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Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Makes July Evenings Nightastic!

By
Chip
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Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Makes July Evenings Nightastic!

The musical sounds of decades of summers gone by will fill July evenings at Epcot during Sounds Like Summer concert series performances featuring tribute bands that celebrate the music of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, U2 and Chicago.

“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Senior Show Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play.”

Performances at America Gardens Theatre are scheduled for 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on July 4, when shows are scheduled for 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. They are included with Epcot admission. Here’s the schedule (entertainment is subject to change without notice):

  • June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson
  • July 4-10: Satisfaction – A Tribute to The Rolling Stones
  • July 11-17: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
  • July 18-24: 2U – A Tribute to U2
  • July 25-31: Beginnings – A Tribute to Chicago

Sounds Like Summer is part of Walt Disney World “Summer Nightastic!,” which also features extra fun after the sun goes down at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

  • Through Aug. 14 at Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular”paints the night sky more brightly than ever.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror adds new effects – and a summer-only drop sequence – to the mix for guests daring to step into the attraction’s infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the 122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.

Fairy Tales Come True at Newly Designed Franck’s Studio at Walt Disney World Resort

By
Chip
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Fairy Tales Come True at Newly Designed Franck's Studio at Walt Disney World Resort

Franck’s Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing a major enhancement, bringing high-tech tools to couples tying the knot at the popular wedding destination.

Franck’s, named after the wedding planner character Martin Short played in the film “Father of The Bride,” was built 15 years ago alongside Disney’s magical Wedding Pavilion. The Victorian summerhouse was created as a one-stop shop for couples to meet with a Disney wedding planner to review all the details for the big event. The immersive studio showcases cakes, linens, floral, table settings and other details for a dream-come-true affair.

A highlight of the Franck’s makeover involves online tools to assist with remote planning, including a Facebook application so couples can easily share details of their wedding with friends and family. The tools also allow guests to accept RSVPs and purchase tickets and room nights. Using Google Earth images and video, the Virtual Venue Tool brings storybook wedding and reception venues at Disney to life with the click of a mouse.

Two new planning rooms, additional computers and televisions, andnewly designed furnishings round out the elegant setting. The new Franck’s studio will open mid-July.

Toy Story 3 Box Office Projected: $120 million Playtime

By
Chip
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toy story 3 poster 2
toy story 3 poster 2

Toy Story 3 Box Office Projected: $120 million Playtime

Toy Story 3 box office projections were through the roof. Yet, the Toy Story 3 box office predictions had to be taken with a little grain of salt. Box office projections this summer have been less than accurate, with some movies underperforming, and others overachieving.

Just last weekend, The Karate Kid and The A-Team were expected to draw even, but the Karate Kid didn’t break a sweat in its triumph. So, with Pixar’s latest epic expected to take around $100 million, the Toy Story 3 box office results naturally had to be at around $120 million instead.

Most projections had the animated film at around $100 million. But, according to Nikki Finke of Deadline Hollywood, even those high hopes will be exceeded. Since the film is opening at around 4,000 theaters, and has inflated 3-D prices, its weekend victory will be especially overwhelming.

Finke’s early Toy Story 3 box office estimates have the film grossing $40 million on Friday alone. With that kind of start, she projects the opening weekend will be at around $120 million overall. That would be the second biggest weekend of 2010, though it would trail Iron Man 2‘s $128 million opening take.

However, Iron Man 2 did not play in 3-D, and had decidedly mixed reviews. Toy Story 3 box office is aided by the 3-D format – although many critics said that 3-D was unnecessary – and by rave reviews across the board. As such, its staying power should get it past Iron Man 2‘s $300+ million total, making it the film to beat this summer and this year.

If these Toy Story 3 box office hopes pay off, it would likely be the highest-grossing Pixar movie ever, topping Finding Nemo‘s $339 million. Toy Story 2 is the biggest film of the franchise with $245 million, so it wouldn’t take long for the third movie to top it.

The summer movie season was universally panned for the first month and a half. Therefore, even though the Toy Story 3 box office isn’t as big as Iron Man 2 in its first week, it will be hailed as having saved summer 2010. With the raves and 3-D prices, the numbers can only get bigger from here.

Bonus for those who saw Toy Story 3 this weekend and loved Lots-O’-Hugging Bear I created a fan page just for you. Check it out here.

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Disney Week in Review – June 13th – June 20th

By
Chip
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Disney Week in Review – June 13th - June 20th

Happy Father’s Day everyone! My family woke me this morning to a breakfast fit for a king! It was so good, I was smelling the bacon in my dreams..

I hope everyone had a great week. We have been extremely busy updating everyone with all the Disney World Events going on. I also have been very busy watching and feeling sorry for all those people who made it out to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 8 Hour + lines is a bit much for me. I think Stitch Kingdom made a comment on opening day about how Disney learned not to do park opening in the summer.

Here are a few Wizarding World of Harry Potter links to get us started this Sunday:

  • The Leaky Cauldron has the best coverage of all kinds of Harry Potter news including Universal Studios Park Coverage.
  • Attractions Magazine is one of my favorite websites as then take pictures, videos and have some excellent articles. If it is happening in Orlando they are there.

Ok now on to Disney News:

Those are just a few articles from around the interwebs from this past week. I hope you have a most excellent Fathers Day and a great Disney Week.

Thanks for checking us out!

>>Chip

Tangled: Disney’s Anti-Princess Princess Movie?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Tangled: Disney's Anti-Princess Princess Movie?

Is Disney trying to get boys to forget about the princess angle in Tangled, its take on the classic fairytale Rapunzel due out in the fall? Entertainment Weekly thinks so.  If you watch the newest trailer, which looks great and features the fun musical choice of Pink, you’ll notice that the emphasis is placed on comedy and adventure.  It certainly seems that Rapunzel is not your average princess.  In fact, she’s Flynn’s match and then some.

Dissuaded by the title, many boys didn’t see The Princess and the Frog in theaters last year, which is a shame given that it’s a beautiful and, perhaps more importantly, clever film.  By changing Tangled’s name from Rapunzel, Disney is attempting to appeal to a wider audience, which is smart, however much I don’t like the name personally.  Tangled looks like it will be a different “princess” film, one that both boys and girls will enjoy (although I imagine that most boys will also love The Princess and the Frog if they give it a chance).  I’m looking forward to it. While we love the classics around our house, I also want my sons and daughter to see that girls–princesses, even–can do anything they want.   And if it takes making a “princess” movie a little manly to make my sons want to watch it, well then I”m all for it.

Tangled trailer.

Happy Father’s Day: Ten Ways to Celebrate with Dad at Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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best vacation
best vacation

Happy Father’s Day: Ten Ways to Celebrate with Dad at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is a great place to celebrate Dad. In honor of Father’s Day next week, here are ten relatively low cost ways for the whole family to say, “Thanks, Dad!” at Disney World.

  1. Show Him the World. What better way to let Dad know he means the world to you than to show him the World, Walt Disney World that is? Board the tethered Characters in Flight balloon (adult: $18, child: $12) at Downtown Disney and float up to 400 feet above ground to enjoy spectacular views of Walt Disney World. For an extra-special experience, take the ride at night.
  2. Padre Felice’s Day. That’s Happy Father’s Day in French. Visit the Kidcot stations in the eleven countries of Epcot’s World Showcase to have Cast Members write “Happy Father’s Day” in their native languages on your dad’s Father’s Day card. For even more international fun, stop in the bakeries to pick up a sweet treat to go with your card. The School Bread from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion, baklava from Morocco, and the elephant ears from the French bakery, Boulangerie Patisserie, would fill my husband’s box of sweet treats.
  3. Walk on the Wild Side. Animal Kingdom has been the home to some pretty amazing animal births this past year. Moms and dads have welcomed an elephant, gorilla, white cheek gibbon, and white rhino, this past year. Take your dad on the Maharajah Jungle Trek or the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to try to catch some animal dads and their kids playing.
  4. Hot Rod. Be forewarned, a visit to Ridemakerz, a new Downtown Disney location doesn’t come cheap but it is a cool experience if your dad is a car enthusiast. Similar in concept to Build-a-Bear Workshops, guests can build and customize their own free-wheel or remote-control vehicles – you’ll even see how quickly your dad can assemble the car in the pit. With over 649 million ways to customize the cars including body type, sounds, wheels, and more, you’re nearly guaranteed a one-of-a-kind car!
  5. Fore! To make golfing a family affair, play a round of miniature golf at one of the two miniature golf courses (adult: $12, child: $10) at the Walt Disney World Resort. Let your dad choose from Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens.  For a little friendly competition, suggest Fantasia Fairways, which is a miniaturized version of a true 18-hole golf course. For a more relaxed experience, head over to Winter Summerland where Santa’s elves built two golf courses at their vacation spot, one for the sun lovers and one to remind them of home.
  6. Dad Caught a Fish this BIG. Both Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness offer dockside fishing. Dad will surely cherish spending some relaxed quality time with his loved ones. And you’ll bring home some fish stories about the one that got away.
  7. Design-A-Tee. Design a t-shirt for Dad that shows how much you love and admire him. The options are endless at the Disney Design-A-Tee store in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Choose your father’s favorite style, color, and Disney characters to personalize the shirt. Finish it off with a few special words to make the shirt uniquely his.
  8. Fireworks. There’s no better way to end an evening at Walt Disney World than with one of the spectacular nighttime shows. For a prime viewing location and enough desserts to give you a sugar-high, reserve the Wishes Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom. (adult: $26, child $14) For Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, get there early to grab a table on the water near the Mexico Pavilion. Enjoy people watching with a margarita (for the adults, of course) until the show starts.
  9. Specialty Cake/ Cupcake Tower. Order Dad a special cake or create your own cupcake tower using some of the unique and decadent options throughout Walt Disney World. Call “The Cake Hotline” (407.827.2253) at least 48 hours in advance to order your custom cake. The hardest part of a cupcake tower will be deciding which ones to choose. Don’t despair. The “You Won’t Believe This!” Snack Series at The Disney Food Blog won’t steer you wrong.
  10. Start Your Engines. This last experience isn’t exactly low-cost and it’s not something the family can do together but I couldn’t overlook the coolness factor. Dads will love the ride-along experience at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. A high-speed, three lap ride-along will run you about $110.

Happy Father’s Day!

Photo Credit by http://family.go.com

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. You call follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DisneyExplorer.

Take a Swing at Disney’s ‘Summer Price Slice’

By
Chip
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Take a Swing at Disney’s ‘Summer Price Slice’

Golfers are always looking for a sweet deal on a round of golf, right? Well, look no farther than Walt Disney World.

Throughout the summer, you can play any of our four 18-hole championships courses – including the ones used by the biggest names in PGA Tour history – for under 60 bucks as part of our “Summer Price Slice.’’

You can play Disney’s Magnolia and Palm courses, which play host to a PGA Tour event each year, as well as Disney’s Osprey Ridge and Lake Buena Vista courses for only $59 including the cart ($49 for resort guests) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on any day. After 3 p.m., it’s only $39.

Ever wanted to try to play a hole the same way Tiger Woods has played it? Or compare your score to Jack Nicklaus’ score on the same course? You can do that on the Magnolia and Palm courses where both those golf icons have played.

To get the special rate, which is good through August 31, just call (407) WDW-GOLF or (407) 939-4653 to book your tee time and ask for the Summer Slice Price. Now that’s the kind of “slice’’ you won’t mind being part of your game!

Fore!!!

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Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap June 19th

By
Chip
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Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap June 19th

Don “Ducky” Williams invited us into his office once again for a behind-the-scenes look at how he draws his favorite Disney character — Donald Duck. This time, he shared more stories as well as details about the images he’s most proud of during his 30 years with the company. Check it out:

And I wanted to say thank you for the suggestions on other characters you’d like to see featured in this Disney Parks Blog series. Do you have a favorite you’d like to see? Please let us know in the comments.

And now, here’s the list of stories you may have missed this week:

Couple Knows it Really is A Small (Disney) World After All — Alex and Donna Voutsinas recreate a 1980 family snapshot where young Donna was with her family at the Magic Kingdom park, posing for a photo along Main Street, U.S.A. with Mr. Smee and her brothers. Her future husband, Alex, would be in the background of the same photo.

Your Favorite Place to Watch Fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park is… — You told us about your “special” go-to spot to watch fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

Top 10 Quick Bites in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks — It wasn’t easy, but we picked our top 10 favorite quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World.

Disney Magic begins First Northern European Voyages — The Disney Magic will take Guests to some of the most beautiful ports in the Baltic, including Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm and St. Petersburg.

What Do You Think is the Biggest Thing That Happened in 1976 – 1980?

By
Chip
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What Do You Think is the Biggest Thing That Happened in 1976 – 1980?

This weekly series comes to us from the Disney Parks Blog:

Talk about time flying! We are just flying through these half decades. In this week’s countdown to the 55th anniversary, we’re looking at 1976 to 1980.

By just glancing at the title of this post, you can tell it was another busy five years.

While it can be hard to pick just one favorite attraction or event in a half decade, there is one project that is very dear to Tony Baxter, Senior Vice President, Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering. It’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We asked Tony if we would share his thoughts in this five-year period, and he gave us some insight into the thought that went into creating this attraction.

“When planning the design for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,” Tony recalls, “we turned to National Geographic Magazine for research. There in the opening paragraph in an article on Utah’s Bryce Canyon was the statement, “When you first glimpse the canyon you will feel that it was the creation of Walt Disney…” That settled it — Bryce Canyon would be the theme for the Disneyland attraction.

The charm of the attraction is the rockwork. If you look at rockwork in other parks you get the feeling that the train was there first, and the rocks “grew” around the train. Big Thunder Mountain is absolutely convincing because it appears that the track was laid out to fit an existing landscape.”

Before you decide what you think is the biggest addition to Disneyland park in 1976 to 1980, take a look back:

1980 – Disneyland park kicked off a year-long Silver Anniversary celebration with a pre-parade show at the Tournament of Roses on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. Several special parades and shows followed for the rest of the year, but it was a special event in March, featuring Michael Jackson and Danny Kaye, that brought national attention to the celebration. On July 17, the 25th anniversary of the park’s opening, doors were open for 25 straight hours. In April, Family Reunion Night Celebration brought out several famous Disney faces, including Jackson, Fred MacMurray, Ernest Borgnine as well as the Carpenters, Ray Bradbury and even…Elliot Gould.

1979 – Disneyland park welcomed its first birth: Teresa Salcedo was born on a busy July 4th near Main Street, U.S.A., and she was later presented with the official “Disneyland Birth Certificate No. 1.” Teresa wasn’t the only new addition, as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad took its maiden trip in September. Celebrating his 75th birthday in grand style, Count Basie welcomed several of his closest celebrity pals to a summer party, including Sammy Davis Jr. and Ed McMahon Other hot names (for the time) who showed up throughout the year included Peaches and Herb, Evelyn “Champagne” King and Buddy Rich.

1978 – Mickey Mouse’s 50th birthday was all the rage, as special shows and parades were peppered throughout the year. The official celebration took place on Nov. 18 and 19, with Annette Funicello and other fave Mouseketeers on hand to celebrate. New elements were added to the popular Matterhorn Bobsleds, while the Disneyland Hotel opened the 13-story Bonita Tower, the first hotel in the U.S. with a solar heating system. Grad Nite continued its popular run, growing to eight parties for 821 high school graduating classes.

1977 – Openings and closings highlighted the year, as famed astronauts, including Alan Shepard, gathered for the opening of Space Mountain…and Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland closed after 21 years to make way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In addition to Space Mountain, Tomorrowland also debuted the PeopleMover SuperSpeed Tunnel, Starcade, and the Space Place restaurant. Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade returned for the summer after a two-year break, while an all-new Very Merry Christmas Parade bowed for the Christmas seasons.

Click here to keep reading this article from the Disney Parks Blog.

Three Disney Parks Plan Special Fireworks on July 4

By
Chip
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Three Disney Parks Plan Special Fireworks on July 4

Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular.

Here’s what’s in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):

  • Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale.
    The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Famous Fan Spotted at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Event

By
Chip
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Famous Fan Spotted at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Event

With more than 300 events taking place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex each year, you never know who will show up. This week it’s well-known actress (“Desperate Housewives”) and creator of the new website for women, GetHatched.com, Teri Hatcher. Teri’s daughter, Emerson, happens to be playing in one of the largest AAU girls volleyball tournaments in the country.

The “Supernova All-Stars” from Los Angeles are among 1,100+ teams competing in the 37th Annual AAU Girls Volleyball Junior National Championship. Like many athletes and teams that visit ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the “Supernova All-Stars” team spent some time enjoying the Disney theme parks. We caught up with Teri and Emerson, proudly wearing their Mickey Mouse ears, in the Magic Kingdom with Mickey himself. Have you spotted any stars while visiting ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?

ESPN WWOS AAU Championships Showcase Nation’s Top Basketball Talent

By
Chip
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ESPN WWOS AAU Championships Showcase Nation’s Top Basketball Talent

You recognize the faces from courtside huddles during basketball games on ESPN, but now they’re sitting in the stands just like everyone else. The occasion is the “Super Showcase” – the Amateur Athletic Union National Basketball Championships – an event that annually draws coaches from top NCAA basketball programs to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
And as in years past, a “who’s who” of college basketball will congregate around the courts at The Field House and Jostens Center July 20-27 for showcases in the boys 15-, 16- and 17-and-under categories. Each coach will have a similar two-fold goal: to evaluate the top prep players in the country, and identify the top hoop athletes to target for scholarship offers. Noted AAU alumni include LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.
The AAU, one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the country, sanctions as many as 12 national championship basketball events each year at the complex. In all, the AAU conducts more than 40 national events on Disney property each year, including baseball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, gymnastics, inline hockey, track & field, wrestling and several other sports.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

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