|
||
| MickeyXtreme's News Archive January 14-20 2007 | ||
|
Saturday January 20, 2007 |
||
|
Roy E. Disney files for divorce in LA to end 52-year
marriage ABC Leads in Broadcast Network Battle for Web Traffic ABC's Not-So-Ugly Betty High School Musical Celebrates One Year Anniversary with Special, Jan 20 Magic Kingdom's Pirate and Princess Party Begins, Jan 22 |
||
|
|
||
|
Roy E. Disney files for divorce in LA to end 52-year
marriage AP - Roy E. Disney filed for divorce from his wife, Patricia, on Friday, citing irreconcilable differences, according to court documents. The Burbank couple, who have been married 52 years, have been living apart for an unspecified amount of time, according to the Los Angeles County Superior Court filing. "This has been in the works for a long time. They've just decided to move forward with their lives," said Clifford A. Miller, managing director of Shamrock Holdings Inc., the Disney family's investment company. Roy, 77, and Patricia, 72, have four adult children. The couple agreed to treat the divorce as a collaborative law case, which means each will try to cooperate to reach a settlement out of court, according to the divorce papers. "It will be privately and collaboratively worked out, and it will never go to court," said Forrest S. Mosten, Roy Disney's attorney. Mosten declined to discuss any facts in the case. Disney is nephew of Walt Disney and one of The Walt Disney Co.'s major shareholders. |
||
|
|
||
|
ABC Leads in Broadcast Network Battle for Web Traffic VOX - In the cross-platform battle to drive visitors to TV network websites, where users can view full-episode streams of programming, ABC is leading the rest. Overall, the ABC and NBC sites are drawing 9.5 million unique visitors a month (October to December), much more than CBS and Fox sites, which are averaging 5.2 million and 2.8 million unique, respectively, according to Neilsen/NetRatings (via MediaPost). For streams of prime-time episodes, ABC again leads. In October, ABC's Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives drew 3.1 million unique users. All four networks include some sort of advertising in their streams, ranging from a small "presented by (insert sponsor name here)" logo on the top of the screen on ABC.com to mid-roll ads on CBS.com to pre-roll on NBC.com and the Fox site. Advertisers include Allstate on ABC.com, AT&T on the CBS site, Cisco on NBC.com and Chase on Fox. |
||
|
|
||
|
ABC's Not-So-Ugly Betty Ms. Magazine - A colleague recently asked me to compare Betty Suárez, the leading character of ABC's new hit Ugly Betty, to Ally McBeal. "Well, they probably both have vaginas," I replied. Gender is about the only identity that Betty shares with previous and contemporary women television characters. How many working-class, Mexican American, clumsy, allegedly "ugly," intelligent women with an illegal-immigrant father have been portrayed on U.S. television? Until Betty's arrival, none. In Ugly Betty, a first-generation, college-educated woman (played by America Ferrara of Real Women Have Curves and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants fame) lives with her father, sister and nephew in working-class and ethnically diverse Queens. Contrary to the Sex and the City troupe, Betty and her single-mother sister can't enjoy the wonders of New York City's nightlife, as they are the family's primary financial providers and have to worry about their father's health plan and the legal expenses related to his illegal status. As an assistant for fashion magazine Mode, Betty has been labeled ugly, fat and classless, and suffers numerous humiliations from co-workers. But while Betty has apparently internalized the pain of being categorized as ugly, she does not seem concerned about her weight. As an intelligent and ambitious woman, Betty wants to succeed at her job, yet her distance from upper-crust culture has thus far been an obstacle at class- and image-conscious Mode. The idea for Betty came from a Colombian telenovela (soap opera), Yo soy Betty la fea (I am Betty, the Ugly One), which narrated the story of a single, physically awkward, working-class, brilliant and hard-working woman in her late 20s who was employed as a secretary at high-fashion company EcoModa. Following the conventions of Latin American telenovelas, which typically portray the complexities of an almost impossible love between two people from different social classes, Betty fell in love with Armando, the company's president. Yet, Yo soy Betty la fea was more than a highly improbable match between a poor, "ugly" woman and a rich man. Upper-class codes of conduct and appearance usually defined who was considered ugly or beautiful within the narrative. Therefore, the central message in the Colombian version was that women's beauty is defined by those who possess economic power. The telenovela was an instant hit across Latin America and, according to a Variety report, either the original Colombian version or the concept alone have been sold to more than 70 countries. India, Germany, Mexico, Russia, Spain and others have each produced versions of Yo soy Betty la fea. I am an avid Ugly Betty viewer, but initially I was partial to the telenovela. Yo soy Betty la fea has a harsher, more direct approach to women's self-esteem issues, and I appreciated the inclusion of Betty's six "ugly" girlfriends-a support network, who loved her and admired her deeply. Through Betty and the cuartel de las feas (the cartel of ugly women), the narrative created a space for gender and working-class solidarity. That said, Ugly Betty is an important and timely show. It brings forth a complex assortment of U.S. women's issues, interconnecting gender, ethnicity, race, class and, of course, dominant beauty norms. Significantly, the show also addresses the thorny migration question, indirectly confronting the anti-Mexican sentiment that prevails in the U.S. For my part, I will continue to welcome Betty into my home as long as the show's creators keep pushing the envelope regarding what constitutes ugliness in contemporary U.S. society. Am I expecting too much from a network television show? Maybe so, but I will dream on. |
||
|
|
||
|
High School Musical Celebrates One Year Anniversary with
Special, Jan 20 Disney.com - The Disney Channel will celebrate the one year anniversary of High School Musical with a special presentation of the hit film featuring footage from its various global versions. http://psc.disney.go.com/disneychannel/originalmovies/highschoolmusical/index.html |
||
|
|
||
|
Magic Kingdom's Pirate and Princess Party Begins, Jan 22 WDW News - Beginning January 22nd on select nights through March 8th, the Magic Kingdom will host Disney's Pirate and Princess Party with a special parade and fireworks. Guests are invited to dress as their favorite Pirate or Princess. |
||
|
|
||
|
Friday January 19, 2007 |
||
|
Hong Kong Disneyland limits holiday visitors Disney World is magical for all ages Special Disneyland Park Hours Disney hires iTunes exec to run EMEA music arm ABC reprimands; Washington sorry Taking the Kids: Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney royalty Dali's Disney film to screen at Tate Modern Disney alter film to accommodate Spanish singing star ISO uses Disney Connection |
||
|
|
||
|
Shanghai Daily news - Hong Kong Disneyland yesterday
set a limit on the number of visitors at peak hours
during the coming Spring Festival at 34,000 -- the
park's maximum capacity, the Guangzhou-based
Information Times reported today.
To avoid a repeat of last year's chaos, visitors are being encouraged to make reservations for their trips and admissions will be reserved for those who buy tickets that are valid for the Special Week of February 17 to 24. Ticket sales will be suspended when the number of visitors wanting to enter is too great, the park warned. Opening time will also be two hours longer from 9am to 9 pm during the Special Week to receive more guests, the park said. At last year's Spring Festival holidays, thousands of visitors, mainly from the mainland with valid tickets, were denied entry because the park was already beyond its allowed capacity. The mass shut-out was resented and criticized by furious mainland visitors. Disney hastened to apologies and said it had learned a lot about China from the lunar New Year holiday fiasco. Hong Kong Disneyland has attracted more than 5 million visitors since it opened in September, 2005 and three-fifths of the visitors were from the mainland, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney
World is magical for all ages
Newsday - Disney World events for the first half of 2007 range from themed children's parties to annual events showcasing flowers and sports. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival unfolds over two months, from April 5 to June 3, with topiaries, flower beds, water gardens and many other exhibits, along with seminars on gardening and crafts, a children's garden, a butterfly garden, nightly "Flower Power" concerts and themed festival weekends celebrating bugs, art and Mother's Day. Details at Disneyworld .com/flower. The Atlanta Braves begin spring training in The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex after the start of workouts in February. Tickets are on sale; for information and prices, go to Disneyworld sports.com. Sports fans will also want to check out the fourth annual "ESPN the Weekend," March 2-4, at Disney-MGM Studios, with on-site ESPN telecasts, star motorcades, interactive sports activities and Q&A sessions with athletes and ESPN commentators. Disney's Pirate & Princess Party takes place in the Magic Kingdom on 13 evenings starting Monday and running through March 8 and includes fireworks, a parade and a treasure hunt. Guests may want to attend in costume. Advance tickets are $36.95 plus tax for ages 10 and older, $29.95 plus tax for ages 3 to 9, and can be obtained by calling 407-934-7639 or visiting Disneyworld. COM/pirate and princess. Also this year, as part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, guests will be randomly chosen while visiting the park to spend the night in Cinderella's Castle. The suite accommodates up to six and includes a bedchamber, salon and bath off a private marble-floored lobby four stories above the Magic Kingdom. As part of the "Year of a Million Dreams" on the West Coast, Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., will be selecting guests randomly to stay in the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel. |
||
|
|
||
|
Special
Disneyland Park Hours
Disneyland News - Due to a private event on Sunday, April 22, 2007, Disneyland Park will be opening at 6:30 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m. Disney's California Adventure Park will extend its hours that day and will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney hires iTunes exec to run EMEA music arm
Reuters - Walt Disney Co.'s (DIS.N) Buena Vista music arm said on Friday it had hired a former Apple (AAPL.O ) iTunes executive to run its European business.
Disney said Morales' knowledge of the digital market would help as it seeks to strengthen its business throughout Europe. Walt Disney was the first media company to make a deal with Apple to sell video on the iTunes music store when Apple in 2005 unveiled its iPod that also plays video. It then started offering episodes of such hit shows as "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" for electronic sale. |
||
|
|
||
|
ABC
reprimands; Washington sorry
USA Today - ABC chided Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington on Thursday for "inappropriate language" he used at Monday's Golden Globes, and Washington issued an apology. "We have a long-standing policy to create and maintain respectful workplaces for all our employees," the network said in a statement. "We dealt with the original situation in October and thought the issue resolved. Therefore, we are greatly dismayed that (he) chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, language that he himself deemed 'unfortunate' in his previous public apology. We take this situation very seriously. His actions are unacceptable and are being addressed." Washington, who is said to have leveled a homophobic slur about co-star T.R. Knight on the set in October, repeated the term in a denial of the original incident on the night Grey's won the best-drama Globe. In a statement Thursday, he said: "I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. "By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on Grey's Anatomy. I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help." Washington said he welcomed "the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I've opened." And, he added, "T.R.'s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character. I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity." |
||
|
|
||
|
Taking the Kids: Disney's Animal Kingdom What’s vacation for if we can’t bend the rules a little (or a lot). We’re in the huge pool at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, along with at least 50 other laughing, shrieking kids and their parents. Welcome to the best part (at least from the kids’ perspective) of staying at a Walt Disney World hotel: Pools that are open 24/7, though the lifeguards leave after 10 p.m. I have to agree with my young traveling companions: my cousin’s son, 10-year-old Max Weinberg, and his buddy, Jackson Solis, also 10. They’re convinced there’s no better way than jumping in the pool (again and again) to end a long day touring the theme parks — in our case, the nearby Animal Kingdom. Open since 1998, Animal Kingdom isn’t usually kids’ first choice in Mouseville. After all, they can see a lot of animals in a zoo at home, they say. But not like this. Not more than 1,000 animals from around the world , including more Nile hippos and African elephants than anywhere else in North America. During a couple of hours, you can you transport yourselves through an African savanna on one of the park’s Kilimanjaro Safaris, where lions, zebras and giraffes roaming freely; take a whitewater raft trip through a threatened rain forest on the Kali River Rapids; walk through a bamboo jungle (check out the gorillas!); and survive a runaway train on Expedition Everest, which opened last summer. On Expedition Everest, the idea is that you’re riding a rickety rail car, climbing into the Himalayas about 200 feet from the mythical village of Serka Zong. Of course, all of this was lost on the two 10-year-olds, who didn’t even glance at the pre-attraction with its totems, buildings and prayer flags. They complained that the ride was slow, though they did love that we went backward as well as forward and that a giant Yeti (Disney’s largest Audio-Animatronics creation yet) jumped out at them. This month, the new Finding Nemo - The Musical debuted at Animal Kingdom, featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning Avenue Q co-composer Robert Lopez and the theatrical puppetry of Michael Curry, who co-designed the Lion King puppets for Broadway. This new show marks the first time that Disney has taken an animated feature and transformed it into an original musical production with larger-than-life puppets. (Crush the turtle is nearly the size of a Volkswagen, and Nigel the pelican is 22 feet tall.) The Animal Kingdom has something for every member of the family, even the welcome chance to have a leisurely lunch at the always-entertaining Rainforest Cafe (www.rainforestcafe.com). There’s probably no better time to visit than in winter, when hotel and airline prices can be lower and parks and hotels less crowded. In addition to visiting www.waltdisneyworld.com for value-season deals through mid-February, check www.orlandoinfo.com for the latest hotel deals. The boys and I also discover that Animal Kingdom Lodge with its 1,200-plus rooms, gargantuan thatched-roof lobby and huge mud fireplace is a lot more than just a place to sleep. Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its 33-acre savanna around the resort where hundreds of animals (giraffes, gazelles, zebras, wildebeests and more) roam freely. The boys watched the animals from our balcony and designated viewing spots around the resort. The chance to watch them through night-vision goggles was the best, they agreed. The resort, where rooms at this time of year start at a little more than $200 a night, is elaborately and meticulously themed, with an extensive collection of authentic African masks, sculptures and jewelry in the lobby. Smiling young African men and women were stationed in the lobby, talking about their countries. There is African storytelling and the chance to become a junior safari researcher. Savanna guides were on hand to tell us about the animals. The boys weren’t paying much attention because they were too busy checking out the arcade ("Awesome," they declared) and racing around the lobby on their wheeled sneakers, showing off to younger kids watching cartoons on the big TV. They turned up their noses at African food in the restaurant Boma - Flavors of Africa and stuck to chicken fingers and pizza. They were also thrilled when I excused them from a "fancy" dinner at the hotel’s outstanding Jiko - The Cooking Place (with a terrific South African wine list) and allowed them a room-service dinner. Their favorite spot in the hotel, besides the pool, was the concierge-level lounge. Wherever we stay, I prefer a concierge room because even if it costs more, we save because breakfasts, drinks and snacks are free. When you’re 10, there’s nothing like getting Fruit Loops, chocolate croissant and grape juice for yourself (no waiting to be served here) and settling in front of a Mickey Mouse cartoon for breakfast. For me, there was nothing better than collapsing on a comfy couch at the end of the day with a free glass of wine while the boys snacked on cookies and milk. If we’d had more time, we could have taken a game-viewing safari in the hotel’s savannas. There’s plenty for kids to learn about the environment, animals and different parts of the world. But my guys were on vacation, they informed me, and fun, not learning anything, was their objective. Maybe they absorbed a little by osmosis. I can hope, anyway. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney royalty
Worcester Telegram - Deb J. Melander thought she couldn’t top spending a week in the Florida sun, relaxing with her 19-year-old daughter and her daughter’s three college roommates on the beach — that is until they were treated like royalty for a day. While they were walking around the Magic Kingdom at Disney World last week, a park employee named Fred approached them and started asking them questions. Where did they live and what college did the young women attend? A little skeptical about the attention, Ms. Melander, 54, of Shrewsbury, wondered what he wanted.  Then
he told them that they had been chosen as grand
marshals. It meant that they would lead the daily
parade that winds through the park filled with
thousands of waving, picture-taking tourists. Donning personalized Mickey Mouse ears and riding an open cart at the head of the parade were Ms. Melander; her daughter, Heather; and friends Kathleen Fitzgerald, Caitlin McMullen and Nicole Muratore, all sophomores at Assumption College. “When I took a look at their faces, they just dropped. There were millions of people around us, taking pictures and videotaping us. They were stricken at first, but the girls got into it,” Ms. Melander said. To add to the festivities, they had pictures taken by a professional photographer. And a voice over a loudspeaker boomed out every so often throughout the parade, “Let’s welcome the Melander family from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts!” Ms. Melander said her friend, Stephen McMahon of Waltham, a huge Disney fan, was thrilled for her. “He just thought it was the greatest thing. It is definitely something I won’t forget.” This vacation was special for Ms. Melander because it is one of the few times she has traveled since her husband died in a car accident 10 years ago. Before his death, they had bought a vacation timeshare, but it hadn’t been used much except to be given away as gifts to friends and family. After her husband’s death, she poured all her energy into her children. But with her daughter in college, and her son, John, graduating this spring from George Washington University, Ms. Melander found herself in a quiet house. “The constant running around stopped,” she said. “I had to force myself to have a life of my own.” Ms. Melander, a nurse, studied for her real estate license and obtained it last year. She also decided to start traveling more, and asked Heather if she wanted to join her over winter break. They chose Star Island Resort & Club in Kissimmee, Fla., and Heather invited her roommates to come. Heather was an athletic standout at Shrewsbury High School and now plays soccer at Assumption. She was sidelined last season with a knee injury that required surgery. “I was glad to be able to give this to her, because she missed most of the season,” Ms. Melander said. “She has been very diligent with her therapy. Her doctors say she is 95 percent back to normal.” While many college students wouldn’t want their parents with them on vacation, Heather said she was happy to hang out with her mom and friends. “We actually sat by the pool every day, and at night went out to dinner. It was a relaxing trip and nice to get away for a while,” said Heather. “It was nice to have her there.” Ms. Melander wants to continue traveling, hoping to make stops in Europe, where she has never been. More importantly, she wants to turn this trip with her daughter into a tradition. “I am hoping to do this with her annually. This was a chance for me to get to know her friends better and for her and I to bond. We had a great time together and a lot of laughs,” she said. |
||
|
|
||
|
Dali's Disney film to screen at Tate Modern
CBC Montreal - Sixty years after its creation, a short animated film featuring the art of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali will get its British debut.
The film was supposed to be a collaboration with Disney, but the project was abandoned when funding dried up, and it dropped out of sight. Walt Disney's nephew Roy and a team of 25 animators resurrected the project in 2003 and their efforts earned them an Academy Award nomination for the completed version. The film has previously screened in the U.S., France and Australia. The film features images of a woman dancing through surreal scenes inspired by some of Dali's most iconic images. It was reconstructed from more than 100 story boards and paintings made by the artist. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney alter film to accommodate Spanish singing star
Think Spain - Spanish singing legend, Raphael, along with his wife, Nathalie Figueroa, and one of their children are all lending their voices for the Spanish version of the Walt Disney animated feature 'Meet The Robinsons.' Raphael will also sing one of the songs in the film. Equally, and for the first time in the company's history, Disney is altering the content of the film: at one point an image of Tom Selleck, who voices one of the characters in the original version, is seen, while in the Spanish version this will be replaced by a photograph of Raphael. |
||
|
|
||
|
ISO uses
Disney Connection
PresseBox - Booking stops and booking releases of Disney Resorts can be automatically downloaded directly into the allotment management of "OCEAN" and “Canary”. This way, the tour operators do not have to worry about taking manual care of the Disney allotments in their systems. This new process also guarantees that any changes from Disney are reflected immediately and automatically in the tour operator’s internal and external sales processes. The information will be provided daily by Disney and transferred via SFTP. The function is already in use at Air Canada Vacations in Montreal. The new connection can be used by tour operators: - Who use OCEAN / Canary as tour operator system and - Who have Disney as a supplier |
||
|
|
||
|
Thursday January 18, 2007 |
||
|
Back By Popular Demand! Disney Cruise Line Returns to
West Coast for 2008
Epcot may be home to retail store of future Toy Story Mania Disney-Pixar film to feature robot named Wall-E |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney Cruise Line News - Disney Cruise Line announced
today that the Disney Magic cruise ship will return to
the West Coast for the summer of 2008 to once again
offer its highly popular seven-night Mexican Riviera
sailings.
Disney Cruise Line developed this special itinerary in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback about its original 2005 West Coast sailings and requests from guests who want to see the ship once again departing from the Port of Los Angeles. "Through Disney Cruise Line, we are able to offer people a different way to vacation with Disney outside of our theme parks, and we can take our ships to various parts of the world, providing new audiences with immersive Disney experiences," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Beginning May 25, 2008, the Disney Magic is scheduled to sail 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said, "The Disney Magic experience is unique, and it is only fitting that it return to the port of such a unique city, Los Angeles. The West Coast experience that Disney will offer exclusively out of the Port of Los Angeles will generate much business and tourism revenue that will bolster our local economy." The itinerary for the Mexican Riviera sailings is as follows: 2008 West Coast Itinerary Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . Port of Los Angeles
Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin said, "When we launched our first Disney Cruise Line Mexican Riviera sailings in 2005, the guest reaction to the itinerary was tremendous. We have a significant Disney Cruise Line fan base on the West Coast, and we look forward to taking the Disney Magic back to the Port of Los Angeles in 2008." Significant enhancements have been made to the Disney Magic since its original West Coast sailings in 2005. Today, guests can enjoy poolside movies on a 24-by-14 foot jumbo LED screen, an expanded spa and fitness center exclusively for adults and a new youth activities space designed for children ages 10-14. Guests booking a Mexican Riviera cruise can combine the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line vacation with the fun and excitement of Disneyland Resort by booking a two-night pre- or post-stay at one of Disney's three Anaheim resort hotels. In addition to the 12 Mexican Riviera cruises, Disney Cruise Line will offer two 15-night repositioning cruises through the Panama Canal. The Disney Magic will depart Port Canaveral and head west on May 10, 2008, with the return cruise to Florida scheduled for Aug. 17, 2008. 2008 Panama Canal Cruises Departing May 10, 2008 Departing August 17, 2008 Rates for the Mexican Riviera cruises start at $1,599 per person, and the Panama Canal repositioning cruises start at $1,699 per person. Both special itineraries will be available to book starting Jan. 31, 2007. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries including three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Caribbean cruise vacations that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. |
||
|
|
||
|
Epcot may be home to retail store of future
Orlando Sentinel - Could a futurist retail store be the next big thing at Epcot? That's the hope of the National Retail Federation, which is kicking around the idea of establishing a store of the future at the Disney park. The concept store, dubbed "XO," now appears annually as a temporary pop-up boutique on the show floor at the trade group's annual convention in New York City. The boutique typically shows off the latest tech advancements -- such as this year's popular demo of an interactive mirror that lets customers try on clothes in front of friends online. Federation spokesman Scott Krugman said the trade group hasn't formally presented the pie-in-the-sky idea to Disney. |
||
|
|
||
|
Toy
Story Mania
Orlando Sentinel - "Toy Story Mania" appears to be the name given the secret attraction that Walt Disney World has been building for the past six months in the old "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" game building at Disney-MGM Studios.
While Disney World officials have been mum even
about the ride's existence -- planning to announce
details next week at a special press event -- the
glossy version of Walt Disney Co. annual report,
just released on line, includes an artist's
conceptual rendering of the ride, with the name.
 http://corporate.disney.go.com/investors/annual_reports/2006/int/dint.html
The Millionaire ride closed in June. (earlier I'd
incorrectly reported that the new ride had been
under construction for nine months.)
The rendering shows up simply as an uncaptioned illustration within the report, with no references, so there's no official statement that the picture depicts the Disney-MGM ride. But it sure looks like what buzz has suggested since last spring. The picture shows an indoor ride with cars with two seats facing out in opposite directions. Early, unconfirmed reports had indicated that the ride was to be a more advanced version of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin over at Magic Kingdom, with more interactive technology, and the rendering certainly supports that notion. It appears riders will have controls and maybe some sort of gun that would allow them to interact with their surroundings as their car moves through a series of scenes. The riders in the depiction also appear to be wearing 3-D glasses. For the moment, nobody at Disney is confirming, but no one is denying either. One official cautioned that in the accompanying letter to shareholders Disney President Bob Iger talked both of things to come and things imagined. The annual report also shows scenes from what appear to be other planned rides at other Disney theme parks around the world, as well as promotional photos of upcoming movies. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney-Pixar film to feature robot named Wall-E
Reuters - A robot named Wall-E stars in Disney-Pixar's June 2008 computer-animated movie, Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) Chief Executive Robert Iger said in a letter to shareholders this week.
"Wall-E" will be directed by Andrew Stanton, whose "Finding Nemo" was Pixar's highest-grossing film, taking in about $865 million at box offices worldwide. Disney bought its longtime partner Pixar Animation Studios last year and installed Pixar's creative director John Lasseter over Pixar and Disney Feature Animation in an attempt to jump-start its lackluster animation program. |
||
|
|
||
|
New effects for the Pirate & Princess
Party firework show, 'Magic, Music and Mayhem'
WDW News - The new firework show, 'Magic, Music and Mayhem', set to debut for Disney's Pirate & Princess Party is set to have a great new enhancement over previous Magic Kingdom firework shows. Wishes brought the action closer than ever, with new launch sites located on the roof tops adjacent to the castle. This new show goes one step further, and adds firework launch points to the hub area. One location is by the popcorn wagon on the right side, and the other location is by the beverage wagon on the left side (both under the gazebos). The fireworks are both launched toward the castle, right over the hub. The final rehearsal is set for the 20th, with the first public show being on the 22nd of January. |
||
|
|
||
|
Moody's Considers Disney Ratings Upgrade
AP - Moody's Investors Service placed several of Walt Disney Co's ratings on review for possible upgrades Thursday, citing strengthening operations and strong credit. The ratings include Walt Disney Co.'s multiple
seniority shelf, senior unsecured conversion/exchange
bond/debendture, senior unsecured medium-term note
program and senior unsecured regular bond/debenture.
Each of those items has a "A3" rating. ABC's "A2" rating for senior unsecured regular bond/debenture is also under review. Disney Enterprises Inc. has "A2" ratings for its senior unsecured medium-term note program, senior unsecured regular bond/debenture and senior unsecured shelf rating. Disney Capital Trust I, II, and III have "Baa1" ratings for preferred stock under review. The outlook for each unit is moved to "Under Review" from "Stable." The ratings under review account for about $10 billion in debt securities. Shares of Disney rose 56 cents to $35.82 on the New York Stock Exchange in afternoon trading. |
||
|
|
||
|
Jump In!' Tops
Cable Ratings
AP -1. "Jump In!" (Friday, 8 p.m.), Disney, 5.07 million homes, 8.17 million viewers. 2. "Cory in the House" (Friday, 9:30 p.m.), Disney, 4.83 million homes, 7.59 million viewers. 3. "WWE Raw" (Monday, 10 p.m.), USA, 3.43 million homes, 5.01 million viewers. 4. "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" (Friday, 7:30 p.m.), Disney, 3.41 million homes, 4.58 million viewers. 5. "Jump In!" (Sunday, 8 p.m.), Disney, 3.36 million homes, 4.74 million viewers. 6. "WWE Raw" (Monday, 9 p.m.), USA, 3.35 million homes, 4.90 million viewers. 7. "Jump In!" (Saturday, 8 p.m.), Disney, 3.33 million homes, 4.83 million viewers. 8. Presidential Address _ Iraq (Wednesday, 9 p.m.), Fox News Channel, 3.32 million homes, 4.45 million viewers. 9. "The Sopranos" (Wednesday, 9 p.m.), A&E, 3.26 million homes, 4.27 million viewers. 10. "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" (Friday, 7 p.m.), Disney, 2.973 million homes, 3.89 million viewers. 11. "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" (Friday, 10:05 p.m.), Disney, 2.968 million homes, 4.20 million viewers. 12. "SpongeBob SquarePants" (Saturday, 9:30 a.m.), Nickelodeon, 2.904 million homes, 3.58 million viewers. 13. "I Love New York" (Monday, 9 p.m.), VH1, 2.889 million homes, 4.426 million viewers. 14. "Fairly Odd Parents" (Saturday, 10 a.m.), Nickelodeon, 2.88 million homes, 3.47 million viewers. 15. Analysis of Presidential Address _ Iraq (Wednesday, 9:22 p.m.), Fox News Channel, 2.85 million homes, 3.79 million viewers. |
||
|
|
||
|
Ratings:
Disney Two-for-Two in 2007
Mediaweek - Thanks to a pair of record-smashing Friday night premieres, Disney Channel repeated its stay atop the cable pile last week, averaging 3.19 million total viewers and a 2.6 household rating in prime time for the week ended Jan. 14. On the night of Jan. 12, Disney took the wraps off its latest original movie, Jump In!, which drew 8.17 million viewers between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., making it the most-watched program in the network’s history, surpassing the premiere numbers for last year’s Cheetah Girls 2 (8.12 million) and High School Musical (7.76 million). Disney retained the lion’s share of that audience with the debut of the live-action series Cory in the House, which delivered 7.59 million viewers at 9:30 p.m., securing bragging rights as the Mouse’s all-time most-watched series premiere. Inasmuch as delivery of Disney’s target demos is concerned, Jump In! beat all comers, serving up 3.7 million kids 6-11 and 3.4 million ‘tweens 9-14, while Cory reached 3.4 million kids 6-11 and 3.4 million ‘tweens. Among ad-supported cable nets, USA Network finished on top last week, averaging 2.61 million viewers and a 2.1 HH rating on the strength of its ever-reliable WWE Raw franchise. Between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday night, Raw averaged 4.95 million viewers, enough for USA to lay claim to ad-supported cable’s largest audience for a single program for the week. USA also finished No. 1 among adults 18-49 (1.11 million) and 25-54 (1.15 million), and finished fourth among the 18-34 set (461,000). TBS, which finished outside of the top five among total viewers, had a strong showing with its delivery of the core demos, ending the week tops among 18-34s (513,000), second in the 18-49 category (998,000) and fourth among adults 25-54 (894,000). TNT finished second to USA with 2.04 million viewers and a 1.6 HH rating; the Turner net’s highest-rated program on the week was the Jan. 14 theatrical Air Force One (3.72 million viewers). Among the core demos, TNT had its best showing among adults 25-54, averaging 934,000 viewers in the category. Rounding out the top five were: Lifetime (1.89 million/1.6 HH rating), A&E (1.84 million/1.5 HH rating) and Fox News Channel (1.79 million/1.6 HH rating). Lifetime finished first among women 18-49 in prime (624,000), getting a boost from its original movie To Be Fat Like Me, which drew 3.73 million viewers Monday night between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. A&E welcomed 4.27 million viewers to the family Jan. 10 with the basic-cable debut of The Sopranos, which also delivered the third-largest audience of adults 25-54 (1.94 million), lagging behind only the WWE in the category. A&E also made a strong showing in the core demos, placing third in delivery of 18-49s (873,000) and 25-54s (909,000). Predictably, Fox News enjoyed a shot in the arm last Wednesday night with its coverage of President Bush’s address to the nation, which from 9 p.m. to approximately 9:22 p.m. was seen by 4.45 million FNC viewers. The news net retained a significant portion of that lead-in with its post-speech analysis, as some 3.79 million viewers tuned in. Another program of note last week was VH1’s debut of I Love New York, which delivered 4.43 million viewers and finished the week tops among all cable programming among the 18-49 camp (2.74 million) as well as 18-34s (1.98 million). |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney's Peter Pan First Time Ever on 2-Disc DVD
Buena Vista Entertainment - Walt Disney's original classic Peter Pan, filled with fantasy and the original Pixie Dust, defines the meaning of magic and teaches us to believe, making it the essence and fabric of the Disney brand. Peter Pan soars to new heights for the first time ever on 2-disc DVD in an all-new magical Platinum Edition. This classic film has undergone an extensive digital restoration and features a new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix. Join the Darling children - Wendy, John and Michael as they fly with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell past the second star to the right and straight on ‘till morning to the enchanted world of Never Land. Their exciting adventures introduce them to unforgettable characters including The Lost Boys, Captain Hook (the Original Jack Sparrow) and his ship filled with swashbuckling pirates, and "Tic Toc" Croc.  Walt
Disney's Peter Pan Platinum Edition 2-disc DVD is
filled with high-flying bonus features for all ages
including "Camp Never Land" - explore the world of
Never Land with three all-new multi-level games, a
never-before-seen alternate opening beginning in Never
Land instead of the Darling's home, Deleted songs, "In
Walt's Words" – A new discovery! Walt Disney reveals
in his own words "Why I made Peter Pan", "You Can Fly:
The Making of Peter Pan" an exciting journey to
discover how the film was made, a sneak peek at the
all-new Tinker Bell movie, and much more.Bursting with fantasy, adventure, and pixie dust, Walt Disney's original classic is a true treasure for everyone. Peter Pan is a timeless classic from Disney's Golden Age of animation. The film is one of three to boast all nine of Walt's famous "Nine Old Men" as Directing Animators, and is a revered audience favorite. Peter Pan Platinum Edition 2-disc DVD will be available for a limited time only, on Disney DVD for U.S. $29.99 (SRP) and Canada $36.99 (SRP) from Walt Disney Home Entertainment. PETER PAN PLATINUM EDITION has undergone an extensive audio and picture digital restoration. The 2-disc DVD features an all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which provides stateof-the art dramatic clarity of sound. The new digital restoration required a team of film, computer and animation experts to apply cutting-edge technology. BONUS FEATURES
Let your dreams take flight with Walt Disney's Original Classic Peter Pan. Fantastic adventures await the Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael, when Peter Pan, the hero of their stories, whisks them away to the magical world of Never Land. After flying with Peter and his feisty sidekick Tinker Bell past the "second star to the right and straight on till morning," they explore the enchanted island and Peter's secret hideout with the Lost Boys and leap into high-flying battles with swashbuckling pirates and the infamous Captain Hook! |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney May
Resurrect John Carter
CinemaBlend.com - Before signing up to do Iron Man, director Jon Favreau's next project was supposed to be an adaptation of the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs sci-fi books "John Carter of Mars". With Favs committed to iron underwear, it died on the vine Eventually Paramount decided not to renew their rights to the project, and it's just been sitting there waiting for someone to snatch it up. Now TMZ says Disney may be that someone. They say the Burroughs estate is negotiating with Disney to turn the series of books not just into a single film, but into an entire franchise of films. Disney is looking for more family friendly epics to turn into major movies, and this could be it for them. While you could turn Jon Carter into another Narnia if you wanted to, I really think the books lend themselves to something a little harder, something more along the lines of Lord of the Rings. You don't even have to read them to know that. Just look at the cover art on some of the older paperback copies of the books. I've posted one of the most common pieces of cover art to your right. It's all half-naked women and violence. A hard PG-13 is more in keeping with what Burroughs was going for than another Harry Potter. Still, it's nice to see someone trying to make it happen again. The books are nearly 100 years old, and while many have tried to make them into a movie before, all attempts have ended in failure. Favreau's is just the latest. Will Disney finally make it happen? |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney bringing in 'The Little Mermaid' as 'Beauty and
the Beast' announces closing show on Broadway
International Herald Tribune - Broadway is trading one spirited Disney heroine for another. Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" will close July 29 on Broadway, making way for "The Little Mermaid," a stage version of its acclaimed 1989 animated film, which will arrive in December. "There is an enormous affection for this show ('Beauty and the Beast')," Tom Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical, said Wednesday. "I want to give audiences a chance to play that out. In an ideal world, you should give as much care and consideration to the closing of a show as to its opening." By the time it ends its run this summer at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, "Beauty and the Beast" will have played 5,464 performances and 46 previews, surpassing the runs of such musicals as "42nd Street," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Hello, Dolly!" The musical opened in April 1994 at the Palace Theatre and transferred to the Lunt-Fontanne in November 1999. It holds the long-run record at both theaters, Schumacher said. "Beauty and the Beast" currently stars Deborah Lew as Belle, the young woman who transforms a morose creature (portrayed by Steve Blanchard) with the power of her love. Among the actresses who have played Belle during its 13-year run are Susan Egan (the original), Toni Braxton, Deborah Gibson, Andrea McArdle, Christy Carlson Romano, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Ashley Brown (Broadway's Mary Poppins). No word yet if Disney will bring in some big names during the show's final six months, but Schumacher said, "There might be a few surprises before the end." "The Little Mermaid," which will open Dec. 6 at the Lunt-Fontanne, tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who yearns to live on land. Preview performances begin Nov. 3. The show, directed by Francesca Zambello, will play an out-of-town tryout in Colorado at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, which is part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Preview performances begin July 26 with an opening set for Aug. 23. Schumacher said casting will be announced later. "The Little Mermaid" has a book by Doug Wright, author of the Tony Award-winning "I Am My Own Wife." The score will feature songs from the movie by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, who died in 1991, as well as new material by Menken and lyricist Glen Slater. The show will be the third Disney musical to open on Broadway in 18 months. "Tarzan," on view at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, arrived last May, while "Mary Poppins" opened in November. And a fourth, "The Lion King" has been playing on Broadway since November 1997. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney to Create Lost Webisodes and Phonisodes
MovieWeb - Executives are taking Lost to another platform. In a story from Variety, they report that Carlton Cuse, Lost executive producer, has "announced plans to start production on webisodes and phonisodes of his hit series starting in July." Cuse says that these stories "will likely be more intimate and self-contained. They will feature the Lost cast and run two-three minutes." He also went on to say that the actors were not contractually obligated to do this and that essentially he is calling in "a favor." "It is for the fans," he states. The current question is how is the studio going to make money off these two and three minute short films? "It is the chicken and egg conundrum," Cuse offers. "Getting those pieces aligned is keeping us busy the last few months." |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney
Star Cops Plea in DUI Case
TMZ.com - TMZ has learned Anneliese van der Pol has pleaded no contest to DUI after being arrested for driving with a whopping .19 blood-alcohol level.  The
"That's So Raven" star was arrested on July 10, 2006
after colliding with a parked car. According to the
official report, obtained by TMZ, the crash caused "a
domino effect in which the parked vehicle hit two
additional vehicles." The report continues: "After
hitting the parked vehicle, Defendant then lost
control of her vehicle, traveled across the roadway,
and finally collided with another vehicle..."The LAPD arrested van der Pol, whose blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit of .08. The Disney star pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors -- driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level above .08. The Los Angeles City Attorney's office prosecuted the case. Sentencing is scheduled for March 19. According to the documents obtained by TMZ, the court has offered Ms. van der Pol 36 months probation and a penalty of $2,844 in fines and assessments. She'll also have to attend an alcohol education program. |
||
|
|
||
|
Gossett named
Disney Executive
Union County Advocate - Keith Gossett, a native of Union County, has been promoted to Executive within the Walt Disney Company. Gossett has been named as Director of Operations Analysis and Processes for the Disneyland Resort in Paris, France. Gossett began his 23 year career with Disney in 1983 as a part of the Walt Disney World College Program while attending college at Western Kentucky University. Gossett has held a variety of key leadership positions in all six of Disney's domestic parks and was instrumental in the opening of both Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's California Adventure Theme Parks. Gossett begins this new chapter in his career with a two year assignment in Paris France. He will lead a team of Disney Leaders from around the globe to implement "best in class" practices within the Paris Theme Parks and Resort Hotels. Gossett currently resides in Orlando, Florida. He is the son of Charlina Gossett and the late Larry Gossett both of Morganfield. |
||
|
|
||
|
5
things to know about The Cheetah Girls
Rocky Mountain News - The Cheetah Girls are the Destiny's Child of the 'tween set. Sure, their version of Beyonce (red-hot star Raven-Symone) may not accompany the group on the road, but that doesn't stop pre-teens and their parents from turning out in droves for concerts. With two movies, two platinum albums, a clothing line and even their own toothbrushes, The Cheetah Girls aren't just a musical trio, they're a marketing machine. Cheetah Girl Kiely Williams filled in Entertainment reporter Erika Gonzalez with a Cheetahlicious primer. 1. The musical group, The Cheetah Girls, was spun off from the Disney Channel movie The Cheetah Girls. The movie was based on Deborah Gregory's 16-book series, The Cheetah Girls. Disney optioned the rights for Gregory's first book before it even hit shelves and aired the first Cheetah Girls movie (produced by Whitney Houston) in 2003. A year later, the band was born. Dorinda, the character Sabrina Bryan portrays, actually was inspired by Gregory's personal experience as a foster child. 2. They're writing their own songs. The group's first two CDs essentially were soundtracks for The Cheetah Girls movies, created by hired hands. But the members are penning music for their upcoming album while on tour. "I've been writing my whole life, and I always get the most inspiration when I'm in motion," says Cheetah Girl Kiely Williams. The girls also hope to land some high-profile producers when they're ready to go into the studio. "We totally admire Timbaland, and we're talking with (Black Eyed Peas founder) will.i.am." 3. They've sold nearly 2 million records without much mainstream radio play. Williams credits a powerful 'tween fan base and appearances at events such as the U.S. Open and the American Music Awards for strong sales. Radio Disney, which is available online, in local markets and on satellite radio also has helped. 4. Cheetah Girls fans will go to great lengths to get concert tickets. A set of four tickets for a tour stop in Charlotte, N.C., last fall could be had for $549 on eBay. Williams said one loving parent won tickets by eating cat food for a radio station promotion. 5. They aim for flashy, not trashy. Britney may have forgotten her Disney roots, but The Cheetah Girls take their jobs as role models seriously. "It's an honor to have a parent come up and say thank you for making music or products my kid can trust," Williams says. |
||
|
|
||
|
Former skating champ directs Disney on Ice
Sun Publications Chicago - Gig Siruno spends his life attending to chilly royalty - for Siruno is the performance director of Disney on Ice presents "Princess Wishes." The show comes to Allstate Arena in Rosemont Jan. 24 to 28 and then glides over to Chicago's United Center from Jan. 30 to Feb. 11. In all, seven of the animated ingenues will be there in three dimensions, from the gracefully aging Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to the new girls on the block - Jasmine, Ariel, Belle and Mulan.
Siruno will be there for every performance, too, sort of like a sports coach, watching from the stands to make sure things are sliding along smoothly. And that means observing and tweaking 12 to 14 shows a week on a schedule that keeps the 39 performers and 15 technicians on the road until May - and after that, in summer it heads to Mexico City, of all places. The job is a natural fit for Siruno, 36, who grew up in Minneapolis, where the locals are pretty much born with ice running through their veins and blades attached to their little feet. In fact, when Siruno was a kid, he first took up hockey. But after switching skates with his brother, he became a figure skater. He never looked back and became a champion in the sport, competing and winning on the national level for almost 10 years. "I feel like a dinosaur now (compared to the skaters of today)," Siruno said. After leaving that showy world, Siruno joined a whole new one, taking up with the Disney on Ice shows, in which he toured as a skater for eight and a half years, landing roles (and jumps) in "Grease on Ice" and "Three Jungle Adventures." In August, 2005, "I was ready to hang up my skates," Siruno said. But the opportunity to direct came knocking, which he gladly answered, as "I really enjoy being on the road." The show that puts him there is structured around the sprite fairy Tinkerbell, who helps make each princess's wish come true, from mermaid Ariel getting to explore life above the ocean floor to Snow White finding her one true love. Such a story does primarily draw a female audience, with the crowd mostly made up of moms and daughters. For the guys, though, there are a couple of numbers that aren't so mushy, including one with dancing sailors and another with a knight fighting a dragon, Siruno noted. (And for the dads, there are some interestingly clad princesses - but it is a family show, mind you.) Coming to Chicago will be a special treat for Siruno, as "my mom came (to Chicago) from the Philippines." His sister, her husband and their infant daughter are here, too, and this will be the first time Siruno gets to see his niece. "We didn't get together for Christmas, so this will be our chance," he said. As for his own favorite princess, aside from his niece, Siruno said he is partial to Jasmine, the exotic beauty from "Aladdin." "Though each has her charms," he said diplomatically, just like you'd expect from a director. |
||
|
|
||
|
Wednesday January 17, 2007 |
||
|
Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade taking place
during Disney's Pirate & Princess Party
2008 Marathon Registration Now Open Pictures from Cinderella's Castle Suite "Best Theme Park" award Linker, Grechat Upped at Disney ABC Unlimited Model-railroad exhibition to make stop in area More 'Kids for Free' Dates Added for 3 Disney Bway Shows Area Disney studio renovation draws near
Radio Disney Chooses CALI as Artist of the Month
Disney's "The Lion King" returns to the Fox Disney series embarks Disney licenses 'Ugly Betty' to Spanish broadcaster Cuatro Hutch users to get Disney content on their mobile phones Teletrax Contract With ABC Television Network is Extended to Include Coverage in All U.S. Markets |
||
|
|
||
|
Peek Inside the
New Disney.com Disney Insider - Big changes are on the way to Disney's Web site, and we wanted our readers to be among the first to get a peek at what's coming, and how you can make the most of all the cool new features. Disney.com is getting a remake from top to bottom in order to bring our Guests more of Disney's wide array of content -- whether it's a kid looking for Hannah Montana, a busy mom planning a Disney vacation, or a true Disney fan looking for that elusive piece of Disney history. Read on to see what to expect. 
The first thing you'll notice is that the site is in motion -- the home page, and the pages for each new category, will be rich with video to watch. Each section will offer a variety of playlists related to the category. The new category navigation across the top of every page should make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for. The categories are the home of all games content, or all music content, or live events -- you get the picture. Another way to navigate the new Disney.com is through the "character carousel" at the bottom of the home page. Click the right or left arrows to spin the carousel to your favorite Disney character. From Mickey and Tinker Bell to Lightning McQueen and Jack Sparrow, just click your favorite characters to enter into their worlds.  Disney
For You, found on the top left of the home page, is
where you'll find everything Disney broken down for
groups of visitors like boys, girls, families, and
Disney fans. If you've got a teen to entertain or a
preschooler to amuse, all the appropriate Disney content
is just a click away. The Disney Fan section is tailor-made for Insiders! Here you'll find all the history, trivia, and background information on The Walt Disney Company and Walt himself. From collectibles to trivia games, your favorite Characters to Disney Legends, it's all in one spot.  But
perhaps the biggest news is Disney Xtreme Digital -- an
enhanced broadband experience that brings together
entertainment, personalization, and community. Guests
can watch their favorite videos, play games, and connect
with friends and other fans -- all at the same time!
With Disney XD, you can even create your very own
channel. Perfect for Disney fans, Disney XD will let you
immerse yourself in your favorite characters and worlds
in a whole new way. In just a few short weeks, you'll see what all the excitement is about. In the meantime, stay tuned to the Insider for more tips and updates about the new Disney.com. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney engineer helped create magic for parks Orlando Sentinel - Family and friends including those at Walt Disney Imagineering plan a celebration in California of the life of Don Edgren, a top Walt Disney World planner who died late last month. Edgren of Murrieta, Calif., who was honored last year as a "Disney Legend" for his work at Disneyland, Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland, died Dec. 28 in Oregon from a stroke. He was 83. The celebration will be held Jan. 28 in West Covina, Calif., said daughter Kathleen Partee of West Covina. After flying as a bomber pilot in World War II, Edgren became a licensed engineer and joined a firm that did engineering on Disneyland. He served as a chief field engineer on such projects as the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride.  Claude
Coats (from left), Bill Cottrell, Walt Disney, John
Hench, Richard Irvine and Don Edgren (seated) look over
drawings in 1963. >>>>>>>In 1961 he joined WED Enterprises, the precursor to Walt Disney Imagineering, and led engineering of such attractions as New Orleans Square, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. He did master planning on Walt Disney World and in 1969 moved to Florida as vice president, engineering/Florida. He returned to California in 1972 as vice president, engineering. He retired in 1987. "I always felt like we had two quintessential engineering captains at Imagineering. One was Don and the other was his protege, John Zovich," said Marty Sklar, executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering and Imagineering ambassador. "They really set the pattern for all the engineering that Imagineers did for the parks around the world; Don, especially." While in Florida the Edgrens lived in Windermere. Evelyn Edgren, his wife for 61 years, recalled how he enjoyed being with Walt and Roy Disney in Florida, especially when he got to wear hip boots. "He wore his boots and walked through the swamps. He and Walt and all the guys. You know, they were in on the ground floor," she said. "He just loved it." She and Partee also recalled his penchant for fun, jokes and laughter. "I can't think of a soul who enjoyed life more than he did," Partee said of her father. He also is survived by another daughter, Colleen Ramme of Oregon, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family requested donations be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. |
||
|
|
||
Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade taking place during
Disney's Pirate & Princess Party WDW
News - Feisty pirates take to the helm of the newly
created, 39-foot pirate ship in Disney's Enchanted
Adventures Parade taking place during Disney's Pirate &
Princess Party in the Magic Kingdom. The raucous pirate
ship overflows with swashbuckling adventurers and
plundered treasure as it moves down Main Street, U.S.A.
amid other floats during this new event that immerses
guests into the lives of a wily buccaneer or pretty
princess for 13 select nights beginning Jan. 22 at Walt
Disney World Resort. |
||
|
|
||
|
2008
Marathon Registration Now Open WDW News - Registration is now open for the 2008 Walt Disney World Marathon. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to run through the most magical setting in the world and earn an exclusive 15th anniversary Marathon finisher's medal. The event takes place on January 13, 2008. The Entry fee is $105 and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration is also open for the Half Marathon which will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2008. Race day registration is not available. |
||
|
|
||
|
Pictures from Cinderella's Castle Suite Below are some of the latest photo's of the suite at the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
"Best
Theme Park" award
Orlando Sentinel - Walt Disney
World apparently has the "best theme park" distinction
wrapped up among travel agents.
For the fourth consecutive year, travel agents who subscribe to Travel Weekly magazine (which calls itself "The National Newspaper of the travel industry") have voted Walt Disney World as the world's best theme park. "With four distinct parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom -- and two water parks, Walt Disney World in Orlando is tough to beat," the magazine reported.
Otherwise, Central Florida
tourism institutions didn't do so well in the
magazine's annual awards
Among numerous other awards, Hampton Inn, Marriott, Sandals Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts each snagged "Best chain hotel" awards in their various market categories. Hawaii was voted the best destination state and New York the best destination city. Royal Caribbean won for both the best domestic and overall cruise line, and its Freedom Of The Seas ship, out of Miami, was voted rookie of the year. American Airlines was voted the best domestic airline and Virgin Atlantic Airways the best international carrier. And Hertz was voted best international and domestic car rental agency. The magazine actually conducts two votes among its 42,000 "qualified" readers, travel agents with large enough businesses. The first vote, in the summer, narrows the field to finalists. The second vote picks winners. Universal Studios and Busch Gardens were finalists for the theme park award, Orlando was a finalist for best city and Florida for best state. While we're listing awards, Disney's Pop Century Resort also won one. TripAdvisor, the on-line travel information service, picked Pop Century as "Best (hotel) for families in the U.S." in its 2006 Travelers Choice Awards announced today. No other Central Florida hotel was honored, either on that list or on TripAdvisor's other list posted yesterday: 10 dirtiest hotels in the U.S. There are, however, four hotels in South Florida on the dirtiest list. |
||
|
|
||
|
Linker, Grechat Upped at Disney ABC Unlimited
MEDIAWEEK - Shari Linker, executive director, integrated sales, at Disney ABC Unlimited since 2001, was promoted to vice president of the division, and Gwen Grech, director, integrated sales, was named executive director. Both report to Bill Bund, senior VP, integrated sales, Disney ABC Unlimited. “This promotion recognizes Shari’s consistent success in meeting diverse client needs with the far-reaching media resources available through The Walt Disney Company,” Bund said. She will continue to customize integrated programs for clients, in addition to her responsibilities in sales development and strategic planning. Grech assumes increased responsibilities for Disney ABC Unlimited’s co-branding advertiser initiatives acorss all Disney media properties. |
||
|
|
||
|
Model-railroad exhibition to make stop in area
The Tribune-Review - Thanks to his dad, Michael Broggie has the inside track to the real story behind Walt Disney's fascination with trains and model railroading. Michael's father, the late Roger E. Broggie, worked for the entertainment pioneer as head of the Disney Studios machine shop, where he oversaw the development of the railroad and monorail systems at Disneyland. As a child in the 1950s, Michael grew up around Walt Disney and was one of the few kids who had a chance to ride on Walt's elaborate backyard 1/8-scale model railroad, which Roger Broggie helped to build. He also was among the first to experience the Disneyland Railroad's steam trains at the California theme park. When he was away from his corporate environment, Walt Disney "was the tall kid in overalls. He had the wonder and amazement of a child," Broggie says. Disney had a lifelong fascination with railroads. His uncle Mike was a train engineer, and Walt's first job was as a "news butcher," selling newspapers and snacks to passengers at the railroad depot in his boyhood home of Marceline, Mo. "Later in his life, trains reminded him of his childhood," Broggie says. When he started work on Disneyland, a railroad was one of the first attractions he wanted in his new theme park. Broggie shares Disney's love of trains and has written numerous articles for national publications about railroads and Disney history. He also is the author of six books, including "Walt Disney's Railroad Story." He worked for Walt Disney Studios after college as a writer in the marketing department. For the past three years, he has been part of World's Greatest Hobby on Tour, a traveling exhibition designed to promote the model-railroad industry. This year's tour includes stops in five cities, including Pittsburgh at the Expo Mart in Monroeville. The Walt Disney Railroad Story Exhibit includes photos and artifacts from Walt Disney's railroad legacy, as well as Broggie's recollections that he shares in daily presentations. Aside from the lecture circuit, the author says he is part of a national effort by parents and teachers who are working to utilize model railroading to teach a variety of educational concepts to children. "We have a curriculum using model trains as a practicum to teach them teamwork, design, even subjects like mathematics," he says. "Our idea is to get model-railroad clubs involved to make sure the hobby continues to grow." The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour show features manufacturers, hobby shops, displays, interactive activities, demonstrations, music and workshops, in addition to a riding train for children, a Thomas the Tank Engine Playground and the Choo Choo Charlie Railroad Entertainment Stage. Broggie says the goal of the show is to introduce families to the fun of model railroading with activities that encourage hands-on participation. Bob Mehler, owner of Esther's Hobby Shop in Millvale, will be among the exhibitors. He says his inventory is typical of those dealers who are presenting model-train merchandise at this show. "We're dealing with hobby trains that are more detailed than toy trains," Mehler says. "This is more of an upscale show compared to other flea market-type train shows." The trains he carries include Micro-Trains, Kato precision railroad models, Atlas and Markland, a German manufacturer. He specializes in N and HO scale trains and also offers custom-built accessories for train layouts. A grandfather to 13 children, Mehler is devoted to keeping the model railroad industry alive. He believes "kids today don't know how to assemble anything. All they want to play with is video games." Show manager Randy Bachmann hopes the World's Greatest Hobby on Tour event will spark an interest in trains for those youngsters -- and adults, as well. "For some kids, this will be their first exposure to model trains," he says. "We want to rejuvenate the interest in model railroading. We're planting the seed so the hobby continues on." |
||
|
|
||
|
More 'Kids for Free' Dates Added for 3 Disney Bway Shows Broadway World - Disney Theatrical Productions' “buy one full-priced ticket, get one ticket free for a child age 6-18” offer was featured this morning on "Good Day New York." There are now additional dates through February 15, 2007 at which families can enjoy Tarzan, The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast at significant savings in January and February. "The extended dates now available for 'Kids Go Free' make it possible for even more people to experience the magic of Disney on Broadway. Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King have entertained audiences on Broadway and throughout the world for years; combined, these two hit musicals have played to more than fifty million people world-wide. Joined by Tarzan, which swung onto Broadway last season and will open in Holland in 2007, Disney on Broadway provides opportunities for audiences of all ages to discover the artistry and skill of live theatre," state press notes. “Kids Go Free” tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Using promotional code KNDOB at the time of purchase, there are three easy ways to take advantage of this limited-time offer: 1. Online at www.disneyonbroadway.com; 2. Via Ticketmaster at (212) 307-4747; 3. At the box office: Tarzan (Richard Rodgers Theatre 226 West 46th Street); The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre 200 West 45th Street); Beauty and the Beast (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre 205 West 46th Street). The following “Kids Go Free” performances are available: Tarzan: Thursday, January 18th at 8pm, Wednesday, January 24th at 8pm, Thursday, January 25th at 8pm, Thursday, February 1st at 8pm, Wednesday, February 7th at 8pm, Thursday, February 8th at 8pm, and Thursday, February 15th at 8pm. The Lion King: Thursday, January 18th at 8pm, Wednesday, January 24th at 8pm, Thursday, January 25th at 8pm, Thursday, February 1st at 8pm, Wednesday, February 7th at 8pm, Thursday, February 8th at 8pm, and Thursday, February 15th at 8pm. Beauty and the Beast: Thursday, January 18th at 8pm, Tuesday, January 23rd at 7pm, Thursday, January 25th at 8pm, Thursday, February 1st at 8pm, Tuesday, February 6th at 7pm, Thursday, February 8th at 8pm, Tuesday, February 13th at 7pm, and Thursday, February 15th at 8pm. For more information, visit www.disneyonbroadway.com. |
||
|
|
||
|
Area
Disney studio renovation draws near Kansas City Business Journal - Renovation of the building in which a young Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse is nearing completion. Dan Viets, president and secretary of Thank You Walt Disney Inc., said Wednesday that the Kansas City-based group hopes to complete renovation of the two-story building at 1127 E. 31st St. within six months. The Walt Disney Family Foundation gave the group a $450,000 matching grant about five years ago, Viets said. Thank You Walt Disney has raised more than $350,000 since then for the building's renovation, he said. Much of the local total has come in the form of donations of labor, materials and expertise by Overland Park-based Rau Construction Co. Time Warner Cable has donated money to the effort, Viets said, and "we've been talking with the Kauffman Foundation." The local group wants to turn the renovated building into a museum that would commemorate Disney's original Laugh-O-Gram Studio and include an interactive animation laboratory to educate children and adults about the art and history of animation. Viets said the group hopes to reach that goal within three years. "We have saved a very important piece of Kansas City and national history," he said. "What our location has is a unique association with Walt at a very early stage in his life." The Walt Disney Family Foundation recently finalized an agreement to build an $85 million museum and library in San Francisco as a permanent tribute to Walt Disney. Viets said he sees no conflict between that project and the Kansas City renovation. "It's like Disneyland and Disney World," he said. |
||
|
|
||
|
Radio Disney Chooses CALI as Artist of the Month Soul Shine - In 2005, Radio Disney added a new feature to their programming, the Incubator. This new project is to promote acts under the age of 21 through Disney's resources such as Radio Disney and the Radio Disney webpage. This online site allows fans to browse photos, listen to tracks and read about the selected artists of the month. Radio Disney is a great marketing tool due to the fact that it can be listened to by 97% of the people in the states.  The
incubator artist of the month for December was CALI. The
twenty year old singer was selected as a great new
commodity to the music industry and her single "Get Up"
will be premiered on Radio Disney. As well as streaming
the song you can visit the website and watch the video
for her debut single. New artist CALI was signed to Nashville label, Waypoint. CALI assures the press she is not manufactured pop and that song writing is of importance to her. CALI says, "I have a strong desire to reach tweens, teens and beyond with a wholesome message. I wanted to get a really fun feel, but I also wanted to put a message behind it and that's where my faith comes in. this is who I am, so I don't feel like I should do it any other way." CALI's self-titled debut will be released to retail stores nationwide this spring. For more information please visit www.MusicByCali.com and www.RadioDisney.com |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney's "The Lion King" returns to the Fox
Belleville News Democrat - Disney's "The Lion King" returns to the Fox Theatre. The performance begins June 21 for six weeks, through July 29. The performance times are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. There are also Thursday matinees at 1 p.m. June 28, July 5 and 26. Ticket prices range from $25 to $75. There are also VIP ticket packages available for $127.50, which include premium seating, a complimentary souvenir program and complimentary parking. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Fox Theatre box office, all Metrotix outlets, online at www.metrotix.com or charge by phone by calling Metrotix at (314) 534-1111. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed now by calling (314) 535-2900. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney series embarks NorthJersey.com - There was one more day of shooting left before the new Disney Channel show "Johnny and the Sprites" wrapped production, and Michael Schupbach was touching up a pile of puppets sprawled out on a table in a corner of the set. A little-known fact about puppets: They get pretty worn out. "It's essentially a very complicated piece of cloth," said Schupbach, the show's puppet designer and co-art director. "So if you can imagine wearing a sweater every day, eventually you've got to start cleaning it and sewing up holes." With 24 unique characters and an extensive collection of small hand puppets called Fuzzies, the cast of "Johnny and the Sprites" kept the crew busy. Along with Basil, Ginger, Lily and Root -- fairy-like creatures that live in a magical forest called Grotto's Grove -- there were minor players such as a yellow snail with swiveling eyeballs and a small acorn that could skitter across a tree branch. "We really want to give the feeling of an ecosystem," Schupbach said. Walking onto the set of the show -- which premiered as part of the Playhouse Disney morning programming block Jan. 13 -- felt like entering a fully realized world. On a soundstage at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, a lush forest adorned with twinkling lights and huge flowers soared up to the ceiling. Tucked in the middle of the greenery sat a cozy wooden house with brightly lit stained-glass windows. Heavy ivy vines snaked around the porch and into the trees -- so large and elaborate that it took a construction shop that specializes in building opera sets to pull them off. The house is the domain of Johnny T., a singer-songwriter played by Broadway star John Tartaglia, who created the show. The premise: Johnny inherits his uncle's home in the forest, where he discovers a tunnel in his back yard that leads to Grotto's Grove. There, he meets the Sprites, winsome creatures that represent different aspects of nature. Together, they embark on adventures aimed at teaching preschoolers about accepting one another's differences. The program, which first aired as a short-form series in 2005, takes the popularity of incorporating music into children's programming to another level. Tartaglia, who received a Tony nomination for his work in "Avenue Q" -- recruited a slew of top Broadway talent to compose a collection of catchy tunes for the show. Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz of "Wicked" wrote the theme song, as well as other pieces. Gary Adler of "Avenue Q" is the music director, and additional songs were composed by the likes of Mark Hollmann ("Urinetown") and Michael Patrick Walker ("Altar Boyz"). "When you're working in the Broadway community, it really is like a little family, so everyone kind of knows each other and supports each other," said Tartaglia, 28, who is also playing Lumiere in the Broadway production of "Beauty and the Beast." That tightknit feeling extended to the cast members, who compared working on the show to being at summer camp. Many knew one another from "Sesame Street," where Tartaglia got his start, and other children's shows. "My favorite thing about this group is that we're all really 5," said Tim Lagasse, the puppeteer behind Basil, the bookish Earth Sprite. "We all get on the set and put the puppets on and act like little idiots and giggle all day." Tartaglia, the son of a musical director and an actress, has loved puppets since he was a kid growing up in Maple Shade in Burlington County. "You can make a puppet truly seem alive, and there are very few things you can do that with," he said. "I've watched the most jaded, cynical adults -- you put a puppet in front of them and they just come alive. It's powerful, really powerful." Around age 8, he announced to his mother that he was going to move to New York when he was 18 and work on "Sesame Street." In fact, he began working on the public television show part time when he was 16 as the backup puppeteer for Elmo. He got hired full time after he graduated from high school, staying on 11 years. Tartaglia dreamed of creating his own children's show. "But I thought it would be something I did when I was in my 50s and had won the lottery," he said. Instead, he was performing in "Avenue Q" several years ago when he got a note from Rich Ross, president of Disney Channel Worldwide, who had seen the show and wanted to meet with him. "He said, 'I really loved your energy, and I want you to create a show for me,' " Tartaglia recalled. "It literally was that golden opportunity that comes once in a million years." The idea for the Sprites had come to Tartaglia when he was 16, he said. He had sketched it out in a notebook while he was hanging out at one of his father's rehearsals. He and the show's four other co-creators met regularly to flesh out the idea. "We worked to figure out who these characters were as people first before we did any kind of drawing," Schupbach said. "We really made sure we knew who Ginger was and what she had for breakfast that day, and then based our design on that." The set was laid out to accommodate people and puppets, with holes cut into countertops inside Johnny's house and raised scenery in the forest so the puppeteers could do their work standing up. Still, the long days of holding the Sprites over their heads took a toll. "I've experienced those cramps where sometimes you send the information to the hand -- Open! Close! -- and it's not moving," said Carmen Osbahr, who plays Lily, the dramatic Water Sprite. Added Lagasse: "When puppeteers aren't talking about puppetry, they're talking about how much they're in pain: 'Oh, man, my hand.' If it were easy, everyone would be doing it." On the Web: disney.go.com/disneychannel |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney licenses 'Ugly Betty' to Spanish broadcaster
Cuatro Indiantelevision - Disney’s international TV distribution arm, Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), has announced that Spanish free TV broadcaster Cuatro will launch the Golden Globe -winning show Ugly Betty to its viewers later this year.
Yesterday the show won a Golden Globe for Best
Television Series – Musical or Comedy. America Ferrera
(who plays Betty Suarez) also received a Golden Globe
for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television
Series – Musical or Comedy.
The show was adapted in India by Sony as Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. Ugly Betty follows Betty Suarez, a seemingly plain, but intelligent and hard-working, secretary at fashion magazine Mode. Few people get to know her because in the world of fashion, Betty is the oversized square peg in the petite round hole. When publishing mogul Bradford Meade hands the reigns of his fashion magazine over to his son Daniel (Eric Mabius), he hires Betty as his son's new assistant, because she's the only woman in NYC who Daniel won't sleep with. Neither of them knows the ins and outs of the fashion world, but together they're a formidable team against the label-wearing sharks who will do anything to see them fail. Ugly Betty is based on Yo Soy Betty La Fea the Colombian telenovela. Cuatro has also picked up the other Touchstone Television series Day Break and Six Degrees. Taye Diggs stars in the thriller Day Break that takes a bad day and multiplies it by infinity. Detective Brett Hopper (Diggs) is having a hellacious day; the kind of day where nothing goes his way and he just can’t wait to put it behind him... only he can’t, because he’s living the same day over and over again. Only when Hopper figures out why his life is broken and how to fix it will he awaken to a brand new day. Six Degrees created by J.J Abrams Lost, is an ensemble drama which follows the notion that everybody is connected to one another by a chain of six people, which means that nobody is a stranger for long. Six very different New Yorkers go about their lives not realizing the impact they're having on each other - yet. A mysterious web of coincidences will gradually draw them closer, changing the course of their lives forever. |
||
|
|
||
|
India Corporate News - Cellular
service provider Hutch Essar today said it has tied-up
with global entertainment brand Walt Disney Internet
Group, which will enable its subscribers to access
Disney content on their mobile phones.
The services will include Disney videos, wallpapers,
games, comic strips, ringtones and themes, a company
statement said here.
The users would have to pay Rs 10 for downloading wallpapers, video shorts, animations and ringtones while a game download will cost Rs 50, it said. "Our partnership with Hutch is a strategic decision to increase our presence in India. This tie-up will give us access to Hutch's huge customer base in India," Walt Disney Internet Group International Executive Vice President and Managing Director Mark Handler said. He said Hutch customers in India, would now be able to enjoy high quality Disney content at the touch of a button. Hutchison Essar has over 23.3 million mobile users in the country. |
||
|
|
||
|
Teletrax Contract With ABC Television Network is
Extended to Include Coverage in All U.S. Markets
PR Newswire - Teletrax, the global broadcast intelligence company, has extended its contract with the ABC Television Network to monitor usage of promotional content by all of ABC's affiliates, it was announced today at NATPE 2007, the annual conference of the National Association of Television Program Executives. A subsidiary of Medialink Worldwide Incorporated (Nasdaq: MDLK), Teletrax offers the first and only digital video monitoring and content tracking service that provides vital television intelligence on a global scale to video providers such as entertainment studios, news organizations, sports leagues, TV syndicators, and the advertising industry. Teletrax is a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG) and Medialink. ABC Television Network (ABC), a unit of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) is the first Teletrax client to contract to receive broadcast tracking and analysis across the 210 markets in the U.S. ABC Affiliate Marketing utilizes Teletrax to electronically track the broadcast of its on- air television show promotions. With a number of new and existing clients seeking added depth to their video monitoring and analysis, Teletrax is completing the next phase of its growth with the expansion of its network to track television broadcasts in all 210 U.S. markets, from the nation's largest market, New York, through the smallest measured television market, Glendive, Montana. Through this expanded network, Teletrax is able to provide video content owners with the ability to track and monitor short- and long-form programming and airings of TV promotions and advertising spots throughout all markets in the United States and the larger markets in Canada, ensuring the proper utilization of content and protection of assets. "The expansion of our network to include all U.S. markets is a significant milestone for Teletrax, making us the only global broadcast verification company to offer full nationwide coverage," said Andy Nobbs, president of Teletrax. "Our ability to expand the network so widely is testament to our increasing momentum in the market, and further establishes us as the industry standard in the monitoring and reporting of broadcast content. We will be able to offer clients enhanced tracking and analysis capabilities, providing valuable media intelligence that contributes to significant growth in overall return-on-investment." Launched in 2002 as a service developed by a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG) and Medialink, with an underlying technology that is patent protected both by Philips and Digimarc Corp., Teletrax's technology embeds an imperceptible and indelible digital watermark into video whenever it is edited, transmitted, broadcast or duplicated. A global network of decoders, or "detectors," then captures all occurrences of the embedded video being transmitted via satellite, cable or terrestrially and generates tracking reports for the content owners. Reports of individual broadcast airings are delivered online in near real-time to each client's custom-designed portal or in data file transfers. Each client's broadcast activity is updated dynamically, 24 hours a day, enabling clients to respond immediately to reported results such as changes in end-user preferences or detections of unauthorized use. Teletrax provides vital broadcast television intelligence to video content providers such as entertainment companies, news organizations, TV syndicators, and the advertising industry. The company currently maintains a proprietary network of detectors that monitors the television broadcasts of 1,300 channels from more than 50 nations, and will be delivering full market coverage in the United States, representing more than 90% of all U.S. television households. Its international network covers television stations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, South and Central America, and Canada. Entertainment, news and media organizations both within and outside of the United States that also have contracted to use Teletrax for the tracking of news video, advertising or promotional content include ABC Television Network, BBC, Buena Vista Television, Fox Broadcasting Company, NBC News Channel, The NBC Agency, NBC Universal Domestic Television, Reuters Television, Tribune Entertainment, United Nations, A1GP, ITN Networks, Euro RSCG 4D DRTV and Medialink. A number of other companies are also in active trials with the Teletrax service. About Teletrax: Teletrax (http://www.teletrax.tv) is the world's first global video broadcast intelligence and video asset management service. Launched in 2002, Teletrax provides clients with video watermarking services that enable them to precisely track and monitor where, when and how their content is being aired via cable, satellite and terrestrially. Clients can easily evaluate, respond to and manage broadcast information relating to their video content through Teletrax's Web-based reporting tools. Teletrax yields critical media intelligence that is of proven value to motion picture studios, news organizations, network and syndicated TV programmers, TV sports producers and distributors, brand marketers, corporate communicators, and advertising and public relations agencies. Teletrax is headquartered in London, has offices in New York and Hollywood, and maintains its operations hub in Norwalk, Connecticut. About Medialink: Medialink is a global leader in providing unique news and marketing media strategies and solutions that enable corporations and organizations to inform and educate their target audiences with maximum impact on television, radio, and the Internet. The Company offers creative services and multimedia distribution programs including video and audio news and short-form programming. Through its subsidiaries, Medialink also provides Teletrax(TM), a global television tracking and media asset management service to help clients determine return on investment from their programming and advertising efforts. Based in New York, Medialink has offices in major cities throughout the United States and an international hub in London. For additional investor and financial information, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's Web site (http://www.medialink.com). |
||
|
|
||
|
Tuesday January 16, 2007 |
||
|
Hong Kong Disneyland prepares for Chinese New Year
ABC's Desperate Future Top 10 luxury attractions at Disney World
Breakfast at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port
Orleans Riverside Resort
Mickey Mouse on Mars? Sector Snap: Television Companies Sector Snap: Film Companies Wishing upon a star Disney left in dust in 'Cars' spiel Read It And Weep Zapped Edition That's So Suite Life Of Hannah Montana France's arbiters of high art anoint Walt Disney's 'genius' Estorino heads to Disneyland Monsters no threat to Disney on Ice skater |
||
|
|
||
|
Hong Kong Disneyland prepares for Chinese New Year Asia Travel Tips - Hong Kong Disneyland will come alive with traditional Chinese New Year celebrations from February 2 to March 4, 2007 as families from around the city and throughout Asia join Mickey Mouse and the gang to welcome the Year of the Pig in Disney style. To ensure guests truly enjoy their Disney's Chinese New Year experience, Hong Kong Disneyland has designated February 17 to 24, 2007 as Special Days, meaning that guests who have date-specific tickets will have reserved admission to the park. Other Chinese New Year special arrangements include the extension of the park's operating hours, and the addition of Welcome Counters in Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where Cast Members will be available to answer questions in English, Cantonese and Putonghua and provide tips to help guests enjoy their visit. A Magical Tips handout will also be available for guests to take along while they tour the park. With thrilling lion dances and dragon dances, delightful peach blossom trees, special decorations including lucky Fai Chun greetings, crackers, and Chinese flowers together with Mickey Mouse and friends dressed in special Chinese New Year costumes, Hong Kong Disneyland will be the most magical place to spend Chinese New Year in 2007. The greatest excitement of all will be the daily "Come and Celebrate" stage show presented on the Sleeping Beauty Castle stage which will feature a traditional lion dance along with dynamic Disney dancers, Mickey Mouse and all his Disney friends. Lucky guests will be invited to be part of the eye-dotting ceremony every night to help awaken the colorful lions. Guests can drop a coin into the wishing well at Snow White Grotto in Fantasyland and make a special wish for a magical Year of the Pig. All coins will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help spread the magic. In celebration of the Year of the Pig, guests will have the opportunity to meet first time visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland, The Three Little Pigs, who defeated The Big Bad Wolf in Disney's 1930's hit feature animation "Three Little Pigs". Here's a look at what's in store for guests during Disney's Chinese New Year: - "Disney's Chinese New Year" - An immersive Chinese New Year celebration with a dash of Disney magic to delight and surprise the entire family - All activities and entertainment are included in the regular price of admission to Hong Kong Disneyland When: - From February 2, 2007 to March 4, 2007 Highlights: - Main Street U.S.A., Town Square and the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle will be adorned with Chinese New Year decorations including lucky Fai Chun greetings, crackers and Chinese flowers - Mickey Mouse and friends will be wearing their specially tailored Chinese outfits, with Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Chip 'n' Dale in brand new traditional costumes - A special "Mickey's Peach Blossoms Plaza" at the Sleeping Beauty Castle forecourt where love-seekers can receive romantic blessings - A daily Chinese New Year performance, Disney's "Come and Celebrate" stage show, will feature a traditional Lion Dance complete with Disney characters. Every evening, lucky guests will be invited to take part in the eye-dotting ceremony on stage - Guests can make a special wish for the Year of the Pig by dropping coins into the wishing well at Snow White Grotto in Fantasyland. All coins will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation - Guests will have the opportunity to meet first time visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland, The Three Little Pigs, who defeated The Big Bad Wolf in Disney's 1930's hit animation "Three Little Pigs". - Delicious Chinese New Year menus served at the Park and the two Disney themed hotels - Specially designed Chinese New Year merchandise items with two special themes – Traditional Mickey Family and Flourishing Pooh Family From February 18, 2007 (i.e. first day of the Chinese Calendar): - Guests can meet with the God of Fortune to bring good luck for 2007 in Town Square - Daily performances of "Disney Dragon Dance" (multiple sessions per day) - Special kids' activities based on Chinese New Year traditions at the two Disney themed hotels Special Park Operations Arrangements: - Extension of park opening hours - Welcome Counters in Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where Cast Members are available to answer questions in English, Cantonese and Putonghua and provide tips to help guests enjoy their visit - A Magical Tips handout will be available at Welcome Counters for guests' quick and easy reference - February 17 to 24, 2007 will be designated Special Days meaning that guests who have date-specific tickets for visits during this period will have reserved admission into the Park - For non-special days during Disney's Chinese New Year, measures will be put in place to inform guests when the Park is quickly filling up. |
||
|
|
||
|
ABC's Desperate Future Forbes - ABC has been savoring a run of good, popular shows. But when the Walt Disney Co.-owned network spent the day trying to convince us that they’ve got more good stuff coming, they got off to a rocky start. Case in point: In Case of Emergency, the network's newest comedy starring Jonathan Silverman and David Arquette. The show, about a crew of high school acquaintances whose lives have stalled, premiered on Jan. 3 to disappointing ratings. And much like the comedy, the panel promoting the show failed to connect with the critics here. None of of the onstage banter between the show’s talent seemed to generate much enthusiasm. The solution: Bring back the hits. When the network put on a panel of show-runners (that’s TV-speak for "person in charge of TV show," or alternately, "executive producer") from its biggest shows--including Lost and Golden Globe winners Grey's Anatomy and Ugly Betty--it made a much better case for continuing to tune in. For starters, these folks are laugh-out-loud funny. Perhaps the Emergency gang should have stuck around to listen in. Here’s a sampling of their many quips--apologies in advance if they don't translate as well in print: -- Lost's Damon Lindelof said, in response to a reporter's question about executive producer titles, which she claimed were being handed out like candy: "You want one? It's yours. Now, what the f--- is the island?" -- Desperate Housewives' Marc Cherry, answering a query about the most ludicrous network notes they had ever received: "I remember the censor on the pilot said--you know, in the scene where Eva Longoria is having afterglow with her 17-year-old gardener--the censor looked and said, 'Does she have to smoke?' And I went, 'So you're good with the statutory rape thing?'" -- Lost's Cartlon Cuse, on that same question: "When you say, 'Oh, well, we're going to have Michael shoot two of our other characters. He's one of our leads, and he's going to murder two of our other leads. How do you feel about that? And he says..." Here Lindelof chimes in: "They're like, 'As long as one of them is Michelle Rodriguez, we're cool.'" Beyond the fact that they’re fleet of tongue, the show-runners are effective salesmen. They seem to believe in their product, and that translates. For instance, with one exception ( Brothers and Sister’s Jon Robin Baitz) the panelists said they would not abandon their shows, at least not voluntarily, until they had run their courses. Call me naive, but I've chosen to believe them. And last, but by no means least, they knew what we, the press, wanted: A sneak peek at upcoming episodes. Here’s my favorite, from Cherry: "With Marcia [Cross] now on [pregnancy] bed rest, [Nicollette Sheridan's] going to be promoted and be front and center for the remainder of the season. She's going to have a fascinating romance with someone who already lives on the street, and we're going to be meeting her son that was mentioned in the pilot." |
||
|
|
||
|
Top
10 luxury attractions at Disney World MSNBC - How to have a five-star vacation at Disney parks and resorts When designers conceived Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle in the 1960s, the plans included a special suite among the gilded spires for Walt and his family. But the private accommodation fell into disuse until recently, when it got a deluxe renovation for the "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration. The plan? During this special promotion, a Disney cast member will tap random Disney World visitors on the shoulder and invite them to spend a night in the 650-square-foot fairy-tale apartment. Disney's practice of surprising people at the parks with fantasy adventures is what makes every guest to the Orlando theme park feel like a VIP. For Cara Goldsbury, author of "The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort," that surprise was a random offer for a complimentary fireworks cruise, simply because someone had canceled at the last minute. "It's an example of just one of the many things that sets Disney apart," she said. This individual attention may make a Disney vacation feel luxurious, but an extensive menu of concierge services ensures that Disney can make any little whim or grand dream happen — for the right price. "Disney World is a place where money talks," said Bob Sehlinger, author of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." "There's very little that money can't buy." Resort concierges and Disney event planners have been known to arrange unique moments like a creative marriage proposal on the monorail or an elaborate dinner party in the Haunted Mansion. They'll even fulfill those bizarre requests that most hotel concierges would scoff at for anyone but big stars. "One guest needed needed 15 towels, 20 face cloths and 30 hand towels in one bathroom, and double that in another," said reservations agent Brock Botts. "The room looked like a linen closet afterward." And Disney goes beyond special
requests and random surprises. With the VIP Tour
Service, guides work with guests to customize their
tours of the park so they can hit as many attractions as
possible in the least amount of time. This of course
means cutting to the front of the endless lines, even
for popular attractions like Expedition Everest. The
service can also score VIP seats for popular shows like
Cirque du Soleil's "La Nouba" and "Finding Nemo — the
Musical," arranging for you to come in through the back
door and be guided to your seat — the complete star
treatment. (If anyone mistakes you for Brad or Angelina,
don't correct them.) And there's plenty of it to go around. Each year, the PGA FUNAI Classic is held on two of Disney's six golf courses: PGA pros give lessons and GPS-enabled golf carts dish on course strategy. The upscale Spa at the Grand Floridian offers romantic, candlelit couples' massages as well as the "My First ..." spa treatments for little girls. Guests looking for a posh evening can book the private Grand 1 Yacht and hire a butler to serve champagne as they sail around the Seven Seas Lagoon, getting a glimpse of the nightly fireworks display. Guests can even upgrade regular experiences to make for a truly lavish affair. For instance, instead of checking out the aquarium from the The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion, book the Ultimate Dive at Epcot's DiveQuest — you'll have the six-million-gallon aquarium and its 65 species of marine life practically to yourself. Surfing lessons at the Typhoon Lagoon are available to anyone, but why not reserve the entire Surf Pool for a private party — the only time surfboards are allowed there. If a theme park vacation brings to mind endless meals of burgers and fries, Disney World's slew of upscale dining options begs reconsideration. From celebrity chef Todd English's bluezoo to the Mediterranean-style Citricos and its award-winning wine list, signature dining options abound in all the resorts. John Frost, who started the independent Disney Blog, especially recommends California Grill and the Animal Kingdom Lodge's African-themed Jiko's, which he calls "the two must-not-miss restaurants on property." And luxury-focused author Cara Goldsbury offers a real insider's tip: the chef's table dinner at Victoria & Albert's, the elegant Victorian dining room, the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Central Florida. "It's the perfect spot for an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at Disney's top chef in action," she said, "and the most outstanding meal around, with up to 13 spectacular courses." Given all the VIP options and specialized experiences, Disney World can be your family's five-star vacation or even a lighthearted but luxurious romp for a fun-loving couple. With some planning, guests can secure the best seats in the house, visit the most popular rides totally hassle-free, and arrange all sorts of unique, individualized visits to the attractions. You don't have to win a Super Bowl to have a luxury vacation at Disney World, but it helps to loosen the purse strings when you want Disney World to be a place where your dreams really do come true. Said Goldsbury: "As long as you're willing to pay the price, Disney can plan just about anything your heart desires." |
||
|
|
||
|
Breakfast at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort BellaOnline - In the ten years I have lived in Orlando, I have never eaten at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside - not even when it used to be called Disney's Dixie Landings. However, a friend of mine recommended I try the resort's restaurant, Boatwright's Dining Hall, for their humongous banana-stuffed French toast. Not one to turn down a breakfast delicacy, I roped my roommate into joining me for my first visit. Knowing how packed Disney restaurants can be, even during slower seasons such as the fall, I had called ahead and made a priority reservation. It turns out it wasn't needed, as the restaurant was only a quarter full. It still took almost five minutes to get seated, which wasn't a good sign. It was another five until a server came by to take our drink orders. During this time, I looked around at the restaurant's decor. The dining room was sectioned into four parts: a lower level where you enter, a back upper level and a side room sectioned into two areas separated by a fireplace. The ambiance was 1800s southern US from the furnishings to the uniforms the servers wore. Over the main room hung the framework of a large wooden boat suspended by rows of chains.Almost seven minutes after our server first greeted us - thank goodness we didn't have plans for after breakfast - our juice and coffee arrived and our orders were taken. Compared to the time taken just to get seated and give our orders, I was preparing myself for another wait, but our food actually arrived rather quickly. My roommate opted to try the sweet potato pancakes, served with a honey-pecan butter and choice of bacon, sausage, or ham ($7.29). The sweet potato gave the pancakes a creamy, slightly sweet flavor, but the texture was still slightly doughy in the center. Perhaps another minute on the griddle would have taken care of that. The pecans slivers in the butter added another nice layer of flavor and the bacon she had requested was cooked perfectly crisp. Of course, I had to order the banana-stuffed French toast with strawberry-banana sauce and choice of bacon, sausage, or ham ($7.99). Two huge pieces of French toast with carmelized bananas in the center and a dusting of cinnamon sugar around the outside were served in a sauce of sliced strawberries and bananas. A small pitcher of lukewarm maple syrup was served on the side, but was not needed, as it was sweet enough as is. The french toast was crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside where the bananas were, which made a nice texture combination. The sausage links served with it made a good savory contrast. The entire dish was very flavorful but also very filling. I ended up having to box half of it to take home.Overall, I was very pleased with the food. It was delicious and the portions were well worth the price. The service, however, was nowhere near Disney standards. Not only did we have several waiting periods prior to receiving our orders, but not once during the meal did our server come by to check if we needed anything, and afterwards, it took almost another fifteen minutes for our check to arrive and dishes to be cleared. If the restaurant had been packed, I could have understood the waits. But since there seemed to be almost as many staff on duty in the dining room as there were occupied tables, I'm at a loss to explain the slow service. I can recommend having breakfast here, just don't plan any activities for immediately afterwards, or you may be late. |
||
|
|
||
|
Mickey Mouse on Mars? ign.com - The big-screen version of Edgar Rice Burroughs' sci-fi literary hero John Carter of Mars has been mired in Hollywood development hell for years. Paramount had most recently been developing the project, with directors such as Robert Rodriguez, Kerry Conran and Jon Favreau attached at different points. Then Paramount put Carter into turnaround because it was reportedly hedging its bets on a different sci-fi franchise, Star Trek. Now TMZ.com claims that "the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs is in negotiations with Walt Disney Pictures to turn the eleven volume John Carter of Mars series of books into a motion picture franchise." Fox and Walden Media were also said to have been in talks to acquire the screen rights at one point, but a deal could not be reached. TMZ adds that the project's previous producers -- Sean Daniel, Jim Jacks and Harry Knowles -- are no longer involved with it. |
||
|
|
||
|
Sector Snap:
Television Companies AP - Walt Disney Corp.'s ABC network took top honors at the Golden Globes with a best drama prize for its "Grey's Anatomy," while the star of its "Ugly Betty" comedy took best actress. America Ferrera, 22, won the award for "Ugly Betty"
Monday. The Golden Globes are hosted by the Hollywood
Foreign Press Association. Kyra Sedgwick of TNT's "The Closer," where she plays a detective, was named best actress in a drama. TNT is owned by Time Warner Inc. Time Warner's HBO program "Elizabeth I" won in the best miniseries or movie category. Alec Baldwin won the best comedic actor award for NBC's "30 Rock." NBC is owned by conglomerate General Electric Co. Shares of Disney declined 20 cents to $35.01 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares of Time Warner added 17 cents to $22.90, while GE rose 7 cents to $37.96. Shares of News Corp. added 12 cents to $23.79, also on the Big Board. |
||
|
|
||
|
Sector Snap: Film
Companies AP - An Academy Awards showdown of Viacom versus Viacom may be a possibility after two films from the media conglomerate won top awards at the Golden Globes film and television awards Monday. The company's Paramount Pictures unit won in the best drama category with its thriller "Babel," while "Dreamgirls" was named best musical or comedy. The Golden Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of about 90 writers who cover the film industry for overseas media. The ceremony is considered a foreshadowing of potential winners at the upcoming Academy Awards. Walt Disney Corp.'s Miramax Films produced a best actress award for Helen Mirren's acting in "The Queen," while Disney won best animated film with "Cars." Forest Whitaker won best dramatic actor with "The Last King of Scotland," from News Corp.'s unit Fox Searchlight. Meryl Streep's performance in "The Devil Wears Prada" and Sacha Baron Cohen in "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," both won top comic acting honors for 20th Century Fox Films. Fox is a unit of News Corp. Martin Scorsese won best director with his mob drama "The Departed," from Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc. Viacom added 2 cents to $41.82 in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange, while News Corp. rose 23 cents to $23.89. Disney declined 16 cents to $35.05, while Time Warner added 7 cents to $22.80, also on the Big Board. |
||
|
|
||
|
Wishing upon a star The Philadelphia Enquirer - You're walking through Walt Disney World Resort, snapping photos, dodging children, waiting in an hour-long line to ride Space Mountain, when a park employee taps you on the shoulder with a wand. You turn around to learn that you've been picked to receive a prize. The gift could be as simple as a $12 set of Mickey Mouse ears. Or it could be as grand as a $17,000 Disney cruise or an $84,000 membership in Disney's timeshare Vacation Club. Disney is giving away a million such prizes as part of its "Year of a Million Dreams" at the Florida theme park and at California's Disneyland Resort (and through mail-in entries). Though the program was begun quietly late last year, it is one of the highlights at Disney World in 2007. But it is not the only new feature in store at Disney World. New rides and live stage shows, healthier dining options, and several sports events are among the park's new offerings this year. Attractions. Always seeking the movie tie-in, Disney has replaced Epcot's Living Seas exhibit with a ride starring the characters of the film Finding Nemo. Visitors journey in clam-shaped cars past a 5.7 million-gallon aquarium in which Nemo and his fellow animated fish appear to be swimming among the real sea life. The attraction is in the pavilion called "The Seas with Nemo and Friends." Nemo also shows up in a 30-minute, Broadway-style show at the Animal Kingdom, "Finding Nemo - The Musical." In the Magic Kingdom, a live-action, interactive comedy show featuring characters from the film Monsters, Inc. is scheduled to start in the spring. Another live-action show debuted there in October, this one starring Mickey Mouse and pals. The 20-minute show, "Dream Along with Mickey," is a song-and-dance number performed several times a day on a stage near Cinderella Castle. Speaking of the castle, Disney groupies may recall that Walt Disney had planned to build an apartment for his family in the fortress. Disney died before the park opened, and the apartment was never built. But later this month, a fairytale-style royal suite is slated to open in some of the space reserved for the apartment, to be used as part of the Year of a Million Dreams program. The Disney visitors who get tapped for this prize will spend that night in the suite, which is styled like a French chateau, with inlaid marble floors, canopy beds, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows. If you have a hankering to be a cheerleader, pirate, princess or cowboy, you can participate in one of four new live shows at the Magic Kingdom, including one based on the hit Disney Channel movie High School Musical. Dining. Disney continues to focus on nutrition by announcing plans to remove all trans fats from its menu items at parks and resorts by the end of this year. The company has been testing pizza made with less dough, lower-fat hamburgers, and other healthier meals. It also is examining whether the recipes for Disney-made pastries and candies can be tweaked and whether portions of some items should be made smaller, the company said in a news release. In addition, a new eatery is scheduled to open in the Asia section of the Animal Kingdom. Sporting events. Major League Baseball continues to partner with Disney World. In addition to the Atlanta Braves holding spring training at the Wide World of Sports complex Feb. 28 through March 29, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will play three regular-season games there May 15 to 17, against the Texas Rangers. Lodging. An 828-room Disney Vacation Club property, the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, is open and nearing completion. Prices.Ticket prices traditionally go up at the beginning of the year and during the summer. Each increase is usually about $4. Admission, which was set in August, starts at $67 for a one-day pass for those age 10 and older to visit one Disney World park, and $206 for a five-day pass. Add $45 per person (regardless of the number of days) for the Park Hopper option, which allows you to visit more than one park a day. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney left
in dust in 'Cars' spiel Los Angeles Times - PIXAR'S John Lasseter was effusive in his thank-yous after "Cars" won the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.'s inaugural animated feature award on Monday night, but did he inadvertently sideswipe the company's Southland sibling? Lasseter, the new chief creative director of both Pixar and Burbank-based Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios, doled out thanks to the voters, his Pixar pals, his wife and five kids, voice actors Tony Shalhoub and Paul Newman, producer Darla K. Anderson, recently deceased creative partner Joe Ranft, songwriter Sheryl Crow and composer Randy Newman. But not a mention of Disney, the embattled Burbank division he now oversees and where he has worked two to three days a week since the studio acquired Pixar in April. (Disney's historic 'toon division, where Lasseter got his start as a young animator in the early '80s, has recently seen a production slowdown and a spate of pink slips.) "I want to share this with everyone at Pixar Animation Studios, the greatest filmmaking environment in the entire world," Lasseter said, noting that "Cars" had been a passion project for six years. Lasseter's boss, Walt Disney Studios President and Chief Executive Bob Iger, who was in the audience, was also left off Lasseter's lengthy list. "This is for everybody at Pixar," Lasseter crowed. "Hooray!" Earlier, Lasseter's fiercest competition, George Miller's "Happy Feet," danced home with original song for Prince's "The Song of the Heart." (The performer was reportedly stuck in traffic. Justin Timberlake accepted on Prince's behalf.) In the heat of the kudo season, Lasseter has energetically made the awards rounds while Australia-based Miller has spent his time off the awards grid, vacationing in India. |
||
|
|
||
|
Read It And
Weep Zapped Edition Buena Vista Home Entertainment - All new to Disney DVD, the popular real-life sisters Kay and Danielle Panabaker star in Read It and Weep, a Disney Channel Original Movie, available on January 16. When teenager Jamie Bartlett's (Kay Panabaker, TV's "Summerland") private journal is accidentally turned into a best-selling book, she goes from regular girl to media darling. Her wild literary alter-ego (Danielle Panabaker, "Sky High," TV's "Shark") turns her life at home and school comically upside-down, and teen angst has never been more fun.
When Jamie's journal accidentally gets handed in as a homework assignment, she is shocked to find out that her teacher loves her "story" – and even more surprised when she gets the offer to turn her journal into a book that quickly becomes a bestseller. Even though she gave fictional names to the nasty popular crowd at school and characterized herself as the very cool "Is" , Jamie's world spins out of control when the truth comes out. With the help of her true friends, she learns some major lessons about the importance of being yourself. Catch all the drama and fun in this new Zapped Edition DVD including Jordan Pruitt's never before-seen music video, a special making-of bonus featurette, interviews with the cast and more! The Disney Channel premiere of Read It and Weep was the most watched telecast of the day on basic cable and broadcast. The Disney DVD, available for the first time, is ready to own for U.S. $19.99 (SRP) and Canada $24.99 (SRP) from Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment. |
||
|
|
||
|
That's
So Suite Life Of Hannah Montana Buena Vista Home Entertainment - It's the crossover event of the year! Stars from Disney Channel's hit series "That's So Raven," "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "Hannah Montana" get together at the Tipton Hotel in That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana, available for the first time on Disney DVD January 16. Raven, Zack, Cody, Hannah and their friends all cross paths in an unprecedented event and guest star in each other's shows leading to mixed-up, mashed-up fun and wild adventure that leaves everyone laughing.
Get ready for Mixed Up, Mashed Up fun with three episodes of the three hottest shows from Disney Channel get together in That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana! The exciting crossover event begins when Raven Baxter checks into the swanky Tipton Hotel while on a business trip with her designer boss. Zack and Cody get into the action when the models for Raven's photo shoot take a detour and Raven has a spooky premonition about the twins' fate. Meanwhile, Maddie comes up with a plan to get London to wear one of Raven's new dresses. It almost backfires till London finds out that super pop star Hannah Montana wants a Raven original to wear on her new tour. This new Mixed Up, Mashed Up Edition DVD is loaded with bonus features including the "So You Think You Know Raven" DVD game, a Hannah Montana music video and a never-before-seen episode of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Get in the mix as your favorite stars come together and mash things up! That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana was a huge hit in its Disney Channel premiere among kids and tweens. This unprecedented, laugh-out-loud event is available on Disney DVD for U.S. $19.99 (SRP), Canada $24.99(SRP) from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. |
||
|
|
||
|
France's arbiters of high art anoint Walt Disney's
'genius' Christian Science Monitor - It took the French to "discover" the genius of William Faulkner and Billie Holliday. And in a most unusual event at the most improbable of places, the world's guardians of culture are rediscovering an American animator named Walt Disney. Moreover, Disney has made it to the Grand Palais, a museum of arts high and fine, as a 20th-century "genius" often dismissed as being, well, too Mickey Mouse. It's paradoxical enough that the French, perhaps the leading snoots on middle-class Americana, did a major reappraisal. But droves of Parisians have lined up for months to see "Once Upon a Time Walt Disney." The show illuminates two main points: That Disney deserves to be liberated from the corporate image spawned by Disney Inc. And it reveals how deeply Disney drew from European artists, fables, settings, and imagination. Disney produced "an imaginary world somewhere between Europe and America," says curator Bruno Girveau. Some 14 of Disney's 17 major films, including "Cinderella," "Pinocchio," "Snow White," and "Fantasia" "originate in European libraries," exhibit text suggests. The mass appeal of Disney has "obscured the extraordinary origins of his artistic adventure," says Mr. Givreau. "I know Disney and the stories from Europe," says Helen Phalempin, a Paris school teacher visiting the Grand Palais last week. "What I didn't know was how much Snow White and Fantasia borrowed from earlier German and French films." Americans may be unaware that Disney – unable to enlist in World War I because he was only 16 – joined the Red Cross and was sent overseas, arriving after the armistice. He spent a year in France soaking up the culture. He and his wife, Lillian, returned in 1935, and brought back some 350 books of illustrations – romantic castles, royal ceremonies, woodland sprites, evil witches, anthropomorphized animals. Indeed, the farmlands and forests of America, or the newly sprawling suburbs of Los Angeles, aren't the main source of the Disney magic. Rather, working in Burbank with dozens of refugees and vagabond artists from Europe, many of them Jewish, the Disney bunch borrowed from masters like Honoré Daumier and Bruegel, imitated Gustav Dore's illustrations of "Dante's Inferno," consulted landscapes by Philippe Rousseau for the "Jungle Book," snatched ideas from 1920s films like F.W. Mernau's "Faust" and Chaplin's "Modern Times," and revised "Pinocchio" from the Italian writer Carlo Collodi. They copy, embellish, and alter from every possible source – producing a highly cross-pollinated vision in "living color." Pinocchio is a Mediterranean boy, living in a Bavarian Alpine village modeled after the German town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber that has Scandinavian-style chalets – a rendering by Disney artist Gustaf Tenggren of Sweden, raised in a chalet. One arresting museum feature shows Disney clips next to clips from European films from the 1920s; some images seem directly lifted by Disney animators. As Disney said, "it all began with a mouse." Yet it probably began with a number of mice, distant cousins of Mickey that trace to 19th-century European illustrators. Along with Beatrix Potter's creatures, there are pre-Mickey mice by French artists Benjamin Ravier and Philippe Rousseau and a violin-playing mouse by German artist Heinrich Kley, whose art Disney collected and whose whimsical "skating elephants" were the inspiration for later "Fantasia" drawings. Those illustrations captured the imagination of Spanish surrealist Salvadore Dali, who collaborated with Disney after World War II (though only 18 seconds of film resulted.) But, as Uncle Walt might have said in his Sunday evening Wonderful World of Disney prologues, "now let's hold on a minute and step back." France has long been a US sounding board. In the 1950s and '60s, Paris was looked to by American outsiders – minorities, jazz musicians, and artists – as a refuge. Faulkner was out of print before being discovered by French literati. Jerry Lewis's offbeat humor was first appreciated here. In the aftermath of German occupation, American pop culture was the rage in Paris, viewed partly as a way to get rid of Nazi shadows. This month, a tap-dancing musical honoring Josephine Baker's 100th birthday just closed; the jazz singer was born in St. Louis but felt most at home in the Paris of the late 1920s. "Looking for Josephine" travels to Barcelona and then to New Orleans, La., and is the only tribute anywhere to her centenary. Disney, "Uncle Walt" to millions of Mouseketeers by the late 1950s, came across as an ordinary guy who somehow got diverted from a career as a milkman in Kansas City, Mo. (Indeed, a teacher there once pronounced him "second dumbest" in the class.) But Disney was no slouch. He corresponded with Charlie Chaplin, socialized with Spencer Tracy, and knew Sergei Eisenstein, the Russian film director. They were all Disney fans. The Grand Palais assesses Disney as a "modest artist." But his genius lay elsewhere. He brought to life a new art form. He's gauged less as a virtuoso cellist and more as conductor of an orchestra. Under Disney's creative hand, for example, backgrounds were as much a "character" in a film as Jiminy Cricket or Daffy Duck. Backgrounds had their own creative artistic directors: Trees with arms, or polka-dotted toadstools that jump and dance. The entire picture was alive. "Snow White" took 200 years of manhours to complete, and even that didn't satisfy Disney, according to his biographer. The section of the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" called "Night on Bald Mountain" was designed by Max Reinhardt, the European impresario known to Americans as the owner of the castle Leopoldskron in Salzburg, which played home to the von Trapp family in "The Sound of Music." It was in the 1950s that the irritation with the Disneyization of reality set in. Disney came to represent a world of happy endings, fuzzy creatures, and the harmonizing of animals, humans, and nature in a way that has little relation to the darker underside of a world smashed by Auschwitz. The sense that Americans looked at the world through a Disney vision of a "small world after all," got laid at Disney's door, especially overseas. Yet that ignores many of the sharper-edged realities in Disney's own work. The shooting of Bambi's mother, or the wicked witch in "Snow White," are truly fearsome images. The dark forests whose branches reach out to ensnare princesses caused mothers all over the world "to pull their children out of the theaters," as Pierre Lambert, a historian of animation in France, points out. (His mother pulled him out of a French showing at age 5.) Yet Disney's concept, forged on a farm in Missouri and in Kansas City, is finally one of the decency of ordinary people striving to surmount difficulties, much as he did. It is a vision, the French note, that has traveled all over the world – most recently to Asia in the form of a Hong Kong Disney. While the Paris show closed Tuesday it will shortly travel to Montreal, opening at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on March 8, closing June 24. |
||
|
|
||
|
Estorino heads to
Disneyland Variety - After a nine month vacancy, Hong Kong Disneyland has finally found someone to take up position as its senior VP of marketing. Park has tapped Mouse veteran Jill Estorino. Position fell vacant in April last year when Roy Tan Hardy ankled and park had initially sought candidate with relevant local and mainland China experience. Park's VP of public affairs, B.C. Lo confirmed Estorino's appointment, which surfaced after an internal memo reached the local press. Park spokesman says Estorino is not a direct replacement for Hardy. Previously marketing director at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Estorino has a total of 15 years at the Mouse House. She has already arrived in Hong Kong and will report directly to managing director Bill Ernest. Park opened in Sept 2005. Its first nine months were marred by organizational blunders, PR gaffes and testy relationships with local and Chinese travel industry. It missed its first year visitor target, but with operations seemingly running smoother, Ernest said in Sept that year two target remained at 5.7 million visitors. |
||
|
|
||
|
Monsters no threat to Disney on Ice skater Herald-Review - Ice skating is her first love, so when Brittany Drury of Minneapolis, Minn., was asked to tour with Disney on Ice, not even monsters could keep her away. Drury can be seen skating fearlessly as Disney on Ice presents Pixar's "Monsters, Inc.," for six shows starting Thursday at Bloomington's U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Similar to the movie production of "Monsters, Inc.," Sulley and Mike scare children to power their city, Monstropolis. Then they come across a young girl they name Boo who follows them into their city. Sulley and Mike then must find a way to get Boo back to her world safely, Drury said. But the Disney on Ice version differs from the movie, she said, with surprises throughout the production. "There's a special twist at the end of the show," said the 22-year-old. "But you'd have to come to find out." Drury has been skating since she was 9 years old and has toured with Disney on Ice since 2003 in productions across the United States and Europe. "It's really been a pretty exciting ride," she said. "I love the change of pace. There's always something new to see and explore in every city. It spices up your life." Even though her skating skills are obviously important, since ice is her stage, Drury says knowing how to act is also vital. "You have to be able to portray feelings to the audience, and you have to get into the character you're trying to portray," she said. "I have always enjoyed being in front of an audience, and interacting with the audience is always a blast." Drury plays a variety of roles in the production. Her favorite is that of a "snowette." In one scene, Mike gets hit on the head and goes into a dreamy state, and the "snowettes" dance around him. "I think the crowd most definitely enjoys it," she said. "It's really exciting." The play uses larger-than-life, colorful costumes for the monsters, lots of special effects, upbeat music and acrobatics. "It's a fun time for everyone," she said. "I think it's a really good family outing." But ice skating won't keep her cold forever. Drury has plans of going to college and studying fashion design, but she wants to stay with Disney for a few more years. "It has definitely been the best experience I could have possibly imagined," she said. "I've been very lucky to turn my hobby into a career. It's good to see (my skating lessons) all finally paid off." WHAT: Disney on Ice presents Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 18 and 19; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. WHERE: U.S. Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington. TICKETS: $41.50 to $13.50; www.uscellularcoliseum.com. ON THE WEB: www.disneyonice.com. |
||
|
|
||
|
Monday January 15, 2007 |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney's High School Musical 2 to Air in August Broadway World - According to Multichannel News, the previously announced sequel to Disney's smash hit "High School Musical" will debut in August on the Disney Channel. Once again starring Zac Efron as Troy, Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella, Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay, Lucas Grabeel as Ryan, Corbin Bleu as Chad and Monique Coleman as Taylor, "High School Musical 2" will be written by Peter Barsocchini with Kenny Ortega returning to direct and choreograph. Set during the high schoolers' summer vacation, "High School Musical 2" will involve a concert at a country club. In addition, "High School Musical" fans will be able to determine a number of incidental details in the show, including the writing on the chalkboard and on Chad's shirt, the skateboarding trick that Troy will teach Gabriella, and the title of Ryan's summer book, among others. "Since its extraordinary debut on the Disney Channel
U.S. in January 2006, 'High School Musical,' written by
Peter Barsocchini, has broken viewership records around
the world and the soundtrack from Walt Disney Records
was the #1 album of the year on the Billboard Top
200. A 40-city live High School Musical concert tour
featuring five of the film's original cast members
launched in San Diego in November and makes its final
stop in Los Angeles on January 29. The concert tour
most recently played to a crowd of more than 15,000 at
Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ, on
Monday (1/8/07)," stated earlier press materials. |
||
|
|
||
|
The
online future's massive, says Disney Tarankai Daily News - Disney aims to reach a new generation of kids and young adults who are as likely to be clutching digital music players and watching online videos as watching television. "We plan to build more virtual worlds like 'Pirates' based on a broad range of our properties," chief executive Bob Iger said at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, referring to a Web game based on its Pirates of the Caribbean movies. "You can imagine living in Buzz and Woody's toy universe," he added, recalling Disney Pixar's computer-animated hit Toy Story. Thousands of people can play at once in massively multiplayer online games – MMOs – which essentially never end. Popularized by games such as Ultima Online, many are based on medieval or science-fiction themes that attract male players. But in recent years, virtual worlds such as Second Life, where big corporations including Dell and Sears have built virtual businesses, have attracted a broader and older audience. Reuters operates a full-time news bureau in Second Life. The announcement was part of Mr Iger's presentation at the show about a wholesale revamp of Disney.com, including the recent launch of the MMO based on Pirates of the Caribbean. "Kids can go online and live the life of pirates," he said. Other features of the redesigned Disney.com include a function that lets users customise their Web page. One selection, for instance, creates a page that features Disney characters that appeal to boys. Online entertainment on Disney.com will also be for sale, rented or streamed free, Mr Iger said. An online video player also figures prominently on most pages. One feature, called Disney Xtreme Digital, lets users personalize favorite content and watch and share videos, communicate with friends, listen to music and play games. "We are witnessing an explosion of media and Disney is both reaping the benefits of that explosion and acting as a catalyst by taking a technology-friendly approach," he said. Among the top US media companies, Disney has been one of the most responsive entertainment companies to work with the technology industry. Its ABC TV network was the first in the US to make some prime-time programs available free to view online. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer, has joined the Disney board through the company's acquisition of digital animation hits-factory Pixar. |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney's
Tigger: 'Parent of the Year' WorldNetDaily - Last week it occurred to me that Tigger does more parenting before 9 a.m. than some parents do their entire lives. Tigger? Yes, Tigger – the happy-go-lucky tiger from the Winnie the Pooh cartoons and lovable costumed character that wanders Disney theme parks. But there's also a darker side to Tigger. You see, Tigger is a rogue thug who sucker punches innocent children. At least, that was the accusation made after a teen, who was posing for a picture with Tigger, yanked on the back of the costume, and Tigger reacted by swinging his left arm across his body, which brushed the kid, who was apparently dressed for a Sex Pistols concert, in the face. Early last week, the father of the boy went on CBS's "The Early Show" and spoke of the absolute horror of that day, claiming he took his son to the hospital to be treated after the alleged hit. And to think that Saddam Hussein was hanged while Tiggers like this are still allowed on the streets. Is there no justice? If the boy was taken to the hospital for that, Lord help him if he's ever in a pillow fight. The poor lad would be in traction for a month. If the father really cared about the well being of his son, he'd have realized the counterproductive nature of going on national television to tell the world his teenage boy was beaten up by Tigger – which is bound to get him mercilessly picked on in school. Oh well, if the father can afford a family admission to Walt Disney World, then presumably he can afford a lifetime of emotional therapy sessions. We see out-of-control kids all the time. They yell at teachers, lash out at authority, disrespect their parents and abuse others property. The world has always had its share of these kids, but what's reaching epidemic proportions are parents who defend them because there's some other goal in mind. Coincidentally, I read a study that said one-third of parents in North America don't think their methods of disciplining their children work well. Well gee whiz, maybe it's because too many of them don't discipline their kids at all. This could be, in part, because some people know that if they do discipline our children, they'll end up in court. This isn't just about the rope-a-dope incident at the Magic Kingdom. It's about a parent who's teaching a child the worst lesson of all: If anything bad happens, even if you precipitated it, lie, say it was unprovoked, and it isn't your fault and the other party should pay. This brand of parenting is raising a generation of sniveling, lying, bullying disrespectful brats — kids who may well someday end up in jail – a place where ''Hundred Acre Wood'' takes on an entirely different meaning – simply because a parent or parents wanted to make a few bucks. If you spank your child in some states, you're subject to action by the state, but if you raise your child in such a manner that could cause them to grow up to think their negative actions don't have anything but positive consequences, you might as well drive your kid to prison right now. That's child abuse, and we need to recognize it as such. Let's defend Tigger against the attack by Christopher Robin-hood — because it's the right thing to do for all parties involved. Kids need to learn that life isn't always bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun! — no matter what their parents may try to demonstrate to them. It's a sad day indeed when a guy in a Tigger costume is doing the job a parent should be doing — and getting in trouble for it to boot. History may record that this country started its downhill skid the day being an idiot became a profitable business venture. It's time to turn it around. This particular Tigger should not only be reinstated to his job, but also made "Parent of the Year." |
||
|
|
||
|
Gustav the man-eating croc suffers in Disney mash-up Orlando Sentinel - "Based on a true story" doesn't quite work for "Primeval." How about "Almost entirely unlike the true story" or "An utter croc of a true story?" You've seen that oft-repeated PBS documentary on Gustav, the man-eating African croc? "Primeval" is an absurd Disney fictionalization of his tale, that of a 25- to 30-foot Burundi crocodile who eats and eats and eats Africans. But when the film begins, he chomps down on a European (white) pathologist. Not smart. "He's like O.J. Simpson," cracks TV cameraman Steven (Orlando Jones). "He messed up when he killed that white woman." Jones pretends he's in another, funnier version of this movie. He's the wiseacre videographer sent with producer Tim (Dominic Purcell of TV's "Prison Break") and cutesy "animal story" reporter Akiva (Brooke Langton) to capture the monster Gustav for a TV network. There's a "Crocodile Hunter" clone (Gideon Emery) with a big cage, a guy who cares more for reptiles than people. There's also a grizzled great white hunter, played by Jurgen Prochnow, with his finger on the trigger of an elephant gun. Prochnow is acting as if he's in a better version of "Primeval," too, one in which his cragged face and reptilian eyes suggest a human version of the monster he hunts. The movie is a wild, idiotic mash-up of "Hotel Rwanda" civil-war atrocities and cheap gotchas from the cartoon croc. Tired bits about tracking devices that beep, ratcheting up suspense as Gustav approaches, and the odd unnerving attack are lost in much chatter and chase among the uncivil civil warriors. We lose track, literally, of "the most efficient killing machine on the planet" time and again. The civil war is "the real story," the reporters say. Plan on being offended. With torture, murder, attempted rape, slavery jokes, a veiled swipe at the late Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, unflattering depictions of TV news executives, TV news reporters, Africans in general and Burundians in particular, it's no wonder Disney tried to sneak this one over with little advertising and without screening it for critics. |
||
|
|
||
|
'Lost'
Producers Discuss Series' End Houston Cronicles- Makers of the tropical island drama "Lost" say they're talking with ABC executives about setting an end date for the series. There's no sense the finale is coming anytime soon. But knowing they have a deadline will help writers of the convoluted drama lay out how they want the story to end, producers said Sunday in a meeting with TV critics here. "Once we figure out when that will be, a lot of the questions will go away," said Carlton Cuse, an executive producer. "Lost" is in its third season. The producers, citing Fox's "The X-Files," said they didn't want to wear out their welcome. "That was a great show that probably ran two seasons too long," Cuse said. "That is a cautionary tale for us." "Lost" is due back on ABC's schedule next month following an extended hiatus after the season's first six episodes and will air uninterrupted through May. The schedule was a direct result of fans' complaints about reruns disrupting their concentration in past seasons, producers said. It's likely next year that all 22 episodes will run consecutively, much like Fox is doing with "24." One prominent critic -- ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson -- said he thought the first six episodes this season concentrated too heavily on the stories of Jack, Kate and Sawyer at the expense of other members of the large cast. The producers said that will be rectified right away for the season's second half as "Lost" goes back to the beach. "Lost," which is shifting back an hour to 10 p.m. Eastern time, Wednesdays, on ABC's schedule, has seen a 14 percent drop in its audience this year, according to Nielsen Media Research. Producers contend the numbers are deceptive because of a comparison with the second season, when "Lost" was a cultural sensation. The producers concede that it's a demanding story for viewers to keep up with, and not one that people can join in the middle. "We want them back," executive producer Damon Lindelof said of the lost fans. "We really believe in the show and the audience we're getting. But if we write towards getting them back, we may alienate the audience that we already have." |
||
|
|
||
|
Keke
Palmer Stars In Disney's Jump In! Top40-Charts.com - Tune in to the Disney Channel tonight 1/12 at 8pm EST to catch the WORLD PREMIERE of Jump In! featuring Keke Palmer! If you can't catch the premiere tonight, tune into Disney this weekend as the movie will be re-airing all weekend long. After you watch the movie, check out the Jump In! Soundtrack to catch two new songs by Keke 'It's My Turn Now' and 'Jumpin''. For more on Keke Palmer, visit her myspace @ www.myspace.com/therealkekepalmer |
||
|
|
||
|
Man Sold lifted
Disney stuff The Jersey Journal - A man hawking stolen Disney merchandise was arrested yesterday by a beat officer in Downtown Jersey City, police reports said. Jeffrey McCord, 40, of Bright Street, was charged with receiving stolen property after cops arrested him on Brunswick Street around 5 p.m., police said. Police Officer Brian Gajewski questioned the man after seeing him selling clothing that still had their price tags and hangers, police said. "The suspect couldn't explain where he got them and he did not have any receipts," city spokesman Stan Eason said. The officer recovered $300 worth of clothing, including T-shirts and sweatshirts, police said. |
||
|
|
||
|
Sunday January 14, 2007 |
||
|
Disney
World sets floral festival Splurging on Mickey After all these years, Disney still enchants the masses American Kennel Club And Walt Disney Home Entertainment Team Up Again With 'Air Buddies' Contemporary Games concept art Pixar's Latest Rival: France Next stop: Disney World Miss N.H. to join Mickey and crew at theme park |
||
|
|
||
|
Disney World
sets floral festival AP - Disney World events for the first half of 2007 range from themed children's parties to annual events showcasing flowers.
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
unfolds from April 5 to June 3, with topiaries, flower
beds, water gardens and many other exhibits, along
with seminars on gardening and crafts, a children's
garden, a butterfly garden, nightly "Flower Power"
concerts and themed festival weekends celebrating
bugs, art and Mother's Day.
Disney's Pirate & Princess Party takes place in the
Magic Kingdom on 13 evenings between Jan. 22 and March
8 and includes fireworks, a parade and a treasure
hunt. Guests may want to attend in costume.
Tickets are $36.95 plus tax for ages 10 and up, $29.95
plus tax for ages 3 to 9, and can be obtained by
calling (407) 934-7639 or visiting www.disney
world.com/pirateandprincess.
Also this year, as part of Disney's "Year of A Million
Dreams" celebration, guests will be randomly chosen
while visiting the park to spend the night in
Cinderella's Castle, four stories above the Magic
Kingdom.
|
||
|
|
||
|
Splurging on Mickey
Detroit Free Press - Disney World visitors say forget the expense, fun is more important. Darn it, isn't anyone scrimping on their Disney World vacation? I'm here to look for families who can give cost-cutting tips. Instead, I get, oh, gee, let's see ... the Sodrel family.They've dropped $4,000 in a week visiting with their four daughters, staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in a deluxe room. It's their sixth year vacationing at Disney World. They love Disney World. They're crazy about Disney World. In fact, those are their daughters and niece over there in the red-and-black polka-dot $60 Minnie Mouse dresses and $18 white mouse ears with bridal veils, hopping the bus to Epcot. "We're Disney veterans," says Noah Sodrel of Greenwood, Ind. "Yes, it's an expensive place. But for us, having fun is the issue. When we've tried to save money, it's not the same." Well, OK. But does he have any tips for someone who might want to try? "We try to come off peak, like now" in January, he says. "And we got the meal plan. We worked it out. It's cheaper." The most popular amusement park in the world, Disney World is a money machine. Every year, it relentlessly raises ticket prices. Single-day tickets are up 72% for children in the last four years (to $56). It now costs nearly $1,000 for a family of four who want four-day Park Hopper tickets that allow them to attend all four Disney World parks. "The only thing in the same category with Disney price increases is gasoline price increases," says Bob Sehlinger, author of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2007" ( Wiley, $18.99.) "It's an incredibly aggressive pricing strategy." But here's the weird part: Ticket prices don't seem to deter visitors. In the 2006, park attendance rose by 5% percent over the previous year. People spent 4% more at the parks, and they even spent 5% more at Disney World hotels, whose occupancy rates rose to 83%. "We reward longer stays," says Rick Sylvain, Disney spokesman. "Focus groups continually tell us they feel they get a lot of value for the money. Compared to an NBA ticket or a night on Broadway, it's a value." At the same time, Disney has figured out how to entice families to get better deals by a) staying longer and b) staying on the Disney World property. Its value family package starts at $1,699 for a family of four per week, including park tickets. (Airfare is additional.) Disney also offers a meal plan (about $39 per day for adults and $11 for children) to make food costs more controllable. At Disney resorts, where a bottle of water can cost $2, breakfast buffets cost $14 and dinner can cost $40 per person, it is a deal. Also, Disney instituted "Magic Your Way" ticketing in 2005 so people could have more choice about which parks to visit and how long to stay. So there must be people out there craving the deals. But where are they? I head over to Downtown Disney, the shopping area of Disney World. On this Saturday night, throngs are shopping their heads off, buying everything from $89 Cinderella castles to fine cigars. No scrimping there that I can see. On a Monday morning, I return to visit the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Salon inside the Disney store. It gives princess and little cool dude makeovers to boys and girls. The value is, you can get a $35 hairdo and sparkly makeup. But there I meet up with Craig and Suzanne Vear of Yorkshire, England, who instead are treating their daughters Jessica, 10 and Emily, 7, to the ultimate princess makeovers -- $175 per girl -- including costume, shoes, updo hairstyle, makeup and princess magic wand. Emily is in silver. Jessica is in pink. They look fragile and regal and a bit afraid to move their heads. "This is our fourth vacation here, but we never discovered this place before," says Craig Vear, who says the family is spending 12 days at Disney World this time. The money? It's not the issue, the parents say. "I wish I could have done this when I was a little girl," says Suzanne Vear, looking proudly at her dolled-up daughters. Then I run into Michael Wolverton of Milwaukee (formerly of Flint), whose daughter, Chastity, 5, is getting the same treatment, right down to gold sparkly shoes. Cha-ching! Thanks, Dad. OK, so maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. Admission ticket prices, can't do much about them. Kids, I guess parents will spend anything for their little princesses. And food -- did I tell you about Jiko, the fine restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge with fabulous steaks and a $6 cup of coffee? You're not going to save much on food unless you eat Fig Newtons in your room for breakfast and maybe make peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. That leaves accommodations. Still scouting for bargains, I'm starting to feel like the miserly skinflint who saves dryer lint for pillow stuffing. Then I meet Bill Schaper, guest services manager at All-Star Music Resort. For families who want to stay on Disney property to take advantage of free shuttles, parking and proximity to all four Disney parks, he has one place to try. Lodging. Disney has 6,000 All-Star Resort rooms that start at $79. They even have 214 brand new two-room family suites that look pretty family-friendly to me, with a queen bed in one room and a double and two single pullouts in the other. Depending on the season, suites run $179-$265 a night. They look worth it. With just a food court and no Jiko restaurants, "We don't have all the amenities, but we have the Disney service," says Schaper. The All-Star Resorts rooms contribute 30% of the hotel revenue at Disney. So someone must want cheap (actually, never use the word "cheap" at Disney. Use "value.") I just never met anyone. I tried. I really tried. I ask guidebook author Bob Sehlinger about it. Is there something about Disney that makes people want to splurge? "A lot of people plan their trip years in advance," he says, "and they think, this is our vacation and we'll have the best of everything." Then all of a sudden I meet three girls from Chicago near Downtown Disney. The college students are trying to sneak onto a free bus to the Magic Kingdom. "Are you doing anything to save money?" I ask pitifully, hopefully. They laugh. "We searched the Internet and paid $226.38 for our plane tickets," says one of the girls. They hope their total cost of the vacation is no more than $500. Whoa. $500? Where are they staying? "My uncle's timeshare." Good tip. Have an uncle with a timeshare. Then over at the Magic Kingdom, I spot a friendly family posing in front of Cinderella's castle. It's the Tomkulak family from 100 Mile House, British Columbia, here for a week with their son and daughter. "Anything you're doing to cut corners?" I ask. "Sure," says Lee Tomkulak. He unzips his backpack. "See? We brought sandwiches," says his wife, Deana, showing inside the backpack where lunch is stuffed inside. They eat breakfast and dinner in their rooms and bring sandwiches to the parks. They are staying free at his mother's timeshare. Before they left home, they bought some kind of fishy-sounding three-day Park Hopper tickets online that were upgraded to five-day tickets. "How much will you spend on the whole trip?" I ask. "From the beginning, we planned to be careful," he says, restoring my faith in the budget-conscious traveler. "I'm thinking about $2,500." For Disney, that's a deal. |
||
|
|
||
|
After all these years, Disney still enchants the
masses
Delta Democrat Times - The Atlantic magazine recently commissioned 10 eminent historians to list and rank the 100 most influential Americans. Such lists, of course, are highly subjective, but it was nice to note that Walt Disney came in at No. 26. This put him ahead of such luminaries as Eli Whitney, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Robert E. Lee, and Elvis Presley. The historians justified Disney's ranking with the assertion that "he wielded unmatched influence over our childhood." For as long as I can remember I have been captivated and fascinated by Disney shows and characters, especially Donald Duck. About the only thing I ever saw my father (may he rest in peace) read was the "Police Gazette" and "Donald Duck" comic books. Sons often reject what the father holds dear, but in this case I think dad had it right. Mickey Mouse is just too much of goodie-two-shoes. Donald's temper, cantankerousness, and sheer bad luck make him irresistibly appealing. Like most American boys growing up in the fifties, I fantasized (sometimes in a not very Disney-like fashion) over Annette Funicello, the prettiest member of the Mickey Mouse Club troupe, and hardly ever missed the weekly TV episode of "Walt Disney Presents." Consequently, when Disney Land opened in Southern California in 1955, my fondest wish was to go there. But, alas, it was not to be. I wasn't alone in my disappointment. Those of a certain age might remember the controversy sparked when Nikita Khrushchev, then boss of the Soviet Union, was not allowed (for security reasons, I guess) to visit Disneyland during his diplomatic journey to the United States. Not long afterwards he was unceremoniously dumped as Soviet leader and never got to see it. I never got there either, but in 1971 the Disney enterprise (Walt himself died in 1966) opened a new theme park near Orlando, Fla. In the mid-seventies, my wife and I took our two oldest children (then ages nine and 6) to Disney World, which at that time, if memory serves me correctly, consisted only of the Magic Kingdom. It was a memorable experience for all of us. The only problem was that our youngest daughter (age 3 at the time) threw a guilt trip on us by never letting us forget that we didn't take her. We promised to rectify the injustice, but she became a young woman before we knew it and ever got around to setting things right. Meanwhile, life brought many changes as it always does. I got older, the kids grew up, poor Annette developed multiple sclerosis, and Disney World expanded exponentially. Epcot opened in October 1982 and MGM Studios Theme Park in May 1989. At some point, the Animal Kingdom and goodness knows what other attractions were constructed and opened to the public. In late 2005, the wife and I decided it was time for a return trip. Only this time the excursion consisted of a party of 10 - our three children (now way up in their thirties), one son-in-law, and four grandchildren. We all had a ball. I'm still a sucker for hair-raising roller coaster rides, and Disney World has them aplenty. The younger crowd liked the "Rock and Roller Coaster (featuring Aero smith)," but Ole Fogy that I am I preferred Thunder Mountain. The kids got to have their picture made with a multitude of Disney characters, and I got to have mine made with Donald Duck, who looked and acted just as ornery as ever. I figured then that two trips to Disney World was just about enough for anyone, but I noticed that in the Animal Kingdom another attraction was under construction. It was purported to be another roller coaster ride that would be called the Himalayan Expedition and put all earlier roller coasters to shame. So, well, OK, maybe one more time. What sealed the deal for a third trip was the German exchange student we have living with us this year. We just couldn't let him come to America and not see Disney World. So on Dec. 31, 2006 our two- vehicle caravan set out once again for that magical land of make believe and dreams come true. Our party still consisted of 10, but the German boy took the place of our youngest daughter who couldn't accompany us this time. I know it's a cliché, but pleasure shared is indeed pleasure doubled. Is there a more beautiful sight in all the world than the look of enchantment and fascination on a child's face? Arne, our German visitor, being somewhat older didn't register as much "radiance" as the little kids, but you could tell he was having a blast. And let me tell you, the Himalayan Expedition is all that it's cracked up to be. If you like thrills, don't miss this ride. Like last year, I got to have my picture made with Donald Duck. My Daddy would have been proud. I just wish he could have been there to see it. |
||
|
|
||
|
American Kennel Club And Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Team Up Again With 'Air Buddies' Goodnewsforpets.com - The American Kennel Club and Walt Disney Home Entertainment announced today that they are joining together on another initiative to help inform viewers about the joys and responsibilities of owning a dog. Air Buddies, an all-new movie now on Disney DVD, includes an informational supplement about the film's canine stars; Golden Retrievers. The insert, approved by the national breed club, the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), will feature breed characteristics such as temperament, exercise needs and grooming needs, as well as interesting facts and GRCA contacts. "We are ecstatic that the many wonderful qualities of Golden Retrievers are being showcased in this film, but caution anyone who wants to purchase one based only on what they see on the silver screen," said Gail Miller, AKC's Director of Marketing. "They are great dogs, but no pet should be purchased on a whim." The AKC breed insert includes the following points:
"We are grateful to Walt Disney Home Entertainment for continuing to help the AKC educate prospective puppy owners. We hope the information we have provided will encourage those who buy the DVD and are interested in owning a Golden Retriever to do their research and to contact the national breed club," added Miller. Part of the successful Air Bud franchise, Air Buddies is the tale of Air Bud and his five adorable puppies, hip-hoppin' B-Dawg, lovely RoseBud, wise Buddha, messy MudBud, and the big fella Budderball, who must undertake a daring rescue mission when their parents are "dognapped." And adding a fresh twist to the Air Bud legacy, these puppies talk! Bonus features on the DVD include "Train Your Dog to Be a Star," with dog trainers showing viewers how to teach their own dogs some of the tricks from the movie, as well as behind the scenes footage and a new music video starring Jordan Pruitt. The new generation of Air Bud, Air Buddies is available now on Disney DVD. |
||
|
|
||
Contemporary
Games concept art Touring
- The Fantasia gift shop on the 4th floor concourse of
the Contemporary Resort has closed and has been
surrounded with construction walls. Hanging on those
walls is concept art depicting the shop's replacement:
Contemporary Games. Contemporary Games will house the arcade for the resort, replacing the Food and Fun Center, allowing for further expansion to later develop in that space on the ground level. |
||
|
|
||
|
Pixar's Latest
Rival: France Christian Science Monitor - If the "enfant terrible" of Gallic filmmaking is making movies for "les enfants," big changes must be afoot in French cinema. Luc Besson, the director reviled by some fellow citizens for Paris-goes-to-Hollywood action films such as "La Femme Nikita," "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc," and "The Fifth Element," has entered the lucrative market of digital animation. His new pic, "Arthur and the Invisibles," about a boy who enters the miniaturized world of backyard creatures to save his grandparents' farm, and featuring the voices of Madonna, David Bowie and Robert De Niro, opens nationwide Friday. Already a hit in Europe, "Arthur" signals an important milestone in French animation: with a reported $80 million price tag, it's the first big-budget French export vying to compete with American animated features. "What happened recently, in the last 30 years, is that the Americans are so good, between Walt Disney and Pixar," says Besson via telephone from Paris, where "Arthur" was filmed. "They are really big and good. It's hard from Europe — your country is so small — to feel the courage to try." But "Why not?" Besson asked himself. So try he did. "Arthur" marks the height of a new wave of French animation that began with Sylvain Chomet's 2003 sleeper, "The Triplets of Belleville." Eight feature-length cartoons were produced in 2005, France's biggest year on record. According to The Hollywood Reporter, France has at least a dozen more currently in development or production. The U.S. dominates the worldwide cartoon market, using its proven formula of family-friendly plots, fuzzy animal characters, and name-brand voices. In trying to beat the Americans at their own game, Besson doesn't feel he has anything to prove. He knows France, like other rising-star countries in the field, such as England, Spain, Japan, and Korea, have their own visions to impose on the exploding art of animation. "It will be different. We don't have the same money," says Besson. "The diversity of expression is our best ally." Another ally is France's Centre National de la Cinématographie (CNC). "The national strategy is to develop animation," says Serge Bromberg, artistic director of the Annecy International Animation Festival. "Animation is considered ... one of the favorite techniques for cinema in the future." The government provides direct financial assistance from the CNC and tax breaks for filmmakers. The administration stands a good chance to recoup its investment. America has taught French producers that animation can be a moneymaker. With recent hits such as "Kirikou et les bêtes sauvages" ("Kirikou and the Wild Beasts"), France is even beating back the U.S. hegemony. In 2005, homespun productions grabbed 15 percent of France's animated-film box office, up from 6 percent a year before. But the U.S. model has its pitfalls. For every "Cars," "Happy Feet" and "Ice Age 2" — all Top-10 grossers in 2006 — there are duds such as "Flushed Away" and "The Ant Bully." The kids market is clearly oversaturated with product. The real growth potential might be for animation aimed at adults, a genre for which France is particularly well-suited. "Today, no one has made a hit with adult animation. It's going to be a new field that's opening up," claims Christian Volckman, director of last autumn's animated sci-fi noir "Renaissance." In a nation where men unselfconsciously consume bande dessinée, or "BD" (comic books) with adult themes, and the biggest audience for a movie like "Shrek" was the 35-to-49-year-old demographic, more pictures like "Renaissance" should continue to thrive. The question is whether French animated movies can do well overseas. For instance, the British-French coproduction "Pollux — Le manège enchanté" (a.k.a., "The Magic Roundabout") tanked on this side of the pond, even when retitled "Doogal" and redubbed with American talent. "The biggest challenge for French animation is conquering the U.S. and English-speaking market," says Rodney Figueiredo, a writer for "Animated Views," via e-mail. All eyes will be watching the U.S. bow of "Arthur and the Invisibles." Though Besson had claimed that he would focus exclusively on producing from now on, early box-office reports of the movie's huge success in France has persuaded him to turn the one film into a three-quel. "I don't take my adult films very seriously," says Besson. "I take kids very seriously." If they take him seriously, Besson may never return from their invisible world. |
||
|
|
||
|
Next stop: Disney World Miss N.H. to join Mickey and
crew at theme park Laconia Citizen - She didn't win the Super Bowl, but Krystal Barry is off to Disney World anyway. A 2003 graduate of Belmont High School, and a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she studied theater with an emphasis on dance, Barry has been accepted into an internship at the Orlando, Fla.-based theme park. Barry, who was Miss New Hampshire USA 2006, hits the road today for the Sunshine State where she will enroll in an eight-month long course in the Disney Theme Park and Resorts College Program.  "I'll
be a character-performer-slash-potential face," said
Barry on Friday, explaining that during her internship
she will mingle with the public dressed either in a full
body costume or in an outfit that leaves her head
uncovered. Standing in at a statuesque 6-feet tall, Barry thinks she might be garbed in a "Goofy" costume, having taken a measure of the lovable dog when she was most recently at Disney World and having concluded that he and she are a good size match. She might, Barry thinks, also get to portray one of Disney's "evil" female characters, like the queen in "Snow White" or Cruella DeVille, from "101 Dalmatians." Mary Lyman, who is Barry's grandmother, suggested that Barry might get to be "Cinderella" but Barry corrected her, saying the actor who does the role can be no taller than 5 feet 4 inches. "We'll get a new prince," Lyman interjected, but seemingly to no avail. Barry first learned about the Disney internship this past summer, submitted an online application, and then successfully passed a telephone interview. Next, Barry traveled to Boston where she auditioned in a character costume, which was followed by a dance audition. Having aced both auditions, she earned herself a spot in the internship program. In the Disney classrooms, students will learn a number and variety of new skills, said Barry, among them how to sign an autograph like Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. After the program is over, some attendees may eventually end up working in Disney theme parks in Florida, California, Paris or Tokyo. Having grown up with hope of appearing on Broadway and maybe becoming a Rockette, Barry doesn't view working as a character for the Disney company as a step down. For all performers, the question isn't about the how and where, it's about the doing, said Barry. "Any way, any shape you can get into performing," is the bottom line, she said. "This is awesome. It's another dream come true," said Barry. "I know I said that with Miss New Hampshire USA but now I'm going to get to work for Disney and one of my first childhood memories was going to Disney World" where a family photo shows her posing with "Pluto." In Orlando, Barry will be reunited with fellow UNH alum and friend Bunty Hacker, who for Disney portrays an animal friend of "Chip," the chipmunk, and who told Barry that the job isn't about money. "You do this sort of work," Barry recalled Hacker as saying, "because you love it." |
||
|
|
||
| Back News |
Martin
Morales, a former European head of content for iTunes,
has been appointed as executive director for Disney's
Buena Vista Music group in Europe, the Middle East and
Africa.
Destino,
a six-minute animated cartoon, will be screened at the
Tate Modern gallery in London from June 1 to Sept. 9
as part of the exhibition Dali & Film.
Disney-Pixar's
next release, "Ratatouille," about a cuisine-loving
rat living in a Paris restaurant, is scheduled to be
released this summer.
With
that regal range, "kids as young as 3 and grandmas are
there singing along. It adds a nice layer," Siruno
said.
Exclusive
to the DVD is a Jordan Pruitt music video, "Outside
Looking In." The DVD also has a special interview with
stars Kay and Danielle Panabaker and a "making-of"
featurette that takes fans behind the scenes of the
movie. 
The
DVD is loaded with bonus features: a "So You Think You
Know Raven" DVD game, a "Hannah Montana" music video,
and a never-before-seen episode of "The Suite Life of
Zack & Cody."