Transformers Convention transforms Walt Disney World

By

-

June 24, 2010

Join Transformers Fans from around the world in Orlando, Florida, June 24-27, for BotCon® 2010 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to experience the largest gathering ever of Transformers fans! Last year’s motion picture has catapulted the Transformers brand into the hearts and minds of fans the world over! Don’t miss this family fun-filled weekend at one of the world’s greatest vacation attractions!

What will you experience at the show?

Special Guests-featuring voice actors, artists and of course, the Hasbro Transformers Team. The Hasbro Team will be on hand the entire weekend to show you the upcoming products and to answer your burning Transformers questions.

Panels and Seminars-led by Hasbro, special guests and experts in the Transformers community. These presentations will totally immerse you in all things Transformers. Learn inside information, meet celebrities,
watch demonstrations and more!

Sales Room-featuring over 200 tables of Transformers merchandise for sale. There are thousands of items each year that trade hands in this BotCon focal point.

and much much more.

Click here to learn more.

Disney makes a bet on luxury housing at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

-

June 24, 2010

Disney intends to offer vacation homes costing from $1.5 million to $8 million.

The nation’s foreclosure rate in Florida has been among the nation’s highest. In Orlando, home values have plunged from 50% to 60% from market highs, and Disney’s price scheme would place the houses near the top of the housing market there.

Disney is making a daring move. Its top executive Bob Iger has won Wall Street’s trust, to a large degree, by making good on the Street’s earnings expectations. The toughest test for any chief executive, especially in the beaten-down media segment, to come through for the money managers.

The question is: Will this decision lead the way for Disney to try additional experiments outside of its traditional theme park, broadcasting or entertainment world?

Disney has its share of woes these days, especially in the television industry. ABC seems to be in danger of falling hopelessly behind NBC in the news business. In primetime, ABC has also had a tough time coming up with a plethora of hits in primetime.

Iger can only hope that Wall Street will continue to cut him slack.

Disney and IMAX sign three-picture 3D deal

By

Chip

-

June 24, 2010

The Walt Disney Co will release three 3D movies to IMAX Corp theaters in 2011, including the next “Pirates of the Caribbean” film, under an agreement between the two companies revealed on Wednesday.

Chuck Viane, president of distribution for Disney, said in a statement the recent performance of the studio’s movies in IMAX theaters has “demonstrated that the combination of IMAX and Disney resonates with moviegoers worldwide.”

The movies covered under the new agreement are “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” with Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz; the animated “Mars Needs Moms” with voice work from Seth Green and John Cusack; and the Disney/Pixar cartoon “Cars 2.”

IMAX has emerged as a major player in 3D exhibition, taking advantage of an audience appetite for a more in-depth visual experience that has helped drive box office growth.

“Toy Story 3,” Disney’s latest 3D release from its Pixar animation division, played in more than 4,000 theaters in the United States and Canada when it opened this past weekend. Of those, 180 were IMAX theaters, which contributed $8.4 million to the film’s overall gross of $110 million.

Disney Epic Mickey at E3 2010: Junction Point & David Garibaldi

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

A walkthrough of the upcoming DISNEY EPIC MICKEY videogame with acclaimed developer Warren Spector and Jonathan Price (of Junction Point Studios), as well as a sneak peek into artist David Garibaldi’s stage performance during E3 2010.

Become a Fan of DISNEY EPIC MICKEY at http://facebook.com/DisneyEpicMickey .

Pre-order the game at http://nku.me/EpicMickeyPreOrder .

Check out David Garibaldi at http://www.garibaldiarts.com .

Sneak Peek at the Disney Dream Virtual Portholes

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

“Keep on the lookout! Some elusive Disney animated characters have been sighted—but only by the magic of our virtual portholes.”

This truly is a cruise-industry first, every Inside Stateroom on the Disney Dream has its own “view” via a virtual porthole!

Check out the picture above for a sample of what you could see on-board.

For more information on the Disney Dream check the website out here.

Kobe visits Disneyland to celebrate Lakers Win

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant celebrated his team’s World Championship at the Disneyland Resort yesterday, and he was joined by none other than Goofy himself, who, thanks to his hat, appears to have a height advantage on the NBA Finals MVP.

Kobe was spending the day with his family and friends, taking in as much of both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park as possible. He told me that his daughters have a new favorite attraction — The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror! But that didn’t stop them from taking a spin on the Mad Tea Party and two trips through Space Mountain.

The Taste of Africa Street Party is coming to Walt Disney World

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Some exciting news for Walt Disney World, as reported last week The Taste of Africa is coming. Here is the official word from WDW Magic:

The full name will be ‘The Taste of Africa Street Party’, and it begins on July 9, running nightly until July 24 2010 in the Africa section of the park. It’s currently a limited time test, but may be extended if it proves popular.

The event begins each night immediately after Mickey Jammin’ Jungle Parade, and runs through until park close. On Extra Magic Hours evening, the event will continue until the end of EMH.

The entertainment offerings include:

Music and dance party with Harambe’s DJ Khalifa

Outdoor vendors selling unique food and beverages offerings

Performances by featured musical group, Wasslou

Beer and wine tastings at Tamu Tamu Courtyard

Authentic merchandise options available for purchase

Animal Education experiences with the Harambe Wildlife Team

Source

Disney Institute Leisure Tours Offer Unique Opportunities to See Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Exclusive backstage tours allow guests to go behind-the-scenes

Disney guests interested in going behind the scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort now have new leisure tour options from Disney Institute. The professional development and training arm of The Walt Disney Company is offering guests the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and get an insider’s look at the operations.

“Disney Institute leisure tours are unique because we take our guests to multiple parks and visit different locations throughout the resort,” said Jeff James, vice president, Disney Institute. “These tours are wonderful opportunities for anyone interested in learning how our company operates.”

Disney Institute offers four tours: Backstage Magic, Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes, Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy. Backstage Magic and Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes are offered year-round, while Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy are seasonal tours.

With the Backstage Magic tour, participants see how Disney brings innovative special effects, world-class entertainment and elaborate attractions to life. Beginning at Epcot and concluding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with an up-close look at Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, the tour explores the art, horticulture, landscaping and costume design that work together to create an immersive and magical experience for guests.

Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes follows the story of The Walt Disney Company from Walt’s perspective. The tour details how Walt was inspired to pursue his dreams and how his desire to succeed influenced those around him. From Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom, participants learn about the pivotal moments in Walt’s life that helped him create everything from innovative animation techniques to new ideas in family entertainment.

The Holiday D-Lights tour visits Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with stops for guests to marvel at each location’s interpretation of holiday lighting, while the Yuletide Fantasy tour helps guests uncover the secrets behind Disney’s stunning holiday decorations. Guests on this tour will travel through the culturally diverse celebrations of World Showcase at Epcot and get an up-close look at the bows and bells lining Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom.

All Disney Institute tours are facilitated by Disney cast members with years of Disney experience. The tours are open to anyone ages 16 years or older. All participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID. For more information or to book a Disney Institute leisure tour please call, (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687, or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/.

About Disney Institute

Disney Institute was created to showcase Disney best practices that easily adapt to other organizations. One of the most recognized names in professional development, Disney Institute travels the world offering engaging seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as fully customized programming. Immersive learning experiences are also offered at Disney destinations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, enabling participants to go behind the scenes and see firsthand how business theory drives operational excellence. The Disney Institute client roster includes Fortune 500 companies as well as a wide range of small businesses, non-profits and government agencies. To learn more about Disney Institute, please visit http://www.disneyinstitute.com/, follow at www.twitter.com/disneyinstitute, or call 321-939-4600.

Beauty and the Beast on Bluray DVD Combo Pack October 5th

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Acclaimed and treasured like no other, Disney’s beloved modern classic—the first animated feature film in the history of the Oscars® nominated for Best Picture (1991) — is brilliantly transformed to a new level of entertainment through the magic of Blu-ray™ High Definition.

The music you’ll never forget, the characters who will fill your heart and the magical adventure about finding beauty within all come to spectacular life in Blu-ray. Plus, all-new, immersive bonus features will transport you even further into Belle’s enchanted world.

So be our guest and join the beloved, independent Belle and the Beast with the soul of a prince as they cast an enchanting spell like never before.

Check out below for all the bonus content going to be added to the Combo Pack

3-Disc BD Bonus Features:
• Restored film
• Three versions of the film
• Original theatrical release
• Special extended edition
• Original storyboard version (BD-exclusive)
• Original theatrical version with a PIP of the storyboard
• Disney song along mode
• Audio commentary
• Beyond Beauty: The Untold Stories Behind Making Beauty And The Beast (interactive)
• Broadway Beginnings – Up close and personal celebrity interviews with Nick Jonas, Donny Osmond, Toni Braxton, and others who have starred in the Broadway production
• Composing a Classic: A Musical Conversation With Alan Menken, Don Hahn, and Richard Kraft
• Deleted scenes
o Alternate opening (boards)
o Belle in the library – never-before-seen moment where Belle meets three new characters in the library
• Art galleries – Only available inside the “Beyond Beauty Experience”
• Family play games
o Enchanted Challenge: help Belle and the Beast fall in love in order to break the spell before the last petal falls (Disney Quest)
o Bon Jour, Who Is This? A Disney TelePlay Game – Powered by BD-Live. Using your cell phone, guess the identity of the other players before they guess yours
• Music & more
o All-new music video featuring Disney Channel star TBD
• Classic DVD bonus features

Preorder your copy today

Disney Pic of the day – Anthony Anderson in Epcot

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Disney Parks Blog caught up with actor Anthony Anderson in Enoteca Castello as he checked out a few handmade Venetian masks during a visit to the Italy pavilion at Epcot. Anderson, who stars in the NBC series “Law & Order,” is vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort with his family this week.

Disneyland Hotel Donates 250 Koi to Huntington Gardens in Preparation of Renovations

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Disney Parks Blog recently announced that the Disneyland Hotel is undergoing some exciting changes! As they prepare for the renovations to the pool and courtyard area, we’re happy to share that they found a great new home for the koi fish that resided in the Koi Pond at the Disneyland Hotel.

They recently donated more than 250 koi to The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California – where the fish now live.

Our friends at The Huntington tell us the koi were a great addition and that the lily ponds they live in are more popular than ever, thanks to the colorful new residents.

Here are some pictures of their new, beautiful habitat. Make sure you stop by to see the Disney koi next time you visit the library!

New Golden Oak Luxury Residential Resort Community at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

-

June 23, 2010

Some exciting news from Disney Parks Blog:

Today, we’re unveiling something very different – an unprecedented opportunity to buy a home at the Walt Disney World Resort. You read right. Golden Oak is a new one-of-a-kind, luxury residential resort community that Disney Imagineers helped design. So, of course, it’ll have a unique Disney touch.

Take a look at our first released artist rendering of a Tuscan village courtyard home – it’s one of several architectural styles that’ll be featured at Golden Oak. Parks, pedestrian pathways and a private clubhouse are also planned for the community designed especially for resort living.

Golden Oak, named after Walt’s Golden Oak Ranch in California, will offer single-family, custom homes priced between approximately $1.5 million and $8 million, with fewer than 30 home sites available for sale this year. Residents will also have access to select amenities at the planned Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, including the full service spa, restaurants, golf course and event space.

We’ll have more on this in future Disney Parks Blog posts. But if you’d like to know more right now, please visit www.disneygoldenoak.com.