D23 Members visiting Walt Disney World will want to be sure to stop into House of Blues Orlando in Downtown Disney to enjoy some of their down-home, delta-inspired cuisine. From their crispy catfish fingers to their full rack BBQ Basted Baby Back Ribs, there’s something to tingle everyone’s taste buds at this lively restaurant. And now D23 Members can enjoy 15% off their meals just by showing their current D23 Membership card!

House of Blues was founded in 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has grown to more than a dozen eateries across the United States. Along with their sumptuous cuisine, House of Blues has played host to some of the biggest names in the recording industry in their Music Hall venues, and their infamous Gospel Brunch has become an institution with inspiring music and a bountiful buffet.

D23

Walt Disney Co. made its own format change Monday, naming Michael Riley, the general manager of Radio Disney, as the new president of the ABC Family channel.

Riley, who joined Disney two years ago from Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting, will be in charge of programming, marketing and advertising sales for the channel that has become a darling within Disney’s television portfolio. ABC Family has made dramatic ratings gains in recent years with original programming that resonates with young adults including “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,”  “Pretty Little Liars” and “Melissa & Joey.”

Riley, a 40-year-old native of British Columbia, Canada, will have big shoes to fill. He is succeeding Paul Lee, who had run ABC Family since 2004 and was promoted last month to the more high-profile job of entertainment president of the ABC broadcast network after Stephen McPherson abruptly resigned.

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

The total number of visitors to Disney’s two theme parks on the outskirts of Tokyo hit 500 million Friday, with a housewife winning a ticket for free admission to both resorts for five years.

“I’m surprised and happy,” 38-year-old Megumi Soma, flanked by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, said on a podium as a crowd of visitors cheered.

Soma, a housewife from Gumma prefecture north of Tokyo, was visiting Tokyo Disneyland with her husband and two children and struck lucky on her children’s first visit to the nation’s most popular theme park.

Tokyo Disneyland opened in the suburbs of the Japanese capital on April 15, 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside the United States.

Built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay dubbed “Maihama” — a Japanese take on Miami Beach near Florida’s Disney World — it has sprawled to include hotels, a shopping mall, an aqua park and a permanent Cirque du Soleil.

Oriental Land Co. Ltd. of Japan runs the resort under a licence contract with the Walt Disney group.

Japan’s birth rate may be on the decline, but the parks boast loyal fans.

The number of visitors to Disneyland and DisneySea, a water park opened in 2001, has stood at record levels of around 25 million annually in recent years, up from 9.9 million people in Disneyland’s first year.

Oriental Land has set its sights on the generation who grew up watching Disney cartoons on television and took their children to the park’s opening 27 years ago, launching a cut-rate annual pass for visitors aged 60 or older.

AFP

Candlelight Dinner Packages at Epcot now go on sale on August 26. Candlelight Dinner Packages include dinner, a guaranteed seating section for the Candlelight Processional, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing. You’ll be able to purchase tickets by calling 407-WDW-DINE on the 26th.

We’ll have more details on the event’s schedule in a future blog post but we can share an early look at some of the confirmed narrators for the 2010 Candlelight Processional:

• Isabella Rossellini – 11/26 – 28
• TBD – 11/29 – 12/1
• TBD – 12/2 – 4
• TBD – 12/5 – 6
• Jodi Benson – 12/7 – 9
• Whoopi Goldberg – 12/10 – 11
• Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/12 – 15
• Thomas Gibson – 12/16 – 18
• Trace Adkins – 12/19 – 21
• Brad Garrett – 12/22 – 23
• TBD – 12/24 – 27
• Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason – 12/28 – 30

Narrators are subject to change without notice.

2010 Candelight Dinner Packages
(exc tax)

LUNCH

Guest 10+ / Guest 3-9
$32.99 / $17.99
Biergarten

Guest 10+ / Guest 3-9
$38.99 / $12.99
Nine Dragons
San Angel Inn
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown

Guest 10+ / Guest 3-9
$51.99 $13.99
Le Cellier
Coral Reef
Teppan Edo
Tokyo Dining
Tutto Italia
Chefs de France

DINNER

Guest 10+ / Guest 3-9
$46.99 $23.99
Biergarten
The Garden Grill

Guest 10+ / Guest 3-9
$46.99 / $15.99
Rose & Crown
Nine Dragons
San Angel Inn
Restaurant Marrakesh

Guest 10+ / Guest 3-9
$61.99 / $16.99
Le Cellier
Coral Reef
Teppan Edo
Tokyo Dining
Tutto Italia
Chefs de France

The package components are as follows one (1) single serving:
• Appetizer
• Entrée
• Dessert
• Non-alcoholic beverage
(OR one (1) full buffet where applicable)
• Guaranteed seating at the Candlelight! Processional show
• VIP Fireworks Viewing

Experience Halloween Horror Nights® XX: Twenty Years of Fear, only at Universal Orlando® Resort. On select nights in September and October, Universal Studios Florida® theme park is transformed into the nation’s premier annual Halloween event. During this 20th anniversary edition Universal takes terror to a whole new level. You’ll venture into a nightmarish maze of all new haunted houses, electrifying scare zones, and outrageous live entertainment including the ever popular Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure.

Halloween Horror Nights annually draws hundreds of thousands of horror fans from around the globe to this one-of-a-kind event. Tony Timpone, Editor of Fangoria Magazine, said, “After visiting scream parks all across the U.S. for the last 20 years, I can easily say that Universal’s is the best in the business… Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween experience.”

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort is a separately ticketed event. This year’s event nights are September 24, 25 & 30; October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 20-24, 27-31.

Join the D23 team as we celebrate Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival with a weekend of unique events and experiences just for D23 Members. Our weekend begins Friday evening as we gather for a wine and cheese reception in the foyer of The American Adventure pavilion. Sample a selection of artisan cheeses with dried fruits, berries, nuts, and house made breads along with Canadian cheddar cheese fondue and additional flavorful treats. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be served to set the tone for a fabulous event.

Event Information
DATE
Friday and Saturday, October
15 and 16, 2010

LOCATION
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

TICKETS
Available Monday, August 30, 2010 at 1 p.m. EST. Check back here for ticket link.

COST
$85 per person/$185 per person includes Dave Smith’s Retirement Celebration Dinner

SCHEDULE
Check In begins at 5:30 p.m. on October 15

Guests may then choose to join us inside the VIP Lounge ofThe Living Seas as we honor Disney Legend Dave Smith,retiring Chief Archivist for The Walt Disney Company. October 15 is Dave’s final day of work, and he wanted to celebrate with his friends and colleagues from D23. So we’re throwing an elaborate dinner inside one of Epcot’s most beautiful private spaces, which features an enormous glass window that looks into the pavilion’s 5.7 million gallon aquarium. Dinner includes a selection of crisp salads, grilled flatbreads, pecan-roasted turkey, fresh scallops and beef medallions. Sumptuous sides include sweet potato mash, wild mushrooms and truffle mac ‘n’ cheese. You can also wash down some delicious German sausage and baked spaetzle with Radeberger beer from Germany. For dessert, there will be a selection of sweets inspired by Disney movie classics. Dinner includes wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages — all perfect to toast the man who founded the Walt Disney Archives 40 years ago. Note: there is an additional cost to attend this dinner.

Saturday morning we will convene at the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase to sample some robust Mexican coffee and pastries at the newly opened La Hacienda restaurant, hosted by Ricky Deblar,president of the San Angel Inn, who will be on hand to talk about the latest addition to Epcot eateries.

Following our breakfast treat, we head to the Odyssey for exclusive presentations and surprises. Our friends from Guerlain and Givenchy will explore their rich histories with Epcot — and Givenchy will offer a sample of their brand new fragrance. Chef Scott Hunnel and Israel Perez of Disney’s exquisite Victoria and Albert’s restaurant will share exciting details about the new Queen Victoria Room, and they will prepare a new dish that will be featured at Remy — the new restaurant on the Disney Dream!

That afternoon, guests can join D23 head Steven Clark, Dave Smith, Archives Director Becky Cline,Disney twenty-three editor in chief Carmen Capone, D23′s Disney Geek Jeffrey Epstein and others from the D23 Team as we sip and stroll our way around World Showcase. As we talk about some of our favorite Epcot spots, each guest will have a “passport” they can use to obtain exclusive Sip & Strollsurprises at various locations around the lagoon.

Also during the day, take some time to get out of the sun and relax! The VIP lounge inside The American Adventure pavilion will be open just for D23 Members as a place to enjoy some water or lemonade. If you haven’t seen the elegantly designed lounge, you will definitely want to stop in for a look and a libation.

That evening we will gather at the America Gardens Theatre for reserved seating to the Eat to the Beatconcert featuring ’80s icon Howard Jones (“What is Love,” “No One is the Blame”).

We’ll then walk over to the Italy Isola for private, reserved viewing of the nighttime spectacularIllumiNations and a mouthwatering dessert party that will include strawberries with Creole Shrubb burst, milk chocolate hazelnut crunch, flambéed cinnamon doughnuts with tiramisu gelato and much more! The perfect way to end a fantastic food-filled weekend!

Included with the cost of your ticket:

• Private wine and cheese reception Friday evening inside the foyer of The American Adventurepavilion
• Dave Smith’s Retirement Celebration Dinner Friday evening inside the VIP lounge of The Living Seas pavilion. Note: there is an extra cost to attend this dinner.
• Breakfast pastries and presentation Saturday morning at La Hacienda at the Mexico pavilion
• Exclusive presentations Saturday morning from Scott Hunnel, Israel Perez, Guerlain, and Givenchy
• A “sip and stroll” Saturday afternoon with members of the D23 Team including Steven Clark, Dave Smith, Becky Cline, Carmen Capone and Jeffrey Epstein
• Access Saturday to the VIP lounge inside the The American Adventure pavilion
• Private VIP seating at Howard Jones’s Eat to the Beat concert
• Private dessert party and viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
• Sip & Stroll surprises (one per guest)

Tables in Wonderland Members have a special opportunity to purchase discounted advance tickets to the culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, taking place October 1st – November 14th, 2010.

Beginning Wednesday August 25th, at 9:00am, a limited number of discounted tickets will be available for Tables in Wonderland Members to purchase online in advance of the general public. The discounted rate is $7 and $10 per person for culinary demonstrations, and $6 and $10 per person for wine/beverage seminars (regularly $9 and $13, and $8 and $12 per person) while they last. (Events are expected to sell out.) Please note that the discount will not be available at the event, so advance purchase is required to get the discounted rate.  Discounted tickets, if available, may be purchased until 24 hours before the start of any individual session.

The culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars, which last up to 45 minutes, let participants learn from featured chefs and wine presenters, pick up a few tips and taste the featured items. Everyone must have a ticket to attend, and attendees must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages.

To register for the culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars at the discounted rate, visit

www.disneyurl.com/foodandwinedemos.

Party for the Senses

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event showcases tempting bites from eminent chefs from around the country as well as the finest Disney chefs.

Start your evening off with confirmed seating to the Eat to the Beat concert series at the America Gardens Theater. Then head over to World Showplace for this grand culinary event!

Wander among tantalizing food and beverage in the midst of imaginative decor and awe-inspiring acts from La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil®.

Upgrade your experience with the Wine View Lounge. This is an exclusive area within Party for the Senses which includes a private reserved table, entrance into World ShowPlace 15 minutes before general admission, premium bar, an artisanal cheese station, and more. Limited Availability

Saturdays 6:30 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. at the World ShowPlace

Pavilion (Wine View Lounge: 6:15 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Price: $135.00 USD per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.

Theme park admission is required.

Wine View Lounge access is $90.00 USD per person, plus tax (in addition to admission for Party for the Senses.). Gratuity included.

NEW! First Bites Opening Reception at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival

An opening reception in the Festival Welcome Center featuring epicurean samplings from the International Marketplaces, Wine Seminars, Culinary Demonstrations, merchandise locations, celebrities and entertainment. This is truly a sneak peek of the Festival before it is officially open to the public.

Thursday, September 30th, 2010, from 6:30 p.m.– 9:00 p.m.

at the Festival Welcome Center

Price: $195.00 USD per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.

Theme park admission is required.

For more information about the festival, visit

www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

New Restaurants to Tables in Wonderland as of August 2010!
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort:Big River Grille & Brewing Works
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® West Side:Bongo’s Cuban Café
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Pleasure Island:Paradiso 37
Epcot® Italy Pavilion:Via Napoli
All Tables in Wonderland Restaurants as of August 2010
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – World Premiere Food CourtDisney’s All-Star Music Resort – Intermission Food CourtDisney’s All-Star Sports Resort – End Zone Food CourtDisney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Boma – The Flavors of Africa, Jiko – The Cooking Place, Sanaa, Victoria FallsDisney’s Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (excludes take-out shop), Cape May Cafe, Martha’s Vineyard LoungeDisney’s BoardWalk – Belle Vue Lounge, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, ESPN® Club, Flying Fish Cafe, Kouzzina by Cat CoraDisney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Shutters at Old Port RoyaleDisney’s Contemporary Resort – California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Outer Rim, The WaveDisney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Maya GrillDisney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Crockett’s Tavern, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only), Trail’s End Restaurant (Excludes take out shop)Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Garden View Tea Room, Grand Floridian Cafe, Mizner’s Lounge, Narcoossee’s, Victoria & Albert’s (excludes Chef’s Table and Queen Victoria Room)Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Olivia’s CaféDisney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Course – Sand Trap Bar & GrillDisney’s Polynesian Resort – ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Late show only), Tambu LoungeDisney’s Pop Century Resort – Everything Pop Shopping and Dining (excludes merchandise from shop)Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter – Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, Scat Cat’s ClubDisney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – Boatwright’s Dining Hall, River RoostDisney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – The Artist’s Palette, The Turf Club Bar & Grill, Turf Club LoungeDisney’s Vero Beach Resort – The Green Cabin Room, Shutter’s, Sonya’s (Excludes Sunday Brunch)Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Artist Point, Territory Lounge, Whispering Canyon CafeDisney’s Yacht Club Resort – Ale and Compass Lounge, Captain’s Grille, Crews Cup Lounge, Yachtsman SteakhouseWalt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort – Garden Grove, Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Kimonos, Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo
Magic Kingdom® Park – Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Crystal Palace, The Plaza Restaurant, Tony’s Town Square RestaurantEpcot® – Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Bistro de Paris, Chefs de France, Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, San Angel Inn Restaurante, The Garden Grill Restaurant, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia Ristorante, Via NapoliDisney’s Hollywood Studios™ – 50′s Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Tune-In LoungeDisney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – Flame Tree Barbeque, Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus, Tusker House Restaurant
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® – Marketplace – Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, Fulton’s Crab HouseDOWNTOWN DISNEY® – Pleasure Island – Paradiso 37, Portobello, Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and RestaurantDOWNTOWN DISNEY® – West Side – Bongo’s Cuban Café,  House Of Blues® (Excludes Sunday Brunch), Planet Hollywood®, Wolfgang Puck Café
ESPN Wide World of Sports® Complex – ESPN Wide World of Sports® GrillBon appétit!

For just 14 days in August and 14 days in September-October, Chef Mickey’s restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is adding a lunch buffet, complete with Disney Characters to meet and greet diners.

High demand for the free dining package necessitates the expanded dining time, but anyone (not just guests on the package) can make a reservation at 407-WDW-DINE or here. Cost is $28.75 including tax, $15.97 ages 3 to 9, under 3 free.

Dates are now through Aug. 28, and Sept. 19-Oct. 2. Lunch hours are 12:30-2:30 p.m. Breakfast and dinner are still offered as usual.

Disneyland has added a cool, new service this summer that makes renting a stroller easier than ever. There are now four self-service stroller rental kiosks next to the staffed counter at the Stroller and Wheelchair rental booth in the Esplanade, just outside the Disneyland park entrance.

Renting a stroller at the new self-service kiosks can also be a lot quicker than the staffed counter. How to use it? Skip the line, bring a credit card, go to a kiosk, select your language (English or Spanish) and rent up to five strollers for up to six days.

The process for multi-day rentals is the same. You turn in the stroller each night, and collect a new one the next day by showing your receipt.

Disney Parks Blog

The subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, “Disney Family Movies,” has partnered with content providers Comcast, Charter, Cox, AT&T U-verse, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS and Avail TVN Affiliates to offer customers a free preview of the service from Thursday, September 2 through Monday, September 6.

“Disney Family Movies” provides the ultimate in family entertainment from one of the world’s largest film libraries, giving customers unlimited access to a selection of classic and contemporary films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios.  The one-of-a-kind movie service is entertainment the whole family can enjoy together from beloved hits to new popular favorites. Each title remains in rotation for about a month, with new movies added weekly.

Hosted by Phylicia Rashad, the “Disney Family Movies” free preview will offer a variety of classic and contemporary Disney films including the timeless animated classic “Pocahontas,” the zany adventure “Muppet Treasure Island,” the hit Disney-Pixar comedy “A Bug’s Life,” and the Disney-Pixar animated short “Monster Truck Mater,” which features the voice of Larry the Cable Guy.

To subscribe to “Disney Family Movies,” contact your local content provider or log onto DisneyFamilyMovies.com or the Disney Family Movies page on Facebook.com for additional information.

PRNewswire

Fall vacation value highlights at Disneyland Resort include a $300 savings on a four-day, four-night package at any Disneyland Resort hotel if booked between now and Dec. 1.  For vacationers seeking a hotel room-only offer, great savings are available at all three of the on-site Disneyland Resort hotels, when booked between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1, 2010.

$300 SAVINGS ON FOUR-DAY, FOUR-NIGHT VACATION PACKAGE

Vacationers can enjoy a $300 savings on a four-day, four-night Disneyland Resort Vacation Package at any Disneyland Resort hotel if booked between now and Dec. 1, 2010.  Travel must take place between Oct. 1 and Dec. 16, 2010.  The offer is perfectly timed for guests to take advantage of the popular festivities taking place at Disneyland Resort during the Halloween season.

The savings also include all of the magical extras that come with booking a vacation package through the Walt Disney Travel Company.  These benefits include preferred seating to some of the popular shows and attractions, Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets, a Magic Morning admission into Disneyland one hour before the park opens to the general public and a “Key to the Magic” card which allows clients to charge meals and merchandise to their resort hotel account.

For more information and to book, call your local travel agent or visit www.disneyland.com.

SPECIAL OFFERS ON DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTEL ROOMS ONLY

For those seeking a hotel room-only offer, Disneyland Resort features great savings this fall at its on-site deluxe hotels.  Guests can take 30 percent off their room rate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 25 percent off at Disneyland Hotel, or 20 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.  Resort hotel room-only offers require a two-night minimum stay.  Reserve before Sept. 30 and savings jump to 40 percent off room rates at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 35 percent off at Disneyland Hotel, or 30 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.  Travel must take place between Oct. 1 and Dec. 16, 2010.
For general Disneyland Resort information, park hours and entertainment schedules, call 714/781-4565 or visitwww.disneyland.com.

Disneyland Resort Newsroom

Disney.com, the No. 1 ranked community-family and parenting destination on the Web*, has launched an all new music site (Disney.com/Music) that, together with Disney Music Group and Radio Disney, offers the latest and greatest in music for Disney fans. To kick off the new music hub Radio Disney’s Jake Whetter will give guests a sneak peek at his behind-the-scenes coverage of the three-continent Jonas Brothers Live in Concert tour with Special Guest Demi Lovato plus Special Friends from “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” featuring interviews and concert footage.

In addition to granting guests a sneak peek at Radio Disney.com’s behind-the-scenes access with Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, the new online music hub will also feature interviews with popular recording artists, and some of the latest music videos including “It’s On” from the Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam soundtrack, “I’m Still Good” from the Hannah Montana Forever soundtrack, and Selena Gomez’s “Round and Round.”

“We stream nearly 200 million videos per month on Disney.com and are always looking for new ways to bring exciting and exclusive content to our guests,” said Paul Yanover, executive vice president and managing director, Disney Online. “On our new music site, we’re blending the hottest Disney music with even more great video content to create the ultimate Disney music destination.”

The new online hub will also offer Disney music fans video exclusives, cross-platform premieres as well as weekly sweepstakes and opportunities to win prizes.

At Disney.com/Music, guests will find:

– Radio Disney

– Official artist sites

– Movie music

– Preschool music

– Music-themed activities

– Latest Disney music releases

– Music news

The Disney Music page will also feature content including:

– Music video premieres

– Song and album premieres

– Access to samples of over 1600 Disney songs

– Radio Disney “Take Over with Ernie D” segments (in studio interviews & performances)

– Radio Disney “Celebrity Take with Jake” segments (behind-the-scenes access)

– Interviews with top music stars

– Exclusive music events such as concert footage

– Acoustic performances from Disney artists

Business Wire

Image Courtesy of Disney

Disneyland has announced that it is going to set up a character meeting area for Rapunzel and her love interest, Flynn Rider, in Fantasyland.

The area will be set up in the spot where Gepetto’s Sweet Shoppe now sits near Pinocchio’s Daring Journey ride. The shop opened in May where a toy store used to run.

The character greeting area will be  featuring Rapunzel’s long locks draped around the room.

“Tangled,” which is based on the Grimm’s Fairy Tale, is set to be released Nov. 24.

The first-ever D23 Expo in 2009 left Disney fans asking when there would be another. On Thursday, August 19, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club begins ticket sales for the next adventure — an incredible three-day event that brings the entire world of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center next August 19-21.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 will fall into three different pricing tiers, based on purchase date (see table below), and D23 Members can enjoy additional savings, plus members-only benefits. From August 19 through December 31, 2010, tickets will be $37 for a one-day adult admission and $27 for children ages 3 to 12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $30 for a one-day adult admission and $22 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy new D23 Expo VIP packages that are only available to members. These new packages offer incredible exclusive opportunities and will have very limited availability.

The Premiere Package includes three days of admission to the D23 Expo; reserved seating at all events and presentations in the Arena; access to a relaxing Premiere Lounge with concierge and complimentary refreshments, as well as a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives; a D23 Expo autograph book; and a special Premiere Package gift bag.

The Sorcerer Package includes all benefits in the Premiere Package; a private tour of and reception in the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit the night before the Expo opens; exclusive hardhat tour of the show floor prior to opening; limited edition artwork signed by Disney artist Dave Pacheco; reserved seating at all presentations and panels; a voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist; special shopping opportunities at the Disney Dream Store; and a hardbound, collectible D23 Expo guidebook.

Only 250 Premiere Package tickets will be available at $500 per ticket. Availability of the Sorcerer Package will be strictly limited to 50 D23 Members at $1,000 per ticket. Both packages are only available to D23 Members. All D23 Members — both Gold level and Silver level — can take advantage of these exclusive admission savings and access to the special packages when tickets go on sale.

The D23 Expo 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards — a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Live Auction boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the 50th anniversary of One Hundred and One Dalmatians; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives with an expanded exhibit of costumes, props and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present and future of Disney.

In 2009, the first D23 Expo brought together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof including The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Archives, ABC, Disney Channel, Radio Disney and Disney Interactive Media Group to celebrate all things Disney. Stars like Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Courteney Cox, Betty White, Robin Williams, John Travolta and the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place made appearances; Miley Cyrus and Honor Society performed in concert. Imagineering legends took to the stage, and key Disney executives and creative talent including Walt Disney President and CEO Bob Iger and Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships — which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription — are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

D23

Get ready to visit a galaxy far, far away one last time! After Disney’s Hollywood Studios has closed to the general public, D23 Members are invited to take an exhilarating “final flight” to the Moon of Endor before Star Tours suspends departures as it readies for its 2011 reimagining.

Guests will check in at the main entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and receive their commemorative boarding pass for their trip. Once we are cleared (for launch!) guests will be escorted directly into Star Tours. Bid C-3PO and R2-D2 a fond farewell as you walk past them in the pre-board area. After watching the classic 1987 safety video (love her hair — and those eyebrows!) you will enter one of the six Starspeeder 3000 vehicles where Captain Rex will welcome you one last time for your trip. We’d hope after all these flights, things will go smoothly but… we have a very bad feeling about this!

After you have landed safely, guests will be escorted back out of the park, energized to relaunch in 2011 with Star Tours: The Adventures Continue!

Event Information
DATE
Tuesday, September 7, 2010

LOCATION
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, Florida

TICKETS
Tickets available Thursday, August 26 at 1 PM EDT. Check back here for ticket link.

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

SCHEDULE
Check In begins at 8:30 p.m

Private funeral services were pending today for Harrison “Buzz” Price, the economist who recommended that Walt Disney build Disneyland in Anaheim and later recommended Orlando as the site of Disney World.

Price, who lived in Pomona, died Sunday at age 89.

“Despite his failing health, he continued to demonstrate his trademark humor, cutting edge wit and enduring love for family and friends,” his son, David, said. “His legacy of laughter, wit, love, passion and commitment leaves its mark on each of us — family, friends and colleagues in the leisure and recreation industry he loved.”

Walt and Roy O. Disney chose Price in 1953 to conduct economic feasibility studies to determine the best location for Disneyland. His study led to the selection of 160 acres of orange groves in Anaheim as the best spot.

Price then created Economics Research Associates in 1958 and went on to conduct 150 studies for the Walt Disney Co., including site studies for Walt Disney World in Florida and Tokyo Disneyland.

“Buzz Price was as much responsible for the success of the Walt Disney Company as anybody except Walt Disney himself, in that he worked with Walt not only on finding the sites of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, but on many other new initiatives, like the 1964 New York World’s Fair and the 1960 Winter Olympics in the Lake Tahoe area,” said Michael Eisner, former chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Co. “But more than being a pioneer and visionary, he was

one of the nicest and most professional and gentle friends of the company.”

Price also performed economic studies for eight World’s Fairs, Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios and the Six Flags parks, according to the family.

Daily News Wire Service

FREE Dining Offer: Book a Walt Disney World vacation Magic Your Way package and get a select Dining Bonus – Free! Book a value – Get Quick Service Dining Plan Free! Book a moderate, deluxe or villa – Get the Disney Dining Plan Free! This offer requires a 4 Night Minimum Stay with park admission Some blackout dates. Book by December 20, 2010.

Available Dates: 10/1 – 10/7; 10/22 – 10/28; 11/12 – 11/18; 11/27 – 12/2; 12/10 – 12/21; 1/1/11 – 1/5/11; 1/9 – 1/13; 1/21 – 2/3; 2/11 – 2/17; 2/25 – 3/3; 5/27 – 6/2; 8/19 – 9/29

FREE Gift Card Offer – Get a Disney Gift Card FREE when you book a 5-night package or longer Walt Disney World package. Book a Value Resort, get a $200 Gift Card; Book a Moderate, get a $300 Gift Card; Book a Deluxe get a $500 Gift Card; Book a Villa, get a $500 Gift Card. Book by November 21, 2010.

Available Dates: 10/3 – 11/23; 11/27 – 12/25; 1/11/11 – 2/16/11

ROOM ONLY Discount Offer: This special room only deal is valid most nights 10/3/10-2/16/11. Some blackout dates may apply. Value Resorts – Save up to 25%; Moderate Resorts – Save up to 30%; Deluxe Resorts – Save up to 25% – 40%; Villa Resorts – Save up to 40%. Book by November 21, 2010.

Available Dates 10/3 – 11/21; 11/27 – 12/25; 1/1/11 – 2/16/11

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World Media Relations

Throughout August, The Walt Disney Company is donating $627,050 to the Central Florida community in recognition of the 251,000 hours given by Walt Disney World Resort VoluntEARS in 2009. From schools to shelters, Cast Members selected approximately 250 local non-profit agencies and community service groups to receive Disney’s EARS to You grants. Top recipients include Orange County Public Schools, A Better Life Pet Rescue and local chapters of the American Cancer Society.

“Disney VoluntEARS enjoy sharing their time and talents and have a vested interest in making Central Florida an even better place for all who live in our community,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations, Walt Disney World Resort. “The collective contributions of these Cast Members are impressive and impactful; they are truly making a difference during a time when it’s needed most.”

The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, provides opportunities for Cast Members to give their time and expertise toward positively impacting their communities. Each year, the Company recognizes VoluntEARS who donate at least 10 hours of service with EARS to You grants, which are financial contributions of up to $1,000 to the non-profit organization of their choice.

This year, Walt Disney World Resort awarded more than 800 EARS to You grants. Disney dollars will go toward a wide array of worthy causes including local youth development groups, health and social services programs, environmental causes, community theatres and pet rescue organizations.

Disney VoluntEAR Maria Kirkland received an EARS to You grant of $500 for her active support of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “I feel very fortunate to be able to provide not only my time but a financial contribution to such a worthy organization,” said Kirkland. “It makes me feel so wonderful to know that I was able to help a family or individual to have one less stress in their life.”

Exceptional Disney VoluntEARS Receive Honors

Walt Disney World Resort annually recognizes its top VoluntEARS with coveted awards and charitable contributions. In June, high honors were given to Steve Luttrell as 2009 VoluntEAR of the Year and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort VoluntEARS Team as the 2009 VoluntEAR Team of the Year. Both received $2,500 cash donations to the charity of their choice.

• 2009 VoluntEAR of the Year: Steve Luttrell

By day, Steve Luttrell works as a member of Disney’s Engineering Services team. Nights and weekends, you’ll find him on the baseball field, helping kids learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Luttrell has dedicated hundreds of service hours to Dr. Phillips Little League and has changed the lives of hundreds of youth during his six seasons of involvement. Known for maintaining composure under pressure, Luttrell coaches young boys and their parents beyond the basics of baseball and demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility. A donation of $2,500 was given to the Dr. Phillips Little League in honor of Luttrell.

• 2009 VoluntEAR Team of the Year: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort VoluntEARS Team

A small but powerful team, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort VoluntEARS Team increased their Cast Member participation from 51% to 89% within a year, completing 29 projects in Indian River County in 2009. Activities range from a Habitat for Humanity build to a March of Dimes walk to involving youth in a beach cleanup event to help them gain environmental awareness. In honor of the team, $2,500 was donated to the March of Dimes Treasure Coast Division.

Additionally, 617 Disney VoluntEARS who contributed more than 100 hours of service during 2009 also will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages who volunteer a minimum of 100 hours during the year. Award recipients receive a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama, a lapel pin and a personalized certificate.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Disney is redrawing the sweeping Fantasyland expansion plans it laid out last year, even as bulldozers clear land for the project inside the Magic Kingdom.

With the revisions, begun under new Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, designers are attempting to rebalance the plans, which initially tilted heavily towards young girls by emphasizing attractions and experiences built around Disney’s stable of animated-movie princesses.

“We took a hard look at it amongst a number of us and said, ‘Can we make the appeal broader? Can we make it even better?’ “ Staggs said during an interview this week with the Orlando Sentinel.

Staggs declined to discuss specific changes to the Fantasyland plans, saying Disney would unveil them “in due course.”

Staggs said much of what was included in the original plans will be incorporated into the final product and that the changes are “improving it on the margin.” He characterized the revisions as part of any creative project’s natural evolution. As an example, Disney cited Hong Kong Disneyland, where early blueprints included an area dubbed “Glacier Peak” that was eventually replaced with a section themed around the company’s Toy Story film franchise.

“Our process is always iterative and always goes through changes as it goes along,” said Staggs, who was the Walt Disney Co.’s chief financial officer when he switched places with parks-and-resorts chief Jay Rasulo at the start of this year. Staggs added: “I believe one of my most important jobs is to make sure that I’m enabling and challenging our creative process to create the best possible result.”

The Fantasyland construction is well underway: Yellow backhoes and mountains of dirt are visible behind temporary construction walls erected inside the Magic Kingdom.

But rumors have been building for weeks that changes were afoot, fueled by reports from a pair of well-known Disney bloggers, Jim Hill of Jim Hill Media and Al Lutz of MiceAge.com.

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

“Boo” has never been uttered in a bouncier, bubblier, “not-so-scary” fashion than during Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade … and ghostly apparitions never have been more wistful than they are skittering along the rooftops of Main Street, U.S.A.  When you put it together with a green and orange fireworks spectacular and Land-to-Land trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom, you have a Halloween event like none other: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

It’s enough to bring a smile to the face of a Disney villain!  And the special-ticket after-hours party on 24 select evenings between Sept. 14 and Nov. 1, 2010, at Walt Disney World Resort will do just that.  About the only one not wearing a grin is The Headless Horseman as he rides his trusty steed through the park ahead (no pun intended) of the parade.

Guests wanting to join in the spirit (no pun intended) of the party are welcome to don their favorite Halloween costumes for the 7 p.m.-to-12 midnight event. The “Boo-to-You” parade takes place at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with characters and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions – including, of course, The Haunted Mansion – are available to experience (but beware of hitchhiking ghosts).

Party dates in 2010 are:

Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30

Oct. 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31

and Nov. 1.

Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9).  Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for the parties on Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26; and Nov. 1.

Additional information is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween.  Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.

Walt Disney World News

Disneyland recently began selling wooden toy guns again, about nine years after pulling them off of store shelves.

Disney officials decided to resume sales of the toy guns, which are now orange and green, because of customers’ requests, said Betsy Sanchez, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman.

Disneyland had continued selling plastic guns, including space-like and pirate-themed ones, Sanchez said.

The new toys are big sellers, she said.

“They are so incredible popular they often sell out,” Sanchez said.

She declined to reveal the number of guns sold.

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

Fewer visitors headed to Disneyland Resort parks in late spring and early summer, despite the success of the new “World of Color” show, Disney reported Tuesday.

The two California parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, experienced a 4-percent slip in attendance, compared to the same three-month period the year before.

t was the first dip in visits in about a year. Despite the struggling economy, attendance has either stayed flat or increased by as much as 20 percent per quarter over the past year.

The Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday released its earnings report for the third quarter, which ran from April 4 to July 3. Disney President Bob Iger and Jay Rasulo, chief financial officer, discussed the report on a webcast with investors. See a previous story about Disney’s third-quarter earnings.

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

Current D23 Members who refer new members* are eligible for exclusive rewards!

• Refer one fan, receive an exclusive collector pin
• Refer five fans, receive one exclusive three-pin set
• Refer ten fans, receive a tour of the Walt Disney Archives
• Refer fifteen fans, receive one year of a free Gold level D23 Membership

It’s easy! When your friends are signing up for D23 on DisneyStore.com, they will see a ‘Refer A Fan’ box. Just have them enter your name and city of residence, and you will be credited for referring them!

Rules and Conditions: During the period commencing August 9, 2010 and ending July 31, 2012, D23 is offering a new benefit program called ‘Refer A Fan,’ in which a D23 Member who refers a friend to purchase a new Gold- or Silver-level membership will receive the following special gifts:

Refer one (1) fan who becomes a new D23 Member, receive one (1) pin
Refer five (5) fans, receive one (1) pin set
Refer ten (10) fans, receive a tour of the Walt Disney Archives
Refer fifteen (15) fans; receive one (1) year of a free Gold level D23 Membership

Referrals between the foregoing levels receive no special benefits.

Pins will arrive within 8 weeks of verification of the new membership(s) on DisneyStore.com. The Archives tour prize will be arranged through D23 and will be limited to specific dates and times, subject to the availability of the Walt Disney Archives and the Walt Disney Studios lot; tours are good for the rewarded D23 Member plus one (1) guest. The free Gold level D23 Membership prize may be applied to an existing D23 Membership to extend the length of a current membership or given to another person as a new membership. This promotion applies only for new members referred after August 9, 2010.

A renewal of an existing membership is not considered a new membership.

* ‘Fan’ or ‘new member’ means an individual who purchases (or receives a gift of) a new D23 Gold- or Silver-level Membership during the time of this program and was referred (or given the gift membership) by an existing D23 Member. A renewal of an existing membership is not considered a new membership.

** Chip and Dale adorn the pin members receive for referring one new member.

D23, the official Disney fan club, is offering Disney Vacation Club® Members a 10 percent discount off the purchase of new Gold and Silver D23 Memberships through Sept. 30, 2010!
Named in honor of the company’s birth year and created to give fans an inside look at all things Disney, D23 peels back the curtain on everything from Disney Theme Parks to Disney film, television and stage productions to the legendary Walt Disney Archives. In addition, Gold Members receive the quarterly Disney twenty-three magazine — plus a special gift with each magazine! Stay in the loop through a feature-filled website, attend a variety of special events and, perhaps most importantly, meet new friends who share their affection for Disney.

As an added bonus, fans who join D23 in 2010 receive “Disney Undiscovered: A 23-Month Calendar of Disney’s Unrealized Masterpieces,” featuring rare and unreleased images from never-completed Disney film and Theme Park projects.
Make every day a Disney day with D23! To become a D23 Member, visit disney.com/d23, click “join D23″ and be sure to enter the promotional code D23DVC when you check out to receive your discount!
Note that this offer is valid for new D23 Memberships only and therefore doesn’t apply to renewals.

Disney Cruise Lines performed some magic in the Mediterranean on Friday as a Disney cruise ship, the Disney Magic, rescued 18 Algerians lost at sea.

A Disney spokeswoman stated that the 2,400-passenger vessel joined the search for the Algerians while sailing from Gibraltar to Barcelona. The Algerians reportedly had been stranded on the open water for four to five days.

“The shipboard team heard crew members from two other vessels talking on the radio about sighting the boat and then losing a visual of it, so the Disney Magic then joined the search and quickly spotted the small boat, which had lost power,” Disney spokeswoman Rena Langley says.

A nighttime street party debuting this fall at Disney California Adventure will be tied to the upcoming“Tron: Legacy“ film and will feature sci-fi themed music, dancers and cocktails.

The nightly party, with the working title ElecTRONica, would run through the Christmas 2010 release of the much-anticipated movie, reported MiceAge columnist Al Lutz.

ElecTRONica replaces the surprise hit Glow Fest, a booze-fueled dance party scheduled to run through Aug. 22 at DCA. A Disney-fied version of a psychedelic rave, Glow Fest was designed to keep visitors entertained this summer while they waited for the Anaheim theme park’s popular new World of Color nighttime water show to begin.

For more information…go to the Los Angeles Times

On the same day that Universal Orlando reported its first attendance increase in over than two years, it also announced it was raising ticket prices.

Universal stated that it is increasing the base price of a one-day, one-park pass to $82 — matching a price increase announced earlier this week by Walt Disney World.

Universal Orlando, which is enjoying a surge in popularity with the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will add an extra $5 to most of its multiday ticket options, including base tickets and park-to-park passes that include admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure on the same day. Online ticket prices, which are generally about $10 cheaper, will also increase.

But Universal said it will not hike the price of one of its most popular ticket options: Two-day, park-to-park passes, which will remain priced at $145. And in a move that could help it make further inroads with locals, Universal will also leave prices for Florida-resident, online-only tickets unchanged.

Not sure whether it’s a case of back to the future or forward to the past or the past meets the present, but: a long-running Tomorrowland attraction is getting a new (well, sort of new) name …

As of Thursday, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, the “super skyway” that allows guests a glimpse of a variety of attractions in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom, will be renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.

The ride opened in 1975 as the WEDway PeopleMover. It has been called Tomorrowland Transit Authority since 1994.

The ride technology, which uses pollution-free linear induction motors, was developed by WED Enterprises (that’s what Disney Imagineering was called back in the day) and was introduced at Disneyland in California in 1967. While the attraction at Disneyland has long been closed, there is a place other than Walt Disney World Resort where guests can experience an application of the WED technology. Any guesses as to where?

Disney Parks Blog

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney Company

On Saturday, August 21, D23 Members are invited to visit Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee store and meet Imagineering and Disney Legend Marty Sklar!

Date: Saturday, August 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: D23 Members and their guests are invited to meet Marty Sklar and enjoy pin and Vinylmation trading, music and fun on a special Saturday shopping day at Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive employee store, Mickey’s of Glendale. (Due to the proprietary nature of our work, no photography or videotaping is allowed at Walt Disney Imagineering without prior approval.)
Who: D23 Members with valid D23 membership cards can bring up to one (1) guest each.
Where: Mickey’s of Glendale and the WDI Campus is located at 1401 Flower Street, Glendale, CA 91201. Entry available through the security gate off of the 1401 Flower visitor parking lot.

ACTIVITIES
Book Signing with Marty Sklar
Marty Sklar will sign the new book Walt Disney Imagineering — A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Real from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Patio Pin & Vinylmation Trading
D23 Members, invited Disney cast members and their respective guests are encouraged to bring their own pins and Vinylmation to trade with each other outside in the beautiful new WDI campus green space. Proper pin and Vinylmation trading etiquette and guidelines must be followed.

New Pin Release — Sorcerer Hats Mystery Pin Collection — Attractions #2
On Saturday, the second blind box pins in the Attractions series will be released. Previous releases in the Characters, Attractions, and Colors series will also be available for purchase. This exclusive ongoing pin series utilizes the sorcerer hat (a symbol for Walt Disney Imagineering) as a blank canvas for creative and unique designs based on the characters and attractions found in the Disney Parks.

Each blind box is $9.95 and contains one pin. Cast members and D23 Members may purchase up to 15 boxes each, and guests of cast members and D23 Members may purchase up to five boxes during the event. Will you get the mystery LE 150 chaser?

Hot New Items to Know About!

• Exclusive D23 at WDI event t-shirt created just for Mickey’s of Glendale!
• New Imagineer exclusive apparel, souvenirs, and pins!
• New toys, home, and collectibles from Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and DisneyStore.com!
• Mystery Grab Bags filled with Imagineering exclusive pins!
• 40% off selected Haunted Mansion merchandise!

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members plus one (1) guest may gain entry 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. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. Due to the proprietary nature of our work, no photography or videotaping is allowed at Walt Disney Imagineering without prior approval.

Questions? Please call Mickey’s of Glendale at 818-544-2824.

D23

It’s going to cost vacationers more to visit with Mickey Mouse starting Thursday, when Disney parks in California and Florida will raise ticket prices.

Disney posted an announcement about the price hikes Tuesday on its Disney Parks blog.

At Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the base price for one-day, one-park passes will rise from $79 to $82 for ages 10 and up. Tickets for children ages 3 to 9 will go from $68 to $74. The additional fee for park-hopper tickets will jump by $2 for one-day access, to $54.

One-day, one-park tickets to Southern California’s Disneyland Resort will rise from $72 to $76 for ages 10 and up and from $62 to $68 for ages 3 to 9. Prices for one-day park-hopper tickets will go up by $4 for both age groups.

Increases will also apply to multi-day passes at both parks.

Prices for annual passes will rise by $10 to $18 at Disney World and by $20 for premium annual passes at Disneyland.

Prices for tickets and passes already purchased will not be affected.

CNN

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World plans to create a new position — and a higher pay scale — for the employees who direct the movements of its monorail trains.

The new “central monorail controller” position will be responsible for overseeing traffic along the resort’s 15-mile-long monorail network.

Responsibility for train movement currently rotates among a broader group of monorail “coordinators,” who also handle other duties, such as employee scheduling. The new hierarchy is designed to ensure that the workers charged with directing trains can focus solely on learning and mastering that operation.

For the rest of the story by Jason Garcia…please go to the Orlando Sentinel

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i will begin accepting reservations for hotel rooms and vacation packages Aug. 2, 2010, through the Walt Disney Travel Company.

Aulani is scheduled to welcome its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011.

“Aulani will represent a new way for every member of the family to enjoy a vacation in Hawaii,” said Djuan Rivers, vice president of Aulani.  “It is designed so that parents, children, guests of any age can find their own kind of fun and relaxation.  Families will experience the island in ways they might never have discovered before.”
With age-specific programming planned for ages 3-10, tweens, teens, adults and the entire family, there will be something for everybody. From pool parties with Disney characters to excursions into the rainforest and surf to learning how to prepare Hawaiian cuisine with local chefs, days and nights will be filled with the magic of Disney in the beautiful setting of Hawaii.
Introductory room rates start as low as $399 per night.  Guests may choose from a variety of room options, including ocean or garden views.
The resort, built adjacent to a crystal-blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, features 359 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas.  Rooms are housed in two 15-story towers with commanding views of the ocean, mountains and magnificent grounds.  On site are two restaurants, a wedding lawn, a conference center, and extensive water activities including a feature pool, 900-foot tube-floating watercourse, wading pool, body slides, sunset-facing hot tubs, a quiet adult pool, a snorkel lagoon and a conservation pool. Aulani will also include a signature kids’ club – Aunty’s Beach House – where kids will explore Hawaiian culture through arts and crafts, as well as fun and games, including interactive touch-table games.  Additionally, kids can enjoy the enchanted fireplace, “make it rain” in order to start movie time and enjoy many other experiences created just for them.
Aulani is located on the western side of Oahu, upon 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development.  The resort is located 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and features convenient access to a Ted Robinson-designed 18-hole championship golf course.
To make a reservation at Aulani or to learn more about the resort, guests may visit www.disneyaulani.com or call 866/44-DISNEY.

Walt Disney World News

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World Media Relations

Eight turtles injured by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico today began their rehabilitation at Walt Disney World Resort under the care of Disney animal experts.

Animal care experts from Disney’s Animal Programs returned Thursday from the Florida Panhandle with six Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles – among the most endangered species of sea turtles in the world – and two Green Sea Turtles injured by the spill. The Disney animal care team stands ready to help in the Panhandle as needed and rehabilitation facilities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and at Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo & Friends are available for treating turtles and birds impacted by the spill.

“Oil can have a devastating effect on the health of sea turtles, marine mammals and birds,” said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president for Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives at Disney Parks. “Over the next several months, many of these animals will require intense medical treatment over a prolonged period. We want to be sure that we provide top-notch medical care wherever we can – whether it’s on a beach or in a state-of-the-art veterinary facility. Ultimately, our goal is to re-release these animals so they can once again thrive in the wild of our oceans and coastline.”

In addition, as part of the coordinated response to the spill, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), supported by Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green, has donated $100,000 to help with environmental and animal rescue efforts, including $50,000 to The National Audubon Society for their response in the Gulf. Another $50,000 in grants from the DWCF Rapid Response Fund is being awarded to various grassroots organizations assisting with the cleanup.

As a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, Disney Animal Programs supports the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 1,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year. For this current effort, engineers and water science experts have already converted a backstage area into a temporary rehabilitation facility – setting up salt-water pools capable of housing up to 35 sea turtles.

Since 1986, Disney animal care teams have nursed more than 250 endangered sea turtles back to health. Earlier this summer Disney animal experts began care for seven Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles diagnosed with pneumonia. The turtles were moved to Walt Disney World Resort from facilities in Mississippi to make room for animals injured by the oil spill.

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund provides annual awards to nonprofit conservation organizations working alongside their peers here and in other countries. A special emergency fund also helps animals and people in times of environmental crisis.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

Image Courtesy of WDW Media Relations

Hundreds of Disney Cast Members arrived at the Magic Kingdom before sunrise this month to participate in Canoe Races of the World, also known as C.R.O.W., a spirited Disney tradition that involves friendly competition and strength behind the oars. The beloved annual Cast Member event dates back to 1963 at Disneyland, 1973 at Walt Disney World Resort and is now at Disney Parks worldwide.

Of the 79 participating teams, Shut Up and Let Me Row… HEY! from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, was crowned the 2010 C.R.O.W. grand champion on July 23. The title is a first for the co-ed recreational team, who competed against five other finalists in the grand championship round, held pre-dawn on the Rivers of America.

“We were thrilled that we won our division, and all of us were in shock when they announced us as the C.R.O.W. Grand Champions,” said team captain Kari Harlow. She credits strong communication and unity among the team members to keeping them in sync on the river, which ultimately led to their victory. A sense of humor helped too.

“Our team loves to laugh, so we stayed positive throughout the competition, even in stressful situations. C.R.O.W. is a stellar event and we loved being a part of it,” said Harlow.

Walt Disney World Media Relations

During the height of the summer travel season, AAA is offering visitors to AAA.com and other web sites an opportunity to win a fabulous five-day AAA Vacations^® package at Walt Disney World in Florida or the Disneyland Resort inCalifornia. The grand prize includes accommodations, four 5-Day Disney Theme Park tickets, a$1,000 Gift Card from AAA and roundtrip airfare for four.

The sweepstakes, sponsored by AAA Travel, running now through August 31, features other prizes including weekly drawings for prizes such as a new or renewal one year AAA membership or two 2-Day Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way Theme Park tickets with Park Hopper option.

To enter, go to www.AAA.com/AAAGetaway and complete the on-line entry form. Participants will also have a chance to submit a bonus entry by answering a question that changes each week.  Official sweepstakes rules and restrictions apply and are available online*. AAA Travel offers exclusive benefits to AAA Travel clients and AAA members who book their Disney vacation through AAA Travel.

“AAA members love Disney vacations with millions of AAA members visiting Disney theme parks and resorts annually,” saidGlen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services.  ”This sweepstakes is our way of letting members and others know that there is no better time to take a Disney vacation.”

Travelers who book a AAA Vacations® package to Walt Disney World Resort or to Disneyland Resort through AAA Travel receive special and exclusive benefits including:

• Exclusive AAA Vacations® Diamond Card A special card offering savings and values of 10% – 20% off at many participating dining, recreation, merchandise, tour and spa locations throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort. (one card per package; nontransferable and void if sold)
• Exclusive AAA Diamond Parking – Convenient Preferred Parking spaces at all four Walt Disney World® Resort Theme parks (voucher required, subject to availability, Blackout dates apply).

For a complete description of other benefits and special offers available to AAA members and other travelers, phone or visit a AAA Travel Agency.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

*No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be 18 or older and a legal U.S. resident of the 50 U.S. (includes DC) at time of entry to participate. Void where prohibited. To enter, visit www.AAA.com/AAAGetaway between 12:01 a.m. ET on July 15, 2010and 11:59 p.m. ET on August 31, 2010. Each eligible entry qualifies for the Grand Prize drawing and for the Weekly Prize Period drawing (if after July 21, 2010) during which the entry was submitted. See rules for Weekly Prize Period dates and entry deadlines. Bonus entries also available. Limit one regular entry per week per individual/email account; limit one Bonus Entry per week per individual/email account. Entries will not roll-over to subsequent Weekly Prize drawings. All entries must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on August 31, 2010 to be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing. Promotion ends August 31, 2010. For Official Rules see www.AAA.com/AAAGetaway.  Sponsored 2010 by AAA, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746-5063

PRNewswire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney World  Media Relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney World News

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

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

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

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

Image Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Parks Blog

Argentina, Introduced: 1996

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

Australia, Introduced: 1997

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

Belgium, Introduced: 2010 (New!)

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

Brazil, Introduced: 1996

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

Brewer’s Collection, Introduced: 2003

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

Canada, Introduced: 1996

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

Charcuterie & Cheese, Introduced: 2010 (New!)

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

Chile, Introduced: 1997

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

China, Introduced: 1996

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

Desserts & Champagne, Introduced: 2000

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

France, Introduced: 1996

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

Germany, Introduced: 1996

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

Greece, Introduced: 1996

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

Hops & Barley, Introduced: 2005

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

Ireland, Introduced: 2001

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

Italy, Introduced: 1996

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

Japan, Introduced: 1996

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

Mexico, Introduced: 1996

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

Morocco, Introduced: 1996

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

New Zealand, Introduced: 1997

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

Poland, Introduced: 1996

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

Puerto Rico, Introduced: 2005

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

Singapore, Introduced: 2005 (Returning)

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

South Africa, Introduced: 1997

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

South Korea, Introduced: 2010 (New!)

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

Spain, Introduced: 1997

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

United States, Introduced: 1996

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

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

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

• and the following additional promotions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disneyland Resort News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRNewswire

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Parks Blog

Disney 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney World Media Relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney World Media Relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney World

Special Event – Sneak Preview

Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival

Celebrating 15 Years of Delicious Discoveries

Epcot® – Wonders Retreat

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

Thursday, July 8, 2010

6:30 – 9 p. m.

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

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

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

Reception

Roasted Corn Empanada

Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw

Shrimp Ceviche (Fresh Laughing Bird Shrimp with Corn Nuts

Paul Cheneau “Lady” Blanc de Blanc Cava

Plated Dinner

Seared Albacore Tuna and Romesco Sauce

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

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

Bodega Norton Cosecha Tardia

Penfolds Rawson’s Retreat Merlot

Dessert Sampler

Strawberry Angel Verrine

Pear-Streusel Pudding Cake

Dark Chocolate Sensation

Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee

Menu – inspired by the International Marketplaces

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

Tables in Wonderland Presents:

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

Thursday, July 15, 2010

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

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

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

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

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

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

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

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Laughing Bird Shrimp Salsa on a Pineapple Crisp

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

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

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

Seafood Course

A South Florida Seafood Trio:

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

Domaine Siglas, Asyritiko, Santorini, Greece 2008

Salad Course

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

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

Entrée Course

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

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

Intermezzo

Tropical Guava Sorbet

Brinley’s Mango Rum of St Kits

Dessert

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

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

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

Tables in Wonderland

Special Event The Great Movie Ride Dinner

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Friday July 16 and Saturday July 17, 2010

7:30 – 10 p.m.

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

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

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

7:30 – 8 p.m.

Passed Reception in the Gangster Scene

Bugsy’s Fire-roasted Duck with Cherries

Dillinger’s Seared Shrimp with Dill

Bonnie and Clyde’s favorite Chive-stuffed Potatoes

8 – 9 p.m.

Plated Dinner in the Western Scene

Creamy Free-range Yard Bird Corn Chowder with Grilled Flatbread

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

Mesquite-grilled Beef Filet with Herb Butter

Truffle Mac and Cheese and Molasses Pinto Beans

House made Roasted Onion Bread with Butter

9 – 10 p.m.

Dessert Buffet in the Land of Oz

Display of Munchkin-sized Desserts

Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay and Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon

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

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

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

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

Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Disney World Public Affairs/Media Relations

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

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

BusinessWire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DRAGON CHALLENG AND HIPPOGRIFF

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

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

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

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

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

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

So were guests.

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

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

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

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

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

Reuters

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

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

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

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

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

Event Information
DATE
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

LOCATION
North Ballroom, Disneyland Hotel
Anaheim, California

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

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

SCHEDULE
7 – 9 p.m.

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

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

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

D23

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/world-of-color-with-some-flair/ http://www.thetravelears.com/2010/06/08/world-of-color-with-some-flair/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:10:27 +0000 Ray http://www.thetravelears.com/?p=7551 We love showy souvenirs, and “World of Color” certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here’s a sneak peek of whimsical goodies you’ll find throughout Disney California Adventure park:

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

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

Disney Parks Blog