New Disney Products to Premiere at Licensing International Expo 2010

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May 18, 2010

This year at the 2010 Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas (June 8 – 10), Disney Consumer Products will focus on a breadth of licensing initiatives that are poised to deliver incremental growth propelling its core franchises Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Disney∙Pixar’s Cars and Toy Story, while fueling emerging strategic properties including The Muppets, Phineas & Ferb and Pirates of the Caribbean 4.

The world’s largest licensor, DCP continues to set the global standard in entertainment and character licensing positioning Disney as a true lifestyle consumer products brand. DCP remains committed to product innovation, creativity and delivering high-quality, high-value product working with best-in-class licensees, brands and retailers at all tiers.

New Content & Licensing Opportunities:
In Summer 2011, the highly anticipated sequel Disney∙Pixar’s Cars 2 will hit theaters bringing back the super popular characters Lightning McQueen and Mater and will introduce a whole new group of fun and lovable characters in an adventure packed storyline that takes place around the world. Cars became a global phenomenon when it generated $2B in annual global retail sales its first year and quickly emerged as a leading boys franchise for Disney Consumer Products.

Winnie the Pooh is DCP’s second largest franchise with massive global appeal. In 2011, the franchise will be driven at retail through a companywide effort that will bring new focus and take Pooh back to its roots. In Spring 2011, Disney will release a new Winnie the Pooh theatrical film which will depict the Hundred Acre Wood and its lovable characters as AA Milne did in the original books. The franchise thrives from a multi-faceted merchandise program that will be energized in 2011 and beyond with a focus on infant and toddler products and a campaign appealing to moms.

Phineas and Ferb has emerged as a fan favorite for tweens, especially among boys, and is poised to become a prime licensing property for DCP. Phineas and Ferb airs on Disney XD and Disney Channels in more than 135 countries and in 26 languages around the world. In the U.S., it has ranked as TV’s #1 animated series among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 for two consecutive years. In addition, Phineas and Ferb is Disney XD’s #1 animated series in key demos. In Sumer 2011, Disney will release the first Disney Channel Original Movie based on the series titled Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension, opening up even more licensing and retail opportunities.

Evergreen franchises Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess and Disney Fairies will continue to thrive at retail backed by renowned content and support from across The Walt Disney Company including home entertainment, TV specials, robust franchise web sites, books, videogames, parks attractions and more. The merchandise programs which currently consist of apparel, home décor, toys, art, collectibles, books, magazines, food, personal care and stationery will be refreshed with new style guides and be backed by marketing and content initiatives globally.

Rounding out Disney’s entertainment slate in 2011 is a theatrical film based on The Muppets and the return of the blockbuster franchise Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides. Both films will be supported by a breadth of lifestyle products currently in development.

Tourists Get a Little Help from City Hall.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 18, 2010

If you’ve ever returned a car rental near any airport, you probably encountered higher than normal prices per gallon at nearby gas stations. We love Orlando, but it’s a tourist town and where there are tourists, there’s always someone out to make a buck, sometimes not as honestly as we’d like. Reports the Orlando Sentinel,

“At least two gas stations — the two closest to the airport and rental car return lots — routinely charge rates nearly double the average. But unlike most area gas stations, they have no prices posted on signs visible from the road but instead disclose prices only on the gas pump, as required by law.”

Imagine the shock you’d feel. You’ve just had a great vacation and you’re ready to return your rental car when you see these prices! We’re relieved to hear that City Hall is aware of this problem and is going to do something about it by requiring gas stations to clearly post their prices so that customers can comparson shop before they fuel up. Gas stations that fail to comply will face a $500 per day fine. Says Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer,

“There are a lot of people who said, ‘I had the best vacation in America, but I left with a bad taste in my mouth because I was scammed by these gas stations,’ ” adding “We’re not saying they can’t charge $4.89 a gallon, just that they can’t hide it.”

The ordinance is apparently the first of its kind. Let’s hope it catches on elsewhere.

Want to know more? You can read the rest of this article here, at the Orlando Sentinel.

Photo copyright Southeast Roads.

Cinderella is next Disney Film to get Live Action Remake

By

Chip

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May 18, 2010

Following the wake of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Disney has Paid Seven-Figures For Aline Brosh McKenna’s Live-Action ‘Cinderella’ Movie.

Aline Brosh McKenna is the writer behind The Devil Wears Prada and 27 Dresses, and the upcoming Paramount comedy Morning Glory, and We Bought a Zoo, the Fox comedy which Cameron Crowe will direct.

This news first broke on Deadline and quickly spread through the interwebs today. No official release has been issued by Disney as of yet or whether the new project will be shot in 3D and if it will adhere to the original story line.

Stay tuned as we get more information like a estimated release date and who will sign on to this project.

Mel Brooks & Brad Garrett Guest Star in 2nd Season of “Special Agent OSO”

By

Chip

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May 18, 2010

New Season Premieres Saturday, July 10

Academy Award-winning comedy legend Mel Brooks, Emmy Award-winning Brad Garrett and famed Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz guest star in the second season of Disney Channel’s Emmy-nominated Playhouse Disney series, “Special Agent Oso,” starring Academy Award nominee Sean Astin. The season premieres on SATURDAY, JULY 10 (8:00–8:30 a.m. ET/PT), with new episodes every Saturday throughout July and August.

The season will include the introduction of two new special agent characters: Buffo the water buffalo, voiced by Brad Garrett, is a slightly clumsy and excitable inventor charged with creating all of Oso’s special agent gadgets. And Oso finds a new sparring partner in special agent Musa, a mysterious stuffed animal ninja who has taken a vow of silence and dons a traditional keikogi.

Mel Brooks, whose grandson is a fan of the series, guest stars as snoring Grandpa Mel. Lou Holtz guest stars as the football-playing Uncle Lou. Other guest voices include Lisa Loeb, Rita Moreno, Ming-Na, Freddy Rodriguez and Rebecca Romijn.

The hit interactive series emphasizes discovery, humor and organizational skills for preschoolers. Storylines in the upcoming season model social and life skills, from the importance of telling the truth to what to do if you get lost, as well as many fun physical outdoor activity-themes, including playing catch, miniature golf, riding a scooter, playing tag and throwing a football.

Paying homage to special agent classics, the series follows Oso, voiced by Astin, a lovable yet bumbling stuffed panda bear who works for U.N.I.Q.U.E. (United Network for Investigating Quite Usual Events), an international organization of stuffed animals charged with helping kids accomplish everyday tasks such as mailing a letter, cleaning their room or learning how to use the library

Nathan Fillion To Play Ant-Man in upcoming Marvel Movie?

By

Chip

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May 18, 2010

io9 is reporting or wishing like just about everyone else out there that Nathan Fillion will play Ant Man in the upcoming Marvel Studios movie:

While we really want to believe the rumors that Nathan Fillion will be playing Ant-Man in the Edgar Wright film, we’re not 100% convinced. But weigh the evidence yourself: Is Captain Hammer finally getting his big-screen superhero debut?

Marvelous News has been gathering information on the next Marvel movies, including who will play the remaining Avengers. While uncovering some clues as to which comics character actor Kevin Pennington will play, they stumbled across something much, much bigger, and infinitely more exciting from a unnamed source:

Nathan Fillion is pretty much locked to be Henry Pym [Ant-Man], and should be announced before any other new additions to the cast (think around Comic Con).

Click here to keep reading.

Ask a Disney Question: Opening Nights on Disney Cruise Lines.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 18, 2010

Ask a Disney Question: Opening Nights on Disney Cruise Lines.

This question comes from Kris, who asks: “I just learned that while I am on my Alaska cruise, Pirates 4 will be having its opening night. Does the ship normally do anything special for opening nights?”

Kris, thanks for your question and for reading Chip and Co. Disney will premier the movie at midnight the day it opens, so you’ll see the film a good twelve hours before people on land. It’s a festive but relaxed atmosphere. People bring snacks, blankets and pillows, since it’s so late at night. You can also purchase snacks outside the theater if you forget to bring yours. Since you’re seeing the film in a theater with fellow Disney fans, expect a fun, enthusiastic audience. Disney occasionally gives away some trinket or momento at premiers.

If you’d like a list of other movies playing while you’re on your cruise, call DCL at 888-325-2500 and press the number for reservations.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your cruise!

Have a Disney question? We have answers! Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Making Minnie Mouse Candy Apples at Marceline’s Confectionary

By

Chip

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May 18, 2010

Yummy Article from the Disney Park Blog:

Have you ever thought about making a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple? Candy maker Margie Bursiaga at Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District sure makes it seem simple in the video below.

What do you need to get started? An apple on a stick, caramel, marshmallows, melted milk chocolate, melted white chocolate, an edible red bow, red sugar and white chocolate dots.

Got that? Now watch the video:

The apple designs at Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District represent a collaboration between candy makers, store management and the product development team. The designs can take more than a month, as candymakers go from developing the concept to producing and selling it in the candy store.

Ask a Disney Question: Premier Pass and Free Parking.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 18, 2010

This question comes from Don, who asks: “Does the new Premier Pass For Disneyland and WDW include parking?”

Don, thanks for your question and for reading Chip and Co. The Premier Passport does include parking. It’s one of those automatic discounts that you can add to your overall savings when buying any Disney park annual pass.

Here’s some more information on the Premier Pass from the official Disney Parks Blog.

Hope this helps!

Got a Disney Question? We have answers! Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Disney Earmarks $1.2 Million to Benefit Central Florida’s Children

By

Chip

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May 18, 2010

Walt Disney World Resort is kicking off a week-long traveling celebration that will surprise, recognize and reward local non-profits and organizations that share Disney’s commitment to building better futures for local children.

Between now and May 25, Disney will give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to support 57 children’s charities throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties. Additionally, prize patrols will recognize 15 outstanding students in the five-county area as Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars for their civic-minded efforts.

“We continue to strengthen our focus on helping children thrive in Central Florida and look to invest in community partners who share our vision,” says Eugene Campbell, vice president of Community Relations and Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World Resort. “An exciting week is in store for some very deserving organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of our community’s youth.”

Recipients of Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants demonstrate the strongest alignment with Disney’s goal of improving children’s lives by focusing on one or more of following areas: connecting with adults, character development, constructive use of free time and compassion.

“Shine On 2010” seeks to direct Disney’s charitable support toward programs that will make the greatest impact on children in Central Florida.

Of note:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, A Gift for Music, Coalition for the Homeless and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida will receive ongoing, comprehensive support from Walt Disney World Resort to aid their efforts. They will receive a combined total of $300,000 for their proven track record in making long-term sustainable improvements in children’s lives.
Public school districts and early learning coalitions in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties will receive a combined total of $290,000 to enhance student performance from preschool through grade school.
A combined total of $132,000 in support will go to organizations that enrich children’s lives by caring for their well-being; Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, Children’s Advocacy Center of Osceola County, Children’s Advocacy Center of Lake/Sumter, Children’s Advocacy Center of Polk County, Kids House of Seminole, Camp Boggy Creek, City of Orlando Mayor’s Matching Grant Program, Hope Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and North Florida, New Beginnings, Second Harvest Food Bank and Urban League Youth Summit.
$500,000 will go to 31 local non-profits who applied for Disney Helping Kids Grants to support their children’s programs and youth outreach efforts.

Prize patrol reports and pictures will be posted frequently on www.shineontoday.com to track the journey and total giving across Central Florida.

Classic Walt Disney World: Past Present and Future

By

Chip

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May 18, 2010

Walt Disney World: Past, Present, and Future. Join John Lithgow as he journeys through Walt Disney World discovering its history, it’s popular attractions and what’s coming next.

This was aired 1991 for WDW’s 20th birthday. So at this time Disney’s Animal Kingdom wasn’t built yet and Sunset Boulevard with Tower of Terror and Rockin’ Rollercoaster wasn’t built at the Disney-MGM Studios either.

What’s your Story? Disney Toy Story 3 Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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May 17, 2010

Create your own comic starring your favorite Toy Story characters, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win!

GRAND PRIZE: A trip for 4 to Walt Disney World Resort®, round-trip airfare, and hotel accommodations

FIRST PRIZE: A Toy Story-themed iPod touch with skins and premium apps

10 RUNNERS-UP: A Toy Story prize pack with video games, Blu Ray™ and DVD combo packs, and toys!

Head to Disney/Pixar’s website to create and share your one-of-a-kind comic.

Contest ends May 31.

Disneyworld Food News- Werther’s Candy Shop, Hacienda de San Angel, and Much More

By

Chip

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May 17, 2010

A lot of Disney Food News floating around the interwebs the past weekend which is making my mouth water.

It seems Germany Pavilion will be getting a Werther’s Candy Shop. Should be up and running by this fall. The shop will replace the Goebel store. It is going to feature live candy making in a big cauldron. No official word yet from Disney just talk around the Boards.

Disney has chosen a name for the Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico Pavilion. Hacienda de San Angel is the new name and will serve as a counter service eatery during the day, and a table service eatery at night. It should be open by September.

Also Opening in September is the new Via Napoli, in the Italy pavilion. This is Disney’s brand new 300-seat restaurant in Epcot’s World Showcase. The wood-fired pizza ovens in the restaurant will represent three volcanoes in Italy! I wonder if they mean the 3 active ones.

Mount Etna, on Sicily
Stromboli, one of the Aeolian Islands
Mount Vesuvius, near Naples

I am sure we will hear more on this subject.

Finally A special paid preview for the Food & Wine Festival called the Food & Wine Delicious Discoveries will provide guests a chance to preview the new cuisine coming to the festival, including dishes from Belgium. As soon as I get more information on this I will post it.