Toys”R”Us Stores Around the World Bring ‘Toy Story 3’ to Life

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June 3, 2010

To celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release of “Toy Story 3,” Toys”R”Us® is helping kids worldwide reach “to infinity and beyond” by creating the ultimate “Toy Story 3” destination in all of its nearly 1,300 toy stores in 34 countries around the world. In the United States, kids can “Live the Adventure” in stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToyStory starting today when they visit dedicated “Toy Story 3” boutiques, filled with the largest assortment of “Toy Story”-inspired toys, including action figures, construction sets, role play accessories, musical instruments and electronic devices. At Toys”R”Us, kids can find everything they need to continue the movie adventure at home with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. Similar “Toy Story 3” boutiques will open in Toys”R”Us stores around the world, coinciding with the movie’s release in each respective country.

“For nearly 15 years, kids and kids at heart have imagined that the toys they find in Toys”R”Us stores can come alive and have their own adventures thanks to the magical storytelling of the “Toy Story” films,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “The powerful connection to toys evoked by the films match our brand perfectly, and to bring this playtime experience to a new generation of kids, Toys”R”Us stores are now showcasing a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” merchandise, including dozens of items that can only be found in our stores.”

“Since 1995, Toys”R”Us has consistently offered “Toy Story” fans a place to find items based on their favorite characters, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Hamm, Rex and MR. POTATO HEAD,” said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president of global toys for Disney Consumer Products. “With the introduction of new characters like Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Twitch, as well as the addition of LEGO® construction sets and characters based on Barbie® doll and Ken®, kids will find more “Toy Story 3” items than Andy can fit into his bedroom when they visit Toys”R”Us stores.”

Toys”R”Us Stores in the United States Invite Kids To “Live the Adventure”

To kick off the celebration, “Toy Story 3” has received a dedicated space at the front of every Toys”R”Us store in the United States. Inviting kids to “Live the Adventure” of the newest Disney∙Pixar film, each boutique features images of classic “Toy Story” characters, such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, Bullseye, Slinky Dog, the Aliens and more. Inside the boutiques, children will find an exciting assortment of interactive toys, games, trains, playsets, role play accessories, construction sets and everything else needed to help bring “Toy Story 3” to life. “Toy Story” fans should also note that Toys”R”Us stores nationwide will receive regular shipments of new “Toy Story 3” merchandise throughout the year.

The company’s international flagship store, Toys”R”Us Times Square, is also featuring a dedicated boutique near the store’s main entrance on 44th Street and Broadway to showcase “Toy Story 3” products. Visitors can find out what it is like to become a “living toy” with a life-size, walk-in “Toy Story 3“-branded action figure package. Kids can also soar over the three-story toy store on the indoor, 60-foot Ferris Wheel which features Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the Aliens.

In the week leading up to the film’s June 18 theatrical release in the United States, customers who purchase $25 worth of “Toy Story” merchandise from Sunday, June 13 to Saturday, June 19 will receive a complimentary “Toy Story 3” movie ticket, while supplies last. For more details, customers should check the company’s newspaper circulars. “Toy Story” fans will also be treated to additional special promotions at Toys”R”Us stores throughout the year.

“Toy Story” Travels To Babies”R”Us® Stores

As part of the “Toy Story” celebration, Babies”R”Us stores in the United States are now showcasing a carefully selected assortment of “Toy Story” merchandise geared toward younger children. Featured in “Toy Story” boutiques, the assortment focuses on room décor, with a large assortment of baby furniture, toddler beds, stepping stools and more featuring “Toy Story” characters. Additionally, the boutiques include “Toy Story” playthings for the tiniest tikes, such as the “Toy Story 3” Imaginext® line from Fisher-Price®.

Telling Toy Stories Online and On-The-Go

To help prepare kids and collectors for the theatrical arrival of “Toy Story 3,” Toysrus.com/ToyStory has become a playroom for all things “Toy Story.” Bringing together a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” toys, the site also features content that fans crave, including downloadable coloring sheets and wallpaper for iPod touch and computers. As an added bonus, shoppers can also find videos highlighting the unique features of the hottest “Toy Story 3” products.

And, since everyone knows the characters from “Toy Story” can’t be contained on the silver screen or the computer screen, they’ll even break loose on Toysrus.com when “Toy Story” Aliens begin to hide throughout the site from Sunday, June 13 through Sunday, June 27. Popping up throughout the site, visitors who find these fan-favorite, three-eyed characters will receive access to a variety of content including special deals on “Toy Story 3” items and previews of fun “Toy Story” animation clips featuring the gang. Everyone who clicks on and captures an Alien will be rewarded.

Additionally, kids and parents can take the adventure onto their mobile devices beginning later this month with a downloadable “Toy Story 3” Memory game available exclusively for iPod touch and iPhone. Offering a new spin on the classic card matching game, players will be challenged to test their memorization skills by flipping over “Toy Story“-themed cards in an attempt to find a matching picture underneath. Customers interested in downloading the game will find a link to it at Toysrus.com/ToyStory.

To Infinity and Beyond – Toy Story line to launch in Toys”R”Us Stores Around the World

As “Toy Story 3” opens in theaters internationally, Toys”R”Us stores around the world will also celebrate the film’s arrival with dedicated boutiques. These special shops in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and additional countries will offer exclusive products, including U-COMMAND Buzz Lightyear, which is available only at Toys”R”Us stores worldwide.

Andy’s Favorites – Exclusive Products

In addition to the broadest assortment of toys based on the movie, kids will find dozens of unique “Toy Story 3” items available exclusively at Toys”R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToyStory. Selected highlights of the differentiated “Toy Story 3” product line include:

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” U-COMMAND Buzz Lightyear from Thinkway®

It’s “Buzz Lightyear to the rescue” with this fully programmable action figure. Children just take control of Buzz by using an infrared remote control to make him speak, spin around, move forward and back, move his arms and activate his laser. With 10 program buttons that can create over 1,000 action combos and the ability to control Buzz using a joystick controller, kids will think Buzz actually left Andy’s house en route to their own home. This global exclusive can only be found at Toys”R”Us stores around the world. 7 “AA” Batteries required (4 included). Ages 6 years and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Interactive Buddies Woody and Jessie from Thinkway®

Sheriff Woody and his pal Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl are together again, and just like in the “Toy Story” movies, they banter and bicker with each other. With this Toys”R”Us exclusive, kids can choose between three different interactive modes to hear these pals speak individually or converse with each other, using their actual voices from the movies. Between Woody and Jessie, the duo can say over 100 phrases, including lines from “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3,” along with additional buddy interactions. 3 “AA” batteries and 3 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 4 years and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Buddy Packs from Mattel®

Designed with little hands in mind, these chunky “Toy Story 3” action figure sets each come with seven different characters. The Hero’s Gang set lets children easily collect Andy’s toys, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Hamm, Rex and Workout Barbie®. Kids who want to meet the new characters waiting for them in “Toy Story 3” can check out the Lotso’s Gang set which comes with Lotso, Stretch, Big Baby, Twitch, Chunk, Sparks and Ken®.

No batteries required. Ages 3 and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” GeoTrax™ Exploding Bridge RC Set from Fisher-Price®

Oh, no! A dastardly villain has booby trapped the bridge, and Buzz Lightyear’s train is headed for certain peril! Now it’s up to Woody and his trusty horse, Bullseye, to save the day in this constructible train set. Featuring a remote control train, a figure-8 loop of track, an “exploding” bridge that breaks away from the track, TNT, and three figures, kids will have plenty of pretend rescues with their favorite “Toy Story” characters. 6 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 2 to 7 years.

POP-O-MATIC® TROUBLE Game®: Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Edition from Hasbro® Games

The classic race-ahead, bump-back game takes on a “Toy Story” twist as players partner with their favorite characters. Kids can either play along with Buzz Lightyear (blue), Woody (yellow), Rex (green) or MR. POTATO HEAD (red) as they race around the board in an attempt to land at home base. As always, players use the POP-O-MATIC dice roller to determine their moves, but they better watch out because if an opponent lands on them, it’s back to the start of the board. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Garbage Truck Getaway from LEGO Systems, Inc.

Kids can recreate a climactic scene from “Toy Story 3” with this 402-piece construction set containing enough pieces to build a garbage truck and dumpster. Once the four included Minifigure versions of Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Twitch dive into the dumpster, the truck can lift it and automatically toss the contents into the back of the truck. No batteries required. Ages 7 to 14 years.

7 pack Lotso

GeoTrax Exploding Bridge

Interactive Woody and Jessie in pacakge

LEGO Garbage Truck

Toy Story 3 Trouble

TRU Toy Story 1

TRU Toy Story 2

U Command Buzz

Disney Pic of the Day – Chris Hemsworth as THOR

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

These released concert art photos of Chris Hemsworth as Thor comes to us from Collider. For more information on the upcoming Marvel Movie Thor check out Collider here.

Disneyland’s Not Back to School Days Rally and Home Education Conference

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

September 8-11, 2010 at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California

Memories to last a lifetime are made at the Not Back to School Days Rally™ as families experience the combination of an exciting academic environment with an unforgettable vacation. This event has grown to a national scale, and your family will feel empowered as you share the Disneyland® Resort with thousands of home schoolers from all over the country. Together, we break the barriers of socialization as we stretch forth our hands to share the true magic of homeschooling – which is, that we can educate our children anywhere, anytime, and any place – even at the Disneyland® Resort!

Come, and show your children that they are part of something really, really big. Something so unique… so incredibly precious… that everyone who meets you and sees your example will want to know more. Experience workshops taught by Disney instructors, using theme park attractions, and the freedom to learn outside the confines of four walls.

The Not Back to School Days Rally™ is an affordable home education conference. Registration is competitively
priced to most state-sized conferences. Families who register can save up to 45% off Park Hopper™ theme park admission tickets, and we coordinate a wide assortment of fun activities with the specific combined purpose of providing academic enrichment while making new friends. We receive many testimonials from those who appreciate our efforts to meet these needs, and look forward to helping you create family traditions.

The 2010 rally is open to anyone interested in home education, and all home educators, in any capacity, and their family, extended family, inquisitive friends and neighbors. We want you to invite those who may be skeptical of homeschooling, as we strive to be able to overcome their socialization fears by attending this event as we have done for so many families in the past. It will change the way people view home education and make a positive impact in your home!

Click here to learn more.

Good Eats – Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

Sanaa Restaurant serves African cuisine with Indian flavors for lunch and dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village in Walt Disney World Resort. Just as its name — in Swahili — means “work of art,” Sanaa offers its Guests beautifully prepared food in an artistic atmosphere.

I love the fusion between African and Indian food here. If you are a fan like me of Indian Cuisine then this restaurant will be right up your alley. If you have never tried Indian food before then this would be the prefect location to try it for the very first time as you know Disney excellence in cooking.

Not only is the food good here the atmosphere is phenomenal! The restaurant overlooks a Savannah and you might get an audience of Giraffes, Zebras, or Ostriches for your meal. Very cool!

Come check it out you will be glad you did, and as always be sure make your Advanced Dining Reservation.

For more information on Sanaa, DIS Unplugged has the best Food Review I have read on the interwebs. Check it out.

Local Disney Stores Celebrate Toy Story 3 With Saturday Activities in June

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

toy story 3 logo

I have some great news for those lucky enough to have a Disney Store in their hometown!

I wanted to make sure you guys are aware of the fun activities happening in June as part of the Toy Story 3 release. Local Disney Store locations will host weekend events every Saturday in June for families (perfect for moms and kids to get out of the house) including:

June 5^th, Toy Story 3 Craft Activity: Now kids can create their very own adventure for Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the whole Toy Story 3 gang with a 2-D playset they will put together in the store (while supplies last). Parents don’t forget to bring your camera because there will be plenty of great photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. This event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
June 12^th, Toy Story 3 Bingo: Forget the old B-I-N-G-O and bring kids in to play the new and exciting Toy Story 3 Bingo! Played just like traditional bingo, Toy Story 3 bingo features the favorite Toy Story characters. Kids who participate will have the chance to win fun prizes (while supplies last). Session 1 starts at 11:00 a.m. and Session 2 starts at 12:30 p.m.
June 19^th, Toy Story 3 Scavenger Hunt: Join Disney Store for a day of fun, excitement and a special surprise. Kids will start the scavenger hunt by receiving some secret clues to find a specific Toy Story character or product in the store. Once kids find the character, they will be challenged with answering questions about the character. When all of the answers are completed correctly, they will be able to decode a mystery message and receive a special surprise (while supplies last). This event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
June 26^th, Toy Story 3 Adventure: Help Woody rescue the toys from Sunnyside Daycare Center. Kids can win a free activity sheet or other prizes. Kids will be asked to complete four adventures/activities. Upon completion of all the activities, kids will receive a certificate and special surprise for participating (while supplies last). This event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Please double check with your local Disney Store before heading out!

Thanks to Roxanne for the details!

Top Eats: Quick Service Dining in the Magic Kingdom.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 3, 2010

I’m going to just come right out and say it: I’m a bit hard to please when it comes to food. I like to cook and I like using good ingredients, so when I’m served bad food, I get a bit grumpy, particularly when I’m paying a lot for it. So when Chip asked me to write this, I paused for a minute. I want to give my honest opinion but I don’t want to sound like a food snob because, let’s be honest, the food police are pretty annoying. So I decided to shelve my inner snarkiness–you don’t want to see me around a plate of Figaro Fries–and focus on the good when it comes to Magic Kingdom quick service, because there’s a lot of good out there.

First thing’s first: There’s more to theme park food than burgers, fries and hot dogs and you know if anyone is going to do that right, it’s going to be Disney. Yes, you’ll find plenty of fast food, so much so that in a fog of hunger, you might miss some real highlights, but it’s out there. And second, you can eat quick service meals in the Magic Kingdom regardless of your dietary needs, be that vegetarian, gluten-free, or even kosher. Besides Epcot, the Magic Kingdom has perhaps the best selection for those with dietary restrictions. Here are five of my favorites that I think give you a good value in taste, quality and price.

5. Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe. This place is huge and often busy with something for everyone. Decent roasted chicken, wraps, salads and yes, burgers. Many people swear by the burgers at Pecos Bill, but my favorite Magic Kingdom burger can be found here. You can even request a kosher meal or a gluten free roll. Be sure to try the Chicken and Ribs combo as its one of Magic Kingdoms best deals!

4. Turkey Legs in Adventureland. You’ll smell it first, so you won’t need directions. It’s like a Siren’s Song to meat eaters. Okay, it’s all protein and a lot of fat, but for $7.59 you get enough for two people (or one teenage boy). You can even use your quick service dining plan credits here; you’ll also get dessert (usually a cookie) and a drink. This isn’t a diet meal, but it’s cheap and if you’re not into a lot of carbs and you want something fast and different, this is a good choice. Besides tasting really good, you’ll get a chance to get in touch with your inner Barbarian and embarrass your spouse while you walk around the park gnawing on a big piece of meat. On busy days when lunchtime lines are out the door, these carts rarely have more than a ten minute wait for service and also sell surprisingly good single serving pizzas. Check out this fun picture of a Gigantic Smoked Turkey Leg.

3. Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square, just across from the Haunted Mansion. One of those overlooked locations, there’s usually seating upstairs even on the busiest days. This is a great choice for vegetarians, who can sample the vegetarian chilli or the Lighthouse Sandwich. The fried fish is crispy and not overly fishy, although the less said about the tarter sauce the better.

2. Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Stir fries, noodle bowls, salads and kid-friendly nuggets and hot dogs, this is a great choice for something that’s both healthy and different, with plenty of good vegetarian choices as well. I give Disney credit: How many theme parks dare to serve tofu?! And manage to do it well enough that even meat eaters like it? Well, Disney has managed to do just that here. The joke among Disney fans is that it’s rarely open and when it is, it’s usually during the busiest times of the year, although I’ve also seen it open during the middle part of December when the parks weren’t all that busy. Definitely worth checking out. You know, if it happens to be open.

1. Main Street Bakery. Other than the long lines, this is my favorite lunch stop in the Magic Kingdom. The sandwich selection isn’t huge, but the quality is excellent with nice vegetarian options and gluten free rolls available. It’s also a good buy on if you’re on the meal plan. I generally am not crazy about the desserts that come with quick service meals, but since they’re included, I feel strangely compelled to take one even if I know I’m probably not going to eat it. At the Main Street Bakery, I actually eat it and more importantly, enjoy it.

Disney Food Confession – Sanaa Dessert Sampler

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

Where is it? Sanaa at Kidani Village Restaurant, Disneyworld

What is it? Going from left to right: No Sugar Added Mango Pudding, Egg-less chocolate cake and Cardamom-butter cake.

Why you want it? Light, refreshing, and very unique desserts served after a great meal.

Photo Credit: by jackskellington101 via flickr

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected]. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Meeting Lotso at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

This is a very cute article about meeting Lots-o-Huggin bear at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from The Daily Disney.

Lotso is short for Lots-O’-Huggin’, and the DHS character (set up in the Magic of Disney Animation building) typically greets guests with open arms and lots of (wait for it, wait for it) huggin’. It’s pretty endearing. Lotso is kinda big, and I’m not really sure how he signs autographs with those big paws, but he does it.

The line was too long for my tastes, so I can only imagine if he smells like strawberry as the plush doll versions of him in the stores do.

Lotso’s stomping grounds are where the Up characters used to be. The current scenery includes toy blocks that spell out TS3 and a green army man who moves up and down a yo-yo string above Lotso’s head.

Click here to keep reading this article including some more pictures.

Disney Employee Caught Stealing From Guests

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

A Disney employee is off the job after being arrested for stealing from tourists. Investigators say the woman would help visitors check in to Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Old Key West resorts, but guests had no idea she was using a device to steal their credit card information.

Investigators say the woman was found with at least 15 skimming devices and prosecutors say the Disney worker is responsible for $83,000 in losses.

The employee admitted she stole the credit card numbers, but claims she never made any purchases; she just sold the information. She signed a plea agreement last Thursday that will send her to jail.

Disney is changing the way it watches its employees after the worker was caught stealing credit card information from guests for months. Ana Rosa worked as a hotel receptionist at both the Saratoga Springs and Old Key West resorts. Detectives say she had stolen credit card numbers from 173 guests in a four-month period last year.

“It does kind of bother me about Disney, because Disney is the happiest place on earth and you’re like, ‘Oh, great, credit card information stolen,” tourist Beth Divirgilis said.

Rosa told Orange County deputies she bought a card skimming device from a merchant at a flea market. She paid him $200 and also gave him four free Disney passes.

Rosa told authorities she plugged the device into the computers at the front desk. When guests’ credit cards were swiped, the skimming device captured their information. She then handed the info to another man, who paid her $500 a month.

Guests did not know their identities were stolen until charges started popping up on their credit cards. Investigators said the thieves typically use the numbers to make online purchases or create new credit cards.

WFTV tried to talk to Rosa, but she was not home Wednesday. A Disney spokesperson said she is no longer an employee and new measures have been put into place to protect guests.

WFTV asked Disney if it planned to reimburse the guests. A spokesperson said they don’t have any victim information and the case is currently under investigation.

Rosa will have to serve at least two years in prison as part of the plea deal she signed. Her actual sentencing will be next month.

Source

Mickey Mouse MLB Statues Placed Throughout SoCal

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

Thirty-Six Varieties of Statues Including Designs for All 30 Clubs to Celebrate 2010 All-Star Game on July 13 on FOX

Beginning today, Major League Baseball Properties and Disney Consumer Products are populating key locations throughout Southern California with thirty-six varieties of life-sized MLB-themed Mickey Mouse statues in celebration of the 2010 MLB All-Star Week festivities taking place July 9^th – 13^th in Anaheim, Calif. As part of the previously announced new collaboration between the organizations, the statues are being placed in high-profile areas throughout Anaheim, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas in Southern California, including Angel Stadium, Anaheim City Hall, Downtown Disney, the Kodak and El Capitan Theatres, L.A. Live and the Hollywood Walk of Fame area. All 36 statues will be in place by the end of next week and will stay through the All-Star Game on July 13th on FOX.

The 36 life-size statues, commissioned in conjunction with MLB licensee Forever Collectibles, are uniquely decorated with bold graphics featuring each of the 30 MLB Clubs as well as four All-Star designs, an American League and a National League design. Each life-sized statue is 7.5 feet in height and weighs 989 pounds.

MLB and Disney Consumer Products will launch on June 11^th a Find Mickey Scavenger Hunt, which rewards people for visiting the different statue locations and being the first to find and tweet a photo with the life sized MLB Mickey Mouse statues. Also, the first person to take a photo in front of all 36 statues and tweet a link to their photo gallery will win the grand prize of two tickets to the MLB All-Star Game on July 13^th in Anaheim. There will be thirty-six winners in total and one grand prize winner. For a complete list of rules, hash-tags and instructions on how to participate, see www.mlb.com/mickeymouse, and for updates on the scavenger hunt, follow @AllStarGame and @DisneyLiving on Twitter.

“Major League Baseball is excited to bring the 2010 All-Star Game to Anaheim and we want fans all throughout Southern California to feel like they are a part of the entire experience,” said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball. “As an iconic figure, Mickey Mouse is the ideal ambassador to connect fans with the premiere sporting event of the summer.”

“When the original Disneyland opened in Anaheim in 1955, Walt Disney’s cartoon characters came to life not just on Main Street, but throughout the world,” said City of Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle. “Mickey Mouse just may be the most popular and most photographed All-Star this summer!”

Unveiled last month, miniature versions of each of the statues are available in a 7.5-inch size through MLB.com and DisneyStore.com, as well as additional retailers including MLB stadium shops, Walgreens and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Photos of all variations are available at MLBPressBox.com and DisneyConsumerProducts.com. In addition to the statuettes, fans can also obtain a wide variety of merchandise and apparel featuring Major League Baseball and beloved Disney characters, including caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, drink ware, pins, throws and beach towels in time for the All-Star Game.

MLB Mickey Mouse Statue Locations (arranged alphabetically by city/location)

City/Location Statue

Anaheim

Anaheim City Hall All-Star Game – Vintage

Anaheim Convention Center All-Star Game (Stars & Stripes)

Anaheim Garden Walk Twins

Anaheim Marriott National League

Angel Stadium Angels

Disneyland Esplanade All-Star Game

Disneyland Esplanade Braves

Downtown Disney – Build-A-Bear Cardinals

Downtown Disney – ESPN Zone Marlins

Hilton Anaheim American League

Muzeo – Anaheim Athletics

The Grove – Anaheim All-Star Game (Angel Stadium)

Costa Mesa

Orange County Performing Arts Center Blue Jays

South Coast Plaza Padres

Garden Grove

Crown Plaza Anaheim Tigers

Hollywood

El Capitan Theatre Royals

Holiday Inn Express – Walk of Fame Reds

Industry Rag – N. La Brea Ave. Indians

Kodak Theatre Mariners

Hollywood & Highland Center Phillies

Huntington Beach

The Strand @ Huntington Beach Brewers

Irvine

Irvine Spectrum Center Mets

The Market Place Rockies

Laguna Beach

Laguna Art Museum Rays

Long Beach

Long Beach Towne Center Astros

Los Angeles

ESPN Zone @ L.A. LIVE Yankees

The Music Center Dodgers

Union Station Pirates

Newport Beach

Fashion Island Giants

Newport Sports Museum Orioles

Orange

Orange County Zoo Cubs

The Village at Orange Rangers

Rancho Cucamonga

Victoria Gardens Nationals

Santa Ana

Discovery Science Center Red Sox

Santa Monica

Holiday Inn – Santa Monica White Sox

Tustin

The District at Tustin Legacy Diamondbacks

Sights & Sounds of Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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June 2, 2010

Fans of the Star Wars universe — today, we’re sharing some of the sights and sounds that made last weekend so special at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Weekends launched on the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and the big-screen debut of Boba Fett. So of course, the bounty hunter had a strong presence. Here’s what celebrity host Jeremy Bulloch and celebrity guest Daniel Logan had to say about the character they played and some favorite fan costumes from the event, including “purple” Darth Vader.

Star Wars Weekends continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13. During that time, be on the lookout for some new faces, including R2-MK, and Asajj Ventress from “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

2010 Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe Dining

By

Chip

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June 2, 2010

In addition to your Disney Resort hotel accommodations and Magic Your Way Base Ticket, this vacation package includes the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan that can save you up to 40% on dining. Included are 3 meals and 2 snacks per person, per night of your package stay, and the flexibility to enjoy any combination of select table-service and quick-service restaurants. Enjoy delectable dining at over 100 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s what you’ll get with the 2010 Magic Your Way Vacation Package:

Accommodations
Choose from one of 5 categories of Walt Disney World Resort hotels:

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts – Relax in comfortable accommodations with home-like amenities.
Disney Deluxe Resorts – Experience the ultimate in Disney luxury, style and service.
Disney Moderate Resorts – Escape to enchanting, wonderfully themed locales.
Disney Value Resorts – Enjoy colorful, whimsical places that are big on fun and affordability.
Disney Campground – Enjoy nature and the great outdoors at these scenic campsites.

Customizable Magic Your Way Theme Park Ticket
First, choose the number of days (from 1 to 10) of your ticket, which provides admission to one of the 4 Disney theme parks each day. The more days you add to your ticket, the less you pay per day! All tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use and exclude activities and events separately priced.

Next, purchase these options to add more fun and flexibility to your ticket:

Park Hopper Option
Add the Park Hopper Option to come and go as you please through all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks on the same day for each day of your ticket.

Water Park Fun & More Option
The Water Park Fun & More Option offers a certain number of visits based on the length of your ticket. For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park
DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Green fees for a round of golf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, a 9-hole walking course. Reservations for tee times are required and subject to availability.

Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures, and are also subject to closure for rehabilitation. Age restrictions may apply for access to certain facilities.

No Expiration Option
With the No Expiration Option, your unused theme park days and Water Park Fun & More Option visits never expire. (Without this option, tickets must be used within 14 days of first use.)

Commemorative Luggage Tag
Each Guest on the Magic Your Way Vacation Package receives one souvenir Disney keepsake luggage tag.

Walt Disney Travel Company Package Benefits
When you purchase any Magic Your Way package, you receive the following Magical Extras:

Walt Disney World Marina Discounts
Adds 30 minutes of watercraft fun when you rent a watercraft for 60 minutes. Valid for Sea Raycers by Sea Ray, Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and Pontoon boat rentals at participating Walt Disney World marina locations. (One voucher per room. Applicable for up to 5 Guests. Not valid all dates and restrictions apply.)
Disney’s Miniature Golf Experience
Valid for one round of Miniature Golf per room at either Disney’s Fantasia Gardens or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Courses.
Planet Hollywood $15 USD Meal Voucher and Souvenir Keepsake
Valid for $15 USD worth of food and non-alcoholic beverages and a souvenir merchandise keepsake at Planet Hollywood Downtown Disney West Side. (Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One voucher per room. One keepsake per room. Voucher required for keepsake.) )
Arcade Game Card
Valid for 100 game play points in arcades located in Disney Resort hotels. (One card per room.)
Niki Bryan Spa Discount
15% off the regular price of any body treatment or water therapy at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. (Massage, facial and hand and foot treatments excluded. Age restrictions apply.)
Bass Fishing Discount
10% off the regular price of Guided Bass Fishing Excursions and Bass Nitro Fishing Excursions at select Walt Disney World marinas. Excursions include fishing equipment, rod, reel, shiners, artificial bait, non-alcoholic beverages and a 1-year membership to B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society).
Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Discount
10% off the regular price of all activities including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing trips at Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Center located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Subject to availability; restrictions apply.)

Deluxe Disney Dining Plan
With your Deluxe Disney Dining Plan, for each night of your package, each Guest in your party (ages 3 and up) receives:

3 Meals
Choose from select Walt Disney World Resort table-service or quick-service restaurants for all 3 of your meals.

Each adult table-service meal includes:

1 appetizer, 1 entrée and 1 dessert (lunch and dinner only)
1 juice (breakfast only)
1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

Or

1 full buffet

Each child table-service meal includes:

1 appetizer, 1 entrée and 1 dessert (lunch and dinner only)
1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

Or

1 full buffet

Each quick-service meal includes:

1 entrée
1 dessert (lunch and dinner only)
1 juice (breakfast only)
1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

2 Snacks

Examples of snacks are:

1 frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single-serving box), single-serving bag of snacks, single piece of whole fruit, 20-oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water, 22-oz. fountain soft drink, 12-oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea, single-serving prepackaged milk or juice

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children’s Menu where available.

1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug Per Person
The Disney Deluxe Dining Plan also includes a refillable Resort mug. Bring your Resort mug to any quick-service restaurant at your Disney Resort hotel and refill it as often as you like!

Dining Reservations
For reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. (Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.) Many of our table-service restaurants are quite popular and book quickly. Some may have limited or no availability when you call. We strongly suggest you make dining reservations in advance for the best options. Reservations are accepted at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants, Signature Restaurants, Character Dining locations and Dinner Shows up to 180 days prior to arrival. Guests participating in a Grand Gathering Experience may reserve 180 days in advance.

An accepted major credit card is required to guarantee reservations at certain locations. Reservations must be cancelled at least 48 hours (6 days for Grand Gathering Experiences) before the scheduled seating or a cancellation charge may be incurred (charge varies by location)

Special Dining Experiences
Your Deluxe Disney Dining Plan allows each person in your party to trade meals for special dining experiences that your family will remember for a lifetime. See the exchanges below:

1 Meal =

1 Character Dining Meal (except meals at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom® theme park)

2 Meals =

1 Signature Dining Experience (such as Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)

Or

1 Character Dining Experience at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom® theme park

Or

Private In-Room Dining at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Or

1 Disney Dinner Show (category 2 or 3 seating only, subject to availability)

Or

1 Pizza Delivery to your room at select Disney Moderate Resorts and Disney Value Resorts (Requires 2 adult table-service meal entitlements for each pizza.)

Grand Gathering Experiences
If your party has 8 or more, you have a Grand Gathering and qualify to enjoy some very special meals known as Grand Gathering Experiences! Trade your meals for these memorable dinners:

1 Meal =

1 Good Morning Character Breakfast

2 Meals =

1 International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception

Or

1 Safari Celebration Dinner

Gratuities are included. At least 8 persons in your party must attend the same experience. Each experience is operated on select days of the week. Experiences are subject to change and cancellation. Reservations for Grand Gathering experiences are required and can be made 3 to 180 days in advance. Experiences may be canceled by Guest up to 6 days prior to experience date without charge for the experience. Valid theme park ticket required.

Disney Wine and Dine Plan
Add the Disney Wine and Dine Plan to a Magic Your Way package that includes table-service dining and save up to 20% on wine.* This Plan includes one wine entitlement per night, per room. Redeem one or 2 entitlements (as indicated on the select location’s designated wine list) for one bottle of wine. All wines on private in-room dining menus require 2 entitlements.

*Savings based on redeeming one entitlement for one bottle of wine at select restaurant locations.

Gratuity not included. Locations and designated wine list are subject to change. Wines are subject to availability. Must purchase this Plan for each night of your package stay.

Florida law permits the sale of alcohol products to persons 21 years of age or older only. Disney participates in Florida’s Responsible Vendor program and servers will verify age by requesting appropriate identification. Sale of this Plan is conditioned on your representation that you are 21 or older and purposed sale to a person under age 21 is deemed void and payment will be refunded.

What’s Not Included in Your Package?

Gratuity , except for pizza delivery, Private In-Room Dining, Dinner Shows and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Merchandise or photo-imaging products that may be offered at Character Dining experiences, except at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Enjoy Disney Resort Hotel Benefits
As a Guest at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, indulge in a variety of Disney Resort hotel benefits that can make your vacation more relaxing and carefree.

Certain benefits below are also available to Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel and select Downtown Disney Resort Area hotels.

Complimentary Airport Pickup and Return
Disney’s Magical Express Service picks you up at Orlando International Airport and takes you to your Disney Resort hotel. In addition, the service lets you bypass baggage claim and have your bags delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.

Relax on Resort-Wide Transportation
Disney does the driving for you with its ComplimentaryTransportation. convenient monorail, ferry boats and motor coaches travel between Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, the Downtown Disney area and other recreation spots throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

View Purchases on One Bill
Your Key to the World Card can act as your hotel room key, theme park ticket and charge card good all over Walt Disney World Resort. As you dine and shop, just charge meals, goods and services directly to your room! At the end of your vacation, view your vacation purchases on one consolidated statement.

Extra Time in the Theme Parks
The Extra Magic Hours benefit means that every day one of the theme parks either opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park closing so that you can enjoy select attractions when the weather may be cooler. Just present your Key to the World Card to select Disney Cast Members to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours benefit. (Valid theme park ticket required.)

Your Purchases Delivered to Your Resort
Shop at select Disney stores throughout Walt Disney World Resort and have your purchases delivered right to your resort so you can be free to play without lugging around packages, nor have to interrupt your day to return to the hotel to drop them off.