 |
 March 2 - 8, 2008 |
|
Saturday March 8, 2008 |
|
Dive
Into A Thrilling Splash On…Your Cell Phone? 'College Road Trip' is a throwback to when 'Disney' meant 'dull' Disney to Debut Toy Story-The Musical in April Ms. de Vil is surely the cruellest of Disney villains "Mermaid" cast album sells swimmingly Disney tea set could fetch a pretty price |
|
|
|
Dive
Into A Thrilling Splash On…Your Cell Phone? You and your kids can access Disney Water Park fun before, during and after you actually visit them-with one of today’s hottest Disney stars appearing along the way. “At the heart of the Disney Water Parks mobile program is a website optimized for the mobile phone,” explained Tom Aronson of Disney Parks Global New Media and Technologies. “It’s filled with exclusive wallpapers, insider tips and an interactive personality quiz.” Get your head in the phone The feature Tom told us about that will really have your kids squealing with joy is the one that features “High School Musical” and “Jump In” star Corbin Bleu. He had such a blast when he recently visited both Disney Water Parks, he was happy to help us send messages to express this enthusiasm to his legions of fans. It starts with a special video message from Corbin to Disney Resort hotel Guests on their in-room televisions. “He will ask our Guests to text H2O to 775274, which spells SPLASH,” said Tom. “Within seconds the phone rings with a message from Corbin.” Features galore at the touch of a few buttons “We created a number of interactive features Guests can access by texting H2O to 775274 (SPLASH),” said Tom. “One of the features offers lots of great tips about how to ’surf’ at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and ’ski’ at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. It’ll let Guests know the best way to enjoy all the attractions for maximum thrills. “Another section is all about the dos and don’ts of using ‘Surfology’ and ‘Skiology’ lingo. And we even asked artist Jesse LeDoux to create four exclusive wallpapers that can be easily downloaded onto your phone. We’re planning all kinds of other ideas like these all the time.” |
|
|
|
'College Road Trip' is a throwback to when 'Disney' meant 'dull' |
|
|
|
Disney
to Debut Toy Story-The Musical in April TheaterMania - Disney Cruise Line will debut Toy Story-The Musical, based on the Oscar-winning animated film, this April aboard its ship, Disney Wonder. The show, to be directed by Stefan Novinski, will feature a seven-song score by Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn of Groovelily and a book by Mindi Dickstein. It will feature a repertory cast of 21 performers. The show has sets by Sibyl Wickersheimer and costumes by Ann Closs-Farley. The story explores the true meaning of friendship as toys Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to true friends. Vigoda and Milburn's previous stage works include Striking 12, A Little Midsummer Night's Music, and Sleeping Beauty Wakes. Dickstein wrote the book for the musical Little Women. For more information, visit www.disneycruise.com. |
|
|
|
Ms. de Vil is surely the cruellest of Disney villains Globe and Mail - Disney's animated films have conjured up great villains over the decades, be it the wicked queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Professor Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price) in The Great Mouse Detective, a Sherlock Holmes pastiche that cries out for a special-edition DVD. But it's difficult to match the gleeful villainy of Cruella de Vil, the fur-clad, chain-smoking, skull-faced whirlwind in One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), who intends to skin every Dalmatian puppy she can find to make herself a coat. It was a plot point so cruel that The Simpsons naturally borrowed it for the evil Mr. Burns, who dreamed of making a greyhound dinner jacket (and whose song See My Vest was a parody of Be My Guest from Beauty and the Beast). Cruella has a catchy theme song ("If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will") and a cackle so chilling it's surprising to note that the voice actor, Betty Lou Gerson, was also the soothing narrator of Disney's Cinderella. Pongo and Perdita, the Dalmatians whose 15 pups are abducted along with dozens of others by Cruella's minions, enlist the help of a network of other dogs, a cat and a horse voiced by Thurl Ravenscroft (the voice of Tony the Tiger: "They're gre-e-eat!") to effect a rescue. The movie's big technical news was the use of a Xerox camera to permit the copying of the artists' original drawings onto celluloid without the traditional intervening stages of hand-inking and hand-painting. The process had been field-tested on Sleeping Beauty but came into its own with the copying and pasting of 101 dogs. (A special team was still required to paint all those dots.) On this week's two-disc "Platinum Edition" DVD, Disney producer Don Hahn remembers chatting with the director of so many Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons for Warner Bros. "Chuck Jones said only Disney would animate a movie called One Hundred and One Dalmatians with, like, six million spots. He said, 'At Warner Brothers we couldn't even do a movie with a dog named Spot that had one spot.' " Walt Disney was disgruntled since, as Christopher Finch wrote in The Art of Walt Disney, the result was "a more linear and graphic look - quite different from the tonal renderings that were so typical of the earlier features." But the more natural look suits the modern-day story, set in London and environs, and at times echoes the work of artist Ronald Searle. In fact, Pongo at one point admires a copy of Lilliput, the pint-size English magazine of the 1940s and 50s, in which Searle illustrated the humour columns of Patrick Campbell with men who looked like Roger, Pongo's owner. That's also where Searle created the fiendish schoolgirls of St. Trinian's, any one of whom might have grown up to be Cruella. |
|
|
|
"Mermaid" cast album sells swimmingly The latest incarnation of the 1989 animated film is a Broadway show featuring the original score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, plus 10 new songs by Menken and Glenn Slater. The original Broadway cast recording of the show enters the Billboard 200 this week at No. 26, selling 20,000 copies and grabbing the highest debut, highest position and biggest debut sales week for a cast album since "Rent" premiered at No. 19 in 1996. ("Rent" sold 43,000 in its debut.) The success of the "Mermaid" cast album rests on a strategy of extensive promotion that began in summer 2007, when the stage show did a tryout in Denver, and continued through its Broadway previews and official opening in January to the album's February 26 release. "Bringing ("Mermaid") to Broadway gave us a whole new opportunity to promote the music, and the franchise in general," Walt Disney Records senior vice president of marketing Damon Whiteside said. For starters, the album was available for pre-order at Amazon and in theater lobbies, where patrons could fill out a form that guaranteed they would receive a collectible "picture disc" featuring a picture of Ariel on their copy of the CD. In addition, promotional collector cards that offered a free download of the song "She's in Love," a new number for the Broadway show, were available at such places as theater lobbies and concierge desks at New York hotels. A Web site listed on the card took users to a Disney-created portal with the option to purchase the whole album and "Mermaid" content for mobile devices, as well as behind-the-scenes videos of the cast recording the CD. Theatergoers who bought tickets
for any Disney show on Broadway -- such as "The Lion King" or
"Mary Poppins" -- through Ticketmaster received one of the
download cards inside the envelope when their tickets were
mailed to them. Ticketmaster also paired with iTunes to e-mail
consumers about the availability of the free song. |
|
|
|
Disney tea
set could fetch a pretty price
Marked "Wade Heath by Permission: Walt Disney Productions" on the base, they were bought in Great Britain, says Holmes. "My English sister-in-law has valued them from an antiques book and said she saw them in an antiques shop at about $2,000, but that seems strange to us as Walt Disney dates surely to the 1940s or early 1950s," he wrote. "The color is still excellent and both are undamaged. Would it be possible to date these and place a value on them? Or are they rarer than we thought?" "They may be rare and of interest to a very specific area of collector," said McCarron as he examined them more closely. "The condition is not perfect, however, as there is a small chip, which would bring down the value a bit." According to Internet research at www.ecolectables.co.uk and www.deco ware.co.uk, Wade Heath and Co. was renowned for its pottery, specifically the nursery ware that included a wide range of Walt Disney characters. The original pottery works was formed by Henry Hallam about 1810 and later moved to Burslem, England, in the mid-19th century before being taken over by George Wade at the beginning of the 20th century. The company split in the 1920s, and Wade Heath & Co. was born. Wade Heath went on to produce a wide range of products for Disney through the 1930s. It was during this time that the company obtained the license for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," which was modeled by artist Jessie Van Hallen and produced by Wade Heath in the Royal Victoria Pottery to coincide with the Walt Disney film of the same name. McCarron says more research would be necessary to determine whether the $2,000 price was fair. If he were to sell the piece at auction here in the U.S., he would set the price at $300-$400. "I would expect to see this for about $600-$800 in an antique shop here in the states. It's possible that they are going for more in England, but I would have to do a lot more research. "Because they don't come on the market often, it's really hard to tell." Internet searches revealed no similar items for sale on any sites in the U.S. or U.K. A Wade Heath Pluto model on eBay was listed at $199. "If you were interested in selling, I'd do a little more research to figure out a fair price," says McCarron. "These just don't come on the market very often. "That said, they're in good shape and could go for a fair amount because Disney items, especially early ones, often have what we calls 'legs' in the business, meaning they do well with buyers." Holmes says he's always wondered why his mother purchased the pieces. "They're not my mother at all," he says. "She was into Royal Doulton vases." |
|
|
|
Friday March 7, 2008 |
|
New Toy Story
Mania rendering revealed 2008 Shareholder Meeting News and Notes Disney Partners With Toei Animation For 'Fireball' With Iger charting the way, Disney sails on smooth seas 'Miqi' Mouse Dons Mao Jacket to Bolster Hong Kong Disneyland 'College Road Trip' like old TV sitcom Disney steers clear of "Path to 9/11" DVD Knight to Put 'Madness' in ESPN's March |
|
|
 New
Toy Story Mania rendering revealedDisney News - In this computer-produced rendering, guests enjoy the "Toy Story Mania!" attraction, a cutting-edge, interactive ride-through attraction that combines the fun of a video game, 4-D technology and interaction with favorite Disney-Pixar stars. The all-new attraction is scheduled to open in summer 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California as part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration. |
|
|
|
2008
Shareholder Meeting News and Notes Disney News - Here are some notable happenings and quotes straight out of the 2008 Annual Meeting of Walt Disney Company Shareholders: -An exclusive trailer from the upcoming theatrical release from Disney and Pixar, Wall-E, was aired only for those shareholders present for the meeting. -The Disney company recently purchased rights to a book titled “Peter and the Star Catchers”, a prequel to the story of Peter Pan. When asked if a movie adaptation was in the works, Bob Iger said the company was actively looking into doing so. -When asked about the possibility of a fourth Pirates film, the company has nothing to say at the moment. -When questioned as to if the Walt Disney classic animated feature “Song of the South” would ever be released for home entertainment, Iger said there are no plans at the moment to do so. -A particular shareholder asked if Disney would ever introduce an annual pass that would be valid at all the Disney Parks around the globe, Mr. Iger seemed to be interested in the idea. -There are currently plans to bring older Disney archived footage (Such as the Wonderful World of Color and the Disneyland program) to Disney.com in the near future. -Disney is actively looking for new locations to place international parks and location based entertainment worldwide, nothing new on this front to report……yet. -When asked about Disney fan podcasts out there, Bob Iger said he looks to reach out to the Disney fan community as a whole in ways never seen before. Bob Iger also went on to say he deeply appreciates all the devoted Disney fans out there. -Bob Iger acknowledged that they are indeed creating a Rapunzel animated feature for a future theatrical release. |
|
|
|
Disney Partners With Toei Animation For 'Fireball' Forbes - Walt Disney confirmed its intention to partner with Toei Animation, the venerable Japanese anime powerhouse, and two other Japanese companies to produce cartoons tailored to Asian tastes, following a news report early in the day about its plans. Disney’s production partnership would begin by making a short children’s animation series to be aired in April in Japan, making use of three-dimensional computer graphics. The series, Fireball, features robots in distant future. Mariko Hisamitsu, a Disney Japan official in charge of the television business, confirmed the news of the agreement with Agence France-Presse, saying, "We aim to provide products that match the taste of the local market" and "We have few precedents for localization. Disney characters are well recognized in Japan and we believe providing contents catering to consumers is necessary to expand the market." It appears to be a change of strategy for the U.S. entertainment giant, which has so far tried to export Mickey Mouse, the Little Mermaid and its other cuddly American characters to the international market. It would also be the first time that Walt Disney (nyse: DIS) will have moved core production for a program outside of the United States, as it seeks to tap into Japan’s deep pool of animation talent and advanced computer graphics technology. While the main market is Japan, Hisamitsu said it that the productions might be exported to other Asian countries, although nothing had been decided. Films will be produced in Japan using local animation creators and computer graphics specialists and will not be outsourced to other Asian countries, she added. For Toei, working with Disney could provide it with stable income from co-production projects, compensating for the film business's inherent unpredictability. It will also give it access to Disney's vast distribution network outside Japan. In addition to Toei, Disney will work with Madhouse Co. and Jinni's Animation Studios. Toei Animation, which is owned by the film studio Toei, has produced such animated hits as Dragon Ball, Voltron, Sailor Moon and Digimon. Toei has led the way in many areas of Japan's movie business. It introduced karaoke videos and remains the largest producer of clips for the popular pursuit. Last year, Disney ABC Cable Networks bought the licensing rights to Toei Animation’s popular Digimon series. Toei Animation's Jasdaq-listed shares rose 3.2%, or 70 yen (68 cents), to close at 2,280 yen ($22.11), in afternoon trading in Tokyo. |
|
|
|
With Iger charting the way, Disney sails on smooth seas LA Times - Few people would mistake Albuquerque as the happiest place on Earth. But the city -- the setting (if not the actual filming location) for the fictional East High from one of The reserved yet affable Iger has plenty to celebrate. The annual return to shareholders over the last five years was 15.3% -- outperforming the annual average for the Standard & Poor's 500. And despite worries about a slowing economy, Disney's operating profit at its media networks, parks and resorts, and consumer product groups grew by double digits in its most recent quarter. Creatively, it's also on a roll. Disney walked away from the Billionaire investor Warren Buffett singled out Iger as one of the country's best CEOs, noting in a CNBC interview Monday how he had done "an absolutely terrific job since coming in a couple years ago. It's not an easy company to manage, and he's done a first-class job." Iger credited the people around him, telling shareholders Thursday, "The success of our company rests, more than anything else, on the commitment of our 137,000 employees and cast members." When Iger succeeded Michael Eisner as chief executive in October 2005, after serving as Eisner's No. 2 for five years, critics knocked him for lacking creative vision. Some faulted his role in overseeing the then-struggling ABC and saw him as damaged goods because of his close ties to Eisner, whom shareholders had rebuked with a 45% no-confidence vote in March 2004. But Iger proved precisely the balm Disney needed after the tumultuous, autocratic final Eisner years. He immediately set to work repairing relationships, starting with Investors say Disney's $7.4- billion acquisition of Pixar in 2006 got Iger's tenure off to a great start. It shored up Disney's struggling animation division and assured that Pixar's characters would continue to nourish Disney's theme parks, consumer product division and home video business. "I really do think animation is the key to so much of Disney's success. It's a critical piece," said Janna Sampson, co-chief investment officer of OakBrook Investments near Chicago, which owns 260,000 Disney shares. "It's something that as an investor, we give him thumbs up for." One of Iger's first acts as CEO was to dismantle Eisner's hated Strategic Planning Group, which was regarded internally as the place ideas went to die. "By decentralizing the company's decision-making process and eliminating the Strategic Planning Group, he has enormously improved morale throughout the company," said Jack Liebau, president of investment management firm Liebau Asset Management Co. of Pasadena, who has followed Disney for 20 years. That decision is paying creative dividends. It can be measured in the number of major creative franchises, which has blossomed from two to 10, Iger said during a recent earnings call with analysts. He told shareholders that creative content could be leveraged across Disney's various businesses. "Hannah "He has found great people, many of which were there and not empowered, and many of which are new, and he has created an environment in which creativity is thriving," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive of Iger credits his mentor, Thomas S. Murphy, founder of ABC's former parent, CapCities, for a management style that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. In a recent interview with Business Week, Iger said he learned that "you put good people in jobs and give them room to run." "Bob seems like the perfect person to lead Disney now," said Peter Chernin, "The same skills that served the industry well during the writers strike are what has led to the resurgence of Disney," Chernin said, describing those talents as "a great knowledge base of all aspects of the business, along with a very straightforward, productive attitude." |
|
|
|
'Miqi' Mouse Dons Mao Jacket to Bolster Hong Kong Disneyland Bloomberg - Shanghai businessman Yu Jian didn't include Hong Kong Disneyland on his vacation itinerary until his 9-year-old son wore him down with pleas to meet Donald Duck. ``Friends who visited the park said it's very small and too Westernized for us to enjoy it,'' Yu said as son Qitong bit the ear off an ice-cream bar shaped like Mickey Mouse's head. Those perceptions helped fuel a 23 percent drop in attendance during the park's second year of operation and led one local lawmaker to advocate cutting public financing. The Hong Kong government is the majority owner. Now Walt Disney Co., the world's biggest theme-park operator, is trying to make the site more Chinese. During Lunar New Year celebrations in February, also known as the Spring Festival, Mickey donned a Mao jacket and Minnie Mouse wore a cherry blossom-red silk dress by designer Vivienne Tam. Chinese music extolled the beauty of spring, and scrolls bearing good- luck messages lined the walkways. ``It should feel this way,'' Managing Director Bill Ernest said. ``This is a theme park based in the U.S., but we are in Hong Kong.'' Disney is striving to prevent the park from turning into a pumpkin after attendance dropped to 4 million in the year ended Sept. 29 from 5.2 million the previous 12 months. Attendance at Disney resorts worldwide rose 6 percent during the period, according to the Burbank, California-based Themed Entertainment Association. The parks accounted for $1.7 billion, or 22 percent, of Disney's operating income in fiscal 2007. ``The theme park is important in helping position Disney for longer-term growth in China in terms of merchandise sales and films,'' said Michael Kupinski, an analyst at Noble Financial Group Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. `A Big Failure' The Hong Kong government owns 57 percent of the park after investing HK$3.25 billion ($417 million). Local authorities also spent HK$13.6 billion on infrastructure including roads and a light-rail extension. The government initially projected attendance of 5 million to 10 million a year. In December, lawmaker Emily Lau advocated turning off the public spigot for the ``big failure.'' In a Dec. 21 report to Hong Kong's Legislative Council the city's Tourism Commission said the government wasn't satisfied with the park's performance. Disney has waived its management fees through September 2009 and pushed back repayment of some of the park's HK$8.4 billion debt. Company officials declined to provide details. On Jan. 21, Ernest said Disney may increase its 43 percent stake. The Burbank, California-based company has been here before. Euro Disney SCA, which runs Disneyland Resort Paris, posted its first profit three years after the park opened in 1992. ``If you look at the history of Disney's international expansion, it took some time for them to get other parks running as well,'' Kupinski said. Cultural Disconnect Disney's biggest obstacle may be that it has little connection to older people in China and Hong Kong, said Michael Wu, head of the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents. Chinese account for 70 percent of attendance, the government estimates. ``Disney's always talking about the culture of America,'' Wu said. ``When you come to Hong Kong to build a business you must know the culture of the Chinese people.'' Adults weren't inundated with Disney fare growing up in China and Hong Kong, so they idolized characters in Chinese novels such as ``The Water Margin.'' The second-largest U.S. media company didn't sign a major TV deal in China until 1986, when the ``Mickey and Donald'' cartoon show debuted on national broadcaster CCTV. Recent efforts to target China include the 1998 animated film ``Mulan,'' based on an ancient Chinese folk tale. The Disney Channel now broadcasts in Chinese and English. Year of the Mouse At the park, Disney is promoting the Chinese Year of the Rat as the ``Year of the Mouse'' and restaurants offer local dishes such as fried turnip cake and coconut red-bean pudding. ``This feels like a real Spring Festival celebration,'' Yu, 55, said as vendors pushed carts making cotton candy and caramel popcorn. ``I know Disney is American, but as the Chinese saying goes, `He who enters a village should follow its customs.''' There have been discussions about celebrating more Chinese holidays, including Mid-Autumn Festival in September, spokesman B.C. Lo said. The park has already added shows featuring Cantonese singers and put Chinese books in ``Mickey's House.'' Iconic Disney characters use Chinese names such as Shui Gongzhu, or ``Sleeping Princess,'' and Baixue Gongzhu, or ``White-Snow Princess.'' Mickey is known as ``Miqi,'' when his name is transliterated into Chinese characters. Disney has also asked the government to help finance an expansion of the park, which can be covered in a few hours and is perceived as overpriced at HK$350 for adults. Hong Kong Disneyland has 35 attractions, compared with 60 at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Improved Results Results for the three months through December were promising, Disney said Feb. 6. Chief Financial Officer Thomas Staggs said visitor numbers rose by ``double digits'' from a year earlier as the park celebrated Chinese and Western holidays. Attendance may have faltered during Lunar New Year after the worst snowstorms in 50 years crippled transportation, he said. Still, Yu Qitong was a satisfied customer. He said his favorite ride was the Space Mountain roller coaster. ``I want to come back every year,'' he said. |
|
|
|
'College Road
Trip' like old TV sitcom MLive - The tone of "College Road Trip," a mercifully short venture into tedious comedy, vacillates from insipid to mawkish to the kind of noisy silliness that will bore truly silly people. I used to
enjoy Martin Lawrence's raucous craziness and irreverent
unpredictability, as evidenced in his concert films and edgy
comedies such as "National Security." But this movie, along with
the recently released "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins," suggests
Lawrence may have submitted to a show-biz version of prefrontal
lobotomy. It not only looks like a television sitcom, it looks like an old television sitcom in which every character was white and, all things considered, quite dull. Here, Lawrence is James Porter, the police chief of a sunny, clean town a safe distance west of Chicago. Since this is a Disney release, you get a lot of cute graphics to show various locations, along with the various ways the "trip" of the title is accomplished. It is a crucial time in the life of James and his wife, Michelle (Kym Whitely), for their bright, vivacious daughter, Melanie (Raven-Symone), is ready to leave home for a university education. It's a problematic departure because James wants her to enroll at Northwestern, in nearby Evanston, so he can personally assure her safety (or so he thinks), while the girl has her heart set on a law degree from far-away Georgetown University in Washington. She gets letters of encouragement from both institutions, but when she makes plans to travel east, Daddy insists on designing the trip and conducting the tour. First, they pay a surprise visit to the Evanston campus, where law enforcement chief James has enlisted the aid of several deputies to act as Northwestern students singing the praises of staying close to home. Melanie sees through that farce, and they continue eastward. But, as in most "road" films since the invention of cinema, the car breaks down. Not only that, but James discovers his precocious son has stowed away in the trunk, along with the piglet he plays chess with. In search of screen-saving moments, director Roger Kumble throws in pig fiasco stuff every 10 or 15 minutes. Halfway into their journey, they hitch a ride with another father-daughter team. Played as morons by Donny Osmond and Molly Ephraim, the Florida travelers manifest the family values of commercials and cliches, and every statement they make looks and sounds like karaoke. There's a swell satire hidden in the uncreative script for "College Road Trip," but I doubt the current version of Martin Lawrence would want to activate it, and that's a pity. |
|
|
|
Disney steers
clear of "Path to 9/11" DVD Reuters - Top brass at Disney were called on Thursday to defend their decision not to release the controversial miniseries "The Path to 9/11" on DVD and to justify CEO Robert Iger's $27.7 million pay package. "Path," a 2006 ABC miniseries critical of President Bill Clinton's handling of terrorist threats, was so controversial that leading Democrats asked Disney not to air the program. Disney, after making some hasty edits, ran it commercial-free. At Disney's annual shareholders' meeting in Albuquerque, N.M., one mutual fund portfolio manager said it was high time Disney turned "Path" into a DVD and recouped some of the $40 million it spent on the project. The fund manager, Tom Borelli, accused Iger of protecting Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign at the expense of shareholders, and pointed out that Iger has been a steady Clinton donor since before the former first lady was elected to the Senate. He claimed to have a letter from a representative at indie studio Lionsgate proving that Disney has no intention of even selling the DVD rights to another company. The "Path" question came shortly after another shareholder objected to foul language and persistent sexual innuendos on such ABC shows as "Ugly Betty" and "Good Morning America," prompting Iger to cite ABC's right of free speech. Borelli demanded to know why Iger seemed more interested in protecting curse words than he was in protecting political speech. The fund manager noted Disney's reported $46 million profit on "Fahrenheit 9/11," also a politically controversial project -- though far more critical of Republicans than Democrats. Seemingly taken-aback, Iger assured the shareholder that his decision on the DVD was based purely on business considerations and not on politics. Contacted after the meeting, Lionsgate insiders said there was no serious interest in acquiring the DVD rights to "Path." It's not the first time advocates have claimed that Disney's refusal to distribute a DVD of "Path" is motivated by politics. "Path" screenwriter Cyrus Nowrasteh has told reporters that a top executive at ABC Studios confided that "if Hillary weren't running for president, this wouldn't be a problem." Although Iger handled that persistent line of questioning mostly solo, he let board chairman John Pepper Jr. address the issue of the CEO's pay. Pepper said Iger made less than other CEOs of major media companies and that much of his pay was based on performance. Iger noted earlier -- to applause -- that Disney's stock has returned 15.3% annually to shareholders over the past five years, compared with just 11.5% annually for the S&P 500. Apparently, Pepper's vigorous defense of Iger's pay wasn't sufficient, however, as another shareholder stood to address the same issue, claiming that Iger didn't deserve to make in three hours what a school teacher earns in a year. Pepper countered that Iger is "what the doctor ordered" and is a better CEO than all his media counterparts. The issue was put to rest when another shareholder took the microphone to declare: "Mr. Iger's entitled to every damn penny he makes!" Iger earned a similar endorsement Monday when Warren Buffett, the newly named richest man in the world, called Iger one of the best CEOs in the nation. As has become customary at these events, yet another shareholder pleaded for Disney to release on DVD "Song of the South," the animated family film that is decidedly politically incorrect by today's standards. "We continue to discuss and debate it," Iger said diplomatically. Iger also alluded to a concept he called "Classic Disney," which might, in the future, be a Web site for showing archived shows like "Davy Crockett" for free or to subscribers. Another investor, who said she has made money from buying shares of Disney, Apple and Pixar, wanted to know what companies Disney planned on buying or partnering with in the future. Iger said he has some in mind, but he wouldn't disclose them. Pepper also thanked a Disney enthusiast for suggesting the company create "a worldwide pass" good for admission to all its theme parks, and Iger disappointed another shareholder who asked him to commit to a fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" installment. The CEO politely declined. |
|
|
|
Knight to Put
'Madness' in ESPN's March AP - Props to ESPN for hiring Bob Knight as an analyst during the network's coverage of championship week and the NCAA tournament. If nothing else, it should give new meaning to the term "bracket-buster." All across America, office pools
suddenly became more interesting. Instead of just picking the
winner of each game, now you can try and pick the game where an
exasperated Knight finally climbs over the desk in the studio
and busts up every piece of furniture in sight. As one network executive must have said during the meeting when the pros and cons of Knight's employment were first discussed: Who won't tune in to find out? Knight's hiring is an inspired move on several levels. He knows more about college basketball than just about anyone, as he never tired of reminding the assembled media, and he has few peers as a teacher of the game. He's got strong opinions on every aspect of it, from proper footwork to improper recruiting, and few people are better equipped to call out the incompetents or coaches who cut corners. He can be insightful, instructive, amusing and sarcastic by turns, but he's rarely dull. The question is just how much of that will make it onto the airwaves. Knight hasn't weighed in on the subject yet, eschewing the usual conference call with reporters set up when a network hires a former coach or player as an analyst. In a brief statement last week, he said only, "ESPN has been real good for college basketball and I look forward to working with some of their people who I have known a long time." A spokesman for Disney-owned ESPN confirmed that as with nearly all the network's other shows, Knight will appear live, without the safety net of a seven-second delay. Anybody who's watched the outtakes from Knight's performance in the now-infamous "Golf Your Way" video, or any of his other memorable clips on YouTube might argue with the wisdom of that decision. But that's a big part of his appeal. "Obviously he'll do plenty of preparing over the next few days. But rehearsals? No," said his agent, Sandy Montag. "ESPN wants Bob Knight for Bob Knight." If so, it's hard to picture the General wearing makeup, let alone anything more confining than a sweater. "He'll be on the air next Thursday," Montag said. "Let's leave something to the imagination of the viewer." The problem, as this viewer imagines it, won't be with Knight's wardrobe, but with how little of his authentic self comes across on the screen. He's already got a considerable body of work out there, everything from dry-as-dust weekly coach's shows at Indiana and Texas Tech, to a much-livelier starring role in the "Knight School" reality series two years ago, to funny send-ups playing himself in the movies "Anger Management" and "Blue Chips." But the man who brings along a clipboard when he reports for work at the ESPN studios next week will also be dragging plenty of baggage behind him. What remains to be seen is whether anyone who works with Knight -- including pals and fellow studio analysts Vitale, Digger Phelps and Jay Bilas -- will try to draw him out or cut him off on topics where his opinions would be at their sharpest: the commotion surrounding the Indiana program since his departure; the job his son Pat is doing after taking over at Texas Tech; or why he bailed out on the Red Raiders so soon after signing a new contract. "He'd been coaching for a long time and didn't know what he was going to do next," Montag said. "But when this came along, it intrigued him. He's always been intrigued by TV and the media, but he wasn't expecting anything. He's not the type of guy to plan anything." Ultimately, that could be the saving grace or the end of the experiment. As ESPN found out when it put radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh on the air, things don't always go according to the script. |
|
|
|
Thursday March 6, 2008 |
|
Disney
to make Japanese Lilo and Stitch for TV Disney wins on housing issues in Anaheim Shanghai applies to build Asia's third Disneyland With TV schedule rockin', Disney dives into digital The DL on Disneyland CEO Raven-Symoné, chief entertainment officer Done right, Walt's world is a treat for Mainers of all ages Fare deals for Disney in spring |
|
|
|
Disney
to make Japanese Lilo and Stitch for TV Reuters - Walt Disney Co plans to produce a Japanese version of its "Lilo and Stitch" animation program, its Japanese unit said, underscoring efforts to broaden its global reach by catering to Asian tastes.
The U.S. entertainment firm
will team up with Japanese animation company Madhouse Ltd to
produce a TV version of the animated film for the Disney
Channel available on Japanese satellite and cable TV, a Walt
Disney Co Japan spokeswoman said.
"Japan is an important market
with a huge Disney following, especially because we have a
Disney resort here," she said, referring to the complex that
includes Tokyo Disneyland.
Disney also plans to team up
with Asia's top animation producer, Toei Animation Co Ltd,
to make a robot adventure computer graphics cartoon to go on
air this year, Toei and Disney said.
Shares of Toei ended 3.2
percent higher at 2,320 yen ($22.36), compared with a 1.9
percent rise in the benchmark Nikkei.
While Disney has sought
partners in Japan, it does not plan acquisitions at this
point, the local unit's spokeswoman said.
Disney Channel Worldwide's
entertainment president, Gary Marsh, told Reuters last month
that the company aimed to form creative teams around Asia to
come up with local content that could then be fed to a
global audience.
Disney has already localized
some TV series, including one that began in Italy and now
has versions running in Britain, the United States and
Australia.
The company last month reached
a deal worth around $200 million with Indian TV and movie
content maker UTV to raise its holding to 32.1 percent.
|
|
|
|
Disney
wins on housing issues in Anaheim
LA Times - After 18 months of often fierce debate and $2-million worth of lobbying, Disney finally got what it wanted -- no new housing in the Anaheim Resort District. Victory came after the City Council agreed Tuesday night to strip itself of its power to decide what can be built in the city's high-powered Resort District. Under the new ordinance, any future decisions -- such as whether to build housing for resort workers -- would have to be approved by a citywide vote, assuming the council approves such a plan in the first place. Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said the vote essentially "ties the hands" of this and future councils from putting housing in "the economic core of the Resort District." "We can look for other places to build housing in the remaining 95% of the city, and we have," he said. Pringle, Harry Sidhu and Lucille Kring voted to adopt the ordinance, and Lorri Galloway and Bob Hernandez voted to place it on the ballot. The anti-housing zoning ordinance takes effect April 4. That means that two remaining housing proposals for the Resort District must be altered or face a citywide vote if the council signs off on them. Disney officials, who did not return phone calls Wednesday, have long wanted to control the feel of the Resort District. The company spent $2 million backing a coalition of business and community leaders that gathered signatures and campaigned for the initiative and a second anti-housing referendum. Disney also filed a lawsuit against the city to block a 1,500-unit condo and low-cost apartment project. That plan fell through last fall when an agreement between the developer and landowner broke off. The proposed housing development became a sore spot between city leaders and Disney executives, who said housing would be inappropriate in the area around Disneyland and California Adventure that was zoned for tourist uses in 1994. The issue attracted national and international media attention, threats of a recall of council members and regular City Hall protests. With no organized opposition, the initiative appeared to be on its way to victory in the June election. The City Council's approval takes the ordinance off the ballot. "With the new policy in place granting the general public the right to decide housing issues in the resort area, Disney has been able to shape local democracy in Anaheim to fit its needs," Scott Bollens, a professor of urban planning at UC Irvine, said Wednesday in an e-mail. "Disney's newfound confidence in local democracy is in striking contrast with its less-than-happy response to the elected City's Council's deliberations in the past. "The good people of Anaheim will not have the time or energy to analyze future housing projects in detail and will likely be influenced by media and marketing efforts by the interest groups involved. And, it is in this realm that Disney is king." The council's 3-2 decision to adopt the initiative outright was a surprise. Sidhu, who was the deciding vote, said last week he favored letting the voters decide the matter. On Wednesday, however, Sidhu said he reversed course, in part, because $250,000 in election costs would be saved by bypassing the ballot. "We could hire two more police officers with the money we saved," he said. Sidhu said he might have voted to keep the initiative on the ballot if either of the two developers pursuing residential projects had appeared at Tuesday's public hearing. The two projects affected are a planned 449-unit condo high-rise complex, and a 75-room boutique hotel and 191 condominium units on the site of a closed Toys R Us store. "I was hoping they'd show up saying, 'Please don't enact this, it'll kill us,' " he said. "But I didn't hear from them." The policy essentially carves out 2.2 square miles where property owners are governed by the wishes of the voters rather than the elected officials. Newport Beach's Greenlight initiative, passed in 2000, also required voters to sign off on major developments. Thomas Cole-Edwards, who sponsored a counter-initiative to Greenlight, said the Anaheim initiative is similar to Newport Beach's in that both usurp the councils' land-use powers. "What do you elect a council for except to make decisions?" Cole-Edwards said. "That's why you have representative government. It's sort of what we're founded on as a country." Pringle, the Anaheim mayor, said he wasn't bothered by the fact that the council has less authority in the city's tourist district. "It has worried me over the last couple of years to think this council or any future council would reduce the value of the Resort District by pulling out major properties for housing uses," he said. "So I will take this level of protection from the council's actions as a very good and important thing." Although it appears the council's vote is final, one resident is already appealing the decision. William D. Fitzgerald, a city activist who opposed Pringle in 2006, registered a complaint with a state ethics commission, alleging that Kring had a potential conflict that should have barred her from voting. Kring owns a soon-to-be-opened wine bar in the Resort District. Fitzgerald said she "enriched herself" by casting the deciding yes vote. "Because of her vote, the increased improved value of the store owned by council member Kring is conservatively estimated to exceed $100,000," Fitzgerald said in his complaint to the Fair Political Practices Commission. |
|
|
|
Shanghai applies to build Asia's third Disneyland
Reuters - Shanghai has applied to the Chinese central government to build its own Disneyland, Mayor Han Zheng said on Thursday, ending long-standing speculation on whether it would opt for such a park.
It would be the third
Disneyland in Asia after Japan and Hong Kong.
Plans for a Shanghai Disneyland
emerged in 2005 but were suspended when the city's Communist
Party boss, Chen Liangyu, was implicated in a corruption
investigation in 2006. Recent state media reports had said
that while Shanghai still planned to build a major theme
park by 2020, it had yet to decide on any specific project.
"We have applied to the
National Development and Reform Commission (the economic
planning agency), but so far we have not received any notice
of approval," Han told reporters on the sidelines of the
annual session of parliament.
"Any big-scale project of this
kind has to receive central government approval, and
Shanghai will of course abide by the central government's
decision," he said, adding that the location of the proposed
park was not yet fixed.
Walt Disney Co signed a
statement of intent to build a Disneyland on the mainland in
2002, and then set up a venture to develop the site, which
would be about 4.7 times the size of Hong Kong's Disneyland.
The plan was soon suspended,
partly because of concerns that the Hong Kong park, which
opened in 2005, would suffer, state-owned newspapers have
reported.
Hong Kong's Disneyland has
struggled since opening in 2005, falling well short of
attendance targets.
The park had around 4 million
visitors in its second year of operation, a drop of more
than 20 percent from its first year.
|
|
|
|
With TV schedule rockin', Disney dives into digital
Orlando Sentinel - What can the Walt Disney Co. do for an encore to the High School Musical franchise? Remember this title: Camp Rock, coming this summer on Disney Channel. "I've seen an early version, and it's very good," said Anne Sweeney, president of the Disney-ABC Television Group. This morning, she will give the keynote address to the American Association of Advertising Agencies meeting in Orlando. Camp Rock reflects Sweeney's view that content drives everything in the digital age. "It's still true that the size and type of the screen will never be as important as what's on it," she said. Of Camp Rock, Sweeney said: "Whether it's the next High School Musical is up to kids and their parents. There's a lot of excitement internally about it." Disney is banking on Jonas Brothers, the film's trio of stars. "I've watched my daughter respond to them," Sweeney said. (Her daughter is 17.) "They're teen magnets. I have watched them attract across teen and tween bases." Sweeney, who is also co-chair of the Disney Media Networks, touches a lot of bases. She oversees Disney's entertainment and news properties around the world. ABC Family, which Disney purchased in 2001, recorded its most-watched year in 2007. Disney Channel rode the momentum of High School Musical 2 and Hannah Montana to its most successful year, delivering the biggest cable audience in prime time. ABC won the November ratings period in the 18-to-49 age group before the writers strike disrupted the season. "American Idol aside, ABC has the shows everybody talks about through most of the year," said Ed Martin, editor of the television industry Web site JackMyers.com. He said Sweeney makes a difference. "She has a diplomatic and approachable management style," he said. "These are not traits one usually associates with executives who achieve her level of success." She can point to success on the bottom line. Revenues for the Disney Media Networks increased 10 percent in the quarter that ended in December from the same period the previous year. The current quarter, when reruns have filled ABC's prime time schedule because of the writers strike, could be less rosy. Season to date, ABC is down 14 percent in the crucial 18-to-49 age group from a year ago. Sweeney accentuated the positives during the strike. "We didn't go off the air. We had some strong performers," she said, citing Oprah's Big Give. Scripted series are back in production, and Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy return next month with new episodes. On the reality side, Dancing With the Stars starts a new season March 17. ABC also will do a reality contest with a tie-in to the feature film High School Musical 3. Sweeney credited Steve McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment, with drawing up a strong schedule that positions the network for next season. Despite an uncertain economy, she said ABC is seeing no market slowdown in advertising sales for next season. "We're having early conversations with marketers about doing early deals," Sweeney said. "We have the most upscale network. It's a highly desirable schedule." ABC and its affiliates will establish a free video-on-demand service that disables the fast-forward option, thereby protecting commercials. A test in Orange County, Calif., revealed that 93 percent of users accepted the commercials in exchange for free access to popular programs. Shawn Bartelt, general manager of ABC affiliate WFTV-Channel 9, praised Sweeney for reaching out to affiliates. "In a time when everybody has to have a plan to deal with the Internet and making content available online, she's worked to try to create as good a partnership as she can," she said. The Disney-ABC Television Group last week started Stage 9 Digital Media, which offers short-form content at ABC.com and YouTube.com. Sweeney will discuss Stage 9 at today's conference, which has the theme "Digital Changes Everything." She is committed to digital, saying, "This is where it is. This is where it's going to continue to grow." |
|
|
|
The DL on Disneyland
Daily Nexus - After visiting Disney's California Adventure the previous day, head into the park when it opens at eight for shorter lines at those rides you are dying to get on. Sure, the newest ride in the park the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is interesting, but check out some less appreciated aspects of the park. After you have braved the two-hour line (at least) at Nemo, remember to expand beyond the realm of major rides.
Disney has certain employees
distributed throughout the park, giving out Dreams as part
of "The Year of a Million Dreams" promotion. This can
translate into free meals, fast passes or even a night in
the "Dream Suite" above Pirates of the Caribbean. I wouldn't
hold your breath for the dream suite, though, as it is only
given to one guest per day. In order to score the less
extravagant prizes, keep your eyes peeled for employees
wearing collared shirts and khaki pants. If you approach
them and make nice conversation (winking at them may help),
they will probably offer you one of their prizes.
If you are looking for a
way to impress your date, head for the railroad and
sneakily ask one of the conductors for a tender ride.
Not tender that way, but tender, as in the car behind
the train engine. It is equipped with a small two-person
seat that puts you right into the engine with the
fireman and engineer. You can also ask to drive the
riverboat around Tom Sawyer's Island. If you board the
boat early, climb as fast as you can to the "wheel
house" and ask if you can steer. If there is no one else
up there, you should be able to, no problem.
As a big fan of comedy
and fried cheese, I would highly recommend the
Golden Horseshoe Saloon for its huge fried
mozzarella sticks and great shows. A variety of
different "wild west" themed shows run here in the
Golden Horseshoe, and my personal favorite is Billy
Hill and the Hillbillies. This brief comedy/variety
show is one of the funniest things in Disneyland and
is a great time to rest your feet while chowing down
on some deep fried goodness. If you do plan to have
a seat, though, arrive at least 30 minutes early,
and send one of your compańeros to snag a table
while you wait in line.
If you like
fireworks, Disneyland is absolutely one of the
best places to see them. With a budget of
$33,000 per showing, this fireworks display is
enough to make any Fourth of July show pale in
comparison. Supposedly, the best place to view
the show is from the "hub" where the Walt and
Mickey statue is. Personally, I never had the
patience - or courage - to battle through tired
and irritated parents wielding strollers to get
to this prized viewing location. All I can tell
you is that you absolutely need to be within the
roundabout to get the full effect of the show.
If you are going in the winter, remember that
Disneyland only shows their fireworks on
weekends.
Don't get me
wrong, I am not arguing that you should
visit and totally ignore staples like the
Matterhorn and the recently remodeled Space
Mountain. By all means, go for the rides,
but when the line for Pirates of the
Caribbean wraps all the way around the park,
try one of these lesser-known but also
fantastic excursions. If anything, at least
you will have a relatively different
Disneyland Facebook album than your other
friends.
|
|
|
|
CEO Raven-Symoné, chief entertainment
officer
AP - The future head of the would-be Raven-Symoné Enterprises or Raven-Symoné Inc. sits in a Toluca Lake diner, chewing ice out of a plastic cup, outlining her plans for world domination. "I want to have a record label and a licensing company," declares Raven-Symoné. "I want to have a publishing company and a management company where I can launch all kinds of artists. I want to do everything." After a brief pause, Raven-Symoné delivers the bottom line, without a trace of irony: "I want to be Disney." For the 22-year-old star -- who started out at 5 years old on "The Cosby Show" and was featured in several TV series, such as "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," before landing as the star and producer of the Disney Channel series "That's So Raven" and "The Cheetah Girls" movies -- it's a distant goal but a very real ambition. As for now, she'll be content with conquering the big screen. Next up is Walt Disney Pictures' "College Road Trip," which hits theaters Friday. She plays Melanie Porter, an energetic 17-year-old who finds her plans for a "girls only" road trip to check out prospective universities upended by her overprotective father (Martin Lawrence). Her character is a mature extension of her aggressively loopy, rubber-faced character, who is at the center of the longest-running series on the Disney Channel (the comedy, which wrapped production in 2006 after four seasons, airs daily on the cable network and on Saturday mornings on ABC). The success of "That's So Raven" and its related merchandise prompted Ebony magazine last year to dub her "The $400 Million Woman" (just the mention of that label makes her cringe). "College Road Trip" also boosts her filmmaker credentials -- she is an executive producer and had script input on many of the exchanges between the two main characters. Despite the presence of Lawrence, who has often dabbled in raw-edged adults-only comedy in his wide-ranging career, and a title that could conjure up images of sex-crazed frat boys and tasteless high jinks, "College Road Trip" pointedly earns its G rating and is compatible with its star's innocuous TV image. There's even an adorable little pig to amuse the toddlers. Raven-Symoné's involvement with the squeaky-clean "College Road Trip" may at first glance seem like an unconventional move for an actress easing into young adulthood, particularly when her Hollywood contemporaries are moving in and out of rehab clinics or are seeking edgier fare, such as horror movies or tawdry reality shows. While Lindsay, Britney, Paris and Jamie-Lynn continue to find new ways to set gossip websites ablaze, that's so not Raven. When it comes to the Hollywood club scene, Raven-Symoné not only flies under the radar, she's not even a blip on the screen -- a factor that makes her star power and appeal to tween audiences shine more brightly. It's all part of her calculated plan to nurture her fans and maintain a devotion to her craft while creating more opportunities for herself and her brand. In addition to the film, she is releasing her fourth album, "Raven-Symoné," next month and is preparing to go on a national tour. "I'm not in this to be a celebrity," she says. "I'm in this to work." She adds: "I see this movie as sort of the middle ground to help me move to the next section. I want to help my audience grow with me, and I see this as the perfect vehicle. I love being able to keep that family audience." She was particularly attracted to "College Road Trip" because of its story about a father and maturing daughter discovering each other: "It's a story that hasn't been done in forever. In today's world, there are difficulties in that relationship, where both people don't know how to tackle it. They have to grow together, and it's not easily done." And, unlike many of her peers, she is in no rush to find that hard-edged independent movie or project that will redefine her image. Says Raven-Symoné, "I'm not trying to be something I'm not. I like where I am. I don't have a problem with it." Her demeanor as she sits in the diner -- one of her favorite off-the-beaten-path haunts -- is of a seasoned veteran who is poised and somewhat guarded, though she occasionally loosens up with a smattering of a youthful "Know what I'm sayin'?" and references to some of her musical idols such as Janet Jackson. She arrives at an interview sans entourage, manager or publicist and dressed in a stylish brown hooded sweat shirt. The only hint of show business are large eyelashes accenting her face. And though she exhibits a polite warmth, Raven-Symoné makes it clear in her terse responses and tone that she is not keen about discussing the roller-coaster exploits of young Hollywood (Lindsay Lohan was her roommate several years ago). "I don't pay attention to it," she says, looking down at the table. "It's really none of my business what they do. I don't read the tabloids. Maybe they feel they need to go through all of this stuff in the public eye -- I don't really have an opinion about it. There are so many other things to focus on, other than sadness." She pauses, then adds, "And my personal life is nobody's business." Despite her career choices, Raven-Symoné is no goody-two-shoes off screen. She loves raunchy comedian Katt Williams and Jay-Z. She's a fan of Lawrence, the late Rodney Dangerfield, Sam Kinison and other stand-up comedians ("That something I really wish I could do"). Alanis Morissette's rough-edged "Jagged Little Pill" "got me through middle school. It was pretty tough." Roger Kumble, director of "College Road Trip," called the actress a well-adjusted professional who was totally focused on ways to improve the movie and the comedy. "She's very dedicated to her craft. A lot of people have drawn similarities between her and Lucille Ball. She knows how to play broad comedy very well. So many young people her age have problems, but she's so professional. All she wants to do is good work." Gary Marsh, president of entertainment at Disney Channels Worldwide, said Raven-Symoné was the perfect model for the channel's strategy for its talent roster. "It's not about her just being a talent for the network but for the whole Disney company. You can see in the arc of her career our strategy in the ways we've been able to grow our talent. I see opportunities for her in other divisions such as film. We craft partnerships with our talent so that they understand the opportunities in front of them." Raven-Symoné says she has a lot of goals in front of her, including her music tour, which she wants to fashion after a pajama party. But here's another that might really surprise her fans. "I want to be Ace Ventura, but as a girl," she says with a broad laugh. "Sure, I can wear a dress and be cute. But I also want to show that I can get buck wild!" |
|
|
|
Done right, Walt's world is a treat for
Mainers of all ages
Portsmouth Herald News - Southern Maine has a lot going for it: beautiful beaches, fine dining and wonderful museums and shows. But there's one thing that you can't find here: a 6-foot mouse. For that, you'll need to head to Walt Disney World in Florida, and each year, that's exactly what thousands of Mainers do. But when's the right time to go? How do you get there? And once there, where do you stay? For those answers, we offer you our insider's guide to the best Disney has to offer.
When to go
Sure, spring
break is coming and you could fit in a great
family vacation without the kids missing a
day of school. But just remember that it's a
popular time of the year, so there's two
things you can count on: bigger crowds and
higher prices. On the up side, the weather
is terrific in April — warm enough for a day
by the pool, but cool enough at night for a
light jacket. If your kids can afford some
time away from school, consider a November
trip. The weather's great, the crowds are
sparse and if it's toward the end of the
month, the holiday decorations are
breathtaking. Times to avoid: the summer
(crowded and sweltering hot) and holidays
(crazily crowded).
Where to leave
from?
You have a
couple of options here. You can take a
direct flight from either AirTran or Jet
Blue out of the Portland Jetport. Each
offers one flight a day, with prices
varying. Or, if you need more flights and
options, you can drive the hour over to
Manchester Airport in New Hampshire and fly
out on Southwest. You can pay for long-term
parking, or take an early flight out and
stay the night before in one of the several
airport hotels that offer on-site parking
and free airport shuttles. And while some
people do drive from Maine to Disney, with
discount airline flights available and the
price of gas these days (not to mention the
inevitable overnight stay or two along the
way), you simply won't be saving much if
anything at all by getting behind the wheel.
And just think how much faster you'll get
there by hopping on a plane.
Where to stay
Off-site hotels
are definitely cheaper, and literally dozens
of them can be found lined up practically to
the gates of Walt Disney World. The closest
are probably the hotels right across from
the Downtown Disney Marketplace, but fine
hotels from Hiltons to Holiday Inns can be
found throughout the area. While staying
off-site can translate into big savings for
some families, there is great appeal to
staying on-site as well. First, each Disney
resort is as beautifully themed and special
as the parks themselves, making them a treat
for guests of all ages. And second, with the
creation of four "value" resorts — All-Star
Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Movie and
Pop Century — on-site rooms can be just as
inexpensive (think $100 per night range) as
those off-site. On-site guests get a few
perks not available to the rest of the
guests as well, from entrance into certain
parks an hour early, or a few extra hours at
night. Free Disney transportation is another
benefit, and close proximity makes it easy
to break up your day with a dip in the pool
and a nap — a bonus for families with young
children.
If money isn't
an issue, you won't find any finer hotels
than those on-site, with the Animal Kingdom
Lodge offering breathtaking views of live
animals feeding right outside your window,
and the Yacht and Beach Club featuring the
most spectacular pool, complete with sandy
bottom, pirate ship water slide and New
England style architecture this side of
heaven.
Like to stay on
site but have a large family? Consider
renting points from Disney Vacation Club
members (Disney's version of a timeshare)
for a great deal. With villas ranging up to
three bedrooms in size, renting points can
give you better accommodations at a much
better price — and all DVC locations are at
the beautifully themed deluxe resorts.
For information
on renting points, check out the DVC thread
on
www.disboards.com
Car or bus/boat?
Here's the
scoop: If you're staying off-site, you
definitely need a rental car, because you
are simply not going to want to wait around
for the hotel shuttle, even if your hotel
does have one. And part of the appeal of
staying offsite is enjoying some of the more
sensibly priced off-site restaurants. For
that, you will definitely need your own
wheels.
But do you need
a rental car if you're staying on-site? That
depends on what time of year you go, how
young your kids are, and what else you plan
to do while you're down there. Disney
resorts offer free transportation to all the
parks (water included) as well as Downtown
Disney, so if you're staying on-site you can
hop a bus, boat or monorail to your desired
destination. Transportation usually runs
around every 20 minutes or so, and is often
so enjoyable (the boats and the monorails,
the buses not so much) that to small kids,
they're as good as a park ride. If your kids
are older, you're going at a quiet time of
year and you plan to do Disney only (and eat
only at your hotel, Downtown Disney or the
parks), you should be fine with Disney
transportation.
If, however,
your kids are young, you're going at a more
crowded time of the year, you plan to check
out the restaurants at several of the hotels
(or even off-site) and/or you'd like to
visit another park like Universal Studios or
Sea World, you definitely need a car. While
the sound of free transportation is
appealing (as opposed to the around $200 a
week you'll spend for a compact rental car),
it becomes a lot less so when you have an
exhausted toddler in your arms and need to
wait on a line four bus-loads long after a
long day in the parks during spring break.
|
|
|
|
Fare deals for Disney in spring
Toronto Star - It's March Break month and many travelers have family-friendly Florida on the brain.
For most
students, March Break is next week, and few
deals are left this late in the game.
But for those
taking their spring break in April or May,
Walt Disney World is offering upgrades to
its Magic Your Way package, with free Park
Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options.
Available for
bookings until March 21, for travel most
dates between March 30 and May 21, the deal
includes both upgrades with the minimum
purchase of a four-day Magic Your Way
package. With the Park Hopper, you get more
flexibility to come and go from the various
Disney parks each day, while Water Park Fun
& More offers visits to your choice of a
Disney Water Park, DisneyQuest or the
Downtown Disney Pleasure Island nightclubs.
See
www.disneyworld.ca
Starwood break:
More spring break savings are available
through the many properties of Starwood
Hotels & Resorts. Through April 30,
participating Sheraton, Westin, Four Points
by Sheraton, W and Le Meridien Hotels in
Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, as well
as properties throughout New England, are
offering special room rates from $88 per
room, per night in Canada and $80 (U.S.) per
room, per night in the U.S. Available cities
south of the border include Boston,
Providence, Manchester and Hartford. See
starwoodpromos.com/springbreak08
Summer on Sale:
With its Summer On Sale promotion,
youth-oriented travel company Contiki
Holidays is offering savings of up to $200
per person for summer Europe departures
booked by March 31.
Discounts range
from $200 for tours 35 days and longer, $150
for tours 25 to 34 days and $100 for tours
15 to 24 days, for departures on or after
July 1.
The 16-day
European Highlights tour, visiting France,
Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Austria,
Germany and the Netherlands (and Belgium, in
transit), is one of Contiki's most popular
itineraries and is included in Summer On
Sale. Contiki caters to travellers ages 18
to 35.
See contiki.com
Best Buy of the
Week: Star Clippers has reduced the price of
two 13-night cruise tours to the Far East by
$700 (U.S.) per person, for departures later
this year and early next year. The cruises,
both out of Phuket, Thailand, combine a
week's cruise with pre- and post-cruise land
tours.
With the $700
off, prices start at $3,420 and include
return airfare to Bangkok from L.A. or San
Francisco.
To request a
brochure call 1-800-442-0556, for
information call 1-800-442-0551 or see
www.starclippers.com
|
|
|
|
Wednesday March 5, 2008 |
|
Walt Disney World tinkers with Primeval Whirl ride after fatal
accident last fall Disney Cast Ciaran Hinds As Bad Guy In Movie Remake Hong Kong Disneyland targets Chinese yuppies in struggle to reverse fortune Disney Stars and Motorcars parade drives into the sunset ESPN to Finally Show 5-Overtime Game Mullen to pitch exotic trips for Disney Shuler to top HR for Disney 'Royal Family' Gives ABC Monday's Crown |
|
|
|
Walt Disney World tinkers with Primeval Whirl ride after fatal
accident last fall Orlando Sentinel - Walt Disney World is tinkering with a Disney's Animal Kingdom roller coaster to improve safety following the accidental death of an employee there last fall. Changes are being made in the entry and exit areas of Primeval Whirl -- including the installation of sensor mats in a restricted-access platform area where a Disney worker was reportedly struck by a roller coaster car on Nov. 24.
Karen Price, 63, fell and hit her head, and died of her injuries a few days later. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration still is investigating the incident according to Disney. Primeval Whirl, located in Animal Kingdom's Dinoland U.S.A. carnival area, actually is two separate coasters systems, woven together. According to the independent website rollercoasterdatabase.com, primeval both tracks are 1,377 feet long and 42-feet high, and the cars reach a maximum speed of 29 mph.
The accident, said Disney World spokeswoman Kim Prunty, led the company to consider additional safety enhancements. "We are always looking at ways to enhance safety," she said. |
|
|
|
Disney Cast Ciaran Hinds As Bad Guy In Movie Remake The remake, entitled "Race to Witch Mountain" will also star AnnaSophia Robbin. The film will be directed by Andy Fickman, who previously directed Johnson in "The Game Plan." The movie is about two siblings with paranormal powers who go on the run when a group of men try to exploit their abilities. Hinds will play the leader of the bad guys. Hinds has also appeared in "There Will Be Blood" and will be seen in the up-coming "Stop-Loss." |
|
|
|
Hong Kong Disneyland targets Chinese yuppies in struggle to
reverse fortune Mainland professionals in their 20s and 30s may have an affinity for Disney not seen in the larger population, and park officials say the solution to its poor performance is a targeted marketing campaign aimed at this segment of Chinese consumers. Those children who were first exposed to Disney as they were growing up in the 1990s — now young adults — are prime potential visitors to the Hong Kong park, Maple Lee, Hong Kong Disneyland vice president for marketing, told The Associated Press in a recent interview. And advertising will be shifted away from billboards to these younger consumers' medium of choice — the Internet, Lee said. "Our marketing campaigns weren't this targeted before," she told AP. Pressure is mounting on park management to turn around the US$3.5 billion (€2.3 billion) project majority owned by the Hong Kong government. Local legislators grilled park and government officials about the park's results during a hearing late last year, with one suggesting Hong Kong pull out of the joint venture with The Walt Disney Co. The theme park was supposed to be a triumphant showcase of the Disney brand at the doorstep of mainland China when it opened in September 2005. But its first year it drew just 5.2 million guests — 400,000 fewer than projected — and attendance tumbled to about 4 million the second. Although Chinese tourists did outnumber Hong Kong and foreign visitors that second year, according to data from the Hong Kong government, they still haven't arrived in the volumes that investors had hoped for. The new marketing approach differs from an earlier, more general publicity blitz in which the park distributed two million 21-minute DVDs featuring the park. The younger, urban workers targeted are relatively high earners that can afford the pricey trip to Hong Kong — usually an hours-long plane ride — and the HK$295 (US$38; €25) per person adult admission. That's too much for the average Chinese worker, who makes 500 to 800 Chinese yuan (US$70 to US$110; €46 to €74) per month. The younger and better paid Chinese are more interested in Hong Kong Disneyland, agreed China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Ltd., which organizes Hong Kong tours for mainland visitors. Such visitors have often already been to Hong Kong before and have often returned since the park opened in 2005, the travel agent said in a statement in response to questions from the AP. But park officials still face an obstacle in Disney's young history in China. Mickey Mouse animation first appeared in China in 1986 and Disney only started expanding in earnest in the country in 1993 and 1994, according to Lee. "Dragon Club," a Chinese TV show that features Disney animation, has been on the air for 12 years, the same length of time that genuine Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck stuffed animals have occupied store shelves in China. In contrast, the first Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California, in the U.S. in 1955, and the brand appeals across generations. "Take an 8-year-old child in the U.S. in 2008 for example, his or her parents and grandparents already had ties to Disney," Lee said. "If you haven't grown up with the Disney characters and the stories, it takes a while to understand," Hong Kong Disneyland Managing Director Bill Ernest said at a recent press briefing. Ernest said the park hasn't set a target attendance figure for its third year but expects to improve its performance. Announcing quarterly results in February, Disney said attendance at Hong Kong Disneyland recorded double-digit growth in the first few months of its third year of operation. It said revenue also grew but didn't give a specific number and didn't address the park's profitability. |
|
|
|
Disney Stars and Motorcars parade drives into the sunset Theme Park Rangers - If you're a fan of Disney's Stars and Motorcars Parade (and there must be a few fans, right?), don't forget your last chance to see the parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios is Saturday March 8, 2008. Block Party Bash is on the horizon.
I caught the Motorcars parade
this past weekend -- actually, it almost caught me. I was
disoriented by the fact it is running in the reverse
direction it previously traveled. The parade now starts at
the main entrance and runs back to the Sorcerer's Hat and
over to Star Tours, where it exits the park. A cast member
told me Block Party Bash will run in that direction, so they
turned this parade around to give guests and cast a little
time to get used to it.
Thoughts after the jump.
I'm not a huge fan of this
parade, but I have fond memories of it as a good friend of
mine was a performer in it years ago. He typically was a
Chinese swordsman in front of Mulan's car.
As parades wind down, they tend to lose some of the performers and units, and this was no exception. At Saturday's parade, Mulan didn't have any swordsmen, just Mushu to escort her. Will we still see Mushu at DHS? I liked the original musical arrangement better for the parade, also, with different musical themes representing the various cars. Of course, that would have been hard to maintain as they switched several of the units. (Bye, Hercules; hello, Power Rangers.) Speaking of the Rangers, it still makes a weird sight to see Ariel combing her hair with the Power Rangers running around her car! I noticed Disney did change the voice-over announcements by "Stone Granite" to refer to Disney's Hollywood Studios. As that only applied briefly, it may rank as one of the shortest-lived pieces of audio played at the Disney parks. Bring on the Block Party Bash. |
|
|
|
ESPN to Finally
Show 5-Overtime Game AP - The first Baylor-Texas A&M meeting was the best game of the season that nobody saw on TV. Baylor outlasted Texas A&M in January, winning 116-110 in five overtimes behind a career-high 36 points from Curtis Jerrells. But if you weren't there, you didn't see it, thanks to an unlikely set of circumstances that left this game with no television coverage. The rematch Wednesday night will be on national TV, and finally, so will the original. ESPN Classic has pieced together a complete game telecast using footage from Texas A&M's in-arena cameras that the school uses to show games on its Jumbotron. The network then matched the game footage with play-by-play and commentary from the Aggies' radio broadcasters.The original game will air on ESPN Classic at 6 p.m., followed by the rematch at 9 p.m. on ESPN2. Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon might want to change the channel, but Baylor coach Scott Drew said he is encouraging everyone he knows "to Tivo it or record it and check it out." "The best part for Baylor fans is they don't have to chew their nails because they know how it ends," Drew said. The teams set or tied six conference records, including points by a team and combined points. Other records set included Baylor's 70 rebounds, 97 field-goal attempts, 39 made free throws and Jerrells' 20 made free throws. Perhaps the only thing more unusual than a game with five overtimes was a Big 12 game with no television coverage. Under the Big 12 TV deal, the big national networks get first crack at games. After that, the conference's syndicate package gets to choose which games to air regionally on ESPN, a unit of The Walt Disney Co. If the syndicate passes on televising a game, local channels, in this case Fox Sports Southwest, get to televise the game. For the first game, everyone passed. It could have aired locally had both schools agreed to move the game from Wednesday night to Tuesday night. But that was held up because Reed Arena was booked with, of all things, an engineering job fair. Odder still, both teams were ranked at the time. Baylor (20-8, 8-6 Big 12) was No. 25 and the Aggies (21-8, 7-7) were 18th. The schools have been playing since 1914, and it was the first time both were ranked, Drew said. "I'm disappointed for our fans that didn't get a chance to see it," Drew said. "And I'm disappointed for the Big 12 conference from the standpoint that we would have gotten a lot more national attention." ESPN Classic has pieced together telecasts of old games "but never on a modern-day game," said Brian Kweder, senior director of programming and acquisitions for the network. A production team used footage from a center-court camera and cameras under each basket to create what Kweder said looks "almost like a typically college basketball game." Drew said he is pleased that what he calls "the game of the year" will get to a national audience. "A lot of people were talking about it," Drew said. "I think after it is televised, the buzz really will hit." |
|
|
|
Mullen to
pitch exotic trips for Disney bizjournal - Mullen, an advertising agency based in Wenham, said today that it has been named the creative ad agency of record for Adventures by Disney, a travel business aimed at families looking for exotic vacations. The amount of money that Adventures by Disney plans to spend on marketing is not being disclosed. Adventures by Disney is a unit of Walt Disney Co., the California-based entertainment and media company that has had success with the Disney Cruise Line and that now seeks to broaden its family vacation offerings to destinations as varied as the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Peru, and Yellowstone National Park. Other Mullen clients include T.J. Maxx, the apparel-and-home fashion retail chain; the Panera Bread Co. casual restaurant chain; and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., a satellite radio company. |
|
|
|
Shuler to
top HR for Disney Variety - Mouse House has named Dennis Shuler as exec veep and chief human resources officer, reporting to Walt Disney Co. CEO Robert Iger. Shuler replaces Wes Coleman, who left the company last month after 18 months in the post. Shuler's responsibilities will include overseeing all staffing, recruiting, compensation, diversity and employee education initiatives for the Mouse. Shuler comes to Disney after a 23-year run at Procter & Gamble, most recently serving as veep of the P&G Beauty and Health & Well Being business units. |
|
|
|
'Royal Family'
Gives ABC Monday's Crown Zap2it - A glimpse into the life of Britain's royal family drew a sizable audience to ABC Monday, leading the network to a ratings win. ABC averaged a 7.7 rating/12 share for the night, easily beating NBC's 5.7/9 for the top spot. FOX tied ABC for the lead among adults 18-49, with each network drawing a 3.1 rating. NBC earned a 2.8 in the demographic, followed by CBS at 2.6. The CW once again fell below the 1.0 mark. The Barbara Walters-hosted documentary "The Royal Family" scored a 9.9/15 for ABC at 8 p.m. FOX took second with the season finale of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," 4.7/7. "My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad" scored a 4.3/7 for NBC, topping a "How I Met Your Mother" rerun, 4.4/7, and "Welcome to the Captain," 3.6/5, on CBS. The CW went with a "Gossip Girl" rerun. ABC stayed on top at 9 p.m., although "The Royal Family" slipped a little to 9.5/14. NBC moved up to second with "Deal or No Deal," 6.7/10. "Two and a Half Men" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine" put CBS in third. The second half of "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" improved a bit to 5.0/8 on FOX, and "The Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious" delivered a 1.3/2 for The CW. At 10 p.m., a "CSI: |
|
|
|
Tuesday March 4, 2008 |
|
Disney Holds Rededication Of Epcot's Revamped Spaceship Earth Fears of Sick Building Syndrome Sends Disney Guests Packing According to Dryout Inc Disney debuts Pixar Play Parade on March 14 101 Dalmatians on DVD The Republican Party is going (back) to Disney World! Authors talk about Disney World ABC heads to 'High School' Disney Interactive Ships Disney Friends for DS Disney Interactive Studios announces spring campaign for Disney on the Go Disney on our shores: are they taking the Mickey? Disney had better be worth hassle |
|
|
|
Disney Holds Rededication Of Epcot's Revamped Spaceship Earth WFtv - Epcot's signature ride was open Tuesday with a whole new look as Disney unveiled the revamped Spaceship Earth.
In November 2005, Disney and Siemens One announced a 12-year alliance in which Siemens will invest tens of millions of dollars to promote and expand its global brand as a technology innovator. The two companies rededicated the ride and officially reopened it Tuesday. "A lot of what we do is so impactful to people's lives in industry, energy and healthcare. We thought it was important for people to know the company behind it," said Ken Cornelius, President and CEO of Siemens One.About eight million people visit Walt Disney World every year. Reaction to the 13-minute ride and interactive stations is mixed. "[I was most impressed by] what they thought of how the future will be in the next 20-50 years," said park guest Allison Chiger."I was expecting more dramatic things," said park guest Bruce Honey. |
|
|
Fears of Sick Building Syndrome Sends Disney Guests Packing
According to Dryout Inc PR
Web - The Grand Floridian Hotel has discovered extensive mold
growth in its hallways. Lurking beneath an elegant façade of
expensive wallpaper, an unwelcome guest has been uncovered:
mold. Careful examination reveals that the mold has spread to
cover large areas outside of numerous guest rooms.The moldy discovery came from the guests themselves when a Florida family checked into their $788 per night hotel room hoping for a magical getaway. What they got instead was a room filled with a musty odor, much like that of an old fishing cabin at a lake that hadn't been aired out since the previous summer. It didn't take long before the guests spotted a dark, powdery substance on the walls and along the baseboards of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Concerned for their safety, the family left immediately and checked into a different resort. A local cab driver suggested that recent hurricane activity has left the popular tourist destination with a serious water intrusion problem, possibly the source of the mold infestation. Mold grows best in moist conditions such as after a flood or when a roof leaks. The smell of mold and fungi can be easily detected in the hallways and rooms of the Grand Floridian.
One of the first signs of a significant mold problem is a "musty" odor which is what the Disney guests immediately experienced upon entering their room. Other signs of mold infestation include visual mold growth such as the dusty black powder sighted along the baseboards of the hallways. Upon pulling back the Disney Resort's wallpaper, the extent of the mold problem became readily apparent. The Walt Disney Company prides itself on keeping up appearances. If mold can infect a Disney Resort, it can infect just about any building. Extensive mold found in the hallways and rooms of the Grand Floridian Hotel proves that even world class resorts must come to terms with this growing problem. Joan Manangu, of the Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida in a letter writes, "The mold issues have been remedied." |
|
|
Disney
debuts Pixar Play Parade on March 14 LA
Times - Concept art of the Pixar Play Parade debuting at
Disney’s California Adventure on March 14 shows a series of
floats and performers that squirt water and blow bubbles into
the audience.
The new parade, replacing the underwhelming Block Party Bash, stars Pixar movie characters from “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters Inc.,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Finding Nemo,” “Cars” and “Ratatouille.”
|
|
|
|
101 Dalmatians on
DVD Buena Vista Home Entertainment - The doggone original is back, and better than ever! Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present "101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition" on DVD for the first time in nearly a decade on March 4, 2008. This highly sought after animated feature has been restored with enhanced audio, video and howlingly fun bonus material, allowing a whole new audience to enjoy one of the last films to bear the personal touch of the legendary Walt Disney himself.
This time the two-disc "101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition" DVD is available only for a limited time! With "101 Dalmatians: Platinum Edition," the tale of newlywed pooches Pongo and Perdita and their diabolical nemesis Cruella De Vil has been carefully restored to deliver technically advanced sound and video definition that will have fans young and old rolling over and begging for more. And they'll get more, with all new, never-before-seen bonus features. Kids will love the Virtual Dalmatians game where they can adopt, train, and care for a virtual puppy; newly unearthed songs deleted from the film; and a brand new recording and music video of the classic song "Cruella De Vil" performed by Selena Gomez. For collectors, there are new behind-the-scenes featurettes, film facts, and a look into the personal correspondence between Walt Disney and the author of the original "The One Hundred and One Dalmatians" book, Dodie Smith. |
|
|
|
The Republican Party is going (back) to Disney World! Orlando Sentinel - Invitations are going out for another Republican Party of Florida fundraiser at Walt Disney World. GOP donors who write a big enough check will get the chance to mingle and dine with Republican Gov. Charlie Crist at Disney's Contemporary Resort on June 12. The invitations for the party's "Victory 2008" dinner are being distributed on the same day that Crist and the Florida Legislature open the 2008 legislative session. Those interested in attending are instructed to RSVP to Crist's top fundraiser or the state party's "finance division." The event will presumably offer another chance for Disney to add to the more than $340,000 worth of "in-kind" gifts -- donations of food, drink, theme-park tickets, meeting space and hotel rooms -- it has given to the state Republican and Democratic parties over the last seven years. |
|
|
|
Authors
talk about Disney World Theme Park Rangers - Julie and Mike Neal visited Walt Disney World more than 700 times in five years to write "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World 2008." They will be signing their book and giving a talk on Friday at Reading Trout Books in Celebration.
Talking with employees at the
parks, resorts and restaurants gave us much of the depth and
detail we used in the book, Julie says in an e-mail.
Their event is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at Reading Trout Books in Celebration. The bookstore is at 110 Front Street, just to the left of the AMC movie theater. If you can't make it Friday, on April 19, the Neals will be at the Barnes & Noble on Sand Lake Road from 4 to 6 p.m. |
|
|
|
ABC heads to 'High
School'
Variety - ABC is finally getting a piece of Disney's "High School Musical" franchise. Net is developing a multiepisode reality competish themed to the "High School Musical" concept, with a nationwide talent hunt followed by a group of contestants studying at a music conservatory to hone their skills. ABC is targeting a summer airdate for the "High School Musical" reality series. Contestants will be eliminated each week until a final winning performer is chosen. Net is keeping details of that top prize under wraps for now, however. Reality skein will include plenty of "High School Musical"-themed moments -- with appearances by the franchise's stars likely. Network is in discussions with a production company to handle the show, but that deal hasn't been finalized. Project marks the first time the Disney Channel has shared the "HSM" franchise with a sister network. It's likely the kid-centric cabler will repurpose a second window of the reality skein. Disney has licensed "High School Musical" to actual schools around the country for stage performances. That led to last fall's Disney Channel/Barbara Kopple doc "High School Musical: The Music in You," which followed a Texas theater group as they staged the play. "High School Musical" is a major revenue generator for Disney; the conglom forecasts that consumer products related to the franchise will reach $650 million in sales this year. The original "HSM" has been seen by more than 250 million viewers worldwide, the sequel by about 187 million. |
|
|
|
Disney
Interactive Ships Disney Friends for DS DailyGame - Disney Interactive today shipped Disney Friends, a virtual life simulation and adventure game for Nintendo DS. Disney Friends lets children interact with their favorite characters from popular Disney films including "The Lion King," "Winnie the Pooh," "Lilo & Stitch," and "Finding Nemo." Players use the Nintendo DS touch screen and microphone to explore the worlds of Stitch, Dory, Simba and Winnie the Pooh. In addition, players can use voice recognition features on the DS to influence their character's actions and behaviors. The goal: teaches players the virtues of caring and nurturing friendships. Disney Friends allows players to interact with their on-screen friends in day or night exploration mode, which is determined by the Nintendo DS' real-time clock. The game even allows players to celebrate special events and holidays in the virtual world, then capture special moments with the in-game camera and save them to browse later on. In addition, players can obtain unique tradable "pins" and earn gold through their adventures, which allows them to purchase new objects such as food, clothing and toys for their Disney friends. |
|
|
|
Disney Interactive Studios announces spring campaign for Disney
on the Go MCV - Disney Interactive Studios today announced that selected titles within its range of handheld products entitled 'Disney on the Go’ will move to a special promotion this April in the UK. This is a welcome return of a popular promotion after the successful launch of Disney on the Go and a similar retail promotion in summer 2007. Disney on the Go encompasses top quality handheld games from Disney Interactive Studios including Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spectrobes. Consumers can enjoy choosing from a product line-up which is continuously growing in breadth and includes something for all the family. During the campaign, consumers who purchase a Disney on the Go game will be able to choose another game from the range for free. This Disney on the Go promotion will commence on 4th April and end on the 11th May in UK stores. There will be a wide range of retail, marketing and trade marketing activities to support Disney on the Go. Point of sale will be available in the form of counter top displays, FSDU’s, posters and wobblers. Trade marketing/marketing will include tagged national press, a 3 week TV campaign and a PR campaign targeting key national and regional press. Matthew Castle, UK and Ireland Sales Director commented Disney Interactive Studios have a fantastic catalogue of handheld titles; Disney on the Go’s buy one get one free offer provides amazing value to consumers who as well as choosing from an outstanding line up of games will now get double the Disney magic too” The full line up of Nintendo DS titles for Disney on the Go: Herbie: Rescue Rally Disney’s Little Mermaid Meet the Robinsons Disney’s Kim Possible: Global Gemini The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Meteos: Disney Magic Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End The Suite Life of Zack&Cody: Circle of Spies Disney’s Enchanted Power Rangers: Super Legends Hannah Montana Spectrobes |
|
|
|
Disney on our shores: are they taking the Mickey? Sydney Morning Herald - Disney's choice of Sydney for a harborside theme park is exquisitely timed. Rides already planned include the loud and brassy Spank the Weasel, where you whang the collection plate and, if your tokens fly high enough up the greasy pole, they hit the big red bellybutton and shower you with money. There's Whup the Puppet, where in shades and a shiny suit you pay vast sums to eat bad food in a glitzy room with a lot of other shiny-suiters competing to pull the strings of the Ministerial Marionettes that dance, in suits much better than yours, to the same old tune. There's the Hall of Smoke and Mirrors, where a couple of avuncular types - one silver-haired and sleepy-eyed, the other looking a lot like old Abe Lincoln - tell charming fairytales while the goths and vandals systematically rape and pillage down below. And there's the wet'n'wild Bronco Beth, where you dress like a nice planning officer and lie back on what looks like a feather bed, only to find yourself whizzing naked down a slippery slope and landing in the shit. In the fabled Animal Kingdom, participants get intimate with a range of truly savage and extraordinary creatures, from the creepy-crawly Scimone-bug, always ravenous but never able to get off its back, to a range of giant reptiles including the lumbering, small-eyed Costasaur, the priapic crocodilian Tripodidon and the lightning-fast, predatory Sartoryx Sartoryx that devours its victims while screaming abuse down its car phone. These are hunted in turn by gangs of hairless paleo-simians known, ironically, as the Opposition, who are always breaking spears and losing loincloths moments before they're caught, tied to a tree and devoured by their own tribespersons. Then, for the truly brave-hearted, there's the much-loved Loot Chute, the deceptively snug Cosy Nostra, the heart-stopping Summit Plummet and, last ride of all, Goon Lagoon where you swim with the sharks, then sleep with the fishes. You think I joke? You think the Government would never approve such a monster, not on our harbor? Look around. NSW has always tolerated a remarkable level of bullyboy behavior from its governors, developers and tone-setting shock jocks. This is partly because we figured there was nothing much worth protecting here, and partly because, with no sense of being watched by the rest of the world, we are easily cowed. Now, though, the culture of bullying has reached new and dizzying heights. Beth Morgan, of breasts-for-buildings fame, deserves a prize. A big one. Think of the sacrifice. For years she has rogered some of the slimiest, most charmless and testosterone-soaked critters in the park - and for what? Not for personal gain. Certainly not for money, most of which she had to return to those friendly ICAC imposters. As she wrote to her lover, developer Frank Vellar, "I have given up everything: my home, my husband, my job, my investments, my money, my friends … And for what …?" For the greater good of planning, that's what. No smaller sacrifice, she realized, would be sufficient to thrust planning from sleepy backwater into front page territory. The downside, though, is the extra ammunition thus provided for those, including the minister, who would see local democracy removed from planning altogether. Just as there's no anti-smoker like the former smoker, there's no enemy of local government so passionate, so focused as a former lord mayor with a long memory. From directors-general and government architects down, all those state government bureaucrats who used to give lord mayor Sartor heaps, as (his words) a "local government puissant", now lick Minister Sartor's, well, boots. The rich and powerful who once excluded him from their parties now pay to attend his. This must be satisfying. But to complete the transformation, the origins themselves must be razed. So we have Wollongong blamed on local government, when the standout characteristic is in fact the breadth and depth of its ALP connections. We have elected and accountable people replaced across the state by the unaccountable, state-paid yet supposedly independent panels that always comprise the same old names and faces. With a public sector now so cowed and politicized by private calls and public abuse that it daren't offer honest advice, a profession so next-job needy it daren't criticize what is widely recognized as a debased and debilitated system, and an Opposition that can't keep its loincloth up, there seems no end to this petty tyranny. We have a system that habitually rewards obedience with sinecures (remember how Terry Metherell got fried for favors much more microscopic than that? Remember, for that matter, Greiner?) And we have a minister who, having suspended almost all statutory and professional constraints on his discretion, will happily approve huge developments against the advice of his own independent panel. Even developers now insist they expect nothing in return (we believe ya) and would prefer political donations to be outlawed. It's a system only the Government still wants. So, what next? Will Disney get planning permission to grin back at Luna Park from White Bay? What should they offer? Naming rights, perhaps? But then, we're already living in Iemmaland. |
|
|
|
Disney had better be worth hassle New York Daily News - Once Ryan was sandbagged into taking the family on a Disney World vacation, the hard work started. After curling the edges of his American Express card for airfares, hotels, and some kind of Mickey Mouse meal plan for a family of four, Ryan kept asking his wife what kind of ID the kids needed to get on an airplane. "I'll find out," she promised. "Good," Ryan said. "Because I'll be too busy working to pay for this community service sentence." "Leave it to me." Ryan went back to work, dreading the pending trip. He hadn't been on an airplane since 2000. Then came 9/11. And everything changed. There were so many post-9/11 air travel horror stories that every winter break or summer vacation Ryan found good reasons to remain earthbound. "Patriots wind up on watch lists," he said. "Feds make old ladies take off their orthopedic shoes, looking for gelignite. Parents sit nine hours on tarmacs with whiny kids eating peanuts with no water. Breathing air worse than Typhoid Mary's breath. Or circle over Queens, waiting to land while air traffic controllers play a real life video game called 'Near Miss.' Flying's for the birds. Pack the car. We're driving to Montauk." Ryan got away with road trips to Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore, Greenwood Lake, Allentown, Pa., and Williamsburg, Va. "Did you know that the Wright brothers invented something called the airplane," asked Ryan's nephew, Colin, 18. "All my friends have been to Disney World," said his son, Rory, 8. "How about Hershey Park instead?" Ryan said. "It's February, cheapskate!" shouted his wife. He said, "They make a helluva hot chocolate in Hershey." She said, "We want fun in the Florida sun!" "Disney," screamed Rory. "Kitty Hawk," said Colin. "Space shuttle. One just landed. ..." After 10 minutes of screaming in the Ryan house, the Mouse House won. Ryan's wife booked the Disney trip. And for a month, Ryan kept reminding her to check about the kids' ID. Three days before takeoff, Ryan's wife said, "We need ID for the kids." "You don't say," Ryan said. "Because he's 18, Colin needs a state issued driver's license or non-driver's license," she said. "Send him to the DMV," Ryan said. "No way I'm going there." The DMV Web site indicated Colin needed six points of ID to get an ID. His high school ID was worth 2 points. His Social Security card, which says "NOT TO BE USED FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES," got you another two points. His birth certificate, from the New York State Dept. of Health, with a raised seal, was mandatory but got you zero points. Whaaaaaaaaat!? If he had papers saying he was a legal alien, on welfare, or divorced those papers would also get him points. Uh huh. The family HMO ID card was worth another point. That made five. Ryan scoured the list of acceptable proof and saw that a W2 form would give him the sixth point. Colin didn't have a W2 but he did have a 1099. Ryan figured a 1099 had to be as good as a W2. At the College Point DMV, Colin was told the 1099 was not acceptable. Whaaaaaaat!? Solution: Your guardians must come in person with the guardianship papers and his driver's license. Two days before the Disney takeoff. After a blitzkrieg of F-bombs, Ryan called the DMV College Point office where a recording said the office opened at 8:30 a.m. Ryan dragged Colin out of bed in the dawn on a freezing Thursday and inched in rush hour traffic to the College Point DMV. He parked in the lot. He approached the door. A guard said, "We don't open 'til 10 on Thursdays." With two hours to kill, Ryan paid $4 for parking for four minutes, and thought he was slick looping around the city's horn to the DMV's Coney Island office. He even found a legal spot on Surf Ave. and hurried down freezing W. Eighth St. And ran smack into a long, shivering line on the sidewalk. With strong February winds howling off the Atlantic, Ryan stamped his feet, teeth chattering, stuttering frosty curses, waiting with hundreds of others for the doors to open to the magic kingdom of the DMV. When they did, it was like the fall of Saigon, people scrambling, elbowing, shoving and stampeding to the rope lines in a scary pedestrian road rage. Finally, at the non-driver's counter, Ryan and Colin found a highly efficient clerk named Al Vila, a civil servant who was most civil and eager to serve. Colin showed his five points. Ryan presented his license and guardianship papers. Photo snapped. Papers stamped. One more short wait to pay $11 to a different pleasant clerk at window 7 and Colin received his temporary non-driver's license. Without a photo. Which gave Ryan giddy visions of being turned away at the airline gate. |
|
|
|
Monday March 3, 2008 |
|
Disney bankrolls group fighting to keep housing out of resort
district EMI loses out on Disney distribution deal Tentative dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party With Partners, ESPN Is Expanding in Filmmaking Disney College Program offering USU students paid internship Disney's Wide World of Sports hosts Twirl Mania Break away to Disney World for your spring vacation Disney to recruit interns at UNLV Disney brings Prince Caspian to Nintendo platforms Bob Iger to Speak at the Bear Stearns 21st Annual Media Conference |
|
|
|
Disney bankrolls group fighting to keep housing out of resort
district LA Times - Disney has worked hard not be the public face of a coalition of businesses and community groups fighting for a housing-free The latest campaign finance reports show that the entertainment giant has poured $2.1 million into the year-old coalition called Save Our Anaheim Resort District, or SOAR. The group's nearly 10,000 other members have contributed less than $2,000. "The records demonstrate that the will of this group is clearly driven by the Disney Co.," said Cesar Covarrubias, a housing advocate with the nonprofit Kennedy Commission. "It's essentially a coalition created to protect Disney's interests. Disney doesn't really want to be involved in the dialogue, so they created an organization to carry their message." Coalition leaders say it's no secret that Disney is the group's main financial benefactor. "We're very fortunate Disney has continued to be our partner," said Todd Ament, SOAR's co-chairman and president of Anaheim's Chamber of Commerce. "A lot of what happens in Anaheim is more important to Disney than anyone, so it makes sense they would be heavily involved financially." But, Ament said, the coalition acts independently of Disney, which has been adamant that the area be reserved for tourist-related uses such as hotels, time-shares and restaurants. "We have 30 executive members that make decisions for what this coalition does, not Disney," Ament said. "We have one goal, protecting the Resort District. That also happens to be Disney's goal." SOAR board member Stan Pawlowski said Disney executive Chris Lowe is an advisor to the steering committee but not a decision-maker. "Chris gives his opinion, but he doesn't dominate the meetings," said Pawlowski, an Anaheim banker. "Disney's got a hell of a big investment and he's there to protect his investment." SOAR was formed in March 2007 to prevent a 1,500-unit condo-apartment complex, and others like it, from being built near Disneyland and California Adventure. Disneyland President Ed Grier appeared at the group's initial news conference along with several former and current City Council members as well as elected officials from around the county. That day, Grier said the ballot initiative would "ensure the resort will remain a world-class destination and it puts the residents in charge of the future." Since then, Disney officials have had little to say publicly about the housing debate that has embroiled Anaheim and they declined comment for this story, referring all questions to SOAR. In taking over the public discourse, representatives of SOAR have driven home the need to protect the Resort District by touting a study that shows it covers less than 5% of Anaheim's land but generates 54% of the city's general fund revenue. Much of the group's time and energy have been spent promoting and gathering signatures for two anti-housing ballot measures, a referendum and an initiative. The referendum was removed from the ballot when the condo-apartment project it was fighting died. The initiative is scheduled to appear on the June ballot. But after a majority vote of the steering committee, coalition members began asking the City Council to enact the policy into law so taxpayers could be saved $250,000 in election costs; the council will vote on the matter Tuesday. Coalition officials said two random samples of 600 registered Anaheim voters showed more than 80% approval ratings for the initiative. "We're in a different place than we were a year ago with the state budget crisis," said Annette McCluskey, a SOAR spokeswoman. "The fact that we could save the city a lot of money was important to us." A recent SOAR news release put the coalition's membership at just short of 10,000. McCluskey said coalition members sign up through pledge cards. Name and address are required; a financial contribution is not. "They told me I wasn't compelled to give money," Pawlowski said. "But they said, 'To make it official, we'd welcome the contribution.' " Pawlowski, one of only a handful of members to contribute money, wrote a check for $250. Tom Daly, Anaheim's former mayor and an original SOAR member, said he had never seen group leaders ask for donations. "I've been in meetings where people were willing to open their checkbook," Daly said. "I've not written one, but I will if necessary." Most of the money Disney has invested in SOAR has been spent on political consultants, petition-gathering and public relations. Shirley L. Grindle, an Orange County political watchdog for three decades, said Disney's financial commitment was extraordinary. "I've never seen that kind of money spent on a city initiative in Orange County," she said. The other side opened its checkbook, too. SunCal Cos., the Irvine-based developer that wanted to build the 1,500-unit housing project, gave $700,000 to the Committee to Protect and Defend Anaheim, the group's entire budget. SunCal stopped funding the group and fighting the Disney-backed initiative when its housing project died in the fall. Daly, who has been involved in city politics for more than two decades, said he has never seen a coalition in Anaheim as "deep and broad-based" as SOAR. "We've got neighborhood leaders from the east to the west to the Anaheim Hills, chamber of commerce members, historic district folks. . . . People are coming from everywhere to support this cause of protecting the resort," he said. Daly said he was convinced SOAR would have come into existence even without Disney's financial support. "If Disney wouldn't have put the money up front, other people would have," he said. "There is fire in people's eyes. There's pride in the Resort District." Pawlowski believes local hotel and restaurant owners would have stepped up in place of Disney to make "sizable contributions." But he admits their pockets wouldn't be as deep as Disney's. "Could we raise a million? I'm not sure," he said. "To raise $1 million today would probably take you a full year." It's unclear whether the group will stay together after June -- when the initiative would be on the ballot if the City Council doesn't enact it outright -- but Pawlowski hopes so. "We could be called upon again to decide who we want to elect on the City Council," he said. "If we stay together, we'll probably have to do some funding on our own." |
|
|
|
EMI loses
out on Disney distribution deal
The Financial Times - Walt Disney is handing the European distribution of its next Jonas Brothers album to Universal Music, according to people familiar with the matter, dealing a blow to EMI and its new private-equity owner, Guy Hands' Terra Firma. Disney's decision, which is expected to be announced in London this week, will ratchet up pressure on EMI as it tries to retain a broader contract to distribute Disney's records in foreign markets. That contract expires in about a year, and Disney has already been sounding out alternatives. Universal, which has handled Disney's distribution in North America for the High School Musical soundtrack and top-selling artists among the younger audience, such as Hannah Montana, has been considered a frontrunner to push EMI aside. Disney, EMI and Universal were not immediately available to comment. Last month, Disney told the Financial Times that it had "enjoyed a successful relationship with EMI" and looked forward to its continuation. The move highlights the pressures facing Mr. Hands, whose private equity firm, Terra Firma, last year acquired the struggling EMI for Ł4bn. Since then, he has been trying to enact a radical restructuring plan that includes swinging job cuts without alienating its artists or business partners. Earlier this year, the Rolling Stones, a longtime EMI client, announced that they would release their forthcoming album through Universal. The switch was motivated in part by concerns about instability at EMI, according to a person familiar with the matter. Disney and its Hollywood Records label signed with EMI in 2005. Since then, the Magic Kingdom has represented one of the rare bright spots in an embattled music industry. The soundtrack to last year's High School Musical 2 sold 3.5m copies outside the US. The company is hoping the Jonas Brothers, whose last album sold nearly 1m copies in the US, will achieve the same global success as Miley Ray Cyrus, Hilary Duff, and other artists. |
|
|
|
Tentative
dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney News -
These dates are tentative and are not yet officially
confirmed, so as always, are subject to change. |
|
|
|
With
Partners, ESPN Is Expanding in Filmmaking New York Times - ESPN dominates sports on television. Now, the cable heavyweight is making a run at the big screen. ESPN said it would collaborate with Creative Artists Agency and Walt Disney Studios to produce and distribute theatrical films with sports themes. As part of the network’s expansion in filmed entertainment, ESPN is also hiring 30 filmmakers to produce one-hour mini-movies to appear on the channel starting in September 2009. “We see this as a new way to reach sports fans and engage them,” said Keith Clinkscales, ESPN’s senior vice president for content development. “A lot of people who spend time being engaged in ESPN also spend a lot of time going to the movies.” Movies will be financed by Walt Disney, which owns ESPN; outside investors; or a combination thereof. ESPN executives declined to comment on financial elements, except to say budgets would vary by project. The self-proclaimed “Worldwide Leader in Sports” is on a mission to tap into new areas of growth as it faces challenges in its core operations. ESPN, which is nearing its 30th birthday, remains one of the media industry’s biggest gold mines, with successful magazine and Internet extensions to complement its suite of cable channels. But ESPN must also battle the exploding amount of sports video on the Web and maintain growth as cable operators resist paying higher subscription fees for the right to carry its programming (ESPN charges about $3.50 a month for each subscriber; the vast majority of cable channels charge well under $1.). Recently, ESPN has been hiring sports journalists from magazines and newspapers to strengthen its bench of pundits while retooling its approach to live streaming video on the Web and mobile devices. ESPN’s sports expertise, the deep talent relationships of Creative Artists and the movie-making experience of Walt Disney Studios may add up to a dream team, but producers warn that sports-themed movies are among the most difficult to execute. It is difficult to break free of the formulaic storytelling arc of win, loss and comeback. ESPN’s core audience is young men, but women typically drive movie-going decisions. And most studios shy away from sports-themed pictures because they can be a difficult sell to international distributors. “These movies are an incredible balancing act,” said Ron Shelton, the writer of “Bull Durham” and “White Men Can’t Jump.” Mr. Shelton, who has also had his share of misses — like “Play It to the Bone,” starring Antonio Banderas as a boxer — added that it is tricky to dramatize sports without sacrificing the kind of realistic portrayals fans crave. As it moves deeper into filmed entertainment, ESPN also needs to be careful not to damage its symbiotic relationship with sports leagues. It is a risk the network knows all too well. In 2003, ESPN programmers drew strong criticism from the National Football League for “Playmakers,” an effort at a drama series that depicted steroid use and players hiding cocaine from the police. Mr. Clinkscales points to ESPN’s recent experience with scripted television as evidence that the new entity, ESPN Films, will succeed. The channel’s eight-part miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning,” shown last July, was praised by critics. A 2004 made-for-television movie about the late Nascar legend Dale Earnhardt, “3,” drew raves along with stellar ratings. Coming on March 16 is a two-part, four-hour television documentary called “Black Magic,” a portrayal of the civil rights movement as told through the lives of basketball players and coaches. “We believe this represents a big score for sports fans and moviegoers alike,” said Richard Cook, the chairman of Walt Disney Studios. Mr. Cook noted that Disney has had success with such sports-themed movies as “Remember the Titans” and “The Rookie.” Bringing Creative Artists into the fold signals ESPN’s seriousness to Hollywood, Mr. Clinkscales said. The agency, a leading talent representative, has in recent years expanded aggressively into sports representation, picking up clients like Peyton Manning, David Beckham and LeBron James. In addition to helping to line up financing, Creative Artists may also place its athlete-performers in the films. David O’Connor, a Creative Artists partner and managing director, called ESPN Films a “natural and exciting” extension of the brand. Close watchers of ESPN know that the network has been ramping up its filmed entertainment efforts for some time. Last year, the network helped create the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival to showcase the genre, and the company in January acquired “Kicking It,” about street soccer players, at the Sundance Film Festival. |
|
|
|
Disney College Program offering USU students paid internship USU The Utah Statesman - Representatives from the Disney College Program will be on campus Wednesday to present internship opportunities to students interested in participating in a paid internship at Walt Disney World. USU students who are interested in participating in an internship in Florida can attend a presentation March 5 at 4 p.m. in Room 202 of the Agricultural Science building, where Disney recruiter Katie Mock will discuss the program. Cody Woodbrey, student and director of the USU Disney College Program Alumni Association, said internship opportunities through Disney are a good way to begin networking, build resumes and earn valuable skills for future careers while still in college. "It is an opportunity of a lifetime and a great opportunity to see how a Fortune 500 company works," Woodbrey said. While working through Disney leadership, Woodbrey said participants will be able to be involved in job shadowing opportunities, on-the-job training and working directly with guests. Participants will also have opportunities to take courses and earn college credit as they enjoy their time meeting new people through unique experiences. Students interested in earning college credit are able to take courses through the College of Disney or online through USU, Woodbrey said. However, there are some participants who choose not to take classes during the internship, he said, which still provides a great learning opportunity for them. Woodbrey said, beyond typical park operational jobs, students can be characters and parade performers. Woodbrey, who was a character performer at Walt Disney World, said he was "the human inside the bear" as a costumed performer. "I put my education back a year, but it was worth the experience," Woodbrey said. "I consider it a paid vacation." Disney offers opportunities for students majoring in all fields, with different job openings unique to accommodate each major, Woodbrey said. The program is open to students at all college levels and majors, including those who have yet to declare a major, he said. Devin Hirshi, senior majoring in human resources, spent a semester at Walt Disney World as part of the program and said it was an excellent way to help him choose a major and start his future career path. "The Disney internship is a good way to figure out what you want to do," Hirshi said. "It opens up doors." Hirshi said he was selected to work in Downtown Disney at a restaurant as a host and at a nightclub checking IDs at the door. The opportunities for growth and learning extend beyond the semester in Florida, Hirshi said. The people to network with and opportunities with Disney continue past graduation, he said. "The best thing about it is you get to know people from all across the country," Hirshi said. Disney provides housing complexes, which allow students to live with people from different parts of the country and meet people from around the world, Hirshi said. "The program is what you make of it," Woodbrey said, "and you're not going to be bored." Students interested in an internship with Disney are able to prepare and learn more by visiting the programs' Web site at www.disneycollegeprogram.com, Woodbrey said. Before interviews and advancement in the internship selection process, students must attend the presentation on campus or view it online, he said. |
|
|
|
Disney's Wide World of Sports hosts Twirl Mania YourHub - Over 600 young athletes from the United States, Canada, England and the U.S. Virgin Islands competed in individual, team, corps and parade events during the 13th annual "Twirl Mania" held in Orlando at Disney World's Wide World of Sports Arena from February 15th to the 18th. Representing Colorado were four young twirling athletes from Highlands Ranch, Lakewood and Littleton. Making her first appearance at "Twirl Mania" was Haley Lena, 8 year old Granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Strnad of Parker. Haley competed in the 7 to 9 Beginner Division and received medals in three events. She was awarded a Silver medal for Military Strut, a Silver medal for Basic Strut and a Bronze medal for Best Appearing. In the "Miss Twirl Mania" division, she placed 4th in Modeling, 8th in X-Strut and 11th in Solo and she placed 8th overall. Haley was selected to appear in Disney's Magic Kingdom Parade after tryouts on Saturday. The Indiana Jones Theater in Disney's MGM/Hollywood Park was the site of the "Twirl Mania Awards Extravaganza" at 8 pm on Sunday night. "Twirl Mania" spotlights the International Baton Twirling athletes and coaches for their abilities and dedication to the sport. More information can be obtained at www.twirlmania.com and the "Colorado School of Baton" at 303-683-5599. The 2009 "Twirl Mania" will be February 13th to the 16th in Disney World, Orlando. |
|
|
|
Break away to Disney World for your spring vacation Asheville Citizen-Times - With winter in full swing and spring break around the corner, now is a great time to plan your escape to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Consult your school’s calendar, pack some sun screen and make plans to visit the house of the mouse. Spring break crowds will be rolling through Disney World beginning mid-March (Easter) to late April (Passover). Crowds will be moderate to heavy, so remember to also pack some patience. Located 600 miles south of Asheville, driving to Disney World takes 9 1/2 hours (best-case scenario) along interstates 26 and 95. South of Daytona Beach, merge onto Interstate 4 and then follow the signs to Disney World resorts and theme parks. Although the price of gas is sky high, you can find affordable flights to Orlando. Comparison pricing sites www.sidestep.com and www.kayak.com search major carriers and return available flights for dates entered. Zero in on a flight, and then go to the carrier’s Web site — you’ll often get a better deal. Decide what works best for your family and then choose a resort that fits your price range. If traveling with infants, resorts with larger rooms, refrigerators and microwaves are beneficial. There is an extensive inventory of condominiums both on Disney property and off-site. The benefits of choosing a Disney resort include: Free round-trip ground transportation between Orlando International Airport and your Disney World resort on Disney’s Magical Express.n Free transportation between your resort and Disney theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island. Extra Magic Hours —each day a
Disney World theme park opens one hour early or stays open three
hours after posted hours of operation for resort guests. konsultants.com or by calling 866-KONSULT (566-7858). Owner Pam VanSyckle says, “You
wouldn’t drive across country without a roadmap, and you
shouldn’t book a trip to Disney without consulting a certified
Earmarked agent.” Arrive at the turnstiles 30 minutes before the posted opening time. You’ll be able to experience the most popular attractions before the masses descend at mid-morning. Table-service dining is expensive and time consuming — if you are tight on time, stick to counter service restaurants. If you wish to experience a certain table-service location, make an Advance Dining Reservation for lunch. The menu will be similar to the dinner menu, but at reduced prices. If on the Disney Dining Plan, use your snack credit for breakfast. Instead of waiting in line to meet Disney characters and princesses, book a character meal. You’ll meet more characters in one stop and get a meal in at the same time. If you are planning to visit Disney World for seven days or more, consider purchasing an annual pass which includes discounts on rooms, dining and merchandise. |
|
|
|
Disney to recruit
interns at UNLV UNLV The Rebel Yell - When you wish upon a star, you too could be a Disney intern.
The Walt Disney College Program
is coming to UNLV March 6 to recruit students for the fall
2008 session.
Having been around for nearly 26 years with 98,000 students completing the internship, it’s no wonder that students across the globe flock for the chance to work alongside Mickey Mouse and gain experience from one of the largest companies in the world. UNLV sophomore and journalism major Nicole Wellington was accepted to the spring 2008 advantage program and said that it has been an amazing experience . “It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “Meeting people from all over the world and being able to network is the best part.” Elaine Bolivar, recruiter for the Disney College and CareerStart Programs, was an intern in 2001, and said that the experience was invaluable and ultimately led to a career with Disney. “Having this on your resume truly opens up doors for you,” she said. “It evokes such an emotional response. I don’t know if I’ve ever been interviewed, they just see Disney and that’s all they want to talk about.” Wellington said that one of the biggest reasons she decided to apply for the program is to be able to say that she learned from the best when it comes to customer service. “One of the most important things is going above and beyond,” she said. “Other companies love you because they know you are going to work hard. Having this on your resume means your going to be motivated. They know you’ll do a great job.” The program allows students to choose from two of the Disney theme parks including Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. There are more than 20 different positions, called “roles” at Disney. They range from retail sales and food service, to custodial work and lifeguarding. Though these jobs may not seem like typical internship work, Bolivar said that it is the “Disney difference” that makes it worthwhile. “It doesn’t matter what you did there, it matters that you were there,” Bolivar said. Wellington works at the gift shops at the All Star Resorts and agrees that the experience in polishing her communication skills and learning to better serve customers is what sets the internship apart from the rest. To motivate interns, positions are even given different names to help workers remember that they are there to entertain. Employees are called cast members, customers are called guests, uniforms are refereed to as costumes and when at work interns are on-stage. During the internship, students live in apartments with anywhere from three to five roommates. Transportation is provided if needed. Free classes are also offered and optional. However, books must be purchased for some courses. Bolivar said that students taking classes should expect to work 30 to 45 hours a week while students not taking courses should expect up to 50 hours. Though work comes first, Disney offers many perks. Interns can enter the parks for free and have passes for family and friends that allow for up to three people, six times a year. Aside from the perks, Wellington said that the reason so many people want to work for Disney is pretty simple. “People have such a good time here because when you’re working it’s so simple to find out little things that can make someone’s dreams come true,” she said. |
|
|
|
Disney brings Prince Caspian to Nintendo platforms Aussie-Nintendo - Disney Interactive Studios, who have recently announced their music game Ultimate Band for the Wii and DS, have added to their upcoming games roster with the title The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, which will also be released on both the Wii and DS. The Wii version of Prince Caspian is being developed by Traveller's Tales, which was responsible for Lego Star Wars, and the upcoming Lego Indiana Jones and Lego Batman. The game follows the events and locales of the film, with a bonus area that's not included in the movie. One or two players can play on the same system, with the drop in/out feature of Lego Star Wars coming into play. At least 20 characters will be playable in the Wii game, including the Narnian creatures and Prince Caspian himself. Craig Relyea, senior vice-president of global marketing at Disney Interactive Studios, commented that "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian game is an epic adventure that provides memorable experiences as it takes players throughout the familiar areas of Narnia from the second film." "Fans of the films and books will re-live the excitement, the battles and the memorable characters while going beyond the events of the film." The DS version of Prince Caspian will differ slightly from its console counterpart, however, as it has been developed to take advantage of the handheld's capabilities. More than 10 characters will be playable in this version, which will be an "action-oriented, turn based RPG". The touch screen will be used for "gesture controlled attacks", as well as using the microphone to sound a horn. The DS can also be turned on its side to act as a book for narrative sections of the game. The team responsible for Ultimate Band, Fall Line Studio, is in charge of creating the DS version of Prince Caspian. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian will be released in Australia on Wii and DS on June 5th, in time to match the release of the film version. |
|
|
|
Bob Iger to Speak at the Bear Stearns 21st Annual Media
Conference Business Wire - A general discussion with Bob Iger, president and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) will be hosted by Bear Stearns at its Twenty-First Annual Media Conference on Monday, March 10, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. EDT/1:30 p.m. PDT. To listen to a live audio Webcast of the session, please point your browser to www.disney.com/investors approximately fifteen minutes prior to the start time. A re-play will be provided through Monday, March 24, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. |
|
|
|
Sunday March 2, 2008 |
|
Disney
announces Top 10 Dream CMO finalists Baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. is a 'hit' at Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney cruises turn 10; but are they fun for non-10-year-olds? Disney Star Selena Gomez Denies Miley Cyrus Tiff Jumping for joy at Disney's Hollywood Studios - March 1, 2008 New Disney Store shows off Pixie Dust decor Ocala dancers perform at Disney World event |
|
|
|
Disney
announces Top 10 Dream CMO finalists LA Times - Online voters will cast their ballots over the next three weeks for their favorites among the Top 10 finalists in the Disney Dream Chief Magic Official (CMO) competition. The Top 3 vote getters travel to a Disney theme park in mid-April for a head-to-head competition that will be videotaped and voted on again by the online public. The winner serves as a goodwill ambassador at Disney parks around the world. See the Top 10 finalists after the jump: Amy Kate Connolly’s professional quality Fairy Godmother video resume puts her in the running for the Top 3 alongside Patrick Hurd and Justin Muchoney. Karrie Dunkin emerges as the lone animation video — knocking off two stronger entries by Andy Peterson and Chad Thompson. I was wrong before about Dunkin and she may prove me wrong again. The sexy negligee should help drum up votes. David Hawley plays a pirate, a miner and even Tinkerbell, but the best part of his video resume is the 15-second blooper reel at the end. Patrick Hurd built his own cut-out Disneyland complete with 13 attractions and a fireworks finale. My favorite rides: Pirates of the Caribbean (”Rum?”), Jungle Cruise (”Hippo!”) and Splash Mountain (”Ahhh!”). Hurd is my hands-down favorite. Justin Muchoney brings a crazy energy and effusive personality to the competition. Muchoney’s screwball Snoop Dogg vocabulary — “adventurosity,” “extrovertaneous” and “obsessidisivation” — made me fashizzle my izzle off. If he can make the Top 3 — and I think he should — he could win it all in the final round when personality comes into play. Jennifer Sechler almost perfectly embodies the Disney princess persona. She is my dark horse for the Top 3. Work-from-home-mom Tangela Walker-Craft delivers the most business-like video resume of all the Top 10 finalists citing her college degree (creative writing) and work experience (school teacher and sales representative) as the chief qualifications for hiring her as CMO. Meggin Weaver emerges as the lone pixie dust candidate from a field once overrun with the magic stuff. Her peppy personality seems perfectly suited for Disney. I picked Meggin to finish last in the Top 20 field, so what do I know. Radio DJ Tripp West from Atlanta’s Star 94 (WSTR-FM) took the most heat in the online chat rooms for the unfair advantage his personal pulpit seemingly offers him in the upcoming campaign. I said he wouldn’t make the Top 10. I was wrong. Don’t be surprised if he rallies his legions of listeners and advances to Top 3. Semi-retired pharmacist David Wotruba’s casually paced Autopia-themed video resume appeals to a demographic under-represented in the contest. |
|
|
Baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. is a 'hit' at Disney's Hollywood
Studios Disney
News - Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. poses with Mickey
Mouse at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Ripken, who played in a record 2,632 consecutive games, retired
following the 2001 season. In August 2007, Ripken was named as
an American Public Diplomacy Envoy by the United States State
Department and will tour the world to teach children about the
sport of baseball. Ripken was among 50 athletes taking part in
"ESPN The Weekend," a three-day, sports-fan festival at theme
park. |
|
|
|
Disney cruises turn 10; but are they fun for non-10-year-olds? Beaumont Enterprise - It's been 10 years since Disney started its cruises with the Disney Magic ship, followed in 1999 by Disney Wonder. Two more Disney ships will launch in 2011 and 2012. And while you won't find casinos on any Disney ships, you will find plenty of other facilities and diversions on board for every age group - including grown-ups. That, along with the appeal of the Disney brand, has ensured the cruise line's success. "I don't think it's fair to say that Disney invented family cruising, because a lot of cruise lines made efforts to attract families to their ships starting in the '90s, but I do think it's fair to say that Disney reinvigorated the idea of family cruising," said Douglas Stallings, who edits Fodor's cruise guides. "Disney proved there is a large market for family cruises. They inspired other large cruise lines." Christine Koubek, who reviewed the Wonder for the Web site CruiseCritic.com, said that "what Disney Cruise Line does best is prove that 'elegant' and 'family friendly' don't have to be mutually exclusive. Disney is a great choice for families that want excellent supervised children's programs as well as activities they can enjoy together." My children, my wife Mary Lou and I cruised last year on the Wonder. It was memorable and fun for all of us. I couldn't tear Isabelle, 9, away from her science experiments in the Oceaneer Lab. Her masterpiece was a green glob that resembled something from the Disney movie "Flubber." Vinny, 16, spent all of his time in the Aloft nightclub, which is just for teenagers. After the club closed at 1 a.m., the fun didn't stop. Vinny and other teenagers hung around shooting hoops under the lights. For adults, Disney ships offer nightclubs, classes, fitness centers, an adult-only restaurant called Palo, and wine, beer and martini tastings. While the kids played, my wife and I relaxed on our stateroom terrace with some wine and cheese. We also attended a Disney Vacation Club cocktail party (we are DVC timeshare members) and Mary Lou browsed the shops for souvenirs. The Wonder stops at Disney's private island, called Castaway Cay, on its Bahamian cruises. Here too there is something for everyone - including a teen-only beach, an adults-only beach and a family beach. Vinny and his friends signed up for a couple of teen-only excursions with Disney counselors and headed out for snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, a barbecue lunch and bicycling around the island, while the rest of us snorkeled, lunched and swam with stingrays elsewhere on the island. Castaway Cay also has Scuttles Cove, where kids, supervised by counselors, dig for whalebones, make beach musical instruments and play water relay games. We returned to the ship for a pirate-themed dinner and deck party, which culminated with a spectacular fireworks show, launched from the stern of the ship. We then saw "Pirates of the Caribbean" on a giant movie screen that was attached to one of the ship's smokestacks on the top deck. The screen displayed a pirate flag for the remainder of the evening. For families with young children, Disney's nurseries, Flounder's Reef, take infants as young as 12 weeks old and toddlers up to 3. Some cruise lines keep parents on call to change diapers, but the Flounder's Reef staff takes care of that for you. Disney's Magic and Wonder also have pools with separation filtration systems that allow diapered toddlers to swim. And each stateroom has a bathroom with a bathtub - also relatively uncommon on non-luxury cruise ships. No wonder a survey conducted by BudgetTravelOnline.com rated Disney Cruise Line No. 1 for infants and toddlers, and children 3-7. (It was ranked No. 3 among cruises for kids 8-11, and No. 5 for 12-to-17-year-olds.) There are also scheduled opportunities onboard to meet characters like Mickey and Cinderella, and to attend character breakfasts like the ones that are so popular in Disney parks. Other programs for different age groups include the Oceaneer Club for kids 3 to 7, a playroom designed like Captain Hook's ship, filled with soft, climbable sculptures. Also featured are puppet shows, storytelling and singalongs. Children must be signed in and out by their parents, and they do need to be toilet-trained for this program. The Oceaneer Lab (ages 8 to 12) is an interactive playroom with a giant video wall, music-listening rooms, and flat-screen computers with software. Activities include making TV shows and radio commercials, brainteasers and scientific creations. On Disney Magic, kids also can "take command" of the ship in Ocean Quest, a scaled replica of the bridge. Kids can sign in and out at their parents' discretion. Parents are provided with a pager when dropping off children 12 and under at any of the centers. On Disney Magic, teenagers hang out at the Stack, a teen-only lounge area with a dance floor, Internet cafe, big-screen plasma TV and video games. The ships also offer full-fledged musicals in onboard theaters. This year, a new musical of "Toy Story" will premiere on the Wonder. Disney Cruise spokesman Jason Lasecki says the company plans to keep the show exclusively for its cruise passengers. If you're considering cruising with Disney, here are some tips for getting the most from your trip. -Book early. This allows you to secure the best staterooms and bargains for the peak travel seasons (spring break, summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Disney cruises often sell out well in advance. -The best bargain months to cruise are January, the early part of February and end of August, September, October and non-holiday weeks of November and December. -If you have a particular itinerary in mind, book at least 90 days in advance for the best cabin availability and rates. If itinerary isn't important, check cruises that are departing within 30 days to land the best last-minute discounts. -Itineraries vary. Disney Wonder sails from Port Canaveral, Fla., on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay. The Magic will alternate, departing from Canaveral to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay on Eastern Caribbean itineraries, and from Canaveral to Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay on Western Caribbean itineraries. Beginning in May, the Magic will have 12 seven-night sailings departing from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera with port calls in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, and two repositioning 15-night cruises through the Panama Canal as the boat travels between Florida and California. -Rates for the Wonder start at $349 a person for three-night cruises, $399 for four nights, while the Magic starts at $649 for seven nights, and can run nearly $2,500 a person for seven-day itineraries in the best rooms on peak holiday weeks. But there are various ways to save money. Disney Vacation Club members can use points toward cruise travel and discounts. Visit online at http://www.DVC.Disney.go.com or call 800-500-3990. Disney Visa cardholders can use points toward cruises and get a $50 shipboard credit. Some cruise dates have additional discounts for cardholders. Go to DisneyRewards.com or call 800-300-8575. Automobile Club members can save money on cruises at AAA.com/Disney or by calling 877-763-5500. |
|
|
|
Disney Star Selena Gomez Denies Miley Cyrus Tiff Portable Planet - You can tell that up and coming actress Selena Gomez, star of the Disney series Wizards of Waverly Place, is on the way to the A-list not only by her sweetness and talent, but because of the crazy rumors that are spreading about her.
Bop TV’s The Daily Dish recently got some one-on-one time with Ms. Gomez and got a chance to ask her about all three allegations. She made an on-video statement saying: “I’m just clearing up all the rumors you hear about me on the internet…they’re all not true, I guarantee you, they are not true.” So how will we know if something that’s actually correct comes along? “I will mostly say what’s true and what’s not,” she added. |
|
|
Jumping for joy at Disney's Hollywood Studios - March 1, 2008 Disney
News - Joey Fatone (right), host of NBC's "The Singing Bee" and
the TV Guide Network's red carpet award show specials, bounces
in the "Play Your Way" area of the ESPN Sports Zone with
daughter Briahna (second from right), actor Jonathan Silverman
(second from left), known for his roles in the film "Weekend at
Bernie's" and NBC series "The Single Guy," and Silverman's wife,
actress Jennifer Finnigan (left), March 1, 2008 at Disney's
Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. They were
at the theme park during "ESPN The Weekend," a sports-fan event
that continues through March 2, 2008. Fatone lives in Orlando,
while Silverman and Finnigan are in Orlando to film a new
"Beethoven" movie, the latest in the canine-themed franchise
that follows the exploits of a lovable St. Bernard.
|
|
|
|
New Disney
Store shows off Pixie Dust decor AZ Central - Pixie Dust. That's the name for the design of Disney's newest store. The 6,000-square-foot retail outlet opens today at Desert Ridge Marketplace and from the moment customers enter the store, they are met with sparkling red floors and a magical experience. Disneyland is billed as the happiest place on earth, but for locals, this store will provide at least a small dose of that Disney delight. "We are really excited to be here with our new prototype design," said Jon Fritz, district manager for the Disney Store. "It's only our second one in the Phoenix market and our guests love the magical experience of the store." The San Tan Village store was the first in the Valley to showcase the new Pixie Dust design. Eventually all eight of the Valley's Disney Stores will have a consistent charm that kids (and even adults) can appreciate. "We have been awaiting the opening, so it's exciting to have it finally here," said Sarah Shneider, spokesperson for Desert Ridge Marketplace. "It will be the centerpiece of our kids' offerings." The front of the store sets the stage for those offerings with a display highlighting Disney's newest and best products. Right now, it's all about Dalmatians, coinciding with Tuesday's release of the 101 Dalmatians on DVD. Other new products include Easter clothing and swimwear. The rest of the store features Disney's favorite characters including Power Rangers and Mickey Mouse. Other key elements of the store include: A multitude of plasma televisions featuring Disney shows. Six are part of the window display, 12 form a circle in the center of the store and others entertain customers while they are on line. A fountain of plush, stuffed animals under the televisions. A dressing room fit for a king or queen, complete with a Mickey Mouse chandelier, couch, and mirror. Tween and teen sections with Hannah Montana and High School Musical clothing and accessories. An expanded adult clothing section. Spotlights shining throughout the store. "It's kind of the way of the future," said store manager Donna Connors, who, together with 95 other employees, were opening nearly 2,000 cartons to set up the store earlier in the week. "It's definitely more of a showcase for our products than any other store. There's more sparkle, more warmth and more excitement." Bethany McNelly, 42, thought the Disney Store would be a perfect fit for the marketplace. "It is a great idea to have a Disney Store," said McNelly, as she munched on croissants this week with her 2-year-old daughter, Hannah. "It is such a kid's mall, such a family place." |
|
|
|
Ocala
dancers perform at Disney World event Ocala - Cloggers from an Ocala dance studio recently attended a dance showcase and parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Twenty dancers, ages 10 through 26, from A Step Above Dance Studio, were in Orlando from Feb. 8-10 and performed in Dance the Magic's Crystal Clogging Spectacular. The dancers were one of five groups invited to participate in the showcase performance at the Galaxy Palace Theater, an outside pavilion at the Magic Kingdom, and also were featured in a parade down Main Street U.S.A. Guests visiting the park lined up to watch the group during their performance. This was the first year cloggers from A Step Above participated with Dance the Magic and they were the only dancers from Marion County. Wendy Boyette, director of the local dance studio, said many of the girls raised money to get sponsors for their trip, noting that some of the girls raised more than $500. "The deadline for the trip was around Christmas time and it was very helpful to some of the families. The community really stepped up for them," said Boyette. Dance the Magic, a company independent of Walt Disney World, "was created to provide talented dancers the opportunity to perform in a high quality, family-friendly, professional venue," according to their web site, with their primary goal being to "encourage and reward dancers of all ages and abilities who may be interested in the art of dance and the entertainment value it provides." To be considered for the showcase, the studio sent in a few of the group's competition tapes. They performed dances to such songs as "Rocky Top" and "YMCA." For the parade, the studio was sent a DVD of a choreographed dance the group had to learn, with only three weeks to practice. The dance studio provided costumes for both events. For their participation in the event, each dancer received admission into Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, a Dance the Magic souvenir bag and T-shirt and a DVD of the weekend. "Most of the girls have never done anything like this before, so they were all really excited," said Boyette. |
|
|
Curious,
John and his wife, Denise, recently brought the pair in for
appraisal by David McCarron of McCarron & Associates during a
Trash or Treasure session held at Judy Frankel Antiques in Troy.
AHN -
Disney is planning a remake of its famous 1975 film "Escape to
Witch Mountain" and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has already been
cast. Now, Ciaran Hinds, best known for his role as Julius
Casear in HBO's "Rome" series, has been cast as a villain in the
movie. 
The Epcot attraction that's
quite possibly known around the world has been extensively
upgraded. Disney guests who enter Spaceship Earth, which was
first opened in 1982, are getting exposed to cutting-edge
technology that goes back in time and well into the future.
According
to Mark Decherd, owner of Dryout, Inc., a national water damage
restoration firm, most molds are not harmful to healthy people.
However, those with health conditions, allergies, asthma,
suppressed immune systems, or lung conditions can experience
unpleasant side effects from exposure. In addition to the common
varieties of mold, a few molds produce toxic mycotoxins which
can affect anyone, causing a variety of more serious side
effects. 
An
“Incredibles” float features an Omnidroid robot with villain
Syndrome at the helm and a flaming baby Jack-Jack atop the
ominous automaton. Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone fly
personal hovercrafts alongside the floats.
Fans
of the franchise who think they already own this animated
masterpiece may want to take a second look at their home
entertainment libraries. While they might own "101 Dalmatians
II: Patch's London Adventure" or the live-action version of "101
Dalmatians" or its sequel, "102 Dalmatians," it's been nearly a
decade since the ORIGINAL "101 Dalmatians" has been available on
DVD or any other home entertainment format. Since then based on
Census data, 32 million kids have been born and an additional 97
million households bought their first DVD players so chances are
you won't spot the original on DVD in your collection!
Rumors
are still flying around that she’s fighting with Hannah Montana
star Miley Cyrus, she has something going on with Joe Jonas, and
even that she’s going to star in High School Musical 3 alongside
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. That makes her out to be quite
the busy bee, but there’s only one problem – none of it is
correct.