16 Wishes Starring Debby Ryan set for June 25th on Disney Channel

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May 12, 2010

The world premiere of “16 Wishes,” starring Debby Ryan (“The Suite Life on Deck”), is set for FRIDAY, JUNE 25 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The movie follows Abby Jensen (played by Ryan), a teenager who can’t wait to grow up, and when she’s handed the chance to make all her wishes come true, quickly learns the importance of being careful what you wish for.

Eager to grow up, Abby has been planning for her Sweet 16th birthday ever since she was a little girl. When the big day finally arrives, she excitedly adds her 16th and final wish to the secret wish list she’s been keeping. Then begins the first of many unusual occurrences that day, each including visits from a peculiar woman, Celeste, whose first appearance is to deliver a mysterious box of 16 birthday candles.

Her birthday gets a whole lot brighter when Abby realizes that the candles correspond to her 16 wishes and that they’re each coming true… She lands the attention of her crush, she gets back at her lifelong nemesis, Krista Cook, and is suddenly fashionable, athletic and popular. But when one wish goes horribly awry, it changes everything, even her relationship with best friend Jay; leading Abby to finally understand that being a kid isn’t so bad.

Starring are Debby Ryan (“The Suite Life on Deck”) as Abby Jensen; Jean-Luc Bilodeau (“Kyle XY”) as Jay Kepler; Anna Mae Routledge (“Harper’s Island”) as Celeste; and Karissa Tynes (“Aliens in America”) as Krista Cook.

Good Eats – Chef Mickey’s, Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Chef Mickey’s is one of those Disney establishments that is a must for Disney Enthusiasts. An all you can eat Character Breakfast and Dinner spot this open air restaurant packs a mean punch.

There always is a sort of energy in the air, kids seem to pick up on that and almost everyone has a smile on their face. All the main Disney Characters (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald) are decked out in their Chef Attire. Weaving their way through the dining area for hugs and pictures you can see why this is one of the most popular Disney Dining locations at Walt Disney World.

While mostly American food is served you can find some more non traditional goodies, there is something for everyone.

One of my favorite features about this open restaurant is while you are eating you can see the monorails coming and going..Very Cool!

Be sure to get those ADR’s in early and check them out for both breakfast and dinner on your next Disney Vacation. You will leave here with a smile on your face and plenty of food in the tank!

Sam ‘Nick Fury’ Jackson Spills News on Marvel’s Next Big Movie

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

During a recent radio interview, Samuel L. Jackson talked about his excitement being a part of the popular Marvel film series. After revealing that Iron Man 2 was the 737th movie he has acted in, Jackson talked about what is coming next for his character, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here are a few notes from the show:

He is two movies into his nine picture deal portraying Nick Fury for Marvel Studios.
He will definitely be in Captain America: The First Avenger and Iron Man 3, but not in Thor.
The Avengers movie should be filming next year and sometime after that there’s a big S.H.I.E.L.D. movie planned.

Click here for more information from the guys at Comic Book Movie

Disney & SK Telcom to Form Joint Venture to Launch Korean Disney Channel

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

The Walt Disney Company – through its subsidiary Disney Channel International (DCI) – and SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM), a leading telecommunications service provider in Korea, today announced the intent to form a joint venture to launch Korean-language Disney-branded channels in South Korea. These will be the first Disney Channels in the world launched as a joint venture.

As a part of the proposed agreement, the joint venture company plans to launch Korean-language versions of Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney Channel targeted at kids and families in South Korea. These two channels will be available in HD multiplex, as well as SD format over cable, direct-to-home and IPTV platforms and related on-demand digital media services in South Korea. Anchored by Disney’s beloved characters and kid and family-friendly content, the channels will air a significant portion of locally produced, Korean-language programming. The launch of the channels is slated for spring 2011, pending regulatory approval from the Korea Communications Commission.

SK Telecom will be the majority (51 per cent) shareholder in the joint venture company and will bring to the partnership its expertise in mobile, IPTV and digital media platforms, as well as operational experience and business expertise as one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea. In return for its 49 per cent stake in the venture, The Walt Disney Company will provide its globally recognized portfolio of kids and family-targeted content, marketing expertise, and local content production & acquisition support.

SK Telecom President and CEO Man-won Jung said: “The joint venture with Disney carries significant meaning, especially considering the business environment nowadays where customers consume content not only through television, but through an array of devices, including mobile handsets, laptop computers and tablet PCs. In the future, by forging a close strategic alliance with Disney, we hope to create more opportunities between the two parties.”

“South Korea is one of the most exciting digital media markets in the world. Disney’s creativity and innovative content, combined with SK Telecom’s leading global expertise in digital media and telecommunications, present a unique offering that meets the growing consumer appetite for quality family entertainment where and when they want it,” said Andy Bird, Chairman, Walt Disney International.

“The Korea Communications Commission’s visionary digital strategy has driven South Korea’s impressive development as one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world,” added Ben Pyne, President, Global Distribution, Disney Media Networks. “SK Telecom has delivered on that vision with an intuitive, diverse yet straightforward and convenient system of connectivity that engages viewers with choice and compelling content. That vision and connectivity will enable the Korean-language Disney Channels to be the perfect medium for bringing together the best of national and international content to serve and grow the interests of kids and families in Korea.”

Based on the establishment of the joint venture, SK Telecom will deepen its strategic alliance with The Walt Disney Company. The combination of SK Telecom’s reach and expertise in the local Korean market and Disney’s award-winning family content will lead to the creation of a robust portfolio of quality family entertainment for South Korean viewers.

DisneyWorld Event Calendar “In the Spotlight” – May 21st – May 28th

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Star Wars Weekends backstage posters darth 400

May 21-23

KICK OFF! Star Wars Weekends: The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine once again every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 21-June 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. The sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga includes meet-and-greet sessions with Star Wars characters, Jedi Training Academy, parades and more. This year’s event will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.” Event activities are included in theme park admission.

More info: starwars.com or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends

This weekend’s celebrity appearances (subject to change):

Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”)
Daniel Logan (Boba Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”)
Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

May 28

Star Wars Weekends: The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends.

More info: starwars.com or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends

This weekend’s celebrity appearances (subject to change):

Matthew Wood (voice of General Grevious in “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
Lorne Peterson (model-maker who worked on all six Star Wars live-action films)
Tom Kane (voice of Yoda in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – May 21-28

MAGIC KINGDOM

Daily – “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:40 p.m.
Daily – Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Wishes Fireworks: May 21: 9 p.m.; May 22-24: 10 p.m.; May 25-26: 9 p.m.;May 27: 10 p.m.; May 28: 9 p.m.
Special Presentation – SpectroMagic: May 22-23: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.; May 24: 9 p.m.; May 27: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Park Hours – May 21: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; May 22-23: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; May 24: 9 a.m.- 10 p.m.; May 25-26: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; May 27: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; May 28: 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Daily – Block Party Bash: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Fantasmic!: May 21, 23, 25 & 26: 9 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Park Hours – May 21: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 22: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; May 23: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 24: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.;May 25-26: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; May 27: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 28: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

EPCOT

Daily – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: 9 p.m.
Park Hours – Future World: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; World Showcase: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Daily – Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade: 3:45 p.m.
Park Hours – May 21-22: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 23-26: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 27-28: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

House of Blues presents . . .
May 21
BK & The Broilers (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.
May 22
Jonny Lang with Alex Band (rock): House of Blues; $23.25 adv/$25.25 day of; 8:30 p.m.
BK & The Broilers (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.
May 23
Madeline Berry (gospel brunch): House of Blues; $32.50 ages 10+/$16.25 ages 3-9; 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
May 28
Jowell y Randy (reggaeton): House of Blues; $33.25 adv/$36.25 day of; 9 p.m.
The Space Coast Playboys (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.

Pixar’s Newt Movie is Cancelled

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

The word from the Pixar Blog is that Disney/Pixar is pulling the plug on the very interesting Newt Movie.

Earlier this evening I received an email response from Walt Disney Company archivist Dave Smith (or a representative) informing me that Pixar’s Newt “has been cancelled”. This confirms the rumors that have been swirling around the film in the past few months.

Newt was originally slated to hit theaters next summer, but was moved back to 2012 to make room for Cars 2. However, with both Brave (formerly The Bear and the Bow) and Monsters, Inc. 2 set for 2012, Newt mysteriously disappeared from the schedule.

Who know maybe we will see this film someday.

Disney Food Confession – Dole Whip Float

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

What is it? Dole Whip Float – Pineapple soft serve (or vanilla) floating in cold, refreshing pineapple juice.

Where to find it: Aloha Isle: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Captain Cook’s Snack Company: WDW Polynesian Resort, Sunshine Seasons: Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Tiki Juice Bar: Disneyland Adventureland

Why you want it: Unlike its partner the Dole Whip the Pineapple Juice is very refreshing..You get the best of both worlds something to eat and drink!

Photo credit: aeillill via flickr

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected]. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

If You Could Have A Disney Wish Granted, What Would It Be?

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Jerry at Disney 4 Dad’s ask the mother… err father of all Disney Questions..

If You Could Have A Disney Wish Granted, What Would It Be?

The “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion is now a thing of the past. The year long celebration began on October 1, 2006 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California was extended and ended in December of 2008.

The promotion enabled Disney Cast Members to award a million dreams to randomly chosen guests as part of the”Disney Dreams Giveaway” promotion. Many of these dreams were priceless experiences.

Ever imagine having the Magic Kingdom to yourself? The winners of this prize, the Spangler family from Ohio, did just that. These lucky VIP’s toured each land and enjoyed the attractions as the Disney characters greeted them. The Spangler’s were interviewed on Good Morning America and dined with Disney “royalty”. They also served as the Grand Marshal of the daily parade and concluded their day with a special viewing of Wishes.

No doubt one of the most coveted awards was a one night stay in the royal bedchamber being that it is constructed inside Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World. A comparable Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel had emersed a lucky guest in Mickey decor with spectacular views of the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. These are just a few examples of the fantastic things Disney has done in real life, but my challenge is to let your mind run free. If you could imagineer your own “Disney Dream” , what would it be like?

I know for me I would love to go behind the scenes and take tours of all the various Disney restaurants. Hang out with the Master Chefs learn some new cooking techniques, maybe sample some of the delicious foods, and learn some of the history behind the foods.

I am a Foodie what can I say 🙂

Visit Disney 4 Dad’s and share with us what your Disney Wish..

Disney’s California Grill Celebrates 15th Anniversary

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Disney’s California Grill Celebrates 15th Anniversary on May 15th. Has it been 15 years already? California Grill is one of Disney Signature Dining restaurants and if you have ever been here you can see why.

In case you have never dined at the Cali Grill here is a little information about this fine eating establishment.

California Grill is a Signature Dining restaurant that serves award-winning gourmet dinners and sweeping views atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Venture into this vibrant and charged atmosphere and watch the creation of culinary masterpieces in the on-stage kitchen.

Choose your view—the shimmering Seven Seas Lagoon, the enchanting Magic Kingdom theme park, the fireworks bursting over Cinderella Castle or, perhaps best of all, each other. Linger over the unforgettable vistas as you taste refined flavors influenced by the cultural melting pot of the American Pacific Coast.

The food is just as spectacular as the view. Inspired by classic cuisines from around the world, yet combined in inventive and delicious new ways, the California Grill’s menu reflects the very best of California Fusion cooking.

While the menu changes regularly to utilize the freshest produce, the superb attention to detail and quality stays the same. You’ll delight in such exquisite dishes as sushi, brick oven-baked flat breads, handmade Sonoma goat cheese ravioli, oak-fired filet of beef with Teriyaki barbeque sauce, oak-fired pork tenderloin and Valrhona chocolate cake; warm chocolate cake with molten center and house-made ice cream. California Grill is also a great choice for diners seeking tasty vegetarian options.

The wine list features selections from California’s finest estates—updated each day to perfectly complement the food.

You’ll relish living in a Golden State of mind at California Grill!

For some more information check out Disney Park Blog.

Share with us your Dining experiences in the comment section below.

More Disney News – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Unveiled for 2012

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

More news on the Disney’s Art of Animation Resort from Disney Park Blog:

Big news…we’ve just announced plans for a new resort at Walt Disney World Resort that’ll bring to life some of our most beloved characters and stories. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be one-of-a-kind, featuring family suites designed around four themes: The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.

It’s a resort designed with families in mind. There will be amazing sights at the different themed wings of the resort, including a model of King Triton that’ll eventually be 35 feet tall and tower over guests. And Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will also have themed room interiors in its nearly 2,000 new units — 1,120 family suites in The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo wings and 864 themed rooms in The Little Mermaid wings. Suites will have both a living room and a bedroom, offering added space.

All of the themed suites and rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (to be located adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort) are expected to open by the end of 2012. We’ll have more updates in the future but wanted to share this with you first. Please let us know what you think in the comments.

Disney to build NEW hotel dubbed Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Walt Disney World is about to begin building its first new hotel in seven years, a 2,000-room resort that will open in 2012.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature 1,120 suites with room for as many as six people each and another 864 traditional hotel rooms, with a design theme based on four of the company’s most popular animated movies.

The complex will be priced as a “value” hotel, at the low end of Disney World’s scale, similar to Disney’s Pop Century and All-Star resorts, where standard rates begin at $82 a night.

The announcement is one of the strongest signals yet from Disney that it thinks a sustained recovery is under way from the long travel slump brought on by the global recession. Disney executives, who have been weighing construction of a family-suites hotel for several years, finally approved the project in January.

But in deciding to add another lower-priced hotel, Disney also appears to be betting that travelers will continue the frugal spending habits many adopted during the downturn. Disney has been relying on discounts to sustain attendance during the past year, and executives acknowledged Tuesday that consumers are still searching for deals even as Disney attempts to return to pre-recession prices.

“Quite honestly, we’re in a bit of waiting for each other to blink,” Walt Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo told analysts during a conference call to discuss the company’s second-quarter earnings.

The Art of Animation Resort will be built on a 65-acre plot across a lake from Disney’s Pop Century Resort. The location will allow Disney to use a pair of long-neglected, unfinished buildings that Disney originally constructed as a second phase of Pop Century but which it abandoned amid the 2001 recession. Pop Century’s first phase was completed in 2003.

Plans for the new resort show 10 wings of rooms and a separate building housing the check-in lobby and restaurants. The hotel wings will be separated into four distinct groups, each with a theme from a different animated movie: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars.

Each section will have separate courtyards anchored by icons from the movies — such as a 35-foot-tall King Triton presiding over the Mermaid section — and the entire resort will use bright-color palettes evocative of the lush scenery of animated movies. Hotel designers say they have been soliciting input from artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios on everything from building elevations to which scenes to depict at the swimming pools.

“The hope is you walk into this courtyard and you’re kind of like seeing it as a character in the movie,” said Frank Paris, a senior project manager with Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s in-house attraction-design unit.

Click here to keep reading.

Disney Movie Unit Drives Strong Results in Quarter

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

walt disney logo

The Walt Disney Company appears to be having some success in repairing its movie operation, but now its television business is springing a leak.

Disney, reporting results for its fiscal second quarter, said that operating income at its movie studio shot up to $223 million from $13 million in the year-ago period. The release of “Alice in Wonderland” on March 5 was the primary reason for the rebound.

In contrast, Disney’s normally high-flying TV operation had flat income of $1.3 billion on a 6 percent increase in revenue. The company’s cable channels, including ESPN, surged as usual with higher advertising revenue and subscriber fees offsetting increased costs. But ABC, where income decreased by 24 percent primarily because of drooping prime-time ratings, weighed sharply on results.

Growth at Disney’s television operation is normally robust, with income in the first quarter increasing by 11 percent over the previous year and the fourth quarter recording a 26 percent uptick.

ABC will unveil new programs to advertisers on Tuesday in New York, and Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chief executive, told analysts in a conference call that he remained hopeful that a turnaround was on the horizon.

“I’m confident in the team’s long-term track record,” he said, referring to ABC management. Mr. Iger added that he expected upfront ad sales for the fall season to be “very good.” He also said the network had recently completed a series of cost cuts in its news division.

For the three months ended April 3, Disney had net income of $953 million, or 48 cents a share, a 55 percent rise from $613 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 6 percent to $8.6 billion. The results beat analyst forecasts.

Disney’s consumer products division, where income soared 37 percent to $133 million, contributed to the strong overall results. The company said sales of “Toy Story” merchandise has been strong and Marvel, which Disney acquired in August for $4.3 billion, chipped in healthy publishing sales.

But the movie studio was the primary driver. “Alice in Wonderland” had $960 million in global ticket sales. During the quarter Disney also released “The Last Song,” an inexpensive Miley Cyrus vehicle that sold about $72 million in tickets worldwide. Aggressive cost cutting also buoyed the studio’s results.

Because movie operations work far in advance, Disney is now reaping rewards from pictures that were put into production by a management team that was jettisoned in the fall, after a fallow stretch at the box office. Disney’s new movie managers, however, deserve credit for the effective marketing and completion of these films. But it will not be clear for at least six months whether a true turnaround is at hand at the studio.

Click here to keep reading