Award-Winning Disney Epic Mickey Video Game Heads to San Diego for Comic-Con International 2010

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July 20, 2010

Disney Interactive Studios today announced that the highly-anticipated Disney Epic Mickey video game will be featured at the upcoming Comic-Con International show in San Diego.

Disney Epic Mickey will be presented in a panel discussion taking place on Saturday, July 24th at 4:30 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 9. Game designer Warren Spector of Disney Interactive Studios’ Junction Point and Peter David, award-winning comic writer and author of the upcoming Disney Epic Mickey “Tales of the Wasteland” themed comics, will share their insights on bringing the world of Wasteland to life in the upcoming Wii video game, Disney DigiComics and graphic novel. The panel will include discussion, gameplay footage, artwork and a sneak-peak at the comics.

The San Diego Comic-Con appearance follows a very successful presence for the game at this year’s E3 Expo in Los Angeles. Disney Epic Mickey was prominently included in Nintendo’s E3 press conference, along with a significant playable presence in Disney’s E3 booth. Game critics have praised the game for its unique gameplay mechanics and compilation of 80 years of rich Disney history.

“It’s exciting to see how great the response has been to my hallmark style of gameplay, which I refer to as ‘Playstyle Matters,'” said Warren Spector, general manager and creative director, Disney Interactive Studios’ Junction Point. “Disney Epic Mickey is a game that explores the depths of ‘Player Choice’ and I can’t wait to take fans on their next visit to Wasteland, a world as varied and memorable as the real Disney stories and lands that serve as my team’s inspiration.”

“We are thrilled with the phenomenal response that the industry has shown for Disney Epic Mickey,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios. “The assortment of awards and accolades received demonstrate how this title truly combines popular game genres such as Action/Adventure and Platforming, allowing for a new level of variety in gameplay.”

Current industry accolades for the game include:

— IGN.com — Best Wii Game and Best Platforming Game Winner

— G4 — Best Wii Game and Best Action/Adventure Game Winner

— Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2010 — Best of Show, Best Original Game and Best Console Game Nominee

— GamePro — Best of E3 Recipient

— GameSpy — Wii Game of the Show, Platformer Game of the Show, Best Art Direction

— GamesRadar — Reason to Live Recipient

— Electric Playground — Best of E3 Winner

— Kotaku — Best Setting Winner

— USAToday.com — Best Action/Adventure Game Winner

— Popular Mechanics — Top 5 Video Games for the Coming Year Seen at E3

— Boy’s Life — Best Game of the Show Winner

World of Color Road Show- Sacramento

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Disneyland Resort brought a splash of the World of Color show to Old Sacramento. Disney animation and state of the art technology showcased the theme of “Nature” in this second stop of the four city tour.
For complete details, please visit:

Disney/ABC Scores 69 Primetime Emmy Nominations

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

The Disney/ABC Television Group (DATG) captured 69 Primetime Emmy nominations, it was announced today by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This total reflects nominations for ABC Television Network, ABC Studios, ABC.com and Disney Channel programming.

The ABC Television Network received 63 nominations, including a first-time, first season Comedy Series nomination for “Modern Family,” which gathered a total of 14 nominations, including recognitions for Art Direction, Casting, Directing, Picture Editing, Guest Actor, Sound Mixing and Writing.

“Modern Family’s” Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara all garnered nominations in the Supporting Actor/Actress in a Comedy Series category.

The final season of “Lost” received a total of 12 nominations, including a Drama Series nomination in addition to being selected for the Art Direction, Music Composition, Single-Camera Picture Editing, Guest Actress, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing categories. The series finale episode “The End,” received a Writing for a Drama Series nomination for writers/executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse and the episode’s director, Jack Bender, was recognized in the Directing for a Drama Series category.

“Lost’s” Matthew Fox, received his first Lead Actor in a Drama Series nomination for the series final season and was joined by his cast mates Michael Emerson and Terry O’Quinn who were nominated for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Emerson and O’Quinn were both previous winners in the supporting category. Elizabeth Mitchell received a nomination for Guest Actress in a Drama Series.

The ABC.com webisode series “Lost Presents: Mysteries of the Universe – The Dharma Initiative,” was awarded a nomination in the Special Class Programs category.

“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” captured its first nomination in the Outstanding Reality Series category while “Dancing with the Stars” was recognized for its fifth straight nomination in the Reality-Competition Category. Additionally, “Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron is a repeat nominee for Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.

Disney Channel dominated the Children’s Program categories with nominations for “Hannah Montana,” “JONAS” “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie.” Disney Television Animation received a nomination for the Disney XD animated series “Kick Buttowski � Suburban Daredevil” in the Outstanding Animated Short-Format category, marking the first Primetime Emmy Award nomination for a Disney XD property.

ABC’s first television special produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Disney Prep & Landing” received a nomination in the Animation Special category.

The 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy ceremony will be telecast on NBC on Sunday, August 29.

Tinker Bell “Camp Pixie Dust” Prize Package Giveaway

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Chip

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July 20, 2010

We’re so excited to announce a bonus Giveaway this week on Chip and Company! Disney & Pixiehollow.com has sponsored for us a “Camp Pixie Dust” Prize Package Giveaway.

One lucky fan will receive:

Pixie Hollow duffle bag
Pixie Hollow hat for those sunny summer days
Camp Pixie Dust beach ball
Green Tinker Bell stainless steel water bottle
Camp Pixie Dust decal sticker
1 month membership card to PixieHollow.com
and a nifty Tinkerbell Box that holds everything!

In case you missed this article from yesterday Pixie Hollow introduces their all new virtual summer camp – “Camp Pixie Dust!” Fairies and Sparrow Men can now celebrate summer with fun-filled camp activities with all of their friends in this continually updated immersive summer camp.

Click here to read more, and stay tuned for some gameplay screen shots from my little one and I as we check out the world of Pixie Hollow! If you want to try it out for yourself check out pixiehollow.com and create your own Fairy to play online.

Ok here are the Contest Rules:

Contest Ends Wednesday July 21st at Midnight. I will pick a winner and announce it both here and on the Chip and Company Facebook Page on Thursday Morning.
Contest is open to anyone living in the United States
Only One Entry per email address and IP address through our Contest Machine.
Contest is open to the first 100 people via contest machine from then on you will have to Comment or Retweet this article to enter.
The winner has 2 Days to respond to me via email and supply me their address so I can have Disney ship out their Prize Package. If they do not respond in 2 days via email I will pick another person.

Bonus Entries:

For a bonus entry Tweet/Retweet this Contest either by the Retweet button at the top of the page or under the Share the Love section below.
Comment on this article below for a bonus entry.

That is about it. If you have any questions email me at [email protected] and I will respond back to you promptly.

Good Luck

>>Chip

Congrats to Samantha Lilly for winning the Tinker Bell “Camp Pixie Dust” Prize Package Giveaway.

Special thank you to Kristen at Disney for this Prize Package!!

Marvel Fans Can Play Super Hero Squad Online in the Marvel Booth at San Diego Comic-Con

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Gazillion Entertainment, a leading developer, publisher and operator of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games for all ages, today revealed that the action-packed Super Hero Squad Online will be showcased at San Diego Comic-Con in the Marvel Entertainment booth. Dozens of Marvel’s iconic Super Heroes, combat missions, and social spaces will all be available for all con-goers to play.

The action doesn’t stop there! In a world premiere, Super Hero Squad Online’s fully customizable headquarters system will be unveiled. Players can kit out their personal headquarters, based on the iconic S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, with collections of trophies earned by completing quests and mini-games. Additionally, players will be able to choose from hundreds of different items to customize their personal HQ. Once players are done customizing, they can watch their HQ come alive with a realistic physics system that allows them and their friends to interact with their creations.

“Super Hero Squad Online has the most in-depth housing system ever created for an MMO,” said Jason Robar, Vice President and Studio Manager for The Amazing Society. “Combining hundreds of items, realistic physics and the unique personalities of the Super Hero Squad members makes an unforgettable experience. We’re looking forward to sharing it with all Comic-Con attendees.”

San Diego Comic-Con highlights include:

Marvel fans will be able to play Super Hero Squad Online for the first time at the Marvel Entertainment Booth # 2329.

Developers from The Amazing Society will be holding a panel on Sunday, July 25th from 10:00am – 11:00am in Room 7AB, entitled “Super Hero Squad Online: How We Built the First All Ages Marvel MMO.” Join the team for a fun and interactive Q&A!

Additionally, Super Hero Squad Online team members will also be participating in the Marvel Animation Panel on Friday, July 23rd from 12:45pm – 1:45pm in Room 6BCF.

Haitian Soccer Team Experiences Disney Magic

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Six months after an earthquake devastated their nation, the Haitian National Women’s Under 17 soccer team reunited to play in the Disney Cup International youth soccer tournament at the place “where dreams come true.”

With the support of members of the U.S. Women’s Under 17 team and the Many Hearts, One Goal project, the team of 21 girls and six staff traveled to Central Florida to compete among nearly 200 elite soccer clubs. The international event was held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World July 12-17.

Sixteen-year-old U.S. goalie Bryane Heaberlin first met the team at the World Cup qualifiers in April. The Haitian girls talent, dedication and personal tragedies left such a strong impression that Heaberlin decided to take action. She created Many Hearts, One Goal with the lofty goal of giving the Haitian team the support and resources to compete in future soccer games.

“I hope they realize they can accomplish their dreams and not to give up,” Heaberlin said in a recent interview at ESPN Wide World of Sports. “There still is a hope for their lives.”

During the Disney Cup International, the Haitian team competed in five games against athletes from across Florida, including the Clearwater Chargers, Heaberlin’s hometown soccer team. While visiting, the Haitian team practiced together for the first time in months, and spent time with U.S. Women’s National star Abby Wambach. The team found time to kick the soccer ball around with Mickey Mouse during an entertaining and fun visit to the Magic Kingdom.

For the young athletes, it’s a welcome opportunity to be normal teenagers and play the sport they love. “It’s more than a competition; I think it’s life changing,” said head coach Gaspard Dalaxis, who believes their time here wasn’t just about playing soccer – “it’s about coming together again and being happy.”

Scene-by-scene preview of Little Mermaid dark ride coming in 2011 to Disney California Adventure

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Great News from the LA Times talking about the new Little Mermaid ride coming to DCA.

The remaking of Disney California Adventure will continue in 2011 with the debut of the $100-million Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, a family-friendly, E-ticket dark ride that will take visitors on a musical underwater journey themed to “The Little Mermaid” animated movie.

Inspired by the Dragon Gorge scenic railway at the long-gone Ocean Park amusement zone in Southern California, the new Little Mermaid ride building has a dramatic arch that will feature relief carvings of frolicking mermaids and King Triton. Nautically themed glass work and tile work is designed to blend with the 1920s and ’30s seaside amusement park motif of the surrounding Paradise Pier area.

Inside the building, riders will board pastel-colored, clam-shell-shaped PeopleMover vehicles similar to the Haunted Mansion’s “Doom Buggies.” (You can take a point-of-view trip through an early concept of the Mermaid ride, which is featured in the DVD extras of the 2006 special-edition movie release.)

Click here to keep reading and a scene by scene breakdown.

Disney World limits use of onboard bus computers

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Interesting article from Jason Garcia at The Daily Disney.

Walt Disney World has issued written orders and made software changes designed to ensure that navigational computers on the resort’s buses can’t be used while the vehicles are moving.

The changes followed criticism from some of Disney’s roughly 1,200 bus drivers who complained that the computers were a distraction and a safety hazard.

“We’re a listening company and constantly ask for cast-member feedback. In this case, we heard from bus drivers that there was a need to clarify operating guidelines, and we have developed a written communication to address that,” Disney World spokeswoman Andrea Finger said this week.

Disney installed the onboard, GPS-equipped computers several years ago as part of a project the company dubbed “Magic in Motion.”

Under MiMs, as the project is referred to internally, Disney is able to track in real time the locations of all of its buses and the crowd levels at the bus stops outside its theme parks, hotels and other venues. Rather than following pre-determined routes, the buses are continually redirected during the day depending on where passengers are waiting.

Click here to keep reading.

D23 Says “Aloha Aulani” at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

D23 Members dance and party at the Contemporary Resort on July 18 to welcome Disney Vacation Club’s newest destination.

D23 Members definitely know how to party! And on Sunday, July 18 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, nearly 300 D23 Members and their guests united to celebrate Disney Vacation Club’s newest resort, Aulani.

As guests took their seats in the Ballroom of America, they were treated to the 1937 cartoon short Hawaiian Holiday, starring Mickey, Minnie and the gang on a visit to the tropical island. After a brief welcome from D23 Team Member Jeffrey Epstein, the room watched a brief video of Imagineer Joe Rohde describing some of the wonder and excitement that will await guests who visit the majestic Aulani resort. Then it was time to play!

Velvety black curtains opened to reveal the full reception, including two buffet stations with fresh fruit, baked brie and more. Members who weren’t kicking up their heels on the dance floor to the music of DJ Scott took in Disney’s Hawaiian History, presented by D23, a colorful collection of images illustrating Disney’s rich history with the islands from Walt’s visit to Oahu in 1934 all the way through the ABC series Lost, which recently wrapped production in the Aloha State.

Adding to the festive atmosphere were some beloved Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy and Donald — who were posing for numerous photo ops when they weren’t doing the Cupid Slide on the dance floor with guests!

But all good things must come to and end, and as everyone left the ballroom, guests received a cobalt blue aluminum water bottle co-branded D23/Disney Vacation Club!

Click here to read more and for more photos from the event.

D23 Presents a Preview Screening of Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Get ready to rock out at the Walt Disney Studios and be a hero to those tweens and teens in your life!!! Our friends at Disney Channel are offering D23 Members and their families an exclusive sneak peek at their new original film Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers!

Catch up with Mitchie (Demi) and her friends as they return to Camp Rock for another summer of music and fun. Fresh from a world tour, Shane, Jason and Nate of the rock band Connect 3 (Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas) are hanging at their uncle’s Camp Rock for the summer, too. But across the lake glistens the new big-money, state-of-the-art Camp Star and it has lured away many instructors and campers, putting the future of Camp Rock in jeopardy. Mitchie emerges as a leader determined to save the camp, gathering the group for an explosive Final Jam — an end-of-summer performance duel. May the best camp win!

Following the 90-minute screening, guests will get all the inside scoop on the film during a Q&A with some of the creative team behind the movie.

There will be a limited assortment of D23 merchandise available for purchase at the event. And everyone who joins us will receive a special Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam gift courtesy of Disney Channel!

Please note, no cameras of any kind will be permitted inside the theater. This includes still cameras, video cameras, and cell phones with built in cameras. We suggest you leave these in your car, or you will be asked to check them in the lobby of the theater.

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam premieres on Disney Channel September 3, 2010 at 8 p.m. PST/EST, but D23 Members and their guests get to rock out a month early!
DATE
Saturday, August 7, 2010

LOCATION
The Studio Theatre, The Walt Disney Studios
Burbank, California

TICKETS
Available July 27, 2010, 10 a.m. PST. Please check this page for the ticket link.

COST
FREE (There will be a $5 ticket processing fee.)

SCHEDULE
Check in begins at 2 p.m.; Screening begins at 3 p.m. (Please do not arrive at the Studio Lot before 2 p.m.)

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and three (3) guests. There are a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, tickets are not transferrable.

Disney Vacation Connection Desktop Widget Serves Up Planning Information

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

Planning that next magical Disney vacation? The newly released Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget is a free application that can be downloaded to a PC or Mac computer to view news, videos, weather, park hours, events and vacation planning tips. Also included is a Disney vacation countdown clock that will tell guests the days, hours and minutes until their next Disney vacation.

Content on the app includes Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.

With the Disney Vacation Connection widget loaded on their desktop, Disney guests will be able to:

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and special offers
Plan their next magical Disney vacation
Count down to the vacation with the countdown clock
Check Disney theme park hours
Learn about upcoming special events
Find out the weather forecast for the Disney vacation destination

The widget is a free download. Guests can learn more about the Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget, and download it, by visiting www.DisneyVacationConnection.com.

Download Jonas L.A. by the Jonas Brothers on iTunes

By

Chip

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July 20, 2010

The JONAS L.A. Soundtrack is available NOW!
Preview and download songs from Jonas L.A. by Jonas Brothers on iTunes. Buy Jonas L.A. for just $9.99.

Just click the link above for more information.