Oh Canada: CBC making space for Mickey?

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March 31, 2010

News article from Canada:

Mickey Mouse is eyeing office space at CBC’s Toronto headquarters in a proposed leasing deal that could net the public broadcaster a cool $4 million.

The CBC says it’s in talks with Walt Disney Co. (Canada) over renting some of its downtown property.

“We’re still in discussions, we don’t have anything finalized,” said spokesman Jeff Keay, adding that the broadcaster has long sought such deals to bring in extra cash.

“For years we have been in discussion with potential tenants for the excess space that we have available in the Toronto broadcast centre. We’re always looking to make the best use of our available resources and we have excess space in the building. Frankly, it’s some of the prime space in the downtown core of the city.”

A statement posted on a federal government website notes that the CBC has won cabinet approval to lease part of its Toronto offices to Disney.

The statement, posted on cabinet’s official website and dated March 25, says the CBC may lease a portion of its property for 10 years with two options to renew for five years each “for a total consideration in excess of four million dollars.”

Keay notes that similar arrangements have been worked out with previous tenants at the CBC building, including a buffet-style restaurant on the ground floor and a broadcasting school.

The cash-strapped CBC slashed jobs and cut programming last year in a bid to gain control over a $171-million deficit for the 2009-2010 year.

Part of the belt-tightening included a plan to sell $125 million in assets.

While the added revenue would be a boon to the beleaguered broadcaster, Keay said the CBC’s fortunes were in no way dependent on the leasing deal going through.

“Our budgets have been approved and we’re not in a crisis situation,” he said.

The Canadian Press

Disney Adding Interactivity to Latest Cruise Ship the Disney Dream

By

Chip

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March 31, 2010

The walls and floors will come alive on Disney’s latest cruise ship.

Over 20 pieces of moving artwork will line the decks of the Dream, which launches early next year, while two interactive floors will keep kids on their feet in the ship’s youth areas.

The new interactive experiences were unveiled during a recent press demonstration at the headquarters of Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s creative design team.

The 22 pieces of “enchanted art” will be showcased on LCD screens encased in glass and surrounded by a frame housing speakers and a camera that can detect when a cruiser is in front of it. For example, if a passenger is looking at a photo of Walt Disney on the beach in Rio de Janeiro, the characters from “The Three Caballeros” may zip through the landscape.

“This is a great opportunity to do something special,” said principle concept designer Greg Butkus. “We’re really empowering our guests of all ages to interact with the art on every deck of the ship in way that hasn’t quite been done before on this scale. … We can truly say no two pieces of art will be the same.”

The art, which also features images from classic Disney films, can also be transformed into Nintendo Wii-like motion-detecting mini-games as part of a shipboard scavenger hunt. Barcode technology is used in the game that will employ cruisers to search the decks for a Disney villain who nabbed either pieces of artwork or puppies from “101 Dalmatians.”

In the ship’s youth areas, children will be encouraged to step, jump and pound on two interactive floors featuring games with characters from such Disney films as “Bolt,” “Tron” and “Princess and the Frog.” Glowing pads around the floor’s perimeter are used to detect weight and control what happens on 16 screens planted within the interactive floor surface.

The designers also flaunted a revamped version of Animator’s Palate, a restaurant aboard Disney’s two other ships. The new 700-seat eatery will be themed to an animation studio that comes alive during dinner with “Finding Nemo” characters on several LCD screens surrounding the restaurant, similar to the “Turtle Talk with Crush” theme park attraction.

On the Net:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/dream/

AP Photo/Disney, Paul Hiffmeyer

Disney’s Amazing Adventure Sweepstakes

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Chip

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March 31, 2010

Highlights of Amazing Adventure Sweepstakes

Enjoy a guided family vacation to Hollywood and the Disneyland® Resort with Adventures by Disney.

Special Access to Walt Disney Imagineering
VIP Tour of the Jim Henson Company Studios
Behind the Scenes at Disneyland®
Backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live
El Capitan Theatre Tour
Meet and greet with Courtney Watkins at Jim Henson Studios

Wait, there’s more!
Our grand prize winner and each of our four first prize winners will also win a MAYTAG® washer & dryer and one year supply of Clorox 2® Stain Fighter & Color Booster. MAYTAG® is a registered trademark of Maytag Corporation.

Click here for more information and to enter.

Are You a Alice in Wonderland Trivia Whiz?

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Chip

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March 31, 2010

Oh, frabjous day! Calloo, callay! Walt Disney’s animated classic “Alice in Wonderland” (1951) is available today in a special two-disc “Un-Anniversary” DVD set, packed with extras and goodies. You’ll find a deleted song, a Mickey Mouse short, and a curious Virtual Wonderland Party full of games and activities. The film itself has been digitally remastered and looks and sounds stunning.

In honor of Alice’s deluxe DVD, we thought it was high time to sit down at the tea table, put on our mad thinking caps, and see how much you know about Alice’s adventures. It’s a veritable wonderland of trivia!

1) Kathryn Beaumont voiced Alice – what other Disney heroine did she voice?
A) Wendy in “Peter Pan”
B) Cinderella in “Cinderella”
C) The village girl in “The Jungle Book”
D) Perdita in “101 Dalmatians”

2) What is the name of the unfortunate lizard who gets sent down the White Rabbit’s chimney?
A) Bob
B) Rudolfo
C) Bill
D) Carroll

3) Which of these characters from the film does not appear in Lewis Carroll’s book?
A) Alice’s Sister
B) The Doorknob
C) The Dodo
D) The Walrus

4) What noted comedian voices the Mad Hatter?
A) Ray Bolger
B) Ed Wynn
C) Mo Howard
D) Groucho Marx

5) Where does Alice get lost on her journey through Wonderland?
A) The Looking-Glass Hall
B) The Red Queen’s Garden
C) The Mushroom Forest
D) The Tulgey Wood

6) In which category was “Alice” nominated for an Academy Award®?
A) Best Picture
B) Best Song
C) Best Director
D) Best Score

7) Why are March Hares mad, anyway?
A) There’s no actual reason – it just sounds catchy.
B) March is mating season for hares and they get “twitterpated.”
C) March is the opening month of hare-hunting season in Great Britain.
D) They are huge college-basketball fans.

8) What sort of an animal is a dormouse?
A) A rodent
B) A small predator related to the weasel
C) Imaginary
D) Extinct

9) What does the mother bird believe Alice to be?
A) A giant
B) A cassowary
C) A serpent
D) A Mad Hatter

10) What kind of race does Alice join in?
A) A caucus race
B) A human race
C) An unbirthday race
D) A croquet race

Answers:

1-A 2-C 3-B 4-B 5-D 6-D 7-B 8-A 9-C 10-A

1-3 Your ranking is: DORMOUSE. Did you sleep through the film?

4-6 Your ranking is: RED QUEEN. Not bad – a little more attention and a little less croquet, and you’ll be a Wonderland whiz!

7-9 Your Ranking is: THE CATERPILLAR. You really know Wonderland.

10: Your ranking is ALICE. Congratulations, and happy un-Anniversary to you!

Source & Photo

Disney World bus driver cited in March 23rd accident

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Chip

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March 30, 2010

Disney World bus driver cited in March 23rd accident

A Disney World bus driver is cited for careless driving for an accident outside Epcot on March 23.

Driver Jean Valentin crashed into the rear of a parked Mears bus at the entrance to the Epcot parking lot.

The other driver had parked the empty bus in the roadway after she said she heard a stange noise and got out to inspect it.

Florida Highway Patrol says that driver’s action was a contributing factor to the crash, but no tickets were issued.

Valentin had to be cut out of the cab of the bus and seven passengers were taken to local hospitals for check ups of mostly minor injuries.

Source

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.

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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!