MickeyXtreme's News Archive Nov05

Disney Insider - Filming C.S. Lewis' masterwork, the seven books that compose the Chronicles of Narnia, has been something of an impossible dream for decades. Ever since the first of the books, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," was published in 1950, children and adults have adored them alike - they have been perennial bestsellers for more than 50 years. The history of Narnia has everything: magic, adventure, tragedy, humor, and triumph -- it's not surprising that Hollywood has longed to bring it to the big screen.

However, save for a few television adaptations, a Narnia movie never materialized - no one was able to find a way to convincingly capture Lewis' fantasy world onscreen. Film technology had not caught up with the richness of Narnia's gallery of creatures and enchantments until now. On December 9, we will all have the chance to venture through an enchanted wardrobe with four amazed British children and explore a magical land locked in eternal winter.

We'll meet fauns, centaurs, talking animals, the terrible White Witch who has enslaved Narnia, and the magical magnificent lion Aslan who will rally the children to free this fabulous realm.

The man who helmed "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is director/cowriter Andrew Adamson. He told "The Insider" about the creation of the film, his own love of Narnia, and what the movie holds in store.

The first thing we realize is that Andrew is as big a fan of the books as any child; in fact, he became a fan when he WAS a child, as so many readers did. And one of his inspirations in bringing Narnia to film was his own memories of how the book affected him.

"When I first became involved in the project I sat down and wrote out all of my memories, because before it got polluted by my adult mind, I wanted to get my childhood impressions," he says. Only then did he sit down and reread the books.

One great surprise he encountered was the climactic confrontation between the four children with their army of good creatures, and the forces of the evil White Witch. "I remembered this epic battle," says Andrew. "When I came back to read the book as an adult, I read through it and thought 'Where's what I remember?' Because in the book it's about a page and a half, and it's mostly Peter telling Aslan about it afterward. It would be kind of disappointing to build the movie toward this epic battle, and then be with Aslan through the whole thing. So I wanted to film the battle that my eight-year-old mind had imagined the battle. And I think Lewis counted on that; there are places in the book where he says 'I can't tell you about it because your parents wouldn't let you read the book.' As a kid you go this must be really bad, and your mind fills out what happened."

A similar balance between the words on the page and the world they create in the imagination informed the creation of the White Witch (played by Tilda Swinton) and her castle.

"C.S. Lewis describes her in great detail in the book, and of course I think Pauline Baynes illustrations in the book give you an impression of her, but at the same time I think that over the years that character can become somewhat of a cliche. One way you can read the White Witch is the screeching Cruella DeVil or the evil stepmother, these evil female characters. I wanted to make sure she was evil that was as evil as Aslan's good, she was as intelligent and sophisticated as our hero," Andrew explains.

"Tilda Swinton was a huge inspiration to start from. She was the first person I wanted to cast, and I was lucky enough to have her agree to do it. But I also looked into the background of the White Witch, and the fact that she had come from the world of Charn - which is in The Magician's Nephew, we get the backstory of how she came to Narnia at the inception of Narnia. I really wanted to try to capture the otherworldliness about her - she doesn't come from Narnia, but at the same time she's made it her world by freezing it. We worked with the idea that she's almost not physical, and her dress changes throughout the movie as she does. We kept a lot of the specifics that Lewis mentioned, like the spiky crown, but we thought that making it out of ice was more interesting than how it was described in the book, so we started playing with that."

Similarly, the White Witch's castle has the jagged towers described in the book - but on film those towers are clearly icicles, a product of the wicked queen's wintry reign.

Nothing in the film, says Andrew, was as challenging as bringing Aslan to life. The great lion is central to the story, the creator of Narnia and the only one who can help the children succeed in freeing it.

"I knew going in that one of the most technically challenging things was going to be Aslan. Because it's a very complex thing to pull off, a fully furred realistic creature. And then you have to have him speak. And I didn't want everyone to be thinking 'Oh, that's a great computer-generated lion.' So he had to be photo-real, to just get the reality of Narnia," Andrew explains. "We started the research and development on Aslan two years ago, just to get the wind in the hair and eyes that really have soul. Saliva in the mouth. Those things are very important - not because you notice that they're there, but when they're not there you really notice the absence and stop believing in the character. First he had to look like a real lion, and secondly characterwise he had to fit in the story."

That character is a complex one. "There's a great line in the book, 'Aslan is not a TAME lion,' and yet he's a very paternal character. He comforts and protects the kids, but you always know he's capable of great anger and great strength. I think that's why C.S. Lewis used a lion," Andrew muses. "Both the villain and the hero have an attraction/repulsion thing. The White Witch is physically attractive, and yet she's very evil. Aslan is very warm and approachable, and yet you know he could bite your hand off. Real lions have the same thing - I've been around a lot of them lately. You want to pet them, and at the same time you're terrified of petting them. What Liam Neeson brought to the character is this incredible resonance and power in his voice."

On December 9, the wardrobe will open and we'll all be able to enter the world of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." From hero to villain to the incredible cast of fabulous creatures that fill the screen, Narnia never ceases to amaze - both the four children who have stumbled upon it and film audiences alike. Andrew Adamson and his crew have brought the Narnia in the minds of millions of children to vivid life, and 55 years does not seem like it has been too long a wait.

Click Here for the Official Site

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E. Cardon Walker, Disney's Corporate Leader from 71-83 dies at 89

E. Cardon "Card" Walker, who led The Walt Disney Company for nearly a decade and a-half following the death of co-founder Roy O. Disney, passed away at his La Canada home on Monday, November 29, at the age of 89.

Walker rose through the ranks at Disney, starting in the mailroom in 1938 and eventually becoming executive vice president and chief operating officer following the death of Walt Disney. Walker worked closely with Walt and Roy Disney on memorable projects, such as It's a Small World, Meet Mr. Lincoln, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins and the purchase and development of the 28,000 acres in Central Florida that became Walt Disney World.

In 1971, he was named president of the company, in 1976, he added the duties of chief executive officer and, in 1980, he was elected chairman of the board. Under his leadership, the company expanded with such major projects as the development of EPCOT at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and the creation of the Disney Channel in the then-nascent cable industry.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Card Walker," said Robert Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "Card was instrumental in keeping Disney strong and growing in the critical years that followed the passing of founders Walt and Roy Disney. There is little question that, were it not for Card Walker's vision and leadership, Disney would not be what it is today."

"Card was a predecessor of mine as CEO and I was privileged to consult with him throughout much of my tenure at the company," said Michael D. Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "Thanks to his deep understanding of the company and its founders, talking to Card was the next best thing to talking to Walt himself. Card successfully steered this company through a challenging time of transition, establishing an incredibly strong base for success on which Disney continues to build."

Earlier in his career, Walker's duties included work in the camera and story departments as unit manager on short subjects, after which he moved into advertising and sales, rising to become the company's vice president of marketing. In 1960, he was elected to Disney's board of directors and served on its three-man executive committee. He retired as CEO and chairman in 1983, but continued to serve as a consultant until 1990.

Among Walker's many awards and honors were Pioneer of the Year from the Foundation of Motion Picture Pioneers, the International Showmanship Award from the National Association of Theater Owners and the Alumnus of the Year Award from UCLA.

Walker was born January 9, 1916 in Rexburg, Idaho and moved to Southern California in 1924. He died of congestive heart failure and is survived by Winnie, his wife of 59 years, as well as three children, Mignonne Walker Decker, Marnie Gaede and Cardon Walker, and five grandchildren, Katie, Matt, Dillon, Marcus and Miles.

Funeral services will be private. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, (800) 322-9474, www.wishla.org.

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G-Forces On Theme Park Thrill Rides Evaluated

In a first-of-its-kind investigation, Local 6 News teamed up with news partner Florida Today to evaluate G-forces riders experience on Central Florida's most popular thrill rides.

Questions about G-forces surfaced after last year's death of a 4-year-old on Epcot's Mission Space ride. A medical examiner recently determined that Daudi Bamuwayme died from a pre-existing heart condition.

Doctors have also been looking into whether an undetected medical problem caused 16-year-old Leanne Deacon to suffer a brain hemorrhage after riding the Tower of Terror ride at Disney-MGM Studios.

Officials said G-forces produced by the thrill rides are harmless for healthy riders. However, theme parks refuse to release information about the intensity of their rides.

So, using scientific equipment that measures G-forces, Local 6 News measured the powerful sensations rider's experience.

The report found that Disney's Space Mountain is still one of the more intense rides in the area -- showing more than 3.5 Gs.

"Surprisingly, that is about the same maximum force as Central Florida's newest thrill ride -- Universal's Revenge of the Mummy," Local 6 reporter Mike DeForest said.

"Neither one are super tall," American Coaster Enthusiasts spokesman Chris Kraftchick said. "They're paced very well. In other words, they don't sock you with a bunch of elements and then you go through a lull."

The report found Disney's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to be the most tame steel roller coaster tested, registering at 2.5 Gs.

Disney's Rock-N-Roller Coaster was found to launch riders to near 4.5 Gs in the first six seconds.

"You can feel it, you can feel your body really being pulled back," Kraftchick said. "If you think about it, you're launching up what, 60 mph straight up into two inversions."

The report found that The Hulk roller coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure quickly changed G-forces.

Going down a hill, riders feel weightless and then are pushed hard into their seats at 4.5 Gs.

The Hulk coaster had the highest gravitational forces measured in the Orlando area.

Amusement ride safety consultant Bill Avery said that based on G-forces alone, coasters that register more than 4 Gs like Universal's Dueling Dragons and Sea World's Kraken are typically harmless as long as the Gs are momentary.

"The body can withstand G's to the 'four' level," Avery said.

It is when coasters combine those high Gs with sudden directional changes that the risk of injure increases.

"If a person just takes a turn and they're still heading toward the right and then all of a sudden the roller coaster takes a quick left, they've never recovered from their initial momentum." Avery said.

Disney's Mission Space ride, which gives riders the sensation of blasting off to Mars, produced the most surprising G-force readings.

"I'm thinking, we must be pulling 8 or 10 Gs on this thing, as you're launching, your face is melting back in the seat," Kraftchick said.

Although the spinning of the centrifuge may make some people sick, the ride itself generatges just over 2 Gs, which is about the same amount as the Test Track ride located next door, DeForest said.

However, unlike roller coaster G-forces, which rapidly spike up and down, Mission Space produces long, sustained G-forces.

During launch of the Mission Space ride, DeForest experienced twice the force of gravity for 15 seconds.

"If you're expecting the greatest thrill to be on the highest G-Force ride, you may be disappointed, Avery said.

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Holiday Cruises are Pixie Dusted With Magic Aboard Disney Cruise Line

A magical tree lighting ceremony with Disney characters, festive holiday decor, carolers, gingerbread house building and even "snow" that magically falls, await all those who board a Disney Cruise during the month of December.

Just in time for the holiday season, both Disney ships -- Disney Magic and Disney Wonder -- are decked with boughs of holly and filled with holiday themed entertainment and activities for the entire family.

It all starts at Disney's private cruise terminal at Port Canaveral, Fla., where holiday decorations and Disney characters dressed in their season's best await all who board a Magical Holidays sailing. Onboard, guests find highlights including:

-A nearly three-deck-tall tree-lighting ceremony in the atrium lobby, where "snow" magically falls

-A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids

-International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe

-Special family time, when families join together to design and decorate their own gingerbread houses

-A reading of T'was the Night Before Christmas by Mrs. Claus

-Traditional holiday feasts in Disney's three themed dining rooms

-Multiple faith and inter-denominational holiday services

-A ship-wide party to ring in 2006 and a New Year's Day tailgate party

The last stop for all Disney Cruises is the line's private island -- Castaway Cay -- where guests are treated to a "Magical Wonderland," a themed decor package that has transformed the sandy Bahamian island into a "snowy" holiday hideaway.

In addition to "snow" flurries, guests enjoy seeing Christmas trees, Mr. and Mrs. Snowman (with shell noses and tropical shirts), carolers and a sleigh full of presents in the middle of the Bahamas. Even the island's tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island has been decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and tail.

At the beach, families learn the art of sand sculpting, while kids try their hand at holiday themed children's activities including making candy cane reindeers, paper plate angels and snowflake-mobiles.

Whether aboard or ashore, Disney Cruise Line guests will find the first class cruise experience that Disney is known for -- now with a touch of the holidays -- for every member of the family.

Rates for Magical Holiday sailings start at $429 (three-night), $499 (four-night) and $939 (seven-night) and are based on double occupancy.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort are also available. Both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will embark on new itineraries in 2006, with the Disney Magic including a seven-night alternate Western Caribbean itinerary making two stops at Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will sail two first-ever 10- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern Caribbean.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit http://www.disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500.

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Sweeney: Disney ready for breakthroughs

Disney-ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney stressed the need to embrace change during the keynote session of the DEMXPO Digital Entertainment and Media conference Wednesday in Los Angeles.

"I think the beauty of the company is that we love chaos," Sweeney said during the morning Q&A session with Robert J. Dowling, editor-in-chief and publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, that opened the two-day conference at the Century Plaza Hotel.

The disruptive effects of new media technologies was the dominant theme in their wide-ranging discussion, which touched on the Walt Disney Co.'s recent deals to put branded TV programming on new platforms including Apple's iPod and Verizon's V Cast mobile phone.

Sweeney, who is also co-chairman of Disney's Media Networks division, noted that Disney was prepared for bold breakthroughs like the iPod deal, which put ABC series including "Lost" on the popular device, because of its long history of experimentation. She cited the conversion of the Disney Channel from premium to basic cable and the formation of Disney's Zoog brand in the online space as examples.

"We actually have been in training for this moment for the past 10 years," she said.

Sweeney held the iPod experiment as an opportunity to research new-media consumption habits, noting that different programs may be conducive to different platforms. "The same technology may not work for 'Lost' and [Disney Channel's] 'That's So Raven,'" she said.

While she had high praise for Disney's foray into new platforms, she emphasized the primacy of the ABC network in driving the direction of the programming. She singled out the marketing campaign that introduced "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" as the way Disney needs to launch all of its programming in the future.

"The message was clean and clear," Sweeney said. "It helps the viewer to navigate to the show."

Sweeney also spoke of the importance in evolving the relationship between Disney's TV properties and the advertisers. "We are engaged with them in figuring out what their future is," she said. "We need to find new ways of working with them."

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Disney awards $50,500 to Seminole County teachers

Walt Disney World awarded $50,500 to outstanding Seminole County teachers and their schools during Disney's "Teacherrific Symposium and Awards" event Wednesday.

Teachers Lynn Allen, Barbara Atkins and Amy Bombard of Geneva Elementary School split a Disney award worth $15,000 for them and $7,500 for their school. The three teachers won for their project "Do the Right Thing," a program that reduced discipline referrals by half by empowering students to make positive decisions and encouraging teachers to reinforce constructive choices.

Disney also awarded cash prizes to teachers at Seminole High School, Jackson Heights Middle School and Sterling Park, Layer, Partin, Casselberry, Goldsboro and Woodlands elementary schools.

Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS), which operates the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks in Orlando, also sponsors Teacher of the Year awards.

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ABC Prolonging the Magic

Not long ago, I wrote about Disney's (NYSE: DIS) ABC unit and how it was enjoying a great start to the new television season. Looking at some all-important sweeps numbers for November, it appears ABC is still doing well.

According to CNNMoney, ABC scored an average daily viewer ship of 5.54 million in the vaunted 18-to-49 demographic, a 6% year-over-year increase. Granted, Viacom's (NYSE: VIA) CBS was in first place, delivering 5.8 million viewers. But that represented a slight drop from the previous year's November ratings book. Sweeps is a crucial time for television because the value of advertising inventory depends on the performance of programming during the period. So you can bet that Mickey's investors are pleased at such news.

To get a feel of how important a flourishing ABC is, let's look at the numbers from Disney's full-year report. The broadcasting segment achieved operating income of $464 million, including the effect of stock options, for the fiscal year versus $245 million in the previous year. That's nice profit growth, and it came behind a 10.7% increase in revenues to $5.9 billion. Granted, the cable networks generate more revenue and much more operating profit. But it's important for ABC to shine, as it can only help drive revenues and income in other parts of the company (hey, we're still talking synergy here, after all), in addition to contributing the green stuff on its own.

How long will the good times last at ABC? I don't know. But I hope the company can keep the momentum going and not end up like General Electric's (NYSE: GE) NBC, which is still searching for a magic bullet to get viewers over to its side. As to when the stock will again fly, I suggest you remain patient; of course, a lot of people are probably laughing at that statement, because Disney stock has been nothing but a Draconian exercise in patience. Someday, my friends, someday -- it's what long-term investing is all about.

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Disney Online Launches 'Disney's Game Cafe

Disney Online, part of the Walt Disney Internet Group and the leader in kids and family online entertainment, today announced the launch of Disney's Game Cafe (www.disneysgamecafe.com), the company's first downloadable games collection and Web site specifically tailored for a "grown-up" audience.

An extension of Disney Online's Disney Game Downloads (www.disneygamedownloads.com) business, which offers premium Disney games most appropriate for kids age five and up, Disney's Game Cafe launches with 20 exciting games with appeal for adults 25-45 who can easily download and play offline with friends and family. With plans to add more games in the future, the initial line-up includes Disney titles, as well as the following popular titles from leading online developers and publishers:

Cubis 2 Gold and Word Mojo Gold from FreshGames
Diner Dash and Subway Scramble from PlayFirst
Bejeweled 2, Chuzzle, Zuma, Bookworm, Rocket Mania, Insaniquarium, AstroPop, Typer Shark, Dynomite, Pixelus and Big Money from PopCap Games

Games are available for downloading for $9.95 to $19.95 or a free trial is available by visiting www.disneysgamecafe.com.

"We are pleased to expand our downloadable games offering, broadening our appeal to include a diverse collection of games the whole family can enjoy," said Steve Parkis, vice president of premium products for Disney Online. "By partnering with the best developers and publishers of downloadable games, we are able to expand our commitment to providing high quality online entertainment for both kids and their parents."

Since Disney Online (www.disney.com) launched in 1995 it has become the number one kids and family entertainment destination on the Internet, with an estimated 77 percent of traffic from adults (comScore Media Metrix, October 2005). Disney Online provides an interactive gateway to family entertainment that features many of the popular Disney characters.

For more information regarding Disney's Game Cafe and to access the games line up, please visit www.disneysgamecafe.com.

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Toon Disney gearing up to take on Cartoon Network

Going local is surely the way forward for kids channels. Or so says Toon Disney's report card after the channel went Hindi from 1 September. Moreover, buoyed by the way the channel is growing in the South, Toon Disney is now looking at replicating the success in the North too, thus providing some stiff competition to runaway market leaders Cartoon Network and Pogo.

Going by Tam data prior to and post the Hindi launch, Toon Disney's relative channel share and gross rating points (GRPs) have more than doubled. The channel now stands in the third spot among all kids' channels in the C&S 4-14 years all India market as of week 47 (mid-November). Prior to the Hindi launch, it was in the fifth position after Cartoon Network, Pogo, Disney Channel and Hungama TV (in that order).

In fact, Toon Disney is the only kids' channel that has shown a sizable leap in numbers from September to mid-November. As per Tam data, Toon Disney's reach has been increasing by almost 18 per cent each month.

In week 35 (August-end), the relative channel of Toon Disney was 7 per cent and consistently increased to touch 16 per cent in week 47 in the C&S 4-14 years all India market, according to Tam data.

So, while Cartoon Network continues to reign supreme in the kids' space with a relative channel share of 36 per cent, Pogo is close behind with 21 per cent in week 47 in the C&S 4-14 years all India market, according to Tam. On the other hand, Disney Channel, which was in the No 3 spot in week 35, has given way to its sibling Toon Disney, and now occupies the fourth spot with a relative channel share of 12 per cent in week 47.

The shares of Hungama TV and Nick have also shown some increase. While Hungama TV's channel share went up from 10 per cent in week 35 to 12 per cent in week 47; that of Nick went up from 3 per cent to 4 per cent in the above mentioned time frame.

If one moves down South, where only Toon Disney and Disney Channel have a dedicated Tamil and Telugu language feed; Toon Disney shows have made it to the Top 10 shows; hence breaking Cartoon Network's monopoly.

While the Top 3 shows are dominated by Cartoon Network; Toon Disney shows - Power Rangers Wild Force and Mickey Mouse and Friends were fourth and fifth in line in the C&S 4-14 years South market in the period 23 October to 19 November 2005 according to Tam. On the other hand, Toon Disney's Power Rangers Dino Thunder also made it to Top 10 shows in the South.

Walt Disney International Television (India) programming director Nachiket Pantavaidya informs that last week, Power Rangers on Toon Disney was the number one show in the South and managed to beat the market leader.

According to Pantvaidya, the next six-eight months are critical as the network looks to replicate the South success of Toon Disney in the North too. "Toon Disney has now become a challenger brand and last week's performance of Power Rangers speaks for itself. The two reasons that contributed to this success are that we invested in our language feeds and secondly, we gave our entire promotions thrust to the Power Rangers property and that has now borne fruit. We have focussed 70 per cent of our airtime on Power Rangers. It is the number one horse in our stable, which will topple Cartoon Network in days to come," says an upbeat Pantavaidya.

Toon Disney's GRPs too have witnessed a significant rise. While in week 35, the channel had GRPs of 19.0; it touched 54.3 in week 47 in the C&S 4-14 years all India market, according to Tam data.

Moving on, if one had to look at the top 10 shows on kids channels at the all India level, it is Cartoon Network shows that rules the roost in the period 23 October to 19 November 2005. The following shows are the ones, which are catching the kids' fancy -- Tom & Jerry, Cartoon Network Diwali Dhamaal Movie - Rama, Richie Rich, Tom & Jerry Kids, Toonami-Pokemon, Bob The Builder, Dragon Tales and What's New Scooby Doo.

But going by the way Toon Disney is fast climbing up the popularity ladder, complacency is not something that Cartoon Network and Pogo can afford. So expect a riposte from them sooner rather than later.

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Chinese astronauts tour Hong Kong Disneyland, mingle with Buzz Lightyear

Fantasy met reality Monday as astronauts from China's second manned space mission toured the space-themed Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland, mingling with Disney movie space character Buzz Lightyear.

Television footage showed astronauts Nie Haisheng and Fei Junlong, dressed in blue uniforms and waving to the crowd while standing beside an actor dressed as Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut character from the Disney film "Toy Story."

Nie flashed a victory sign, and the astronauts shook hands with onlookers.

The astronauts are on a three-day tour of Hong Kong aimed at boosting patriotism in this former British colony.

Nie and Fei circled around Earth continuously for five days last month aboard the Shenzhou 6 capsule, covering 3.2 million kilometers (2 million miles) in 115 hours, 32 minutes.

The mission came after China's first manned mission in 2003, when astronaut Yang Liwei orbited for 21 1/2 hours.

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Hong Kong govt rejects request for details on Disneyland construction costs

The government has rejected a request by Legislative Council member Choy So-yu for disclosure on the costs of building various facilities at the Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened to the public in September.

Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao said in a statement that the information sought by Choy cannot be disclosed as doing so may not be in the best interest of Hong Kong International Theme Park Ltd (HKITP).

HKITP is a joint venture formed by the government and Walt Disney Co to set up and operate the theme park.

'In order to ensure that HKITP secures the most favourable terms from contractors in future tendering exercises and that its bargaining position will not be affected, construction costs in the contracts should not be released,' she said.

She added that Hong Kong Disneyland is being run in accordance with the usual commercial principles and model of Walt Disney Co.

She said HKITP was provided total financing of 14.1 bln hkd, comprised of equity injection from the government and Walt Disney, as well as loans provided by the government and commercial entities.

Choy asked Liao to disclose construction costs at Disneyland following media reports that the costs were 'excessively high', raising doubts about whether the government had closely monitored expenditures in the project.

Liao said that while Disneyland was being constructed, HKITP's management company was required to report on the work progress and expenditures to HKITP's board.

'Under close monitoring of the board, construction of Hong Kong Disneyland was completed on schedule and within the approved financing arrangements,' she said.

She added that Walt Disney undertook the planning of all facilities in Hong Kong Disneyland as it has over 50 years' experience in building and operating theme parks.

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ABC finds its 'sweeps' success

Once a ratings doormat, ABC is in the running to win its first "sweeps" period in nearly six years.

Which just goes to show the good a pregnant man can do.

ABC and CBS are battling to the wire for crucial young-adult viewers, and TV executives say the race is too close to call for the month long sweeps, which end tonight. But there's no doubt that, in addition to "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," ABC has been helped by "Grey's Anatomy," a quirky medical drama that has turned into one of network TV's biggest hits.

Viewers have clearly grown partial to the interns at Seattle Grace Hospital and their frequently wacky patients, including the man who turned up in an episode this month claiming to be expecting (his abdominal growth turned out to be a rare tumor).

"Creatively, it's getting stronger and stronger," ABC prime-time entertainment chief Steve McPherson said in an interview this week.

The same could be said of ABC's overall schedule, which over the last year has risen from the ashes to threaten CBS, which is still riding high from the success of such hits as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and the "Survivor" franchise, along with promising newcomers such as the profiler drama "Criminal Minds."

Through Monday night, CBS was leading ABC among the coveted 18- to 49-year-old viewer demographic by a sliver-thin one-tenth of a rating point, with many analysts and executives expecting ABC to eke out a tie by the time the dust settles Thursday morning.

Even if the Walt Disney Co.-owned network has to settle for a close second, that would count as an astonishing turnaround. ABC, which is up 8% among young adults compared with a year ago, while CBS is flat, has not won a sweep period in the adults aged 18-49 category since May 2000, when it tied NBC, thanks to the game-show sensation "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Since then, ABC has been in what a losing football coach would inevitably dub "a rebuilding phase."

NBC, meanwhile, the onetime king of the young adult "demo," has seen its ratings tumble 18% compared with last year and will likely tie with Fox for third place. Among total viewers in the prime-time sweeps, CBS has a commanding lead (14.6 million nightly primetime average), trailed by ABC (11.4 million), NBC (9.2 million) and Fox (7.6 million), according to figures from Nielsen Media Research.

The reversal of fortunes at ABC and NBC has taken even some analysts by surprise. Although NBC has mostly kept its focus on affluent young-adult viewers, its audience is aging (and getting smaller) as new series such as "E-Ring" and "Surface" have fizzled and older series like "ER" steadily lose momentum. The new comedy "My Name Is Earl" is a bright spot, although it's considered a modest success rather than a standout hit.

"Who could have said that NBC would be a non contender for [ages] 18-49 in the November sweep?" said Shari Anne Brill, an analyst for the ad firm Carat USA in New York.

The results are particularly illuminating because, for the most part, networks relied on their regularly scheduled series rather than loading up on the stunts and specials that often dominate sweep periods — and that can obscure networks' real strengths and weaknesses. "It doesn't feel like everybody's bringing out their heavy artillery," Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman said.

The relative quiet prevails partly because some major TV markets, including Los Angeles, are now using local "people meters" from Nielsen, which can offer more detailed audience data and which many experts believe will eventually spell the extinction of sweeps, which local stations use to set ad rates. Also, as CBS scheduling chief Kelly Kahl noted, there have been relatively fewer new series than normal that failed right away this fall, leaving fewer open slots for specials.

For example, the drama "Prison Break" delivered better-than-expected numbers for Fox, and NBC ordered more episodes of "E-Ring" and "Surface," even though the series have not performed well. ABC's heavily publicized "Commander in Chief" has failed to catch on among younger viewers, although it's still hanging in on Tuesday nights. Fox's "Reunion," NBC's "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" and CBS' "Threshold," meanwhile, all count as major disappointments.

But another factor may be at play as well: The calm before the winter storm that is "American Idol."

Fox will bring back its gargantuan hit in January, although it has not announced exactly when or where it will reside on the schedule. Speculation about its ultimate whereabouts is dominating talk at the TV networks. In years past, "Idol" has dominated Tuesdays and much of Wednesdays, with some high-rated specials thrown in on Mondays as well. But there is speculation that Fox will shake things up by plopping the "Idol" "results show" on Thursdays, TV's most lucrative night, when Fox has never had much success building an audience.

The decision carries high stakes not just for Fox but for all its rivals as well.

If "Idol" moves to Thursdays, for example, NBC might well scotch a contemplated plan to move "Earl" to that night and try to begin rebuilding its "must-see" comedy block. And CBS would likely feel the heat on "Survivor" or "CSI," depending on exactly where "Idol" lands. But for now, Fox's rivals will have to squirm a bit longer, like the pregnant man in "Grey's Anatomy."

"We'll hopefully, sometime before 'Idol' comes on, announce our plans," Fox's Beckman said with a laugh.

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Kingdom Hearts II Gets Light Cycles

Development on Kingdom Hearts II is at last wrapping up over at Square Enix. Likely to be the biggest PS2 title of the year in Japan, Kingdom Hearts II lands across the Pacific just in time for Christmas, and while the English version won't arrive until some time next year, this is one title that definitely looks worth the wait.

Recently, producer Tetsuya Nomura has been seen discussing the title in Japan's vast array of game publications. The biggest revelation, for us old timers at least, comes in the latest Famitsu PS2, where Nomura discusses the Tron world. Nomura reveals to the magazine the answer to a question that's been on everyone's mind since the world was first unveiled on the pages of Jump Magazine a few weeks back: will there be a light cycle sequence? The answer is yes!

The Light Cycle sequences in the Tron movie had the hero riding a special bike through a grid as part of a competitive game. The bike generates a wall as it moves, creating a maze as two riders race against one another. As shown in the movie, the best way to defeat an opponent is to pass him up, then turn in his direction, creating a wall that's difficult to avoid.

In Kingdom Hearts II, the light cycle sequence will apparently differ somewhat from what was featured in the movie. Nomura won't reveal specifics, but he promises something with a "similar feel," where walls suddenly appear and you have to avoid them while moving forward.

The Tron World, known more properly as Space Paranoids, after the videogame featured in the movie, was the first stage set for inclusion in Kingdom Hearts II. However, it ended up being the last to be announced. You still have plenty of time to watch the movie if you haven't already, though, so make haste to your local video shop. Square Enix has turned Sora into a gladiator for this stage, and has filled the world with 80s computer sounds, so we have a feeling that, for maximum enjoyment, you'll want to have seen the flick before playing.

In case you haven't been keeping track, here's the full list of worlds featured in Kingdom Hearts II.

World of Aladdin
World of Beauty and the Beast
World of Disney Castle
World of Hercules
World of Lion King
World of Little Mermaid
World of Mulan
World of Pirates of the Caribbean
World of Steamboat Willie
World of The Nightmare Before Christmas
World of Tron: Space Paranoids
World of Winnie the Pooh: 100 Acre Wood

And, of course, you'll find a few Kingdom Hearts original creations. Twilight Town serves as the starting point for your adventures in Kingdom Hearts II. Hallow Bastion, also from the original, is undergoing a restoration thanks to Final Fantasy's Leon, Cid and Yuffie, and will serve as the equivalent of Twilight Town as it appeared in the original. Incidentally, with regards to Final Fantasy characters, Nomura reveals that the original plan was to have the entire cast from the original Kingdom Hearts reappear along with five new characters. KHII ended up with even more than that, so FF fans will want to be on the lookout for their favorite characters.

While a few of the Disney worlds appeared in the first title, they've been updated for the sequel. You'll recognize, for instance, the Winnie the Pooh stage. It's been improved with an updated mini-game where you control Sora as he carries Pooh on his back, collecting honey jars and avoiding a falling snowball. The Hercules world is back as well, with Nomura joking in a separate interview, "This time, Hercules talks a lot. And he's very strong." The Disney Castle world can now be fully explored. This was something that fans were requesting, Nomura reveals, although the process of mapping out the whole castle was, apparently, exhausting.

Many of the worlds are new, though. The Pirates of the Caribbean and Tron stages represent a change of pace for the series, Nomura states, thanks to the use of human-like characters. The all-new Steamboat Willie stage is black and white and features classic-sounding audio. The Lion King stage is something Nomura had wanted to put into the original, but was unable to due to the inability of the game engine to handle four-legged characters. Lion King is actually one his favorite Disney movies.

Taking center stage (because it's this writer's favorite Disney movie) is a world that appeared in the original title: Little Mermaid. Nomura refers to the Kingdom Hearts II take on Little Mermaid as a "special world, where progression is almost entirely through events and music." According to Nomura, we can look forward to a recreation of the Under the Sea song this time around! The underwater battles from the original, which were deemed too difficult due to the added freedom of movement, have been done away with, replaced with a new form of musical battle.

Sora changes shape for a few of the worlds. In the Steamboat Willie world, he appears with a simplified model, although battle controls remain the same as with the standard Sora. Sora appears as a merman in The Little Mermaid world, as he did in the original. In the Lion King world, Sora appears in lion cub form. He attacks with a key blade and can use magic, but because he's without clothing in this form, he cannot use drive moves. Donald, who appears as a bird in the Lion King world, using uses a magic wand that he carries in his feet. Goofy, a tortoise in this stage, uses his shell for attacks.

As with the original, which had the 101 Dalmatians appear without their own world, we can look forward to some other major tie-ups for Kingdom Hearts II. Yensid, from Fantasia, will appear in the game as part of the storyline. And how does a Lilo and Stitch summon spell sound?

This game just keeps on getting better and better and gamers in Japan (and Japanese correspondents in Japan) will get to play it on 12/22. A stateside release should follow some time next year, but in the meanwhile, you'll want to check back with IGN for further coverage later this year.

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Author CS Lewis opposed screen version of "Narnia"

C.S. Lewis, author of the classic children's "Narnia" books which are about to make their big screen debut, was "absolutely opposed" to a live action version of his stories, a newly published letter shows.

Walt Disney's "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" is expected to be a big box office hit this Christmas season, thanks to its blend of magical fantasy themes and a strong Christian slant.

But a letter from Lewis, posted on the literary Web site Nthposition.com, revealed that he had strong feelings about how his book should be used.

"I am absolutely opposed -- adamant isn't in it! -- to a TV version," he wrote to BBC producer Lance Sieveking, who had created a radio version of his book which had met Lewis' approval.

The story tells of four children who travel through a magic wardrobe into the land of Narnia, home to talking animals, a wicked witch and the god-like lion, Aslan.

Disney hopes that the movie, which has its world premiere in London on December 7, will be as big a hit with children as the "Harry Potter" series, thanks in part to the support of Christian church leaders.

Although Lewis, who died in 1963, said he would have considered a cartoon version, his letter suggests he is unlikely to have approved of Disney's interpretation, particularly its computer-generated Aslan.

"Anthropomorphic animals, when taken out of narrative into actual visibility, always turn into buffoonery or nightmare -- at least with photography," he wrote.

"Cartoons (if only Disney did not combine so much vulgarity with his genius!) would be another matter. A human, pantomime, Aslan would be, to me, blasphemy."

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Mickey Mouse to help Lenovo sell laptops

China's biggest PC maker Lenovo announced yesterday that its laptop business will focus on developing wide-screen products with the help of Mickey Mouse.

The company launched a series of wide-screen laptops, ranging from 12 to 15 inches, for its winter promotion, which started yesterday and will last until early February.

"We expect that wide-screen laptops will account for 50 per cent of our sales in the Lenovo-branded laptop business after the winter promotion," Zhang Hui, vice-president of Lenovo Group, said yesterday at a press conference in Hong Kong.

Last November, Lenovo launched the world's first 13.1 inch wide-screen laptop. So far, wide-screen products have accounted for 23 per cent of its laptop sales.

According to Zhang, "wide" is the growing trend for computer displays and many PC makers have rushed to launch new products. Market statistics show about 30 per cent of consumers would choose wide-screen computers over standard-screens. And this proportion would increase to 80 per cent if wide-screen products were priced the same as standard-screen computers.

Due to increasing demand for wide-screen products, Lenovo plans to develop its Tianyi series into a wide-screen product range.

To promote its wide-screen products, the PC maker yesterday also released the world's first laptop featuring the well-known Mickey Mouse image. Under the authorization of Disney Co, the company will sell a limited number of Mickey or Minnie-themed laptops, based on its Tianyi 100 model, in the Chinese mainland.

It can also use Mickey and other Disney cartoon images in its more than 3,000 outlets around China, to provide a more entertaining and enticing environment for consumers.

"The co-operation with Disney, like many others we have done before, will help improve the popularity of the Lenovo brand around the world," Zhang said.

After the acquisition of IBM's laptop business last December, the company has gone into co-operation with big international brands like Visa and Coca Cola as a marketing ploy. It is also the main sponsor of the 2008 Olympic Games. For its winter promotion program, Lenovo has also gone into co-operation with Kodak.

It is widely believed that the acquisition of ThinkPad has provided a better platform for Lenovo to involve other influential companies in its marketing strategy, which will inevitably help Lenovo on its way to becoming a global brand.

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Disney fine-tunes ABC Radio auction

Walt Disney, the US media conglomerate, has narrowed the field of bidders for its ABC Radio division.

The move that should pave the way for a sale of the unit before the end of the year. Analysts have estimated the unit could be val-ued at between $2bn and $3bn.

People familiar with the matter last night said that only three groups remained in the auction to acquire ABC Radio, after months of negotiations and a series of rounds of bidding.

The potential buyers were Entercom Communications of Pennsylvania, Cumulus Radio of Georgia – which recently acquired a large portfolio of radio assets from Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff, a Pennsylvania-based conglomerate – and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, the US private equity group that unexpectedly emerged as a player in the race in recent days. It was still unclear yesterday whether KKR had teamed up with a trade buyer in order to win the bidding, and perhaps structure the deal as a Reverse Morris Trust, under which ABC Radio would be spun off and then sold with Disney shareholders retaining a large stake.

The Disney deal comes at a time when valuations in the radio sector are at a much lower level than when most of the mergers and acquisitions activity occured in the early 1990s. However, the relatively high valuation of $1.2bn obtained by Susquehanna in its sale to Cumulus encouraged Disney to proceed, in the hope of clinching a deal before the end of the year, said industry insiders.

Disney's radio group includes 72 stations, with 44 in the top 25 markets. In 2004, Disney group reported an estimated $710m in revenue, according to a recent report.

The company decided to consider a sale following the appointment of Bob Iger as the new chief executive, which prompted a review of all the media group's assets – which include theme parks, animated film production, film studios and the ABC television group.

Disney declined to comment. Its shares, which have been rising over the past month, closed up 0.2 per cent at $25.08 yesterday on the New York Stock Exchange.

A sale of its radio unit would represent another step in the reshaping of the global media industry, which is haveing to cope with depressed stock prices and increased competition from telecommunications providers and technology providers.

Advising Disney in the auction are investment bankers at Goldman Sachs, which are also working with Knight Ridder, the newspaper chain, on its search for a buyer.

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Yamaha Named the Official Supplier of Musical Instruments to the Disneyland Resort

Yamaha Corporation of America, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments, has announced a new phase in its long-standing relationship with The Walt Disney Company that makes it the official supplier of musical instruments to the Disneyland Resort.

Under the terms of the renewable five-year agreement, Yamaha will provide a full complement of musical instruments for use in entertainment productions and rehearsal halls at the Disneyland Resort. Prior to this formal relationship, Yamaha and Disney had collaborated on a number of individual projects over the last 15 years.

The "Happiest Place on Earth" is marking its 50th anniversary with the 18-month-long "Happiest Homecoming On Earth" in 2005 and 2006.

"It is a pleasure to officially make Yamaha part of the Disneyland Resort family," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. "Anyone who has visited a Disney theme park knows that music is a key part of the experience. That is why we are excited about working with Yamaha -- a company with a global reputation for quality, artistry and a commitment to the development of young people."

Yamaha's relationship with Disney offers opportunities for its authorized retailers around the country. In addition to the excitement and prestige of associating with the well-known family entertainment icon, retailers will have the opportunity to offer instruments for sale that have been played at the Resort. Instruments will be cycled out of the parks for retail distribution up to two times per year.

The Walt Disney Company is considered to be one of the largest employers of professional musicians in the world and Yamaha instruments will appear at numerous locations throughout the Disneyland Resort. The equipment placed in the first year will include percussion products, pianos -- including a CFIII nine-foot concert grand for the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel, digital pianos, synthesizers and amplifiers. Additional equipment placements will be made each year throughout the next five years.

In addition to product placement, Yamaha will sponsor the internationally acclaimed "Disney's Magic Music Days" at the Disneyland Resort, which welcomes more than 100,000 high school students a year to visit and perform at the parks. Yamaha's logo will be displayed in the rehearsal halls and Disney's Magic Music Days back stage areas. Yamaha will also have a sampling of its technologically-advanced products placed in the "Innoventions" attraction in Tomorrowland.

"Disney is the world's premier entertainment brand, and Disneyland is the historical birthplace and focal point of that magic," says Yamaha senior vice president Terry Lewis. "Our new partnership holds a wealth of strategic benefits for us, our retailers and for Disneyland, all in a framework that reinforces the values of music and family that our two organizations share."

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ABC, CBS offer Pope John Paul II biopics

Controversial depictions of romance, heroism, anti-Communism and molestation scandals are part of two new biopics on the life of Pope John Paul II.

When TV networks pursue the same ideas they typically pretend otherwise. But there was unambiguous rivalry as ABC and CBS rushed their movies through production after John Paul’s death April 2.

Now they’re airing almost head-to-head: ABC’s two-hour “Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II” at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday, and CBS’s two-part “Pope John Paul II” at 9 p.m. Sunday and the following Wednesday at 8.

Both productions portray a remarkable man who worked with Christian colleagues to outlast brutal tyranny under both Nazis and Communists, preaching resolute resistance without descending to terrorism. He then became one of history’s great popes.

Neither film measures up to the Hallmark Channel’s “A Man Who Became Pope,” a four-hour European epic that aired in August. But both new films are lavishly produced, well-acted and eminently watchable for believer and skeptic alike.

ABC’s effort, filmed in Lithuania and Rome, casts Thomas Kretschmann (Captain Hosenfeld in “The Pianist”) as Wojtyla. It suffers from cramming vast material into limited time, with the tale jerking along from one vignette to the next.

CBS’s more leisurely pace allows storytelling flow and narrative context. Filmed in Poland and Rome, it also benefits from Academy Award winner Jon Voight’s portrayal of John Paul from his elevation to his death.

However, it’s disconcerting that CBS has Cary Elwes (Dr. Lawrence Gordon from “Saw”) playing Wojtyla as an adult through the conclave that made him pope. All of a sudden, Voight materializes as the brand-new pope on the balcony overlooking St. Peters Square.

CBS sought and received Pope Benedict XVI’s blessing at a Nov. 17 screening, while ABC emphasizes that it proceeded without Vatican assistance. For the most part that makes little difference — but three ABC scenes will spark debate.

Debatable claims, and kisses?

When Polish workers rise against their Communist overlords and Soviet troops mass near the border, ABC has John Paul notifying the Kremlin that if it invades Poland, “I will relinquish the throne of St. Peter and stand at the barricades with my fellow Poles.” There’s no evidence for that implausible claim.

CBS avoids such mythological heroics, but perpetuates the equally debatable claim that after meeting President Reagan in private, John Paul reported that “we decided to work together” against Communism.

Second, ABC has John Paul berating El Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero over his Marxist-tinged theology, then being stricken with guilt after a right-wing death squad murders Romero. Third, when America’s molestation scandal erupts in 2002, an aide says “they accuse you too” and John Paul replies, “I accept this criticism.... I have asked for forgiveness.”

There’s no corroboration for either incident.

Though most previous popes were cloistered young adults, Wojtyla was a handsome amateur actor at university, and all three TV depictions toy with his relationships to women.

The Hallmark Channel had Wojtyla kiss a woman, but only to fool Nazi soldiers. ABC’s racier Wojtyla delivers a warm kiss to a classmate, but she says no liaison is possible because she’s Jewish. With CBS, Wojtyla walks arm in arm with a woman, but says he’s too occupied with Nazi occupation to think of romance.

The most intriguing bit, plausible but hard to prove, is on CBS:

Warsaw’s indomitable Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, who was incarcerated by both Hitler and Stalin, omits Wojtyla on his list of bishop candidates submitted to the Polish Communists for approval. The regime rejects all names on the list and Wojtyla becomes a bishop at a notably young 38.

Did Wyszynski bypass Wojtyla as too naJive about Communism, or too liberal on church issues? Or did he know his endorsement would be the kiss of death and purposely plot to make sure Wojtyla became a bishop?

The question lingers after the credits fade.

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Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre Celebrates Disney/Walden Media's "The Chronicles Of Narnia"

Hollywood's legendary movie palace, the El Capitan Theatre, adds to the fun and excitement of one of the season's most highly anticipated movie events - Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media's "The Chronicle of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' - with an elaborate and exclusive exhibit featuring mystical beasts and creatures, costumes, armor, shields, sword, and the actual wardrobe and lamppost from the film, it was announced today by Lylle Breier, senior vice president of worldwide special events for Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. This impressive exhibit, which will be on display for the entire engagement from December 9th through January 26th, transports moviegoers into the world of Narnia and adds a new dimension to experiencing the film. Tickets can be purchased at the El Capitan box office, by calling 1-800-DISNEY6, or online at www.elcapitantickets.com. Daily showtimes are 10:00 am, 1:20 pm, 4:40 pm, 8:00 pm, and 11:20 pm. Group rates are available by calling 1-800-845-3110.

Commenting on the announcement, Breier said, "The world of Narnia will become a very real place to El Capitan guests with this very special exhibit, and we're going all out to give moviegoers one of the most amazing experiences they've ever had. This is a terrific film with a classic story, a colorful cast of human and animal characters, and some fantastic imagery. We wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and excitement at the theatre, and give audiences something that they will always remember. Just as the C. S. Lewis books come alive in this exciting new film, the film comes alive at the El Capitan with this very special exhibit."

Throughout the entire run of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" at the El Capitan Theatre, guests will have an opportunity to enter "The Magical Kodak Digital Sweepstakes," with a chance to win a Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera package (including a Kodak Zoom Digital Camera, photo printer dock, and accessories). A new winner will be selected each week. Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store, located adjacent to the theatre, also joins in the fun with a new ice cream sundae creation – the "Narnia Winter Wonderland" – Celebrate the 100 year winter with two scoops of rocky road ice cream, blanketed with a thick layer of marshmallow fluff, and dusted with chocolate snow caps and whipped cream. Enjoy the sundae, and afterwards take home the commemorative bowl!

Based on C. S. Lewis' timeless adventure "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe," the movie follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings – Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell) and Peter (William Moseley) -- in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of 'hide-and-seek' in the rural country home of an elderly professor (Jim Broadbent). Once there, the children discover an incredible new world inhabited by talking beasts, dwarves, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton). Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), the children fight to overcome the White Witch's powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from her icy spell forever.

The film marks the first live-action directorial effort for New Zealander Andrew Adamson (the Oscar-winning "Shrek," "Shrek 2"), who also co-wrote the screenplay adaptation with Emmy Award-winner Ann Peacock (HBO's "A Lesson Before Dying") and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. The film is produced by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer.

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Report names ABC Radio bidders

The Walt Disney Co. has narrowed the field of suitors for its ABC Radio down to three companies, according to a Financial Times report.

The potential buyers include Entercom Communications Corp. based in Pennsylvania, Atlanta's Cumulus Media Inc. and private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, based in New York.

KKR unexpectedly became part of the bidding race in recent days, the report said. Earlier this month, Entercom outlined a plan that would have the company combining with the Disney-owned ABC Radio group.

According to the report, analysts have said the sale of Burbank-based Disney's 72 stations is valued between $2 billion and $3 billion. The company began considering a sale after reviewing its media group's assets when Robert Iger took over as Disney CEO, the report said.

Investment bankers at Goldman Sachs are advising Disney on the posssible sale, the report said.

In addition to its radio stations, Disney operates Walt Disney Parks & Resorts; owns ABC television network, 10 broadcast stations, and produces films through Walt Disney Studios.

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Tuesday November 29, 2005

Bruckheimer renews Disney film production deal
Hong Kong Disneyland workers to launch union

Disney CEO Iger Says Movies Must Get To DVD Faster

Disney to auction off 'Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas' items

Sky High on DVD

Disney To Provide 'iPod' Content Insurance

Disney Enables ESPN Fans to Dial In

The Muppet Movie and other Muppet Favorites

Veteran Disney film distribution executive dies

'Replacements' finds place on Disney Channel

Disney Makes New Season Possible for Kim

Disney goes mobile

Bruckheimer renews Disney film production deal

The Walt Disney Co. has extended its long-term relationship with "Pirates of the Caribbean" producer Jerry Bruckheimer in a deal that gives the studio the first look at the hit maker's new projects, representatives for both parties said on Tuesday.

The new pact runs until Sept. 30, 2007 and is retroactive to films he made after September of 2002, including "Pirates," "National Treasure," starring Nicolas Cage, and "King Arthur," starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley.

It is not clear how the retroactivity of the contract affects Disney's costs on those three films. Neither the studio nor representatives for Bruckheimer Films would reveal the financial terms of the new agreement.

The new agreement, like the pact it replaces, calls for Bruckheimer to develop films exclusively for Disney but allows him to take projects elsewhere if the studio passes on them.

Bruckheimer is in the midst of production on two "Pirates" sequels starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Knightley.

The combined production budgets for the two films was $450 million, a source familiar with the projects said.

The next film under the new deal is "Deja Vu," a thriller starring Denzel Washington and directed by Tony Scott.

Bruckheimer produced "The Ref," his first films for Disney, in 1994 with then-partner Don Simpson. Bruckheimer also produced the hits "Crimson Tide," "Dangerous Minds" and "Con Air" for Disney.

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Hong Kong Disneyland workers to launch union

Employees of Hong Kong Disneyland will launch a union to protect workers' rights and campaign for fairer treatment like Disney workers elsewhere in the world, a union spokeswoman said.

The group, called Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members' Union, will be launched tomorrow and at least 100 people are expected to join, said union spokeswoman Elaine Hui.

She said complaints from the park's employees have increased since its opening in September and over 100 employees had complained about long working hours and unfair overtime payments from Disney's newest park.

'Our workers in Hong Kong seem to get the worst treatment compared with the other Disney employees in Paris, Japan and the United States,' said Lee Cheuk-yan, general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.

'We hope that the union will have more dialogues and help improve working conditions for the employees,' he said.

Lee said the Hong Kong staff members have a 15-minute break every four hours while the staff from other Disney theme parks get a break every two hours.

Hui said Hong Kong workers get their overtime payment based on monthly work hours of 195 while it is calculated on daily eight work hours for all the other Disney workers.

'Sometimes our workers may be required to work five hours a day or sometimes up to 13 hours a day which is a very cunning thing to do,' Hui said.

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Disney CEO Iger Says Movies Must Get To DVD Faster

Walt Disney Co. (DIS) Chief Executive Robert Iger reiterated Monday his view that time between a movie playing in theaters and then making its way to the home video market must be shortened.

A theatrical release makes most of its money in the first few weeks on screens but the exclusivity to theaters can last about four months, Iger said during a question-and-answer session at The Wall Street Journal offices here.

"We are spending too much time chasing box office (dollars) and we are waiting too long to enter the next window" where a movie has the most value, Iger said. He added that consumers want content "the fastest way possible" when they feel the movie is "more relevant."

Iger said he has gone so far as to suggest a deal where the exhibitor would sell the DVD of a Disney movie playing in the theater - while its still fresh in audience members mind - and cut the theater owner in for a piece of the sale. " They think we are out of our minds," Iger said, adding that Disney has had discussions with only a few theater operators.

The theater owners fight change because "they want to protect the value of their business," Iger said.

He said the price of DVDs would be able to fight any erosion by coming to market sooner, rather than later.

When Disney announced deal with Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL) to make episodes of shows like "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" available on the iPpods for $1.99 each, the company heard complaints from retailers selling DVDs of the shows. Iger made the case that it was a "different consumer experience" to see the shows on the small screen and attracted a different audience from those buying box sets of a season.

Iger said Hollywood in general makes too many movies each year, pointing out that there are only a few blockbusters that have long runs in theaters. That said, Disney will reduce the number of films in produces in fiscal 2006 and 2007, Iger said.

In fiscal 2005, the company had to release more Miramax films that it did the year before as part of agreement to end ties with Miramax founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

He added that ABC network was producing more television shows that it has "in a long time" to feed consumer demand. "It may be cyclical and probably is," Iger said.

He declined to discuss the state of talks with co-production partner Pixar ( PIXR). The last film under their existing contract," Cars," is set for release in June 2006. Iger did say Disney and Pixar were in "later stage of discussions, " which would be in line with Pixar Chief Executive Steve Jobs' recent comments that Pixar would know by the end of the year whether it had a deal with Disney.

Iger said that animation was "a priority" at Disney, adding that "to be successful long-term, we have to get animation right." Following that tenet influences what Disney does with Pixar, he said.

Pixar has been looking for a distribution partner who would be paid a fee, with Pixar retaining all rights to the films. Disney hold sequel and other rights to the films it made with Pixar, including "Toy Story" and "Monsters Inc."

Disney's "Chicken Little," its first computer-generated animated movie made without Pixar, has taken in about more than $100 million in its first four weeks of release.

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Disney to auction off 'Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas' items

Disney, joined by Conservation International (CI) and Discovery Networks, recently embarked on an extraordinary scientific and cultural journey to explore some of the
planet's richest and most biologically diverse regions in the shadow of the Himalayas. Together, they formed Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas - a search for new species and exploration of ancient legends. To commemorate this expedition, a unique collection of experiences and artifacts is up for auction online on http://www.DisneyAuctions.com from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, with proceeds going to the work of Conservation International to
study the world's biodiversity hotspots.

Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas - The Collection auction items include a one-of-a-kind trip deep into the jungles of Peru led by Conservation International staff, behind-the-scenes tours and dinner experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, and seats to CI's 10th Los Angeles Fundraising Gala and a photograph with actor and CI board member Harrison Ford, and behind-the-scenes tours and dinner experiences.

Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas focused on regions that harbor a wealth of biological, cultural and spiritual treasures. Findings and results of the expedition -- including any new species discoveries -- will be shared with the scientific and conservation community as well as be incorporated into Expedition Everest, an exciting new adventure attraction coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.One of the auction items will be the opportunity to be among the first to experience Expedition Everest.

The exploration into the Himalayas furthers the commitment to wildlife conservation that is a hallmark of Disney's Animal Kingdom and its long-time relationship with Conservation International. Several significant projects led by the respected group have been supported through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF). Since Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, the DWCF has awarded more than $8 million to CI and other non-profit conservation organizations working around the world to protect areas rich in plant and animal life at risk of imminent destruction.

Expedition Everest, the attraction, is a high-speed runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the folklore of the yeti. Guests will depart from a Himalayan village and venture to the snowy heights of the vast Asian peaks. Yet a run-in with the yeti -- the guardian of the mountain -- will send travelers on a forward and backward hair-raising escape. With a peak nearly 200 feet high,

Expedition Everest will open officially in April 2006 in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas and key marine ecosystems. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents. For more information about CI, visit http://www.conservation.org . To learn more about Conservation International's work in the Himalayan region visit http://www.conservation.org/himalaya .

For more information on items up for auction, or to place a bid, log on to http://www.DisneyAuctions.com and click on the "Theme-Park Artifacts" button at the top of the page or type in "Theme-Park Artifacts" in the search box.

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Sky High on DVD

Disney's heroic family comedy SKY HIGH blazes its way onto DVD on November 29, in both full-screen and widescreen versions packed with superpowered bonus features. Being a teenager in high-school can be an awkward time... especially when everyone in school has super powers!

In SKY HIGH, the students have wacky teachers, big dates and lots of homework, but they also have to deal with being a hero, a side-kick, or even a super-villain. With a high-powered cast and sizzling special effects, this action-packed, laugh-filled adventure is available for $29.99 (SRP) on DVD and for PSP™ from Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

Bonus materials are: an alternate opening; super-bloopers; stunts featurette; music video and "Welcome To Sky High" behind-the-scenes featurette.

SKY HIGH features a cast of favorite stars and up-and-coming young talent. Kurt Russell ("Miracle"), Kelly Preston ("Jerry Maguire"), Michael Angarano ("Lords of Dogtown," "Seabiscuit"), Danielle Panabaker ("Empire Falls"), Steven Strait ("Undiscovered") and Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("The Ring 2") lead the way, and are joined by stand-out performances from Lynda Carter (TV's "Wonder Woman"), Bruce Campbell ("Army of Darkness"), Dave Foley (TV's "NewsRadio"), Steven Strait ("Undiscovered"), Kevin McDonald and the legendary Cloris Leachman (TV's "Malcolm in the Middle")

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Disney To Provide 'iPod' Content Insurance

A disaster befalling an iPod usually means having to repurchase content, but a plan from major content provider Disney will cover those lost songs and videos.

The Macsimum News website reported on a forthcoming insurance plan to be offered by the Walt Disney Company to cover the replacement of media contained on an iPod that gets damaged, stolen, or lost.

The site described some of the features of the plan, which they claim come from a "credible source" they plan to reveal this week:

The insurance program provides for either replacement of lost or damaged media, a monetary payment or both.

If the user experiences a computer system crash, drive crash, or suffers from damaged or corrupted files, insurance, previously paid for by the user, would replace or otherwise compensate for the previously downloaded file. The plan would also cover a lost or stolen iPod.

Along with the various features of the insurance plan Disney should make available this week, and briefly touching on the technology solution to manage claims made for coverage, Macsimum covered the human factor: people being assaulted or even killed over their iPods.

Insurance for digital devices like the iPod could be a compelling purchase for family members buying an iPod as a gift. Removing the financial penalty for replacing an iPod and its content looks like a sensible idea.

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Disney Enables ESPN Fans to Dial In

Walt Disney Co. is again counting on the loyal audience of its ESPN sports franchise to help it establish a toehold in mobile media — this time with a wireless phone service that delivers news, scores and video highlights.

Mobile ESPN is the latest example of neophytes in the mobile phone market targeting lucrative niche audiences and attempting to peel them away from established carriers such as Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile.

As cellphones mature into mobile multimedia devices, content producers such as Disney are trying to move beyond traditional licensing deals and sell their news and entertainment directly to fans.

Disney's move into wireless is a sign of the eagerness of Chief Executive Robert Iger to leverage technology to create sources of revenue. Iger recently said Disney's "road map to the future" lay in combining the riches of its entertainment properties with new forms of distribution.

Next year the Burbank media giant plans to introduce a second service, Disney Mobile, to capitalize on its general entertainment properties.

"Our investments in ESPN Mobile and Disney Mobile are key examples of how we're placing bets on branded content and wireless services to drive a stronger connection with our consumers — as well as long-term returns," Iger told Wall Street analysts two weeks ago. "This is one of the smartest things we can do as a company."

Mobile ESPN, rolled out this month, aims to tackle the sports-addicted audience of Disney's ESPN cable channels with a manly man's black phone and a sales pitch that centers on offering men a portable refuge from the women in their lives.

"Now, it doesn't matter where you are," blares the Mobile ESPN website. "Shopping with your wife during football season, now you don't have to miss out on up-to-date fantasy stats…. At your best friend's wedding, now you can dish him the basketball scores while he's at the altar…. At your daughter's softball game, now you'll know if your team made the final field goal."

Over the last decade, Disney has built ESPN into the industry's most profitable collection of cable television channels, a thriving radio network, a popular sports magazine, a restaurant chain and a website.

Mobile ESPN is just the latest extension of the brand. It joins the growing ranks of providers known as mobile virtual network operators. Disney plans to sell Mobile ESPN phones, manufactured by Sanyo Electric Co., and airtime minutes for voice and data services provided by Sprint Nextel Corp.'s national cellular network. Consumers who sign up for Mobile ESPN's two-year plans would receive monthly statements from Mobile ESPN, not Sprint.

"Disney is looking for a way to grow its top line," said analyst John Strand, CEO of Copenhagen-based Strand Consulting. "And mobile phones are a huge market."

But Disney's service won't come cheaply. The phone will cost $499, or $399 after a rebate. Monthly service plans range from $64.99 to $224.99.

Marina Amoroso, an analyst with research firm Yankee Group, said the price might be a stumbling block.

"Less than 1% of the market will pay more than $199 for a phone," she said. "They are really going after a very small market with that type of pricing."

Salil Mehta, executive vice president of ESPN Enterprises, said, "We think it's an incredibly competitive price."

Virtual networks allow companies to target niche audiences without incurring the enormous expense of building their own wireless network. In South Korea and parts of Europe, virtual networks have become hot commodities. In Denmark, for example, virtual networks target fans of soccer teams, and gays and lesbians with "Gaymobile."

Disney's entry shows that U.S. companies are picking up on the trend as more consumers turn to their cellphones for text messaging, snapping and sending photos, playing music and even watching snippets of TV. ESPN will continue to license its sports content to cellphone providers including Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Cingular Wireless. Mobile ESPN provides easier navigation and more options, Mehta said.

"This is an extremely significant business opportunity," Mehta said, explaining that ESPN reaches 97 million people in an average week through its cable television programming and other properties. And male sports fans spend, on average, two hours a day with ESPN.

"These are the fans that we know very well, and ESPN is an important part of their lives," Mehta said. So much so, he said, that "there are 23 kids in America who are named ESPN."

Yankee Group's Amoroso estimates that within five years, virtual networks will capture about 14% of all wireless subscribers, or about 29 million customers, and generate annual revenue of about $10.7 billion.

For now, the major cellphone companies — Verizon, Sprint, Cingular and T-Mobile USA, a unit of Deutsche Telekom — control about 80% of the content distributed on the phones, said Yankee Group senior analyst Linda Barrabee. The U.S. cellphone market is close to saturation, she said, as more than 190 million people in the U.S. own the devices.

So instead of signing up new customers, the trick will be to filch customers from the established providers, she said.

"The challenge not only for ESPN but also other entities trying to dance into this space is to convince customers to move to a new service," Barrabee said. "How do you lure those folks away? Well, ESPN already has an existing base. They've got the brand and the content."

As technology advances, so will Mobile ESPN's offerings, Mehta said. Within a year or two, live "Monday Night Football" and other sporting events are likely to be streamed to the phones rather than delivered through time-delayed downloads.

Advertisers are watching with interest.

"It's definitely a way to engage the sports enthusiast," said Courtney Jane Acuff, wireless marketing specialist for Digits, a unit of Chicago-based advertising firm Starcom MediaVest Group. "And it's a way for advertisers who use sports as a pillar of communication to become engaged. It's one-stop shopping."

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The Muppet Movie and other Muppet Favorites

The Muppet Movie

They're irreverent, irrepressible and downright irresistible. They're the Muppets! See how their meteoric rise to fame and fortune began: with a rainbow, a song … and a frog named Kermit. After a fateful meeting with a big-time talent agent, Kermit the Frog heads for Hollywood dreaming of show biz. Along the way, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and the dazzling Miss Piggy join him in hopes of becoming film stars too. But all bets are off when Kermit falls into the clutches of Doc Hopper (Charles Durning), a fastfood mogul seeking to promote his French-fried frog leg franchise!

Featuring Oscar-nominated music (1979: Best Score; Best Song, "The Rainbow Connection") and sidesplitting appearances by some of the biggest names on the silver screen – including Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Orson Welles and more –The Muppet Movie is a critically acclaimed comedy classic your family will treasure for all time.

BONUS FEATURE:
• PEPE PROFILES PRESENT – KERMIT: A FROG'S LIFE
Pepe the King Prawn takes an insider's look at the life and times of Kermit The Frog.

Suggested retail price: $19.99 DVD, $19.99 VHS

The Great Muppet Caper

Stop the presses! The crime of the century has occurred, and investigative reporters Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear and The Great Gonzo are out to crack the case in this song-filled, star-studded extravaganza directed by the legendary Jim Henson.

Our heroes arrive in London to interview Lady Holiday (Diana Rigg), a high-fashion designer whose priceless diamond necklace has just been stolen. But when Kermit mistakes the lovely receptionist/would be model Miss Piggy for her aristocratic employer, it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, Lady Holiday's scheming brother (Charles Grodin) is also wooing the sultry swine – so he can frame her for another brazen jewel heist! Now it's up to Kermit and his Muppet pals to clear Piggy's name and catch the real culprits.

Packed with music, remarkable production numbers and hilarious cameo performances (including John Cleese, Peter Falk, Jack Warden, Robert Morley and Peter Ustinov), this edition of The Great Muppet Caper is a true tribute to legendary director and creative genius Jim Henson!

BONUS FEATURE:
• PEPE PROFILES PRESENT - MISS PIGGY: THE DIVA WHO WOULD NOT BE DENIED

Muppet Treasure Island

Ahoy, matey! Get ready for hilarity on the high seas with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets in this exciting action-adventure, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's classic pirate tale.

When young Jim Hawkins inherits a long-lost treasure map, he hires the great ship Hispaniola to seek his fortune. With the good Captain Smollett (Kermit the Frog) at the helm – and greedy Long John Silver (Tim Curry) at the heart of a dastardly plot – they set sail for adventure only to discover danger at every turn!

Featuring a rollicking score by Academy Award® winner Hans Zimmer (1994: Best Original Score, The Lion King) Muppet Treasure Island is a fun-packed, music-filled swashbuckler the entire family will enjoy over and over.

BONUS FEATURES:
• PEPE PROFILES PRESENT – FOZZIE BEAR: A LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT CLUBS

The Muppet Christmas Carol

'Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time! Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens' classic tale.

Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (1999: Best Supporting Actor, The Cider House Rules; 1986 Best Supporting Actor, Hannah And Her Sisters) gives a performance that's anything but "Bah, humbug!" as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge's eyes – and his heart – to the true meaning of Christmas.

Filled with original music and dazzling special effects, The Muppet Christmas Carol will become a holiday viewing tradition.

BONUS FEATURES:
• PEPE PROFILES PRESENT – GONZO: A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG WEIRDO
• ON-THE-SET GAG REEL • CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD MUSIC VIDEO
• AUDIO COMMENTARY BY BRIAN HENSON

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Veteran Disney film distribution executive dies

Irving Ludwig, a film distribution executive who helped launch such Disney films as "Fantasia," "Mary Poppins" and "The Love Bug," has died. He was 95.

Ludwig died Saturday at his home in Santa Monica from natural causes, Disney officials said.

Ludwig joined The Walt Disney Co. in 1940, just in time to manage the release of "Fantasia." The innovative animated film, which showed characters interpreting classical music pieces, had trouble finding distribution. So Ludwig and his group bought old theaters in some cities to screen the film.

He went on to help create Disney's distribution arm, Buena Vista Distribution, and influenced the way Disney releases its movies into the marketplace. He served as a mentor to many Disney executives, including Dick Cook, chairman of Walt Disney Studios.

"Irving was key to the successful release of many Disney films, and his work on such films as 'Fantasia' and 'Mary Poppins' is still worth studying and learning from," Roy Disney, director emeritus, said in a statement.

Ludwig was born in Lutck, Russia, on November 3rd, 1910, and immigrated to the United States in 1920.

He entered the entertainment industry in 1929 as a part-time usher at New York's Rivoli Theatre, where he later became manager. He held that position until 1938.

During his career at Disney, he helped launch such movies as "The Shaggy Dog," "The Parent Trap," and "The Absent Minded Professor," among others.

He became president of Buena Vista in 1959 and held that post until his retirement in October 1980.

He is survived by two daughters, including Arlene Ludwig, who works as a movie publicist at Disney.

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'Replacements' finds place on Disney Channel

Disney Channel is expanding its animated offerings with a full-season order for a new comedy series titled "The Replacements."

The show, which is set to premiere next year, revolves around orphaned siblings (voiced by Gray Delisle of "The Fairly OddParents" and Nancy Cartwright of "The Simpsons") who order "parents" from a company -- a British superspy "mom" and a renowned stuntman "dad." It was created by children's book author and illustrator Dan Santat.

Additionally, Disney Channel has picked up a fourth season of "Kim Possible," which is also seen on Toon Disney and ABC's "ABC Kids" daypart as well as internationally. The decision was spurred in part by a months-long viewer campaign for Disney to continue making episodes.

The title character (voiced by Christy Carlson Romano) is a high school cheerleader who saves the world from supervillains in her spare time with the aid of her pal Ron Stoppable (Will Friedle).

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Disney Makes New Season Possible for Kim

Disney will bring back its animated hit Kim Possible for a fourth season, resuming production soon on 22 new episodes. The action comedy about high school cheerleader-turned-superhero is one of Disney’s biggest hits worldwide and runs on Disney Channel, Toon Disney and the ABC Kids daytime programming block on the ABC broadcast network. The show, executive produced by creators Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle, premiered in June, 2002.

Ensuring Kim’s staying power is important to the commercial-free Disney Channel, as the show brings in revenue through off-television streams, such as its line of consumer products and its characters at Disney’s theme parks.

To support the show’s retail goods, Disney inked a multi-year agreement with Super RTL, which broadcasts the show in Europe. The company, owned equally by The Walt Disney Company and RTL Group, will join with Disney Consumer Products to take charge of some Kim Possible licensed products in Germany and German-speaking countries.

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Disney goes mobile

Walt Disney Co. is again counting on the loyal audience of its ESPN sports franchise to help it establish a toehold in mobile media -- this time with a wireless phone service that delivers news, scores and video highlights.

ESPN Mobile is the latest example of neophytes in the mobile phone market targeting lucrative niche audiences and attempting to peel them away from established carriers like Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile.

As cell phones mature into mobile multimedia devices, content producers such as Disney are trying to move beyond traditional licensing deals and instead sell their news and entertainment directly to fans.

Disney’s move into wireless signals the eagerness of Chief Executive Robert Iger to leverage technology to create new revenue streams. Iger recently said that Disney’s “roadmap to the future” lies in combining the riches of its entertainment properties with new media platforms.

Next year, the media giant plans to introduce a second service, Disney Mobile, to capitalize on its general entertainment properties.

“Our investments in ESPN Mobile and Disney Mobile are key examples of how we’re placing bets on branded content and wireless services to drive a stronger connection with our consumers -- as well as long-term returns,” Iger told Wall Street analysts two weeks ago. “This is one of the smartest things we can do as a company.”

ESPN Mobile, rolled out Friday, aims to tackle the sports-addicted audience of Disney’s ESPN cable channels with a manly man’s black phone and a sales pitch that centers on offering men a portable refuge from the women in their lives.

“Now it doesn’t matter where you are,” says the ESPN Mobile Web site. “Shopping with your wife during football season, now you don’t have to miss out on up-to-date fantasy stats. ... At your best friend’s wedding, now you can dish him the basketball scores while he’s at the altar. ... At your daughter’s softball game, now you’ll know if your team made the final field goal.”

ESPN Mobile joins the growing ranks of providers known as mobile virtual network operators. Disney plans to sell ESPN Mobile phones, manufactured by Sanyo, and airtime minutes for voice and data services provided by Sprint PCS’s national cell network. Consumers who sign up for ESPN Mobile’s two-year plans will receive monthly statements from ESPN Mobile, not Sprint.

ESPN will continue to license its sports content to other cell phone providers like Verizon, Sprint and Cingular. But ESPN Mobile provides easier navigation and more options, said Salil Mehta, executive vice president of ESPN Enterprises.

“Disney is looking for a way to grow its top line,” said analyst John Strand, chief executive of the Copenhagen-based Strand Consulting. “And mobile phones are a huge market.”

But Disney’s service won’t come cheaply. The phone will cost $499, or $399 after a rebate. Monthly service plans range from $64.99 to $224.99.

Marina Amoroso, an analyst with the research firm Yankee Group, predicted the price might be a stumbling block.

“Less than 1 percent of the market will pay more than $199 for a phone,” she said. “They are really going after a very small market with that type of pricing.”

Mehta defended the price, saying, “We think it’s an incredibly competitive.”

Virtual networks allow companies to target niche audiences without incurring the enormous expense of building their own wireless network. In Korea, and parts of Europe, virtual networks have become hot commodities. In Denmark, for example, virtual networks target fans of soccer teams and even gays and lesbians with “Gaymobile.”

Yankee Group’s Amoroso estimates that within five years, virtual networks will capture about 14 percent of all wireless subscribers, or about 29 million customers, and generate annual revenues of about $10.7 billion.

For now, the major cell phone companies -- Verizon, Sprint, Cingular and T-Mobile -- control about 80 percent of the content distributed on cell phones, said Yankee Group senior analyst Linda Barrabee. The U.S. cell phone market is close to saturation, she said, as more than 190 million people own cell phones.

So instead of signing up new customers the trick will be to filch customers from the established providers, she said.

“The challenge not only for ESPN but also other entertainment companies trying to dance into this space is to convince customers to move to a new service,” Barrabee said. “How do you lure those folks away? Well, ESPN already has an existing base. They’ve got the brand and the content.”

As technology advances, so will ESPN Mobile’s offerings, Mehta said. Within a year or two, live “Monday Night Football” and other sporting events will likely be streamed to the phones rather than delivered through time-delayed downloads.

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Monday November 28, 2005

Disney-MGM Studios to Offer Inside Look at "The Chronicles of Narnia"

Randy Newman's Monsters, Inc. scores as a ride!

Cars/Cheaper 2 trailer

Arquette, Cox developing sitcom for ABC

Disney Narnia iPod video deal non-Mac only?

Walt Disney World Resort 22nd Annual Christmas Day Parade

Colts-Steelers likely to be final winner for 'MNF' on ABC

Disney Uses iPods for Ads

Phil Donahue Narrates Candlelight Processional at Epcot Nov. 28-30

Little Mouse in Big China

Burlington teacher being considered for Disney award

Sanderson storms out in front after Disney's pirates pull out

Old Yeller still brings tears

Namco's Hello Kitty Roller Rescue Receives High Honors in the 2005 FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards

Disney-MGM Studios to Offer Inside Look at "The Chronicles of Narnia"

For fans of C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure, and for the worldwide audience who will be entranced by the new movie, Disney-MGM Studios transforms a soundstage into the frozen world of Narnia and takes guests behind the scenes of the movie-making magic of the epic film. The attraction, "Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," is scheduled to open Dec. 9, the same day the film premieres around the world.

Guests will enter the frozen world of Narnia through a giant wardrobe and be surrounded by a wintry landscape, enormous trees, and a replica of the lamppost as seen in the movie. In the distance, they will see the house of Mr. Tumnus, one of the central characters, beneath a rock bluff outcropping and the White Witch's Castle. All in all, Walt Disney World guests will feel as though they have really entered the magical world of C.S. Lewis' story.

Guests will exit through a gallery that showcases elaborate creatures, costumes, armor, maquettes, storyboards, props and set pieces used in the making of the film.

"We are very excited to showcase this spectacular film in such a grand fashion," said Michael O'Grattan, vice president for Disney-MGM Studios. "Immersing guests in the magic of show business is what the Disney-MGM Studios is all about. This experience is the perfect addition to our lineup of thrilling movie, TV and music-themed attractions."

Oren Aviv, president of Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, added, "The land of Narnia is such a magical place in the C.S. Lewis books and in Disney's exciting motion picture adaptation. This walk-through experience is a great way for fans of the story to climb through the wardrobe, let their imaginations run wild, and enter this world for themselves. Director Andrew Adamson has done a brilliant job visualizing this fantasy world on film in 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,' and this very special experience adds an exciting and unique new dimension."

"Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" is included with regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios. Disney-MGM Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show business 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, television and radio production facilities. The theme park is part of the 30,500-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

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Randy Newman's Monsters, Inc. scores as a ride!

Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, at Paramount Studios Scoring Stage M, music was recorded for a new ride at Disney's California Adventure. The new "dark ride" is based on the hit animated film Monsters, Inc., and appropriately uses music based on the score by Academy Award-winner Randy Newman

For the ride, Newman's score was arranged and adapted by long-time orchestrator Jonathan Sacks, which was then recorded and mixed by John Richards. The 50-piece Hollywood Studio Symphony was conducted by Joey Newman, and played the cues expertly.

From the jazzy "Downtown Monsterville", to the dramatic "Scary" cues, the core of Newman's score is represented, and will be heard as riders travel through Monsterville on the sit-down styled ride.

The Monsters, Inc. ride is scheduled to open after the New Year.

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Cars/Cheaper 2 trailer

Apple recently premiered a new tv spot for CARS, the possibly final film in the torrid affair between Disney and Pixar. And since it hasn't really been reported too much, Apple has a nice synopsis of what exactly the movie's about - Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. McQueen gets to know the town’s offbeat characters- who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame and sponsorship. It opens June 9th.

And in completed unrelated news, Yahoo recently premiered the second trailer for CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 2. Once again, Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt and their twelve children are back only this time they go on summer vacation and end up in a heated competition with Eugene Levy and his family entourage. It opens December 21st.

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Arquette, Cox developing sitcom for ABC

David Arquette is set to play a reluctant PI in a sitcom he is developing for ABC with his wife, former "Friends" star Courteney Cox .

The untitled project, to which ABC has made a script commitment, centers on a gumshoe whose life changes when his 10-year-old son and ex-wife come back to town after eight years.

Former "Everybody Loves Raymond" writer-producer Jeremy Stevens is writing the pilot, and will serve as an executive producer with the couple.

Arquette, most recently in theaters with Robert Rodriguez ‘s "The Adventures of Sharkboy & Lavagirl in 3-D," starred in the one-hour pilot "The Commuters," which was in consideration at CBS last season. He will next be seen in the CBS TV movie "Time Bomb," co-starring Richard T. Jones.

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Disney Narnia iPod video deal non-Mac only?

Walt Disney has left Mac users in the cold of Narnia's everlasting winter with its new Narnia movie clip for iPod promotion.

Direct Marketing News reports Walt Disney has decided to let consumers watch and download promotional video clips for the movie to computers, and then to video iPods.

While Mac users can watch the clips online using QuickTime, and can watch/listen to a variety of Walt Disney's podcasts, it appears access to video clips uses software which does not support Macs.

The software needs to be downloaded to unlock the full suite of multimedia assets, including desktop wallpaper and more. It automatically downloads new content and even supplies news on special ticket deals.

It's ironic, because Apple makes both the iPod and the Mac, and Apple CEO Steve Jobs has an existing relationship with Disney.

As the deal to carry US TV shows such as Desperate Housewives through iTunes for iPods shows, the companies know each other exist.

It's a shame really as anticipation for the movie means its likely Narnia will be one of this season's most popular releases.

However, Mac users can watch Narnia movie trailers, teasers and other footage online.

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Walt Disney World Resort 22nd Annual Christmas Day Parade

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida invites America to celebrate its 22nd annual Christmas Day Parade telecast from the heart of the Magic Kingdom, with special performances from the Disneyland Resort in California. Hosting this year's parade is America's hottest morning talk show duo, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, hosts of "Live With Regis and Kelly."

Everyone's favorite music variety host Ryan Seacrest will lead the parade and concert performances from Disneyland Resort. For more than two decades, the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade has been a family tradition featuring Disney's most cherished characters including: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pinocchio, Princesses Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel and Jasmine as well as the Disney Channel's favorite Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House; Stanley; the Little Einsteins; The Wiggles; JoJo Circus and others.

The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade telecast airs on ABC Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to noon (EST), 9 to 11 a.m. (CST), 8 to 10 a.m. (MST) and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (PST). Viewers should check their local listings for any changes in programming times.

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Colts-Steelers likely to be final winner for 'MNF' on ABC

Monday night's NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) and Indianapolis Colts (10-0) appears to be the last really big match up game on ABC's Monday Night Football. Ever.

Weird, huh? After 35 years, Monday games will move next year to ESPN, Disney's corporate cousin. Expect obituaries, like the feature on MNF on HBO's Real Sports on Tuesday, to run at least until ABC's MNF crew signs off at the Super Bowl.

MNF's Al Michaels, in a phone interview, says the MNF crew is "the greatest group of people you can work with" and "none of us is happy this is going to end."

But brand names aside — and HBO has great old MNF footage — does it really matter that Monday games will change channels? In HBO's report, George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports, says he's been assured by the NFL that ESPN's Monday schedule will get the same prominence MNF got — despite speculation NBC's new Sunday night game package will be the NFL's prime-time TV star when it kicks off next season. Michaels, courted by NBC for its Sunday games, says the new flexible scheduling that will allow NBC to get substitutes for "total dog" late-season games won't be an enormous advantage: "They'll go from a Rottweiler to a poodle. The poodle is prettier but still a dog. You won't go to best in show."

Although MNF has been among the 10 top-rated prime-time shows for 15 years, its average season ratings regularly decline. With its ratings tied with last season's, which set an all-time low, Monday night's purebred Colts-Steelers matchup might be enough to let MNF go out on a ratings uptick.

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Disney Uses iPods for Ads

Walt Disney studios and media conglomerate Clear Channel said Monday they’re starting to advertise movies and other content over video-enabled portable players like the iPod, marking a growing trend of using the Internet for promotional purposes.

Media giant Disney and Clear Channel, which owns 1,200 radio stations in the United States , will become the first major media companies to deliver their promotional videos to the new iPods. Disney plans to offer full-screen, theater-quality video content from its upcoming release of fantasy film The Chronicles of Narnia directly to PCs and video-enabled iPods.

Viewers will be able to download and transfer trailers, clips, interviews, and other film content to their PCs and their iPods from the Internet channel on the film’s official website.

Disney has already gotten into selling video content online with a partnership with Apple that allows viewers to buy clips of shows like Desperate Housewives produced by Disney-owned network ABC at Apple’s iTunes Music Store.

Video is the latest medium for content owners to advertise their wares. Its growing popularity appears to be evident in Apple’s launch of video on its iTunes last month with 1 million clips sold in the first 20 days of its launch.

Spending on online video advertising is expected to triple in the next two years, rising to about $640 million, according to research firm eMarketer. By 2010, it could hit $1.5 billion.

“Every individual deal is adding its weight to the overall trend of consumer adoption of other modes of acquiring content,” said Boyd Peterson, analyst at Yankee Group.

What’s surprising is that even radio stations are using video to increase awareness of their programming.

Premiere Radio Networks, the syndication arm of Clear Channel, will be providing 60-second video segments of its popular “Rush Limbaugh Show” in playback formats for both video-enabled iPods and PCs to subscribers of the “Rush 24/7” premium content service starting December 12.

Members of the content service pay $6.95 a month, or $49.95 annually, to get access to live audio streaming of every broadcast of the Rush Limbaugh show, podcasts of the shows, and many other offerings.

Premiere said this is a way to offer listeners what they want.

“It’s an audience thing—we listen very carefully to what the audience tells us,” said Brian Glicklich, vice president of the interactive division at Premiere. “They have made it very clear that they love [audio] podcasting.” The video development allows listeners now to watch what they have been hearing.

Hollywood at the Forefront

Hollywood studios have been in the forefront of advertising movies by using different Internet channels. Both Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox have used IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, to promote upcoming releases in the form of DVD-quality trailers.

As studios increasingly adopt Internet advertising, the money spent on more traditional media ads such as print and television are declining.

“Due to the specific nature of our business, our current models shift gradually,” said Jack Pan, vice president of interactive marketing at Walt Disney. “There are no overnight paradigm shifts and TV is still the largest component. But it has been decreasing very slowly and we can assume that it will continue to do so in the future.”

The two companies working behind the scenes to make these technologies available on portable devices like the iPod and the Sony PSP are Maven Networks and Akamai Technologies. While Maven provides the software platform, Akamai delivers the digital media delivery platform.

Yankee Group’s Mr. Peterson said it is likely that other industries will also use this medium to advertise and sell its products. For example, the music industry could encourage transferring music videos to video-enabled players to promote records and drive CD sales.

“The larger trend is the combination of using the Internet as an advertising vehicle and then portable devices as a way of extending that presence,” said Mr. Peterson.

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Phil Donahue Narrates Candlelight Processional at Epcot Nov. 28-30

As part of the Holidays Around the World celebration, Epcot presents a longtime Disney holiday tradition -- Candlelight Processional -- from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2005. Candlelight Processional treats guests to a grand musical performance by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra who are joined by celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story.

The 2005 processional is even more special with seven new narrators added to the mix. The celebrity lineup includes actor Haley Joel Osment, who starred in such films as "Artificial Intelligence: AI" and "The Sixth Sense."

The renowned show is staged each evening at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.

The celebrity lineup (subject to change):

Nov. 25-27 - Rita Moreno (from "West Side Story")
Nov. 28-30 - *New* Phil Donahue (former talk-show host)
Dec. 1-3 - *New* Haley Joel Osment (from "Artificial Intelligence: AI" and "The Sixth Sense")
Dec. 4-6 - *New* Cicely Tyson (Emmy Award-winning actress)
Dec. 7-9 - *New* Jaci Velasquez (Christian music artist)
Dec. 10-12 - Eartha Kitt (from TV's "Batman")
Dec. 13-15 - *New* Lou Diamond Phillips (from "Young Guns" and "La Bamba")
Dec. 16-18 - *New* Harry Hamlin (from TV's "L.A. Law")
Dec. 19-21 - Marlee Matlin (from TV's "The West Wing")
Dec. 22-24 - Jim Caviezel (from "The Passion of the Christ")
Dec. 25-27 - *New* John Stamos (from TV's "Full House")
Dec. 28-30 - Stephen Curtis Chapman (Christian music's most-decorated artist)

Special Candlelight Processional dinner packages are available, which include dinner at an Epcot restaurant plus preferred seating for the nightly choral performance. For more information and reservations, guests may call 407/WDW-DINE.

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Little Mouse in Big China

Family entertainment giant Disney (NYSE: DIS) broke out of its typically tight-lipped mode of announcing theme park attendance figures when it revealed that Hong Kong Disneyland has entertained well over a million guests.

Disney has never been one to break down the turnstile clicks at its domestic parks. Its quarterly reports often describe whether attendance is rising or falling at its resorts, but the company does not announce round attendance figures. It leaves that to the industry trades, such as Amusement Business, to estimate and dispense to the public.

However, there are a few good reasons that Disney has become a chatterbox when it comes to its performance in China. For starters, the South China Morning Post ran a story earlier this month that found that physical counts of guests entering the park on two different days were coming in well below the averages that the park would need to achieve to draw its stated goal of 5.6 million in annual attendance.

Another reason is that the Chinese government bankrolled the majority of the $2.7 billion cost of building the park. Stories of waning attendance, if left unchecked, would give critics of the deal some potent ammo for talking down China's massive $2.4 billion investment in the joint venture.

Perhaps the third and final reason for the disclosure is that, despite the success of Disney's theme parks in Japan, many still associate Disney's global theme park push with Euro Disney. The French park got off to a bumpy start. It reached the point where creditors got antsy and Disney renamed the park Disneyland Paris in an effort to wipe away earlier missteps.

If Disney were to trip up early again, it would hurt the company's chances of brokering deals with other countries to expand its empire. Japan's two successful Disney parks are neither owned nor operated by Disney, and the lavish capital expenditures in that country's parks bear that out. Disney has been reluctant in recent years to invest in its domestic parks, making its two most recent stateside openings the weakest performers in their respective states.

It shouldn't have to be that complicated. You see a regional amusement park operator like Income Investor pick Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) consistently growing, and even the troubled Six Flags (NYSE: PKS) chain has exhibited signs of life over the past year. For Disney's international push, the success of its theme parks takes on an added layer of urgency because it is also there to serve as a brand ambassador. It's why even General Electric (NYSE: GE) makes sure that its Universal Studios theme parks aren't limited to its two coastal bookends.

Success in Hong Kong would translate into more ambitious expansion in the world's most populous nation, even though just about a quarter of the park's visitors have come from mainland China. It's a region that clearly has explosive opportunity when it comes to leisure, as the economy improves and disposable income becomes a bit more disposable. It's why the Rule Breakers newsletter service has singled out not one -- but two -- Chinese gaming companies as attractive growth stocks in NetEase.com (Nasdaq: NTES) and Shanda Interactive (Nasdaq: SNDA). Online games is something that Disney is really taking seriously at the moment, and perhaps that is yet another reason why Disney can't afford to lose out on China.

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Burlington teacher being considered for Disney award

PROCTORVILLE, Ohio -- The enchanted kingdom, also known as Disney, is considering a local teacher for a magical award.

Stephanie Hill, a Burlington Elementary School teacher, was nominated for the 2006 Disney Teacher of the Year Award. Hill is recognized for her creativity and success in the classroom as a nominee.

"It is nice that someone would take the time to nominate me for the Disney Teacher Award," said Hill, who said she has no idea who nominated her. "But I teach with really great teachers. I really wish so many of my colleagues could be nominated for the same award."

According to Terry Wick, vice president of the Disney Worldwide Outreach, the award was established 16 years ago to celebrate local heroes and honor America's finest educators.

After Hill, among other teachers across the country, sends her letters of recommendation and an application that reflects several professional reflection essays describing her classroom and approach to teaching, the impact of high stakes testing, how she approaches collaboration in her school and career and an event that shaped her as a teacher, a selection will be made.

One of Hill's biggest challenges was when one of her kindergarten students was killed in a car accident last school term. Hill said her students were grieving, and the school had no grief support system at the school. Hill said she came up with using a Build-A-Bear as a way to help children cope. The class placed the bear in the missing child's chair and dressed him like the deceased child as a way to keep his memory alive and students less depressed.

Innovative ideas such as this make Hill a great nominee for such an award, said the school principal, Mark Christian.

"Mrs. Hill is a goal-oriented teacher who works tirelessly to ensure her students succeed. Stephanie is very dedicated to the field of education and children in general. She always has an energetic and enthusiastic outlook that influences those around her. Stephanie is a very caring and compassionate teacher who goes the extra mile for her students."

Winning the award will not only put a prestigious award under a teacher's belt, but it will also benefit the school.

The review for the Disney of the Year Award will conclude in late spring. The honorees will each receive $10,000, a $5,000 grant for their schools, and a six-day professional development institute with their principals at Walt Disney World Resort.

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Sanderson storms out in front after Disney's pirates pull out

World records fell yesterday as the Double Dutch marauders put pedal to the metal on the charge for home in the Volvo Race. Mike Sanderson's ABN Amro 1 went through 543 miles in 24 hours and was still climbing as he charged at full pelt south and eastwards, while his supposed junior partners on ABN 2, skippered by Sébastien Josse, hit 537 miles, both beating the record of 530 miles, set by Bouwe Bekking on another Volvo 70-footer, movistar.

That is an average of over 22 knots for every one of the 24 hours, three times the speed of the average cruising yacht at its best in the Solent. Sanderson held the record before, when he was in charge of the 140ft Mari Cha IV and notched up 525 miles when crossing the Atlantic in October 2003.

The leading quartet has hooked into the westerly winds at the bottom of the hike south, parallel to the coast of South America, and Sanderson should, if present form continues, be able to sit down to breakfast under Table Mountain on Thursday morning.

For a short time, he had relinquished the lead to Torben Grael on Brasil 1 as Grael's navigator, Adrienne Cahalan, the only woman in a combined crew roster of 70 on the seven boats which left north-west Spain over a fortnight ago, made gains on a more easterly track.

But Sanderson, his navigator Stan Honey, and pre-race stategist Mike Quilter, had been convinced a more westerly dig south would deliver and they were right. Only a wind hole trap at the end could stop Sanderson adding seven points to the 3.5 he picked up for being first past the stage gate off north-east Brazil.

"It's rock and roll out here again," said Sanderson. "We stuck to our guns even though we had to watch our lead evaporate. But it has paid off. The 'young fellas', as we call them on ABN 2, are pushing the hardest, but the boys are all good, the sun is out and the wind is lovely."

Grael was 114 miles adrift in third, Neal McDonald fourth, 139 mile astern in Ericsson, and Grant Wharington's Melbourne-based Brunel Sunergy fifth, 1,200 miles behind. Meanwhile the Disney-backed boat, The Black Pearl, which is also a promotional tool for the launch next July of Pirates of the Caribbean 2, starring Johnny Depp, has imposed an almost total news blackout after retiring damaged from the leg after less than 24 hours.

It was due to be shipped from Lisbon to Cape Town to complete major repairs last Friday. No decision on whether to do the same with movistar has been announced.

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Old Yeller still brings tears

Disney classic is now available with 1963 sequel Savage Sam

The single saddest moment in movie history?

It’s got to be when Travis had to shoot his big ol’ lovable lab mix dog, Old Yeller, after he became rabid.

Sure, as an adult, there may be other movies that bring a tear to your eye, but when you are a 6-year-old kid, nothing guarantees soggy popcorn like Old Yeller.

Disney has just reissued Old Yeller and the sequel, Savage Sam, in a two-disc set that includes lots of bonus features. There is enough bonus stuff here to make anyone an immediate expert on the legend of the yellow dog, originally created by author Fred Gipson.

The 1957 film featured a number of outstanding performances, including its young stars Disney regulars Tommy Kirk (Travis) and Kevin Corcoran (Arliss), who played the pair of brothers who first adopt the stray dog into the family. Both men — Kirk is close to 60 — are featured in the commentary section of disc two of the DVD.

But even with adult stars such as Fess Parker, Dorothy McGuire and a very early acting turn by Chuck Conners, everyone is upstaged by a pound pup named Spike.

Spike was purchased for about $4 and the lab/mastiff mix weighed in at about 160 pounds, but according to everyone who worked with him, he was 160 pounds of friendly dog.

Spike was a natural when it came to acting, and unlike most animal actors in modern films, there were no stunt doubles. When Yeller is fighting a bear, it’s Spike; and when Yeller comes sneaking into Travis’ bed in the middle of the night, it’s Spike. And when Yeller becomes infected with rabies after protecting the family from a rabid wolf, and he becomes a snarling, menacing monster, it’s still Spike.

The truth be told, according to Bob Weatherwax, of the famous Weatherwax animal training family (Lassie), it would have been awfully hard to find another 160-pound dog that looked like Spike anyway.

Among the secrets given away by Weatherwax: in one memorable scene where it looks like Old Yeller is going to go to doggy heaven after an encounter with some wild boar, that isn’t blood on his coat — its ketchup, with some dirt mixed in.

Set in 1860’s Texas, just after the Civil War, Old Yeller was an immediate literary success, and became a pet project of Walt Disney soon after its release in book form. Some of the Disney higher ups pushed Walt for a softer ending, including one where Travis doesn’t have to shoot Yeller after the wolf encounter, but the studio executive knew a good ending when he saw one, and the result is a classic that lives on, more than 45 years after its release.

Among the must-watch bonus features on disc two are the audio commentary featuring Kirk, Corcaran and Weatherwax; a short titled Old Yeller: Remembering a Classic; a look at the Golden Oak Ranch where Old Yeller and several other Disney classics were filmed; and the animated Pluto short, Bone Trouble.

Savage Sam, the second film on the disc, not unexpectedly, doesn’t live up to the Old Yeller standard, but it is still fun to see the two brothers, several years older (it was released in 1963), in another adventure, this time involving hostile Indians. Sorely missing in the sequel are Fess Parker and Dorothy McGuire as the parents, but Brian Keith does show up as the boys’ uncle.

The film’s most inexplicable circumstance: the strange dog masquerading as Sam, the son of Yeller. In the first film, the boys have a new yellow pup, the son of Old Yeller, but Savage Sam is a coonhound, and doesn’t have nearly the appeal of his predecessor.

The two-disc set has a list price of $29.99, but it can found on line for under $21.

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Namco's Hello Kitty Roller Rescue Receives High Honors in the 2005 FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards

Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. today announced that Hello Kitty^® Roller Rescue received high honors in the 2005 FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards for a console-based game in the 6-9 year old category. Hello Kitty Roller Rescue was one of nearly 40 games that were screened, tested and ranked on a 100-point scale by children testers throughout the country. More than 2,000 children participated in the second annual in-home game testing program and evaluated video games rated E and E10+ by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

The FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards is a sister program to the renowned FamilyFun Magazine Toy of the Year Award (T.O.Y.). Designed to help parents determine what games are appropriate for their children, the FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year program aims to bridge the video game knowledge gap that separates many parents and children by showcasing family-friendly game titles that rank highest among kids. Console and handheld titles across all platforms were eligible and evaluated in two age categories -- 6-9 years old and 10-12 years old.

"The FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards is a highly regarded program, and Namco is honored to be awarded this industry achievement," said Jeff Lujan, business director of Namco Hometek Inc. "To have Hello Kitty Roller Rescue rank so high with the demographic this family-friendly title was created for shows our understanding of and commitment to creating fun and quality entertainment."

Exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube, Hello Kitty Roller Rescue is a 3D action-adventure game filled with endless exploration, whimsical worlds and more than 20 lovable Sanrio characters. In a quest to save Sanriotown from the menacing king of Block Planet, Hello Kitty and her friends must complete missions to thwart Block-O and his legions of evil -- yet clumsy -- troops from taking over their hometown. Players are immersed in a fully interactive 3D world, complete with beautiful environments, sophisticated AI, zany character interactions and amusing puzzles.

Other Namco titles that ranked well in the 2005 FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards include ATOMIC BETTY, Gumby vs. the Astrobots and PAC'N ROLL.

For more information about the FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards, please visit www.familyfun.com/videogames. For more information about Hello Kitty Roller Rescue and other Namco titles, please visit http://www.namco.com/.

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Sunday November 27, 2005

Companies cash in as Disney puts C S Lewis classic on big screen

Disney hated Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow

Cheer-leading their way to Disney World

Disney on stage: The Arts Club's Beauty and the Beast

Study sees rise of radical Islam in the French workplace

Companies cash in as Disney puts C S Lewis classic on big screen

A young girl pushes open the wardrobe door hoping it will lead to her beloved Narnia but instead is confronted by the sight of her mother sniffing freshly laundered clothes.

It looks like a spoof of the C S Lewis classic but is in fact just one of a number of commercials hoping to cash in on the anticipated success of Walt Disney's new adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

The advertisement is for Lenor fabric softener but more than 80 other products and big name brands are hoping to reap the benefits of Narnia's magic.

In a move that has infuriated some Christian groups and Lewis purists, the film's producers have signed lucrative contracts with businesses such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Virgin Atlantic, and McDonald's, in what is believed to be one of the biggest merchandising deals in Hollywood history.

Ten of the companies that have signed multi-million-pound deals with Disney will feature images from the film in television advertising campaigns for their products.

McDonald's will launch Narnia happy meals while Nestlé and Britvic will emblazen images from the film across products such as Cheerios, Shreddies and Robinsons Barley Water.

The film has also spawned spin-off toys, computer games and clothing that are set to be best-sellers this Christmas.

The film itself has no less than three different soundtrack albums and HarperCollins the publishing firm, has produced 14 new Narnia books including a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film that will go on sale alongside the books.

The volume of merchandising has been condemned by some fans of the original Narnia stories who regard them as powerful Christian allegories which are a world away from commercial dealings.

John Roberts, the secretary of the Lord's Day Observance Society, accused the companies of hypocrisy and of hijacking a Christian story. "It is completely over the top to be honest with you," he said. "Many of the companies which are behind these deals are guilty of hypocrisy. They are using a Christian book to promote their non-Christian ends.

"These deals are proof that people will jump on any bandwagon if they think they can make money out of it."

Prof John Gillespie, a Lewis expert, welcomed the fact that the film would introduce a new generation of children to the stories.

He was worried, however, by the apparent mismatch between some of the advertising campaigns and Lewis's intended message.

"One must not be too puritanical about it but there is an irony in pulling something which is about giving to others entirely in the other direction," he said.

The scale of the merchandising is in stark contrast to that launched by the producers of the Harry Potter films who have been banned from excessive cross-promotion by J K Rowling, Harry's creator.

Aware that such promotions are likely to be controversial, Disney insists that it has done everything possible to ensure that the campaigns stay true to the spirit of Lewis's 1950 novel.

Companies that have signed deals have been instructed to use British accents in any commercials, irrespective of where they are shown. The animation giant is also keeping tight control of any images used.

Charlotte Tudor, the executive director of publicity at Walt Disney, last night defended the campaign. "The firms we are working with are all national treasures. They are family household names and trusted brands," she said. "There is nothing new in major studios using brands to promote products."

Last night, the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, said merchandising was the "way of the world". He said: "I haven't seen it but I see absolutely no reason why it should not make a great film.

The Christian symbolism in the book is very powerful and very well done but I think the stories can be read and hugely enjoyed without people seeing the direct connection with Christianity."

The film, directed by Andrew Adamson, was shot in New Zealand, and stars Liam Neeson, Tilda Swinton and Ray Winstone. It opens in Britain on December 9.

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Disney hated Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow

Actor Johnny Depp may have floored movie audiences with his portrayal of the pirate 'Jack Sparrow' in the blockbuster movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean", but he recently revealed that the portrayal had sent shock waves running through film producers at Disney.

The actor, who based his interpretation of 'Jack Sparrow' on 'Rolling Stone' star Keith Richards, said that Disney had hated the pirate's beads and dread locks, and had thought that he was ruining the movie. He added that he found the whole episode amusing as he knew the character would be a hit.

"Disney gave me such a hullabaloo about what I was doing with the character, the teeth, all the beads hanging and the dreadlocks. From what I understand, Michael Eisner (Disney chairman) hated it so much the words actually came out of his mouth, 'He's ruining the film.' Which really killed me, of course - it made me laugh. Bless him," Female first quoted him, as saying.

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Cheer-leading their way to Disney World

The Watertown/Belmont Pop Warner Cheerleaders recently attended the New England Cheer and Dance competition. The E-team received a trophy for participation. The D-Team took first place in their division, the C-Team took fourth place in their division, the B-Team took second place and the A-Team took first place.

On Sunday, Nov. 13 the Watertown/Belmont Pop Warner Cheerleaders from the A & B Teams competed in the Eastern Mass Competition. Both teams earned their way to this point by competing against six teams at the Middlesex League Competition, and they both took second place then. On Sunday both teams performed to perfection.

The B-Team is coached by Judy Anderson, Lisa Tardiff, and Kim DeMichelle , and consists of: Valerie Walker, Rachel Thomas, Olivia Conde, Jacqueline Tresca, Mimi Anderson, Courtney Winn, Alicia Tardiff, Nicole Chase, Amanda DaRosa, Margaret Antonellis, Tiffani DeMichelle, Alysha Marifiote, Melissa Butler, and Alisha Anderson.

The A-Team is coached by Julie DeNovellis, and Juliann LeBlanc helps out with music. The A-Team consists of: Jennifer Ryan, Beth McMullen, Allison Pelletier, Katie Perry, Amanda Bonilla, Annie Taverna, Elizabeth Emery, Sabrina Paola, Kristina D'Amico, Claudine Hogan, Justyne Stewart, Victoria Hokanson, Shawna McGoldrick, Shannon Hogan, Chloe Anderson, Caroline Marchetta, and Alexandra Cremone.

The A-Team is advancing on to regionals on Nov. 27 at the Worcester DCU Center by securing second place again, this is the first time any Watertown/Belmont Pop Warner Cheerleading teams have gone this far. This is their last stop before advancing on to Nationals in Disney World.

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Disney on stage: The Arts Club's Beauty and the Beast

VANCOUVER - It's a bit curious that the Arts Club Theatre Company would choose to stage Disney's Beauty and the Beast as its latest production on the boards of the Stanley Theatre. Maybe it's a sign of the times that companies like the Arts Club, obviously local and independent, would stage something so commercial, or something so branded. But it's not an unwelcome move, considering the show has reached the sort of level of cultural awareness where its songs are not only fodder for musical theatre enthusiasts, but also figure skating routines and political conventions.

As the song says, the tale is as old as time-it dates back to the second century, but the version playing until 15 January 2006 is Disney's, even bearing the mouse company's ubiquitous logo. Directed by Bill Millerd, it's based on the 1991 animated feature film, which was the only animated movie nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. When the film came out, many said that the film had songs worthy of a Broadway musical, and thus was born the storied Disney empire of animated pictures with songs and lyrics inspired by the world of musical theatre. Composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman's score was expanded by Tim Rice, who came in to add several new lyrics when this production was adapted for the Broadway stage in 1994. The score is still a bit thin, if unimpressive, seemingly punctuated by well-known numbers "Be Our Guest" and the title song, "Beauty and the Beast."

This Arts Club production boasts an impressive and imposing set by Alison Green, whose mansion when revealed for the first time garners gasps from the audience and smatterings of applause. The costumes by Rebekka Sorensen are colourful and apt for a show based on a cartoon. They're brash and a character onto themselves, and dare I say it, animated.

Because it's a fable based on a cartoon one is willing to cut the production a bit of slack in terms of the development of characters and the movement of the plot. The characters are caricatures, and if they have some level of complexity, it seems almost ill-fitting. That's not to say this production is just full of bells and whistles, smoke and heavy make up. There are some fine performances turned in, in particular Belle played by Amy Wallis. Though she looks a tad older than the character is supposed to be, she tackles her numbers with ferocity and firmness. Warren Kimmel as the Beast is fierce as he is tender, affecting the character well. Jonathan Winsby as the comic Gaston is delightfully comedic and is a commanding presence on the stage of the Stanley.

Matt Palmer as Lumiere was hilarious and charming, while Shawn Macdonald as Cogsworth added much humour, lightening the darkness of the Beast as protagonist. Susan Anderson as Mrs. Potts was delightful; however, her performance of the title song lacked the tenderness of Angela Lansbury and at times sounded more like an overly dramatic audition piece akin to Canadian Idol. It is curious that the role of Mrs. Potts's son Chip is played by females. There's nothing wrong with that, however it was slightly obvious on opening night that Chip may have been having identity problems.

Two smaller parts-LeFou and Maurice-were ably filled by Dan Costain and Bernard Cuffling, respectively, bringing much to the chemistry of the cast as a whole, not to mention light-hearted charm. There's were genuinely committed performances.

This holiday season proves perfect timing to take theatregoers young and old to the Stanley to take in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I suspect the Arts Club knows it. In any case they've dressed it up with amazing sets and costumes, and showcase performances that are enthusiastic and able.

The Arts Club's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast directed by Bill Millerd with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, with a book by Linda Wollverton, is playing at the Stanley Theatre until 15 January 2006. Tickets are available at TicketMaster, or the Arts Club's box office (604.687.1644), or through their website www.artsclub.com. The production features: Warren Kimmel, Amy Wallis, Jonathan Winsby, Bernard Cuffling, Matt Palmer, Shawn Macdonald, Susan Anderson, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Dan Costain, Dorothy Hosie, Jessica Marino, Abigail Winter-Culliford, Lindsay Sterk, with Scott Augustine, Kristi Frank, Jackée Guillou, Troy V. McLaughlin, Laura Nason, Ben Ngui, Shane Snow and Melissa Young.

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Study sees rise of radical Islam in the French workplace

The First line is strictly as an FYI to our Disney friends traveling abroad-

Employees set up clandestine prayer areas on the grounds of the Euro Disney resort.

Workers for a cargo company at Charles de Gaulle airport praise the Sept. 11 attacks.

A Brinks technician is charged with pulling off a million-dollar robbery for a Moroccan terrorist group allegedly led by his brother.

Female converts to Islam operate a day care center that authorities eventually shut down because of its religious radicalism.

As France grapples with the rise of Islamic extremism abroad and at home, those are snapshots of what might be an emerging trend: radical Islam in the private sector.

The line between legitimate religious expression and extremist subversion can be blurry. But a recent study by a think tank here paints a picture of rising fundamentalism in the workplace, ranging from proselytizing to pressure tactics to criminal activities.

In companies such as supermarket chains in immigrant-heavy areas, for instance, militant recruiters cause workplace tensions by imposing fundamentalist ideas on co-workers and pressuring managers to boycott certain products, the study says.

On a more sinister level, the study asserts that Islamic networks are trying to establish a presence in companies involved in sectors such as security, cargo and transportation. Once they gain a foothold, operatives raise funds for militants via theft, embezzlement and robbery, the study says.

"Parallel to these sect like risks, the spread of criminal practices has been detected in the heart of companies [with] two goals: crime using Islam as a pretext and in addition, local financing of terrorism," concludes the study by the Center for Intelligence Research in Paris.

The report was issued before the riots this month that spread arson and violence nationwide and focused attention on France's immigrant neighborhoods, which are predominantly Muslim. Although intelligence officials detected only a few cases of extremists inciting unrest, authorities worry that the tense urban climate strengthens the hand of hard-core Islamic networks.

French anti-terror officials agree with some of the findings of the study of the private sector, although they say parts of the report exaggerate or simplify a complex issue. In any case, the concern is justified in a wider context, officials say: Extremism is rising in France, home of Europe's largest Muslim community, and intertwining with a foreign threat.

Recent arrests reveal that France has been targeted by an alliance teaming Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, with an Algerian-dominated network, said a senior French law enforcement official, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons. Al-Zarqawi operatives in Lebanon taught bomb-making to accused militants from the network who were arrested here, including French converts, the official said.

That underscores a development on the home front: a "significant increase" in converts, including women, said a French intelligence official, who also asked not to be identified.

In the northwestern Paris suburb of Argenteuil, female converts helped set up an unlicensed day care center for a dozen children at an apartment in a housing project. After intelligence officials determined that the center was run with an aggressively fundamentalist philosophy, authorities shut it down last year.

Conversions also result from militant recruiting in workplaces, according to the think tank report, which is based on a survey of corporate executives, private security officials and law enforcement experts. The author, Eric Denece, acknowledged that the issue was complex.

"The focus on the private sector is new because law enforcement does not work on it much -- they have other concerns," Denece said. "But also, company executives have not wanted to talk about this sensitive subject. Some were concerned about being called racists."

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Saturday November 26, 2005

'Pirates' Sequels Attacked by the Real Thing

Great Movie Ride finale movie clips updated

Haugen of Ladyslipper Travel is new Disney Specialist

Crowded attractions brighten tourism's outlook for season

Whitesboro student's wish comes true at Disneyland

Discovering Disney

'The Rock' Set For Disney's 'Daddy’s Girl'

'Pirates' Sequels Attacked by the Real Thing

Filming on the two back-to-back sequels of Pirates of the Caribbean has been dogged by a spate of real-life ocean thievery, according to reports from the Bahamas.

Disney producers working on the swashbuckling Keira Knightley and Johnny Depp films reveal that two cast members have been forced to abandon the set for fear of their lives, after four brigand heists in a month.

The last robbery saw the brazen thieves make off with $20,000 in cash and equipment.

Jason Kakebeen, head of location production, says, "We've had a slew of robberies on the actors who are working for Pirates of the Caribbean over at the Port Lucaya resort.

"They (the robbers) were able to get into the room with a key and stole everything from laptops, passports, checks, and other equipment. The money they stole was actually the actors' paychecks."

Kakebeen admits that filming has come to a standstill while the crimes are investigated, but refuses to reveal the identity of the stars targeted, who have since left the shoot.

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Great Movie Ride finale movie clips updated

The movie clip finale at the end of the Great Movie Ride, at Disney's MGM Studios, has been updated to include recent movies. The new selections of great movie moments are Narnia, Finding Nemo, Forest Gump, Pearl Harbor, Chicago and Pirates of the Caribbean.

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Haugen of Ladyslipper Travel is new Disney Specialist

Don't be surprised if you see pixie dust twinkling around Rollie Haugen.

Haugen, who owns Ladyslipper Travel of Walker, joins an elite group of travel industry professionals who have attained a special knowledge of the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. As a recent graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, Haugen has now become a Disney Specialist.

"The College of Disney Knowledge was extremely beneficial to me," said Haugen. "It was a fun and informative way to learn more about the Disney vacation portfolio. I also feel more confident about selling Disney destinations."

Anyone who plans to visit the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line will benefit from Haugen's added expertise.

"The College of Disney Knowledge has taught me how to add more value to each Disney itinerary so that I can help make every client's magical dreams come true," she said.

Since 1993, Walt Disney parks and resorts have been committed to educating travel industry professionals about Disney destinations through the College of Disney Knowledge.

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Crowded attractions brighten tourism's outlook for season

With steady traffic into Orlando's theme parks Friday, and gas prices continuing to tumble as the hurricane season draws to a close, the tourism industry's outlook for the rest of the year suddenly seems brighter.

Nearly 22 million visitors came to Florida from July through September, up more than 9 percent from the same period last year, putting the state on track for a new annual record of more than 80 million tourists, according to new figures released by Visit Florida Inc., the state's tourism marketing agency.

On Friday -- the midway point of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year -- unseasonably mild temperatures kept a stream of people pouring into the gates of Central Florida's major theme parks.

The crowds, however, weren't as frenzied as some had expected.

At Universal Orlando's CityWalk, Brenda and Ruben Aguilera of Pembroke Pines enjoyed a slice a pizza with their two children in a crowd that was thinner than they had anticipated.

"I told my husband it was going to be really bad and we should plan on being in the car for a while," said Brenda Aguilera of their drive Friday morning from a Kissimmee resort to Universal. But they didn't encounter any major traffic problems.

Walt Disney World spokeswoman Lissette Campos said the Disney parks were crowded but did not reach capacity.

"It's been very, very busy," Campos said. "We've watched the numbers closely. There is no need to close it to that second tier of guests."

Many of the visitors at SeaWorld, where the parking lot appeared to be at least 90 percent full by early afternoon, said gasoline prices and hurricanes had played only a minor role -- if any -- in their vacation decisions this year.

"We stay away during the summer" because of the heat and crowds, said Casey Bearden, 37, snapping pictures with his wife and two young children near the Sea Lion & Otter Stadium. "I think we're going to add Thanksgiving to that," said Bearden, who is from Nashville, Tenn. "There's just too many people here."

Visit Florida's report of a year-over-year increase in the third-quarter visitor count was something of a pleasant surprise to the tourism industry. But the wide margin of improvement over last year was partly because of the weakness of 2004's third quarter, when Florida was hit by an unprecedented four hurricanes in less than seven weeks.

"Last year's third quarter, we were down" by about 4 percent from the same period a year earlier, Visit Florida spokeswoman Vanessa Welter said. "It was because of all the hurricanes."

This year, travelers did not seem to let hurricanes Rita or Katrina and high gas prices slow them down as much, Welter said. With a stronger-than-expected third quarter, another record-breaking year is all but certain for Florida tourism.

"Last year, we had a record 79.7 million [visitors], and we're on track to surpass that," Welter said. As of Sept. 30, the state had recorded about 69 million domestic and international visitors, up from 63.2 million during the same nine months in 2004.

With gas prices having fallen for weeks, the industry now has even more hope for a sold fourth quarter. International currency-exchange rates also remain favorable for U.S. tourist destinations, Welter said, with visitors from the United Kingdom and elsewhere getting deals on travel packages.

Hotel operators say it's still difficult to forecast too far ahead, because travelers continue to book on such short notice. And many travel packages sold online now make it even easier for people to make -- or cancel -- plans in a snap.

With Hurricane Katrina in late August and Wilma nearly two months later, October was a soft month for Orlando-area hotels, with occupancy slipping more than 8 percent to 69.1 percent, according to new figures from Smith Travel Research.

But for the year through October, occupancy was still running slightly above last year's, and room rates were averaging about 6 percent more.

Phil Wright, general manager of the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, said hotels such as his near Walt Disney World are doing "exceptionally well." Bookings for December are "the best we've ever seen for this property."

But Wright also said that hotel operators on International Drive, and others farther from Disney along U.S. Highway 192 in Osceola County, are reporting softer bookings -- even though they charge less, on average, than hotels closer to Disney.

"It's really strange. It almost appears as if people are trying to upgrade and are willing to pay more money" for amenities, conveniences and other qualities, Wright said.

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Whitesboro student's wish comes true at Disneyland

Many people fantasize about being granted one wish, but rarely do those wishes come true. However, that wasn't the case for Jeremy Ruffins. The Whitesboro High School junior wished he could go to Disney World, and it came true.

The Make A Wish Foundation sent Jeremy, his mother, Mary Ortega; his younger sister, Celeste Ortega; and family friend Eva Spence to Disney World in Florida for one week at no cost.

Jeremy was diagnosed with a brain tumor several years ago, and much of his high school years have been spent at the Dallas Children's Hospital undergoing tests and procedures. Hospital staff recommended Jeremy to be a wish recipient through Make A Wish.

His mother said Jeremy has known of his trip since April, but because he is undergoing radiation treatment which makes him very sensitive to sunlight and heat, they chose to go in November when the weather was cooler.

Jeremy said he chose Disney World because, "I'd never been before and I figured I'd never get to go." Make A Wish paid for everything, including passes to every theme park, travel expenses and a room at the Give Kids the World Villas.

Mary Ortega said the Villas was the best part of the trip. "Not just anyone gets to stay there. It is only for kids with life threatening illnesses," she said.

The Villas are a resort for kids with accommodations including a theater and an ice cream palace open from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Mary Ortega said, "If you wanted a banana split at 8 in the morning, you could have one."

Jeremy said the best part was "it was all free."

Mary Ortega said Jeremy has been very positive about his battle with cancer. "Jeremy has been so eager to live, so he took it real good. When we went through the chemotherapy, he sang through it, that how high his spirits have been," she said.

Jeremy said he talks to other patients at the hospital about his experiences with cancer. He also said he knows some kids at his school with skin cancer and he tries to answer their questions and support them.

Mary Oretga said Jeremy takes his own life seriously. "He talks about his disease with kids that have been drinking and doing drugs. He tells them, 'I've never put chemicals in my body' and he doesn't understand why kids want to damage their bodies."

In addition to the trip to Disney World, Jeremy gets a free five-hour limo ride for him and eight friends. He said he thinks he'll take it to prom, but by the time the limo drives to Sherman from Dallas, he only gets one hour in it. Jeremy's family also received free tickets to events and attractions in the Dallas area for one year.

Jeremy said his advice to others who are suffering with cancer is, "I went through it and I survived it."

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Discovering Disney

The little girl in the angel suit, complete with wings, halo and celestial pink boots, is cute but no cherub.

The cell phone dangling from her waist is a dead giveaway as she gallops hither and yon, turning from time to time to yell at her parents to hurry up! She's speaking Cantonese but there's no mistaking her message.

It is a small world after all, and getting smaller. There are times when the new Hong Kong Disneyland feels claustrophobic but, then again, the original Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. isn't very big either.

When it opened 50 years ago as "the happiest place on Earth," it was all about bringing different world experiences, albeit candy-coated, to Americans. Today, with Disney theme parks on three continents, it's all about selling candy-coated middle-America to the world.

But Disney is what Disney is. You either check your cynicism at the gate or go into sugar-shock as you board the Disneyland Express at the appropriately —but coincidentally — named Sunny Bay MTA station. The transit authority is totally onside — the government has a 57-per-cent stake here. You can buy entrance tickets at Hong Kong station and the trains for the one-stop ride from Sunny Bay have windows and hand-holds with Mickey Mouse ears.

The park, a half-hour, $26 Hong Kong ($4 Cdn.) ride from the city centre, is on Lantau island, best known up to now for its gigantic statue of Buddha and Chek Lap Kok airport. This is close enough to the park that the thunder you hear isn't an approaching storm, but jetliners on final approach.

Visitors from mainland China are important to the success of the new park — though Hong Kong officials are said to be less than thrilled by plans to have a Shanghai Disneyland up and running by 2010.

Children in Hong Kong, which still has a strong Western presence, are far more familiar with Disney than kids in China. But the corporation did its homework well ahead of the Hong Kong park's opening, with a series of "outreach programs" on the mainland to introduce what some critics have called Mickey Mao. With Chinese government co-operation, some schools introduced Disney stories into their curriculum.

Pop star Jacky Cheung was hired to host a TV program showing classic Disney movies in Hong Kong and on the mainland. And a clothing chain, with more than 600 stores in China, started carrying Disney clothing.

When Hong Kong Disneyland opened its gates, everyone knew what the park and its characters was all about.

This is the smallest of the Disney parks, with a maximum capacity of about 30,000 visitors. It has three themed areas — Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; and Tomorrowland. There are two hotels with a total capacity of 1,000 guests.

Many visitors, it seems, are unfamiliar with the whole theme-park concept, especially the Fastpass, which lets you book a ride time and bypass the line. In the first days after the park opened Sept. 12, many thought they needed a Fastpass simply to get on a ride. (Sept. 12 was chosen as auspicious by traditional Feng Shui consultants).

There have also been problems, in the first few days at least, of visitors smoking where they shouldn't — reportedly even in Sleeping Beauty's castle — spitting, going barefoot and letting their kids urinate in the flower beds.

On the day I'm there, business is brisk, everything is moving smoothly and the longest line is for pictures with Mickey and Minnie. There are far more adults than kids. Trains arrive full and people are snapping away before they're out of the station.

There's a Space Mountain rollercoaster with the usual warnings about not riding if you're pregnant or have a heart condition but, otherwise, the handful of rides are on the tame side.

The chance to get married here is reportedly already popular: "Begin your forever today," says the blurb. "Stage your intimate ceremony under the fanciful gazebo in the romantic surroundings of Hong Kong Disneyland."

There are three packages — Crystal, Emerald and Diamond, which costs $10,888 (about $1,650 Cdn.), "plus 10 per cent service charge per table of 12 persons. Minimum spending requirement applies." Included are "a comprehensive range of Disney background music; eight-tier fairytale wedding cake for photographs; a choice of Disney-themed fresh wedding cake; one luxurious night's stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel; six regular day tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland."

If you're really lucky, that little angel in pink boots might show up to bestow a blessing. Just remember — that halo isn't real.

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'The Rock' Set For Disney's 'Daddy’s Girl'

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has revealed that his next project will be Walt Disney's Daddy’s Girl “It's great," he told Empire Online. "Basically I’m a star quarterback on an NFL team, very brash and cocky, but not in the way of Tyrell Owens in the States but in the way of a Brett Favre who is so respected and everybody loves, but who has been single all of his life."

“His life gets turned upside down when his little daughter comes into his life, who’s six years old," he said. “We’ll get a beautiful girl, I’m sure, and she’ll be the star of the movie. I have a four-year-old baby girl, so it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

“And by the way it’s with the producers of The Miracle as well as The Rookie [Gordon Gray and Mark Giardi] so they understand the sensibilities of pulling at the heart. I can’t wait,” he added.

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Friday November 25, 2005

National Turkey Is The Star Of Thanksgiving Day At "The Happiest Place On Earth!"

Disney Conquers a New Peak of Storytelling Thrills With Debut of Expedition Everest in Spring 2006

Disney fires back at Hong Kong Disneyland critics

50 things you didn't know about Disneyland

Verizon, Disney sign programming deal

Churches send in the faithful to put Narnia on map

Disney India premiers 'Toy Story' on November 27

'Narnia' development stunning

Kissimmee teacher wins cash

National Turkey Is The Star Of Thanksgiving Day At "The Happiest Place On Earth!"

Today in a Thanksgiving Day salute the 2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey, named Marshmallow, was honored as the grand marshal of Disneyland's Thanksgiving Day parade as the park celebrates its 50th anniversary year. The famed turkey "gobbled" his way down Main Street, U.S.A. under sunny 73-degree skies surrounded on a float by children dressed as little Pilgrims and Native Americans. After the parade, the turkey was moved to Santa's Reindeer Round-up in the park's Frontierland section to greet his eager fans.

Following the traditional Presidential pardon of the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a White House ceremony on Tuesday, November 22, in Washington, D.C., the 2005 National Thanksgiving Turkey became "The Happiest Turkey on Earth" and then headed west to "The Happiest Place on Earth" - - Disneyland! Joined by National Turkey Federation Chairman Pete Rothfork on United Airlines Flight 197 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, the National Thanksgiving Turkey flew first-class 2,288 miles nonstop to the west coast for the special Thanksgiving Day honor.

The 18 ½ week old tom turkey weighs about 37 pounds and was raised under Rothfork's direct supervision. He was brought up on a farm owned and operated by Jim and Vicki Trites in Henning, Minnesota.

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Disney Conquers a New Peak of Storytelling Thrills With Debut of Expedition Everest in Spring 2006

Disney Imagineers have ventured to the top of the world -- into the mysterious and foreboding Himalayas -- for exciting new theme park thrills that will open in spring 2006.

The debut of Expedition Everest at Walt Disney World Resort completes an exploration so thorough that theme park guests will become immersed in the culture and spirit of the Himalayas -- complete down to the details of Nepalese architecture and vegetation ... and up to the peaks of excitement aboard a train that races backward and forward through icy canyons and caverns.

While one of Florida's highest mountains was rising to a summit nearly 200 feet above Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, the Imagineering team wrapped up more than six years of research with an extraordinary expedition to the mountains of the Himalayas to explore the legendary "realm of the yeti." Conservation International and Discovery Networks joined Disney on Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas in the search for new species and ancient legends.

"This extraordinary expedition is another example of the lengths to which Walt Disney Imagineering will go to research subject matter in developing our story lines," said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. "Our passion for bringing great stories to life has taken Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to amazing places over the past 50 years. Over the next 50 years, we will continue to scale new heights in our ongoing quest to create great experiences for our guests."

Indeed, Expedition Everest is a bridge between the first 50 years of Disney theme parks ... and the next. The opening represents a major addition to Walt Disney World Resort as part of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," an 18-month jubilee commemorating a half-century of Disney parks around the world.

And in creating a new adventure for the Florida resort, the Imagineers trekked halfway around the world for just the right story to tell on six acres of land in the Asia region of Disney's Animal Kingdom.

"Our Imagineers journeyed to Nepal a number of times, immersing ourselves in the legends, lore and heart of the place," said Joe Rohde, creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. "Our goal was to create an authentically detailed environment that reflects the culture and traditions of these Himalayan countries we explored during our research."

Disney designers, architects and creative storytellers visited areas of Asia near Mount Everest to study local cultures, traditions and architecture. Thousands of photographs and hours of video were collected of Bhutanese and Nepalese culture, villages, homes, public spaces, architecture, trees and plants. Team members visited Buddhist temples and shrines, trekked through the foothills on donkeys, and spent hours talking with locals to learn about their beliefs and traditions.

The result is evident in Serka Zong, the mythical village created at Disney's Animal Kingdom as part of what Imagineering calls "placemaking." The village consists of several buildings, including a hotel, Internet café and trekking supply store, all reflective of today's Nepalese architecture.

The team studied Tibetan and Nepalese building materials and a technique called "rammed earth," where slightly moistened dirt is hammered with mallets until it acquires the consistency of adobe. The buildings created in Disney's Serka Zong appear to have been transplanted from the Himalayan region, complete with the wear and tear expected from the elements in a harsh environment.

Of course, the look of "age" is the result of Disney wizardry. Artists used hammers, chainsaws and blowtorches to "age" wood and buildings in the village, giving them the appearance of being longstanding parts of the landscape.

The natural landscape of Expedition Everest was created specifically to evoke the lowlands surrounding Mount Everest. More than 900 bamboo plants, 10 species of trees and 110 species of shrubs are being nurtured and planted to create an authentic environment around the village and mountain.

The natural environment of Disney's Animal Kingdom reflects the supremacy of nature: Trees often overwhelm buildings, and plants are often left in their wild and native condition with minimal trimming. Landscape architects spent years searching for gnarled, crooked and unusual trees that would thrive in the Florida climate while calling to mind the look and feel of Asia.

And then there's the mountain -- a marvel of artistry and engineering; the apex of Disney's decades-long penchant for making mountains out of stories.

The process began with sketches, then small paper models that quickly evolved into sculpted clay and finally, foam models. As the concept evolved, the models became more detailed and larger in size. When the final design for Expedition Everest was complete, the 6-foot-tall model was scanned into a computer using laser technology.

The resulting digital computer files were then used to create and bend some 25,000 pieces of steel needed to create the massive structure nearly 200 feet tall. The mountain contains about 1,800 tons of steel -- roughly six times the amount in a traditional office building of the same size.

Trekkers and climbing enthusiasts know that Everest is the "far" peak in the mountain range, and often difficult to glimpse. So in order to achieve a realistic portrayal of Mount Everest, Imagineers applied a trusted technique known as forced perspective. The mountain's closer features along the bottom are detailed and massive, becoming smaller near the peak, giving guests an unexpected sense of height and mass. Artists provided the final touch of realism when they created depth, crevices and shadows by essentially painting a mural across the mountains.

Interestingly, some of their brush strokes resulted not from their journeys to the Himalayas, but from treks to the Wasatch Mountain range in Utah, where they painted and studied the rock formations which are very similar to the Himalayan ranges.

But ultimately, the fun of Expedition Everest is the story. The legend. And so came the final research adventure to the Himalayas, culminating all the years of study.

While scientists from global conservation leader Conservation International and Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park searched for undiscovered species likely to live in remote regions known as biodiversity hot spots, Imagineers investigated the powerful legend of the yeti.

"We have researched cultural and spiritual legends through local people who have reported sightings of the yeti, and governments who preserve pristine lands in the name of the creature known as 'protector of the mountains'," Imagineering's Rohde said.

In a region featuring some of earth's biologically richest and most threatened places, the team of internationally renowned biologists, botanists and technical experts accompanying the Imagineers conducted a scientific inventory of plant and animal species.

Discovery Networks, renowned for compelling, real-world storytelling, tracked the expedition and plans to share the unique adventure story with audiences throughout the globe this spring in conjunction with the premier of the theme park attraction.

And the story will continue to unfold for guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a park that embodies a respect for nature and all living creatures, both real and possible, in an authentic, carefully nurtured environment.

The attraction Expedition Everest is a high-speed adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the legend of the yeti. Guests board an old mountain railway destined for the foot of Mount Everest. The train rolls through thick bamboo forests, past thundering waterfalls, along shimmering glacier fields and climbs higher and higher through the snow-capped peaks.

But suddenly the track ends in a gnarled mass of twisted metal and the thrills intensify as the train races both forward and backward through mountain caverns and icy canyons and guests head for an inevitable face-to-muzzle showdown with the mysterious yeti (known to some as the abominable snowman).

The attraction features Disney's FASTPASS, offered at no charge to park guests and designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Expedition Everest has a height restriction of 44 inches.

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Disney fires back at Hong Kong Disneyland critics

The Walt Disney Co. is shrugging off claims of low attendance at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, saying that the park has attracted more than 1 million guests in its first 100 days.

The figure was the first actual attendance number released by Burbank's Disney (NYSE: DIS) since the park opened on Sept. 12.

Rumors had circulated that attendance had been less than expected at the company's first foray into the Chinese market. The South China Morning Post reported Monday reported that its staff reporter counted far less than the expected average of 15,342 per day during two days in November.

Disney fired back at the allegations in a statement.

"The bottom-line is this: attendance is ramping up well, which continues to give us confidence that we are on track to achieve our long-term attendance goals. Average daily attendance calculations by the media, especially over a short period of time, have resulted in misleading and faulty conclusions, and paint an oversimplified picture that doesn't reflect either performance or guest enjoyment of the Disney entertainment experience," Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo said in the statement.

The park's attendance has been spotlighted due to its unique investment structure, with the Hong Kong government chipping in roughly HK$25 billion, or US$3 billion, toward the park's construction. It has a 57 percent ownership stake in the park.

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50 things you didn't know about Disneyland

In honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary, we present 50 cool, obscure and simply odd things you probably didn't know about the self-proclaimed Happiest Place on Earth. Many were culled from Mouse Tales by David Koenig (Bonaventure, $19.95). Some were provided by Disney archivist Dave Smith, and others came from 101 Things You Never Knew About Disneyland by former park employee Kevin Yee and lifelong fan Jason Schultz (Zauberreich, $14.95).

1. Disneyland's original Tinker Bell was a 71-year-old Hungarian circus performer named Tiny Kline. The first to fly off the top of the Matterhorn on a zip line, she previously worked as a stunt aerialist, hanging from a flying airplane by her teeth.

2. High inside the hollow Matterhorn is a basketball court. It's part of an employee break room. Los Angeles Lakers' center Vlade Divac has been up there to shoot hoops.

3. Many of the faces of the pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean are modeled on those of the "Imagineers" (Disneyspeak for the park's artists and engineers) who created the ride. There's evidence one face was modeled on Walt Disney's.

4. Ron Ziegler, Richard Nixon's press secretary during the Watergate scandal, once worked as a skipper on the Jungle Cruise ride.

5. The spooky voice that narrates the Haunted Mansion ride is that of the Pillsbury Doughboy. An actor named Paul Frees, who was to Disney what Mel Blanc was to Warner Brothers, supplied the voices for both, as well as many of the pirates in Pirates of the Caribbean and most of the characters in "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln" (except Abe himself). He was also the voice of John Lennon in the old Beatles cartoons and Boris Badenov in the Rocky & Bullwinkle Show.

6. The sailing ship Columbia, which is supposed to be a replica of the first U.S. ship to circumvent the globe, actually was built in large part from the plans for the HMS Bounty, of mutiny fame. Disney's shipbuilders couldn't find plans for the original Columbia, so they relied heavily on those of Capt. William Bligh's ship, which had similar dimensions.

7. Children's Fairyland in Oakland was one of the major inspirations for Disneyland. Walt Disney even hired Fairyland's first director, Dorothy Manes, to work at his park.

8. From groundbreaking to opening, Disneyland was built in just 365 days.

9. Perhaps inevitably, opening day - July 17, 1955 - was a disaster. Asphalt poured just hours before guests arrived hadn't fully dried, and women's spike heels sank into Main Street. VIP passes were widely counterfeited, and double the expected number of people showed up. Rides broke down. Because of a plumber's strike, Walt Disney had to choose between drinking fountains and bathrooms. He opted for the latter, telling a reporter, "People can buy Pepsi-Cola, but they can't pee in the street."

10. Fittingly, one of the original Tomorrowland attractions was Crane's Bathroom of Tomorrow.

11. Frank Sinatra showed up on opening day and took a spin around Autopia.

12. Disneyland cost $17 million to build in 1955, about $116 million in today's dollars. The Space Mountain ride, which opened in 1977, cost more than half that amount (in constant dollars).

13. ABC was one of the original financial backers and for years owned a share of the park. Now, of course, the Walt Disney Co. owns ABC.

14. On opening day, Walt Disney had his gardeners cover bare patches of dirt by replanting weeds from the parking lot and labeling them with long, horticultural-sounding names.

15. Disneyland is home to feral cats - nobody knows how many - that come out at night, after visitors leave. Years ago, more than 100 were discovered living inside Sleeping Beauty Castle.

16. If the voice of the droid pilot in Star Tours sounds a little like Pee-wee Herman, it's because both are voiced by comedian Paul Reubens.

17. At least three babies have been born at Disneyland.

18. Walt Disney kept a 600-square-foot studio apartment above the firehouse on Main Street. It's maintained as a shrine to the park's founder and kept just as he left it, with Victorian antiques, red velvet carpeting and a device for making grilled cheese sandwiches. Outsiders are rarely allowed inside. A light shines from the window at all times as a symbol of Disney's eternal presence.

19. Untold thousands of the old A, B, C, D and E tickets are still in circulation, moldering away in people's drawers. From time to time, guests still show up at the park with them, and they're given the face value of the ticket. (At their most expensive, individual E tickets went for 95 cents.) A better bet is to sell them on eBay, where they fetch many times that amount.

20. On Splash Mountain, high-spirited women sometimes lift their blouses for the cameras that snap souvenir pictures. These girls-gone-wild photos are usually destroyed by park employees, but more than a dozen were smuggled out and posted on an Internet site called "Flash Mountain."

21. As a teenager, actor and comedian Steve Martin worked in Merlin's Magic Shop in Fantasyland.

22. Walt Disney wanted to populate the Jungle Cruise with live animals, but zoologists convinced him they'd be asleep during most park hours. In the early days, though, live alligators were kept in a pen near the turnstiles; they occasionally escaped into the lagoon.

23. In New Orleans Square, near the Pirates of the Caribbean exit, a door marked "33" leads to an ultra-secret, ultra-exclusive private club. Club 33 is the only place in the park that serves alcohol (including a Chardonnay specially bottled for the club by Fess "Davy Crockett" Parker). Its 480 members pay an initiation fee of from $8,000 to $27,000, and yearly dues of $4,000 to $15,000. The current waiting list for membership is said to be seven years long.

24. An early Tomorrowland attraction was Monsanto's House of the Future, made entirely of plastic. It had the requisite picture phone and other Jetsonsonian appliances, but the most-talked-about feature, according to "Mouse Tales," was the microwave oven. "Nobody believed you could bake a potato in three minutes," said attendant Dick Mahoney. Years later, when Disneyland tried to tear down the plastic house, the wrecking ball just bounced off.

25. On Star Tours, the short, squat robots you pass while waiting in line are the audio-animatronic ducks from the old "America Sings" attraction, with their feathers and skin yanked off. One still has webbed feet.

26. To create the illusion of size on Main Street, designers made the ground-floor buildings nine-tenths scale, the second floors seven-eighths and the third floors five-eighths.

27. Sleeping Beauty Castle is based largely on "Mad King" Ludwig's Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, but with one big difference: The top is on backward. Disney didn't want it to look too much like the real thing.

28. Originally, Mr. Toad did not appear in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, nor did Peter Pan or Snow White feature in their own rides. Disney's idea was that riders would view these attractions from the lead character's point of view. Hardly anyone understood this concept, and now each character makes a brief appearance.

29. If you buy a Mickey balloon and it pops or flies away while you're in the park, they'll give you a new one - as long as you have a receipt.

30. Late at night on rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World, amorous couples regularly try to make the Happiest Place on Earth even a little happier. They're apparently unaware that virtually every inch of every ride is observed by security cameras or hidden employees. Sometimes they're startled by a warning from a loudspeaker; occasionally they're greeted at the exit by applauding employees.

31. In the early days, Walt Disney had an agreement with the city of Anaheim that no outside buildings could be tall enough to be visible from within the park.

32. At the end of the Star Tours ride, just as your Starspeeder is about to crash into a fuel truck, a man in the control booth ducks down, then stands up and picks up the phone. The man is George Lucas.

33. Ron Dominguez, the top executive from 1971 to 1994, grew up on one of the Anaheim orange groves purchased by Disney for the park. "My house was right about where the grist mill on Tom Sawyer's Island is now," he said. Mr. Dominguez spent his entire career at the park, starting as a ticket-taker on opening day and working his way up to the top spot.

34. The names painted in gold leaf on second-story windows along Main Street are Disneyland's Hall of Fame. They honor important people in the park's history, usually with an inside joke. Mr. Dominguez's window, for example, reads, "Orange Grove Property Mgt. - We Care For Your Property As If It Were Our Own."

35. Attractions that never made it off the drawing board: Lilliputian Land, a Monstro the Whale water slide and, according to Mouse Tales, a "child-sized medieval torture chamber."

36. There were no A, B, C, etc., coupons when Disneyland opened. Instead, visitors bought carnival-style tickets from booths in front of each attraction. When the lettered coupons were introduced in late 1955, C was the highest level. D tickets didn't come until the following year, and E tickets until 1959.

37. Conspicuously missing on opening day: the Matterhorn. In its place was a two-story-tall pile of dirt from the excavation of the castle moat. It was billed as "Lookout Mountain." The Matterhorn didn't open until 1959.

38. Tomorrowland was originally meant to represent the futuristic year of 1986, when Halley's comet was due to make its next appearance.

39. The soundtrack on Space Mountain, "Aquarium" from Saint-Saens' "Carnival Des Animaux," is played by 1960s surf guitar legend Dick Dale.

40. Nikita Krushchev was never turned away at the front gate by Walt Disney, as is popularly believed. Disney was eager to show the Soviet premier his submarine fleet, at the time the world's sixth largest. It was the U.S. State Department that nixed the visit, saying security wasn't adequate.

41. It's a Small World was originally built for the 1964 New York World's Fair. It was later boxed up and shipped to Anaheim, where it reopened in 1967. People who rode it in New York, including this writer, have had that song stuck in their heads three years longer than everyone else. (Other New York World's Fair attractions that migrated west: "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln," the G.E. Carousel of Progress and the robotic dinosaurs you pass on the Disneyland Railroad.)

42. The telegraph in the New Orleans Square railroad station continually taps out part of Walt Disney's opening day speech in a variant of Morse code once used by railroads. For years it had it slightly wrong, until an amateur ham radio operator deciphered it and discovered the mistake. In the park's early days, according to "101 Things," the telegraph tapped out a "ribald message." It was quickly changed after Disney casually mentioned that his wife knew Morse code.

43. Main Street is based in large part on the town of Marceline, Mo., where Walt Disney spent part of his childhood. A whistle stop on the old Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe rail line between Chicago and Kansas City, the town named a swimming pool and elementary school after its most famous son. The latter is the only place outside Disneyland authorized to fly the official Disneyland flag.

44. When it opened in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean used real human skeletons as props. In an upcoming book, imagineer Jason Surrell writes, "Because the original imagineering team felt that the faux skeletons of the period were just too unconvincing, the grotto sequence originally featured real human remains obtained from the UCLA Medical Center. The skeletons were later returned to their countries of origin and given a proper burial."

45. It's widely believed that the horse-drawn hearse parked outside the Haunted Mansion was the one used to carry Mormon leader Brigham Young to his burial place. But this is one of many urban legends associated with Disneyland. No hearse was used at Young's funeral.

46. Designers frequently leave their signatures on attractions. On Star Tours, the lettering on the industrial pipes near the entrance are the initials and telephone extensions of the creators; on It's a Small World, one of the dolls wears the signature poncho of designer Mary Blair.

47. The Disneyland-Alweg Monorail was the first daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere.

48. The unforgettable - no matter how hard you try - theme song for It's a Small World was written by the same team, Richard and Robert Sherman, who wrote the Annette Funicello novelty hit "Pineapple Princess." (They also penned many Oscar-nominated songs for Disney movies.)

49. When you enter the Star Tours ride, a voice over the loudspeaker asks for an "Egroeg Sacul" to come to the booth. That's "George Lucas" spelled backward.

50. Once and for all, Walt Disney is not frozen cryogenically at Disneyland or anywhere else. He did have an interest in the technology, but he is in fact spending eternity at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, Calif.

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Verizon, Disney sign programming deal

Telephone carrier Verizon Communications, which this week plans to formally begin selling its new video service, said Wednesday it has signed a long-term agreement to offer programming from Walt Disney Co.

Along with Disney, Verizon is also close to reaching a content deal for the new video and television service with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. which could include channels such as FX, Fox News and the Fox Network.

"We are 99 percent there," Murdoch said Wednesday.

Deals with media powerhouses such as Disney and News Corp. could prove an early and big boost to its nascent service, which will use high-speed, fiber-optic lines to compete against cable and satellite television providers.

Starting Thursday, the telephone carrier will formally offer its video service, known as Fios, in Keller, Texas. The company plans to make Fios available to 3 million customer homes this year.

Under the agreement with Disney, Verizon will carry 12 Disney television services, including several from the popular ESPN sports network as well as ABC News and the child-focused Disney channel.

"Verizon will formally flip the switch on our Fios TV service delivering a rich video experience to consumers," Verizon Executive Vice President Tom Tauke said at a forum sponsored by the Progress and Freedom Foundation.

Verizon said a formal deal with News Corp. has not been announced. But a spokesman said, "We expect to have all the programming our customers expect when we launch the service."

Local telephone carriers are trying to expand into the video business to compete against cable companies that have already moved into the telephone and high-speed Internet access business.

"The big telcos are all looking for ways to add capability and compete more efficiently in the home with the MSOs (cable operators) because the telcos are losing all their revenues on long distance," Andy Melder, a senior vice president of Intellon Corp., which provides chips for the delivery of multi-media content to the home, said at a Los Angeles-area technology conference.

But Verizon and others have been slowed in their attempt to offer video because they may have to get licenses from thousands of cities and towns to do so. They have pushed for legislation to eliminate the need for such licenses or the ability to get statewide or national licenses to offer video.

Verizon executive Tauke criticized draft legislation being considered in the House Energy and Commerce Committee that is designed to update U.S. communications laws to set the rules for new services like high-speed Internet telephone and video.

He said the bill could require Verizon to make a set-top box that acts a personal computer, which would increase the cost, potentially open it up to viruses and make it harder to protect copyrights. Additionally, the bill could set build-out requirements for its video service, Tauke said.

"Instead of encouraging competition in this market, they are making it harder for new entrants to get out of the starting gate," he said.

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Churches send in the faithful to put Narnia on map

Church leaders are encouraging families to see The Chronicles of Narnia over Christmas because of the new Disney film's Christian message.

The Walt Disney organization has appointed Christian Publishers and Outreach, an evangelistic publishing company, to promote the Christian message behind the story in churches across Britain.

Premier, the Christian radio station, is running a Narnia promotional campaign, urging schools and churches to do a range of Narnia activities, such as holding parties, running family services titled The Gospel According to Narnia and organising plays based on C. S. Lewis's classic book.

The Methodist organization MethodistChildren has written a special Narnia service for churches across Britain to use, focusing on the theme of gift-giving and receiving that is central to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

One parish in Kent is to give away £10,000 worth of tickets to single parents and their children so that they can see the film over the holidays.

St Luke's Maidstone, which witnessed a surge in churchgoing after it gave away £20,000 tickets to Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ, is offering 1,000 free first-come first-served tickets to single- parent families across Kent.

The church has also set up a website aslanisJesus.co.uk to promote the Christian message of the film described as "Passion of Christ for kids". "It is a way of communicating the Christian message to the wider public," a spokeswoman for St Luke's said. "As a church they want to give those less fortunate a Christmas present. If people can make a connection between the film and Jesus and how he can transform lives, that is great."

A Methodist spokesman said: "Churches are encouraged to explore this theme by engaging with the journey of Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan, as through the wardrobe, they enter a world of ice and snow where it is always winter, but never Christmas. Congregations are asked to consider what the world would be like if Christmas never came and are reminded of the importance of the gift we are given at Christmas, past, present and future."

Doug Swanney, Children's Work Development Officer, said: "Christmas is a time associated with presents and giving and this service aims to highlight Jesus as the great gift of God for our salvation. But it's not just for Christmas — it's ideal for inclusive worship at any time of the year and the format is so flexible that it can easily be adapted to suit different congregations and styles of worship."

However, not everyone will applaud the churches' attempts to use the first film of the Chronicles as an evangelistic tool. Colin Duriez, author of two new books on Narnia and C. S. Lewis, as well as previous studies of Tolkien, noted that Tolkien would not have approved: "He didn't like the Narnia Chronicles. He thought they were too allegorical, too specific in their Christian meanings." The Royal Albert Hall is to be transformed into a glittering ice palace, mimicking the white winter world of Narnia, for the world premiere next month.

The Royal Film Performance of the epic The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be held on December 7 in the presence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

The cast, which boasts some of the industry's leading A-list actors, will attend. They include Liam Neeson, Rupert Everett, and Ray Winstone.

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Disney India premiers 'Toy Story' on November 27

Disney India is premiering three-category Oscar Nominee Toy Story on Sunday, 27 November at 11 am.

Toy Story is a fully computer-generated imagery animation film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures and Buena Vista Distribution.

Toy Story was the first feature-length completely computer-animated movie released by Disney. This 1995 hit was Oscar nominated for Best Original Score, Best Song and Best Original Screenplay. Toy Story combines technical artistry with a warm-hearted family story that is in the best Disney tradition. It grossed U.S. $356,800,000 world-wide, making it the 65th highest-grossing movie in history.

"Toy Story epitomizes superior quality entertainment for all ages. In India, we have used Indian kids to showcase and promote the film as an expression of the fun and imagination that toys bring to Indian Kid's live," says Walt Disney Television International-India director programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya.

"The Indian Television premier of this genre defining movie has been promoted with a high-visibility marketing initiative around the creative idea of "Toys coming to life". The plan is to reach out to various constituents including trade through innovative direct marketing, radio spots and cross-channel promos," said Walt Disney Television International India director marketing and communications Tushar Shah.

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'Narnia' development stunning

As bombs come crashing down over London, England, four young siblings find themselves rushing to escape a crumbling house before it becomes a pile of embers and timber.

Using each of their own unique abilities is essential if success is to be had.

Only Lucy, the youngest -- and smallest -- can scamper across a teetering beam. Only Edmund can climb the bed post. And only the eldest brother, Peter, can smash down the doors.

Once they put their heads together, find the key and make their way out of the house, it is then, and only then, the game player gets their first taste of shock and awe.

It is here The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe -- from Buena Vista Games and Walden Media -- makes the blend of movie and video game appear completely seamless and effortless.

"There is almost 25 minutes of footage from the film right in the game," says Michelle Liem, senior marketing manager for Buena Vista Games.

Available for all second-generation platforms, this offering, made alongside the Disney film set to hit theatres Dec. 9, allows Narnia fans to not only catch a glimpse of what the film will look like, but to play through the adventure themselves.

"You go through the ultimate battle of good versus evil with the kids," says Liem, adding the monsters seen in the movie are used in the game as well.

"Our unique position is we're actually part of the Walt Disney company."

This means they have access to the film's resources from the get-go, and the movie makers work closely with game developers -- Traveller's Tales to ensure both products live up to Lewis' imaginative tale.

The children who star in the film did the voices for their characters in the game, and they also had their images digitally rendered for it as well.

Walden Media was there through every stage of development, for the game and movie, as a representative of C.S. Lewis' estate, to ensure the beauty of Narnia was maintained.

To achieve this, the talents of Weta Digital, made famous for their digital creation of many of the creatures in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, were put to the test for Narnia. They passed with flying digital colours. The undeniably lifelike renderings will have you pausing and rewinding to try and figure out if it's a guy in a costume or a computer-generated character.

The purchase of the game is worth it simply for the movie inserts. And as you play you can unlock more footage and extras from the film. But that is not to say the game itself does not hold water. With two gamers playing on the same screen at the same time, the game play is quick and challenging. From battling the beasts that live within the magical closet to careening down a mountain on a block of ice, you will find yourself trying to keep up.

Perhaps just as Lewis would have liked.

"They (the production team) knew there was going to be high expectations ... not only for the film but for the game as well," says Liem.

"We want them to really have that play the movie experience. "When they go to see the movie, they'll see all the characters they've been playing in the game."

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Kissimmee teacher wins cash

Kissimmee Middle School Principal Paula Evans had a feeling a simple after-school activity organized by one of her faculty members was a good idea.

What she did not know was the event would win the teacher, Michelle Thompson, $15,000, with another $7,500 going to the school.

"We're real happy," Evans said this week. "And we've already decided how to spend the money."

Several Osceola schools and teachers, including Thompson, were awarded a combined $46,000 this week at the annual Disney Teacherrific Awards sponsored by The Walt Disney Co.

The entertainment and media company awarded the money to teachers for creative work in their schools.

Evans said Kissimmee Middle will invest the cash in a new vocational program designed to keep students in school and steer them toward vocational fields or college.

Middle-schoolers who enroll go on field trips to learn about future job options.

This year, students will visit a hospital, a culinary institute and a vocational high school, among others, to watch professionals at work.

"We want them [students] to learn why it's important what they take in school," said Evans.

The program requires sixth graders to commit to a series of nine-week course rotations in four areas: health, careers, home economics and business.

In order to remain in the program, students must maintain a C average and wear a uniform. In exchange, enrollees can receive high-school or college credits for their work.

The money, Evans said, will help pay for field trips and part of the program's expansion to include students in higher grades.

"Right now, we have about 75 students in the program, and we don't get any special funding for this," she said. "We'd like to see that number go up."

Thompson, a health teacher, won the cash prize and took home the Disney Teacherrific Award for creating a "For the Health of It!" program.

In a nine-week period, students in Thompson's after-school club read and wrote about safety and health issues.

The effort resulted in a community fair where students, who partnered with 40 vendors, disseminated safety and health information to nearly 1,500 community residents.

In all, Walt Disney World awarded more than $250,000 to outstanding teachers in five Central Florida counties at its annual Teacheriffic Awards ceremony. Winners of this year's awards in Osceola also include:

Special Judges Award ($5,000 per teacher, $2,500 for school): Christine Conidis and Carol Etter, Denn John Middle School; Suzanne Doran and Donna Frascona, Kissimmee Elementary School.

Outstanding Program Award ($2,500 per teacher, $1,000 for school): Daniella Hickling, New Dimensions High School; Yatrawati Mastapha, Reedy Creek Elementary School.

Top Program Award ($1,000 for teacher, $500 for school): Linda Marie Robinson-Hawes, Michigan Avenue Elementary School.

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Thursday November 24, 2005

Mickey Mouse Finds a Home in Jacksonville

“Pirates” Film Shoot Still On Track

'Alias' to end its ABC run this spring

Disney Brings Pixar's Incredibles To Philadelphia Region

Where to Eat?

Powerful blast

Disney: Income of Non-Nexus Taxpayers Included in New York Combined Franchise Tax Return

PediaMed Sponsors Cure Autism Now's WALK NOW Event at Disney World

Mickey Mouse Finds a Home in Jacksonville

One Jacksonville company got a little extra "inspEARation" on Tuesday.

Suddath Relocation Systems has been transporting 75 statues of Mickey Mouse, each weighing in at 600 lbs. around the country since Disney's 75th anniversary in 2003.

The company even got to design one. They call it "Mickey on the Move."

After sharing the statues with kids and Disney fans for the last two years, Suddath decided to buy the Mickey they designed. The statue went up for sale at a Sotheby's charity auction benefitting the First Coast charity "Dreams Come True."

The charity works to fulfill the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Suddath presented Dreams Come True with a $6,500 check, and unveiled the statue to its employees Tuesday morning.

Now that Mickey's back where he started his journey, Suddath will take him on a tour of children's hospitals around the First Coast.

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“Pirates” Film Shoot Still On Track

In fact, Disney officials sought to distance themselves from statements that were attributed to Jason Kakebeen, which said the incidents had threatened The Bahamas’ status as a film location.

Releasing a press statement, Walt Disney Studios said Mr. Kakebeen was not a spokesperson for the company and was simply hired as an extra in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.

"…his remarks do not reflect the opinion of Disney," the statement said. "…At no time was production interrupted and we continue to enjoy a cooperative and productive relationship with the Bahamian government."

The films are projected to pump $30 million into an ailing Grand Bahama economy.

Lucaya police told the Bahama Journal that there were several thefts that occurred this month at the hotel rooms and private residences of cast and crew members, but classified the incidents as isolated.

Bandits were accused of stealing electronic equipment and cash. But Inspector Wendel Smith said three persons had already been arrested and arraigned in court; one of them was remanded to prison while the two others were released on bail.

"There has been no matter reported from the actual film site…because there is a 24 hour police and security presence," said Inspector Smith. "These persons were not targeted because there were other incidents at the Port Lucaya Resort around the same time frame and those had nothing to do with the cast and crew."

The Ministry of Tourism also indicated that it is concerned about incidents of crime, including those that are committed against visitors.

"The ministry is concerned whenever a crime of any kind affects our guests," said Basil Smith, director of communications. "This concern is shared by our police force and all responsible Bahamians."

Mr. Kakebeen claimed that crew members and some of the films' actors were robbed four times over a one-month period while on location in Grand Bahama, with approximately $20,000 worth of equipment and cheques being stolen.

He also alleged that top movie companies decided not to do business in Grand Bahama and threatened further consequences if the matter was not resolved satisfactorily.

Officials are counting on a significant economic impact from the filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean II & III.’

Government officials have said the Disney deal would pump some $30 million into the island’s economy, and indicated that the production could open up a myriad of employment and training opportunities for residents interested in being part of the movie business.

The Ministry of Tourism had anticipated peak business levels, projecting an average of 200 room nights over eight weeks and a payout in room revenue in excess of $1 million.

The films are being shot at the Bahamas Films studios at Gold Rock Creek in East Grand Bahama.

Disney production crews returned to the island following a summer hiatus, and casting crews were in search of hundreds of male movie extras in preparation for filming, according to Tom Gustafson, regional casting director for Disney.

Close to 1,000 residents turned out for Disney’s first casting call held several months ago.

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'Alias' to end its ABC run this spring

"Alias" is going undercover for good.

The spy drama starring Jennifer Garner will end its five-season run in May, ABC announced Wednesday, promising a big finish.

"'Alias' is not going to wind down as it comes to an end, it's going to rev up, and we're going to make it the event it deserves to be," ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson said in a statement.

The series co-stars Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, Carl Lumbly and Kevin Weisman. It was created by executive producer J.J. Abrams, who is also part of ABC's popular "Lost."

Airing at 8 p.m. EST Thursday this season, "Alias" has struggled to hold its audience against the competition, especially CBS' "Survivor: Guatemala." Last week, the ABC show drew about 7 million viewers compared to about 19 million for "Survivor."

Garner and her husband, actor Ben Affleck, are expecting their first child around Christmas. Her pregnancy was written into "Alias" for her character, a globe-trotting spy.

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Disney Brings Pixar's Incredibles To Philadelphia Region

Pixar's The Incredibles are taking Philadelphia, South Jersey and the Delaware Valley on a super family vacation through the Magic Kingdom Park with Mickey, Minnie and friends during during "Disney on Ice: Pixar's The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure - SJ Kid's Health Night," on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at 7pm, at the Wachovia Center. The Children's Healthcare Foundation of South Jersey (CHF) and healthcare partners present lower level, center section seating for $26-$34 – up to half-off regular price. Proceeds benefit South Jersey pediatric health programs.

"Pixar's The Incredibles will help the Children's Healthcare Foundation build new pediatric hospitals, and provide support services for abused and neglected children," said Executive Director Kory Michael Aversa. "Families will help local children in need, while having an "incredible" time with the best seats in the house - at a discounted price."

The CHF will raise funds to support programs that benefit the health, development and other needs of South Jersey's children, as well as advancing and supporting South Jersey health facilities and resources. In that mission, "Pixar's The Incredibles" ticket sales will help raise funds and awareness for the child friendly Emergency Department at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, refurbish a new play therapy room at Robins' Nest Inc. to help abused and neglected children, and fund CARE-PAKS for foster children moved in emergency situations.

Tickets through the Foundation will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. "We sold out of tickets for our last three Disney on Ice shows – and look forward to selling out The Incredibles!," added Aversa. "The partnership with Comcast and Comcast Entertainment/Disney on Ice has generated nearly $10,000 for children's healthcare programs."

"SJ Kid's Health Night" is part of the CHF's 2005 Holiday Campaign which also features two other large events and programs. On Monday, December 19, Tuesday, December 20, and Wednesday, December 21, 2005 the Children's Healthcare Foundation of South Jersey (CHF) will help Robins' Nest hold the "10th Annual Santa's Workshop" and bring holiday joy to children of South Jersey. New toys, clothing, games, books and other new gifts are needed from both individuals, schools and businesses for distribution at the "North Pole Store." Counselors will work with needy parents as they shop, allowing parents to select gifts for each child at no cost. Wrapping paper and holiday refreshments are also provided. CHF will hold book, toy and clothing drives in Burlington and Camden counties, recruit volunteers, and sponsor decorations and refreshments.

The third event for the CHF's 2005 Holiday Campaign is a shopping benefit with Lilly Pulitzer in the Promenade Sagemore, Marlton, on Thursday, December 8, 2005, from 6pm-9pm. Ten percent of ALL sales are donated to the CHF and partners.

Order forms for "Disney on Ice: Pixar's The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure – SJ Kid's Health Night," are available at www.childrenshealthcaresj.org. The CHF and partners benefit only when you call and purchase tickets directly by calling Executive Director Kory Michael Aversa at (856) 983-3308 or e-mail e-mail protected from spam bots. Information about "Santa's Workshop" and the Lilly Pulitzer Shopping Benefit are also available at the website and phone number.

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Where to Eat?

Disneyland Paris - Where to eat? It can be a though question, but you are getting some help in form of a new restaurant guide. Open the colorful guide and discover all the restaurant located at the resort. Once you open the guide you will have 67 pages to go thru and make your pick. Choosing your Lunch or Dinner location has never been that easy. Or is it? With so many restaurants to choose from in the guide you might not know where to start. Will it be the “Auberge de Cendrillon” in Fantasyland, or “En Coulisse” in the Studios, or maybe one of the other great restaurants of the resort? But once you made your pick, Enjoy your mail.

The guide is dated and is expected to be updated and renewed once this one has expired, just like the Park maps do.

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Powerful blast

Disneyland Paris - It is the detail that makes our kingdom so magical. Just look at “the living portrait” in Toad Hall at Fantasyland or “the Heart Beating Grave” in boot hill at Frontierland, to only name a few. Another, more noticeable, detail is the smoke coming out of the cannon from Space Mountain during blast off. Since its opening, and change to Mission 2 guest have seen either some or no smoke at all appearing from the cannon. At this time however, the smoke is back and more than ever. The amount of smoke blasted into the sky seems to be a much bigger amount then it used to be.

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Disney: Income of Non-Nexus Taxpayers Included in New York Combined Franchise Tax Return

The New York Tax Appeals Tribunal ("Tribunal") recently upheld the determination of an administrative law judge ("ALJ") of the Division of Tax Appeals, which concluded that the New York destination sales of a member of a combined group were properly sourced to New York, even though the member standing alone did not engage in activities that exceeded the protection of Public Law 86-272. ¹ In doing so, the Tribunal once again adopted the Finnegan approach to combined group sourcing, ² and rejected the ALJ’s determination that Public Law 86-272 was inapplicable. The Tribunal also determined that the intangible component relating to the value attributable to film negatives was properly excluded from the property factor of the group’s business allocation percentage ("BAP").

Facts

Disney Enterprises ("Disney") is a diversified international company engaged in family entertainment. During the years at issue, Disney filed a combined New York franchise tax return together with most of the members of its federal consolidated group, including Buena Vista Home Video. Buena Vista Home Video’s activities in New York were limited to the solicitation of sales of tangible personal property by sales personnel in the state. Prior to joining the Disney combined group, Buena Vista Home Video filed a separate company corporation franchise tax return reporting a zero allocation percentage on the basis that the company was protected from nexus by Public Law 86-272. The primary issue examined by the Tribunal was whether the Division of Taxation could include the New York destination sales of Buena Vista Home Video in the numerator of the receipts factor of the BAP for the combined group. ³

Inclusion of Receipts for Non-Nexus Companies

The heart of this decision involves Public Law 86-272 and whether it applies in the context of the calculation of the gross receipts factor of the BAP for a combined group of companies. Pursuant to Public Law 86-272, a state is prohibited from imposing a net income tax on income derived within its borders if the only business activity of the company within the state consists of the solicitation of orders for sales of tangible personal property. Disney argued that Public Law 86-272 should apply in the context of a combined return in the same manner as it applies to a separate company return because the economic distortion in the combined versus separate filing context is the same. Stated differently, Disney argued that Public Law 86-272 cannot be voided merely because companies are included in the filing of a combined report.

The Tribunal, in rejecting Disney’s argument, relied on its opinion set forth in Alpharma ⁴ concluding that the apportionment formula is merely a formula for determining the BAP and does not in any way give the state jurisdiction to tax. The inclusion of the New York destination sales is not an imposition of tax upon the sales of the nontaxpayer members, but merely a calculation of the BAP for the combined group. The Tribunal concluded that Public Law 86-272 was not violated because it applies only to the imposition of a net income tax.

Though the Tribunal reached the same conclusion as the ALJ, it did so on different grounds. The ALJ looked to the subsidiaries’ unitary relationship with the Disney business in concluding that the inclusion of the receipts was permitted. The judge effectively looked to the activities of the other members as creating nexus that was not protected by Public Law 86-272. As such, Disney found itself in the unenviable position of having to explain its own statements relating to the interdependency of the companies. In its petition to file a combined report, Disney itself advocated the inclusion of Buena Vista Home Video in its New York combined group based on the fact that the companies were so unified and interrelated that a proper reflection of their New York franchise tax liability was impossible without combination. At the same time, Disney argued that the nexus creating activities of its subsidiaries should be analyzed on a separate company basis.

Like the ALJ, the Tribunal looked to the relationship of the Disney affiliates but not for the premise that the affiliates created nexus on behalf of Buena Vista Home Video. Instead, the Tribunal concluded that once the companies were included in the combined filing, the task of computing the BAP does not take into account nexus or Public Law 86-272.

Disney argued that the synergistic relationship only has a direct implication on the filing of a combined report, not the calculation of the BAP. However, by requesting that the company be included in a combined report, Disney effectively affirmed that the separate calculation of income would be distortive because certain synergies make the companies completely interdependent. Once distortion was shown, the subsidiary was properly included in the combined group. According to the Tribunal, the fact that the company was protected by Public Law 86-272 was no longer relevant for purposes of keeping its attributes out of the BAP calculation.

Intangible v. Tangible Personal Property

Disney also argued that certain film masters (i.e., movie negatives) should be included in the property factor of the BAP based on the fair market value of these items, rather than at cost. The issue relates to the fact that the film masters themselves have a minimal cost associated with the tangible personal property used in making the masters; however, the fair market value of the film masters includes a significant intangible component associated with the ability to reproduce movies for retail sale. By including the fair market value of these items, Disney would be able to dilute its New York property factor based on the premise that the film masters are largely located outside the state.

On this point, Disney again found itself stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, to dilute its property factor Disney must argue that the fair market value of the film masters, which includes a significant intangible component over and above the costs of the negatives themselves, should be included in its property factor. On the other hand, the New York property factor statutorily includes only real and tangible personal property (not intangible property). As such, Disney must argue that the film masters are in fact tangible personal property, or they run the risk of exclusion based on the intangible nature of the property.

The Tribunal agreed with the ALJ that the film masters were intangible property and the value of an intangible asset cannot be included in the property factor of the BAP. Thus, the value attributable to the film negatives, which is largely related to the ability to reproduce such negatives, was properly excluded from the property factor.

Disney argued that whenever an item of tangible personal property is valued for property factor purposes, the value associated with any related intangible rights cannot be removed. Disney’s position was that tangible personal property is valued by the marketplace by taking into account the uses that can be made of the property because the usage of the property determines its value. This argument is not without merit. Many sales of tangible personal property include an intangible element that cannot be, and is not, carved out for purposes of computing the property factor. However, the Tribunal noted that Disney was unable to provide any case law demonstrating its position and did not take exception to the conclusion that intangible assets are excluded from the property factor. Thus, the Tribunal concluded that the intangible value of the film masters cannot be included in the property factor for purposes of the New York allocation percentage.

Conclusion

Apportionment planning is a common practice of taxpayers and can be a significant benefit. However, companies with complex organizational structures should be cautious when evaluating reporting methodologies to be certain that a change in reporting methodology does not trigger additional tax.

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PediaMed Sponsors Cure Autism Now's WALK NOW Event at Disney World

PediaMed--The Pediatrics Company(TM), a company specializing in the health and well-being of children, provided support to Cure Autism Now's WALK NOW event this past Saturday, November 19, at Walt Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The event raised over $100,000 uniting families and supporters in an effort to increase public awareness and help the more than 1.5 million Americans(1) living with autism.

"Our involvement with Cure Autism Now and experience in this therapeutic area has afforded us a unique understanding of the daily challenges and needs faced by families living with autism," says Dr. Cameron Durrant, President and CEO of PediaMed. "We are pleased and honored to have been a part of this event and hope that our continued work in this arena will have a positive effect on families living with autism."

PediaMed is currently sponsoring a study that is exploring the effect of an investigational drug on gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, which may affect up to 50 percent of children with autism. There is increasing scientific evidence that there may be a link between GI problems and the underlying behavioral changes associated with autism. As a result, health care professionals are beginning to look beyond medicines that work with the brain and explore treatments that address both the GI symptoms and the behavioral symptoms.

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005) and is believed to be growing at a rate of 10 to 17 percent per year.

WALK NOW is a 5K event that includes an autism community resource fair where parents can meet a variety of autism service providers while kids enjoy arts & crafts, moon bounces and other fun activities. Proceeds from WALK NOW support Cure Autism Now's mission to find the causes, effective treatments, and a cure for autism.

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Wednesday November 23, 2005

Hong Kong Disneyland Reaches 100 Day Milestone

Hong Kong Disneyland Attendance Is Strong

Living Seas reopens at Epcot

Italy's Mondo TV rises on Disney buyout report

Step into Magic of Christmas at Hong Kong Disneyland

Ted Koppel approaches his final 'Nightline' deadline

Hong Kong Disneyland Reaches 100 Day Milestone

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the first-of-its-kind family resort destination in China, today marked 100 days of bringing Disney magic to the world's largest audience by acknowledging the many milestones that have led to the successful opening of the park. Welcoming visitors from all over the world, the new resort has already had a profound positive impact on its guests, "cast members" and the Hong Kong economy.

Since the beginning of our soft opening while we were not open every day to the public, Hong Kong Disneyland has welcomed and entertained well over 1 million guests eager to experience our immersive world of fun, fantasy and adventure and two Disney-themed hotels. According to resort surveys, guests who have experienced our special brand of signature entertainment, attractions and hospitality have rated the experience highly:

Cleanliness -- 96 percent
Overall hotel experience -- 94 percent
Entertainment experience -- 92 percent
Friendly, courteous cast members -- 92 percent

Hong Kong Disneyland a Long-Term Commitment

"When we build a resort, we do so with the expectation that it's a long-term asset lasting well beyond 50 years," says Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. "The bottom-line is this: attendance is ramping up well, which continues to give us confidence that we are on track to achieve our long-term attendance goals. Average daily attendance calculations by the media, especially over a short period of time, have resulted in misleading and faulty conclusions, and paint an oversimplified picture that doesn't reflect either performance or guest enjoyment of the Disney entertainment experience. One must always remember in the tourism industry to take seasonality and fluctuation during peak and non-peak times into account, which makes simple daily averages meaningless," Rasulo concluded.

The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has hired and trained approximately 5,000 cast members resort-wide with a retention rate of 94 percent, which Rasulo calls "remarkable," relative to the hospitality industry's average turnover. "Our retention numbers in Hong Kong exceed those of our other parks worldwide. We are delighted to provide our cast with the opportunity to learn the hospitality industry from one of the world's leader in family vacation destinations."

Rasulo points to a varied mix of visitors as more proof of our park's broad appeal in the region. Hong Kong residents comprise 49 percent of the park's visitors. Mainland China guests make up 26 percent of the total, while visitors from other international areas comprise 25 percent. Yet no matter where guests come from, the appeal of Disney merchandise is universal: guests have bought more than 3.3 million pieces of merchandise, with the top seller a sparkling rhinestone Mickey t-shirt.

Win-Win Partnerships with Premium Brands for Local Community

During the initial 100 days, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has been proud to partner with some of the most reputable companies in Hong Kong to bring goods and services to its guests. Local companies such as Chow Sang Sang, Maxim's, Standard Chartered Bank and Lee Kum Kee, along with many others that support the resort, have positively impacted the local economy by providing jobs and new business opportunities for residents of the region.

"Disney creates the Magic! Kodak captures it! The opening of Hong Kong Disneyland has had a profoundly positive impact on our business. We've created new jobs and sales are good. Asian guests love to take photographs and the park offers a unique backdrop for this. Kodak and Disney have extended our alliance to Asia and we are both committed to bring more excitement to our guests," said Mr. Terence Chiu, General Manager of Marketing, DFIS, NAR, Eastman Kodak Company.

Expansion Underway

Relying on positive guest feedback, Hong Kong Disneyland is already expanding and enhancing the park experience beyond today's top attractions, which include Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Space Mountain and the Jungle River Cruise. The first major new attraction to be added to the park since its opening will be the long-time guest favorite Autopia, debuting in summer 2006 and featuring battery-powered vehicles traveling a whimsical highway.

"Clearly, Hong Kong Disneyland is committed to the city of Hong Kong for the long-term, and to the bright future of Hong Kong tourism," Rasulo concludes. "Hong Kong Disneyland will continue to grow, as all our parks have grown, becoming an employer of choice, a good neighbor and citizen to the people of Hong Kong, and the premier family resort destination in China."

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Hong Kong Disneyland Attendance Is Strong

Attendance at Hong Kong Disneyland is strong, a park executive said Tuesday, amid questions about its popularity more than two months after it opened.

"The attendance has been very strong, so we're very happy," Roy Tan Hardy, vice present of marketing and sales at Hong Kong Disneyland, said on the sidelines of an event unveiling the park's Christmas attractions.

But he maintained Disneyland's presistent silence on attendance figures.

Tan Hardy predicted the Christmas season would bring plenty of visitors.

"Disney obviously is going to be a popular draw because this is the first time we're celebrating Christmas at Hong Kong Disneyland," he said.

Tan Hardy's comments came after local newspapers reported disappointing attendance at the park, which opened Sept. 12. The South China Morning Post reported Monday that its reporters counted several thousand fewer park guests than the projected first-year daily average of 15,342 on two days in November.

Disneyland has challenged the Post's numbers.

The theme park has also stoked suspicion by discounting tickets and refusing to disclose visitor figures.

Critics say the park should release figures because it's majority-owned by the Hong Kong government. The government paid US$2.4 billion (euro2.05 billion) for the park's construction, while Disney paid over US$314 million (euro268 million), according to official figures.

Among Hong Kong Disneyland's Christmas attractions are an 18-meter (60-foot) Christmas tree in a setting of holiday music and flurries of fake snow, a Goofy costumed like Santa Claus and Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed in green and red.

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Living Seas reopens at Epcot

The Living Seas at Epcot reopened this morning at 9:00a.m. Beside the relocation of the entrance whilst the main entry is still under rehab, the other major change is that the inside has been totally refurbished and repainted. Everything inside the main areas remain as it was prior to the rehab, and the color scheme remains the same.

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Italy's Mondo TV rises on Disney buyout report

Shares in Italian cartoon maker and distributor Mondo TV (MTV.MI) gained more than 3 percent on Wednesday following a report that Walt Disney Co. (DIS.N) could be seeking to buy it.

Mondo TV, the maker and distributor of series including "In the Name of Jesus," "The Legend of Zorro" and "Spartacus", has a market capitalisation of 133 million euros ($156.5 million).

"The buyout speculation is pushing up the stock," said one Milan-based media analyst, who asked not to be named.

Mondo TV board member Matteo Corradi said no talks were underway with Disney.

"There are no talks, official or unofficial," he said.

Disney officials in London could not immediately be reached.

Mondo TV shares closed up 3.3 percent at 30.5 euros, outperforming a flat DJ Stoxx index of European media companies following the report by deal tracker Mergermarket.

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Step into Magic of Christmas at Hong Kong Disneyland

The magic of Christmas takes center stage at Hong Kong Disneyland this December (Dec. 1 - Dec. 31) as the park celebrates its first holiday season - in true Disney style!

Aglow with glittering decorations in hues of vibrant red and green, Main Street USA pays tribute to the spirit of Christmas past as the quaint small-town stores and restaurants swing into holiday festivities.

Anchoring the park celebration is a radiant 60-foot Christmas tree located in Town Square, where each evening at 6:00pm, one lucky guest will be invited to light the tree to signal the start of gentle snowfall on Main Street USA. The official first lighting will take place at 6:00pm on Dec. 1.

"Nothing captures Christmas like snow-capped rooftops and streets covered with snowflakes. For most people across Asia, this is a sight unseen, so we are delighted to be presenting such a magical experience for our guests," said Roy Tan Hardy, Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

Lively Christmas music will fill the air with special performances by the Dapper Dans, a dynamic barbershop quartet renowned for their charming blend of humor, showmanship and versatility. Their repertoire of Christmas favorites is sure to entertain – especially in four-part harmony.

The many stores at Hong Kong Disneyland will offer plenty of treasures and gift ideas to fill holiday stockings. Featuring over 140 Christmas season only items, guests will choose from glitzy ornaments, soft plush toys, novelty hats and more. More than 50 per cent of the holiday items will be exclusive to Hong Kong Disneyland including a variety of seasonal pins featuring some of the park's most beloved Disney pals.

The aroma of fire-roasted chestnuts, a first for any Disney theme park in the world, will waft throughout Main Street USA as freshly baked delicacies vie for attention at the nearby Market House Bakery.

Inside the bakery, Disney chefs have whipped up holiday treats to tempt guests of all ages and features mouthwatering petit Christmas log cakes, Christmas tree rice crispies and tiramisu in a special Mickey Mouse shaped cup. There's also a delicious selection of take home goodies including decorated Christmas cookies, crunchy Mickey ginger biscuits and snowmen presented in a holiday gift bag.

For guests looking to enjoy a dine-in Christmas-inspired lunch or dinner, the Corner Cafe and Plaza Inn offer special menus for a complete yuletide experience.

A visit to Hong Kong Disneyland this Christmas would not be complete without a special photo with beloved Disney friends, who will be dressed up in their winter finery just in time to inspire a Christmas tradition for every guest.

For guests who extend their Hong Kong Disneyland experience and choose to stay in one of the two hotels, the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel, the magic never ends. Decorations, Christmas trees, carolers, storytelling, scrumptious food and special visits by Santa Claus (and Santa Goofy) will ensure an immersive holiday experience like never before.

"Experiencing the magic of a Disney Christmas is a tradition for generations of guests at other Disney parks around the world, and we are pleased to bring the enjoyment and excitement of a sparkling Disney Christmas to Hong Kong.

"We hope that every guest who comes to Hong Kong Disneyland this holiday season will create memories that will last a lifetime," said Hardy.

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Ted Koppel approaches his final 'Nightline' deadline

Ted Koppel will work for cookies.

Not ordinary cookies, of course. Apricot-granola biscuits, from Starbucks. "Nightline" staffers slip him a couple late in the afternoon, as he waits for the Muse to appear and they begin to sweat.

"Ted puts off writing his copy until the very last second," says executive producer Tom Bettag. "He has the slowest Muse we've ever seen. If we put a cookie in front of him, it seems to help."

The sugar-fueled Koppel, 65, anchors his final "Nightline" tonight, bringing to a close a stellar run of 25 years with the late-night newsmagazine he helped launch, as well as his 42-year career at ABC.

It may also signal the end of serious, long-form journalism in late-night broadcast television.

With NBC's Jay Leno and CBS's David Letterman drawing younger, advertiser-friendly viewers, ABC's news division must prove to network owner Disney that it deserves to continue at 11:35 EST weeknights.

It won't be easy. Had Disney had its way, Letterman would have taken over that real estate in 2002. But he turned down their secret offer, saying he didn't want to be known as the guy who replaced Ted Koppel.

In an effort to keep the entertainment barbarians outside the gate, ABC News will launch a younger, faster, all-live "Nightline" on Nov. 28.

Based in New York, it will feature multi-topics and multi-anchors - Cynthia McFadden, 49; Terry Moran, 45; and Martin Bashir, 42, best known for his BBC interview with Michael Jackson in '03.

"I can fully understand why (ABC News president) David Westin might be salivating a little at the notion of putting younger, cheaper, more ambitious anchors into that job," Koppel says. "They're going to work five days a week, and do it for a lot less money than I cost."

Koppel makes an estimated $10 million a year. As part of his last contract, in 2000, he cut his workload to three nights a week. He stopped going live every night in '93.

"I'm still just as eager to cover a good story as I ever was," he says. "I'm just not as eager to work 14-hour days, five to six days a week, as I was when I was 40."

Bettag, 61, Koppel's best buddy and tennis partner, will leave with him. Industry buzz says they'll produce documentaries for HBO.

With NBC's Tom Brokaw, ABC's Peter Jennings, and CBS's Dan Rather all gone from their anchor desks after more than 20 years, many are trumpeting Koppel's exit as the end of an era. He doesn't see it that way.

"All this hair-pulling and chest-thumping is silly. I remember when Jennings, Brokaw and Rather started, people said young pretty boys were taking over from serious, old newsmen.

"That's what happens. Serious, old newsmen give way. I fully expect some really powerful personalities will emerge. It's just the end of one era and the beginning of another one."

Koppel says he has faith in Disney's commitment to "Nightline." If the broadcast maintains its editorial standards, he says, it will survive.

Still, some critics argue that "Nightline" no longer commands the respect it once did, that it has lost its relevance in a world of 24/7 cable news and the Internet. Nielsen figures support that argument. "Nightline" averages 3.5 million viewers, down 900,000 from 2000-01 and 3 million from 1992-93.

"The show lost something when it didn't go live," says MSNBC president Rick Kaplan, "Nightline's" executive producer from 1983 to '89. "Maybe Ted got tired. Maybe he misread what people needed."

With the explosion of new media, "people needed `Nightline' more," Kaplan, 58, says. "They really went in deep for half an hour. That's not what you do on cable networks or the Internet."

Koppel has no objection, philosophically, to change. But as anyone close to him knows, he is not one to be rushed. About anything.

"Am I a procrastinator? Let me think about that for a minute ... I was the kid who waited until 10 o'clock the night before a paper was due ... Some people would go crazy if they were half an hour away from going on a live TV program and hadn't written their introduction. I get energized by it."

He's a party of one at that table. "Ted doesn't like to plan ahead, which is a real fault," says Bettag. "He'll write when he's ready to write."

Punctuality is another sore point. When Koppel tells the staff he'll be there at a certain hour, they'll bet on the actual time he shows up.

"You can set your watch by Ted," says Bettag. "You just have to set it 25 minutes late."

Whatever the situation, Koppel will talk his way out of it. A former diplomatic correspondent, he understands the language of diplomacy.

So well, in fact, that Henry Kissinger, the former secretary of state, offered him the No. 2 job in late '75.

"He very wisely turned it down," says Kissinger, 82, a longtime friend and target of one of Koppel's classic impersonations. "He wanted to keep his independence."

Had Koppel pursued it, Kissinger says, the freckle-faced newsman with impossible hair would have made an excellent secretary of state.

"He certainly would have handled the diplomatic, conceptual part of it brilliantly. Ted's a very special man. I would favor him for any job available."

Koppel could just as easily have been a lawyer. He loves to parse, to engage, to manipulate. Every conversation is a verbal chess match, with Koppel thinking three moves ahead.

He negotiates his own contracts, unheard of at his level. His love of haggling is not without its drawbacks, though, as Barbara Walters discovered while traveling with him in India in the '70s.

"I wanted to buy a memento," she recalls. "Ted says, 'Let me handle it.' He considered himself the great negotiator. He bargained so long, the guy refused to sell it."

"Nightline" began on Nov. 4, 1979, as "America Held Hostage," a 20-minute special report about the hostage crisis in Iran. It became a nightly feature, with Frank Reynolds as anchor.

Koppel was named anchor when "Nightline" premiered on March 24, 1980. The concept was revolutionary - a live, late-night news program with several people interviewed at the same time, via satellite, from around the world.

In 1979, Koppel says, "nobody would have predicted there would be a successful late-night news program anchored by this funny-looking, jug-eared diplomatic correspondent who had been pretty much discounted as anchor material."

Koppel's incisive interviewing skills quickly established him as the best in the business. When he's on his game, he still is. Kissinger labels him "the most probing interviewer I ever experienced ... He doesn't make your life easy."

Easy and Koppel in the same sentence? Better stock up on extra cookies.

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Anna Popplewell and William Moseley—the young stars of the big-screen adaptation of C.S. Lewis' beloved The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe—told SCI FI Wire that the adventure is about an epic battle, but much more. In the story, Susan (Popplewell), Peter (Moseley), Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund Pevensie (Skandar Keynes) find a magical doorway through a wardrobe that takes them from World War II-era London to the world of Narnia, a land they're apparently destined to rule.

So what's the movie about? "Good over evil," Moseley, 18, said in an interview as he tried to distill Narnia down to its essence.

Popplewell, 16, had another take. "I've been asked this question recently, and I've managed to sum it up with: You've got to change yourself before you change the world." (Popplewell's previous credits include The Little Vampire and, with Harry Potter's Rupert Grint, the British comedy Thunderpants.) "All of the kids go on these individual journeys and have to go through these personal reforms before they can actually save Narnia and before they are able to unite as a family and deal with all the stuff they have to deal with," she added.

Moseley concurred. "I think it's about change, again, but it's also about love," he said. "I know that's a weird, weird thing, and I don't want to make it sound cliché, because it's not a clichéd film. But it's down to respect for others and respect for yourself, and the choices you make affect you. For me, personally, I felt that it was a moral battle: all about morality and [how] the path you choose defines who you'll be." The Chronicles of Narnia opens on Dec. 9.

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Delving into Disney's golden age

As a veteran Disney animator, Paul Carlson took the news in 2004 that the company's animation division was going totally digital rather well. Having worked on such Disney classics as Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmations and Sleeping Beauty, he shows none of the old-timer's contempt for computer animation one may expect. In fact, he enjoyed Finding Nemo, Toy Story and "just loved Shrek".

"It's a different world today, and I don't resent it, not a bit," Carlson says from his homebased studio in California. "I think it's great - but I do believe a lot of the fun was in the hand-work."

Carlson worked with Disney "on the clock" between 1954 and 1960, before moving to UPA to work on the Mr Magoo cartoon series. Disney has been using him since 1960 as a freelancer and quality-control man.

When companies use Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Jiminy Cricket, Donald Duck, Chip'n'Dale, Pluto or Goofy on merchandise, it's Carlson's job to keep non-Disney artists "on model" so Mickey Mouse doesn't come out looking like Mickey Rat.

With animation cells from his work featured in the Timeless Magic exhibition that opens at the Silver K Gallery in Armadale on Saturday, Carlson brings with him a lifetime's worth of anecdotes about working with Walt Disney, and insider knowledge about the studio's animation department.

So, as a renowned specialist in rendering Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck exactly as they should be, can Carlson shed any light on the longstanding mystery on why these characters wear white gloves?

"I don't know about that," he says, genuinely flummoxed. "That's interesting. I've never been asked that."

Still, he can explain why so many Disney characters have only three fingers.

"When they first started animating, they had so many fingers to deal with that they figured it was too much work to animate four fingers. It was easier just to animate three.

"As silly as that may sound, if you think about it, we did 300,000 separate drawings for Lady and the Tramp, then each of those were cleaned up, which makes 600,000. Then they were inked and painted. That makes another 300,000. So there were almost a million drawings.

"So when you have 200 to 300 artists working, think of the time you can save if you only have to draw three fingers instead of four! It sounds silly, but that goes way back to the 1930s and '40s."

The other longstanding Disney mystery, of course, is the deal about Goofy, a dog, and his pet, Pluto - also a dog. A dog owning a dog? Think about it too much and it can mess with your mind.

Carlson agrees. "You're right. If you analyse it, it sounds stupid. Here's a dog with a dog."

Even weirder, though, is the fact that Pluto gave birth to Goofy. Carlson explains. "Here's what happened. Pluto was first, and he was Mickey's dog. Walt was having a storyboard session with some of his artists, and the mail boy came in. He saw Walt standing there and he got embarrassed, so he started acting all silly.

"That laugh and that character right then and there became Goofy. I know it sounds like a crazy way to discover a character, but in that room they then talked about putting teeth on Pluto and standing him up. Creative licence in animation is very extraordinary. You can do whatever you want!"

Even have a dog owning another dog.

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Walt Disney World Presents Disney's PhotoMovie

Create a one-of-a-kind vacation keepsake that combines memories with the magic of the Walt Disney World Resort. Simply add personal digital photos and, if you have some, claim your Disney's PhotoPass images. We add the Disney Magic with breathtaking video, music and playful Disney characters.

A PhotoMovie DVD includes a personalized Disney's PhotoMovie combining Disney video, characters and music with favorite photos. Include up to 5 themed chapters with as many as 68 PhotoPass or personal digital photos. After their vacation, clients can create their personalized PhotoMovie in 4 easy steps at www.DisneyPhotoMovie.com. A sample can also be viewed from the PhotoMovie web site.

Pricing
Standard price for the PhotoMovie is $69.95 with a limited-time introductory offer price of $49.95.

Multiple Copies
Second and subsequent copies of the same PhotoMovie ordered at the same time are $19.95 each. This price only applies to exact copies of a PhotoMovie when purchased at the same time, shipped to the same address. We cannot apply the $19.95 price after an order has been placed.

Expected Delivery Time
Delivery typically takes less than two weeks. It takes less than 5 business days for us to produce a customized PhotoMovie and shipping takes 2-5 business days. Depending on the destination, additional time may be required for local customs inspection and processing. We will send an email with a UPS tracking number when an order is shipped.

A PhotoMovie DVD includes the following:

A customized top menu title screen with the title of choice
A personalized PhotoMovie combining Disney video, characters and music with favorite photos. Include up to 5 themed chapters with as many as 68 personal digital photos added in.
Chapter options include:
- The Magic Kingdom® Park (up to 16 photos)
- Epcot® (up to 14 photos)
- Disney-MGM Studios Park (up to 16 photos)
- Disney's Animal Kingdom® (up to 15 photos)
- Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels, Water Parks and other recreation and entertainment facilities (up to 7 photos)
A bonus slideshow video of all the images in the PhotoMovie, each displayed full-screen for 5 seconds accompanied by Disney music. Please note that the slideshow is a video, not a collection of individual images. The PhotoMovie DVD does not contain individually-viewable image files for downloading to a computer.
Depending on the number of photos included, the total running time for the DVD will be up to 20 minutes, up to 10 minutes for the PhotoMovie and 10 minutes for the slide show.
In addition to personal digital photos and PhotoPass images, we have many professional Disney photos for incorporation into the PhotoMovie for no additional charge.
The PhotoMovie DVD label is screen printed with Walt Disney World artwork and comes in a standard plastic DVD case with Disney artwork.

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Tuesday November 22, 2005

A fresh start for Disney

Is Iger's Disney Losing Its Magic In Hong Kong?

Turkey saved from hatchet will be Disneyland parade marshal

Disney Rewards Visa Family Trends Report

Cast gets a look at Narnia film

Home Improvement Season 3

Wearing Disney on their sleeve

ABC Shipwrecks Sunday Rivals

Have Yourself a Very Disney Christmas ... Walt Disney Records ''Presents'' Gift Guide 2005

CH!PZ

Drivers unite against OIA kiosks

Oklahoma Man Sues ABC for Gay 'Wife Swap'

A fresh start for Disney

Although Disney recently reported earnings that were better than expected for the quarter and fiscal year that just ended, investors were still disappointed, and uncertain about the company's longer-term prospects.

Some analysts, however, think that Disney's above-average prospects have been obscured. And they rate the stock a buy at its current mildly depressed price.

Part of the confusion comes from new accounting requirements for stock options, as well as other one-time adjustments that Disney had to make to earnings for the fourth fiscal quarter that ended Oct. 1.

Net income for the quarter was down 26 percent because of those adjustments. Trouble is, it's not really possible to figure out what a fair year-to-year comparison would be.

Results were a penny a share above analysts' consensus estimate, so it's not as though the quarterly figures were unexpected.

Moreover, for the full fiscal year, Disney's reported earnings per share were up 9 percent. Adjusting for all but stock options, results were up 11 percent, and adjusting for everything, the gain was 18 percent.

While there's room to debate which adjustments should be counted, it's fairly clear that the company is growing at a double-digit rate. Why then did the stock sell off after its earnings report, especially if analysts had anticipated the non-recurring expenses?

One reason is that the movie studio posted a loss, partly because of weak home-video sales. The slack was largely picked up by broadcasting division ABC. And there are questions how long Disney's recent hits, such as "Desperate Housewives," can power outsize gains in broadcasting.

Analysts also noted that free cash flow was down half a billion dollars, chiefly because of investments in parks, resorts and other property.

There may be some legitimate uncertainty about when Disney will again show robust growth, something that hasn't been seen for more than five years. But if you fairly assess the company's long-term strengths, the current valuation seems too low.

Disney's share price, in fact, is down 16 percent, or more than $4 a share, from where it was last February.

The case for Disney

As the company begins a new fiscal year, the first thing to note is that Disney has new leadership. Former ABC chairman Robert Iger took over as CEO, replacing Michael Eisner as of Sept. 30.

In addition, former Miramax co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein completed their separation from Disney.

The bottom line is that Iger will be able to assess Disney's assets with a fresh eye and try to restore the kind of growth rate that used to give the stock a premium price/earnings ratio.

The film division appears to be off to a solid start in the new fiscal year, with "Chicken Little" about to break through the $100 million mark and "Chronicles of Narnia" on the way.

And the other divisions remain on track to help the company turn in double-digit earnings gains for the current year.

Some of the growth is not expected to kick in until the second half. So analysts are projecting an 11 percent gain for this fiscal year and a 13.5 percent gain for next year.

Over the next five years, earnings are projected to increase at a 13 percent rate or better. In addition, the stock pays a 1 percent dividend yield.

At just over $25 a share, Disney trades at about 17 times earnings for the fiscal year that has just begun and 15 times projected results for the following year. That looks attractive, even if it takes a quarter of two for earnings momentum to get up to speed.

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Is Iger's Disney Losing Its Magic In Hong Kong?

"We can tell you it's been very, very strong...we are very happy with the way things are going."

The emphatically positive words of Roy Tan Hardy, vice president of marketing and sales for Hong Kong Disneyland, perhaps hint at the challenges that the $3 billion theme park is trying to overcome, just two months after it was constructed.

Poor attendance is the latest issue to swipe the magic kingdom of The Walt Disney Co. (nyse: DIS), after local journalists tallied the numbers of people entering the park. In two days they counted an average of 12,185 visitors--the local government expects a daily attendance of 15,342.

Roy Tan Hardy promptly came on local radio to dismiss the claims. "We are actually very happy with the attendance over the last couple of weeks," he said, "so we are not at all concerned." He declined to reveal the actual attendance figures, though.

If attendance really is a problem, then it perhaps comes as no surprise. Remember the challenge of Euro Disney back in 1992--and the cries of "cultural imperialism" that roused hundreds to employees to walk off the job? The Chinese public doesn't seem to be too accommodating either--a recent survey found a quarter didn't like the park. The local press, meanwhile, has disclosed titillating accounts of enraged pop stars, antagonized labor leaders and a disgruntled employee who threatened to jump off of Space Mountain.

It could certainly be a long haul for Disney's Chief Executive, Robert Iger. At the park's opening on Sept. 12, 2005, Iger stood grinning for a photo op and was flanked by a motley crew of costumed Disney characters and Chinese dragons. The image of the striking contrast of western and eastern culture might be at the heart of Iger's challenge in collaborating with the local government, which owns a 57% stake in the resort.

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Turkey saved from hatchet will be Disneyland parade marshal

Disneyland announces its Thanksgiving Day parade grand marshal will be the reprieved White House turkey.Since 1947, it has been tradition for the National Turkey Federation to present a turkey to the president and then to have the bird given a pardon.

After the reprieve tomorrow on the White House lawn, the 35-pound Tom Turkey will be given a police escort to Dulles International Airport. He will fly first class to Los Angeles.

His new home: "Rendeer Ranch' at Disneyland where he will live out his days.

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Disney Rewards Visa Family Trends Report

Disney Rewards Visa Card from Chase, a leading rewards credit card for families, announced today the results from a recently commissioned survey on anticipated spending habits for the 2005 holiday shopping season. The Disney Rewards Visa Family Trends Report, in which Harris Interactive surveyed parents* nationwide, found that two out- of-three parents (68 percent) who shop for the holidays say they plan to spend the same amount of money or more on gifts this holiday season versus last year.

"The Disney Rewards Visa Family Trends Report is the first survey of its kind to track the spending habits and attitudes of families who represent an estimated 40 percent of consumer credit card spending**," said James Delaney, senior vice president of Chase Card Services. "Despite dips in overall consumer sentiment, our survey results indicate that parents are focused on making this holiday season as special as ever for their children."

The Disney Rewards Visa Family Trends Report reveals the many ways parents make the holidays festive for their families -- from decking out their homes to donning Santa hats to scouring the Internet for that hard-to-find gift for their children. The study also highlights interesting trends about family holiday shopping, including the role of online shopping and the different shopping habits of moms versus dads.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Most parents' moods heading into the holidays appear positive. Nearly two- thirds of parents report feeling festive (33 percent), thankful (24 percent), optimistic (two percent) or compassionate (six percent) during the holiday season. Many parents display holiday cheer by decorating their homes: more than nine-in-ten (93 percent) put up holiday decorations, of whom one-third (34 percent) report having their homes decked out with decorations inside and out. About half of parents (52 percent) say they wear holiday-themed clothing or accessories around the holiday, including 16 percent of fathers who said they wear holiday ties.

However, the routine of decorating, shopping and wrapping may leave some parents feeling stressed. Nearly one-in-four (23 percent) parents report that the holiday season typically makes them feel stressed. The size of mom's holiday shopping list may be driving their stress: moms are three times more likely than dads to shop for holiday gifts for more than 20 people (24 percent moms vs. eight percent dads).

Trimming the Holiday Budget

With so many people to shop for, the Disney Rewards Visa Family Trends Report found that among parents who shop for the holidays, moms are more likely than dads to say they are planners and have budgets when it comes to holiday shopping. In fact, when asked whether they are planners or procrastinators when it comes to holiday shopping, 67 percent of moms described themselves as "planners" (vs. 44 percent of dads). Also when asked if they have budgets or no spending plans, 76 percent of moms reported they have holiday budgets (vs. 59 percent of dads). In contrast, 56 percent of dads describe themselves as procrastinators when it comes to holiday shopping with 41 percent of dads admitting they do not have spending plans.

Holiday Hustle and Bustle

When it comes to holiday shopping, mom generally enjoys shopping for holiday gifts more than dad (76 percent of moms who shop for the holidays love/like it vs. 59 percent of dads who shop for the holidays love/like it). Online shopping may play a large part in parent's holiday shopping this year as 40 percent of parents who shop for the holidays are planning to accomplish 25 percent or more of their holiday shopping via the Internet.

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Cast gets a look at Narnia film

The final cut of Kiwi director Andrew Adamson's epic The Lion The With and The Wardrobe has been revealed to the film's cast and a small group of press in London.

Four unknown child actors line up alongside veteran British actors like Tilda Swinton, Ray Winstone and Dawn French, in Adamson's first live action film.

The story surrounds the Pevensie siblings - Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter - who tumble through the back of a wardrobe in war-torn England and into a battle of their own - to save the mystical land of Narnia with the help of a talking Lion called Aslan.

Their arch nemesis is the white witch Jadis, played by Swinton, who keeps Narnia in perpetual winter.

Shot almost exclusively in New Zealand, the filmmakers created more than 20 make-believe species along with the magical winter plagued world of Narnia that was first imagined by author CS Lewis.

Adamson is under similar pressure with his adaptation as Peter Jackson was with his Lord of The Rings trilogy. More than one million copies of the book have been sold worldwide and it has been translated into nearly 30 languages.

Also like Lord of The Rings the Narnia books have a cult following that provide a group of hardened critics.

Adamson says he didn't watch the movie properly when showing it to the critics and cast as he was busy watching the reaction of the movie's child stars.

"I was watching the kids... Skander (Edmund) jumping round biting his nails and Georgie (Lucy) jumping in her mum's lap from time to time...it was really satisfying," says Adamson.

"It was an arduous experience, I won't say it was easy but it was enjoyable."

After his epic journey Adamson says there is only one place he's hoping to find behind his wardrobe door.

"At the moment I think it is a vacation... stepping through the door onto the beach."

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe opens in New Zealand on December 9.

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Home Improvement Season 3

Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor, Al, Jill and the boys are back again! Remember Al's girlfriend dreaming about Tim in biker shorts riding a golden stallion? How about Bob Vila's final appearance as he races Tim for a charity contest? See all 25 outrageous episodes of the complete third season of the Emmy and Golden Globe winning comedy HOME IMPROVEMENT, starring Tim Allen, new on a collectible DVD box set November 22 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Touchstone Television. There is also a special bonus feature, "Tim's Tool Corral," hosted by Tool Time girl Debbe Dunning. Available for $39.99 (S.R.P.) in a 3-disc DVD set.

HOME IMPROVEMENT is the beloved TV series about Tim Taylor (Tim Allen), the accident-prone host of a television program about tools called "Tool Time." The character of Tim Taylor has been named one of TV Guide's "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time." Tim raises three mischievous boys, Brad, Randy and Mark (played by Zachery Ty Bryan, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Taran Noah Smith) with his wife, Jill (Patricia Richardson). Wilson (Earl Hindman) is the Taylor's partially-seen neighbor who gives insightful advice to help the family. Al Borland (Richard Karn) is Tim's responsible, caring and flannel-wearing co-host on "Tool Time." Debbe Dunning stars as the "Tool Time" girl.

Tim Allen won a Golden Globe award for Best Actor In A TV Series, 1995. The show won seven Emmy Awards for lighting and photography direction (1992-1996, 1998-1999) and was nominated for eight Emmy Awards (for outstanding comedy series 1992-1994; Patricia Richardson Outstanding Lead Actress 1994, 1996-1998; Tim Allen Outstanding Lead Actor 1993).

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Wearing Disney on their sleeve

While the market for children’s apparel continues to grow at a brisk pace, one more company gets ready to make its debut. Disney Consumer Products, a division of The Walt Disney Company (India), is all set to launch its new range of apparel and fashion accessories.

Called Disney Jeans, this brand will be manufactured and marketed by Indus Clothing Ltd (ICL), a Rs 60 crore company, also the sole licensee for Lee Cooper apparel in India. What’s more, the fashion line for the Indian market will be manufactured from a factory in Uttaranchal.

A strategic brand initiative by Walt Disney, the company that has lured children (and adults) with its cartoon characters is all set to make a difference in India’s denim fashion for kids. Small wonder then that Harpartap Singh, director, Indus Clothing Ltd, is extremely confident of reaping profits within two years of starting operation.

“Our focus is very clear, our consumers will be in the age bracket of 4-14 years,” he says, adding, “Our brand building is done keeping in mind this target audience.”

The apparel brand will not limit itself to designs that flaunt Disney cartoon characters. “We want to create a lifestyle symbol for youngsters,” says Singh. He adds, “The fabric and cuts along with couture will be prescribed by Disney, while we (ICL) will manufacture and distribute the products in India.”

Though Disney accessories have been in India for some time, they haven’t been aggressively marketed. Which is why Singh feels that opening an exclusive, one-shop stop for all Disney products and accessories will help in identifying the brand.

While Singh’s company that has been in the business of apparel licensing since 1994, will invest Rs 21 crore in the new venture, it’ll also look forward to managing a few retail stores.

To raise money, for starters the company will probably collaborate with a partner or apply for bank loans. Though ICL is open to franchisees, it first wants to establish the brand in India.

To begin with, ICL is planning to launch 20 Disney stores in 2006-07 across all major cities. By mid-2008, Singh is confident of opening nearly 50 Disney stores across India.

Besides setting up a greenfield facility in Uttaranchal that would be operational by early next year, Singh will also outsource some of the production, “If there is somebody who can produce quality jackets, pullovers or sweaters as per Disney specifications, then we will definitely look at outsourcing,” he says, explaining that the company will tap factories in Delhi, Ludhiana and Bangalore in a bid to manufacture the apparel line for Disney.

Singh is confident that the new venture with Disney will contribute nearly 25 per cent to ICL’s revenues and help the company post a turnover of Rs 120 crore by 2007.

That’s provided brand conscious kids will give Disney Jeans a green signal

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ABC Shipwrecks Sunday Rivals

Fast National ratings for Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005

A disaster-movie remake and a jumping-the-gun holiday movie were no match for "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" Sunday as ABC racked up yet another ratings win on the night.

ABC averaged an 11.5 rating/17 share in primetime, beating out CBS' 10.9/17 (those numbers may change due to live football early in the evening). NBC took third at 5.9/9, beating out FOX, 4.8/7, and The WB, 2.1/3.

The gap was wider among adults 18-49, with ABC's 7.6 rating dominating the premium demographic for advertisers. CBS, 4.3, finished second, and FOX took third with a 3.8. NBC averaged 3.1 and The WB 1.3.

Late-ending NFL games and the start of "60 Minutes" gave CBS, 13.3/21, a big lead at 7 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos" drew a 6.8/11 for ABC, beating NBC's coverage of the final NASCAR race of the season, 5.7/9. A "Simpsons" repeat and "King of the Hill" were fourth for FOX, averaging 3.9/6. The WB aired an hour's worth of "Reba" repeats.

CBS held the top spot at 8 p.m. with "60 Minutes" and "Cold Case," scoring an 11.8/17 for the hour. ABC improved to 10.2/15 with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." NBC's remake of "The Poseidon Adventure" was third, edging "The Simpsons," 6.0/9, and "The War at Home," 4.9/7, on FOX. "Charmed" averaged 2.8/4 for The WB.

ABC took over at 9 p.m. with "Desperate Housewives," 16.0/23. CBS dropped to second, averaging 10.4/15 with the end of "Cold Case" and the start of the holiday-themed movie "Snow Wonder." NBC's movie posted a 5.9/9. "Family Guy," 5.2/7, and "American Dad," 4.7/7, kept FOX in fourth, and The WB trailed with a "Supernatural" rerun.

At 10 p.m., "Grey's Anatomy" scored one of its biggest audiences of the season with a 13.3/21. "Snow Wonder" averaged 8.2/13 for CBS, and "The Poseidon Adventure" finished with a 6.3/10.

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Have Yourself a Very Disney Christmas ... Walt Disney Records ''Presents'' Gift Guide 2005

Walt Disney Records takes you home for the holidays with a sleigh-full of exciting new releases that fit perfectly under anyone's tree. This year's gift guide includes the new releases The Cheetah Girls: Cheetahlicious Christmas; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Soundtrack; Radio Disney Jingle Jams; Disney's Princess Christmas and 50th Anniversary: A Musical History of Disneyland Box Set.

This season, experience the first-ever holiday album from the double platinum-selling group The Cheetah Girls, Cheetah-licious Christmas. Tweens, young Cheetahs-in-training and Disney Channel viewers will love these growl-powered original and classic holiday songs including "Five More Days Til Christmas," "Feliz Navidad," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and many more. The Cheetahs Girls' first-ever holiday tour kicks off December 6 in New Jersey and will run through the month of December. The Cheetah Girls: Cheetah-licious Christmas CD carries a suggested retail price of $18.98.

Add some jingle to your holiday this season with Radio Disney Jingle Jams. The CD features holiday favorites including "Winter Wonderland" performed by Jesse McCartney and "Jingle Bell Rock" by Aly & AJ, plus all-new holiday hits for 2005 by more of today's hot tween artists - B5, Caleigh Peters, the Disney Channel Stars and The Beu Sisters. Catch Radio Disney Jingle Jams Holiday Concert tour hitting major city malls around the country. The show will feature the best of Radio Disney with live performances from B5, Everlife and many more. The Radio Disney Jingle Jams CD carries a suggested retail price of $18.98.

Experience the world of Narnia with the official soundtrack from the motion picture event of the holidays when Walt Disney Records releases the original soundtrack and a Special Edition CD/DVD package for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The soundtrack features the sweeping orchestral score composed by Harry Gregson-Williams plus four original songs: "Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap, "Winter Light" by Tim Finn (formerly of Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Brothers), "Where" performed by Lisbeth Scott, (who lent her vocal talents to the Shrek and The Passion of the Christ soundtracks) and "Wunderkind" by Grammy(R) Award-winner Alanis Morissette. The Special Edition Soundtrack set includes a 40-page collectible souvenir booklet filled with film imagery, liner notes by director Andrew Adamson and quotes from composer Harry Gregson-Williams. The package includes a DVD with a Film Art Gallery, Concept Art Gallery, the Theatrical Trailer, Behind the Magic of Narnia: Featuring the Score with Harry Gregson-Williams and Music Inspired by the Film. The latter features interviews and song samples from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe "Inspired by" album on EMI, featuring today's top Christian artists Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Bethany Dillon, Jars of Clay and more. The suggested retail price for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Soundtrack is $18.98 and $24.98 for the Special Edition.

50th Anniversary: A Musical History of Disneyland Box Set, the biggest and most comprehensive box set music collection in Walt Disney Records' history, is set to become one of the biggest and best presents for the 2005 holiday season. Released in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, this collection commemorating the Happiest Homecoming on Earth features 6 CDs filled with rare and unreleased tracks from the opening day of Disneyland in 1955 all the way to the present. Many of the songs on the box set have been fully rebuilt and restored, allowing the listener to experience an attraction as if they were standing next to it at Disneyland. From entering Town Square to remembering Walt Disney's timeless opening day speech that started it all, this collection has music from all the greatest attractions and lands that exist today and some that are just a happy memory. The set also includes an exclusive, 72-page collectible book, "The Sounds of Disneyland," focusing on the musical legacy of the park. The suggested retail price for 50th Anniversary: A Musical History of Disneyland is $99.98.

Rounding out this year's holiday offerings is magical new music from the enchanting Disney Princesses. Disney's Princess Christmas compilation features all-new and classic holiday songs performed by the beloved Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine and friends. Disney's Princess Christmas CD also includes a special bonus track entitled "Beautiful" (a Christmas version of the Top 20 AC hit) performed by platinum-selling pianist Jim Brickman and featuring the vocals of Emmy-winning TV star Wayne Brady. Disney's Princess Christmas is available for a suggested retail price of $9.98.

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CH!PZ

The Dutch group CH!PZ has released their DVD they taped in Disneyland Resort Paris. In the Netherlands the DVD is on sale now. No news if the DVD, or when the DVD, would be released in other countries.

The DVD, titled “The World of CH!PZ” contains 8 videos that have been recorded in the resort. The 8 songs on the DVD are; Captain Hook, 1001 Arabian Nights, I Wanna See, One Two Three, Kiss Me, Rockstar, Cowboy & Carnival. Including with the songs you will find some interviews in Dutch and some original video clips.

If you life in the Netherlands or if you can see the Dutch television “Nederland 2” then you can see the TV-special before buying the DVD. On Saturday 26-11-05 at 19:00 TROS will show the program for the first time as it was cancelled the previous time.

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Drivers unite against OIA kiosks

After months of bickering over a free Disney airport shuttle, drivers of competing shuttles and luxury cars joined Disney-contracted Mears Transportation Group on Monday to fight proposed changes to how they all do business.

Orlando International Airport officials are considering an overhaul of how travelers find and meet up with transportation companies by banning the companies from the airport's baggage claim and installing an information kiosk instead.

That proposal drew broad opposition at an airport public hearing Monday from tourism officials and more than 100 drivers packing the airport authority's boardroom. The officials, from the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, called the measure a bad move for tourism.

"We believe that passenger familiarity is important," said CVB President Bill Peeper, referring to a general standard across the United States that calls for passengers to meet up with transportation companies in baggage claim.

The changes stem from an examination of how ground transportation companies operate at Orlando International in the wake of protests and strikes provoked by Disney's Magical Express, a free shuttle between the airport and Walt Disney World Resort that began in May.

Many taxi, luxury car and smaller shuttle operators say the Disney shuttle operated by Mears has threatened their livelihoods. According to Disney estimates, the shuttle transports as many as 21,000 tourists every day.

Owen Fraser, who operates a smaller bus and shuttle service called Beeline Ground Transportation, said Magical Express may put him out of business.

"All of these people are here because of what the DME [Disney Magical Express] has created," Fraser said. "We're continuing to lose about $100,000 a month."

At the beginning of this month, the airport required Disney to remove its greeters from the third level where passengers exit the security checkpoint. Disney officials did not speak at the hearing.

The other transportation companies had complained that Disney's exclusive access to that area gave it an unfair business advantage as it was able to solicit passengers before they reached the other companies on the second level near baggage claim.

Paul Mears III, president of Mears Transportation Group, said moving companies off the second level is not the answer.

Travelers who book chauffeured limos or luxury cars are often decision makers who make the call over whether a large convention or other business comes to Orlando, Mears said.

"Economically, they're very important," said Mears of the travelers who expect to find their driver in baggage claim to help carry their bags and provide other services.

The airport strictly prohibits drivers from soliciting passengers inside the terminal, instead allowing them only to hold up signs with their companies' names and the names of passengers who booked reservations with them.

Airport officials say the proposal, which would include an airport-staffed information booth on the second level while the transportation companies are stationed on the first level, is intended to cut down on illegal solicitations as well as prevent future crowding problems.

Ronald Lewis, the airport's director of operations, said he thought the hearing provided valuable input toward solving the solicitation and capacity problems.

"The intent is not to make things more complicated," Lewis said. "We can't wait until a crisis arises and then fix it."

Though the airport plans a second public hearing for Nov. 30 and final consideration of the proposal at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority's Dec. 14 meeting, at least some of the information booths have already been installed.

Some of the independent drivers said they thought the decision was already made before Monday's hearing.

"They're just making a show of it," said Somalal Anand, who operates Limocar Inc.

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Oklahoma Man Sues ABC for Gay 'Wife Swap'

ABC’s Wife Swap has gone too far this time, according to an Oklahoma man who is suing the show for sending a gay man to live with him and his family as his half of the swap.

Jeffrey Bedford, who lives with his wife and kids outside Muskogee, is seeking $10 million in damages from Walt Disney – the parent company of ABC – the network, and the show’s production company RDF Media.

Bedford said he assumed he was swapping wives with a heterosexual couple and that he was "misled" and "threatened" by the producers. He also said Wife Swap producers refused to let him talk to his wife while the show was being taped.

According to 365gay.com, Bedford claims that when he told the producers he did not want a “gay wife,” they threatened not to tell him his wife's location and would not pay for her to be sent home.

Bedford says the experience made his so emotionally distraught he suffered “physical and mental illness.”

An ABC spokesman said the contract for the show specified that the swapped spouse “could be either male or female.”

“The show is meant to challenge a family's norms,” the spokesman told a local Muskogee newspaper, which first reported the suit over the weekend. The episode was taped in October 2004 but has not aired yet.

“We have a number of 'Wife Swap' episodes stockpiled,” the spokesman told a Muskogee paper. “Since each is self-contained, we don't have to air them in any particular order, so I can't predict when we'll book this one.”

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Monday November 21, 2005

Hong Kong Disneyland Attendance Low

Tarzan Tickets Go on Sale Nov. 20

'Magical Express' Takes Spotlight At OIA

Depp laughed off Disney's Sparrow Concerns

Disney Venue to Host World Baseball Classic Games

Arroyo visits Hong Kong Disneyland

Walt Disney "overweight," estimates raised

Former Disney chief praises Narnia

Disneyland President Predicts Growth

Disney Channel & Microsoft unite for "Start your story" contest
Motorist dies in crash on Disney property

Hong Kong Disneyland Attendance Low

Attendance at Hong Kong Disneyland is running below government forecasts two months after the park opened, the South China Morning Post reported Monday.

Disneyland officials have refused to say how many people have visited the park. This has angered lawmakers, who say the public has the right to know since the government owns 57 percent of the attraction.

The Post reported that it sent four reporters to Disneyland on Nov. 13 and 16 to count visitors with handheld tally counters. The reporters counted 12,972 visitors passing through the turnstiles on Nov. 13 and 11,399 on Nov. 16, the paper said.

The government has said it expected 5.6 million visitors - an average of 15,342 per day - to the park in its first year of operation, the paper said.

The MTR Corp., which operates a special subway line to the park, said it usually carries 10,000 riders a day on weekdays and 20,000 on Sundays, the paper said. However, some of the riders only visit the promenade outside Disneyland and don't go into the park, the paper said.

A Disney spokeswoman said the newspaper's count was flawed but declined to give the company's own figures, the report said. A Tourism Commission spokeswoman said the Hong Kong government, which is the majority owner of the park, won't disclose attendance figures for commercial reasons, the paper said.

The government paid US$2.4 billion for the park's construction, while Walt Disney Co. paid over US$314 million, according to official figures.

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Tarzan Tickets Go on Sale Nov. 20

Tickets for the upcoming Disney musical Tarzan — based on the hit animated film of the same name — will go on sale to the general public Nov. 20.

Those interested in purchasing tickets can do so by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. The Richard Rodgers Theatre's box office will also open for business on Nov. 20 at 9 AM. The theatre is located at 226 West 46th Street.

Tarzan is set to swing into the Richard Rodgers Theatre March 24, 2006, with an official opening night of May 10. Two-time Tony Award winner Bob Crowley (Aida, Carousel) will direct and design scenery and costumes for the new musical. Oscar and six-time Grammy Award winner Phil Collins has written the music and lyrics, "expanding his songs for Disney's film into a complete theatre score."

Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) has written the book, adapted from the screenplay by Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and based on the novel, "Tarzan of the Apes."

Choreography is by Meryl Tankard, with aerial movement by Pichón Baldinu (De La Guarda). Lighting design is by Tony Award winner Natasha Katz (Aida) and sound design is by John Shivers. Other members of the creative team include Paul Bogaev (Music Producer/Vocal Arrangements) and Doug Besterman (Orchestrations).

Phil Collins composed five songs for the 1999 film, "Disney's TARZAN," including "Two Worlds, One Family," "Strangers Like Me" and "You'll Be In My Heart," which won the 2000 Academy Award for Song of the Year, spent 10 weeks as No. 1 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart.

The soundtrack went double platinum, while the film went on to "instant international success, grossing $447 million worldwide, with subsequent DVD sales in excess of 13 million units."

Collins makes his Broadway songwriting debut with Tarzan — he's penned music and lyrics for eight new songs for the Broadway production, which also borrows from his film score.

Respected designer Bob Crowley makes his Broadway directorial debut with the show. He won the Tony for his scenery for Aida and was acclaimed for his design for Mary Poppins in London.

The 34-member cast will be announced shortly. Visit www.DisneyonBroadway.com for more information.

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'Magical Express' Takes Spotlight At OIA

There's a showdown of sorts at the Orlando International Airport Monday.

At issue is who can meet and greet passengers and where they're allowed to do it, WESH 2 News reported.

This became a hot topic when Disney introduced its Magical Express program. It's a free shuttle service that takes you straight from the airport to your hotel without even waiting for luggage.

Taxi drivers protested, and limousine companies complained. They said Disney greeters had special access to customers, so the airport told the greeters to move. Disney now says the new rules put greeters at a disadvantage.

Monday's meeting is a public hearing at the airport. There will be no policy change implemented yet.

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Depp laughed off Disney's Sparrow Concerns

Disney film producers were convinced Hollywood heart-throb JOHNNY DEPP would ruin smash hit movie PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN when they saw his interpretation of JACK SPARROW.

Depp based the slurry-voiced character on ROLLING STONES star KEITH RICHARDS, and laughed off movie bosses' concerns because he knew children would fall in love with his portrayal of Sparrow.

He says, "Disney gave me such a hullabaloo about what I was doing with the character, the teeth, all the beads hanging and the dreadlocks.

"I would get these phone calls from upper echelons, team Disney, and it would be like, 'Okay, okay, what are you doing with your hands? Is he drunk? Is he gay? What is he?'

"From what I understand, MICHAEL EISNER (Disney chairman) hated it so much the words actually came out of his mouth, 'He's ruining the film.' Which really killed me, of course - it made me laugh. Bless him.

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Disney Venue to Host World Baseball Classic Games

Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, Florida has been awarded first round games in the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

Cracker Jack Stadium will host six of the 39 World Baseball Classic tournament games next March.

The event, a 16-team tournament sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), will feature many of the best players in the world competing for their home countries and territories for the first time ever.

The 16 teams invited to participate in the event have been divided into four pools of four teams for the first round of play. Disney’s Wide World of Sports will host one of four Round 1 pools (six games) with teams from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Australia and Italy.

The venue hosts more than 170 events each year, including Atlanta Braves Spring Training since 1998.

Cracker Jack Stadium, a two-tiered retro baseball ballpark, is the centerpiece of the complex.

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Arroyo visits Hong Kong Disneyland

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo began the weekend hobnobbing with leaders from all over the Pacific Rim. She ended the weekend with Mickey Mouse.

Arroyo stopped at Hong Kong Disneyland on Sunday for a private visit with her family after attending the annual two-day Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Busan, South Korea.

Arroyo and her entourage tried out the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride and the Jungle River Cruise. They also saw shows like Mickey's PhilharMagic, featuring 3-D versions of Disney cartoon characters, and "Festival of the Lion King," a Broadway-style musical.

She chatted with Filipino visitors at the park, which opened two months ago.

Arroyo arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday evening, just hours after the APEC forum ended, and she was to return home on Monday morning, her office said. Her husband, Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, and other family members were to join her.

Last week, Arroyo was reunited with her corruption-tainted husband, who has been living in voluntary exile for the past three months. He has been accused of influence-peddling and receiving illegal gambling kickbacks.

Mike Arroyo faces no charges and has denied taking gambling payoffs. The accusations are the subject of an ongoing congressional inquiry.

Hong Kong Disneyland is the Walt Disney Co.'s 11th theme park. It features two resort hotels on a bay surrounded by mountains on Lantau, the territory's largest island.

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Walt Disney "overweight," estimates raised

Analyst Katherine Styponias of Prudential Financial reiterates her "overweight" rating on The Walt Disney Company (DIS.NYS), while raising her estimates for the company. The target price is set to $34.

In a research note published on November 18, the analyst mentions that the company has reported its F4Q05 EPS ahead of the estimates and in-line with the consensus. Walt Disney’s results for the quarter benefited from the robust performance of its Media Networks segment, which was, however, offset by the sluggish performance of the Studio segment, the analyst says. The company is unlikely to post more than 16% EPS growth for 2006 unless movies and its ABC and theme park segments perform well during the year, Prudential Financial adds.

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Former Disney chief praises Narnia

Former Disney Corporation chief executive Michael Eisner predicts the Disney film The Chronicals of Narnia - The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe which was filmed in New Zealand will be as big worldwide as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was also made here.

Eisner was speaking to ASB Business from New York ahead of a his first visit to New Zealand in February to speak at the global world leaders conference.

He says the New Zealand film industry is obviously very positive.

Eisner says Narnia, which he has seen, is spectacularly beautiful as is New Zealand and is going to be as big an event worldwide as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

The film, an adaptation of CS Lewis' literary classic, is released next month.

Eisner ruled the Disney kingdom for just over 20 years.

It was a reign that saw Disney's revenues climb from $1.7 billion to more than $30 billion. In the process he became one of the most powerful men in US business.

Before he became the head of Disney he had had a dazzling career at ABC TV and Paramount Pictures.

He says when he joined Disney in 1984, he attracted very good executives, some of whom he knew from Paramount Pictures and some who came from Warner Brothers. He says he also recognised the value of the brand and was an ideas person.

Eisner says the acquisition of ABC and ESPN was the largest acquisition in American history at the time and while a lot of people thought Disney was stretching itself with the move, it was up there among the best acquisitions made in the last century.

But Eisner's last few years with Disney were not the happiest.

Walt Disney's nephew Roy Disney led a shareholder revolt against Eisner as he was unhappy with the company's performance and direction in 2003/04.

As a result Eisner stepped down as chairman last year and as chief executive last month.

So was the battle with Roy Disney difficult for Eisner and the company?

He say it didn't bother him, the company came out of it, and is now doing extremely well.

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Disneyland President Predicts Growth

Since 1955, Disneyland has been a prominent Orange County landmark that has been able to survive through great cultural changes. It is also the top employer in Orange County.

Disneyland Resort President Matt Ouimet, who spoke at UC Irvine’s Beckman Center on Nov. 15 as part of the Paul Merage School of Business Distinguished Speakers Series, attributes Disneyland’s perseverance to a solid idea.

“Walt Disney’s basic premise was [that] he wanted to create a place where a dad and his daughters could have fun together,” Ouimet said. “He did that 50 years ago and people ask me [if] I think that Disneyland will be around 50 years from now. ... I fundamentally think that premise will apply 50 years from now.”

Ouimet spoke about Disney’s new Chief Executive Officer Bob Eiger and his strategies for growth. Ouimet is supportive of Eiger because of his appropriate challenging methods to achieve direction for the company.

“A lot of times when you see a new CEO come into a company, they will [have] a new vision or strategy that is fundamentally different than where you were before,” Ouimet said. “That worries me, because I believe there are fundamental building blocks of everybody’s business model that don’t need to radically change in most cases. [Eiger] laid out something that feels really good, it feels really natural for us and it feels challenging.”

Eiger cited three central strategies to improve the Disney business model. The first element is an emphasis on creative content. This is crucial to Disney, which has achieved success by integrating storytelling and related products.

“There is no doubt in the business we’re in that for the indefinite future the strength of our creativity and the result in content is the fundamental foundation for the Walt Disney Company,” Ouimet said. “You have leverage if you have content that people want.”

Disney’s new animated movie “Chicken Little” served as a recent example of integration. Its popularity in the movie theaters provides additional opportunities for profit.

“For us this is the first time we had a successful digital film,” Ouimet said. “Now that ‘Chicken Little’ is successful, we can think about the videos, the consumer plush, rolling it out internationally and the characters in the theme park.”

Ouimet believes that the hardest thing about managing content is predicting what will be popular in the future.

“It is very easy for me to think that sports programming of some nature will be as compelling 50 years from now as it is today,” Ouimet explained. “Reality television is not the [same] case.”

Ouimet explained that due to technological advancements, the ability to create content is now available to nearly everyone.

“In the 1920s and 1930s, the major movie studios controlled all the content,” Ouimet said. “Now anyone with a digital camera and a computer can make their own film, edit it and distribute it to millions of people overnight. Is it the big studio model or is it the individuals who create content that will be most appealing?”

The second focus of the Disney Company is the role that technology will play.

“We are storytellers. ... Using technology to make the story better, more compelling and different is exactly where we see the most success,” Ouimet said.

“Chicken Little” provides an example of good utilization of technology, according to Ouimet. Theaters that offered the movie in 3-D made three times as much revenue as other theaters.

“You have the opportunity to individualize it,” Ouimet said. “You will see a continued evolution in specialized marketing.”

The third category in Eiger’s strategy for success is a focus on growth outside of the United States.

“One of the fundamental challenges for any content company is the intellectual property rights,” Ouimet said. “If my product cannot be protected, I cannot be in business.”

Justin May, a second-year aerospace engineering major, found Ouimet’s presentation interesting.

“It was really informative,” May said. “The ideas of the new CEO seem very logical and promising.”

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Disney Channel & Microsoft unite for "Start your story" contest

Disney Channel and Microsoft have come together to offer Indian kids a unique opportunity to unleash their creativity with "Start your story" contest.

Kids across India are invited to script their original creations in less than 1000 words using Microsoft Windows XP.They could even add some colour using illustrations and pictures to create prize-winning stories. The contest begins today and entries will be accepted till 20 December, 2005.

Walt Disney Television International (India) director - marketing and communications Tushar Shah said, "Storytelling is Disney's foundation. We continuously stretch the boundaries of our imagination to tell compelling stories with unique appeal. Disney Channel inspires young viewers to fire up their creativity and write their own stories. I would imagine that using Windows XP to pen their plot makes it a perfect proposition for our young writers."

Microsoft India director Windows client business group Rishi Srivastava said, "We are excited about this initiative with Disney Channel. It truly brings out the spirit of our 'Start Something Global Marketing' campaign, which showcases how people can explore, enhance and pursue their personal interests using Windows XP. As we enter the third decade of Windows, this program is designed to inspire kids and their parents to start something new with Windows and use it to open up a new world of creativity and convert their imagination into a reality."

The best story will fly the lucky winner of the Grand Prize to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, USA.The first 100 prizes will have the winners names featured on Disney Channel and will receive a Microsoft Encarta CD. The top 10 story-writers stand to win Media Center PCs and their stories will be featured for a week on the channel's website to be reviewed and voted by users.

Five reviewers whose choice matches that of the jury also stand to win Media Center PCs. The top 10 winners will additionally be flown into Disney Channel Studio in Mumbai to be featured on the channel. The Grand prize winner's story will be featured on Disney Channel and besides the Grand Prize, there will also be a Viewer's Choice Award.

To enter the contest kids have to post a hard copy of the story to: 'Start Your Story' Contest, Disney Channel, PO Box No.16304, Delisle Road Post Office, Mumbai - 400013 or drop it into a Disney box at their schools.

Along with their creation, kids need to send in their complete details including name, age, school and residence address. Kids can email their stories to mail@disneychannelindia.com and the subject of the email should read "Start your story contest."

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Motorist dies in crash on Disney property

A Polk County motorist died late Sunday in a crash in western Orange County.

Chad Witting, 32, of Davenport, lost control of his car about 11:30 p.m. as he headed northbound on Studio Drive on Walt Disney World property, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The 2002 Neon compact spun sideways across the southbound lane and struck a large tree on the roadside, a trooper said.

Witting was not wearing a seatbelt, troopers said.

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Sunday November 20, 2005

Disney plots out the ending for unit's local call center

Diamond Horseshoe Saloon at Magic Kingdom to become a temporary buffet

Narnia's Christian Theme Will Be A Winner For Disney

i.d.e.a.s. to handle post work on ABC college football show

Promise on Disney directors `broken'

Presidents, Disney World planning to renew deal

Disney Awards Lakeland Teacher Top Honor

Disney Christmas

Disney plots out the ending for unit's local call center

About 250 area employees of The Walt Disney Co. soon will have to whistle while they work somewhere else.

Disney Shopping Inc. will close its Overland Park call center by the middle of next year. According to an Oct. 27 letter the Disney subsidiary filed with the Kansas Department of Commerce, the company will lay off most of the facility's 250 employees by Jan. 31, though a few will remain through May.

The letter said the Overland Park employees have been notified of the layoffs. A spokesman for Disney Shopping was unavailable for comment. Steve Reed, human resources manager for the call center at 11200 W. 93rd St., confirmed that the center will close next year.

Disney Shopping filed the letter to comply with a federal law requiring employers to give public notice of a layoff of 50 or more workers.

Ann Smith-Tate, director of existing business programs for the Overland Park Economic Development Council, said Disney Shopping informed local officials that it would relocate some of the call center jobs to a facility in Utah. Smith-Tate said the company had operated the Overland Park call center since the early 1990s.

Overland Park officials are optimistic that most of the workers who soon will leave Disney Shopping can find new telemarketing jobs in Johnson County.

"There's just a lot of call center activity going on right now," Smith-Tate said.

The most notable activity involves pharmacy management company Prescription Solutions. In July, it announced plans to add an Overland Park mail-service operation and create as many as 850 local jobs. The company, based in Costa Mesa, Calif., said it hopes to open the 175,000-square-foot facility in mid-2006.

Disney Shopping, formerly called Disney Direct Marketing Services Inc., operates the catalog, direct-mail and Web site (www.disneyshopping.com) channels that sell merchandise from Walt Disney Co. and Disney licensees. It's part of Disney's Consumer Products business, which in fiscal 2004 reported consolidated revenue of $2.5 billion, according to the company's annual report.

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Diamond Horseshoe Saloon at Magic Kingdom to become a temporary buffet

The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon will open temporarily as a Table Service Restaurant, serving a dinner buffet through Thanksgiving week. The location will be open November 23 through November 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests will be referred to the location from other Table Service Restaurants and Guests Relations or walk-in. The buffet menu will include chicken, salmon, carved beef, turkey and an assortment of sides and desserts.

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Narnia's Christian Theme Will Be A Winner For Disney

In "The lion, the witch, and the franchise" (Entertainment, Nov. 7), Ronald Grover frets that the movie "comes with a ready-made marketing tinderbox: The series is a lightly disguised Christian allegory about four children who find a magical wardrobe and are transported to an eternal world" where "the Christ-like lion Aslan dies to protect a child but then is resurrected." Peter Sealey, a marketing professor at the University of California at Berkeley, says that if Walt Disney Co. (DIS) "markets it too heavily as a Christian film, others may take a walk."

That's why Sealey is a professor, and Disney is Disney. Don't I recall a Mel Gibson who "risked" his own money on something called The Passion of the Christ? The only way this movie will flop is if it fails to adhere to its author C.S. Lewis' "passionate" pen. This one is in the bank.

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i.d.e.a.s. to handle post work on ABC college football show

i.d.e.a.s., a creative services company headquartered on the backlot of Disney-MGM Studios, has signed a deal to handle the post-production services for the "Cingular ABC Sports All-America College Football Team" broadcast.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 60-minute show features player interview segments combined with the team celebration event and regular season footage. It is scheduled to air Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. on ABC.

The recognition of the top gridiron players, as selected by the Football Writers Association of America, was made famous in years past by Bob Hope, who traditionally made the announcement during his annual Christmas special. This year, the network broadcast of the All-America College Football Team announcement marks the second year ABC has produced the broadcast.

John Lux, vice president and general manager of i.d.e.a.s., says the project offers a number of challenges, including having only 14 hours to edit and compile the show before uplinking to satellite for broadcast.

"It's a fast-paced and visually interesting project," says i.d.e.a.s. lead editor Christopher Weed, who notes that the i.d.e.a.s. team will have to reference both high-definition and standard definition footage for use in the hourlong show.

i.d.e.a.s. (www.integrityarts.com) is a story consulting, production and post-production company that develops communication products for the travel and leisure, health care, entertainment, government and education markets.

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Promise on Disney directors `broken'

The government has failed to fulfill a long-standing promise to install independent directors on the Hong Kong Disneyland board, a critic claimed.

"They lied," shareholder activist David Webb said.

The government promised in 1999 to name two independent non-executive members to the board of directors of Hong Kong International Theme Park, the local Disneyland's holding company.

An administration spokeswoman said she is not sure when - or if - this will happen.

The lack of promised oversight adds to questions about the project, according to Webb, who is a frequent critic of the lack of transparency in the HK$25 billion deal that brought Disneyland to Hong Kong as a joint venture between the government and the US entertainment giant.

"It's a private joint venture between only two shareholders but, given that it's also a government-controlled company, it is unusual not to have outside directors ... to provide some kind of check and balance on the internal dealings of the company," he said.

The MTR Corp, Kowloon-Canton Railway Corp and the Airport Authority all have a majority of outside members on their boards.

In a November 26, 1999 Legislative Council meeting to gain approval on park funding, the Tourism Commission - a government agency spearheading the process - assured the Finance Committee, which was then chaired by current Executive Councillor Ronald Arculli, that two outside non-executive directors would sit on the HKITP board.

Arculli was not available for comment.

"As the largest shareholder in Hong Kong Disneyland, we need to safeguard the government's interest in this project," read the submission by the commission to the Finance Committee.

To this end, the report pledged: "Two non-executive independent directors mutually agreed by both government and [the Walt Disney Co] will also be appointed to the board."

That particular meeting was chaired by pro-Beijing legislator Chan Kam- lam. Chan did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

In addition to four Disney representatives on the board, there are five members of the administration: Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Stephen Ip; Secretary for Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao; Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Frederick Ma; Commissioner for Tourism Eva Cheng; and Secretary for Finance Henry Tang.

Ip, who signed the master agreement with Disney on behalf of the government, said in a written response: "As and when both the government and the Walt Disney Company ... see the need to appoint independent non-executive directors to the board, such directors will be appointed."

Hong Kong Disney public relations manager Maggie Lee said the government "monitors the performance of the company closely" through its members on the board.

From the outset, the Disney deal has been the target of criticism for its lack of transparency and public oversight. Even now, little is known of the secret deal.

While Webb is campaigning for outside directors on HKITP, he said they "don't substitute for the need for full disclosure of the financial statements of any government-controlled company."

As of September 2004, the city is Hong Kong Disneyland's majority stakeholder, with 57 percent of the shares.

The park was created with HK$25 billion of Hong Kong taxpayers' money - or about HK$3,500 a head - about 10 times Disney's monetary investment, according to Webb, who posted a summary of what is known about the Disney deal on www.webb-site.com.

As part of the deal, Disney manages the park's daily operations. This has backfired a few times for the PR- obsessed company, especially in the period leading up to the opening in September. In April, Disney pulled shark's fin soup off the menu for wedding banquets after being threatened by a global boycott.

In September, park staff raised local ire when they demanded that two food inspectors remove their badges and hats before entering the park to examine complaints of food poisoning.

District Councillor Cyd Ho said that, without independent voices on the board, Hong Kong people lack an effective way to monitor whether they got a good deal.

"We have the right to ask the administration why it failed to keep its promise," said Ho. "It is up to the administration to put Disney under regulation."

Legislators have grown increasingly vocal over calls to disclose "private- public" partnerships, such as Cyberport and the forthcoming West Kowloon Cultural District.

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Presidents, Disney World planning to renew deal

The presidents of Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman College are eager to begin negotiations with Disney World for a new contract to stage the Florida Classic next year. The current three-year agreement expired at the conclusion of Saturday's game.

When the deal is done, it would be one that gives fans even more entertainment, said Eugene Campbell, Disney's director of minority business development. Disney has been the primary presenting sponsor since the Classic moved from Tampa to Orlando in 1997.

"We are really excited about putting 100 percent of our energies toward the negotiations once this game is completed," Campbell said. "I think that there are creative ways we can continue to grow this. I think there is a broad horizon to look at to continue to do better."
Disney added two pre-game events - a fan day and a sports symposium - that were well attended Friday.

No timeline was announced when negotiations of a new contract will begin, but indications are that talks could begin soon.

"Bethune-Cookman College, Florida A&M and Walt Disney World will focus our efforts entirely on this following the conclusion of the 2005 game," B-CC's president Trudie Kibbe Reed said in a written statement.

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Disney Awards Lakeland Teacher Top Honor

A Lakeland teacher was honored Saturday for helping her students reach out to tsunami victims, wheelchair-bound children and others in need.

Maggie Miller, a writing coach at Medulla Elementary School, was awarded the top prize at Disney's 16th annual Teacherriffic Awards ceremony at Walt Disney World.

She will receive $15,000, while Medulla Elementary will be presented with $7,500.

Miller was singled out for her program, "Peace in Motion," designed to teach kids compassion. Projects included raising money to buy wheelchairs for children in one of Lakeland's sister cities, Balti, Moldova.

Students also created care packages and raised more than $800 for devastated tsunami victims.

The awards recognize innovative classroom programs at schools in five Central Florida counties. Winners are chosen by a panel of education and community leaders.

One teacher or group of teachers was awarded the top Disney Teacherriffic Award from each county.

Each county also boasted two Special Judges Awards and two Outstanding Program Awards. Twenty additional Top Program Awards were also distributed.

Polk's other honorees are:

Special Judges Award ($5,000 for winner, $2,500 for school): Catherine Mack of Clarence Boswell Elementary School; and Linda Robinson of Winter Haven High School.

Outstanding Program Award ($2,500 for winner, $1,000 for school): Jessica Fredericks of Bethune Academy Elementary School; and Pamela Hoffman and Christine Williamson of Gause Academy of Leadership and Applied Technology.

Top Program Award ($1,000 for winner, $500 for school): Anjanette Richard-Jones, Deborah Pergande, Carole Endicott, Jeff Wells of Denison Middle School; Mijana Lockard and Holly Wallace of Lincoln Avenue Academy; Cheryl Nichols of McLaughlin Middle School; Brandy Polly Angela Price and Deborah Natale of North Lakeland Elementary; Kathryn Ashmore and Siohoua Henderson of Padgett Elementary Schools.

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Disney Christmas

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas at Disney World hotels. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing to New Year's, Disney pastry chefs will display their handiwork in hotel lobbies. And you can see the displays for free. A sampling:

- Beach Club Resort. A life-size, edible carousel made of gingerbread and chocolate. Chefs will give demonstrations throughout the day.

- BoardWalk. An edible toy shop and Christmas tree decorated with cookie ornaments.

- Contemporary Resort. Toy shop of sugar and chocolate on the hotel's fourth floor.

- Grand Floridian. Life-size gingerbread house that doubles as a gift shop selling sweet treats.

- Yacht Club. Model train races around a sugar mountain and village.

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Saturday November 19, 2005

114 hectares zoned for Disneyland expansion

Disney Store Kicks off the Holiday Season with Store-Wide Early Bird Specials on Black Friday

Disney, Indus Clothing in pact for kids' jeans

TCL to make electronics that look like Disney cartoon characters

Disney announces reduced results as game division expands

Trudy Announces Disney License Renewal

Disney Characters Visit Children's Hospital

Disneyland and South Coast Plaza pin hopes on tourists

114 hectares zoned for Disneyland expansion

An area of 114 hectares in Penny's Bay has been designated for the further development of Hong Kong Disneyland, according to the North-East Lantau Outline Zoning Plan approved by the Chief Executive in Council.

About 57 hectares of coastal area to the south of the theme park is designated for hotels, while 36 hectares to the northwest will be used for a water recreation centre, with a large artificial lake and recreational facilities.

About 567 hectares is reserved for tourism and recreation. About 233 hectares has been designated as a long-term reserve for container terminals and about 94 hectares for container back-up areas, pending a detailed study on alternative locations of port facilities. About 34 hectares is zoned "Government, Institution or Community". About 1.3 hectares at Kau Yi Chau is zoned "Open Space".

Green Belt

About 562 hectares is zoned "Green Belt" to conserve the natural landscape. About 21 hectares is zoned "Conservation Area" to conserve Kau Yi Chau and protect the area from development.

The approved plan is available for inspection at the Town Planning Board secretariat, planning enquiry counters in North Point and Sha Tin, the Lantau & Islands District Planning Office, the Islands District Office, the Mui Wo Sub-office of the Islands District Office and the Tsuen Wan District Office.

Copies are available at Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. An electronic version can be viewed on the Town Planning Board's website.

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Disney Store Kicks off the Holiday Season with Store-Wide Early Bird Specials on Black Friday

Disney Store - On the day after Thanksgiving, holiday shoppers nationwide will rise before dawn to save big money by taking advantage of Black Friday sales and incentives for early-bird shoppers. Known as "Black Friday" because it typically shifts retailers into profitability, or "in the black," it's one of the most popular shopping days of the year.

Most Disney Stores will mark Black Friday by opening at 5 a.m., with 20 percent off on everything in stores until 10 a.m. Disney Store will continue to offer exclusives and specials throughout Thanksgiving weekend, including a variety of "under $10" gift items for all ages. Most Disney Stores will offer a free DVD with any $75 purchase while supplies last (guests can select Cinderella Platinum, Bambi, The Incredibles, Pacifier or National Treasure).

"This year, Black Friday represents more than just a busy shopping day," said Marshal Cohen, senior analyst with NPD Group. "The early bird will truly catch the worm by taking advantage of major savings and incentives from some great retailers, including Disney Store. Wise shoppers will find top name brands and high quality at significant savings, and they won't have to settle for cheap imitators later in the season."

Hot gifts at Disney Store this season include toys, apparel and accessories inspired by Disney Princesses, Toy Story and the new pint-sized Disney hero, Chicken Little. Disney Store offers the widest selection of Chicken Little merchandise available anywhere, including Chicken Little plush toys and action figures, a Chicken Little baseball set and the Cluckmobile, a snazzy, kid-friendly remote control car. Disney Store also has the most complete selection of Disney Princess items, with a full line of Disney Princess dolls, toys and activity sets. Character-themed pajamas, apparel, plush items, home decor items and snowglobes also are expected to be hot holiday gifts.

"Disney Store is ready to help our guests jump-start their holiday shopping with great deals and incentives while supplies are still plentiful," said Mario Ciampi, president of Disney Store. "As always, our cast members will be there to assist guests during this busy shopping season. Our goal is to offer great gifts for all ages, making Disney Store a very special one-stop shopping destination for families."

Here's a comprehensive list of holiday gift suggestions from Disney Store - not only for kids but also for everyone on your shopping list:

Gifts To Go

Mugs, ornaments, toys, plush items and other gifts inspired by a variety of beloved Disney characters will be highlighted in the "Gifts To Go" area, festively packaged and priced at less than $10.

Gifts For Kids:

Chicken Little Cluckmobile Remote Control Car: Snazzy and jazzy, this multi-function classic little car transports Disney's new hero around Oakey Oaks - and your town, too. Remote makes car go forward, backward, spin and honk (SRP $24.50).

Chicken Little Action Figures and Figurines: Choose from Chicken Little, Abby Mallard, Fish Out of Water or Aliens (SRP $9.50 each) Eight-piece figurine set is $12.50 each, two for $20.

Chicken Little Baseball Set: Baseball glove, soft bat and ball inspired by Disney's newest little hero of the Oakey Oak Acorns (SRP $16.50).

Disney Princesses

Disney Princess Dolls: Disney Store carries the widest selection of Disney Princess dolls, including Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Belle and Pocahontas and more (SRP $12.50 each, two for $20).

Disney Princess Tea Party Set: Play pretend "tea party" with delightful tea sets. Includes cups, plates & cookies in a teapot shaped carrying case; serves four (SRP $14.50).

My Size Cinderella Doll: This dazzling Princess stands over three feet tall and says 20 different phrases (SRP $128).

Going To The Ball Set: Everything a little princess needs for a special night out. Includes handbag, play cell phone, play money, keys; 11 pieces total (SRP $14.50).

Action Heroes

Pull-String Talking Woody: A Disney Store classic; Woody is 16 inches tall and says five phrases (SRP $19.50).

Buzz Lightyear R/C Lunar Board: Another classic character from Toy Story, this Buzz Lightyear has sound effects, poseable joints, a retractable helmet and a remote-control lunar skateboard (SRP $29.50).

Disney Plush

Disney Classic Plush: Disney Stores's most popular plush items, featuring, Minnie, Mickey, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet, Pooh, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Stitch, Bambi, Thumper, Nemo, Dory, and more! (SRP $14.50 each, two for $20).

Holiday Classic Disney Mini Bean Bag Plush: Classic and vintage characters dressed up for the holidays. Choose from: Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Stitch, Minnie, Marie, Mickey, Pluto, and Donald. (SRP two for $10).

Gifts For Little Ones

Baby's First Christmas Frame Ornament: Pooh and Eeyore peek over the top of a cradle to admire baby's photo; picture frames double as tree ornaments (SRP $8.50 each).

Pooh and Friends Plush Bowling Set: Join Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Roo, Piglet and Heffalump in a safe (and soft!) game of bowling. Great for crawlers and toddlers (SRP $19.50).

Gifts for Disney Fans of All Ages:

Disney Store Holiday PJs: Disney holiday PJs are designed for everyone in the family. Great for Christmas morning celebrations (SRP $19.50-$29.50 each). Newborn one-piece is red micro polar fleece (SRP $14.50).

Vintage Mickey Holiday Cake Set: Disney Store's 2005 Classic Holiday design decorates these perfect pieces for seasonal entertaining. Cake Stand features three-dimensional Mickeys holding up the delightful vintage-style cake platter (SRP $24.50). Dessert Plates and Mugs feature vintage Disney look (SRP $19.50 set of four).

Spectacular Snowglobes: Disney Store snowglobes are eagerly sought by collectors and considered some of the finest snowglobes made today. Innovative design combined with high quality materials and craftsmanship produce works of art that will be passed from generation to generation.

Tinker Bell With Light Up Castle. Music: "You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!" (SRP $88).
Belle and Beast. Music: "Beauty And The Beast" (SRP $68).
Ariel Under The Sea Concert. Music: "Daughters of Triton" (SRP $48).
Snow White and Forest Friends. Music: "Brahms Waltz" (SRP $48).
Tinker Bell's Pixie Dust Parade. Music: "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" (SRP $88).
Tinker Bell Tree Topper with Light-Up Wings: Tinker Bell is dressed in holiday attire and holds a star over her head; wings light up with fiberoptic technology (SRP $19.50).

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Disney, Indus Clothing in pact for kids' jeans

WALT Disney is entering into an alliance with Indus Clothing Ltd (ICL) to manufacture and market `Disney Jeans' in India.

ICL has signed a licensing agreement with the Walt Disney Company for the venture and is planning to invest Rs 21 crore in it. The investment is part of the company's plan to set up a greenfield facility in Uttaranchal where it will be producing one lakh pieces.

ICL aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 120 crore by the end of 2007. Targeting the 4-14-year-olds, the range of apparel and fashion accessories including belts and bags will be distributed through stand-alone shops in the metros and towns. ICL plans to start with 20 such outlets in the coming year and increase the number to 50 by 2008.

Mr Harpartap Singh, Director, ICL said, "The kid swear market in India is almost 15 per cent of the total apparel market and lies completely untapped. We are looking at clothing for kids who are brand-conscious and are on the lookout for something exclusive for themselves."

ICL hopes to create a niche for itself and have the first-mover advantages it expects other international players to soon venture in.

With the growth figures for the kids wear market set at 30-40 per cent in the coming years, Disney Jeans hopes to leverage the Disney brand consciousness among Indian children. Although the jeans will not carry any of the typical Disney character embellishments, the company feels that the brand itself will be the selling point of the apparel. Categorizing the apparel as `transitional wear', Mr Singh said the range symbolizes Disney's new direction to associate the brand with style and quality as opposed to only cartoon characters. With regard to manufacturing the brand in India, Mr. Singh envisages ICL importing some of the raw material required for production, particularly fabric, from countries such as Korea, China and Taiwan. The company plans to start production at its Uttaranchal plant by February next year and will formally launch its apparel in August 2006.

ICL is the distributor for Lee Cooper, the UK jean label, for 12 years.

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TCL to make electronics that look like Disney cartoon characters

TCL Corporation licensed the right to use Walt Disney cartoon characters for the production of consumer electronics distributed in Mainland China, a TCL official said Friday.

The Chinese electronics firm will produce and distribute CRT and LCD TVs, telephones, DVD players, clock radios and CD players designed to look like Walt Disney cartoon characters, such as Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Snow White. The first of these products will be available December of this year in 13 larger Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing.

"We may use both our retail distribution network and Disney's channels to distribute these new products," an official with TCL's branding department, who asked to remain anonymous, told Interfax. "We will expand the product line to digital video cameras and even air-conditioners."

TCL entered into the agreement with Walt Disney in order to target younger consumers. This new deal is not the first time TCL has tried to attract users with unique designs. In March, it launched the S.H.E desktop PC series specially designed for women. Although they were priced a slightly higher than the average PC, TCL's S.H.E series has proved to be quite a success for the company.

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Disney announces reduced results as game division expands

The Walt Disney Company, the parent of rapidly expanding video game publisher and developer Buena Vista Games, announced profits of $379 million for the quarter, down significantly on a $516 million a year earlier, as revenues edged up slightly to $7.73 billion.

Buena Vista Games falls under the company's Consumer Products division, which showed a small decrease from $534 million to $520 million compared to the previous year, and Disney commented in its results: "Lower segment operating income for the quarter was due to increased product development spending at Buena Vista Games", as well as the sale of retail outlet The Disney Store North America and a decline at The Disney Store Europe.

The company's game division has been expanding significantly of late, most recently inking a deal to use Epic's Unreal Engine 3 in its Vancouver-based Propaganda Games studio for a new Turok title, as well as in other unannounced games. This holiday season sees some of the first major releases from Buena Vista's renewed publishing efforts, including games based on major Disney movie releases Chicken Little and The Chronicles Of Narnia.

Overall, Disney's reduced profits, which were largely due to decreases in the Studio Entertainment area of the company, particularly a decline at the Disney-owned Miramax, and lower DVD unit sales, set Disney shares down somewhat - in late trading on the New York Stock Exchange, shares were down 83 cents to $25.16.

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Trudy Announces Disney License Renewal

Trudy Corporation (OTC BB: TRDY) announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with Disney Licensed Publishing, an imprint of Disney Children's Book Group, LLC, New York, for the renewal of its book and audio CD license published by its Studio Mouse imprint. The license territory includes distribution into the United States, certain of its Possessions and Territories, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, India, China and 30 other countries. The agreement includes a 3-year distribution period for an expanded line of novelty book and audio CDs with an educational editorial platform. The licensed characters include core properties such as Disney Princess and Winnie-the-Pooh, selected Disney Channel shows, as well as feature films including Disney-Pixar titles such as "Finding Nemo," and Disney's own releases such as "Chicken Little." The license also includes Spanish language and bilingual rights for distribution in North America. The license renewal is effective January 1, 2006, expires on December 31, 2008 and provides for an inventory sell-off period in early 2009. A definitive written agreement between Trudy and Disney must be executed as expeditiously as possible on or before January 1, 2006.

In July, 2003, Studio Mouse, L.L.C. launched its initial Disney license with publication of 12 titles featuring assorted Disney core properties, allowing the Company to significantly expand its presence in the mass market with distribution to major national retailers. The successful sell-through of these titles set the stage for the current license renewal.

Ashley C. Andersen, President and CEO of Trudy, remarked, "We are gratified by the success we've experienced with our Disney titles during our initial license period. Our goal for our Disney line of products is to produce innovative ways to encourage children's interest in books and to promote cognitive development at an early age. I'm so pleased that our renewed license will enable us to continue creating great educational and entertaining products featuring some of the world's best-loved characters."

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These forward-looking statements speak only to the date hereof; Trudy Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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Disney Characters Visit Children's Hospital

A big surprise today at Backus Children's Hospital. Mickey and Minnie Mouse showed up to meet and hug dozens of kids. Backus Children's Hospital brings in special guests every month to promote its Reach Out and Read program. When the hospital found out Mickey and Minnie were in town for Disney on Ice, they invited them to stop by.

"We brought Mickey and Minnie here to bring joy to the lives of children and also to emphasize reading and how important is it to read," said the hospital's Tessa Baker.

Mickey and Minnie will be in town with the rest of the Disney characters until Sunday. You can catch their act at the Savannah Civic Center.

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Disneyland and South Coast Plaza pin hopes on tourists

The Disneyland Resort's experiment selling tickets at South Coast Plaza has gone so well that a $100 purchase now comes with a free collector's pin set.

The pins, featuring Disneyland's King Arthur Carousel and South Coast's Carousel Court, are available while supplies last. They are free with a minimum purchase of $100 of single-day or multi-day admission tickets to the theme parks.

Disney opened its first ticket outlet in a shopping center this summer, patterned after a pilot that began two years ago at the Hilton Anaheim. Disney now also sells theme park tickets at several hotels in the Anaheim area.

Disney's partnership with South Coast Plaza - the "Ultimate Shopping Resort" - has been going "very, very well," said Bob Deuell, a Disney spokesman.

The custom-designed ticket desk, distinguished by a giant set of golden Mickey Mouse ears, is near Carousel Court in South Coast Plaza. It is staffed by Disney personnel and will be open through September.

Consumer response indicates that people like the added convenience of buying their Disney passes ahead of time, avoiding ticket booth lines at the theme parks. Prices at the ticket desk are the same as at the theme parks.

South Coast Plaza and Disneyland have worked together over the past 30 years to promote tourism in Orange County. Shopping ranks as one of the favorite activities among tourists, and visitors spent $1.6 billion in Orange County last year.

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Friday November 18, 2005

Disney Wants Quarter Forgotten

Disney plans move to basic pack on Sky

'Narnia' promo campaign by the book

ABC Radio Networks Unwraps Two Syndicated Programs For The Christmas Holiday

FCC Not Kidding With Disney, Viacom

Singapore Launch of the Dmobo M900 Disney Mobile Phones

Shaun Cassidy Evolves Into a TV Producer

HK park cuts Walt Disney earnings by US$100m

A Disney thrill for sick Emily

Disney's Extreme Makeover
Disney's Iger confirms new media plans

'Narnia' film screened at conservative Christian ministry

Disney's Iger Views iTunes Arrangement as 'Incremental Consumption'

'Lost' In Transition: Disney To Produce Mini, Mobile Episodes

Disney Wants Quarter Forgotten

Disney (DIS) says its fourth-quarter lurch won't turn into something more serious. Investors are less sure.

The entertainment giant reported a 27% decline in year-over-year profits Thursday night thanks to a significant loss in its movie studio. Disney, which warned investors that spotty home-video sales and contract buyouts would produce the red ink, also posted quarterly sales that were about $150 million short of estimates.

In recent trading, the stock was down 66 cents, or 2.5%, to $25.33.

To soothe wounded bulls, CFO Thomas Staggs projected on a conference call that Disney would resume its recent trend of posting year-over-year per share earnings growth in the double-digit percent range in fiscal 2006. The company earned $2.53 billion, or $1.22 a share, on $31.94 billion in sales in fiscal 2005, up from earnings of $2.35 billion, or $1.12 a share, on $30.75 billion in sales in fiscal 2004.

That's about an 8% jump in per-share earnings year over year. However, sans an accounting change related to the valuation of its broadcasting licenses, the company would have earned $2.57 billion, or $1.24 a share, 11% more than what it earned last year.

Disney expects the second half of its fiscal year to provide the lion's share of its revenue and earnings, Staggs said. The poor performance of the company's recent studio films will continue to weigh on the company in the first half of next year as those films make their way to DVD and home video, he said.

In the just completed fourth quarter, Disney earned $379 million, or 19 cents a share, in the quarter, compared with $516 million, or 25 cents a share, a year ago. Backing out stock options expenses, an accounting change and several other items, earnings were 20 cents a share. Analysts were forecasting 18 cents a share.

Disney said revenue rose 3% from a year ago to $7.73 billion, compared with estimates of $7.87 billion.

In after-hours trading, shares of Disney were off 51 cents, or 2%, to $25.48.

The main reason for Disney's lower earnings was its studio entertainment segment, where revenue slid 20% to $1.5 billion and the operating loss totaled $304 million before options expenses, reversing a small profit in the year-ago period. Disney blamed declining home-video sales, partially offset by an improvement in domestic theatrical motion picture distribution and lower film cost write-downs.

"The decline in worldwide home entertainment was due to an overall decline in unit sales resulting from a lower performing slate of current year titles, including a decline in the ratio of home video unit sales to the related total domestic box-office results for feature films," the company said in a statement.

At Disney's media networks division, revenues increased 16% from last year to $3.4 billion and segment operating income adjusted to exclude stock option expense rose 47% to $659 million.

In cable networks, third-quarter operating income excluding options rose 14% to $594 million, driven by growth at ESPN, partially offset by a decline at ABC Family Channel due to higher programming expenses. In its broadcasting division, operating income adjusted to exclude stock options rose by $140 million to $65 million primarily due to improved performance at Television Production and Distribution and the ABC Television Network.

At Disney's parks and resorts division, quarterly revenue rose 9% to $2.4 billion and segment operating income adjusted for options rose 14% to $321 million.

Meanwhile, the company expects to get a boon from deferred revenue from affiliate deals by ESPN and other cable channels in the second half of next year, Staggs said. And the company's expenses should subside somewhat in the second half as it laps the opening costs related to its new Hong Kong-based theme park, he said.

Disney also touted its ability to capitalize on new technology, citing a recent agreement with Apple (AAPL) to provide video content for the iPod.

"As a modern media company Disney is well positioned to take advantage of these changes by continuing to develop strong content and leverage that content across our businesses and new technologies. Our agreement with Apple to make programming available on the iPod is a fitting example of our efforts in that regard. As the media landscape continues to change, our creative excellence and consumer focus will enable us to continue delivering benefits to shareholders."

But some of the company's new initiatives will be a drain on the company in the near term, officials warned. Specifically, Disney is investing heavily in both developing video games and in a new wireless phone service. The company expects to lose $130 million, for instance, on its new mobile phone service next year, Staggs said. And because the company will initially lose money on each customer it signs up for the service, its losses in the wireless area will widen the more successful it is at acquiring users.

Company officials had little to say about Disney's relationship with Pixar (PIXR), the film studio headed by Steve Jobs that has produced a number of hit films distributed by Disney. Jobs said last week that the two companies were in "deep discussions" about continuing or expanding their relationship. Jobs also said he hoped to work out a distribution relationship for Pixar's films by the end of the year.

On the conference call, Disney CEO Robert Iger declined to go beyond Jobs' comments. Regardless of how the talks conclude, Disney will distribute Pixar's upcoming film Cars this summer and expects to do well with it, Iger said.

Disney is going to benefit from the Pixar relationship this year, "no matter what happens," Iger said.

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Disney plans move to basic pack on Sky

The Disney Channel is close to signing a deal to switch to the basic pack on Sky, according to Broadcast today.

The kids station is currently available as a bonus to subscribers of Sky's premium movie channels or on a standalone, £5-a-month basis.

Moving to the basic pack would almost double Disney's reach and would put it in direct competition with the likes of Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Jetix.

Under the plans, The Disney Channel, its time shift spinoff and Playhouse Disney would switch to the basic pack. Toon Disney would be replaced by a new channel, 'Disney Cinemagic, available to subscribers of Sky's premium movie packages.

Cinemagic would offer films such as Shrek, Lion King and Toy Story which were previously available on the Disney Channel.

It is thought that the Disney Channel will remain advertisement-free in spite of the changes.

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'Narnia' promo campaign by the book

Faced with promoting its movie version of C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe," a book that many readers consider a contemporary classic, the Walt Disney Co. decided to tread carefully with a "classy" promotional program that highlights the book's literary heritage.

The movie, which opens December 9, will be linked to about 80 different brands ranging from Honey Nut Cheerios to Quilted Northern bath tissue to McDonald's Happy Meals, but Disney and its promotional partners say they have made a concerted effort to do what they can to preserve, or at the very least emphasize, the reputation of the 1950 English novel.

"We're trying to emphasize that this is a great literary classic," said Brett Dicker, executive vp marketing at Disney's Buena Vista Pictures. "We worked with our partners and monitored everything very carefully. We wanted everything to reflect the wonderment of the book and the film and to be as magical as possible."

Dicker said Disney made sure all the partners used talent with British accents for voice-overs in their commercials and the studio provided visuals for the promotions that would maintain a tone respectful of "Narnia's" literary heritage.

"We weren't going for the bombastic," Dicker said. "Even the promotions themselves are not overhyped in the way that sometimes promotions can be. Everything is sort of notched up a degree in the classy area."

Disney and production partner Walden Media said Lewis' estate approved all promotional materials.

"We worked really closely with the estate so that the look and the tone and feel of everything we did was consistent with the look and tone and feel of the book," said Chris DeMoulin, Walden Media's executive vp marketing.

Unlike "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, who for the most part has barred cross promotions with advertisers for any of the Warner Bros. Pictures films based on her successful book series, the Lewis estate was not opposed to a promotional program but wanted to make sure that it was faithful to his novel.

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ABC Radio Networks Unwraps Two Syndicated Programs For The Christmas Holiday

ABC Radio Networks has announced two programs to radio affiliates this holiday season. Christmas Around the World, a 51-hour live show, and Merry Christmas from Walt Disney World, hosted by Dick Van Dyke.

For the fourth consecutive year, ABC Radio Networks will broadcast Christmas Around the World live from MGM Studios at Walt Disney World. The program will feature holiday music, Yuletide remembrances and celebrity interviews beginning Friday, December 23 at 6 PM (ET) and running through Christmas Day at 9 PM (ET).

Produced for broadcast during December 19-25, Merry Christmas from Walt Disney World 2005 is a three-hour pre-recorded family special hosted by Dick Van Dyke. The program will feature contemporary holiday music and holiday memories from celebrity guests, including Jennifer Garner, John Travolta, Hilary Duff, George Lopez, Shaquille O'Neal, Geena Davis and Teri Hatcher.

"For this most special time of year, we are pleased to have two very special broadcast opportunities to offer affiliates," said John McConnell, senior vice president of Programming for ABC Radio Networks. "Christmas Around the World has become a favorite tradition for millions of ABC Radio listeners and this year will be bigger than ever, with almost 20 hours of additional programming. Merry Christmas from Walt Disney World is a radio favorite and has always received a warm response among affiliates and their listening audience."

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FCC Not Kidding With Disney, Viacom

New limits on TV and Internet advertising aimed on children go into effect on January 1st, and efforts by the Walt Disney Company and Viacom to delay or stop them were brushed aside in federal court.

The US Court of Appeals in Washington made a procedural ruling to move the case to the 6th District Court in Cincinnati, AdAge reported. Disney, Viacom, and the Association of National Advertisers think the FCC limits go too far.

In Cincinnati, the Universal Church of Christ has challenged the same limits, but claims that they don't go far enough. Viacom and Disney both believe the limits will be stopped on a number of grounds:

The media companies argue that the rules would prevent the use of characters such as Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob SquarePants anywhere on Web sites; that they are unconstitutional; and that they represent an attempt by the FCC to regulate the Internet, over which it has no authority.

Viacom had sought to have the appeals court stay the FCC order pending court arguments and was subsequently joined by the ANA. Disney sought an order to force the FCC to reconsider the rule by Nov. 15. The United Church of Christ's Office of Communications, headed by former FCC commissioner Gloria Tristani, is arguing that the FCC should have done more to limit interactive content.

At issue is a provision that would count program promotion as advertising, which would count against ad limits on shows aimed at those 13 and younger. Also, cartoon characters could not be used to sell products online if those web sites get a mention in the program being aired.

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Singapore Launch of the Dmobo M900 Disney Mobile Phones

If mobile phones are an extension of an individual's personality, the proud owner of the Dmobo M900 Disney mobile phone must be quite a character. Sophisticated, stylish and practical, yet in possession of a fun-loving streak that bubbles forth when you least expect it.

That, in essence is the unique charm of the Dmobo M900 Disney phones including the Special Edition, which Dmobo launched in Singapore today.

The Dmobo M900 was first launched in Hong Kong in August this year, when the passion for all things 'Disney' was heating up. The mobile phone went on to become hugely popular with Hong Kong's discerning and fashionable crowd.

Mr Tony Pang, Managing Director of Dmobo said, "The Dmobo M900 Disney mobile phone marks an important milestone in Disney mobile products. Without Disney's full support, the M900 would not be possible".

"The launch of the M900 was a great success in Hong Kong. In view of this, we decided to spread the magic and fantasy of Disney to the other parts of Asia, starting from Singapore. We also hope that Singaporeans will enjoy what our phone offers – style and infinite fantasy," added Mr Pang.

Dmobo has appointed SingTel to be the sole distributor in Singapore. All Disney phones will be exclusively available at all SingTel hello! shops from Friday, 18 November 2005.

Ms Mabel Tay, Vice President of Corporate Brand Marketing at SingTel said, "We are happy to be the exclusive distributor for all Dmobo's phones in Singapore. With our extensive retail network in Singapore, I am confident that we are able to reach interested consumers who are located in the various parts of Singapore. SingTel has also come up with an attractive package for consumers who wish to buy the phones".

The unique charm of the Dmobo M900 Disney mobile phone was immediately apparent. Its classic, silver-trimmed clamshell design caresses your palm and is comfortable to hold. Interestingly, the sleek sophistication of the mobile phone is spiced up with playful Mickey Mouse head monograms on its leather cover that comes in Silver or Pearl White.

Instead of a standard circular hole for the phone camera, the 1.3-megapixel Mickey camera of the M900 peeks out from a Mickey Mouse head-shaped aperture. This makes taking photographs all the more fun and cheeky.

Thankfully, its beauty is more than skin deep. Flip open the phone and you will be greeted with more Mickey Mouse head motifs on the ear piece and cleverly-designed navigation keys.

The Disney theme is present even in the software of the phone, from the colourful wallpapers to the unique Mickey menu. The normal edition Dmobo M900 Disney mobile phone comes in two colours – pearl white or silver.

There will only be limited numbers of the Special Edition Dmobo M900 Disney Ruby available for sale in Singapore. Each handset will come with a Special Edition Certificate and Mickey Mouse hand-shaped LCD cleaner.

Please visit www.Dmobo.com for a closer look and feel of the Infinite Fantasy of Dmobo M900.

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Shaun Cassidy Evolves Into a TV Producer

Producers are lunching. John Wells ("ER") holds court at a table of five and Chuck Lorre ("Two and a Half Men" ) sits nearby when Shaun Cassidy enters the Warner Bros. studio dining room.

Amid the predominance of over-40 white men, I'm conspicuously out of place. For less obvious reasons, I'm likely the only one in the room wishing Cassidy would break into "Da Doo Ron Ron."

A smile blushes over Cassidy's face as he's regaled by the story of a then 10-year-old fan regularly performing his tunes in front of a mirror singing into a hairbrush.

"That's how I started, too _ with my hairbrush in the mirror," the 47-year-old Cassidy says, laughing, his boyish smile reminiscent of the former pop heartthrob _ though now fuller in the face than that long-ago Tiger Beat pinup.

These days, Cassidy keeps behind the scenes producing "Invasion," the sci-fi mystery thriller he created that premiered this fall on ABC (10 p.m. EST Wednesdays). But once upon a time, he seemed seldom out of sight.

"Like a zillion kids, being a pop star seemed like a great job out of high school," he says. "Unlike most kids, I had access to people that might give me a record contract, if I was half-good _ and I was only half-good, by the way. The idea of being a pop star was not unprecedented in my family."

Son of actor Jack Cassidy and actress Shirley Jones ("The Partridge Family") and half-brother of teen idol David Cassidy, he spent his childhood around the stage and later performed with his band, Every Mother's Dream.

At 16, the Beverly Hills High School senior was recording in Europe, hitting the German music charts in 1976 with "Morning Girl."

His singing career exploded the following year when the record company released his music Stateside, coinciding with his debut as junior sleuth Joe Hardy on ABC's "The Hardy Boys Mysteries."

"Da Doo Ron Ron" became a No. 1 hit and over the next few years he released more than a half-dozen albums.

"Suddenly I'm doing concerts every weekend and on this TV show," Cassidy says, "but it wasn't, `Oh my dream has come true _ I've become a pop star!' I wanted to be a pop star when I was 13. By the time I was 20, it (was) not a life I wanted to be living."

It's certainly not what Jones wanted for him. "I felt he was going at it too young," she said. "He saw David's giant success and saw all that money rolling in the door and thought: `I don't need a college education. I can go out and make a million dollars.' And that's what he did."

But he always knew he wanted something else. And he knew he liked to write.

"I was rewriting `Hardy Boys' episodes _ at least my own dialogue _ which initially tortured some of the producers and writers."

A year after "Hardy Boys" bowed, Cassidy put down the mic. He worked as an actor to support a wife and two kids, but spent much of the '80s "hiding in my house," he says. "I can't go out because I'm still this weird teen idol thing."

"So I started trying to write. I'd write little one-act plays. I read a lot of scripts and watched a lot of movies, breaking them down scene-by-scene to see what the structure was, and found that I could do it."

USA Network bought his first screenplay in 1990, the creepy thriller, "Strays," about feral cats. "It was the biggest movie of the year, and after that I really didn't want to act anymore." (His final performance came on Broadway with David Cassidy in 1993's "Blood Brothers.")

As a TV writer-producer, Cassidy has run a number of shows and created the acclaimed 1995 Southern horror drama "American Gothic" _ which, like "Invasion," mingled stories of family into a fantastical thriller.

"Shaun's gift is examining and heightening seemingly ordinary aspects of family that we might take for granted," says David Eick, a producer and former USA Network executive who has worked with him on several projects. "On many levels 'Invasion' is about a divided family in which children are given more autonomy and behave more like adults than they're probably ready for. In many respects, it's an allegory for Shaun's own life."

Even though much has changed for Cassidy in 15 years, perception of him hasn't _ not completely, anyway.

"Shaun jokes about how, to this day, when he reads articles about himself, the reporter will always preface by saying: Shaun Cassidy's work is unexpectedly good," says associate producer Nne Ebong, who has a sign in her office reading: "Shaun Cassidy Development _ We Make Idols So You Don't Have To."

"This is probably something that's going to dog him the rest of his career," she adds.

"Really the anomaly in my career is the early part," says Cassidy. "I knew this was what I wanted to do. I just ended up doing some other things first."

And, for that, a grateful Tiger Beat nation thanks him.

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HK park cuts Walt Disney earnings by US$100m

Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in September, cut Walt Disney's earnings by about US$100 million (HK$780 million) in the year ended October 1, the US entertainment group revealed.

"The order of magnitude of impact because of the pre-opening of [Hong Kong Disneyland] was about US$100 million on [the group's] consolidated income in [fiscal] 2005," Walt Disney chief financial officer Thomas Staggs told analysts in a telephone conference on the firm's full-year results.

The entertainment giant, whose portfolio includes the Pixar and Miramax film studios and the ABC cable television networks, in addition to several other theme parks, reported net profits rose 8 percent to US$2.53 billion in the year ended October 1 after sales increased 3.8 percent to US$31.94 billion.

"We are not making any predictions for the profitability of Hong Kong [Disneyland] in 2006," Staggs said. "It is still very early days."

Walt Disney has so far declined to disclose any information about visitor numbers to the park, though its recent move to reduce ticket prices by HK$50 had been interpreted by some market watchers as a sign that visitor numbers failed to meet company's targets.

In the three months to October 1, combined revenues at Hong Kong Disneyland and Euro Disney in France were US$404 million, compared to US$383 million for the same period last year, when the Hong Kong theme park had yet to open. However, a comparison of the numbers is difficult, as it is impossible to deduce the size of Hong Kong Disneyland's contribution, and Euro Disney's figures are subject to currency fluctuations.

Walt Disney paid US$314 million for its 43 percent stake in Hong Kong Disneyland, a joint venture with the SAR government, whose contribution was more than US$2.1 billion. The park, which cost US$3.5 billion in total, also took on US$1 billion in borrowings from banks and the government.

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A Disney thrill for sick Emily

A five-year-old Sheffield girl suffering from terminal cancer has been on a dream holiday to Disneyland Paris - thanks to well-wishers.

Little Emily Mitchell, from Woodseats, was treated for a kidney tumor two years ago but the aggressive form of the disease has come back and is incurable.

Support for Emily has poured in from family friends, classmates at Abbey Lane School and even from kind-hearted strangers touched by her plight.

Former colleagues of Emily's mum Jane, who used to work at the National Blood Services' Longley Lane centre, raised £1,200 to pay for the six day holiday in Paris, where she was able to meet her favorite characters.

"We wanted to go before Emily was too poorly. We have been before and she loved it, and again she had a brilliant time," said Jane, 35. "Emily loved seeing all the characters especially Snow White and Sleeping Beauty and the characters made real fuss of her." Local firms and businesses supported the fundraising efforts, donating more than 20 prizes.

Elaine Deighton, collections team manager, said: "The support was fantastic and we raised more than £1,200 in a matter of days. Our thanks for their generosity."

Well-wishers who staged raffles, auctions and a charity bike ride raised a staggering £6,000 to enable the family to enjoy holidays and days out.

The kindness of others has bowled of Jane and husband Tony, who also have a two-year-old son Daniel.

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Disney's Extreme Makeover

It's showtime for new Disney (NYSE: DIS) CEO Bob Iger. On Thursday, the company announced meager fiscal Q4 results. But in fiscal 2006 the world's leading family entertainment giant will be "all Iger," in the wake of Michael Eisner's recent departure from the company.

For the quarter, net profits fell -- predictably -- by 27% on a modest 3% uptick in revenues. Back out both the impact of accounting changes and the expensing of stock options, and you'll find earnings per share still took a dip, but only to the tune of an 8% decline.

No, Disney isn't broken. Entertainment giants tend to get these quarterly fluctuations. Over the course of fiscal 2005, adjusted profits rose by 18% to $1.32 a share on a 4% top-line spurt. Free cash flow for the year fell from $2.9 billion to $2.4 billion, but this was also a year of major theme park expansion, with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland.

However, it was still a year of extremes for Disney. Media networks and Disney's theme-park divisions posted double-digit gains in revenues, while consumer products and the company's studio business suffered double-digit declines.

Disney is upbeat about its new fiscal year. It may not start out that way, because the company is expecting improvements in 2006 to come in mostly in the second half of the fiscal year. That's when likely summer blockbusters Cars and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest will hit the big screen, along with the DVD release of Chicken Little and Chronicles of Narnia.

Success with all four features -- and Chicken Little is off to a great start -- would leave Disney in a rosy position. That's because ABC and ESPN continue to get better, and Disney's theme parks are as popular as ever, with improving margins.

With Children's Place (Nasdaq: PLCE) assuming Disney's chain-store business and the company's animation revival opening up licensing opportunities, the one real question mark is the company's studio business. A strong year, with Disney running on all four cylinders, could be a beautiful thing.

Ultimately, if you're a Disney investor -- and I am -- what's really impressive about the quarter isn't so much the company's actual report, but rather Iger's diplomatic prowess during last night's call.

Iger went out of his way to butter up Pixar (Nasdaq: PIXR). Asked if the success of Chicken Little will be as profitable for Disney as a film done jointly with Pixar would be (now that Disney doesn't have to split the profits evenly with Pixar), he was quick to dismiss the notion and praised Pixar's box-office track record. Asked about Cars, the last film in the current deal with Pixar, Iger stressed that "we have a great movie on our hands." That's a far cry from the egg on Eisner's face after he talked down the prospects of Finding Nemo. Pixar, by the way, has been a market-thumping Motley Fool Stock Advisor newsletter recommendation.

Eisner's reign was similar to that of Terrell Owens in Philadelphia. He was a talented leader with mad skills, especially early in his tenure, but ultimately proved to be too self-absorbed for his company's own good. Iger? He's a team player. This doesn't mean that Disney's new signal-caller is about to start making soup commercials. It does mean, though, that burned bridges are being extinguished and repaired.

I walked away feeling as confident as ever that Disney and Pixar will patch things up. No, I don't see Pixar relinquishing anything less than 100% of its new film projects. However, it's becoming more and more likely that Disney will be Pixar's film distributor in the future, and that the two will team up to produce sequels to previous Pixar-Disney classics, starting with Toy Story 3.

That's the kind of visibility and cooperative spirit that Disney has been sorely lacking in recent years.

Long live Iger.

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Disney's Iger confirms new media plans

Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger doesn't expect that its broadcasting business will suffer as a result of making several hit Tv shows available through iTunes in the US.

He believes the move will simply generate more "incremental revenue".

He discussed the move during the company's financial results announcement, reports TV Week.

"While the iPod is offering a wonderful experience, and the quality is sensational, people would not opt to watch a programme on an iPod and not on a large screen. We actually believe this is incremental consumption," he said.

"Advances in technology have changed how content is created, distributed and consumed. As a modern media company Disney is well positioned to take advantage of these changes by continuing to develop strong content and leverage that content across our businesses and new technologies," he added in a statement.

"Our agreement with Apple to make programming available on the iPod is a fitting example of our efforts in that regard. As the media landscape continues to change, our creative excellence and consumer focus will enable us to continue delivering benefits to shareholders."

Iger also suggested some openness toward other alternative distribution methods, if the price was right.

The Company generated $4.3 billion in cash flow from operations in fiscal 2005 compared to $4.4 billion in fiscal 2004. Free cash flow for fiscal 2005 totaled $2.4 billion compared to $2.9 billion in fiscal 2004.

The company's results for full-year and fourth-quarter 2005 took a hit from weak box office sales of its The Brothers Grimm and The Great Raid movies. Disney reported a 27 per cent drop in its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings.

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'Narnia' film screened at conservative Christian ministry

About 700 people turned out at the Focus on the Family campus Thursday for a sneak preview of the new movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

The closed screening at the conservative Christian ministry's complex included many pastors and church staffers who plan to organize events around the film in their churches. The movie is based on C.S. Lewis' fantasy novel "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

The story, published in 1950, follows four siblings — Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy — sent to live in an old country house to escape the London bombings during World War II. They find Narnia through a walk-in wardrobe and help overthrow a tyrannical white witch, whose spells have turned innocent victims to stone and frozen the landscape in perpetual winter.

The seven-part Narnia series has enthralled generations of readers. Many regard the books as Christian allegories and the heroic lion, Aslan, as a symbol of Jesus.

Lewis' stepson, Doug Gresham, a co-producer of the movie, was at the Focus on the Family book store to sign copies of his new book about Lewis, "Jack's Life." He has said viewers can draw their own conclusions about whether the film has religious overtones.

"We will be attacked for being too Christian by secularists and atheists but will be attacked by Christians for not being Christian enough. We're right in the middle," Gresham said.

Some moviegoers said they see the story's themes of good vs. evil and sacrifice as important messages for Christians.

Christianna Fogler, head of St. Stephens' Episcopal Day School in Colorado Springs, said she hopes parents will organize groups to go see the movie and that children will be inspired to read the book.

"It's really good for kids to read and see and learn how to work out these hard situations," she said.

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Disney's Iger Views iTunes Arrangement as 'Incremental Consumption'

Walt Disney Co. CEO Robert Iger said Thursday he doesn't expect the media company's recent decision to offer episodes of "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" on Apple Computer online store iTunes to cannibalize the company's bread-and-butter broadcasting business. Instead, he said, he views the offering as an opportunity to generate incremental revenue.

"While the iPod is offering a wonderful experience, and the quality is sensational, people would not opt to watch a program on an iPod and not on a large screen," Mr. Iger said during the company's fiscal full-year earnings call. "We actually believe this is incremental consumption."

Meanwhile, Mr. Iger appeared to signal that Disney would be interested in offering alternative forms of distribution of its content for the large screen, but that the price points would be higher for content broadcast on television than the $1.99 per download currently being charged for "Lost" episodes on the iTunes service.

"We have to consider the impact on large-screen platforms," Mr. Iger said. "We should charge more for the large-screen experience than the [small-screen experience]."

Also Thursday, Disney reported an 8 percent increase in fiscal 2005 profit to $2.5 billion, while revenue for the 12 months ended Oct. 1 advanced 4 percent to $31.9 billion. For the fiscal fourth quarter, profit sank by 27 percent to $379 million, while revenue rose 3 percent to $7.7 billion.

The company said its fiscal fourth quarter was hampered by a $313 million loss at the studio unit, which was hurt by weak box-office performance in general and a number of film flops, including "The Brothers Grimm" and "Dark Water." Disney had previously estimated its studio would lose between $250 million and $300 million in the fiscal fourth quarter.

The bright spot at Disney continued to be the company's media networks division, which includes both cable and broadcast assets. The division reported a 23 percent increase in operating income to $2.7 billion for the fiscal year, while revenue of $13.2 billion represented a 12 percent increase over last year. The company attributed the results largely to the strength of ESPN, which reported advertising and affiliate-fee revenue gains.

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'Lost' In Transition: Disney To Produce Mini, Mobile Episodes

WALT DISNEY CO. will be producing new "mini" episodes of the ABC hit show "Lost" for possible distribution on Verizon Communications' Vcast service.

Twenty new episodes--only several minutes in length--will be bought by the mobile phone provider's VCast service next year, according to programming experts. Buena Vista Home Entertainment will produce the small episodes, and later package them as part of a second-season DVD release. The episodes will be called "Lost Video Diaries," with two new stranded characters introduced that are not currently featured on the prime-time version.

Neither ABC or series producer Touchstone Television will be involved in the production, although it will be supervised by executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.

20th Century Fox Television worked a similar agreement for its drama, "24," with Verizon.

Verizon's VCast sells video content available for $15 per month, and "Diaries" would likely be a part of that package. VCast also offers premium original content for 99 cents per episode. The phone carrier would have exclusive rights to the new mini-"Lost." Those new episodes might then move to an iPod window.

ABC recently announced a deal with Apple's iTunes Music Store to run repurposed episodes of "Lost."

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Thursday November 17, 2005

Disney posts lower Q4 profit, movies slow
Buena Vista Intl. tops $1 bln overseas

Euro Disney net loss narrows after restructuring

Disney, Storms Blamed For Universal Earnings, Attendance Decline

The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade

New Years Eve events

Chronicles of Narnia Ships to Retailers

'Meet the Robinsons' on Disney Digital 3-D

'How being too fat for Disney ride changed my life'

Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Disney will host portion of Classic

Hyperion Customers Honored for Innovation by InfoWorld

VMK Tour to be discontinued?

Disney Animation president Blumberg resigns; company integrates animation and TV biz

Kids' Top Video Game Picks Revealed in the FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards

Behind the Construction Walls at Expedition Everest

Ready to wish upon a star?

Put Your Family in the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade!

Tiger Claw and Disney’s Martial Arts Festival Announce the Creation of a New National Martial Arts Tournament Championship

Disney posts lower Q4 profit, movies slow

Walt Disney Co., the second-largest U.S. media company, said fourth-quarter profit fell 27 percent after the film unit posted a $313 million loss, outweighing gains at the television business.

Net income fell to $379 million, or 19 cents a share, from $516 million, or 25 cents, a year earlier, Burbank, California- based Disney said today in a statement distributed by Business Wire. Sales rose 2.5 percent to $7.73 billion.

Movies including ``Dark Water'' and ``The Brothers Grimm'' had disappointing box-office sales, leading to the studio's worst performance since at least 1999. Disney, under Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger, in September said it would change how it markets and releases films. Improved results at Disney's cable and broadcast unit, which includes the ESPN sports channel and the ABC TV network, tempered the drop at the movie studio.

``This year was particularly weak'' for studios, said Glenn Eckert, a credit analyst at New York-based Moody's Investors Service. ``I think they underinvested in some of the concepts.''

Disney shares rose 15 cents to $26 at 4 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares have fallen 6.5 percent this year compared with New York-based Time Warner Inc., the biggest media company, which has fallen 8.4 percent.

Disney in September said it would record a cost $68 million for airplane leases with Delta Air Lines Inc., which filed for bankruptcy. Disney this month said it would record an employee stock-option cost of about 2 cents a share.

Film Studio

``The Great Raid,'' ``Dark Water,'' ``The Brothers Grimm'' and ``Underclassman'' have brought in less than $150 million in total sales worldwide, according to ticket tracker Box Office Mojo LLC. ``Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith,'' the top-grossing film this year, took in $848 million worldwide.

Disney's ``Chicken Little,'' which beat analysts' estimates by bringing in more than $98 million worldwide since opening Nov. 4, is the company's first foray into making fully computer- animated films. Disney and Emeryville, California-based Pixar are in talks to extend a distribution agreement after June's ``Cars.''

Disney last month struck a deal with Pixar founder Steve Jobs's other company, Apple Computer Inc., to sell episodes of ABC shows including ``Desperate Housewives'' to be played on video iPod players.

Television

ABC is the only broadcast-TV network to add viewers two years in a row, according to Nielsen Media Research. ABC, tied for first place with CBS among younger viewers, has attracted audiences with top-ranked shows ``Grey's Anatomy,'' ``Lost'' and this year's Geena Davis hit ``Commander in Chief.''

``You can't argue with ratings,'' said Benesch. ``They've been able to foster new shows that are carrying a lot of weight.''

Disney's ability to raise the prices cable and satellite operators pay to air the ESPN cable sports channel also boosted profit at the TV business, Reif Cohen said. Increases in advertising at ESPN bolstered earnings as well.

Disney is considering a sale of merger of its ABC radio network and 27 stations, which are also part of the broadcast business.

Hurricanes last year forced the closure of Walt Disney World in Florida for three days, cutting profit by 1 cent a share. This year, Hurricane Katrina caused ``a weekend of disruption'' at the park, Iger said Sept. 21.

Iger

In the year-ago quarter, earnings at Disney's consumer products unit was helped by lower costs at the Disney Store chain, the closing of poor-performing locations and increases in merchandise licensing. Disney completed the sale of Disney Stores in the U.S. and Canada to Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. in November 2004.

Iger, 54, who has held the top post since Oct. 1, has made a series of management changes since being named CEO in March, reorganizing the company's strategic planning unit and replacing leadership at the Miramax film studio. This week, Iger promoted Walt Disney World President Al Weiss to run international theme- park operations and established a committee to oversee the unit.

Iger, who is paid $2 million a year plus an adjustable bonus that starts at $7.25 million, also ended a feud with former Disney directors Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold, naming Roy Disney director emeritus.

Of the 26 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg, 16 rate Disney ``buy,'' 10 rate Disney ``hold'' and none suggest selling.

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Buena Vista Intl. tops $1 bln overseas

Buena Vista International, the foreign distribution arm of the Walt Disney Co., reached $1 billion in overseas boxoffice revenue Tuesday, stretching a remarkable industry record that has seen the company hit that mark for 11 consecutive years.

BVI became the third major studio to surpass $1 billion this year, an achievement that some see as a sign that the international business might be recovering from the decline of the first half of the year.

20th Century Fox International reached the $1 billion benchmark at the end of June, marking the fifth time the company has hit the mark. It had only two consecutive years, 1998 and 1999.

Warner Bros. Pictures' overseas unit, which achieved $1 billion at the end of August, is BVI's closest competitor, having hit $1 billion eight times, five times in row since 2001.

BVI's run started in 1995, two years after the international division was established with Mark Zoradi as president, a post he continues to hold in addition to heading Buena Vista Home Entertainment International.

This year might have been BVI's toughest in reaching the $1 billion apex, because it lacked a formidable summer blockbuster and was without a traditional animated offering for the season.

"This was a challenging year for us," said Zoradi, who nevertheless called 2005 "very rewarding," noting that the company's four top-grossing movies were Disney-branded -- "National Treasure," "The Incredibles," "The Pacifier" and "Herbie: Fully Loaded."

"The strategic shift to Disney-branded films has become very important in our product lineup," he added. The company's other film brands are Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films.

BVI has released 32 films so far this year, with 10 percent of the boxoffice revenue coming from the production or acquisition of local-language pictures. About $10 million or more was provided by each of 26 films.

As of now, two BVI entries have topped $100 million this year -- "National Treasure" and "The Incredibles."

Zoradi, who feels strongly that this year's October-December period will track better for the industry than the comparable frame of 2004, is confident that BVI will add three more $100 million-plus achievers to its 2005 roster -- "Flightplan," "Chicken Little" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe."

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Euro Disney net loss narrows after restructuring

French theme park operator Euro Disney reported a smaller annual net loss on Wednesday, helped by its recent financial restructuring, but heavy charges and weaker visitor numbers still took their toll.

The operator of Disneyland Paris, Europe's most visited tourist attraction, said it had registered 12.3 million visitors to its twin theme parks over the full fiscal year, slightly fewer than the 12.4 million tallied the year before.

And it said it was in negotiations with its labour unions to help control its operating costs after labour rates, up 7 percent, grew twice as fast as revenues over the same period.

Those costs were pushed up by an increase in France's minimum wage and reduced subsidies linked to the introduction of France's 35-hour working week.

"The objective is to reduce the growth of labour costs while maintaining or even enhancing the guest experience," Chairman Karl Holz said in a statement.

The labour-intensive firm employs "cast members" impersonating Mickey Mouse and other characters to animate parades at the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney Studios parks, while it also staffs operations at its hotels, theme park attractions, restaurants and shops.

Euro Disney's operating margin -- earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) as a percentage of sales -- slipped to 11 percent from 12 percent before. The group had been aiming to stabilise its margin and increase EBITDA -- which slipped nearly 5 percent to 117.1 million euros.

OPERATING LOSS WIDENS

The European outpost of the Walt Disney empire reported a net loss for the year to the end of September of 94.9 million euros ($110.6 million), after a loss of 145.2 million euros on a published basis a year earlier. That was in line with forecasts from two analysts surveyed by Reuters Estimates who predicted a net loss of 94.03 million.

The company said it had managed to reduce its net loss by about a third, thanks largely to the financial restructuring that hauled it back from the brink of bankruptcy in February.

However, its operating loss widened 12.5 percent to 26.9 million euros as labour costs increased. Reuters Estimates had forecast an operating loss of 18 million euros.

That was achieved on a 3 percent rise in turnover to 1.076 billion euros. At the start of the year Euro Disney, 39 percent owned by the Walt Disney Co , forecast sales growth of 5 percent, but it reined that back in July.

Visitor spending in its theme parks rose 3 percent and turnover jumped 143 percent jump in its real estate activities -- the company leases and sells surrounding property. But spending fell 3 percent at the Disney Village shopping mall and at its hotel rooms.

Though it has staved off bankruptcy via its debt rescheduling, and carried out a capital increase of 253 million euros to finance investment in what it hopes are crowd-pulling new attractions, it still has to service a 1.93 billion euro debt -- six times its shareholder capital of 295.7 million.

Euro Disney has announced a multi-year investment plan to revamp its attractions and is opening its "Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast" attraction in April. However its financial agreements limit its investment activities while its covenants require it to increase sales as of 2006.

"Assuming growth in turnover generated among other things by the impact of its multi-year investment plan, the group estimates that its operating profit will be sufficient to respect its undertakings," it said.

Euro Disney said it would switch to IFRS international accounting standards in 2006.

Euro Disney's volatile shares have lost half their value this year and underperformed travel sector peers <.SXTP> by 56 percent. They were trading early on Wednesday at 0.11 euros, down 8.3 percent, after rising nearly 10 percent on Tuesday.

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Disney, Storms Blamed For Universal Earnings, Attendance Decline

One of Central Florida's largest employers, Universal Orlando, saw its profits drop 25 percent from July until October, according to a Local 6 News report.

Attendance at Universal Orlando's two theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure was also off 16 percent.

Universal Orlando blamed skyrocketing gas prices, a record hurricane season and Disney's Worldwide 50th Anniversary Celebration of Disneyland for the drops, Local 6 News reported.

The new numbers do not include Universal's profitable Halloween Horror Nights.

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The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade

A Dec. 25 tradition, The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, again brings the magic of Walt Disney World Resort at holiday time into the homes of millions of ABC-TV viewers. Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa host the festivities, which feature a variety of celebrity appearances and musical performances.

Front and center is the parade itself, which showcases favorite Disney characters as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A. This year's program will feature parade elements from both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland in California -- a fitting tribute during the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" honoring 50 years of Disney parks that began with the opening of Disneyland.

The Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade airs Dec. 25, 10 a.m.-Noon Eastern time on ABC-TV.

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New Years Eve events

Downtown Disney Pleasure Island ushers in the New Year with its annual, island-wide street party. The special ticket event features live performances by music artists Smash Mouth, S.O.S. Band and Paul Jackson Jr. A midnight fireworks spectacular lights the night and the New Year is welcomed in with a champagne toast.

The Dec. 31 party is for revelers 21 and older and rocks Pleasure Island from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission is $89 plus tax and includes entry to all Pleasure Island nightclubs. For more information or to order tickets, guests may call 407/W-DISNEY.

Live concerts with fireworks are planned at Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios, and Magic Kingdom hosts two fireworks shows (one early, one midnight).

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Chronicles of Narnia Ships to Retailers

Buena Vista Games has announced that The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has shipped to retailers.

The game is an adaptation of the upcoming film which is scheduled to release on December 9th. The movie's director, Andrew Adamson said, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe...demonstrates the importance of having a film team that is involved in the production of the video games inspired by that film. Players will truly feel as if they have walked through the wardrobe doors and into Narnia, where they can control the destiny of the characters."

The game will feature team-based action as you can take on the role of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. You'll be able to battle various characters including cyclopes, werewolves and more.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Gamecube, PC, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS.

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'Meet the Robinsons' on Disney Digital 3-D

Successful Revolutionary 3-D Experience Extended to Next Disney Animated Feature in Select Theaters Nationwide Decemeber 2006.

Walt Disney Pictures will present its newest all CG animated film "Meet the Robinsons" in Disney Digital 3-D, opening in theaters nationwide December 2006.

Disney Digital 3-D(TM), a brand new state-of-the-art technology providing the first true three-dimensional digital experience, was a tremendous success with the recent release of Walt Disney Pictures "Chicken Little." On opening weekend the film brought in a screen average of $26,000 in 79 3-D theaters compared to the overall screen average of $10,961 in over 3600 theaters. To date, "Chicken Little" has garnered over $83 million at the domestic box-office.

"Following up on the historic debut and success of 'Chicken Little' in Disney Digital 3-D, we anticipate that 'Meet the Robinsons' will be shown on between 750 to 1000 screens with Real D capabilities," said Chuck Viane, president, Buena Vista Pictures Distribution. "Certainly 'Chicken Little,' with its witty story and amazing animation, is a fantastic movie-going experience in any format. However, the box office performance level of the 3-D theaters proves that the public is not only embracing the story but the newest in innovative technology as well. The folks at Dolby Digital, ILM and Real D certainly deserve kudos for their collaboration with us in this revolutionary and highly successful venture."

"Based on a bestselling book by William Joyce, "Meet the Robinsons" leaps into the future in December 2006. When Lewis, a 12 year-old genius inventor, meets a mysterious boy from the future named Wilbur Robinson, the two travel forward in time and spend a day with Wilbur's eccentric family -- a day that will change Lewis' life forever. "Meet the Robinsons" is directed by Steve Anderson and produced by Dorothy Kim."

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'How being too fat for Disney ride changed my life'

A mother who was too fat for the rides at Disney World has lost 13 stone after the humiliation spurred her to diet.

Sian Wembridge was afraid she would be embarrassed if she could not squeeze her 22-stone frame into the tester seats at the Florida theme park.

She watched aghast as Disney staff turned away large people who could not do up the seat-belts on rides such as Thunder Mountain.

So instead of putting herself through the ordeal, she pretended to her family that she was too scared to go on the rides.

The experience traumatized the former care assistant so much she vowed to lose weight so she could enjoy activities with her family - her husband Steve, 34, a long-distance lorry driver and their children Kayleigh, five, and two-year-old son Thomas.

She admits she was a comfort eater, and would overeat when her husband was away driving.

Sian, from Pontarddulais, Swansea, said, "Far from it being magical I spent most of the trip in tears because I realized my weight was out of control.

"The guys on the rides were asking bigger people to check if they could get seat belts on and if they could not they were turned away.

"Rather than being humiliated I just stayed in the background but really I was dying to enjoy myself with the rest of the family."

Days after getting home Sian joined a Slimming World group in Gorseinon, Swansea and yesterday the 30-year-old was crowned Wales' "Super Slimmer of the Year 2005 ".

She had shed an incredible 13 stones since the disastrous trip to Florida and now weighs in at a little over nine stones.

The housewife was in London yesterday at a glitzy ceremony at the Ritz Hotel where she received her award.

The overall title went to mother-of-two Karen Heppleston-Baines, 48, of Sale, Cheshire, who as well as looking after her children, fosters six others. She lost 10 stone 2lbs after she began to feel "suffocated" in her own fat.

Sian, of Llys Gwyn Terrace, the Welsh regional winner said, "I've been overweight since my late teens but after a miscarriage my weight became a real issue.

"I used to comfort eat, especially when I was alone.

"With my husband away a lot as a lorry driver, my relationship with food spiraled out of control.

"My health, my confidence and my family all suffered because of my weight.

"I was a heart attack waiting to happen."

Sian lost the weight using Slimming World's "food optimizing" method which lays emphasis on healthy foods such as fish, rice, fruit and pasta and discourages too much alcohol, biscuits or other fatty foods.

Earlier this year, Sian fulfilled a lifelong dream by at last going on a theme park ride.

She said, "I went on Vertigo in Oakwood Park with my 16-year-old nephew Andrew and I realised just what I had been missing in Florida.

"I love people's reactions when they see me now.

"After escaping from the oversized body I was trapped in I'm a size 10.

"I've gone from not being able to get out of bed to training for the Swansea 10K run - people can't believe it's me!"

Sian said yesterday she and her family are now saving up for another trip to Disney World.

She said, "This time I will be definitely be having the time of my life."

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Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

In the great tradition of Disney attractions which put guests in the middle of movies and stories, Disney-MGM Studios will host an exciting walk-through experience based on the upcoming Disney Pictures and Walden Media motion picture release, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe."

For fans of C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure, and for the worldwide audience who will be entranced by the new movie, Disney-MGM Studios transforms a soundstage into the frozen world of Narnia and takes guests behind the scenes of the movie-making magic of the epic film. The attraction, "Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," is scheduled to open Dec. 9, the same day the film premieres around the world.

Guests will enter the frozen world of Narnia through a giant wardrobe and be surrounded by a wintry landscape, enormous trees, and a replica of the lamppost as seen in the movie. In the distance, they will see the house of Mr. Tumnus, one of the central characters, beneath a rock bluff outcropping and the White Witch's Castle. All in all, Walt Disney World guests will feel as though they have really entered the magical world of C.S. Lewis' story.

Guests will exit through a gallery that showcases elaborate creatures, costumes, armor, maquettes, storyboards, props and set pieces used in the making of the film.

"We are very excited to showcase this spectacular film in such a grand fashion," said Michael O'Grattan, vice president for Disney-MGM Studios. "Immersing guests in the magic of show business is what the Disney-MGM Studios is all about. This experience is the perfect addition to our lineup of thrilling movie, TV and music-themed attractions."

Oren Aviv, president of Buena Vista Pictures Marketing, added, "The land of Narnia is such a magical place in the C.S. Lewis books and in Disney's exciting motion picture adaptation. This walk-through experience is a great way for fans of the story to climb through the wardrobe, let their imaginations run wild, and enter this world for themselves. Director Andrew Adamson has done a brilliant job visualizing this fantasy world on film in 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,' and this very special experience adds an exciting and unique new dimension."

"Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" is included with regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios. Disney-MGM Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show business 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, television and radio production facilities. The theme park is part of the 30,500-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

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Disney will host portion of Classic

Cracker Jack Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports will host six first-round games in the inaugural World Baseball Classic next March, it was announced Wednesday.

The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Australia and Italy will be the four countries in the first-round pool at Lake Buena Vista.

"The Orlando area is one of the nation's top international tourist destinations, and we are very pleased that the World Baseball Classic will be a part of that landscape," said Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig.

"Baseball historically has been a major attraction in Florida each spring, and we are confident that Disney's Wide World of Sports will serve as an excellent host for the World Baseball Classic."

Umpires decline back pay

Baseball tried to give five umpires more than $1.9 million in back pay Tuesday, but they instructed their banks to refuse the payments.

More than six years after a failed mass resignation led to a lawsuit that went all the way to the Supreme Court, the umpires and the commissioner's office are still fighting over an additional $718,817 in interest.

The refused payments are part of a nasty legal battle that initially cost 22 umpires their jobs.

Padres near deal

The Padres were close to acquiring outfielder Mike Cameron from the Mets for utility player Xavier Nady, a baseball official with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press Wednesday.

Before they finalize the deal, the Padres apparently want to make sure Cameron's vision is OK after a collision with Carlos Beltran.

Red Sox sign Nipper

Former Red Sox pitcher Al Nipper was named Boston's bullpen coach on Wednesday.

He won 42 games with Boston from 1983 to 1987 and was 46-50 with a 4.52 ERA in a seven-year career.

Angels add Ebel to staff

Minor-league manager Dino Ebel was promoted to the Angels coaching staff Wednesday, filling the spot left vacant when Joe Maddon became manager of the Devil Rays.

He guided Class AAA Salt Lake to a 79-65 record.

Cubs trade Leicester

The Cubs traded right-hander Jon Leicester to the Rangers Wednesday for a player to be named later.

Leicester, 26, had a 5-3 record with a 4.80 ERA in 38 career games with Chicago.

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Hyperion Customers Honored for Innovation by InfoWorld

Two Hyperion (Nasdaq:HYSL) customers have been named to the InfoWorld 100, an annual award that honors IT projects that demonstrate the most creative use of cutting-edge technologies to further business goals. Broward County School District, the sixth largest school district in the United States, and Spectra-Physics, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of optical technology solutions to researchers, scientists, and manufacturers, both won for innovatively leveraging Hyperion business intelligence.

"IT departments continue to learn hard lessons about business realities and realistic ROI," said Eric Knorr, executive editor at large for InfoWorld. "The InfoWorld 100 provides a forum for IT managers to get the recognition they deserve for smart projects from an audience of their peers."

Of the 100 honorees, 20 finalists -- including Broward County School District -- will be in line for the InfoWorld 100 Project of the Year Award, which will be announced in March 2006. Broward County School District was honored for its use of a data warehousing and a browser solution called Virtual Counselor, which leverages Hyperion software to provide business intelligence access and dashboards. According to the InfoWorld article, The Virtual Counselor "... puts records, test scores and key information at parents' fingertips. Parents can schedule in-school appointments with guidance counselors online if they find something amiss with Billy's or Susie's data." Broward County manages records for 286 schools, 41,000 employees, 50,000 adult students and 276,200 children with this solution.

Spectra-Physics was recognized for its Business Performance Management solution that leverages Hyperion's easy-to-build and easy-to-implement dashboards, as well as production reports. The company is currently using more than 120 Hyperion reports, most of which are delivered daily, while others are viewed monthly, weekly or even hourly.

"Hyperion empowers our small IT team with a rapid development tool that delivers dashboards that otherwise wouldn't be possible," said Mark Rowell, director of information technology, Spectra-Physics. "The iteration time from design to delivery has been reduced enormously. We would not attempt to develop a dashboard without Hyperion. It just wouldn't be viable."

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VMK Tour to be discontinued?

For the Virtual Magic Kingdom Fans, There might be a possibility that the VMK Tour will be discontinued next year, and be replaced with something new. Note, this is not yet confirmed.

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Disney Animation president Blumberg resigns; company integrates animation and TV biz

After administering Walt Disney Television Animation (WDTVA) for 11 years, the company's president, Barry Blumberg, has put in his papers.

The Walt Disney Company has decided to integrate WDTVA into Disney Channel Worldwide and is scheduled to make an official announcement on the integration in the near future.

WDTVA will be restructured to include four departments - production; creative affairs; finance, planning, technology and operations; and business and legal affairs.

"Through this integration, we are looking at further unlocking the creative resources of Walt Disney Television Animation by streamlining its international management into the broader global original-programming structure," Disney Channel Worldwide president, Rich Ross, said in an official statement.

Blumberg will, however remain with the company through the end of January in order to help integrate the WDTVA Group into Disney Channel Worldwide.

Blumberg was quoted in media reports as saying, "I have spent more than half my professional life at The Walt Disney Company, and have been privileged to work with some of the most talented individuals and storied character franchises in the world. I am honored to have been here and to have left a legacy, no matter how small, with this great institution. Even though I am moving on, I will always have a special place in my heart for all that is Disney."

In his capacity as president of WDTVA, Blumberg led all aspects of development and production for television series, series-based theatrical releases and series-based video premieres/compilations. He also served as a chief administrator for all division activities, including business affairs, finance, synergy, marketing and publicity.

During his tenure, Blumberg reinvigorated and expanded WDTVA's production slate to include programming for Disney Channel, Toon Disney and Jetix, as well as branded programming blocks around the world and on ABC Kids domestically.

In a series of firsts, Blumberg oversaw the creation and production of Disney's Kim Possible that became the first original WDTVA animated series to premiere on Disney Channel. He also oversaw the creation and production of Super Robert Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!, the first original animated series ever produced for Jetix Worldwide.

Blumberg took charge in the creation and production of several of The Walt Disney Company's key animated franchises, guiding properties like Disney's Recess from a television series to a theatrical release and a pair of video releases, and Kim Possible from a Disney Channel series to a pair of Disney Channel original movies. He also broadened avenues for franchise characters from the studio's theatrical releases through television series and video premieres for Hercules, Buzz Lightyear, Tarzan, and Lilo & Stitch. Under his direction, WDTVA also produced theatrical releases of Recess: School's Out! and Teacher's Pet.

Blumberg also handled the creation and production of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for Playhouse Disney. This will mark the first-ever CG animated television series starring Mickey Mouse.He reported to Disney Media Networks co-chair and Disney-ABC Television group president ,Anne Sweeney.

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Kids' Top Video Game Picks Revealed in the FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year Awards

FamilyFun.com today announced the winners of its second annual Video Game of the Year Awards (www.familyfun.com/videogames), a sister program to the renowned FamilyFun Magazine Toy of the Year Award (T.O.Y.). Designed to help parents determine what games are appropriate for their children, the FamilyFun.com Video Game of the Year program aims to bridge the video game knowledge gap that separates many parents and children by showcasing family-friendly game titles that rank highest among kids.

Games rated E and E10+ by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) were eligible and evaluated in two age categories -- 6-9-years old and 10-12-years old -- for the Video Game of the Year Awards. While both console and handheld games for all platforms were considered, two handheld games earned top honors:

-- The Video Game of the Year for kids ages 6-9 is "Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus" (GameBoy Advance) by Vivendi Universal Games.

-- The Video Game of the Year for kids ages 10-12 is "Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends" (Nintendo DS) by Nintendo.

The highest ranking console-based games were "Hello Kitty(R) Roller Coaster Rescue" (Nintendo GameCube) by Namco for kids ages 6-9 and "Madagascar" (Microsoft XBOX) by Activision for kids ages 10-12.

"Heightened media attention over the last year focusing on violence and profanity in video games really underscores the need for services that help parents better understand the content of the games their kids are playing," said Lee Woodruff, contributing editor of FamilyFun. "Luckily, there are a lot of great, family-friendly titles out there to choose from, and these awards simplify the selection process so families can find games that everyone can agree on."

Vice President of FamilyFun.com Emily Smith added, "All the games we award are rigorously kid-tested so they've been through the ultimate battlefield in terms of their `play-ability' and fun quotient. If children and their parents do not approve and rate them highly, then we don't recommend them."

Close to forty games qualifying for Video Game of the Year were screened, tested and ranked on a 100-point scale by kid testers throughout the country. Kid testing is augmented with comments from parents who have played the games with their kids. More than 2,000 children participated in the in-home game testing handled by Digital Research, Inc., a leading independent market research firm that annually leads testing for the FamilyFun T.O.Y. awards.

New for 2005, the Video Game of the Year program features regularly updated game reviews from parents and kids year-round that provide detailed information specific to new titles as they are released. Reviews are available at www.familyfun.com/videogames.

Referred to by the Wall Street Journal as the "Oscars of the toy industry," FamilyFun magazine's annual T.O.Y. Awards have the unique advantage of being tested and selected by kids. Digital Research, Inc. administers the program. The winners are chosen after thousands of hours of play testing and voting by several hundred children at child care centers across the country. The finalists and winners are featured in the November issue of FamilyFun magazine and on FamilyFun.com. Over the years, several memorable toys such as "Rescue Heroes"(TM) and "Tickle Me Elmo"(TM) were launched into the holiday retail spotlight after being announced as winners of the T.O.Y. Awards.

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Behind the Construction Walls at Expedition Everest

Disney Insider - Imagineer Joe Rohde has been a very busy guy; we caught up with him when he had just returned from China, was about to fly to Tibet, and in between he's been frantically working on the finishing touches to the biggest thing to hit Disney's Animal Kingdom since the addition of the Asia land back in 1999. It's a towering achievement guaranteed to leave Guests cold - yet breathless with excitement. It's Expedition Everest, Florida's newest mountain.

Joe gave us an inside peek at what to expect next spring, when the first brave Guests set out on an expedition into the heart of the Himalayas, and embark on a collision course with the legendary yeti itself.

The first thing Guests should know is that Expedition Everest is going to be one wild ride. "Expedition Everest is definitely a thrill ride. It does have good speeds and forces, comparable to Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster," Joe explains.

Detailed stories and immersive experiences are a hallmark of Disney theme park attractions, and Expedition Everest will not disappoint. Joe gave us the full scoop.

"The premise is that we, the Guests, are Expedition Everest. We've arrived on this particular day in this little Tibetan town in the foothills of the Himalayas. And the little trekking company that we've engaged is going to get us on this train, which they've just refurbished. It used to be the train that served the tea plantations in the Himalayan foothills - they've refurbished it to get us to Everest really, really fast. But to do that, we have to go through the realm of the yeti. And traditional Tibetan thought holds the yeti to be the protector of the hidden and forbidden reaches of the Himalayas. So the yeti is doing his job as defender of the mountains when we encounter him on our train journey, attempting to get to Everest. And it ends up being that we now have to escape from the wrath of the yeti and make our way back to town in this high-speed escape adventure."

The thrills will be there in plenty, but Joe is proudest of the incredible detail that is going into creating the world of Expedition Everest for Guests to explore. "It feels like you are in the Himalayas," he promises. And having just returned from those peaks himself, Joe should know. Many of the painstaking details of Nepalese and Tibetan culture that appear in the attraction's environment are modeled on what he and his colleagues have encountered on the Mission Himalayas expeditions, as well as years of other research.

"This region we were just in has a very powerful living oral tradition of the yeti as the protector of the forest. So we adopted a lot of that attitude to put our ride together," says Joe. "And many of the details we saw there can be seen all across the Himalayas, so we picked them up from other places. There's some architectural color, some props, and there's a little area in the standby queue where we're going to talk about the actual expedition - what we discovered, where we went, that kind of thing."

Expedition Everest will be unique among Disney Park attractions in that Guests choosing the Fast Pass or standby queues will pass through very different areas and have different experiences.

"The standby queue for this ride is a spectacular environment. It takes you around a pagoda temple that was actually designed and produced for us by Nepalese wood carvers. It's completely covered with various images of the yeti, and I believe it's the only structure of its kind in North America," Joe explains. "It's very impressive, and there's scene after scene that takes you through the experience as if you were booking a trip, then traveling through this little town on your way to the train in the Himalayas.

"The Fast Pass people are treated a little differently, even within the story, in that they're assumed to have already done most of that, so they're on a ‘fast track.' They get their permits stamped in the permit office, and then they kind of blow through a little mountaineering equipment place, and then they're on the train. So depending on which line you choose, you're enveloped in the story in different ways."

In keeping with the best Imagineering tradition, Joe won't divulge whether there are any Hidden Mickeys along the way - but he did give us a few tips for details to watch out for. "There are many many portrayals of the yeti spread through this village, reflecting this idea of the yeti as a kind of protector of the environment. Just looking for those alone, you could spend an hour."

Although Expedition Everest looks tantalizingly complete to passersby, there's plenty to finish before it opens to Guests. "We're installing props in the buildings, doing little finishing paint touches in the buildings. We're installing the yeti into the great cavern where the yeti lives, and we're running the ride around the track and testing it to see how it works and testing the special effects to see how they work," Joe says.

So far the only ones lucky enough to ride Expedition Everest are specially shaped water buckets designed to simulate the attraction's effects on people of different sizes - "sort of like a jerry can with a waist," as Joe describes them. "You seatbelt them in and fill them with water to represent the weight of different humans, and then they get to ride over and over and over. I'm sure they're very happy, thrilled little water buckets!"

Come spring, Guests will get a chance to encounter the yeti for themselves - and see if "happy" and "thrilled" are the order of the day.

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Ready to wish upon a star?

Today, for the first time in more than 20 years, someone other than Michael Eisner will be at the helm as the Walt Disney Co. reports its year-end performance to stockholders.

Robert Iger finalizes his transition to CEO of the media conglomerate with a report today that is likely to spotlight increased earnings at ABC, the unit Iger once led, and the Parks & Resorts division, which has been profitable in part because of Disneyland's historic 50th anniversary celebration.

The fourth-quarter numbers are important as Disney wraps up a year of promised double-digit growth. But more significant to the company's future is Iger's vision for long-term growth and innovation. He told executives last week of his plan to target three areas: creative content, technology and international expansion.

Those are no surprise, since Iger has been pitching his strategy since he officially took over for Eisner last month. But it served as a clear call to action for each division of the giant company - parks and resorts; media networks; consumer products and studios.

Technology gives Disney more options in creating theme-park attractions, some of which can cut costs. For instance, programmable rides - such as Star Tours and Tower of Terror - could be reprogrammed to offer a new experience and increase rider "repeatability."

Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort, said he likes Iger's plans.

"New CEOs often come in and change things for two reasons," said Ouimet, who was speaking at the Center for Leadership Development at UC Irvine. "They're bored, or they can't drive the metrics of the company. It's too hard so they change it. What I like is that Bob has laid out something that's really good for us."

Content drives all Disney business. Like other companies, Disney must grapple with questions about content's volatility, Ouimet said:

What will content look like in the future, especially as digitization evolves?

Who will create the content, as technology makes it easier for individuals to create what the big studios are making?

What will consumers be willing to pay for content, as more material becomes free online?

Films in 3-D, for example, could be the next trend. This year's Chicken Little was the first Disney film offered in the company's new 3-D format, as well as being the first entirely computer-generated animation film. Movie-goers gravitated to the 3-D format. In a typical Disney cross-promotion, the Chicken Little character already is roaming theme parks.

International expansion is a logical diversification for Disney, which derives 25 percent of its revenues from overseas. Cultural barriers present a challenge to growth, but the company continues to push ahead in India and China.

Disney opened its first theme park in China this year, Hong Kong Disneyland. Although repeated rumors have Disney building another park in that region, the company is looking at new ways to deliver the "Disney experience," said Jay Rasulo, chief of the Parks & Resorts division.

"Our experience in Hong Kong reassured us that the Disney experience really does transcend cultures," Rasulo said. "People there did not grow up with Disney and yet they really embrace the concept. So we're looking at other forms of immersive entertainment, some that might look like a Disney park, and others that might be of a different scale."

That could include new itineraries for the Disney Cruise Line, which experimented with a West Coast route this summer.

Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration, which runs through 2006, has drawn steady crowds to Anaheim this year, and bookings continue to be strong through the holiday season.

The marketing campaign for the 50th anniversary, Disney's first global approach to selling its parks, worked so well that the Parks & Resorts division announced a restructuring this week that brings a global approach to all facets of its business. The change will integrate business functions of all 11 theme parks under the direction of an eight-member executive committee that provides strategic direction and growth objectives.

Information will be more easily shared and decision-making streamlined, but there are "no immediate plans" for job cuts, said Leslie Goodman, a Disney spokeswoman.

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Put Your Family in the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade!

How would you like to wake up on Christmas morning and see your favorite Disney vacation video on TV? This year, the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland Park is "gift wrapping" a special present for viewers. To commemorate 50 Years of Magic, we're looking for videos of your favorite vacation at any of the Disney Theme Parks. If your video is selected, it will be featured on December 25th in the 22nd annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade on ABC TV.

From funny to fun and heartwarming to heartfelt, we're looking for a variety of videos. It could be your adorable child who is now grown up; or you when you were an adorable child; a funny, silly or embarrassing moment; a magical experience, or a cherished moment with your family or friends. We ask only that the video or film was shot in a Disney Theme Park, and you think it's special. If you like it, we want to see it!

SEND US YOUR VIDEOS!!!

You should submit a copy of the clip on a separate tape. Please remember we are not responsible for lost, damaged, or misdirected tapes, so if your tape or film is very valuable to you, you should send us a copy. You may submit more than one clip on a single videocassette. Make sure you include your name, address, phone number and email address with the videocassette.

Please send us your film or tape (VHS, 8mm, Super 8, Hi-8, Mini-DV, DVD) along with your name, address, phone number and email address to:

Disney Theme Park Home Videos
P.O. Box 691628
Orlando, FL 32869-1628

Videos must be received by December 8, 2005 and your submission is subject to rules and procedures set forth below.

Rules and Procedures:
1. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and its producer Harborlight Entertainment (collectively "Producer") of a television holiday program to be aired on the ABC Television Network (ABC) is seeking home videos from you featuring vacations at any of the Disney Theme Parks. Only videos conforming to ABC Television Network Broadcast Standards and Practices will be eligible for inclusion in the holiday television program, based on Producer's and ABC's judgment.

2. Persons wishing to submit a video or videos should send as many different home videos as they wish to Harborlight Entertainment, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Bldg. 22A, Orlando, FL 32819.

3. Submitters should include their return address and telephone number and a brief written description of the clips being submitted.

4. All submissions shall become the sole property of Producer and may be used in any manner, in all media, in perpetuity. You should only submit copies of your home videos. Producer reserves the right to destroy all videos. Producer is not responsible for lost, damaged or misdirected tapes under any circumstances. Please keep the original of your submission.

5. All home video formats are acceptable (VHS, 8MM, Hi-8, digital video).

6. Producer reserves the right to edit and/or alter any submission.

7. All submissions are subject to the terms of these rules and procedures and all submitters agree to be bound by these rules and procedures. Producer reserves the right to amend these rules at any time.

8. Persons under 18 may enter but written parental consent will be required before their entries will be considered.

9. Submitter whose clips are chosen for inclusion in a program must sign a Release and Indemnity in the form presented attesting, among other things, to the fact that they are the rightful owners of the submitted clips and that the clip may be submitted and broadcast without obtaining permission from or making any payment to any third party. All persons appearing in the clips must sign consent forms and/or releases in the form presented (which shall grant to Producer the right to use such person's name, voice and likeness) before the submission can be considered for selection in the program. A custodial parent or legal guardian must sign the consent/release form for minors. Failure to provide requested releases and/or consents will result in disqualification of entrant. These release and/or consent forms will be provided by the Producer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the submission of a videotape constitutes the submitter's permission to use the videotape (and the name, voice and likeness of the submitter) in and in connection with the program and all exploitations thereof, including, without limitation, advertising and promotion, in all media, and, further, constitutes the submitter's representation that all necessary consents and permissions therefore have been obtained.

10. Each submitter represents that his/her submission does not infringe on any person's or other third party's copyrighted material, trademark or other intellectual property rights.

11. By submitting your videotape each submitter agrees to release, discharge, and hold harmless (a) Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, ABC, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, and their respective related, subsidiary and affiliated companies, (b) their licensees and assigns; and (c) their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives from any claim or liability arising from or out of the submission of the video or appearance on the holiday program.

12. Each entrant agrees that his/her submission shall be governed by and construed under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida applicable to contracts entered into and wholly performed therein. Each entrant consents and agrees to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts of the State of Florida, located in the County of Orange.

13. All tapes must be received by Producer on or before December 8, 2005 to be eligible for inclusion.

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Tiger Claw and Disney’s Martial Arts Festival Announce the Creation of a New National Martial Arts Tournament Championship

TIGER CLAW and Disney's Martial Arts Festival have announced the creation of a new national championship of martial arts tournaments. Throughout 2006, 10 qualifying tournaments will take place across the United States. Winners of qualifying tournaments will be eligible to advance to the Tiger Claw Elite National Championship as part of Disney's Martial Arts Festival being held October 27-29, 2006 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando Florida. TIGER CLAW and Disney's Martial Arts Festival started this new championship so martial arts competitors from different existing circuits, organizations and schools can come together and compete. Commenting on the announcement, Tiger Claw President Thomas Oh said, "Tiger Claw is excited to partner with and assist Disney Sports Attractions In this groundbreaking endeavor. This level of commitment to amateur martial arts competition by a company of Disney's stature is unprecedented."

The announcement was made at the KA Open/LA Sheriff's cup -- an over-1,000-competitor tournament held annually at the LA Sports Arena. The 2005 KA Open hosted the inaugural Tiger Claw Elite Championship, and will be hosting one of the qualifying events for the 2006 Championship. Disney Sports Attractions representative Fred Schoeler, who made the announcement, closed his speech with this challenge, "Remember this next year when you compete in Washington DC, or San Diego, or Wyoming, or wherever you compete, and you become the best of the best in that city, don't be surprised if someone taps you on the shoulder and asks you the question, 'now that you've won that championship, what are you going to do next?' Your answer is simply, 'I'm going to Walt Disney World®'."

The Championship will be advertised in national martial arts focused media, and featured heavily on Tiger Claw's website where competitors will be tracked tournament-by tournament. The champions of the 2006 Elite Championship will be eligible to become featured models for the following year, as well as role models for younger martial artists.

The confirmed participating tournaments are:

Disney's Martial Arts Qualifier, Disneyland® Resort, Anaheim, CA, January 6-7, 2006
RDK's Ultimate National Championship, Santa Clara, CA, May 5-6, 2006
Western Wyoming Championship, Green River, WY, May 20, 2006
San Diego Grand Nationals, San Diego, CA, May 20-21, 2006
Long Beach Karate Internationals, Long Beach, CA, July 28-30, 2006
Slug Fest Internationals, New Orleans, LA, July, 2006
US Capitol Classics, Washington, D.C., August 11-13, 2006
Las Vegas Legacy Internationals, Las Vegas, NV, September 1-3
Ka Open / La Sheriff's Cup, Los Angeles, CA, September, 2006
Kick/USA State Championship, TBA, FL, September 15-16

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Wednesday November 16, 2005

Disney promotes Weiss to oversee park operations

Boy Died at Disney From Heart Condition

Earnings Preview: Walt Disney

Disney Integrates Animation Unit

"Desperate Housewives" And "Lost" Mobile Entertainment Now Available To Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 Customers

Kara Rousseau Joins Disney As VP, Ad Sales Marketing, Disney ABC Kids Networks

Disney promotes Weiss to oversee park operations

Longtime Walt Disney World President Al Weiss is getting a promotion to oversee worldwide park operations as Walt Disney Co. announced this evening that it is reorganizing the way the Parks and Resorts Division operates.

Weiss, who has headed the Orlando theme parks since 1994, was promoted to the newly created position of President, Worldwide Operations. He will continue to oversee Walt Disney World on an interim basis until a successor is appointed, the company said.

Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said Weiss and six other executives on the new executive committee will report directly to him and help integrate business functions from individual parks into the increasingly global division.

Rasulo said the new structure will "streamline the decision making process" and also help the company develop a consistent set of business practices for the parks and resorts, which stretch from Orlando and Anaheim, Calif. to Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo.

Rasulo said he also will now have direct oversight of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering, Research and Development and Walt Disney parks and Resorts Online.

Weiss, a native of Illinois, started work at Walt Disney World in 1972 at age 18, a year after the park opened. He worked the evening shift in the accounting department, while attending college. He rose through the ranks, earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Rollins College in 1980.

He held numerous positions including finance manager for marketing and entertainment, and division manager for Disney Village Marketplace, Fort Wilderness Resort and River Country. In 1993 he was promoted to executive vice president of the resorts division and in 1994 he was promoted to a newly created position of executive vice president of Walt Disney World. The title was changed in 1996 to President of Walt Disney World, also a new position.

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Boy Died at Disney From Heart Condition

Two children who died in separate incidents this summer at Walt Disney World were both victims of irregular heartbeats linked to natural causes, the medical examiner's office said Tuesday.

Daudi Bamuwamye, a 4-year-old who died in June after going on the rocketship ride ``Mission: Space'' at Epcot, had an abnormal thickening of his heart muscle caused by a condition present since birth, doctors said.

Jerra Kirby, a 12-year-old girl from Newport News, Va., who suddenly collapsed at the Typhoon Lagoon water park in August, died from arrhythmia caused by an early-stage viral heart infection, officials determined.

People who suffer from the young boy's condition are at risk of sudden death throughout their lives, the medical examiner's office said.

``This risk could be increased under physical or emotional stressful situations,'' Dr. Jan Garavaglia wrote. ``This condition may also eventually lead to heart failure.''

Disney officials released a statement Tuesday saying that ``our sympathies are with the families during this difficult time. In regard to the reports, we believe they speak for themselves.''

The $100 million Epcot space ride, one of Disney World's most popular, was closed after the boy's death but reopened after company engineers concluded it was operating normally.

It spins riders in a centrifuge that subjects them to twice the normal force of gravity. Some riders have been taken to the hospital complaining of chest pain.

One warning posted last year in front of the ride read: ``For safety you should be in good health, and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that can be aggravated by this adventure.''

Typhoon Lagoon was open the day after the girl's death. Park officials determined nothing was wrong with the wave simulation pool she collapsed by.

Robert Samartin, a lawyer who represents the dead boy's parents, said the family would have no specific comment until they've had more time to review the report.

The autopsy said the boy apparently had the condition since birth, but Garavaglia said his parents never knew. ``Until he started having symptoms, this probably wouldn't be diagnosed,'' she said.

Meanwhile, a study released Tuesday at an American Heart Association conference in Dallas gave support to the notion that heart problems can be triggered or aggravated by roller coaster rides.

Researchers at the University Hospital of Mannheim in Germany put 55 healthy people on roller coaster rides and monitored their heart rates during the two-minute experience. Average heart rates rose from 89 beats per minute before the ride to 155 just afterward, with women's rates rising significantly more than men's.

These rates are high enough to trigger rhythm problems, and two participants experienced different types of them.

``We strongly recommend to people with heart disease not to ride a roller coaster,'' said the study leader Dr. Jurgen Kuschyk, a cardiologist at University Hospital in Mannheim, Germany.

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Earnings Preview: Walt Disney

Walt Disney Co. reports earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter on Thursday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.

EXPECTATIONS: Analysts expect Disney, the world's No. 2 media conglomerate, to report fourth-quarter earnings of 18 cents per share, on revenue of $7.88 billion, according to Thomson Financial. For the full year, the company, which owns the ABC television network in addition to its film studios and theme parks, analysts have predicted a profit of $1.27 per share on revenue of $32.03 billion.

ANALYST TAKE: "We anticipate a relatively weak quarter for Disney, impacted by already announced write-downs at the film studio and increased spending at Touchstone," MerrillLynch said in a client note Tuesday. "Trends should be stronger in other divisions however." Merrill forecasts earnings in line with the consensus.

QUARTER DEVELOPMENTS: Disney, whose latest animated film "Chicken Little" debuted at No. 1 this month, said in September that it expected fourth-quarter losses of as much as $300 million from its movie studio after a disappointing run at the box office. The Burbank, Calif., company released a large number of titles from its Miramax division during the quarter, many of which did poorly, including "The Brothers Grimm" and "The Great Raid." Even with the expected losses in the quarter, Disney said it would deliver double-digit earnings growth for the full year on the strength of its broadcast and cable television operations and its theme parks.

Earlier in the quarter, a court ruled that Disney board members didn't violate their duties or waste company resources in the hiring and firing of former Hollywood superagent Michael Ovitz, as alleged in a shareholder lawsuit.

COMPETITORS: Time Warner Inc., the world's largest media company, this month reported an 80 percent increase in third-quarter earnings and raised its stock repurchase program to $12.5 billion from $5 billion in an effort to meet shareholder demands to lift its slumping stock price. The gains were driven by strong showings in cable TV, which benefited from customers signing up for more premium services like high-speed Internet and digital phone, and cable networks, which had gains from the syndication of HBO's "Sex and the City" and higher advertising.

STOCK PERFORMANCE: Disney shares lost 4 percent during the quarter and are down nearly 7 percent since the year began. The stock hit a 52-week low of $22.89 on Oct. 20.

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Disney Integrates Animation Unit

One day after its animation chief resigned, The Walt Disney Co. has folded its cartoon-TV-production unit into Disney Channel Worldwide.

Walt Disney Television Animation, formerly led by president Barry Blumberg, will be restructured to include four departments, Disney said Tuesday: production; creative affairs; finance, planning, technology and operations; and business and legal affairs. Blumberg resigned Monday.

"Through this integration, we are looking to further unlock the creative resources of Walt Disney Television Animation by streamlining its international management into the broader global original-programming structure," Disney Channel Worldwide president Rich Ross said in a prepared statement.

In the restructuring, Lisa Salamone, senior vice president of production, will report to Gary Marsh, president of entertainment for Disney Channel Worldwide, as will Meredith Metz, senior VP of creative affairs.

Joanna Spak, senior VP of finance and planning, will report to Jewell Engstrom, executive VP and chief financial officer of the ABC Cable Networks Group.

And Mark Kenchelian, senior VP of business and legal affairs, will now report to Fred Kuperberg, executive VP of business and legal affairs for the Disney ABC Cable Networks Group.

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"Desperate Housewives" And "Lost" Mobile Entertainment Now Available To Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 Customers

Customers of Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless service provider, don't have to be "Lost" when they miss their favorite show, or "Desperate" for more information on their most beloved series. Two new mobile entertainment applications based on content from ABC television's runaway hits "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" are now available to Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0SM customers.

Giving avid on-the-go television fans exclusive access to two of today's hottest shows directly from their Mobile Web 2.0-capable phones, Verizon Wireless has made it easy for customers to stay abreast of latest plot developments and story lines. "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" are the first Mobile Web 2.0 applications based on the hit ABC television shows, each offering Mobile Web 2.0 customers access to the following content:

Customers can find basic content from the "Entertainment" category of the Mobile Web 2.0 homepage. Giving fans of "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" access to features including show recaps, character descriptions, local show times, and links to new premium content collections.

Fans looking for a more in-depth glimpse of each show's plot can access premium content, "Get Desperate" and "Get Lost", which includes daily clues on upcoming episodes, behind-the-scenes images, character photo galleries, personalized profiles, fan message boards, e-cards, fun polls, series news and show trivia. Premium content is available for a monthly subscription of $2.99.

"Now that content from 'Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives' can be experienced on Mobile Web 2.0, fans will be able to enjoy the behind-the-scenes aspects of each show as well as a more in-depth look into each of the shows content," said Larry Shapiro, executive vice president and general manager, Starwave Mobile, publisher of the "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" mobile sites. "These mobile applications unplug the fan experience, letting them take the excitement of their favorite TV shows with them wherever they go."

"The incredible traffic spikes at ABC.com tell us that fans of "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" can't get enough of these series," said Bruce Gersh, senior vice president, business development, ABC Entertainment. "Demand for mobile entertainment content is rapidly growing and with these applications now available to Verizon Wireless customers, avid fans can have access to their favorite shows on a daily basis, directly from their Mobile Web 2.0-capable phones."

"Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" content is available now from Verizon Wireless on Mobile Web 2.0-capable handsets. Mobile Web 2.0 can be self-provisioned, eliminating the need for customers to call customer service or visit a Verizon Wireless Communication Store to sign up for the service. Customers simply register for Mobile Web 2.0 on their Mobile Web-capable handset and get access to information and content right from their wireless handsets. Mobile Web 2.0 is available for $5.00 monthly access, plus airtime. Both "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" are premium applications and are available for an additional monthly fee of $2.99 added to the $5.00 Mobile Web 2.0 monthly access cost.

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Kara Rousseau Joins Disney As VP, Ad Sales Marketing, Disney ABC Kids Networks

Kara Rousseau has joined Disney as vice president, ad sales marketing, Disney ABC Kids Networks. Based in New York, Rousseau will report to Matt Palmer, senior vice president, marketing, Disney Channel, and Tricia Wilber, senior vice president, ad sales and promotion, Disney ABC Cable Networks Group.

Disney ABC Kids Networks represents advertising sales and promotions for the ABC Television Network's Saturday morning daypart, "ABC Kids"; the 24-hour Toon Disney; and the daily kids' Jetix block on ABC Family, as well as partnership opportunities on Disney Channel.

A marketing strategist with a solid understanding of clients and the importance of targeted brand messaging and promotion, Rousseau will be responsible for the management of national consumer promotions and marketing partnerships for Disney's kids television platforms.

Rousseau joins Disney ABC Kids Networks from Time Warner where she served for over four years, most recently as vice president, marketing for the Time Warner Global Marketing group. She previously graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.

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Friday November 11, 2005

Drawn to Downtown Disney
The Shaggy Dog Poster
Disney water park Extra Magic Hours for WDW Resort guests return in April and May 2006
ABC Radio Networks sets Kix Brooks as Countdown host
Can Disney do Pooh justice? We'll have to think, think, think
Hidden Santa Claus
Walt Disney Studio's GOAL! Exclusive Broadcast Launch on ABC Sports
Disney Channel Favorite ``The Proud Family'' Premieres on Game Boy Advance
Triple H to present double shot of Disney
The standards of animated Disney films are falling!
Disney on tap for children's chorale outing
Kingdom Hearts II Meets Tron
Disney comes to town

Drawn to Downtown Disney

The autumn art season peaks this weekend as white tents and patrons line the streets of Downtown Disney for the 30th annual Festival of the Masters art show and House of Blues' seventh annual "Where the Art Meets the Soul" folk-art festival. Both events flow seamlessly between the fountains outside the AMC theater and the spires of Cirque du Soleil, yet there is diversity in the art and artists. Masters participants are classically trained and must have won a primary award from a major show after May 1, 2002. "Where the Art Meets the Soul" is for the self-taught and hosts some of the field's most-respected names and some of its most-exciting up-and-comers. This year, two Orlando artists with a penchant for the unique will participate in the mixed-media category. Their work is as different as the festivals they represent, but their vision and philosophy are equally passionate.

Fantasy + precision
An audience of dolls and decorations quietly supervises as 60-year-old Gabriel Puyana makes his art.

"These are an expression of something unique and original," muses this Colombian-born artist as he gestures around his home office.

A winner of six awards at previous Disney Masters events, Puyana's artwork is an amalgam of fantasy and calculated precision, enclosed structures of stained glass and brass that pay homage to celestial and earthly inspiration.

"For me, fantasy became a concept of elements," he says. "Water . . . darkness . . . daylight . . ."

The elements represent chapters; each chapter is its own work of art.

His fantasy, however, cannot overshadow his attention to technical detail. During a trip through Madrid in 1972, Puyana was impressed by the train station and the Palacio de Cristal in Parque del Retiro. He is still moved by the memories.

"They gave me an insight of detail," he says of the structures. "There is nostalgia, elegance, the beauty of architecture, the elements of glass."

He earned the ability to appreciate and incorporate that kind of technical aesthetic with a master's degree in architecture from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y.

"This is 'Chapter Night,' " he proclaims as he lifts his newest piece onto his workbench. Light shines through its blue textured glass, creating a mock evening glow as Puyana plans the finishing touches for its unveiling at this year's festival.

As with all his creations, Gabriel makes a doll to represent the central theme.

" 'Chapter Night' is represented by the moon. I learned when I was a kid that the moon is a beautiful woman," he explains. "It is very moody, very divalike."

Many hours are spent poring over catalogs, searching for colored glass and ornaments to complement a theme or as the means to even more elaborate decorations. The central ornament of "Chapter Night," a female moon reaching for a shooting star, is actually made from five different sections, cut from other ornaments.

The use of prefabricated items has prompted some to question the integrity of the final product.

"How much can you make as a painter?" Gabriel retorts. "You do not make the paint; you do not make the canvas."

Gabriel believes the nature of an artist lies in the ability to create something unique, wherever the materials come from.

"They are simply decorations, but what is most important is that they end up giving me this finished work."

Piece signs
A new face in this year's folk-art crowd is Chrissie Mervine-Grace, an Orlando native whose art is an expression of life, motherhood and spiritual inspiration.

"I've always, since I was very young, been obsessed with color and texture," says Mervine-Grace, 30, a veteran of local art shows.

After practicing visual art while attending Oviedo High, and performing at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, she set out to see the world and seek her calling.

"I learned how to blow glass out in Oregon and started experimenting with different kinds of art aside from the traditional drawing and painting."

It wasn't until she returned home to Orlando that she found her outlet.

"I saw some mosaics downtown, and I really liked them, so I bought a book and I bought a [ceramic] pot and bought some tile. . . and I was hooked."

The challenge of finding raw materials, and the difficulties of the mosaic canvas, make for a labor of love that ensures the final product is all the more satisfying.

"I go to thrift stores and garage sales and find pieces that speak to me," she says. "I cut them up and find the design and glue them down, and then it's grouted. It's never immediate gratification, and I like that."

Earthy components of stone and gravel share space with tile, pieces of pottery and even photographs. From the rough texture, she evolves an inviting and human message.

"When I first started, I did a lot of themed ideas," she recalls. "After I started having kids, I let go of that commercial side and went to my journal and my writing and tried to base my pieces on a feeling or an emotion."

The priorities of motherhood encroach on Mervine-Grace's free time, sharpening her creative priorities.

"I don't have the time to make what I think people are going to want to buy. I want to express what's going on with me and what I'm feeling, and that turned out to be very successful for me because it became relatable."

The first mosaic artist Mervine-Grace encountered at a festival was House of Blues festival participant Steve Terlizzese in 2003. A piece by folk artist Mary Proctor holds a special place in her home. Mervine-Grace's work may inspire others, but she credits her peers at the HOB festival for affirmation that she could make a name for herself in the art community.

"They gave me the inspiration that I could do it."

'I don't have the time to make what I think people are going to want to buy. I want to express what's going on with me and what I'm feeling.'

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The Shaggy Dog Poster

Disney has just issued the first one-sheet poster for The Shaggy Dog, the live action comedy remake coming to theaters next March. The featured canine bears more than a little resemblance to Tim Allen, who plays the transformation-susceptible protagonist Dave Douglas. Allen has again been quite busy at the studio -- in addition to doing scriptwork, producing, and starring in Shaggy, on Monday, he begins filming The Santa Clause 3 for theatrical release next November. Allen got his big break at Disney in 1991 with his stand-up-inspired sitcom "Home Improvement", the third season of which comes to DVD in eleven days.

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Disney water park Extra Magic Hours for WDW Resort guests return in April and May 2006

Blizzard Beach has morning EMH (1 hour prior to regular opening) on April 13, 20 and May 25.

Typhoon Lagoon has evening EMH (3 hours after close) on April 15, 22 and May 27.

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ABC Radio Networks sets Kix Brooks as Countdown host

In a move that took the country music industry by surprise, ABC Radio Networks has made public plans to replace longtime 'American Country Countdown' host Bob Kingsley with Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn at the beginning of next year. Kingsley has hosted the show since 1978, and says the two sides failed to come to terms in a renegotiation, in part because of Kingsley`s concerns over ABC Radio being for sale.

While Kingsley did not own the show`s name, his Weatherford, Texas-based company KCCS Productions produced the show, and had a sales and distribution agreement with ABC. Kingsley and his team plan to continue the show either with another syndicator or on their own. They are in the process of creating a new name for their program.

Kingsley sent an urgent memo to his more than 400 affiliates Wednesday (Nov. 9), informing them of the change and asking them to continue airing his weekly countdown show and daily music feature, as well as the four-hour year-end show. In the letter, Kingsley told affiliates, 'We would like to offer you the right of first refusal for our new program in your market before we go into the marketplace with our new distribution partner.'

'Hopefully everybody will stay with us,' Kingsley tells Billboard.biz. 'So far the response [from affiliates] has been really good.'

'American Country Countdown,' which continues with Brooks as the host, uses the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart as the basis for its countdown. Brooks spoke with Kingsley Nov. 8 and told him the four-hour weekly show would be recast from an 'artist`s perspective,' according to Kingsley.

In addition to its affiliate stations, the show is heard on American Forces Radio Network and internationally through a joint venture with Radio Express.

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Can Disney do Pooh justice? We'll have to think, think, think

It would be hard to question the credentials of the team behind "Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh," coming to town for eight shows at Playhouse Square's State Theatre.

Disney certainly knows how to put on a spectacle. The show's producers, Feld Entertainment, are behind the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It would seem to be a can't-miss for pleasing the masses. And the Broadway and off-Broadway credentials among its production staff -- boasting work on Tony award-winning and nominated productions -- bespeak a serious approach to staging a theatrical piece.

But Pooh is not just a recent confection dreamed up in central Florida, and those who trifle with him do so at their own peril. He is a widely worshipped icon of children's literature and a prod for some pretty grown-up time in the Thoughtful Spot.

The character and original stories have spawned enough grown-up books to fell a Hundred Acre Wood, including "The Tao of Pooh" and "The Te of Piglet," which extend the reach of Pooh's paw all the way to Eastern philosophy.

So the real question for this Disney production is one of authenticity. Can the company that bought Kipling's "The Jungle Book" and sold it back to the public as Tom Sawyer on safari be trusted with a figure as revered as Pooh?

Unfortunately, in the material sent to the media about the show, there's not a single mention of A.A. Milne, the writer who created the character -- and thus an industry -- 80 years ago next month.

Fortunately, where public-relations folks fear to tread, Tracie Franklin, an actress who serves as the Storyteller in "Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh," rushes in.

"I went back and just read through all of A.A. Milne's stories," Franklin says of her preparation.

Milne's Winnie the Pooh is presented in a complex structure with essentially a story-in-a-story, as a narrator is telling about telling the story to Christopher Robin and Pooh. There's also a back story that adds another layer: Milne created these tales drawing upon the stuffed-animal-laden world of his son, Christopher Robin Milne.

"If you read the A.A. Milne books, you know it's not just for kids. It's filled with references only adults will get," Franklin says.

In the stage production, not all of that complexity carried over as the production evolved while on tour, she said. Franklin said they "streamlined it more for kids." What she brings from the original role of narrator is the warmth of a parent.

"Not having children of my own," says Franklin, who is 25, "I can only imagine what that bond is."

Her approach in telling the story is simple: "I think of how a mother would say it."

The show is billed as a multimedia extravaganza, and Franklin has to make certain it's connecting with the audience. She says children "feed off an honest energy."

"Kids will shut off if you're over-dramatic," she adds. She tries to modify the mood and pace of the show to keep the audience engaged.

"You're looking into the eyes of a child," she says, "and you have to be able to respond to them."

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Hidden Santa Claus

Disneyland Paris - If you want to meet Santa Claus at Disneyland you will have to find him. He has hidden himself in the forest on Town Square. Hidden between the illuminated Christmas Trees the big children’s friend, sitting comfortably in his personal sledge, is waiting for your visit. Don’t forget to bring your Disney wish list and be prepared to sing some Christmas carols. Who knows, if you’ve been a good boy or girl, he might bring one of the things you like and place it under your Christmas tree at home.

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Walt Disney Studio's GOAL! Exclusive Broadcast Launch on ABC Sports

ABC Sports, Sunday November 13th at 3:30 P.M. EST

Tune-in to ABC Sports for the all new Walt Disney Studio's GOAL! trailer debut. The film GOAL! is taking Europe by storm and hits theatres here in the States in early 2006.

How far would you go to live your dream? When Santiago Munez (KUNO BECKER) is given the chance of a lifetime, he must leave his family, his life in Los Angeles and everything that he knows to travel halfway around the globe to England and into a completely foreign world -- the exciting, fast-paced and glamorous world of international soccer.

As an underprivileged Mexican-American immigrant growing up in the poor section of Los Angeles, Santiago seemed destined to follow his father's path in life: laboring at menial jobs to earn just enough money to support his family. Naturally gifted, his amazing talent on the soccer field was wasted in recreation league games while he could only dream of playing on the world stage of professional soccer. But when a British scout (STEPHEN DILLANE)discovers his talent and gets him a tryout with one of England's premier soccer clubs, Newcastle United, Santiago must choose between his father's fate and his own destiny.

Now alone in a world where soccer is a religion and players are gods, this underdog must prove that he's got the talent and determination to make it amongst the best in the world.

GOAL! takes audiences into the electrifying, heart-pounding action of the world's most popular sport and features cameos from the soccer's hottest superstars such as David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, and Newcastle captain Alan Shearer.

Sunday, November 13, 2005 3:30 PM EST During the live coverage of the 2005 MLS Cup title match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New England Revolution.

ABC Sports, check your local listings And check it out ESPN.COM and click on ESPN Motion.

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Disney Channel Favorite ``The Proud Family'' Premieres on Game Boy Advance

Join Penny Proud in an action-packed, hilarious adventure, as she works to purchase the ultimate present for her parents' wedding anniversary in "The Proud Family," a game exclusively available for the Game Boy(R) Advance system from Nintendo. "The Proud Family" is now available at retail outlets across North America, Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) announced today.

"'The Proud Family' is one of the most popular series on Disney Channel today," said Dana Long, director of kids marketing, Buena Vista Games. "Filled with all the fun and humor from the show, 'The Proud Family' delivers an all new, interactive adventure for fans, 'tweens' and children."

In "The Proud Family," Penny Proud finds herself determined to get her parents a T.H.A.N.G. -- the Total Home Automated Necessity Gizmo -- for their upcoming anniversary. Players must help Penny as she takes on a wide array of jobs, from being a waitress at Chez Wizard to creating new snack mixes at the Factory and mastering the art of making pizza. As Penny makes her way through the neighborhood, players encounter favorite characters like Suga Mama and Penny's friends, who give her advice and direction, as she earns the money to buy the T.H.A.N.G. through a series of replayable mini-games and fun missions.

Developed by Gorilla Systems Corporation and published by Buena Vista Games, "The Proud Family" for Game Boy Advance is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

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Triple H to present double shot of Disney

There are 101 ways to get children involved in the arts.

And Triple H Productions, a Sayreville-based theater troupe, is offering that and more with its upcoming performances of Disney’s “Cinderella” and “101 Dalmatians.”

“I’ve always loved Disney, since I was little,” said Triple H Artistic Director Wilfredo Hernandez Jr.

Hernandez, 20, started the company three years ago, when he was a senior at Sayreville War Memorial High School. He is now a theater studies and educational theater student at Empire State College, State University of New York.

The plays, which are 30-minute adaptations of the classic Disney films, will run as double features tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, MacArthur Avenue in Sayreville.

The two shows were just recently released by Disney for stage performance and licensing, according to Hernandez. Triple H is one of the first production companies in New Jersey to receive Disney’s permission to put on the shows.

“As soon as I heard about [the shows being released], I knew it’d be perfect,” Hernandez said.

The cast for the shows includes more than 55 student performers from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“We ran the whole spectrum with students this year,” Hernandez said, noting that this is the first year Triple H worked with the younger crowd — kindergartners through fourth-graders.

“The interest has been very reassuring,” he said.

That interest extended to the community.

A parent of one of the cast members told Hernandez about the Schoenly School in Spotswood, a prekindergarten through first-grade school that has no playground.

Hernandez decided these shows can help in an ongoing effort to raise money for a playground. A percentage of money from ticket sales will go to the playground effort.

Some money will also be donated to the St. Stanislaus Kostka School Drama Club, Hernandez noted.

“We’re very supportive of the students and arts awareness,” he said.

Rehearsing and preparing for the two shows simultaneously has been tough, both on Hernandez and cast members.

“I’m a full-time college student during the day,” he said, laughing. “To produce two shows in two-and-a-half months is a challenge.”

The group has been rehearsing for two-and-a-half hours per night, which, Hernandez noted, has been hectic, but worth the effort.

“It’s been very rewarding, I think, for [the cast],” he said.

Hernandez, along with choreographer Samantha Hahn, of Metuchen, and musical director Cristina Vargas, of Sayreville, has been working with the children since auditions in early September. Hahn is a professional model and Vargas is a student at Rutgers University.

“We come from different backgrounds, but we bring it all together,” Hernandez explained. “We try to create varied arts programs for the students.”

Involvement is a big part of Triple H, Hernandez said. The goal is to hone an interest in the arts for children, and to give them a creative outlet.

“We’re giving them the opportunity to perform, but we’re also educating at the same time,” he said.

Tickets for this weekend’s shows are $12 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.triplehproductions.com. For ticket reservations, call (732) 735-0583.

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The standards of animated Disney films are falling!

Leave it to the 21st century to make an animated film about a classic children's story character and add Freudian subtext. In "Chicken Little," Disney's latest CGI offering, the diminutive title character must not only save the world by convincing his town that the sky is indeed falling, but also grapple with feelings of loneliness, desperation and inadequacy (whew).

The movie begins where the fairy tale originally left off: Chicken Little (Zach Braff), infamous for having incited chaos in the town of Oakey Oaks with his false alarm that the sky was falling, is all but shunned by society for his blunder. The only real attention he does receive is entirely negative -- as the town is soon inundated by a storm of media coverage in the form of books, books on tape, board games, billboards, bumper stickers and collectible souvenir spoons. Even Chicken Little's own father, former baseball star Buck "Ace" Cluck (Garry Marshall), treats him with condescension and embarrassment.

"Just lay low," he tells his son. "It's like a game of hide-and-seek, only the goal is never to be found, ever."

As a result, Chicken Little is quite the disturbed fowl, and Braff's near-neurotic reading is already suggestive enough on its own. A tiny, bespectacled student at an elementary school attended mainly by animal characters from other fables, the chicken's closest friends are other outcasts like Fish Out of Water and Abby "Ugly Duckling" Mallard (Joan Cusack).

Trying to stand up to a bully one day in gym class, Chicken Little declares, "Prepare to hurt, and I don't mean emotionally, like I do." The line definitely seems a bit out of place in a children's movie, unless the producers had a certain Victorian boarding school demographic in mind.

Granted, after movies like "Toy Story" and "Shrek," infusing family films with a little adult flavor is nothing new. But when animated characters start talking about the need for "closure" in parent-child relations (as Abby does), one begins to wonder at whom, exactly, the material is directed. At certain times, "Chicken Little" feels less like an actual film and more like either self-help for parents or feel-good medicine for kids.

Unfortunately, the most substantive elements of the movie seem so trite they could have been made by, well, a computer. The plot unfolds at first rather predictably, then downright clumsily, then wheels back to predictable again, as Chicken Little takes up baseball to prove himself to his father, succeeds and then must fend off an alien invasion when the sky really does start falling.

Not that "Chicken Little" is entirely without its charms. Perhaps the most fun to be had is in discovering just how many different celebrities lent their voices to the computer-animated barnyard menagerie. In addition to Steve Zahn, who executes a hilarious rendering of the rotund, Barbara Streisand-collecting pig named Runt of the Litter, the movie features Patrick Stewart, Don Knotts, Wallace Shawn, Fred Willard and Catherine O'Hara. A minor highlight -- and maybe the biggest laugh of the film -- is when Harry Shearer lends his Kent Brockman-esque deadpan to the radio commentator dog who narrates Chicken Little's baseball game. After a brutally slow swing and miss, the announcer intones seriously, "Ladies and gents, I'm not going to sugarcoat it: I've seen roadkill with faster reflexes."

Ultimately, "Chicken Little" fails to do what other, more successful CGI movies have done so well: create an entirely original, self-sustained alternate universe in which the characters can live and breathe effortlessly. "Shrek" showed us a world of fairy tales come to life and exploited the comic potential therein. Likewise, "Finding Nemo" imagined a whole underwater civilization. "Chicken Little" borrows something from "Shrek," something from real life and the rest from all over the map. Much like its title character's notorious proclamation, the movie may just be a bit too much to be believed.

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Disney on tap for children's chorale outing

“Celebrate the Past, Build the Future,” never a bad idea or slogan in itself, just happens to be the season theme of the Pueblo Children's Chorale, which opens its 2005-06 season at 3 p.m. Nov. 19 in Hoag Hall at Colorado State University-Pueblo.

The decade-old choir - two choirs, actually, an apprentice group and a concert unit - will combine a variety of well-known and loved Disney songs coupled with choreography to commemorate Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.

Among music to be performed: "All Things Bright and Beautiful," a "Winnie the Pooh" medley, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" from "Song of the South" and a "Cinderella" medley.

The concert choir, directed by Todd Albrecht, is made up of fifth- through eighth-grade students and the apprentice choir, second- through fourth-grade singers, is directed by Betsy Barto.

Albrecht said the chorale also will sing "This Is It," a theme from a Bugs Bunny cartoon, which was the first piece the group ever performed.

"Faith, Hope and Love" was written by former director and chorale organizer Ken Butcher after a trying time in his life, and the chorale will sing the piece in his honor.

Albrecht listed "Jubilate Deo," a classic Latin hymn, and "Shalom to You My Friend" as rounding out the afternoon's performance, with former members of the chorale being invited to join in for the finale.

The chorale, in its 10 years of existence, has appeared before a variety of audiences, including the Jubilee of Liberty Medal Ceremony, Colorado Day at the state capitol and the Children’s Summit of Pueblo.

They have performed with the Sangre de Cristo Dancerz for Hot Fudge Friday, and have participated with the Pueblo Chorale for nine years in the senior group's annual Christmas concert and performed in the June 2000 National Festival of States celebration in Washington, D.C. The chorale also was invited to sing in October 2003 for the grand opening of Robert Hoag Rawlings Public Library and, In May 2004, the group invited Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap, to perform at its spring concert.

Barto, in her second year at the helm of the apprentice choir, teaches voice at CSU-Pueblo.

Albrecht, also in his second year with the chorale, is choral director at Canon City High School and was long involved with the Colorado Music Fest vocal camps for young people.

He has served as director, musical director and choreographer for several musical productions and has adapted more than a few Broadway shows for concert presentations.

Tickets for the Children's Chorale, at $5 for 13 and older, $1 for children 12 years and younger, may be purchased by phone at 295-7200.

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Kingdom Hearts II Meets Tron

While it was already known that Kindom Hearts II would be giving us a chance at reliving such Disney classics as The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Mulan, word has just leaked out about an unexpected addition to the game: Tron. That's right, the 1982 sci-fi classic has been selected by Square Enix as one of the sequel's worlds.

Leaked pictures from an upcoming issue of Jump Magazine reveal a few details. Donald, Sora and Goofy are transported inside a computer for this world, and similar to their animal forms for The Lion King (you have heard about Sora's lion cub form, haven't you?), the three end up with a new look, appearing blue-colored to match their surroundings. The three fight alongside Tron, attempting to expel Master Control from the system.

Tron is, of course, just the latest addition to what's become a must-buy for any Disney fan. Kingdom Hearts II hits Japan on 12/22, with a US release expected for some time in 2006.

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Disney comes to town

Independence. It's what every 18-year-old seeks after high school graduation. And it's exactly what they'll find in Orlando, Fla. this Spring.

Recent high school graduates in your area have the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to change their future with the Walt Disney World Resort R CareerStart. And it¡¦s an incredible chance to experience the Disney magic firsthand.

¡§The teens gain valuable work experience and beef up their resumes,¡¨ said Steve Tinn, manager of Disney CareerStart Recruiting. ¡§Once a week they attend classes to identify strengths, develop a cover letter and learn to make themselves viable in the workplace.¡¨

Disney recruiters will be in your town on Nov. 16 at the Doubletree Westport Hotel at 5 p.m.. They'll be seeking out recent high school graduates who've not yet made a career or college decision or those that have received their diploma within the past year and a half. Those interested in participating in the program, which runs from February ¡V August 2005 must attend a presentation at this school to be eligible. CareerStart participants will:

Network directly with Disney leaders and executives
Earn real-world experience with a Fortune 100 company
Have the ability to earn college credit
Build transferable skills and determine future direction
Meet people from around the globe
Enjoy the privileges of being a Cast Member

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Thursday November 10, 2005

Inaugural 'Florida Classic Fan Day' Kicks Off at Disney-MGM Studios

Disney Seeks Young Vine-Swinger for Tarzan Musical

Pixar blows away the estimates

Disneyland Podcast Debuts

Miscues mar opening of Hong Kong Disney

ABC makes good on promise to kill Lost character

PersonalShopper.com and Radio Disney Team Up to Make Wishes Come True This Holiday Season

Disney Magic Makeover

Disney Chooses Matrix Memory for 'Album on a Card'

Dual roles for Michalka sibs at Disney Channel

Disney denies staff claims of neglect

Philbin gets new 'Life' with ABC

Interact with the Cast of Narnia During Book Reading at Union Square

Oakley Celebrates the Opening of its 100th Iacon Sunglass Specialty Store at Downtown Disney Anaheim

Desperate Replacement

Inaugural 'Florida Classic Fan Day' Kicks Off at Disney-MGM Studios

For the first time ever, Walt Disney World Resort is hosting a whole fun-filled day of activities to salute alumni and fans in town for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic, the legendary annual football game between historically black schools Bethune- Cookman College and Florida A&M University.

On Friday, Nov. 18, Disney-MGM Studios will host "Florida Classic Fan Day" with a lineup of events kicking off at 9 a.m. as guests are greeted by a "tailgate party" featuring music and entertainment.

Other special events planned throughout the day include:

* A special "Florida Classic" version of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It" game show featuring trivia on FAMU, BCC and historically black colleges and universities.

* Marching bands -- "The Pride" of BCC and the FAMU "Marching 100" -- and college presidents from both schools leading the "Hollywood Holly-Day Parade" at 3 p.m.

* Cheerleader squads facing off in a hot competition to see which school can generate the most crowd spirit -- with syndicated radio personality Doug Banks hosting the action.

* Fraternities and sororities vying to give the best sample step exhibition on the Walt Disney World stage in front of the Sorcerer Mickey icon on Hollywood Boulevard.

All of the special fun on Nov. 18 is included with the regular price of admission to Disney-MGM Studios. Admission also includes the opportunity to experience the park's many shows and attractions, including Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone(TM) Tower of Terror, and the brand-new "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show."

"We've developed 'Florida Classic Fan Day' to bring the celebration of this grandest tradition of historically black colleges and universities to Walt Disney World Resort," said Xiomara Wiley, director of multicultural marketing. "We're excited to be able to entertain thousands of alumni, fans and friends of both participating schools."

The Walt Disney World Florida Classic is the largest black college football showcase in the country, attracting sellout crowds of more than 70,000 fans. Game time is 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The game will be telecast on ESPNU.

Leading off the weekend of activities, the Inaugural Florida Classic Symposium on Sports & Society will take place Thursday, Nov. 17, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Top executives from college and professional athletics will take an unabashed look at the business of sports in today's society. For more information, visit the Walt Disney World Florida Classic page at http://www.FCSports.com . The deadline to register is Thursday, Nov. 10.

Walt Disney World Resort has been part of the Classic since 1997 and has been title sponsor of the game since 2000. To date, Walt Disney World Resort has donated more than $1.6 million in scholarships to both BCC and FAMU.

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Disney Seeks Young Vine-Swinger for Tarzan Musical

An open casting call will be held for Equity and non-Equity performers of all cultural backgrounds for the role of Young Tarzan in Tarzan, The Broadway Musical, to be presented by Disney Theatrical Productions. The show will open on May 10th, 2006; previews begin on March 24th.

The open call will be on Monday, November 14th from 2:30 – 5:30 PM at Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 8th Avenue (between 36th and 37th Street).

Two-time Tony Award-winner Bob Crowley (Aida, Carousel), will direct and design sets and costumes for Tarzan. Oscar and six-time Grammy Award-winner Phil Collins has written the music and lyrics, expanding his songs for Disney's film into a complete theatre score, and Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) has penned the book. Tarzan is based on the novel, Tarzan of the Apes, by Edgar Rice Burroughs and the Disney film, Tarzan. The show's choreography is by Meryl Tankard, with Aerial Design by Pichon Baldinu (De La Guarda). Lighting design is by Tony Award-winner Natasha Katz (Aida) and sound design is by John Shivers. Other members of the creative team include Paul Bogaev (music producer/vocal arrangements) and Doug Besterman (orchestrations).

The production is seeking the role of Young Tarzan. "He is a boy approximately 9–12 years of age, with a terrific soprano singing voice. He is sweet, earnest and has a vibrant personality. He must be physical, agile, and fearless. He will do aerial work," state notes for the casting call.

Auditioners should prepare a brief Broadway or pop song showing their vocal range. They should bring sheet music, piano accompaniment will be provided. They should also bring a photo or snapshot. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Those unable to attend should mail photo and resume for future audition consideration to Tarzan Casting, 145 West 28th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Tarzan will open May 10th, 2006 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway.

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Pixar blows away the estimates

Digital animation company Pixar totally blew away the analyst estimates for the third quarter, and the stock is up 10% from its regular close today.

In a report released after the market close, Pixar said it earned 22 cents a share in the quarter, up 15.8% and more than double what analysts expected. Revenue was $45.8 million, up slightly from a year ago and nearly 50% greater than the consensus analyst estate.

The statement didn't address how Pixar may or may not get along with Walt Disney (DIS, news, msgs), which has distributed its past films and will be helping to market "Cars" next June.

Pixar has yet to sign a new distribution deal with Disney or any other distributor, and shares have taken a hit of late. The shares were down nearly 6% from Friday before the earnings report was released after Disney's first solo foray into digital animation, "Chicken Little," won the weekend's box office. But it is still likely that Disney and Pixar will join forces again, "if not before year end then shortly after," said Steve Lidberg, analysts at Pacific Crest Securities.

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Disneyland Podcast Debuts

The Disneyland Resort in southern California has premiered the Official Disneyland Resort Podcast, an entertaining and informative monthly show featuring a “Behind-the-Magic” look at what’s new and exciting at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” This unique Internet-based show is free, available now and is accessible to a global audience at http://www.disneyland.com/podcast or via a “Disneyland” search on iTunes.

“Our initial podcasts in May and July were so well received by listeners that we have decided to produce a monthly magazine-style show emanating from the Disneyland Resort,” states Duncan Wardle, vice president of press and publicity for the resort. “These podcasts will be an entertaining and engaging way for people to stay connected to our great heritage, find out what’s new and hear what’s coming in the near future.”

A new episode of the Official Disneyland Resort Podcast, hosted by podcast pioneer Michael Geoghegan, will debut every month and will be available online for three months each. As the official podcast from the Disneyland Resort each show will feature interviews with the people who make the magic, from Disney Imagineers, animators, entertainers, authors, celebrities, Resort Cast Members and artisans of every kind.

The premiere podcast features interviews to celebrate the autumn season. Michael Geoghegan scares up some frightful fun with Jason Surrell, Disney Imagineer and author of the book “The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies.” Geoghegan also conjures up a conversation with master Disney animator Andreas Deja, who has drawn a rogues gallery of Disney villains. The podcast closes as Geoghegan takes listeners to the 50th anniversary of "The Mickey Mouse Club" celebration at Disneyland in October.

The innovative Disney podcast made its initial debut in May, 2005, during the launch of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” the 18-month global commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of Disneyland, continuing throughout 2006. It was the first time that any Disney resort in the world utilized the rapidly growing medium of podcasting.

More information about the Disneyland 50^th anniversary celebration and vacations at the Disneyland Resort is available at www.disneyland.com, by calling (877) 700-DISNEY, or by visiting local travel agents.

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Miscues mar opening of Hong Kong Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland's debut was marred by public relations debacles that left Mickey Mouse looking like Cinderella's stepmother in this former British colony.

In the days surrounding the opening this fall of Hong Kong Disneyland, the entertainment giant enraged local pop stars, antagonized labor leaders and earned a rebuke from its own partner in the theme park, the Hong Kong government. Last month, a disgruntled, fired employee climbed atop Space Mountain and threatened to kill himself until he was talked down.

The nasty headlines have taken a toll. After surveying 500 Hong Kong consumers, Asian trade magazine Media found that 24% had a negative view of Hong Kong Disneyland vs. 42% with a positive view.

Disney (DIS) says that some blips were inevitable in a project as big as the $1.8 billion theme park and that, overall, things have gone well since Disneyland opened Sept. 12. "For a project of this scale, things happen," says Hong Kong Disneyland spokeswoman Irene Chan. "Compared to other openings, this was very smooth."

Planting a U.S. cultural and corporate institution in Chinese soil was bound to be challenging. Last month, the territory's leader, Chief Executive Donald Tsang, urged Hong Kong residents to be patient with the newcomer: "We have to remember that Disneyland is a new organization (in Hong Kong)," Tsang said. "It may need time to understand the situation of Hong Kong and especially the culture of Hong Kongers and figure out how to make all its employees happy."

Remember Euro Disney?

Disney ran into similar troubles when it opened Euro Disney (later renamed Disneyland Resort Paris) in 1992: French critics decried what they saw as U.S. cultural imperialism; theater director Ariane Mnouchkine famously called it a "cultural Chernobyl." Hundreds of Euro Disney workers walked off the job within days, complaining about working conditions.

The 310-acre Hong Kong Disneyland opened to high hopes. The park is intended to polish Hong Kong's image, draw tourists from mainland China and boost the local economy. The park was built on land reclaimed from the harbor on sparsely developed Lantau Island, near Hong Kong's 7-year-old airport. It is the smallest of Disney's five locations around the globe.

As Hong Kong struggled to recover from the late '90s Asian financial crisis, the government agreed six years ago to invest $2.9 billion (including infrastructure improvements and loans) and take a 57% stake in the project; Disney owns 43%. The government estimates that the construction of the theme park created 30,000 jobs and that the park will draw 5.6 million visitors this year and add $19 billion to the territory's economic growth over the next four decades.

But in the early weeks, Disney's corporate image has suffered several blows. Consider:

A Disney official refused to let government food inspectors onto the premises until they took off their caps and badges, apparently so they wouldn't be noticed by park visitors. That started a public furor.

"They are trying to make Hong Kong a colony of Disney," says labor leader and legislator Lee Cheuk-yan. The Hong Kong government declared Disney's behavior "unacceptable" but rejected calls by local politicians to bring charges against the company for obstructing the inspectors. Disney has apologized and vowed that "this kind of incident would not happen again," spokeswoman Chan said by e-mail.

Disney officials alienated Hong Kong pop stars who had agreed to come to Hong Kong Disneyland for no compensation to film promotional videos for the park. The stars reported being bossed around, barred from wandering the park and ordered to quiet down their music.

Superstar singer Kelly Chen, previously an enthusiastic Disney supporter who filmed a music video in the park, vowed never to return. "Her Disney dream is broken," said Mei Wong, a spokeswoman for Chen's record company, Go East Entertainment. Disney has apologized to Chen and others.

'Backward' management?

Labor activists charged Disney is forcing staff to work 11- and 13-hour days, providing inadequate breaks and rewriting daily work schedules without notice. "Their management is very backward," says Elaine Hui of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, which is trying to organize Disneyland workers into a union.

Disney says it respects and listens to its employees, which it calls "cast members." It doesn't believe a union is needed: "We have operated our resort successfully without union representation," Chan says. "And we believe it is more effective for us and our cast alike to work and communicate directly with each other."

The good news for Disney: The park itself seems to be making a positive impression on visitors, despite modest crowds. "It was like a wonderland," says college student Autumn Wong, 20. Disney says 80% of visitors rate their experience as "good" or "excellent."

Tat Mui, 65, a retired draftsman, echoed Chief Executive Tsang's call for patience: "Hong Kong people are very picky. Disney is a good place to go. Give it time."

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ABC makes good on promise to kill Lost character

It would seem to be lights out for Shannon on Lost.

The spoiled Daddy's girl was apparently killed off Wednesday night as the ABC thriller made good on its promise to eliminate one of its characters.

Hyped by the network as the episode that "people will be talking about all year long," it had indeed spurred lots of chatter even before it aired. Despite mighty efforts by the series' producers to keep secret the victim's identity beforehand, bloggers and other Lost sleuths seized on Shannon Rutherford weeks ago as the castaway most likely to be "lost forever."

Even so, the episode put forward another possible candidate: fellow refugee Sawyer (Josh Holloway). Feverish and weakened from a bullet wound, he fell into unconsciousness during a grueling hike through the jungle interior.

It seemed he was a goner. Or just a red herring? At last sighting, he was being carried on a makeshift stretcher by others in his party. His condition seemed grave. Lost can be a tease.

But by all indications short of a death certificate, the bell tolled for Shannon. Pushing through the thick jungle growth in frantic pursuit of Walt (Malcolm David Kelley), the vanished child whose image keeps haunting her, Shannon was mistaken for one of the demonic Others and shot by trigger-happy Ana Lucia (Michelle Rodriguez).

Wounded and bloody, Shannon collapsed into the arms of Sayid (Naveen Andrews), who had just professed his love for her — and told her that, by golly, he had seen Walt's vision, too.

It was just another day on the uncharted tropical island where Shannon and dozens more airline passengers crashed last fall — at the same time launching Lost into a hit.

Played by Maggie Grace, Shannon had been depicted as a sexy brat whose checkered past included seducing her stepbrother Boone Carlyle, a fellow island refugee until his death last season in a freak accident. Shannon was left reeling by that loss.

On Wednesday's episode, Boone (played by Ian Somerhalder) made a guest appearance in a flashback. He was seen comforting teenage Shannon upon the sudden death of her father, after which her stepmother rudely cut off her funds.

Then trust-fund Boone betrayed Shannon when he announced that Mom had offered him a well-paying job.

No wonder Shannon wrestled with abandonment issues.

"I know when we get out of here, you're just gonna leave me," she tearfully told Sayid moments before she was shot.

"I will never leave you," he said.

His devotion seemed to be a Lost cause.

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PersonalShopper.com and Radio Disney Team Up to Make Wishes Come True This Holiday Season

PersonalShopper.com, the leading online personal shopping service, and Radio Disney, the #1 kids and family music destination, have partnered to help bring families closer together this holiday season. PersonalShopper.com will be sponsoring Radio Disney's Project Family initiative, which features on-air programs designed to encourage family togetherness and provide ideas and inspiration to make cherished holiday memories and family traditions.

Additionally, PersonalShopper.com and Radio Disney have kicked off the "Magical Holiday" Sweepstakes. Consumers can go to RadioDisney.com and enter to win the ultimate holiday package -- a magical reunion for a family of eight at Walt Disney World and a $2,000 shopping spree on PersonalShopper.com. In addition, consumers can visit PersonalShopper.com to enter to win a $1,000 "Gifts on Us Shopping Spree" given away each week.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Radio Disney as we share a common goal of helping families have more time for what matters most, creating treasured holiday memories," said Laura Silsby, mother of three, CEO and founder of Personal Shopper, Inc. "Our free service sifts through millions of products to select tailored gift ideas for everyone on your list. It's like having a virtual shopping assistant working for you 24/7, saving you time and money."

"Project Family is an important part of Radio Disney's efforts to connect families during the holidays," said Ruth Josenhans, Vice President of Sales, Radio Disney. "By partnering with PersonalShopper.com to offer the Project Family 'Holiday Magic' Sweepstakes, we're certain to make the holiday wishes of one lucky family come true this season."

Listen to Radio Disney to learn more about the "Magical Holiday" sweepstakes or visit RadioDisney.com to enter for your chance to win. Go to PersonalShopper.com to enter to win a $1,000 "Gifts on Us Shopping Spree," given away each week through December 16, 2005.

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Disney Magic Makeover

Magical Makeover Brings Jumbo Screen, Spa Delights and More Youth Spaces to Disney Magic

Guests cruising aboard the Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic can now enjoy "dive-in" movies under the stars on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo (24-by-14-foot) LED screen on Deck 9 -- one of several additions and amenities added to the cruise ship during its October dry dock.

Other new features include an expanded Vista Spa and an additional youth activities area. The spa is nearly doubled in size and features a cruise industry first -- three specially designed indoor/outdoor treatment suites. A new, nautical-themed hangout just for kids provides a perfect place to play computer and video games, participate in arts and crafts or watch a movie on one of several plasma screens. The space features a kid-size replica of the ship's bridge, complete with LCD screen "windows" that give children a first-hand glimpse of the captain's view via a live video feed from the actual bridge. Kids can play a simulation game steering a ship in and out of ports around the world.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

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Disney Chooses Matrix Memory for 'Album on a Card'

Matrix Semiconductor today announced that Disney Consumer Products has chosen Matrix to provide the technology that enables Disney to offer pre-recorded "Mix Clip" digital music content on its hot new MP3/ WMA player for kids 6-to-12 - without using a CD or requiring computer downloads.

Designed as an easy-to-use MP3/ WMA player for the "tween" age group, Disney's Mix Stick - like its grown-up cousin the iPod and other digital music players - can download music from the Internet or from CDs copied onto a computer. To attract young consumers (and their parents) who may not want to rip and burn digital music, Disney is concurrently releasing four new, CD-length "Mix Clip" albums pre-recorded on Matrix memory cards the size of a postage stamp. Mix Clips offer Mix Stick users convenient, plug and play capability: just load a Mix Clip and turn on the music.

"Kids covet the size and 'cool factor' of MP3 players that their older siblings and parents enjoy, but may not be ready for all the technical requirements that go along. Using Matrix's technology, we are finally able to offer the digital music kids want with the same convenience and at the same price they expect to pay for a CD," said Chris Heatherly, vice president of Global Disney Electronics. "The easy plug and play experience of Disney Mix Clips,- enabled by Matrix - means kids don't have to use a computer to access music, and can find digital music in the familiar surroundings of the retail aisle, where they purchase the vast majority of their tunes today."

The four initial Disney Mix Clips - available now in retail stores and priced the same as a CD - include "Radio Disney Ultimate Jams, Greatest Hits Volumes 1-6," featuring songs from Hillary Duff, James Brown, and Lou Bega, as well as songs from popular Disney Channel television shows, "That's So Raven: Songs Inspired By The Hit TV Series", "Disney Mania 3: Music Stars Sing Disney Their Way!" and "Disney Channel Hits, Take 1." All four releases are from Walt Disney Records.

"Among Disney's goals with the Mix Stick was to offer an option to downloading music with easy-to-use, plug-and-play memory cards full of pre-recorded music," said Dan Steere, VP sales and marketing for Matrix. "Matrix 3-D Memory is tailored especially for pre-recorded publishing of this type, offering a lower cost than Flash memory and the quick time to market that publishers require in today's competitive retail world."

Matrix 3-D Memory is the world's smallest one-gigabit silicon memory, at 31 square millimeters. Matrix is the only company that builds three-dimensional integrated circuits, producing cost-effective IC memory products by incorporating multiple layers of memory within a single piece of silicon. By using proven manufacturing techniques, Matrix derives lower cost and more components per wafer than any comparable memory product on the market. Matrix currently offers four memory capacities 16-, 32-, 64-, and 128-megabytes.

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Dual roles for Michalka sibs at Disney Channel

Disney Channel has signed teen actresses Alyson and Amanda Michalka to a deal that includes starring roles in the upcoming original movie "Cow Belles" and a series pilot titled "Haversham Hall."

The sisters will act together for the first time in "Belles," a comedy-adventure set to premiere early next year. The Michalkas will portray wealthy teens whose exasperated father puts them to work in the family business to learn some responsibility, but they wind up having to help save the business after someone empties the company's bank accounts.

Meanwhile, the tentatively titled "Haversham" goes into production this month. The half-hour comedy-mystery centers on two teen sisters separated since childhood who wind up as roommates at a prestigious New England boarding school but have no idea they're related.

Alyson Michalka, 16, stars in "Phil of the Future" and was the lead in Disney Channel's original movie "Now You See It ...," which aired in January. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Amanda Michalka's credits include CBS' "The Guardian," Fox's "Oliver Beene" and HBO's "Six Feet Under."

Together, the southern California duo also are known as recording artists Aly & AJ; their debut album "Into the Rush" was released in August through Disney's Hollywood Records.

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Disney denies staff claims of neglect

Hong Kong Disneyland has denied accusations that it neglects the occupational health of its staff and sets unfair contract terms.

The pro-Beijing Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions said Thursday it had received dozens of complaints and more than 100 enquires from Disneyland staff since mid August, three weeks ahead of the theme park's opening, on issues such as working conditions, unfair contracts and inadequate rest breaks.

But Hong Kong Disneyland spokeswoman Esther Wong hit back at the claims. "The health and safety of our cast is our first priority," she said.

Federation deputy director Ip Wai- ming said Disney failed to provide enough physiotherapists for its entertainment department.

The theme park employs more than 100 performers and dancers, and should hire more physiotherapists, he said.

"Some dancers told us when they suffered muscular injuries, there was just one physiotherapist to treat them all," Ip said.

Wong countered: "We work closely with our cast and professionals in the field of occupational health and safety."

Another complaint was that Disney does not provide more than one costume to each performer to change during the course of a working day, which includes several parades.

Ip said the dancers move and sweat a lot during the parades and shows.

"They are not allowed to change costumes in between performances, which can cause skin problems and other complaints," he said.

Some dancers also told the unions that they suffer eye allergies from having to wear heavy make-up for long periods.

"Disney doesn't even divulge the ingredients of its make-up to its staff. So when affected dancers go to see the doctor, they cannot tell what they are using, and fail to get proper treatment," Ip said.

Disney's Wong had no comment to make on the claim.

Unionist legislator Wong Kwok- hing presented a copy of an employment contract provided by a complainant and called for Disney to remove unfair contractual terms.

The legislator described the contract as "the employee's life and fate controlled by the company."

In the contract, Disney is able to make any change, amendment, termination, interpretation or cancellation of the employment terms stated in an employee's policy handbook without prior notification and explanation to its staff.

"This is an unfair and wrong policy," the legislator said.

Disney is reluctant to give the English version of the contract to its staff, but states that all disagreements arising from different interpretations of the contract will be based on the English version, Wong said.

"But no-one has seen the English version. They [staff] don't even know their rights," he said.

He added that the contracts contain many ambiguities that often do not clearly identify specific duties and which allow Disney to give their staff extra work.

"The parade dancers told us that they have to do the greeters' job - taking the cartoon characters around to have photos taken with visitors - when they are supposed to have breaks between shows," Wong said.

He called for Disney to make clear distinctions of each staff's working responsibilities in their contracts.

A Labour Department spokeswoman said that, under the Employment Ordinance, Disney is required to give a copy of the English version of the contract to its staff, if the workers request it.

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Philbin gets new 'Life' with ABC

Regis Philbin is returning to ABC primetime, this time as host of the network's revival of "This Is Your Life." "My network needs me! I'm there," Philbin said in a statement. " 'This Is Your Life' was always one of my favorite shows." "This Is Your Life" was a prototypical reality show that began on radio in the late 1940s and was a staple of television's infancy. The show details the life story of its guests, complete with surprise walk-on appearances by long-lost relatives or other influential people in their lives. The original series, which featured a mix of celebrities and everyday people as its testimonial subjects, was hosted by its producer, Ralph Edwards.

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Interact with the Cast of Narnia During Book Reading at Union Square

On Thursday, November 17th, children, parents and fans will be the first to experience this unprecedented launch and enter the magical "World of Narnia" to see the entire book program, images from the film and interact with the cast. James McAvoy will read from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and other cast members including Tilda Swinton will be on hand for a Q&A with the audience at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers Union Square (33 East 17th Street at Union Square). The event will begin at 7p.

C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings -- Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter -- in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of 'hide-and-seek' in the rural country home of an elderly professor. Once there, the children discover a charming, peaceful land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, the children fight to overcome the White Witch's powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from Jadis' icy spell forever.

The film marks the first live-action directorial effort for New Zealander Andrew Adamson (the Oscar-winning "Shrek," "Shrek 2"), who also co-wrote the screenplay adaptation with Emmy Award-winner Ann Peacock (HBO's "A Lesson Before Dying") and scribes Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. The film is produced by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer.

To bring his dazzling vision to the screen, Adamson has secured the talents of Oscar-nominated cinematographer Donald M. McAlpine, ASC, ACS, Oscar-nominated production designer Roger Ford, seasoned costume designer Isis Mussenden, film editors Sim Evan-Jones and Jim May and composer Harry Gregson-Williams.

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Oakley Celebrates the Opening of its 100th Iacon Sunglass Specialty Store at Downtown Disney Anaheim

Oakley, Inc today announced the opening of its 100th Iacon sunglass specialty store, a Sunglass Icon, at the Downtown Disney(r) District in Anaheim, Calif. In addition to the Sunglass Icon store, a new outdoor Sunglass Designs kiosk located near the Disneyland(r) Resort's Downtown Disney tram drop-off opened in October.

"Reaching 100 stores within our Iacon organization is a significant achievement in our retail expansion strategy,'' said Link Newcomb, chief operating officer, Oakley, Inc. ``This flagship store, which will be branded as Sunglass Icon, is similar to the successful design featured at the Downtown Disney store in Orlando and provides customers an excellent location to find a wide range of Oakley products, together with other leading brands.''

"We are excited to add our 100th store which strengthens our relationship with Disney,'' said Iacon President Jeff Obstfeld. ``This Sunglass Icon will have a definitive Southern California flavor as well as a dedicated 'store-within-a-store' concept which will highlight and feature select Oakley-branded apparel, accessories and wearable electronic products.''

Acquired in 2001 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Oakley, Inc., Iacon's growing chain of mall-based sunglass specialty stores currently operate under seven separate retail concepts including: Sunglass Designs, Sporting Eyes, Occhiali da Sole, Oakley Icon, Optica, Sunglass Club and Sunglass Icon. The company operates stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. Specific terms of the Downtown Disney agreement were not disclosed.

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Desperate Replacement

known Nashawn Kearse has landed the most coveted acting job on TV — replacing Page Kennedy as "the guy-in-the-basement" on ABC megahit "Desperate Housewives."

Kennedy, now destined for trivia-question status, blew the opportunity-of-a-lifetime when he was fired last Friday after alleged "improper conduct" on the "Housewives" set.

The last episode on which Kennedy appears airs this Sunday (9 p.m./Ch. 7).

Kearse (pronounced "Nashon Keersy") was hired late Tuesday by "Housewives" producer Touchstone TV.

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Wednesday November 9, 2005

Siemens, Disney in 12-yr technology, sponsor deal

New Disney-Pixar Deal Likely

Pennsylvania Company Expresses Interest in ABC Radio Stations

How Narnia opened a new door for Disney

Disney Store Offers a Magical, One-Stop Holiday Shopping Destination

Hong Kong Disneyland announces A Salute and Thank you to Hong Kong Residents

Creditors Back Airline in Disney Battle

Sela Ward joins Costner, Kutcher in 'Guardian'

The Official Expedition Everest Logo

'Housewives' actor Page Kennedy is fired

Expedition Everest Grand Opening Press Event

Catholic Exchange Offers Study Guide for Disney's 'Narnia'

Expedition Everest storyline walk-through

Football a ratings winner for ABC and ESPN

Kim Possible for Nintendo DS drops to retail

Kermit meets Kermit

Siemens, Disney in 12-yr technology, sponsor deal

As rumored a few days ago, German engineering group Siemens AG (SEIGn.DE) and Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday said they have formed a 12-year strategic alliance that paves the way to broaden their technological collaboration.

The Walt Disney Co. and Siemens AG have signed a 12-year agreement that will allow the electronics and engineering company to expand its existing relationship with several areas of Disney, including the branding of some Walt Disney World attractions. The agreement gives Siemens marketing and promotional rights, attraction sponsorships and a promotional presence that features Siemens products and services at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Siemens will sponsor the Epcot attraction "Spaceship Earth," as well as Epcot's nightly fireworks show, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth." New attractions to be incorporated into the Innoventions areas, a smaller cluster of exhibits at Epcot and Disneyland Resort, are also planned, but no specifics were announced. In addition, the Sylvania lighting division of Siemens will sponsor Disney-MGM Studios' holiday light show, the "Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights," as well as "Disney's Electrical Parade" and "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" at Disneyland.

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New Disney-Pixar Deal Likely

Nearly two years after Pixar topper Steve Jobs first announced that the CG animation studio was parting ways with Walt Disney Pictures, the entities appear poised to kiss and make up. During a recent third-quarter earnings conference call, Jobs was hopeful about renewing relations with the House of Mouse.

"We are in deep discussions with Disney," he said, noting that that they'd like to have a new distribution deal in place as soon as possible. "It's worth the few extra months of effort if there is a chance of continuing our relationship with Disney and our discussions right now are very productive," said Jobs.

That's a completely different tune than the Pixar CEO was singing back in early 2004 when then-Disney honcho Michael Eisner refused to meet the terms demanded by Jobs for a new Pixar distribution agreement. Pixar reportedly wanted 100% of the box office take on future films, a modest distribution fee and the lion's share of ancillary revenue. Eisner balked.

Things have warmed between the companies since Eisner's departure and serious talks restarted after his successor Robert Iger was put in place.

The box office success of Chicken Little may give Disney a little better footing, proving that they're not completely hosed without Pixar's brand of computer-animated movie magic. But Pixar isn't in a bad way either, the studio's earnings rose 22 percent last quarter on robust home video sales of prior releases like Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.

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Pennsylvania Company Expresses Interest in ABC Radio Stations

Entercom Communications Corp., of Bala Cynwyd, said yesterday that it might be interested in buying Walt Disney Co.'s ABC radio stations.

Entercom owns 88 stations in 19 markets, while ABC owns 26 stations in 10 markets. The two companies have only one market in common, Boston. Neither company owns stations in Philadelphia.

Disney announced last summer that it was interested in selling the stations it owns and operates, which are a small part of its overall media empire, in order to boost the company's share price on Wall Street.

The company has said it is not interested in selling the ABC radio network, which serves stations that are not owned by Disney but that use content provided by ABC.

In the briefing yesterday, Entercom chief executive officer David Field said the company would pursue the ABC stations "only if a deal and expense makes sense for shareholders."

It also depends, he said, on whether Disney decides to sell.

"If Disney ultimately elects to engage in a transaction involving this operation, we believe it represents an attractive growth opportunity for Entercom," Field said.

He said a deal that gives Disney shareholders a majority of Entercom's outstanding shares and voting control might address concerns that Disney management has expressed about the tax implications of a sale.

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How Narnia opened a new door for Disney

It is not something that will cause any tremors outside Hollywood, but in the world of film marketing it is a turnaround of epic proportions.

After carefully avoiding religion for most of its history, the Walt Disney Co, in a sharp deviation from corporate policy, has reached out to Christian evangelical groups to help shape a marketing campaign for its big Christmas film, The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The entertainment giant has hired several Christian marketing groups to handle the film, including Motive Marketing, which ran the campaign for Mel Gibson's wildly successful The Passion of the Christ.

The move is particularly remarkable because for the past decade Disney has been the subject of a religious boycott imposed by Christian organisations, who accused the company of betraying its family-values legacy by providing employee health benefits to same-sex partners, allowing gay days at its theme parks and producing what they considered to be controversial films, books and television programmes through Disney subsidiaries.

Now the wooing of evangelicals, combined with the departure of Disney chief executive Michael Eisner - described by some religious leaders as "anti-Christian" - signals the implicit end of the boycott and the beginning of a possible money-spinning franchise for the studio, which is desperately seeking a blockbuster hit that can deliver sequels, along the lines of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films.

Based on the first of CS Lewis's seven Narnia novels for children, which have sold 90 million copies over 55 years, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a massive, £75 million live-action and computer-generated extravaganza which Disney is co-producing with billionaire Christian financier Philip Anschutz's Walden Media.

Directed by New Zealander Andrew Adamson (director of Shrek), it appears tailor-made for the faith and family market, featuring as it does a lion named Aslan who is a Christ-like figure, offering himself as a sacrifice to save a young human sinner. He is tortured and killed and then resurrected to transform Narnia into a heaven on earth.

It has already received the endorsement of Focus on the Family, the controversial conservative religious group which claims two million members and which initiated the Disney boycott in the early 1990s.

A spokeswoman for the group noted: "After the success Christians brought to The Passion of the Christ, I know Disney is banking on a big Christian turnout."

While Disney marketing executives have made a concerted push to include Christian organisations in the entire production and marketing of what the studio hopes will become the first of several Narnia films, the filmmakers are being reticent about the religious aspect of the story, preferring to position it as a Lord of the Rings-type fantasy adventure.

Producer Mark Johnson, whose films include such family fare as The Little Princess, My Dog Skip and The Rookie, says: "All we paid attention to was being faithful to the book. We had a two-hour marketing meeting with Disney and I would say maybe five per cent of the time and the money being spent on the movie has anything to do with the faith community. The issue of the Christian take on the film is a non-issue because the film works so well on its own."

The star, Tilda Swinton, becomes testy when asked about the Christian allegories in the film. "I think there are biblical allegories wherever you want to see them," she says.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tells the story of four children who are evacuated to the countryside during the Second World War bombing of London and find a magical wardrobe that leads to another world which has been cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch Jadis (Swinton).

Under the guidance of Aslan (the voice of Liam Neeson), the children, along with Narnia's talking beasts and mythical creatures, fight to overcome the White Witch's hold over Narnia. Themes such as good versus evil, betrayal and, ultimately, forgiveness, are woven into the tale, which culminates in a spectacular, climactic battle that rivals anything in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The film rights to the books were originally held by Paramount, where studio executives, believing that American audiences would not respond to a story about British children, had wanted it set it in Los Angeles and had decreed that the child Edmund should be tempted not by Turkish delight, as in the book, but by a cheeseburger. Incredibly, Janet Jackson was chosen to play the White Witch.

The project never got off the ground and the rights reverted to the Lewis estate, which sold them to Anschutz's Walden Media.

At the same time, the success of Harry Potter gave Johnson, a Hollywood veteran, the impetus to join Walden in developing Narnia and framing the story firmly in Britain with British actors.

Walden then brought in Disney, with whom it had worked on the feature film Holes and on James Cameron's documentary Ghosts of the Abyss.

In a search for his four young stars, Johnson and his casting team saw thousands of children in London over a two-year period before choosing William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley. Two of them had never acted before and two had very limited experience.

The film was shot mainly on location in New Zealand, although plans to utilise Lord of the Rings filmmaker Peter Jackson's workshops, studio and special effects facilities in Wellington fell through because Jackson himself was using them for his King Kong.

Instead, the Narnia crew used warehouses in Auckland for the interiors and spent much of the time filming outside, making the most of the country's spectacular scenery.

For much of the time the actors had to emote to the empty countryside, and the 1,700 special effects shots were added in later. "This film would have been physically impossible three or four years ago because of the number of effects shots," says Johnson.

Douglas Gresham, CS Lewis's stepson and a co-producer of the film, was on the set most of the time, ensuring that the story and values were retained.

Plans are already in place for several sequels, assuming, of course, that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe performs well at the box office. Because Prince Caspian is the only other Narnia story to feature all four children, that will be filmed next, before the two older children outgrow their roles.

"Luckily it's set a year later so the kids will be a year older," says Johnson. "In truth, they'll be over two years older but I think we can cheat a little bit." Only Aslan features in all seven of the Narnia chronicles.

But first it remains to be seen whether the film brings in the audiences in sufficient numbers. As well as courting religious groups, Disney has developed one of its largest ever promotional campaigns, involving shopping malls, fast-food restaurants, retail outlets and Harper Collins, which is publishing more than 140 editions of Narnia, including six box sets and 31 audio versions.

More than 50 licensees are manufacturing items such as board games, dolls, trading cards and photo albums and, of course, a video game is due out soon.

"This is a huge roll of the dice," acknowledges Johnson, "but the payoff could be enormous."

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Disney Store Offers a Magical, One-Stop Holiday Shopping Destination

Disney Store has something for everyone on your gift list this holiday season, whether they are one or ninety-two. Disney Store guests will be delighted to see a wide variety of authentic Disney items, including toasty-warm, holiday-themed pajamas, vintage Mickey holiday home decor, spectacular snow globes and character-themed apparel.

Hot holiday toys this year are inspired by Disney Princesses, Power Rangers, Toy Story and classic Disney characters including Mickey, Minnie and Donald Duck. And for Chicken Little fans, Disney Store is a must-stop shop, with the widest selection of toys, activity sets and apparel inspired by the adorable pint-sized star of the new Disney film.

Here's a sneak peek at what Disney Store has to offer shoppers this holiday season:

Gifts For Kids:

Chicken Little

Disney Store is Chicken Little headquarters this holiday season, with a variety of small and large plush items, toys, activity sets, keepsakes and apparel. Chicken Little baseball jerseys and PJs are sure to be a big hit with kids. Disney Store Chicken Little product highlights include the following:

Chicken Little Cluckmobile Remote Control Car: This snazzy multi-function classic car transports Disney's new hero around Oakey Oaks - and your town, too. Kid-friendly remote makes car go forward, backward, spin and honk (SRP $24.50).

Chicken Little Baseball Set: Baseball glove, soft bat and ball inspired by Disney's newest little hero of the Oakey Oak Acorns (SRP $16.50).

Chicken Little Sing-Along Cassette Player: This kid-friendly cassette player allows your little pop star to sing along to their favorite cassettes (SRP $16.50).

Chicken Little Rolling Luggage: Embossed velour siding with images of Chicken Little and Abby Mallard (SRP $24.50).

Disney Princesses

Disney Store has the most complete selection of Disney Princesses available anywhere, including dolls, toys, activity sets, apparel, outerwear and more. Here are some hot holiday items for little princesses:

Disney Princess Dolls: Disney Store carries the widest selection of Disney Princess dolls, including Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Belle, Pocahantas and more (SRP $12.50 each, two for $20).

Disney Princess Tea Party Set: Play pretend "tea party" with delightful tea sets. Tea sets serve four and include cups, plates & cookies in a teapot-shaped carrying case (SRP $14.50).

My Size Cinderella Doll: This dazzling Princess stands over three feet tall and says 20 different phrases (SRP $128).

Going To The Ball Set: Everything a little princess needs for a special night out. Includes handbag, cell phone, play money, keys; 11 pieces total (SRP $14.50).

Cinderella Mini Princess Horse and Carriage Set: Includes horse and carriage, Cinderella and Prince figures, clothing and shoes for both, bouquet, cake and two goblets (SRP $19.50).

Action Heroes

Action heroes promote imaginative play and provide kids with hours of fun. Disney Store offers character action figures inspired by Power Rangers, Toy Story and Chicken Little (see above). Popular items include:

Power Rangers Action Figures: Fully posable 12-inch action figures (SRP $14.50 each).

Pull-String Talking Woody: A Disney Store classic; Woody is 16 inches tall and says five phrases (SRP $19.50).

Buzz Lightyear R/C Lunar Board: Another classic character from Toy Story, this Buzz Lightyear has sound effects, posable joints, a retractable helmet and a remote-control lunar skateboard (SRP $29.50).

Disney Plush

Gifts To Go

Mugs, ornaments, toys, plush items and other gifts inspired by a variety of beloved Disney characters will be highlighted in the "Gifts To Go" area, festively packaged and priced at less than $10.

Apparel for Kids - Mix & Match!

Sparkling Rhinestone Tees: Great rhinestone detailing featuring favorite Disney characters including Minnie, Mickey, Violet (of The Incredibles fame) and Cinderella. Multi-stripe versions feature Lizzie McGuire and Disney Princesses (sizes XS-L, SRP $14.50 each; two for $25).

Sparkle Cords: Glittering corduroy in great holiday colors, inside adjustable waist (sizes 2-8, 10, 12, SRP $22.50).

Girls' Denim: Three magical washes: glitter, sapphire and topaz. Adjustable waist (sizes 2-8, 10, 12, SRP $18.50).

Disney Princesses Peignoir Set: Belle, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty on a beautiful sleep gown with matching faux fur-trim jacket (sizes XXS-L, SRP $24.50). Coordinating dress-up slippers with faux fur trim complete the look (SRP $16.50).

Boys' Fleece Hoodies: Bright colored cotton fleece with Dash, Power Rangers, Buzz or Mickey embroidered on front; kangaroo pocket and contrast hood lining (sizes XXS-L, SRP $19.50).

Boys' Cargo Track Pants: Blue, grey, black or green nylon with cotton jersey lining; elastic waist (sizes XXS-L, SRP $18.50).

Boys' Screened Pajama Bottoms: Soft and cozy with colorful and detailed imagery of classic character scenes from Toy Story, Chicken Little, Power Rangers and The Incredibles (sizes XXS-L, SRP $12.50).

Gifts For Little Ones

Baby's First Christmas Frame Ornament: Pooh and Eeyore peek over the top of a cradle to admire baby's photo; picture frames double as tree ornaments (SRP $8.50 each).

Dinnerware Set: Plate, bowl & cup feature Chicken Little, Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear or Ariel (SRP $9.50/set).

Pooh and Friends Plush Bowling Set: Join Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Roo, Piglet and Heffalump in a safe (and soft!) game of bowling. Great for crawlers and toddlers (SRP $19.50).

Infant Apparel and Outerwear Ensembles: A variety of colors and styles with subtle or bold character themes inspired by Pooh, Piglet and other classic Disney pals. Items include fully-lined cable knit sweaters with matching hats, fuzzy hooded jackets, onesies, sweet overalls, warm turtlenecks and stylish twill jumpers with matching knit bloomers. Sleepwear is available in micro polar fleece, and cotton, with Disney holiday and/or classic character themes. Prices range from $6.50 to $24.50 each.

Gifts for Disney Fans of All Ages:

Disney Store Holiday PJs: Disney holiday PJs are designed for everyone in the family. Great for Christmas morning celebrations. Men's and boys' PJ sets feature Mickey Mouse embroidered on cozy red plaid flannel. Ladies' and girls' nightgowns are micro polar fleece with Minnie Mouse embroidery (SRP $19.50-$29.50 each). Newborn one-piece is red micro polar fleece with an adorable embroidered Mickey on the front (SRP $14.50).

Vintage Mickey Holiday Cake Set: Disney Store's 2005 Classic Holiday design decorates these perfect pieces for seasonal entertaining. Cake Stand features 3 three-dimensional Mickeys holding up the delightful vintage-style cake platter (SRP $24.50). Dessert Plates and Mugs feature vintage Disney look (SRP $19.50 set of four).

Tinker Bell With Light Up Castle. Music: "You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!" (SRP $88). Belle and Beast. Music: "Beauty And The Beast" (SRP $68). Ariel Under The Sea Concert. Music: "Daughters of Triton" (SRP $48). Snow White and Forest Friends. Music: "Brahms Waltz" (SRP $48). Tinker Bell's Pixie Dust Parade. Music: "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" (SRP $88). Deluxe Special Edition Cinderella Doll: This spectacular 11-1/2" Cinderella doll includes crystal earrings and necklace, a handpainted face, and a handmade, multi-layer ball gown (SRP $78, limited edition).

Vintage Mickey and Minnie Stockings and Holders: Beautiful embroidered detail on a vintage-style holiday stocking (SRP $19.50 each).

Scenic Snow Ornaments: Gorgeous vintage-style glass ornaments with resin characters and snow inside. Styles include World of Disney, Lilo & Stitch, Nemo & Dory, Mickey & Minnie (SRP $8.50, 3 for $20).

Cozy Fleece Blankets: Snuggly warm fleece blankets with bold graphics in several character-themed designs, featuring Mickey, The Incredibles, Grumpy, Disney Princesses, Tinker Bell and Buzz Lightyear (50" x 60", SRP $19.50 each).

Tinker Bell Tree Topper with Light-Up Wings: Tinker Bell is dressed in holiday attire and holds a star over her head; wings light up with fiberoptic technology (SRP $19.50).

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Hong Kong Disneyland announces A Salute and Thank you to Hong Kong Residents

Hong Kong Disneyland today launched a Salute to Hong Kong Residents to say a warm "thank you" to the community for its support. This announcement comes almost two months after Mickey Mouse and his friends officially opened the gates to the first-ever Disney theme park in China.

"We have been overwhelmed with the support the Hong Kong community has given us since we announced this project six years ago," said Roy Tan Hardy, Vice President of Marketing & Sales, Hong Kong Disneyland. "And since we opened our gates on September 12, we have received outstanding guest feedback on the magical experiences they are having with their friends and families at the park and hotels. Now, it's our time to say thank you to the Hong Kong community through this Salute to Hong Kong Residents."

The Salute to Hong Kong Residents invites local residents to enjoy the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland at a very special price. From November 8 to December 8, 2005, Hong Kong residents will get HK$50 off each ticket for a full day of fun at Hong Kong Disneyland. A regularly-priced adult ticket (guests 12 years of age and older) is HK$295 (regular) / HK$350 (peak); a child's ticket is HK$210 (regular) / HK$250 (peak) and seniors tickets are HK$170 (regular) and HK$200 (peak).

"Hong Kong Disneyland's early success could not have been achieved without the support of our friends and neighbors here in the park's new home. And now it is time to say thank you. After all, it is Hong Kong's Disneyland," said Hardy.

The Salute to Hong Kong Residents tickets are available at the main gate ticket windows in front of Hong Kong Disneyland Park and are available to Hong Kong residents with valid Hong Kong ID cards. Children aged 11 or below can enjoy the special offer when accompanied by a parent or guardian with a Hong Kong ID card, or by presenting their school handbook with their date of birth.

For guests who have pre-purchased tickets for this period, they can take their tickets to the main gate ticket windows at the front of Hong Kong Disneyland before entering the park to receive the HK$50 refund. For more information, guests can visit hongkongdisneyland.com and visit the Tickets section.

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Creditors Back Airline in Disney Battle

United Airlines' creditors have sided with the airline in its battle with the Walt Disney Co., saying the entertainment company's bid to collect a debt could have a "staggering" effect on the airline's other creditors.

The dispute, scheduled for a hearing on Nov. 18 before a bankruptcy judge in Chicago, involves tax benefits Disney said it lost when UAL Corp., United's parent company, in 2003 rejected a lease on a Boeing 757 jet that was partly owned by Disney.

Disney took a $114 million pretax charge that year over aircraft-lease transactions involving UAL, which had been seeking to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the time.

Disney said it's entitled to full compensation from the airline. If the judge agrees, the airline could owe a total of $5.1 billion in similar claims, said United and its creditors.

Disney, which got into the aircraft-leasing business partly because of the tax benefits, has sought to recover money it says it is owed under a tax indemnity agreement with United, court documents said. Disney said the contract required United to compensate it for any tax loss Disney might suffer from a cancellation of aircraft leases.

The rejection of the claim would "impact literally billions of dollars of filed claims in this case and have serious repercussions throughout the aircraft-finance industry", because hundreds of aircraft in United's fleet are subject to similar leveraged-lease agreements, Disney said.

United, however, has argued that Disney should take its claim to the trustee in charge of collecting debts that United owes to other owners of its leased aircraft.

United's creditors committee agreed, and said in court papers late last month that the equities weigh in favor of rejecting the claim.

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Sela Ward joins Costner, Kutcher in 'Guardian'

Sela Ward has signed to join Kevin Costner in "The Guardian," an action drama that also stars Ashton Kutcher.

The Disney project revolves around the relationship between a rebellious Coast Guard enlistee (Kutcher) and a legendary rescue swimmer (Costner). Ward will play Costner's wife in a troubled marriage.

The film reteams Ward with Andy Davis, who directed her in "The Fugitive." Shooting begins next month in Shreveport, La.

The Emmy-winning actress, whose credits include the TV series "Once and Again" and the apocalyptic film "The Day After Tomorrow," stars on the Fox TV series "House."

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The Official Expedition Everest Logo

First seen by the public at the Expedition Everest press events, the logo below is now set to be the official logo of the attraction.

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'Housewives' actor Page Kennedy is fired

Page Kennedy, who plays a fugitive from the law on "Desperate Housewives," was fired from the hit ABC drama for improper conduct, a series spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Kennedy, who joined the show this season, was let go Friday after a "thorough investigation by the studio" of the allegations against him, publicist Janet Daily said. "Desperate Housewives" is produced by Touchstone Television, part of The Walt Disney Co.

Details of the allegations were unavailable, Daily said. A call to Kennedy's agent for comment was not immediately returned Tuesday.

The alleged misconduct did not involve another cast member, a source close to the production said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Kennedy played Caleb, a character shrouded in mystery and seen only briefly as he was held captive in the basement of Wisteria Lane newcomer Betty Applewhite (Alfre Woodard). In the Oct. 23 episode, it was revealed that Caleb may be responsible for a teenager's murder in Chicago.

The role of Caleb is being recast, Daily said. Kennedy's final appearance on the ABC series is Sunday.

In an Associated Press interview last month, Kennedy, 28, said the "Desperate Housewives" role represented the chance of "making a name for myself."

He was so intent on joining the show, he said, that he passed on other jobs, including a recurring role on Showtime's "Barber Shop" and parts on WB's upcoming Rebecca Romijn series "Pepper Dennis" and on UPN's "Love, Inc."

"I needed this opportunity to play this kind of character," Kennedy said. "It isn't the kind that comes around often and it's usually played by a name (actor). This is an opportunity for me to showcase all the years of training I've had."

The Detroit native had appeared in the HBO series "Six Feet Under" as a football player who died of heat stroke and made his film debut as a bad guy in 2003's "S.W.A.T." He's in the movie "In the Mix," which is set to open on his birthday, Nov. 23.

"Desperate Housewives," among the top-rated series with about 25 million viewers weekly, represents "the biggest exposure I'll have gotten," Kennedy told the AP. He lauded Woodard as his favorite actress and said the rest of the cast "has been so sweet and nice to me."

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Expedition Everest Grand Opening Press Event

Expedition Everest will be holding a grand opening press event on April 6 - April 8 (note the dates remain tentative).

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Catholic Exchange Offers Study Guide for Disney's 'Narnia'

In anticipation of the Dec. 9 theatrical release of Disney’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Catholic Exchange and Ascenscion press have released 100 Questions about The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – a book designed to bring a “Little Catechism” to movie viewers, allowing them to go “beyond mere entertainment and into meaning,” according to a statement released by the Catholic Exchange.

“Lewis’s imagination is so rich and exciting that it’s possible to receive the story simply at the level of story and be ‘full after the meal,’ so to speak,” says co-author Matt Pinto. “However, one of the joys of good literature – like good film – is the pleasure of digestion, of finding that you really did eat something of real substance and not just a piece of quickly forgotten fluff. 100 Questions about The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will help many readers – both believers and non-believers – see into the depths of Lewis’s faith and fiction with new eyes.”

Tom Allen, President of Catholic Exchange, as noted in the book’s forward, sees the theatrical release of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as an effective means of reaching an “Image”-dominated society with the Gospel.

“We live now in a time that is dominated far more by the Image than by the Word. People get their information about life, the universe, and everything primarily from TV and the movies,” writes Allen. “Less and less do people read. And less still do they read works of abstract theology. So the release of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a motion picture is particularly welcome event because it gives us the essence of the Gospel in a way that anybody can understand it.”

“Through [the film], a whole new generation – who might have missed this marvelous tale because they are not readers – will be introduced to the joys of Narnia and her most gracious Lord, Aslan,” he continues. “Our prayer is that many will be led from the image on the screen, not merely back to Lewis’s words, but to the Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ.”

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Expedition Everest storyline walk-through

Ancient legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.

Now that legend roars dramatically to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom in a new runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.

Expedition Everest is part of the 18-month "Happiest Celebration on Earth," the jubilee honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks and commemorating the 1955 opening of Disneyland. The celebration began May 5, 2005, with the launch of the largest lineup of new shows and attractions and continues through 2006.

Walt Disney World guests will discover for themselves the fearsome lore of the yeti when Expedition Everest peaks in early 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Aboard out-of-control railcars screaming forward and backward, white-knuckle adventurers swoop into the unknown, braving twists, turns and drops inside and outside a mighty mountain leading to an unforgettable encounter.

"Expedition Everest adds a new dimension to our storytelling in Disney's Animal Kingdom," said Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the park. "It's a thrilling adventure themed to the tradition of the mysterious yeti."

The story begins when guests are transported to a distant world of exploration and the mythical village of Serka Zong. A canopy of prayer flags, an ornamental monastery, intricately carved totems, and a garden of stone carvings of the yeti clutching the mountain immerse guests in a far-off realm. The yeti's role as protector of the sacred mountain is reinforced in this detailed environment rich in culture and tradition.

"The Himalayan culture is full of ritualized architecture encouraging great harmony and structure," Rohde said. "The colors of the village, the carved animal heads on the doors, the totems -- it's all very symbolic and authentic."

Despite forewarnings, the proprietors of Himalayan Escapes tour company entice explorers to embark on a rugged train journey to the mystical Everest. First stop is Norbu and Bob's booking office to obtain permits, and then it's off to Tashi's General Store and Bar for needed supplies for the journey.

Next, explorers pass through an old tea warehouse that houses an elaborate museum run by Professor Pumba Dorjay, a conservation biologist who believes the yeti's existence is grounded in fact. The richly designed yeti museum showcases artifacts reflecting Nepalese culture, plus a history of the Himalayas and tales of the yeti. Photos show sherpas and others who have conquered the summit.

Now equipped to conquer the mountain, trekkers board the Anandapur Rail Service. This aging 34-passenger industrial railway, which was once used to transport tea, is now destined for the foot of Mount Everest.

As the steam train rolls through thick bamboo forests and fern groves up the first hill through a fortress, ritualized music signals riders to dangers ahead. En route a cluster of sacred yeti totems and a massive yeti mural crafted on the rockwork gives further warning to turn back.

The train continues across a teetering bridge into the mountain, dives into shimmering glacier valleys and then climbs up through the snow-capped peaks.

Skulking silhouettes and shadows of the lurking yeti, coupled with startling special effects and climate variations, enhance the attraction as the steam train darts in and out of the picturesque mountain range.

But suddenly the train screeches to a halt near a gnarled mass of twisted metal. In a fit of rage, the yeti has torn apart the track. The thrills intensify as the runaway train moves both forward and backward through darkened mountain caverns and icy canyons and guests head for an inevitable face-to-muzzle showdown with the towering yeti -- known to some as the abominable snowman.

The train accelerates at speeds up to 50 mph into a fog of spiral curves taking mountaineers down a 112-foot plummet to escape the wrath of the powerful yeti.

"Seeing the yeti will really startle the guests because it is so real, so convincing," said Rohde. "It is the most mammoth and sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering."

Expedition Everest, towering at nearly 200 feet high and occupying a 6.2-acre site, will be located in the Asia section of the theme park. It is one of 18 mountain attractions created by Walt Disney Imagineering at Disney theme parks worldwide.

Expedition Everest will feature Disney's FASTPASS -- offered at no charge to park guests -- designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Expedition Everest will have a height restriction of 44 inches.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is a 500-acre theme park where the exciting worlds of wild and whimsical creatures come to life on an authentic African safari, in an Asian rain forest, on a trip back in time to the age of the dinosaurs and in other attractions and shows brimming with stories about animals and encounters with favorite Disney characters.

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Football a ratings winner for ABC and ESPN

This past weekend, college and pro football fans tuned in large numbers to ABC Sports and ESPN, delivering Monday Night Football’s biggest rating in five years and giving ESPN the year’s biggest cable audience and the week’s three biggest.

Monday night’s much-anticipated Monday Night Football matchup, Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots, earned a 14.3 rating, the series’ highest in five years (since a 15.2 for St. Louis at Tampa Bay on December 18, 2000). The broadcast averaged 15,719,000 homes, MNF’s most in six years (since 16,312,000 for Dallas at Minnesota on November 8, 1999). The telecast led all networks in primetime for impressions among men 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54.

ESPN’s Sunday Night Football telecast, a 17-10 victory for Washington over Philadelphia, earned a 9.1, representing an average of 8,228,000 homes, the biggest cable television audience of 2005. The year’s previous high was also an ESPN NFL game, the season opener September 11, Indianapolis at Baltimore, seen in 8,161,000 homes (9.1 rating).

ESPN also had cable’s second- and third-biggest audiences for the week ending Sunday, Nov. 6. The Saturday night college football game, #5 Miami defeating #3 Virginia Tech 27-7, was seen in an average of 4,401,000 homes (4.9 rating). ESPN’s NFL Primetime (Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET) averaged 3,854,000 households (4.3 rating).

The Miami-Virginia tech telecast is ESPN’s third-most watched college football game ever, behind Florida State-Miami in 1994 (4,846,000 homes) and Ohio State at Penn State last month, on October 8 (4,435,000).

In addition, ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown , a 90-minute show leading into ABC Sports’s NFL game, set a new mark last night, averaging 2,140,000 homes, the most in the show’s 13-year history. The rating, 2.4, was the show’s highest since 1996.

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Kim Possible for Nintendo DS drops to retail

Buena Vista Games announced Wednesday that the company has dropped a new Nintendo DS game based on the popular animated series, Kim Possible to retailers nationwide.

Disney's Kim Possible: Kimmunicator is the first Kim Possible game created on the Nintendo DS. The game features characters Kim and Ron in an action game set in 3D environments.

Kimmunicator takes advantage of the Nintendo DS' dual-screen capabilities in 15 levels that include puzzle sequences. Players can pick locks and assemble gadgets using the touch screen and built-in microphone.

Previous Buena Vista Games releases based on Disney Channel properties include Disney’s Lizzie McGuire 3: Homecoming Havoc, Disney’s That’s So Raven 2: Supernatural Style and Disney’s Kim Possible 3: Team Possible.

Disney’s Kim Possible: Kimmunicator is rated E and carries an MSRP of $29.99.

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Kermit meets Kermit

Disney Insider - It's not easy being green - but it does have certain compensations. For one, Kermit the Frog, who turns 50 this year, doesn't look a day over 22. For another, he got a grand welcome to kick off his anniversary celebration in a town that could have been made for him. Kermit, Texas, turned out in force to celebrate with Kermie.

Kermit coworker Debbie McClellan accompanied the famous frog on his pilgrimage to the small Texas town, population around 5,700, and told us about the festivities. "We wanted to find a place for Kermit to visit that was either green or had something to do with Kermit the Frog. When we found Kermit, Texas, it just took off from there!" she says.

The people of Kermit welcomed the birthday boy with open arms. He read stories to local school children, met the mayor, received a key to the city, and found his visage painted on the town's water tower. He also got to ride in the Kermit homecoming parade, and even crowned the Kermit High homecoming queen.

Debbie had nearly as much fun as Kermit - although there is no water tower in her honor. "There were two really special moments," she says. "The first when Kermit was introduced at the press conference and I was on the stage and the town cheered -- the stage literally shuddered from the amount of noise that was made. The second was at the end of the day when Kermit was signing autographs, a woman said to us, 'you have no idea what this has done for our town, this was so special and it was something that brought us together.' That was really moving."

Debbie assures us that the Kermit we know from film and TV is the real deal - no Hollywood hotshot. "Kermit the Frog is everything you would want him to be, cute, modest, and sweet. What you see on TV is what you get. No prima donna there ... but Miss Piggy is another story!"

Kermit's first 50 years have been eventful ones, taking him from humble beginnings as part of a Washington, D.C., local children's television show called "Sam and Friends" all the way to international stardom and his current status as part of the Disney family. His recent starring role in "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz," coupled with the DVD release of the first season of "The Muppet Show," prove once again that the plucky frog is truly evergreen.

Kermie will be taking a break from the silver screen for the time being to continue his travels - current plans include a trip to Pamplona for the annual running of the bulls ("I thought they said bullFROGS," he has confessed), a visit to the Great Wall of China, and even - gulp! - a guest appearance at a Frog Leg Festival in Fellesmere, Florida. Debbie will accompany him throughout. "Needless to say I'm thrilled," she says. "I never get tired meeting people who feel an affinity for this frog and how he can make everyone from ages 2 to 99 smile."

Tuesday November 8, 2005

Election Day No News Today

Monday November 7, 2005

Walt Disney Internet Group acquires Living Mobile mobile game developer and publisher

Radio Disney Detroit Am 910 Is Now On-Air -- Connecting Families All Over Detroit & Southeastern Michigan

The Incredibles: Rise Of The Underminer

Microspace provides digital delivery for Disney's Chicken Little animated feature

Disney offers meals with real characters

'Chicken Little' Can't Save Box Office

Chicken Feed for Disney

ABC Radio names local GM; merger possible

Lightplay makes wireless 'Chicken Little' game for Disney

Feather in Disney's Cap

Walt Disney World Florida Classic

Disney Renews DECODE Series

Disney's Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers - Volume 1

Sagemiller Aboard Disney's The Guardian

Jean Pons of France Crowned as 2005 World RUBIK'S CUBE Champion

Walt Disney Internet Group acquires Living Mobile mobile game developer and publisher

The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) today announced the acquisition of Living Mobile (www.LivingMobile.net), a top European mobile game developer and publisher. The move is part of The Walt Disney Company's (DIS) overall strategy to leverage technology, supporting WDIG's growth plans for its mobile business and raising its profile in the mobile games category.

"We're committed to maintaining our position as a top-tier mobile content publisher with a portfolio including both Disney branded content and content from third parties," said Mark Handler, executive vice president and managing director of WDIG, International. "Purchasing Living Mobile is a key part of that commitment. They have proven track record in mobile game publishing and world-class talent in this new and highly competitive game category, and their strong, existing library makes us a serious competitor in games."

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Munich, Living Mobile develops and publishes mobile games across Europe and in Singapore. Its portfolio of more than 70 games includes games based on popular content licenses including Hudson Soft's Bomberman and Lode Runner, CAPCOM's Resident Evil -- ATN, and Saitek's Mephisto Chess M.E., as well as a line up of original titles and classic puzzle and card games including Solitaire Deluxe. In May 2005, Mobile Games Analyst ranked Living Mobile among the top 10 of all European mobile game publishers in an analysis based on both games and distribution network.

"It's an honor to join one of the world's leading entertainment companies," said Stephan Berendsen, founder and president, Living Mobile. "Disney was the first major entertainment company to make a meaningful commitment to mobile content. They understand this business and have a great infrastructure in place, and we look forward to helping them grow internationally."

Under the terms of the agreement, Living Mobile will operate as a subsidiary of WDIG Europe. It has approximately 40 employees and offices in Munich and Prague.

Having first entered the mobile market in Japan with a major mobile deal in August 2000 with NTT DoCoMo, Disney has quickly became the number one mobile entertainment brand in that market with distribution on all 4 major carriers and more than 3.3 million paid subscriptions. Based on its early learning in Japan, Disney is now one of the leading mobile content distributors worldwide with main offices in North Hollywood, Calif., London and Tokyo. Its content library has grown to include more than 6,000 products and services including ringtones, voicetones, games, video, graphics and applications which are distributed in 32 countries around the globe through agreements with more than 65 carriers and distributors. Disney publishes content in more than 20 countries in the EMEA region under the Disney Mobile and Starwave Mobile publishing labels.

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Radio Disney Detroit Am 910 Is Now On-Air -- Connecting Families All Over Detroit & Southeastern Michigan

Detroit kids and families now have a music destination they can call their own -- Radio Disney Detroit AM 910. Radio Disney brings a contemporary take on family entertainment to Detroit and surrounding areas by providing an environment in which kids and families can enjoy their favorite music, win prizes, co-star on the air and rock out at local events.

"Your Music. Your Way." is not only a slogan for Radio Disney, it is a way of life. Kids take control of their listening experience by constantly interacting with their station. Whether it's calling in to the DJs or requesting songs directly from the interactive web site, RadioDisney.com, kids have the ability to shape the music they want to hear. Radio Disney also offers local events, hourly prizes and superstar experiences, such as meet-and-greets with multi-platinum artists like Hilary Duff or a hometown concert with Jesse McCartney. Radio Disney also unites families through interactive on-air and online games.

"The addition of Detroit represents our passion to bring Radio Disney to kids and families everywhere," said Jean-Paul Colaco, President & General Manager, Radio Disney Worldwide. "Cool music, participation, fun contests and trusted content are what the families of Detroit can expect from Radio Disney."

"Radio Disney AM 910 strives to bring the Detroit community together through the power of music," said Rich Padgen, Station Manager, Radio Disney AM 910. "We also look forward to partnering with the businesses, government agencies and community groups to further connect Disney with the people of Detroit."

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The Incredibles: Rise Of The Underminer

Pixar has for some years now, been the saviour of the Disney empire. First, there was Toy Story and its sequel, then there was A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo. All of these were great fun, something for the whole family to enjoy. Its last effort, The Incredibles, was no different. It was inventive, funny and visually stunning.

The game of the film, however, sadly followed a different trend - that of being massively underwhelming. That said, the recently-released Scooby Doo! Unmasked was a very respectable attempt. Sure, it was a collect-this-take-it-there kind of game, but it's worth remembering who it was intended for.

This then is how we should view The Rise Of The Underminer, which continues from where the film left off. It probably won't be the most challenging game ever, but who can resist the chance to control Mr Incredible or Frozone? It's already looking to be suitably bright and faithful to the cartoon. Indeed, if it can capture any of the magic of the movie, that alone would make it worth a play. And if THQ can take what it's learnt from Scooby Doo and improve upon it, then we could well be in for something that deserves to be called 'Incredible'.

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Microspace provides digital delivery for Disney's Chicken Little animated feature

Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace), the leading provider of point-to-multipoint satellite services, today announced that it provided digital delivery for Disney's Chicken Little on November 4th, via its VELOCITY satellite service and Kodak digital CineServers. Microspace distributed the feature presentation to the Galaxy Cineplex in Ontario, Canada.

"Walt Disney Pictures is one of the first movie studios to make active strides toward mainstream delivery of digital cinema," said Chuck Viane, president, distribution, Buena Vista Pictures. "For several years, our goal has been to demonstrate the advantages of digital delivery over traditional film, and 'Chicken Little' is a giant leap forward in accomplishing it."

"Satellite-powered digital cinema will be in the forefront of the motion picture industry in the coming year," said Joe Amor, Vice President and General Manager of Microspace. "We are thrilled to be working with Disney, Kodak and Galaxy Theaters on the digital delivery of 'Chicken Little.' We have been working to earn the confidence and trust of all involved in the digital cinema community and will continue those efforts."

"For Kodak Digital Cinema, this is further proof that Kodak is ready for the future, now," said Drena Rogers, director of worldwide sales for Kodak Digital Cinema. "Working with Microspace and our long-term partners at Disney, we're proud to be able to reliably and confidently display Microspace's satellite-delivered feature presentation. And, with Kodak digital pre-show systems already installed in Cineplex Galaxy theatres, this is a natural step forward in helping them display superior presentations."

Microspace was the first digital cinema service provider to deliver a standardized version of a digital motion picture via satellite. As a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers' DC28 committee, Microspace has provided input for the recommended standards for digital cinema. Additionally, Microspace has been a long time sponsor of the Digital Cinema Laboratory's research and testing initiatives and has donated a complete VELOCITY system to further the advancement of digital cinema.

Microspace's VELOCITY eliminates the expenses of producing and delivering individual film print. Since early 2004, Microspace has been working to enhance the theater experience by providing digital satellite delivery for several motion pictures, including "Shrek 2," "Collateral," and "Shark Tale."

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Disney offers meals with real characters

"See Pooh! See Pooh!" screeched my 2-year-old daughter, Caroline, as she pressed her hands and face against the windows of the restaurant.

And she did see Winnie the Pooh, inside an air-conditioned oasis just a few hundred yards from Cinderella's Castle off Main Street, USA.

A few minutes later, Caroline and her 4-year-old sister, Emily, were sharing hugs over lunch with Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger, too, in what was perhaps the highlight of their first trip to Walt Disney World.

Seeing Disney characters in person has always been among the top priorities for children visiting the theme parks. Meals with princesses, Pooh characters and traditional favorites such as Mickey and Goofy ensure that kids get quality time with characters they like, in a relaxed setting with surprisingly good, if pricey, food.

In recent years, Disney has been ramping up the number of character meals it offers -- in particular, more meals with princesses, fueled by the growth of its Disney Princess brand of clothing and toys.

In fact, the hottest meal ticket is breakfast with Cinderella and friends at Cinderella's Castle. Parents jockey for reservations 90 days ahead of time.

The inability to score a Cinderella meal ticket is probably the No. 1 complaint about character dining, says Bob Sehlinger, author of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World."

Still, there are nearly 20 other Disney meals at theme parks and resort hotels, and most parents and kids relish the chance for one-to-one time with familiar characters.

Up close and personal

"When you're in the theme parks and you meet one on the street, you may have to fight a lot of children and adults to get close to the character," Sehlinger says. "When you go to a character meal, usually the ratio of characters to guests ensures the kids get a fair amount of attention."

For Charlotte, N.C., lawyer John DuPuy, the best photo of his family's trip last year to Disney World was of his son Jack, then 1, leaning from his highchair into Eeyore at the Winnie the Pooh lunch. "When he hugged Eeyore, we knew he was understanding what was going on and really enjoying his time," DuPuy said.

Get reservations early

Before my wife and I took our kids to Disney World, we made reservations for three character buffet meals: a Pooh lunch at the Magic Kingdom, a Mary Poppins breakfast and a Cinderella dinner at the Grand Floridian Resort, one of the Disney hotels on the monorail line.

Entering the Pooh lunch, we were struck by how orderly it seemed. There were probably a few hundred parents and kids in a large room, but nearly all were sitting at their tables. A dozen or so were in line for the all-you-can-eat buffet.

The four characters -- Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger -- were spread evenly throughout the restaurant and seemed to follow a path that allowed them to stop at each table.

Polite traffic control

Our girls immediately wanted to seek out the characters, but a waitress politely told us to wait at our table for them to come to us. The restaurant seemed to enforce this rule with everyone, so when the characters came to our table, no groupies followed.

We learned to time buffet trips around their visits. For a buffet, the food was good: a healthy variety, with touches like ancho chile-rubbed salmon and citrus-marinated flank steak at lunch, and an omelet station and Mickey-shaped waffles at breakfast.

The restaurants even had a kid-height counter for easy access to favorites such as macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers. Emily and Caroline were too distracted to eat much.

A cynic might wonder if $12 for a young child's meal and $18-$28 for an adult's is a smart use of money. But these meals are about more than the food.

When characters visited our table every 10 minutes or so, we found them impeccably friendly and in character (the non-human characters don't talk because of the masks that envelop their heads). Our girls were too overwhelmed to talk much either; they just smiled broadly, posing for pictures and silently offering autograph books and pens to the characters.

Tigger was a hyper bundle of energy, in constant motion. At the "Supercalifragilistic Breakfast" with Mary Poppins and friends, the Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland" babbled nonstop.

At the "Cinderella's Gala Feast" dinner, Prince Charming let Emily kiss his cheek.

"Alice" had an answer

At the breakfast, Emily bravely asked Alice in Wonderland where the White Rabbit was. Her reply, without missing a beat, or even looking up from signing her autograph: "Oh, he ran off to play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, and I've got to catch up with him."

The characters and waiters never rushed us, even though there were always people waiting to enter.

We snapped at least 50 photos at the meals -- Caroline hugging Mary Poppins, Emily kissing Eeyore, both girls getting pats on the head from Tigger. We wanted to record the perfect moment, the pure delight of a child.

At the character meals, capturing those smiles came easy.

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'Chicken Little' Can't Save Box Office

The sky is still falling in Hollywood, even though Chicken Little and the Marines have landed.

The box office tumbled again despite solid weekends for the animated "Chicken Little," which debuted with $40.1 million, and the Desert Storm drama "Jarhead," which opened with $28.8 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The films paced Hollywood to a healthy weekend, with the top 12 movies grossing $121.2 million. Yet that was down 10 percent from the same weekend in 2004, when "The Incredibles" premiered with $70.5 million. This year's movie attendance is running 8 percent behind last year's.

"Chicken Little" and "Jarhead" each came in as much as $10 million ahead of industry expectations, a sign audiences are getting into the holiday moviegoing spirit. Upcoming releases include "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "King Kong" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

"Immediately after Halloween, whatever it is, people's mind-set turns to movies," said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney, which released "Chicken Little." "There's such anticipation for `Potter, `Narnia' and `Kong.' There are some monstrously big openings ahead of us."

A strong finish for Hollywood could indicate the slump resulted from a weak crop of movies earlier this year, rather than analysts' speculation that audiences were skipping movies in favor of home-entertainment options.

"I hope you get into the high-profile film season and they say, `I want to see that,'" said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, which released "Jarhead," starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Foxx as Marines in the Gulf War. "That would prove they just weren't happy with the product lineup."

"Chicken Little," with Zach Braff providing the voice of the fairy-tale fowl that proclaimed the sky was falling, is Disney's first fully computer-animated movie. It was Disney's second-best animated opening ever, behind "The Lion King" with $40.9 million.

The debut includes $2.1 million from 84 theaters showing a 3-D version of "Chicken Little."

Disney's deal to distribute Pixar's computer-animated films ("The Incredibles," "Finding Nemo") expires with next summer's "Cars." Though negotiations on a new deal continue, the strong opening for "Chicken Little" is a good start for Disney in computer animation if the studio permanently parts ways with Pixar.

Still, "Chicken Little" received so-so reviews, with some critics saying its an undernourished story compared to hits made by Pixar or rival DreamWorks (the "Shrek" films, "Madagascar").

Along with Pixar's string of hits, DreamWorks cartoons have opened to bigger numbers, including this year's "Madagascar," which grossed $61 million in its first weekend and went on to a $193.1 million domestic total.

But the debut of "Chicken Little" was in line with openings for 20th Century Fox's "Robots" ($36 million) last spring and DreamWorks' "Shark Tale" ($47.6 million) a year ago.

"This is right on the money in terms of animated openings," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "This debut on `Chicken Little' says they can do it, and they can bring in an audience."

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Chicken Feed for Disney

Last week, I argued that Disney's (NYSE: DIS) Chicken Little "may be the most important Disney animated feature in years -- if not decades." There was plenty at stake over the weekend as the entertainment giant tried to shake its streak of disappointing self-inked theatrical releases. Would the film be a runaway smash and revitalize the company's in-house animation department? Or would it be a disaster, the final nail in Disney's cinematic-animation coffin?

It turns out that the initial results are good, but certainly not great. The movie took in an estimated $40.1 million domestically from Friday through Sunday. It was the top flick at the box office by a fair margin, and it's the biggest box office opening for a Disney-made animated feature since The Lion King in 1994. Every film that has opened at $40 million or better has managed to rake in at least $100 million. Chicken Little has also taken in more cash in one weekend than the colossal dud Treasure Planet did throughout its entire stateside run and will lap Home on the Range shortly.

However, the film also opened lower than the recent releases from DreamWorks Animation (NYSE: DWA) and Disney partner Pixar (Nasdaq: PIXR)

What may be more disheartening is that many of those entries were released years ago, when ticket prices were cheaper and when movies stuck around a bit longer. Mixed reviews may also play a part if there is a significant drop-off for Chicken Little next weekend.

Folks who doubted that Disney could make a mark in the computer-generated market dominated by Pixar and DreamWorks can relax: It was just an acorn that dropped on your head.

In the meantime, though, the initial good news is exactly what Disney needed. Disney has created a decent stepping stone to start winning back its audiences after letting them down over the past few years with substandard drivel that lacked the substance, story, and stylistic elegance of its earlier classics, not to mention the crowd-pleasing stance that Pixar and DreamWorks seem to have down to an artistic science these days.

Let's hope Disney doesn't butcher the Chicken Little franchise with direct-to-video junk or spinoffs that may prove lucrative in the near term but sabotage the brand in the long term.

For now, let's just say: Nice shot, Disney. What else do you have?

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ABC Radio names local GM; merger possible

ABC Radio has named Marc Kalman as president and general manager of its Twin Cities stations.

Effective immediately, Kalman will oversee KQRS-FM (KQ92), KXXR-FM (93X) and WGVX/WGVY/WGVZ-FM (Drive 105).

Kalman most recently served as vice president and general manager at KSTP-FM (KS95). He previously held similar positions with KDWB-FM, KTCZ-FM and WLOL-FM.

"Marc's proven expertise and his local market insight made him the ideal choice to lead ABC Radio's radio properties in the Twin Cities," said Mitch Dolan, president of ABC Owned Radio Stations.

Meanwhile, rumors persist that The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) of Burbank, Calif., might sell ABC Radio, which operates 71 stations nationwide.

Bala Cynwyd, Pa.-based Entercom Communications Corp. (NYSE: ETM), the nation's fourth-largest radio broadcaster, is among the interested companies, The Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee reported Monday.

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Lightplay makes wireless 'Chicken Little' game for Disney

Video game developer Lightplay Studios said Monday that it has developed a wireless game based on the movie "Chicken Little" for The Walt Disney Co. -- it's third deal with the entertainment giant in a year.

Financial terms of the deal were not announced, but Lightplay CEO Rick Lucas said his firm was paid a set amount for the 12-month game development. Disney will collect royalties on all game sales made by the wireless phone carriers.

Overland Park-based Lightplay had previously developed games for Disney movies "National Treasure" and "Herbie: Fully Loaded."

"Chicken Little" took the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office, grossing $40 million.

Lucas said the game also has high expectations. In the wireless gaming industry, best-selling games average about 500,000 downloads. Wireless games typically retail from $4 to $7 per download.

The "Chicken Little" game will be sold by all the major North American wireless carriers, Lucas said.

Disney currently is developing its own wireless service, which will rent Sprint Nextel Corp.'s wireless network. Lucas said he's in discussions with Disney about developing more games for Disney Mobile based on its treasure trove of movies and characters.

"There's more content than you can even imagine," he said.

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Feather in Disney's Cap

The sky wasn't falling at Disney DIS Monday after Chicken Little posted a strong opening weekend at the box office.

The tale of the scrawny chicken who thinks the world is coming to an end took in $40 million, according to Boxofficemojo.com. That made it the weekend's top movie and the second-biggest opening in terms of unadjusted grosses for a Disney-made feature, behind The Lion King.

Chicken Little's performance, which came despite lukewarm reviews, may ease concerns on the part of some investors that the Burbank, Calif.-based media giant is too dependent on its partner Pixar PIXR for hit animated films.

"Forty million isn't bad," says Dennis McAlpine, an independent media analyst based in Scarsdale, N.Y., who rates Disney buy and Pixar hold. He doesn't own shares of either company. "It certainly isn't a flop."

Disney was "thrilled" with the film's performance, which was in the "high end of what we possibly could have hoped for," general sales manager Chris LeRoy told Box Office Mojo.

Pixar Chief Executive Steve Jobs may sell the company to Disney if the two can agree on a price, according to a report in The New York Times. Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger hasn't made a formal offer, the paper said.

Pixar's distribution agreement with Disney expires after the release of Pixar's Cars, which is due in the spring of 2006. Jobs, who also runs Apple Computer APPL, has said he wants a new distribution agreement for Emeryville, Calif.-based Pixar in place by the end of the year. Relations between Pixar and Disney have warmed considerably since Michael Eisner left the magic kingdom.

Shares of Pixar, whose The Incredibles opened last year with a box office of $70.5 million, fell $1.42 to $52.69. Before Monday the shares had zoomed 26%. Disney, which also owns Touchstone pictures and the ESPN sports cable network, rose 23 cents to $25.04.

The film certainly wasn't a critical favorite. A.O. Scott of The New York Times called it "a terrible movie." Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum called the film "simplistic." Even the Boston Globe's Ty Burr, who said Chicken Little was "shiny and peppy, with some solid laughs and dandy vocal performances," added that "it doesn't come close to the genius of Pixar."

A more balanced appraisal came from Box Office Mojo's president, Brandon Gray. "It could have decent legs in theaters," he said. "These pictures usually do. I question whether it will be a lasting classic in the minds of moviegoers."

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Walt Disney World Florida Classic

The 25-year-old rivalry between Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University football returns to the Florida Citrus Bowl for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic, Nov. 17-20. A tradition unlike any other, the Classic draws more fans than any other Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) football game in the nation with an average attendance of more than 72,000 fans.

Three days of activities surround the annual gridiron match-up (which will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19). The festivities kick off Thursday, Nov. 17, with the President's Scholarship Gala at Walt Disney World Resort, followed by "Steppin' in the Park," a parade featuring the BCC and FAMU marching bands on Friday, Nov. 19.

The Florida Classic, which has sold out the past five years, was held in Tampa until 1997. After relocating to Orlando in 1998, Walt Disney World Resort became the title sponsor in 2000. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or through Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University.

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Disney Renews DECODE Series

Disney Channel in the U.S. has scooped up a second season of DECODE Entertainment’s live-action tween series Naturally Sadie.

Geared to the 8 to 12 set, the show charts the adventures of inquisitive 13-year-old Sadie Hawthorne. DECODE has already signed season two deals with the Family Channel in Canada and with Nickelodeon UK.

The first season was taken by Disney Channel Latin America, Nickelodeon channels in Australia, Asia, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Scandinavia and Israel France 2 and Canada’s VRAK as well as M-Net in South Africa.

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Disney's Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers - Volume 1

Starring:
Corey Burton as Zipper/Dale/Snout/Mole (voice)
Peter Cullen as Kirby/Muldoon (voice)
Jim Cummings as Monterey Jack/Fat Cat/Professor Ninmul (voice)
Tress MacNeille as Chip/Gadget (voice)
Alan Oppenheimer as Aldren Klordane (voice)
Rob Paulsen as Additional Voices (voice)
Maureen Schrum as Additional Voices (voice)

Special Features:
None

Other Info:
Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Sound
Running Time: 614 Minutes

Synopsis:
Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers originally aired in 1989. The following is from the DVD cover:

"No crime is too small for the Rescue Rangers! Join the courageous Chip 'n' Dale along with their friends Gadget Hackwrench, Zipper, and Monterey Jack as they face off against some of the most outrageous villains the world has ever seen in this fun-filled 3-disc collection. Whether investigating stolen peanut supplies at the local zoo or thwarting the plans of the evil at Cat and his gang, the Rescue Rangers use their unique perspective to solve mysteries that leave the police baffled. So climb aboard the Rangermobile, and set off for a wild ride with Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers!"

Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers is not rated.

The Series:
When my family lived overseas in the late 80's, my grandmother would tape shows and mail them to us to watch. Like with DuckTales, Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers was one of those shows. It was primarily for my sisters, but I was glad to watch anything that was in English. Even though I was well out of the target audience for this show, I found it entertaining. The stories were pretty good and the animation was well done. The result was a decent animated show. So I was curious to see what my kids would think of it. They sat down and watched a couple of episodes intently, so that proved to me that the show has what it takes to entertain even kids today. If you need to keep a kid busy for 614 minutes, this will do the trick.

The Extras:
There are no bonus features included on this DVD.

The Bottom Line:
Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers should please animation fans, Disney fans, and kids that enjoy cartoons.

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Sagemiller Aboard Disney's The Guardian

Melissa Sagemiller (the upcoming Mr. Woodcock) has scored the lead female role in Walt DisneyPictures' The Guardian alongside Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. Variety says shooting under the helm of Andrew Davis begins in Shreveport, LA, in December.

Written by Ron Brinkerhoff with rewrites by Jamie Vanderbilt, the story centers on a Coast Guard ocean-rescue swimmer (Costner) haunted by tragedy.

Kutcher plays a recruit who becomes his protege, with Sagemiller now aboard as Kutcher's love interest, a strong-willed school teacher.

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Jean Pons of France Crowned as 2005 World RUBIK'S CUBE Champion

After twisting and turning the iconic RUBIK'S CUBE puzzle for two days, Jean Pons, 20, of France was crowned world champion today at the World RUBIK'S CUBE Game Championship at Disney's Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Pons defeated 140 players in the traditional 3x3x3 cube competition with an astounding average cube solving time of 15.1 seconds. Pons heads home with $5,000 in hand, a trophy and the title "world champion."

"Since my introduction to the cube in 2003, I have been practicing to be the best cube solver in the world," said Pons. "This championship title means so much to me. I am fortunate to have participated in this event and to have competed against some of the most skilled cubers in the world."

Second place was awarded to Pons's friend and fellow Frenchman Edouard Chambon with a remarkable average solving time of 16 seconds. Third place went to Shotaro Makisumi representing Japan with an average time of 16.07 seconds. Chambon and Makisumi both received cash prizes and trophies.

Coinciding with RUBIK'S CUBE'S 25th anniversary, the championship kicked off on Saturday, Nov. 5 with preliminary competitive rounds, and concluded with the fastest players advancing to the finals on Sunday, Nov. 6. Cube finalists competed before a 40-foot-tall RUBIK'S CUBE, one of the pop culture icons celebrated at Disney's Pop Century Resort. Representing 24 countries, over 150 cube enthusiasts participated in a series of unusual and timed challenges, including standard speed solving, one-handed cubing, blindfolded cubing, and foot cubing.

"Once again, this high-profile contest brought together the most dynamic cubers from around the world. Nearly 100 players from the United States alone competed in the 3x3x3 event," said Geoff Medieros, marketing manager of the RUBIK'S CUBE at Hasbro Games. "With RUBIK'S CUBE'S 25th anniversary upon us, this year's world championship is truly a memorable event and another example of the staying power of this iconic puzzle."

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Sunday November 6, 2005

'Chicken Little' flies high at U.S. box office

Disney finds place for tweens by relying on wholesome content

"Hooked" on Rubik's Cube

World's Fastest RUBIK's CUBE Puzzle Solvers Race in Championship; Event at Walt Disney World

Disney's 'Chicken Little' crammed with snarky pop culture references, lacks qualities of Pixar films

"Chicken Little": Disney Finds Life After Pixar

'Chicken Little' flies high at U.S. box office

"Chicken Little," the first fully computer-animated movie produced by Walt Disney Co. exceeded industry expectations by selling $40.1 million in tickets in North American in its first three days of release, the company said on Sunday.

Film industry observers had expected the new box office champion to pass the $30 million mark, despite scathing reviews.

The film is considered a key test of the ability of Disney, whose fortunes were built on hand-drawn cartoons such as Bambi and The Little Mermaid, to succeed in the world of computer animation without help from the blockbusters made by its production partner Pixar Animation Studios Inc.

Disney's partnership with Pixar, in which it has shared box office grosses of $3.2 billion since 1995 from movies like the "Toy Story" series and "Finding Nemo," expires next year.

The two companies are in talks to renew the pact, although Pixar is pursuing a deal under which it would pay a flat fee for distribution and keep the profits for itself, in much the same way as George Lucas contracts with 20th Century Fox to distribute his "Star Wars" films.

Under former Disney Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner, relations between Disney and Pixar deteriorated, but new Disney CEO Robert Iger is working to restore harmony.

The project revolves around the age-old tale of a chicken that thinks the sky is falling. In Disney's adaptation, no one believes the chicken (voiced by "Scrubs" star Zach Braff) when he warns of a greater peril.

Critics were generally appalled by the movie, though industry observers say bad reviews generally mean nothing to parents looking to keep their children quiet for a few hours.

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Disney finds place for tweens by relying on wholesome content

It's not a Mickey Mouse network anymore. The Disney Channel has proved to be a magnet to older kids with its stew of comedy, fantasy and a dollop of preteen angst.

With a record prime-time audience of 2.1 million viewers this year, the cable channel has made household names of Hilary Duff, 18, and Raven-Symone, 19, the onetime "Cosby" kid who now stars in the channel's biggest hit, "That's So Raven." And it has traded on the wholesome Disney image to challenge Nickelodeon.

Now Disney is sweet on two upcoming projects: January movie "High School Musical" and "Hannah Montana," a weekly series due in March starring Miley Cyrus and her real dad, country crooner Billy Ray Cyrus.

"They just hit that desire button in kids, where they end up personally invested in those programs," says Terri Minsky, co-creator of "Lizzie McGuire," Disney's first huge hit, which elevated Duff to stardom.

Like other kids networks, Disney offers preschool programs during daytime hours, graduates to the after-school crowd, and has crafted a niche as an evening home for "tweens " -- older kids on the cusp of adolescence.

The recipe is a blend of traditional family comedy that the major networks have all but abandoned; it often plants a 12- or 13-year-old girl at the center, with an element of wish-fulfillment fantasy. Lizzie captured Duff as a middle-schooler whose animated alter ego popped up to reveal her own daydreams and worries -- and by extension, her viewers'.

The latest series, "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," features identical twins who live in a swank hotel where their single mom is a lounge singer. "Hannah Montana" revolves around a pop star who adopts an alter ego to protect her identity at school, where she yearns to be treated like a "normal" kid.

Nicole Maldonado, 13, of Valley Cottage, N.Y., says Disney is a favorite. Her top pick: "Suite Life," which taps into those fantasies. "I just love the theme of it, that they think they're rich when they're really not," she says of Dylan and Cole Sprouse.

"The bottom line is you know you have good characters when kids go, 'Boy, wouldn't it be nice to hang out with them one day?' " says Michael Poryes, the executive producer behind "Hannah" and "Raven."

"That's the secret, really, to the Disney Channel," Poryes says, "and what I believe makes them different from Nick," which is still the uncontested champ of kids TV, with a lot more animation. "They're about the funny, but we're more about the reality and the truth, what kids really go through: 'My friend is going to get dumped by this guy. What am I going to do?' "

Disney's biggest draw has been original TV movies -- the channel has made 60 of them -- led by Duff's "Cadet Kelly" in 2002 and this month's "Twitches," starring onetime sitcom sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry, 27. "Twitches" drew an eye-popping 21.5 million viewers in four airings on its first weekend and was the week's most popular cable program. Another holiday-themed movie, "Halloweentown," starring '60s screen star Debbie Reynolds, has aired 66 times over the past seven years and continues to rank in the weekly top 10.

Disney has its own farm system of teenage stars, an echo of the old Hollywood studio system. Before starring in her own series, Raven lent her voice to the animated action series "Kim Possible" and starred in "The Cheetah Girls," another top movie. Brenda Song, 17, a "Suite Life" regular, previously appeared on "Phil of the Future" and in three Disney movies. The Mowrys were well known to Disney viewers via reruns of "Sister, Sister," the ABC sitcom that launched the twins' careers in 1994.

The much smaller cable network The N, which calls itself "the authentic voice for teens," targets older viewers and tackles more mature subjects, such as sexual identity and faith. Cartoon Network has its Adult Swim block, a powerful lure for kids and teens in spite of -- or because of -- its title. Even Nick revels in the crass with its live-action comedies, in the name of getting a laugh from increasingly savvy kids.

Disney, in contrast, is positioned as a safe haven of chastity and political correctness, where the use of phrases considered part of the teen vernacular -- "Oh, my God!" or the eye-rolling rejoinder "Are you blind?"-- are expressly forbidden.

Not to mention sex or drugs.

"Kids can enjoy it without feeling weirded-out that they're watching something with their parents" that either might deem inappropriate, says Raven-Symone, who has spawned a perfume and board game.

"I feel so safe every day going to work," says Song, 17, a Disney actress since age 12, who just filmed her first screen kiss. "There are so many jobs out there that call for girls my age to do things we're just not ready for."

Says Poryes: "Parents need to feel 'I can turn this on, my kids can watch it, and I don't have to be in the room.' "

Shows are imbued with moral messages, friendship and preteen angst, which are sugarcoated with comedy.

Disney Channel has an unusual history. Founded in 1983 as a commercial-free pay-cable network, it depended on monthly subscriber fees. In the late 1990s, the channel began to convert to a free network, which boosted its reach from 14 million homes in 1996 to 88 million now and sent viewership soaring.

At the same time, the channel moved away from concert specials, moldy cartoons, Disney feature films and a remake of '50s icon "The Mickey Mouse Club," and ramped up original series aimed at tweens.

Tweens' parents grew up on "Happy Days" and "Full House," an audience the major networks mostly have abandoned. So it's no surprise Disney focused efforts on Fridays, making it a welcome presence at pajama parties and family pizza nights where sibling ABC's TGIF block once ruled.

"Tweens was a really underserved market; network TV was going not in that direction, and theatricals moved outside of doing family movies," says Rich Ross, president of Disney Channel Worldwide.

And while "Nick has done live action, its biggest hits were animated," an arena Disney Channel has found more challenging. Cartoon Network, on the other hand, is all animation, weighted more toward younger kids and boys. "It seemed the 9- to 14-year-olds really didn't have a lot of places to go for entertainment media," Ross says.

Unlike competitors, Disney doesn't depend solely on ratings. The channel remains commercial-free, although it does air PBS-like sponsorship messages.

Cable-system operators pay Disney nearly twice as much to carry the channel as they do Nickelodeon, says Kagan Research, so the channel has bigger profit margins than most cable networks. "I would call the transition from pay to basic a success," says analyst Derek Baines.

Disney has since spun off all-animation Toon Disney as a separate channel, and it claims 23 overseas Disney Channels.

Meanwhile, Nick, which paved the way for Disney with shows such as "Clarissa Explains It All," has refocused on live-action tween shows with "Zoey 101," starring Britney's sis, Jamie Lynn Spears, 14, and "Unfabulous," with Julia Roberts' niece Emma, 14, who has her own soundtrack album.

Nickelodeon says it's not reacting to its smaller competitor, but Disney's Ross isn't convinced. "Breaking young stars who could also be music acts, that's more than a little coincidental."

Says Nick spokesman Dan Martinsen: "Maybe it is a coincidence, but we have the five highest-rated tween shows on TV."

Will Disney's wholesome appeal endanger the network as savvy preteens are tempted by ever more lurid hookups on MTV?

"Wholesome is a very weighted word," Ross says. "We live in a generation when parents and kids are struggling with how fast they have to grow up. What line do we have to cross to find we've gone too far?"

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"Hooked" on Rubik's Cube

43,252,003,274,489,856,000 different possible configurations of the Rubik's cube and a Canadian man is among those planning a strategy to solve it.

"You just have to . . . sort of attack the cube in a systematic way," says Dave Campbell, 28, a software developer from Mississauga, Ont. Campbell is in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., with some 250 other competitors at the 2005 Rubiks World Championship this weekend. He is one of two Canadians, including Craig Bouchard from Kingston, Ont., competing for a total $19,000 US in prize money.

Events include speed solving, the blindfolded competition, the one-handed technique and even a competition where entrants solve the puzzle using only their feet.

The object is to ensure each side of the famous cube winds up with squares the same colour. Each of the six faces on the original Rubik's cube is made up of nine squares.

A co-founder of the World Cube Association says the puzzle is not as tough to crack as it seems.

"The Rubik's cube is viewed by most people as something that's very difficult," says Tyson Mao, a 21-year-old astrophysics student in California.

Two years ago, Mao couldn't solve a cube without his younger brother's help.

Today, clocking in at one minute, 58.32 seconds, he holds the world's fastest time for cracking the puzzle blindfolded.

"If you can show someone that it's really not that hard, they'll get hooked," says Mao.

Campbell is proof that a relative newcomer to the game can make quick progress - he was just given a Rubik's cube as a gift last Christmas.

Today, Campbell says his best time is 17.18 seconds, about five and a half seconds shy of the one-time record of 11.75 seconds.

Amazing, considering that of the 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 configurations, one - and only one - represents the solved cube.

"I learned to solve it and then I'd thought I'd find a better way to solve it and discovered there was something called speed cubing around January of this year," says Campbell.

"I've been hooked ever since."

The puzzle was invented by Hungarian sculptor and architecture professor Erno Rubik in 1974, but didn't make its international debut until 1980. This year is considered the 25th Anniversary of the birth of the Rubik's cube.

While the cube's popularity peaked in the '80s, it remains the best-selling puzzle of all time, with 300 million multi-coloured Rubik's cubes - and imitations - sold worldwide.

To Campbell, cubing is not much different than playing a musical instrument.

"If someone was playing a guitar, no one's going to think anything less of them, but because it's a toy from the '80's some people do think that it's rather childish," says Campbell.

"But at the same time, I have to know so much. I've learned hundreds of algorithms."

Both men say the Internet has brought about a revival of interest in the Rubik's cube, helping to connect people who share techniques.

"There's this wealth of information online, of how to solve the cube and how to solve it in a really efficient and fast manner," says Campbell.

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World's Fastest RUBIK's CUBE Puzzle Solvers Race in Championship; Event at Walt Disney World

Approximately 200 of the world's best RUBIK'S CUBE puzzle
        solvers from 24 countries vie for the title of "RUBIK'S CUBE
        World Champion."

        Participants include current world record holder Jean Pons
        from France, previous world record holder 15-year-old,
        Japanese-American Shotaro Makisumi, reigning world champion
        Dan Knights from San Francisco, Calif., and several other
        'speed cubers' capable of sub-20 second solve times.

WHAT:   The World RUBIK'S CUBE Game Championship tests competitors
        over two days in a series of timed challenges, including
        standard speed solving, one-handed cubing, blindfolded cubing
        and foot cubing. Preliminary heats begin Saturday, Nov. 5,
        with the fastest advancing to Sunday's finals. The
        highest-profile contest brings together solvers of the
        original RUBIK'S CUBE.

        The event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the RUBIK'S
        CUBE's introduction to the United States.

WHERE: Disney's Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney (Nachrichten) World Resort
        1050 Century Drive Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830 Media Parking:
        Located in the "1980s" parking lot

WHEN:   Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005
        1 p.m. -- Feet Cubing Final
        2 p.m. -- One-handed Cubing Final
        2:30 p.m. -- Blindfolded Cubing Final
        3:30 p.m. -- World Champion Title Final
        4 p.m. -- Awards Ceremony

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Disney's 'Chicken Little' crammed with snarky pop culture references, lacks qualities of Pixar films

"Disney's 'Chicken Little' begins with a 'Lion King' sight gag, quickly followed by a 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' sight gag, followed by... well, let me assure you that the gagging animated children’s tale is bite-size fun, not really a main-course meal," Craig Outhier writes for The Arizona Tribune.

Outhier writes, "Evidently moved by the success of Dreamworks' 'Shrek,' the Disney brain trust is going for something similar here: A vividly animated postmodern nursery rhyme crammed with as many snarky pop culture references as their animators and writers can manage over the movie’s brief 77-minute running time. It makes for a pleasant — albeit cannibalistic — blend of the classic and modern, less feast than well-choreographed routine."

"Director Mark Dindal also seems to have gleaned a few sci-fi style tips from rival animator Brad Bird of 'The Incredibles,'" Outhier writes. "Wink-wink digression is fine in moderation, but by calling attention to itself as a movie about movies, 'Chicken Little' loses touch with itself. When the time comes for the hero to reconcile with his father, the filmmakers are ill-equipped to treat it as anything but a joke, just another movie cliché to kick around. It's this sort of falseness that one rarely sees in really good animated films — for instance, the movies of Pixar ('Finding Nemo,' 'The Incredibles'). Unfortunately, Pixar and Disney are no longer friends, and 'Chicken Little' proves that the latter has some serious issues to work out."

Evidently moved by the success of Dreamworks’ "Shrek," the Disney brain trust is going for something similar here: A vividly animated postmodern nursery rhyme crammed with as many snarky pop culture references as their animators and writers can manage over the movie’s brief 77-minute running time. It makes for a pleasant — albeit cannibalistic — blend of the classic and modern, less feast than well-choreographed routine.

Every schoolchild knows the story of Chicken Little: Runty. Disrespected. Certain that the end is near. Voiced by Zach Braff of "Garden State," the unpopular teenage fowl is conked on the head by an octagonal piece of sky tile and promptly sounds the town alarm, sending the animal residents of quaint, collegiate Oaky Oaks into a tizzy. (One detects a terrorism-alert analogy in the town’s mania.)

When no evidence of Chicken Little’s falling sky can be produced (aside from an errant acorn), the diminutive bird is dismissed as a crackpot and alarmist, even by his own father (Garry Marshall). Unbeknownst to all, Chicken Little was right: The falling tile was from an invisible spacecraft, which ultimately leads a full-scale alien invasion of Oaky Oaks that one character accurately likens to "War of the Worlds." (Director Mark Dindal also seems to have gleaned a few sci-fi style tips from rival animator Brad Bird of "The Incredibles.")

Dindal ("The Emperor’s New Groove") and screenwriters Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman have dreamed up some lovably offbeat animal sidekicks for Chicken Little — including a mute goldfish who slinks around in a diver’s helmet and a corpulent pig (Steve Zahn from "Sahara") with a secret yen for Broadway show tunes — and this is what keeps "Chicken Little" from crumpling under a merciless barrage of "insider" movie humor. (For the second time since the "Wallace and Gromit" movie, animators have pinned their hopes on an elaborate mockery of "King Kong.")

Such wink-wink digression is fine in moderation, but by calling attention to itself as a movie about movies, "Chicken Little" loses touch with itself. When the time comes for the hero to reconcile with his father, the filmmakers are ill-equipped to treat it as anything but a joke, just another movie cliché to kick around.

It’s this sort of falseness that one rarely sees in really good animated films — for instance, the movies of Pixar ("Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles"). Unfortunately, Pixar and Disney are no longer friends, and "Chicken Little" proves that the latter has some serious issues to work out.

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"Chicken Little": Disney Finds Life After Pixar

Chicken Little, Disney's first solo attempt at a CG-animated movie since 2000's botched Dinosaur, proves that they are ready for a post-Pixar world. The humiliating days when Disney had to outsource the magic are over.

This new film doesn't just contradict all those who predicted its spectacular failure. Disney has captured the personality of a Pixar film and the comedy of a Dreamworks flick in a slim little package.

If you know the original tale, then you'll have a basic understanding of the movie's plot. The title character is quite a small chicken (voiced by Zach Braff of NBC's Scrubs and the movie Garden State) who causes a lot of trouble when he persuades the town of Oakey Oaks to believe the sky is falling. Turns out it was just an acorn that hit his head. Or was it?

What follows is an hilarious and touching romp through Chicken Little's world as he attempts to deal with the aftermath of his mistake. The media hound him, a movie is made about him and his father just wants to put the whole thing behind them both. At 77 minutes, this is a short film, but that helps keep the pacing tight. The story has only a few lulls.

At Chicken Little's side are his friends Abby Mallard, a.k.a. Ugly Duckling (voiced by Joan Cusack); the ironically-named Runt of the Litter (Steve Zahn), and the Fish Out of Water (Dan Molina). He's antagonized by Foxy Loxy (Amy Sedaris), the popular town hero who loves to show up Chicken Little at every possible opportunity. Also appearing in the movie are Patrick Stewart, Don Knotts, Patrick Warburton, Fred Willard, Harry Shearer and TV's Adam West in roles that pay big comedic dividends.

Going to see this film reminded me that these animated films really are made for children. Pixar has managed to pull adults and kids in nearly equal numbers, but Chicken Little's audience looked to be roughly 90% children accompanied by parents. Still, though there are tons of laughs for the kids, there are also plenty of in-jokes for the adults in the audience. The kids' gags, even though you can see them coming a mile away, can elicit a giggle or two as well.

A good way to measure the quality of a kids' movie is the frequency of potty breaks. From what I could tell, Chicken Little was a shutout, with the kids pinned to their seats. Though there weren't any screamers at my screening, the film does have frightening parts and I'm sure some younger children were spooked.

Chicken Little should silence the naysayers: Disney is still capable of producing a delightful animated film, no matter the number of dimensions. And with Pixar still without a distributor, there are probably some sweaty theater seats in Emeryville this weekend.

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Saturday November 5, 2005

Pixar to be sold to Disney (not likely)

Former Mousekeeter Charged Again

Chicken Little has $10 million Friday

The Rohde to Everest
Disney Online And Disney Editions Announce Inaugural Disney Insider Yearbook

Theme parks count on perks to help draw seasonal workers

John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting sings 'All I Know' for Disney's new Chicken Little movie

The Stepson, the Billionaire and the Walt Disney Co.

Jump the queue

Pixar to be sold to Disney (not likely)

Steve Jobs, the chairman and CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, would be open to a sale of the company at the right price, according to a published report.

The New York Times and CNN Money reports that Jobs, who owns about 50 percent of Pixar “would want a strong premium to its current $5.9 billion market capitalization to consider a sale, but he would be open to an offer from its long-time partner, Walt Disney Co. The Times attributed Jobs’ willingness to consider a sale to “two people with knowledge of the talks” now taking place between Disney and Pixar about possibly extending their partnership.

But the paper reports that in talks about a new version of their partnership, Disney CEO Robert Iger has yet to make an offer to acquire Pixar, according to CNN Money. The paper reports that Disney is hoping that its new animated feature, Chicken Little, due in theaters this weekend, will give it greater leverage in talks with Pixar.

However, Yours Truly doesn’t believe that Jobs would sell Pixar. It’s too powerful a player with too much leverage that he is using successfully to push media content deals for Apple.

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Former Mousekeeter Charged Again

A former Mouseketeer with a history of legal troubles was hit with fresh charges Friday when the FBI said she tried to defraud a company out of nearly $320,000 in class-action settlement funds.

Darlene Gillespie, 64, of Oxnard, Calif. was to be arraigned on a mail-fraud charge Friday in federal court in Southern California.

An FBI criminal complaint said Gillespie and her partner Jerry Fraschilla submitted a series of false claims to the Long Island-based administrator of a fund established to settle a class-action lawsuit against a measurement equipment company. A spokesman for the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney's office, which filed the complaint, said he had no additional information about the case.

An attorney whom prosecutors in Los Angeles said was representing Gillespie did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Gillespie was one of the nine original Mouseketeers on the Mickey Mouse Club show from 1955-59. Disney publicists said she had "more bounce to the ounce than a bottle of a soda pop." She was featured in "Corky and White Shadow," a serial about the Wild West exploits of a girl and her heroic dog.

After a try at a country singing career, she has had a history of run-ins with authorities, including a conviction for helping Fraschilla buy stocks with bad checks. She was sentenced to a two-year prison sentence in that case in 1999.

Two years before that, she and Fraschilla were convicted of shoplifting at a California department store.

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Chicken Little has $10 million Friday

Chicken Little took in over $10 million on its opening Friday just edging out the war film Jarhead.

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The Rohde to Everest

Among the most highly anticipated attractions to debut in 2006 will be Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom, part of Florida's Walt Disney World resort. The tricked-out roller coaster will rocket forwards and backwards as explorers/riders pursue (or is that escape from?) the elusive yeti, a.k.a. the abominable snowman. With an estimated cost of $100 million, the elaborate and sophisticated E-Ticket ride will be one of--if not THE--most expensive attractions in theme park history. Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the beautiful Animal Kingdom park, recently appeared on CoasterRadio.com to talk about Expedition Everest. The podcast team does its usual great job interviewing the affable and hyper-energetic Rohde.

LINK

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Disney Online And Disney Editions Announce Inaugural Disney Insider Yearbook

Disney Online and Disney Editions are now in production on the first Disney Insider Yearbook, a keepsake collectible book capturing the most notable Disney events each year. The inaugural 2005 edition will be available in print in April 2006. Bound as a commemorative item, the book is being created specifically for Disney enthusiasts under the direction of celebrated creative veterans Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon. The Disney Insider Yearbook will capture the magic of Disney through photos, images and stories from movies, theme park openings and other magnificent "Mickey milestones" of 2005.

Beginning today, Disney enthusiasts and collectors can sign up for future updates and news about the 2005 Disney Insider Yearbook exclusively at Disney Online (www.disney.com/yearbook). The 176-page full-color book will be available for sale beginning April 2006. Two versions of the book will be offered: a soft cover Edition for $24.95 or a Special Edition hardcover that comes with a limited run lithograph and DVD available by purchasing a yearly subscription to future editions of the Disney Insider Yearbook for $49.95 per year.

"We are thrilled to begin this new annual tradition that offers the thousands of Disney enthusiasts a unique look at the most exciting and memorable Disney events of the year," said Ken Goldstein, executive vice president and managing director, Disney Online. "The yearbook is designed to give fans and collectors alike all-encompassing access to the most unforgettable moments and achievements."

Building on the popular free weekly email newsletter The Disney Insider, which gives readers an all-access pass to the secrets of Disney's vaults, the Disney Insider Yearbook will include highlights from 2005, and a sneak peek forward into Disney's future. Bringing it all together are two esteemed creative veterans, Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon. As the Disney Insider Yearbook's managing editor and designer, respectively, they will create a truly unique book and classic "must-have" collector's item for fans that features key highlights including, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Chicken Little, the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration, the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as a preview of 2006 releases including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and the Tarzan stage musical.

"I'm thrilled with the opportunity to develop and produce an anthology like this, one that is intended for true Disney fans," said Kurtti. "It's especially exciting, since both Bruce and I are lifelong enthusiasts ourselves, to be able to create a book that we would buy for ourselves."

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Theme parks count on perks to help draw seasonal workers

Central Florida's theme parks are gearing up for the latest competition to lure qualified seasonal employees for the holidays, each hosting job fairs and promoting the perks that come with the job.

In all, area parks, including Tampa's Busch Gardens, are looking to hire more than 3,800 people in the next month as the region's unemployment rate continues to decline.

A report from Workforce Central Florida last month showed that the five-county area around Orlando leads the state in the number of jobs that go unfilled each day.

In response, the theme parks are banking on their perks to attract workers for seasonal, part-time and full-time jobs.

Walt Disney World is looking to hire about 2,000 people in all three of those categories at a job fair scheduled to begin Monday at Disney's casting center, where job offers will be made on the spot.

"For this particular job fair, we are emphasizing some of the unique benefits of being a Walt Disney World cast member," said Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty. "Certainly, we want to make sure we're competitively placed in the marketplace."

Along with the free theme park tickets that come with the jobs, Disney is promoting its package of holiday perks for new hires who complete orientation by Dec. 31. The package includes additional free tickets, 50 percent discounts at some restaurants and 40 percent discounts at some shops.

Busch Gardens is looking to hire for about 500 seasonal and part-time positions by the end of the month, said Gary Vien, vice president of human resources.

"Typically, this is the busiest time of the year for us," Vien said. "We're taking down Howl-O-Scream and after Thanksgiving . . . up goes Christmas."

Universal Orlando is planning to hire about 1,000 seasonal workers beginning at a job fair on Nov. 11 and 12, said spokesman Tom Schroder, with offers of perks such as free tickets and other benefits.

SeaWorld Orlando is looking to fill 350 seasonal and part-time jobs beginning on Saturday. It also offers free tickets among its perks.

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John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting sings 'All I Know' for Disney's new Chicken Little movie

Singer John Ondrasik, of Five For Fighting, from Aware/Columbia Records has recently recorded a compelling new version of the classic Jimmy Webb composition, "All I Know" (a chart-topping pop hit song for Art Garfunkel in 1973), for the widely-anticipated Walt Disney Pictures Film, "Chicken Little," opening nationwide today, Friday, November 4.

Ondrasik's rendition of "All I Know" provides the coloration for one of the film's key scenes, an emotional exchange between Chicken Little (voiced by Zach Braff), and his father, Buck Cluck (voiced by Garry Marshall).

Ondrasik's warm vocal delivery and insightful lyricism are familiar to those who've heard his signature songs "Superman (It's Not Easy)" and "100 Years," which has recently been tapped by Chase Manhattan for use as an audio sound-bed for the firm's ongoing television advertising campaign. A poignant meditation on the inevitable passage of time and the changes in consciousness the aging process brings, "100 Years" recently took home the coveted BMI songwriting award.

In addition to working steadily on the avidly-awaited new Five For Fighting album, Ondrasik has been co-writing with some of Nashville's top songwriters to create new material for other artists.

On Tuesday, November 1, two of Ondrasik's most popular recordings earned RIAA certifications: a Gold Digital Single certification for "Superman (It's Not Easy)" and a 2x Platinum Digital Single certification for "100 Years."

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The Stepson, the Billionaire and the Walt Disney Co.

AT the beginning of 2001, Perry Moore embarked on a forbidding quest. Mr. Moore, an executive with an untested movie company called Walden Media, dispatched an impassioned letter to the chief executive of the C. S. Lewis Company, seeking movie rights to the much-loved "Chronicles of Narnia" fantasy novels.

He vowed that Walden would be able to accomplish what one of the most prolific and successful producing teams in Hollywood - Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall of "Jurassic Park" fame - had already failed to do: turn "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the first book published in the series, into a movie. Over the previous seven years, in a time before "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" had shown the profit potential in family-friendly sorcery epics, every major studio in town had turned down the project, some even twice.

Almost five years later, Mr. Moore's promise will be kept, thanks to an unlikely cast of collaborators, including a former Tasmanian sheep farmer, a media-shy billionaire disgusted with much of Hollywood's cinematic fare and the Walt Disney Company.

The march of technological progress and the country's shifting social currents have played their roles in bringing this saga to a resolution. But, fittingly for a book and series in which Christian themes of sacrifice and resurrection are more than mere subtext, less quantifiable factors also featured prominently.

"This was a three-way leap of faith, frankly," Dick Cook, chairman of Walt Disney Studios, said.

The movie that is emerging, with a production cost near $150 million, definitely provides epic sweep, to judge from about 10 minutes of nearly completed film. But beginning Dec. 9, the audience will make the ultimate determination if the faith was justified.

A scholar at Oxford and Cambridge, Clive Staples Lewis was a prolific writer of literary criticism, poetry, science fiction, novels and muscular defenses of Christianity. But nothing he wrote has captured the imaginations of more children and adults than the seven books that make up "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Beginning in 1950 with "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," he conjured a world of talking fauns and beavers in which the four young heroes - thrust into the endless battle between good and evil - must confront demons without and within. Since then, more than 95 million copies in 41 languages have been sold.

If that seems perfect fodder for a movie, Lewis's view of film was nonetheless ambivalent. Underpinning his confession that he was "rather allergic to films" was a concern that a steady diet of visual images on screen could embalm the imagination, particularly of the young.

Yet Lewis did not sneer at popular culture as a whole. "He recognized that there was great power here, but an irresistible tendency to make things vulgar, of playing to the simplest emotions," said Alan Jacobs, a professor of English at Wheaton College and author of "The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis."

Until this year, video renditions of Lewis's fantasies were confined to television. There were two British series, an animated one in 1967, followed by a live-action version in 1988. In 1979 a full-length animated feature made by the Children's Television Workshop and the Episcopal Radio-Television Foundation appeared on CBS and won an Emmy for outstanding animated program.

But despite the accolades, the washed-out animation and actors in beaver suits left one important constituency dissatisfied - Douglas Gresham, who in addition to being the artistic and creative director of the C. S. Lewis Company, is Lewis's stepson. He lived with Lewis for 12 years as a child and teenager, after his American mother, Joy Davidman, struck up an epistolary friendship with the British scholar and the two later married.

Mr. Gresham worked for a circus in London when he was 21, before heading off to make a living as a Tasmanian sheep farmer and a radio and television broadcaster in Australia. But he says he always wanted to turn the Narnia books into feature films. In a New York hotel room last month, wearing his standard turtleneck, a large cross dangling from his neck, and khakis tucked into knee-high leather boots, Mr. Gresham said that he felt a moral imperative to spread the message and values of his stepfather's works. "Those were concepts the 20th century deliberately cast aside - honor, chivalry, duty, courage, responsibility, commitment," he said. Soon after he started at the C. S. Lewis Company, in 1993, the estate granted Paramount, on behalf of the Kennedy/Marshall Company, the option to make the film.

Despite a track record that included "E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and the "Back to the Future" trilogy, Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Marshall made some missteps. One version, by Menno Meyjes ("Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"), contemporized and Americanized the story. But the producers soon realized that moving the tale's bookends from a blitz-ravaged England to a quake-shaken Los Angeles did not work.

Fidelity to the book became the new watchword. At one point under John Boorman, whose directing credits included "Hope and Glory" and "Excalibur," the project came tantalizingly close to pre-production, as talks took place with Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Later, the writing team of Kiri Zooper and Christopher Barbour worked on a special-effects-laden version that nonetheless strived to be grounded in reality.

Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Marshall also recruited Rob Minkoff, co-director of "The Lion King," along with much of the creative team for that movie. But Disney, Universal and Paramount all passed on that proposal.

THE projected cost was a problem. Budgets ranged from $90 million to $116 million at a time when those figures represented real money. "It's a classic example of timing," Ms. Kennedy said. " 'Lord of the Rings,' 'Harry Potter,' that whole trend hasn't begun."

Ms. Kennedy's last-minute plea to Paramount was rebuffed by a regime that has now left the studio. The option lapsed and the estate was free to turn elsewhere.

In Walden Media, the C. S. Lewis Company found an unlikely partner. Dreamed up in 2000 by Cary Granat, a Miramax executive, and Michael Flaherty, a former Massachusetts Senate aide, as a combination film company and educational enterprise, Walden is backed by Philip F. Anschutz, who founded Qwest Communications. Mr. Anschutz owns oil fields, railroad lines and the movie theaters. He is also a social conservative who is active in the Presbyterian Church, and decided that instead of bemoaning the sex-and-violence-drenched work of Hollywood, he would do something about it.

"My friends think I'm a candidate for a lobotomy and my competitors think I'm naïve or stupid or both," he said in a speech last year. "But you know what? I don't care. If we can make some movies that have a positive effect on people's lives and on our culture, that's enough for me." His outsider status and sense of mission - not to mention his billions - helped Walden clinch the rights to the books. It also helped withstand the mad rush previously uninterested studios made for the material in late 2001, as such epics became suddenly fashionable.

The C. S. Lewis Company stayed loyal to Walden. At a two-day meeting in New York, Walden laid out its vision, along with promises that the children would not be Americanized, and that the guardians of Lewis's legacy would be deeply involved in the production. Mr. Anschutz asked Mr. Gresham and fellow executives of the C. S. Lewis Company for what the estate considered a fair deal; a handshake agreement came a few minutes later, Mr. Moore said.

Nearly four years later, Mr. Gresham said his trust was not misplaced. Mr. Gresham was involved at every stage, from the choice of director (Andrew Adamson of "Shrek") to casting decisions to trekking to sets in New Zealand (four times) and the Czech Republic (once).

Mr. Gresham and the C. S. Lewis Company also signed off on last year's decision to bring Disney in as a 50/50 partner after two years of preproduction and much of the casting, even though he had disparaged Disney's movies to one of its executives during the negotiations.

Once again, a personal connection helped seal the deal. Referring to Mr. Cook of Disney, Mr. Gresham said, "He was a man I felt I could trust."

Mr. Gresham also understood the need for Disney's marketing prowess. "We have a saying in Tasmania: If you buy a sheepdog, there's no point in barking yourself," he said.

By putting up about half the budget, Disney became more than a distributor. While executives for Walden, whose releases include "Holes" and "Because of Winn-Dixie," ran point on day-to-day production decisions, Disney executives were involved in later casting decisions, were on the set, and provided notes. Mr. Adamson said that he received three or four suggestions on the shooting script, mainly dealing with Disney's desire for a PG rating. Disney led the marketing effort, one of its most elaborate yet. Narnia will be omnipresent in coming months, from 11 high-end malls decked as Narnia wonderlands to promotional partnerships with the likes of McDonald's and General Mills.

It is a remarkable about-face for a company that had rejected the project before, partly because of qualms over its Christian themes, according to Ms. Kennedy, and had forced its Miramax subsidiary to hand off the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy to another studio because of the cost. But the movie marketplace has shifted drastically since then.

"Harry Potter" proved that that a faithful book adaptation with a cast of unknown British children could yield a blockbuster, and "The Passion of the Christ" demonstrated that religiously minded people were hungry for a movie they could embrace.

DVD sales for family-friendly movies are generally higher than they are for harsher fare. Lawrence J. Haverty, an associate portfolio manager of Gabelli Global Multimedia Trust, an investment fund specializing in the media and entertainment industries that owns shares in Disney, estimated that DVD sales for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" could reach 40 million to 50 million copies worldwide, and that profits during the next six years could soar past $800 million.

Advances in computer-generated imagery also helped. Without some very recent technology, Mr. Cook said, "the movie as it is couldn't have been made."

Referring to a main character, Aslan, who sacrifices himself to save one child only to return to help defeat the White Witch, Mr. Adamson said, "To do a talking lion convincingly was certainly improbable, if not impossible, two, three years ago."

Despite all the factors that converged at the right moment for this film, it is still not a sure thing. For starters, Mr. Adamson had never directed a live-action film. And "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is scheduled to open just four days before Universal's "King Kong," an epic directed by Peter Jackson of "The Lord of the Rings." Trickiest of all, perhaps, is Disney's marketing strategy. On the one hand, it acknowledges the religious symbolism of the book by appealing to religious groups with some of the same companies and tactics used to promote "The Passion of the Christ." But it also reaches out, for example, to fantasy fans with a junket to Comic-Con and to schoolchildren with lavish educational tie-ins. In trying to please everyone, the movie could end up pleasing no one.

Disney has already found itself in the middle of a battle over the role of religion in public schools. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, an advocacy group, has demanded that Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida halt a statewide reading contest promoting the book.

Still, millions of children and adults have read the "Narnia" books without detecting the Christian themes.

Lewis himself wrote that he had not set out to hammer home Christian allegories. "Everything began with images," like an umbrella-toting faun and a magnificent lion. "At first there wasn't even anything Christian about them; that element pushed itself in on its own accord."

Some principals behind the movie say critics take the Christian imagery too far. "If you want to, you can find Christian symbolism in a McDonald's hamburger," Mr. Gresham said.

Despite the risks, confidence prevails at Walden, Disney and the C. S. Lewis Company. The creative team behind "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" has already begun work on a script for "Prince Caspian," the next book chosen for a film adaptation.

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Jump the queue

‘Okay, you might want to distract Nathan now,” whispers Sarah Smith, the Walt Disney World guide assigned to my family for the day.

Then I see what she's pointing to. It's Chip and Dale sauntering across the parking lot, heading over to a set of picnic tables scattered near a squat, industrial-looking building. Smith is shuttling us from Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park to Disney-MGM Studios via back roads connecting the parks as part of a six-hour, whirlwind VIP tour.

Apparently, we've stumbled upon a ticking time bomb. “You never know what they're going to do when they're not in character,” Smith explains gravely.

I imagine Dale suddenly flipping his buddy the bird in the middle of an animated conversation, or Chip yanking off his head to get a little air in this 35-degree heat. I quickly swing my son's stroller around.

“Hey, sweetie,” I say a little frantically. “You want to see Beauty and the Beast now? How about some water? Are you thirsty? Want mommy to get you some water?”

And that's as stressful as our second day at Disney World gets.

Night and day. That's the only way to describe the difference between our first attempt at braving the Magic Kingdom on our own — which included bouts of crying, frenzied searches for the washroom, waiting in queues and a general feeling of “Where the hell are we?” — and our VIP tour on Day 2.

While Disney has been running these excursions for its executives' families and celebrities for decades, it was only in the early 1990s that the company began offering similar tours to the rest of us. Today, during the busiest times of the year, Walt Disney World operates up to 45 tours each day, despite little advertising and marketing. It's about $145 an hour, with a five-hour minimum, for up to 10 people. Guests who stay at one of the official Disney resorts pay $110 an hour. An extra $140 a day gets you private transportation.

The popularity of VIP tours like Disney's is part of a growing trend among theme parks aiming to offer guests more bang for more bucks. Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens and Cedar Point all give guests an opportunity to buy holiday happiness south of the border.

The trend has also moved north, with Montreal's La Ronde offering its own version of a VIP service on Saturdays and Wednesdays (the most popular days during the summer, owing to fireworks displays). Paramount Canada's Wonderland near Toronto, however, hasn't rolled out VIP tours and has no plans to do so.

Special events manager Kris Williams says this is because most of Wonderland's visitors are local, rather than vacationers seeking a no-holds-barred getaway.

Because of the tours' relatively small, mostly affluent clientele — and perhaps owing to their elitist bent — you won't find many big glossy ads touting these VIP services. But visitors are finding out about them anyway, says Chris Wojcik, who runs Disney's VIP Tour Services, mainly by word of mouth.

The parks have their own takes on the service. Universal Orlando, for example, touts a variety of VIP tours. For $120 a day (plus tax and admission), people can take a non-private, five-hour tour with up to 11 other people. For an $1,800 flat rate, up to 12 people can take a private guided tour for up to eight hours. It includes front-of-the-line ride access and reserved seating for shows.

But do Universal VIPs get the hairy eyeball from the poor chumps who have to wait in line? Rhonda Murphy, spokeswoman for Universal Orlando, sidesteps the question with, “Any of our guests are welcome to be part of the VIP tours.”

Robert Bartholome, tours supervisor at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Fla., is more forthcoming about tour guides running interference. “Occasionally that happens. It depends on how busy it is that day,” he says.

Busch Gardens offers an eight-hour private tour for $295 a person that includes front-of-the-line access for rides and shows, lunch at a swishy restaurant, and a two-hour behind-the-scenes Animal Adventure Tour where guests can get up close and personal with hippos, black rhinos and giraffes. But leave the tiny tots at home. You've got to be at least 13 years old.

While not technically a tour, La Ronde's $2,350 VIP service gives up to 10 people unlimited access to rides during the day, as well as a welcome cocktail party, a four-course meal with wine, a private box to watch the fireworks and post-pyrotechnics wine and cheese. Ah, such joie de vivre.

The newest entry into VIP tours is Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, home of some of the world's biggest, baddest roller coasters. Spokesman Robin Innes, who books the tours, says the park introduced its VIP program for the 2005 season. “Over the last couple of years, we had a lot of inquiries about it. People were interested,” he says.

Cedar Point's VIP tour may be the most comprehensive. For $1,650, up to six people get special parking privileges, a private tour guide, no waiting in lines for rides, VIP seating for shows, call-ahead reservations for any restaurant and even complimentary photos of those wide-mouth moments on a coaster. The tour lasts as long as the park's operating hours. Ride junkies are the frequent fliers for this program, Innes says.

At Disney, however, line-butting privileges aren't part of the experience. “Our service does not bypass the lines with our guests, but what they get is the expertise of the tour guides who know the traffic flow of the park,” VIP tour manager Wojcik says.

The tour guide does the grunt work when collecting Fastpass time tickets, which allow riders to bypass the “regular” line and use a faster express line instead. But it does take some planning. While VIP guests ride Space Mountain, for example, the guide hightails his or her way over to the next ride and slips their park tickets into the Fastpass machine to receive a “return-time” ticket. Guests then use the express line to get on the next ride at the time indicated on the ticket, say, from 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Anyone can use the Fastpass system, but few people have a gofer.

Smith says families who book VIP tours are usually affluent — and busy, as evidenced by all the dads hunched over BlackBerry handhelds as the Magic Kingdom parade passes our roped-off seating area.

But there are ways to make a VIP tour more affordable. Because she can take up to 10 people, Smith says two families of five can travel together and split the cost.

There's one more VIP option available: Go with an independent tour guide. Michael Hewell, president of Michael's VIPS of Orlando, has been guiding vacationers around Florida for the past six years. His staff cost $120 an hour, plus a 20-per-cent tip.

Before branching out on his own, Hewell had Smith's job as a Disney VIP guide. “I wanted to say ‘yes' to everything my guests asked to do, instead of ‘no.' As a theme park guide, there are so many ‘no's,' ” he says, explaining that anything beyond Disney's boundaries — shopping malls, Sea World, Universal and other Florida attractions — is off limits for Disney guides.

But my Disney VIP tour provides all the amusement I could want. Smith meets us at our resort precisely at 10 a.m. and eases us into a company Cadillac (only celebrities and media guests are “back-doored” like this). She's grace incarnate, folding up strollers, calling ahead to reserve show seats, securing a bench in a roped-off VIP area to watch the coveted afternoon parade, locating a kid-friendly place to eat, and deftly finding ways to avoid preschool meltdowns. My son keeps shooting her lovey-dovey eyes. And by the end of the day, so am I.

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Friday November 4, 2005

Disney, Pixar Playing Chicken

More problems for Disney - is Rapunzel Unbraided already in trouble?

Behind the Scenes of' "The Chronicles of Narnia"

Running at Disney

Ruiz Foods Announces El Monterey/Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” Promotion

Disney's other `Chicken Little' was a grim fairy tale

ESPN to Simulcast College Football to Florida Residents
Disney to start expensing stock options

Disney & Christie to Support 200 Digital Screens This Year

Walt Disney offers internships to Oshkosh students

Disney to target kids mobile services in Europe

Chronicles of Narnia mall experience recreates magical scene, promotes upcoming Disney film

Disney Store Offers Widest Selection of Exclusive Chicken Little Merchandise

Jim Alessandro Will Continue the Marketing Momentum of Disneyland's 18-Month-long 50th Anniversary Celebration

'Chicken Little' is frilly, nonsensical, aimed at toddlers

Flowcrete adds color to Disneyland HK

Shamrock to Make Investments in Israel

It's dueling popes on ABC, CBS

Disney, Pixar Playing Chicken

All eyes will be on a little chicken this weekend as Disney releases its first home-grown, entirely computer-generated feature.

If Chicken Little has wings -- and it's far from certain that it will, given the recent uneven results from Disney's once-storied animated studio -- it could help the media giant reassert itself just as high-profile talks loom with Pixar's Steve Jobs. On the other hand, if the sky falls, Jobs will have a little more leverage when the parties start serious negotiations in coming weeks.

"I think it has huge implications," one media analyst says of the movie's box office performance. "I think it might show that they [Disney] can't seem to get animation right and need a relationship with Pixar."

To be sure, one of the big questions in lotus land these days is what will become of the Disney/Pixar relationship -- and for that matter the Pixar animation studio's future, given its distribution situation.

Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that Jobs might consider selling the company, which to date has an impeccable record producing hits such as The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. Pixar would not come cheap, as the Apple founder seems quite fond of setting his own price points.

Pixar stock has spent recent months recovering from a midsummer earnings screwup, but its shares have risen sharply this fall. They rose 99 cents Friday to $53.49, putting them within a dollar of a 52-week high. Disney has done less well, falling 28 cents to $24.62 Friday, leaving it right in the middle of the mid-20s range it has traded in for most of the year.

Jobs and newly anointed Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger will look closely at box office returns after this weekend to determine whether Disney's animation studio has regained any sort of a footing in the computer-generated age.

Jobs has said repeatedly that he would like to see a new distribution partner for the studio in place by year's end. The current arrangement between the two studios expires after the release of Pixar's next flick, Cars, which is due in theaters in spring of 2006.

But Marla Backer of Soleil Securities says that neither Disney nor Pixar is expecting Pixar-like numbers out of Chicken Little. In essence, unless the movie unexpectedly does enormous box office, Backer believes the two parties will move closer to a new distribution deal.

Moreover, Backer says the chicken's showing "has implications for lots of different companies because it will show whether we have an undersupply of family entertainment."

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More problems for Disney - is Rapunzel Unbraided already in trouble?

Now, Rapunzel Unbraided (the directorial debut for "Disney legend" Glen Keane) isn't due in theaters until 2008, so it's not like there's a crisis brewing or anything. But there are problems. For one, the script is reportedly not only scattered, but littered with Shrek-style pop-culture jokes, just what Chicken Little is being ripped for being too heavy on. In addition, vocal star and rumored executive producer Reese Witherspoon has left the project because it is "no longer the film that Reese had originally signed on to do." What exactly that means is unclear, but it's been suggested that executive producer Witherspoon has lots of (unworkable) suggestions about her character in the movie, and that the resulting disagreements are what ultimately led to her departure.

Whatever the reason, though, Rapunzel Unbraided is without a star name, and has a script that is now, at the very least, considered risky. As a result, production on the film is thought to have been shut down "for serious retooling." While it's important to note that even massive hits like Toy Story and The Lion King went through crisis periods like this one, the fact is that everyone in Disney animation is more than a little jumpy right now.

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Behind the Scenes of' "The Chronicles of Narnia"

For fans of C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Disney-MGM Studios is transforming Soundstage 4 on Mickey Avenue into the frozen world of Narnia. Guests will go behind-the-scenes of the movie-making magic in the film based on the book. Visitors will enter the icy world through a giant wardrobe. In addition to props and set pieces, guests will see the elaborate creatures, costumes, and armor used in making the film. The attraction is scheduled to open on December 9, the same day the film premieres around the world.

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Running at Disney

While most people go to Walt Disney World to visit Mickey Mouse and Cinderella, Hopkinton resident Eileen Warren is going for an entirely different reason.

On January 8, Warren will be in sunny Orlando, Fla. running in the Walt Disney Marathon to raise awareness and money for arthritis - the nation's number one cause of disability and affecting more than 66 million Americans, according to Bill Turner, the president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation Massachusetts Chapter.

"It really is inspiring to see people who care enough to make this kind of commitment to help raise awareness and funds to help prevent, control and cure this chronic and often debilitating disease," said Turner.

Warren said even though the last marathon she ran was in the early '90's, she is ready to try again. She has run in several marathons including Boston, and the Marine Corps in Washington D.C.

"The last marathon I ran was in 1993," said Warren, "so I'm sure this isn't going to be easy, but I think about people who have difficulty simply walking because of arthritis and it's a huge motivator."

Warren, who suffers from epilepsy and is unable to drive, runs four times a week for physical fitness and felt it was the right time to do more. Warren said arthritis does run in her family, and she wants to try in any way she can to eradicate this debilitating disease.

As a child, Warren remembers a neighbor in Ashland who had arthritis so badly, her husband had to "jerry-rig" the family car so it would start with a can opener because she could not turn a key. Warren said this woman was once a world-renown Vogue magazine model, but the disease made it so she was unable to do the simplest day-to-day activities.

This woman, and many others who Warren has encountered while living everywhere from New Hampshire to Michigan, and back in Massachusetts, will keep her going in January.

"I don't drive," said Warren, "and it may sound trivial, but walking is critically important to me and running simply makes me feel good. Running for a cause makes me feel even better. Someone please remind me of that when it's freezing or rainy outside and I'm up for a three hour training run!"

Warren said she choose this marathon because arthritis is a scary disease. Since she doesn't drive, walking and the use of her feet are very important.

Before Warren can participate in the marathon, however, she has to raise $3,200. Unfortunately, said Warren, she started going door-to-door to get donations just when the economy took a downturn and Hurricane Katrina victims were in such need.

"We try and give to our community whenever we can and always try to help others in need, even if it's something small or simple," said Warren. "I'm hoping I'll get a little support back in the form of donations for this race. I'll do the road work, but I definitely need some help in the fundraising department."

If you would like to donate to the arthritis foundation through Eileen Warren's marathon efforts, please e-mail her at emswarren@hopkinton.com.

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Ruiz Foods Announces El Monterey/Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” Promotion

Ruiz Foods announces an El Monterey/Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” DVD promotional tie-in to specifically target its core consumers. This is the first promotion of its kind to be advertised on three popular El Monterey brand family 10-pack burritos: El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos, El Monterey Beef and Bean Chimichangas and El Monterey Bean and Cheese Burritos.

“This is a very exciting promotional tie-in for us,” explained Kim Ruiz Beck, vice chairman, Ruiz Foods, in a prepared statement. “It provides us with an opportunity to target our core consumer with a very special offer which will also serve to introduce them to our other product offerings … El Monterey Flour and Corn Taquitos, Tamales, Enchiladas, Mexican Appetizers … as well as the website which has many delicious and easy-to-make recipes.”

The promotion, which celebrates the Toy Story 10th Anniversary DVD release, began in September and was supported by an early October FSI drop which carried a 50-cent coupon good on any El Monterey product. The promotion will run through December, 2005.

According to the most recent IRI update (52-weeks, Oct. 9, 2005), El Monterey remains the leading brand of frozen Mexican food and is experiencing double-digit growth of 17 percent. The top three frozen Mexican items are El Monterey Beef and Bean Chimichangas, El Monterey Bean and Cheese Burritos and El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos.

“Our El Monterey brand has been experiencing double-digit growth for nearly 6 years,” added Beck. “We take pride in our dedication to quality and customer service and clearly understand that our partnership with our customers is a major factor in our product’s success.”

In June, 2005, Hispanic Business named Ruiz Foods 3rd among the Top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing firms and 2nd among the Top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned food manufacturing companies.

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Disney's other `Chicken Little' was a grim fairy tale

One thing you probably won't hear much about in the ballyhoo surrounding Disney's new ``Chicken Little'' is the studio's other version of ``Chicken Little,'' a seven-minute cartoon released in 1943. Far grimmer than its new counterpart, this is a ``Chicken Little'' with a major message about the dangers of spreading unsubstantiated rumors during wartime.

The vintage short is set in a fenced-in barnyard, populated, according to a narrator, by various social groups. Henny Penny and her group of gossips talk disparagingly of people they don't like. Turkey Lurkey presides over ``the smart set,'' would-be intellectuals who spend their time drinking tea and exchanging political theories. Goosey Poosey and his band of barflies drink their days away, while the fun-loving Jitterbirds -- ``a pretty featherbrained crowd,'' in the opinion of the narrator -- are too busy dancing to pay attention to what's happening in the world around them.

Would-be poultry poacher Foxy Loxy has been looking for a chance to get a chicken dinner, but he can't get past the high wall that protects the birds. Undaunted, he consults a psychology text that advises him that if he wants ``to influence the masses, aim first at the least intelligent,'' in this case, dim-witted yo-yo champ Chicken Little.

``Originally, the studio planned to show Foxy Loxy reading Adolf Hitler's book `Mein Kampf' to make sure no one missed the point, but it was decided to downplay the obvious Nazi imagery,'' notes narrator Leonard Maltin in his introduction to the short in the ``Walt Disney on the Front Lines: The War Years'' DVD set.

``If you tell 'em a lie, don't tell a little one, tell 'em a big one,'' Foxy Loxy reads. So he pretends to be the Voice of Doom, conjuring up a fake storm and dropping a phony ``piece of the sky'' -- a chunk of wood that's been painted blue -- on Chicken Little's empty head. Although Cocky Locky, the chicken community's leader, tells everyone that it's nothing to worry about, Foxy Loxy murmurs nasty rumors about Cocky Locky's reputation through holes in the fence, and a ``whispering campaign'' begins.

The story comes to a grisly finale that demonstrates just how easily evil can triumph, if given half a chance. No wonder Maltin warns that ```Chicken Little' is one Disney cartoon that parents might want to see for themselves before deciding if it's appropriate for their kids.''

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ESPN to Simulcast College Football to Florida Residents

After Hurricane Wilma knocked out power and cable service to millions in South Florida, ESPN will simulcast Saturday night’s marquee Virginia Tech-University of Miami football game on local ABC stations. The Disney-owned sports giant is making the game available to interested South Florida ABC stations, including WPLG in the hard-hit Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market.

“The devastation throughout Florida due to Hurricane Rita has lead us to work in conjunction with the local cable operators and the ABC affiliates in order to deliver Miami football to South Florida residents,” James Brown, senior VP, field sales at Disney and ESPN Networks Affiliate Sales and Marketing, said in a statement.

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Disney to start expensing stock options

Accounting change to begin Q4; company sees move costing 8 cents a share after taxes in fiscal '05.

The Walt Disney Co. will begin expensing employee stock options in the fourth quarter, an accounting move that will cost the company 8 cents per share after taxes in fiscal 2005, it said in a securities filing on Thursday.

Disney said it will record a deferred tax asset related to the fiscal 2005 income tax benefit.

Before Thursday's filing, analysts had, on average, expected adjusted earnings of 20 cents per share in the fourth quarter and adjusted earnings of $1.28 per share for fiscal 2005, according to Reuters Estimates.

Disney is scheduled to report fourth quarter and fiscal 2005 earnings on Nov. 17.

A company spokesman said Disney had previously announced its intention to start expensing stock options as soon as accounting rules pertaining to such expenses were finalized.

Shares of Disney were down slightly in after-hours trade on the Inet electronic brokerage at $24.87 after closing on Thursday at $24.90 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Disney shares have traded between $29.99 and $22.89 in the past 52 weeks.

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Disney & Christie to Support 200 Digital Screens This Year

The Walt Disney Studios' distribution arm Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and Access Integrated Technologies' Christie/AIX unit have entered into a non-exclusive agreement to supply feature films from Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures to DCI-compliant digital projection systems to be deployed by Christie/AIX.

Christie/AIX will install between 2,500 and 4,000 systems throughout the United States and Canada over the next two years.

Disney is the first major studio to sign an agreement to provide content for Christie/AIX digital systems.

AccessIT's Christie/AIX unit serves as the funding vehicle and administrator for the company's 4,000-screen digital cinema rollout plan expanded from the one originally announced in June 2005. Under the plan, Christie/AIX will act as a financing intermediary between content owners - including major studios and independent distributors - and exhibitors who will utilize DCI-compliant digital cinema systems including 2K projectors and related hardware and software.

The raising of capital for funding of the initial 200 systems was completed on July 21, 2005.

"We are thrilled that we have come to an agreement with Christie/AIX to supply content to their digital projection systems, and we will continue to support other deployment plans in order to ensure the future success of the exhibition industry," says Chuck Viane, president, BVPD. "DCI-compliant digital cinema rollouts will allow consumers to enjoy the highest quality cinema experience available while providing clear benefits to exhibition partners. We couldn't be more pleased with the top-of-the-line performance of Christie projectors and look forward to seeing our films presented in the highest digital viewing quality available."

Jack Kline, president and COO, Christie, says, "Exhibitors were one of our top priorities when we crafted the agreement. We wanted to ensure that maintenance costs remained similar to that of film projection while providing higher quality images."

Chuck Goldwater, president and COO of Christie/AIX says, "The Disney contract is the first of several announcements concerning our rollout plan that we expect to make in the weeks ahead. It re-affirms our confidence that the plan is viable, practical and workable for all industry participants. We are encouraged and grateful for the growing support from the studios and from exhibitors, which will enable AccessIT to continue to help drive the industry's transition to the digital future."

NATO president John Fithian did not want to comment on the announcement and referred people, instead, to exhibitors longstanding position calling for a rollout that includes all six major Hollywood studios and a definite beta testing period to verify that there "are no dark screens."

"We appreciate the importance of this signing as a major step forward for AccessIT and the industry," says Bud Mayo, chairman and chief executive officer of AccessIT. "Disney has always been extremely forward-thinking in the digital cinema space, and in supporting this venture in particular. We expect this to be the first of several signings with studios in the next month or so, accompanied by agreements with exhibitors."

"The most important part is that the rollout is starting in October," says Mayo. He says there will be a minimum of 125 screens and as many as 150-200 screens in place by Christmas.

The goal is to have installations in place in one or two of the biggest chains but Mayo insists the rollout will not be limited to the biggest chains. "We're committed to doing some small [chains], too. So that they can learn and that we can learn," he says. He stresses the need for training and says that Christie/AIX will be responsible for that. "This is a great responsibility," Mayo says, "and one that we welcome."

Mayo says the long-term goal is to have 10,000 digital screens operating by the end of 2008.

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Walt Disney offers internships to Oshkosh students

Disney Theme Park & Resorts College Program came to UW-Oshkosh on Oct. 24 and 25 to recruit students interested in working in their theme parks and resorts as a paid intern.

Recruiter Jeanne Walsh reintroduced Disney to Oshkosh students. Walsh's presentation focused on the many opportunities that open up to interns after working for a company that ranks 170 internationally on the Fortune 500 list.

College interns who work at Walt Disney in Orlando, Fla. have a variety of options to choose from when deciding what part of the year may work for them. Students can choose from spring or fall programs, and both have five and seven month options.

"At Walt Disney you aren't considered an employee, you are considered a cast member," Walsh said.

As an intern for Walt Disney, students will work in their facilities 30 to 45 hours a week and get paid $6.40 an hour. Walsh said students can work on the Disney World grounds for up to a year before they are asked to leave or take the next step with the company.

After a year students must apply for a professional internship with Walt Disney. Professional internship locations are scattered throughout the U.S. Students are challenged to use the skills that they have developed in the classroom and in real life situations.

Student Angela Roundtree participated in the program as a merchandise cast member at downtown Disney's Pleasure and West Side.

Roundtree said she broke even financially when she returned from the program.Roundtree felt that she could have come back to Oshkosh with more money than she had before she began the program, but spent a good amount of her earnings shopping.

As part of the program, interns are asked to participate in courses that can transfer into college credit. The courses are geared to make students think as though they are at a job in their field of choice.

"The best part of the internship was all the great networking. Disney has a variety of classes and spotlight sessions so that you may network with the executives of the company," Roundtree said.

Students who choose to participate in the Disney College Program are housed by the company in fully-furnished 2- to 8-person apartments for a fee of $69 to $89 a week. This fee includes all of the utilities, cable and Internet. The apartment grounds have 24-hour security and a variety of facilities for residents to use.

The Disney Theme Park & Resorts College Program hires about 5,000 students a year to work in their facilities as lifeguards, housekeepers, janitors, vendors, costume makers, greeters and actors. The company has expanded its recruiting to over 400 campuses in its 25-year existence.

"I would highly recommend the Disney College Program. Doing the program was my first time at Walt Disney World Resort and the experience was magical," Roundtree said.

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Disney to target kids mobile services in Europe

Disney, which has already announced two separate MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) deals in the US (one using the Disney brand and one using its ESPN sports network brand), is widely anticipated to repeat the move in Europe, with announcements due in the next few weeks.

Leaks to the UK Times and the French Les Echos point to Disney launching a phone service for children using prepaid cards, in at least the UK and France.

Word sneaked out when Disney began recruiting people in France and it is understood to be aiming to become a leading mobile operator in Europe. Disney is known to have already been selling ringtones and other material from two mobile websites in both France and the UK at Disneymobile.fr and Disneymobile.co.uk.

In the US Disney has piggy-backed on Sprint’s network with a Disney service announced in the Summer, with a sports version yet to come. Disney has made no statements about these proposed European services at present.

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Chronicles of Narnia mall experience recreates magical scene, promotes upcoming Disney film

A groundbreaking, multi-sensory experience based on the new Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media upcoming film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, brings Hollywood to the mall for the holidays this year.

Experience the Magic of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in the Snow Globes at 11 Taubman shopping centers nationwide opening Nov. 15. The new "snow globe" holiday decor lets visitors pass through the magic wardrobe and into the Land of Narnia -- a 20-foot- diameter snow globe complete with falling snow.

Through the Wardrobe

En route to Narnia, they'll encounter other giant snow globes, life-like figures and Narnia movie props and costumes directly from the film set. Cast members will welcome visitors via special greetings made exclusively for the experience, and director Andrew Adamson will take them on a video tour behind- the-scenes of the movie, which hits U.S. theaters Dec. 9.

They'll feel the same blast of cold that Lucy and Edmund felt when they stepped into Narnia, and experience the same theatrical snow in the magical Land of Narnia, where they'll see a sneak peak of Narnia movie footage.

Before leaving Narnia, guests can pose for a "green-screen" photo that captures the experience forever by making those in the picture look like they're standing in a wintry scene from the film, or they can pose with Santa who will be sitting nearby. Package prices are available at the shopping center.

The display runs through Jan. 8 at the following shopping centers: Beverly Center (Los Angeles), Cherry Creek Shopping Center (Denver), Dolphin Mall (Miami), Fair Oaks (Fairfax, Va.), International Plaza (Tampa, Fla.), MacArthur Center (Norfolk, Va.), Northlake Mall (Charlotte, N.C.), The Mall at Short Hills (Short Hills, N.J.), Westfarms (Farmington, Conn.), The Mall at Wellington Green (Wellington, Fla.) and The Shops at Willow Bend (Plano, Tex.).

"Our snow globe experience will be the first of many holiday displays featuring different, innovative entertainment components each year at our shopping centers," says Karen Mac Donald, Taubman director of communications. "We can't think of a better kick-off for this exciting new family tradition than The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe."

Celebrating the Narnia Experience

Kodak has joined Taubman shopping center's celebration of Narnia with their Kodak Holiday Sweepstakes. One shopper at each of the participating malls will win an all-inclusive London trip for two to the movie's Dec. 7 world premiere in London, England.

After the grand prize drawing Nov. 20, the contest continues through Dec. 31, giving those who register the chance to win great Kodak and Narnia prizes, including passes to The Chronicles of Narnia movie; Kodak EasyShare digital cameras, memory cards, photo books, printer docks and discount coupons; a Narnia soundtrack, poster and books; and a PlayStation(R) 2 Narnia game.

In addition, many of the malls will be awarding additional prizes.

Special for Opening Day

The first 100 visitors at each shopping center when the experience debuts Nov. 15 will receive a free copy of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe book and Turkish Delight candy, which plays a key role in the film.

Local personalities and celebrities will read the first chapter of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to early visitors at each participating shopping center on opening morning. Many of the centers will also host additional activities.

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Disney Store Offers Widest Selection of Exclusive Chicken Little Merchandise

Complementing Disney's latest animated feature film, Disney Store is offering a wide selection of Chicken Little merchandise, just in time for the busy holiday shopping season. Disney Store guests can choose from a variety of Chicken Little themed small and large plush items, toys, activity sets, keepsakes and apparel. Chicken Little baseball jerseys and PJs are sure to be a big hit with kids. Cuddly plush toys and character action figures are sure to inspire little home-town heroes to save the world. And when it comes to saving the world, heroes need the proper tools!

"We believe that families across the country will embrace the magic and charm of Chicken Little and we are therefore supporting the film with a wide assortment of exclusive product," says Disney Store President Mario Ciampi. Fans of all ages will find Chicken Little merchandise they just can't get anywhere else. Here's a sampling of items that are available only at Disney Stores, in shopping centers and malls nationwide:

The Chicken Little Cluckmobile Remote Control Car is a snazzy, multi-functional classic little car which transports Disney's new hero around Oakey Oaks. A kid-friendly remote controller makes the car go forward, backward, spin and honk (SRP $24.50). Kids can stay on-time and in-fashion with the Chicken Little Wrist Watch, featuring four interchangeable faceplates (SRP $7.50), and youngsters can pretend to keep in touch with their little friends on the Chicken Little Cell Phone (SRP $5.00).

Chicken Little Action Figures inspire imaginative play. Hit a home run with the Chicken Little Baseball Set, which includes a Chicken Little baseball glove, soft bat and ball (SRP $16.50). Choose from four different poseable characters with accessories: Chicken Little, Abby Mallard, Fish Out of Water or Aliens (SRP $9.50 each). An eight-piece figurine set includes Abby Mallard, Runt of the Litter, Fish Out of Water, Kirby the Alien, Foxy Loxy, Goosey Loosey, and 2 poses of Chicken Little. ($12.50 set, two for $20).

Little diners will love the Chicken Little Dinnerware set, which includes a plate, cup and bowl ($SRP 9.50). Kids will enjoy the Chicken Little Sing-Along Cassette Player (SRP $16.50). This kid-friendly cassette player allows your little pop star to sing along with their favorite tunes, just like Runt and Abby.

Every chic chick will be traveling in style with Disney Store's Chicken Little Rolling Luggage. With embossed velour siding and images of Chicken Little and Abby Mallard (SRP $24.50), it's the perfect suitcase for holiday trips to grandma's house and beyond. Fill it up with a selection of screen-printed Chicken Little tees for kids, featuring characters and slogans from the movie (sizes XS-L, SRP $9.50 or 3 for $22). Boys' Screened Pajama Bottoms are soft and cozy, with colorful, detailed imagery of classic character scenes from Chicken Little, (sizes XXS-L, SRP $12.50).

Snowglobes have become extremely popular keepsakes, and Disney Store has one of the best selections available. The new Chicken Little Snow Globe features Fish Out of Water inside an alien spaceship hovering over his friends (SRP $48).

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Jim Alessandro Will Continue the Marketing Momentum of Disneyland's 18-Month-long 50th Anniversary Celebration

Jim Alessandro has joined the Disneyland Resort as Senior Vice President, Marketing.

Alessandro comes to Southern California from Disneyland Resort Paris where he recently completed an assignment as Vice President, Global Marketing Support.

In his new role, Alessandro will lead all aspects of marketing including advertising, press and publicity, marketing strategy, special events and alliance marketing. He will be instrumental in enhancing additional initiatives to showcase Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration. The 18-month event kicked off on May 5 and is scheduled to continue through September 2006.

"I have worked closely with Jim in other assignments at Disney and have been impressed with his creativity and innovative thinking," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. "He will be a valuable addition to our leadership team as we continue to build on the marketing momentum created by Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration."

"It's a thrill to be in Anaheim and at Disneyland, the park that started it all in 1955," Alessandro said. "It is an exciting time for me to join the Disneyland Resort team just as the launch of the 50th anniversary is off to a great start. Our focus will be to keep that momentum alive. On a personal note, my family and I are looking forward to getting involved in the community."

Alessandro has more than 20 years of marketing and communications strategy experience. A 12-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, he has served as Vice President, Marketing for the Disney Cruise Line and Director, Brand Management at the Walt Disney Resort. In that role, he was responsible for providing brand management support for each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as its water parks, Downtown Disney and Disney's Wide World of Sports.

Before joining The Walt Disney Company, Alessandro worked for two advertising agencies: Saatchi and Saatchi in Los Angeles and Foote Cone and Belding in Chicago. He is a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio and a graduate of Miami University of Ohio.

Alessandro replaces Marty Muller who returns to her previous role as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing-Creative for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in Burbank.

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'Chicken Little' is frilly, nonsensical, aimed at toddlers

If you're old enough to read this, you probably won't get as much enjoyment out of "Chicken Little" as the cackling 3- and 4-year-olds at the advance screening who howled with delight at their first doses of head-bonking humor.

Inoffensive, careful and bland, the film could be classified more as a family sedative than family entertainment. It clucks away with its frilly, nonsensical story and pecks at some blunt life lessons, taking pains not to ruffle any feathers or leave claw marks.

Disney's first solo computer-animated feature is not so bad that you'll scream that the sky is falling. But neither is it promising enough to make you think the sky's the limit.

The studio's usual roundup of an impressive voice cast is here, including Zach Braff, Joan Cusack and Patrick Stewart. Also here are the ever-present outdated pop culture references aimed at grown-ups and the silly slapstick for the kiddies.

On the plus side, the screenwriting team didn't try to stretch the simplistic little 18th-century fable over the length of a full film. We start at the crux of the old story, in which Chicken Little (Braff) is a basket case, convinced that a piece of the sky has fallen on his head, falsely warning the other anthropomorphic animals of imminent doom. On the minus side, the writers didn't seem to know where to go afterward, turning the rest of the film into a bizarre satire of "War of the Worlds."

After Chicken Little is accused of mistaking an acorn for a piece of falling sky, he becomes the town embarrassment, especially to his father, the stoic widower Buck Cluck (Garry Marshall). Chicken Little attempts to win back Buck's respect by trying out for the baseball team. That effort sours when Chicken Little is struck on the head by a celestial object once again, which he believes is evidence of an alien invasion.

Afraid to talk to his dad about his findings, Chicken Little trusts only his friends, including Abby Mallard (Cusack), who answers to Ugly Duckling, a giant pig and silent, Harpo- esque Fish Out of Water. Abby, who's got a crush on Chicken Little, keeps urging him to talk to Buck, but Chicken Little refuses, and he and the village slip deeper and deeper into danger.

Kids grin with delight while parents pass the popcorn and glance stupefied at their watches, which seem to be going slower than usual.

That's not to say all adults will be bored. Animation fans who gush over finely rendered graphics will be in for a treat, and executives for competing computer-animated studios DreamWorks and Pixar will smile to learn that they're not facing another entity capable of matching the likes of "Shrek" and "Finding Nemo."

The film is another sign of Disney's fall as an animation power. For most of the past decade, the studio has cranked out out-of-touch, uninspired hand-drawn fluff. Now they've moved on to out-of-touch, uninspired computer-drawn fluff.

"Chicken Little" is directed by Mark Dindal, whose previous film was "The Emperor's New Groove," a film so terrible that the studio only followed it with one direct-to-video sequel instead of the standard five.

This one will likely get the treatment of Disney mediocrity: only three direct-to-video sequels and no traveling ice show. And pity the poor 19-year-old wannabe actor who has to walk around Disneyland in the chicken suit. He'll look upon his superiors, Goofy, Donald and Simba, with steaming envy.

2.5 stars out of 4

Rated: G, for all audiences

Voice cast: Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Garry Marshall, Don Knotts, Patrick Stewart

Director: Mark Dindal

Family call: Fine for kids

Running time: 77 minutes

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Flowcrete adds color to Disneyland HK

Visitors to Fantasy Land at the new Disneyland on Hong Kong's Lantau Island will experience a burst of colour as they enter the restaurant arcade, thanks to the installation of a flooring system from Flowcrete.

Flowcrete's revolutionary seamless epoxy terrazzo system known as Mondéco has been installed at the entrance walkway of the Fantasy Land Fare Restaurant and Princess Shopping Arcade. The special design generated by the client features six different colourways, which was achieved using Mondéco Exotic and Mondéco Crystal.

"The project was quite complex with the two different Mondéco systems in a total of six colours. The schedule was also very tight with many contractors on site at the same working to achieve completion in time for the facility opening," Flowcrete Hong Kong general manager Ali Akhtar says.

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Shamrock to Make Investments in Israel

Shamrock Capital Advisors, Roy E. Disney's investment company, raised $125 million to invest in Israeli companies.

Burbank-based Shamrock said that it planned to make investments of as much as $20 million. The firm said it attracted investors such as Israeli and U.S. pension funds, insurance companies and commercial banks as well as families in Australia and the U.S.

The firm, which invests money for the family of the former Walt Disney Co. vice chairman, has been investing in Israel for 17 years. It has taken stakes in companies such as Koor Industries, Matav-Cable Systems Media and Tadiran Communications.

Roy E. Disney, 75, is the nephew of Walt Disney and the son of Roy O. Disney, co-founders of Walt Disney Co. Roy E. Disney has about a 1% stake in the Walt Disney Co., making him the biggest individual shareholder, Shamrock spokesman Clifford Miller said.

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It's dueling popes on ABC, CBS

CBS television's highly touted mini-series about the late Pope John Paul II may have the Vatican's blessing, but a competing TV movie from ABC will hit the airwaves first.

The Walt Disney Co.-owned network revealed this week its quietly developed drama, "Have No Fear: The Life of Pope John Paul II," will be broadcast on December 1, three days before the CBS production that has received far more attention.

A CBS spokesman said on Thursday his network was sticking with its plans to air its two-part mini-series, "Pope John Paul II," on December 4 and December 7.

The dilemma for CBS, a unit of Viacom Inc., proves once again that advance publicity can be a blessing and a curse in the TV business, where rival networks occasionally find themselves racing similar big-event projects to the screen.

In June, NBC dropped its ballyhooed plans for a mini-series about the September 11 attacks based on the official "9/11 Commission Report" when it became clear ABC was determined to be first with a lower-profile 9/11 movie of its own.

"We did the same thing with the pope movie. We don't really announce development," ABC spokeswoman Annie Fort said. "(CBS) may have gotten their announcement out first, but it doesn't mean we weren't in production first."

The two-hour ABC movie stars relatively little-known actor Thomas Kretschmann, whose credits include supporting roles in "The Pianist" and an upcoming "King Kong" remake, as Pope John Paul.

The CBS film features a better-known cast, led by Oscar winner Jon Voight in the title role, and was written under the guidance of the Vatican, which also granted producers access to obtain exclusive footage in and around St. Peter's Square.

Last month, CBS boasted of its plans for a special advance screening of its production for John Paul's successor, Pope Benedict XVI, on November 17 at the Vatican.

Neither ABC nor CBS can claim the very first TV dramatization of John Paul's life. A film about his early years, "Karol: The Man Who Became Pope," aired on Italian TV in April, less than a month after the pontiff's death.

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Thursday November 3, 2005

Disney greeters moved out of sight

Rachel S. Hutter Receives the SWE Emerging Leader Award for Quality

Disney, Fox, UA push digital cinema rollout

Mendez Named Disney-ABC Senior VP for Diversity

Local youths bring Disney magic to children

Are Your Pets Secretly Saving the World?

'Chicken' release set on more than a wing and prayer

Disney Watercolorist to Teach Workshop

Star Command Update

Disney's computer animation disappointing in Chicken Little

Disney's 'The Incredibles' take to the ice

Disney on Ice comes to life

Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' performing soon

Pixar's coming attractions

Spaceship to get new sponsor

Alabama Company Moves Hook, Line and Sinker to Celebration

Wonders of Life opening for the holidays

Downtown Disney's Latest Grownup Attraction `Oozes Irishness'

WDW Magic Your Way Discounted Packages Announced for Early 2006

FASTWEB and Buena Vista International Make Disney's Magic English Available on IPTV

Disney gives Smithsonian African collection coveted by Chirac

Disney greeters moved out of sight

Walt Disney World's airport greeters, whose job was to direct tourists to the resort's free shuttle, were removed from their controversial station on Orlando International's main floor this week and assigned to a place where they are out of travelers' sight.

The relocation from the third to the first floor of the airport was the latest blow to Disney's Magical Express, the free shuttle that began in May and now daily carries as many as 8,000 tourists from the airport to the resort. Disney had expected to be stationed on the second floor near baggage claim.

Airport attorney Douglas Starcher notified Disney executives and a company lawyer in an e-mail Wednesday. Starcher told Disney Senior Vice President Jerry Montgomery and attorney Jim Stockton that Disney would not be allowed to station employees on the second level where other taxi, limo and shuttle drivers often wait for passengers.

Only Mears Transportation Group, which contracts with Disney to operate Magical Express, would be allowed there and Mears workers "may not be dressed in Disney uniforms or wear the white Disney hands."

Airport Executive Director Bill Jennings said Disney "misunderstood" the airport's position on where the greeters would be relocated.

Airport officials ordered Disney in September to remove its greeters, who wore oversized white Mickey Mouse gloves, from the third level after other transportation companies complained that the location gave Disney an unfair competitive edge. The other companies were prohibited from the third floor, where passengers disembark.

Disney moved its greeters to the second-floor baggage claim area on Tuesday, the date they agreed upon, only to be told they weren't welcome there.

"We were surprised and disappointed that the airport asked us to remove Disney's Magical Express greeters from the airport's second level -- the location where all other transportation providers and destination management companies meet their guests," said Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty.

Jennings said the decision was made "in an effort to treat all of the ground transportation providers the same."

Taxi and luxury car drivers staged strikes and protests in recent weeks over the free Disney service, which they say dug deep into their businesses, in part, because the airport allowed Disney to advertise the service on the third level.

Disney has said only 2 percent of the customers who rode Magical Express did not already have reservations to do so when they stepped off their airplanes. The program caters to passengers who book ahead of time because it also includes luggage service from their home airport straight to their Disney hotel room.

Prunty said the greeters played a "critical function" in improving the airport's efficiency and keeping passengers from getting lost.

"It's all part of the chain that allows for an efficient operation," she said.

Starcher's e-mail alluded to further changes in the airport's policy that governs who can greet passengers at baggage claim.

Jennings said there is an effort to staff information booths or kiosks in that area that could give inquiring travelers information on all of the services. That proposal will be up for approval from the airport's governing board in December.

"One of the things we're trying to do is be consistent and fair," Jennings said.

The Orlando airport moved the greeters after complaints from cab drivers.

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Rachel S. Hutter Receives the SWE Emerging Leader Award for Quality

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) today announced Rachel S. Hutter recipient of the 2005 Emerging Leaders Award in quality assurance for demonstrated leadership in quality.

Rachel is director, attractions engineering services and quality assurance at Walt Disney World Co. In this position, Rachel is responsible for the quality of 70 unique ride attractions. Rachel has spearheaded programs to create consistency and efficiency across the company's four theme parks and two water parks in Florida. Among her notable responsibilities are creating, planning, and scheduling preventative maintenance and inspection procedures for attractions; training more than 1,000 cast members on ride law requirements, company and industry standards, and attraction safety; and conducting non-destructive testing, mechanical inspection and receiving inspection for attraction and vehicle components.

"Rachel Hutter exemplifies what the Emerging Leader Awards were built to recognize," says Ronna Robertson, president of the Society of Women Engineers. "She has truly taken her technical skills and sought out ways to build upon her leadership and management strengths while promoting an environment of inclusiveness for those around her."

During her tenure at Walt Disney World Co., Rachel has built an impressive resume of accomplishments in the area of quality assurance. Rachel created a scorecard which aligns department strategies with quantitative strategies and quantitative success measures for monitoring continuous improvement; established global data hierarchy infrastructure across all Florida locations so that quality and safety metrics can be compared and trended; and has developed systems and processes to leverage technology to enhance safety and quality while reducing cost.

Rachel has advanced in five years from engineer through positions of increasing responsibility to become the first female executive in the maintenance and engineering organization. During her progression, Rachel has made great strides in company diversity by helping women and minorities establish networking and career development opportunities and by developing the business plan for improving diversity in the Faculties Operations Services (FOS).

"Rachel has successfully bridged the gap from engineer to leader," says Trevor J. Larsen, P.E., vice president, engineering, Walt Disney World Co. "Many of her quality processes have now been implemented in other Disney parks throughout the world. She is active in developing other engineers and leaders internally through mentoring."

Rachel has also been very active in professional organizations, the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and SWE. Rachel was honored by SWE's Central Florida Section with the 2004 Engineer of the Year Award.

Rachel received her B.S. degree in electrical engineering with a minor in Theater from Michigan State University and a Crummer Management Certificate from Crummer Graduate School of Business from Rollins College. She also earned hydraulic and electrical certifications.

This marks the inaugural year for the Emerging Leader Awards. These awards were created in response to overwhelming demand from our corporate partners and members to recognize the accomplishments of mid-career women. The Emerging Leader Awards honor women engineers who have demonstrated outstanding technical excellence as an individual resulting in significant accomplishments in the following areas: academia; manufacturing and construction; procurement/logistics; product research, design, and engineering; quality, safety, health and environment; and sales and marketing.

The Emerging Leaders will be formally presented Friday night, November 4, 2005, at SWE's National Conference Awards Banquet in Anaheim, Calif. The National Conference, "Women Engineers Leading Global Diversity," is being held at the Anaheim Convention Center, November 3-5, Anaheim. The more than 3,000 attendees include professionals from every discipline of the engineering profession and a large number of engineering students and educators. The 2006 Conference is scheduled for October 11-14 in Kansas City, Mo.

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Disney, Fox, UA push digital cinema rollout

Access Integrated Technologies Inc. and Christie Digital Systems on Wednesday said they'll meet their target for installing the first 150 digital cinema projection systems under their 4,000-screen goal is on schedule to complete by Dec. 31.

There are about 250 digital cinema-ready screens out of approximately 105,000 worldwide, and most are not compliant with industry standard Digital Cinema Initiative specifications, said Bud Mayo, chairman and CEO of AccessIT. "This is only the beginning, and we have the studios' support," he said. "There are about 36,000 screens in the U.S. and Canada."

Based on recent distribution agreements signed with Disney, Twentieth Century Fox and Universal, AccessIT has begun the initial deployment of systems in Emagine Entertainment Inc. theatres in Detroit, Mich. Ultrastar Theaters Inc. locations in southern California are scheduled next.

As negotiations continue with several national and regional theater chains, Christie/AIX expects Emagine and Ultrastar Theaters, Inc. to deploy digital cinema systems throughout their entire regional chains, totaling approximately 148 screens. These screens are in addition to the Pavilion Digital Showcase nine-plex in New York City's Brooklyn, that AccessIT owns, where five digital projectors have been operating since May and four more are planned.

The rollout is getting a boost from the deal AccessIT and Christie Digital USA signed in June. The plan is to provide the movie theater industry with funding and equipment to advance Hollywood's transition to digital cinema.

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Mendez Named Disney-ABC Senior VP for Diversity

Former Buena Vista business affairs executive Robert Mendez has been appointed to the newly created position of senior VP of diversity for the Disney-ABC Television Group.

Mr. Mendez, a past president of the Hispanic National Bar Association and current board member of the Hispanic National Bar Foundation and The Imagen Foundation, will report to Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television Group.

Mr. Mendez will advance diversity strategies for the Disney-ABC Television Group, which includes the ABC Television Network, Touchstone Television, Disney Channel Worldwide, SoapNet, Toon Disney, Jetix, ABC Family and Walt Disney Television Animation. He also will serve as the company's liaison on diversity matters with government officials, the creative community, advocacy groups and others. He will continue to be based in Burbank.

Mr. Mendez previously served as senior VP of business and legal affairs for Buena Vista Television, and he has worked for Paramount and NBC.

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Local youths bring Disney magic to children

M-I-C-K-E-Y. Why? Because they love to entertain local children. M-O-U-S-E.

It's not quite the Mickey Mouse Club, but eight local teen-agers are making their mark by singing and dancing in Radio Disney WSDZ 1260 AM's performance team. They travel around the area making appearances, hosting parties and entertaining kids of all ages.

"I love going out to make a kid have a great day who might not of otherwise had a great day," said Maggie Szewczyk, 18.

Belleville natives Maggie and her brother, 17-year-old Eddie Szewczyk, have been part of the "RD Frequency Team" since it began five years ago.

The local entity of the radio station is broadcast out of Belleville. But the catch phrase "Radio Disney: We're all ears" can be heard throughout most of the nation and even broadcasts internationally.

The Szewczyks are active in their school communities -- Maggie a freshman at St. Louis University and Eddie a senior at St. Louis University High School.

Eddie Szewczyk said working with the kids is his favorite part of the job.

"I really do get a high seeing the kids' faces when we hand them those awesome prizes that we have," he said.

The group was inspired by the Mickey Mouse Club as a way to showcase kids' talents. At events, RD Frequency plays games and often gives away prizes like Disney DVDs.

While bringing joy to the youthful faces, the entertainers are also earning a living. "They're all part-time employees of the Walt Disney Co.," said Ted Zimmerman, spokesman for the radio station. "It's a better-paying job than flipping burgers."

Of the 17 members of the performance team, eight are from the metro-east. In addition to the Szewczyks, the group includes Tess Boyer, 13, Glen Carbon; Apollonia "Polly" Goeckner, 16, Edwardsville; Emily Mollet, 19, New Baden; Jordan Parente, 15, Glen Carbon; Bethany Rosenthal, 14, Highland; and Tenetia "Nana" Wilson, 15, Centreville.

Polly, a junior at Edwardsville High School, said her favorite part of being in the group is the ability to perform. "It's awesome just being in front of people and doing what you love to do," she said. "There's no feeling like it in the world."

RD Frequency will participate in the Belleville Santa Claus parade on Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving.

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Are Your Pets Secretly Saving the World?

Bix, Princess and Rocky aren't your typical cat, dog and tortoise, they live secret, adventurous lives when their owners aren't looking! In their lives as the Jet Pack Pets, they defend justice as these three fight for fair play and the right to eat a lot of hot dogs.

Readers of Disney Adventures magazine have been enjoying the adventures of the Jet Pack Pets since 2000, and now their stories are being collected into Jet Pack Pets: Let's Make Tracks!, a full-color graphic novel by Jet Pack Pets creators Michael Stewart and Garry Black and art by a super team of Jet Pack Pals.

Comic book readers since childhood, Stewart and Black wanted to re-create the fun and excitement in comics that they used to know. "We both got into comics as soon as we could read," said Stewart, "and we knew that there was a huge audience of young kids out there who didn't have many comics to choose from."

The two got the opportunity, after doing an online comic called Mean Planet for the Sci-Fi Channel, to pitch their idea for a creator-owned series to Disney Adventures. "Our basic idea was to take classic, Disney-style funny animals and combine them with the energy of Silver Age comics, and then mix in some of the anarchy of Warner Bros. cartoons," Black explained. "That led us to create our three intrepid house pets and their beloved but bumbling owners, whom the pets are continually forced to get out of trouble."

Jet Pack Pets: Let's Make Tracks! will rocket off in 144 pages of full color this November and will be available in better comic book stores, book stores and online from Amazon.com as well as the publisher's own website. A preview of the Jet Pack Pets can be seen on the publisher's website at http://www.slavelabor.com/prev_jpp/prev_jpp.html.

Established in 1986, SLG Publishing is a San Jose, CA-based publisher of comics books and graphic novels. Operating under its imprints Slave Labor Graphics and Amaze Ink, SLG Publishing has distributed the work of such notable cartoonists as Jhonen Vasquez, Evan Dorkin and Andi Watson. Amaze Ink, an imprint of SLG, publishes fun comics and graphic novels for readers of all ages.

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'Chicken' release set on more than a wing and prayer

As the Walt Disney Studios breaks open its digital 3-D version of "Chicken Little" on 84 screens this weekend, behind the scenes a veritable army of technologists is poised to ensure that the world's first digital 3-D theatrical release arrives sunny side up.

To help exhibitors through this crucial weekend, one d-cinema engineer is assigned to each 3-D screen for the first run of the film. No fewer than three toll-free numbers have been set up for exhibitors, and new d-cinema projectors have magnets stuck to them with help lines clearly displayed.

For the past week, key studio and d-cinema executives involved with the 3-D release have been holed up in a war room known as "the chicken coop" on the Disney lot, overseeing the deployment of the 84 new digital 3-D projection systems. A few execs will remain stationed in "the coop" over the weekend to deploy response teams to any exhibition sites in peril.

"Exhibitors are counting on us for reliability, and there is a lot of fear associated with new digital equipment," said Tim Partridge, Dolby senior vp and general manager of the professional division. "In terms of a technology transition, the move to digital cinema is enormous, but we believe we can provide assurance."

When Disney first announced in June that it would debut "Chicken Little" in 3-D, it set in motion several frenzied months that saw the build-out of multiple Dolby digital cinema screens; the roll-out of Real D, an as-yet unproved 3-D projection technology; the creation of a newly engineered digital postproduction process at Industrial Light + Magic; and the mass production of four acres worth of cute green polarized glasses.

At stake this weekend is the viability of digital cinema, digital 3-D and the promise of a new out-of-home experience.

"We're all tied together in this: Disney, ILM, Real D and exhibitors," said Michael Lewis, Real D co-founder and chairman. "The audience is going to tell us how we do very shortly."

Although all involved hope audiences will lose themselves in the immersive 3-D experience, plenty of drama lies behind bringing the re-outfitted animated film to the screen.

The first bump in the road arrived the day that Disney publicly announced its 3-D plan in June (HR 6/27). Exhibitors were caught largely unaware that they would be asked to commit to the new digital cinema equipment. Disney's distribution team fanned out across the country to present roadshows explaining the concept to exhibitors.

In order to show the movie in 3-D, theater owners then had to haggle with Disney's two d-cinema partners, Dolby and Real D, over equipment deals. Each company negotiated separate long-term yearly contracts with exhibitors for their systems (HR 10/5).

Along the way, Disney's initial goal of 100 screens fell to 84, due to a shortage of available digital projection systems, execs said.

"We had in excess of 100 exhibitors interested," said Real D CEO Josh Greer, "but we couldn't get the equipment. Digital projector suppliers are used to selling 5-10 units a month, and all of a sudden they had an order for 50."

Walt Disney Feature Animation faced a completely different challenge in turning its first in-house computer animated film into a 3-D experience.

"Our main 3-D production challenge was overcome when we found the gang at Industrial Light + Magic," said Lylle Breier, senior vp worldwide special events.

The Marin Country visual effects shop had not planned to convert 1,400 computer animated shots into 3-D in just over three months. It did not have a digital 3-D process in place, or 3-D conversion software, or a team to handle the task, according to Colum Slevin, senior director of computer graphics, Industrial Light + Magic. ILM also was in the middle of a company-wide move to San Francisco's Presidio.

"There's a white-knuckle element to this whole thing," Slevin said. "It's a quantum leap for us to suddenly cram 1,400 shots into a pipeline on a three-month schedule. Remember, 'Chicken Little' was never planned as 3-D movie. We had to crack open (Walt Disney Feature Animation) shots that have been in production for four years, and they changed their pipeline halfway through production."

He further explained, "It's an archival challenge trying to find (the) right take; it's a gargantuan bookkeeping exercise, but it's also an amazing aesthetic exercise."

It also was an exercise that other computer animation houses, such as Pixar, DreamWorks/PDI, Blue Sky and others, have been closely watching, aware they may need to do 3-D conversions of their films currently in production, Slevin suggested.

The 3-D conversion process cost Disney about $8 million, according to two sources close to the production. ILM delivered the 3-D digital master of "Chicken Little" on schedule to Disney on Sept. 19.

Although Disney had penciled in a screening of the film at the ShowEast exhibitors convention on Oct. 24, it opted instead to present just a short, 3-D clip from the movie.

Said Breier, "We did in 4 months something that normally would have taken over a year. We weren't finished, and we were not ready to show the whole movie at ShowEast. It's a gigantic process. Once ILM was finished, there was color-timing, testing. The movie was finished in postproduction at Disney."

Meanwhile, the projection booth and silver screen installations were coming down to the wire, as well.

"The end is near," said Michael Karagosian, president of MKPE Consulting. "We're hearing all kinds of stories from exhibitors. There are lots of problems installing new screens, equipment hasn't been showing up on time, security keys have been delayed; it's just a huge hurdle for everyone involved."

Partridge commented, "It's a really complex new system and radically new technology to those 40 (theater chains). So, yes, of course, we're seeing teething problems, and that's why we need to supply as much customer support as we are doing."

Added Breier, "You can't imagine. Every day there were things that came up with this movie. There was nothing easy about it, but being first isn't easy."

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Disney Watercolorist to Teach Workshop

Walt Disney artist, illustrator and watercolor instructor Neil Mooney of Tallahassee will conduct a week-long workshop at the Lake Wales Arts Center Feb. 20-24.

The course will instruct students on the various aspects of art form, design and painting techniques through lecture, demonstration and art labs.

Students of any level are welcome. Cost is $450 for Lake Wales Arts Council members and $460 non-members. Class size is limited, registrations must be in by Feb. 3.

The center is also holding classes on a variety of subjects, including watercolors, acrylics and clay sculpture. Costs vary. For information and to register, call 676-8426.

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Star Command Update

Disneyland Paris - Urgent public message from Star Command: we are looking for future recruits to help fend off the latest attack of Zurg who tries to steal the battery supply of the toy universe. Interested recruits may report to the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast at the Disneyland Parks, Disneyland Resort Paris, Europe, Earth, as of April 8, 2006. Please bring your on batteries. Universe-wide transportation is available via Star Tours and the Baltimore Gun Club.

Background information: the work on the upcoming Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast attraction going into the former Visionarium in Discoveryland is making progress. To announce the opening date (April 8, 2006) signs have been added to the so far bar blue construction walls, featuring Zurg, Buzz and the little green aliens. While the upper part of the facade is nearly finished, the new walls that close off the former covered overflow-queue-area in the front of the building are still unthemed. Also the work on a related new mosaic on the walkway at the entrance of Discoveryland continues, resulting in a bottleneck. To ease traffic a rope is temporary set up to create separate lanes for in- and outbound guest flow.

The former Constellations shop has reopened in the meantime after finishing the first phase of its transformation into a Buzz Lightyear / Toy Story themed shop. Mickey's flying machine inspired by Leonardo da Vinci did not return for obvious reasons and the drawings of the zodiac signs above the central area have been covered. Also a new carpet featuring the colors and graphics from the Toy Story universum have been added as well as new Toy Story themed cashier signs. Some additional themeing elements may be added in time for the opening of the new attraction.

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Disney's computer animation disappointing in Chicken Little

The sky has been falling for the past five years at Disney's venerable animation studios, whose golden touch has turned leaden with a string of forgettable cartoon films.

The pioneer of hand-drawn cartoons, Disney now finds itself chasing upstart competitors into the digital age with Chicken Little, the studio's first totally computer-animated film. It's a fitful start, likely to please kids and their parents without wowing them as did DreamWorks' Shrek movies or Pixar's Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.

Chicken Little is a nice little trifle that's too chicken to do anything but play it safe. The moderately cute characters dash through slapstick mayhem more in line with Looney Tunes shorts than a Disney cartoon. And the story is a derivative mishmash of pop-culture references woven into a not-so-irreverent tweaking of fairy-tale conventions that Disney's classic movies helped perpetuate.

You know the initial part of the story, which director Mark Dindal (The Emperor's New Groove) spins in a frenetic opening sequence as Chicken Little (voice by Zach Braff) cries wolf that the sky is falling. His town goes batty with panic, only to declare Chicken Little public nuisance No. 1 after it's determined that our hero was misled by a falling acorn.

A year later, the little guy and his widower dad, Buck Cluck (Garry Marshall), still are trying to live down the shame. But wouldn't you know it? Just when things start looking up for Chicken Little, a piece of the sky really does fall on him in the form of a spaceship panel that signals the arrival of encroaching aliens.

Of course, no one believes him, and Chicken Little becomes an object of ridicule again. He plucks up his courage and takes on the alien menace, aided by his school pals - 900-pound piglet Runt of the Litter (Steve Zahn), Abby "Ugly Duckling" Mallard (Joan Cusack) and Fish Out of Water (whose burbly vocal noises are provided by the movie's editor, Dan Molina). Rounding out the voice cast are Patrick Stewart, Catherine O'Hara, Fred Willard, Amy Sedaris, Harry Shearer, Don Knotts and Wallace Shawn.

The animation is sturdy and respectable, though far short of the razzle-dazzle that Pixar and DreamWorks produce.

If it were the first computer-animation foray by any other studio, Chicken Little would seem like a good start. Yet fair or unfair, you expect more than just a good start from Disney.

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Disney's 'The Incredibles' take to the ice

Families go to Disney's Magic Kingdom by the thousands every day. But none of them is quite like this Disney family.

"Disney on Ice, presents Pixar's 'The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure'" is the first on-ice adventure featuring the superpower-enhanced Parr clan -- parents Bob and Helen and kids Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack -- made famous in last year's hit Disney film.

The show visits Hershey's Giant Center for 10 performances from Wednesday through Nov. 13.

The Parrs visit Disney's Magic Kingdom Park to ride the attractions -- such as the Haunted Mansion and the Tea Party -- and meet other Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Cinderella. But their superpowers keep getting in the way, to hilarious results. When the villain Syndrome arrives to ruin the day, the Parrs have to stop him, with help from the audience.

The story was written by creative director Jerry Bilik and producer Kenneth Feld.

"Once Jerry wrote the script, because it was adapted for the ice, it was really easy to bring it to life," said director Patty Vincent in a phone interview from Los Angeles.

"My job was to be very true to the characters," Vincent said. "We did quite a bit of study as far as the relationships from the movie and how they interacted and reacted to each other as a family. We wanted to keep their personalities and their character very true so that there was no question of who these people were."

As in the film, the Parr family tries desperately to keep their super identities a secret. Vincent called that aspect of the show her greatest challenge.

"They had to blend into the park -- they couldn't be the stars," she said. "It was really important to keep them as average as everybody else.

"We have an opening number where we have guests come into the park, and they're one of those families. So it was important to highlight them in a way, to feature them so everybody knew who they were, but not overexaggerate them," she said.

Vincent skated with Disney on Ice from 1983 to 1992 and now serves as character development director for all touring Disney on Ice and Disney Live! productions, a position she's held since 2001. She served as production performance director from 1998 to 2001. She also directed Disney/Pixar's "Finding Nemo."

She develops all the characters and lead roles, blocks and stages dialogue scenes, determines transition cues and rehearses individually with each lead performer.

Most skaters who come to the Disney productions are amateurs; some have had previous performing experience.

"Amateur skaters are used to competition, so when they come to us, it's important to take that skater and to teach them about performing to 10,000, 15,000 people a night," she said. "We focus on the technical part of skating, but then it's opening up the body and being able to perform and letting all the judging of the skating go away."

So Vincent has to teach theater techniques as well as skating ones.

"When we're rehearsing, we become the characters rather than just ice skaters," she said. "We start that from the very beginning so that it's a part of the rehearsal and they understand that right away."

Vincent said her favorite part of her job is "seeing it all come to life."

"It's really an amazing emotional place to be when you take a look at what everybody's done and the cast and crew that actually give it that life," she said.

"Disney on Ice presents Pixar's 'The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure'" started its tour in September and will run through May.

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Disney on Ice comes to life

Have you ever wished you were a princess with a beautiful castle? You can enter a magical, musical world with seven of Disney's most popular princesses in Disney on Ice "Princess Classics."

Ariel ("The Little Mermaid"), Belle ("Beauty and the Beast"), Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora ("Sleeping Beauty"), Mulan and Jasmine ("Aladdin") are skating alongside their true loves during the show at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex this week.

The ice skater who performs as Ariel, Robyn Sudkamp of Denver, says, "You'll see each princess discover how true love saves the day."

Ariel is a teenage mermaid, full of romantic ideas. She falls in love with a human, Prince Eric. In the show, the prince skates holding Ariel in the air as she trades her fin for legs.

Sudkamp enjoys touring with the other ice skaters. "It's a great opportunity to travel and see the world," she says. The show just returned from Japan and Australia.

The cast members have fun, but they have to work hard as well. They practice off the ice for one hour each day, plus skate one hour every day, in addition to skating in the show. Sudkamp has been touring with the show since it opened three years ago.

In addition to the skating, elaborate costumes and special lighting help make the show special. The centerpiece is a magical castle that changes seven times - once for each royal story.

Sudkamp said that skating with Prince Eric is her favorite part of the show, but she also loves watching as the Beast turns into a prince.

"The show is a great place for children to see their favorite characters come to life," she says.

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Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' performing soon

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast opening at Theatre at the Mount for six performances beginning Friday, Dec. 2.

Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast includes all of the wonderful songs from the film ranging from waltzes to French cabaret to a Broadway style show tune featuring the dinner dishes and silverware!

Audiences will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle (Alyssa Gentry) lives with her father (Tim Murphy) - a dotty inventor. When her father doesn't return from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find him. To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast (Chris Cassello). She trades her freedom for his and the "tale as old as time" begins.

Other members of the Beauty and the Beast cast include: Jeffrey Fleming as Gaston, Craig Cormier as LeFou, Jennifer Williams as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Rebecca Ufema as Mrs. Potts, Marc Clermont as Cogsworth, Rob Houle as Lumiere, Nicole Couture as Babette, Nicholas Landry as Chip and a large ensemble of singers and dancers.

Tickets are on sale now for performances on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Evening tickets are $18 and matinees are $15. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Call the Theatre at the Mount box office at (978) 632-2403 or purchase tickets online at theatre.mwcc.edu.

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Pixar's coming attractions

Will Pixar forge a new deal with Disney? What's it working on after "Cars?" Investors want answers.

Wall Street hates uncertainty. It's one of those investing aphorisms that you hear time and time again.

But if that adage is really true, you wouldn't know it by looking at Pixar.

Shares of the animated-movie production company have surged nearly 20 percent during the past month. Yet, it's hard to find a company with more question marks.

With Pixar set to report its latest financial results on Tuesday, here are some issues that fans of Nemo, Woody and Sully need to be thinking about.

Who will Pixar's next distribution partner be? Walt Disney? Most likely.

Talks between Disney and Pixar broke down in 2004. Their current distribution deal ends with the release of Pixar's next movie, "Cars."

According to the terms of that agreement, Disney pays for marketing and distribution of the films. After recovering those costs, Disney splits profits from the films and related merchandise equally with Pixar.

But now that Michael Eisner is no longer CEO of Disney there have been increased hopes that Disney and Pixar will kiss and make up.

Pixar CEO Steve Jobs, who also runs a little company called Apple is said to have a much better relationship with new Disney chief Bob Iger. During the company's second-quarter conference call in August, Jobs said he was talking to Iger about whether or not to forge a new deal.

There are already some promising signs. Last month, Disney agreed to allow some of the hit shows from its ABC television network to be available for purchase on Apple's iTunes site. That announcement sparked hopes that a new Disney-Pixar deal could be imminent.

Then again, Pixar could decide to go the George Lucas route and do mostly everything itself. That strategy could potentially be more profitable for Pixar but also a lot more risky.

In addition, Disney could decide that it doesn't need Pixar if its widely hyped computer-generated cartoon "Chicken Little" is a hit. "Chicken Little" comes out on Friday.

"Pixar and Disney are both waiting to see how 'Chicken Little' does. Although they've had negotiations that are ongoing, there probably isn't anything inked and talks will resume after this weekend," said Robert Routh, an analyst with Jefferies & Co.

There has been some chatter that Disney should flat-out buy Pixar. But Steve Lidberg, an analyst with Pacific Crest Securities, said this speculation is a "stretch" and that he doubts Jobs is willing to give up control of the company.

And some think that Pixar is limiting itself by not engaging in more serious discussions with other movie studios. Because of Pixar's spotless track record at the box office, other companies might be willing to give Pixar a bigger cut of profits.

"I hope Pixar doesn't do a deal with Disney," said Kevin Landis, president of Firsthand Capital Management, a mutual fund firm specializing in tech stocks that owns Pixar. "Pixar could get a better deal if they opened up the bidding."

What movies does Pixar have on tap after "Cars" rolls into theaters next June? Nobody knows.

Rumor has it that the company is working on something called "Ratatouille," a cartoon about a rodent living in a fancy Parisian restaurant.

In addition, Disney, which owns the rights to make sequels based on characters made in the movies that are part of the current distribution deal, is said to be considering making a "Toy Story 3" with or without Pixar. However, if Pixar and Disney renew their deal, it seems likely that Pixar would want to be involved in this movie.

The company did not return calls seeking comment about new movies. But Jobs did say the following about its future release schedule in August: "On or before our next conference call, we hope to announce our slate of upcoming films that we have green-lit for release, post-"Cars," and post- our current Disney deal. We're very excited about all of them."

So if he lives up to his promise and gives investors more details about new movies, then that could be a positive sign. But perhaps more importantly, investors will be eager to hear about the scheduling of these releases.

One knock on Pixar has been that it has not been prolific as some would like. It has released only six movies since 1995. But if the company promises that its next three movies will be released in 2007, 2008 and 2009, that would probably please Wall Street.

"If we continue to see them shrink the window between film releases, that would be a major event. Pixar has talked about doing one a year," said Lidberg.

What about DVDs? Pixar's stock tanked during the summer after the company warned in June that second-quarter profits would be lower than expected because of increased reserves to account for a higher than anticipated level of returns from retailers of DVD copies of "The Incredibles."

That led to some concerns that demand for animated movies on DVD isn't as strong as originally forecast. Pixar's top rival, DreamWorks Animation also suffered from greater than expected returns of "Shrek 2."

But shares of Pixar have recouped most of this summer's losses due to hopes that the DVD issue was a one-time blip. So it will be interesting to see if Pixar has truly rebounded.

Analysts expect Pixar to report revenue of $30.6 million in the third quarter and earnings of 11 cents a share. For the fourth quarter, Wall Street expects sales of $45.1 million and profits of 15 cents a share.

If Pixar does not meet these targets because of continued DVD problems, that could be a significant blow to the company.

After all, Pixar is the subject of class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of shareholders who were miffed at how the company handled its second-quarter earnings warning. The Securities and Exchange Commission has also requested information regarding accounting for DVD returns.

With all this in mind, can Pixar's stock continue to head higher? Probably. Pixar's movies, so far, have lived up to all of the buzz. But it would help if the company addresses these questions in its next conference call.

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Spaceship to get new sponsor

Epcot - Word from Epcot is that a new sponsor has been found to replace AT&T at Spaceship Earth. The corporate lounge in the attraction has been cleared, and is being prepared for the arrival of the new sponsor. What is not yet clear, is who the new sponsor is to be. However, Siemens, one of the world’s largest electrical engineering and electronics companies, appears to be a possible candidate. There is still no official confirmation or announcement.

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Alabama Company Moves Hook, Line and Sinker to Celebration

This Osceola County town is known as the Disney-sponsored community, as the place that recreated the ambiance of a turn-of-the-20th-century village, and for its special events like the Fall Festival and snow falling on downtown.

What Celebration may soon become known for as well is bass fishing.

"We're about 100 people in the Celebration business complex," said Steve Puckett, senior director of administration and planning for BASS/ESPN Outdoors, which recently opened shop in town. "We run fishing tournaments, over 200 professional tournaments each year."

BASS, which bills itself as the worldwide authority on bass fishing, is a 35-year-old organization. For years, it was headquartered in Alabama. No more, though.

"We stayed in Montgomery, Ala., until about four months ago when we moved to Celebration," Puckett said. The move was prompted in part because BASS was purchased by ESPN, which, not coincidentally, happens to be owned by Walt Disney World. On weekends, ESPN's programming deals with the outdoors, including fishing.

Puckett said Celebration's close proximity to Disney and its Wide World of Sports Complex was a plus, but so was the fact that Central Florida's abundance of lakes and swamps makes it a perfect location for fishing enthusiasts.

"Bass is very plentiful," he said. "You can go anywhere and find bass. We want to get peak fishing times for the South. Florida is a fantastic location for us. That's really why we came here, not just for Disney, but also for the great fishing. In this area, we have 30,000 bass fishermen, just about the highest density in the country."

BASS/ESPN now has more than half a million members, Puckett said. "We're the largest fishing organization in the world," he added.

But not large enough. Puckett said BASS's future plans including doubling its membership, and moving in the direction of greater diversity.

"Our members are now 90 percent male," he said, adding that the organization is planning to start more youth activities, and to attract more women members.

"We're really pushing to get more women involved in bass fishing," he said.

In addition to organizing tournaments -- including one in this area in February -- BASS/ESPN also publishes Bass Master, a magazine, and Bass Times, a monthly newspaper, as well as Fishing Tackle Retailer, a trade publication that gets distributed at tackle shops and shows.

With ESPN as its parent company, they're also getting more involved in broadcasting.

"ESPN in Bristol, Conn., produces TV shows for us," Puckett said, such as "Bassmasters on ESPN2" and "Bassmaster's Techniques."

They're also trying to promote conservation. Several years ago, Puckett said, BASS began promoting a program called Catch and Release.

"Every fish we catch is released," he said. "After we catch them, we weigh them. Then after the tournament we take it back out in a boat and release it."

Puckett gave a presentation last week before the Celebration Area Council, a group of local business owners operating under the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was held at Celebration Town Hall.

Puckett said BASS/ESPN plans to become more involved in the town's business activities.

"I want to try to figure out opportunities for all of us," he said.

Mel Pearlman, chairman of the Celebration Area Council, welcomed BASS/ESPN to the community and added, "What makes bass fishing more attractive than other types of fishing?"

"When you catch them, they fight very well, so they're fun to catch," Puckett said. "They're not like pulling in a wet sock like some fish are."

He added that "At Disney, we have bass fishing excursions. You can go out on Disney lakes and they have plentiful bass. It's a perfect opportunity to get out for fishing."

Dave Souza of Barrington, R.I., a photographer and avid bass fisherman, had high praise for the fishing opportunities at Disney.

"I was staying at the Polynesian, and took my step-son and myself for two trips in the morning," he said. "It was expensive, but they were worth every penny. They had some big fish in there. When I go down again, I've already told my wife, there's going to be two fishing trips, maybe three. It's that good."

Souza said bass fishing is a huge business for outdoor enthusiasts.

"It's right behind NASCAR," he said. "You can't believe it. There are chapters all over the country. There are bass federations that are affiliates of BASS, and every weekend there's a tournament. It's quite the sport."

The South is also ideal for bass fishing, more so than his native New England, he said.

"Bass have a longer growing period in the South," he said. "In the winter, they kind of go dormant. If you catch a 5 pound bass down South, they look at you like, `Big deal.' If you catch a 5 pound bass up north, it is a big deal."

Nancy Mazzone, another member of the council, said Celebration has a fishing event in November in the downtown lake -- albeit a modest one up until now.

"I don't think there's many bass out in this mud hole," she said. "It's a little tiny fishing event here."

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Wonders of Life opening for the holidays

Epcot - Wonders of Life is set to reopen during this holiday season in order to boost the capacity and capability of Epcot over the busy holiday period. This is not officially confirmed.

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Downtown Disney's Latest Grownup Attraction `Oozes Irishness'

There's a new kid in town at Walt Disney World and he's partial to shamrocks.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant joined the Disney family two weeks ago as the newest addition to Pleasure Island.

The authentic Irish pub opened in style, with a four-man band, imported straight from Ireland, playing and singing all night. Add to that the dancers from Orlando's Celtic Pulse surrounding the dining room with a show that had the audience fixated and clapping along.

The pub's owners, Paul Nolan and John Cooke, joked with the crowd and provided insight into Irish culture by explaining their colorful conversation.

Everything in the pub's interior was crafted in Ireland and brought to Ragland Road to give it a definite Irish feel.

Nolan joked that the only part of the pub that didn't come from Ireland was the toilets, which he attributed to "the good people from the state of Wisconsin."

There are four separate antique bars in the pub, each imported from Ireland and each more than 130 years old.

And then, of course, there's the food.

But if you come to Ragland Road expecting your grandmother's shepherd's pie, you're going to be quite mistaken.

"We're taking Irish food to a new level," said signature chef Kevin Dundon.

Ragland Road features the typical dishes that you would expect to find in an Irish pub, but adds a bit of flair to its updated versions.

"The menu is contemporary, but you'll still find Irish classics at Raglan Road," said Dundon. "The diverse dishes all start with high-quality ingredients."

The shepherd's pie, for example, is made with Angus beef and is topped with mashed potato petals.

The fish is flown in fresh daily from Boston then creamed with an original beer batter.

"We know the ship and skipper's name for each fish, and the Irish bacon is from a local butcher," said Dundon. "Choice ingredients are the heart of each dish, all fresh, nothing frozen."

The lamb is served in a wine sauce that takes three days to make.

Then there's Dundon's signature dish, an oven-roasted loin of bacon covered in an irish mist glaze and served with braised cabbage and creamed potato.

"We left corned beef and cabbage behind 50 years ago," said Nolan. "Ireland is one of the richest and most sophisticated countries in the world, and our attitude toward food is much more expansive."

Dundon, who has cooked for Queen Elizabeth and popular Irish rock band, U2, shares his kitchen with executive chef Brian Kenney.

Dundon refers to his and Kenney's Raglan Road creations as, "fine dining standards in a casual context -- with Celtic creativity."

And of course, all four bars are stocked with pints and pints of genuine Irish beers and whiskeys.

"We are thrilled to introduce an authentic Irish pub to Downtown Disney," said Djuan Rivers, vice president of Downtown Disney. "The superior level of quality, authenticity and energy that this new venue brings is a perfect complement to Downtown Disney's lineup of world-class retail, dining and entertainment."

The pub's owners agreed.

"Having built more than 400 Irish pubs, literally in the four corners of the world, we believe that this is our best expression yet," said Nolan. "We are incredibly proud and excited to have the opportunity to bring a real slice of Ireland to Downtown Disney."

And that slice of Ireland hits guests as soon as they walk through the door. From the bars to the food to the music to the entertainment, even to the gift shop, there is no missing the Irish aura that bounces off the pub's walls.

"Raglan Road is authentic in every way," said Nolan who, along with Cooke, hails from Dublin. "It's like lifting a pub from Ireland and dropping it in Orlando. It oozes Irishness."

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WDW Magic Your Way Discounted Packages Announced for Early 2006

A WDW Resort Package Discount is now available for January 1, 2006 through March 8, 2006. When purchasing a Magic Your Way Package or Magic Your Way PLUS Dining package and a Base Admissions Ticket, you will get upgraded to a Park Hopper and have the Water Park Fun and More option included! It's not the free dining that was offered recently, but a good dea! For the Magic Your Way Package ask for code YRE and for the Magic Your Way PLUS Dining package ask for code YRD.

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FASTWEB and Buena Vista International Make Disney's Magic English Available on IPTV

Thanks to an agreement between FASTWEB and Buena Vista International Television the first complete TV version of Disney’s Magic English, the interactive English program for children, will be available on channel 93 of FASTWEB digital TV.

Disney’s Magic English immerses children in the English language through the pleasure of storytelling, songs and games. Thanks to Disney’s universally loved characters, learning to communicate in a foreign language becomes a completely natural and fun experience.

Disney’s Magic English is a series of 26 episodes coming out fortnightly that can be bought directly from the TV on channel 93 via the remote control supplied with the FASTWEB digital decoder. The published episodes remain available and are gradually added to the customer’s personal archive; once the collection is complete, they can be freely used for a year. The enticing and intuitive graphical interface has four main sections:

Showtime, 26 themed episodes of 40 minutes each;

Songs, simple songs to learn the language by rhythm;

Word Play, interactive videos to develop and remember vocabulary through word games;

Play Time, the interactive play area to learn English while having fun.

The course, by combining the high entertainment value that consumers expect from Disney with a pedagogically sound approach to language teaching, provides an unparalleled learning experience with the help of the best-known and best-loved Disney characters: from Mickey Mouse, to Bambi, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch and Monsters Inc. The family, friends, nature, seasons, numbers and colours are just some of the examples of the environments explained in the various video-lessons in the series.

"The on demand TV version of Disney’s Magic English – said Stefano Parisse, Director of FASTWEB’s Business & Residential Division – is a new milestone for FASTWEB’s IP TV. Following the worldwide exclusive launch in 2001, our television now boasts an innovative edu-tainment service alongside the numerous entertainment services that are already available (from traditional TV programs, to on-demand or pay-per-view content, right up to interactive games and added value services)".

"Disney has been communicating to children through the magical language of storytelling for many generations and this why we believe that no other content provider in the world has more legitimacy as a goodwill ambassador of English language learning" – said Margaret Commellato, Director of licensing for Italy and Southern Europe for Disney Publishing Worldwide.

For more information please visit http://www.fastweb.it

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Disney gives Smithsonian African collection coveted by Chirac

The Smithsonian Institution has received the Walt Disney-Tishman Collection of African art, a gift of 525 artefacts valued at $20 million to $50 million. Donated by the Walt Disney World Company, the collection will become part of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art which is planning a major exhibition for February 2007.

The late New York real estate developer Paul Tishman and his wife Ruth began collecting the works in the 1960s. In the early 1980s the Metropolitan Museum in New York showed interest in the collection, organising a special exhibition with over 150 pieces borrowed from the Tishmans, but the couple chose to sell the collection to the Walt Disney Company in 1987 for $1 million. The company said it would display the works at its Epcot Center, a learning-oriented theme park in Florida, where a broad audience might see it. Although Disney made numerous loans to museums over the years, it displayed only a handful of works at the Epcot Center, and the majority of the collection has been in storage for the last 20 years.

In a public statement announcing the gift, Michael D. Eisner, Disney’s former chief executive who stepped down on 30 September, stated that 50 organisations had contacted him about the African art collection and that he had received repeated telephone calls from French president Jacques Chirac requesting loans for the Louvre.

According to Bryna Freyer, the curator of collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, “Mr Eisner wanted the collection to stay in the US, at a museum that was free to the public and had a long-term commitment to African art”. Another factor may have been more personal. Mr Eisner’s wife, Jane Breckenridge Eisner, has served on the Smithsonian board of trustees since 1988 and is currently vice chairwoman.

The Disney-Tishman collection is known for its encyclopaedic breadth representing 75 peoples and 20 countries and spanning five centuries. According to Ms Freyer, the Tishmans “wanted to have an example of every major known African art type. Mr Tishman was one of the last great generalist African art collectors. To buy these large-scale and figurative pieces today would be very expensive”. She added that the donation fills several gaps in the museum’s 8,000-strong collection of objects by introducing a greater selection of West African pieces while providing depth in areas such as the institution’s Central African art holdings.

A stipulation of the gift requires the Smithsonian to exhibit at least 60 works in a room labelled the Walt Disney-Tishman Collection for the next 30 years. The terms of the donation are fairly flexible and the museum can rotate this selection, and incorporate works from the donation into other exhibitions.

The National Museum of African Art was recently forced to trim its staff as part of overall budget cuts at the Smithsonian. Museum officials are hoping that the Disney gift will breathe new life into the financially struggling institution, raising the profile of the permanent collection while attracting additional funding to the museum.

As we went to press, the Smithsonian also announced that it had accepted a $45 million gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. This latest donation brings the total given by the Las Vegas-based organisation to $75 million. The money will be used towards the renovation of the Old Patent Office Building where two museums are to be named after the Reynolds Foundation.

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Wednesday November 2, 2005

HK Govt may sell Disney stake

Univision, ABC/ESPN pay $425 mln for World Cup
Desperate Housewives bets on Edie for Nov. sweeps

Iger's Disney Publishes 'Dead' TV Character's Novel

Chicken Little Tells All

Jojo's Circus from Disney Channel to appear in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Walt Disney World Kicks Off The Holiday Season Early

Chicken Little from Walt Disney Pictures to be first film presented in Disney Digital 3D

El Capitan Theatre Adds A New Dimension To Disney's "Chicken Little"

THQ Expands Video Game Series Inspired by The Incredibles

Disney, ESPN create sales venture

Devoted fan rides Disney's Haunted Mansion for 999th time

Zizzle Takes to the Seven Seas With Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Jobs ready to sell Pixar

Everest Opening team recruitment underway

Disney's Black Pearl to race in Volvo

ABC hit 'Lost' to spin off cross-promotional novel

HK Govt may sell Disney stake

Hong Kong’s Government may sell its controlling stake in the territory’s recently opened Disneyland theme park, its financial services chief told legislators today.

Fred Ma said the Government’s 57-per cent stake in the US$3 billion (US$1 = RM3.77) resort could be sold off in keeping with the administration’s belief that the private sector is best suited to run major businesses.

“In the long run, the Government may consider in the light of the ‘Big Market, Small Government’ principle to divest its shareholdings in the company at an appropriate time when it is in the overall economic interests of Hong Kong to do so,” Ma told legislators.

The territory’s leaders were criticised in 1999 when they decided to foot most of the bill for the American entertainment giant’s first resort in China.

Disney hopes the park, which opened in September, will help it promote its brand in China’s growing lucrative market.

Similarly, Hong Kong’s government hopes it will draw more mainland tourists to the former British colony.

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Univision, ABC/ESPN pay $425 mln for World Cup

Univision Communications Inc. and the ABC and ESPN television networks have paid a record $425 million to air World Cup soccer and other events from 2007 to 2014, the Federation Internationale de Football Association said on Wednesday.

The separate agreements also require the media companies to telecast all other FIFA events for the United States, and to do "substantial promotions" for those events.

Univision paid $325 million in cash for exclusive Spanish-language rights to air the events throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. ABC and ESPN, both owned by the Walt Disney Co, paid $100 million for English-language rights.

The agreements represent the largest deal FIFA has ever struck for broadcast rights in a single country, Jerome Valcke, FIFA's director of marketing and TV said.

Valcke said FIFA was attracted to the ESPN and ABC Sports offer because of ESPN's ability to carry programming in a number of mediums, including the Internet and mobile phones.

The deal allows the networks to carry the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments and the FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007 and 2011 and 11 other FIFA events.

John Skipper, ESPN's executive vice president, said the sports network was "bullish about the popularity of international football."

ESPN and ABC Sports already have exclusive English language telecast rights for the 2006 World Cup in Germany next summer. ESPN has carried five of the last six World Cup games.

Skipper said ESPN and ABC Sports had committed to specific advertising and promotional inventory to the package but would not comment on its.

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Desperate Housewives bets on Edie for Nov. sweeps

The ABC network is letting trampy, vampy Edie Britt out to play this month on "Desperate Housewives," betting that the popular supporting character will give the top-rated show an added boost for Nielsen's November "sweeps" survey.

The bad girl of Wisteria Lane, played by actress Nicollette Sheridan, was never meant to be central player on the darkly comic prime-time soap, which centers on the intrigues of four women who live on a seemingly quiet suburban cul-de-sac.

Sheridan began the show's first season last fall as a mere plot device to keep klutzy Susan, played by Teri Hatcher, from snagging hunky plumber Mike.

"I had to cast someone who was sexy and gorgeous that would make Susan feel uncomfortable," the show's creator, Marc Cherry, told Reuters on Friday. "I never intended for Edie Britt to be one of the regular characters."

But Sheridan was so good as serial-divorcee Edie, and the storyline about two forty-something women competing for the neighborhood's only single man was so compelling, that ABC executives insisted she be written into the show as a regular, albeit subordinate to the four starring "Housewives."

Her character proved so colorful that she was featured in a notorious ABC "Monday Night Football" parody promo for the series, in which Sheridan, as Edie, seduced football wide receiver Terrell Owens in the Philadelphia Eagles locker room.

Her role will be expanded more this month as ABC and rival networks go all out to attract bigger audiences for "sweeps," the special Nielsen survey used by local TV stations to set future advertising rates.

A sweeps subplot involving Edie's 6-year-old son and her romance with Susan's ex-husband, Karl, will take center stage on the show starting on Sunday.

"There will be a huge crack in the relationship between Karl and Edie that has direct implications for Susan," Cherry said. "For all her bravado there is a lifetime of hurt (in Edie). That's something we are going to reveal very slowly and something that Nicollette is great at playing."

Sheridan and her character have come a long way from the first season, when her second-tier status was apparent even in cast photographs with Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria. Sheridan was often in the background.

'SEXUAL PRIME'

The 41-year-old former "Knots Landing" actress originally auditioned for the part of the uptight Bree Van De Kamp, a role that went to Cross. When she was cast instead as Edie, Sheridan expected her turn as man-eating real estate agent to be brief.

"They weren't sure what they wanted to do with Edie, and I just thought she was a character I could score with," Sheridan told Reuters. "When they tested the show people really responded to her."

Cherry returned to his favorite vixens, Kathy Baker, who played the neighborhood tramp in the 1990 Tim Burton film "Edward Scissorhands," and Jane Wyman of the 1980s TV series "Falcon Crest," for inspiration in fleshing out Edie.

"This is a gal that's a little more vulnerable than people think. She's a woman who's in her sexual prime who's ready to let folks know about it ... but it's her relationship with other women that makes her not so confident," Cherry said.

Noting the potent chemistry between Sheridan and Hatcher in the pilot, Cherry set about exploring the relationship between the two women.

In a recent interview, Hatcher joked that her on-screen rapport with Sheridan is so strong that "next year at the MTV movie awards they should put us up for best couple."

"Without her I would not be as good or as funny," Hatcher said.

"Desperate Housewives," a breakout hit that led the way for a ratings turnaround at Walt Disney Co.'s (DIS.N) ABC last season, ranks as the No. 1 show among viewers aged 18 to 49, the group most prized by advertisers. It also is the second most watched prime-time show overall (behind No. 1 "CSI" on CBS), averaging 24.4 million viewers a week.

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Iger's Disney Publishes 'Dead' TV Character's Novel

Here's a Zen koan, or rhetorical riddle: If a novel is written by a fictional character, will anyone pay to read it?

That's what industry analysts are asking about an odd gamble being taken by The Walt Disney Co. Led by Chief Executive Robert Iger, the entertainment and media colossus is seeking synergy between its television and publishing holdings, by printing the writing of a dead man... a make-believe dead man.

Confused yet? It's really quite simple to decrypt, once you know the code. Disney's ABC network has seen the first good ratings in ages via Lost, its odd melange of Lord of the Flies-type Darwinian adventure, mystery, sex appeal and spooky sci-fi. A subplot that popped up involved the discovery of a manuscript, penned by Gary Troup, a character who perished in the plane crash that stranded the players on their desert island.

Bearing the soap opera-flavored title Bad Twin, the novel-with-a-show had supposedly been shopped to Hyperion, the publisher that in our reality is a unit of, yes, Disney.

And in a Twilight Zone-like twist, Hyperion--the real one--will be publishing Bad Twin, under the rubric of the late, invented Troup.

Plans for the bizarre cross-dimensional cross-promotion were reported on Tuesday by Tinseltown industry newssheet Daily Variety. Will such "merchandising" pay off? Hyperion President Bob Miller thinks so. Variety quoted Miller as explaining that, "Fans of the show are obsessive. We think a lot of them will be buying the book just to look for clues" to unlock the Lost storyline.

And in turn, those who haunt bookstores now will be exposed to a thicket of glossy, bound paper commercials for the TV show. Call it The Disney Code. Maybe they'll make it into a movie.

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Chicken Little Tells All

Disney Insider - On November 4, Disney's "Chicken Little" will finally reveal the truth to a waiting world - is the sky falling? Is the littlest guy on the block up to the challenge of saving the world? And do chickens have rhythm?

The first fully computer-animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures, "Chicken Little" gives a classic tale a fresh and funky twist. Chicken Little is the town laughingstock because of that whole "The Sky Is Falling" fiasco - no one, including his father, takes him seriously. And just when things begin to go right for Chicken Little, he's faced with a dilemma - raise the alarm again and risk becoming a laughingstock, or let the world face a skyborne menace without warning? Zach Braff brings the voice of Chicken Little to life, with Garry Marshall as his baffled dad, and an illustrious cast of stars rounding out the bill. Keep an ear out for Joan Cusack, Amy Sedaris, Don Knotts, Patrick Stewart, and more!

The "Insider" was lucky enough to snag an exclusive interview with the guy who just might be Hollywood's hottest new star - Chicken Little himself.

How do you feel about your film debut?

I'm incredibly excited to finally have my story told. This project was being shopped around town (it was originally titled "Crazy Chicken") and I'm glad to see the folks at Disney decided to set the record straight - there's a lot that happened after the acorn incident.

Are you going to "Go Hollywood"?

I'm trying to stay grounded. Ever since I proclaimed that the sky was falling, I've received a massive amount of media attention. The movie star thing isn't without its perks - plus I'm being offered a ton of roles. I just turned down a role as the next Bond, and I'm considering an offer to be Captain Jack Sparrow's first mate in the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN sequels. The producers are a little worried that my fame might upstage Johnny Depp, so we'll see how that pans out.

So, is the sky in fact falling?

Well, let me ask you this - is water wet? Is the sky blue? Is Darth Vader Luke's father? At the risk of sounding insane, let me just simply say that yes, the sky is in fact falling. It has been for centuries and according to experts (namely, me) we're expected to see a ton of sky falling activity on November 4.

We've heard rumors about you and Ugly Duckling. Is there a little romance brewing there?

Her name is Abby, and a gentle chicken never kisses and tells.

You've had quite an adventure. How are you recovering?

Yes, it's been quite a ride. Saving the world can be exhausting! But I haven't had much time to recover, because promoting a movie is even more exhausting!

Have you and Foxy Loxy reconciled your differences?

Yes. She's my personal assistant now, actually. Foxy has many important duties, like getting my morning cappuccino, answering my calls, taking care of the dry cleaning...

Is there a lesson you'd like us all to learn from your experiences?

The best lesson I learned was from Abby. She told me that "Teen Duck" magazine said that bottling up your feelings can lead to early molting. So in addition to learning to communicate with my dad (I'm already short, so I don't think I could handle being bald), I also discovered that it's important to trust my instincts and stick up for myself. If you're sure the sky is falling, don't let anyone - family, friends, the town mayor - tell you that you're crazy.

Your movie is very funny. Do you think of yourself as a comic kind of guy?

Thanks! I always felt I had a certain dry wit, but it's just great to have people laughing with me, instead of at me. Well, okay, I guess some people still laugh at me.

Some of the action in "Chicken Little" is pretty hair-raising! Did you do your own stunts?

Yes, but for insurance reasons please keep this off the record - I wasn't supposed to do them. Disney hired a stunt double for the movie, but I felt that since I had bulked up a bit for the role - I gained 3 ounces - I could tackle the film's incredible stunts. As for the others, Runt didn't do his own stunts, but he did do his own singing and dancing. That pig has a beautiful voice and boy can he move!

What are your plans for the future?

Currently I'm on a big promotional tour for "Chicken Little," and after that I don't know. I might go back to Oakey Oaks for a while and get out of the limelight, or I might join Runt and Abby in a national karaoke and dance competition. The future's wide open!

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Jojo's Circus from Disney Channel to appear in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

In her very first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Jojo, the world's cutest clown girl, will float high above the Big Apple, and just like the movement-focused stories on Jojo's Circus, she is also the first balloon to feature "movement"-- juggling, Jojo floats from the Upper West Side to Herald Square.

Three colorful ball shaped balloons fly to create Jojo's juggling motion and make kids of all ages oohh and ahh at their familiar pal Jojo's juggling skills. The vibrant "JoJo's Circus" balloon measures 55 feet long, 32 feet wide and 63.3 feet high and is filled with 14,000 cubic feet of helium.

Joining returning favorites, Jojo will take to the skies and streets of New York City on Thursday, November 24th at 9:00 a.m. in her first proud procession down Broadway to Herald Square.

The Walt Disney Company will also have another appearance in the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. To promote its Happiest Celebration on Earth of Disneyland's 50th birthday, the Walt Disney World Resort will have a float featuring favorite Disney characters and singer LeAnn Rimes singing "Remember When," the theme song for Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration written by Richard Marx.

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Walt Disney World Kicks Off The Holiday Season Early

Starting November 14, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights will sparkle with holiday cheer at Disney-MGM Studios. The Disney tradition is presented each night at the Streets of America backlot. Studio guests will also be able to enjoy the "Hollywood Holly-Day" parade, featuring festively dressed cars, chorus performers and lots of characters. Meanwhile, at Animal Kingdom the "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade" returns with whimsical floats and puppetry. Later in November, several other festive favorites will return to celebrate the season.

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Chicken Little from Walt Disney Pictures to be first film presented in Disney Digital 3D

Walt Disney Pictures offers moviegoers a glimpse into the future of theatrical exhibition with the November 4th debut of "Chicken Little" in Disney Digital 3D. Disney Digital 3D, presented exclusively in Dolby Digital Cinema, is a brand new state-of-the-art technology that provides the first true three-dimensional digital experience in movie theatres.

In collaboration with Disney, Dolby Laboratories is overseeing the rollout of its Dolby Digital Cinema systems in a total of 84 specially-selected, high-profile theatres in 25 top markets. Visual effects giant Industrial Light & Magic (a Lucasfilm Ltd. company) rendered the movie in 3D. Digital 3D pioneer, REAL D, applied several of its patented technologies (screens, software and glasses) to make the "Chicken Little" 3D experience possible for presentation on the Real D Cinema system. This joint effort has resulted in the next leap forward in the evolution of motion picture entertainment, bringing animation to life.

"Chicken Little" is Disney's first fully computer-animated feature film, and it brings the Studio's distinct filmmaking style and approach to this exciting medium. The sky's the limit in this delightful comedy-adventure that gives a sophisticated and satirical twist to the classic fable. It is now one year after the "unfortunate acorn incident" when Chicken Little caused big-time havoc in his hometown of Oakey Oaks by proclaiming that the sky was falling after being conked on the head by what appeared to be an acorn. Down but not out, the plucky chicken joins the local baseball team in the hopes of reviving his reputation and winning the respect of his father, Buck Cluck. When he leads the town to an upset victory, he becomes the toast of the town. But no sooner has the champion chicken redeemed himself when he is hit on the head one more time. And this time the sky really is falling! Fearful of once again being labeled crazy, he is reluctant to tell anyone what has happened. Instead, he enlists the help of his closest pals -- Runt of the Litter, Abby Mallard (aka Ugly Duckling), and Fish Out of Water -- in an attempt to save the day without sending the town into a whole new panic.

Commenting on the announcement, Dick Cook, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, said, "Disney Digital 3D is a truly groundbreaking technology that combines the latest innovations of science and art, and we are proud to be a part of filmmaking history. Walt Disney pioneered many technological breakthroughs and set an uncompromising goal for his Studio to constantly push the envelope to offer a superior movie-going experience. We are very proud to add this animation milestone to the long list of technological breakthroughs for the studio, and we are especially thrilled to work with entertainment technology leader Dolby in this exciting launch. Likewise, we are proud to have the wizards at Industrial Light & Magic to help deliver the movie in 3D, and the experts at REAL D on board to make 3D like no one has ever seen."

Academy Award-winning director James Cameron ("Titanic"), a long-time supporter of 3D, added, "I think digital 3D offers an opportunity to do something as profound for today's movie-going audiences as the introduction of color and sound. This is the next big thing, and I think people are going to respond to these really high quality 3D images. 'Chicken Little' is going to go a long way towards getting people really excited about 3D again. I call it the 3D renaissance. Disney is a leader in showmanship and animation, and animation and 3D go together like peas and carrots. Animated films and fantasy films really benefit from 3D. You get a heightened sense of being personally present in the space of the movie. You're drawn into it. It's like the movie wraps around you and takes you into its reality. That's a very exciting thing for a filmmaker. I'm really proud of Disney for grabbing the flag and running out in front to make this happen."

Tim Partridge, senior vice president and general manager of the professional division for Dolby Laboratories, observed, "We live in a digital world, and consumers expect most of their entertainment these days to be delivered with the quality of digital. Digital cinema ensures that the movie will look as good on the hundredth screening as it did on opening night. There's no more dirt or scratches; the image is always crystal clear and beautifully steady. What you see on the screen is the movie exactly as the director intended. As a result, audiences are able to get much more involved in the story because there are no distractions. When audiences go to see a movie played in Dolby Digital Cinema, they will be blown away by the quality and will want to see all their films digitally in the future."

"'Chicken Little' really lent itself to 3D because of the way the filmmakers composed their shots and told their story," said Colum Slevin, senior director of computer graphics at ILM Slevin. "The design is gorgeous, simple and stylized, and your eye is always drawn to a particular character or detail with the lighting. The 3D enriches that design and makes it pop, without ever slapping you in the face. You just feel like you're looking at a really deep, rich image."

Joel Aron, ILM's digital production supervisor, observed, "What's amazing about the 3D in 'Chicken Little' is that you're able to look around and see everything in the frame. You can see things behind the characters. You can look out the window of Chicken Little's home and see the stars in the sky. This level of detail has never been done before in 3D and this is the latest evolution of the technology."

"We're excited a studio with the prestige and heritage of Disney has embraced the digital 3D medium with such enthusiasm," said Michael V. Lewis, chairman, Real D. "We've worked for years to create a digital 3D delivery system that is elegant for exhibitors and extremely comfortable for moviegoers, and we're thrilled Disney's 'Chicken Little' will be the premiere presentation in the REAL D Cinema format."

Added Joshua Greer, CEO, REAL D, "The REAL D Cinema system projects left and right frame images sequentially at 144 frames per second -- three times that of traditional film-based 3D movies -- which was the threshold REAL D deemed necessary for creating a natural 3D entertainment experience for the mainstream consumer. As each frame alternates between left and right eye images, the system changes the orientation of the light of match the orientation of the glasses. The polarized glasses that decode the images allow audiences to tilt their heads and move around, making for the most enjoyable 3D movie-going experience ever. Finally, a specially-treated silver movie screen keeps the polarization coherent, allowing audiences to perceive depth. This complete system allows for the most comfortable, highest quality 3D experience ever produced, and one we think audiences will come back to experience again and again.

According to "Chicken Little" director Mark Dindal, "What I like about the process is that it's very comfortable to watch. It feels like the screen becomes a window instead of a wall, and you're looking behind it into this universe that really exists. It has the warmth and charm of a View-Master. As I would watch the dailies come back in 3D, I literally cheered and laughed and clapped my hands. It was a fantastic collaborative experience."

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El Capitan Theatre Adds A New Dimension To Disney's "Chicken Little"

Hollywood's legendary El Capitan Theatre will offer moviegoers a glimpse into the future of theatrical exhibition from November 4th through December 4th, with the debut of Walt Disney Pictures' "Chicken Little" in Disney Digital 3DTM, a brand new state-of-the-art technology providing the first true three-dimensional digital experience in movie theatres. The film is also playing in 3D in 84 other theatres across the country, where Dolby Laboratories (in collaboration with Disney) is installing its Dolby Digital Cinema systems.

Visual effects giant Industrial Light & Magic (a Lucasfilm Ltd. company) rendered the movie in 3D so it could be played on Dolby Digital Cinema servers at these theatres. Digital 3D pioneer, REAL D, applied several of its patented technologies (screens, projectors, software and glasses) to make the "Chicken Little" 3D experience possible. This joint effort has resulted in the next leap forward in the evolution of motion picture entertainment, bringing animation to life.

The El Capitan's special 3D engagement of "Chicken Little" will feature before each show the characters from the movie in a special live appearance!

Also, an innovative art exhibit called "Chickinterpretations," in which modern art pioneers from across America have created a series of 200 masterpieces based on Disney's newest hero, Chicken Little, will be showcased throughout the run of the entire engagement at the El Capitan.

Daily show times are 10:00 am, 12:15 pm, 2:45 pm, 5:15 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:45 pm, and Midnight. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, online at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates and birthday party packages are available. Moviegoers can take home the "Chicken Little" themed 3D glasses as souvenirs.

Down but not out, the plucky chicken joins the local baseball team in the hopes of reviving his reputation and winning the respect of his father, Buck Cluck. When he leads the town to an upset victory, he becomes the toast of the town. But no sooner has the champion chicken redeemed himself when he is hit on the head one more time. And this time the sky really is falling! Fearful of once again being labeled crazy, he is reluctant to tell anyone what has happened. Instead, he enlists the help of his closest pals – Runt of the Litter, Abby Mallard (aka Ugly Duckling), and Fish Out of Water – in an attempt to save the day without sending the town into a whole new panic.

Commenting on the announcement, Dick Cook, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, said, "Disney Digital 3D is a truly groundbreaking technology that combines the latest innovations of science and art, and we are proud to be a part of filmmaking history. Walt Disney pioneered many technological breakthroughs and set an uncompromising goal for his studio to constantly push the envelope to offer a superior movie going experience. We are very proud to add this animation milestone to the long list of technological breakthroughs for the studio, and we are especially thrilled to work with entertainment technology leader Dolby in this exciting launch. Likewise, we are proud to have the wizards at Industrial Light & Magic to help deliver the movie in 3D, and the experts at REAL D on board to make it all possible."

Cameron continued, "Disney is a leader in showmanship and animation, and animation and 3D go together like peas and carrots. Animated films and fantasy films really benefit from 3D. You get a heightened sense of being personally present in the space of the movie. You're drawn into it. It's like the movie wraps around you and takes you into its reality. That's a very exciting thing for a filmmaker. I'm really proud of Disney for grabbing the flag and running out in front to make this happen."

Joshua Greer, co-founder and CEO for REAL D, added, "With our system, left and right frame images are projected sequentially on the screen at a very high frame rate (144 frames per second!). As each frame alternates between the left and right eye image, our system changes the orientation of the light to match the orientation of the glasses. The glasses that decode the images are lightweight, polarized and extremely comfortable. You can tilt your head and move around, making for a much more enjoyable movie-going experience. The final component for showing digital 3D is having the appropriate screen that allows you to keep the polarization coherent. We've worked for years and done a lot of engineering to come up with a new kind of silver movie screen that works great for both digital 2D and 3D films. This complete system allows for the most comfortable high quality 3D experience ever produced. One we think audiences will come back to again and again.

"'Chicken Little' represents the largest digital cinema roll-out in history, and the largest digital 3D release as well," noted Greer. "We've dreamed for years that a studio like Disney would commit these resources and create an extraordinary 3D film for audiences everywhere. We're binocular beings, and we use two eyes to see with depth. It makes perfect sense to get our media the same way. Digital projection has finally made it possible to have a perfect 3D picture every time. 3D has finally arrived."

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THQ Expands Video Game Series Inspired by The Incredibles

THQ Inc. today announced that The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer has shipped and is now available on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox videogame system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS videogame systems, and Windows PC/Mac. The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer is the follow-up to the hit video game The Incredibles, inspired by a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animations Studios film, The Incredibles.

THQ continues to enjoy enormous success with its original The Incredibles video game, which launched in conjunction with the film's theatrical release in November 2004. Global shipments of the game have exceeded five million units, and the title was the best-selling new property of 2004 in the U.S., according to The NPD Group, Inc.

"THQ is extremely excited to bring fans of The Incredibles a new adventure that picks up where the film and the first installment of the game ended," said Jack Sorensen, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Studios, THQ. "Game developer Heavy Iron's collaboration with the team at Pixar illustrates the commitment our companies have to delivering an experience that is true to The Incredibles world."

"The first game based on The Incredibles truly complemented the high action vision Director Brad Bird had for the film," said Pixar Animation Studios John Walker, producer of The Incredibles. "The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer continues where the film left off, challenging gamers to explore a whole new dimension of The Incredibles world."

"The Incredibles has experienced enormous success and has become not only a great film property, but a powerful video game franchise with opportunities to develop new characters and environments within The Incredibles universe," said Graham Hopper, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG).

Fans of the film and video game unite with their favorite superheroes, Mr. Incredible and Frozone in The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer as players search and try to defeat the Underminer. Mr. Incredible and Frozone must journey underground to confront the Underminer's robot minions and stop his diabolical plot to pollute the major cities of the world. The all-new, co-operative multiplayer action allows players to work as a team with the ability to change characters at any time while competing for points to upgrade their special moves and super powers.

THQ's Heavy Iron Studios developed The Incredibles and the company's Helixe studio developed the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions.

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Disney, ESPN create sales venture

Walt Disney Television International Latin America and ESPN Latin America have created a new joint sales organisation for their television channels, which starts work today.

Disney and ESPN Media Networks Latin America will be responsible for distribution sales for Disney Channel, Jetix, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+ and ESPN Brazil.

Until now, affiliate sales for Disney Channel and Jetix were handled by HBO Latin America. In the coming weeks, HBO and the new division will start transitioning all distribution agreements with cable and satellite operators in the region. Walt Disney will continue to be an equity partner within HBO Latin America.

The new sales group will be overseen by ESPN's Guillermo Tabanera, who has been promoted to senior VP. In addition to his duties as general manager of all of ESPN's businesses in Spanish-speaking Latin America and the Caribbean, Tabanera will take on additional responsibilities managing the new organisation.

In this new role, Tabanera will report jointly to Russell Wolff, MD of ESPN International, and to Diego Lerner, president of The Walt Disney Company Latin America and general manager of Walt Disney Television, Disney Channel and Jetix Latin America.

German Von Hartenstein, meanwhile, who was recently promoted to general manager of ESPN in Brazil, will oversee the Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group for Brazil and will likewise report jointly to Wolff and to Lerner with respect to the new entity. Von Hartenstein will continue to report solely to Wolff with respect to his existing ESPN responsibilities in Brazil.

"Disney, Jetix and the ESPN brands are highly valued by kids, families, sports fans, affiliates and advertisers," said Wolff. "This new organisation will allow us to better serve all of our valuable clients. We are excited to be structuring ourselves in a manner which is flexible and responsive to our clients' needs."

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Devoted fan rides Disney's Haunted Mansion for 999th time

Gary Estrada his his mark, riding Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion ride for the 999th time -- on Halloween.

"Whenever you reach your goal it's just a relief," Estrada told a Disney employee.

Estrada rode 999 times because that's how many "ghosts" are in the attraction.

He's the first person -- to Disney's knowledge, anyway -- to hit that goal in just 10 months. Estrada began his marathon riding in January.

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Zizzle Takes to the Seven Seas With Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

The box-office bonanza that made pirates cool again is back in action with the next installment of the franchise, Disney's PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST. Everyone is back including Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom with producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski driving the ship. You will see fantastic action, new spectacular special effects and even more laughs than ever before. To accompany one of the most anticipated films of 2006, Zizzle LLC will deliver the first mass market toy line ever offered behind the Disney franchise, which encompasses the recently announced sequel and the yet to be named final film in the trilogy.

Zizzle, a team of proven toy marketers led by Roger Shiffman has come on the scene and are gaining momentum quickly. The company's first product launch iZ, an animatronic character and iPod™ companion has received acclaim throughout the toy business. Included in this year's "Hot Dozen" toys from Toy Wishes Magazine and more, it is being heralded as one of the most exciting things to hit retail shelves in years. Product development for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean will be equally innovative, and marketing will seek unique, fun ways to drive Pirates at retail.

"The tremendous success of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean caught retailers by surprise, and the inherent excitement for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest combined with our fresh ideas on product development make for a powerful opportunity," said Shiffman. "The play pattern and property are the perfect fit for kids, and we hope to drive the business worldwide to a magnitude that few other major film properties have seen before."

Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean products, which will launch just prior to the movie release will include: action figures, play sets, role play, interactive hand held games, novelty electronics and more. The line will play off the incredible depth of characters, storylines, movie sets/locations and pirate fantasy. Highly detailed action figures will include all of kids' favorite characters, from Captain Jack Sparrow to Will Turner to the new villain character, Davy Jones. Figures and accessories will be launched in multiple sizes/scales and with built-in features from slashing swords to smoking cannons. Kids will be able to take to land or sea with different play sets, including an Ultimate Black Pearl ship measuring nearly three feet long! And, of course, role play toys will allow any child to become "one" with their favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, using all of his great gear.

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Jobs ready to sell Pixar

Steve Jobs, the chairman and CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, would be open to a sale of the company at the right price, according to a published report.

The New York Times reports Jobs, who owns about 50 percent of Pixar (Research), would want a strong premium to its current $5.9 billion market capitalization to consider a sale, but he would be open to an offer from its long-time partner, Walt Disney Co. The paper attributed Jobs' willingness to consider a sale to "two people with knowledge of the talks" now taking place between Disney and Pixar about possibly extending their partnership.

But the paper reports that in talks about a new version of their partnership, Disney CEO Robert Iger has yet to make an offer to acquire Pixar. The paper reports that Disney is hoping that its new animated feature, "Chicken Little," due in theaters this weekend, will give it greater leverage in talks with Pixar.

"Chicken Little" is the first offering from Disney's animation studio since it was revamped to produce computer-generated features that have a three-dimension look, rather than the traditional hand-drawn two-dimensional cartoons.

Pixar has produced only CG features and nothing but blockbusters since it started producing movies in 1995, while many of the Disney-generated animated movies during the period were considered box office flops.

The Times reports that if "Chicken Little" is a hit, it would show Wall Street and Jobs that Disney need not depend on Pixar for creation of new animated movie characters that could be adapted for theme park rides, consumer products and television.

The movie has gotten generally favorable early word, but if it is not well received by critics or moviegoers, the paper reports that Jobs will gain leverage in his talks with Disney because the media conglomerate would be seen as relying on Pixar to add new stories to its creative arsenal.

If the movie performs poorly, Bernstein & Co. media analyst Michael Nathanson told the paper, "investors might want to see a Pixar deal right behind it." Still, he added, "it's all about numbers, and both sides - Disney and Pixar - are looking for leverage."

Pixar has strong cash reserves and no longer needs Disney's to help finance films, so it is looking for a distribution agreement for a far larger percent of the box office than the 50 percent it receives under the current deal with Disney.

But while there are likely to be other studios willing to distribute Pixar films, analysts see Disney as best positioned to promote future Pixar films and its characters due to theme parks and strong merchandise sales channels.

Jobs would evaluate any Pixar partnership based on where he could get the best deal for the studio, the paper reports, not on his developing friendship with Iger. Jobs often sparred with Iger's predecessor, Michael Eisner. The Disney Channel and ABC, other units of Disney, recently signed a deal to distribute shows on the new video version of the Apple Computer iPod. Jobs is also Chairman and CEO of Apple.

The Times reports that detailed negotiations between Disney and Pixar are likely to begin in mid-November and could be wrapped up by late December or early January, said one of the paper's sources. The studios have several issues to grapple with, according to the paper, including who would have creative oversight over new Pixar characters at Disney theme parks and how revenue from rides and other attractions would be split.

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Everest Opening team recruitment underway

Disney will be recruiting the opening team cast members in mid-November 2005. The opening team will be responsible for cycling the attraction during the test and adjust period, and preparing for operational duties once Imagineering hand over the attraction. The assignment of an opening team is one of the major steps needed prior to any soft openings. The latest information seems to suggest that WDI and the opening team may be riding in December 2005, with an outside chance of guest testing in December 2005, with more wide-scale soft openings taking place in January 2006, leading to a full official opening in Spring 2006.

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Disney's Black Pearl to race in Volvo

Captain Jack Sparrow won't be at the helm, but the Black Pearl will be full sail ahead for the 31,250-mile Volvo Ocean Race.

Disney paid as much as $15 million for its 70-foot floating billboard, E! Online reported Monday.

The round-the-world race will drum up publicity for the two upcoming sequels to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, reuniting stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley.

The vessel, emblazoned with a skull and crossed scabbards logo, sets sail on the eight-month race Nov. 12 in Vigo, Spain. The race winds up in Gothenburg, Sweden, June 17, three weeks before the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

The third Pirates film is due out in the summer of 2007.

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ABC hit 'Lost' to spin off cross-promotional novel

The ABC television network and sister publishing label Hyperion Books are taking the concept of product placement into a new direction -- by turning an imaginary product into a real one.

Producers of ABC's mega-hit castaway thriller "Lost" plan to introduce a new storyline centering on the discovery of a fictitious manuscript that will become the basis for a real-life novel that Hyperion will publish this spring.

The book will then be promoted as the work of an author, named Gary Troup, who supposedly delivered the manuscript to Hyperion days before perishing in the show's stage-setting event, a plane crash that maroons a group of survivors on a spooky island.

Plans for the convoluted cross-promotion, first reported on Tuesday by Hollywood trade publication Daily Variety, were confirmed by a spokeswomen for Hyperion and production studio Touchstone Television, which like ABC, are owned by the Walt Disney Co.

Advertisers have increasingly explored novel product-placement schemes in the face of new technologies that allow TV viewers to skip over conventional commercials when watching their favorite shows.

But Variety said the "Lost" book tie-in may be the first to use imaginary TV events and characters as the basis for a real-life marketing campaign.

As part of the plan, Hyperion said it has commissioned a "well-known" mystery writer to anonymously adapt the fictitious manuscript into an actual, printed book it hopes will automatically appeal to the show's large and loyal following.

"Fans of the show are obsessive. We think a lot of them will be buying the book just to look for clues" to the series, Hyperion President Bob Miller told Variety.

The "Lost" novel, titled "Bad Twin," is described as a private eye mystery about a wealthy heir's search for his evil sibling.

"Lost," one of the several surprise hits that helped ABC bounce back from a lengthy ratings slump last season, currently ranks as the fourth most-watched show on U.S. television, averaging more than 20 million viewers a week.

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Festival of the Masters Nov. 11-13

Award-winning visual artists in record numbers will transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the 30th annual Festival of the Masters Nov. 11-13.

More than 200 honorees from art festivals around the country will showcase painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and, for the first time, digital art. Live entertainment and children's activities also will be a part of the weekend event.

Festival guests can also experience culinary offerings and dance to live music. Pleasure Island will feature live bands on the West End and Hub Stages.

Hours for Festival of the Masters are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, Nov. 11-13. There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/art.

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New 180 Day Dining Reservation Policy

Walt Disney World Resort guests can now call 180 days in advance to book Dining Reservations at most table service restaurants. The new 180-day advance reservation program also applies to the children’s activity centers and special events. Recreation and Tours are not changing at this time. Disney will continue to offer guests staying on site the benefit to book their entire length of stay (up to 10 days) when they call 180 days from their arrival date. Walt Disney World will also begin to publish operating hours six months in advance, to enable guests to better plan their itineraries.

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Hong Kong Disneyland seeks 3.2 bln hkd loan

Hong Kong Disneyland is seeking a syndicated loan of about 3.2 bln hkd to refinance a similar-sized loan taken out in 2000 to partially fund construction of the theme park, the Standard reported citing an unnamed source.

The new loan will be arranged through Hong Kong International Theme Parks, the joint venture of US-based Disneyland and the Hong Kong government, which owns a majority 57 pct stake, according to the daily.

Chase Manhattan Asia stitched together the old loan, bringing in more than 20 other banks to fund construction of the park, including Bank of China, BNP Paribas and HSBC.

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Attendance at Disneyland, DisneySea drops during Aichi Expo

The Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea amusement parks had a total of 11.66 million visits in the six months through September, down 3.1% from a year earlier, amid the just-ended world exposition, their operator Oriental Land Co said Monday.

The figure showed the first contraction in two years on the basis of the first six months of its business year to March 31. With people who visited the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture more than it anticipated, the operator's efforts to attract visitors to DisneySea by introducing new attractions and holding various events were outweighed, the company said.

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More Malaysians visit HK after Disneyland opening

The number of Malaysian tourists visiting Hong Kong has gone up by 30% following the opening of Disneyland last month, Nanyang Siang Pau reported.

An estimated 28,000 Malaysians would have visited the island for this whole year.

Such tourists do not need visas, which was another reason why there was an increase in arrivals, said a Hong Kong Tourism Board spokesman.

The spokesman also said Hong Kong visitors to Malaysia preferred going to the east coast of the peninsula for its beautiful beaches and blue seas.

“Hong Kong does not have such attractions,” he added.

China Press reported that tour agents became the “punching bag” for passengers each time there was an increase in fuel surcharge.

The daily said some passengers felt tour companies ought to be blamed for the additional cost and demanded that the tour companies absorb the surcharge.

In a related report in Sin Chew Daily, Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association president Chay Ng urged airline companies to find ways to lower their cost instead of increasing their surcharge each time fuel prices went up so as not to affect the tourism industry.

Referring to a decision by Malaysia Airlines to increase its surcharge from Nov 15, Chay said this was the fifth time this year that MAS had done so.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn was quoted by the daily as saying that the Government might sign up vocational school graduates under a bond to stem the outflow of skilled personnel to Singapore.

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After beetles and dogs, mosquitoes invade Hong Kong Disneyland

It already had infestations of wood-munching beetles and aggressive stray dogs. Now Hong Kong Disneyland has had to tackle an invasion of mosquitoes.

Legislators were told Wednesday that the $3.5 billion theme park had mounted an anti-mosquito programme to deal with insects breeding in stagnant water around the 127-hectare site.

Visitors to the park, which opened in September, had complained about a "mosquito infestation", according to legislator Choy So-yuk at a question and answer session with ministers Wednesday.

The complaints came after an infestation of wood-munching beetles, which ate their way through furniture in one of the Disneyland hotels and stray dogs roamed inside the park before its opening.

Disney caused outrage among animal rights groups by calling in dog catchers to trap and cull around 40 strays, some of which were adopted and fed by contractors during building work.

Secretary for Economic Development Stephen Ip told legislators at Wednesday's hearing there had been only four complaints from visitors relating to mosquito bites.

Mosquito traps had been set up and patches of stagnant water checked and cleared to try to reduce the problem and there had been no complaints in the past three weeks, he said.

More than five million people, around 40 per cent of them from mainland China, are expected to visit Hong Kong Disneyland in its first year of operation.

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