Teen pop star Jessica Jarrell poses Aug. 3, 2010 with Minnie Mouse at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. For the occasion, Minnie Mouse even traded in her signature polka-dotted dress for one adorned with hearts. Jarrell, currently one of the opening acts on Justin Bieber’s “My World” tour, visited the Walt Disney World Resort with friends and family.
Gene Duncan, photographer
Production has begun in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the music-driven “Lemonade Mouth,” a Disney Channel Original Movie that tells kids and tweens that building your confidence rocks and finding your destiny rules. The story follows five disparate high school students who meet in detention, realize they are destined to rock, and ultimately form a band that becomes a champion for students sidelined by the high school elite. The blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise has produced basic cable’s #1 movie with Kids 6-11 and/or Tweens from 2002-09.
The movie was written by April Blair based on the book Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes, and is directed by award-winning Patricia Riggen (“La Misma Luna” aka “Under the Same Moon”) and executive-produced by Debra Martin Chase (“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls” movies) and choreographed by Chris Scott. It is scheduled to premiere in 2011 on Disney Channel.
Starring are: Bridgit Mendler (Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie”) as lead vocalist Olivia White, Adam Hicks (Disney XD’s “Zeke and Luther”) as keyboardist Wen Giford, Hayley Kiyoko (Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”) as electric guitarist Stella Yamada, Naomi Scott (Disney Channel UK’s “Life Bites”) as bass guitarist Mohini, Blake Michael (who was discovered during an open casting call conducted by Disney Channels Worldwide) as percussionist Charlie Delgado, Nick Roux as Scott Pickett, Chris Brochu as Ray Beach from rival band Mudslide Crush, Tisha Campbell-Martin (“My Wife and Kids”) as music teacher Miss Reznick and Christopher McDonald (“Family Law”) as Principal Brenigan.
The “Lemonade Mouth” pop music soundtrack will include nine original songs by songwriters Aris Archontis, Felicia Barton, Maria Christensen, Ali Dee, Andy Dodd, Tom Leonard, Jeannie Lurie, Niclas Molinder, Chen Neeman, Joacim Persson, Lindy Robbins, Shridhar Solanki, Matthew Tishler, Bryan Todd, Reed Vertelney and Adam Watts. “Lemonade Mouth” is a production of GWAVE Productions, LLC.
New treats for the taste buds await Walt Disney World guests this fall – a season that also will feature treats for the ears of music-lovers, treats for the eyes of art-lovers and sports fans, treats that make good “scents” and lots of just plain trick-or-treats.
Fall is traditionally a season of special events at the Vacation Kingdom, and 2010 will be no exception as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Night of Joy, Festival of the Masters, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic for PGA players and the Old Spice Classic all return – to be joined by an all-new running event. And to top it off: There will be new dining adventures, new digs for Fido, and a place to make a “new you.”
Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store, beginning with what’s “all new”:
New adventures in dining During fall 2010, new culinary adventures at the Vacation Kingdom include an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria and a Latin chicken restaurant, while a popular Mexican restaurant reopens with a fresh menu and expanded seating:
New digs for Fido and Frisky Slated for a late-summer opening, a full-service luxury pet care facility on Bonnet Creek Parkway across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort will provide a comfortable home-away-from-home for Fido, Frisky and all their pet pals! The one-of-a-kind facility will be able to accommodate up to 270 dogs in a variety of standard and luxury suites, some with private outdoor patios and play yards. The separate “Kitty City” pavilion will be able to house up to 30 cats in two- and four-story cat condos. A special room is also available for the boarding of “pocket pets,” Including pet hamsters and birds. The facility, to be operated by Best Friends Pet Care, will comprise more than 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space plus 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas. It will replace the five existing pet care facilities throughout Walt Disney World Resort and will be open to both Walt Disney World Resort guests and visitors staying off-property.
New ‘Re-treats’ for your skin In time for fall, Givenchy is opening a shop at the France pavilion in Epcot that will be the only retail location in the United States to offer the full line of Givenchy make-up and skin-care products, as well as a large selection of Givenchy fragrances.
New ‘ultimate night out’ for runners Imagine a foot race that starts at 10 p.m. and finishes, 13.1 miles later, with an exclusive party replete with culinary delights and specialty drinks from around the world. That’s the scenario for the signature race of the inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend on Oct. 1-2. The half marathon on Oct. 2 caps a schedule that also includes a two-day expo, 5K fun run and kids races – all during the opening two days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The full details and registration are at www.disneywinedinerun.com.
Let the music play! A star-powered 16-act lineup topped by Casting Crowns, Third Day, mercyme, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band and Family Force 5 will take the stage when Night of Joy returns to Magic Kingdom Sept. 10-11, kicking off the fall season’s special events. The lineup of Christian artists appearing over the two nights runs the spectrum from Rock, Hip Hop and R&B … to Pop, Adult Contemporary and Gospel – continuing a tradition that has been a hallmark of Night of Joy since 1983 when the event began. Admission to Night of Joy requires a special ticket, with concerts taking place during the evening following Magic Kingdom closing. Entry also includes the opportunity to enjoy many of the park’s popular attractions. More information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.
At Epcot, the Eat to the Beat! concert series will serve up music as an accompaniment to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Night Ranger, Boyz II Men, Taylor Dayne and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are among the musically diverse acts scheduled to appear on designated dates from Oct. 1 to Nov. 14 at American Gardens Theatre (lineup is subject to change without notice). The concerts are included with Epcot admission. More information is available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
A grand adventure in good tastes continues When Walt Disney World Resort turned 25 in 1996, it popped the cork on a concept that has grown to become one of the Vacation Kingdom’s signature events: The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The 2010 festival, presented by Vanity Fair Napkins Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, is celebrating “15 years of delicious discoveries” with a focus on outdoor marketplaces where everyone from neophytes to epicures and aficionados can nibble and sip their way around the Epcot World Showcase promenade and across six continents of food and beverage adventures.
Talented culinarians from across America and around the world will be involved with the marketplaces as well as with specialty dinners, tequila tastings, seminars featuring cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, and the popular Saturday night grand tastings – Party for the Senses. The festival also will feature the popular Eat to the Beat! concert series each evening. Details about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
Hauntingly happy fun is happening If the headless horseman is romping down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard his steed, ghostly apparitions are flitting among the buildings of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle is draped in eerie hues and the night sky is being painted with bursts of orange and green fireworks, it can only mean one thing: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back! Following Magic Kingdom closing on select autumn evenings between Sept. 14 and Nov. 1, the park reopens for this special-ticket event featuring trick-or-treating throughout the park, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular, “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” – including Disney characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction – and the opportunity to experience popular attractions including, of course, The Haunted Mansion. Information about dates and tickets is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween.
Picture this … Approximately 150 award-winning artists who turn clay, wood, metals, oils, watercolors and more into creations that treat the eyes – into things such as paintings, jewelry, sculptures and photographs – will show off their works at Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie® Nov. 12-14 at Downtown Disney. One of the Southeast’s most highly regarded juried art festivals since 1975, Festival of the Masters features live entertainment and family-friendly activities each day. Admission and parking are complimentary. For more information, guests may visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival.
Drama on the links The 40th chapter of a PGA TOUR tradition will be written Nov. 11-14 when the Children’s Miracle Network Classic takes place on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia golf courses. If the latest chapter follows the script of recent decades, it will be filled with drama, as 21 of the last 28 Classics have been decided either by a playoff or a single stroke in regulation. 2009 was no exception, as Canada’s Stephen Ames parred the second hole of a playoff with George McNeill and Justin Leonard to win the $846,000 winner’s share of a $4.7 million purse. The Classic is the final official-money event of the PGA TOUR season, which means some players in the field likely will be hoping for a paycheck big enough to save their careers on the TOUR. More information: www.ChildrensMiracleNetworkClassic.com.
Spicing the Thanksgiving feast with basketball Five years ago a new early-season tournament entered the college basketball universe, with Arkansas beating Marist for the inaugural Old Spice Classic crown at Walt Disney World Resort. Since then, North Carolina State, Gonzaga and most recently Florida State have claimed the title. This November a new crop of teams will huddle-up at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with one goal: the 2010 Old Spice Classic championship. California, Notre Dame, Temple, Texas A&M and Wisconsin – all of which went to the NCAA’s “big dance” this spring – will be joined by Boston College, Georgia and Manhattan for a Thanksgiving weekend basketball feast that will feature 12 games through three days, Nov. 25, 26 and 28. Additional information can be found on the Old Spice Classic website at www.OldSpiceClassic.com. For more information about ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, visit www.DisneySports.com.
They’re going to Disney World! In TV commercials since 1987, football heroes have beamed and screamed “I’m Going to Disney World!” after they helped their team win a Super Bowl. In a twist on the storyline, about 2,000 football players from across the country have been shouting the same line each year since 1995 – but with the dream that Super Bowl glory will await at the end of the trip. They are the members of the 64 Pop Warner Little Scholars football teams that converge at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the Pop Warner Super Bowl each December. To reach the Pop Warner Super Bowl, teams nationwide will battle their way through local and regional tournaments. Teams compete in four divisions based on size and age – Jr. Pee Wee (ages 8-10 yrs.), Pee Wee (9-11 yrs.), Jr. Midget (10-12 yrs.) and Midget (11-14 yrs.). In addition to the gridiron action, the spectacle includes hundreds of squads competing in the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships. For more information, visit www.PopWarner.com.
Music, art, food & wine, PGA golf and more…in one weekend! During a final fling of fall special-events fun, as Walt Disney World Resort transitions into a winter wonderland, guests can experience one very action-packed weekend Nov. 12-14:
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom on 19 select evenings in November and December (including Nov. 12), guests can experience the enchantment of Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle plus two special entertainment extravaganzas, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and the holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.” The special after-hours party, which requires a separate admission ticket, also features live Disney character stage shows, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A. More details are available at www.DisneyWorld.com/holidays.
Special offers Walt Disney World Resort sometimes has special offers which may save money and/or enhance the value of an upcoming visit. To learn about current promotions, guests can visit www.DisneyWorld.com and click on the “Special Offers” button on the home page.
Starting off new series I like to tackle the tough questions, and for me this has to be one of the toughest question facing most families traveling to Walt Disney World Resort. Nobody likes to stand in line. Don’t believe me head to your nearest post office or customer service counter at Walmart. You will see what I mean.If your really daring head there around Christmas 🙂
When my family and I travel anywhere that is one of the things I plan for, avoiding large groups of people. I am not a fan of being confined or enclosed by large groups of people. Why am I telling you this well this leads me into my first tip for avoiding lines.
Go during the off season!
One of my favorite tools online when planning my vacation is by our friends at Touring Plans called Walt Disney World Crowd Calendar. We live our lives by the crowd calendar when planning to goto Disneyworld. Just knowing what your in for before you even go to the park is most helpful. I also love the feature of Best Parks and Parks to avoid! This leads me to my second tip for avoiding lines.
Know the wait times.
Most people have a smart phone in this day and age. I love my Droid phone because of all the apps. Once particular app I run that is an absolute lifesaver is Lines, again by the guys at Touring Plans. Knowing wait times and parks to avoid are essential for any Disney planning. With some simple planning you can cut your wait times down considerably. If you don’t have a smart phone just check outside the rides for signage that gives wait times, that will give you an idea to ride the ride now or come back later. Now onto my last tip.
Use Fastpass.
I am surprised by the number of stories of people who go to the parks and have no idea what Fastpass is. I think I heard someone mention something on the Facebook page just this week about people standing in line and not using Fastpass because they didn’t stay at a Disney Hotel. If you have ticket to the park you have a Fastpass! Click here to learn more on what a fast pass is!
I hope these tips help you on your next Disneyworld Vacation. If you have any tips for avoiding lines let us know in the comment section below.
Local cuisine includes a fusion of flavors from around the world. Using the finest local ingredients, the chefs at Aulani have created a variety of dining options for you and your family. Whether it’s an intimate sit-down dinner, a fast mid-afternoon snack, or a cozy breakfast in your hotel room, you can find the perfect meal at this Resort like no other.
This article comes to us from the Standard-Examiner in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Principal photography is now completed in Utah for The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming feature film, “John Carter of Mars,” being directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WallE), and produced by Colin Wilson (Avatar).
Filmed throughout Southern Utah in the areas of Big Water, Kanab, Hanksville, Delta and Moab, the production created 300 jobs over a 120-day period, and brought $21 million into several rural Utah economies.
“As Governor, I am particularly happy that Utah has been host to the recently completed production of ‘John Carter of Mars’ during the past year. The book series was a favorite of mine when I was young, and I can’t wait to see the finished film,” Governor Gary R. Herbert said.
“This project has stimulated the state’s local economies at a critical time and provided hundreds of jobs for Utah’s film professionals.”
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Share your dog’s cutest and most playful moments! The most clever photo and caption is worth a 1-year supply of Purina® Beneful® brand Dog Food, $250 worth of Purina® Pet Gear, and $3,500 toward a dog-friendly vacation.
Click here to learn more and to enter.
This article comes to us from our friends at Pixie Vacations talking about the Ticket Price Increases at both the Disneyworld & Disneyland Theme Parks.
DL and WDW ticket prices go up Thursday Aug 5th.
WDW Ticket Options:
Stay tuned for more details as they are released.
Disneyland Resort brought a splash of the World of Color show to Los Angeles and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Disney animation and state of the art technology showcased the theme of “Sky” in this fourth, and final, stop of the four-city tour.
For complete details, please visit:
Great news! Disney’s Prince of Persia Sands of Time is coming to Bluray & DVD on September 14th! The bluray is jam packed tons of bonus features:
Stay Tuned in September when Chip and Company will be giving away a free BluRay/DVD Combo Pack of Prince of Persia!
Disneyland has once again raised ticket prices for their parks. The last time prices were raised was a year ago. The new prices will take effect Thursday, August 5th.
For one day, one park, the price is now $76, formerly $72. For a one day park-hopper, the cost is $101, formerly $97.
In addition to tickets, annual passes as well as the parking fee have also experienced price hikes.
Annual passes were raised the most. There are four different annual passes available for purchase: Southern California Select, Southern California, Deluxe, and Premium. The SoCal Select allows passholders to visit 170 days out of the year; SoCal passholders can visit 215 days; Deluxe passholders can visit 315 days; and Premium passholders have no block out days. The Southern California passes are only available to SoCal residents.
The SoCal Select pass has risen from $169 to $184 ($14 increase). SoCal annual passes jumped from $219 to $239 ($20 increase). The Deluxe pass rose from $299 to $329 ($30 increase). Premium passholders will be paying $459, formerly $439 ($20 increase).
Luckily, the Disneyland Resort offers pass purchasers a monthly payment plan. When purchasing a pass, the guest is to pay the price of a one day, one park ticket. After taking the photo for their annual pass, they are free to visit both parks. Passholders can also pay an additional fee (now $99, used to be $79) to have parking placed on their pass.
Parking, which cost $14 per vehicle, has risen to $15.
Currently, the best Disney deal out there is for Southern California residents. Residents can purchase a 3-day ticket for $108, or $36 per day. The tickets are for one park per day.
If you’re planning to head to Disneyland, it’s best to purchase tickets online before Thursday. Those tickets will be valid until January 3, 2011.
I hate having to report news stories like this. This article comes to us from the Orlando Sentinel.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reported Monday that deputies have arrested six people accused of illegally reselling more than 2,000 theme park tickets worth $395,000.
The agency conducted an undercover operation Saturday, checking theme park ticket booths along West U.S. Highway 192.
What they found were five businesses that illegally resold tickets to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld, said agency spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain.
Two people were arrested at one booth. One each was arrested at the other four, she said.
The suspects were taken to the Osceola County Jail.
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