I ran into this very cool Dance Star Mickey Display at our local Target. It was really cool and he did a load of songs. I especially love the Mickey Moonwalk. So Cool!!! Check out the video below and let us know what you think.
Top 10 Disneyworld Snacks – According to Jess
I am starting a new side project. Along with my extensive Guide to WDW, I am also going to be doing a series of top tens. Subjects may include food, drinks, items to pack, attractions, resorts, off property attractions, tours, and much, much, more! I am going to start this week by listing my top ten Disney World snacks. Everything on my list is going to be considered a snack by the Disney Dining Plan!
Snacking is one of my all time favorite things to do. I am not someone who is big into sitting down for proper meals, rather, I am a grazer. Often while on the Disney Dining Plan, I use up my snack credits quite quickly! If you are a big snacker like me, indulge yourself in my top ten favorite Walt Disney World Snacks.
- Mickey Rice KrispieTreats! These tasty little temptations are absolutely to die for. The taste of marshmallows and rice cereal make me remember my childhood. The fact that they are shaped like Mickey is just an added bonus.
- Chili at Roaring Forks inside the Wilderness Lodge. A bowl of chili here is worth only a snack credit, but eats like a meal. Meaty, spicy, and just plain delicious! A great option for a light lunch before that big buffet dinner!
- Mickey Ice Cream Bars! You can find them just about anywhere, but you better eat them fast. The rich chocolate and cool vanilla ice cream shaped like the mouse himself makes this snack a winner any time of day!
- Pineapple Dole Whip! Aloha Isle in Adventureland serves up this refreshing and very popular item!
- 3 piece Beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter. These are so good it is a sin that this is the only place you can get them on property.
- Chocolate Croissant at Starring Roles Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These buttery, chocolaty delights are a great choice for a rich and sinful way to start touring the studios…my suggestion however, do not head on over to Rockin Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror after eating!
- Hummus and Pita Chips at Mara. It is good to note that the hummus and pita chips each count as one snack credit on the plan so if you get both it is two credits, but oh so worth it! I love a good healthy snack as well and the delicious hummus and pita chips really hit the spot!
- Funnel Cake at Sleepy Hallow in the Magic Kingdom. Crispy, sweet, fried, and oh so good. Big enough to share, but you probably won’t want to!!!
- Zebra Domes! I am heading back to Mara and the Animal Kingdom Lodge for this treat. These sweet and slightly grown up treats will keep you coming back for more.
- Cupcakes!!! I just love a good cupcake and at WDW they seem to make them extra special. The cake is light and sweet and the frosting borders on too much! A few seasonal sprinkles and you have a timeless crowd pleaser. You can find a good cupcake at most food courts and many bakeries on property!
D23 Gets Inside The Game Grid For An Exclusive Sneak Peek At Tron: Legacy
Readers will have an exclusive all access sneak peek at the upcoming Disney feature film TRON: Legacy (in theatres December 17, 2010) when Disney twenty-three’s Winter issue debuts November 1. Featuring one of the first comprehensive filmmaker interviews for TRON: Legacy, the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three magazine, produced by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, is loaded with stories to delight Disney fans and the general public alike.
This issue of Disney twenty-three offers in-depth discussions with TRON: Legacy filmmakers and features two highly collectible covers. One cover is sent exclusively to D23 Members and the other is available for purchase at select Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstore locations, online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts.
Director Joseph Kosinski and Producer Sean Bailey offer commentary on everything from behind-the-scenes moments and the personal memories that inspired participation in this cult-classic-sequel to the technical details that breathed life into the project. Writer Steven Lisberger even addresses the nearly thirty year gap between this film and the original release, saying: “The reason it took the 25 to 28 years is because we needed the ten-year-olds to grow up and be powerful enough to make this movie so that they could take their ten-year-old sons to see it.”
TRON: Legacy co-stars are also interviewed in the nine-page spread. Bruce Boxleitner reprises his role from the original 1982 film, admitting that he is “the biggest TRON fan there is,” while newcomer Garrett Hedlund discusses his take on his role as the character that inherits the TRON legacy.
Packed with gorgeous photos, extensive content and splendid artwork, the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three also gives readers an incredible opportunity to explore the architecture of the new Aulani Resort & Spa, Disney’s first resort in Hawaii, appropriately planted in the midst of a culture alive with history and a rich storytelling tradition.
Celebrating the abundant career of Disney Legend Dave Smith, Disney’s Chief Archivist, Disney twenty-three brings readers a final farewell to the man who founded the Walt Disney Archives 40 years ago. Conducted just before he retired, Disney twenty-three’s article presents the last visit to his treasure-laden office, filled with visual riches.
Disney twenty-three also looks back at classic Disney with two very special pieces. The first displays the Holiday Season through the eyes of Walt and his family. A perfect fit for the Winter issue, the piece gives fans the privilege of an intimate look at Walt’s home life. The second is the result of newly-discovered footage that chronicles Walt’s last time in front of the camera in the Studio’s legendary Stage 1.
There’s much more in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three, including:
- THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION: Highlights of D23 Members spending an amazing couple of days at Destination D: Disneyland ’55, a fun-filled celebration of The Happiest Place on Earth.
- PERFECT TIMING: The time is just right for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Dean Wellins as he makes his directorial debut and prepares to release his charming animated short, Tick Tock Tale.
- LIONS AND TIGERS AND…SANTA? OH MY! The Mickey Mouse Club Circus, one of the wildest shows in Disneyland history, dazzled crowds for six memorable weeks during the 1955 holiday season.
- SMALL-SCREEN ADVENTURES: Walt Disney Television Animation celebrates 25 years of groundbreaking creativity.
- 23 QUESTIONS WITH… Imagineer, celebrated costume designer, and Disney Legend Alice Davis.
- A WALK WITH WALT 1938: DREAMING THE FUTURE: The success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs went far beyond the silver screen.
- D SOCIETY: George Lucas strikes back, Destination D: Disneyland ’55 has arrived, and D23 Members are smack dab in the middle of D23’s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt at the Disneyland Resort.
And there’s even more for Disney fans to explore in the Winter issue of Disney twenty-three magazine. As with every issue of Disney twenty-three, D23 Members receive an added bonus. This issue, which features a specially designed collectible cover, also comes with an exclusive TRON: Legacy gift that will be shipped to members. To become a D23 Member, visit www.disney.com/D23.
Related articles
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- Oakley to Debut 3D Eyewear With Special TRON: Legacy Film Edition (chipandco.com)
Marvel Comics NBA preview
When the Walt Disney Company, which owns ESPN, bought Marvel Entertainment last year, our reaction was quick: “Sweet!” Not because we thought we’d be invited to the opening of “Iron Man 2.” (Didn’t happen.) We just realized that now we could e-mail the guys who draw Spider-Man, The Hulk and Captain America and put a whole new spin on the idea of synergy — which is exactly what we did. Result?
A pairing of Marvel’s ability to create iconic images with our season preview of the NBA, the league that trumps all others in producing larger-than-life superstars. Together, we developed concepts for all 30 NBA teams, which Marvel’s artists then turned into “variant cover.” Combined with the rest of our 2010-11 outlook, it’s a spectacle we think you won’t want to miss.
Danny Elfman & Tim Burton 25th Anniversary Music Box
Anyone who has seen and heard their work knows that composer Danny Elfman and director Tim Burton possess ample stores of artistic conviction and quirky, off-kilter sensibility. The pair have enjoyed a long working relationship, but Disney fans know them primarily from their work together in The Nightmare Before Christmas, which will be shown at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood from October 21-31 in 3D (with some suitably special 4D effects!), and Alice in Wonderland, which this year grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office. These two now-classic films have continued to inspire and charm generations of fans, with Elfman’s distinctive sonic signature the ideal complement to Burton’s utterly original cinematic visions. Now these two titanic artists have combined their talents once again, this time for a definitive collection of their collaborations, and as you might expect from these two prodigious artists, it’s a museum-worthy collection that truly earns the description definitive.
The Danny Elfman & Tim Burton 25th Anniversary Music Box consists of 16 CDs, each packaged with artwork by Burton, contains more than 19 hours of music from all 13 Burton/Elfman films, including seven hours of previously unreleased music rarities, Nightmare score extensions, additional masters, cut songs, song demos, work tapes, orchestra-only song mixers and foreign-language songs.
“I think there’s even stuff of me singing in the car,” Elfman laughs. Additionally, the Music Box will contain a bonus DVD of an exclusive conversation between Elfman and Burton discussing every film and score in their remarkable quarter century collaboration including Disney’s blockbuster Alice in Wonderland, a Skeleton Key USB Flash Drive containing MP3s of all the music, and a meticulously researched, lavishly illustrated 250-plus page hardbound book featuring a foreword by Johnny Depp.
“There’s everything you ever wanted to know,” Burton says. “And didn’t want to know,” Elfman responds, as if on cue. “It takes two people to carry it home,” Burton laughs.
Click here to keep reading.
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Oakley to Debut 3D Eyewear With Special TRON: Legacy Film Edition
Oakley, Inc. today announced the upcoming debut of its innovative new 3D eyewear. A special edition will celebrate the release of TRON: Legacy, a much-anticipated Disney 3D film opening in U.S. theaters on December 17, 2010. The new “TRON” Limited Edition 3D Gascan® by Oakley will give movie audiences the superior technologies developed specifically for Oakley 3D eyewear, assuring a premium 3D experience.
“The premiere of TRON: Legacy is a great opportunity for us to introduce moviegoers to the unique innovations of Oakley 3D eyewear,” said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. “This film will be an incredible visual experience, and those who view it with Oakley 3D eyewear will get the most out of it by enjoying the clarity and 3D performance of unparalleled design. We are honored to collaborate with Disney for this special event, and we look forward to opening the world’s eyes to the ultimate 3D experience with Oakley 3D eyewear,” Baden concluded.
“Collaborating with Oakley provided Disney with a great opportunity to interpret the aesthetics and themes of TRON: Legacy into cutting edge eyewear for fans to enjoy,” said Stephen Teglas, vice president and general manager of Fashion & Home North America at Disney Consumer Products.
Rendered with signature Oakley style, the new “TRON” Limited Edition 3D Gascan is accented with graphics that salute the cinematic story. A custom Microclear™ bag will be included for lens cleaning and eyewear storage. In the spirit of making this eyewear edition a collectible, the Microclear bag is also highlighted with graphics inspired by the film.
To engineer Oakley 3D eyewear, Oakley combined its industry-leading frame innovations with lens technologies that maximize the 3D experience by offering unprecedented levels of clarity and visual fidelity. “TRON” Limited Edition 3D Gascan features HDO-3D™, a collection of proprietary lens innovations that have achieved the first optically correct 3D eyewear on Earth.* Oakley 3D lenses virtually eliminate the ghosting or “crosstalk” between images that reach each eye from one moment to the next, a potential problem with inferior 3D eyewear.
A second key difference between Oakley 3D eyewear and conventional designs is the lens curvature. Greater curvature around the eyes provides a wider field of view, but without highly precise optics, even a mild curve can cause visual distortion. Oakley technology maintains optical clarity so the wearer can enjoy a wide field of sharp vision. The curvature of Oakley 3D lenses has the added benefit of minimizing distractive glare.
A special rendition of a popular Oakley sunglass frame, 3D Gascan is designed with a proprietary Three-Point Fit to retain the lenses in precise optical alignment. The fit optimizes comfort by eliminating the unbalanced pressure points common with ordinary frames. Oakley’s durable yet lightweight frame makes contact only at the sides of the head and bridge of the nose, and it does not hook the ears like conventional frames made with curved earstems.
TRON: Legacy will introduce a new generation of moviegoers to an entirely new realm of groundbreaking digital effects. TRON first appeared on the big screen almost 30 years ago and created a digital world that was ahead of its time. With the release of the newest installment, this elaborate world will be reimagined and expanded.
“TRON” Limited Edition 3D Gascan will be available in November for U.S. $150 through select Sunglass Hut, Oakley Stores and www.Oakley.com.
Oakley 3D lenses were developed to deliver a prime entertainment experience in cinemas that utilize passive polarization, the technology found in most 3D theaters. Oakley is also pursuing partnerships with manufacturers of home 3D systems that utilize passive polarization technology. This will allow consumers to use the same eyewear for home and cinema 3D entertainment.
Oakley will also release a “TRON” commemorative sunglass based on a design from the company’s Elite Collection of ultra-premium products. This non-3D eyewear is a special edition of Oakley Elite Pit Boss® and features HDPolarized lenses with High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Engineered with ultra-lightweight titanium plates, the frame is embellished with graphics inspired by TRON: Legacy.
Oakley 3D glasses are optimized for indoor cinema application and not intended for outdoor use. The technology in 3D polarization is not ideal for normal daily outdoor use and will not provide the same level of performance as sunglasses.
Visit Oakley.com to learn more about the company’s optical innovations.
Disney Announces 2010 Most Wanted Holiday Toys
Long-term play value continues to be an important consideration for parents looking to maximize their holiday shopping budget while still delighting their kids with the coolest toys. For the top toys that kids will play with over and over again, parents and gift-givers need to look no further this holiday season than Disney for toys with industry-leading innovation and evergreen play value. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) released today its annual “Most Wanted Holiday Toys List” featuring a magical assortment of playthings that offer boys and girls a robust play experience with endless ways to enjoy favorite Disney characters, recreate movie moments or play out new adventures. These must-have holiday gifts are already earning top honors from the media and toy industry insiders including Family Fun magazine’s Toy of the Year Awards, FunFare Magazine, The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, TimetoPlayMag.com, and Woman’s Day magazine’s Toy Insider as well as recognition on the Toys”R”Us and Kmart “Fabulous 15” hot holiday toy lists.
Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys List” showcases toys inspired by the latest Disney entertainment including: the blockbuster summer hit Toy Story 3 releasing on Disney DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 2nd; upcoming theatrical releases of Tangled featuring Rapunzel and TRON: Legacy; Cars Toons short-form stories featuring Mater’s Tall Tales; beloved Disney Princess characters; and for preschoolers, Mickey Mouse.
“Parents and kids alike are drawn to Disney for its creativity, innovation and timeless stories and characters,” said Chris Heatherly, vice president of Disney Toys. “With any one of these extraordinary new toys and electronics, families can bring the Disney magic home this holiday season with unique products that offer not only an exciting play experience but also exceptional value.”
Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” are available now at national retailers, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com.
[See below for more photos]
DISNEY’S MOST WANTED HOLIDAY TOYS:
1. Princess & Me Dolls and Accessories, SRP $14.99 – $49.99 at Toys”R”Us, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com: Named a “Most Wanted” toy by TimetoPlayMag.com, a “Hot 20” holiday toy by Woman’s Day magazine’s Toy Insider, and a “Fabulous 15” holiday toy by Toys”R”Us, Princess & Me is a new, premium line of “friend” dolls, fashions, accessories and role play designed for a slightly older Disney Princess fan, age five to eight. These beautifully sculpted, 18-inch dolls allow girls to bring their favorite Disney Princess character into her world with fashions for the dolls, accessories including a tea set, vanity set and armoire, and matching role play dresses for the girls. With role play dresses proving just as popular as the dolls, this collection is selling out fast so shop early!
2. Disney Store Singing Dolls, SRP $29.50 at Disney Store and www.disneystore.com exclusively: Declared a “Holiday Hot Dozen” by FunFare Magazine, these magical Disney Princess dolls sing signature songs featuring the actresses who voiced the original characters. The17-inch, beautifully sculpted dolls are available in favorite Disney Princess characters including: Ariel (“Part of Your World”), Aurora (“Once Upon a Dream”), Belle (“Something There”), Cinderella (“A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes”), Jasmine (“A Whole New World”), and Tiana (“Almost There”).
3. Tangled Rapunzel Hair Braider Doll, SRP $24.99 at national retailers and www.disneystore.com: Combining the play patterns of fashion dolls and hair play at an affordable price point, this doll is a must-have for girls and was recently named a FunFare Magazine All-Star toy. Outselling all other Tangled items, this set from Mattel is the first to easily allow girls to create braids over and over again by placing a strand of hair with each of the adorable animal friends, cranking the wheel and giving the Rapunzel doll a perfect braid. For the ultimate holiday gift, girls will also love the Tangled Rapunzel Tower, a beautiful three-foot tall tower playset that allows girls to recreate their favorite movie moments.
4. Dance Star Mickey, SRP $69.99 at national retailers, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com: This holiday season, Dance Star Mickey walks, talks and dances his way into kids’ hearts. With one press of his foot, Dance Star Mickey is revved up and ready to groove to six different songs with styles including Disco, Latin, Techno, and does an “out of this world” moondance grand finale. He is also packed with interactive games that will have children and parents laughing and dancing right along. Named a “Fab 15” holiday toy by Kmart, a hot holiday toy by Toys “R” Us, a top ten Toy of the Year by FamilyFun magazine and a Platinum Award winner from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Dance Star Mickey is quickly dancing off store shelves, proving this mouse still has all the right moves!
5. Toy Story 3 Evil Dr. Porkchop Spaceship Playset, $49.99 at Target, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com: The Evil Dr. Porkchop Spaceship Playset lets kids reenact key scenes from Toy Story 3 with lots of action. The set includes lights, sounds and an interior filled with elevators, control bays and an escape pod to inspire hours of imaginative play. You’ll really bring home ‘the bacon’ with this playset.
6. Toy Story 3 Blast-Off Buzz Lightyear, SRP $34.99 at national retailers: Named a “Hot 20” holiday toy by Woman’s Day magazine’s Toy Insider, this talking Buzz Lightyear is equipped with a rocket pack that “ignites” with awesome bursts of light and sound effects. For hours of endless play, press the red round button to pop out his wings and activate the lights to bring this Buzz Lightyear to life.
7. Cars Toons: Inspired by the laugh-out-loud humor in the series of Cars Toons short-form content, these toys inspire boys to play out new stories with their favorite characters. As seen in the Cars Toons episode “Monster Truck Mater,” the culminating event is the final showdown in the wrestling ring. The Cars Toons Monster Truck Wrastlin’ Playset (SRP $29.99 at national retailers) lets kids re-create that memorable scene and take on different opponents or battle The Monster. The set features a motorized floor for great wrastlin’ action as well as a “claw” for scooping opponents out of the ring. The Cars Toons Punching Figures assortment (SRP $14.99 at national retailers) brings the Cars Toons “Monster Truck Mater” characters to life in a whole new way with cool features, exciting movements and fun sounds. A great value, each character comes in a slightly larger scale – perfect for smaller hands – and allows kids to take their opponents down with the punching motion of the wheels.
8. TRON Impulse Projection Action Figures, SRP $14.99 – $39.99 at national retailers, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com: Featuring dark finishes, neon lighting and a cyber aesthetic, the TRON: Legacy toy line will immerse kids into the amazing, illuminated cyber world of TRON and is already flying off store shelves as fans look forward to the new film. Available in 7.5″ and 12″ sizes, the new TRON: Legacy action figures are the first to feature impulse projection technology, which brings the characters to life by projecting digitized, illuminated and moving faces onto the helmet, just as in the film. Designated a FunFare Magazine All-Star toy, the figures also speak phrases from the TRON: Legacy film.
9. TRON Zero Gravity Light Cycle, SRP $34.99 at national retailers, Disney Store and www.disneystore.com: Honored with a Platinum Award by the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and named a “Holiday Hot Dozen” by FunFare Magazine, the TRON Zero Gravity Light Cycle comes with a remote control and can be driven on walls or ceilings. It also features a six-foot light-emitting trail; in battle mode boys can knock their friend’s cycle off the wall when the light trails cross.
10. TRON: Legacy Gadgets: Only the most innovative electronics will do for a cutting-edge film with a unique futuristic feel. A memorable gift for teens and adults, the TRON: Legacy electronics line is designed to appeal to discerning gamers and audiophiles who seek out products that offer high quality and innovative design. Disney and Monster, a leading manufacturer of high-performance headphones and A/V accessories, have collaborated to create the ultimate set of lifestyle headphones ideal for music enthusiasts and serious gamers. The TRON Headphones by Monster (SRP $349.99 at national electronics retailers) capture the cyber cool aesthetic of TRON and feature Advanced Noise Suppression Technology and ControlTalkTM for hands-free voice calling. Fully compatible with the iPod Touch, iPod Nano and iPhone, the TRON iPod® Speaker Dock by Monster (SRP $249.99 at national electronics retailers) offers pristine sound and is designed to resemble the iconic TRON data disk, with neon blue lighting around its circular design.
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How Disney brings America’s Halloween traditions to the world.
This interesting article comes to us from D23.
In the same way Walt Disney Parks and Resorts introduced Main Street, U.S.A. to Asia and Europe, they’re now inspiring guests from all around the world to experience something else as American as apple pie — Halloween. From a dancing zombie chorus line at Hong Kong Disneyland to a bewitching parade in Tokyo, each year the parks scare up nightmarish spectaculars, wicked parties and hair-raising attraction overlays. These holiday haunts are prompting a global interest in the American celebration, and we think this is the perfect time to catch up with a few Disney cast members from around the world to see how Disney’s fairy-tale landmarks are helping to turn Halloween into an international tradition.
Ten years ago, China had barely heard of Halloween. But when Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005, a ghoulish fall event with haunting effects and shadowy characters arrived with it, one that has continued to grow each year. “Celebrating Halloween in Asia is a relatively new phenomenon and therefore doesn’t follow the longstanding traditions seen in America,” says Laurie Jordan, vice president, Entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland. “The Hong Kong market definition of Halloween tends to be the ‘scarier the better.’ Trick-or-treating is catching on in Hong Kong and is something our guests enjoy in Fantasyland. However, our Haunted Halloween plays largely to Asian sensibilities with an emphasis on dramatic, ghostly offerings.” A mob of zombies and a treacherous, towering dragon summoned by the evil Maleficent on Main Street, U.S.A. are just a few of the unforgettable spectacles that the park has created to introduce locals to the holiday. And now, the Haunted Halloween celebration has become their most successful and anticipated annual event.
At Tokyo Disneyland, guests are invited to wear their own costumes inside the magic kingdom for 14 special days in October. Guests parade through each themed land donning their favorite Disney or pop-culture character costumes and creating a park-wide masquerade. The costume party celebration continues at its sister park, Tokyo DisneySea. There, the Mysterious Masquerade, a Broadway-style revue at Waterfront Park, wraps everyone up in the spirit of Halloween with a dazzling performance from Mickey, Minnie, Donald and the rest of the gang.
Click here to keep reading
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Talking Mickey Mouse set to debut in Disney show
This article comes to us from Sarah Tully at the OC Registers Around Disney Blog.
A high-tech, talking Mickey Mouse character will begin making regular appearances at Disney California Adventure as part of a new show.
This is the first time that the upgraded Mickey character, which has a moving mouth and blinking eyes, will routinely appear in front of visitors at Disneyland Resort. Mickey will play a central role in “Disney Dance Crew” that debuts Friday at California Adventure. Read a previous story about “Disney Dance Crew.”
Until now, the talking Mickey has only showed up on a limited basis at the Disneyland Resort.
In May, Disneyland tested out the talking Mickey, who greeted guests by name and had conversations, during meet-and-greet sessions. Read a previous story about the talking Mickey Mouse. Disney California Adventure also used the talking Mickey during the private premiere ceremony of “World of Color” in June. The talking Mickey already performs at Walt Disney World in the “Dream Along with Mickey” show.
Click here to keep reading.
Photo credit d23.com
Disney VoluntEARS Create New Look For Osceola Co. Non-Profit
The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County has a new look thanks to several Walt Disney World Cast Members who recently volunteered their creative services to help non-profit better position itself within the community.
Kelly Glassburn, Manager of Marketing and Communications for Disney’s Photo Imaging; Gregg Menello, Sr. Art Director for Yellow Shoes Creative Group; and John McCall, Writer for Yellow Shoes Creative Group, developed a new logo and tag line for the Coalition with a focus on highlighting how the non-profit ensures that children in Osceola County receive quality early care and education so they can enter kindergarten prepared and ready to succeed.
With the official launch of the Coalition’s new identity at a press conference earlier this month, the design team’s pro-bono efforts earned recognition from several Osceola County officials and deep appreciation from Charles Rogers, chair of The Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County.
“All of their design work was done on volunteer time which makes this effort even more special to us. It really shows their commitment to early learning, their passion for children and their willingness to help our Coalition better deliver our message about the importance of early learning, not only in the life of a child, but in the future of our community and state,” said Rogers.
As a token of appreciation for their generous support, Glassburn, Menello and McCall were each given a framed piece of children’s artwork.
Rogers also took time during the press event to acknowledge Disney’s longstanding relationship with the Coalition.
“This day would not be complete without recognizing all of the other support that Disney has provided to strengthen early learning in the Osceola community,” said Rogers. “It is through their generous donations year after year that our Coalition is able to provide the level of early literacy services that we do through our Wee Read Program.”
The Wee Read Program, made possible through a partnership between the Coalition, the School District of Osceola County and Walt Disney World Resort, is designed to strengthen early literacy skills in four and five year-old children as they prepare for kindergarten. It also encourages strong partnerships with parents through Wee Read Family Events designed to promote literacy activities in the home.
TimeStream Software Releases Walt Disney World App for Android
TimeStream Software announces the release of its popular “Walt Disney World” Notescast for Android smartphones.
Acclaimed as “…a must for your visit to Disney theme parks” and one of the “Top 5 apps for Walt Disney World”, TimeStream Software’s “Walt Disney World” Notescast app contains over 300 pages of in-depth information, complete with more than 500 colorful photos making it a comprehensive vacation planning guide and valuable in-park resource covering nearly every aspect of the entire resort and all four theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom®, Epcot®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ and more.
“We’re very pleased to bring our popular Walt Disney World Notescast to Android powered smartphones.” said Mike Westby of TimeStream Software. “As a Top 5 app, it brings a wealth of information and fun photos to the device.”
Available from the Android Market, the new “Walt Disney World” Notescast for Android contains a wealth of valuable information, including:
* 119 Walt Disney World Attractions
* Walt Disney World – Annual Events
* Walt Disney World – Dining
* Walt Disney World – Explore the Magic
* Walt Disney World – What’s New
* Walt Disney World – What’s Coming
* Walt Disney World – Parades
* Walt Disney World – Resorts
* Walt Disney World – Tickets
* Walt Disney World – Phone Numbers
* Walt Disney World – Resort Phone Numbers
* Walt Disney World – Tips
* Walt Disney World – Photo Tips
* Walt Disney World – Toddler Tips
* Walt Disney World – Tours
* Walt Disney World – Vacation Packages
* Disney’s Magical Express
* How to Plan Your Vacation
* Hidden Mickey Tours
* The History of Walt Disney World
* Find Disney Characters
* Guests with Disabilities
* Vacation Planning Tips
* Self-Contained – No Cell Signal Requiried
AVAILABILITY
The “Walt Disney World” Notescast for Android is available now on the Android Market.
The Walt Disney World Notescast is also available for the iPhone and iPod touch at the iTunes App Store.
The Walt Disney World Notescast is also available for the iPod Classic, iPod 5th Generation and iPod nano at www.Notescasts.com.
The Magic Behind The Scenes – Seeing Is Not Always Believing
I believe many of you may be familiar with what is called “forced perspective”. It’s a trick used by filmmakers and yes also by Imagineers to make your eyes and mind see something that isn’t real. It is used everywhere at Walt Disney World but a couple of prime examples happen on Main Street USA.
The most basic forced perspective trick is making buildings look larger than they actually are. The Imagineers do this by making each story on a building a little smaller as they go up. As an example, the standard first story height of the buildings on Main Street USA is around twelve feet, the second stories come in at around ten feet, the third at eight feet, etc. By making each story a bit smaller they actually look further away and therefore the building looks larger. A very neat trick and it works beautifully!
Another example concerns the perspective of distance. As you enter the Magic Kingdom all excited and full of energy and you begin your trek down Main Street USA you see Cinderella Castle way off in the distance. When you are finished touring for the day and head back down Main Street USA toward the train station all tuckered out, the distance looks very much shorter. Wasn’t it considerate of the folks at Disney to make Main Street USA shorter while you were touring so that when you were ready to head home you wouldn’t have to walk so far?
The distance is the same, but you already knew that. As you walk toward the Hub and Cinderella Castle, notice that everything at the far end of Main Street USA is wide open and just plain gorgeous. The sheer size of the Castle (more forced perspective) makes the distances appear much greater. As you walk back towards the train station, the buildings are smaller in both perspective and reality and the area at the far end is closed in by the train station, City Hall, Tony’s, etc. This makes the scope of the area much smaller and therefore it appears much closer. Oh those devious Imagineers!!
I thinks that explains the title!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken