Last Tour to Endor is Coming to Walt Disney World August 14th

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July 15, 2010

After more than two decades of interstellar travel, Disney Parks’ Star Tours attraction is powering down to make way for its reimagining in 2011 — but Last Tour to Endor offers fans the opportunity to attend an out of-this-world, first-of-its-kind decommissioning party before Star Tours launches its final flights. Taking place on August 14 from 8:00pm – 1:00am at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Last Tour to Endor is a special event on the Saturday night of Star Wars Celebration V — THE official Lucasfilm fan convention and the biggest Star Wars party in the galaxy!

Fans and families attending Last Tour to Endor at the Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience — including specially-themed intergalactic party zones, Star Wars shows, a Death Star Disco and much more. The evening will culminate with Symphony in the Stars — a Star Wars fireworks spectacular as only Disney Parks can create. Though the party begins at 8:00pm, Last Tour ticket-holders will also be allowed early entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 4:00pm — where they can be sure to secure a seat one of the StarSpeeder 3000’s final voyages!

Disney Parks will also have a prominent presence on the Celebration V show floor at the Orange County Convention Center — including Jedi Training Academy for younglings and Padawans and a Disney merchandise booth featuring a host of exclusive items as well as Star Wars items only previously available at Disney park stores. CV attendees will also enjoy special room rates at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, specially-priced tickets with pre-arrival purchase savings for Walt Disney World parks and an exclusive, reserved room block at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — which will include complimentary round-trip transfers to and from the convention center.

To purchase tickets — and to take advantage of Last Tour to Endor special offers — visit www.starwarscelebration.com/Disney. For more information on Star Wars Celebration V visit www.starwarscelebration.com for the latest updates.

Tim Allen Signed On for ‘Toy Story 4’

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Chip

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July 15, 2010

Wow sounds like some exciting news from The Wrap!

Tim Allen is ready to go to infinity and beyond again — the question is, are Disney, Pixar and the rest of the gang?

Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, is under contract to reprise his role as the heroic spaceman in Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” TheWrap has learned from individuals familiar with the “Home Improvement” actor’s contract.

Allen’s commitment to a fourth film doesn’t necessarily mean that Pixar has plans to put another feature-length sequel into production. And it’s certainly possible that Allen and others signed on for multiple films some time ago.

But the existence of Allen’s contract does indicate that Disney and Pixar brass are thinking about the possibility of extending the franchise.

Click here to keep reading more from The Wrap.

Disney’s California Adventure brightens image with World of Color attraction

By

Chip

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July 15, 2010

Interesting article about Disney California Adventure from the LA Times

Disney officials estimate that the water-and-light show attracts 4,000 to 7,000 visitors per show, most of whom crowd into a roped-off area on the banks of the Paradise Bay Lagoon. To get into the reserved viewing area, guests either arrive early to get a free “fastpass” ticket or buy a meal package, priced between $15 and $40, that includes entry to the reserved zone.

The expansion plan will continue next summer with the opening of the Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, an indoor ride based on the classic 1989 Disney movie “The Little Mermaid.” As part of the makeover, Disney also plans to remodel the park entrance by the end of 2012 to resemble Los Angeles of the 1920s, including new shops, restaurants and Red Car trolleys along Buena Vista Street.

But the biggest investment will be Cars Land, a 12-acre addition that pays tribute to the 2006 Pixar movie “Cars.” Cars Land is scheduled to open in 2012.

Despite initial positive reviews and large crowds for World of Color, Disney officials say it’s too early to declare the latest investment into the expansion — an estimated $75 million to build the new attraction — a success.

Click here to keep reading.

Photo – Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times

2 for 1 Tickets on Disney’s Sorcerers Apprentice

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Chip

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July 15, 2010

Great news Disney & Fandango have an awesome special running right now. 2 for 1 Tickets on the Sorcerers Apprentice while supplies last! If you were thinking about seeing this movie now is the time!

Click the picture above to goto Fandango and use the word APPRENTICE at checkout!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Seminars & Demonstrations

By

Chip

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July 15, 2010

An exciting schedule of seminars and demonstrations at the 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival features a fresh spread of ingredients, the secret techniques of culinary masters and the sheer passion that goes into creating great food and beverages.

From introductions to wine connoisseurship to demonstrations packed with cooking tips and sessions where you can sample regional beers and artisanal cheeses — a delicious journey of discovery begins at Epcot.

Get details on the seminars and demonstrations that will be adding flavor to this year’s Food & Wine Festival below:

Seminars and Demonstrations	Dates and Details
Authentic Taste Seminars Each of these 30-minute seminars celebrates the origins, properties and history of some of the world’s purest ingredients. Enjoy a lively and informative presentation by subject authorities.	Friday — Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Price: Included with Epcot admission.
Authors without Borders Listen to renowned authors from the food and wine industries speak about popular topics in these informative and enlightening 30-minute conversations.	Friday — Sunday at 12:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Price: Included with Epcot admission.
Seasons of the Vine This seven-minute journey provides a “behind-the-scenes introduction” to wine growing. This film will run continuous shows throughout the day.	10/1 — 11/14 Daily seminars throughout the day Price: Included with Epcot admission.
Wine & Beverage Seminars A 45-minute seminar allows you to meet the featured winery principal, learn a few useful wine tips and sample the specially selected vintages or beverages.	Daily 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Price: $8.00 & $12.00 USD per person, tax included. Theme Park Admission is required.
Daily Culinary Demonstrations Learn from the pros at these 45-minute culinary sessions. Meet the featured chef and wine presenter, pick up cooking tips and best of all, taste the demonstrated dish and wine pairing!	Daily: 1:00p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Price: $9.00 & $13.00 USD per person, tax included. Theme Park Admission is required.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Marketplaces & Promenade

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

Epcot celebrates culinary adventures, from trendy Cork, Ireland to the melting pot of Cape Town, South Africa. Discover blissful bites at the international and regional marketplaces throughout the World Showcase promenade. Exotic flavors are in plentiful supply, as are the comfort foods you know and love, all masterfully prepared. The 7-week Festival will showcase tastes from countries on 6 continents — making it easy to mix fantastic food with sensational music when you visit the Marketplace before you hit the Eat to the Beat! Concerts for the ultimate combination of sensory experiences.

More than 25 international marketplace kiosks are dishing up tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, along with recommended wines and beers… all to form the perfect pairings. New Festival flavors celebrate the tastes of Bangkok, Thailand and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Exhibits along the promenade will also showcase entertainment and traditional crafts from countries all over the globe.

Don’t forget that you can pick up a Food & Wine themed Disney Gift Card — a fast, easy and secure way to carry your money on your wrist, and simply the best way to experience the Festival. The Disney Gift Card can only be used at select participating locations at Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Disney Store locations in the US, and DisneyStore.com. See participating locations for details or visit DisneyGiftCard.com for more information about the Disney Gift Card program.

Argentina, Introduced: 1996

Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec
Bodega Norton Cosecha Tardía
Kaiken Cabernet
Pasual Toso Torontes

Australia, Introduced: 1997

Seared Barramundi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes,Arugula, and Lemon Oil
Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction
Lamington (sponge cake dipped in chocolate)
Rosemount Traminer Riesling
Marquis Philips, Shiraz
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
Nugan Estate Riverina Chardonnay

NEW-Belgium, Introduced: 2010

Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream
Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Stella Artois
Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee
Leffe
Hoegaarden

Brazil, Introduced: 1996

Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa
Shrimp Stew with Coconut and Lime
Leblon Frozen Caipirinha

Brewer’s Collection, Introduced: 2003

Radeberger Pilsner
Schofferhofer Weizen
Hovels
Schlosser, Alt
Altenmünster, Octoberfest
Altenmünster Dunkel
Altenmünster Märzen
Clausthaler Classic N/A

Canada, Introduced: 1996

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
Maple-Glazed Salmon with Lentil Salad
Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta, Nanaimo Bar
Moosehead Beer
Vidal Icewine
Chateau De Charmes Riesling
St. David’s Bench Vineyard Merlot

NEW-Charcuterie & Cheese, Introduced: 2010

Cheese Fondue with Croutons and Roasted Potatoes
Applewood Smoked Beef, Duck; and Ham
MARTINI® Prosecco
Ace Joker Hard Cider
MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Chile, Introduced: 1997

Shrimp Ceviche
Pastel de Choclo (Beef and Corn Pie)
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc
Santa Ema Reserve Chardonnay
Casa Carmenere
Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon

China, Introduced: 1996

Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
Pork Pot Stickers
Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick
Tsingtao Beer
Dragon’s Hollow Chardonnay
Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler
Happy Lychee

Desserts & Champagne, Introduced: 2000

Strawberry Angel Verrine
Pear Streusel Pudding Cake
Dark Chocolate Sensation
Moët & Chandon: White Star Impérial
Rosé Impérial
Nectar Impérial
Nectar Impérial Rosé

France, Introduced: 1996

Escargots Persillade en Brioche
Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes
Crème Brulée au Chocolate au Lait
Merlot, Chateau Des Deux Rives, Bordeaux
Chardonnay, Private Selection, Barton & Guestier
Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
Parisien Cosmo Slush

Germany, Introduced: 1996

Spätzle Gratin with Ham and Cheese
Nürnberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll
Apfel Strudel featuring Werther’s Original Karamell Sauce
S.A. Prüm Essence Riesling
Hooked Riesling
Gunderloch Diva Spatlese Riesling
Rudi Wiest Rhine River Riesling
Radeberger Pilsner
Hovels
Altenmünster Octoberfest

Greece, Introduced: 1996

Greek Salad with Pita Bread
Spanakopita
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Baklava
Boutari Moschofilero
Enoteca Emery Athiri Mountain Slopes
Boutari Naoussa
Atlantis White

Hops & Barley, Introduced: 2005

Boston-style Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Rémoulade
New England Lobster Roll
Pecan Bread Pudding
Samuel Adams® Beers:
Boston Lager®
Octoberfest
Cherry Wheat®
15th Anniversary Festival Beer Coastal Wheat Light®
Cream Stout
Blackberry Witbier
Latitude 48 IPA

Ireland, Introduced: 2001

Lobster and Scallop Fisherman’s Pie
Kerrygold® Cheese Selection
Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Baileys Irish Cream Ganache
Guinness Draught
Bunratty Honey Meade Wine

Italy, Introduced: 1996

Polpettine Toscane with a Rosemary Breadstick
Baked Cheese Ravioli, Creamy Bolognese Sauce, Melted Mozzarella
Cannolo Al Cioccolato
Primavera Fruit Smoothie
Fantinel Prosecco
Chianti Placido Banfi
Pinot Sartori
Moretti Beer

Japan, Introduced: 1996

Spicy Tuna Roll
California Sushi Roll
Tuna Sensation
Wafu Ribettes
Kirin Draft Beer
Hatsumago sake
Denemon Junmai sake

Mexico, Introduced: 1996

Tamal de Pollo
Taco de Chilorio
Esquites(Pan-Fried Corn and Spices)
Churro
Dos Equis Beer
Passion Fruit Frozen Margarita
Conga Fruit Punch
Wine L.A. Cetto Chardonnay
Wine L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah

Morocco, Introduced: 1996

Beef in a Pita Pocket
Falafel Pita Pocket
Baklava
Amazigh Red wine
Sangria
Tangerine Mimosa Royale
Iced Mint Tea
Casa Beer

New Zealand, Introduced: 1997

Seared Sea Scallop with Vegetable Slaw and Lemon Oil
Lamb Slider with Tomato Chutney
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Villa Maria Private Bin Hawkes Bay Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon
Villa Maria Private Bin “Unoaked” Hawkes Bay Chardonnay
Villa Maria Private Bin Marlborough Pinot Noir

Poland, Introduced: 1996

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
Golabki (Pork Stuffed Cabbage)
Chopin Strawberry Balsamic Chiller

Puerto Rico, Introduced: 2005

Asopao de Pollo (Chicken Soup with Rice)
Medianoche Sandwich
Bacardi Frozen Torched Cherry Colada
Bacardi Frozen Limón Mojito

Singapore, Introduced: 2005

Shrimp Cake with Singapore Noodle Salad
Coconut-Braised, Beef Rendang with Jasmine Rice
Singapore Sling
Tiger Beer

South Africa, Introduced: 1997

Flavors of Africa (Salad, Bread, and Spreads)
Seared Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Purèe and Mango Barbecue Sauce
Goats do Roam White
La Capra Pinotage
La Capra Shiraz
La Capra Chardonnay
La Capra Sauvignon Blanc

NEW-South Korea, Introduced: 2010

Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
Barbecue Short Rib with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi
Honey Ginger Tea
Jinro Chamisul Soju
Bohae Bokbunjajoo (Black Raspberry Rice Wine)

Spain, Introduced: 1997

Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives, and Tomato Bread
Seared Albacore Tuna with Romesco Sauce
Spanish Almond Cake
Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza Red
Paul Cheneau “Lady” Blanc de Blancs Cava
Marqués de Cáceres Rioja White

United States, Introduced: 1996

Bison Chili with Wild Mushrooms, Cabernet, and Pepper Jack Cheese
Heirloom Tomatoes with Oregon Blue Cheese, Red Onions, and Basil
Sagelands Vineyard Merlot, Four Corners
Sagelands Vineyard Riesling Columbia Valley
Red Stag by Jim Beam

Sorcerer’s Apprentice — “Fantasia Mash-Up”

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

Like THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE on Facebook: http://facebook.com/SorcerersApprentice

To buy advance tickets, visit http://www.Disney.com/Sorcerer

Apply for the Coolest Job Ever: http://nku.me/SorcererSweepstakes

Dave (Jay Baruchel) is just an average college student, or so it appears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

Disney’s Pook-a-Sode #3: Webcam Dancing

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

Tinker Bell and Minnie show off their dancing skills while Eeyore finds a way to get his tail wagging. Look closely to try and find the hidden Pook-a-Looz character in the third Pook-a-Sode video, Webcam Dancing!

Download your favorite Pook-a-Looz wallpapers on the Pook-a-Looz tab at http://www.facebook.com/disneyliving

It’s official: ‘Thor’ and ‘Captain America’ will be 3-D films

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

Tt’s official: The hammer of Thor and the shield of Captain America will fly straight at moviegoers in 3-D, which is really no surprise considering the current stereoscopic craze on the studios lots of Hollywood. What is unusual is the eagerness of each film’s director to take his case for 3-D directly to the fans at Comic-Con International.‬‪

On Saturday, July24 , Marvel Studios has the final studio presentation in the expo’s biggest room, Hall H, and “Thor” director Kenneth Branagh will use that climactic slot not just to introduce some of his cast — a cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, but its unlikely that all three will be in San Diego — but also to persuade skeptical fans that 3-D will add new dimensions to the 2011 blockbuster, and not just in the obvious way.

Click here to keep reading this article from LA Time.

Ratatouille and Other Pixar Movies Prepping for 3D Re-Release?

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

Interesting article from /Film talking about a few Disney Movie Re-Releases in 3D.

Pixar has already returned to the money-regurgitating well twice now with 3D re-releases of Toy Story and Toy Story 2, which returned to theaters simultaneously last year. Now it appears as though other entries from Pixar’s library may be getting a similar treatment, according to a recent interview with the studio’s stereoscopic (3D) imaging supervisor, Bob Whitehill.

Ratatouille is the current contender being taken into consideration, and apparently director Brad Bird is open to the process.

Ratatouille is one that we’re exploring doing [3D conversion on] and Brad Bird is very open to some changes, you know, some very subtle changes but slight reframings. If a character’s reaching forward and a pinky goes off screen, we’ll adjust the camera and the character a little bit to have the hand on. So that said, if the director’s open to minor modifications on a library title then that’s wonderful and we’re really excited about doing that.

Click here to keep reading.

Star Wars NYC Subway Car Ride

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

For Improve Everywhere’s latest mission, they staged a reenactment of the first Princess Leia / Darth Vader scene from Star Wars on a New York City subway car.

This is one of over 100 different missions Improv Everywhere has executed since 2001 in New York City. Others include the Frozen Grand Central, the Food Court Musical, and the famous No Pants Subway Ride, to name a few. Visit the website to see tons of photos and video of all of our work, including behind the scenes information on how this video was made.

http://www.improveverywhere.com

Tron Legacy Gets Some Help from Pixar & John Lasseter

By

Chip

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July 14, 2010

A very interesting article from Entertainment Weekly talking about Joe Kosinski’s bringing in John Lasseter and Friends from Pixar to check out and add some more magic to the film.

Joe Kosinski’s Tron: Legacy is getting a little help from above. EW.com has learned that the CG-extravaganza due out at the end of the year received some key input from some very brilliant filmmakers, mainly the elite brain trust at Pixar in Northern California.

In late March, the Tron filmmakers chose to show a very early working cut of the film starring Garrett Hedlund and Jeff Bridges to Pixar’s John Lasseter, Ed Catmull, The Incredibles director Brad Bird, Toy Story 3 screenwriter Michael Arndt, and others. The one-day exercise was done in advance of some planned re-shoots scheduled for June with the intent of beefing up the very things that Pixar is so good at: character, emotion, and theme.

Click here to keep reading.