Disney converting Droid Eris into GPS tour guide

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August 11, 2010

Here is a very cool geek article for all those droid nerds like myself from one of my favorite sites Engadget.

Walt Disney World is reportedly testing out Verizon’s HTC Hero as a GPS navigator and tour guide for the entire park, complete with shopping discounts, special bonuses and up-to-the-minute wait times for rides.

How or when you’ll get your hands on one is presently up in the air, though the man who snapped these shots told Mickey Updates the phones may be an inexpensive addition to your vacation — perhaps like the $10 BREW-based Mobile Magic application Verizon and Disney introduced last year.

Click here for more details including tons of pictures.

Here is the youtube video from Engadget’s article.

Photo credit engadget.com

Walt Disney Co. third-quarter earnings jump 40%

By

Chip

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August 11, 2010

This article comes to us from the LA Times.

ESPN‘s World Cup soccer coverage and the strong box-office performance of films including Disney/Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story 3” helped buoy Walt Disney Co.‘s bottom line in the third quarter.

The media giant reported a 40% jump in earnings to $1.3 billion, up from $954 million a year earlier. Revenue reached $10 billion for the three-month period ending July 3, an increase of 16% from a year ago.

In a call with analysts, Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert A. Iger highlighted the film studio’s summer performance, noting that it released three of the top five films worldwide in “Toy Story 3,” Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” and Marvel Entertainment’s “Iron Man 2.” The three pictures not only were a financial success but also have fueled other businesses such as merchandise sales, he said.

” ‘Toy Story’ merchandise sales reached new heights as consumers responded to a fresh line of well-designed products available globally,” Iger said. “And this bodes well for Pixar‘s next feature film, ‘Cars 2,’ ” due in June 2011.

Click here to keep reading.

Photo by Stefan Wermuth, Reuters

Disney Food Confession – Pastitisio

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Chip

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August 11, 2010

Where is it? Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s BoardWalk

What is it? Bucatini pasta, cinnamon-stewed meat sauce, and béchamel sauce.

Why you want it? A traditional Greek dish that is full of flavor.

Photo Credit: by Disney

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Fun is Ghostly but Not Ghastly on 24 Select Nights During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

By

Chip

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August 11, 2010

“Boo” has never been uttered in a bouncier, bubblier, “not-so-scary” fashion than during Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade … and ghostly apparitions never have been more wistful than they are skittering along the rooftops of Main Street, U.S.A. When you put it together with a green and orange fireworks spectacular and Land-to-Land trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom, you have a Halloween event like none other: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

It’s enough to bring a smile to the face of a Disney villain! And the special-ticket after-hours party on 24 select evenings between Sept. 14 and Nov. 1, 2010, at Walt Disney World Resort will do just that. About the only one not wearing a grin is The Headless Horseman as he rides his trusty steed through the park ahead (no pun intended) of the parade.

Guests wanting to join in the spirit (no pun intended) of the party are welcome to don their favorite Halloween costumes for the 7 p.m.-to-12 midnight event. The “Boo-to-You” parade takes place at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with characters and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions – including, of course, The Haunted Mansion – are available to experience (but beware of hitchhiking ghosts).

Party dates in 2010 are: Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31; and Nov. 1.

Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9). Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for the parties on Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26; and Nov. 1.

Additional information is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.

Disneyland Cars Land Preview

By

Chip

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August 11, 2010

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo announces details of the new Cars Land being built at Disney’s California Adventure.

Highlights include an update on the original Disneyland Flying Saucers and the Radiator Springs Racers based on updated Test Track technology. This was part of a presentation on ‘Imagineering the Future of Disney Parks’ given at the D23 Expo on September 12th, 2009.

Inside Disney Weddings Debuts Today

By

Chip

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August 11, 2010

Inside Disney Weddings Debuts the First Podcast Devoted to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Today, Inside Media Networks announced the debut of “Inside Disney Weddings” with Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward.

“Inside Disney Weddings” is released weekly on Wednesday and is available via iTunes worldwide at http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id386466117. The program is also available at http://www.insidedisneyweddings.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Disney-Weddings/138266589521035

“I’m thrilled that Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward have teamed up to bring us the new ‘Inside Disney Weddings’ program,” said The Disney Wedding Blog founder Carly Morgan. “Scott has worked in the Disney wedding industry for years, and Carrie—a past Disney bride and the author of ‘PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons’—has become the expert on all things Disney weddings. I can’t think of a better team!”

About The “Inside Disney Weddings” Program

“Inside Disney Weddings” is the only program dedicated to weddings and honeymoons at the Disney parks and on the Disney Cruise Line. Each week, Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward take a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Topics range from the latest news, planning information and money-saving tips to in-depth interviews and event coverage. The program also features special guests, including industry experts and real Disney brides and grooms, along with caller Q&A, giveaways and contests.

About Scott Sheppard

Scott Sheppard is the CEO of Inside Media Networks. IMN creates targeted talk programming for creative, B2B and consumer lifestyle markets. Its talented team of broadcast and communication professionals has successfully built desirable niche audiences by leveraging online content-distribution tools, including podcasts, blogs and social networks. IMN also provides consulting services to clients wishing to transition from traditional to new media and establish or expand their own brands. With a background in terrestrial broadcasting and professional radio and television production, IMN is considered the leading technical expert in the fields of new media and podcasting today.

About Carrie Hayward

Print and broadcast journalist Carrie Hayward is the author of “PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons,” a guidebook and bridal organizer for weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line. She is also the E-Book Editor at PassPorter Travel Press, an independent publisher of best-selling Disney park guidebooks. She was married at Walt Disney World in 2008.

Disney to Launch New Cars Virtual World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 11, 2010

Disney to Launch New Cars Virtual World

Good evening, late night East coasters, the West coast folks who read our lovely website, and everyone in between and beyond, of course. Disney is holding a launch party on Wednesday, August 11th, for their new virtual world, Disney/Pixar World of Cars Online, in Burbank, CA, and I get to be there!

Look out for live photos from the event! Chip will be posting them on the Facebook fan page.

Disney Review by You: California Grill is a Must Do – by Chris – Rating: 5

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Topic Being Reviewed:Restaurants

Rating: 5

Would you recommend to others: Yes

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California Grill is my favorite restaurant at WDW. Some Disney restaurants are overrated (I’m looking at you, Le Cellier) but CG rightly deserves its following. It’s right next to the Magic Kingdom so you get a view of the park and Seven Seas Lagoon. The food is excellent. And it really does feel like a special night out. I think all of Disney’s signature restaurants are worth a try but CG is a must every trip. I’d gladly eat counter service for a week as long as I know that on my last night there, I’m going to CG.

Disney Review by You: The Norway Pavilion: Pudding and Handsome Dudes – by Chris – Rating: 5

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Topic Being Reviewed:Attractions

Rating: 5

Would you recommend to others: Yes

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Whenever I go to the Norway Pavilion, which is as frequent as decency will allow, I am struck by two things: 1) The pudding, which is like heaven in a little plastic cup and 2) that the cast members are among the best looking in the World. This pavilion is seriously underrated. Where else can you be served huge platters of bacon by handsome young Scandanavian men? Nowhere. Well, except in Scandanavia. And Ikea. Seriously, this pavilion is awesomely awesome. Don’t miss it.

Classic Disney – Flying Saucers at Disneyland

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

For those who loved the Flying Saucers you’re in for a nostalgic treat. “Luigi’s Flying Tires” is a similar attraction that will open in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park in 2012. I hope you enjoy this vintage video of the Flying Saucers from opening day in 1961.

Unlock the Magic – Disney Store Grand Opening at Santa Monica Place

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

Moises Arias, Jason Earles, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Minnie, Mickey, President of Disney Store Worldwide – Jim Fielding and Santa Monica Store Manager Diane Derudder “Unlock the Imagination ” at the Opening of the new Disney Store at Santa Monica Place on August 05, 2010 at Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California.

Mickey, Moises Arias, President of Disney Store Worldwide – Jim Fielding, Jason Earles and Minnie

Minnie, President of Disney Store Worldwide – Jim Fielding, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Mickey

Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Le Studio/Wireimage

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade – Updated with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen now are part of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. Today’s version was a little different than normal, it’s what is known as a “rain parade” when the weather is threatening.

Thanks to Jeff Lange for the video below and for pictures check out Mousesteps here.