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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRNewswire

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

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

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

MyFox Orlando

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

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

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

And at Disneyland Resort:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PR Newswire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRNewswire

Disney is wringing the pink out of its princess movies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reuters

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

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

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

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

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

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

BusinessWeek

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MarketWatch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketwatch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAD DAY FOR GREAT PAPER?

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

Others were more blunt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reuters

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reason for a handover in licensing agreements is complicated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oregon Daily Emerald

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

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

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

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

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

Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Wire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Associated Press

The Wave… of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

Thursday, March 18, 2010

6:30 p.m. Reception.  7 p.m. Dinner

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

Dress is Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Reception in The Wave… of American Flavors Lounge

Smoked Tomato Quesadillas with Onion Jam

Fresh Mozzarella, Micro Basil, and UglyRipe™ Tomato Crostini

Wild Rock Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

Dinner in The Wave… of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Appetizer

Butternut Squash and Country Ham Ravioli with Corn and Thyme Broth

Adeluna Torrontes, Argentina

Salad

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

Wild Rock Vin Gris, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Entrée

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

Epiphany Gypsy, Santa Barbara, California

Dessert

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

R.L Buller and Son Fine Muscat, Victoria

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

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

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

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

Tables in Wonderland Presents:

Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant

DOWNTOWN DISNEY — Pleasure Island

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

7 p.m. Reception.  7:30 p.m. Dinner

Dress code is Casual Evening Attire

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

Appetizer

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

or

Crispy Filet of Fresh Atlantic Salmon served in Saffron Broth

Soup

Delicate Lobster Bisque garnished with Crème Fraîche and Lobster Meat

Entrée

Roast Loin of Lamb with Dauphine Potatoes and Miniature Lamb Pie

or

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

Dessert

Baked Chocolate Fondant with Stout-flavored Ice Cream

Irish Coffee served with selection of Petits Fours

Wines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Garden Town Breakfast

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

The Garden Town Breakfast events are open to all Guests.

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

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

Dates:

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

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

Price $60.00 per person, plus tax.

Gratuity is included. Theme Park ticket is required.

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

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

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

D23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: What kept you going with it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Why do you think that was?

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

Q: But you say it’s not.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Wire

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

A Disney spokeswoman said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reuters

Sports fans can meet star athletes and ESPN personalities this weekend at ESPN the Weekend at Walt Disney World.

The one-of-a-kind sports-themed special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will showcase ESPN personalities as well as on-site telecasts of popular television and radio programs. The one-of-a-kind special sports- themed event takes place February 25-28 and will give fans the opportunity to see and hear their favorite on-air personalities, including Mike & Mike in the Morning co-hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg, who are celebrating 10 years together next week. ESPN will present live telecasts including First Take and NFL Live and Baseball Tonight from a set in front of Mickeys Sorcerers Hat at Disneys Hollywood Studios.

In addition, many current and legendary athletes will be making appearances, including Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and former Heisman Trophy winner and current University of South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier. ESPN personalities John Anderson, Ted Bruschi, Colin Cowherd, Ron Jaworski, Karl Ravech, Sage Steele, Dick Vitale, and Trey Wingo are scheduled to participate. Athletes Maurice Jones-Drew, Jason Witten, Adam Vinateri, Brian Dawkins, and many more are participating in the event. To check out the ESPN sports personalities and sports celebrities slated to attend the sixth annual event, go to www.espntheweekend.com (click on Whos Coming).

The festivities will begin with a special grand opening event at the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Feb. 25 with a performance by the world famous Harlem Globe Trotters.

For more information on ESPN The Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort and to book travel, visitwww.espntheweekend.com
MIKE & MIKE CELEBRATE 10 YEARS TOGETHER
ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike in the Morning”will celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary at the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort on Wednesday, Feb. 24 (6-10 a.m. ET). ESPN Radio’s popular morning-drive show hosted by Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic launched in January 2000. Today the show is heard (and seen on ESPN2) by more than 12 million listeners each week on more than 350 stations nationwide.

INSIDE ESPN
Live stage shows will bring fans and guests behind-the-scenes of some of the network’s most popular programs, including “SportsCenter,” “Baseball Tonight,” “First Take,” “NFL Live” and “Stump the Schwab.” The shows will provide an inside look at favorite athletes, teams and ESPN programs. Fans can get into the action themselves by asking questions directly to ESPN personalities and athletes.

DREAM JOB – THE EXPERIENCE
Guests who think they have what it takes to be on “SportsCenter”can experience what it’s like to audition for ESPN. Select contestants will go through a series of on-air tasks and the audience will select the best sportscaster during each show. ESPN personalities and sports celebrities will help mentor contestants as part of the experience.

MOTORCADES AND CONVERSATIONS
Periodically throughout each day, sports stars will motorcade up Hollywood Boulevard to the stage at the base of Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat and join ESPN commentators for conversations about their careers and Q&A sessions with park guests.

ESPN SPORTS ZONE INTERACTIVE AREA
The ESPN Sports Zone will give guests of all ages the opportunity to test their skills at a wide variety of sports. MLB-, NBA-, NFL- and BASS-themed interactive areas within the Zone will have fans swinging for the fences, shooting baskets and throwing passes, as well as Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Sports Caravan, a multi-sport interactive area.

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX RE-LAUNCH EVENT
ESPN innovation and entertainment joins the magic and hospitality of Walt Disney World Resort when the gates open with a special grand opening event at the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Feb. 25. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, and a number of other popular athletes and ESPN personalities are expected to be in attendance, along with George Bodenheimer, president, ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports and co-chairman Disney Media Networks, Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney World Resort, and Ken Potrock, senior vice president, Disney Sports Enterprises. From a state-of-the-art digital center to professionally kept fields and courts, there will be no other sports facility like this on Earth. Key festivities include a special grand opening ceremony, live ESPN Radio broadcasts and a variety of sports competitions. Opened originally as Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in 1997, the multi-sport complex annually hosts more than 300 events a year, including Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Champion Stadium.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters take center court to help tip off the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex relaunch Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. The clown princes of basketball, including Globetrotter stars Special K Daley, Flight Time Lang and Big Easy Lofton, have entertained fans for more than 84 seasons and boast over 23,000 wins. This special performance will feature Greenberg and Golic as honorary coaches, along with a number of other popular athletes and ESPN personalities joining in on the fun at The Milk House. The game will air on ESPN2 the following day, Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., and ESPN’s Emerging Technology Group will use the game as a test for the company’s planned ESPN 3D network launch this summer.

5K ROAD RACE AND FUN RUN
The Champion 5K returns for its second year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7 a.m., challenging runners along the course with ESPN and sports trivia and will feature athletes and ESPN personalities, including John Anderson, Dana Jacobson and Trey Wingo. The 5K will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research, and all participants will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. There will also be a Fun Run for kids at 8 a.m. To register, visitwww.disneyenduranceseries.com .

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER AT ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS
Helping kick off the relaunch at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, four Major League Soccer clubs, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, will compete in the inaugural Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic Feb. 25 and 27. On Thursday, Feb. 25, the Houston Dynamo faces the New York Red Bulls at 6 p.m., followed by FC Dallas versus Toronto FC at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 27, the two losing teams will kick off at 6 p.m., with the two winners playing in the championship game at 8:30 p.m.

TICKETING AND ADMISSION
Event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Walt Disney World innovative ticket pricing system, Magic Your Way, provides guests with the opportunity to customize their vacations and Florida residents can save on tickets all year long. Separate tickets must be purchased for events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

My FoxOrlando

Disney has released a video game based on the new movie Alice in Wonderland: An Adventure Beyond the Mirror, for the iPhone and iPod Touch.  The game is now available to download from the Apple iTunes App Store reports stitchkingdom.

In Alice in Wonderland: An Adventure Beyond the Mirror, the user will be playing the role of Alice and solve a series of puzzles with a helping hand from the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and numerous other characters from the film.

The user will explore Wonderland that is overflowing with many challenging puzzles, optical illusions and of course formidable adversaries. The user will also learn to master certain abilities that will help Alice along her journey, such as being able to make objects disappear and reappear with the Cheshire Cat, or freeze time with the White Rabbit, and much more.

Hidden objects can be unlocked within Alice’s Journal with the iPhone GPS, photo library and camera. The Alice in Wonderland: An Adventure Beyond the Mirror game for the iPhone and iPod Touch is available via the App Store carrying a price tag of $4.99.

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

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

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

MarketWire

Disney Parks is launching some unique limited-edition items soon, including an interesting “Alice In Wonderland” collectible ear hat. It’s a limited edition hat between the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort that’ll only be available at select Disney Parks locations…where ear hats are sold. Of course, the piece celebrates the launch of the new Tim Burton film in theaters March 5, 2010.

According to Megan Kachur, Product Developer for all headwear, this ear hat has so many pieces and parts from its satin interior, dangling key, brim accents from signature film icons to its linticular Cheshire cat box cover that it’s sure to be a conversation starter. So, do you have a favorite Disney ear hat?

DisneyParks Blog

This attraction from the past returns to the Tomorrowland 3D theater in which it debuted more than 23 years ago. This time, the sci-fi adventure boasts a new 70mm film print and thanks to the theater’s added state-of-the-art acoustical enhancements — sinceCaptain EO last played in 1997 — guests can expect the film to sound better than ever.

“Guests have been very enthusiastically asking to see Captain EO again,” says Tony Baxter, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering, who helped oversee plans for the film’s return. “So we’re excited to bring back the magic, music and messages of this iconic attraction.”

While some elements of the original presentation aren’t possible to replicate, Tony adds, “We’ve been able to add some new surprises to the show.” A rare mix of colorful, imaginative filmmaking and legendary choreography rocketed Captain EO to become an instant hit upon its near-simultaneous debut at Disneyland Park and Epcot. The attraction first premiered at Epcot, with the Disneyland version opening six days later on September 18, 1986. On top of an all-star cast, the musical teamed executive producer George Lucas together with director Francis Ford Coppola. And this immersive, alien encounter was also a hit internationally, playing at Tokyo Disney Resort and Disneyland Paris. The Southern California run lasted more than a decade and ended in April 1997, when it was replaced by Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

EO’s story is simple: A ragtag group of friends is on a quest to deliver a gift to the Supreme Leader (Anjelica Huston). The alien comrades, along for the ride, include: Fuzzball, the two-headed Idee and Odee, robotic security guards Major and Minor Domo and a lovable, elephantine purple alien named Hooter. Before they reach the Supreme Leader, Captain EO and his crew are taken hostage. Only by delivering his miraculous gift of song to the evil Supreme Leader can they ultimately win her over, save themselves and quite literally, change the world.

Just as important as the action that unfolds onscreen are Captain EO’s memorable songs. Despite its brevity, the film features two show-stopping numbers that were written expressly for the story and have since become classics: “We Are Here to Change the World” and “Another Part of Me.”Captain EO will once again take a new generation of guests on a dazzling visual and musical journey to the stars. The moon-walking adventure starts in February, so don’t miss out!

D23

That’s when America Gardens Theatre presents Flower Power concerts – a series showcasing artists and groups involved in recordings that climbed the Billboard charts in years gone by. The 11 weekends of the 2010 Flower & Garden Festival will feature acts that produced 126 Top 40 hits – including 16 releases that topped the charts.

Here’s the lineup (Entertainment is subject to change without notice):

March 5-7 – Jose Feliciano
March 12-14 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
March 19-21 – David Cassidy
March 26-28 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
April 2-4 – Tony Orlando
April 9-11 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
April 16-18 – Ricky Nelson Remembered Featuring the Nelsons
April 23-25 – Atlanta Rhythm Section
April 30-May 2 –Fran Cosmo (former lead singer of Boston)
May 7-9 –Davy Jones
May 14 – 16 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

The groups’ shows at America Gardens Theatre are on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. They are included with Epcot admission.

Additional information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at www.DisneyWorld.com/flower.

According to the D23 Twilight Bark:

At Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, guests dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table will have a new Fairytale Dining experience. Now joining Cinderella at all three meals will be her Disney princess friends. The Fairy Godmother will no longer be part of the experience.

A U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration spokesman said Tuesday that the agency found no safety violations following a six-month investigation.

The performer, 30-year-old Anislav Varbanov, was killed in August while rehearsing for the “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.” A witness said Varbanov, who had just recently joined the cast of the show, was practicing a relatively routine tumble roll when he landed awkwardly on his neck.

A Disney spokesman says the park cooperated fully with OSHA and was aware of the agency’s findings.

Associated Press

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will create a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences for guests of every palate April 16-May 31 at Disney’s California Adventure park and select locations across the Disneyland Resort.

Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer.  General sales for Festival events began Feb. 16.

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

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

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

Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park.  Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations.  For details, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

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

• The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection.  At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the newHollywood & Wine Lounge.
• Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs.  Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saadand Kerry Simon.
• Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs.  Guest will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
• At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.
• Also new this year is a Brewmaster Dinner on May 7. The ingredients for this memorable evening include savory seasonal fare artfully paired with handcrafted Karl Strauss beers.

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

• Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29.  The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful decor.  Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
• Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure.  Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
• Winemaker Dinners: Disneyland Resort chefs partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at exclusive Winemaker Dinners on selected Friday nights.  Each festival meal is paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.
• Napa Rose Cooking School: Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly.  Each class will create and enjoy a four-course meal, expertly paired with wines, and each class member will go home with a white chef’s coat embroidered with the festival logo.  This rare opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Guests must be at least 18 years old.
• Introduction to Wine Tasting: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting.  Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.

Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer.  General sales for Festival events began Feb. 16.

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

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

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

Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park.  Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations.  For details, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

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

• The Hollywood Pictures Backlot comes to life as the new hub of energy and excitement, complete with artists, musicians and an international beer menu at the Brewers Collection.  At the new Festival Showplace located in Stage 12, guests will sample from the delicious tapas menu at the Taste of California Marketplace and relax at the newHollywood & Wine Lounge.
• Among the most popular events at the festival are live culinary demonstrations and autograph sessions with popular celebrity chefs.  Along with Guy Fieri and Cat Cora, those scheduled to present include Robert Irvine, Jeffrey Saadand Kerry Simon.
• Hundreds of complimentary experiences and cooking demonstrations will entertain guests during the 46-day festival, many featuring the talents of Disneyland Resort chefs.  Guest will also enjoy seminars that feature outstanding wine, spirits and beer.
• At the spectacular ticketed events, food and wine aficionados will collect cooking tips from chefs, mingle with noted winemakers and celebrate the palette of flavors presented by culinary masters.
• Also new this year is a Brewmaster Dinner on May 7. The ingredients for this memorable evening include savory seasonal fare artfully paired with handcrafted Karl Strauss beers.

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

• Taste Food-Wine-Life: This fun, high-energy evening combines the best elements of the Food & Wine Festival into one grand celebration, May 29.  The immersive party has live entertainment, an outstanding selection of wines and colorful decor.  Guests will stroll from station to station sampling delectable food dishes created by the chefs of Disneyland Resort.
• Sweet Sundays: The sweetest of all events features a light buffet breakfast and sparkling toast at the new Festival Showplace in Disney’s California Adventure.  Guests will see demonstrations and taste signature desserts created by acclaimed pastry chefs, including Richard Ruskell of Montage Beverly Hills.
• Winemaker Dinners: Disneyland Resort chefs partner with premier California winemakers to prepare outstanding culinary delights at exclusive Winemaker Dinners on selected Friday nights.  Each festival meal is paired with award-winning vintages and served at Steakhouse 55, inside the Disneyland Hotel.
• Napa Rose Cooking School: Disney Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will once again lead this hands-on course that sells out quickly.  Each class will create and enjoy a four-course meal, expertly paired with wines, and each class member will go home with a white chef’s coat embroidered with the festival logo.  This rare opportunity takes place in the show kitchen of the renowned Napa Rose restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Guests must be at least 18 years old.
• Introduction to Wine Tasting: In this entertaining class, Advanced Sommelier Joy Cushing introduces guests to the joys of wine tasting.  Guests will learn about wine regions, varietals, growing and harvesting techniques and then test their skills with a blind tasting.

PRNewswire

As Beech discussed at Toy Fair, Disney Interactive Studios is revealing a new gameplay mode called Toy Box. A primary feature on Toy Story 3: The Video Game console offerings, Toy Box is a virtual box full of toys. With an open-world sandbox-style of play, Toy Story 3: The Video Game taps into the beloved franchise’s humor and brings fans into the toys’ world to create their own unique story. The game’s developer, Avalanche Software, is working in close collaboration with filmmakers at Pixar to create an authentic Toy Story experience that inspires imagination and celebrates the joy of play.

“Toy Story 3: The Video Game addresses a fact understood by every kid: imagination is what truly brings toys to life,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “That’s really what a toy box is about. We remember that kind of play from our own childhood, and it’s where we began as game designers. With this title, we want to encourage and reward creativity in others.”

Designed to replicate the universal experience of playing with toys as a kid, Toy Box mode brings cowboys, space rangers, dinosaurs, and little green aliens together to create adventures only possible in a child’s imagination. Kids, families and fans will dive into Andy’s toy box with creativity driving their own stories and adventures.

“With Toy Story 3: The Video Game, audiences will have multiple ways to experience and enjoy the Toy Story world,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Story Mode follows the film’s story and adventures, while Toy Box Mode gets to the playful heart of the Toy Story franchise. By combining the power of imagination with the Toy Story universe, the game appeals to the joy of play in all of us.”

Embracing the adored and inspired fun of the Toy Story franchise, Toy Story 3: The Video Game features a story mode that follows the Toy Story 3 film adventures in which Buzz, Woody and friends grapple with their uncertain future as Andy prepares to depart for college. In addition to the Toy Box mode, the console versions put the toys in non-film related environments and situations such as light videogame combat with Buzz Lightyear. The handheld versions bring the Toy Story fun with fans wherever they go.

Toy Story 3: The Video Game will be available on all major video game platforms on June 15, 2010 on Wii, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Also coming soon from Disney Interactive Studios is a new Toy Story 3 app for the iPhone(R) and iPod touch(R) that will let fans play, personalize and stay connected to Toy Story. With features such as trailers, a countdown clock, movie information, ticketing, and light games and activities, Toy Story 3 connects consumers to their favorite Toy Story characters, stories and happenings. In addition, the app will feature links to purchase premium content and games such as a new update of the successful Toy Story Mania! app, priced at $4.99, in the “Toy Store.” A Toy Story 3 mobile game will also be available cross-platform on all major wireless carriers.

Business Wire

“Our newest Mickey plush, Dance Star Mickey, combines the strength of the Disney brand and its powerful storytelling content behind the Mickey Mouse character, with the magical playtime experience that Fisher-Price has been bringing to kids for nearly 80 years,” said Gina Sirard, vice president, marketing, Fisher-Price. “The collaboration between Fisher-Price and Disney brings Mickey Mouse to life in an exciting new way, proving that the iconic character continues to resonate strongly with kids today. And when it comes to dance stars, it takes one to know one, so we are thrilled that Donny Osmond is here to help us show everyone just what this new Dance Star Mickey can do.”

Every year Fisher-Price finds new ways to bring kids’ favorite characters to life and this year the magic is Mickey. Now kids can get up and dance as their fun-loving pal Mickey Mouse comes to life right before their eyes! The new, innovative Dance Star Mickey walks, talks, and dances his way into kids’ hearts, topping off his skills with an “out of this world” grand finale to one of his signature dances. With one press of Mickey’s foot, Dance Star Mickey comes to life for a fun interactive experience that encourages kids to get up, get active and dance. Grooving to five different songs with styles including soul, disco, Latin and techno, the dancing Mickey plush is packed with interactive games that will have children and parents laughing and dancing along. Fisher-Price utilizes a new, innovative mechanism to replicate the most technologically-difficult actions in an extremely realistic and lifelike way.

“We worked closely with Fisher-Price to make this the most animated Mickey Mouse toy ever made and to bring out the humor and endearing personality that has made him one of the world’s most beloved characters for generations,” said Chris Heatherly, vice president of Disney Toys. “Kids are going to have a lot of fun doing all the silly dances with their pal Mickey – from soul to Latin to contemporary hits.”

“Dance Star Mickey captures the fun, playful essence of Mickey Mouse. It is innovative, technologically advanced and packed with a lot of great content — all of which mean exceptional play value for kids,” explains Chris Byrne, content director for TimetoPlayMag.com, also known as The Toy Guy(R).

Dance Star Mickey retails for $69.99 and will be available in October at national retailers.

Business Wire

The magic begins in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle — after the park has closed to the general public — as D23 Members and their guests are led into the most magical realm of all, Fantasyland! Enjoy your favorite Fantasyland attractions alongside your fellow D23 Members — from Peter Pan’s Flight to it’s a small world — open to enjoy over and over again! And at our members’ request, guests will mix and mingle with beloved, classic Disney characters, as well as a few friends you may not have seen strolling through the park in a while! We know our members love Disneyland nostalgia, so guests will have the chance to get an up-close look at the “Electric Runaround” (designed by Disney Legend Bob Gurr after a turn-of-the-century Oldsmobile) Walt used to escort VIPs throughout Disneyland — and grab a bibbidy bobbidy beauty shot with Cinderella’s Crystal Coach!

D23 Members and their guests will savor specialty coffee and an array of tantalizing Disney-inspired desserts including pastries, cookies, cupcakes, and of course, Mickey-shaped krispies! A “no host” beverage bar will also be available to toast this memorable affair.

And, naturally, there will be a few D23 surprises, including a special, limited-edition commemorative pin in honor of D23’s first anniversary, the perfect gift to remember this enchanting event.

Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Location: Disneyland, Anaheim, California
Check In: Begins at 4 p.m. at a registration table to the west side of the park entrance. Check In will end promptly at 9:30 p.m. Disneyland closes to the public that night at 8 p.m.
Party Begins: 9 p.m.; Check in information for the party will be provided at registration
Event Ends: Midnight
Cost: $65 per person
Tickets: Click here for tickets.

Included with the cost of your ticket:

• Private dessert party in Fantasyland after park closing
• The chance to ride many Fantasyland attractions including Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Storybook Land Canal Boats, it’s a small world, Mad Tea Party, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White’s Scary Adventures andCasey Jr. Circus Train
• Photo opportunities with beloved Disney characters
• Commemorative, limited-edition pin (one per guest)

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and three (3) guests. There are a limited number of tickets available. Event check-in will be available at 4 p.m.; however, entrance to the event will not begin until 8:45 p.m. Because the event is after Park closing, park tickets will not be distributed. While all available Fantasyland attractions will be open, some attractions will be under refurbishment including the Matterhorn Bobsleds and King Arthur Carrousel. 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. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

Toy Story is the largest toy licensing event of 2010 and the only film franchise that galvanizes the toy industry with an unprecedented line-up from Disney Consumer Products and more than 20 world-renowned toy companies, including Thinkway Toys, Mattel, The LEGO Group, HASBRO, JAKKS Pacific, and Fisher-Price. Boasting $8B in global merchandise sales to date since it was introduced in 1995, Toy Story will continue to bring excitement to retailers around the world and turn up the fun for kids at playtime. The new Toy Story 3 toy line features action figures, dolls, role play, games, play sets, construction sets, vehicles, talking plush and robots that might just come alive when kids are not around.

The filmmakers also revealed a look at the much-anticipated Toy Story 3 with an all new film trailer introducing a plush bear character named Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, one of the 14 new toys featured in Toy Story 3’s Sunnyside Day Care, and the first plush toy to appear in the film franchise. The trailer, which will air tonight on Disney Channel, also previews an explosive train sequence and a host of other new characters. The new Toy Story 3 toy line will also include toys inspired by these new characters adding hours of fun as kids play out scenes from the new film.

“I’ve always had a great love and fascination with toys and that’s really where the idea for Toy Story began,” said Lasseter. “When we set out to create Toy Story, I imagined this really amazing group of characters that would entertain kids and families for hours. And that’s also what we set out to do with the toys inspired by the films. Working with some of the best toy companies, we took every single detail into consideration to develop a great toy line that is true to this franchise. Taking a look around the room today, I think we again achieved our vision with Toy Story 3.”

Lasseter was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame at the Toy Industry Association Toy of the Year Awards banquet last night. Through such hits as Toy Story and Cars, he has brought toys to life on the big screen in a magical way that has engaged kids and collectors off-screen with film-inspired product for nearly 15 years. Lasseter follows in the footsteps of Walt Disney, who was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1987.

“Toy Story is the only franchise that brings together the best in classic evergreen toys such as Barbie, Chatter Phone and Mr. Potato Head, and combines them with the creativity and storytelling behind new Toy Story characters that have gone on to become classic toys in their own right including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie,” said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president of global toys for Disney Consumer Products. “Kids are in for a treat as the new Toy Story 3 toy line is loaded with features such as sound effects, lights and movement sensors, and collectors will not be disappointed as the assortment of definitive action figures continues to grow.”

Some of the hot new Toy Story 3 toys include:

– Thinkway Toys was there from the very beginning releasing the first Toy Story toy line. Today, their ultra popular ‘definitive’ collection continues to expand with a whole new range including new Toy Story 3 character Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, who has over 45 adorable sayings, is strawberry-scented and has dual toy bear and interactive bear modes; he responds to voice, hugs and even tickles (SRP $39.99). There is also a new Toy Story 3 edition of the Ultimate Buzz Lightyear Programmable Robot; it features over 100 sayings including some in Spanish just like in the film when Buzz is accidentally programmed into Spanish mode; it also features music and dance moves, responds to six voice commands as a “toy” or a “Space Ranger” and includes infrared remote control (SRP $149.99)

– Mattel’s new Toy Story play sets and role play items take action adventure to the next level. The Toy Story Ultra Blast(TM) Gauntlet is a cool forearm cuff offering hours of fun with lights, sounds and other galactic features (SRP $29.99.). The Buzz Lightyear Deluxe Action Wing Pack, with its backpack-styled design, makes it easy for kids to role play as Buzz Lightyear, loaded with signature Buzz phrases, sensors that know when a child is “flying” or “landing” and a host of sound effects to match each mode. (SRP $49.99). Toy Story Action Links(TM) sets are the ultimate “linkable” play sets that simply snap together to create an interactive and adventurous Toy Story world. (SRP from $14.99-39.99)

– The LEGO Group’s first Toy Story-inspired toy line features an incredible assortment of construction play sets and figures featuring classic and new characters. The Toy Story 3 Western Train (SRP $79.99) serves up many adventures as builders help Woody, Buzz and Jessie fight their way into the train and get everyone off safely. With the Toy Story 3 Lotso’s Dump Truck (SRP $19.99) builders help Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear drive around the day care center in his toy dump truck.

– HASBRO introduces a fun new collection of Toy Story 3 Mr. and Mrs. POTATO HEAD figures, including Mr. and Mrs. from the movie dressed as Buzz, Woody and Jessie. Also offered are new stuffed plush iterations of Mr. and Mrs. including an exciting new electronic Mr. POTATO HEAD plush who says lines from all three Toy Story films. (SRP from $9.99 – $19.99)

– The new Toy Story 3 toy line from JAKKS Pacific offers a wide selection for all ages featuring classic and new characters — from Halloween costumes by Disguise(TM) (SRP $19.99 to $64.99), toddler dress-up outfits for the youngest Toy Story fans from CDI(TM) (SRP $19.99), to play furniture from KidsOnly! (R) (SRP $69.99), and new Toy Story Mania(R) Plug it in and Play TV Games (SRP $39.99).

Toy Story will also bring together the best in co-brands with a new range that will delight kids and families with games they know and love, such as with Toy Story 3 versions of HASBRO’S Yahtzee, Memory, Operation, Trouble, Connect 4, Chutes and Ladders, Space Shooters, Buckaroo, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head; Mattel’s Barbie(R) and Ken(R), Magic 8 Ball(R), Hot Wheels(R), Tyco(R), Matchbox(R); Fisher Price’s Chatter Phone; and Poof- Slinky’s Slinky Dog.

Additionally, Toy Story 3 will be featured on hundreds of new products releasing globally this summer and into the holiday season, including apparel, accessories, home decor, art, stationery, food, personal care, books, plus specialty and collectible items for adults, and an exclusive assortment at Disney Store retail locations and www.DisneyStore.com.

Business Wire

The new Harry Potter park at Universal will open in April, or maybe in May.

They will have real snow and magic wands, or not.

Real or plastic owls might take your mail.

There’s a lot of  speculation about the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando that you might need a magic spell to figure out what’s real.

So what is real and what’s not? Here’s a rundown.

>>Rumor: It’s an entirely new park.

>> Fact: Not true. The area devoted to J.K. Rowling’s wizardly boy is a new 20-acre section of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure Park. The attraction reportedly is costing $265 million to create.

>>Rumor: It’s opening in May.

>> Fact: Other than saying it’ll open this spring, Universal is holding the exact date secret. But May is the consensus of park watchers.

“It’s just a rumor, but the best guess is they have to be open by Memorial Day. There have been a lot of rumors about mid-April for a soft opening, with a grand opening by Memorial Day,” says Erik Yates of behindthethrills.com, which monitors theme park-development news in Florida and elsewhere. He has followed the Potter project from rumor to reality.

>> Rumor: You’ll have to pay extra to get into the Harry Potter section.

>> Fact: Not true. If you have a ticket to the Islands of Adventure Park, it’s included. (Universal also has a separate Universal Studios park.) “U-Select,” a new ticket pricing scheme, was just released. It offers one-day, one-park tickets for $79 for adults and $69 for children ages 3-9. A two-day, two-park ticket is $134.99 for adults and $121.99 for children. A new 3-day ticket is $139.99 for adults and $124.99 for children. That deal is to entice guests to stay more days at Universal.

>> Rumor: Every attraction will be brand new.

>> Fact: It will seem that way. The new gray Hogwarts Castle towers over the park, charming and ominous and already visible from the Orlando I-4 freeway. Inside, guests will encounter Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an attraction that is still veiled in mystery but is purported to be a ride controlled by robot arms.

Nearby, a shopping area called Hogsmeade Village, created to look exactly like the village described in the book, will contain shops and restaurants.

Guests probably won’t realize that two older roller coasters also will be part of the Harry Potter magic. The old Flying Unicorn family coaster becomes Flight of the Hippogriff. The twin Dueling Dragons coaster is being repainted and re-themed into Dragon Challenge.

“Rumor is that the spot where the sacred book sat in Dueling Dragons, they are going to have movie props and the real Goblet of Fire from the movies,” Yates says.

>>Rumor: There is going to be snow.

>> Fact: The chatter could be all wet, but park watchers say they heard that a company was contracted to create “real snow in piles that don’t melt” in the village, says Yates. A Universal spokeswoman declined to comment on the snow rumor but didn’t discount it.

>> Rumor: There’s going to be a real post office, and owls (maybe real, maybe animatronic) will take your mail.

>> Fact: Universal confirms there will be a post office with an owl theme and a Hogsmeade postmark. Its front window will feature a loud-talking Howler, which in the book is a bad-tempered red envelope that explodes if you don’t open it. Sadly, trained owls won’t be swooping down and taking the mail for real.

>>Rumor: Once Harry Potter opens, it will be hard to get a ticket because Universal will be so crowded.

>> Fact: Universal won’t comment on expected crowd levels, but park watchers expect a crush the first few months.

“There will be Disney fans who want to see what the excitement is about, but the vast majority are millions of Harry Potter fans, who are going to make a pilgrimage for this, to see how they brought the books to life,” Yates says. “You are going to have to expect really long lines all over the park.”

>>Rumor: You’ll be able to eat and drink items Harry had in the books and buy Harry products.

>> Fact: It’s true. You’ll be able to drink pumpkin juice and butterbeer, buy Quidditch equipment and Remembralls.

>>Rumor: Guests will use magic wands in the park.

>>Fact: The rumor has some truth to it. “One thing that Universal is really good at is atmosphere. You are going to see wizards walking by; one thing I heard is that the wizards will duel with special effects,” Yates says. “And you’ll be able to buy magic wands, and the rumor is you can wave your wand around and make certain things happen.”

Universal acknowledges that its wand shop, Ollivander’s, will feature an interactive element in which “the wand chooses the wizard.”

Zap! If only there were a spell to shorten the lines.

>> Rumor: Universal will offer special Harry Potter packages that include lodging and tickets.

>> Fact: True, but Universal has not released any information on that yet. Keep an eye onwww.universalorlando.com.

>>Rumor: Walt Disney World is jealous.

>> Fact: Walt Disney World has its own plans. It just has announced a major renovation to Fantasyland inside the Magic Kingdom for 2011 to 2013, which will include a new Little Mermaid ride and other princess and fairy attractions. And last fall, it bought the rights to Marvel Entertainment, adding to its superpowers.

The Disney Magic ship carrying 2,400 passengers was at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay on Friday when gale force winds prevented it from departing for Port Canaveral. The ship is expected to head back to the port Sunday. The 7-day cruise is not an 8-day excursion. The Disney Cruise Line is allowing them to make free cell phone calls and will get a 20 percent discount off of their next cruise.

Guests who were expecting to depart on the Disney Magic for an eastern Caribbean cruise out of the port on Saturday will have to wait one more day. Their cruise will be cut to six days from seven.

Disney has offered these guests a day at Epcot and is working to find them resort rooms for the night. They will also receive a 20 percent on their vacation, as well as $120 in credits on board the ship. They will also be allowed to cancel their trip without penalty.

MyFoxOrlando

The animated film, which reimagines the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, will be released on November 12 as a limited release, and open wide on November 24 in 3D.

The film’s producer, Roy Conli announced the new title on Disney’s Facebook page on Friday.

“It was important to me that YOU guys — the Disney fans — hear it first,” he wrote, calling it “a really fresh, smart take on the Rapunzel story.”

In the film, bandit Flynn Rider meets his match in the girl with the 70 feet of magical golden hair.

Mandy Moore voices Rapunzel with Zachary Levi voicing the bandit. Pic will feature original music by Alan Menken (“The Little Mermarid” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Byron Howard (“Bolt”) helms.

Fantasyland forest expansion will be the latest addition to the Magic Kingdom , a name fitting for this new fantasy land for princess all around the world. According to Disney, the 3 year project is an experience where you will be able to not only immerse yourself with your favorite princesses, but be a part of those experiences.

The improvements don’t stop there. This June, the Magic Kingdom plans to return the Main Street Electrical Parade. According to the Walt Disney Company, the parade hasn’t been running since 2001. But 2010 is the year to bring it back, adding a fireworks show and extended night time hours. Also this summer the Tower of Terror ride will be welcoming a new elevator drop sequence.

MyFox Orlando

Disney will create a series of PSAs featuring the First Lady and leading Disney Channel stars to inspire healthier eating habits, physical activity and more. The messages will be featured across Disney’s kid and family targeted media platforms, including Disney Channel, Disney XD, Radio Disney, and Disney.com and will begin airing later this year.

“Having been at the forefront of making healthier lifestyle choices appealing to kids and families, Disney is delighted to work with the First Lady to promote exercise, nutrition and healthy living,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company.

Disney’s participation in “Let’s Move” complements its long-standing commitment to kids’ health and nutrition. In 2006, Disney pioneered groundbreaking nutritional guidelines aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Disney food policies limit the use of the company name and its characters to only those kid-focused products that meet specific guidelines, including limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar. Disney made nutritionally-beneficial changes in the meals served to children at all Disney-operated restaurants in the Disney Parks and Resorts. Today, more than 85% of Disney’s licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy with more than one billion servings of fruits and vegetables sold in 2009 alone. Disney Channels Worldwide is committed to programming that reflects and recognizes that everyone shares a responsibility to encourage kids and families to adopt healthy lifestyles. Guidelines are employed to model behavior that demonstrates good nutrition and physical activity. At least one episode of each series currently in production — including “Hannah Montana,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Sonny With A Chance,” “Zeke and Luther,” “Phineas and Ferb” and “The Suite Life on Deck” — centers on a healthy lifestyle theme. In addition, over 100 interstitials have been dedicated to encouraging healthier lifestyles. They include ‘Pass the Plate,’ a global effort to both inform and empower viewers, showing them how kids just like them around the world enjoy and benefit from healthy foods, and “Get’cha Head in the Game,” an interstitial series that inspires kids to follow their dreams through physical activity.

Business Wire

Change may be coming sooner than conventional opinion holds, judging from Iger’s remarks during Tuesday’s call with Wall Street investors.

Iger told analysts that he had been in discussions with theater owners about release “windows” — the sequential distribution of movies through the theatrical, DVD and TV chain — pointing out to the exhibitors that maintaining a viable home entertainment business — long the cash cow that has buttressed the studio – is key to making the kinds of movies that will lure audiences to theaters.

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

The Innovative Learning Environment at the Walt Disney World Resort will bring in 100 nationwide high school students to attend the seminar. The event will be held on February 11 through February 14 and is working in partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey.

The students will get a chance to have unprecedented access to the magic behind Disney’s resorts, featuring topics such as “the unseen jobs of entertainment” to “the business of sports” to “the power of networking.”

“We are very excited and truly honored to have Mary J. Blige as our Keynote Speaker and all of our celebrity participants,” said Tracey Walters, executive champion for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey. “This year, Walt Disney World is celebrating the volunteer spirit of families throughout the country; and their words will hopefully inspire our students to think about their dreams as conduits not only to help themselves achieve, but to help others as well.”

“Each year we strive to find young people who may have a will or passion, but may not have the courage to explore their dreams,” said Harvey. “So we hope to unlock the power that will allow them to pursue their heart’s desires. Walt Disney World and I both are excited to be a part of these young dreamers experience that will encourage them to bring their dreams to life.”

Other celebrities that will be speaking at the academy include R&B star Cupid, actor Roshon Fagen of “Camp Rock,” CNN correspondent Christopher Lawrence, actor Daniel Curtis Lee (“Disney’s Zeke & Luther”), songstress Kimberley Locke, actors Chris (“Zoey 101″) and Kyle (“Cory in the House”) Massey, actress Tamara Mowry (“Sister, Sister”), producer Will Packer (“Stomp The Yard”), singer Ruben Studdard; gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7, and celebrity trainer Harvey Walden. Sherri Shepherd, one of the co-hosts of “The View,” will return to host the celebrity conversations.
All Headline News

Celebrating Super Bowl heroes in “I’m Going to Disney…” commercials and rides down Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort has been a grand tradition since 1987 and Super Bowl XXI.  But this one was unique, involving a team and a city overcoming so much adversity that its fan base goes by the nickname “Who Dat Nation.”

As confetti cannons sprinkled Drew Brees with multi-colored paper Monday, it symbolically showered away 42 seasons of “wait till next year.”  The waiting had ended at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, thanks in a big way to a torrent of pinpoint passes by Brees, who earned the Super Bowl MVP honor with a 32-completion, 288-yard, two-touchdown, no-interception performance.

Joining Brees for his celebratory ride at Walt Disney World Resort, along with Mickey Mouse in his football outfit, wereMinnie Mouse (decked out as a cheerleader), Chip ‘n’ Dale in referee garb, and “football Goofy” plus players from a central Florida NFL Youth Football team.

Brees’ celebratory visit happened mere hours after he was featured in the 42nd “I’m Going to Disney…” commercial, a series that has featured a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have exclaimed the almost iconic line following milestone accomplishments.

PRNewswire

Not all of the celebrating today is Super Bowl related. There’s a new member of the family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — a baby white-cheeked gibbon — and we’re sharing a first photo.

The male baby gibbon was born last week and has not been named. You can see baby, mom (Melaka) and the baby’s two sisters, Suki and Tuyen, in their habitat near Kali River Rapids.

White-cheeked gibbons, an endangered species, spend their lives in the tops of trees. They produce offspring about once every 2-3 years after 7 to 8 months of gestation. Infants have the ability to cling to their mothers immediately after birth, which allows females complete range of motion while moving about the forest with their offspring.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom participates in a gibbon Species Survival Plan program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Disney Parks Blog

Brees’s pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and celebrated commercials, was captured after the Saints’ 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts – a game during which he earned the MVP honor, completing a Super Bowl record-tying 32 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.  He was 16-for-17 in the second half, twice leading the Saints from behind.  It added up to be a catalyst for the Saints’ first Super Bowl celebration in team history.

On Monday (Feb. 8), Brees was to go to the place where millions of vacationers celebrate their personal milestone moments – Walt Disney World Resort.  He was to be joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth Football players, who will participate with the Saints star in a Super Bowl celebration parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

This latest commercial is the 42nd of a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI.  The first “I’m going to Disney World” commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion.  Brees joins a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m going to Disney World” commercials.

PRNewswire

Blooming Date Change -

D23’s Flowers and Fireworks event will be held at Walt Disney World May 15 and 16, 2010. More details will be announced soon!

Back in Action -

Francis’ Ladybug Boogie will reopen on Feb. 5 in Disney’s California Adventure, and Le Petit Chalet Gifts will reopen on Feb. 16 in Disneyland Park.

The stores will become a wholly owned subsidiary on April 1, Tokyo-based Disney Japan said today in an e-mailed statement. Financial terms and the number of stores weren’t disclosed.

Disney and Oriental Land, operator of Disneyland Tokyo, had been in talks since last year, according to the statement. The parent Walt Disney Co., based in Burbank, California, previously regained control of 220 retail outlets in North America and 120 in Europe, and plans to modernize the stores.

Business Week

The restaurant will feature Pollo Campero’s signature Latin chicken, as well as a new restaurant concept featuring fresh, healthy food, according to a news release sent to FOX 35 by the Dallas-based restaurant. The restaurant also offers typical Latin side dishes like yuca fries and sweet plantains. Latin-themed beverages will also be served including horchata and tamarindo. The menu also will include nutritious and delicious meals such as chef-prepared salads, sandwiches and wraps.

“We’re pleased to offer this new Latin-style restaurant to our guests at Downtown Disney,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney . “It’s diversity of offerings and well-balanced options are the perfect addition.”

Pollo Campero serves more than 85 million customers each year at more than 300 restaurants in 12 countries around the world, 50 of which are already open in the United States. The Downtown Disney location is expected to open in late 2010. McDonald’s will be shuttered in late April but will continue to operate at other locations around Walt Disney World Resort.

Barry Josephson and Barry Sonnenfeld will return as producers.

Mouse House is keen on getting another installment of “Enchanted” on the bigscreen — perhaps as early as next year — after the 2007 pic, which starred Amy Adams, James Marsden, Patrick Dempsey and Susan Sarandon, earned more than $340 million worldwide. It earned $123 million domestically and helped Adams break out. Bill Kelly (“Blast From the Past”) penned the original.

First film had languished in development for years as filmmakers like Sonnenfeld struggled with a way to tackle its comedic tone, musical numbers and blend of animation and live-action sequences.

For the rest of  Marc Graser’s article…please go to Variety

Fort Wilderness Campfire Movie Schedule

Here’s the Fort Wilderness campfire movie schedule for the month of February 2010. Fort Wilderness has another great lineup of movies this month. Admission is free and marshmallow roasting kits are available for purchase.

The campfire is lit at 6:30 pm, Sing-a-long starts at 7:00 pm, and the movie starts at 7:40 pm. Second movie if shown will be at 9:15 pm. Look for a visit from Chip & Dale.

As always, double check the times with a cast member when you get to WDW. In the event of bad weather, a “Porch Jam” sing-a-long will be held at the Ol’ Meadow Swimmin’ Hole.

Don’t miss the double features on Friday and Saturday nights!

Feb 01 - Monsters, Inc. (G)
Feb 02 - Hannah Montana – The Movie (G)
Feb 03 - Swiss Family Robinson (G)
Feb 04 - Hercules (G)
Feb 05 - Lilo & Stitch (PG) & Up (PG)
Feb 06 - Sleeping Beauty (G) & Race to Witch Mountain (PG)
Feb 07 - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (G)
Feb 08 - Cars (G)
Feb 09 - Herbie: Fully Loaded (G)
Feb 10 - Ratatouille(G)
Feb 11 - The Aristocats (G)
Feb 12 - G-Force (PG) & Freaky Friday (PG)
Feb 13 - Princess Protection Program (G) & Bolt (PG)
Feb 14 - Enchanted (PG)
Feb 15 - The Parent Trap (PG)
Feb 16 - Mulan (G)
Feb 17 - Snow Ball Express (G)
Feb 18 - The Game Plan (G)
Feb 19 - 101 Dalmatians (G) & Bedtime Stories (PG)
Feb 20 - Pinocchio (G) & WALL-E (G)
Feb 21 - Bolt (PG)
Feb 22 - The Apple Dumpling Gang (G)
Feb 23 - High School Musical 3 (G)
Feb 24 - Meet the Robinsons (G)
Feb 25 - The Emperor’s New Groove (G)
Feb 26 - Tarzan (G) & Finding Nemo (G)
Feb 27 - G-Force (PG) & Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG)
Feb 28 - The Rescuers Down Under (G)

In addition to the Campfire movies at Fort Wilderness, Disney movies are also featured in the beach or pool areas on select nights at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, the Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Saratoga Springs Resort, Old Key West and All Star Music. Some also include campfires. S’mores kits are available for about $5 at nearby refreshment stands, at resorts that feature a campfire. The front desk at individual resorts can provide a list of movies, dates and times.

With nearly 3,000 Points of Interest covering all of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks, resorts, and venues, eTicket has the information you need to plan and enjoy your visit available right at your fingertips.

Whether a user’s destination is Walt Disney World or Disneyland, eTicket offers its users many different opportunities to improve their trips, starting with the planning stage and continuing all the way through their vacations.

Notable eTicket functions include:

- Create Your Own Itinerary: In preparation for a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, users can input their travel dates and add restaurants, attractions, and custom items to their daily schedule before they even set foot in a theme park. eTicket owners can also view theme park hours up to 30 days in advance to assist in their planning. In addition, Disneyland passholders can view blackout dates to be certain their planned visit comes at an appropriate time.

- 2,700+ Points of Interest (POI): The map within eTicket is the most detailed of its kind. Every theme park, resort, and waterpark has been mapped. With smart GPS capability, eTicket owners will be located anywhere on Walt Disney World or Disneyland property and will be able to view full descriptions and user ratings of attractions, restaurants, and shows near their current location.

- Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Calculator: DVC owners can enter their point allotment, desired dates of visit, and resort of choice to receive a calculation displaying how many points the stay will cost and how many points are remaining.

- Mobile DISboards access: eTicket is the exclusive method of viewing and posting via the IPhone on DISBoards.com, the internet’s largest Disney fan community.

eTicket is available in the iTunes App Store and requires the free upgraded iPhone 3.1+ software, GPS, and 3G or WIFI. Once the application is downloaded, it will automatically update itself daily in order to contain the most accurate showtimes, park hours, and closures. For more information, visit http://www.eticketapp.com.

PRWeb

The company is looking to sell the Miramax name as well as its 700-film library, the report said, and the possible sale has attracted the interest of seven to 10 bidders.

According to the report, possible buyers include “Twilight” studio Summit Entertainment, private equity groups and at least one other independent studio.

A sale could be announced “within a few months,” The New York Times said, citing the same source.

Disney and Summit could not be immediately reached for comment.

Miramax was once a top art-house studio, and its library includes “Pulp Fiction,” “Good Will Hunting,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Clerks,” and “Shakespeare in Love.”

According to the newspaper, analysts estimate that the Miramax library brings in more than $300 million in DVD and television revenue annually, but Disney has never disclosed that figure.

Reuters

In Italy, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria is under construction with opening planned for fall 2010 in time for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Operated by Patina Restaurant Group, the same restaurateurs who run the pavilion’s Tutto Italia Ristorante, the 300-seat pizzeria is inspired by Naples 45, another Patina Restaurant Group pizzeria on East 45^th Street in New York City.

The casual pizzeria will feature wood-burning ovens – and will import water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough.  The menu also will feature pastas, salads, sandwiches and Italian wines.

The 14,000-square-foot space will include indoor and outdoor dining.

Walt Disney World Press Release

Join us February 8th – February 16th

The Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of Venice) has arrived at the Tutto Italia Ristorante, located in the Italy pavilion at Epcot!

Venice’s Carnival began in the 11th century, and the wearing of masks and costumes was well established by the early 1400’s. The practice of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak in the 18th century when Venetians of different social classes used Carnevale as an excuse to mix and mingle incognito.

Masks will also be a part of the Tutto Italia celebration – Guests will have the opportunity to see a special mask display inside the restaurant and the waiters will be wearing their own. Feel free to bring your own too, or select a mask to purchase on location!

A special lunch and dinner menu will be available during the celebration. Guests can choose one of two pre-selected appetizers, entrees and desserts. A special performance by “Viva Venezia” will occur each evening 5pm – 8:45pm inside the restaurant. The musical trio, known as the “strolling musicians,” will serenade Guests with traditional Venetian music.

Lunch $19 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Dinner $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Tables in Wonderland members will benefit with their 20% discount on food and beverage. No substitutions on specialty menu offerings will be allowed, and reservations are highly recommended. Guests may call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

The Lunch Menu: $19

Appetizers (Please Choose One):

Eggplant Parmigiana or Insalata di Rapa Caprino

Entrees (Please Choose One):

Angel Hair Pasta, Shrimp, Lemon Butter Sauce or Rolled Chicken Breast, Prosciutto, Spinach, Provolone

Dessert:

Mini Cannoli and Tiramisu

The Dinner Menu: $29

Appetizers (Please Choose One):

Insalata di Gamberi Grigliati or Affetati Misti e Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Entrees (Please Choose One):

Filetto di Pesce al “Melograno” or Petto di Pollo alla Parmigiana or Spezzatino di Vitello

Dessert:

Fritelle di Mele and Uvetta, Pinoli Fritters

Sales Tax and Gratuity are not included.

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Tables in Wonderland presents: Jiko Wine Dinner

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Thursday February 11, 2010

Join Chef Brett Hill and his team in Jiko’s private dining room, the Cape Town Wine Room, as they present a very special dinner featuring modern African cuisine infused with the cultural influences of Europe, India and Asia. Chef Brett and a winery representative pair delectable dishes with first-rate wines while interacting with Guests throughout the evening.

Relax and enjoy the warm, soothing colors of an African sunset in a beautiful setting as you savor a truly unique culinary experience.

Please join us in the Sunset Lounge at 6:30pm to enjoy some of our Passed Appetizers

Featured Wines:

Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc

Radford Dale Chardonnay

Cederberg Bukkettraube

Paul Cluver Pinot Noir

Radford Dale Gravity

Fairvalley Pinotage

Jardin Mellifera Noble Late Harvest Riesling

Guest Speaker for this dinner will be Peter Clinton, President of Vinnovative Imports

Founded by ex-pat South African, Peter Clinton, the company is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Peter had barely settled into his new life in the US when he began exploring career paths that would give him the opportunity to promote his native country. It was as a result of Peter’s fiercely proud nationalism and their shared appreciation of wine that he ventured into this business. Noticing the embarrassing selection of primarily export-only labels during a visit to the grocery store, and confirming this opinion by a random sampling of the available wines, Peter resolved to bring quality South African wines back into the US. Although wine has been made in South Africa’s Western Cape for over 350 years, re-introducing previously sanctioned wines here has been more akin to marketing a newly discovered region. The struggle continues.

Vinnovative Imports is the sole US importer and has exclusive distribution rights for each of the wineries represented in its portfolio.

These wineries have received national recognition through publications including: The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, International Wine Cellar, Wine & Spirits, Wine Enthusiast, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Price: $160 per person, including tax and gratuity.  This event is limited to 38 Guests.

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

Reception: 6:30pm, Dinner: 7:00pm

Jiko Dress Code Guidelines: Casual Evening Attire

For reservations, please send an email to WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information:  your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. If you had previously sent an email with regards to this event, please send an email starting now to book the event.

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Tables in Wonderland Special Event:  Valentine’s Day Chocolate Dinner

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk

Sunday, February 14, 2010, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Romance is in the air at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk this Valentine’s Day.  Enter a classic dance hall resplendent with polished gold railings, period marble tables, and a spacious and gleaming wooden dance floor.  Overhead, sparkling lights twinkle throughout the ceiling, recalling the grand dance halls of the 1940s.  You will be delighted with a plated dinner, in which all courses will have an element of chocolate.

Price:  $160 per person, plus tax.  Gratuity is included.

Dress Code: Casual Evening Attire

Entertainment to include a Jazz Trio.

For reservations, please send an email to WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information:  your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 190 Guests.  If you had previously sent an email with regards to this event, please send an email starting now to book the event.

Passed Hors d’oeuvres

Chilled Sliced Chocolate-Chili-Barbecue Duck Breast with Savory Slaw

Cocoa-dusted Medium Rare Tuna Tartare with Crispy Wonton

Roasted Vegetables with Spicy Hummus in a Chocolate Phyllo Cup

Beer, Wine, Specialty Drink

Plated Dinner

Seared Citrus Scallops on Baby Spinach with a Frangelico White Chocolate Beurre Blanc

Mixed Field Green Salad with Sun-dried Berries, Pear Tomatoes, Poached Bosc Pears, and Endive with Cocoa-poppy Seed Dressing and Chocolate Shavings

Herb-marinated Tenderloin of Beef on Creamy Cherry Risotto with Baby Vegetables and a Semisweet Chocolate-merlot Sauce

Dessert Trio

Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Berries Compote

Grand Marnier-infused Strawberry with Valrhona Fondue

Chocolate-infused Flan

Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon

Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Chardonnay

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Tables in Wonderland presents: The Wave Discovery Dinner

Thursday February 25th, 2010

6:30pm Reception.  7:00pm Dinner

Location: The Wave, Meet at main podium.  Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Dress code: Casual Evening Attire

$92.00 per person, includes tax and gratuity

Reception

Appetizers paired with August Kesseler Sylvaner/Riesling, 2007, Rheingau, Germany

Salad

Myakka Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Aged Balsamic Strawberries and Tiny Opal Basil

Marques de Caceres Rose, 2008, Rioja, Spain

Appetizer

Seared Sea Scallops with Cream Corn and Applewood Smoked Bacon

Tablas Creek ‘Cotes du Tablas’ Blanc (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc), 2008, Paso Robles, CA.

Entree

Duck and Lobster Two Ways –Duck Confit and Sliced Breast.  Lobster Tagliatelle and Caribbean Spiny Lobster

Domaine Vincent Girardin ‘Emotion de Terroirs’ Burgundy (Pinot Noir), 2005, Meursault, France

Dessert

Lott Farms Strawberry Charlotte with Strawberry infused Gelato, Chocolate Truffle Mousse, Strawberry Nectar, Balsamic Strawberry reduction.

Perrin et Fils Vinsobres (Syrah/Granache), 2007, Cotes du Rhone, France.

The Wave Discovery Dinners continue in February by celebrating our Central Florida Strawberry crop.  Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida.  Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983.  They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date.  Mike’s great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.

Jim Killam is the North Florida Sales Manager for Vineyard Brands.  He is the importer of all the wines that have been chosen to pair with the menu selections to be served this evening.  Jim has been involved in the Food & Beverage Industry for over 30 years and has been a long-time friend and partner with the Walt Disney World Food & Beverage team.  Jim is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of the Master Sommeliers.

For reservations, please send an email to WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.  You will be notified on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed.  The event is limited to 50 Guests. If you had previously sent an email with regards to this event, please send an email starting now to book the event.

The recall affects two products, about 55,000 items in total, sold exclusively by the world’s biggest retailer for $5 each. The action was taken voluntarily by Rhode Island-based jewelry company FAF Inc., which did not respond to requests for comment.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which disclosed the recall, had been testing for cadmium in children’s metal jewelry for several weeks in response to an Associated Press investigation that reported high levels of the known carcinogen in the Disney movie-themed pendants and other children’s metal jewelry imported from China.

The Walt Disney Co. released a letter Friday it sent its vendors and licencees that sets a zero-tolerance policy for cadmium in any children’s jewelry bearing its brand. That is far stricter than federal regulations, which not only don’t require testing for cadmium in children’s jewelry but also set no upper limit for how much a product can contain.

Disney is now requiring that all products be tested for cadmium, and that a detection means production and distribution of the product should be stopped.

“Any detectable levels of cadmium will be deemed a product failure,” wrote Manuel G. Grace, Disney Co.’s senior vice-president for product integrity.

In reaction to the AP’s reporting earlier this month, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. had pulled three items from its shelves, including the two recalled Friday – a crown pendant with UPC number 72783367144 and a frog pendant with UPC number 72783367147.

The items had been on sale at Walmart stores since November, in conjunction with release of the animated movie. Consumers can return the two recalled items to any Walmart store for a refund or replacement product. Wal-Mart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The day after Wal-Mart pulled the items on Jan. 12, the CPSC’s chairman advised parents to throw away all pieces of inexpensive metal jewelry, noting that children who chew, suck on or swallow a bracelet charm or necklace may be endangering their health because cadmium or lead could leach out of the item and into the body. Cadmium that is ingested accumulates for years, potentially causing serious harm to the kidneys and bones. Recent research also suggests it can harm brain development in children.

Friday’s recall marks the first time any consumer product has been recalled in the United States because of cadmium. To date, lead had been the focus – findings of high levels in jewelry and painted toys prompted a wave of recalls starting several years ago.

The CPSC said in a statement that there have been no reports of cadmium poisonings associated with the pendants but that its investigation into other pieces of jewelry “remains open and active.”

The Fashion Jewelry Trade Association, which includes FAF among its members, released a statement that emphasized the industry’s concern for safety but also suggested cadmium contamination is not widespread.

“We are confident in the safety of our members’ products,” said Michael Gale, executive director of the association. “Based on our members’ own data, cadmium is not widely used as a substitute for lead in children’s jewelry products.”

As part of the AP’s original investigation, lab tests conducted on 103 pieces of low-priced children’s jewelry found 12 items with cadmium content above 10 per cent of the total weight. One item consisted of 91 per cent cadmium by weight.

Pendants from four “The Princess and The Frog” necklaces ranged between 25 and 35 per cent cadmium, according to the testing.

Disney said in a statement at the time that test results provided by FAF showed the item complied with all applicable safety standards. But in the case of cadmium, unlike lead, there have been no specific levels that would automatically trigger health risks to children or a push for a recall.

As part of its investigation, the CPSC bought pieces of the jewelry cited in the AP reports, tested them in the agency’s lab and found high levels as well. Based on the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, agency staff determined that the items posed a health risk to children, according to agency spokesman Scott Wolfson. The agency then approached FAF, which co-operated with the investigation and agreed to the recall.

Canadian Press

“Smarter Planet is our way of describing what the possibilities are in the more intelligent, interconnected world,” said IBM spokesman Clint Roswell.

The “Smarter Planet” exhibit, located in the Innoventions pavilion of the Epcot theme park, offers park guests a peek at an energy efficient IBM data center that, according to IBM, reduces energy costs by up to 25 percent.

The data center will power the exhibit, service 200 clients outside of Disney property and donate unused computing capacity to the World Community Grid, which offers excess capacity to medical, humanitarian and environmental research projects, according to Roswell.

Guests also will be invited to create avatars of themselves which become players in a video game based on IBM’s history of computing achievements. Other kiosks ask guests to consider how technology can help solve complex world problems.

IBM launched its Smarter Planet brand in November 2008 to reflect the company’s evolution from primarily a hardware seller to a supplier of software to provide solutions to such problems as traffic congestion and inventory control.

Roswell would not provide figures on the cost of redesigning the 13-year-old IBM exhibit. A Disney spokeswoman said about 50 percent of Epcot guests visit the Innoventions pavilion, but would not provide overall attendance figures for the theme park.

Reuters

The closures were in line with plans announced in October to slash Miramax’s movie production to three per year, down from six to eight. Miramax owner Walt Disney Co. also announced then that Miramax president Daniel Battsek was leaving the company this month.

Miramax’s operations are being folded into Disney’s studio. Disney confirmed it has six Miramax films to be distributed through 2011, including The Baster and The Debt set for this fall. Disney did not elaborate on its plans beyond that.

Miramax, founded in 1979, had made such Oscar-winning films as Pulp Fiction (1994), Good Will Hunting (1997) and No Country for Old Men (2007) and helped launch the career of director Quentin Tarantino.

But Disney’s own studio has been seeing its profits shrivel and is being reorganized under its new chairman, Rich Ross, 48, who took over in October.

Miramax was one of many niche labels shuttered or downsized in Hollywood recently, plagued by high costs and few commercial hits despite their occasional critical success.

About 70 jobs at Miramax were eliminated in New York and Los Angeles, and fewer than 10 people from the label will continue to work from Disney’s headquarters in Burbank.

Miramax was founded by brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein, who came up with the company’s name by combining their parents’ first names, Miriam and Max. Disney bought Miramax in 1993 for $80 million. The Weinsteins left the company in 2005 — after a highly public dispute with Disney over the Michael Moore documentary Fahrenheit 9/11.

They created The Weinstein Co., which released the war hit Inglourious Basterds in August.

In a statement, the Weinsteins said they’d like to buy the label back some day.

“There isn’t much in the world that would make our 83-year-old mother happier,” they said.

Disney, however, is set to distribute a wide variety of films from other subsidiaries or partners. Those include its Pixar subsidiary, and starting this year, Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks SKG. It is also expected to begin developing movies based on Marvel comic book characters after acquiring Marvel Entertainment Inc. last month.

Associated Press

World-Renowned juggler Anthony Gatto is permanently joining the team of La Nouba artists at Downtown Disney in the Walt Disney World Resort.

Anthony, who holds 11 world records in juggling, uses simple hoops, clubs and balls during his act. What makes his act remarkable is speed and seemingly impossible accuracy with props — it’s hard to look away. Gatto has been performing  with Cirque’s tour of “KOOZA.”  He’ll be on stage for a nine-minute act that includes high-speed, high-volume  juggling of balls, clubs and hoops. Gatto’s routine will be called “cinq-a-sept” — “5 to 7,” which is generally known as “happy hour,” Cirque says.

The chair-climbing act will no longer be part of “La Nouba,” which has seen very little change since it opened in 1998.

The new act will be added permanently to the 90-minute shows beginning February 5. The La Nouba performance (no intermission) plays at 6:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The show is dark on Sunday and Monday.

Tickets are $65, $81, $99 and $114 for adults (plus tax) and $52, $65, $79 and $91 for children ages 3 to 9 (plus tax). Tickets can be purchased at the box office, at the plaza level of the theater, by calling (407) 939-7600 or oncirquedusoleil.com. or disneyworld.com.

Disney today announced a stunning collection of apparel and accessories inspired by its upcoming feature Alice In Wonderland, Tim Burton’s highly anticipated film, featuring favorite characters from the classic Lewis Carroll tales, releasing on the big screen on March 5, 2010 (U.S. theaters). Disney Consumer Products (DCP) collaborated with renowned jewelry designer, Tom Binns, leading fashion designer Sue Wong and Swarovski, the world’s largest producer of cut crystals, to create an interpretive line that brings the allure and mystery of the film and characters to life.

As part of the Alice fashion experience, DCP and Bloomingdale’s have joined forces to create one-of-a-kind window displays at Bloomingdale’s flagship 59th Street store in New York City. The windows will feature props from the film and highlight a selection of items from the designer line including Sue Wong for Walt Disney Signature dresses and Tom Binns for Walt Disney Signature jewelry. The windows at 59th street will be complemented by a special exhibit in the contemporary sportswear department on the second floor, which will feature select costumes and props detailed with information from the film.

In addition, seven Bloomingdale’s stores across the U.S. including the NY flagship store will enhance their Alice In Wonderland merchandise displays with special signage and video screens that will play behind-the-scenes footage and select bonus material. The stores include Beverly Center, CA, Century City, CA, San Francisco, CA, South Coast Plaza, CA, Aventura, FL and Short Hills, NJ. The Bloomingdale’s Alice In Wonderland-inspired windows and in-store displays are planned to set in early March.

“The arresting settings and characters in Tim Burton’s interpretation of Alice In Wonderland provided great inspiration and have made it possible for us to work with this renowned group of designers to create a truly unique collection of lifestyle products that will continue to position Disney at the forefront of fashion trends,” said Pam Lifford, executive vice president, global fashion and home, DCP. “Our collaboration with Bloomingdale’s brings it all together in a way that is fun and interesting for consumers and Disney fans alike.”

BusinessWire

A timeless heroine in the tradition of Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine and the rest of the beloved royal sisterhood, Tiana comes to life with classic hand-drawn Disney animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid) and a jazz-infused musical score from Academy Award® winning composer Randy Newman (Best Original Song, Monsters, Inc., 2001). A royal procession of exclusive bonus features, including games and specially- created featurettes, take viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the storied French Quarter of New Orleans and into the magic-steeped bayou for hours of can’t-miss family entertainment.

(More)The Princess and the Frog transports audiences to glorious, glamorous New Orleans as Tiana, the first African American Disney princess meets her frog prince and gives him the fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical, magical bayous of Louisiana. The Princess and the Frog’s colorful cast of one-of-a-kind new characters joyfully raises the roof, with voice performances from stars including Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, 2004,“Caroline, or Change”), Keith David (Crash), Jenifer Lewis (“Strong Medicine”), Jim Cummings (“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”), Michael- Leon Wooley (Ghost Town), Bruno Campos (“Nip/Tuck”), Peter Bartlett (The Producers), Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow), Jennifer Cody (Broadway’s “Shrek: The Musical”), Oprah Winfrey and John Goodman (Monsters, Inc.).

Bonus Features

The single disc DVD comes with these exciting bonus features:

Deleted Scenes Audio Commentary by John Musker and Ron Clements (co-writers and directors) and Peter Del

Vecho (producer) “Never Knew I Needed”- Music video by Ne-Yo

Games and Activities • What Do You See: Princess Portraits — A bayou-style quiz tests viewers’ knowledge of all of

Disney’s beautiful princesses. Ray’s firefly family creates twinkling portraits of each princess and if the player correctly identifies her, they can enjoy a tongue-cheek mini re-telling of that character’s story.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack edition comes with additional bonus features, including:

Backstage Disney • Magic In The Bayou: The Making of A Princess — Co-writers and directors John Musker and Ron

Clements take a freewheeling, behind-the-scenes look at the making of Disney’s newest animated film as it grows from an initial concept to a lavish animated film set in the enchanting world of New Orleans and the surrounding bayous.

• The Return To Hand Drawn Animation • The Disney Legacy • Disney’s Newest Princess • The Princess and the Animator

• Conjuring The Villain • A Return To The Animated Musical • Bringing Life to Animation with an

introduction by John Musker and Ron Clements.

Deleted Scenes introduced by the filmmakers

Art Galleries — A collection of storyboard art traces the visual development of The Princess and the Frog’s rich gallery of characters and settings.

With extravagant musical numbers, stunningly realized settings and gorgeously rendered costumes, The Princess and the Frog serves up an experience Richard Corliss of Time calls “A start-to-finish delight.”

Magic, music and romance are waiting around every corner of the legendary Big Easy as Disney’s newest princess sets out on an exciting adventure through a magical new world. Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose) is a beautiful and hardworking young woman determined to fulfil her father’s dream of owning an elegant New Orleans supper club. When Naveen (Bruno Campos), a handsome prince arrives in town looking for romance, the evil Dr. Facilier (Keith David) hatches a nefarious plot and turns Naveen into a frog. A kiss from Tiana should return him to his true form, but in a hilarious twist on the classic story, she is instead transformed into a frog herself! The pair must travel into the heart of the mysterious Louisiana bayou with only a trumpet-playing alligator and a love-struck firefly as guides to find the priestess who can reverse the curse in order to find their “happily ever after.”

The Princess and the Frog on Blu-ray is priced at $39.99SRP (US), and $44.99 (Canada) and on Blu-ray Combo Pack is priced at $44.99 SRP (US) and $51.99SRP (Canada), and the Single Disc DVD is priced at $29.99 SRP (US) and $35.99 SRP (Canada).

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment

These additions, announced today, one year from the maiden voyage of the Disney Dream, offer new experiences for guests of all ages.

Goofy’s Sports Deck
On Goofy’s Sports Deck, the magic tees off on deck 13 with Goofy’s Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead guests through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist. Lessons include:
• “Handling a dog leg” – Guests avoid a fire hydrant and use Pluto’s dog bone to guide them to the hole.
• “Stuck in the rough” – Goofy shows golfers how to avoid the tall turf and steer clear of a lawn mower.
• “Reading the green” – Stacks of books and a large magnifying glass are obstacles to circumvent on this undulating green.
• “Attacking the green” – Yo ho, yo ho! Golfers and landlubbers take a swashbuckling approach to sinking their putt on this pirate-themed hole.

Guests can choose to use the Goofy or Max tee on each hole, offering twice the fun. Family-friendly competitions and tournaments will keep the excitement on par while quirky golf clubs, some crooked and bent, will challenge golfers to stay on course. Goofy and Max may even swing by to interact with guests and offer some tips on club selection, stance or just goofing around.

Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball, golf and more. With the simulators, guests can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball.

Max’s Courts are two mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There’s full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy’s Sports Deck.

Nemo’s Reef
Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney•Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.”

Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet-deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current).

Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main guest entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.

Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar
Reserved exclusively for guests 18 and older, the Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar is a retreat for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.

One of three fresh-water pools on the Disney Dream, Quiet Cove Pool features varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. A series of connected circular pools includes a 4-foot-deep plunge pool and a 6-inch-deep sunbathing pool with built-in loungers and a mister. Guests also can splash up to Cove Bar, which is part of the pool, and sip a refreshing beverage.

Nearby, on the sides of deck 11, guests can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking the ocean. Four “infinity” whirlpool hot tubs – two for families and two just for adults – provide spectacular views of the ocean beyond.

AquaDuck and More!
The Disney Dream will feature the world’s first shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – which will sweep guests away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.

Donald Pool is the place for families to gather and enjoy all of the activities up on deck. Overlooking Donald Pool is the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – showing Disney films and other live broadcast events. A retractable floor extends over the pool, providing an ideal dance floor for deck parties.

Continuing a favorite feature of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream will also have a Mickey Pool for children. The shape of Mickey Pool resembles the beloved Disney character, and an oversized version of Mickey’s hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.

As an added convenience for parents with children of different ages, Donald Pool, Mickey Pool and Nemo’s Reef are all located within the same vicinity, on deck 11 between the forward and aft funnel.

Disneyland guests have been going to the private jewelry store to buy engagement rings, among other items. But the recession has cut into business so much that the store plans to close as of April 15, said Lucretia Jacobs, whose family owns the shop.

The lawsuit filed by lawyers for Christine Wuennenberg say Disney failed to follow monorail-safety procedures, which led to the July crash that killed 21-year-old Austin Wuennenberg.

Federal authorities cited Disney for workplace violations. The most serious citation was for failing to have a workplace free of hazards that could cause death or harm to workers.

One of the monorail’s trains was changing tracks when it backed into a train with Wuennenberg at the controls.

Disney spokesman Bryan Malenius says he couldn’t comment because of a pending, separate federal investigation. But he says the lawsuit “does not diminish our sympathy for the family.”

Associated Press

Join Ryan and Greg from the NFFC–Disneyana Fan Club event as they discuss lots of the little and bigger changes at the Disneyland Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm also gets some coverage.

“A rhino birth is considered to be a significant event since the species was once nearly extinct and is currently endangered,” according to Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Disney’s Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives. “Under protection and careful management, this species has grown to approximately 11,000 worldwide, with 190 residing in North American zoos.”

During her first weigh-in on Jan. 22, the newborn weighed 178 pounds. The calf and mother are currently off the savannah bonding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but will return to the herd in the coming months.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom participates in a white rhino breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The program focuses on sustaining the white rhino population in North America. Many older rhinos in the population have not bred and it is important for the long term survival of the North American population for this species to continue to reproduce.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the success of the rhino breeding program has enabled team members to make a direct contribution to the conservation of white rhinos in the wild. In 2006, Nande and Hasani, two rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, traveled to Africa to join four others at Ziwa Sanctuary in Uganda, reestablishing a white rhino population there that had been extinct since the 1980s. Last year, Nande gave birth to the first white rhino born in Uganda in 27 years.

Walt Disney World’s commitment to conservation and rhinos goes beyond rhino breeding. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has supported more than $250,000 in rhino protection and research projects in partnership with non-profit organizations throughout the world. For more information on the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund visitwww.disney.com/conservation

White rhino fun facts:

• White rhinos have no incisors or canine teeth and use their square lips to graze or browse large areas of grassland.
• White rhinos are named not for their color, which is gray, but for the shape of their mouths. The word “weit” in Afrikaans means wide.

Walt Disney World Public Relations

One-Day Disney Park Passport from 1983

After the Year of a Million Dreams promotion was stretched into years, Disney tried the What Will You Celebrate promotion. Disney has now retooled the What Will You Celebrate promotion into Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.

The idea of this promotion in Disney’s own words is “to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities.” This country has some of the most generous people in the world, and they usually can be counted on to give quite a bit when a disaster happens almost anywhere in the world. According to Associated Press, Americans have donated more than $5 million through their cell phones to help the victims of the recent Haiti earthquake. So it should not be hard to get a few people to give a little right? Well, there is always the small print. You can’t just donate your time to any old cause; they must be approved by Disney and arranged through Disney’s website. It is their promotion after all.

Visit Examiner.com for the rest of the story.

Disneland circa 1985

Southern Californians live in a very special place. Near-perfect weather allows most to spend a large majority of their time enjoying the outdoors and amenities of the region.

Within a short drive of Disneyland, Southern California offers many entertainment opportunities. The Los Angeles and San Diego regions both offer many exciting entertainment venues for the whole family. There are cultural treasures, architectural marvels and whole world of wonder waiting for you and your family in Southern California.

For the rest of the story visit Examiner.com

Last September, Disney said Fantasyland would get the Disney Princess-treatment with new areas designated for the heroines of the Disney film franchises.

Image Courtesy of StitchKingdom

The renderings include areas based on the Disney adaptations of Beauty and the Beast,Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Dumbo, Disney fairies and a Winnie the Pooh area, as well, according to renderings on the StitchKingdom.com blog site.

Image Courtesy of StitchKingdom

At least three attractions are included in the designs: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Barnstormer and a Little Mermaid ride.

In addition, at least two eateries will be added: Gaston’s Tavern and Be Our Guest Restaurant — both based on the Beauty and the Beast brand, said the Web site.

The new Fantasyland is slated to be completed by 2013.

Orlando Business Journal

Disney states that its “voluntEARS” will be fielding calls and processing donations out of their Orlando reservations center during the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon, which will air on broadcast and cable networks tonight beginning at 8 p.m. EST

Earlier this month, the Walt Disney Co. pledged $100,000 toward rescue and recovery efforts in the impoverished island nation.

The e-mail was sent Tuesday to Commissioner Randy Wilkinson and appears to have been sent to VIPs expected to attend Thursday’s press conference about the project. It was from Mark Jackson, director of tourism and sports marketing for Central Florida Tourism & Sports Marketing.

The Ledger reported last week that Merlin had bought the Cypress Gardens property in Winter Haven. E-mail sent to public officials in Florida are considered public record. The company had declined to say what it would do with the property, saying that would be announced Thursday.

Here are some details listed in the e-mail:

“Helpful Facts: Confidential until Thursday.

1. LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND attraction worldwide (CA, Denmark , England , and Germany ).

2. Merlin is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only behind Disney.

3. Merlin’s massive research in the area already indicated that; the LEGOLAND brand already has high recognition and a 90% intention to visit by families in their target market.

4. LEGOLAND, CA, is the fastest growing theme park in the U.S., realizing an astounding 6% growth in 2009. The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.

5. Check out Merlin’s website (www.merlinentertainments.biz.) for a broad overview of their operations.”

The Ledger

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Disney World signed a settlement agreement on Friday, and the deal was made public on Tuesday. Disney had been fined $44,000 in December for breaches contributing to the July 5 death of 21-year-old Austin Wuennenberg, as well as other workplace violations. That fine has been reduced to $35,200.

A Disney spokeswoman said the resort worked with OSHA to address any concerns but declined to comment further.

Under the agreement, Disney says it will correct all four safety violations cited by OSHA.

Associated Press

Also at the park is a revamped Gator Jumparoo show and the exhibit of white alligators.

The Disney resort, which is under construction at Ko Olina Resort on Oahu, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

The name Aulani means “the place that speaks for the great ones,” or “the place that speaks with deep messages,” Joe Rohde, senior vice president of creative for Walt Disney Imagineering, said in an e-mail newsletter distributed on Tuesday.

According to the Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert, aulani is a noun that means “messenger of a chief.”

“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it,” Rohde said in the newsletter. “The name Aulani expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling — and its roots are here in this land.”

Disney has launched a Web site, www.disneyaulani.com, to provide updates on the resort’s development. The company hasn’t said how much the project costs but estimates put it at about $800 million.

When completed, the new resort will have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas. It will also include an 18,000 square-foot spa, two restaurants, 14,545 square-foot conference center, and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues, including pools, hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon and a variety of programs for children.

Pacific Business News

“The creative “Forces” at Disney and Lucasfilm are proud to announce an all-new character coming to the Disney Parks in April 2010. Every Jedi needs his own astromech droid, and Jedi Mickey is no exception. This spring we will be introducing Jedi Mickey’s own droid, R2-MK.

“This new character is exclusive to the Disney Parks, and he will be available at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. It will come packed as a Hasbro action figure 2-pack along with Jedi Mickey and will retail for $18.95.”

Disney Press Release

Since opening to great fanfare, Disney’s first magic kingdom in China has struggled to attract the expected flood of visitors from mainland China, although its performance had been difficult to gauge given Disney’s initial refusal to fully disclose key results and attendance figures.

A paper by Hong Kong’s Tourism Commission for local lawmakers, however, said Hong Kong Disneyland made the net loss in 2009 partly because of the “unfavourable impact” of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak and the global financial crisis.

The paper, released on Tuesday, added that the park made a net loss of HK$1.574 billion in 2008, while hotel occupancy rates stood at 70 percent in 2009, a drop of eight percent from 2008.

“We would like to point out that (Hong Kong Disneyland) is a long-term asset that grows over time and it is still in its early years of development,” the paper said, while noting the park’s continued cost containment efforts.

The Hong Kong government, however, which has a 52 percent stake in the park — the Walt Disney Company (DIS.N) holds the other 48 percent — expressed disappointment with the park’s results, calling on it to improve.

“We are concerned about the situation and are dissatisfied with the financial performance (of Hong Kong Disneyland),” said Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau.

The park saw 4.6 million visitors in 2009, 2 percent more than 2008, generating revenues of HK$2.541 billion.

Last year’s attendance was lower than Disney’s first-year attendance target of 5.6 million, which it just missed. After the park’s expansion, however, the number of visitors is expected to swell to between 5.2 million-8 million visitors by 2015.

The park initially said it hoped to attract 10 million visitors per year after 15 years. With attendance falling short of targets, the government has been seeking ways to boost the number of visitors in the long term.

The theme park, Disney’s smallest, is now undergoing a $468 million expansion aimed at bolstering its competitiveness with a rival Disneyland that is scheduled to open in Shanghai in the next five or six years.

As part of the expansion deal, partly financed by the Hong Kong government, Disney pledged to boost the transparency of its operations by releasing annual operating and financial results.

Reuters

The addition of streaming sports content could give the Xbox a leg up again on competitors Sony and Nintendo, whose respective PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles now have the Netflix streaming for which Xbox once boasted exclusivity. The NYT reports ESPN content on Xbox could be offered for a per-subscriber fee.

From the NYT report, which cited anonymous sources close to the talks:

ESPN could provide live streams of sporting events, similar to the ones available through ESPN 360, a service that is available from some high-speed Internet providers. Microsoft could also create some interactive games in association with ESPN, the people said, although a deal has not yet been struck.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will star Johnny Depp, returning to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow. The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and directed by Rob Marshall. The writers are Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and the executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Elliott, Rossio and John DeLuca.

“Disney’s long-term commitment to Hawai‘i – from ABC’s ‘LOST’ to the new Disney resort on O‘ahu scheduled to open in 2011, and now the upcoming filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ – is a testament to the company’s confidence in our state as a great place to do business,“ said Governor Lingle.

“The Walt Disney Company has a great relationship with Hawai‘i that we’re looking forward to building upon with the filming of the latest adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew,” said Iger. “I thank Governor Lingle and her team for their tremendous support of the projects Disney has underway in this great state.”

“We’ve always sought out the most extraordinary and exotic locations for the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films,” said producer Jerry Bruckheimer, “and previously shot briefly on both Maui and Moloka‘i for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ Hawai‘i provides an amazing range of both land and seascapes, and we’re delighted to return for ‘On Stranger Tides.’”

The state’s Creative Industries Division and the Hawai‘i Film Office, which are housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, began working with Disney last year and organized a series of meetings and conference calls to help secure the business.

Georja Skinner, the State’s Creative Industries Division administrator who oversees operations of the Hawai‘i Film Office, worked collaboratively with the Governor’s office, Department of Taxation and Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert, along with Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the Kaua‘i Film Office, the City and County’s Honolulu Film Office, The Resort Group, Ko Olina Resort and Disney Vacation Club to help secure “Pirates of the Caribbean” for Hawai‘i.

“Hawai‘i competes on a global basis for productions and to have Disney choose Hawai‘i over other states and countries is a huge win for us,” said Skinner. “Creative industries are by nature collaborative and what I think made a difference for us is the combination of our tax incentive as well as local film, travel and destination industry support.”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” joins a growing list of feature film and television productions slated to film in Hawai‘i this year. Warner Bros. feature “Hereafter,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Matt Damon completed filming on Maui last week. Pre-production is also beginning for the feature film “The Descendents,” starring George Clooney and directed by Academy Award®-winning writer/director Alexander Payne. The film is based on the book by Hawai‘i resident Kau‘i Hart Hemmings. Several network pilots, as well as a Japanese drama series and a Korean drama series are also scouting Hawai‘i for projects this year.

Press Release

The  tool manufacturer has signed a multiyear contract making it the “official tool provider” at Disney World and ensuring its brand is on view throughout the giant resort. Stanley’s logo now appears on construction walls in Disney theme parks (on signs that feature quotes from Walt Disney) and its tools are now part of the garage area of the Lights, Motor, Action! Stunt Show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tools will soon be added to the queue of Test Track in Epcot, as well.

Stanley will also provide a Mac Tools truck for use by Disney technicians, and it will have access to resort facilities for employee and sales meetings.

The companies declined to disclose exact terms of the deal.

Among the exciting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.

“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”

D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis.

D23’s special-event lineup includes:

January 22, 2010: A Practically Perfect Night of Surprises with D23 and Mary Poppins
D23 Members will attend a performance of the critically acclaimed Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles — plus an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast… and a top-secret surprise guest. (Hint: It’s an actor from the classic 1964 film.) D23 Members will receive 20 percent off select tickets for the January 22 performance (in various seating locations and price ranges). Click here for more information.

February 13, April 10, August 14 and November 13, 2010: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
D23 Members will get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank and at the Walt Disney Archives on a two-hour tour hosted by D23 and Archives staff members. Three tours will be held on each date, and each tour can accommodate 50 people. In D23’s Charter Year, these special tours sold out almost immediately. Tickets for the February 13 and April 10 tours will be available at 10 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday, January 26 and are $50 per person. Click here for more information about the February 13 D23 Day. Click here for more information about the April 10 D23 day.

March 5, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Hundreds of D23 Members are expected to gather from around the country — and around the world — for a once-in-a-lifetime night of magic and memories. The evening’s festivities include a private dinner inside the Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, followed by an exclusive D23 viewing of Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Afterward, guests will hear insider details about the upcoming Fantasyland expansion from Walt Disney Imagineering. The celebration will also feature a sumptuous dessert party, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and a host of surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.

March 10, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Disneyland® Resort
D23 will hold its one and only West Coast anniversary celebration in the most magical land at the Happiest Place on Earth: Fantasyland. D23 Members will take over all of Fantasyland for one amazing night filled with classic attractions, familiar characters (as well as a few you may not have seen in a while!) and a chance to see rare pieces of Disneyland history up close. Plus, D23 Members and their guests will enjoy an array of delicious Disney-inspired desserts, a special commemorative pin for everyone attending and other surprises. Check back here for more information, including reservation availability and pricing.

March 27, 2010: “50 and Fabulous” Screening of Toby Tyler
At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney fans had a chance to see Disney masterpieces that were celebrating their Golden Anniversaries… a new D23 tradition that continues in 2010, this time in the recently renovated, state-of-the-art, 400-seat Studio Theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. Tickets to the “50 and Fabulous” screenings are free for D23 Members and their guests, and the series kicks off with a movie that hasn’t been seen on the big screen since its first release in 1960: Toby Tyler, or 10 Weeks with a Circus. D23’s screening of this lighthearted, live-action comedy will combine with special D23 surprises and the opportunity to enjoy a movie in this exclusive cinematic venue. Reservations may be made beginning at 10 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, January 26. (A $5 processing fee for each ticket will apply.) Click here for more information.

As with all live events, dates and times are subject to change.

Additional D23 special events are planned throughout 2010, including:

• May 8: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Pollyanna at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
• May 29-30: “Flowers and Fireworks” event at the Walt Disney World Resort, adding all-new elements as D23 expands the festivities to two days;
• June 26: A special celebration at the Walt Disney Studios marking the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives;
• July 10: “50 and Fabulous” screening of Swiss Family Robinson at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
• October 15-16: “Sip & Stroll” at the immensely popular Epcot International Food and Wine Festival;
• October 23: “50 and Fabulous” screening of The Sign of Zorro at the Walt Disney Studio Theatre;
• December 11-12: “Magic and Merriment” weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort;

D23 is in the planning stages for even more exciting 2010 events, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.

D23

But that didn’t submarine the relationship. On Thursday, Ross picked Bailey as the Burbank studio’s new head of production, succeeding Oren Aviv, who was ousted this week after a disappointing spate of movies.

Bailey, who has no experience as a studio executive, faces a steep learning curve in assembling slates of movies and managing dozens of executives and filmmakers. He’s also the second outsider recruited for a key movie post at the studio: Ross, tapped just three months ago, had spent his career in television, most recently at the Disney Channel.

Although Disney has its film schedule set for this year, with such major releases as “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” in the wings, the two executives will have to move quickly to line up projects for 2011.

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

“We at the Walt Disney Company are deeply saddened by this tragedy and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti and their loved ones, which include our Cast Members and employees,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company.

“We hope this donation will help the Red Cross to provide immediate aid and relief to the thousands of people affected by this terrible tragedy,” Mr. Iger added.

BusinessWire

New as of January 2010!

Epcot®: Tokyo Dining Location Only (Not Teppan Edo)

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: Kouzzina by Cat Cora (formerly Spoodles)

Disney’s Wide World of Sports: ESPN® Sports Cafe

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Marketplace: Fulton’s Crab House

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Pleasure Island: Portobello

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® West Side: House of Blues®, Wolfgang Puck® Cafe

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Kimonos, Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo

Tables in Wonderland List of ALL participating locations:

Walt Disney World Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: World Premiere Food Court

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: Intermission Food Court

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort: End Zone Food Court

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Boma—Flavors of Africa, Jiko—The Cooking Place, Sanaa, Victoria Falls

Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Excludes take out shop), Cape May Café, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: Belle Vue Lounge, ESPN® Club, Flying Fish Cafe, Kouzzina by Cat Cora

Disney’s Bonnet Creek Golf Club: Sand Trap Bar & Grill

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Shutters at Old Port Royale

Disney’s Contemporary Resort: California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Outer Rim, The Wave

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Maya Grill

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Late Show Only), Trail’s End Restaurant, Crockett’s Tavern

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 1900 Park Fare, Cítricos, Garden View Tea Room, Grand Floridian Cafe, Mizner’s Lounge, Narcoossee’s, Victoria & Albert’s (Excluding Chef’s Table)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Olivia’s Cafe

Disney’s Polynesian Resort: ‘Ohana, Kona Café, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Late Show Only), Tambu Lounge

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: Everything Pop Shopping and Dining (Excludes merchandise from shop)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort: Riverside: Boatwright’s Dining Hall, River Roost.  French Quarter: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Scat Cat’s Club

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: The Artist’s Palette, The Turf Club Lounge, The Turf Club Bar & Grill

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: The Green Cabin Room, Shutter’s, Sonya’s (Excludes the Sunday Brunch)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Artist Point, Territory Lounge, Whispering Canyon Cafe

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Ale and Compass Lounge, Crews Cup Lounge, Captain’s Grille, Yachtsman Steakhouse

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Kimonos, Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

MAGIC KINGDOM Park: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, The Crystal Palace, The Plaza Restaurant, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Epcot: 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

Disney’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 Lounge

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM Theme Park: Tusker House Restaurant, Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue, Restaurantosaurus

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace: Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, Fulton’s Crab House

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island: Portobello, Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant

DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side: House of Blues®, Planet Hollywood®, Wolfgang Puck® Cafe

Disney’s Wide World of Sports: ESPN® Sports Cafe

Walt Disney Studios Chairman Rich Ross approached Erik Feig, head of production at Summit Entertainment and the executive behind the “Twilight” franchise, about succeeding Oren Aviv as production chief at the Burbank studio, according to people familiar with the talks. Ross ousted Aviv, an 18-year veteran of Disney, late yesterday and is scrambling to find his replacement.

But, it appears that Feig, who has worked at Summit for nine years and is still under contract, is staying put.

“He’s not going to Disney and he never asked to be released from his contract,” said his boss, Rob Friedman, chief executive of Summit. Feig did not respond to a call or e-mail seeking comment.

A Disney spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.

It is understandable that Ross would court Feig. He fits the mold of the newly reshaped Disney studio, where Ross is trying to rein in costs and launch new franchises that don’t necessarily depend on big stars.

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

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment announces the return of seven movie favorites to the Disney vault on January 30, 2010. Treasured by families, fans and coveted by collectors, the exciting, limited-time releases that return to the vault include multiple animated classics and live-action favorites.

Sleeping Beauty (animated) Blu-ray(TM) Hi-Def & DVD

The Jungle Book (animated) on DVD

The Jungle Book 2 (animated) on DVD

101 Dalmatians DVD (animated) on DVD

101 Dalmatians II (animated) on DVD

101 Dalmatians (live-action) on DVD

102 Dalmatians (live action) on DVD

PRNewswire

Greg McNaughten Nutt

During this time of economic uncertainty many families and individuals are cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Yet, entertainment is an escape from the hard realities of life. The local cineplex charges about $10 for two hours of escapism if you’re lucky. A Disneyland Annual Passport provides a value far beyond a 2-hour film, but can cost hundreds of dollars. For an individual or a family an Annual Passport is a significant investment.

Last year Disneyland introduced an opportunity to all Southern California residents to purchase Disneyland Resort Annual Passports over a 12-month period making the dream of an annual passport much more affordable.

Visit Examiner.com for the rest of the story.

Aviv, a veteran of 18 years with the studio, was president of marketing from 2000 to 2006 before taking the production job. Aviv also served as an executive producer on the studio’s movie series “National Treasure” and was a close ally of former studio head Dick Cook, who was ousted by Ross last year.

The studio has been suffering a creative drought, with a number of movies, including “Shopaholic,” “G-Force” and “Old Dogs,” underperforming at the box office.

Bob Iger has been publicly critical of the movie picks. In October, he named Ross, who built Disney Channel into a children’s-programming juggernaut, to succeed Cook. Since that time, Ross has fired a number of Cook’s top executives and has restructured the marketing and distribution operations. He is expected soon to name a new production head and marketing chief.

Never before has Miley Stewart faced such a crucial decision!  Now, DVD viewers will be the FIRST to see the season finale with Miley’s pivotal decision making moment about staying in Hollywood or returning home to Tennessee, only on DVD before it airs on Disney Channel.  Get ready for Hannah Montana: Miley Says Goodbye? with six episodes, including the Season 3 finale episode, exciting bonus features and a bonus episode.

Bonus Episode

• He Could Be The One - 1 hour episode with alternate ending

Bonus Features

• Sister Secrets - Miley’s real-life sister, Brandi leads this exclusive backstage tour of the Hannah Montana show. Armed with her “Brandi-cam,” Brandi gets access and juicy details that only a real BFF can get with Miley, Emily, Jason, Mitchel, Moises, and even her dad, Billy Ray.
• Hannah Highlights - Pop-up trivia/facts on the episode “You Never Give Me Money”

Release Date – March 9, 2010

Lake Buena Vista-based San Angel Inn LLC, Walt Disney World’s partner on the Epcot pavilion, is razing the existing 3,500-square-foot, 288-seat restaurant and will build a new 12,000-square-foot one set to open by this fall. The project value was not released.

Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. in Orlando is the general contractor on the project, and CNL Bank is the lender, Orange County records showed.

This project follows the August debut of La Cava del Tequila, a new 800-square-foot, 33-seat tequila bar inside the Plaza de los Amigos in the Mexico pavilion. The Friedrich Watkins Co. in Orlando was the contractor on that project, county records showed.

The firm also plans to begin routine cosmetic renovations and a menu update at the main San Angel Inn restaurant, also inside the pavilion, by this summer.

Orlando Business Journal

Disney has promised to release a 3D Showcase Disc which will contain teasers for upcoming 3D films like Alice in Wonderlandand Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3. From 1953, an animated short film titled Working for Peanuts will also be featured on the disc.

Bob Chapek, President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios said, “We are excited to offer consumers an incredible line-up of true three-dimensional films and footage that will revolutionize the in-home entertainment experience.”

Sunday’s memorial was anything but a sad occasion. There were live performances and clips from some of his award-winning movies. Everyone was asked not to wear black, but bright colors or Hawaiian shirts. It was a true celebration for the man who was behind some of the most successful Disney movies to date.

About 1,000 people turned out for the memorial including many animators, actors and studio heads. Disney died in December 2009 at the age of 79 after a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was the son of Disney co-founder Roy Disney and the nephew of Walt Disney.

Roy E. Disney played a key role in revitalizing the Walt Disney Company in the 1980s, when he was the vice chairman of the board of directors and the head of the animation department. Through his guidance, the company produced a string of box office successes including “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King” and “Fantasia 2000.” Disney’s family says he really helped bring the company back to its roots.

“It wasn’t the company he loved and wanted to be successful, but he really loved the people in the company to be successful. He knew them individually, loved them, adored them, cherished them,” described Leslie DeMeuse Disney, Roy E. Disney’s widow.

“My dad was there from the beginning, so he had that connection with Walt and the connection to the beginning, so he understood the core of what this place really is, and he understood how important it was and how important good story telling is, no matter what form, ” said Roy P. Disney, Roy E. Disney’s son.

During the memorial, Disney’s CEO and President Robert Iger made a special announcement that the main animation building in Burbank will be renamed the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.

KABC

The shows will take place on Saturday nights from February 6 to April 17. The price of admission for the events is included in the price of a ticket to Universal Studios.

Other acts appearing at the Mardi Gras shows include KC and the Sunshine Band, Heart, Kool & the Gang, Dierks Bentley, Akon,Aretha Franklin, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Flo Rida, the Beach Boys and Chicago.

“Guests will experience the spirit of Bourbon St. in the heart of Universal Studios,” a press release said, promising “authentic Cajun cuisine, a spectacular parade and tons of beads.”

RTT News

We’ll find out after this season. Disney officials confirm to The New York Post that the upcoming fourth season will be the last for the show that made Miley Cyrus into a superstar.  And put her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, back on the map.

“You never know in this business . . . but right now we’re scheduled to wrap [forever] after shooting this new batch of episodes,” Disney Channel Worldwide’s Adam Bonnett, senior VP/programming, told the Post.

Production on the fourth season is set to begin Jan. 18,  with guest-star Ray Liotta in the season opener, and end sometime this summer.  The season will premiere in late spring, but Disney will roll out new episodes for at least a full year.

USA Today