Mobile Disney Magic for Families! 

Yeti Officially Joins Animal Kingdom 

Oswald's Lucky Day 

Upcoming Expedition Everest TV shows

Walt Disney ranks No. 63 on the 2006 FORTUNE 500

Disney comes to Boys & Girls Clubs' aid 

Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic Returns to Cozumel April 8 

Library of Congress Joins with Ad Council and Walt Disney Co. To Promote Lifelong Literacy 

Four Drexel University Students and Their Parents Subject of ABC Family Series ''Back on Campus'' 

France Telecom to Offer Buena Vista Movies On Demand 

Shop honors memory of late Disney fanatic 

Selig Defends Choosing Disney's Mitchell For Probe

Yeti Officially Joins Animal Kingdom

The Yeti -- better-known as the Abominable Snowman -- is getting a boost that Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster can only dream about --- status as the first legendary creature among the real-life menagerie at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Disney's biggest ride yet, "Expedition Everest," a 20-story, white-knuckle roller coaster spin officially opens April 7 -- and those who ardently believe in the possibility of unicorns and other mythic creatures are happy to announce that the $100 million attraction won't be located in Fantasyland, but in a spot that Disney World created to honor lions, tigers and other exotic animals.

"In the last few years, we've proven the existence of so many creatures thought to be mythic that it really opens up possibilities for the public to take the Yeti seriously," said Loren Coleman, co-author of "The Field Guide to Bigfoot and Other Mystery Primates."

While Disney -- the parent company of ABC News -- isn't officially endorsing the existence of the Yeti, the fabled beast has an honored spot that goes back centuries as a protector of the Himalayas against unwelcome intruders, and that fits Animal Kingdom's spirit as a sanctuary, said Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering executive designer.

"The Yeti's legend is very real, and very important in understanding the history and culture of the people," said Rohde, who has led several expeditions to Nepal -- spending weeks at the foot of Everest -- to build an ancient Himalayan village in the Orlando park.

Rohde's team created what is now Florida's tallest peak, sculpted from 1,800 tons of steel, covering more than six acres. More than 8,000 authentic artifacts that document the ancient culture were imported for a museum that tracks the Yeti through ancient tapestries and modern works, like Coleman's new book. And the team planted more than 900 bamboo plants and 10 species of trees to enhance the massive ride.

Still, "Expedition Everest" is first and foremost a thrill ride. Disney guests board a runaway train from Serka Zong village that pushes through the mountains issuing faint warnings about a great, apelike beast as it plunges through an 80-foot fall.

'It's Not Unlike Real Yeti Sightings'

But unlike any other roller coaster, tracks ripped to shreds force the ride to an abrupt hault. Then, backward you plunge along a new course as the great Yeti, a mere shadow at first, takes over the ride. And before you step off, you'll whiz by a mammoth-size replica of the beast.

"It's not unlike real Yeti sightings that go back for centuries and continue through our times," Coleman said. "You can't go to the Himalayas without encountering the beast in the art and history of the region. And you don't have to look hard to find someone who's seen the creature."

While hardly a month goes by without a Bigfoot sighting in North America -- and the Loch Ness Monster still draws tourists to Scotland -- the Yeti is much more engrained in Nepalese legend.

Tales of the Abominable Snowman first appeared in the West as far back as 1925, when Greek photographer N.A. Tombazi snapped some shots of a creature on the lower slopes of the Himalayas.

Curious tracks were later found by British expeditions lead by Eric Shipton and Michael Ward in the early 1950s. Each track was 13 inches wide and some 18 inches long, and could not be identified by scientists.

Even on Sir Edmund Hillary's trek up Mount Everest in 1953, some giant footprints were found along the way. Though in his travels, Hillary reported no convincing proof of the Yeti's existence.

While Disney's Animal Kingdom has long claimed to honor an array of beasts "from dinos to rhinos," the Yeti will be the first creature that -- up to now, at least -- exists more in cultural history than reality.

Back in 1978, Disneyland added a yellow-eyed, 7-foot Abominable Snowman to its Matterhorn Bobsled trip in California. But seeing the creature in the Animal Kingdom, alongside real wildlife, is a major boost to Coleman and other cryptozoologists, who one day hope to prove its existence.

"It really makes people think about a legend," Coleman said. "And whatever reality exists behind that legend."

Oswald's Lucky Day

Disney Insider - The Walt Disney Company family recently got one member larger -- and what an important member it is! On February 9, 2006, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first big cartoon star, returned to the Disney fold, thanks to an agreement with NBC/Universal, the company that previously owned the rights to Oswald since his theatrical debut in 1927.

"As the forerunner to Mickey Mouse and an important part of Walt Disney's creative legacy, the fun and mischievous Oswald is back where he belongs, at the home of his creator and among the stable of beloved characters created by Walt himself," said Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger, who had devoted himself to recovering Oswald.

Oswald holds a distinguished place in Disney history, as Disney Archivist Dave Smith explains: "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was Walt Disney's first fully developed cartoon character to star in his own series. Previously he had made a combination live action/cartoon series, the 'Alice Comedies,' but the live Alice was the star. The popularity of Oswald started Walt on the road to independence."

Oswald was also the impetus for the creation of Mickey Mouse – at least, indirectly. When Walt lost control of the rights to his successful character to cartoon distributor Charles Mintz, he was devastated. But he quickly realized he needed another cartoon series to replace the Oswald shorts – and on the train trip home to Hollywood from New York, where he had received the news, he conceived the idea of his new star, a plucky little mouse. As Dave Smith explains, "Walt lost the rights to Oswald because he had signed a contract giving all copyrights and other rights to the series' distributor. He learned his lesson. As soon as he began with Mickey Mouse, he ensured that from then on he owned full rights on everything he produced."

It has been said that Oswald was a model for Mickey – the Insider took a look at the Oswald shorts to see if Walt’s most famous creation was evident in Oswald. Although the plucky rabbit wears shorts that look a lot like Mickey’s, and is drawn with similar panache, we found their personalities to be quite distinct. Mickey’s a plucky, friendly everyguy with a circle of friends and a true love in Minnie Mouse. Oswald, on the other hand, tends to the mischievous and romances various cartoon lovelies in different films.

The greatest difference between the two, however, is voice – Oswald is silent (like all his cartoon brethren of the mid ’20s) and his personality comes through only in his slapstick antics. Mickey has a richly expressive voice, thanks to Walt Disney himself, and to the two voice actors (first James Macdonald, and now Wayne Allwine) who carried on the tradition in his wake.

The Oswald cartoons are funny, highly energetic, and full of terrific sight gags – it’s not hard to see what made Oswald a hit. However, it was characteristic of Walt to turn a defeat like the loss of his first character into a triumph. He recognized this about himself, saying “You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” We had to conclude that starting over with a fresh inspiration allowed Walt to create, in Mickey, a true classic with both more personality and more heart than Oswald.

However, Oswald is a valuable slice of Disneyana, and he was instrumental in the creative growth of Walt Disney. As Dave Smith says, "Oswald may seem only a footnote in Disney history, but his significance was far greater than one suspects. With Oswald, Walt began learning how to instill real personality into his cartoon characters." And the Osward shorts are still terrific fun to watch, just as they must have been back in the ’20s.

So it’s fitting that Oswald is receiving a resounding welcome home. "When Bob was named CEO, he told me he wanted to bring Oswald back to Disney, and I appreciate that he is a man of his word," said Walt Disney's daughter Diane Disney Miller. "Having Oswald around again is going to be a lot of fun."

Upcoming Expedition Everest TV shows

Just a reminder of the upcoming Discovery Channel specials featuring Expedition Everest.

Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands - April 9 at 8 p.m. ET (Travel Channel)

Building a Thrill Ride: Expedition Everest - April 10 at 9 p.m. ET (The Science Channel) and April 12 at 8 p.m. ET (Discovery Channel)

Corwin's Quest: Realm of the Yeti - April 15 at 8 p.m. ET (Animal Planet)

Walt Disney ranks No. 63 on the 2006 FORTUNE 500

Walt Disney ranks no. 63 on this year's list of the FORTUNE 500, with $31,944 million in revenues, up 3.9% from the previous year. The Burbank, Calif.-based company was ranked no. 54 on the 2005 list. Its 2005 profits were $2,533 million, up 8% from a year earlier.

This year, FORTUNE 500 companies overall brought in a record $9.1 trillion in revenues and $610 billion in profits. And while the economy as a whole grew 3.5% last year, FORTUNE 500 companies did much better, increasing their revenues by a healthy 15.4%.

The FORTUNE 500 list is an annual ranking of America's largest corporations by revenues. Its companies employ more than 24 million people, about 16% of working Americans.

The top 5 companies on this year's list are: Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart Stores, General Motors, Chevron, and Ford Motor.

See, Walt Disney's FORTUNE 500 details, including financial stats and contact information.

Next: See the full list: FORTUNE 500 or go to www.fortune500.com

Disney comes to Boys & Girls Clubs' aid

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America's efforts to help rebuild the Gulf Coast has received a $1.5 million boost from The Walt Disney Co.

Disney's (NYSE: DIS) latest donation brings its support of the Atlanta-based Boys & Girls Clubs to $4.5 million over the past year and its financial support of the rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast to $3 million. The $1.5 million donation will be used to rebuild 16 Boys & Girls Clubs in the Gulf Coast that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

"The tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina continues to be an extraordinary challenge long after the daily front page headlines have subsided," said Roxanne Spillett, Boys & Girls Clubs of America president. "For so many of these youngsters, the Boys & Girls Club is a safe haven and rebuilding the clubs is integral to giving them a sense of hope and opportunity for the future."

Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic Returns to Cozumel April 8

Starting April 8, the Disney Magic will return to Cozumel as one of its stops on the 7-night Western Itinerary. This island was unavailable as a port of call for several months due to the impact of Hurricane Wilma, which passed directly over Cozumel in October 2005.

Although the cruise ship pier is still in disrepair, tenders will be used to bring guests ashore. The ship will depart Cozumel at 6 p.m., which means guests will need to be onboard by 5:30 p.m.

Library of Congress Joins with Ad Council and Walt Disney Co. To Promote Lifelong Literacy

The Library of Congress, the Advertising Council and the Walt Disney Co. have joined forces to launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and families to become engaged in reading and all other forms of literacy.

Created pro bono by Disney, the new campaign features scenes and characters from the movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” The launch coincides with Literacy Awareness Week (April 3-7) and the release of the movie’s DVD on April 4.

According to the National Institute for Literacy, success in school -- and life -- starts with literacy. When children become good readers in the early grades, they are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond. However, a U.S. Department of Education study found that from 1983 to 1999, more than 10 million Americans reached the 12th grade without having learned to read at a “basic” level, and research shows this trend begins much earlier in life. Results from the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress Reading Test found that 36 percent of American fourth-graders read below the “basic” level. In addition, the NAEP Reading Test revealed that while 45 percent of U.S. fourth-graders say they read for fun on a daily basis, only 19 percent of eighth-graders read for fun every day.

In an effort to inspire more children and their families to find their passion in literacy and learning, the Ad Council and the Library of Congress have changed the focus of their continuing PSA campaign to focus on lifelong literacy. First launched in 2000, previous advertising for the campaign encouraged children and adults to learn about U.S. history. The new PSAs, which aim to reach children in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and their parents, focus on engaging children and families in all forms of literacy, whether it is reading a book or magazine, studying history, visiting a museum or simply using their imagination.

As a result of Disney’s pro bono collaboration on this campaign, the new television spots use feature scenes from the film the “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” to show children and families that there are amazing possibilities when they open their minds to reading. To view the PSAs, visit www.loc.gov/literacy/.

“This new initiative with our longtime partners at the Ad Council and our new partners at Disney will help us fulfill our goal of promoting lifelong literacy,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. “This effort joins our successful National Book Festival, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Center for the Book, Poet Laureate program and popular Web sites in promoting the joy of reading.”

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Library of Congress and join with Disney in this engaging and important campaign,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Advertising Council. “The Ad Council is committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. These PSAs will show children and families that literacy, in all its forms, will open countless doors and enrich their lives in so many ways.”

All of the PSAs direct children and parents to visit the Library of Congress’ Web site, www.loc.gov, for discovery, learning and family fun. The Web site provides children and families with a multimedia, interactive learning experience to enhance their literacy.

The new TV and radio spots are being distributed to stations nationwide next week. The PSAs will run during media-donated airtime. Since its launch in November 2000, the Ad Council’s PSA campaign with the Library of Congress has received approximately $192 million in donated time and space from the media.

Four Drexel University Students and Their Parents Subject of ABC Family Series ''Back on Campus''

The last thing college students would think about is going to school with one of their parents. For four students at Drexel University, going to classes and sharing their dorm rooms with their parents became a reality and the focus of ABC Family's reality series "Back on Campus."

The show will premiere at 10 p.m. April 8 on ABC Family with back-to-back half-hour episodes and air with two episodes on three subsequent Saturdays. Each week, viewers will get a chance to trail the college lives of Phil Marino Jr., Susan Seborg, Leighton Phillips and Julie Ciccarone as they cram for tests, host parties and attend classes with their parents, Phil Marino Sr., Kevin Seborg, Damaris Phillips and Charlene Ciccarone.

The parents will get a chance to live the college experience they missed out on as they enroll at Drexel for one term. The parents' encounter will bring to them a completely different perspective on theirs and their childrens' lives. From getting a part-time job to cramming for finals, the parents are involved in everything.

For Damaris Phillips, "Back on Campus" is a way to experience what she missed when she chose motherhood over college; Kevin Seborg wants to reconnect with his daughter; Phil Marino Sr. would like to get the "smartness" college has to offer; and Charlene Ciccarone is ready to have some fun. But will their mortified kids be ready to share their lives and their space with their parents?

"Back on Campus" is produced by Endemol USA ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"), a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman and co-executive-produced by Brian Richardson.

France Telecom to Offer Buena Vista Movies On Demand

Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) and France Telecom have concluded a multi-year VOD agreement to allow subscribers to enjoy a selection of movies from BVITV's portfolio, through France Telecom's Wanadoo broadband, and MaLigne TV IPTV set top box services.

Under the new agreement, France Telecom's subscribers will be able to enjoy a selection of current and library features from producer groups such as Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films. Viewers will be able to access the content online via Wanadoo broadband, downloading movies for a period of up to 30 days, or via the MaLigne TV set top box service. On both services, titles will be available for 24 hours once the film has been accessed.

The selection will include first run current titles such as sky- high thriller "Flightplan," starring Jodie Foster, "Casanova," starring Heath Ledger, the award-winning "Finding Neverland" with Johnny Depp, the heartwarming British comedy "Kinky Boots," and sci-fi adventure "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." In addition, subscribers will be able to enjoy a selection of library titles, including the evergreen Julia Roberts romantic comedy "Pretty Woman," the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced blockbusters "Armageddon" and "Pearl Harbor," and M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs" and "Unbreakable."

Philippe Maigret, senior vice president, Sales & Portfolio Development, BVITV EMEA commented: "We are working with operators such as France Telecom to provide secure ways for viewers across the world to access our movies online, on demand, and to help drive uptake of legitimate download services. This VOD agreement across France Telecom's IPTV and broadband platforms marks the beginning of a key relationship, which we see eventually covering additional territories in Europe, across our programming portfolio for distribution on emerging platforms."

Patricia Langrand, Executive VP of France Telecom in charge of the Content Division commented : "We are very pleased to announce the first and promising step towards a strong and creative partnership. Our intention is to extend this first agreement to other territories and to develop our partnership with other content such as BVITV's fantastic portfolio of series. For that purpose, we will offer our commitment to our customers : my favorite programs, everywhere, whenever I want, and the way I want."

Shop honors memory of late Disney fanatic

Bruce Felty loved everything Disney and collected all types of Disney memorabilia.

He filled every room of his house — except one that was designated for his wife — with Disney-related items, from cookie jars, pins and lunch boxes to pictures, Ty Beanie Babies and Walt Disney Collectors Society porcelains.

He collected McDonald’s Happy Meal toys if there was a Disney theme, and he wore a different Disney necktie every day, his daughter, Bonnie Albright, said last week.

“He collected everything,” Albright said. “He was a really big Disney fan that collected everything. ... I don’t think anybody else has this much except Disney World.”

Albright, 34, smiled as she recalled coming home from college years ago to find that her portrait over the fireplace had been replaced with a signed photograph of Walt Disney.

Bruce Felty, who worked as the director of the Good Samaritan Hospital pharmacy, died in September 2004 during a trip to — ironically — Disney World in Florida.

Felty and his wife, Eraina “Shawn” Felty, were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary at Disney World with their two children, Albright and Bruce Edward Felty, and their families.

On Sept. 21, 2004, Felty died from a blood clot that formed in his leg after a child kicked him in a Disney World theme park, Albright said. He would have been 57 on Oct. 27.

After his tragic death, Eraina Felty sold the couple’s large home on Martin Drive, North Lebanon Township, and she and Albright moved into a smaller house in South Lebanon.

Bruce Felty’s enormous Disney collection was placed in boxes and put into storage, Albright said.

Until recently.

Albright and Eraina Felty came up with the idea to open a store where the impressive collection could be displayed and shared with the public.

The temporary home for the collection (which includes non-Disney toys and collectibles) will be known as Daddy’s Dream. The store opened Friday at 1612 N. Seventh St., near Sunset in North Lebanon. Albright will manage the store for her mother, who is the owner.

“I don’t think he wanted it to sit in storage,” Albright said of her late father.

While she spoke, her daughters, Breeze, 6, and Magan, 7, played in an adjacent room at the shop. Bruce Felty is survived by two other grandchildren, Tyler Felty, 8, and Alyssa Felty, 7.

“I think this is what he wanted. ... What is in this room was in his house on display,” said Albright, surrounded by Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, the Little Mermaid and the 101 Dalmatians. “It was his personal collection.”

Albright believes there are enough items — which she estimated are possibly in the thousands — to keep the store in operation for three to five years. Her father owned some duplicate pieces, and once they’re sold, Albright does not expect to replace them. However, she may consider purchasing brand-new items, she said.

She plans to rotate the pieces on display often so the store keeps a fresh look and customers have something new to see. If a customer is seeking a particular Disney item, the entire inventory is identified in storage and will not be difficult to find, she said.

Selig Defends Choosing Disney's Mitchell For Probe

Every fan who's ever dreamed of lugging lumber up to the dish with the bases loaded fears that many players are juiced with something other than OJ. And we were hardly caught napping by Game of Shadows, a tome penned by two San Francisco journalists who say drug use is rife within the game.

But Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig has decided to shake performance-enhancing drugs out of the sport and open an investigation into past steroid use by several major league players--including fence buster Barry Bonds. And he is defending his choice of George Mitchell to head that investigation, claiming the former U.S. Senate Majority Leader will enjoy complete autonomy.

Mitchell, a director of the Boston Red Sox and chairman of The Walt Disney Co. (nyse: DIS)--which broadcasts baseball and owns the network airing Bonds' new reality show--had been deemed by some as too much of an "insider" for the job. Yet Selig, after doling out World Series rings to the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, said: "It's important for somebody who understands what I call the mores of culture of this sport as well as he does. That helps in the investigation. That doesn't hurt it".

"He has complete autonomy. He doesn't come back and talk to me. I don't want to hear from him. And he can do whatever he wants with whomever he wants. So I don't know how anybody could have more independence than Sen. Mitchell," added Selig, according to The Associated Press.

Mitchell will indeed head the investigation effort--which is already under way and has no time limit--though he will not be the lead investigator. It's expected the sleuthing will be limited to events since September 2002--when baseball banned steroids--but Mitchell can expand the investigation if he feels it is necessary.

Selig admitted he was upset by the reaction of fans towards Bonds in San Diego on Monday night, when a syringe was flung in the direction of the San Francisco Giants' left fielder. "Controversy will spawn with that type of activity, whether I like it or not," Selig conceded. Bonds began the season with 708 homers and trails only Babe Ruth--whose only poison was a few too many hot dogs--and Hank Aaron on the career list. 

Commissioner Bud Selig defended his choice of George Mitchell to head baseball's steroid investigation, saying the former Senate Majority Leader has independence.

Selig brushed off criticism that Mitchell is too much of an insider for the job - Mitchell is a director of the Boston Red Sox and chairman of The Walt Disney Co., a national broadcaster of baseball and the network airing Barry Bonds' new reality show.

"It's important for somebody who understands what I call the mores of culture of this sport as well as he does. That helps in the investigation. That doesn't hurt it," Selig said Tuesday after helping hand out World Series rings to the Chicago White Sox.

"He has complete autonomy. He wouldn't have taken this without complete autonomy. I mean the fact that we're friends had nothing to do with it. ... He doesn't come back and talk to me. I don't want to hear from him. And he can do whatever he wants with whomever he wants. So I don't know how anybody could have more independence than Sen. Mitchell."

The investigation is already under way and has no time limit. It was launched after a book detailing allegations that Bonds, who is approaching the Hank Aaron's career home run record, used performance-enhancing drugs for five years starting in 1998. The probe will be limited to events since September 2002, when baseball banned steroids, but Mitchell can expand the investigation if he feels it is necessary.

"What I said to Sen. Mitchell was that, `Look, we've done now everything we can do.' We have the toughest program in American sports. We've banned amphetamines, which I think a lot of people don't understand the significance of that," Selig said.

"And while the book triggered, as I said last week, some of this because of the specificity of things, I think it's fair - and I've thought a lot about it since - that we've taken care of the present, we've taken care of the future and now I think it's important to look at the past," he added. "We'll see what happens. ... There's no sense in me speculating."

Selig emphasized that Mitchell was not looking into just Bonds. He's looking at the entire game.

"For anybody who thinks this is just a singular investigation is just wrong," Selig said. "It's incorrect. I don't know how much clearer I can be."

Selig was saddened by the fans' response to Bonds in San Diego on Monday night, when a syringe was tossed in the direction of the Giants' left fielder.

"I guess none of this is unexpected. I'm saddened by it in the sense that opening day was such a good, positive day," Selig said. "Every game was sold out. It was really a great baseball day. But controversy will spawn with that type of activity, whether I like it or not."

Bonds began the season with 708 homers and trails only Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755) on the career list. Selig said baseball currently has not made plans for a celebration should Bonds move past Ruth's mark but could do so in coming weeks. 

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 

Alamo Rent A Car Opens Location in Downtown Disney 

Radio Disney Launches the Highly Anticipated Live Audio Stream of Radio Disney 2.0 at RadioDisney.com 

Notch Novelty Announces Disney License for New Disney/Pixar Movie "Cars" Products 

'Disneymania 4' and 'Disney's Karaoke Series: Disneymania Volume 2' Set for Release April 4, 2006 on Walt Disney Records 

Beatty awaits ruling on Dick Tracy 

How to Get the Most from Walt Disney World’s $1,500 Family Vacation 

'Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild' Game by Buena Vista 

Samson and Benny Need Help on Their Fur-Raising Adventure in ``Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild'' Game 

Suburban musician is Disney veteran 

American Music Conference and Walt Disney Records Promote the Benefits of Making Music and Music Education with ``Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions'' CD 

AP Offer for Mickey’s Halloween Treat 2006 

Annual Passholder Offer at Yamabuki 

Rhoda Williams, voice of Drizella in Disney's Cinderella and GE Carousel of Progress ladies has died at 75 

Gay Disney World due in 2009

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

 

Available In Two Versions With Nearly Ten Hours of Bonus Content Including Bloopers, Fun Facts, Two Audio Commentaries, Extensive Behind-The-Scenes Tours, Personal Film Diaries, Creature Creation Featurettes, Maps, Timelines, Original Menus and More.

Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present C.S. Lewis's THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, available on DVD and PSP on April 4. This spectacular $280 million box-office triumph, Walt Disney Pictures' third highest grossing liveaction film of all time, will be available as a single disc DVD with outstanding bonus features, and as a Special 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD. The Special Edition takes viewers on a deeper adventure into the world of Narnia with nearly ten hours of bonus features – including a behind-the-scenes tour with the film's child stars, director's diary, 'cinematic storytellers' film diaries, multiple audio commentaries, 3-D map, interactive timeline, featurettes on the creatures and much more. The "Narnia" DVD production team worked with the filmmakers from the very start of the film's production, resulting in exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features that deliver unprecedented access into this cinematic blockbuster. This majestic epic won the Academy Award for Best Makeup (2005) and earned Oscar nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing 2005.

Prepare to enter a world filled with mystical creatures, wondrous lands and stunning special effects, from Andrew Adamson, the acclaimed director of "Shrek." Through a magical wardrobe, four children embark on an adventure to the enchanting land of Narnia, where they help the great lion, Aslan, conquer the dark magic of the White Witch and restore peace to a land threatened with eternal winter. This critically acclaimed audience favorite, the "must-own" movie of the year, is available on single disc DVD and separately on UMD  for PSP for $29.99 (S.R.P.) each, and on a Special Two-Disc Collector's Edition DVD for $34.99 (S.R.P.) from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

Alamo Rent A Car Opens Location in Downtown Disney

Alamo Rent A Car, the official rental car of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, today announced that it has opened a location in the heart of the Downtown Disney District. The new location, which is the only car rental location at the Disneyland Resort, services a group of hotels with more than 2,400 rooms.

"Alamo is the only car rental company with a location in the Resort's Downtown Disney District. I don't know why a family would want to leave Disney, but if they do, families can rent and return from this convenient location," said Jerry Dow, chief marketing officer for Alamo.

Alamo supports its preferred relationship with Disney by connecting customers with Disney for the purchase of multi-day passes to the theme parks. Alamo is also the principal rental car provider to the Walt Disney Travel Company, Inc., one of the largest tour operators in the United States.

"Alamo's partnership with Disney and a location on-site provide a seamless, hassle-free car rental experience for both domestic and international travelers visiting both the Disneyland Resort and other attractions in Southern California," Dow said.

The Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., is an exciting and lushly landscaped 20-acre, admission-free entertainment, dining and retail venue that is part of the famed Disneyland Resort -- a sprawling 500-acre vacation destination featuring two renowned Disney parks (Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure), three beautiful hotel properties (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel) and the fun of Downtown Disney. Featuring award-winning restaurants and memorable nightlife, the 300,000-plus square-foot Downtown Disney District also features more than 20 distinctive retail locales.

The new Alamo location at Downtown Disney is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and its telephone number is 714.300.0645. The site expands Alamo's presence within the Disneyland Resort area, joining the company's other location near Disney's California Adventure Park.

About Alamo

Worldwide, Alamo Rent A Car is one of the largest car rental brands in the world, with locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific Rim, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. For more information about Alamo, including our Best Rate Guarantee, log on to http://www.alamo.com . The Alamo Rent A Car brand is operated by Vanguard Car Rental USA Inc.

Radio Disney Launches the Highly Anticipated Live Audio Stream of Radio Disney 2.0 at RadioDisney.com

Radio Disney has launched Radio Disney 2.0, a live 24/7, digital audio stream available at RadioDisney.com. The award-winning, multi-platform Radio Disney, with over 50 U.S. terrestrial radio stations and satellite, digital cable and podcasting arenas, now offers digital Internet streaming of its top-rated music content and programming for kids, tweens and families.

"Streaming on RadioDisney.com is part of our overall strategy to be the kid and family music leader across different media platforms," said Jean-Paul Colaco, President and General Manager, Radio Disney Worldwide. "Now, more than ever before, kids and families are engaging in multi-tasking, especially as they surf on the Internet. Streaming enables our listeners to stay connected with Radio Disney in a way that is in tune with their lifestyles."

Anyone in the U.S. with Internet access can log on to RadioDisney.com, and just click on the "Listen Live on the Web" button to launch Radio Disney 2.0.

Already, kids and families have responded to Radio Disney's multi-platform accessibility. "Not only is Radio Disney the number one radio station for kids and families; the Radio Disney Now! podcast has become the number one family podcast on iTunes," said Colaco. "Since Radio Disney's launch in four markets in 1996, we now offer many ways to hear the station including Internet streaming, terrestrial broadcasting on over 50 terrestrial stations, XM & Sirius satellite radio and MUSIC CHOICE on cable television."

About Radio Disney

Celebrating 10 years on the airwaves, Radio Disney has become the number one destination for kids, tweens and families on the radio. Radio Disney is available to 97 percent of the U.S. through 50 plus terrestrial stations. In addition, Radio Disney can be heard on XM and Sirius satellite radio (channel 115), digital cable (MUSIC CHOICE), XM/DIRECTV (channel 867) and via streaming on RadioDisney.com. Radio Disney is a 24/7 family-friendly network that offers hit music, inspired programming and superstar promotions. Radio Disney has won the "Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Programming," iParenting's "Media Excellence Award" and Radio Ink's "Reader's Choice Award" for Best Full Time Format. The Radio Disney brand extends beyond terrestrial radio with the successful Radio Disney Jams CDs; the RADIO DISNEY NOW! podcast available on iTunes, RadioDisney.com and Yahoo.com; a branded section in Apple's iTunes store and a 24/7, dedicated on-demand music channel on Verizon/VOD. In addition, Radio Disney can be heard internationally and is currently available in the United Kingdom, Japan, and most of South America.

Notch Novelty Announces Disney License for New Disney/Pixar Movie "Cars" Products

Notch Novelty Corporation (OTC: NHNV), a manufacturer and distributor of high-value unique sign products and novelty items is pleased to announce the first orders of their successful Fuzzy Fun product line with designs from the new Disney/Pixar movie "Cars."

Notch Novelty produces several Disney licensed products through a cooperative agreement with National Design Corporation of San Diego. The agreement currently allows production and distribution of Notch's Fuzzy artboard product line under several Disney brands. These brands include Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, the Princess Series, Tinkerbell, and now the much-anticipated Disney/Pixar movie, "Cars."

"The addition of 'Cars' to the Fuzzy Fun product line is exciting for us and our distribution network," remarks Brett Weiss, CEO of Notch Novelty. "Fuzzy Fun is perfect for the license. It is fun, perfect for young kids, and is one of the very, very few art projects that can actually be done in a car!"

Notch sales have been growing rapidly, partly fueled by the multiple Disney products now being produced. Revenue growth is expected to continue over the coming year as new products are currently in development.

This press release is available on the Company's official on-line Investor Relations HUB at http://www.AGORACOM.com/IR/NotchNovelty for investor questions, answers and monitored commentary. Alternatively, investors are able to e-mail all questions and correspondence to NHNV@AGORACOM.com where they can also request addition to the investor e-mail list to receive all future press releases and updates in real time.

About Notch Novelty Corporation

Notch Novelty Corporation manufactures and distributes unique sign products and novelty items to the Extreme Value industry in the United States and Canada. Notch leads this industry in sign products for resale and also develops novelty items for sale to major distributors and retailers offering goods at the $1 price point. Products are manufactured at contracted factories throughout Mainland China at the lowest possible cost and most efficient turnaround times possible. Notch items continue to benefit and grow with Disney licensed artwork through cooperative arrangements with National Design of San Diego. You can see Notch items on-line at www.notchnovelty.com or by visiting high-value retailers in your neighborhood.

Please visit the company website at: http://www.notchnovelty.com for more information.

'Disneymania 4' and 'Disney's Karaoke Series: Disneymania Volume 2' Set for Release April 4, 2006 on Walt Disney Records

A hearing in federal court on whether Warren Beatty owns the film rights to the Dick Tracy comic book character has ended without a ruling.

The judge didn't indicate which way he was leaning or when he would make a ruling.

Beatty produced, directed and starred as the sharp-jawed detective in a 1990 movie released by The Walt Disney Co.

The 69-year-old actor-director wants to make a sequel. He sued Tribune Media Services last year claiming he owns the film rights as the result of a deal he made in 1985.

Tribune Media Services has argued it holds the film rights to the character. The company is a division of Chicago-based Tribune Co., which owns radio and TV stations nationwide and newspapers including the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.

Last year, U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson ruled the lawsuit could go forward. On Monday, Pregerson heard arguments on Tribune's motion to rule on its behalf. Beatty wasn't in the courtroom.

Maura Wogan, a Tribune Co. lawyer, argued that a deal Beatty made with Disney to reserve rights to make a Tracy film required permission from Tribune to be valid.

Beatty's lawyer, Bert Fields, argued his client didn't need consent to reserve the rights.

How to Get the Most from Walt Disney World’s $1,500 Family Vacation

The voice on the television advertisement makes an appealing offer: A family of four can enjoy a weeklong Disney World vacation for $1,500. You are intrigued but cautious, the kids are excited and the entire family is ready to say “We’re going to Disney World!”

So how do you maximize what you get with the $1,500 Disney World vacation deal?

“To enjoy a Disney World vacation within your family’s budget, the key is matching your family’s travel preferences to what is included in the package,” says Anne Easterling, author of EZ Fun Guide to Walt Disney World.

A 20-year Disney World travel veteran, writer and event planner, Easterling recommends taking time to learn what’s included in the $1,500 vacation package and plan how you can get the most for your money.

First, consider your hotel room. The $1,500 vacation will buy six nights for two adults and two children at a Value Resort, the lowest-price category available at Walt Disney World (except for campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground). Carrying the names of All Star or Pop Century, the Value Resorts are very casual motel-style resorts with very bold décor and feature food courts as the primary dining option.

“Even though they are the lowest hotel category at Disney World, the Value Resorts still reflect Disney’s dedication to quality and outstanding customer service,” says Easterling, who prefers All Star Sports Resort or Fort Wilderness. “I would stay at a Disney Value Resort over a four-star hotel almost anyplace else.”

For more upscale accommodations, you can upgrade to a Moderate or Deluxe Resort, which will add $400-1,000 or more to your vacation package.

Next, learn how to use the included theme park tickets. The $1,500 vacation package includes seven-day base Magic Your Way tickets, which provides admission to one major theme park each day for seven days.

“To get the most out of your base ticket, you will need to pick which one park – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – you will visit each day,” Easterling said. “It may take a little more planning. But there is so much to do in each theme park, this should not be a problem.”

The $1,500 package includes tickets for two adults, one junior (child age 10-17) and one child (age 3-7). If both children are over age 7, add $40; or subtract $40 if both children are 7 or younger. For more flexibility in your schedule so that you can visit different parks on any one day, add the Park Hopper Option for an extra $40 per day per person, or $160 for four.

By the way, if you want to visit Disney World’s two water parks, DisneyQuest and Pleasure Island – other entertainment options outside the theme parks – the cost is another $50 per person, or $200 for your family of four.

Meals are not included in most Disney vacation packages, so budget accordingly. Easterling offers a tip for guests on a budget: “Take advantage of less expensive options, such as eating items purchased at the resort shops, food courts or counter-service restaurants at the parks. This can keep your food costs under $20 per person per day.”

Disney also offers a dining program can be added to your vacation package. Regularly, the Disney Dining Plan costs $35 for everyone over age 9 and $10 per day for children age 3-9. For a seven-day vacation, that’s $805 for two meals and one snack per day per person. Even though meal options are limited, the Dining Plan can be a good deal for some families, especially if you prefer table-service dining.

Disney just announced that the Dining Plan can be added free for trips taken in late August and September this year. “That is a great deal obviously,” Easterling says. “Remember that you will need to plan ahead to take advantage of all of your included meals.”

Finally, plan for souvenir shopping. “No Disney World vacation would be complete without the perfect souvenir,” says Easterling, who collects Disney World pins and Mickey jewelry. True to their reputation, Disney offers thousands upon thousands of products for purchase. Easterling suggests setting a budget, especially for the children, and encouraging everyone to pick one or two favorite items as special mementos.

Regardless of what vacation package Disney is advertising, Easterling suggests keeping your eyes and ears open. “Disney has a history of offering special packages,” she says. “They just announced the free Dining Plan for six weeks this fall. Earlier this spring, they offered a free upgrade on your Magic Your Way tickets. No special or discount is guaranteed, but it’s worth taking the time to check for new packages.”

'Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild' Game by Buena Vista

Buena Vista Games, Inc. has announced "Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" for the Game Boy Advance system is now available at retail outlets across North America. A video game adventure that will test kids' animal instincts, "The Wild" is inspired by the upcoming animated feature film of the same name from Walt Disney Pictures.

The game features Samson the Lion and Benny the squirrel, who must leave their pampered lives and set out on an adventure to save Samson's son, Ryan, who accidentally gets shipped from the New York City Zoo to the wild.

Samson and Benny Need Help on Their Fur-Raising Adventure in ``Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild'' Game

Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), today announced "Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" for the Game Boy Advance system is now available at retail outlets across North America. A video game adventure that will test kids' animal instincts, "The Wild" is inspired by the upcoming animated feature film of the same name from Walt Disney Pictures. The game features Samson the Lion and Benny the squirrel, who must leave their pampered lives and set out on an adventure to save Samson's son, Ryan, who accidentally gets shipped from the New York City Zoo to the wild.

"'The Wild' game is an exciting experience that offers kids the opportunity to take the characters and adventures from the movie along anywhere they go," said Dana Long, director of kids marketing for Buena Vista Games. "Kids who enjoyed the movie will be able to continue the journey of Samson and Benny long after they leave the theaters."

"The Wild" is a single-player, side-scrolling adventure game that allows players to take on the role of Samson and Benny through 18 levels of play. Both characters have their own unique levels, each tailored to their on-screen personalities. Kids 6-11 years old will have to guide the characters through stormy seas, erupting volcanoes, vicious dogs and angry wildebeests as they traverse land and sea to help Samson rescue Ryan. "The Wild" video game is released in conjunction with the feature film's April 14 theatrical opening.

About "Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" film

"Walt Disney Pictures Presents The Wild" is an irreverent comedy that follows the life of an eclectic group of animals at the New York Zoo. The voice talent includes Kiefer Sutherland (as the lion Samson), Greg Cipes (as Samson's son, Ryan), Jim Belushi (as Benny, the street smart squirrel), Janeane Garofalo (as Bridget the giraffe), Richard Kind (as Larry, a dim-witted anaconda snake), William Shatner (as Kazar, a wicked wildebeest), and Eddie Izzard (as Nigel, an acerbic koala). Director Steve "Spaz" Williams and producer Clint Goldman helped to revolutionize CG character animation during their long association with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), which included such films as "Jurassic Park," "The Mask," "The Abyss" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

About Buena Vista Games

Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. BVG publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with third-party interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. For more information, please log on to www.buenavistagames.com.

Suburban musician is Disney veteran

Gilbert Fernando knows some secrets about Disney World. It's not easy being the happiest place on Earth, he said.

Fernando, 30, of Orland Park, is a former performer at the Orlando, Fla., theme park.

Performers are "retired" at 25 so the park maintains its youthful appearance.

No one younger than 12 is allowed backstage, not since the unfortunate time one youngster glimpsed Mickey Mouse sneaking a smoke.

So how does a shy kid from Naperville grow up to become a local actor and instructor and a performer at the world's biggest playground?

It began with a toy piano, a gift from his grandmother when he was 3.

"I just went nuts over that," said Fernando, who now teaches voice and piano in Tinley Park.

By 7, he was taking professional piano lessons. All was well with the piano until he was 11, when he moved with his parents to the Philippines for two years.

Fernando taught himself on the piano until he was 17. By then, he had a new distraction. In high school, his sister pressured him to get involved in the theater, and a choreographer noticed his talent and struck a deal with him: "If you come to my studio and dance, I'll take you to the barre and show you how to pick up girls."

She meant literally, of course.

At the tail end of his senior year of high school, the choreographer alerted him to auditions for Disney World internships. During summers from 1993 through 1996, he performed as a Disney World character dancer, which involved 24-minute shows and included jazz, ballet and hip-hop.

Able to sing, dance and play the piano, Fernando stumbled into a new love as a freshman at Northwestern University: teaching.

He was a pre-med major and a member of the university choir. During a rehearsal for a holiday concert, the choir director learned that his baby sitter had left his kids home alone.

He rushed out and left Fernando in charge of the 200-member choir.

"So I taught the university choir for one night, and I thought, 'Yeah, this I could do,'" he said. "The next morning I was already changing my major."

During the summer of 2000, he returned to Disney World. By then he was 25, so it was his last hurrah. The work wasn't easy. Some days Fernando did eight shows outside in the humidity of central Florida and then rehearsed well into the night.

After retiring from Disney World, he began teaching voice and piano at Discover Music in Tinley Park. He instructs 84 students six days a week in a closet-size, double-insulated room.

American Music Conference and Walt Disney Records Promote the Benefits of Making Music and Music Education with ``Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions'' CD

Even in the earliest years of life, music plays an important role in a child's development. Children respond to rhythm and simple music from the day they are born. Music brings families together, stimulates thinking and expressive skills and enhances creativity and a sense of well-being. Now, with "Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions" (available at retail starting March 28), parents can encourage their child to take the step from listening to music to interacting with music.

"Little Einsteins Musical Missions" CD introduces an all-new, interactive audio experience inspired by the hit Playhouse Disney TV series "Little Einsteins." Children can listen and play along while they blast off on four adventures hosted by their favorite Little Einsteins characters (Leo, June, Annie and Quincy) that are set to classical pieces such as Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee," Bizet's "Carmen Suite #1" and Brahms' "Hungarian Dance #5."

The "Little Einsteins Musical Missions" digipack includes an activity booklet depicting the settings for each adventure (from Seattle's Space Needle to the Egyptian Sphinx) along with reusable picture clings of the characters to provide a hands-on experience while children listen to the CD. Following directions from the Little Einsteins characters and CD narrator, children can clap along, pat their knees, move and play with the picture clings and call out musical terms -- all to complete a musical mission central to a Little Einsteins adventure. Each mission gives children a chance to interact with music and learn music fundamentals, which can help in early childhood development.

Researchers are finding solid evidence that a young child's ability to perceive and distinguish phonetic sounds is enhanced by engaging in singing and rhythmic movement. Studies show that the "steady beat" skill helps children learn and develop on multiple levels including learning to read, enhancing creativity and fostering a sense of well-being. They've also found that active music-making during the school years can strengthen abstract reasoning skills, paving the way to better results in school.

Created by The Baby Einstein Company and Walt Disney Records, "Little Einsteins Musical Missions" was developed in conjunction with American Music Conference (AMC) and music teacher and arts integration specialist Anne Fennell. With over two decades experience as a music educator, Fennell served as a consultant during the creation of the CD, in addition to creating the curriculum guide for "Our Big Huge Adventure," the first DVD title in Disney's Little Einsteins franchise.

"'Little Einsteins Musical Missions' gives children and parents a wonderful opportunity to interact, listen and play with music while introducing the benefits of making music to everyone. Music is vital to a child's development -- stimulating higher level thinking skills and creativity while promoting individual expression," Fennell affirms.

"Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions" track listing is as follows:

Track 1 - "The Little Einsteins(TM) Theme Song"
    Track 2 - "Mission & Blast Off"

    MUSICAL MISSION: The Birthday Balloons
    MUSIC: "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" by Mozart
    Track 3 - "Space Needle"
    Track 4 - "Antarctica"

    MUSICAL MISSION: Rocket Safari
    MUSIC: "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov
    Track 5 - "Elephant"
    Track 6 - "Giraffe/Rhino"
    Track 7 - "Rescue Rocket"

    MUSICAL MISSION: Pirate's Treasure
    MUSIC: "Carmen Suite #1" by Bizet
    Track 8 - "Big Wave"
    Track 9 - "Islands"
    Track 10 - "Get the Treasure"

    MUSICAL MISSION: The Golden Pyramid
    MUSIC: "Hungarian Dance #5" by Brahms
    Track 11 - "Crocodile"
    Track 12 - "The Great Sphinx & The Golden Pyramid Song"
    Track 13 - "The Golden Pyramid - The Open Up Song"

    Track 14 - "The Curtain Call"

"Disney's Little Einsteins Musical Missions" soundtrack rockets into stores starting March 28, 2006, for a suggested retail price of $12.98 wherever music is sold. All Walt Disney Records audio products also can be ordered by visiting DisneyRecords.com.

About "Little Einsteins" on Disney Channel

The #1 rated series in the Playhouse Disney programming block on Disney Channel, "Little Einsteins" is an inspiring and highly interactive preschool TV series featuring four music-loving protagonists and their versatile ship, Rocket. The episodes all begin with a call to action -- or "mission" -- followed by fascinating journeys of discovery, which include a celebrated piece of classical music and a renowned work of art or world culture. The characters use their passion and talents to work together, solve challenges and achieve their goals, and viewers are invited to join in their activities, reinforcing the early learning concepts contained in the series. The series airs every day (8:00 a.m. ET/PT) during Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney programming block.

About the American Music Conference

The American Music Conference is a national non-profit educational association dedicated to promoting the importance of music, music making and music education to the general public and is an affiliate of NAMM, the International Music Products Association. For more information on the benefits of music for children of all ages and to view the Tips for Parents created in conjunction with the Little Einsteins, visit www.amc-music.org.

About The Baby Einstein Company

The Baby Einstein Company, LLC, is the award-winning creator of the infant developmental media category. The company is famous for its best-selling Baby Einstein(TM) brand of videos, books, music CDs and toys specifically designed for babies and toddlers, from birth. Disney's Little Einsteins(TM) is the company's newest venture, specifically created for the preschool market. Headquartered in Glendale, Calif., The Baby Einstein Company is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. For more information, please visit www.BabyEinstein.com or www.LittleEinsteins.com.

AP Offer for Mickey’s Halloween Treat 2006

Annual Passholders - Buy early and save!

Trick-or-treat alongside Mickey Mouse and his friends at this not-so-scary Halloween party. Join in the “spirited” fun at this private costume party where little ghosts and goblins (and princesses, pirates and superheroes, too) enjoy Halloween fun - Disney style! Passholders enjoy a special $10 savings on advance ticket purchases!

• Shake your bones to lively music!
• Scare up some goodies at special treat stations!
• Have some frightful fun with creepy crafts and activities!
• Plus lots more spook-tacular entertainment!

Event dates are:
October 13, 20, 22, 27 and 29 - 7:30pm to 11:30pm
October 26, 30, and 31 - 6:30pm to 10:30pm

Ticket Prices:
Advance purchase $19
Day of event $29

Buy tickets online now

Parking for one vehicle is included with each Mickey’s Halloween Treat ticket. (Larger vehicles may require a fee).

Limit eight (8) tickets per order, per event date.

Mickey’s Halloween Treat Tickets are not valid for theme park admission prior to the hours of the event.

Space is limited and tickets are available while supplies last.

Guests over the age of 9 may wear costumes only to the Mickey’s Halloween Treat event that their ticket is valid. Costumes are not permitted at either Theme Park at any time for Guests over the age of 9. All costumes must adhere to any guidelines as determined solely by Disney. Please choose costumes that are not obstructive, offensive or violent. Guests’ eyes must be visible at all times.

Annual Passholder Offer at Yamabuki

Save 20% on weekday lunches at Yamabuki

Weekdays in April, Annual Passholders enjoy a special 20% discount off your total lunch check ($10 minimum) when dining at Yamabuki, located in Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Enjoy authentic Japanese specialties, like teriyaki, tempura and sushi - as well as some delicious savings!

Offer valid from 04/01-04/30/06, Monday through Friday 11:30am-2:00pm and only at Yamabuki at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Valid Annual Pass required at time of purchase. Discounts apply only to a check total of ten dollars ($10) or more, excluding taxes, gratuity, and alcohol. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer and operating hours subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Rhoda Williams, voice of Drizella in Disney's Cinderella and GE Carousel of Progress ladies has died at 75

Rhoda W. Van Meter, an actress also known as Rhoda Williams, died March 8 of age-related causes. She served as the voice and model for the Walt Disney Studios audioanimatronic mother and teenage daughter at the General Electric Carousel of Progress at Disneyland.

Gay Disney World due in 2009

Mickey Mouse may no longer be the big cheese in the theme park world as animatronic gay emperors and Cinderfella look set to take centre stage in a gay amusement resort.

Due in 2009, the adults only destination, named Tongziland, has been given the go ahead by the Malaysian Authorities and will be built in Johor Bahru, aimed at affluent gay travelers.

Tang En Chee of Same Joy PTE Ltd, the company funding the project, revealed they have been given a government license to transform a 120,000 square metre area of landfill into a world class recreation and entertainment tourist attraction.

Malaysian tourism spokesman, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, told the Utopia Asia news service, “We are excited and already planning to offer a special shuttle service from Singapore for tourists who would enjoy spending the day at the gay park and an evening or two in our gay-friendly hotels here in Johor Bahru."

Preliminary designs for the park include an authentic Chinese dynastic palace throne room inhabited by famous gay Emperors a transgender kick-boxing arena and Iron Ladies volleyball court, Cinderfella's Enchanted Castle sauna, an Old West themed Lesbian Round-up, and a 10-story tall Tower of Pride with rotating disco and lasers.

Epcot is rolling out 2nd Segway tour 

Disney weaves its magical tale 

2006 Flower Power Concerts 

Flower and Garden Festival Weekend Themes 

Learning through imagination on Playhouse Disney Channel 

Disney Tests the Video-on-Demand Waters 

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Released 

Disneyland Paris Recovered from a Slump in 2003 and Now Attracts More People Than Ever 

Astin one of "The Guys" for ABC pilot 

“Stay, Play & Dine” Vacation Package Returns 

High School Musical Cast on Tour Later This Year 

Non-stop magic in Hong Kong Disneyland Park! 

Senior executive quits Disney Channel UK 

Citadel gets U.S. antitrust OK for ABC Radio

Disney weaves its magical tale

 

Disney on Ice is coming back to Malaysia. This time, The Magical World of Disney on Ice features more than 60 colourful characters from the classic Mickey and Minnie with their friends from Disney's Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio, as well as their friends from Pixar's The Incredibles and Finding Nemo.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., the show features a magical journey with sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, first-rate choreography by Emmy Award winner Sarah Kawahara, eye-dazzling sets and beautiful costumes.

One of the event's organisers, PR Worldwide's managing director Para R. said: "Malaysia has seen six different Disney On Ice performances, the first being Mickey's 25th Disney Anniversary in 1995. The response of the public to the show as well as seeing families come together to enjoy the performances is heart-warming. We always look forward to a magical connection between performers and the audience.

The Magical World Of Disney On Ice will be held in Kuala Lumpur at Stadium Putra, in Bukit Jalil from April 9 to 12 and in Penang at the International Sports Arena, from April 15 to 16.

Tickets for the show are priced at RM225, RM185, RM125, RM65 and RM35. For bookings and enquiries, call: 03-7711-5000, 03-7493-3010 or 04-640-3010.

The show is brought to Malaysia by PR Worldwide and Global V-Team Management Sdn Bhd. The title sponsor is Dutch Lady Malaysia and official credit card is Maybank Cards.

2006 Flower Power Concerts

The Guess Who, Davy Jones, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone and other pop hit makers of the past reign over the Flower Power concert series April 21-June 11 at the 13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World Resort.

The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and '70s begins with opening-weekend performances by Nelson, known for their hit, "After the Rain," and covers of their father Ricky Nelson's music, including "Garden Party." Other oldie chart-toppers featured by some of the festival's 15 musical acts include "Happy Together," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter." The Guess Who, The Association, The Tokens and Tony Orlando of "Tony Orlando and Dawn" fame, are new to the concert this year. Arlo Guthrie, B.J. Thomas and The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie are among returning acts in the musical series for the seven-week Flower Power concerts. Davy Jones, who has opened the festival during previous years, will perform this year during the popular Mother's Day Weekend.

Flower Power concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord daily at America Gardens Theatre at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. and are included with regular Epcot admission. Here's the lineup*:

April 21-24 - Nelson
April 25-27 - The Buckinghams
April 28-May 1 - Gary Puckett
May 2-4 - Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill
May 5-8 - Paul Revere and the Raiders
May 9-11 - The Association
May 12-15 - Davy Jones
May 16-18 - The Tokens
May 19-22 - B.J. Thomas
May 23-25 - Felix Cavaliere's Rascals
May 26-29 - The Guess Who
May 30-June 1 - Tony Orlando in Concert
June 2-5 - Arlo Guthrie
June 6-7 - The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie
June 8-11 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
*Entertainment is subject to change without notice

Flower and Garden Festival Weekend Themes

Interactive bug releases, colorful art displays, family-fun activities and how-to gardening sessions add plenty of themed fun to every weekend of the 13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival April 21 through June 11. Each of the eight festival weekends features a special theme with events and activities that add to the daily festivities.

Premiere Weekend April 21-23

• Epcot opens with 30 million blooms, topiary magic, gardening activities and U.S. Postal Service launch (9:30 a.m., April 21) of its Art of Disney Romance commemorative stamp.
• Nelson launches the Flower Power concert series at America Gardens Theatre.
• Paul James, a.k.a. "The Gardening Guy(" and host of HGTV's "Gardening By the Yard," answers gardening questions and provides helpful insight into this popular hobby as part of the Great American Gardeners series presented by the American Horticultural Society on April 21, 22 and 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• New Romance stamps go on sale with first-day cancellation offered to Disney guests.

Party in the Garden Weekend April 28-30

• Beloved Disney characters host a garden party for guests at the Ultimate Backyard Garden Party presented by The Home Depot, where luau, wedding and birthday party areas showcase ways to throw a big bash.
• Guests can extend their pinkies for a Future World tea party, then celebrate their "unbirthdays" in Alice's Unbirthday Party near the Sculpture Garden in Future World.
• The Home Depot and FamilyFun magazine host special kids' activities.
• Gary Puckett belts out nostalgic tunes during the Flower Power concert series.
• Roger Swain, past host of PBS's "The Victory Garden," shares his gardening know-how.

Art in the Garden Weekend May 5-7

• Twelve artists working in various mediums throughout the weekend will create a variety of works in the Epcot gardens. Guests also can observe nature through the eyes of 16 plein air artists May 6 and 7.
• Paul Revere and the Raiders rev up the Flower Power concert beat through the weekend.
• Renowned wilderness photographer Clyde Butcher joins Robert L. Bendick Jr. of The Nature Conservancy to talk with guests about their passion for the outdoors.
• Festival poster artist Michael Sullivan signs his artwork for guests all weekend.
• Children can enjoy the Kids Paint Out experience located inside the Sculpture Garden daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A half dozen easels and special paint bottles are set out for kids to paint freehand (or any other style) with the assistance of a professional artist nearby.

Mother's Day Weekend May 12-14

• Members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs exhibit a spectacular display of floral arrangements at the Festival Center.
• Moms are treated to a complimentary photo and a flower exclusively on Mother's Day, May 14. Photo locations can be found throughout the park.
• Families can celebrate mom at the Mother's Day Brunch May 14 at World ShowPlace. Times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Guests can make reservations at 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).
• Flower Power great Davy Jones makes moms swoon during daily concerts.
• Guerlain perfume specialist Raymond Western talks about the intimate relationship between perfumes and plants like those displayed at the France pavilion's Fragrance Garden.
• Children can create the perfect Mother's Day card.

Characters in Bloom Weekend May 19-21

• Dozens of Disney characters pop up throughout the park for a character extravaganza.
• The Home Depot hosts gardening-related activities and hands-on fun throughout the weekend.
• FamilyFun magazine features kid craft activities at the Test Track walkway.
• B.J. Thomas makes Flower Power concerts sing each weekend day.
• Butterfly curator Jaret Daniels tells guests how to bring winged beauties to their gardens.
• The brand-new Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden showcases a glittering Tinker Bell topiary and provides fun for everyone, especially younger children. Older children can blast off on the SpaceNet climber near Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden.
• On May 21, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., artisans showcase handcrafted dolls and teddy bears.

Memorial Day Weekend May 27-29

• Children ages 3-9 can take part in Field Day activities near The Land with beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun.
• Fans dig The Guess Who in concert for Flower Power fun.
• Pat Lanza, author of "Lasagna Gardening," dishes up tips about growing herbs that taste great in Italian dishes.

I Dig Bugs Weekend June 2-4

• Guests discover that bugs are fun and keep gardens healthy.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom bug specialists appear in Future World East to give guests a close-up look at caterpillars, spiders and other creatures.
• Gritty Arlo Guthrie brings guitar, harmonica and classic folk to the Flower Power concert stage.
• Robert Bowden, director of the lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, discusses great Florida plants.
• Jiminy Cricket and friends make special appearances in Future World throughout the weekend at various times
• Ladybugs will be released more frequently throughout the I Dig Bugs Weekend.

Festival Farewell Weekend June 9-11

• Central Florida gardening celebrity Tom MacCubbin caps the Great American Gardeners series with advice on creating imaginative container gardens.
• Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone wrap the Flower Power series with their lively British brand of rock.
• Festival poster artist Michael Sullivan signs his artwork for guests Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
  Surprise craft activities help kids wrap up their festival fun.

Learning through imagination on Playhouse Disney Channel

Pre-schoolers can now experience a fun, imaginative and easy way of learning and developing different skills that every individual will need as he journeys through life, in the 24-hour commercial-free Playhouse Disney Channel which is now available on cable TV.

What used to be an occasional two-hour block on Disney Channel is now an exclusive channel that offers Disney-produced shows created for children ages two to five. The goal of each show is to develop a child's thinking skills, motor skills, social skills, life skills, emotional growth, art and music appreciation, and early academics.

"The channel is a supplement, it complements the lessons that preschoolers get from school. Children, parents, caregivers, and teachers must use the programs in Playhouse Disney Channel as learning tools not as substitute to the things taught in school," explained Ms. Mai Tatoy, manager of Trade Communications of Walt Disney International (South East Asia/Korea), at the launch of Playhouse Disney Channel at Makati Shangri-La.

Such shows believed by Disney to be helpful in honing every kid into responsible adults someday are "Book of Pooh," "Stanley," "PJ & J Otter," "Rolie Polie Olie," 'Barney and Friends," "Play with me Sesame," "Out of the Box," "Bear in the House," "Jojo's Circus," "Little Einsteins," and "Higglytown Heroes."

"Each show focuses on one or two skills. In 'Stanley' for instance, preschoolers will be taught to use their thinking skills and early academics. In the show, six-year-old Stanley and his fish named Dennis will face different problems that six-year-olds normally face and he will find solutions to it," expounded Tatoy.

The Emmy Award-winning show "Rolie Polie Olie," which kids are very familiar with for it has been airing on Disney Channel for a long time, encourages children to use their social skills. It helps young viewers understand their emotions, to know their own identities and to be sensitive with the feelings of others, as well.

In "Out of the Box," children will be trained to live a healthy and an ideal lifestyle. Factors that contribute to that are proper hygiene, good manners and right conduct.

Aside from featuring different skills, researchers and producers of the Disney shows also exerted extra effort in making the characters in each show interesting and unique.

"Higglytown Heroes," for instance, has characters which were patterned to a wooden Russian doll known as the Matryoshka Doll. Their roundness amuse the youngsters because they're suppose to be people but they look more like little jars.

"The producers of 'Higglytown Heroes' researched for a new image that they could use for the show's characters and they decided to use the Matryoska Doll because it's a new concept. It has never been used before," said Tatoy.

Another show which has characters you are far from bumping into out in the streets is "Rolie Polie Olie." The lead character in this show, Olie, including everybody in his family are round while his bestfriend belong to a family of squares. Together, they make an amusing sight but at the same time they also introduce children to different shapes.

On May 6, Playhouse Disney Channel will bring back Mickey Mouse and his whole gang composed of Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Goofy, and of course you. Yes, Mickey wants the participation of his pre-schooler friends and viewers that's why at the beginning of every episode of his show, he would always require everybody to recite with him the magic words, "Mishka, Muska, Mickey Clubhouse" and fun begins on "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."

Mickey Mouse has been around for over 75 years but this is the first time that Disney is presenting him in a 3D animation.

Playhouse Disney Channel is available on SkyCable Platinum, Las Piñas Cable TV, Muntinlupa Cable TV, Parañaque Cable TV, and Destiny Cable TV.

Disney Tests the Video-on-Demand Waters

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts jumps into the media sphere of video-on-demand by providing programming featuring Smash Mouth and Jim Brickman concerts for Comcast’s On Demand service.

The two concerts highlighting the pop group and the platinum-selling pianist were recorded at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida and will be available starting this week free of charge to Comcast cable TV subscribers. The launch is timed to correspond with the opening of Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the time of year when consumers tend to consider where they should go for summer vacation. Disney also is providing content previewing the attraction and dangling a sweepstakes for a chance to win a seven-day trip for four to the Florida resort.

"This video-on-demand offering is consistent with our strategy to market in new media space and reach consumers through channels of new technology which they use and that they are embracing," Michael Mendenhall, evp-marketing for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said in a statement. "The video-on-demand format allows us to deliver a longer, richer, more interactive message to viewers and Disney fans alike."

On Demand enables Comcast customers to choose from more than 3,800 programs—movies, music videos, kid shows, sports and news—any time, and play, fast forward, rewind and watch their selections as many times as they want.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Released

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates are as follows. Sept. 29, October 2, 5-6, 10, 12, 16-17, 19-20, 23-24, 26-27, 30-31 Dates Subject to change.

Disneyland Paris Recovered from a Slump in 2003 and Now Attracts More People Than Ever

When the Walt Disney Company launched its idea of creating a resort in 1987 in France, Europe, expectations were high and critics denounced it to be a useless try. However, figures show that Disneyland Paris attracts more people than ever since its opening in April, 1992 and that the resort recovered completely from a short slump in 2003. Restructuring plans have been implemented and new attractions have been installed in order to provide the magical character of Micky Mouse and his friends. Today, the whole resort consists of 14 hotels, more than 12,000 employees, 600,000 square meters for all the attractions and parks, and it counts yearly more than 12,5 million tourists.

Astin one of "The Guys" for ABC pilot

Hot off his stint as a counter-terrorist operative on "24," Sean Astin is in negotiations to star in ABC‘s comedy pilot "The Guys," about five dads who become friends when their kids have a playdate at the home of one of them.

Astin, famed for playing a hobbit in the "Lord of the Rings" movies, is in theaters with "Marilyn Hotchkiss‘ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School." He next appears opposite Adam Sandler in "Click," which opens June 23.

Lindsay Sloane ("The In-Laws") has landed the female lead opposite Nick Lachey in the CW comedy pilot "She Said/He Said," a romantic comedy told through male and female perspectives.

Paul Michael Glaser ("Starsky and Hutch") has been cast in Fox‘s drama pilot "Faceless," about a pair of hostage negotiators. Glaser, who has been working as a TV director in recent years, will play the powerful owner of a porn empire.

“Stay, Play & Dine” Vacation Package Returns

Disney has announced a Stay, Play & Dine Package for guests vacationing from August 13 through September 30, 2006. Book a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining at a select Disney Value Resort for just $435+ per adult. This special opens to Disney Visa Card Holders on April 1 for advance booking. The package is available to the public on April 4. This offer must be booked by June 4, 2006. 

High School Musical Cast on Tour Later This Year

Disney has announced that the cast of the hit Disney Channel movie High School Musical will be going live on tour later this year. The cast will reveal on Access Hollywood next week that there will be a live stage version of this film also later this year.

Non-stop magic in Hong Kong Disneyland Park!

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy Disneyland. Whatever your age may be, the kid in you spontaneously reaches out to embrace the magic and enchantment of a fantasy world come true. When Walt Disney built the first Disneyland in 1955, he set out to create “the happiest place on earth.’ He sought to create a place where every one in the family regardless of age, sex or race could have fun together. Today, there are five Disneyland's and the newest address in virtually next door — in Hong Kong, China.

Each place has a charm of its own, each one "the happiest place on earth" where children and adults alike succumb to the magic and fantasy of Disney characters led by Walt Disney’s favorite mascot, Mickey Mouse.

At the Park, the guests are invited to "leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy."

Disneyland Hong Kong which was inaugurated in September 2005 with much ado and global publicity is just that kind of place.

According to lore, the Disney officials had been eyeing the Asia Pacific region for the ideal site as well as a partner.

They found that partner in the government–owned Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP) which promptly reclaimed 202 hectares on Penny’s Bay complete with a complex infrastructure including roads, a mass transit railway and an "Inspiration Lake" to catch run–off from the surrounding mountains.

The enchantment begins the moment you step off the shuttle bus from the two hotels at the Park… the Disney’s Hollywood Hotel and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

Or the instance you step off an MTR train or drive up by car … for the millions of Disney fans, the excitement starts like a lump in your throat.

Immediately, you want a photo taken at the entrance or at the Disney train depot. The fascination builds up as you pose again at the fountain dominated by Pinochio’s whale and Mickey Mouse bouncing on the water spout.

Your first stop is Main Street, a fixture in every Disneyland Park, and typical of an American town with its city hall, opera House, emporium, fire station, a railroad station, quaint little shops, etc.

Here you can hop unto an "omnibus," the first gas powered autobus, or a paddy wagon (American slang for a police transport for crime suspects) or a turn of the century version of the "horseless carriage" or taxi. Say hi! to the roving piano man on the street.

But for a quick overview of the Park, we suggest a train ride on the locomotive, a replica of 19th century trains, chug–chugging across the jungles of Adventureland, the magical gardens of Fantasyland and an other worldly Tomorrowland.

We imagine that the thousands of children from mainland China who have come to visit are only now discovering the delightful characters created by Walt Disney and his team of "imagineers."

Only now perhaps they are making acquaintance of Mickey Mouse and his girlfriend Minnie, the wacky pack of Goofy and Pluto, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger… as well as the fairytale princesses like Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, or even the girl warrior Mulan. Perhaps, one day, they shall meet Pinocchio, et al.

A few adjustments were made like changing the eyes of Mickey and Minnie for a Chinese look and dressing them in Chinese costumes for the Lunar New Year.

In Adventureland, guests hop into a jungle river cruise, to encounter trumpeting elephants, hippos and hungry crocodiles emerging from the waters, marauding apes, fierce–looking tribesmen, and past the tree house of Tarzan which you can explore if you desire.

In the Theater in the Wild, a 2,250 seater circular theater, you can watch one of three major shows that come free with your entrance ticket — a capsulized version of the global hit musicale "The Lion King" titled "The Festival of the Lion King." Amazing how in 28 minutes, the tale unfolds of Simba, Rafiki, Pumbaa, et al, in a spectacle of songs, dances and colorful costumes.

Other attractions which may run from five to seven shows a day are the Mickey’s Philhar Magic in the Fantasyland Concert Hall, a 3–D movie where Donald Duck, apple pies, etc. appear to jump off the screen to come flying at you — a magical illusion with the aid of special spectacles, and in the Disney’s Storybook Theater — "The Golden Mickeys," a colorful live performance of excerpts from favorite Disney movies.

Enter Fantasyland through the Sleeping Beauty Castle, a storybook realm peopled by fairytale folks who will pose with you and sign autographs in the Fantasy Gardens, a new feature unique to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Park.

Here also are the Hundred Acre Woods, whirling rides on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the dizzying Mad Hatter Tea Cups, a delightful Cinderella Carousel, and honeypot rides in the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

In Tomorrowland, science fiction and space adventures converge to take explorers into the world of the future and the unknown starting with Space Mountain which whisks you off on a warp–speed roller coaster ride… the interactive Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and free spinning Space Crusiers where we earned points zapping comical targets with infrared laser cannons (don’t ask how we scored — yikes!) and the flying saucers of the Orbitron.

Somewhere along the way, I had a personal encounter with "Push" the space age robotic trash can which speaks many languages and in fact, greeted me in Tagalog!

At 5 o’clock, we took a break to watch the Disney on Parade, a daily processional of colorful floats, musicians and dancers, and storybook characters.

Capping the day is "Disney in the Stars," a nightly fireworks spectacle exploding in the skies and firing off behind Sleeping Beauty’s Castle along with a laser show and shooting fire blazes. It just takes your breath away.

At Hong Kong Disneyland, all employees, staffers and talents are considered members of the "cast" as in a super grand production because the Park is one superlative stage. Where the offices, warehouses, props and quarters, etc. are located is considered "backstage."

Here are kept the estimated 5,000 costumes for the cast in 394 garment styles totalling 115,000 pieces. That must keep the seamstresses and wardrobe mistresses on their toes 24/7!

The number includes the uniforms of the servers in the restaurants all over the Park.

Klaus Mager, F&B director for Hong Kong Disneyland, had the mammoth task of planning the menus.

From first sneeze, Mager and his team worked on a "flavors of China" theme which is complicated enough, considering there’s Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Sichuan, Peking and Shanghainese to be blended in with other cuisines. In quick service, too!

You can get a huge meal for an average HK (with tea) at, for instance, the River View Café and Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland (where I ate a spicy, hot bowl of Laksa noodles) … Comet Café in Tomorrowland for noodles, wok food and Chinese barbecue.. Plaza Inn of the Maxim’s Group… Market House Bakery for coffee and muffins.

Fantasyland’s Royal Banguet Hall has four kitchens and then, there’s Clopin’s Festival Foods in a medieval ambiance inspired by the Hunchback of Notre Dame… and Starliner Diner in Tomorrowland where the specialty of the house in Char Siew burger.

Get your mega–dose of magic all for the ticket price … for adults, HK5 (regular days) and HK0 (peak days); child ages 3 to 11, HK0 and HK0, senior citizens (60 years and up) HK0 and HK0.

"Peak" days are Hong Kong public holidays, July and August, Golden Week holidays in May and October.

It’s best to check on tickets one day ahead on hongkongdisneyland.com or the Hong Kong disneyland Reservation Center at 852–1–830–830,

Hurry, contact your travel agent. The weather in Hong Kong is perfectly fine, at least till June when summer there sets in.

Senior executive quits Disney Channel UK

James Neal has quit as Disney Channel UK's VP of programming and commissioning after ten years at the broadcaster.

The executive, who has been with Disney since its launch in 1995, oversaw the launches of spin-off channels Playhouse Disney, Cinemagic and entertainment channel abc1.

"Disney will always have a special place in my heart," said Neal in a statement on Friday. "I have spent a wonderful ten years there and I leave the group knowing that I've set the foundations for a successful future."

Citadel gets U.S. antitrust OK for ABC Radio

Citadel Broadcasting Corp (CDL.N) has received U.S. antitrust approval to acquire industry rival ABC Radio from Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N), U.S. officials said on Monday.

Antitrust authorities have completed their review of the $2.7 billion deal without taking any action to block it, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said in a notice.

Citadel, which is majority-owned by investment firm Forstmann Little & Co., announced in February it would buy the ABC Radio assets. Disney said at that time it planned to break off ABC's 22 radio stations and the ABC Radio Networks programming business into a separate entity, which would then be combined with Citadel to make the transaction tax-free for Disney shareholders.