Will Chris Pine be Marvel’s Captain America?

By

-

February 16, 2010

The rumor mill is spinning this morning about Marvel’s upcoming action movie Captain America set to release July of 2011. Presently there is talk of Chris Pine playing Captain America.

You might remember Chris from a little movie called Star Trek, where he played Captain James T Kirk of the starship Enterprise. If you haven’t seen that movie I highly recommend renting it, even if you are not a big Star Trek fan it is a great action flick.

Either way Marvel needs to get the role of Captain America locked in. I am puzzled by how fast they can film a movie now a days. A year doesn’t seem like a long time to film, edit, market, and release a blockbuster of this size.

I just hope it does America proud.

Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 Video Game Lets Players Create a Story of Their Own

By

Chip

-

February 16, 2010

Disney Interactive Studios today officially announced development of Toy Story 3: The Video Game, supporting all major platforms and featuring a fun, new way to enjoy the Toy Story universe. Unveiled at the American International Toy Fair in New York City by Mary Beech, general manager and vice president of franchise development and marketing for Disney Consumer Products, Toy Story 3: The Video Game will feature film adventures along with Disney’s first open-world gameplay for kids. Inspired by the upcoming Disney*Pixar animated film, Toy Story 3: The Video Game is due on retail shelves June 15, 2010.

As Beech discussed at Toy Fair, Disney Interactive Studios is revealing a new gameplay mode called Toy Box. A primary feature on Toy Story 3: The Video Game console offerings, Toy Box is a virtual box full of toys. With an open-world sandbox-style of play, Toy Story 3: The Video Game taps into the beloved franchise’s humor and brings fans into the toys’ world to create their own unique story. The game’s developer, Avalanche Software, is working in close collaboration with filmmakers at Pixar to create an authentic Toy Story experience that inspires imagination and celebrates the joy of play.

“Toy Story 3: The Video Game addresses a fact understood by every kid: imagination is what truly brings toys to life,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “That’s really what a toy box is about. We remember that kind of play from our own childhood, and it’s where we began as game designers. With this title, we want to encourage and reward creativity in others.”

Designed to replicate the universal experience of playing with toys as a kid, Toy Box mode brings cowboys, space rangers, dinosaurs, and little green aliens together to create adventures only possible in a child’s imagination. Kids, families and fans will dive into Andy’s toy box with creativity driving their own stories and adventures.

“With Toy Story 3: The Video Game, audiences will have multiple ways to experience and enjoy the Toy Story world,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Story Mode follows the film’s story and adventures, while Toy Box Mode gets to the playful heart of the Toy Story franchise. By combining the power of imagination with the Toy Story universe, the game appeals to the joy of play in all of us.”

Embracing the adored and inspired fun of the Toy Story franchise, Toy Story 3: The Video Game features a story mode that follows the Toy Story 3 film adventures in which Buzz, Woody and friends grapple with their uncertain future as Andy prepares to depart for college. In addition to the Toy Box mode, the console versions put the toys in non-film related environments and situations such as light videogame combat with Buzz Lightyear. The handheld versions bring the Toy Story fun with fans wherever they go.

Toy Story 3: The Video Game will be available on all major video game platforms on June 15, 2010 on Wii(TM), PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC, Nintendo DS(TM) and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system.

Also coming soon from Disney Interactive Studios is a new Toy Story 3 app for the iPhone(R) and iPod touch(R) that will let fans play, personalize and stay connected to Toy Story. With features such as trailers, a countdown clock, movie information, ticketing, and light games and activities, Toy Story 3 connects consumers to their favorite Toy Story characters, stories and happenings. In addition, the app will feature links to purchase premium content and games such as a new update of the successful Toy Story Mania! app, priced at $4.99, in the “Toy Store.” A Toy Story 3 mobile game will also be available cross-platform on all major wireless carriers.

‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Reaches 600,000 Volunteer Sign-Ups

By

Chip

-

February 16, 2010

Article from the Disney Park Blog talking about the overwhelming support from you!

Our record-breaking canned structure was an attention-grabber…so it’s understandable if you missed our other big news from the Celebrate Volunteers event at Walt Disney World Resort. We’ve reached a major milestone in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program.

More than 600,000 people have volunteered or signed up for volunteer projects in their communities in the first six weeks of the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program. If you remember, this first-of-its-kind effort was launched with hopes of inspiring 1 million people to perform volunteer service in their communities. And we’re closing in on that number.

There are still opportunities to join in and participate — and it’s easy to get started. Just visit disneyparks.com.

There are also some official details you should know about: You must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. One ticket per person. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, see disneyparks.com in the United States and Puerto Rico. In Canada, see disneyparks.ca.

Source

Photo from Disney Park Blog

Jedi Mickey’s Own Droid Available April 2010

By

Chip

-

February 16, 2010

The creative “forces” at Disney and Lucasfilm are proud to announce an all-new character coming to the Disney Parks in April 2010. Every Star Wars Jedi Knight needs his own Astromech Droid, and Jedi Mickey is no exception. This spring you can find Jedi Mickey’s own droid, R2-MK, exclusively at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

For those with a sharp eye, a prototype of this new figure has been visible for many months in The Disneyland Story in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House.

swm240816SMALL

swd924643SMALL

Copy of swm240816SMALL

Source

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure opening at Epcot’s Innoventions

By

Chip

-

February 16, 2010

T Rowe Price is hosting at Innoventions a fun interactive way for you and your family to learn about saving money. It is a very hands on and fun experience. The Great Piggy Bank Adventure opened at Epcot’s Innoventions, Walt Disney World in May 2009.

Beauty and the Beast Fans Get Ready

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 15, 2010

There is no confirmed date (some say Oct. 2010); however, Disney has begone putting the Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray trailer/promo in dvd’s and blu-ray movies being sold now. It is exciting news for fans of one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time.

It’s going to be a very expensive Blu-ray month for Disney Fans!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 15, 2010

Here are your Blu-Ray release dates for March:

Ponyo (Studio Ghibli) – March 2nd
Old Dogs – March 9th
The Princess and the Frog – March 16th
Toy Story – March 23rd
Toy Story 2 – March 23rd

Disney keeps rolling out the High Def. goodness!!! Let’s just hope our wallets can keep up!

Dance Star Mickey Probably Dances Better Than You Do

By

Chip

-

February 15, 2010

Some great videos and article from Gizmodo premiering Dance Star Mickey. His moonwalk is so awesome and does put mine to shame.

It’s 2010 and everyone is dancing. Well, maybe not everyone but at least Donnie Osmond and Mickey Mouse, as I saw this morning at the unveiling of Dance Star Mickey, the newest plush incarnation of everyone’s favorite mouse.

Donnie Osmond, reigning Dancing With the Stars champ, was on hand to unveil the new toy which, I’m glad to report, actually dances really well. Mickey stands about two feet tall and packs a lot of gear that makes him wiggle his tail with surprising fluidity. He gets down in six styles, including soul, disco, and techno, but sadly there’s no fist pumping in that last one. But he does squeak out some suggestions while dancing to pump up his audience.

Dance Star Mickey, whose moves are powered by two AA batteries, dances onto shelves in October and will electric slide into your home for $69.99.

Thanks to Brad from Stitch Kingdom for hosting the video!
Photo from gizmodo

Marry Poppins Off Broadway Tour

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 15, 2010

Marry Poppins is currently on it’s Off Broadway tour. So don’t forget to check the schedule for when it will be near you! Here is the link to the Disney landing page for the Marry Poppins Off Broadway Tour:

*** Warning! Link has audio! ***

http://disney.go.com/theatre/marypoppins/tour/#/city/

For your convenience, here are the upcoming cities & dates on the tour:

Feb. 11th – Feb.28th Temple, AZ

Mar. 4th – Apr. 4th Denver, CO

Apr. 8th – Apr. 25th Cincinnati, OH

Apr. 29th – May 16th Atlanta, GA

May 20th – Jun. 6th Tampa, FL

Jun. 10th – Jun. 27th Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Jul. 1st – Aug. 22nd Washington, DC

Aug. 26th – Sep. 12th Charlotte, NC

Jul. 14th – Jul. 31st (2011) Costa Mesa, CA

* Image credit: http://disney.go.com

Presidents Day Sale!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 15, 2010

Ok Disney deal hunters! There is a great President’s Day sale going on over at the Disney Outlet portion of disneystore.com

Here is the link for the sale:
president’s day sale

As always, be sure to read the terms & conditions. Don’t forget to use the promo code PRESDAY !

Disney Finds New Partners in the Middle East

By

Chip

-

February 15, 2010

Blockbuster movies and television series from the Disney media empire will soon be screened free-to-air in the Middle East after a new deal was signed this past month in Dubai. The Disney Company is more than just the Mickey Mouse studio you knew as a kid. Today, Disney is one of the three largest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. The organization owns entities such as ABC television channel, Pixar animation studio, and a host of successful film production houses.

Disney is now partnering with two regional free-to-air channels, Fox Movies and Fox Series, for a period of at least five years. The two free-to-air channels were launched in the past year and are joint ventures between Fox and the Saudi-owned Rotana Group. Rotana is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, the billionaire investor who is a major shareholder of both Disney and News Corporation, which is the parent company of Fox. In the last six months, News Corporation has been eyeing investments in Rotana with some reports putting the figure at 10 – 20%. This most recent deal saw Rotana pay Dhs 100 million to Disney for the rights to screen its content.

The deal means Fox Movies now has the rights to screen films such as There will be Blood, Up, and The Chronicles of Narnia for the first time on free-to-air TV in the region. Fox Series also has the rights to Lost, Ugly Betty, Private Practice and Desperate Housewives and will air the latest seasons exclusively.

Looking at the television market in the Middle East, pay television channels are accessed by less than 5 per cent of the region’s television viewers! Perhaps this is why the free-to-air market is expanding at such a rapid pace. Nevertheless, don’t throw away those satellite systems just yet; free-to-air still has a long way to go.

DisneyWorld refurbishment schedule Feb 2010

By

Chip

-

February 15, 2010

Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyworld.com

Current

Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom) closed through 2/27/10 for refurbishment.
Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom) will open one hour later and not be open for Extra Magic Hours through 2/27/10.
Old Key West Resort Feature Pool closed through 2/28/10 for refurbishment. Shuttle transportation to the feature pool Saratogo Springs Resort & Spa will be available.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney Marketplace close through 3/5/10 for enhancements to its air conditioning system.
Blizzard Beach closed through 3/20/10 for refurbishment.
Backlot Tour (Hollywood Studios) closed through 3/27/10 for refurbishment.
Studio Catering Co. (Hollywood Studios) closed through 3/27/10 for refurbishment.
Cinderella Castle exterior (Magic Kingdom) under refurbishment through 3/31/10. During this time, scaffolding may cover portions of the Castle. The Castle will remain open to guests. The moat may be drained for refurbishment during this time as well.
Beach adjacent to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will have restricted access on weekends through 3/31/10 due to an Indian River County beach nourishment project. Guests can use nearby public beaches. The resort pool will remain open will regular pool hours.
Cantina de San Angel (Epcot) closed through Fall 2010.

Upcoming

No upcoming refurbishments or closures listed.