Get Ready to Rock Out with Disney Sing It: Party Hits

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September 23, 2010

Disney Sing It: Party Hits will feature songs and music videos from today’s top artists including Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Owl City, Paramore, Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale, Kelly Clarkson, One Republic and many more.

In addition, Demi Lovato who has released chart-topping solo albums, will assist players by providing various ways to be a better performer. This will include basic exercises from breathing and pitch, to more advanced exercises such as learning how to harmonize in a duet.

The game launches on October 12^th on the Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3!

Want to learn more check out the video below.

Let the Memories Begin at the Disney Parks

By

Chip

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September 23, 2010

You’ve made Disney vacation memories and captured them in photos or video. Now you intend to share them with the world by posting them online.

Disney Parks has created a place where you can share those memories and view the Disney memories of other vacationers – with the possibility that they’ll be shared with yet more people in a Disney television “spot” or in print or online communications.

As Disney Parks launches “Let the Memories Begin” with communications that acknowledge making memories as “the masterpiece of parenthood,” the company also has launched a website for sharing and viewing memories. Guests can upload their photos, videos and text-only memories at DisneyParks.com/Memories. They can even categorize their memories by theme, emotion and location.

The DisneyParks.com/Memories website (also available soon in Spanish and French) has a simple-to-use interface for uploading, viewing and searching Disney memories. The functionality also will be part of the Disney Parks pages on Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

Memory submission is as easy as 1-2-3:

Choose to share your memory on DisneyParks.com/Memories; Facebook.com/WaltDisneyWorld; Facebook.com/Disneyland; Youtube.com/DisneyMemories; or Myspace.com/DisneyParks.
Describe your memory. Memories can upload as photos, videos or text-only.
Then all it takes is hitting the “submit” box and, once reviewed, a lifetime Disney memory is stored and shared.

On the heels of a series of television commercials created with brief home video segments, Disney Parks is looking for more “user-generated content” for future TV commercial spots, print advertisements, newsletter articles and vacation-planning video segments relating to “Let the Memories Begin.”

Making Disney Memories in 2011 and Other Park News

By

Chip

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September 23, 2010

In 2011, Disney guests will become the stars of a nightly spectacular when photos taken in the park during the day become larger-than-life projections on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort or “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort. This groundbreaking new experience will celebrate the family vacation memories created in Disney theme parks every day.

And this week, Disney guests will begin starring on television, too, as part of the new “Let the Memories Begin” campaign. For the first time, Disney Parks is featuring the home videos and snapshots of real guests in television ads and other marketing that will allow an audience of millions to share in true-life, heartfelt moments.

“A Disney vacation is the perfect way to create family memories that will last a lifetime,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at a media announcement Thursday in New York. “We’ll spotlight those ‘only-at-Disney’ moments with family and friends during our ‘Let the Memories Begin’ campaign.”

A just-released survey of U.S. and Canadian families conducted for Disney Parks by Ypartnership, a noted research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel, showed that vacation memories hold a special place in family history.

Nine out of 10 parents said they planned their vacations with the express hope that they would result in a lasting family memory, the survey showed. And those memories stuck with them – nearly three-quarters said they think back “often” or “very often” on their favorite vacation experiences.

‘Memories in the Making’ to be Shared on Disney Park Icons

Beginning in January 2011, some Disney parks guests will find that the memory they just made has become a larger-than-life image during a “Let the Memories Begin” nighttime experience.

At Walt Disney World Resort, the guest photos will be projected on the soaring spires of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. At Disneyland Resort, the iconic façade of “it’s a small world” will be the canvas for the show.

In both locations, Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture guests caught up in the Disney experience – a memory in the making – and as many as 500 photos will be used in each location every day, producers estimate.

The nighttime show will use the latest in high-intensity projection technology to create vivid visuals that seem to defy the architecture of the building. A new song commissioned for the show will provide an emotional context for these images of the Disney guest experience.

For TV Ads and More, Disney Parks Issues a ‘Call for Memories’

Beyond seeing their own projected photos in lights, guests also could become the stars of Disney Parks television commercials, online campaigns and social media opportunities that will showcase to the world the power of memories.

The campaign kicks off this week with a TV commercial created from videos posted online in social media forums.

For future TV commercials and other advertising and marketing programs, Disney Parks is asking guests to share their memories by uploading photos and videos at a special “Let the Memories Begin” online hub at www.DisneyParks.com/Memories. From a first meeting with a princess to a laugh-filled watery touchdown on Splash Mountain, Disney Parks is looking for videos and photos that capture those never-to-be-forgotten experiences.

Some memories will be shared online, while others may be selected to share in print ads, brochures and other marketing – including television ads to air across the United States and Canada.

With real visitor images on iconic attractions and home video featured in commercials, the storytellers at Disney Parks are letting guests tell their own stories in 2011, Staggs said.

“We wanted to give our guests a powerful way to share the memories they create every day in our parks,” Staggs said. “Essentially, this becomes our first user-generated show and our first user-generated marketing campaign.

“A day at a Disney park is filled with magical experiences that become cherished and unforgettable memories – and now we’re helping our guests share those memories with the world.

More Ways to Make Disney Vacation Memories in 2011

To help make special memories last a lifetime, in 2011 Disney Parks is adding new theme park experiences in California and Florida, new vacation opportunities on the high seas with Disney Cruise Line, a new luxury resort on a breathtaking lagoon in Hawaii, and new ways to explore the world with Adventures by Disney.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:

“World of Color” (Disneyland Resort): “World of Color,” the new nighttime spectacular presented in Disney California Adventure park, brings classic Disney and Disney•Pixar animation to life with nearly 1,200 powerful fountains, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, music and special effects.
Disney California Adventure Expansion (Disneyland Resort): Next up for the continuing expansion of the park is the first major attraction based on the modern Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid.” The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will treat guests to a musical retelling of the classic motion picture as the best-loved songs come alive in magnificent scenes all around them.
New Star Tours 3-D Adventure (Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort): Bridging that “long time ago” between the two “Star Wars” trilogies, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will take flight in 2011 and take voyagers to thrilling destinations throughout the “Star Wars” galaxy. And it will all happen in brilliant, 3-D technology.
Disney Cruise Line: The Disney Dream, the newest ship of the Disney Cruise Line, launching January 2011, will bring to life grand innovations and more, offering a cruise experience from stem to stern that caters to preferences of the entire family. The Disney Wonder cruise ship will “go west” in early 2011; and new West Coast itineraries for Disney Cruise Line will include, for the first time, Alaska cruises sailing from Vancouver.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina Hawai`i: A first-of-its-kind Disney resort in Hawaii creates a perfect setting for family fun. The new resort, which includes traditional hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas, is being built on 21 acres of oceanfront property, 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.
Adventures by Disney: In 2011, Adventures by Disney guests will step off of planes, cruise ships and camels into living chapters of history during seven- and nine-night Egypt itineraries. These guided travel vacations allow families to visit destinations they never dreamed possible – including Italy, South Africa and China – with the assurance of the Disney name.

Parfums Givenchy opens at Epcot – its first and only U.S. store

By

Chip

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September 23, 2010

This article and video comes to us from Attractions Magazine.

It may sound a bit confusing but Parfums Givenchy has opened their first U.S. store in France — the France Pavilion at Epcot. The small shop features the full range of Givenchy make-up, skincare and fragrances.

Minnie Mouse was on hand as Disney’s vice president of development and corporate alliances, Carlos Castro, and J.C. Gandon, general manager of Parfums Givenchy, cut the ceremonial ribbon. The shop takes over the former “Beauty and the Beast room” which was used as a rain location for photographs with the princess. It connects with the first existing perfume store in the pavilion. The Givenchy store will feature a couple of exclusive products available only at Epcot.

From Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, a special event will be held celebrating the opening of the boutique. Guests will have the opportunity to fully experience chic services and products from Givenchy with makeup artists and fragrance specialists.

Click here to keep reading.

Here is a video from the event.

Oh my, oh my, oh my.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 23, 2010

Disney will be making a big announcement today at 12:45 regarding the parks. Rumor control says it’s possibly the kickoff for next year’s promotion, which makes sense given that it’s the Magic Kingdom’s 40th anniversary in October 2011. This seems reasonable given their usual time frame for announcing promotions. I’ve also heard that if could be a new DVC near Ft. Wilderness, or a new country in the World Showcase (Spain is the guess from Len Testa, author of the Unofficial Guide and Lines Guru), or a Monster’s Inc. ride in Hollywood Studios. Len Testa has been right a lot lately, so you can put some weight behind these rumors.

You can get more information at the official Disney Parks Blog. There’s also a link for the live streamed announcement.

Disney Confidential – Epcot’s Future World Extends Hours

By

Anonymouse

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September 23, 2010

Hey there guys and gals! Yes its me Anonymouse back from the dead to deliver to you some EXCITING News! It would seem that Epcot’s Future World is extending its hours.

Future World is home to:

Spaceship Earth
Innoventions
Universe of Energy
Mission: SPACE
Test Track
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
The Land
Imagination!

According to the Disney Website they are extending their hours to match the World Showcases closing of 9PM!

Isn’t that great! I don’t know about you but I never understood why they had 2 different closing times. Check out the picture I have posted below directly from Disney’s website.

So what do you think about this? You like it or do you think it needs to stay at 7pm? Let us know in the comment section below.

It’s Raining Books!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2010

This book update is fairly eclectic and contains a duplicate title already in my library. When your book collection hits over 330 titles, it is difficult to keep from purchasing a few duplicates every once in a while. A lot of times, though, extra copies can be a good thing, especially when a spine breaks.

I do have multiple versions of the Disneyland Pictorial Souvenir, as any good Disneyland historian should. It is always fun to compare the guides and see how Disney handle changes in the parks and closures of attractions. I really enjoy seeing how Disney publicity evolved over the years. Most of the earlier guides (pre-1990) are less staged than their contemporary counterparts. It is also apparent when Disney uses the same shot across decades.

One of my all-time favorite Walt Disney World books is listed at the bottom of this post. Walt Disney World: The First Decade is a must-have for anyone who has ever visited Walt Disney World. You can read my review here. I think I have three copies of it, but I am always up for one more!

Walt Disney’s Disneyland (A Pictorial Souvenir)

Disney Junior Encyclopedia of Animated Characters: Including characters from your favorite Disney*Pixar films

Walt Disney: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration

Disneyland by Valerie Childs

Walt Disney World: The First Decade You can read my review of this amazing book about Walt Disney World here.

Disney Loans Talent to Heart of Florida United Way

By

Chip

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September 22, 2010

Giving an annual gift of more than $3 million, Walt Disney World Resort is well-known as the largest corporate contributor to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW). What is lesser-known is that Disney also makes a valuable annual in-kind contribution through the short-term loan of Cast Members who help HFUW with its annual fund-raising campaign.

“I feel so honored to represent Disney through my time and talents,” said Roxanna Ritchey, diversity & inclusion manager for Walt Disney World Resort, who is on full-time assignment with HFUW through the end of November. “This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about the Heart of Florida United Way, the needs of our community and how individuals and companies can get involved to make a difference,” she said.

Ritchey has spent the last two weeks undergoing immersive training at Central Florida’s most comprehensive health and human services charity so she can help drive its fundraising efforts in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Thus far, she’s found the experience to be memorable and impactful.

“I’ve been donating to United Way for about 30 years and used to think that I knew and understood the needs in our local community but this experience has shown me that there is so much more that I was not aware of,” said Ritchey, who has been on a whirlwind tour of HFUW-funded agencies in the region, including Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Children’s Home Society and The Salvation Army, where she helped feed the homeless. “I have learned there is a record level of need in our community. People’s lives are being changed daily through United Way programs and I have more respect than ever for the people that dedicate their lives to helping others.”

HFUW annually builds a fundraising team of approximately 25 loaned executives from various local companies that in turn help more than 450 local companies implement their United Way workplace campaigns. Since 1992, Disney has loaned a total of 79 executives to HFUW.

Disney Cast Members have their chance to participate in the annual HFUW campaign Aug. 16 through Sept.24. New this year, Cast who choose to increase their annual contribution to HFUW will have their increase matched dollar-for-dollar by Disney, up to a maximum of $250,000. All matched funds contributed by Walt Disney World Resort will go to the HFUW Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides immediate assistance to those in need.

In 2009, HFUW and the more than 140 programs it helps support served 363,888 people in need throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Nearly 52 percent of clients served by United Way-funded programs are under the age of 19.

Nerds, geeks, and Disney Fans Unite!

By

Chip

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September 22, 2010

Coming soon!!! Stay tuned for more details.

Hollywood Chamber Announces Tinker Bell Day in Hollywood!

By

Chip

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September 22, 2010

Pixie dust was in generous supply on Hollywood’s world famous Walk of Fame as Tinker Bell, the beloved fairy character who sprang from the pages of J.M. Barrie’s literary classic, Peter Pan, to become an animated superstar and the Disney symbol for fun, enchantment and magic through films, television and theme park appearances, was honored with a star of her own. Tinker Bell’s twinkling star ceremony coincides with the debut of Disney Fairies’ latest feature film (from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment), “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue,” released nationwide on the same day.

Tinker Bell made her Disney debut in the Studio’s 1953 animated classic, and immediately winged her way into the hearts and imagination of moviegoers the world over. She went on to become an important part of the landmark Disney TV anthology, “The Wonderful World of Color,” and got each show off to a flying start along with host Walt Disney. Tink’s latest roles in a series of acclaimed movies for Blu-ray™, DVD, and movie download, have added to her worldwide acclaim and taken viewers into the enchanting world of fairies.

Tinker Bell’s legacy is the inspiration for one of Disney’s most popular franchises — Disney Fairies – which includes an array of consumer products and multi-media content anchored by the two previous films “Tinker Bell” and “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.” In these imaginative feature length films created and produced by DisneyToon Studios, Tinker Bell and her colorful band of fairy friends celebrate the coming new seasons, and the adventures associated with each one. Voices for the Tinker Bell films are provided by such talented actors as Mae Whitman, Lucy Liu, Kristin Chenoweth, Raven-Symoné, Pamela Adlon, and Michael Sheen.

Tinker Bell Honored With 2,418th Star On The Walk Of Fame in the Category of Motion Picture by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Leron Gubler
Guest Speaker: Bradley Raymond, Director of Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
Film Voice Talent: Raven-Symoné (voice of Iridessa), Pamela Adlon (voice of Vidia), Angela Bartys (voice of Fawn), Jeff Bennett (voice of Clank)
At 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Disney Soda Fountain & Studio Store just next door to the El Capitan Theatre
Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Photo: Alex J. Berliner / BEimages

Woman pleads guilty in Disney insider trading case

By

Chip

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September 22, 2010

Bonnie Hoxie, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, court papers show.

She could face four to 10 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines and a fine of as much as $250,000, the papers show.

The boyfriend Yonni Sebbag, 30, pleaded guilty to the same two charges on August 23, prosecutors said. The Moroccan citizen faces 27 to 33 months in prison and agreed to forfeit $15,000 he received from undercover FBI agents.

Hoxie entered her plea in Manhattan before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Dolinger, according to her lawyer Robert Baum. She is flying back to Los Angeles and scheduled to be sentenced on December 21, he said. Baum declined to discuss Hoxie’s plea.

Prosecutors said the defendants tried to sell information about upcoming Disney earnings and possible merger activity, which Hoxie had learned through her employment, to more than 30 U.S. and European hedge funds.

They were arrested in May after several of the funds reported their activities to authorities. Hoxie had worked for Zenia Mucha, Disney’s corporate communications chief.

Among the leaks were details of possible advanced talks over a sale of Disney’s ABC television network, prosecutors said. Disney has called references to such talks “false.”

“Bonnie Hoxie admitted to playing with a stacked deck by selling valuable Disney secrets to make a quick buck,” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.

A Disney spokesman declined to comment on Hoxie’s plea. The Burbank, California-based media company said last month Hoxie no longer works at Disney.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil charges against Hoxie and Sebbag in May. While it was unclear what motivated them, the SEC said Hoxie had told Sebbag she coveted expensive shoes and a $700 Stella McCartney handbag.

SEC spokesman John Heine had no comment on the SEC case.

The case is U.S. v. Hoxie, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 10-mag-01113.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York. Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles. Editing by Robert MacMillan)

Photo Credit Theodorakis/News

Carousel of Progress.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 22, 2010

1950s scene, my personal favorite.

Every Disney fan has his or her favorite underrated attraction. For me, it’s Carousel of Progress, located in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. The COP is a rotating theater which carries the audience to four different scenes in a family’s life during the 20th century, from the days before electricity to more modern times. It’s narrated by the father, who is accompanied by the family dog.

The family doesn’t change much physically during the span of the century: Grandma and Grandpa are still there, the annoying little brother grows up a bit in the 1990s, but the big sister stays in her late teens/early 20s and is as sarcastic as ever. What does change are the family appliances and their lifestyle, and it’s fun to watch them acquire modern conveniences that make their lives easier or sometimes harder, as when the Father blows a fuse which shorts out the whole neighborhood. Again.

The COP, then known as Progressland, was originally designed by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 World’s Fair, where it quickly became the most popular attraction. It was later moved to Disneyland, where it stayed for several years until being moved permanently to Walt Disney World in 1975. At Disney World, the COP debuted with the song “The Best Time of Your Life,” a catchy little tune which I still like.

The newest version, which was changed in 1994, has an added final scene and some dialogue changes. It also went back to the original song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” and was renamed “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress,” to pay homage to its creator.

To me, the COP is a lot of different things. It’s entertaining, sometimes unintentionally funny, and yes, it’s kind of corny, but it the best possible way. It’s also part of Disney history and in that respect, it’s part of my history of the park too. I love the familiarity of it and hope it will always be there.