Home Blog Page 4949

Final Event Schedule Revealed for D23 Expo

Final Event Schedule Revealed for D23 Expo

For three incredible days beginning August 19, fans of Disney entertainment will revel in new discoveries, special panels and presentations, movie screenings, celebrity appearances and autograph signings, plus new insights into movies, TV shows, theme parks, animation, Disney history, and more.  It’s all part of Disney’s D23 Expo 2011 from August 19­–21 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Exciting details about the activities and events planned for the three days of Disney’s D23 Expo 2011 have been announced, and a complete, up-to-the-minute schedule can be found online at www.D23Expo.com. Tickets for D23 Expo 2011, which is open to the general public, are available at D23Expo.com, and are available for individual days or for the full three days of this Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

Highlights of the D23 Expo 2011 include:

Exclusive Screenings & Sneak Peeks

D23 Expo 2011 will offer guests the chance to get sneak peeks and screenings of upcoming Disney movies and TV shows and specials like The Avengers, Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, The Lion King in 3D, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, Once Upon A Time, Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice, and many others. D23 Expo 2011 also will present the U.S. premiere screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D™. 

Special Presentations and Panels

D23 Expo 2011 will offer fascinating explorations of the past, present, and future of Disney. Throughout the three days, scores of special panels and presentations will bring new insight into Disney history, let guests go “behind the magic” of Disney theme park attractions and movies, and get fans up close and personal with Disney’s legacy of unforgettable entertainment.

D23 Expo Show Floor

A giant Show Floor filled with incredible pavilions and interactive areas assembles the entire world of Disney under one roof. From Disney’s global theme parks to the Company’s environmental initiatives, the Show Floor includes an area for collectors, a gathering of Disney licensees, a high-energy area devoted to Disney Channel, a pavilion dedicated to Walt Disney Animations Studios, and more.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives Exhibit

The legendary Walt Disney Archives will assemble a 12,000-square-foot exhibition featuring a beachside display of props, costumes and set pieces from LOST and Pirates of the Caribbean; a “House of de Vil” featuring the finalists and winner of Disney’s Fan Art Contest; a room devoted to 1982’s Tron, a display of vintage Mickey Mouse memorabilia, and much more. Plus, the Expo Show Floor will feature three iconic pieces: Walt Disney’s limousine, a 23-foot-long model of the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean and the Dharma Initiative Volkswagen van from LOST.

Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro® TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Disney For All Edition

For D23 Expo 2011, Disney is launching the first-ever Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament. Topics will range from classic to contemporary and from theme parks to films and everything in between. The tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center on Thursday, August 18, the day before the D23 Expo opens. Twenty semi-finalists will compete in front of a live audience during a dynamic show at 6 p.m. in Stage 23 on Friday, August 19 to win a special preview cruise on the Disney Fantasy.

Arena Presentations

The 4,000-seat Anaheim Convention Center Arena will be home to spectacular presentations throughout the three days of the Expo.The event kicks off with the Disney Legends ceremony, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy including Regis Philbin, Jim Henson and the voices of many of the Disney Princesses. Other highly anticipated sessions include presentations from The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Marvel Studios, and a rocking performance by the cast of the Disney Channel hit Shake It Up.

Celebrity Appearances

Celebrities from both current and classic Disney projects (both on screen and behind the scenes) will be on hand throughout the Expo, and are currently scheduled to include: Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Jason Dolley, Hayley Keyoko, Sterling Knight, Tiffany Thornton, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly MacDonald, Kevin McKidd, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Astin, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane, Kyle Massey, cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers and many more.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

The three days of the D23 Expo are packed with excitement and activity. Below are selected highlights from the three-day D23 Expo schedule. Please note that because the D23 Expo is a live experience, schedules, talent, locations, and descriptions are subject to change—so be sure to visit www.D23Expo.com for full updates and even more schedule details and surprises.

FRIDAY, August 19, 2011

Disney Store Opening Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9 a.m. Start off the day in grand style with Disney Store. Disney Living Pavilion

History of the Disneyland Hotel (D23 Members Only), 9:30 a.m. See vintage film footage, featuring Walt, the Mouseketeers, Annette Funicello, and more! Stage 28

Disney Living Meet and Greet, 10 a.m. Join us for a Disney Store 25th anniversary artist signing with artist Jim Salvati. Disney Living Pavilion

Jake and the Never Land Pirates, 10 a.m. Character appearances by Disney Channel’s Jake, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee. Disney Channel Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Dream Store miniaturist and sculptor Robert Olszewski. Welcome Center

2011 Disney Legends Ceremony, 11 a.m. D23 Expo kicks off the first day by honoring the latest recipients in Disney’s 24-year tradition. Arena

The Wonderful Words of Disney… Behind the Page: Kingdom Keepers, 11:30 a.m. In his presentation, author Ridley Pearson discusses the Kingdom Keepers series and reveals his own behind-the-scenes adventures. Stage 28

Disney Living Story Time, 11:30 a.m. Hear a Disney story from Disney Publishing Worldwide. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 11:30 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Precious Moments Doll artist Linda Rick. Welcome Center

The Never Land Pirate Band, 12:00 p.m. The Never Land Pirate Band from Jake and the Never Land Pirates rocks out! Disney Channel Pavilion

Christmas in August, 12:45 p.m. The world premiere screening of Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice with the creative team. Stage 23

Special Announcement and Storytelling Event, 1:00 p.m. Meet authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, as well as David Arquette, for story time. Disney Channel Pavilion

Rock Out with Rock Star Mickey, 1:00 p.m. Join us for a performance with Rock Star Mickey and American Idol‘s Constantine Maroulis. Disney Living Pavilion

The Making of The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, 1:00 p.m. Imagineers Lisa Girolami, Larry Nikolai, and Chris Crump take you behind the scenes. Stage 28

Cast of Good Luck Charlie, 1:30 p.m. Meet Good Luck Charlie‘s Jason Dolley, Leigh-Allyn Baker, and Bradley Steven Perry. Disney Channel Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 2:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with author Ridley Pearson. Welcome Center

Warren Spector Meet and Greet, 2:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Disney Epic Mickey videogame designer Warren Spector. Disney Interactive Media Group Pavilion

Disney Living Story Time, 2:30 p.m. Join us for It’s a Small World story time and postcard pen pals. Disney Living Pavilion

Pixar Shorts, 2:30 p.m. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pixar Animation Studios with this retrospective screening of the Studio’s legendary shorts. Stage 23

Radio Disney’s N.B.T. Performance, 3:00 p.m. Performances from Tay Barton, Zack Montana, Shealeigh, Ladina Spence, and Hollywood Ending. Disney Channel Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 3:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with original Tinker Bell model Margaret Kerry. Welcome Center

Why We Create, Featuring Author and Filmmaker Don Hahn, 3:00 p.m. Don Hahn, a filmmaker, Academy Award®-nominated producer, and author of Disney Publishing’s new book Brain Storm explores “why we create,” revealing his insights about the creative process. Stage 28

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, 3:30 p.m. Glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney’s parks and resorts. Arena

Perry-oke, 4:00 p.m. Head on over to the Platy-Bus for karaoke with the Disney Channel gang. Disney Channel Pavilion

Artists of ACME, 4:00 p.m. Join us for a conversation with the artists of Acme. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 4:15 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with filmmaker and author Don Hahn. Welcome Center

USPS Send a Hello Stamps-First Day Issue Ceremony, 4:15 p.m. In a grand celebration, the U.S. Postal Service and The Walt Disney Company unveil the new Disney•Pixar Send a Hello stamps. Stage 23

Cast of Lemonade Mouth, 4:30 p.m. Meet Lemonade Mouth‘s Adam Hicks, Hayley Kiyoko, Blake Michael and Chris Brochu. Disney Channel Pavilion

It’s a Small World: Celebrating 45 Years, 5:00 p.m. Join us for a discussion about the art, music, fashion, and more inspired by Disneyland’s it’s a small world attraction. Stage 28

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 5:30 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Walt Disney Archives founder and Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith. Welcome Center

Cast of So Random!, 5:45 p.m. Meet Tiffany Thornton, Sterling Knight, Doug Brochu, Allisyn Ashley Arm, and more! Disney Channel Pavilion

Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament, 6:00 p.m. One very knowledgeable individual will be crowned Ultimate Disney Trivia Champion. Stage 23

Voices of the Parks, 6:45 p.m. Meet the men and women who provide voices for the Disney parks. Stage 28

Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix, 8:15 p.m. Hear songs from Dick Van Dyke’s varied entertainment career and various Disney classic songs. Stage 23

 

SATURDAY, August 20, 2011

Disney Store Opening Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9:00 a.m. Start off the day in grand style with Disney Store. Disney Living Pavilion

The Wonderful Words of Disney…Behind the Page: Peter and The Starcatchers (D23 Members Only), 9:15 a.m. Disney Publishing is so proud to present best-selling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson as they discuss the blockbuster series Peter and The Starcatchers, with focus on the new book, Bridge to Never Land. Stage 28

Phineas and Ferb, 10:00 a.m. Character appearances by Phineas, Ferb, and Perry, too! Disney Channel Pavilion

Disney Living Meet and Greet, 10:00 a.m. Meet Disney Store Princess Designer Collection artists. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 10:00 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Disney artist Mike Clitherow. Welcome Center

The Walt Disney Studios, 10:30 a.m. Exclusive video clips, live performances, filmmaker discussions, star appearances, and more! Arena

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with authors Ridley Pearson and Dave Berry. Welcome Center

Cast and Crew of Phineas and Ferb, 11:00 a.m. Meet Dan Vincent Martella, Alyson Stoner, and Dee Bradley Baker. Disney Channel Pavilion

Meet and Greet, 11:00 a.m. Meet artist David Willardson. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 11:40 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with ABC Family’s Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. Welcome Center

Perry-oke, 12:00 p.m. Head on over to the Platy-Bus for karaoke with the Disney Channel gang. Disney Channel Pavilion

Cast of Kickin’ It, 12:30 p.m. Meet Leo Howard, Dylan Riley Snyder, Alex Christian Jones, and Olivia Holt. Disney Channel Pavilion

Screening of ABC’s Once Upon a Time, 12:45 p.m. Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz participate in a Q&A following a screening of their bold, new series about fairy-tale characters. Stage 23

Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar, 1:00 p.m. In this musical presentation, Michael Giacchino provides an earful of tunes and tales about his early influences for Pixar’s modern-day classic scores. Stage 28

Disney Store Costume Preview Parade, 1:00 p.m. Hear a Disney story from Disney Publishing Worldwide. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 1:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with filmmakers Greg and Jeff Sherman. Welcome Center

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 2:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with D23 Expo Dream Store artist Noah. Welcome Center

Warren Spector Meet and Greet, 2:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Disney Epic Mickey videogame designer Warren Spector. Disney Interactive Media Group Pavilion

A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team, 2:30 p.m. Join us for a rare opportunity to spend time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s moviemaking magic. Stage 23

Disney Storytellers, 2:30 p.m. Join us for a panel discussion with artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Disney Living Pavilion

Performance by Coco Jones, 2:30 p.m. Performance by Radio Disney’s guest and Hollywood Records recording artist Coco Jones. Disney Channel Pavilion

A Good Look at Buena Vista Street, 2:45 p.m. Sneak a peek at the new entrance to Disney California Adventure with Disney Imagineers. Stage 28

Cast and Crew of Fish Hooks, 3:00 p.m. Meet Noah Z. Jones, Chelsea Kane, and Kyle Massey. Disney Channel Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 3:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with filmmakers Ted Thomas and Kuniko Okubo. Welcome Center

Cast of A.N.T. Farm, 4:00 p.m. Meet China Anne McClain, Jake Short, Sierra McCormick, Stefanie Scott, and Carlon Jeffery. Disney Channel Pavilion

Magic Secrets, 4:00 p.m. Find out how Disney Toys are made with the Disney toys creative team. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 4:00 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Disney artist Larry Nikolai. Welcome Center

Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering, 4:30 p.m. Disney Legend Marty Sklar will lead a celebration of Imagineering careers and accomplishments. Stage 28

The Characters of Monsters University, 5:00 p.m. Character designers behind Pixar’s upcoming animated feature Monsters University come together to discuss how they bring these wonderful characters to life. Stage 23

The Lion King 3D, 6:00 p.m. Get an exclusive advance screening of the Disney Digital 3D version of The Lion King. Arena

Perry-oke, 6:00 p.m. Head on over to the Platy-Bus for karaoke with the Disney Channel gang. Disney Channel Pavilion

Imagineering’s Guide to Creativity and Innovation, 6:30 p.m. A panel of Imagineers discusses how they use storytelling and technology to make Disney magic. Stage 28

D23 Expo Live Auction, 8:00 p.m. Bid on unique experiences, tours, artwork, props, and one-of-a-kind Disney treasures. Stage 23

SUNDAY, August 21, 2011

Disney Store Opening Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9:00 a.m. Start off the day in grand style with Disney Store. Disney Living Pavilion

Imagineering the Dream and the Fantasy Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9:00 a.m. Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and Bob Zalk talk about the design of Disney’s latest cruise ships. Stage 23

Handy Manny, 10:00 a.m. Meet the voice of Manny, Wilmer Valderrama, with character appearances from the show. Disney Channel Pavilion

The Lion King Vinylmation Series Launch, 10:00 a.m. Disney Living debuts new Vinylmation series with character artists Jim Valeri and Oskar Mendez. Disney Living Pavilion

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 10:00 a.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Disney artist Mike Clitherow. Welcome Center

Marvel, 10:15 a.m. Hear from Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada about the evolution of Marvel, beginning with its first comic book in 1939. Arena

Story Time, 11:00 a.m. Hear a Disney story from Disney Publishing Worldwide. Disney Living Pavilion

Special Agent Oso, 11:15 a.m. Meet the voice of Oso, Sean Astin, with character appearances from the show. Disney Channel Pavilion

The Art of Brave, 11:30 a.m. Join us for an afternoon of conversation and art with Steve Pilcher and Tia Kratter as we uncover the secrets behind Pixar’s detailed process. Stage 23

Style-Your-Sole Contest, 11:30 a.m. Design your own shoe in the It’s a Small World Style-a-Shoe Contest, hosted by TOMS® Shoes. Disney Living Pavilion

Cast of Pair of Kings, 12:30 p.m. Meet Doc Shaw, Kelsey Chow, and Geno Segers. Disney Channel Pavilion

Kidada for Disney Store, 1:00 p.m. Disney Store debuts Wish-a-Littles, featuring actress, model, and fashion designer Kidada Jones. Disney Living Pavilion

Radiator Springs Reality, 1:30 p.m. Pixar’s John Lasseter and Roger Gould join Imagineers for a sneak peek look at Cars Land. Stage 23

Shake It Up Cast Photos, 1:30 p.m. Snap a photo of Bella Thorne, Zendaya, Davis Cleveland, Roshon Fegan, and more! D23 Arena Entrance

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 1:30 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Precious Moments doll artist Linda Rick. Welcome Center

Story Time, 2:00 p.m. Hear a Disney story from Disney Publishing Worldwide. Disney Living Pavilion

Disney Channel, 2:30 p.m. A spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel’s hit series Shake It Up. Arena

Style-Your-Sole Contest, 2:30 p.m. Design your own shoe in the It’s a Small World Style-a-Shoe Contest, hosted by TOMS Shoes. Disney Living Pavilion

Perry-oke, 2:30 p.m. Head on over to the Platy-Bus for karaoke with the Disney Channel gang. Disney Channel Pavilion

The Making of Star Tours — The Adventures Continue, 3:30 p.m. Find out how Imagineers updated the attraction, hosted by Imagineering’s Tom Fitzgerald. Stage 23

D23 Expo Talent Round-Up, 3:30 p.m. Join us for a meet and greet with Dream Store miniaturist and sculptor Robert Olszewski. Welcome Center

Cast of Shake It Up, 4:00 p.m. Meet Bella Thorne, Zendaya, Davis Cleveland, Roshon Fegan, and more! Disney Channel Pavilion

MORE of The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland and Walt Disney World, 5:15 p.m. Film preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter look back at vintage footage. Stage 23

Perry-oke, 6:00 p.m. Head on over to the Platy-Bus for karaoke with the Disney Channel gang. Disney Channel Pavilion

 

 

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at http://www.D23Expo.comAdmission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for three full days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” on Twitter and Facebook.

Final Event Schedule Revealed for D23 Expo

Disney Channel Original Series ‘Jessie’ Starring Debby Ryan to Premiere on September 30

Disney Channel Original Series 'Jessie' Starring Debby Ryan to Premiere on September 30Disney Channel fan-favorite Debby Ryan (“The Suite Life on Deck,” “16 Wishes”) stars in “Jessie,” a new comedy series about a small-town girl who leaves behind her Texas roots and finds a job in the Big Apple as nanny to a high-flying couple’s four precocious kids. The series premieres FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

In the premiere episode, Jessie accepts a job as a nanny and moves in with the Ross Family – high-flying couple Christina, a former supermodel turned business mogul, and Morgan, a famous movie director, their four kids and beloved 7-foot Asian Water Monitor Lizard. While Jessie’s new big city life is full of opportunity and excitement, she quickly discovers how much she relies on the support and advice of the kids in her care — 13-year-old Emma, the biological child of the bunch, 10-year-old Indian adoptee Ravi, 12-year-old American adoptee Luke and seven-year-old African adoptee Zuri. Also helping Jessie navigate her new big city adventure is Bertram, the family’s beloved yet frosty butler, and Tony, the building’s 20-year-old doorman.

 

 

Following is the multi-platform rollout for “Jessie”:

Saturday, August 27
DisneyChannel.com will launch the “Jessie” super site, featuring the game Jessie’s Ross Wrangle, videos, weekly quizzes and a special dedicated site page for Debby Ryan.

Tuesday, September 20
Free download of “Jessie” available on iTunes and Sony PS.

Friday, September 23
Premiere episode of “Jessie” available on Disney Channel on Demand (SVOD).

Friday, September 30
Broadcast television premiere of “Jessie” (9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with simulcast on Sprint TV and MobiTV. “Jessie” premiere episode available on DisneyChannel.com.

Saturday, October 1
“Jessie” premiere episode available on Mobile VOD (AT&T, Sprint and Verizon) and Microsoft Xbox.

In addition to Ryan, the series stars Tony Award-nominated Kevin Chamberlin (Broadway’s “The Addams Family”) as Bertram; Peyton List (“27 Dresses,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules”) as Emma; Karan Brar (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules”) as Ravi; Cameron Boyce (“Grown Ups”) as Luke and Skai Jackson (“Royal Pains”) as Zuri. Recurring are newcomer Chris Galya as Tony the doorman; Charles Esten (“Big Love”) and Christina Moore (“Hawthorne”) as Morgan and Christina Ross.

“Jessie” is created by veteran producer Pamela Eells O’Connell (“Family Matters,” “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “The Suite Life on Deck”). The series is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc. It carries a TV-G parental guideline.

Disney Channel Original Series 'Jessie' Starring Debby Ryan to Premiere on September 30

Sex offender accused of touching girls at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Sex offender accused of touching girls at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

According to the Orlando Sentinel Moses Velasquez, 39, is accused of touching the girls in the wave pool at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Here are the details:

A sex offender was jailed today after three girls say he touched them inappropriately at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park Thursday.

Moses Velasquez, 39, is charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, according to the Orange County Jail.

Witnesses and the victims told an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy Velasquez was in the wave pool with the children when the incidents occurred.

Click here to read more.

Sex offender accused of touching girls at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Shanghai Disneyland Castle revealed in new concept art

Shanghai Disneyland Castle revealed in new concept artNew concept art released today gives a hint of Disney’s plans for its newest castle in Shanghai Disneyland. April 11 concept art of the new park in China revealed a familiar Disney park structure with various areas fanning outward from a  forced perspective castle in the center of the park. That castle, dubbed “Storybook Castle” will be the largest castle ever constructed in a Disney theme park.

Rather than focusing on the story of any one Disney princess, the Shanghai Disneyland castle will celebrate all of them, hosting an attraction called the “Once upon a Time Adventure.”  The new image reveals a breathtaking staircase dripping with pixie dust rising into the upper floors of the castle.

Shanghai Disneyland Castle revealed in new concept artOn the ground floor of the castle, guests will be welcomed to the impressive structure by a massive, elaborately themed arch.  Inside, they will have the opportunity to take a 10 minute water tour of the park that will showcase the areas and attractions of Shanghai Disneyland.

The new park, managed in collaboration with Chinese property management group Shendi, represents a foothold for Disney in the emerging Chinese entertainment market.  Although Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea have proven popular,  entertainment companies see China as an almost entirely untapped market.  Shanghai Disneyland is attempting to honor both Disney tradition and Chinese culture to create a new, unique experience for guests at the park.

What do you think?  Does that staircase make you want to see what’s at the top?  Do you think the new park will impact Disney’s US tourism?

Shanghai Disneyland Castle revealed in new concept art

Marvel Studios Makes Appearance at D23 Expo

Marvel Studios Makes Appearance at D23 Expo

Marvel is coming to Anaheim this year to make its historic debut at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event, and we’re pulling out all the stops!

On Sunday, August 21, at 10:15 a.m. in the Arena, join us for Marvel: The House of Ideas, an exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought-after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the one-of-a-kind show that is Disney’s D23,” said Quesada. “Whether attendees are new to the world of Marvel or longtime fans, they’re going to love what we’ve planned for them!”

Also, be sure not to miss Marvel’s own President of Production Kevin Feige as he joins some of the top names in film on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walt Disney Studios panel to discuss Marvel Studios’ plans for 2012, including the hotly anticipated Marvel’s The Avengers!

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for three full days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” on Twitter and Facebook.

Marvel Studios Makes Appearance at D23 Expo

Last Chance! Disney’s Mars Needs Moms Giveaway

Last Chance! Disney's Mars Needs Moms Giveaway

Great news! Mars Needs Moms is out on Bluray/DVD Combo Pack! Our friend and Jedi Mousekeeteer Aljon was kind enough to review this movie for us. Here is part of his review:

From Disney and Academy Award-winner Robert Zemeckis (best director, ‘Forrest Gump,’ 1994) comes the craziest adventure this side of the galaxy ‘Mars Needs Moms.’ Take out the trash, eat your broccoli who needs moms anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out how much he needs his (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young.

In a race against time and oxygen, his quest to save her knows no bounds. And with some unexpected help, Milo just might find his way back to her in more ways than one. Complete with intergalactic bonus features, it’s a thrilling journey that’s pure, out-of-this-world crazy fun.

Click here to read the rest.

In celebration of Mars Needs Moms coming to Bluray/DVD Disney was nice enough to give us 2 copies of this movie to Giveaway on Chip and Co! This would be a great movie to add to your Disney Library.

To enter all you have to do is COMMENT!

Comment on any article on Chip and Co (other than this one). Browse the site and check out some of our great articles and comment on them. Please make all comments atleast 1 sentence long or longer and relevant to the article. One or two word comments will not be counted. Also spamming the same comment over and over will not be counted either.

1 Comment Counts as 1 Entry

This will be a great way to check out all the great things we have on Chip and Co that you might have missed.

PLEASE NOTE COMMENTS ON OUR FACEBOOK DO NOT COUNT! (I dont want to get my FB account banned)

For an additional entry:

  • Share this article via Twitter, Facebook, etc. (1 share = 1 entry) Use of the options at the top or bottom of this article for an additional entry. In this section you can spam all you want. If you want to retweet this article a hundred times go right ahead.
  • Like Chip and Co on Facebook
  • or Google +1 this article and let me know in the comment box below.

I will track all comments and shares between now and 10am Friday Morning August 12th EST and pick two lucky winners and  notify them via our Facebook page that they won. They have 24 hours to respond back to me or I will pick another winner. It is just that easy.

If you do have any questions let me know on Facebook or in the Comment Box below.

Last Chance! Disney's Mars Needs Moms Giveaway

Now available: The Bridge to Never Land by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

Now available: The Bridge to Never Land by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

Available in stores now, The Bridge to Never Land ($18.99; ISBN: 1-4231-3865-1) written by Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist Dave Barry and noted New York Times best-selling author Ridley Pearson.  This imaginative novel hit stands Tuesday and is anticipated to be another hit by this dynamic duo.  The contemporary follow-up to the Starcatchers series will take Sarah and Aidan on a quest that will challenge them to solve a series of puzzles, which will gradually convince them that Peter Pan is not fiction after all. They will discover what happened to the remainder of the starstuff cache that Wendy and Peter fought to protect many years ago. But that’s only the beginning. They’ll find that in the early twentieth century, Wendy and the other Starcatchers embarked on one last great mission—to find a way to protect Never Land island, with magical creatures and its precious starstuff supply, from the increasingly intrusive the outside world.

In addition to a multi-city tour, Dave and Ridley will be participating in the D23 Expo:

SPECIAL D23 EXPO 2011 APPEARANCE

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) invites families and fans to experience the ultimate Disney fan event, D23 Expo, taking place at Anaheim Convention Center from August 19–21, 2011.

On Friday, August 19, in the Disney Channel booth, fans of all ages are invited to join Dave and Ridley, along with beloved Jake and the Never Land Pirates characters Jake, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee, for a celebration of the power of imagination and the magic of Disney storytelling. This event also includes an appearance by actor David Arquette (the voice of Skully in the hit Disney Junior series Jake and the Never Land Pirates) and a special announcement from The Walt Disney Company Corporate Citizenship team.

DAVE AND RIDLEY’S SCHEDULE

Ridley Pearson Presents Kingdom Keepers (August 19, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – In this presentation, Ridley will discuss the series and reveal his behind-the-scenes experiences at the Disney Parks while researching the New York Times best-selling books.

Behind the Page with Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (August 20, 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.) – These highly entertaining best-selling authors will discuss the blockbuster series Peter & The Starcatchers, with focus on the new book, The Bridge to Never Land.

Now available: The Bridge to Never Land by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

Imagineers Use Innovative Technology in Fantasyland Expansion

Imagineers Use Innovative Technology in Fantasyland Expansion

Who’s up for another inside look at the construction of the New Fantasyland?

In the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering takes you onto the construction site to learn more about the innovative technology the Imagineers are using to build the new attractions, restaurants and other guest areas that will make up the expansion.

As you’ll see, this visualization technology allows the team to identify any potential challenges before construction begins. Tablet computers also allow Imagineers to take the program onsite to see how work is progressing.

What do you think?

Interested in other updates for the New Fantasyland? Take a look at the posts below:

Source Disney Parks Blog

Imagineers Use Innovative Technology in Fantasyland Expansion

Imagineers Use Innovative Technology in Fantasyland Expansion

Fantasy Flight Games Announces “Star Wars: The Card Game” and “X-Wing” Games

Fantasy Flight Games is pleased to announce that it has entered a comprehensive licensing partnership with Lucasfilm Ltd. for the worldwide rights to publish card, roleplaying, and miniatures games set in the popular Star Wars universe!

“Being able to publish gaming products in the Star Wars universe is quite simply a hobby-game company’s dream come true,” said Christian T Petersen, CEO of Fantasy Flight Games. “I’m confident that both Star Wars fans as well as FFG’s regular customers will be blown away by the game experiences we have planned for this legendary IP.”

“As a leader in hobby gaming, we’re excited to be partnering with Fantasy Flight Games,” said Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing. “Fun and adventure are hallmarks of the Star Wars saga, and FFG perfectly captures this in their games.”

FFG’s first two Star Wars game lines will be the X-Wing miniatures game and Star Wars: The Card Game, both scheduled to launch in early 2012.

Just the beginning…

X-Wing is a tactical ship-to-ship combat game in which players take control of powerful Rebel X-wings and nimble Imperial TIE fighters, pitted against each other in fast-paced space combat. Featuring stunningly detailed and painted miniatures, X-Wing recreates exciting Star Wars space combat throughout its several included scenarios. Select your crew, plan your maneuvers, and complete your mission!

Star Wars: The Card Game is a cooperative card game that puts 1-4 players in command of the Rebel strike force and mission team. Players will launch fleets of starships and direct some of the most famous heroes in the Star Wars galaxy as they confront the might of the Empire. By working together, players can fend off Imperial assaults and complete their mission, winning the game! With a wealth of characters, starships, missions, and enemies, Star Wars: The Card Gameimmerses players in gripping galactic conflict.

Visit the X-Wing website or Star Wars: The Card Game website to learn more, and keep checking back. These two exciting titles are only the beginning, and Fantasty Flight be announcing additional Star Wars card, roleplaying, and miniatures games in the coming months!

Around the “Disney” World – Norway Pavilion

Around the "Disney" World - Norway Pavilion

The Norway pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is one of those hidden gems in Walt Disney World where every time you explore you find something else to enjoy!

Featuring the only Fast Pass attraction in World Showcase and one of the few rides, tucked in the back corner you will find Maelstrom.  This 6 minute boat ride takes you on a Viking cruise, so to speak.  After your journey you will have the opportunity to watch an interesting, albeit often skipped film.  You can also stop at the museum featuring Norse artifacts (you can find it pretty easily by the handsome Viking standing out front)!

When you make your way back out into the pavilion there is still plenty to do- why not make a dining reservation at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall? Here you can dine with Disney princesses, with your host Belle! You can also make a quick stop at the bakery here- Kringla Og Kafe.  Be sure to try the Viking Coffee if you are of age!

Once you have taken your viking journey and satisfied your hunger (and thirst) and sweet tooth, be sure to check out the shops here! You can find all sorts of Norwegian gifts, toys, books, candy, clothes and souvenirs!  Be sure to take some time for pictures in this Scandinavian square!

Around the "Disney" World - Norway Pavilion

 

Best Food Values at Disneyland Resort

Best Food Values at Disneyland Resort

Economy-minded vacationers will find plenty of choices for delicious dining that won’t break the budget.  Think beyond hot dogs and hamburgers.  Here are some interesting picks for inexpensive dining ($10 or less) at the Disneyland Resort:

At Disneyland Park

  • Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland (bacon-wrapped asparagus, vegetable, chicken or beef skewers)
  • Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland (four cheese enchiladas with red chile sauce)
  • Carnation Café on Main Street, U.S.A. (a bowl of loaded baked potato soup)
  • Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland (fish ‘n chips)
  • Hungry Bear in Critter Country (grilled chicken Caesar, veggie burger, turkey club)
  • Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Tomorrowland (slice of veggie pizza, tomato-basil pasta)
  • Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square (gumbo in a sourdough bowl)
  • Tomorrowland Terrace (grilled veggie sandwich, fresh fruit plate)

 

At Disney’s California AdventurePark

  • Wine Country Trattoria in the Golden State (caprese salad, chef’s soup)
  • Lucky Fortune Cookery (Asian rice bowl with beef, chicken or tofu)
  • Pacific Wharf Café (Santa Rosa corn chowder, Vallejo vegetarian chili served in sourdough bowls)
  • Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill (tamales and tacos)
  • Taste Pilot’s Grill, Golden State Condor Flats (three large pork ribs, fries and slaw)

 

At Disneyland Hotel

  • The Coffee House (chef salad, ham and cheese sandwich)

 

At Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

  • PCH Grill (one-third-pound Angus burgers, club sandwich, grilled chicken breast sandwich, skinny melt with beef or turkey patty on bed of grilled zucchini and caramelized onions)

 

At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

  • White Water Snacks (veggie burger, nachos, personal pizzas)
  • Storyteller’s Café (at lunch, corn chowder, chicken quesadilla, sticky ribs with soba salad)

 

At Downtown Disney District

  • House of Blues (chicken shrimp gumbo, crispy catfish nuggets, spicy calamari, chicken quesadillas.)
  • La Brea Bakery Express (soup in a sourdough bread bowl, various sandwiches and salads)
  • Napolini (paninis, baked pasta, pizza by the slice)
  • Rain Forest Café (buffalo wings, chili con queso)
  • Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express (jambalaya, gumbo, po’ boy sandwiches)
  • Tortilla Jo’s Taqueria (tacos, burritos, nachos)
Best Food Values at Disneyland Resort

Walt Disney Pictures and Autodesk Sign XGen Technology License Agreement

Walt Disney Pictures and Autodesk Sign XGen Technology License Agreement

At SIGGRAPH 2011, Autodesk, Inc. and Walt Disney Pictures announced an agreement to bring an innovative animation and visual effects technology to the Digital Entertainment Creation community. Autodesk obtained a license with a five-year exclusivity period for the XGen Arbitrary Primitive Generator technology (XGen), used most recently by Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) in the hit animated film “Tangled.”

XGen technology was first presented by WDAS in a research paper at SIGGRAPH in 2003 for the creation of computer-generated fur, feathers and foliage. Since that time, XGen has evolved and been refined on seven features, three shorts and one TV show. It has been used to create the fur, hair, feathers, trees, leaves and rocks in “Bolt,” the trees and bushes in “UP,” the dust bunnies, debris, trees, bushes, clover and flowers in “Toy Story 3,” and the grass and trees in “Cars 2.” In “Tangled,” WDAS used XGen to bring the lavish 3D animated world to life: from Rapunzel’s perfectly groomed golden locks to the film’s lush, vegetation-filled landscapes, including bushes, flowers, vines, grass, weeds, moss, thistle, ground mulch, fallen leaves, sticks, rocks, butterfly fur, airborne dust, leaves and trees, plus props such as roof tiles, arrow fletchings, a broom and paint brushes.

XGen is a comprehensive system for generating arbitrary primitives on a surface. The system advances the state-of-the-art in the industry in several ways with its versatility, durability and impact. XGen allows techno-artistic access to interpolation in an intuitive manner for artists, empowering them with a powerful and flexible framework for primitive generation, which is highly art directable. The genesis of XGen was a collaboration between the WDAS production and software teams to provide its artists with intuitive, creative tools for 3D animation — such as “grooming” tools for fur and hair — so that they can develop the look and feel of their characters and environments more quickly and easily. Senior Development Software Engineer at WDAS Tom Thompson was an initial creator and remains the chief architect of the software. Walt Disney Pictures’ agreement with Autodesk will enable Autodesk to make this technology available to artists to create digital entertainment.

“Twenty years ago, visual effects artists creating computer graphics were mostly mathematicians and scientists using highly technical and complex software tools that required significant amounts of custom programming,” explained Chief Technology Officer Andy Hendrickson, Walt Disney Animation Studios. “Back then, off-the-shelf software could not create the required details of nuance and emotion. Today, we were able to create XGen as an effective artistic tool because Autodesk provides studios like ours with comprehensive tools and a flexible, extensible platform to develop on. The Autodesk customizable toolset helps visual effects artists do their best work.”

“A key challenge in the visual effects industry continues to be the need to constantly evolve creatively while somehow controlling rapidly escalating production costs,” said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. “To help customers better address this challenge, Autodesk has been working with industry leaders like Walt Disney Animation Studios to help them innovate faster and to make these new technologies more broadly accessible. Digital Entertainment Creation users are sure to benefit from developments designed by industry visionaries and proven in production.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios Director of Studio Technology Dan Candela said, “A primary focus for my team is to ensure that the production pipeline is streamlined in order to efficiently produce the best possible CG animation. With Autodesk’s Maya as a core piece of our toolset, we’ve developed over 100 plug-ins and extensions for the platform to enable our artists to create a movie of the quality of ‘Tangled’ within necessary time and budgetary limits. Sharing our technology with the VFX and CG animation community raises the creative bar for the entire industry.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios has contributed many innovations to the entertainment industry, including the open source projects: SeExpr, Reposado, munki and Partio. Over the past two years, Autodesk has integrated two other WDAS technologies into its software, the Maya Camera Sequencer and Ptex. The animation studio’s Camera Sequencer was introduced in Autodesk Maya 2011 3D animation software and provides powerful multicamera editorial capabilities for previsualization and virtual moviemaking. WDAS’ Ptex texture mapping system was incorporated into Maya 2012 and Autodesk Mudbox 2012 digital sculpting and texture painting software. With the single-step interoperability between Maya and Mudbox in the Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suites, Ptex enables artists to create highly detailed, textured models more quickly and efficiently.

The Software team at Walt Disney Animation Studios has continued its contributions to the animation and visual effects community by making technology available as open source software for use across the entertainment industry. The studio has a history of technological innovation and advances the use of open source software. Concurrently, Autodesk continues to work with the industry to help in the broader adoption of open source initiatives, such as Ptex, Alembic and OpenEXR, as a means of increasing production efficiency through greater standardization.

Walt Disney Pictures and Autodesk Sign XGen Technology License Agreement