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Disney/ABC Television Group Sponsors The American Fertility Association’s Infertility Prevention Program

Disney/ABC Television Group Sponsors The American Fertility Association's Infertility Prevention Program

The American Fertility Association (The AFA) announced today that the Disney/ABC Television Group has given a generous, unrestricted educational grant to further the work of The AFA’s infertility prevention program.

The program’s centerpiece is an Infertility Prevention Handbook, available online as a PDF, and in hard copy by request. The Handbook provides the outline for the curriculum used at outreach events, which range from manicure salons, to college campuses, to restaurants, to corporate boardrooms. The AFA staff facilitates the events, leading conversations designed to help young women make the right decisions for themselves about key aspects of their lives.

“1 in 8 couples are affected by some degree of infertility, and most people don’t realize that a woman’s fertility begins to decrease at age 27. The AFA is committed to taking education to people where they live and work and socialize,” said Ken Mosesian, Executive Director. “We’re deeply appreciative of the contribution that the Disney/ABC Television Group is making to our efforts to educate all people — but particularly young women — about the reality of the biological clock, and the impact that sexually transmitted infections and environmental toxins can have on their fertility.”

“The Disney/ABC Television Group is pleased to support the work of The American Fertility Association in their efforts to educate young women about infertility prevention as they navigate career, education, and family,” said Brad Jamison, VP, Corporate Initiatives.

Disney/ABC Television Group Sponsors The American Fertility Association's Infertility Prevention Program

Cars 2: The Video Game Races Into Stores Today

Cars 2: The Video Game Races Into Stores Today

Disney Interactive Studios today announced the company is gearing up for an action-packed summer with Disney•Pixar’s Cars 2: The Video Game, now available for all major gaming platforms. Inspired by the Disney•Pixar animated comedy adventure movie Cars 2, which opens in North America on June 24, the game offers players intrigue and excitement as they take on dangerous missions, vie to become the fastest racecar in the world and use newly acquired espionage skills in adrenaline-pumping combat racing and battle arenas.

Cars 2: The Video Game maintains the film’s look and feel while expanding on the spy-driven plot line.  Players will jump into the Cars 2 universe with many of their favorite Cars personalities in locations around the globe.

“We’ve developed a meaningful and creative partnership with Pixar that continues to result in video games that are an authentic and immersive experience for fans,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “We anticipate that Cars enthusiasts around the world will be compelled to become agents of C.H.R.O.M.E with the release of this new video game.”

In Cars 2: The Video Game, players enroll in an international spy training academy known as C.H.R.O.M.E. (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage). As part of their international training to become world class spies, players will participate in simulated daring missions using assorted high-tech gadgetry in their effort to outpace and slow down the competition, and ultimately become the world’s fastest racecar.

Cars 2: The Video Game Races Into Stores Today

Fans will choose from more than 20 different characters to play, including classic favorites like Mater the tow truck and Lightning McQueen, along with new challengers, such as Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. Fans will also recognize familiar voices while playing Cars 2: The Video Game with a celebrity voice cast including Larry the Cable Guy returning as Mater, Emily Mortimer as Holley Shiftwell, Tony Shalhoub reappearing as Luigi and John Turturro as Francesco Bernoulli. In addition, the endless action will take players beyond Radiator Springs to experience exotic locales across the globe including Tokyo, London and Italy.

The game supports up to four players in split-screen and features connectivity with the World of Cars Online, a free-to-play browser-based, virtual world tied to the hit Disney•Pixar animated Cars universe.

Cars 2: The Video Game was developed by Avalanche Software in collaboration with the filmmakers at Pixar Animation Studios. It features full 3D support for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and is also available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PC/MAC. The console versions are all rated E 10+, while the Nintendo DS version is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The Wii, PlayStation®3 system and Xbox 360 versions are available for a suggested retail price of $49.99, while the Windows-based PC/Mac, and Nintendo DS versions are available for $29.99.

Stay tuned to a review of Cars 2 on the Wii from me later this week!

Cars 2: The Video Game Races Into Stores Today

PhotoPass Back at Walt Disney World Water Parks

PhotoPass is Back at Walt Disney World Resort Water Parks with a New Location Added

Great news for all those PhotoPass fans like myself!

Well, summer is officially upon us as evidenced by our skyrocketing temperatures here in Orlando! Which makes it the perfect time for a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort Water Parks.

Whether you are chillin’ at Blizzard Beach or relaxing at Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s PhotoPass photographers are back in full force to capture your most splash-tastic memories. Check out Disney’s newest photo location at Blizzard’s Teamboat Springs. Word has it that there is a hidden Mickey, but I have yet to find it.

Source Disney Parks Blog

PhotoPass Back at Walt Disney World Water Parks

PhotoPass Back at Walt Disney World Water Parks

Inspired by Disney-Pixar’s Cars 2 “Walt Disney Wheels” Steers Guests to High-Octane, Gear-Spinning Good Times

Inspired by Disney-Pixar's Cars 2 "Walt Disney Wheels" Steers Guests to High-Octane, Gear-Spinning Good Times

Gear-spinning good times get rolling at Walt Disney World Resort, where car-lovers can experience auto-themed attractions and shows, climb behind the wheel for a high-octane thrill ride and even settle back for a meal in a setting reminiscent of a time when families watched motion pictures from a cozy car seat.

Here’s a spin around of “Walt Disney Wheels”:

  • “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” — This fast-paced show takes Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests behind the scenes of big-budget movies to spotlight the high-octane best of the movie industry’s stunt masters — including precision driving, edge-of-your-seat jumps, pyrotechnics, high-speed spins and plenty of surprises. The extravaganza sends cars, motorcycles and watercraft careening and jumping across an enormous, 177,000-square-foot outdoor stunt arena themed as a Mediterranean village movie set. Joining the cast later this summer is Lightning McQueen, the star of “Cars” and “Cars 2.”
  • Take the Wheel, For Real, at the Richard Petty Driving Experience — Auto enthusiasts have the chance to step into a scene most only dream about — getting into the seat of a real stock car and tipping speeds up to 145 mph. The Richard Petty Driving Experience features a choice of daily ride-along and driving programs in cars with about 600 horses under the hood. Plenty of celebrities — from NASCAR champions Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart to swimmer Michael Phelps to actors John Travolta and Leonardo di Caprio– have joined in the fun at Walt Disney World Speedway. Reservation information is available by calling 800/BE-PETTY or online at www.1800bepetty.com.
  • Feel the Need for Speed (at 7.5 miles per hour) — It may not be the fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort, but Tomorrowland Speedway lets young hopefuls and seasoned veterans take turns around the Magic Kingdom’s half-mile track at a whopping 7.5 miles per hour. One of the popular Magic Kingdom attractions that debuted on the theme park’s opening day in 1971, Tomorrowland Speedway welcomes drivers and riders (adults and children) to replicas of landmarks made famous by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the famed Yard of Bricks and Gasoline Alley. Through the years, the attraction has been home to many first-time drivers, with many guests climbing behind the wheel of the colorful, scaled motorcars long before taking the wheel of a full-sized automobile.
  • Test Track — Sponsored by General Motors, this high-speed thrill attraction in Epcot invites guests to buckle up and brace themselves for a series of automobile tests. It’s the fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort and is modeled after real-world, GM automobile proving grounds. The rigorous testing schedule includes an engine-roaring, three-story ascent, a wildly out-of-control skid and a high-intensity speed loop pushing 65 miles per hour around the massive testing facility.
  • Just Eat in the Car, Under the Stars — Cars and film combine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, a drive-in movie-inspired eatery inside the Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Diners sit in vintage-style cars as fiber-optic stars twinkle overhead. The theater’s movie screen shows outrageous sci-fi movie clips as servers journey from car to car dishing out classic American cuisine. The 1950s-themed restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and guests can arrange reservation times by calling 407/WDW-DINE.
  • Speed Thrills on Car-Themed Coaster — A wild, stretch limousine ride through the Hollywood Hills provides guests high-speed thrills aboard Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, an indoor roller coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The legendary rock group Aerosmith teamed with Walt Disney Imagineering to create a one-of-a-kind coaster that features a high-speed launch (0 to approximately 60 mph in 2.8 seconds), three inversions, rock-concert lighting and a customized Aerosmith soundtrack thundering from 120 onboard speakers in each train. Each coaster train is constructed to resemble a super-stretch limousine, complete with headlights, taillights and a trunk.

For more information about Walt Disney World Resort or to book a vacation, guests may visit disneyworld.com.

Inspired by Disney-Pixar's Cars 2 "Walt Disney Wheels" Steers Guests to High-Octane, Gear-Spinning Good Times

Wednesday with Walt: No Beans About It!

Wednesday with Walt: No Beans About It!
Walt outside the new Burbank Studio / Courtesy The Walt Disney Family Museum ©Disney

Walt Disney believed that if you live right, good things just happen. I believe this is true also. Sometimes a tough trial in one way manifests into a positive blessing in another way. There is a great example of this from early in Walt’s life.

Things weren’t always good for Walt. In fact, there were periods in his life when he was extremely poor. Sometimes  if Walt’s older brother, Roy, hadn’t heard from him in a while, he would drop Walt a note that would say that he thought he might need a little help. He would enclose a blank check and tell Walt that he could fill it in for any amount he needed up to $30. Walt always filled them out for $30 and he used the money to pay the two owners of a Greek restaurant where he ate and ran a tab.

There were two gentlemen who owned the Greek restaurant below the Laugh-O-Gram studio; their names were Jerry and Louie. They allowed Walt to eat at their restaurant until his tab reached $60.00. Walt was only nineteen years old at that time and had already failed in business with his Laugh-O-Gram venture. Walt owned only one pair of shoes and even had to trade his barber funny drawings for haircuts.

Walt was never out of debt during that time, but at least Jerry and Louie would feed him until his tab reached $60.00. Once, when Walt’s restaurant tab went over the limit, Jerry came to see him. He told him that he would give Walt unlimited credit, but his partner said they had to cut him off.  Walt said, “Alright, Jerry, I understand.”

A couple days later, Jerry wandered into the Laugh-O-Gram studio and saw Walt sitting on a box eating cold beans from a can and dry bread. They were props that had been left over from a photographer’s studio next door. Walt had lived on beans and bread for 2 days.

When Walt spoke later about this period in his life, he said it wasn’t so bad; after all, Walt loved beans. But when Jerry saw him sitting on that box eating those cold beans out of a can, Jerry’s heart melted and he said, “Walt, I don’t care what Louie said. You come down to our place and get something to eat.”

When Walt received $500 for Tommy Tucker’s Tooth, he paid off as much debt as he could, but it wasn’t enough to pay all of his debt. He talked to Jerry and Louie and to his other creditors and they told Walt that “they were for him and he could send it to them later.”

I think that the person Walt was made it easy for Jerry and Louie, and others at that time as well, to reach out and help him during that very trying time. I also think Walt’s love for beans turned out to be a blessing in disguise, or in this case, in a can.

Wednesday with Walt: No Beans About It!

Reservations Open Aug. 16 for Special Events for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Set your alarm for 7 a.m. on Aug. 16, we have a special event you want to be sure not to miss at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 at Walt Disney World Resort. That’s when reservations open for ticketed culinary and beverage programs during the 16th annual food, wine, beer and cocktail extravaganza.

Availability is limited! Do you have a favorite event you might recommend?

  • First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)
  • “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
  • Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)
  • Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)
  • Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)
  • Kitchen Memories, formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
  • Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)
  • Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5 and 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)
  • Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)
  • Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 223, 30, Nov. 6, 13)

Additional special events will include Italian and French pairings and lunches, as well as Mexican tequila events. To make reservations call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). For event details visit disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Check back for updates – the site goes live mid-July.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Reservations Open Aug. 16 for Special Events for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Reservations Open Aug. 16 for Special Events for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Debuts for the first time on Blu-ray – September 13, 2011

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Debuts for the first time on Blu-ray – September 13, 2011

George Clooney (The Perfect Storm) and John Turturro (Cars 2) embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this hilarious, offbeat road picture. And now, for the first time, this quirky gem shines more brightly than ever in Blu-ray High Definition!

Fed up with crushing rocks on a prison farm in Mississippi, the dapper, silver-tongued Ulysses Everett McGill (Clooney) busts loose…except that he’s still shackled to two misfits from his chain gang: bad tempered Pete (Turturro) and sweet, dimwitted Delmar (Tim Blake Nelsen) With nothing to lose and buried loot toregain, the three embark on a riotous odyssey filled with chases, close calls, near misses and betrayal.  Experience every unpredictable moment as it plays out in the crystal-clear sound and breathtaking picture quality of Blu-ray. Populated with strange characters,including a blind prophet, sexy sirens and a one-eyed Bible salesman (John Goodman), O Brother, Where Art Thou will leave you laughing at every outrageous and surprising twist and turn!

Street Date: September 13, 2011

Release Format: Blu-ray

Suggested Retail Price: 1-Disc Blu-ray = $26.50 US / $31.50 Canada

Bonus Features:

  • Exclusive Behind The ScenesFeaturette
  • Two Storyboard to Scene Comparison
  • “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” Music Video
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Feature Run Time: 107 minutes
  • Rated: PG-13 US / PG Canada

The following technical specification applies to film content only:

  • Aspect Ratio: 1080p HD / 2.35:1
  • Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio & Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French & Spanish

 

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Debuts for the first time on Blu-ray – September 13, 2011

THE MUPPETS Official Trailer is out now!

THE MUPPETS Official Trailer is out now!

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.

Website and Mobile site: Disney.com/Muppets

Become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/Muppets

Follow THE MUPPETS on Twitter: Twitter.com/MuppetsStudio

THE MUPPETS Official Trailer is out now!

Ka-Chow! Disney.com Premieres Special 5-Minute Movie Clip from Disney*Pixar’s “Cars 2”

Ka-Chow! Disney.com Premieres Special 5-Minute Movie Clip from Disney*Pixar's "Cars 2"

Today on Disney.com, “Cars” fans can watch a special 5-minute clip from Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2,” before it races into U.S. theaters on June 24, 2011.  For even more “Cars” fun on Disney.com, racers can:

To check out more “Cars 2” excitement, go to Disney.com/Cars. “Cars 2” races into U.S. theaters on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

The Count of Monte Cristo Debuts for the first time on Blu-ray – September 13, 2011

The Count of Monte Cristo Debuts for the first time on Blu-ray – September 13, 2011

The Count Of Monte Cristo. And now, for the first time, the world’s greatest tale of betrayal, adventure and revenge is more riveting than ever in Blu-ray High Definition!

When the dashing and guileless Edmond Dantes (Caviezel) is betrayed by his best friend (Pearce) and wrongly imprisoned, he becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. After a miraculous escape, he transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, insinuates himself into the French nobility, and puts his cunning plan of reprisal in action. Experience the resounding clash of swords and the deadly glint off every razor-sharp blade. With the pristine sound and magnificent picture quality of Blu-ray, this swashbuckling thriller will have you perched on the edge of your seat until the very lastdrop of sweet revenge is exacted.

StreetDate: September 13, 2011

Release Format: Blu-ray

Suggested Retail Price: 1-Disc Blu-ray = $26.50 US / $31.50 Canada

Feature Run Time: 131 minutes

Rated: PG-13 US / PG Canada

The following technical specification applies to filmcontent only:

Aspect Ratio: 1080p HD / 1.85:1

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital & Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital

Subtitles: English SDH, French & Spanish

Bonus Features:

  • 5 Deleted Scenes With Commentary By Filmmakers Including Alternate Final Duel
  • “The Napoleonic World” — Production Design Featurette
  • “En Garde” — Multi-Angle Sword Fighting Feature
  • “The Pen” –  A Retrospective on author Alexandre Dumas
  • “Adapting A Classic” — Screenwriting Segment
  • “The Clash Of Steel” — Stunt Choreography Piece
  • Layer-By-Layer — Interactive Sound Design Feature
  • Audio Commentary With DirectorKevin Reynolds

 

The Count of Monte Cristo Debuts for the first time on Blu-ray – September 13, 2011

Disney Parks – Let the Memories Begin Sweepstakes

Disney Parks - Let the Memories Begin Sweepstakes

Southwest Airlines wants to send you and your family to the Walt Disney World ® Resort or Disneyland ® Resort where you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams and take home memories that will last a lifetime!

You’ll enjoy amazing accommodations in the middle of the Disney magic, come and go as you please through all the theme park fun, plus explore and enjoy dining, recreation and shopping wonders all around the Theme Parks. So, enter for your chance to let the memories begin!

Click here to enter.

Disney Parks - Let the Memories Begin Sweepstakes

Star Wars Fans Raise $15,000 For Sick Baby “Leah”

Star Wars Fans Raise $15,000 For Sick Baby "Leah"

I will tell you Disney/Star Wars people are by far some of the nicest people I have ever known.

If you have a moment check out this cute article from KTLA.

The parents of a sick, 4-month-old baby girl named “Leah” are thanking Star Wars fans for raising an estimated $15,000 to help pay for the costs of the infant’s growing medical bills. Leah has spent the majority of her short life in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at UCLA Medical Center due to a “mystery illness.”

At one month old, she suffered a seizure. Since then, she’s had five spinal taps, numerous muscle biopsies and other tests, but her team of 40 doctors have not yet been able to diagnose the problem.

“We still don’t know… and I think that’s the most frustrating part,” says Dr. Andy Wen.

Click here to keep reading.

If you’re interested in learning more about Leah or donating to the Baby Leah Fund, go to: http://princessleahdiaries.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/notes/falin-skirata/lets-help-dsb-frani-and-princess-leah-prop-auction-lots-of-prizes/231520853530287

Photo credit Princess Leah’s Facebook page

Star Wars Fans Raise $15,000 For Sick Baby "Leah"