LPGA golfer Paula Creamer celebrates 24th Birthday at Walt Disney World

By

-

August 10, 2010

LPGA golfer Paula Creamer, winner of the 2010 United States Women’s Open, drives Minnie Mouse to the putting green in a custom Mickey Mouse golf cart Aug. 9, 2010 at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Creamer won the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open last month at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. Creamer visited the Walt Disney World golf course today in celebration of her 24th birthday and her tournament win.

Disney’s head golf pro Kevin Weickel presented Creamer with a pink birthday cake and her personalized pink Mickey Mouse ears. Creamer, a California native who now lives in Orlando, is no stranger to Walt Disney World where she won an AJGA event in 2002 and was crowned the AJGA Player of the Year in 2003.

Gene Duncan, photographer

Marvel Unveils All Star Creative Team For Ultimate Spider-Man Animated Series

By

Chip

-

August 10, 2010

In a coup for Marvel Entertainment, Jeph Loeb, Head of Marvel TV, revealed the all-star, award-winning creative team for the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man animated series, premiering on Disney XD. This team includes the most sought-after and acclaimed writers in the comic and television industries, including Eisner & Emmy award-winning scribe Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Lost); Eisner award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis (visionary behind Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man comic series); and the red-hot creative powerhouse Man of Action Studios (creators of hit series Ben 10 and Generator Rex), comprised of lauded creators Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle .

Steering Ultimate Spider-Man as the Creative Consultant, Dini will also write the series pilot; as Supervising Producers, Man of Action Studios will direct the writing staff, generate scripts and story edit; and Bendis, the man who reinvented Spider-Man for a new generation, will oversee the series as Consulting Producer.

“When we first sat down to discuss ‘Ultimate Spider-Man,’ we put together a wish list of the most exciting talent working in animation who would bring the best voice and creative direction to the show – and I’m proud to say we got them all,” said Jeph Loeb. “We want ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ to be a showcase for Marvel Animation and Spider-Man is the perfect character to give fans just what they want.”

Working in the Marvel Universe for the first time, Dini explained, “As a lifelong fan of the Marvel Universe, I’m excited to tackle these characters in such a bold new series. ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ will bring fans a new take on their favorite friendly neighborhood hero- and some surprise cast members– while staying true to what’s always made Spidey so popular. We’ve got a superb creative team assembled with amazing stories to tell and I can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve cooked up.”

Bendis echoed those sentiments, exclaiming, “It’s ‘Ultimate Spider-Man,’ the animated series-and it happened in my lifetime! That’s just so cool. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this and here’s to Jeph Loeb for putting it all together!”

Equally thrilled to join “Ultimate Spider-Man,” the Man of Action team explained, “We’re looking forward to having a lot of fun working on Spider-Man. They’ve brought us in to help provide a unique vision for the show while remaining absolutely true to the character, so that’s exactly what we’ll be doing. Should be a great ride!”

Cort Lane, Vice-President of Animation Production & Development added, “From ‘The Super Hero Squad Show’ to the upcoming ‘Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,’ Marvel Animation is focused on making the best super hero shows for fans of all ages. Now, with this tremendous talent signed for Ultimate Spider-Man, we’re about to give fans super-powered animation like they’ve never seen before.”

For more news on “Ultimate Spider-Man” and all the exciting projects from Marvel Television, stay tuned to www.marvel.com

Say Goodbye to Maliboomer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 10, 2010

Say Goodbye to Maliboomer

The tall tower attraction at Disney’s California Adventure park will be closed after Labor Day (Sept. 6) in order to make room for other projects that will fit with the theme park’s new theme.

The tower, which thrusts riders 180 feet in the air in a matter of a few short seconds, will be removed from Paradise Pier because it does not fit with the new park theme. The new theme will throw park guests back in time to the early 1900’s. Maliboomer’s architecture does not reflect the time period.

There is currently a Facebook page attempting to save the Maliboomer, like the Disneyland Hotel waterfalls. The page, as of this published post, has only 76 fans.

A similar attraction, Supreme Scream, is at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park where riders experience a free-falling sensation, rather than being shot upward.

Maliboomer’s closing isn’t the only scheduled renovation for the park. The Hollywood Pictures Backlot, soon to be renamed to Hollywoodland, has had tracks installed for San Francisco-esque cable cars. Bountiful Valley Farm (an area with gardens and water features for children to play in) will be open for the last time on September 7. The area will be demolished to make way for a new Cars Land attraction called Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Mulholland Madness, a smaller rollercoaster, will be closed later on October 12 to be re-themed into a coaster based off the 1940 cartoon “Goofy’s Glider”. The ride will be called “Goofy’s Sky School”.

Disney Sets Release Dates For Frankenweenie & John Carter of Mars

By

Chip

-

August 10, 2010

Some very cool news today. Disney had put out on the schedule the release dates of two of their upcoming science fiction films.

The Tim Burton film Frankenweenie is set to release June 8, 2012. This film has been out on the internet for quite some time. I have seen it a couple times and its a very cute Disney Film. See more below.

The second film to get a release date is John Carter of Mars written by Edgard Rice Burroughs. I am extremely excited to see both films.2 years is a long wait and I am sure I will have tons of news stories as production begins on both films soon.

Here is a quick synopsis of John Carter of Mars:

Set in the wounded planet of Mars, JOHN CARTER OF MARS chronicles the journey of Civil-War veteran John Carter (TAYLOR KITSCH), who finds himself battling a new and mysterious war amidst a host of strange Martian inhabitants, including Tars Tarkas (WILLEM DAFOE) and Dejah Thoris (LYNN COLLINS).

If you want to see Frankenweenie I have all 3 parts below for your viewing pleasure.

Disney Food Confession – Vegetarian Sandwich

By

Chip

-

August 10, 2010

Where is it? The Wave . . . of American Flavors: located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

What is it? Vegetarian Sandwich with grilled Tofu, Zucchini, Eggplant, Roasted Red Pepper, and Herb Goat Cheese served on Grain Bread

Why you want it? Only Disney can make a sandwich with no meat look so good!

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!

Disney Magic Far From the World….

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 10, 2010

Disney Magic Far From the World….

As you read this, I will be on a long-awaited and much-anticipated vacation. And no, we’re not going to Walt Disney World! But we will be experiencing a different brand of Disney magic, as we’re visiting Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, in South Carolina. It’s a beautiful, relaxing, and very un-themepark-like location, with that laid-back, no worries type of existence that I love to have at the beach. Days filled with sun (hopefully!), sand, and a darn good book or two, it’s gonna be great!

For those of you that weren’t aware that Disney even *had* property away from a theme park, here’s a little overview: Disney’s Hilton Head Resort is one of two DVC properties that are located independent from any theme parks (with Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii currently scheduled to open in 2011, becoming the 3^rd). It is a large property spread out near the marshes and canals of Hilton Head Island, and actually about a mile from the beach. Huge trees draped in Spanish moss provide shade and a lot of “atmosphere” as well as the perfect backdrop for a lazy nap in a hammock. Two pools, multiple opportunities for activities for kids of all ages (it IS Disney after all), and offering the chance to experience great food, fun outdoor experiences, and even the opportunity to get “up close and personal” with the local dolphin population, Disney’s Hilton Head Resort is a great place to spend a vacation….and we are looking forward to it!

I promised Chip that I would keep you all updated however, so Chip will be sharing some of my pictures that I post to my Facebook page: you’ll have a chance to see for yourself how lovely it is! And when I get back, I promise to do a quick report for those of you who would like to spend some time at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort as well.

See you soon!! 🙂

Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”, (and are looking forward to seeing if Hilton Head becomes their third…). 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”.

Win a trip to Disneyland from Honda – CR-Z Summer Sweepstakes

By

Chip

-

August 10, 2010

Enter Honda’s CR-Z Summer Sweepstakes for your chance to win a 2011 Honda CR-Z EX Automobile and a trip to Disneyland in California. The total prize value is nearly $30,000.

Eligibility:

USA, above the age of majority

Start Date:

June 19, 2010

End Date:

August 29, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PT

Entry Frequency:

1 x daily per person/email.

Sweepstakes Prizes:

Grand Prize: A 2011 Honda CR-Z EX Automobile with standard factory equipment and a 4-day trip for 4 to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The trip includes airfare, a hotel stay at a Disney Resort, and a $500 Disney Gift Card. (ARV: $29,494)

Additional Comments:

To enter, you must answer some trivia questions, but the trivia answers do not have to be correct to enter. If you want to double-check your answers anyway, check out the Honda CR-Z Summer Sweepstakes Trivia Answers discussion thread in the Sweepstakes Forum.

Click here to learn more and to enter.

Source

Disney Babyzone – Dream Nursery Sweepstakes

By

Chip

-

August 10, 2010

Enter Disney Babyzone’s Dream Nursery Sweepstakes for your chance to win $1,500 that you can use to buy the nursery of your dreams.

Eligibility:

USA and Canada (-PQ), above the age of majority

Start Date:

July 29, 2010

End Date:

September 10, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PT

Entry Frequency:

1 x daily per person/household.

Sweepstakes Prizes:

Grand Prize: $1,500 cash that you can use for a nursery. (ARV: $1,500)

Click here to learn more and to enter.

Source

Disney’s Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is set to Rock out this Labor Day

By

Chip

-

August 9, 2010

The premiere of Disney’s exhilarating rock ‘n roll musical “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” starring Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers, will be presented across Labor Day weekend with four event telecasts -– each celebrating music and dance with a storyline that suggests life is about the way you play.

The fun for kids, tweens and families begins FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 and goes through MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT, each night) on Disney Channel. An extended edition of the movie, featuring two exclusive new music numbers, will be available on Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on Tuesday, September 7.

During breaks in some of the premiere weekend telecasts, sponsorship messages that extend the movie’s underlying theme will be presented by Sara Lee Soft & Smooth bread, Best Western International, the all-new Honda Odyssey and Verizon.

The soundtrack, featuring 15 songs spanning hip-hip, rock and pop/rock performed by the cast, releases on iTunes and in stores nationwide, Tuesday, August 10.

The 2008 premiere of “Camp Rock” was cable TV’s #1 entertainment telecast of the year in Total Viewers (10.1 million) and TV’s #1 entertainment telecast in Tweens 9-14. Among TV’s live action movies, it was #1 among Kids 6-11 for the year.

The sequel, choreographed by Rosero McCoy, is a tour de force for actress and recording artist Demi Lovato. It showcases both the music and charm of Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, and includes their younger brother Frankie Jonas in his TV movie debut. The highly anticipated sequel also brings back fan favorites from “Camp Rock,” 2008’s #1 cable TV movie. They are: Maria Canals-Barrera (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Meaghan Martin (“10 Things I Hate About You”), Alyson Stoner (“Phineas and Ferb,” Step Up 3D”), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (“Fame”), Jasmine Richards, Daniel Fathers, Roshon Fegan (Disney Channel’s upcoming “Shake it Up”) and Jordan “J” Francis. “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” introduces two exciting new performers, Matthew Mdot Finley and Chloe Bridges. Daniel Kash also stars.

The sequel follows Mitchie and her friends as they return to Camp Rock for another great summer of music and fun. But when big-money, state-of-the-art Camp Star opens across the lake, it lures away many instructors and campers — putting the future of Camp Rock in jeopardy. Mitchie emerges as a leader determined to save the camp and challenges the egocentric Luke Williams and his fellow Camp Star campers to a Final Jam — an end-of-summer performance duel, may the best camp win.

Music from “Camp Rock 2” is part of a spectacular live concert show headlined by Jonas Brothers, special guest Demi Lovato and “Camp Rock” stars Alyson Stoner, Matthew Mdot Finley, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and Jordan Francis. Information on the concert, produced by Live Nation, is available at www.jonasbrothers.com.

The schedule for the world premiere of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” is:

Wednesday, September 1

“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” available on Disney Channel on Demand for Verizon FiOS subscribers (also available via select affiliates).

Radio Disney presents part one of “On the Set,” a special telecast from the set of “Camp Rock: 2 The Final Jam” (6:00-8:00 p.m., ET/3:00-5:00 p.m., PT). It will also be available at RadioDisney.com.

Friday, September 3

Radio Disney presents part two of “On the Set” (6:00-8:00 p.m., ET/3:00-5:00 p.m., PT) and a pre-show hosted by Ernie D (6:00-8:00 p.m., ET/3:00-5:00 p.m., PT) that leads to the TV telecast.

The cast hosts the world premiere of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” on Disney Channel U.S. (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) with an audio simulcast on Radio Disney.

Mobile video simulcast of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” available for Flo TV, MobiTV and Sprint TV

Fans are invited to customize a page for the official “Camp Rock 2 Year Book,” collect mementos, access exclusive content and more on DisneyChannel.com.

Saturday, September 4

The Rock Along edition of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” invites viewers to sing along to the songs. Lyrics will be visible on screen and at DisneyChannel.com.

Sunday, September 5

Disney Channel presents the Sunday Dance Jam edition of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). Hosted by Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers, it gives viewers a look at the making of the spectacular dance scenes.

Monday, September 6

Disney Channel presents an encore of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT).

Tuesday, September 7

“Camp Rock 2 The Final Jam: Extended Edition” featuring two exclusive new music numbers — “Walking in My Shoes” and “Different Summers” — will be available in stores on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital combo-pack, from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

The movie was written by Dan Berendsen (Disney’s “Hannah Montana The Movie” and “Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie”) and the team of Karin Gist and Regina Hicks. It is based on characters created by Karin Gist, Regina Hicks, Julie Brown and Paul Brown. The director and co-producer is DGA Award winner Paul Hoen (Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls One World” and “Jump In”). The producer is Kevin Lafferty and the executive producer is Alan Sacks. “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” is a production of Coin Flip Productions, Ltd. and Alan Sacks Productions in association with Disney Channel.

Growth Continues at Epcot with Opening of New Pizzeria “Via Napoli”

By

Chip

-

August 9, 2010

Last Friday the Patina Restaurant Group opened a new, 14,000 sq. ft. casual dining and pizzeria this week, called Via Napoli, in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. This becomes the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in the park.

The grand opening featured a comedic grape stomping and Italian sing-along by the Ziti sisters, whose robust personalities engaged guests before Mickey and Minnie Mouse appeared in their horse-drawn carriage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Our guests have enjoyed excellent, traditional Italian cuisine and first-class service at Tutto Italia and we’re proud to be the location of the Patina Restaurant Group’s newest location,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. “Working with the Patina Restaurant Group has provided an opportunity to build on our long-term relationship and provide a unique, high-quality and authentic experience for our guests.”

Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and overseeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New York. While in Naples, Valenti spent time studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven temperatures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon. He also discovered after a trip to Naples that the secret to perfect Neapolitan pizza was in the water.

“Similar to Disney, Patina Restaurant Group is committed to providing our guests with authentic, high-quality, themed experiences. I am delighted to be bringing a true passion of mine – the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza – to the guests of Walt Disney World,” Valenti said before officially opening the new restaurant.

Via Napoli features a selection of classical Neapolitan pizzas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and a traditional margherita. Famed Pizzaiolo Charlie Restivo serves as executive chef at Via Napoli, where he crafts the pies using simple and delicious Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo flour, handmade fresh mozzarella, Parma Cotto, crumbled sausage and water calibrated specifically to the pH found in Naples.

A unique feature at Via Napoli are the wood-burning ovens, which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Each oven is sculpted with the “face of the volcano” — reflecting the gods whose mythology surrounds each volcano’s history.

Cockerell also noted the traditional feel inside the Italian pizzeria, “The Walt Disney Imagineers, along with Florentine architect Stefano Nardini of Magris & Partners, went to great lengths to make the restaurant feel genuine. Look at the art, the colors, the glass – it all takes cues from Italy.”

During the upcoming 15th Annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival, guests visiting the World Showcase will also be able to dine at Via Napoli and a new waterside 12,000 sq. ft. Mexican restaurant called “La Hacienda,” shop at a new exclusive Givenchy shop at the France pavilion, eat tasty sweets at a caramel shop called, Karamelle-Küche at the Germany pavilion, as well as drink Radeberger beers.

Disney Family Summer Road Trip Sweepstakes – Win $1500!

By

Chip

-

August 9, 2010

Grand Prize:

Our grand prize winner will win $1,500 toward hotel accommodations, gas, and some extra spending money for their next family road trip!

Winner

The winner will be announced on Disney Family.com on or around September 20, 2010.

Click here to enter

The Last Tour to Endor at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

-

August 9, 2010

For one night only and as part of Star Wars Celebration V, the two worlds of Indiana Jones and Star Wars will collide in an ultimate film mashup show entitled “Raiders of the Lost Jedi Temple of Doom: A Fan Film of ‘Epic’ Proportions.”

While details for the live-action show have been shrouded in secrecy, we caught up with Disney’s Jason Surrell on the set this week and had a chance to catch one of the final rehearsals.

It’s all part of the “Last Tour to Endor” after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 14th.