Travel back to the first episode of The Clone Wars, “Ambush,” with the latest fun cinematic clip from LEGO: Star Wars III: The Clone Wars.
The release of LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is only a couple weeks away on March 22, 2011 for the following gaming platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS (as a launch title for the new gaming device), and PC.
Disney.com is looking for the most creative ways to ask someone to prom in its new Prom Ultimate Invite Contest. In the upcoming Disney movie “Prom,” hitting theatres on April 29, lead character Lloyd just can’t seem to score a date to the biggest event of the year. At Disney.com/PROMContest, fans can help Lloyd by uploading videos that show or tell the most creative ways to ask that special someone to prom. The contest participant with the best idea will be awarded a trip for four to Los Angeles to attend the premiere of Disney’s “Prom,” a $500 Macy’s gift card to get red carpet ready and a chance to meet Disney’s “Prom” stars Nicholas Braun or Aimee Teegarden. Contest entries will be accepted until March 31, 2011.
To find out more, go to Disney.com/PROMContest where the band members from Allstar Weekend provide contest details and share their best ideas for asking a date to prom.
Fans can check out the rockin’ music featured in the movie with 30 second clips of “Not Your Birthday” by Allstar Weekend and “Prettiest Thing” by Oh Darling. Then, they can create their own music videos with their favorite songs and photos from the film by going to Disney.com’s Create and make their own “Prom” Music Slideshow.
About the movie: At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; Disney’s “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, Disney’s “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.
“Like” Disney’s PROM on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyProm. Watch the official trailer here: Disney.com/Prom.
Disney FamilyFun, a leading family magazine with more than 5.5 million devoted readers, announced its FamilyFun App for iPad is now available on the App Store, bringing readers fresh new content starting with free versions of the March and April 2011 issues. Starting in May, new issues will be available for download each month through In-App Purchase. Nissan will use this platform to introduce the all-new 2011 Nissan Quest.
Developed in conjunction with leading App developers Texterity and The Wonderfactory, FamilyFun for iPad delivers cutting-edge features and design in a feature-packed and engaging format. The App brings content to life through interactive slideshows, videos of recipes and family activities, 360-degree views of craft projects, bookmarking features, and social media sharing tools.
“Disney FamilyFun has always been a magazine about doing things and taking action, and the iPad is the perfect springboard for bringing these activities and ideas to life for families,” said Aparna Pande, general manager of Disney FamilyFun. “Through a collaboration with industry leaders Texterity and The Wonderfactory, we’re rolling out an innovative digital publication that has all the mom-friendly tools and engaging multimedia features one needs to make their way through a busy day.”
Recognizing the importance of the digital space for reaching moms, several brands have already signed on as advertisers in FamilyFun’s new mobile magazine App. Nissan, which is also focused on innovation for the family, is the official launch sponsor as part of a Disney Media integrated package. The all-new Nissan Quest features such innovations as one-touch sliding doors, quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, a permanent rear storage well, dual panel sliding moonroof and the Advanced Climate Control System.
Features of the FamilyFun App for iPad include:
The Disney FamilyFun App is available from the App Store on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore. To learn more about FamilyFun, visit FamilyFun.com and Facebook.com/DisneyFamilyFun, or follow @FamilyFun on Twitter.
One of our guest writers who lives in Japan Kyle Greggory was in Japan when the earthquake hit and sent me this report to share with you.
Tokyo Disney Resort March 11, 2011
There were apparently 69,000 people at the Tokyo Disneyland Resort when Friday’s record-scale quake struck off the coast of Japan. The quake resulted in flooding throughout the resort, which is built on a landfill in Tokyo Bay. The tsunami that followed the quake was apparently not the major source of the flooding, according to the Deccan Chronicle (http://www.deccanchronicle.com).
Nobody Hurt
Injuries were reported neither from park guests nor from cast members. The rides were closed and people waited for further instructions from park employees after the quake (see photo from Twitter: http://twitpic.com/48dy7s). At Disney Sea, many people were evacuated to warmer locations when nighttime came.
People are still stuck at Disney Sea (one of my friends included) almost 8 hours after the quake, reportedly due to roads being blocked leading away from Disney Sea. In addition, train lines throughout Tokyo have been shut down since the quake hit, and are only just starting to run again (time of writing: 10:30PM Local Time). Right now the Tokyo Disneyland Resort remains flooded, along with the parking lots, according to park guests who are still there.
Here’s another picture from Disney Sea, showing the crowds at the park when the quake hit earlier in the day:
8.9 Earthquake Hits Japan
Friday’s earthquake in Japan measured 8.9 on the Richter Scale, and is reportedly the largest quake to hit Japan in 140 years, and the fifth largest in the world since 1900. It occurred off the coast of Sendai, Japan, about 200 miles northeast of Tokyo.
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As a side note–this quake was terrifying! I was on the 8th floor of my dorm in Shinjuku (near Central Tokyo) when the whole building started to shake like I’d never felt before. The previous two quakes that occurred Wednesday and Thursday seemed very large, and I doubted the shaking could ever be worse, but today’s proved me wrong. I was certain the building was going to collapse. I’m glad we weren’t at the epicenter, and feel for everybody who was more significantly effected by this earthquake.
Thanks Kyle for the News Report!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will get a “leap” on the upcoming daylight saving time change with a variety of frog-focused activities reminding them to set the clocks ahead one hour on Sun., March 12.
Frogs, toads and salamanders will take center stage on Wed., March 9 as part of Disney’s effort to raise awareness of the serious decline in amphibian populations. According to some estimates, as many as one-third of the known amphibian species may be threatened by extinction because of loss of habitat, climate change, pollution and disease.
Amphibians play an essential role in the ecosystems of the world and are keenly attuned to changes in the environment and are considered an “indicator” species, meaning they can provide an early warning for endangered ecosystems. In addition, frogs provide valuable scientific and medical benefits to humans. The skin of amphibians contains substances that can protect them from some microbes and viruses, which can offer possible medical cures for a variety of human diseases, including AIDS.
“Frogs also provide a free pest-control service,” according to Kathy Lehnhardt, curator of education for Disney’s Animal Programs. “Frogs eat billions of harmful insects annually, including mosquitoes and their larvae. So we want to do all we can to protect them.”
This year, children and families visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom will make toad abodes for their backyards, listen to frog calls, spring like a frog, examine amphibians up close and meet their keepers. They’ll also learn about conservation actions that they can do to help amphibians survive for the future. Some of the suggestions include:
Disney Junior Delivers Disney Channel’s 3rd Highest-Rated Week with Preschoolers Ever; Posts Huge Ratings Increases Across All Key Demos. “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” is TV’s No. 1 Series Among Boys 2-5 for the 3rd Consecutive Week; Blows Nickelodeon’s “Bubble Guppies” Out of the Water in Head-to-Head Action in Target Demos
Disney Junior: Highlights:
In its third week, Disney Junior continued to soar, delivering Disney Channel’s third highest preschool weekly ratings of all time among Kids 2-5 (470,000/2.8 rating; +46% vs. YA) and Boys 2-5 (259,000/3.0 rating; +70% vs. YA), behind only the previous two weeks.
In its weekday time period (M-F, 8:30-8:55 a.m.), “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” ranked a definitive No. 1 in key demos, surpassing “Bubble Guppies” on Nickelodeon head to head by 22% in Kids 2-5 (792,000 vs. 651,000) and by 39% in Boys 2-5 (470,000 vs. 338,000).
Source
“We have created characters and animated them in the dimension of depth, revealing through them to our perturbed world that the things we have in common far outnumber and outweigh those that divide us.” – Walt Disney
Walt Disney produced the spectacle and pageantry of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. For several days after, he produced shows for the athletes with big-name stars. Art Linkletter emceed the shows and he has commented on how amazing the experience was. Walt was very moved by the olympic experience.
According to Art, Walt was looking around at all of the olympians sitting together, speaking different languages, but sharing the same spirit. With his eyes shining he said, “Isn’t this an amazing sight? Look at these people. They’ve come from all over the world, and they’re all here sharing the same hopes, goals and dreams. This is how the whole world should be.”
Walt’s dream was for people from many nations, diverse backgrounds, and different faiths to all join together in harmony. He saw this dream come true whenever he walked through Disneyland. Looking at the people there, representing all nationalities, colors, languages — all smiling and having fun together — was Walt’s dream come true.
Walt Disney envisioned a better world – with harmony and brotherhood; without division or hatred. From all I know about him, he only knew one race – the human race. He had such a huge heart that he embraced all of humanity and nothing made him happier than seeing people from all over the world sharing their hopes and dreams.
Many of us dream of the same world of which Walt dreamt.
Five authors from The Intrepid Traveler, including a Disney Legend, will take part in a “Meet The Authors Bookfair & Festival” on Sunday, March 13, noon to 3 p.m. at the grounds and plaza in and around the Ormond Beach Library, 30 South Beach St., Ormond Beach. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Orlando Beach Library.
Spring training is in full swing and Disney.com is getting sports fans ready for the 2011 baseball season with a new destination page and sweepstakes in honor of Baseball Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr., and his new book for kids, “Hothead,” written with Kevin Cowherd.
Ripken is known as one of the greatest home run hitters in baseball history and now fans can get to know him as an author by going to Disney.com/Ripken and checking out an exclusive first look at the book and cool features and activities such as:
To celebrate the launch of “Hothead,” Disney.com is holding the Cal Ripken Jr. “Hothead” Sweepstakes. 75 lucky first-prize winners will each get a copy of the book “Hothead,” a baseball, and a Cal Ripken Jr. photo – all signed by Ripken himself!
To enter, text the word HOTHEAD to DISNEY (347639)*. Fans can also click here for official rules and find out how to enter by mail. The sweepstakes closes April 15, 2011.
Richly-hued roses, petunias, violas and other colorful flowers adorn the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. The festival, which runs 75 days March 2 – May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission. (Gene Duncan, photographer).The festival, which runs 75 days March 2 – May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission. (Gene Duncan, photographer).
This week, Cruise Critic ® (http://www.cruisecritic.com), the leading online source of cruise reviews and news, reported that the cost of for-fee dining venues on cruise ships continues to rise, hitting an all-time high last month when Disney Cruise Line debuted Remy, its $75-per person French restaurant on the new Disney Dream. This is more than twice the cost of most alternative restaurants, which typically charge between $20 and $30 per person.
Such for-fee options offer cruisers more choice, but they can also add significantly to the cost of a cruise. In a recent poll, almost half of the 2,260 Cruise Critic members who responded said they spent more than $50 a day onboard, with 5 percent admitting to spending more than $150 per day. When asked where most of this money was spent, 50 percent of respondents said their biggest expenditure was shore excursions, 38 percent said it was alcohol, 7 percent said alternative dining, and just 4 percent said they were spending their money at the spa.
Seasoned cruisers know to budget for the occasional splurge, but how much should you expect to spend? And of which other budget-busting fees should cost-conscious cruisers be aware?
To help cruisers anticipate additional costs and avoid unnecessary fees, Cruise Critic has compiled this list of the most popular items and activities for which passengers are often charged extra fees:
10 Things Not Included In Your Cruise Fare (And How to Avoid Paying for Them)
Shore Excursions: Prices for shore excursions organized by cruise lines start at around $50 and can exceed $200 for some tours and activities.
Savings Tip: Spend some time researching the ports you will visit before you leave home, and you can explore independently. However, if you are late back to the ship, the crew will not delay departure, and you will be facing a hefty fee to fly yourself to the next port of call. So, if you are venturing far from the dock, consider paying for the cruise line’s tour, which will ensure you get to the ship on time.
Alcohol and other Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fares on most sailings, with the exception of those offered by some ultra-deluxe lines. Hard liquor, cocktails and wine range from $5 to $10 each, and can be more expensive on higher-end lines. Soft drinks will run $2 to $3.
Savings Tip: At meals, iced tea, milk, coffee and juices are complimentary. Also, look for the daily drink specials. Unlimited soda packages are offered on some lines, or you can bring you own onboard. Be forewarned, though, that most cruise lines’ alcohol policies prevent you from bringing alcohol onboard.
Alternative Restaurants: Virtually all cruise ships now offer for-fee alternative eateries, such as steakhouses, Italian trattorias and fast food chains. Fees range from $5 for a burger and fries to $35 or more at a steakhouse or other high-end venue. At the upmarket Remy restaurant on brand-new Disney Dream, the fee is an astounding $75.
Savings Tip: Stick to the main dining room and eateries included in the cost of your cruise. Or, choose a ship with a wide range of alternative restaurants, including low-cost options.
Steak: In 2008, Royal Caribbean introduced for-fee steak and lobster options in its main dining room, and more recently, Carnival Cruise Lines has been offering a similar option on some of its ships.
Savings Tip: Stick to the menu items and dining options that are included in your fare, and only splurge on special occasions.
Gym and Spa: Although gym entry and most classes are free, some cruise lines charge extra for things like yoga or spinning. Spa services are not generally included in cruise fares, and something like a massage typically ranges from about $110 to $150.
Savings Tip: Check your ship’s daily program of activities for ads for spa treatment specials that may be available one day only or during certain hours of a given day.
Baby-Sitting: Children’s programs are typically included in the cost of the cruise, but baby-sitting usually carries an additional fee of about $5 to $12 per hour, depending on the cruise line and the number of children you have.
Savings Tip: Costs vary for each cruise line, so check before you book to find out what is included and how much additional services will cost.
Enrichment Activities: Some of the educational courses offered onboard — such as online language classes and food and wine tastings — can be expensive, depending on the cruise line with which you are traveling.
Savings Tip: Research before you book to find out what courses are included and which demand extra fees.
Communications: Calling ship-to-shore can cost from $6.95 to $15.95 per minute. At onboard Internet centers, you should expect to pay anywhere from 35 cents to $1.25 per minute.
Savings Tip: Save your e-mailing for ports of call, most of which have cyber centers. Check out Cruise Critic’s port profiles, which include address information on local Internet cafes wherever we’ve found them.
Laundry: As with hotels, laundry and dry-cleaning charges on a cruise can be steep — approximately $2.50 to $3.50 to wash a T-shirt, for instance.
Savings Tip: Check to see if there is an onboard self-service launderette, and use it. (Typically, washing and drying one load of clothes comes to about $2 to $3). Alternatively, pack enough changes of clothes for the cruise, and do the washing back at home.
Tipping: Many lines recommend about $10 to $12 per person, per day. This is distributed among those who provide key services (cabin stewards and waitstaff.) If you have butler service, be prepared to tip additionally.
Savings Tip: Unless the service has been poor, tip the recommended amount. And add a little more, if you can, for outstanding attention.
Find more money-saving tips at www.cruisecritic.com:
An Insider’s Guide to Cruise Tipping — http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=132
Alternative Restaurants: Would You Pay $75? — http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4391
Hidden Costs of Cruising — http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=64
As Disney Parks invites guests to “Let the Memories Begin,” spectacular new images were unveiled today featuring the work of acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz. The portraits star Penelope Cruz as Belle and Jeff Bridges as the transformed prince from “Beauty and the Beast,” Queen Latifah as the villainous Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” and Olivia Wilde as the Evil Queen with Alec Baldwin as the Spirit of the Magic Mirror from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
The three Disney Dream Portrait images are the latest to be commissioned by Disney, which debuted the successful series of celebrities set in Disney fantasy settings in 2007. These are the first new images to debut since 2009 and the first to include Disney villains.
“After the incredible response of Disney fans to Annie’s amazing work, we couldn’t be more excited to share these stunning new images,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Annie has captured Disney experiences that evoke nostalgia and transport viewers to faraway magical places which is why they have generated so much enthusiasm and affection.”
Asked by Disney Parks to continue lending her vision to the successful campaign, Leibovitz has created inspired images of Disney fantasy come to life. Her photographs for the campaign embody the captivating, narrative style indicative of her world-renowned work.
Each image features a scene with well-known celebrities transformed into the role of famous Disney characters.
The portraits will appear as a special insert in the April issues of O — The Oprah Magazine, People en Español, Real Simple, Essence, and InStyle as well as the March 28 issue of People.
Click here to see the rest of the very cool pictures.
