Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Welcomes Seven New Acts During Food & Wine Festival

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June 18, 2010

They span four decades of popularity. Collectively, they’ve thrilled music lovers with everything from Pop, Techno and Adult Contemporary to Southern Rock, Progressive Rock and Pop Rock.

But they have one thing in common: They are seven acts playing the Eat to the Beat! concert series for the first time during the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are:

Sugar Ray (Oct. 6-8) “Fly”
Air Supply (Oct. 11-12) “Lost in Love”
Howard Jones (Oct. 16-17) “No One Is to Blame”
38 Special (Oct. 20-21) “Hold on Loosely”
Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Nov. 4-5) “Give a Little Bit”
Hanson (Nov. 8-9) “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’”
Rick Springfield (Nov. 10-11) “Jessie’s Girl”

They are part of an 18-performer concert series that will bring music to Epcot each evening of the Food & Wine Festival. Concerts are included with Epcot admission.
Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concert series will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Disney Food Confessions – Tie-dyed cheesecake with Recipe

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Chip

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June 18, 2010

Where is it? Everything Pop Food Court – Pop Century Resort Disneyworld

What is it? Crazy Tie Dyed Cheesecake with Red Velvet Crust..Groovy Man

Why you want it? Delicious from the very first bite.

Photo Credit: by Disney

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!

Tie Dyed Cheesecake Recipe:
Red Velvet Cake (crust):
1/4 c butter, softened
3/4 c sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 ounce red food coloring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 c buttermilk
1 c flour
1/2 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9″ springform pan.

Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Add the paste to the creamed mixture. Mix salt and vanilla in buttermilk and add alternately with the flour. Mix soda and vinegar separately, add last, folding in. Do not beat after adding soda mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Cool cake in pan.

Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

Cheesecake Filling:
1 1/2 lb. Cream Cheese
1 1/3 c Sugar
5 Large Eggs
16 oz. Sour Cream
1/4 c Flour
2 teaspoon Vanilla
2 teaspoon Lemon Juice

NOTE: All above ingredients should be at room temperature before you begin.

Preparation:
Start by beating the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Keep the mixer on a low setting throughout the beating and mixing process. Add the sugar a little at a time and continue beating until creamy. Add one egg at a time and beat after each egg. When eggs have been mixed into the cream cheese add flour, vanilla and lemon juice, mix well. Add the sour cream last and beat well.

Divide the batter into 6 bowls and color each one:
red, purple, yellow, light blue, green, orange

To assemble, drop large spoonfuls of the colored batters randomly on top of the red velvet cake still in the pan. Swirl each layer slightly. Place on the top rack in the middle of a 325 degree preheated oven for one hour and 15 minutes. When time is up, prop open oven door and leave the pan in the oven for one hour. After one hour, remove from oven. Let cool enough before the cheesecake is put into the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Enjoy

Couple Knows it Really is A Small (Disney) World After All

By

Chip

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June 18, 2010

The famous song “It’s a Small World,” says it all. But no one knows it better these days than Alex and Donna Voutsinas. You might have seen their now-famous photo with Mr. Smee in the news recently, and today they visited Magic Kingdom park to recreate the snapshot.

The year was 1980, and young Donna was with her family at the Magic Kingdom park, posing for a photo along Main Street, U.S.A. with Mr. Smee and her brothers. What she didn’t know at the time was that her future husband, Alex, also would be in the background of the same photograph – riding in a stroller pushed by his father. (Alex and his family were visiting from Montreal; Donna and her family were visiting from Miami.)

Years later, as the couple looked through childhood photos one week before their wedding, Alex noticed something that immediately caught his eye.

“We were looking through pictures for our wedding video and my wife took this one out, and I noticed my dad,” Alex told the Disney Parks Blog this morning. “My dad used to have jet-black hair with a white tuft and I just noticed him right away. Then I saw myself in the stroller.”

The couple held onto the snapshot for about eight years. Two weeks ago, at the urging of friends and family, they posted it on Facebook. After the media and press discovered it on Facebook, their amazing story took flight and has since been reported around the globe.

Today, the couple visited the exact spot the snapshot was taken, recreating the famous photo with Donna’s picture pal, Mr. Smee. And this time, their own children – six-year-old Rocco, three-year-old Vince and one-year-old Antonio – posed with them and shared in the fun. The family now lives in Boynton Beach, Fla., and – as can be expected – are Disney Parks fans.

Click here to keep reading this article from the Disney Parks Blog

World Cup Viewing Parties Taking Place through July 11 at ESPN WWOS

By

Chip

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June 18, 2010

Disney Sports and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex have embraced World Cup fever and are offering unique viewing parties during the tournament, live from South Africa.

While ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill offered open-seating viewing parties during the group stage of play (June 11-25), parties with guaranteed seating and a buffet are planned on days between June 26 and July 10 when the round of 16, quarter finals, semi finals and third-place match are played. The all-you-care-to-eat buffet is $19.99/per person, per game (plus tax).

A special viewing area will be available for the championship match July 11. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill features many high-definition television screens throughout the venue. The World Cup tournament is the first sports telecast on the new ESPN 3D channel and the Grill will feature 3-D viewing for select matches.

For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

Captain EO 3-D Spectacular Returns to Epcot July 2

By

Chip

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June 18, 2010

Just in time to add more joyous, uproarious fun to the Fourth of July weekend, “Captain EO” begins a reprise at Walt Disney World Resort July 2. The classic musical spectacular that thrilled Epcot guests from 1986-1994 will provide new Epcot audiences the opportunity to experience the original 3-D production for the very first time – and give longtime fans a nostalgic look back to see Michael Jackson in a rare performance created for the big screen.

Twenty-four years ago, Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3-D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing two original songs, and featuring Academy Award®-winning actress Anjelica Huston, and a cast of merry, mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.

For all its technology, “Captain EO” is first and foremost a musical spectacular and a thrilling space-fantasy adventure. The realism of the 3-D process will once again make it seem that Jackson dances right out of the screen into the theater. While it’s not possible to replicate some of the special effects elements originally in the theater, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film and sound better than ever thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there. The total effect is one of motion, color and high energy filled with Jackson’s musical brilliance and various illusions to create an exciting and realistic journey in space for the audience.

“Captain EO” will be presented multiple times daily at the Imagination pavilion at Epcot. It replaces “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” which is planned to return at an undetermined date.

Fans of Jackson family entertainment are in for a double treat heading into July 4 weekend. Not only will “Captain EO” be returning, but America Gardens Theatre will be alive with Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson, an act that celebrates the music of Michael Jackson’s sister Janet, June 27-July 3. Show times each day are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Performances are included with Epcot admission.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint & Harry Potter stars open Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

On June 16, 2010, Harry Potter film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, James and Oliver Phelps, and Warwick Davis were in attendance for a special celebrity event commemorating the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park.

MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 – E3 Gameplay

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

After a decade of waiting, the biggest names from the Marvel Universe will clash head on with the combined might of Capcom’s best known and most feared roster of gaming characters. Powered by the mighty MT Framework engine, MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 3 will deliver the best ever match up of legendary fighters and no holds barred fighting action.

Get set for the ultimate faceoff when MARVEL™ vs. CAPCOM® 3: Fate of Two Worlds hits the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in Spring 2011.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

For More Marvel vs Capcom videos check them out here.

Deserving Dads Gift Ideas

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

These gift ideas come to us from the Disney Park Blog:

Sometimes, Dad can be pretty tough guy to shop for. With Father’s Day right around the corner, you may be racking your brain trying to find that perfect gift that’s just right for dear ol’ Dad. If another power tool just won’t do – allow me to recommend a few of my top picks that’ll remind him just how loved he is whether he’s at work or at play.

Is your Dad sporty? Help him tee off in Disney style with Disney Golf Club Covers, Golf Ball Markers, Golf towels, Golf balls and a Golf Cap. Dad will like nothing more than a gift that encourages him to keep hitting the greens. The best part about the Disney Golf Collection is that not only can it be found in select Disney Theme Park Merchandise locations, but it can also be found online too! To find the right golf accessory that’s sure to be a hole in one with Dad, visit DisneyParks.com/Store.

Now, my Dad makes the bold claim that he’s the “Undisputed Grill Master of The World.” Since he already is fully equipped with a grill and all the grilling accessories, one thing I know he can never get enough of are grill seasonings & rubs. So when I saw Chef Mickey’s BBQ Magic Seasoning Kit, I knew I had a gift that would encourage him to fire up the grill. The kit comes with a bottle of Sweet-As-Minnie BBQ Sauce plus two Oh Boy, That’s Good! Dry Spice Rubs for both chicken & beef. Keep an eye out for this set at the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A. and other select merchandise locations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Click here to keep reading.

2010 Independence Day Celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

A variety of special events for Fourth of July are scheduled at all four of the major theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort – Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – such as patriotic parades, live music and spectacular fireworks shows. A street party with live entertainment and fireworks is also planned for Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney. All of the Fourth of July celebrations are included in the regular admission price.

2010 Independence Day Celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park
A Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” will light up the night at the Magic Kingdom Park in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled “Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. The Magic Kingdom Park also will feature two performances of the “SpectroMagic” nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.

Epcot
A holiday-inspired finale will be added to the nightly fireworks extravaganza at Epcot, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.” The park’s American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park’s popular “Fantasmic!” show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.

Downtown Disney Area
The Downtown Disney Area will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

Note: Schedule subject to change without notice.

Disney To Release “Bambi” On Blu-Ray

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

Disney has revealed the next animated classic to receive the high-definition treatment as part of their Diamond Collection. “Bambi” will hit Blu-ray in 2011.

“Bambi,” last remastered and released in 2005, will hit the format for the first time in the Spring of 2011. It follows the already released title in the Diamond Collection “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Pinocchio,” already released on Blu-ray, are expected to be part of the Diamond collection in the future.

Up next to release as a Diamond Edition is “Beauty and the Beast,” which will arrive on October 5th on Blu-ray and Blu-ray/DVD combo packs. The set will feature never-before-seen deleted footage including an alternate opening, the regular and extended versions of the film, a Jordin Sparks music video, interactive features, and more.

Although it has yet to be formally announced, “Fantasia” and “Fantasia 2000” are expected to be released together on Blu-ray in December.

“The Lion King” will reportedly follow the release of “Bambi” in the Fall of 2011. Other Disney classics to follow as part of the Diamond Collection include “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “101 Dalmatians,” and “The Jungle Book.”

Source

Disney/Pixar Buys The First Twitter Trending Topic Ad for Toy Story 3

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

This article comes to us from Tech Crunch where they breakdown the new Promoted Tweets on Twitter:

Since April, Twitter users have grown accustomed to Twitter’s first ad revenue play: Promoted Tweets. Today, the second phase of that strategy is starting to be tested: Promoted Trending Topics. The first such topic? Toy Story 3, promoted by Disney/Pixar.

As you can see in the right hand toolbar of Twitter.com, at the bottom of the Trending Topics area there is now an 11th topic, “Toy Story 3.” Next to it is a big yellow box letting you know that it’s a promoted Trending Topic. Just as with Promoted Tweets, the functionality for these Promoted Trending Topics is the same as the regular Trending Topics — clicking on it takes you to a search results page to see what people are saying about Toy Story 3.

“As we have always said, we plan to test different advertising and promotional models in these early stages of our monetization efforts for both user and brand value. As part of this effort, we are testing trends clearly marked as “promoted” for an undefined period of time,” a Twitter representative tells us.

And along with buying the Trending Topic, Disney/Pixar gets a Promoted Tweet at the top of the stream, Twitter confirms. Twitter also says that just as with Promoted Tweets, the Promoted Trending Topic “has to resonate” or it will disappear.

Click here to keep reading.

Special Character Dinner at Disney’s Vero Beach

By

Chip

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June 17, 2010

Ahoy mateys!! Pirate fever has made its way to the beach, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort to be exact. Shutters restaurant at Disney’s Vero Beach is having some swashbuckling fun this summer with a special Pirate Character dinner every Monday night hosted by Pirate Goofy and Pirate Donald. It’s an all-you-can-eat feast with guava barbeque ribs, rotisserie chicken, brisket, barbeque pulled pork and loads of favorite sides that I thought you’d like to know about. It’s $26.99 and $12.99 for ages 3-9 thru Labor Day.

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