‘Eat to the Beat’ Concert Series Lineup at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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April 23, 2010

Music lovers take note…we’ve just set the schedule for the “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series at the 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It’s an impressive lineup that includes several Grammy-winning artists and seven new acts, including Sugar Ray, Rick Springfield, Air Supply and Howard Jones.

The concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, will be at the America Gardens Theatre stage beginning October 1. Performances will be nightly at 5:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. This year’s schedule (subject to change) includes:

10/1-10/3 — Taylor Dayne, “Tell It to My Heart”

10/4-10/5 — Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”

10/6-10/8 — Sugar Ray, “Fly”

10/9-10/10 — Taylor Hicks, “Do I Make You Proud ”

10/11-10/12 — Air Supply, “Lost in Love”

10/13-10/15 — Sister Hazel, “All For You”

10/16-10/17 — Howard Jones, “No One Is To Blame”

10/18-10/19 — Exposé, “Seasons Change”

10/20-10/21 — 38 Special, “Hold on Loosely ”

10/22-10/24 — Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”

10/25-10/27 — Billy Ocean, “Caribbean Queen”

10/28-10/31 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas, “We Built This City”

11/1 – 11/3 — Boyz II Men, “End of the Road”

11/4-11/5 — Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp, “Give A Little Bit”

11/6-11/7 — Jon Secada, “Just Another Day”

11/8-11/9 — Hanson, “MMMBop”

11/10-11/11 — Rick Springfield, “Jessie’s Girl”

11/12-11/14 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, “Go Daddy-O”

Source

Any favorite acts you’re looking forward to seeing? Let us know in the comments.

David Arquette Joins Cast of Disney’s “Jake & the Neverland Pirates”

By

Chip

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April 23, 2010

David Arquette has joined the cast of Disney Television Animation’s upcoming “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” an interactive series for preschoolers that follows the adventures of classic characters Captain Hook and Smee, along with a new crew of kid pirates led by the enthusiastic and courageous Jake. Arquette will voice the role of Skully, the lookout pirate parrot who helps Jake and crew foil Captain Hook’s plans. “Modern Family’s” Ariel Winter lends her voice to the recurring role of Marina the mermaid. The series will premiere on Playhouse Disney-branded blocks and channels around the world in 2011.

Arquette said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of the ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ team. My daughter has seen the pilot episode and loves it. The character I voice is Skully – a talking parrot. I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that parrots can talk, and, now here I am, a human imitating a parrot imitating a human. Ya gotta love show biz.”

An actor, writer, director and producer, Arquette has a long list of film and television credits including the role of Deputy “Dewey” Riley in the “Scream” films for director Wes Craven. He begins production on the fourth installment of “Scream” this summer. As a partner in Coquette Productions with his wife, Courteney Cox, David Arquette currently serves as executive producer of ABC’s “Cougar Town” alongside Bill Lawrence. Coquette also produced the FX drama “Dirt,” among other series. Arquette directed the feature film “The Tripper.” He is a partner in Propr clothing line and serves as Entertainment Chairperson for Feeding America.

Tween actress, Winter, is best known for her role as Alex on the hit ABC series “Modern Family.” Winter will next be seen on the big screen opposite Eddie Murphy and Kerry Washington in “A Thousand Words.”

Each episode of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” features two fun and music-filled stories, as Jake leads his team – including Izzy, Cubby and their parrot lookout, Skully – aboard their amazing ship, Bucky, sailing from their Pirate Island hideout on a lost treasure hunt throughout Never Land. There, Jake and the team learn that they must work together to outsmart Captain Hook and Smee, earning gold doubloons as they conquer tasks. Whether the treasure is a skateboard, a guitar or a prized seashell, Captain Hook will do anything to get his hands on it, so Jake and his fellow kid pirates invite viewers to use teamwork, problem-solving and physical activity such as sliding down waterfalls, pulling vines and flying with the magic of pixie dust to reclaim their treasures.

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” also stars Colin Ford (“Supernatural”) as Jake, Disney Channel star Madison Pettis (“The Game Plan,” “Cory in the House”) as Izzy and Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as Cubby. The series will feature original pirate jigs and rock chanteys, as well as music underscore by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson of the Portland, Oregon-based pirate rock band, Captain Bogg & Salty.

Rob LaDuca (“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”) is executive producer and Howy Parkins (“Emperor’s New School”) is director.

Playhouse Disney, seen in a daily programming block on Disney Channel U.S. and on 21 Playhouse Disney channels around the world, encourages preschoolers to imagine and learn through original series, short-form and acquired programming that include song, movement and entertainment. Guided by an established curriculum, Playhouse Disney supports multiple areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive; thinking and creative skills as well as moral and ethical development through carefully constructed themes, storylines and endearing characters.

Monsters, Muppets, and other Disney News

By

Chip

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April 23, 2010

Monsters and Muppets are coming back to a theater near you.

At a press briefing at The Walt Disney Co. headquarters in Burbank on Thursday, studios chairman Rich Ross said Disney’s Pixar division is creating a sequel to “Monsters Inc.” that will hit theaters in November 2012.

The original film from 2001 grossed $529 million worldwide.

Ross also said the studio was about to give the go-ahead to a new movie featuring the Muppets which will introduce a new character named Walter.

“He’s in felt and fur rehab now as we build him,” Ross said.

It was not clear when the movie would hit theaters. But he said there will be plenty of cameos, as with all Muppet movies. So watch for Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, too.

James Bobin, the creator of “The Flight of the Conchords” TV series, is set to direct.

The announcements were among several made during a presentation of the studio’s upcoming slate of films. Disney is in the midst of selling off its Miramax Films division as it focuses on family-oriented fare from Marvel, Pixar, its own studio and Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks unit.

Among other future films is a retelling of the Winnie the Pooh story using hand-drawn animation; a Tim Burton-led stop-motion animation movie called “Frankenweenie” about a boy’s revival of his lost dog; and another Pixar movie called “John Carter of Mars” about a man who goes through a portal to the red planet as imagined by author Edgar Rice Burroughs.

“Wall-E” writer Andrew Stanton of Pixar has been tapped to handle the otherworldly live action picture starring Taylor Kitsch. The movie is set to hit theaters in 2012.

Disney unveils plans for ‘Monsters, Inc.’ sequel

By

Chip

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April 23, 2010

Pixar tentpole “Brave” has been given a release date of June 15, 2012, and there will be another “Monsters, Inc.,” scheduled for the 2012 holiday season, precisely Nov. 16.

Those were two of the news items off a wide-ranging discussion and presentation Thursday by new Disney film chieftain Rich Ross.

After unveiling trailers for a number of upcoming titles — including Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and the female-skewing “Secretariat,” with Diane Lane as the horse’s determined owner — Ross unveiled the first three movies he’s greenlighting: “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,” and “The Muppets” in 2011 and the teen-targeted “Prom” in 2012.

The first is the company’s most successful global franchise and hence a no-brainer, the second will introduce a new Muppet named Walter, and the third will be “smart and authentic” a la what John Hughes used to do.

“Brave,” once known as “The Bear and the Bow,” is written and directed by Brenda Chapman and features the voices of Reese Witherspoon and Billy Connolly in a tale of archery and royalty.

“Monsters, Inc.,” directed by Pete Docter, grossed $525 million worldwide after its release in November 2001.

Speaking to about 20 reporters in the Frank Wells building on the Disney lot, Ross — who has been on the job for seven months — tipped his cap to the Dick Cook regime that preceded him but also embraced the studio’s upcoming slate as his own.

He emphasized that the tentpole business is crucial to the success of the global Disney brand but that not everything on the slate is a four-quadrant movie. Perhaps four out of 10 Disney pics per year would be genuine tentpoles going forward, he said.

Click here to keep reading this article from the Hollywood Reporter.

Ask a Disney Question: Restaurant Discounts.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2010

This question comes from Beverly W., who asks “Do any Disney restaurants offer any type of coupons?”

Beverly, thanks for your question and for reading the blog. The short answer is yes, somerestaurants offer discounts and coupons. Unfortunately it’s almost impossible to get discounts or coupons at Disney owned restaurants, particularly in the theme parks. Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

The most plentiful discounts are available to Disney annual passholders, who are entitled to anywhere from 10 – 20 percent off at certain restaurants in Downtown Disney and 10 percent off lunch in World Showcase restaurants, as well as discounts in several other locations. Check Disney’s AP website for up to the minute information as Disney occasionally adds new restaurants. Florida residents and annual passholders can also purchase a Tables in Wonderland card for $60 which entitles them to 20% off at a much wider variety of on site eateries. If you’re an AP holder, definitely consider this card; it pays for itself after you’ve spent around $400 and it’s good for an entire year and for up to eight people in your party.

If you’re not an AP holder, you’re less likely to get a discount, particularly in the theme parks. Recently, coupons for use at a specific time that day at counter service locations have been handed out in the parks, but you can’t really rely on that happening. Most coupon books you’ll find are for off site restaurants, but a few are available for dining in Downtown Disney. You can purchase a coupon book like the Orlando Entertainment Book for discounts at Rainforest Cafe (both Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney locations) and Planet Hollywood. Levy’s Restaurants has a frequent dining card that you can use to earn points at Fultons, Portobello’s, Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe at Downtown Disney. It’s free, so sign up if you normally go to these restaurants. Show your AAA card and you can get 20 percent off some restaurants in the Swan and Dolphin as well as 15 percent off at Earl of Sandwich and Ghiradelli Soda Fountain in Downtown Disney.

Just because there aren’t many discounts or coupons available for Disney dining doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Follow these great tips from Mousesavers on eating cheaply in the parks and you’ll easily save money.

Good luck!

Rumors We Like…Disney Dining Plan

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2010

Touring Plans, one of our favorite websites, has some hot gossip on possible dining promotions for the Fall. Notes self-professed cheapskate Len Testa:

The next discount to be announced should include the Disney Dining Plan. We’ve heard it will appear for Disney Visa cardholders around April 29, and the general public May 2. Travel dates should begin around August 15 (the day after the current discounts end). No word on the end travel date, but we expect it to be very late September or very early October, as it has been in the past.

Of course, no one is certain what this plan will entail. We’ve heard pretty persistent rumors on Disney message boards and elsewhere for the last few months that it will be quick service dining and Touring Plans’ information seems to confirm this. Still, as noted by Touring Plans, take this with a big old grain of salt. Head on over and read the rest.

Disneyland Resort Goes Green for Earth Day!

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

Whether through encouraging cast members to carpool or using French fry oil to fuel steam trains, the Disneyland Resort gives careful consideration to the environment. Conservation and the protection of the environment have been priorities since the park opened in 1955. The commitment started with Walt Disney, who once said, “Conservation isn’t just the business of a few people, it’s a matter that concerns all of us.” Today, the Resort continues to be focused on protecting the planet and developing innovative “green” ways of doing business.

Hulu fears ABC iPad app could hurt its $9.95 subscription plans

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

Online streaming service Hulu is expected to introduce a $9.95-per-month subscription plan on May 24, but the company reportedly fears a free streaming application from ABC for the iPad could undermine its efforts.

The Los Angeles Times this week reported that Hulu plans to introduce a new service, dubbed Hulu Plus, that would give users access to a greater range of content. Customers would still be able to view the five most recent episodes of popular shows like “Lost” and Glee” for free, but subscribes would have access to a “more comprehensive selection,” the report said.

Hulu also has plans to tie its subscription service in with a new iPad application. But according to Peter Kafka at MediaMemo, Hulu’s iPad subscription aspirations could be devalued by a free streaming video application from ABC already available on the App Store.

Citing industry sources, Kafka said that Hulu CEO Jason Kilar “tried desperately to get ABC not to introduce its free app,” because ABC giving away free content makes subscription-based access to Hulu on the iPad seem less valuable. ABC obviously did not place much weight behind Kilar’s concerns, as the network’s streaming application was available on the iPad from day one, and has found great success.

ABC’s embrace of the iPad should come as no surprise, as the network is owned by Disney, of which Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the single-largest shareholder. In addition, after the iPad was announced, Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger called the iPad a “game changer” and said his company has big plans for interactive content on the device.

The Hulu subscription will reportedly only apply to shows from ABC, NBC and Fox. Cable networks like AMC and FX, Kafka said, will not offer content with the $9.95-a-month plan.

Click here to keep reading more from Apple Insider.

Playhouse Disney is buzzing to new show “The Hive”

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

The Walt Disney Company today announced that it has acquired The Hive for global satellite broadcast on Playhouse Disney across 150 countries. The new CGI preschool animation series from UK based production company The Hive Enterprises Ltd and its distributor Bejuba! Entertainment Inc, is being produced by Lupus Films, Monumental Productions, and DQ Entertainment International.
The multi-territory deal will see The Hive shown from early 2011 on Playhouse Disney channels in France, Germany (GSA), Italy, Spain, South-east Asia, Korea, Japan, India, Latin America, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Hive is a colourful new 26 x 21‟ (or 78 x 7‟) series which follows the fortunes of the happy, friendly and extremely cute Bee family, who live together in The Hive. Storylines explore the themes of family, working together to solve problems, being part of a diverse community and caring for the environment.
Giorgio Stock, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Disney Channels EMEA and DIMG EMEA said: “The Hive is a good addition to our worldwide programming schedule and underscores our on-going commitment to create global programming with creative production companies from markets in the UK and the rest of Europe. The characters are hugely endearing and we hope that The Hive will encourage preschoolers to foster an appreciation for the environment and working together to solve problems.”
“It‟s fantastic to have Playhouse Disney on board,” says David Willing, creator and producer of The Hive, “a huge amount of work has been put into the show and everything from the scripts to the animation is absolutely spot on, so I‟m delighted that it‟s now guaranteed a massive global audience.”
“Playhouse Disney is a great partner and their support has proven to us that The Hive is setting up to become an international hit”, says Tatiana Kober, president of Bejuba! Entertainment.
The Hive series is also set to premiere this autumn in the UK on GMTV‟s preschool Fluffy Club weekend programming strand.
The series is being exec produced by Ruth Fielding and Steve O‟Pray with Camilla Deakin as series producer. Ray Merritt is creative director, Mark Williams is animation director and the BAFTA award-winning Bridget Hurst is head writer. Co-producer DQ Entertainment International Ltd is providing animation services. All licensing activity is being handled by Space Enterprises Ltd.

Disneyland Resort Paris ‘Princess’ Mum Forced To LEAVE

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

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There are tons of articles going around this morning about this Disneyland Paris Mom who was asked to leave for violating the Disneyland Guest dress code. I am unsure why it is drawing so much attention as Disney has a strict policy against this.

A UK mum was barred entry to Disneyland in Paris after dressing up with her daughter in a ‘fairy princess’ outfit.

The 35-year-old mother Natasha Narula said she was left “stunned and humiliated” when Disneyland officials told her she could not enter the theme park wearing her princess dress because she could be mistaken for a staff member.

I know for me personally if this lady is standing somewhere and my daughter would happen to only see her from behind she would run up to her thinking she was a Princess or a Disney Character. When she would see she was neither it would break her heart. So I am glad Disney has this policy in place.

Here are the guidelines for Walt Disney World so I image the same would apply at Disneyland.

Disney World Guest Appearance Guidelines

Disney World reserves the right to exclude visitors to their gated attractions who wear clothing that could create a distraction. This policy is in effect at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island and Disney Quest.

Examples of unacceptable attire includes:

Clothing displaying offensive messages/language
Adult costumes or clothing that can be viewed as a costume (children under age 10 are excluded)
Clothing made with offensive material, (ie transparent)
Clothing that is excessively torn
Clothing which exposes inappropriate portions of the body such as string bikini tops, G-strings, bikini bottoms, etc.
Guests wearing wedding attire are discouraged from entering the Theme Parks.

All Disney Theme Park guests are required to wear shirts and shoes at all times. Swimsuit tops are allowed when worn with other appropriate clothing.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment section below?

Must Sees at Disney World: Animal Kingdom

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

This is a great article from Nancy at the Affordable Mouse. She shares with us some “must sees” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Like her we don’t always get to goto the Animal Kingdom on every trip. Having a toddler as well makes things even harder..our last trip all she wanted to do was ride Space Ship Earth and goto Playhouse Disney. Go figure..

Here are just a few Must Sees for more click the link below.

Simba Rocks. And So Do His Friends.

The Festival of the Lion King is an awesome show, and one that we really try to never miss when we visit Animal Kingdom. Based on the movie this live-action show has all of your favorite characters performing to songs from the Lion King…and the performances, costumes, dancing, singing, and props are amazing. The audience sits on all four sides with the action taking place in the center, and there really is not a bad seat in the house. And you should note that audience participation is STRONGLY encouraged so be prepared to shout out your best animal sounds. Just letting you know to be prepared.

It Seems Like It’s Fun To Be A Bug

Really it does! And after seeing It’s Tough to be a Bug, you may agree with me. Despite all the evidence presented in this show about all the terrible things that happen to bugs (your little ones may never let you squish an ant again, I am warning you now…) this is a fun show. It’s another one of Disney’s 3-D attractions and even though we have been a number of times, I still get surprised at certain…um…things that happen.

And one of the coolest things about this attraction is the way you get into it, as it is held below the Tree of Life…so you will really get to see how amazing this tree is, up close and personal. Which actually brings me to my favorite thing to do in the Animal Kingdom…..

That is just a few if you want to read more check out the Affordable Mouse!

A few of my favorite must sees are:

Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House

I would have to say this is by far one of my favorite meals at Walt Disney World. We actually have the picture of our family with Donald on our mantle! The food is great and has some very interesting flavors. We had a very pleasant breakfast here and it was cool to see Mickey and the Gang dressed differently.

Finding Nemo the Musical

Our favorite show at Walt Disney World. The colors are so beautiful the show itself is great it is so energetic and fun you kinda forget your watching a show it is that engaging. Our little one didn’t move a muscle the entire show other than to say “Look Daddy Nemo” or “There’s Dory”. They need to take this show on the road!

Be sure to comment and let her know your favorite Must Sees at the Animal Kingdom!

Pook-a-Looz Craze hits Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

Some crazes fade just as quickly as they arrive –- but sometimes they are just too fun ignore! Two new crazes have found their way into Disney Parks and judging by how unique and cute they are, I’m sure we’ll be seeing them around for quite some time.

Pook-A-Looz, the new line for plush, apparel, and accessories from Disney Consumer Products are truly too cute for their own good! Pook-A-Looz were created to capture the personalities of iconic Disney characters in an offbeat and unique way. The new line features more than 30 different characters ranging from classic characters such as Alice In Wonderland, Muppets, to favorites from Pixar films.

Pook-A-Looz were first debuted at D-23 last September, since their launch, Pook-A-Looz have exploded, not only retailers across the country but at Disney Parks as well. Be on the lookout, later this fall, Disney Theme Parks will be releasing Pook-A-Looz that can only be found in the Disney Parks! Disney Parks Pook-A-Looz designs range from Sorcerer Mickey to Yeti & Figment! Here’s a sneak peek at an upcoming Pook-A-Looz that will be found in Disney Parks!

Click here to keep reading another fad coming to WDW from the Disney Park Blog.