Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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September 5, 2010

Young Star Wars fans Sherilyn Patterson (left), age 6, and Abigail Petrousky (right), age 5, both from Orlando, Fla., meet Star Wars characters Princess Leia and R2-D2 May 21, 2010 during Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Star Wars Weekends features more than 50 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, star conversations with Star Wars celebrities, Star Wars parades, interactive activities, exclusive merchandise and the famous Star Tours thrill ride. Event activities are included with regular theme park admission.

Matt Stroshane, photographer

Fantasia & Fantasia 2000 Coming to Bluray Combo Pack Novmber 30th

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Chip

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September 5, 2010

The Vault is being opened and both Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 will be available for the fist time in High Definition. In a 4 Disc Blu-Ray + DVD set in store November 30th… You can pre-order it now from the link here. The price is $31.99 which is not to bad considering you get 2 movies & DVD copies.

Are you going to get it? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Disney Epic Mickey Collector’s Edition for Nintendo Wii

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Chip

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September 5, 2010

Disney Epic Mickey is an action-adventure game that sends Mickey Mouse on an epic journey of creativity and discovery. As Mickey, the player is propelled into Wasteland, an alternate world made up of Disney’s forgotten creative efforts, and is given the power to wield paint and paint thinner to dynamically change the world while determining Mickey’s path to becoming an epic hero.

Through the use of this unique paint and paint thinner, the key components of animation and Mickey’s tools for impacting his world, players will have the ability to shape how the story unfolds as they discover the concept of “Playstyle Matters” – an innovative style of gameplay, where players creatively tackle different challenges in the world to explore all the possibilities and storylines, but with consequences for their chosen actions.

Disney Epic Mickey features:

Use paint and paint thinner to change the world, interact with friends and enemies and solve challenges.
Choose the best path to become an epic hero because “Playstyle Matters” and choices will change the outcome of the game.
Explore and solve challenges in an alternate Disney world ruled by Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star.
Travel between lands in Wasteland through classic platforming levels inspired by animated films and shorts.
Experience an innovative mix of platforming, action-adventure and light role playing game elements.
Collect over 75 virtual Disney pins in the game by completing specific challenges, quests and discovering hidden collectibles.

Disney Epic Mickey Collector’s Edition includes:

Special packaging
Disney Epic Mickey Game
Exclusive 5 inch Collectible Vinyl Epic Mickey Figure
Special Edition DVD with behind the scenes footage and additional marketing assets and videos
Epic Mickey Stylized Wii Remote Faceplate
2 Epic Mickey Stylized Wii Console skins

Cost is 69.99 and you can preorder you copy here from Toys r Us

Disneyworld Character Changes for September 2010

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

This monthly article comes to us from Character Hunt check them out on Facebook. Here are the most up to date Character Changes at the Walt Disney World Resort.

CONFIRMED CHARACTER CHANGES

Vidia’s first official day at Pixie Hollow will be Friday, August 27th.

Duffy the Disney Bear is going to start making appearances at Epcot, tentative start date is October 14

Rapunzel and Flynn will be the first of the new Fantasyland styled character “play and greet” in the Fairytale Garden beginning October 15

RUMORED CHARACTER CHANGES

Eric and Wendy are rumored to be leaving the Magic Kingdom on Oct. 3rd.

Agent Oso is replacing Jojo at Play ‘n Dine sometime this fall – date is TBD.

Phineas, Ferb and Perry are rumored to be the replacement to the Power Rangers on DHS’s Streets of America. A source indicates the Power Ranger vehicle is being re-purposed for this new experience. Opening date is expected in calendar year 2011. I think it’s safe to assume we’ll get to hear some catchy P&F tunes if they keep those loud speakers!

FANTASYLAND EXPANSION

Orlando Sentinel talks with Staggs about changes with the Fantasyland Expansion: “…he said Disney is trying to broaden the project’s overall appeal. For instance, plans for three interactive princess meet-and-greets — where children could dance with Cinderella, celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s 16th birthday or play a role in a story with Belle of Beauty and the Beast — are being altered.”

Mickey and Minnie are moving to Exposition Hall once Toontown closes (announced for spring 2011). No word on if this will become their permanent greeting location, but most indicators point to yes.

Princesses are moving to Exposition Hall as well. Once the Fantasyland Forest is complete, the princesses will move to their appropriate locations.

Ariel is appearing in the Adventureland Veranda with Prince Eric. Once the Fantasyland Forest is complete, Ariel will move to her new grotto.

Pooh and Tigger are meeting in the Town Square Tour Guide Gardens. A new location is being rumored (sooner rather then later) to hold them until the expansion is completed.

Fairies are moving to a different park once Toon Town closes; this is expected to happen in Jan or Feb of 2011.

SHOWS AND PARADES

Storytime with Belle is closing September 12.

HSM 3 is closing on October 2. However, it will be replaced on October 22 by a new show: Disney Channel Rocks! This new show will feature songs from High School Musical, Camp Rock, and StarStruck.

Disney’s Electrical Parade (DEP) is being extended past Aug. 14th; no current end date is available.

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade (CDCT) shuffled some characters. On Aug 9th the following characters were added: Naveen, Queen of Hearts, Tiana, and White Rabbit. The following characters were removed: Baloo and King Louie.

The Hoedown has transformed into a Flash Mob in Frontierland! This change occurred on February 26th.

The Pirate Tutorial is performing on a new stage in Adventureland! The stage was tested in summer 2009, but has become permanent as of January 5th.

Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee was discontinued after January 3rd with little momentum to support a possible return.

Totally Tomorrowland Christmas was considered a success in 2009 so there is a strong indication it will be back in 2010!

Click here for more Disney Character Changes.

Tron Evolution Collectors Edition Drives to Stores December 2010

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

Disney Interactive Studios today announced a collector’s edition of TRON: Evolution will be available at retail. The TRON: Evolution collector’s edition package will include an exclusive TRON light cycle collectible based on the in-game model from TRON: Evolution. The light cycle model is being created by renowned collectibles manufacturer Sideshow Collectibles. Available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the collector’s edition will be packaged in a special protective casing with a drawer for the game.

The company also announced December 7 as the North American release date for all its TRON: Evolution video games on popular platforms. TRON: Evolution games will be available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Wii, Windows PC, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. The Wii game’s title is TRON: Evolution – Battle Grids.

The TRON: Evolution collector’s edition will only be available in limited quantities and will have a suggested retail price of $129.99 in North America. The collector’s edition will be available on December 7 with the rest of the TRON: Evolution video game portfolio before the “TRON: Legacy” film hits U.S. theaters on December 17 in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D.

Developed by Propaganda Games, Disney Interactive Studios’ action and role-playing game studio in Vancouver, British Columbia, TRON: Evolution is set during the era between the two TRON films, “TRON” (1982) and “TRON: Legacy.” TRON: Evolution conveys the story of significant events within the TRON mythology. The game features an epic adventure across a massive digital world filled with high-mobility disc-based combat and advanced light cycles.

TRON: Evolution is one of the keys to unlocking the TRON mythology. The game’s story takes place before the “TRON: Legacy” events and provides insight into the film’s past. As an integrated entertainment experience, the film will reference elements of the game’s story. Fans will want to play the game to learn more about the TRON mythology seen in the film, but each entertainment experience will stand on its own.

“TRON has proven to be a franchise that inspires loyal fans and collectors and will continue with the holiday’s new entries,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “This collector’s edition will give fans of TRON: Evolution and the TRON movies a great opportunity to not only get the game but also a unique TRON collectible.”

TRON: Evolution is Rating Pending from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Playing Hide and Seek with Mickey

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 5, 2010

I remember the first time I heard someone say they were looking for Hidden Mickeys. “Oh, that sounds like fun for the kids! Mickey plays Hide and Seek with them!” I have since found out…as many others have as well….that Hidden Mickeys are, yes, kind of a game, but in my opinion, a lot more fun than Hide and Seek…for kids of all ages.

First, a definition, in case you are wondering: Hidden Mickeys are Mickey-head shaped designs that have been hidden all over Walt Disney World by the Imagineers as they came up with the plans for every ride, attraction, restaurant, and resort hotel. They are literally everywhere.

And some of them are very hard to find. Which is why they are called Hidden Mickeys. And why looking for them is so darn fun.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite activities to suggest to families with kids, especially for older ones who want more of a challenge than standing in line for character autographs. You can make it a mission to search for them on every ride you go on. They are there! Make a game of it and award “prizes” to the person who finds the next one if you like. There’s all kinds of ways you can incorporate the hunt for Hidden Mickeys into your vacation, and if your kids are of the age where they love scavenger hunts, they are gonna love this.

Now one thing that I especially love about this, is the potential for having an entire vacation day designed around hunting for Hidden Mickeys….that doesn’t even involve going to any parks. Which means it doesn’t involve paying for park tickets that day. What a great way to get an extra day out of your vacation without spending a lot!

I think the best way to approach this if you want to try it, would be to pick up a copy of Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys to refer to on your search. Steve Barrett is THE authority on Hidden Mickeys and his book has a number of chapters of where to look for them literally everywhere on Disney property. He gives you clues about where to look….and believe me you’ll need the clues…and does provide hints at the end of each chapter if you are completely stumped. Even more fun, he sets it up so that you can score points, and see who the “winner” actually is, if you like. It is very easy to concentrate on say, the resorts only, and completely make a day of touring the resorts and looking for Hidden Mickeys along the way. Frankly, you could probably make several days of it.

However you decide to do it, I think that hunting for Hidden Mickeys is an absolute blast for kids of almost any age. Just a warning though: once you start, you will probably find Hidden Mickeys EVERYWHERE…even off Disney property, even after you get back home.

Speaking from experience here though, you may not want to share your “discoveries” with your non-Disney friends….as they are not likely to find it quite as amazing and entertaining as you do. 🙂

Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that “Disney magic”.

Champion and Sport Chalet Sponsor Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

Today, two leaders within the sporting industry announced their official sponsorship of the 5th annual Disneyland® Half Marathon to take place over Labor Day weekend in Anaheim, Calif. For the first time, Sport Chalet joins Champion® Athleticwear, the official performance apparel of the Disney Endurance Series, as the official retailer of the exciting Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.

As presenting sponsors, Champion and Sport Chalet will receive on-site marquee inclusion within event marketing collateral, program advertising and signage, and goody bags. The apparel brand and retailer will also bring their partnership to life at the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo with a 20-foot-by-30-foot pop up retail store, which will exclusively sell select pieces from Champion’s popular Double Dry performance collection to participants and spectators alike. More than 14,000 athletes have registered for the Disneyland® Half Marathon and all will be outfitted in a commemorative Champion Double Dry T-Shirt.

“We have a tremendous ongoing partnership with the Disney Endurance Series and are honored to bring our performance apparel to its athletes throughout the year,” said Claire Powell, director, Champion brand marketing. “We’re especially excited for this year’s Disneyland Half Marathon as we welcome our retail partner and West Coast sports staple, Sport Chalet, to celebrate these everyday athletes with us.” Champion men’s and women’s apparel are now available at Sports Chalet locations.

For David Hacker, director of marketing at Sport Chalet, the event sponsorship and apparel partnership with Champion is a testament to the retailer’s identity. “Like Champion, we are a destination for players of all levels, across all sports. We’re thrilled to be the official retailer at the Disneyland Half Marathon and help fuel the passions of the runners.”

Disney Sports Event Director Paul Lambert returns the sentiment and supports the focus on everyday athletes. “We look forward to kicking-off the 5th milestone of our Disneyland Half Marathon with the support of Champion and Sport Chalet. These two sporting icons are sponsors our runners can relate to which is extremely important as we continue to explore ways to enhance the Disney running experience.”

Watch official Disneyland Half Marathon runners navigate through Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland Resort on Sunday, Sept. 5, for a chance to earn the coveted 5th Anniversary finisher medal. Runners of all ages will also participate in the Disneyland Fabulous 5K and Kids’ Races and the Disneyland Health & Fitness Expo, which features the latest trends in running, fitness equipment, footwear and apparel.

Jeff Galloway Joins runDisney Team as Official Training Consultant

By

Chip

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September 5, 2010

Jeff Galloway, one of America’s foremost marathon trainers, has been named the official training consultant to Disney’s series of endurance events, which has been rebranded runDisney.

Galloway, a 1972 Olympian and founder of the popular Galloway Marathon Training Program, will offer his running and training expertise to beginners as well as experienced runners, helping runners of all ages lead more active lifestyles.

Galloway’s unique training methods and tips will be available to runners through online runDisney videos and programs, as well as through special Galloway appearances at all runDisney events.

Disney’s New Art of Animation Resort Construction Video

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

Here is three videos Jeff Lange took yesterday of the construction at the upcoming Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The Pop Century Legendary Years were never finished, and the building is now being prepped forth the upcoming resort to be opened in 2012.

Oldies But Goodies – Special Dietary Needs For Seniors

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

The first thing I want to mention to my fellow Seniors is that there are thousands of people who visit Walt Disney World each week who have either food allergies or special dietary needs. These needs vary from the simple types like low fat or low sodium diets to serious life threatening food allergies to things like nuts and shellfish. If you have a special dietary need you are definitely not alone when dining at Walt Disney World. These needs are not limited to Seniors by any means but I want to address it from a Seniors point of view for a very particular reason – we do not like being a burden or inconveniencing people because we may have a special need. Please do not take that point of view because your health may be at stake and ignoring these needs could make you very ill or worse.

Walt Disney World handles food allergies and special dietary needs beautifully. They are equipped and more than willing to do whatever it takes to keep you safe and healthy while you are dining there. There are a couple of very simple things that you need to do to put the machinery for handling your needs in motion. I’ll cover the basics here but you will find addresses, e-mails, phone numbers, etc. at the following link. Please use it as it will really help: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-requests/ . Detailed instructions are there as well as listings of appropriate venues for some of your particular needs. Please do not forget that keeping Kosher is a valid special need at Walt Disney World.

The most important thing you can do is make the needs known because unless Disney knows you have a special need they can not help you with it. When you make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) indicate your need on each and every reservation . If your need/allergy is at all complex, I would recommend making ADR’s over the telephone at 407 939-3463 rather than using the on line system. This way you can discuss the issues with a Cast Member. The next thing you need to do is to reiterate your need when you arrive at the restaurant. In many instances, the Chef will likely come out to discuss options (yes, there will be options) available to you. Rest assured – they will take care of you!!

Hopefully, I have been able to reassure you that Disney can handle your dietary needs both safely and effectively. That is not the point of this article though. What I wanted to accomplish was to make sure that you understand that your special dietary need is not a burden or inconvenience to anybody!!! The process is simple and you will be pleased with the results. If you are making your ADR’s, make sure you make the issue known to the Cast Member. If you are traveling with a group, make sure the person making the ADR’s is clear on all aspects of your dietary issues and is able to present them properly. Enjoy your visit and all of your meals.

Disney’s Halloween Festival 2010 at Disneyland Resort Paris

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

From October 2nd to November 1st, 2010, come and have scary good fun and spooky laughter at Disney Halloween festival where you will discover the mischievous side of Disney characters and their Halloween friends! www.disneylandparis.com

Waking Sleeping Beauty Coming to DVD Nov 30th

By

Chip

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September 4, 2010

In the decade between 1984 and 1994, the animators at the Walt Disney Studio created an unprecedented string of critical and box-office hits that included The Little Mermaid, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. The documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty offers a rare inside look at the studio’s renaissance–and at the internal tensions that led to its subsequent decline.

In 1984 a stockholders’ revolt brought in a new management team that included Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Roy E. Disney (Walt’s nephew). In the years after Walt’s death, the studio seemed to be sleepwalking, producing well-animated but dull films like The Aristocats and Robin Hood. Instead of asking “What would Walt have done,” the new team and their young artists set out to reclaim the Disney legacy of making films that represented the cutting edge of animation, technology, and filmmaking. But the films’ success led to quarrels among the executives over who deserved the credit. The death of chief operating officer Frank Wells in 1994 exacerbated these problems.

Director Don Hahn (the producer of Roger Rabbit, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King) and Peter Schneider (who headed feature animation) combine clips from the films, behind-the-scenes footage, home movies, and interviews with Eisner, Katzenberg, and Disney to present a fascinating portrait of the rise and fall of an entertainment empire. In addition to its obvious appeal to animation fans, Waking Sleeping Beauty offers object lessons in sensible management and the dangers of corporate gigantism. –Charles Solomon

Product Description

By the mid-1980s, the fabled animation studios of Walt Disney had fallen on hard times. The artists were polarized between newcomers hungry to innovate and old timers not yet ready to relinquish control. These conditions produced a series of box-office flops and pessimistic forecasts – maybe the best days of animation were over. Maybe the public didn’t care. Only a miracle or a magic spell could produce a happy ending. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It’s the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits – “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” and more – over a 10-year period.

Special Features

• Why Wake Sleeping Beauty – Overview featurette
• Untold Bedtime Stories – Deleted scenes from the feature
• The Sailor, the Mountain Climber, the Artist and the Poet – Celebrating Roy Disney, Frank Wells, Joe Ranft, and Howard Ashman
• Studio Tours – Randy’s tours, Roger Rabbit studio, Oliver studio, and the tour we shot at ARL
• A Reunion – Rob Minkoff and Kirk Wise
• Walt – What would Walt do AND compare Walt’s era and this era
• 3 webisode shorts
• Gallery – Photos, caricatures, and art from the era

Cost is $21.49 and is available at Amazon