Fun is Ghostly but Not Ghastly on 24 Select Nights During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

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August 11, 2010

“Boo” has never been uttered in a bouncier, bubblier, “not-so-scary” fashion than during Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade … and ghostly apparitions never have been more wistful than they are skittering along the rooftops of Main Street, U.S.A. When you put it together with a green and orange fireworks spectacular and Land-to-Land trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom, you have a Halloween event like none other: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

It’s enough to bring a smile to the face of a Disney villain! And the special-ticket after-hours party on 24 select evenings between Sept. 14 and Nov. 1, 2010, at Walt Disney World Resort will do just that. About the only one not wearing a grin is The Headless Horseman as he rides his trusty steed through the park ahead (no pun intended) of the parade.

Guests wanting to join in the spirit (no pun intended) of the party are welcome to don their favorite Halloween costumes for the 7 p.m.-to-12 midnight event. The “Boo-to-You” parade takes place at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. and the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with characters and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions – including, of course, The Haunted Mansion – are available to experience (but beware of hitchhiking ghosts).

Party dates in 2010 are: Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31; and Nov. 1.

Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9). Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for the parties on Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26; and Nov. 1.

Additional information is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.

Disneyland Cars Land Preview

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Chip

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August 11, 2010

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo announces details of the new Cars Land being built at Disney’s California Adventure.

Highlights include an update on the original Disneyland Flying Saucers and the Radiator Springs Racers based on updated Test Track technology. This was part of a presentation on ‘Imagineering the Future of Disney Parks’ given at the D23 Expo on September 12th, 2009.

Inside Disney Weddings Debuts Today

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Chip

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August 11, 2010

Inside Disney Weddings Debuts the First Podcast Devoted to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

Today, Inside Media Networks announced the debut of “Inside Disney Weddings” with Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward.

“Inside Disney Weddings” is released weekly on Wednesday and is available via iTunes worldwide at http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id386466117. The program is also available at http://www.insidedisneyweddings.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Disney-Weddings/138266589521035

“I’m thrilled that Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward have teamed up to bring us the new ‘Inside Disney Weddings’ program,” said The Disney Wedding Blog founder Carly Morgan. “Scott has worked in the Disney wedding industry for years, and Carrie—a past Disney bride and the author of ‘PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons’—has become the expert on all things Disney weddings. I can’t think of a better team!”

About The “Inside Disney Weddings” Program

“Inside Disney Weddings” is the only program dedicated to weddings and honeymoons at the Disney parks and on the Disney Cruise Line. Each week, Scott Sheppard and Carrie Hayward take a look at what’s new and exciting in the world of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Topics range from the latest news, planning information and money-saving tips to in-depth interviews and event coverage. The program also features special guests, including industry experts and real Disney brides and grooms, along with caller Q&A, giveaways and contests.

About Scott Sheppard

Scott Sheppard is the CEO of Inside Media Networks. IMN creates targeted talk programming for creative, B2B and consumer lifestyle markets. Its talented team of broadcast and communication professionals has successfully built desirable niche audiences by leveraging online content-distribution tools, including podcasts, blogs and social networks. IMN also provides consulting services to clients wishing to transition from traditional to new media and establish or expand their own brands. With a background in terrestrial broadcasting and professional radio and television production, IMN is considered the leading technical expert in the fields of new media and podcasting today.

About Carrie Hayward

Print and broadcast journalist Carrie Hayward is the author of “PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons,” a guidebook and bridal organizer for weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons at Walt Disney World and on the Disney Cruise Line. She is also the E-Book Editor at PassPorter Travel Press, an independent publisher of best-selling Disney park guidebooks. She was married at Walt Disney World in 2008.

Disney to Launch New Cars Virtual World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 11, 2010

Disney to Launch New Cars Virtual World

Good evening, late night East coasters, the West coast folks who read our lovely website, and everyone in between and beyond, of course. Disney is holding a launch party on Wednesday, August 11th, for their new virtual world, Disney/Pixar World of Cars Online, in Burbank, CA, and I get to be there!

Look out for live photos from the event! Chip will be posting them on the Facebook fan page.

Disney Review by You: California Grill is a Must Do – by Chris – Rating: 5

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Topic Being Reviewed:Restaurants

Rating: 5

Would you recommend to others: Yes

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California Grill is my favorite restaurant at WDW. Some Disney restaurants are overrated (I’m looking at you, Le Cellier) but CG rightly deserves its following. It’s right next to the Magic Kingdom so you get a view of the park and Seven Seas Lagoon. The food is excellent. And it really does feel like a special night out. I think all of Disney’s signature restaurants are worth a try but CG is a must every trip. I’d gladly eat counter service for a week as long as I know that on my last night there, I’m going to CG.

Disney Review by You: The Norway Pavilion: Pudding and Handsome Dudes – by Chris – Rating: 5

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Topic Being Reviewed:Attractions

Rating: 5

Would you recommend to others: Yes

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Whenever I go to the Norway Pavilion, which is as frequent as decency will allow, I am struck by two things: 1) The pudding, which is like heaven in a little plastic cup and 2) that the cast members are among the best looking in the World. This pavilion is seriously underrated. Where else can you be served huge platters of bacon by handsome young Scandanavian men? Nowhere. Well, except in Scandanavia. And Ikea. Seriously, this pavilion is awesomely awesome. Don’t miss it.

Classic Disney – Flying Saucers at Disneyland

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

For those who loved the Flying Saucers you’re in for a nostalgic treat. “Luigi’s Flying Tires” is a similar attraction that will open in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park in 2012. I hope you enjoy this vintage video of the Flying Saucers from opening day in 1961.

Unlock the Magic – Disney Store Grand Opening at Santa Monica Place

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

Moises Arias, Jason Earles, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Minnie, Mickey, President of Disney Store Worldwide – Jim Fielding and Santa Monica Store Manager Diane Derudder “Unlock the Imagination ” at the Opening of the new Disney Store at Santa Monica Place on August 05, 2010 at Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, California.

Mickey, Moises Arias, President of Disney Store Worldwide – Jim Fielding, Jason Earles and Minnie

Minnie, President of Disney Store Worldwide – Jim Fielding, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Mickey

Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Le Studio/Wireimage

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade – Updated with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen now are part of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. Today’s version was a little different than normal, it’s what is known as a “rain parade” when the weather is threatening.

Thanks to Jeff Lange for the video below and for pictures check out Mousesteps here.

LPGA golfer Paula Creamer celebrates 24th Birthday at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

LPGA golfer Paula Creamer, winner of the 2010 United States Women’s Open, drives Minnie Mouse to the putting green in a custom Mickey Mouse golf cart Aug. 9, 2010 at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Creamer won the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open last month at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. Creamer visited the Walt Disney World golf course today in celebration of her 24th birthday and her tournament win.

Disney’s head golf pro Kevin Weickel presented Creamer with a pink birthday cake and her personalized pink Mickey Mouse ears. Creamer, a California native who now lives in Orlando, is no stranger to Walt Disney World where she won an AJGA event in 2002 and was crowned the AJGA Player of the Year in 2003.

Gene Duncan, photographer

Marvel Unveils All Star Creative Team For Ultimate Spider-Man Animated Series

By

Chip

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August 10, 2010

In a coup for Marvel Entertainment, Jeph Loeb, Head of Marvel TV, revealed the all-star, award-winning creative team for the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man animated series, premiering on Disney XD. This team includes the most sought-after and acclaimed writers in the comic and television industries, including Eisner & Emmy award-winning scribe Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Lost); Eisner award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis (visionary behind Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man comic series); and the red-hot creative powerhouse Man of Action Studios (creators of hit series Ben 10 and Generator Rex), comprised of lauded creators Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle .

Steering Ultimate Spider-Man as the Creative Consultant, Dini will also write the series pilot; as Supervising Producers, Man of Action Studios will direct the writing staff, generate scripts and story edit; and Bendis, the man who reinvented Spider-Man for a new generation, will oversee the series as Consulting Producer.

“When we first sat down to discuss ‘Ultimate Spider-Man,’ we put together a wish list of the most exciting talent working in animation who would bring the best voice and creative direction to the show – and I’m proud to say we got them all,” said Jeph Loeb. “We want ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ to be a showcase for Marvel Animation and Spider-Man is the perfect character to give fans just what they want.”

Working in the Marvel Universe for the first time, Dini explained, “As a lifelong fan of the Marvel Universe, I’m excited to tackle these characters in such a bold new series. ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ will bring fans a new take on their favorite friendly neighborhood hero- and some surprise cast members– while staying true to what’s always made Spidey so popular. We’ve got a superb creative team assembled with amazing stories to tell and I can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve cooked up.”

Bendis echoed those sentiments, exclaiming, “It’s ‘Ultimate Spider-Man,’ the animated series-and it happened in my lifetime! That’s just so cool. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this and here’s to Jeph Loeb for putting it all together!”

Equally thrilled to join “Ultimate Spider-Man,” the Man of Action team explained, “We’re looking forward to having a lot of fun working on Spider-Man. They’ve brought us in to help provide a unique vision for the show while remaining absolutely true to the character, so that’s exactly what we’ll be doing. Should be a great ride!”

Cort Lane, Vice-President of Animation Production & Development added, “From ‘The Super Hero Squad Show’ to the upcoming ‘Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,’ Marvel Animation is focused on making the best super hero shows for fans of all ages. Now, with this tremendous talent signed for Ultimate Spider-Man, we’re about to give fans super-powered animation like they’ve never seen before.”

For more news on “Ultimate Spider-Man” and all the exciting projects from Marvel Television, stay tuned to www.marvel.com

Say Goodbye to Maliboomer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 10, 2010

Say Goodbye to Maliboomer

The tall tower attraction at Disney’s California Adventure park will be closed after Labor Day (Sept. 6) in order to make room for other projects that will fit with the theme park’s new theme.

The tower, which thrusts riders 180 feet in the air in a matter of a few short seconds, will be removed from Paradise Pier because it does not fit with the new park theme. The new theme will throw park guests back in time to the early 1900’s. Maliboomer’s architecture does not reflect the time period.

There is currently a Facebook page attempting to save the Maliboomer, like the Disneyland Hotel waterfalls. The page, as of this published post, has only 76 fans.

A similar attraction, Supreme Scream, is at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park where riders experience a free-falling sensation, rather than being shot upward.

Maliboomer’s closing isn’t the only scheduled renovation for the park. The Hollywood Pictures Backlot, soon to be renamed to Hollywoodland, has had tracks installed for San Francisco-esque cable cars. Bountiful Valley Farm (an area with gardens and water features for children to play in) will be open for the last time on September 7. The area will be demolished to make way for a new Cars Land attraction called Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Mulholland Madness, a smaller rollercoaster, will be closed later on October 12 to be re-themed into a coaster based off the 1940 cartoon “Goofy’s Glider”. The ride will be called “Goofy’s Sky School”.