablevision followed “two years of negotiations, during which we worked diligently, up to the final moments, to reach an agreement.”

New York City-based WABC-TV on its “SaveABC7″ Web site encouraged Cablevision subscribers to “switch now” to other companies, and provided Web links to Verizon, DirectTV  U-verse plan.

Traditionally, broadcast networks haven’t demanded that cable, satellite and fiber-television operators pay cash-based retransmission fees to air their programming. Instead, the companies that owned those networks reached barter agreements that would secure distribution for cable channels owned by the same company, or some other benefit.

However, the combination of stiffer competition from cable networks and a sputtering economy has changed the landscape. CBS  and Fox have demanded cash, and now Disney’s  ABC is following suit.

Earlier this year, Time Warner Cable Inc. customers nearly lost access to Fox when News Corp. demanded cash compensation for its programming.

The sides were able to reach a deal. Published reports said that Fox will receive 75 cents per subscriber from Time Warner for nine of its owned-and-operated stations by the time the current agreement expires.

Fox, MarketWatch and the Journal are all members of News Corp., the New York media group.

Also, at the start of this year, Cablevision customers lost access for about three weeks to Scripps Networks Interactive’s HGTV and Food Network. The companies settled that dispute as well. Terms weren’t disclosed.

MarketWatch

The blackout jeopardizes Cablevision’s customers’ ability to watch ABC’s Sunday night broadcast of the Academy Awards, one of the most watched U.S. TV programs, the Journal reported.

Traditionally, broadcast networks haven’t demanded that cable, satellite and fiber-television operators pay cash-based retransmission fees to air their programming. Instead, the companies that owned those networks reached barter agreements that would secure distribution for cable channels owned by the same company, or some other benefit.

However, the combination of stiffer competition from cable networks and a sputtering economy has changed the landscape. CBS and Fox have demanded cash, and now ABC is following suit.

“Cablevision has once again betrayed its subscribers by losing ABC 7, the most popular station in the tri-state area” of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, said Rebecca Campbell, president and general manager of WABC-TV, in a Sunday statement.

“This follows two years of negotiations, during which we worked diligently, up to the final moments, to reach an agreement.”

Cablevision, based in Bethpage, N.Y., shot back. “It is now painfully clear to millions of New York-area households that Disney CEO Bob Iger will hold his own ABC viewers hostage in order to extract $40 million in new fees from Cablevision,” said Charles Schueler, Cablevision’s executive vice president of communications.

“We call on Bob Iger to immediately return ABC to Cablevision customers while we continue to work to reach a fair agreement.”

People familiar with the matter told the Journal that earlier in the negotiations, Disney had proposed that Cablevision pay about $1 per subscriber per month for ABC. Another person told the paper that Disney more recently asked for about half that amount.

Earlier this year, Time Warner Cable Inc. demanded cash compensation for its programming.

The two sides were able to reach a deal. Published reports said that Fox will receive 75 cents per subscriber from TWC for nine of its owned-and-operated stations by the time the current agreement expires.

Fox, MarketWatch and the Journal are all members of News Corp., the New York media group.

Also, at the start of this year, Cablevision customers lost access for about three weeks to Scripps Networks Interactive’s HGTV and Food Network. The companies settled that dispute as well. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Marketwatch

Siemens Water Technologies will now provide disinfection and onsite service to resort pools, fountains and theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The sanitizing technology, monitoring, and onsite service will ensure the continued pool and fountain water quality at 165 recreation sites on the Walt Disney World property are maintained at a safe and clean level.

The agreement, which was signed in January, incorporates more than 50 OSEC electro-chlorination systems. This Siemens technology uses salt and electricity to generate hypochlorite on site by eliminating the need to handle or transport chemicals such as chlorine–increasing safety and efficiency of the operations.

The Strantrol Impact controllers and automation units for the disinfection process allows Siemens to remotely monitor the recreation areas to ensure high quality water at all times. Siemens technicians will service and manage the water on the Walt Disney World property, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Recreation water from these systems will be used at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and at the Epcot®, Magic Kingdom® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® theme parks.

There are plenty of birthdays celebrated at Disneyland and a good number of them are for 1-year-olds enjoying their first cake-and-candles experience. On March 10, though, the youngster celebrating one year of life will be D23, the Disney fan community that shares its name withthe D23 Expo that was staged so memorably in September in Anaheim.

The inaugural convention (a sort of Comic-Con but just for Disney and its films, theme parks, television shows, collectibles etc.) started off slow last September. There were some major surprises and some wonderful memories.

But as it turns out, that won’t be happening. At least not this year. The Disney plan, as of now, is to stage the D23 Expo as a biennial event, which means we’ll have to wait until 2011 to see the second edition.

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.

In the games, Alice and friends embark on a journey to save Underland, which has been taken over by the Red Queen’s army. Full of imagination, creativity, and good vs. evil, Alice in Wonderland is a fun-filled adventure for everyone. Players explore multiple environments, including the Mushroom Forest and the Red Queen’s castle filled with strange doors, passageways, false perspectives, and objects that come to life to enhance the journey.

“As we started developing the games, we wanted to give fans a chance to experience the beauty of Underland and explore this fantastical world,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “We also wanted to give kids a unique experience on the DS so we created two very different games.”

Alice in Wonderland introduces fans to an entirely new style of innovative gameplay that will challenge the puzzle solving skills of experienced players, while making the adventures accessible and enjoyable for Underland’s newest visitors. Along the way are lessons about the importance of friendships and loyalty, as well as self discovery. A variety of combat, puzzles and exploration will give all audiences something to enjoy and replay. In addition, Underland is famous for its familiar cast of characters and in the games, Disney Interactive Studios developers have followed suit, giving each “cast member” unique abilities to aid player in evading traps and solving puzzles.

The Wii and PC versions also feature an upgradeable combat system, in which players collect “impossible ideas” to unlock Underland’s secrets. Players must carefully select the supporting characters and their abilities to defeat the many enemies set forth by the Red Queen and her army of cards.

The DS version introduces a new twist as players control a cast of Alice’s diverse and enduring friends to guide her and combat the legions of the Red Queen’s army. Creating their own path through Underland using the oraculum map, players lead, protect and help Alice on her quest. The DS version features an innovative art style and unique character abilities similar to those of the Wii and PC versions. Nintendo DSi players will use the system’s camera to detect colors mapped to unlockable content when tasks are completed. Also included in the DS version is 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.

Alice in Wonderland was developed by France’s Etranges Libellules and is rated E 10+. For more information, please log onto www.alicevideogame.com.

Also now available from Disney Interactive Studios is “Alice in Wonderland — An Adventure Beyond the Mirror” for the Apple iPhone(R) and iPod touch(R) priced at $4.99. Inspired by the highly anticipated Disney film from Tim Burton, the game lets users play as Alice through 10 multi-level environments, hundreds of puzzles and curious challenges. Players will be able to freeze time with the White Rabbit, make objects appear or disappear with the Cheshire Cat, use the power of Telekinesis with the March Hare or transform objects from one world to another with the help of the Mad Hatter. In addition, players can utilize a GPS, camera, photo library or simply play the game to unlock Hidden Objects in Alice’s Journal.

Business Wire

If the fee fight isn’t resolved, the station could go dark after midnight Saturday, meaning Cablevision’s 3.1 million customers could lose the ability to watch the Academy Awards on Sunday on ABC.

The signal, however, can still be pulled from the air for free with an antenna and a new TV or digital converter box.

Disney is seeking an additional $40 million a year in new fees, Cablevision Systems Corp. spokesman Charles Schueler said in a statement. Cablevision pays more than $200 million a year to Disney.

“It is not fair for ABC Disney to hold Cablevision customers hostage by forcing them to pay what amounts to a new TV tax,” Schueler said.

Disney said Cablevision charges customers $18 per month for basic broadcast signals, but does not pass on any payment for ABC to Disney.

The dispute involving WABC-TV is similar to the standoff at the end of last year between News Corp. and Time Warner Cable over how much Fox television station signals were worth. That tussle, which threatened the college football bowl season and new episodes of “The Simpsons,” was resolved without a signal interruption.

Disney said it began alerting Cablevision watchers of the impasse in on-air spot advertisements Monday night.

It plans on taking out ads in local newspapers, radio stations and online to inform viewers of the situation, and set up a Web site, http://www.saveabc7.com, to plead its case. Cablevision, meanwhile, has also set up a Web site http://cablevision.com/abc/ and a page on Facebook.

The company’s previous contract with Cablevision expired more than two years ago, but the companies extended it month by month as talks continued.

Under previous arrangements, Disney was paid for cable channels such as ESPN and Disney Channel, but gave its ABC broadcast signal away for free, a situation that most broadcasters are now trying to change.

“We can no longer sit back and allow Cablevision to use our shows for free while they continue to charge their customers for them,” said Rebecca Campbell, the president and general manager of WABC-TV in a statement.

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger foreshadowed recently that a fight was coming after News Corp. succeeded in its campaign to be paid in cash for its stations’ broadcast signals.

WABC-TV is the most watched TV station in the country, said Disney, which is based in Burbank.

“It’s time to recognize the value that they provide to distributors, and their importance to local communities,” Iger said on a conference call with analysts last month.

Associated Press

Guilty Party tells the thrilling tale of the Dickens Detective Agency as they solve crimes set in motion by the master criminal known as Mr. Valentine. Up to four players can solve crimes in a variety of locations all over the world to unlock the secrets of Mr. Valentine’s grand scheme.

Guilty Party offers both cooperative and competitive gameplay for all ages. Players choose a detective and take turns exploring the environment to uncover clues to discover the culprit’s identity. When players have enough evidence, they can accuse their prime suspect and try to solve the case.

“Mysteries are one of the world’s most beloved forms of storytelling, and Guilty Party brings mysteries to Wii in a way that the whole family can play together,” said Tom Kang, studio head and general manager, Wideload Games. “Everyone loves a good mystery, especially when they get to be the detective.”

Players step into the shoes of the Dickens family and work together to explore crime scenes and play mini-games to collect clues and interrogate suspects. Guilty Party transforms the Wii Remote(TM) into classic detective tools: a magnifying glass, a flashlight, a lock-pick, a fingerprint kit, and more. Players then discuss and piece together the clues in their detective notebooks to deduce the identity of the culprit.

The Dickens family tracks Mr. Valentine across the globe, from a high-speed train to a leaky aquarium to many other locations to solve new mysteries. Once the mysteries are solved, players can play again with a new set of clues, suspects and mini-games with a different experience every time. It takes more than quick reflexes to win, it also takes quick wits.

“We’re packing an amazing amount of play-time into a single game,” said Patrick Curry, game director, Wideload Games. “Guilty Party is a bit like a board game, since families can play each mystery over and over again and never have the same experience twice.”

Guilty Party is the first new franchise developed by Wideload Games for Disney Interactive Studios. The game’s characters and locations are inspired by classic detective lore, with the storytelling, unique humor and art style that have distinguished Wideload Games. Guilty Party will have players applying logic to solve the mysteries while laughing at the wacky cast of characters, situations and animated scenes.

“Wideload Games is a leader in unique creative games that keep players entertained and amused for hours,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Guilty Party was a natural fit for Disney and the beneficial working relationship led to the highly creative studio joining our portfolio of talented studios.”

In September 2009, Disney Interactive Studios acquired Wideload Games and studio founder Alexander Seropian took on the role of vice president of creative at Disney Interactive Studios in Glendale, Calif.

Disney Guilty Party is Rating Pending by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Business Wire

It’s unclear what happened, but there were apparent multiple network failures.

A Disney spokeswoman said:

An issue at one our technical facilities caused intermittent outages this morning. Most sites are back up and we expect                                                                 the issue to by fully resolved within an hour.

Disney reps weren’t immediately available for comment, but the sites appear to have returned to normal a little after 10 a.m. EST.

The staff cuts would be the most substantial since David Westin became president of ABC News 13 years ago. An ABC spokesman said the division employs about 1,500 people.

In a memo to staff, Westin said on Tuesday the operation needed to re-think how it carried out its role and anticipate change rather than just respond to it.

“When we are finished, many job descriptions will be different, different skill sets may be required, and, yes, we will likely have substantially fewer people on staff at ABC News,” Westin said in the memo.

To ease the transition, ABC was offering voluntary separation packages to all full-time, U.S.-based, non-union, non-contract employees, Westin said.

The response to the voluntary program will determine the extent to which ABC will need to make further cuts, he said.

Reuters

Walt Disney World Resort hotels are working with Clean the World to recycle all the partially used amenities from their nearly 28,000 Central Florida hotel rooms. Clean the World sanitizes the soap and shampoo that would be discarded and distributes these amenities to people in need around the world.

“With the support of Walt Disney World, even more supplies will reach those in desperate need,” said Paul Till, co-founder and managing director of Clean the World, who is responsible for recruiting new hotels to join the “Clean the World Hospitality Recycling Program.” Through this program, hotels financially contribute a tax-deductible recycling fee in exchange for collection, recycling and free redistribution of partially-used amenities to those suffering due to a lack of available hygiene products. In 2009, Clean the World distributed more than 230 tons of hygiene products to countries worldwide including Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Uganda, Mali, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mongolia and Romania.

By participating in this program, Walt Disney World Resort hotels are showing a commitment to saving lives and protecting the environment.

MarketWire