Disney’s ABC Family Announces Summer 2010 Programming

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

abc family logo

New Original Series Include:

“Pretty Little Liars,” a One-Hour Scripted Drama Starring Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, Ian Harding, Bianca Lawson, Laura Leighton, Shay Mitchell and Sasha Pieterse

“Huge,” a One-Hour Scripted Drama Developed by Winnie Holzman (“Wicked,”“My So-Called Life,” “Once & Again”) and Daughter Savannah Dooley,Starring Nikki Blonsky, Andrew Caldwell, Zander Eckhouse, Harvey Guillen,Ari Stidham, Ashley Holliday and Hayley Hasselhoff
“Melissa & Joey,” a Half-Hour Comedy Starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence

Returning Hit Original Series Include

“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Make It or Break It”

Raven-Symoné and Joanna Garcia Star in Network’s New Original Movie,“Revenge of the Bridesmaids”

Television Movie Premiere of “Wild Child,” Starring Emma Roberts, Debuts During Network’s “Campus Crush” 10-Day Summer Programming Event

Paul Lee, president, ABC Family, today announced the network’s summer 2010 schedule. The network’s programming slate includes three new original series, returning hits, original movies and blockbuster theatrical acquisitions. The network finished 2009 as its best year on record.

“ABC Family has truly become a factory for great Millennial storytelling,” said Lee. “We’re so proud of our three summer launches, ‘Pretty Little Liars,’ ‘Huge’ and ‘Melissa & Joey,’ and we think they’ll make the perfect complement to our returning hits ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ and ‘Make It or Break’.”

“Pretty Little Liars” follows four estranged best friends who are reunited one year after their best friend and queen bee of the group, Alison, goes missing – only to discover they’re receiving messages from an anonymous “A” who knows all their secrets. The drama stars Lucy Hale (“Privileged”) as Aria, Troian Bellisario (“Navy NCIS”) as Spencer, Ashley Benson (“Eastwick”) as Hanna, Shay Mitchell as Emily and Sasha Pieterse (“Heroes”) as Alison. Also starring are Laura Leighton (“Melrose Place”), Bianca Lawson (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Ian Harding (“NCIS: Los Angeles”). Produced by Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.
I. Marlene King (“If These Walls Could Talk”), Oliver Goldstick (“Lipstick Jungle,” “Desperate Housewives”), and Leslie Morgenstein and Bob Levy (“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries”) are executive-producing. The series is based on Alloy Entertainment’s popular young adult book series written by Sara Shepard. “Pretty Little Liars” premieres on Tuesday, June 8 at 8:00PM ET/PT.

“Huge” is being developed by Winnie Holzman (“Wicked,” “My So-Called Life,” “Once & Again”) and daughter Savannah Dooley. Funny, heartbreaking and provocative, “Huge” follows the lives of seven teens and the staff at a weight-loss camp, as they look beneath the surface to discover their true selves and the truth about each other. The series stars Nikki Blonsky (“Hairspray”), Andrew Caldwell, Zander Eckhouse, Harvey Guillen, Ari Stidham, Ashley Holliday and Hayley Hasselhoff. Holzman will be executive producer on the premiere episode, and will serve as consultant for the remainder of the episodes. Dooley will serve as producer on the series. Kim Rozenfeld (“American High”), and Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein and Bob Levy (“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries”), will serve as executive producers; Robin Schiff (“Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion” and ABC Family’s “10 Things I Hate About You”) will serve as a consulting producer. The series is based on the Alloy Entertainment book written by Sasha Paley. “Huge” premieres Monday, June 28 at 9:00PM ET/PT.

“Melissa & Joey,” a half-hour multi-cam comedy with Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence executive producing and starring, finds Hart portraying Mel, the grown-up former wild child of a political family who is now a local politician herself. When her sister ends up in prison and her brother-in-law flees after a scandal hits, Mel must take responsibility for her teenaged niece, Lennox, and pre-adolescent nephew, Ryder. With Mel spread too thin to manage by herself, help comes in the unlikely form of Joe (Lawrence) who, desperate for a job, moves in and becomes the family’s “manny.” David Kendall & Bob Young are executive producers and writers. Paula Hart also serves as executive producer. “Melissa & Joey” will premiere in August 2010 (Date TBA).

Two of the network’s one-hour original hit series will mark their returns: “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” will launch its third season on Monday, June 7, at 8:00PM ET/PT, and “Make It or Break It” will premiere its second season on Monday, June 28 at 10:00PM ET/PT.

The network will also present the new two-hour original movie premiere, “Revenge of the Bridesmaids,” in July (DATE TBA). When best friends Abigail (Raven-Symoné) and Parker (Joanna Garcia) return to their small, Southern home town for a visit, they learn that their close friend, Rachel, has lost the love of her life, Tony, to their ex-friend Caitlin – a conniving gold-digger. Intent upon preventing the loveless marriage, Parker and Abigail go “undercover” as Caitlin’s bridesmaids to sabotage the wedding. But their best-laid plans start going outrageously awry! Directed by Jim Heyman (“Ugly Betty,” “Drop Dead Diva”), written by David Kendall & Bob Young, produced by Frank von Zerneck & Bob Sertner (“Beauty & the Briefcase,” “Sorority Wars”)

Additionally in July, the network will air its annual “Harry Potter” summer marathon weekend event, featuring the first five films from the popular movie franchise.

The network’s annual 10-day summer programming event, “Campus Crush,” takes place from Sunday, August 1 through – Tuesday, August 10 and will feature the television movie premiere of “Wild Child,” starring Emma Roberts and Natasha Richardson, debuting on Sunday, August 8 at 8:00PM ET/PT. Sixteen-year-old Poppy (Roberts) is an LA teen diva who does what she wants, whenever she wants. But after an over-the-top prank pushes her father one step too far, she finds herself shipped off to the one place where everything will change — British boarding school. No cell phones, no designer clothes… no way. Desperate to break free, she sets in motion the ultimate escape plan involving the head mistress’ son, only to discover that this could be the reason she wants to stay. Co-starring Natasha Richardson, Aidan Quinn and Nick Frost, directed by Nick Moore, written by Lucy Dahl, produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Alexandra Ferguson and Diana Phillips.

Second season of the Playhouse Disney animated series “Jungle Junction” has been ordered by Disney Channel

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

A second season of the Playhouse Disney animated series “Jungle Junction” has been ordered by Disney Channel. Produced by Spider Eye Animation in the UK, the season will consist of 26 colorful and interactive new episodes which will begin rolling out on Playhouse Disney platforms around the world in 2011. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, senior vice president, Playhouse Disney Worldwide.

The series follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle. Part animal, part vehicle, the inhabitants of “Jungle Junction” embark on fast-moving adventures that emphasize an appreciation of the environment while highlighting the pre-literacy skill of print awareness through the use of road signs and symbols. Season two story-lines will continue to focus on the environment, building an understanding of how human activity affects the environment, how the natural world works and how man-made objects and energy function.

“‘Jungle Junction’ has become a global success for Playhouse Disney, with preschoolers and their parents embracing its characters and unique jungle world. We are eager to continue working with our UK production partners at Spider-Eye to bring more adventure-filled episodes to kids around the globe.”

In the U.S., “Jungle Junction” ranked among TV’s Top 20 preschool-targeted programs in Kids 2-5 in 2009, reaching over 26 million unique Total Viewers in the fourth quarter.

Globally the series has premiered in over 15 countries and airs in 12 languages, reaching over 29 million unduplicated viewers. Among its notable performances is the UK, where “Jungle Junction” premiered in September 2009 and became the second most successful launch with Total Viewers, watched by nearly half a million viewers over its first weekend, and most successful within key demos (boys 4 – 5). The series will continue to roll out globally throughout 2010.

The “Jungle Junction” game, “Ellyvan’s Coconut Parade,” currently ranks as PlayhouseDisney.com‘s #1 game for 2010 with total visits.

“Jungle Junction” was created by Trevor Ricketts (writer/storyboard artist, “Shaun the Sheep”). Erica Darby and Morgan Francis of the Cornwall, England-based Spider Eye Animation (“The Cramp Twins,” “The Lampies,” “Monkey Dust”) are executive producer and director, respectively. “Jungle Junction” is a production of Spider Eye Animation in association with Disney Channel.

“Jungle Junction” airs weekdays at 10:00 a.m., ET/PT during Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block for preschoolers. The series carries a TV-Y parental guideline.

Photo 2010 Disney | ABC Television Group.

Disney Channel ordered a third season of Playhouse Disney series, “Imagination Movers”

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

Disney Channel has ordered a third season of its Emmy Award-winning Playhouse Disney series, “Imagination Movers,” starring New Orleans’ favorite alternative rock band for preschoolers. Production on the third season of music-filled episodes will resume in New Orleans in June 2010. The season will also include the first-ever Imagination Movers concert special. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, senior vice president, Playhouse Disney Worldwide.

“‘Imagination Movers’ is a hit with young viewers and their parents alike. Fans have connected with the personal warmth of the Movers and their unique style of music for kids, as validated by their huge online following and the success of their recent 40-city/54-date tour. Season Three of the series will expand the Movers world beyond the Idea Warehouse and will include more surprise visitors and guest stars.”

Walt Disney Records is scheduled to release a new album highlighting songs from the second season of “Imagination Movers” nationwide on June 8. The soundtrack will feature 18 original songs from the series, including “Bounce,” “Slip Sliding” and “When You Grow Up.”

“Imagination Movers” is a sensation with audiences around the world, airing in over 55* countries/territories and in 12 languages since its September 2008 premiere. In the U.S., the series ranked among TV’s Top 15 programs with preschoolers 2-5 in 2009, reaching 40 million unduplicated Total Viewers in the fourth quarter. Globally “Imagination Movers” is the #1 original Playhouse Disney series launch ever among kids and Total Viewers in Australia, and in 3Q09 ranked as the #1 series on Playhouse Disney in Argentina*, #2 in the UK, Denmark and Sweden, while ranking as a Top 5 series in Italy and the U.S.

Toy Story 3 Welcomes Chatter Telephone & Chunk

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

Ring-ring! The Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone is a classic pull toy that has been inspiring giggles for many generations, while building motor skills and balance. Preschoolers can’t resist the friendly face with eyes that move up and down when they pull the toy along, and the bright colors and pleasing sounds keep them happy and engaged. Chatter Telephone is ideal for the little hands in your life.

Chunk will rock your world! This gargantuan creature sports protective shoulder spikes, while his ferocious fists are ready to smash whatever enemy gets in his way. Chunks over-sized limbs are fully posable, making him ready for hours of imaginative fun. As an added bonus, the press of a hidden head spike will spin Chunk’s facial expression from friendly to fierce! No batteries necessary.

Smell Like Tony Stark With New Iron Man Cologne!

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

In a rather odd, but also quite humorous marketing move, Marvel is partnering up with Diesel to offer a cologne that will allow you to smell like Iron Man himself. Despite the obvious jokes, Diesel swears that you won’t smell like titanium and WD-40… or booze.

Diesel is repackaging their signature Only the Brave scent into special gold vials being clenched by a shiny red hand, as a merchandising tie-in for the upcoming Iron Man 2. The special edition cologne, pictured below, will retail for $67 and will be on store shelves starting in April, to capitalize on Iron Man 2‘s release in May.

Source & Photo

Can’t wait until April to smell like Tony Stark? Can’t wait until May to get your Iron Man fix? Then browse out our Reel Movie News Iron Man 2 pictures and watch their Iron Man 2 videos to take the edge off!

How to Find Your Favorite Candy on Main Street, U.S.A.

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

Yummy article from Disney Park Blog:

As we know from the annual popularity of candy cane production at the Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., many of the Disneyland “homemade” candies have their own fan base.

If you’re a fan of the candy making on Main Street U.S.A., have you ever wished you could find out what candies are being produced each day? Well, you can. There’s a phone number you can call that will tell you which candies are being made in the park on any particular day. (It’s a recorded message and usually covers a week at a time.) Just call 714-781-0112 and consider these facts while you’re listening to the recording:

Caramel Apples are one of the most popular candy items purchased on Main Street, U.S.A.
Candy Canes are definitely the most time consuming and difficult to make.
English Toffee creates the best aroma while the candy makers are doing their thing.

And, you might want to swing by Candy Palace when they’re making Peanut Brittle because I’ve heard the candy making process for Peanut Brittle is an attraction in and of itself.

Source & Photo

The MLB hits a home run with Disney

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

Disney and Major League Baseball are combining for a cross-licensing deal that will mix the marks of two of the biggest names in sports and entertainment merchandising.

The retail licensing program is one MLB has pursued for a decade and expands the business relationship between the two companies, giving MLB ties to Disney’s youth marketing empire, while global merchandise king Disney gets distribution within MLB’s established channels for licensed sports products.

The licensing program will include caps, apparel, novelties and possibly children’s footwear. While some limited product combining Mickey Mouse and other classic Disney cartoon characters with MLB logos could be at retail as soon as next month, the program will officially launch at retail in and around the July 13 All-Star Game being held in Disney’s hometown of Anaheim.

Another part of the agreement will see Mickey Mouse/MLB statues placed throughout Anaheim during All-Star Week, similar to the Gateway Arch models scattered around St. Louis last July and the Statue of Liberty/MLB-logoed replicas around New York City during the 2008 All-Star Game. About 67,000 10-inch-tall replicas of those MLB Statues of Liberty were sold. Given the power of Mickey Mouse and other venerable Disney cartoon characters at retail, MLB hopes that 100,000 of those replica statues will be purchased this year.

Because of Disney’s enormous power at retail globally, MLB has been seeking an alliance for about a decade. “Kids are always a major focus as baseball, or any sports property, looks to bring more fans under its umbrella and into its park,“ said one senior licensing executive with knowledge of the deal. “That’s why this works so well for them.”

Click here to keep reading.

PS – The Original article had Mickey Mouse with a NY Yankee’s cap on but I refuse to post the Yanks on this website.. Go SOX!

Beauty and the Beast coming to BluRay October 5th

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

Disney has just announced official plans to bring the 1991 animated classic “Beauty and the Beast” to Blu-ray Disc on October 5th in a “Diamond Edition” release. Tech specs include full 1080p Hi-Def video in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound.

Disney’s most requested film, Beauty and the Beast, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def as the second installment to the company’s new Diamond Collection. The Blu-ray transformation reveals the magic, music and majesty of the film as never before experienced with state-of-the-art picture restoration, pristine 7.1 Digital Surround Sound and hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, immersive games and more.

The release will be a combo package meaning it will include a DVD of the film as well. The pre-order listing is not yet available but stay tuned.

Here is ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – Diamond Edition Blu-Ray Trailer

Teri Hatcher and Disney Family Launching a Website for Chicks

By

Chip

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March 30, 2010

Teri Hatcher has teamed up with Disney to create GetHatched.com, a website for chicks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

With the slogan “A chick’s guide to life,” the site is produced by DisneyFamily.com with creative and editorial insight from the Desperate Housewives star and a small team of contributors.

For Hatcher, a twice-divorced mother of a pre-teen daughter, the site is yet another way to deliver her message of female empowerment.

“I have a compelling passion to be a woman with other women,” Hatcher said. “We’re the caregivers, the teachers, the lovers.”

Hatcher also writes and blogs for such publications as Glamour U.K. and Newsweek magazines and Modernmom.com, as well as writing a best-selling book, Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies of Life.

Financial details of the arrangement weren’t revealed, but the free site is expected to generate revenue through advertising.

A preview of the site is set to begin Monday, but the site’s official launch will be in spring.

Source

Walt Disney World Food Confessions

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 29, 2010

As a product of a Catholic school education, I am familiar with the confessional, a place where faults and misdeeds are acknowledged and counsel and absolution is given. And don’t forget the dispensation of a healthy dose of penance, of course.

On a recent Friday, the Disney community began bearing its soul on Twitter after KidaniKatie asked, “What #Disney ride haven’t you been on or what famous Disney ride don’t you like? #confessFriday” The result…hours of entertainment and the feeling that you are not alone. Not every seasoned Disney fan has been on Splash Mountain or Tower of Terror and dare I say it, not everyone loves Fantasmic! or The Main Street Electrical Parade.

Katie inspired me to look deep within and confess my Walt Disney World food sins. Right here, right now. There are some Walt Disney World foods that are practically revered in Disney circles. And yet, I have not had them.

Forgive me, for I have never had a Dole Whip.

Walt Disney World Food Confessions — The much talked about Dole Whip

Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom is the place to get this snack that Disney guests wax poetic about. What is a Dole Whip? Pineapple Soft Serve ice cream. Enough said. If you’re interested in dusting off the ice cream maker and whipping up a batch, the mix can be found here.

I confess Tonga Toast has never touched these lips.

Perhaps it is because I am not a breakfast lover but you don’t have to love the most important meal of the day to enjoy this legendary fried french toast stuffed with bananas and topped with cinnamon sugar from Kona Café in The Polynesian Resort. To make it at home, try it out here.

I regret that I have never had the School Bread.

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, the bakery in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion is famous for this sweet confection. Why have I waited so long to enjoy this pastry that is filled with sweet vanilla custard and dipped in not only powdered sugar glaze, but also shredded coconut? AJ from the Disney Food Blog has the recipe.

So, how do I call myself a Disney fan and yet I have not had these delectable Disney treats? It’s simple, some of the Disney magic would be lost for me if I had gone on every ride, seen every attraction, eaten at every Disney restaurant, and sampled every Disney snack. I like having a perpetual Disney must-do list, a list that will thankfully never be empty. With this list, I can dream of another trip where I’ll add new experiences to old favorites and create unforgettable Disney memories.

What’s my penance, you may ask? I’m afraid I must take as many Disney trips as necessary to rectify the situation.

What are your Walt Disney World food confessions? I cannot offer absolution but I can say you’ll feel better after you confess your Disney Food transgressions. I know I do.

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe.

Photo Credits: Hello Sandy, EmilyGracey, and chadandjen07 via flickr.

Please welcome our newest writer Lisa!!!

By

Chip

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March 29, 2010

Everyone please welcome Lisa our newest writer to Chip and Co. Lisa is the author of one of my favorite Disney Books Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers.. The Beyond the Attractions travel guide is not your typical Disney guidebook; written by a parent for parents, it is devoted solely to visiting Walt Disney World with preschoolers, ages 2-5. I have read this book cover to cover and she made our last trip as stress free as possible with a 3 year old.

She is a mother of three and loves the Polynesian Resort about as much as I do! When she isn’t being Super Mom she is dreaming about Beaver Tails from Epcot’s Canada Pavilion. Oh, and she loves math!

Please make her feel welcome! I hope you are looking forward to her articles as much as I am.

I am truely blessed to have such a great group of writers and friends here on Chip and Co!

First Look: Cantina de San Angel Expansion at Epcot

By

Chip

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March 29, 2010

From the Disney Park Blog:

Earlier today, Thomas shared a first look at an amazing pizzeria opening at Epcot Italy Pavilion. And now I’ve got a sneak peek of what you can expect to see when the construction wall comes down at the Mexico Pavilion later this year. If you’ve visited Epcot recently, you know the Cantina de San Angel restaurant is expanding. This artist rendering gives you a good idea of what seating looks like at the restaurant when work is completed. There will be 400 seats – both al fresco and air-conditioned seating for lunch and a coveted spot for dinner and viewing IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

And, if you’re curious about the menu, I shared some highlights earlier this month. Please let us know what you think of the look.

I would so love to be there for the opening of this restaurant. I love the San Angel Inn and I could only imagine the food will be just as good at the Cantina!

If you missed my guest review on the Disney Food Blog check it out here.

Photo from disneyparkblog.com