A very fun promo for the Halloween overlay at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. It will be going from September 25-November 1.
Renovating Disneyworld
Toying with a classic is a tricky operation. That’s what Walt Disney Co. and its Imagineers had to keep in mind while refurbishing several attractions at Walt Disney World in recent years — not to mention overhauling sections of Fantasyland in an expansion announced Sept. 12.
The parks have used periodic prolonged closings for housekeeping and maintenance as opportunities to enhance long-standing rides and shows, said Eric Jacobson, senior vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering.
“Why just have it closed — and have it open as it was before?” he says.
Among the retoolings have been Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom plus Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth. Currently closed and in transition is Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom’s indoor roller coaster, which is expected to reopen late this year.
Disney’s Fantasyland plans include additions to the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, plus a 3-D update of Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Ricky Brigante, creative director of Orlando Attractions Magazine and host of the “Inside the Magic” podcast, appreciates the challenge of these updates.
“They do have that fine line they need to walk where they need to update it so that the casual theme-park audience can enjoy it and doesn’t think, ‘Oh, that looks like technology from 30 years ago,'” Brigante says.
Click the picture above for the rest of the article.
Some funny D23 Expo Photos
Images in the gallery above are from the LA Times’ coverage of the D23 Expo, which featured one-of-a-kind sights like Captain EO costumes, frames of the presidents from the Hall of Presidents exhibit, and celebrity appearances.
Click the picture above to check them out.
Toy Story 1 & 2 Double Feature – Get your tickets now
Disney is now offering a double feature of its hit animated films Toy Story and Toy story 2. That’s not all! The re-released films will provide you with an all new movie experience in 3D! They are set to run for only two weeks, kicking off on October 2.
Toy Story, which was orginally released in 1995, was Disney/Pixar’s first computer generated feature-length venture. The film was a box office success and won three Academy Awards in 1996.  It also began a box office streak for Pixar whose studios have yet to produce a dud. It was followed up by Toy Story 2 in 1999.
In celebration of it’s forthcoming third installment, Toy Story 3, the double feature will offer a sneak peek at the new film. For tickets and showtimes visit the Fandango website and find your nearest theater.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora officially opens at Disney’s Boardwalk
With a celebratory shot of ouzo and surrounded by family, friends Disney executives and invited media, Kouzzina by Cat Cora opened officially at Disney’s Boardwalk in Lake Buena Vista. Call it my Big Fat Greek Restaurant opening. The event had all the elements: Cheers, toasts, traditional food, dancing and lively music.
Family was key to the development of Kouzzina, says Cora. And she wanted the restaurant to celebrate her Greek roots from the decor to the menu.
When guests enter Kouzzina, which is in the space formerly occupied by Spoodles, they will notice the walls lined with Cora’s family photographs. Dark woods and a less eclectic approach give the restaurant a softer ambiance than Spoodles. Along the back wall of the entry way, guests will find displays of Cora’s cookbooks (Cat Cora’s Kitchen and Cooking From the Hip) and her new signature wine collection. Coranation Wines, which are the result of a collaboration with Rudd Vineyards, are made with grapes from California’s Russian River and Alexander Valleys and other classic locations.
Click the picture above for more..
Disney Cruise Line needs to clean up its act
Today Friends of the Earth issued the first-ever Cruise Ship Environmental Report Card, an assessment of the environmental and human health footprint of cruise lines and ships operating in the United States.
Millions of Americans take cruise vacations every year. Travelers may not realize that taking a cruise is more harmful to the environment and human health than many other forms of travel.
For the rest of the article click the picture above.
Tron Legacy is coming December 17th to IMAX
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and IMAX Corporation today announced that Tron: Legacy, the intense, high-tech 3D adventure starring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, will be released to IMAX(R) theatres in IMAX(R) 3D simultaneously with the film’s wide release on December 17, 2010. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Tron: Legacy will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. Tron: Legacy is the third film of the previously announced five-picture agreement between IMAX and Walt Disney StudiosMotion Pictures.
Virgin agrees three-screen Disney deal
Virgin Media has signed what it is describing as its first three-screen deal through a new cross platform agreement with Disney.
The deal includes the recently launched Disney XD channel, TV on demand content including HD programming, as well as rights for a wide range of Disney shows to be made available for viewing via a computer and over the mobile phone.
Boel Ferguson, VP and general manager, Disney Channels UK & Ireland, said she wanted viewers to be able to experience the content in as many ways as possible. “We’re particularly excited about the potential for Disney XD, which was developed as a multi-platform entertainment brand with a multitude of content designed to be viewed at home or on the move.â€
At the moment the deal relates to the provision of content rather than its actual delivery. What this does not represent is the introduction of the ability to follow content from screen to screen.