Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 3’ Is a Strong No. 1 at the Box Office

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June 21, 2010

To infinity and beyond may not be a stretch for Pixar’s “Toy Story 3,” which sold $109 million in ticket sales in North America over the weekend and is on track to deliver a total domestic gross of over $400 million, analysts said.

“Toy Story 3” entered the marketplace as a strong No. 1 — the 11th Pixar title in a row to achieve that feat. The result was Pixar’s best opening ever, even when adjusting for inflation.

Sales were big enough almost to wipe out an early-summer slump at the multiplex. Total domestic box office revenue since early May is now only down by less than 1 percent from the same period last year, according to Hollywood.com, which complies ticketing statistics. In recent weeks revenue had dipped by over 6 percent, leading to hand wringing in Hollywood.

If history is any guide, “Toy Story 3” will continue to dominate in the weeks ahead. On average just 23 percent of the total domestic gross for a Pixar film comes from opening weekend, according to Hollywood.com.

“The audience was much broader than normal,” said Chuck Viane, the president for distribution at Walt Disney Studios, whose parent company owns Pixar. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a movie with such unbelievably positive word of mouth.” In limited release overseas “Toy Story 3” sold about $45 million.

Click here to keep reading this article from the NY Times.

Liberty Mutual’s Sweepstakes Could Send You to Disney World

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

Liberty Mutual's Sweepstakes Could Send You to Disney World

Enter Liberty Mutual’s Responsible Sports Sweepstakes for your chance to win a four-day trip for four people to Walt Disney World in Florida, a prize worth about $4,800.

Click here to enter.

Eligibility:

Contiguous US (-HI, AK), 18+

Start Date:

June 01, 2010

End Date:

July 31, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Entry Frequency:

One time per person.

Sweepstakes Prizes:

Grand Prize: A 4-day trip for 4 to the Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL. Trip includes airfare, hotel, ground transportation, Magic Your Way tickets for four days, 250 Disney Dollars, and $1,000 cash to assist in paying income taxes. (ARV: $4,800)

Source

Top 10 Pixar Movies – Where will Toy Story 3 Rank? Updated

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

With Toy Story 3 out today and Pixar’s 11th Movie out of the gate I wanted to try to break down the previous 10 movies from Pixar and try to do a before and after Toy Story 3.

I want to rate where Toy Story 3 will be on the list of Pixar Movies that have released. Will it be #1 on my list or will it fall short.

This can be something fun we all can do together so here is a list of Pixar Movies in my Top 10 order:

Finding Nemo – This was the first Disney Movie my daughter watched. So it holds a very special place in my heart and it is just an all around great story. Just keep swimming!
Monsters Inc – At my house we love yelling Mike Wazowski! This was a great movie and no matter how bad you feel it will put a smile on your face. Kitty!
Toy Story – A Classic and the very first Pixar Film ever made. I remember seeing it in the theater and was just in awe!
Up – Very sad but very uplifting film. Dug has to be one of the cutest Disney characters out there. “Hi there I have just me you but I love you!”
Wall-e – A Romantic film from Pixar, who would have guessed. This is a very cute love story with very little dialogue. I say one of a kind for Disney/Pixar.
Toy Story 2 – Yeeehaw! I love how it is 2 separate but intertwined stories that come together in the end.
Cars – Maybe because I have seen this film over and over and over and over leaves me jaded towards it. We had to hide the dvd so our little one wouldn’t want to watch it again.
Bug’s Life – Great cast and great story. A lot of people overlook this movie but it still a enjoyable watch.
The Incredibles – ok Movie, kinda long though. I guess if I had a little boy I would have watched this more but my little girl does not want to watch this at all.
Ratatouille – Interesting story but something about rats in a kitchen just doesn’t do it for me.

So where will Toy Story 3 rank on this list? I will update this list on Monday with Toy Story 3’s rank.

Let us know your Top 10 Pixar Films in the comment section below.

So having seen Toy Story 3 I would put it in 2nd place below Nemo. While it I think its the best Toy Story Movie I think the completion of the series has alot to do with it. The movie was great and it did make you tear up in the end a little bit. It was sad to see the gang move on after so many years but atleast they have a great home with some really special new friends.

Two Myths about World Showcase at Epcot

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

Very few times and I left speechless and in awe at something I read on the interwebs. This is one of those times.

I just read this very detailed article about why Disney hasn’t added any countries to World Showcase at Epcot since Norway in 1988. Werner Weiss shares with us why that is, along with pictures and diagrams..Very Nice!

This article comes to us from Yesterland’s very own blog called WW goes to WDW.

The Claim: “Disney can’t add any more countries to World Showcase at Epcot because there isn’t any more room.”

Status: False

The Claim: “Each of the World Showcase pavilions was paid for by a national government. Any new countries would also have to be paid for by a national government.”

Status: False

I don’t want to spoil the article so click here to read it. I promise you, you will be scratching your head at Disney.

Disney pulls $15 million permit for Little Mermaid ride

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

This Disney News comes to us from Daily Disney at the Orlando Sentinel:

Walt Disney World has pulled a $15 million building permit to construct the Journey of the Little Mermaid, the Little Mermaid-themed dark ride at the center of the Magic Kingdom’s sweeping Fantasyland expansion.

The permit, which was issued by the Reedy Creek Improvement District in early March, covers design and construction work. Reedy Creek puts the value of the work covered by the permit at $15.4 million.

The district has also issued at least two other permits related to the Little Mermaid ride, one for a backstage employee sidewalk and another to relocate existing lighting.

Among other Fantasyland-related permits that District has issued so far are permits to disconnect mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure at Ariel’s Grotto (which will become the site of a Beauty and the Beast-themed area); demolish the Scuttle’s Landing eatery; and remove a backstage maintenance shed in the area of the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction. The expanded Fantasyland is scheduled to open in phases beginning in 2012.

With the Fantasyland construction having begun in earnest, building activity at Reedy Creek is mushrooming. The district says it permitted projects with a combined construction value of $23.2 million in March 2010, up 192 percent from the same month last year.

Click here to keep reading.

What’s your favorite Disneyworld Speciality Drinks?

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

What better accompaniment to that Disney meal than a fantastic Disney Specialty Drink. Fruity, Creamy, Glowing, Sweet, Salty there is literally something for everyone. It would be impossible to list all the Disney Specialy drinks from all the Disney Resorts, Parks, and Shops, as Disney is constantly updating, changing and improving our choices.

What I plan on doing is highlighting some of the best I had while visiting the parks along with some of the all time classic Drinks that Disney has perfected over the years.

Lets dive right in.

10. Sci-Fi Dine in Milkshake – I honestly think the Sci-Fi makes one of the best milkshakes I have ever had. It goes perfectly with any of their meals and tastes even better at the Drive In watching movies.

9. Tequila – At Disneyworld? You are Crazy! La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion serves over 70 varieties of authentic tequila, from the simplest to the rarest.

8. Coca-Cola From Around the World – One of my favorite stops in Epcot is at Club Cool. I love tasting the different flavors of pop that is released throughout the world. Did I mention that it’s free too?

7. Lapu lapu – Who doesn’t like alcohol served in a pineapple? There are so many choices of specialty drinks to get at the Polynesian Resort. From the Backscratcher to the Pina Colova, just be sure to take Disney transportation back to your room.

6. Decadent Drinking Chocolate with Biscotti – My wife would be mad if I didn’t include a drink from Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop in Downtown Disney. If you love chocolate you will love this drink!

5. Magical Star Cocktail at The Wave in the Contemporary Resort. What is it? It’s X-fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, served with a souvenir Multicolored Glow Cube. Another choice for glowing drink would be the Glow-tini at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe. While both different in flavors they both have the Glowing ice cubes 🙂

4. Grey Goose Citron Slush or Grand Marnier Orange Slush – This was a tough call but since they are both from the France Kiosk in Epcot’s World Showcase I am going to count them as one.

3. Dole Whip Float – I love a Dole Whip Float. The Ice Cream, the pineapple juice. Just delicious. If I had to pick one cold drink at the parks to get it would be a Dole Whip Float. We spend many of our snack credits at Aloha Isle.

2. Pog Juice – This is a must for breakfast at Ohana’s or Kona Cafe. Give me some POG Juice and a Kona Coffee and I am set. I have made it outside the park and it is almost as good as what Ohana’s makes. So be sure to click on the link and try it out for your family. Speaking of Kona Coffee that leads me to the #1 Specialty Drink.

1. Kona Coffee French Press Pot – I love coffee. I drink it everyday. Hot or cold, over ice or in syrup format (shout out to my RI friends and turning me on to Coffee Syrup!) I can honestly say this is the best cup of coffee I have ever had. I know it says coffee for 2 but I always get a Press Pot for myself. Hands down best drink at WDW.

What are some of your absolute favorite drinks at Walt Disney World. Let us know in the comment section below.

Marvel to be introducing new characters via Short Films

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

How would you like to see some of your favorite Marvel characters like Dr Strange, Luke Cage, Black Panther on the big screen? No they are not making an appearance in their own full length feature film. The latest Disney Gossip is they will be featured in short films in front of some of the next Marvel Blockbusters like Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers.

Here is the word from Latino Review:

Got a scoop from a well trusted source that Marvel/Disney are looking at doing 10 minute short films in front of their feature length movies that will introduce secondary characters like Black Panther, Luke Cage, Dr. Strange, etc.

So what do you think? I guess something is better than nothing. It is a great way for Disney to gauge if it would be worth making a full length movie from those smaller characters in the Marvel Universe.

Let us know in the comment section below.

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue 8 Minute Sneak Peek & Other Previews

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

Tinker Bell, the world’s favorite fairy, will be spreading her mirth and magic for audiences of all ages, as the worlds of fairies and humans meet for the first time in Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, which debuts September 21st, 2010 on Blu-rayTM Combo-Pack, DVD, and movie download.

Check out some videos below!

8 Minute Sneak Peak

Bonus Videos!

Tink Gets Bugged

Silvermist’s Symphony

Join Cruise Critic Onboard a Disney Cruise in the Baltics – Daily Video Blog

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

Due to the great success of their first video blog from Disney Magic in the Med, the wonderful people at The Cruise Critic just launched another – this time reporting from a Baltic cruise onboard Disney Magic, the highlight of which is a stop in St Petersburg, Russia.

Lots of people were intrigued to see what it’s really like on a Disney Cruise, and we think our Baltic adventure will draw even more curiosity. How will Disney’s magic mix with these capitals of culture? How will the kids enjoy this less traditional family adventure?

Cruise Critic contributor Carrie Calzaretta and her family are sharing their adventures ashore and onboard via a daily video blog — right here! The Northern European Capitals Cruise begins in Dover and visits Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. Tune in daily for reports from Carrie and her crew — a new video will launch every business day through July 1!

Video Blog: Day 1. The Calzarettas board Disney Magic in Dover to kick off their Baltic family cruise. Join them for first-day festivities onboard — and a taste of what to expect ashore over the next two weeks!

Click here for more information and videos!

Thanks Carrie for the link and video!

Disney Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Story Details

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

Production has commenced on location in Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles on Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ sweeping comedy adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” directed by Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D(TM).

Johnny Depp returns to his iconic, Academy Award(R)-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow, newly joined by Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” Rob Marshall’s “Nine”), Ian McShane (HBO’s “Deadwood”) and newcomers Astrid Berges-Frisbey and Sam Claflin. Also rejoining Johnny Depp and Captain Jack are Academy Award-winner and three-time nominee Geoffrey Rush (“Shine,” “Shakespeare in Love”) and Kevin R. McNally (first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Valkyrie”). The film is slated to open May 20, 2011.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise –this time in Disney Digital 3D(TM). In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he’s not sure if it’s love–or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth.

When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will film on the islands of Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii, followed by locations and studio work in the United Kingdom and Los Angeles.

Disney Food Confession – Warm Brownie Sundae

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

Where is it? Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.

What is it? A scoop of premium vanilla ice cream paired with warm Ghirardelli double chocolate brownie smothered with hot fudge sauce and topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds and a cherry

Why you want it? Delicious Ghirardelli Chocolate over Ice Cream and a Warm Brownie…yum!

Photo Credit: by meshmar2 via Flickr

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!

Orange County’s own Gourmet food trucks debut at Disneyland

By

Chip

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June 21, 2010

The food truck trend must be more than a passing fad because some are landing in one of the hottest retail properties in Orange County — Disneyland.

Disney California Adventure is offering tourists a taste of gourmet street food as part of the theme park’s new Glow Fest celebration, which runs through Aug. 22.

For the first half of the event, Orange County’s own Louks Greek Gourmet truck and The Green Truck of Los Angeles are the featured food vans.

Disney said park visitors can expect “more popular gourmet food trucks in Southern California” to join Glow Fest, a high-energy dance festival that kicked off the same night as Disney’s new World of Color. It takes place at the Hollywood Studios Backlot section of the park.

Since debuting June 11, World of Color and Glow Fest are drawing unprecedented crowds to the park.

Click here to keep reading and for more photos.