Saturday January 22, 2005
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Typhoon Lagoon's Crush 'n' Gusher opening date

The new attraction at Typhoon Lagoon, Crush 'n' Gusher, will be located in a new section of the park called 'Hideaway Bay'. The Grand Opening will be March 2005.

                                               

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Capital Increase at Disneyland Paris

Euro Disney S.C.A. announced the capital increase approved on the shareholders meeting of 17 December 2004. While a big part of the capital will come from the Disney Company, who will buy 1,111,111,112 of the new shares and another 217,310,879 bought by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the other shareholders will also have a chance to help in the company’s financial restructuring. Existing shareholders will be able to buy shares at 0,09 euro during a preferential subscription period starting on 31 January and ending on 8 February.

The total amount of 253,347,188 Euro this will bring to Euro Disney S.C.A. is the final step towards a new future for Disneyland Resort Paris. A future with new rides (Buzz, Toons and Tower of Terror) that will hopefully bring the growth the company has been waiting for.

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Playboy coming to Pleasure Island???

This is just a rumor and should be taken as such. On Feb 2nd Hugh Hefner and the Playmates will be checking into the Grand Floridian. Hefner was invited to announce a re-theme of Mannequins at Pleasure Island. The announcement would be the replacement for The Jazz club which would be the Guinness pub, a re-theme of Mannequins, and some other upgrades including a surprise to Pleasure Island.

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Fantasmic cancelled from Jan. 24th- Jan. 26th

Fantasmic! at the Disney-MGM Studios will not have performances from Monday, January 24 through Wednesday, January 26 due to maintenance. The show will resume on Thursday, January 27, unchanged. Rehabs include minor repairs such as cables and parts, there will be no change to the show.

Move over princesses -- Disney on Ice presents the Academy Award-winning "Finding Nemo" and the entire school of celebs Tuesday through Jan. 30 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, and Feb. 1-13 at the United Center.

The show's visual effects submerge the audience into the underwater world of Nemo, his protective pop, Marlin, and the absent-minded yet lovable gal pal, Dory.

"I absolutely love playing the character of Nemo," says skater Tamarah Hooper, 22, who is leading the pack. "We actually trained for six weeks to take away any human aspect and learn to become fish. I spent so many hours practicing in front of a mirror, learning which way the fins row, etc. It was a very intense yet exciting process of morphing into Nemo."

The fun-filled family adventure features a kaleidoscope of scenic elements, visuals, costumes and musical numbers ranging from a classical jellyfish ballet to monkfish getting jiggy.

The goal, says Hooper, is to bring the Great Barrier Reef to life.

"My favorite part is the feeling you get when you enter the ice skating rink. You have this incredible sense of being under water, and in the background, scenes from the actual movie are flashed during the performance."

Hooper says the show stays true to the film's story line. Like the silver-screen version, the ice journey features lots of wacky, familiar characters, including turtles Crush and Squirt, the sharks Bruce, Anchor and Chum, and the crazy tank gang (from the dentist's aquarium).

"We've had such a wonderful response to the show," Hooper says. "The kids jump, dance and scream right along with us the entire time."

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People to Watch

Snowbound buzz birds at the Sundance Film Festival will be keeping one eye on the screens searching for the next under-the-radar hit and another on Bob and Harvey Weinstein, co-founders of Miramax, who are threatening to leave The Walt Disney Co. fold. The brothers became legends in the independent film distribution and production businesses before their partnership with Michael Eisner's Disney stoked their appetites for higher-budget, mainstream fare. If the Weinsteins leave Miramax, which Disney now owns, which may be announced as early as next week, they are expected to start a new company that is closer to their indy roots, but not so close as to abandon movie stars and their perennial presence at the Oscars. 

It's the 25-pound battery pack on his back that wears him down.

That baby can get heavier and heavier as the show goes on, said Bonds, who plays Mufasa in the road production of "The Lion King." It opens tonight for a seven-week run at Gammage Auditorium in Tempe. (And why not in Tucson? "Phoenix is a larger market," explained Mark Rasdorf, general manager of Broadway in Tucson/A Nederlander Presentation. "Typically the shows start in the largest cities first, where there's a greater likelihood of success. It's a numbers game.)

But Bonds isn't complaining. He's doing what he loves.

"I feel very honored, blessed to live my dream and to do work that means something," said Bonds in a phone interview from Seattle, where "The Lion King" was playing.

Blessed or not, this is hard work.

The Tony-winning production, directed by Julie Taymor, is a replica of the Disney movie. But vastly different from it. Instead of cartoon characters, there are actors who become the animals, thanks to life-size puppets. As you see actors transformed into gazelles gliding across the stage, giraffes prancing, and wildebeests stampeding, the magic of theater becomes very real.

Bonds' puppet - that head piece, which looks like the head of a lion - is operated through a remote on his finger. He presses a trigger on his finger and the head moves.

It took a while for the actor, who has been with the show almost four years, to feel as if it was smooth going.

"It was difficult trying to make it one piece, to pull it all together until it's seamless," he said. "It took about a year to do that."

Once it clicked for him, he became Mufasa, the wise lion king.

"Now it's all one. When you put it all together you are the character."

The mask is just one part of the transformation.

He does eight shows a week, and Bonds must keep his voice healthy and his body strong.

That body part takes some concerted effort.

"I do Pilates two times a week, yoga three times, and I go to the gym every day," said Bonds, not sounding at all tired.

"Your whole day is preparing for the show."

And what a show. "The Lion King" is a spectacle, but not in the way "Phantom of the Opera" or "Miss Saigon" is. Special effects are almost nonexistent. Most of the imagery and effects come from the puppets, the costumes and the actors.

Taymor's vision is born of ritual forms of theater from Asia and Africa. That she realized her vision in spite of her partnering with a huge corporation like Disney is a constant wonderment to those who follow theater. Creative genius and corporate America do not make great bedfellows.

Bonds is aware of the spectacle. He remembers being seduced by it when he first saw the show in New York and he longingly eyed the Mufasa role.

But it's the story about the young lion who abandons his kingdom when he feels he is the cause of his father's death that really got to him.

"The piece itself is so beautiful in what it states about mankind, extended family, taking care of your children," he said, his rich, deep voice laced with a bit of wonder.

"It's beautiful to behold."

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Pacific Brands dabbles in Disneyland

Mickey Mouse, Shrek and Barbie are joining the Pacific Brands Ltd stable after the clothing and sportswear supplier announced it was taking over underwear and pyjama group TMI Australasia Pty Ltd (TMI).

The deal gives Pacific Brands access to TMI's major licensed properties including various Disney, Hasbro/Dreamworks, Warner Bros and Haven Licensing characters which includes Sesame Street and Looney Tunes.

The acquisition gives Pacific Brands access to the licensing segment of the market, an area where it has not had an active co-ordinated position for several years.

Pacific Brands group general manager of underwear and hosiery Stephen Audsley said the acquisition was a great opportunity to enter the popular branded segment of the market.

"The use of licensed characters for sleepwear and underwear is particularly strong in the children's and youth category," Mr Audsley said.

He said Pacific Brands aims to increase sales by leveraging its expertise across a broader range of categories including outerwear and footwear.

He said the acquisition is consistent with the Pacific Brands strategy of growing earnings through strategic, branded bolt-on acquisitions.

Pacific Brands has acquired all the staff, assets and intellectual property of Melbourne-based TMI, whose annual sales are around $15 million.

Pacific Brands manufactures and markets key brands including Holeproof, Bonds, Berlei, Jockey, Kayser and Kolotex.

Shares in Pacific Brands lost two cents to $3.08 on Thursday.

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Honda and Disneyland Resort Form Strategic Alliance

A new 10-year business alliance was announced today between American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Disneyland Resort that provides sponsorship of the theme park's new 50th Anniversary fireworks show and its annual Grad Nite celebrations.

The parties are also in the process of finalizing an agreement to develop a new exhibit at Innoventions in Tomorrowland that may feature ASIMO, Honda's advanced humanoid robot. Additionally, Honda will be designated the "official" product in each of the company's existing product categories -- automobiles, motorcycles and selected power equipment.

The alliance also provides Honda with opportunities for use of company products and other advanced technologies at locations throughout the Resort, which entertains millions of people each year. Honda will continue exploring other partnership opportunities with The Walt Disney Company.

"This new alliance creates many new and exciting opportunities for both of our organizations," said Koichi Kondo, president and CEO, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Our two companies hold a common belief in the importance of dreams. It is particularly exciting to enter this partnership as Disneyland celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2005."

"We are thrilled to welcome Honda to the Disneyland Resort family. Honda is known throughout the world for quality, innovation and family values -- qualities that our own founder, Walt Disney, instilled in Disneyland park 50 years ago," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort.

Debuting in May, Disneyland's new fireworks show, "Remember ... Dreams Come True," is a spectacular nighttime extravaganza. The pyrotechnic production features bursts of color precisely set to riveting music and a compelling narrative. It is presented through the use of air launch technology, a safer and more environmentally friendly way of displaying fireworks that is being hailed by the pyrotechnic industry as the biggest innovation in decades.

Honda also has a long history of environmental leadership and is committed to offering customers cleaner, more fuel-efficient products in all its product lines.

"The creativity and quality of the fireworks show along with the break- through technology used to present it are perfect examples of the high standards Honda and Disney are known to uphold," said Ouimet.

"We look forward to sharing our cutting-edge technologies, like ASIMO, with Disneyland Resort Guests and working with Disney to discover new business, marketing and promotional opportunities in all areas of our respective businesses," said Kondo.

Beginning May 5, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will celebrate its biggest event ever, the "Happiest Celebration On Earth," an 18-month global salute to mark the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland park.

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Expedition Everest gets topped and Flagged

Animal Kingdom's latest attraction, Expedition Everest, was topped off yesterday with a peak and moments afterwards the American Flag rose to it's glory at the top.

                                     

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Walt Disney Earnings Conference Call (Q1 2005)

Scheduled to start Mon, Jan 31, 2005, 4:30 pm Eastern

The Walt Disney Company, along with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in four business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment and Consumer Products. The Media Networks segment is comprised of television broadcast, radio and cable operations.The businesses in the Parks and Resorts segment generate revenues predominately from the sale of admissions to the theme parks, room nights at the hotel and rentals at the resort properties. The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, animated direct-to-video programming, musical recordings and live stage plays. The Consumer Products segment partners with licensees, manufacturers, publishers and retailers throughout the world to design, promote and sell a wide variety of products based on existing and new Disney characters and other intellectual property.

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Form 8-K for WALT DISNEY CO

Change in Directors or Pricipal Officers 

According to Variety, Stern developed a story idea for the long-in-the-works "TS3" on spec while a member of Disney's Feature Animation Writing Program. Several other writers also took a stab at "TS3," but Disney ultimately chose Stern's concept.

Though exact details of the script were being kept under close wraps, Stern's new take is expected to advance the "Toy Story" franchise by taking the characters on the road and out of Andy's room. Stern is also understood to have invented a couple of new characters for the next installment.

The studio is expected to hire another screenwriter to write a polish on the script.

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Mandara Spa to Build and Operate the Spa at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Steiner Leisure Limited today announced that its Mandara Spa division has entered into an agreement to build out and operate a luxury spa facility at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida owned by Tishman Realty & Construction Corporation and Met Life and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Located in Orlando, Florida, the 2,267 guest room AAA Four Diamond Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a premier resort complex situated on 87 acres of beautiful lakefront property in the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The terms of Mandara's lease of the facilities will be for 20 years (including renewals at the option of Mandara). The spa is situated within the resort and will blend the distinctive architecture of the resort with Mandara's signature contemporary-Balinese elements. The main spa facility will comprise treatment rooms and couples suites accented with Balinese inspired art and textiles. Additional features of the spa include a relaxation Tea Garden and Meditation Garden with lakefront views and balconies, men's and women's changing lounges, steam rooms, a sophisticated nail salon and a "hair spa" offering a complete array of beauty services in a single setting. A full compliment of spa services custom tailored for the unique Orlando setting and spa environment will be featured. Mandara estimates that the build-out will cost approximately $2.5 million.

Mandara estimates that the spa will open in Summer 2005.

Leonard Fluxman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Steiner Leisure, said "Starwood operates some of the finest resort facilities in the world. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, Florida is no exception and we are extremely pleased to be able to continue to build our Mandara relationship with Tishman and Starwood at this magnificent destination."

Bill McCreary, President of Tishman Hotel Corporation, said, "We are pleased to continue our relationship with Steiner Leisure in this endeavor. The Mandara Spa will meet a growing demand of our guests and will provide an additional dimension of luxury options for them to enjoy."

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Hong Kong Disneyland Cultural Representatives Learn How to Bring the Magic to Life from the U.S.

Hong Kong Disneyland bid farewell to the first group of its 500 Cultural Representatives at Hong Kong International Airport today as they embarked on a training program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The Cultural Representatives represent the largest group of Cast Members (Disney's term for employees) in Disney's history to be sent to another Disney theme park to train in their roles before opening a brand new park. The program is an opportunity for Hong Kong Disneyland's first generation of cast members to be immersed in the magical Disney culture while sharing their own Chinese customs and traditions with Walt Disney World guests.

The program will play an important part in Hong Kong Disneyland's cast member training process, and supports the company's philosophy that its people are its most important asset.

As Walt Disney himself once said: "You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world but it requires people to make the dream a reality."

"Hong Kong Disneyland is proud to be providing this invaluable training opportunity for the people of Hong Kong. The Cultural Representative program demonstrates our commitment to being an employer of choice that offers tremendous opportunities for career development," said Greg Wann, Hong Kong Disneyland Vice President, Human Resources.

The program will present the Cultural Representatives with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be trained according to the standards set by the Walt Disney Company worldwide.

"It highlights our magical Disney culture - 'the Disney Difference' - that stresses the importance of guest service training, and which has become the cornerstone of our Disney parks," said Wann.

Upon returning to Hong Kong in the summer, the Cultural Representatives will be offered the opportunity to become permanent Hong Kong Disneyland cast members, and will create history as the first generation to spread magic throughout Hong Kong, China and beyond.

The 500 Cultural Representatives were carefully selected out of 5,000 applications with the ability to convey the Disney passion a key requirement.

Strong communication skills, an excellent guest service attitude together with a strong Disney passion were also important criteria in making the selection.

While in Orlando, the Cultural Representatives will have the opportunity to work in various facets of Walt Disney World's hospitality and entertainment businesses, including merchandise, food & beverage, Park operations, custodial and hotels.

The program's completely immersive approach will allow the Cultural Representatives to fully experience the legendary Disney guest service and Disney quality standards.

"The magical Disney culture inspired me to join Hong Kong Disneyland and I am looking forward to bringing the Disney guest service culture to Hong Kong after I complete the Cultural Representative program in the summer. This is definitely a unique training opportunity for me!" said Jolland Chung Hin-lun, one of the Cultural Representatives who will play a role in the operations of Walt Disney World.

"I am excited and proud to be among the first 500 Cultural Representatives to experience the Disney culture in Orlando and I look forward to meeting guests from all over the world and being part of the Disney family," said Jaime Chan Lai-yin, who will bring magic to guests in the merchandize section at Walt Disney World.

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Playhouse Disney Triple Pack

Teaching children up to the age of six the basics of numbers, letters and colours is all about making it fun and exciting for them, and the Playhouse Disney Triple Pack combines three titles that do just that.

There is a common theme that links all three: in Rolie Polie Olie, you have to find Olie's dog Spot, in Stanley Tiger Tales it's about finding Stanley's tiger swim suit so he can go to the beach, while in The Book of Pooh - A Story with a Tail, Eeyore has lost his tail.

Stanley Tiger Tales doesn't just teach basic maths, science and language skills, it also places a strong emphasis on conservation, helping children to foster an appreciation and respect for nature through fun and informative exercises.

Rolie Polie Olie is a little more quirky, but still has strong educational aspects woven into the gameplay as you help Olie search the house for his lost dog. The only concern with these two titles is that the American accents and language may be hard for youngsters to understand.

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Top ten things to do at Walt Disney World without kids

There's a lot more to kicking back at Disney World than slapping on a pair of Mouse ears and lining up for a $14 churro. Here's our list of favorites:

1. California Grill - Sparks will fly, quite literally, during dinner at the California Grill. Situated atop the Contemporary Resort, the restaurant offers an unmatched view. On selected evenings, the Magic Kingdom's "Wishes" fireworks show puts the final touches on an extraordinary experience. The lights dim and the show's music is piped in to the restaurant. Ask for a table on the Magic Kingdom side of the room and book a priority seating for about an hour before fireworks time.

                                                                    

2. La Nouba - La Nouba, a 90-minute surreal, dramatic presentation - provides exactly what you'd expect from Cirque du Soleil - very odd French entertainment. But it looks great and is a lot of fun. Shows are scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday at 6 and 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $72 and $82. After the show, dinner is just steps away at the bustling Downtown Disney.

                                                                    

3. Adventurer's Club - Located at Pleasure Island, there is no bar quite like this one. Visitors are greeted by a butler at the door, and ushered into a salon populated by regulars know as "The Colonel" and "Babylonia," among others. Every turn brings an unexpected surprise, compounding the effects of the wonderful drinks.

                                                                    

4. ESPN Zone - There is no better way to spend a Sunday, especially when the Patriots are playing, than at the ESPN Zone at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. The wings, the beer, the burgers and the hot dogs (gargantuan and filling) are all fantastic, and songs shall be sung through the ages about the nachos. The only catch - arrive as early as possible unless you want to stand. A booth can be tough to claim by game time, but arriving a few hours early makes it more likely. Just consider it more time to watch the pre-game shows and scarf as many chicken wings as possible.

5. Drink around the world - The World Showcase at Epcot teaches us about cultures from around the world - how they dress, what they eat and how the live. Thankfully, it also teaches us what they drink. Start your day with a margarita at the Mexico pavilion and finish it all off with a Molson at the Canada pavilion. Remember: What happens at Epcot, stays at Epcot.

                                                                    

6. Hang out at the Boardwalk - This 1940s themed boardwalk comes to life after dark. Play a midway game, watch the buskers, grab a bite to eat or rent a surrey bike. These bicycles built for two (or more) are a fun, exciting way to see the Boardwalk at night. One tip: Take a date that's willing to help pedal. They are rather heavy contraptions.

                                                                    

7. IllumiNations at the Rose & Crown - "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," Epcot's nightly spectacular, is among the best evening entertainment available at Walt Disney World. The trick is always finding the best spot to watch. Our vote is from the outdoor deck of the Rose & Crown pub in the United Kingdom pavilion - preferably with a pint of Guinness in hand and an order of fish and chips nearby.

                                                                    

8. Carriage ride through Fort Wilderness - A relatively new experience, visitors can book a 30-minute ride in an antique carriage through the backwoods beauty surrounding Fort Wilderness.

9. The Chef's Table at Victoria & Alberts - The key word here is "extravagance." The main dining room has just 15 tables, but those who truly want to splurge reserve the Chef's Table. As many as 13 courses with wine pairings will run $185 per person. It's an evening of linen, crystal and silver. But best of all it's overseen by a chef wearing one of those way-too-tall hats. Like the Pope of food.

                                                                    

10. Get married at the wedding pavilion - The ultimate Disney couple's experience. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings has just redesigned its Web site (www.disneyweddings.com), giving users a chance to plan everything from location and themes to wedding cakes. Pricey, but certainly memorable. Plus, the honeymoon suite is right next-door.

                                                                    

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Get away from the kids - go to Disney World

There may not be a vacation spot on the planet with a higher concentration of children than Walt Disney World, but there may not be a better place to get away from them, either.

Scoff if you must, but the Mouse House has a full roster of excursions and activities guaranteed to infuse a bit of relaxation away from the sticky-hands set. From spa treatments and golf to specialized tours and fine dining, travelers can spend an entire vacation in the greater Orlando area while managing to avoid the traditional kiddie-traps.

Getting started:

That said, this is Walt Disney World. There are legions of children everywhere. However, the quest for a stress-free experience starts in the planning stages. Disney divides its hotels into three categories: Value, moderate and deluxe. In short – the more you pay, the more attentive the service.

All of Disney’s resorts are family friendly, but an evening walk through a deluxe resort offers a higher romance factor than, say, cavorting around the guitar-shaped pool at the All Star Music resort.

Our recommendation: Choose the Yacht Club Beach Club Boardwalk or Grand Floridian. All of these are deluxe resorts, which provide concierge level accommodations, and therefore a higher level of attention. These resorts also have something going for them that others do not – location, location, location. The Yacht and Beach Clubs and Boardwalk are within walking distance of Epcot and a quick boat ride to MGM Studios. The Grand Floridian is on the monorail line to the Magic Kingdom. Other less expensive resorts can be great, but when the parks close and it’s standing room only on the bus, you’ll be thankful you chose to splurge.

Excursions:

There’s a lot more to Walt Disney World than slapping on a pair of mouse ears and jumping on the Dumbo ride. World-class golf, attentive spa treatments, fine dining, fishing excursions, specialized tours and a packed nightlife provide plenty of opportunity to customize the traditional Disney World vacation.

The amount of planning information on the Web is staggering. Potential visitors can spend weeks combing through online deals, reviews and news about traveling to Walt Disney World. Starting with Disney’s official site, which provides piles of useful info, users can then branch out to find deals that best fit their needs.

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Evidence Phase Ends in Disney Firing Trial

The evidence phase of a long-running trial over Walt Disney Co.'s 1996 firing of Michael Ovitz from the job of president ended Wednesday.

Yale Law Professor John Donohue, in his third trip to the witness stand, said Disney could have fired Ovitz for cause without paying him a $140 million severance package and without risking even larger damages for fraud and defamation.

Trial of the case began in October, and no decision is expected until after lawyers have exchanged briefs presenting their views of what the evidence showed.

Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner, Ovitz and members and former members of Disney's board of directors testified in the case, which was brought by shareholders seeking to recover some of the severance package for the company.

Investors attempted to prove Disney was lax in hiring and firing Ovitz, handing the one-time Hollywood power broker a contract that made it more profitable for him to fail than to succeed.

Ovitz said the one-time friend who recruited him to the second spot at Disney failed to stand by him when other executives who had been passed over for the job balked at answering to the newcomer.

In the concluding phase of the trial, high-profile principals gave way to expert witnesses who debated whether Disney should have fired Ovitz for cause or given him the no-fault termination and $140 million severance.

Defense experts testified last week that a for-cause firing would have cost Disney much more than $140 million.

They said they could find no evidence Ovitz was a liar, in spite of repeated references to Ovitz's dishonesty by Eisner.

A for-cause firing based on flimsy evidence or mere suspicion of wrongdoing, they said, would have exposed Disney to greater damages.

Yale professor Donohue said the failure of experts to find proof Ovitz lied seven years after the alleged dishonesty didn't mean there was none.

Had the board of Burbank, Calif.-based entertainment giant Disney probed suspicions of Ovitz's alleged dishonesty and extravagance in 1996, the record in the Delaware trial might have looked much different, the shareholder expert said Wednesday.

Whether Ovitz was entitled to his no-fault termination isn't the only, or perhaps even the most critical issue to be decided in the case.

Even if the ex-president is found guiltless, some current and former Disney directors may still be found liable for failing their duties to shareholders in allegedly mishandling the Ovitz matter.

In a September pretrial ruling, Chancellor William Chandler III said Ovitz couldn't be sued for negotiating the best employment deal he could get when he left the talent agency he had founded to take the job at Disney.

Ovitz could still be found liable if the judge finds he improperly engineered a no-fault departure from Disney, when a termination for cause was warranted.

Corporate and shareholder attorneys, however, will be watching Chandler's ruling most closely for signs of change in the law governing board responsibility for major decisions such as the hiring and firing of top executives.

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Disney files $5 bln mixed shelf offering

Walt Disney Co. may periodically sell up to $5 billion in debt securities, preferred and common stock, depositary shares and other securities, according to a U.S. regulatory filing on Wednesday.

Disney filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which includes $1.8 billion of previously registered securities.

The company said it intends to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include short-term debt, investments and credit extensions to its subsidiaries and acquisitions.

The registration statement also includes warrants, purchase contracts, units and trust preferred securities of Disney Capital trusts.

Disney shares were down 19 cents at $28.55 in late afternoon trading.

Under a shelf registration, a company may sell securities in one or more separate offerings with the size, price and terms to be determined at the time of sale.

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Hub Rehab Photo's from Magic Kingdom

Below are photo's from Magic Kingdom's Hub, which is currently under rehab for the Cindercelebration Stage Show. The show is being imported from Tokyo Disneyland. The Big question is; Where is the Partners Statue? Is it inside the box?

                  
                  

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Getting ready for Valentine's

Disneyland Paris - The Christmas-Season is over but the special It’s A Small World “overlay” Celebration stays already traditionally on a bit longer. As it showcases not only Christmas but some of the most important and festive celebrations from around the world there is no urgent need to bring the elaborate costumes back to storage already. To stay in tune with the changing times so some slight changes have been put in place, notably in the US-western scene where one of the dolls is now dressed up all in white with a bow as the god of love, armor, in front of a large red heart. Obviously St. Valentines is coming up soon, also with special St. Valentine’s meal offers in the restaurants on the day itself.

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River Country Officially Closed

Walt Disney World - Disney released a statement that River Country is now Officially Closed. All Directional signs inside Walt Disney World pertaining to River Country have been removed. No press release was made. River Country, Disney's first Water Park closed down a few Years ago, but this is the first official statement made by the Company of it's closure.

                                  

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CNBC To Air Rebellion in the Magic Kingdom

CNBC on Assignment will focus on the shareholders suit against Disney's board of directors over Michael Ovitz' severance package. The program will air January 24th.

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The Incredibles Comes Home March 15!

Superhero-sized 2-Disc Collector's Edition DVD
Loaded with Bonus Materials Including never before seen short film "Jack-Jack Attack" 

From The Oscar-Winning Creators of
TOY STORY, MONSTERS, INC. and FINDING NEMO

                                                 

The world’s greatest superhero family is coming to DVD! Box-office smash hit, THE INCREDIBLES, a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, becomes even more incredible, arriving in a special two-disc Collector’s Edition DVD March 15, 2005 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment and Pixar Animation Studios (Nasdaq: PIXR). This hilarious, action-packed and heart-warming cinema sensation from the Oscar®-winning creators of Finding Nemo*, THE INCREDIBLES took moviegoers by storm. Now the Collector’s Edition DVD takes viewers even further into the thrilling superhero world with an exclusive, all-new, never-before-seen animated short “Jack-Jack Attack,” which uncovers Jack-Jack’s previously unknown super powers and reveals what happened while Jack-Jack was alone for one truly outrageous night of babysitting. A continuing hit with audiences of all ages in theatres, the exciting DVD release is loaded with explosive extras including a never-before-seen alternate opening, plus more deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes features on the film and its creators at Pixar Animation Studios, hilarious Incredi-blunders, bonus programs on the art and technology of the film, Pixar’s charming
short film “Boundin,” which premiered with the movie in theatres, top-secret files on all the film’s superheroes, hysterical character interviews, feature filmmaker commentary with Pixar director Brad Bird and his fellow filmmakers, and much more.

This heroic tale of laughs, adventure and heartfelt emotion delivers the most ‘incredible’ computer animated DVD experience ever and is available on DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.) and on VHS for $29.99 (S.R.P.).

The thrilling two-disc THE INCREDIBLES Collector’s Edition DVD has something for everyone, from the discerning DVD enthusiast who demands nothing less than the highest-quality home entertainment experience, to families who enjoy the interactive and engaging bonus features that only DVDs can provide. Presented on DVD with unprecedented picture and sound quality, THE INCREDIBLES is available in two separate products – a ‘widescreen’ version and ‘full screen’ version.

• WIDESCREEN VERSION
2.39:1 Original theatrical aspect ratio
- Feature is direct from Pixar’s digital source.

• FULL SCREEN VERSION
1.33:1 Reframed for Standard Televisions
- Feature is direct from Pixar’s digital source.

DISC 1 BONUS FEATURES:

• FEATURE DIRECTOR/PRODUCER COMMENTARY
Featuring Pixar Director Brad Bird & Producer John Walker.

• FEATURE ANIMATOR COMMENTARY
Featuring several key Pixar animators from the film.

DISC 2 BONUS FEATURES:

• “JACK-JACK ATTACK”
Here is an all-new, never-before-seen short film! While the Incredibles are off saving the world, Jack- Jack, the youngest member of the Incredibles’ family, is left home with Kari, the babysitter. Discover Jack-Jack’s previously unknown super powers and what happens with his sitter in this hilarious short film from the animators at Pixar. It’s a night to remember that his babysitter would just as soon forget.

• DELETED SCENES INCLUDING AN ALTERNATE OPENING
Witness the evolution of Pixar filmmaker Brad Bird’s vision of The Incredibles with an action-packed alternate opening and a host of never-before-seen deleted scenes from the film. Each scene includes an introduction from the filmmaker.

• “INCREDI-BLUNDERS” – BLOOPERS AND OUTTAKES
Even animated characters make mistakes. Laugh along with the cast of The Incredibles as we reveal some of the trips, flubs and crack-ups that had the cast and crew in stitches.

• TOP SECRET FILES ON ALL THE SUPERS
For your eyes only! Gain classified access to the government’s National Supers Agency database and learn about all the supers’ lives before they were forced undercover by the government. Hear them, in their own words, discuss their superpowers, alter egos and insecurities. It’s a fun and funny look at Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Frozone, Dynaguy, Blazestone, Downburst, Everseer and many more!

• THE MAKING OF ‘THE INCREDIBLES’
Venture inside Pixar with writer/director Brad Bird, from his first day at the studio through the completion of The Incredibles, as his passion ignites the Pixar team to take computer animation where it’s never been before. Meet the people behind the supers and see how the making of The Incredibles completely confiscated the lives of those involved, as only hero work can. It’s all fun and games until somebody wants to make an animated feature.

• MORE MAKING OF ‘THE INCREDIBLES’
Further explore the artistic and technical evolution of The Incredibles in this series of documentary shorts. Highlighting the various filmmaking departments at Pixar that came together to create this unique animated masterpiece, each piece focuses on topics including character design, set design, lighting and the ultimate challenge of creating believable human computer animated characters.

• MR. INCREDIBLE AND PALS
Watch this never-before-seen, “lost” cartoon featuring Mr. Incredible, Frozone and their delightful rabbit sidekick, Mr. Skipperdoo, as they battle their evil nemesis, Lady Lightbug. Produced in retro style lip-o-vision, it features hand-drawn characters with actor’s live-action lips. No wonder it was lost!

• MR. INCREDIBLE & PALS COMMENTARY
Join Mr. Incredible and his pal Frozone as they watch this “lost” cartoon for the first time. Listen in on their shocked reactions as the cartoon unfolds. Featuring the voices of Craig T. Nelson and Samuel L. Jackson.

• CHARACTER INTERVIEWS
Sit down for a chat with the stars of The Incredibles in these fully animated interviews as they reveal their perspective on the making of this major motion picture.

• VOWELLET – AN ESSAY BY SARAH VOWELL
Sarah Vowell, the voice of Violet Parr, also has a secret identity as a real-life writer and public radio documentarian. Enjoy Sarah’s unique point of view as she delights in the adventure of becoming an Incredible superhero.

• PIXAR’S ACADEMY AWARD®-NOMINATED SHORT FILM “BOUNDIN’”
What happens when a proud lamb is sheared down to his pink skin? The American West’s mythological marvel, the Jackalope, picks him back up and teaches him a thing or two. This charming Academy Award-nominated animated short, written, designed, directed and sung by Pixar’s Bud Luckey, will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. Also, presented with
optional filmmaker commentary.

• WHO IS BUD LUCKEY?
Meet the creator of “Boundin’,” one of Pixar’s living legends – the person who designed Toy Story’s Woody, in this short biographical piece.

• PUBLICITY
See the original teaser and trailers for the film.

DVD TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
• Widescreen Version Of The Film (2.39:1)
- Original Theatrical Aspect Ratio

• Fullscreen Version Of The Film (1.33:1)
- Reframed For Standard Televisions

• English, French And Spanish Language Tracks Available
• Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX
• THX-Certified, Including THX Optimizer

THE INCREDIBLES follows the adventures of a family of former superheroes rediscovering the true source of their powers—in one another. Once one of the world’s top masked crime fighters, Bob Parr (AKA Mr. Incredible) fought evil and saved lives on a daily basis. But fifteen years later, he and his wife Helen (the former Elastigirl) have been forced to take on civilian identities and retreat to the suburbs. Today they, and all superheroes, live as mere mortals. Bob and Helen lead all-too-ordinary lives with their children, Violet and Dashiell “Dash” Parr, who go out of their way to appear “normal.” As a clock-punching insurance man, the only thing Bob fights these days is boredom and a bulging waistline. Itching for action, the sidelined superhero gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top-secret
assignment.

Now, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the family must come together and once again find the fantastic in their family life.

The most complex computer-animated entertainment yet created, THE INCREDIBLES nevertheless relies on the same traditional elements as all compelling motion picture stories - character development, production design, cinematography, costumes, effects, music and overall vision - pushing each of these to new levels within the genre to create a film unlike any other.

The top-notch voice cast of THE INCREDIBLES includes:

Craig T. Nelson (TV’s “The District,” “Coach”) is Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible, a dedicated family man trying to find a balance between saving the world and taking care of his loved ones.

Holly Hunter (“Thirteen,” Academy Award® winner, Best Actress “The Piano” 1993) is Helen Parr/Elastigirl, an ultra-flexible character who is a mom, a housewife and a superhero rolled into one.

Samuel L. Jackson (“Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” “Changing Lanes”) is Lucius Best/Frozone, an ultra-cool superhero and Bob Parr’s bowling buddy.

Brad Bird (“The Iron Giant,” TV’s “The Simpsons”) is the voice of Edna Mode (E), the deliciously deadpan and truly diminutive fashion diva, Edna Mode, or “E” for short, who specializes in designing costumes for an elite superhero clientele.

Jason Lee (“Jersey Girl,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”) brings a sense of mischief and mayhem to the role of Buddy Pine/Syndrome, the dastardly villain who holds a grudge against superheroes.

Spencer Fox is Dashiell Parr (Dash), gifted with super-speed and endlessly frustrated by the fact that he is forbidden from showing it off.

Sarah Vowell, author and noted radio show commentator on public radio’s “This American Life,” lends her distinctive voice to Violet, the Parrs’ shy teenage daughter. Violet’s ability to become invisible or use a protective force field comes in handy during the heat of battle—or when she simply wishes she could disappear.

Elizabeth Peña (TV’s “Suburban Madness,” “Resurrection Blvd.”) provides the seductive voice of Syndrome’s henchwoman Mirage, who lures Mr. Incredible out of his domestic ennui and delivers him into his nemesis’ evil clutches.

Jean Sincere (TV’s “The Drew Carey Show,” “Frasier,” “ER” and many more) is Mrs. Hogenson, the sweet elderly lady that Bob bends his company rules for.

John Ratzenberger (TV’s “Cheers”) is the Underminer. Ratzenberger is the only person to have voiced parts in all six Pixar films presented by Disney.

Wallace Shawn (Disney’s “Teacher’s Pet,” “The Haunted Mansion”) plays Gilbert Huph, Bob’s insurance company boss and the personification of everything petty and bureaucratic that’s ruining Bob Parr’s life.

Playing a major role in creating the film’s retro-futuristic style and exuberant mood is the jazzy work of composer Michael Giacchino (TV’s “Alias”). THE INCREDIBLES is produced by John Walker (“The Iron Giant”) and executive produced by Pixar’s John Lasseter, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker and executive vice president of creative for Pixar. Kori Rae is associate producer, and Katherine Sarafian is production manager. Written and directed by Brad Bird (“The Iron Giant,” TV’s “The Simpsons.”).

STREET DATE: MARCH 15, 2005
Direct Prebook: January 18, 2005
Distributor Prebook: February 1, 2005
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 (DVD); $29.99 VHS
Rated: USA: “PG” (For Action Violence)
Canada: “G” (For Violence)
Bonus material not rated.

Feature Run Time: Approximately 115 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: Widescreen Version (2.39:1)
&
Full Frame Version (1.33:1)
• Specially Reframed For Standard Televisions
DVD Languages: English, French & Spanish Audio

VHS aspect ratio: Full Frame Version Of The Film (1.33:1)
Specially Reframed For Standard Televisions
VHS Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround EX
THX-Certified, Including THX Optimizer

About Pixar Animation Studios:
Pixar Animation Studios (Nasdaq: PIXR, http://www.pixar.com) combines creative and technical artistry to create original stories in the medium of computer animation. Pixar has created six of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time: Academy Award winning Toy Story (1995); A Bug’s Life (1998); Golden Globe-winner Toy Story 2 (1999); the Academy Award-winning Monsters, Inc. (2001), the Academy Award-winning Finding Nemo (2003) and The Incredibles (2004). Pixar’s six films have earned more than $3 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The Northern California studio’s next film release is Cars (June 9, 2006). Pixar’s films are released by Walt Disney Pictures.

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., is a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.

* Academy Award 2004, Best Animated Feature – Finding Nemo

Disney has set Sept. 12 as the opening day for its $3.5 billion Hong Kong Disneyland, expected to attract millions of visitors from the communist-led Chinese mainland.

The government of Hong Kong is investing nearly $3 billion on the project, part of an effort to boost the economy of the former British colony and Asian financial hub that reverted to China in 1997.

Already, the Disney venture has created more than 11,000 jobs in Hong Kong during construction, and it will directly employ 5,000 people upon opening, officials have said.

The theme park is Disney's third outside the United States, following Paris and Tokyo.

The project comes as mainland China, with its 1.3 billion residents, emerges as a major source of outbound travel, especially to areas of Asia.

In the first half of this year, China sent roughly 16 million travelers outside the mainland, compared with roughly 23 million in all of last year. The tally should top 100 million in 2020, making China the world's No. 4 source of outbound travelers, said the U.N.-linked World Tourism Organization.

Hong Kong is aiming to attract mainland Chinese families, many eager to entertain the one and only child they're allowed under the government's one-child, family-planning policy adopted in 1979.

Disneyland in Hong Kong won't be cheap. Ticket prices will run about $38 for adults and $27 for children during the week and $45 for adults and $32 for children on weekends and peak days, organizers said.

But with a growing middle class in China, Hong Kong is confident that mainland Chinese can account for at least one-third of the estimated 5.6 million visitors the first year and eventually, an even larger share of the 10 million visitors projected yearly.

The rest of the visitors are to come from Hong Kong itself and from other areas of Asia.

HongKong Disneyland will open on Lantau Island, also the site of Hong Kong's new airport. Initially, the venture will include a theme park with two hotels comprising 1,000 rooms. Later, it will add attractions and grow to 2,100 hotel rooms.

For more, check www.hongkongdisneyland.com.

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Disney plans to mix ads, video games to target kids, teens

To reach kids and teens to promote Disneyland's 50th anniversary this year, Walt Disney Co. will use one of the hottest — and most controversial — gimmicks in the media business: "advergaming." Advergaming is when companies put ad messages in Web-based or video games. Sometimes the entire game amounts to a virtual commercial for a TV show or product. Sometimes advertisers sponsor games; sometimes they buy ad space integrated into them.

The online arcades put up by advertisers that include Disney, Viacom's Nickelodeon and even the U.S. Army rival titles from the $10 billion video game industry in entertainment value and high-tech expertise.

But ad critics such as Jeff Chester of the Center for Digital Democracy decry them as "digital infomercials" that blur the lines between content and commercials and often collect data on consumers playing the games.

"These are not just harmless games. It's part of the brainwashing of America," Chester says.

As part of an 18-month global campaign that kicks off on May 5, Disney will roll out an interactive, multiplayer game called "Virtual Magic Kingdom." It aims to provide a virtual visit to Disney's five global resorts and 11 theme parks to anyone with an Internet connection. The target: "tweens" ages 8 to 12 and young teens.

Visitors will be able to play free online games based on real attractions, such as the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise. They'll also be able to chat, create their own avatars, or graphic icons representing real-life Web surfers in cyberspace, and earn virtual points that can be redeemed for T-shirts and other goodies at the actual parks.

The goal: push kids to urge their parents to visit a Disney park during the anniversary promotion that also includes the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland on Sept. 12.

"We hope it becomes a real hangout for preteens and teens," said Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, during a recent news conference about anniversary-marketing plans.

Jeff Logsdon, managing director at investment banker Harris Nesbitt, says Disney's strategy "is clearly a clever way to engage with a key part of their target market. Kids 10 years old and younger have really grown up with the Internet."

Forrest Research predicts advergaming will grow into a $1 billion business this year. As marketers try to target kids and elusive Gen Y consumers, Madison Avenue is waking up to the fact that Webwise younger consumers like video games — and disdain pop-ups, banner ads and other less-subtle forms of online advertising.

And rather than get a kid's attention for just 30 seconds with a TV commercial, advergames can capture them for minutes or hours.

"If a kid likes a game, they'll play it 15 times," says Tim Spengler, executive vice president of media services company Initiative. "Companies are asking 'What's my game strategy?' "

But companies wanting to create successful advergames have to be careful about the quality of the game experience, says Michael Goodman, senior analyst at the Yankee Group.

"The key is to remember that it's a game first and an ad second. If it's a good game, consumers will recognize they're being sold. But they won't care," he says.

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Disney Busy Leonard's Last Lap

Disney has bought a feature treatment and the underlying feature film rights to manuscript The Last Lap from writer Mike Leonard, reports Variety. Disney-based producers Rachel Pfeffer, Jennifer Gibgot, and Adam Shankman will produce the film.

The comedy is based on the true story of Leonard, a Chicago-based feature correspondent for NBC's "The Today Show" who drops everything to rent an RV to travel across America for a month with his funny and eccentric elderly parents to see the places and people who shaped their lives. Riding behind them in another RV are Leonard's three grown children. The journey ends with the birth of Leonard's granddaughter.

Shankman is eyeing the project to direct. Pic will be produced by Pfeffer's Pfeffer Film and Shankman's Offspring Entertainment.

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Disney manager to lead statewide restaurant group

Orlando resident Mary Hayes took over as chairman of the Florida Restaurant Association last week, assuming a top role with the trade group that lobbies on behalf of the state's eateries.

Hayes, who is area manager for Downtown Disney restaurants -- including Cap'n Jack's, The Missing Link Sausage Co. and various outdoor concessions -- is a 20-year industry veteran.

Since moving to Orlando from Michigan fresh out of high school, the 37-year-old has worked at 12 Walt Disney World restaurants, in quick service, table service and outdoor concession capacities.

Hayes' involvement with industry issues began in 1992 when she joined the Central Florida chapter of the state association. In 2000, she became a member of the state Board of Directors, and in 2002, was nominated to serve on the seven-member executive committee.

"My eyes really opened to all of the issues out there that affect restaurants," she said.

For the most part, the state's $20 billion-a-year restaurant industry is prospering. However, there are dozens of restaurants still digging out from hurricane damage, which could stymie hiring and sales in some areas, she said.

Hayes said the association will be busy this legislative season working to repeal the alcohol beverage tax that was enacted in 1989 during a tight budget year.

At one time, the surcharge generated about $120 million annually, but was partially phased out in 1999 and then again in 2000.

The tax, which is calculated per ounce and varies by type of alcohol, generates about $42 million for the state.

Restaurant and bar owners argue that the surcharge unfairly singles them out because retail outlets, such as convenience stores, liquor stores and supermarkets, are exempt.

They also say the surcharge is burdensome and complex to calculate.

"It was an unfair tax put on us from the beginning," Hayes said. "We're confident this will be the year we can finally get rid of it."

Hayes said the association will work with restaurants statewide to implement the $1-per-hour minimum-wage increase that voters approved in November.

Restaurant owners had opposed the increase -- which raises the state's minimum wage to $6.15 an hour -- and said they weren't prepared to absorb higher labor costs.

Tipped employees, such as a restaurant's wait staff, will earn $3.13 an hour, up from $2.13.

There's concern that restaurants may be forced to trim overhead or workers' hours or benefits to recoup losses.

"Bottom line, this is going to be huge for the industry," Hayes said.

Hayes, who previously served as president of the Central Florida Restaurant Association, is married to Steven Hayes, a restaurant consultant. She has two children.

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Hooking up at Disney: Sport fishing with the Mouse

One of Walt Disney World's most picturesque assets, it's lakes, rivers and canals, presents a perfect opportunity to put some distance between yourself and the long lines.

The pre-dawn hours offer some of the most impressive views of the property. The vista, uncluttered by armies of tourists, takes on an entirely new look. An uncharacteristic silence blankets the normally bustling property. As it slowly begins to awaken, pontoon boats cut back and forth across the property's six main bodies of water, picking up the first parties of the day.

It's this landscape would-be anglers are welcomed into. The massive vacation complex, which operates on a never-ending 24-hour schedule, is as asleep as it ever gets. The normally busy roadways that snake through the theme parks and resorts are relatively quiet that time of day, making a taxi ride to the docks a necessity. (A ride from the Yacht Club Resort to the docks at the Contemporary Resort, for example, costs roughly $15 including tip.)

Fishing guide Tom Stocker arrived at the dock promptly at 10 a.m. - just in time to rescue a party of would-be anglers from the scorching Florida sun. Passing out complimentary cool drinks, Stocker pointed one of the fleet's pontoon boats toward a stand of low-hanging Cypress trees just beyond the former Discovery Island. Within minutes of drifting on the backside of the island the bass began to bite. The first aboard the boat – a 3-pound largemouth fooled by a shiner – served as just a hint as to what was to come.

Over the course of the next two hours, Stocker expertly piloted the boat in and around Bay Lake, boating a few bass in the shadow of the Contemporary Resort, several more within casting distance of Main Street U.S.A., and finally hooking into a few spirited fish at Fort Wilderness.

Live bait, fishing rods and artificial lures are all included in the price. On this day it was live bait that put fish in the boat - if only temporarily. Disney observes a strict catch-and-release policy.

Guided fishing trips are offered several times daily, with knowledgeable and experienced guides ushering parties of up to five people around one of the property's several lakes. Disney's waterways are virtually teeming with largemouth bass, all but guaranteeing a lively trip. During construction of the Magic Kingdom in the late 1960s, more than 70,000 bass fingerlings were released into Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. On-site fishing didn't begin until 1977, giving those bass years to grow and reproduce.

For the experienced angler, the word from Stocker is this: For sheer numbers, request Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon – but for the real lunkers, book an excursion on Village Lake out of Downtown Disney.

Guests can expect to catch fish weighing between two and eight pounds – but Stocker landed an 11-pound largemouth near Downtown Disney last year. The largest fish on record weighed in at an impressive 14 pounds, six ounces.

According to fishing guides, each trip can expect to catch an average of five to 10 fish. This being Disney, however, Stocker was able to provide a little magic and help a pair of anglers boat an impressive 13 fish in two hours. Despite this tally – with fish ranging from two to five pounds - he still considered it a slow day.

The earliest trip leaves the dock at 7 a.m., giving travelers a beautiful look at the sunrise – weather and time of year permitting. Later trips leave the dock at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The earliest trips cost $210 (rates are per-boat, not per-person,) with the later ones running a less expensive $180. That said, the fish are more active earlier in the day.

Fees include fishing equipment (rod, reel, artificial bait and beverages.) Guests may not bring their own food, beverage, or coolers aboard. Guests may bring their own equipment, but the same rates will apply.

Recent changes now give anglers a little more for their dollar. Walt Disney World has announced a partnership with BASS - the world's largest fishing organization, which sanctions more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide. New BASS excursions will provide guests with access to 100 new Bassmaster rods and reels, as well as depth finders and other professional-grade fishing equipment. Guides will sport BASS uniforms, and the fleet of Disney boats and marina menu boards will also be adorned with BASS marks.

All BASS fishing participants at Walt Disney World will receive a one-year BASS membership, which includes: 11 issues of Bassmaster Magazine; a membership pack with a personalized membership card, colorful members-only decal, an embroidered patch and member handbook and eligibility to compete in national events.

Guided fishing excursions can be booked at 407/WDW-BASS (2277). 

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The Aladdin Trilogy Is Complete On January 18

Two full-length movies equals two times the fun! The ALADDIN trilogy is complete when both ALADDIN: THE RETURN OF JAFAR and ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES are available together, for the first time ever on Disney DVD on January 18, 2005 in the ALADDIN II & III COLLECTION. Complementing the October 2004 first ever DVD release of Disney's original animated classic "Aladdin," this collection continues the thrilling Aladdin story with ALADDIN: THE RETURN OF JAFAR and brings the saga to its final thrilling conclusion with ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES.

All the favorite characters of Disney's "Aladdin" return including the Genie, Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, the magic carpet and the Sultan. These two wondrous tales also feature characters not seen in the original film, such as Aladdin's father Cassim and the Forty Thieves, and there is more wondrous music in the spectacular "Aladdin" tradition. Both of these great films have been in the Disney Vault for nearly five years, and this 2-movie DVD set is available for a limited time only. $34.99 (S.R.P.) for the 2-movie DVD, also available in a 2-movie VHS set for $34.99 (S.R.P.).

Aladdin's adventure picks up where the original movie left off. Jafar returns as the world's most powerful genie, and Aladdin and his friends must battle against huge odds to save the kingdom from Jafar's evil plot! THE RETURN OF JAFAR features five show-stopping tunes. Trapped inside the magic lamp at the end of "Aladdin," the wily Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) and his cantankerous parrot sidekick Iago (Gilbert Gottfried) find a way out of their prison. Back in Agrabah the Genie (Dan Castellaneta, "The Simpsons"), Aladdin (Scott Weinger), Jasmine (Linda Larkin), Abu (Frank Welker) and their friends are enjoying a whole new world – but Jafar is ready to take his revenge! The adventure that follows goes from the depths of a fiery lava pit to the heights of the kingdom. 

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The personal touch: Spa treatments at Disney World

After a long morning in the parks, on the water, or perhaps more likely, sleeping in, guests can head to one of two spas located on Disney property: The spa at the Grand Floridian or Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

The full service spa at the Saratoga Springs resort is tucked into the middle of the rapidly expanding vacation club project, and just across the lake from Downtown Disney. Surrounded by the Victorian architecture that evokes the horseracing influence of its upstate New York namesake, visitors to the spa will immediately notice the almost tangible, and instantly relaxing atmosphere.

Guests are checked in by attentive cast members, and then led to a changing area where they are offered a chance to relax with some water and fruit, and enjoy some down time enveloped by pleasant scents and music.

Dry saunas, steam baths and showers are also available, setting a completely relaxing, detoxifying, and therapeutic atmosphere. Fitness center amenities are also available for those who opt to work up a sweat before washing it away. Equipment ranges from treadmills and stair steppers to free weights and circuit training equipment. Personal trainers are also available upon request.

Treatments range from the standard manicure/pedicure to the more interesting Adirondack Stone Therapy. Heated stones and oils are used to loosen stress points and knots, including the often-overlooked face and jaw muscles – an unexpected high point of the treatment.

The stones, which are quite hot, are used to massage scented oils into sore muscles. They're also smooth, which causes them to slide off an oil-slicked back – a sensation both oddly pleasant and startlingly ticklish. After the luxurious treatment, the ride back to the hotel is a sleepy haze of relaxation in a cloud of patchouli.

The experience leaves guests rested, happy and ready for an evening's activities.

The spa, one of the remaining locations left over from the Disney Institute, has a lengthy list of offerings that can provide a brief respite or a lengthy day away from the crowds.

Prices reflect a typical upscale spa, while offerings often stray into the creative, surprisingly attentive and definitely Disneyfied realm. The Sleeping Beauty Body Masque & Wrap, for example, a 50-minute treatment, will run $120. In keeping with the Saratoga Springs theme, a variety of different hydro massage therapies are on the menu (45 minute treatments at $105.) Unique treatments are also available for couples.

With nary a youngster in sight, the searing heat and daunting queues couldn't seem farther away.

Guests can reserve spa treatments by calling 407-827-4455.

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'Toy Story 3' in production without Pixar

Disney is producing the third movie in the Toy Story series but without production partner Pixar Animation.

The original Toy Story in 1995 saw a boy's favourite toy, Woody, struggle for the boy's affections when new toy Buzz Lightyear came along while the sequel saw Woody abducted by a toy collector.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Disney has settled on a storyline for the third installment and the wheels of development have now been set in motion. Jared Stern's script has been accepted though a final scriptwriter has not yet been selected.

After successful collaborations with Pixar, Disney will finish severing their links to them after the release of Cars this year. Disney will set up its own CGI facility in Glendale, California to take over Pixar's work in Toy Story 3.

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Amitabh Srivastava joins Walt Disney

Walt Disney Television International - India (WDTVI-I) has appointed Amitabh Srivastava as director, affiliate relations, for Disney Channel and Toon Disney.

The announcement was made by Rajat Jain, managing director, The Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited.

In his new role, Amitabh will work closely with WDTVI-I distribution partner, STAR India, to manage all aspects of cable and satellite distribution and network development in the country. His focus areas will include subscriber acquisition, affiliate relations and trade marketing to optimize distribution penetration, subscription revenue achievement and last mile connectivity for both channels. He will also have oversight of hotel and institutional sales.

Commenting on the appointment, Rajat Jain, managing director, The Walt Disney Company (India) Private Limited said, "Amitabh's broad base of experience in the media industry coupled with his expertise in distribution – a current area of focus for us – will be instrumental in accelerating our business development efforts. Amitabh's experience and expertise will be crucial to WDTVI's growth in India."

Amitabh moves into this challenging role from his previous position as TV Today Network's general manager, network development. Prior to this, Amitabh has held several senior management positions at The Times of India, MTV and BBC World through his 16-year career.

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Wiki war born out of Walt Disney deal

The battle between the two Silicon Valley wiki companies began in earnest this week. The outcome could say something about Silicon Valley's model of turbo-charged venture capital, and when it's a good time to take money and grow quickly -- or hold off.

A wiki, in its simplest form, is a single Web page that can be written upon, and edited, by multiple users at once. Companies are beginning to use wiki software to help their employees coordinate on team projects.

A few years ago, Ross Mayfield, chief executive at Palo Alto's Socialtext, staked out prime wiki territory as an early player in the space.

His company has since signed up 75 customers, 15 of which are among the 500 largest U.S. companies -- and he'll be announcing two more shortly, he says. Until recently, all appeared to be smooth sailing: Silicon Valley angels invested more than $500,000 in his start-up. He has stayed hunkered down, employing only 10 people, even after getting angel money. His team all work from their homes. He still takes all his own calls.

Rivalry is born

But last year word emerged that Joe Kraus, one of the co-founders of the early search engine Excite -- who had also taken an early peek at Socialtext, while considering whether to invest -- decided to launch a competing wiki company, JotSpot. Later, he announced $5.2 million from big-name venture capital firms Mayfield Fund and Redpoint Ventures. JotSpot would also be based in Palo Alto -- perhaps all the better to lure away employees. A hot rivalry has ensued.

On Monday, JotSpot leaked news that Walt Disney has officially signed on as JotSpot's newest customer, terminating its contract with Socialtext. It's the first major customer JotSpot has signed, although the company says thousands of users have tested the product. The Disney deal wouldn't be worth remarking on, but for Socialtext's public relationship with Disney. At the Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco last year, Disney's Mike Pusateri joined Socialtext's Mayfield in a presentation which lauded Socialtext's software.

Comparing features

So far, Kraus has boasted that JotSpot can do everything Socialtext can, and more. JotSpot allows users to build their own applications on top of the basic wiki software, for example integrating data from other sources such as Microsoft Excel or e-mail.

Socialtext -- even Mayfield admits this -- has remained focused on improving the basic wiki software. Mayfield also says Socialtext's open-source software allows users to build their own applications on top of Socialtext's platform. He questions whether JotSpot's strategy of building out applications quickly before it has adequately tested them -- or has enough real customers -- is prudent.

A big question for onlookers, though, is whether JotSpot is making inroads because of superior amounts of venture capital. JotSpot has added quickly to its workforce -- having caught up to Socialtext within a year, also at 10 full-time employees. Additionally, JotSpot has hired at least a dozen more specialists -- not on full-time payroll -- to build out special projects. Kraus believes that venture capitalists lend his company credibility -- a sign of trust in the company's product, but also a sign it will be around for a while.

Even Mayfield acknowledges the advantages that more money brings: It allows you to develop more products. But Mayfield rejects the idea that venture capital helped JotSpot lure away Disney. Having less money, Mayfield says, ``provides some constraints that keep us really focused -- on building the easiest to use, simplest and quickest wiki.''

Disney, he added, chose JotSpot for some additional features that Socialtext decided it didn't want to build. Moreover, the small Disney team led by Pusateri is still largely in experimental mode, and is likely to have signed only a temporary contract with Disney, Mayfield said.

He concludes: ``I'll probably end up taking venture capital, but I'm not going to be rushed into it.''

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Support for Iger Is Growing

In recent trading, Electronic Arts' shares gained $2.21, or 3.7 percent, to $62.05. Meanwhile, Take-Two's stock dropped $1.55, or 4.5 percent, to $33.29.

Electronic Arts' pact with ESPN begins next year after an agreement between the sports channel, majority-owned by Walt Disney and Take-Two expires.

The development and marketing agreement will include established Electronic Arts games as well as new sports titles based on ESPN properties, the company said.

While financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed, the Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the matter as saying that Electronic Arts would pay ESPN a minimum of $850 million in cash and advertising commitments over the life of the agreement.

Analysts welcomed the news as a positive move for Redwood City, Calif.-based Electronic Arts, which will bolster its competitive position.

"We view the deal as a major positive since it provides EA with the ability to develop new games based on ESPN content and effectively eliminates the competitive pricing threat posed by Take-Two-Sega and its ESPN games," Lehman Bros. analyst Israel Hernandez said.

Hernandez reiterated his "overweight" recommendation on Electronic Arts with a $65 price target.

At WR Hambrecht, analyst William Lennan said "the deal essentially kills the sports genre aspirations of Take-Two Interactive and virtually ensures that EA sports titles will safely return to the $49.99 price point."

Lennan said he saw a trading opportunity in shares of Electronic Arts, but he remained "cautious" on the company's upcoming quarterly results and expected outlook, due later this month.

"For investors seeking entry points for large positions, we think slightly better prices may await later this month," Lennan said.

He has a "hold" rating on Electronic Arts' stock.

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Holidays leaving late

Disneyland Paris - One week after the end of the Christmas-Season guests are hard pressed to find remnants of the elaborate decorations. The special lights and decorations in Studio 1? Gone. The Lights of Winter Arches? Gone. The lights on the Castle? Gone. The special shop window decorations of Main Street, U.S.A.? Gone. The list could be continued nearly endlessly. But there are some last remnants like the Christmas garlands on the façade of Disney’s Hotel New York , the Christmas Trees next to the ice skating rink or Belle’s Christmas Village. Well the later only partially. While the buildings are still standing the area has been fenced off for disassembling. The latter also means that currently Casey Jr. is not operating. It will still closed for the season even when the walkway reopens as Belle’s Village has disappeared.

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Less Themes?

Disneyland Paris - Is the World of Toys store the next Team Mickey? During the rehab in 2004 the Disney Village managed to strip the detail rich themed store Team Mickey of all its originality and atmosphere to transform it into a boring, cheap looking outlet-style fashion shop called Disney Fashion retaining only those elements of the original store that would have cost money to get rid of as the large gateway in front of the entrance or the character statues on top of the shelves.

Now fans voiced concern that the former Mattel store now called just World of Toys may be up for a similar less themes treatment. Already the detailed sets from animated feature surrounding the interior walls have disappeared without replacement.

Shareholders have sued Mr. Ovitz and Disney in Delaware Chancery Court over the $140 million severance he received in 1996 after 14 months on the job.

The shareholders have argued that he did nothing to earn the money and that Disney could have avoided paying it by firing him for cause.

In court documents, lawyers for shareholders said the article in last week's New Yorker turned up information never revealed in years of preparation for the case, items that suggested witnesses told one story in court and another elsewhere.

For example, the article said that Mr. Ovitz remembered Disney's chief executive, Michael D. Eisner, laughing at his worry that Disney's board of directors might not approve Mr. Ovitz's hiring as president.

According to the article, Mr. Ovitz recalled Mr. Eisner "ticking off the various ways that board members were beholden to him, and assuring Ovitz that they would do what he wanted."

That could be a pivotal point in the lawsuit, which includes accusations by shareholders that Disney directors neglected their duty to scrutinize the hiring of Mr. Ovitz.

Specifically, shareholders were looking for a note from Mr. Eisner to Mr. Ovitz dated in January 1996 and a seven-page letter Mr. Ovitz wrote to Mr. Eisner six months later.

A lawyer for the shareholders, Steven Schulman, said at a court hearing Tuesday that he had called the writer of the article, James B. Stewart, who told him that he did not have the documents, but that they had been shown to him or read to him.

Mr. Schulman said Mr. Stewart did not say who had shown him the documents, and Mr. Schulman said he did not ask.

Chancellor William B. Chandler III of the chancery court rejected the shareholders' request to interrogate Disney officials over the documents. He did, however, order Disney to have its document custodian swear in an affidavit that the company had looked for and could not find the documents that Mr. Stewart said he saw.

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Disney draws National Treasure treasure map

The cities of Philadelphia and Washing ton, D.C., have joined forces with Disney to create a tour of the historic sights seen in National Treasure, a film starring Nicolas Cage, right, who chases clues from the Declaration of Independence to track down a treasure. The tour comes with train and hotel discounts through March 31. Call 800-537-7676; access 

LINK

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Most Magic for your Money

Disneyland Paris - If you want the most in magic for your money the Disneyland Resort Paris is the place to be these days. Not only has the season of the special offers started ranging from “stay 3 pay 2 nights” to “kids go free” started, but also Magic Unlimited has been inaugurated. During the duration of this special promotion guests are allowed to enjoy selected rides in both theme parks again and again and again without queuing again!

  

At It’s a Small World, Le Carousell de Lancelot, Pinocchio’s Journey, Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor guests can stay seated for as many turns as they want (note for fans: note how speakers even provide background music in the dark passage from the unload- to the load-area of Phantom Manor, which will, by the way, reveal more and more details with every turn as the guests’ eyes adjust to the darkness better over time). On Star Tours and Indiana Jones where guests face forward again, guests are allowed to take a short-cut passed waiting lines right to the front of loading again after exiting their ride vehicle. In the Walt Disney Studios Park guests get the same special treatment at the Rock’n’Roller Coaster, while they can stay seated endlessly in the Flying Carpets over Agrabah and the Studio Tram Tour.

Want even more magic for your money? For the duration of Magic Unlimited the Rendez-Vous des Stars in the WDS for the first time has been transformed from a Cafeteria-style Restaurant into an All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet. Guests of the Disneyland Park can find similar offers in the Lucky Nugget and Plaza Gardens both offering the same deal year-round, but also in the Auberge de Cendrillon, which usually is a table-service restaurant.

Still not enough magic for the money? What about shopping? A resort wide “End of Season SALE” with discounts on a wide selection of different merchandise, not only specific Christmas-merchandise, allows for a sorrow-free shopping as discounts can even exceed 50%

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'Beauty and the Beast' larger than life in IMAX

It's a powerful combination: the world-class animation of Disney, the smash hit "Beauty and the Beast" - and the 61-foot-high screen of the Henry Doorly Zoo's IMAX theater.

Everything old is new again when it's that big.

You haven't really seen the "Be Our Guest" production number if you've only seen it on video at home. And castles were meant to be displayed in giant scale.

The artwork is eye-popping, with details in the richly colored backgrounds that you could never pick up at home. When the camera flashes to the cherub-painted ceiling of the ballroom, or to a gargoyle-lined hallway, or looking down from a chandelier's point of view, it's pretty amazing.

So are the countryside scenes, as Belle blows on a dandelion or wanders into the village. Or when the wolves chase a spooked horse onto a frozen lake.

"Beauty and the Beast," released in 1991, won Oscars for the title song and score, Golden Globes for best musical or comedy and for song, and two Grammys. It stands alone as the only animated movie ever to be nominated for a best-picture Oscar. ("Silence of the Lambs" won.)

One of the reasons for its success is great voicing. I remembered Angela Lansbury as the motherly teapot Mrs. Potts, but I had forgotten that the late, great Jerry Orbach played Lumiere, the Maurice Chevalier-like candelabra. Or that Joanne Worley from "Laugh-In" is a big, loud armoire. And David Ogden Stiers of "M*A*S*H" plays Cogsworth, the prim and proper clock.

And I'm weirded out all over again to realize that Robby Benson, the doe-eyed, soft-spoken actor from 1970s movies, voices the booming bass tones of the Beast.

Other notable work comes from virtual unknowns Paige O'Hara as Belle, Bradley Pierce as Chip the teacup and Richard White as the conceited Gaston.

A big production number not in the original movie, "Human Again," was added for the stage musical that followed the movie. It has been animated and added to the IMAX version, and it's perhaps even better than "Be Our Guest."

Alan Menken's music soars, and the movie is dedicated to the memory of lyricist Howard Ashman, who died of AIDS six months before the movie was released.

I still prefer Angela Lansbury's simple, heartfelt version of the big title-song hit, "Beauty and the Beast," but if you sit through the credits, you get the lush Peabo Bryson-Celine Dion radio version as well.

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Official website for Pooh's Heffalump Movie

Disney has opened up the official website for Pooh's Heffalump Movie, the latest big screen adventure featuring the Hundred Acre Wood gang.

LINK

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Launching from the Depths

Disneyland Paris - The Imagineers confirmed at the Goodbye Space Mountain Fanevent, that the trains will be launched from the actual bottom of the Columbiad Canon when the ride opens as Space Mountain: Mission 2. This promises an even more intense feeling during the launch.

                                             

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Help students raise money for Disney trip

Yard-sale enthusiasts trapped inside all winter with no place to forage for goods need only get to Portsmouth High School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. today to pick up quality, previously owned items for - literally and figuratively - a song.

With no yard required, sale items, including baked goods, will be laid out in the school's chorus and band rooms. Organizers are calling the fund-raising sale the biggest bargain extravaganza in the region and admission to the event is free.

"Lots of good stuff ... We were cleaned out last year," said PHS band director Eric Gagnon of the sale's past success.

Hosted by the PHS Parent Music Boosters, the sale's proceeds will benefit high school music students who hope to travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., during April vacation. From April 26 until May 1, more than 170 members of the PHS Clippers Marching and Concert bands and Concert Choir will perform at Disney World, participate in music clinics, and compete at a music Heritage Festival held at Universal Studios in Orlando.

The total cost of the trip rings in at $185,000, which breaks down to about $975 per student. Boosters have raised about $23,000 to date, according to Susan Kaufmann, the club's secretary.

"The more we can raise as a group, the less the kids will have to individually pay," she said this past week.

To defray costs, the Boosters and the teens have a host of fund-raisers planned. For example, in addition to Saturday's yard sale, students will soon be selling coupon books for Saunders Restaurant in Rye, Kaufmann said.

And, in a lead-up to the kickoff of Super Bowl XXXIX, music students will be taking orders for submarine sandwiches they will deliver to customers' homes on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6. That delectable project is being headed up by Music Booster Jerry Goldfarb, formerly of Goldi's Deli. The sandwiches - hummus roll-ups, turkey and Italian subs - cost $5.50 each, and telephone orders can be made to Boosters' President Leslie Melfi at 422-8887, said Goldfarb.

The Disney World trip is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for students to perform at the famed "House of Mouse" and meet professional musicians employed by Disney, Gagnon said.

The program is known as "Disney Magic Music Days," and PHS students last traveled to Florida to participate in the event four years ago. During the upcoming trip to the theme park, the school's concert choir and band will perform, while the marching band will join a parade down Disney's Main Street. During one clinic run by Disney musicians, students will participate in a recording session and perform the music to a Disney film's commercial, to experience what it's like to marry the sound and vision of a movie score and the action on the silver screen, Gagnon said.

Then, during this year's Heritage Festival at Universal Studios in Orlando, PHS choir and band members will perform for an adjudication panel and compete against high-school music students from around the country, according to Gagnon and PHS Concert Choir Director Gwen Baker.

"We're still putting our program together," Gagnon said when asked what the Concert Band will perform, although he promised the compositions will be "challenging and competitive pieces."

Baker, as well, has yet to decide what the choir will sing, although she's leaning toward both classical and African pieces.

"I'm very eclectic," she said, noting the choir is not merely going to sing Disney pop tunes.

Baker is going to Florida on the heels of the PHS madrigals' success at last year's Heritage Festival in Montreal, where the group took first place over five other singing groups.

"We were very, very happy," she said.

Performing for tourists, professional musicians and judges in Orlando will give students a wealth of experience, said Baker.

"You just have amazing audiences. You're part of the entertainment at Disney World," she said. "The kids are going to get some insight into what they are doing well and what they need to improve on."

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Disney Cruise Line upgrades Web site

To make it easier for passengers to get booking information, Disney Cruise Line has upgraded its Internet-based reservations system.

Potential Disney Cruise Line passengers considering a voyage now can go to the Disney Cruise Line Web site and, under the "reservations" tab, plug in their information and find a cruise and its cost much more quickly.

"The Web site is improved," said Christi Erwin, a Disney Cruise Line spokeswoman. "Our guests wanted more options and ways to check the prices online. We've made it easier to understand, and the guest can get a price-point right away. You're able to get multiple price quotes in a few clicks."

The changes took place as the cruise industry enters a busy booking period that peaks in March.

Both of Disney's cruise ships -- the Magic and the Wonder -- are based at Port Canaveral, the nation's second-busiest cruise port behind Miami. The two ships carried 386,982 passengers in the port's last fiscal year.

The use of online booking is a double-edged sword for cruise companies, said Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News, a New York City-based publication that covers the cruise companies.

While it is critical to have a Web presence and make the online booking system user-friendly, most of the business -- Mathisen estimates 90 percent -- comes to the cruise companies through travel agents.

"Cruise lines have upgraded their booking engines because they want to encourage people to in some way book directly so they don't have to pay 15 percent commission," Mathisen said. "But, on the other, hand they rely on travel agents for most of the booking. They want the travel agents to sell."

The price to the consumer is the same whether he or she books through the Web or through a travel agent, but for every cruiser who books online, a travel agent's commission is lost.

"I think you see first-time cruisers go through travel agents," Mathisen said. "But, sometimes, the cruise lines will refer that booking that was made online back to a travel agent as a way of supporting travel agents."

Carnival Cruise Lines, which also owns Princess and Costa, carries an estimated 49 percent of all cruisers, and gives a commission to travel agents, even if a booking is made online by the customer.

"We would be losing business if we didn't have a Web presence," said Jennifer de la Cruz, a spokeswoman for Carnival. "During the booking process on our Web site, we try to take good care of the agents. The pricing we offer never undercuts the travel agent's pricing."

Jamaican-born Peggy Woods, who lives in Palm Bay, said going through the travel agent -- her agency of preference is ABC Travel in Palm Bay -- is the only way to go.

"It's a lot better if you go through the travel agent," she said. "I often get the help I need when I'm arranging group trips. We do a lot of group activities on the cruise ships and have a great time."

"You might use it as a tool," said Doris Jenkins, a cruise specialist with Global Tours and Travel of Melbourne. "But you're just going to duplicate your time and effort. With a travel agent you have recourse and somebody who's looking out for you."

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A Moon is Standing High

Disneyland Paris - It is still more than two months time till the opening of Space Mountain: Mission 2 but the last travellers to the moon already could witness some of the changes applied inside the building. Some of them are rather subtle and hard to detect. In this category fall the minor changes in lighting and lighting level of the meteors or the constant smell of fresh paint in the early operating hours. Hard to miss on the other hand is the now clear, sharp projection of the moon atop the lift hill inside the mountain. It’s fuzzy optic was often accredited to the fact, that the turning moon was projected directly onto the interior of the dome surface. The new, sharp look therefore should at least be partially due to the fact that the projection is now done onto a huge projection screen / surface that covers a giant shunk of the interior surface of the dome which the guests face on their ride up the lift hill.

                                             

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A Special Black History Month Storyline on Disney Channel

Disney Channel presents new episodes of its #1 series "That's So Raven" every Friday (7:30 p.m., ET/PT) in February, including a noteworthy Black History Month storyline and celebrity guest stars Kathie Lee and Cassidy Gifford and Cyndi Lauper. Also, super star Raven hosts a "That's So Raven" Valentine's Day marathon.

The episode "True Colors," premiering FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 (7:30 p.m., ET/PT), commemorates Black History Month with a frank storyline about racism and job discrimination. To expose unfair hiring practices at a local retailer, Raven Baxter dons another of her hilarious disguises (after many hours of prosthetic make-up, the 19-year-old actress plays a balding middle age man). Comedy and costumes aside, young viewers will see Raven and her best friends Chelsea and Eddie taking a stand against bigotry and, with guidance from Raven's parents, learning to appreciate the strides made by African-American pioneers. Dr. Gordon Berry, Professor Emeritus at UCLA, a psychologist who is widely published on issues in children's TV and multiculturalism, consulted on the script. Starring are Raven as Raven Baxter, Anneliese van der Pol as Chelsea Daniels, Orlando Brown as Eddie Thomas, Kyle Massey as Cory Baxter, Rondell Sheridan as Victor Baxter and T'Keyah Crystal Keymah as Tonya Baxter.

Kathie Lee Gifford and her 12-year-old daughter Cassidy guest star in an episode entitled "Dog Day Aftergroom" premiering FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 (7:30 p.m., ET/PT). In the episode, Chelsea helps Raven and Eddie land a part-time job at a posh doggie daycare center owned by the canine fanatic Claire (Kathie Lee). Cassidy Gifford, in her first on-screen acting role, plays Jamie, a demanding client, but the tension really mounts after Raven accidentally dyes Claire's champion Bichon Frise bright pink… on the day of the annual Best in Show competition. Madcap comedy follows when Raven glides into the dog show with three things: Claire's pink pooch under wraps, a pocket full of cocktail weenies and a harebrained scheme to fool both Claire and the judges.

Disney Channel megastar Raven hosts a marathon with ten love-themed episodes of "That's So Raven," featuring a special Valentine's Day episode where Raven asks Eddie to teach Cory how to rap when she has a vision of him not receiving any cards on Valentine's Day, on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (3:00–8:00 p.m., ET/PT). The ten-hour marathon will be followed by the Disney Channel premiere of the animated movie "Aladdin" (8:00 p.m., ET/PT).In an episode called "The Royal Treatment," premiering FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 (7:30 p.m., ET/PT), Raven befriends a new exchange student from Shakobi but it's only after she accepts what she thinks are token gifts from him, that Eddie and Chelsea realize she has inadvertently accepted his marriage proposal too. Dempsey Pappion ("The Red Sneakers"), Reginald VelJohnson ("Family Matters") and Jim Wise ("Even Stevens") guest star.

Grammy winning Cyndi Lauper guest stars in an episode entitled "Art Breakers" premiering FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 (7:30 p.m., ET/PT). Lauper plays Chelsea's art teacher Miss Petuto and Raven (the character and the actress) once again shows the lengths she'll go to for the sake of a friend and for the sake of comedy.

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Central High graduate wins Disney roles

She always loved performing in front of a crowd.

She started dancing and singing when she was a little girl growing up in New York. She still gravitated toward the stage when her family moved to Spring Hill 14 years ago and she joined Tina's Dance Academy. Now she's 20, and Jennifer DeBello has found a steady gig doing what she loves.

She just didn't expect to dance with oversized white gloves. And big clunky shoes. And mouse ears.

The 2002 Central High School graduate works at Disney World in Orlando, performing as the theme park's two most iconic characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

DeBello started on her current career path through a friend's urging last June. She won the roles of Mickey and Minnie Mouse after months of strenuous auditions.

"I've beat out people who worked there for five years," said DeBello in a telephone interview from Orlando.

Now, she works 10-hour days by filling in the very large shoes of the characters she loved as a child.

"She missed registering for the fall semester (at the University of Central Florida)," said her father, Bob DeBello, who lives in Spring Hill. "I told her she had to go get a job. So she went to Disney and got a job."

At Disney World, every potential employee must audition for a job with the exception of cashier and cook, Bob said.

When his daughter auditioned, she was cast as an alternate, meaning she could dress up as any character - Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck and the whole host of Disney creations - whenever and wherever she was needed at Disney's four attractions, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Jennifer has worked her way up the ranks since she was hired last June. Eventually, she wowed the park's stage directors with her abilities and they hired her to portray Minnie Mouse. She's the alternate for Mickey.

"It's such an amazing experience," Jennifer said. "I didn't think I'd be doing this when I was growing up."

Every actor is given a script on each Disney character, her father said. They have to study and memorize each character and learn how to interact with children while dressed in the suits.

Jennifer said, on average, she spends about five days in costume, walking around the parks, posing for pictures and meeting and greeting thousands of visitors a day. On special occasions, she's asked to become Mickey or Minnie for weddings held in Cinderella's Castle.

"The costumes are actually very comfortable," Jennifer said. "It doesn't get too hot in there."

Sometimes, actors like Jennifer have to dance and act in the costumes. Last holiday season, she performed at the attraction's "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" musical and she also participated in the daily parades.

"It was a really good experience," Jennifer said of performing in the musical. "I was in the biggest show on the property."

Even though they hardly see their daughter because of her hectic schedule, her family is proud of her.

"When other parents say, 'My daughter's a doctor,' I get to say that my daughter's a mouse," Bob DeBello said with a laugh.

The DeBellos took a trip to Disney World recently to see their daughter perform in the musical. Bob brought along his wife Gina and their four other children, Jacelyn, 18, Jonathan, 8, Jason, 6, and Josh, 4.

Bob had to restrain himself from shouting out "That's my kid!" as soon as his daughter appeared on stage as Mickey Mouse.

After the show during a meet-and-greet with the cast of Disney characters, Josh wouldn't go up to his sister because the Mickey costume was too intimidating.

Mickey Mouse looked directly at the DeBello clan then nodded as if saying, "Hey, it's Jennifer," Bob said.

Josh then became comfortable enough to pose with his sister for pictures.

Since she was little, Jennifer told her parents she always wanted to be on television. The ABC television network owns Disney so her time spent playing Mickey and Minnie may be her first step to other starring roles.

"I don't think she wants to be a mouse forever," Bob said. Even though Jennifer's enrolled for the spring semester at UCF and majoring in psychology, she plans on keeping her Disney gig. The benefits and perks are just too good to pass up.

"I'd like to work my way up the system," Jennifer said. "Maybe become a character manager."

If that happens, she'll be in charge of Disney's cast of characters instead of dressing up as them. She'll have the responsibility of telling Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto where to go in what park.

For now, Jennifer and her family are enjoying her stature in the Magic Kingdom.

"I've got Mickey Mouse plastered all over my house now," Bob said. "It's so cool. My daughter's a rodent."

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Disney Channel To Present Three Original Animated Comedies

Disney Channel has ordered three new original animated series – "Disney's The Buzz on Maggie," a comedy about everyday life seen through the eyes of a creative girl fly; "Disney's Katbot," a comedy about a robotic cat alien sent to study tween culture on Earth; and "Disney's Emperor's New Skool," (working title) a coming-of-age comedy based on Walt Disney Pictures' "The Emperor's New Groove." The series are scheduled to premiere during 2005-06 and are produced by Walt Disney Television Animation Studio, now celebrating its 20th anniversary year. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, Disney Channel, at the semi-annual gathering of the Television Critics Association.

Set in the fly metropolis of Stickyfeet, "Disney's The Buzz on Maggie" takes viewers into the daily life of flies, seen from the point of view of Maggie, an unusually creative and expressive tween fly. Maggie is fun-loving, highly energetic and thinks outside the box, but ruffles antennae with her inspired antics in the conventional, hard-working world of upstanding flies. When she is faced with one of the many routines of everyday life, Maggie devises a way to make it fresh and exciting – and before long, she puts her exuberant, can-do attitude to work on translating her inspiration into reality – but her actions inevitably upset the balance of the world around her and have consequences she doesn't anticipate. Dave Polsky ("Scary Movie 2") serves as executive producer and Laura Perkins Brittain (Disney Channel's "That's So Raven") serves as co-executive producer. The director is executive producer Dave Wasson ("The Ugly Duck-Thing"). The series stars Jessica DiCicco ("Bratz") as Maggie, David Kaufman ("Stuart Little" television series) as older brother Aldrin, Thom Adcox (Disney Channel's "American Dragon: Jake Long") as younger brother Pupert, Cree Summer (Disney Channel's "The Proud Family") as best friend Rayna and Tara Strong (Disney Channel's "The Proud Family") as Aldrin's girlfriend Dawn. "Disney's The Buzz on Maggie" is produced by Walt Disney Television Animation and premieres in June 2005.

"Disney's Katbot" is a comedy series about a curious, somewhat naïve, fun-loving cat robot – Katbot – from the planet Katatonia, who – as part of her schooling – is sent to Earth to study tween culture. By using her hypno-façade, she disguises herself as Katerina Botenski, a foreign exchange student from a small Eastern European country she also calls Katatonia. The only person who knows her secret is her best friend Junior Lebore, the son of her host family. Through her friendships with an eclectic group of earthlings, Katbot experiences life on Earth with a unique and comic perspective. Sherri Stoner ("Tiny Toon Adventures"), Bart Jennett (Disney's "Recess") and John Carlin serve as executiveproducers. Kristin Ellington is a co-executive producer and Randy Myers ("The Powerpuff Girls," "My Life as a Teenage Robot") is the director. The series stars Anneliese van der Pol (Disney Channel's "That's So Raven") as Katbot, Charlie Schlatter ("Ferris Bueller" television series) as Junior Lebore and Mayim Bialik ("Blossom") as Paula. The series is a production of Walt Disney Television Animation in association with Funny Garbage and premieres in September 2005.

Based on the Walt Disney Pictures' theatrical release "The Emperor's New Groove," "Disney's Emperor's New Skool" (working title) is set in the Incan public school system. Kuzco just had a birthday which means he's finally ready to become the official emperor…but first he must graduate from Kuzco Academy and foil the scheming partnership of Yzma and Kronk to reclaim his throne. Bobs Gannaway (Disney Channel's "Lilo & Stitch: The Series) serves as executive producer and Dave Knott (Disney Channel's "Recess") and Howy Parkins (Disney Channel's "Dave the Barbarian") are directors. The series stars Patrick Warburton ("The Emperor's New Groove") as Kronk and Rip Taylor ("The Addams Family" television series) as Royal Record Keeper. "Disney's Emperor's New Skool" (working title) is a production of Walt Disney Television Animation and premieres in January 2006.

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"Supernanny"

"Orm Family" – Parents Shawn and Tammy Orm have lost control of their three sons. Eight-year-old Chandler talks back to his parents and has an attitude problem. Caden, who is six, has a nasty habit of beating up his younger brother, Declan. He also refuses to eat during mealtimes, choosing instead to throw tantrums. Three-year-old Declan is quickly learning to emulate his older brothers' bad behavior. In addition, his favorite pastime is sneaking out of the house to wander the neighborhood unsupervised. Stay-at-home mom Tammy is a softie and refuses to discipline her boys, letting them get away with murder. Video technician Shawn takes a tougher approach, often yelling at his sons, but that doesn't curb their naughtiness either. When parents lose hope and are desperate for answers, there's just one person to call. This is a job for "Supernanny," airing MONDAY, JANUARY 31 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The miracle worker is Jo Frost, a.k.a. Supernanny, Britain's hottest new TV star and godsend to desperate parents across the U.K. who were dazzled by her amazing results when her series debuted this summer, as she showed families the tools for transforming their children's wild ways. Her practical, no-nonsense style was honed over 15 years of nannying in the U.K. and the U.S. Now American families can tap into the secrets of this modern-day Mary Poppins.

Jo observes how the parents handle their day-to-day obstacles with their children. Once she's assessed the pitfalls, she works with the parents, instilling her tried-and-true methods for transforming unwanted behavior. Then, after demonstrating just how well the new style will work and getting unbelievable results from the children, the parents must fly solo with the Supernanny techniques. For several days they try to implement Jo's suggestions, and she revisits them at the end of the program to help keep them on track for the future. When parents witness Jo's results and -- even better -- achieve them on their own, they are truly believers in the Supernanny way. Best of all, children and adults alike can enjoy the lasting benefits of a more harmonious family life.

Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Craig Armstrong is executive producer of the American version. "Supernanny" is produced by Ricochet, Ltd. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.

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"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

"Grinnan Family" -- After their infant daughter received a heart transplant to save her from the same condition that their son died of as a newborn, Cathy and Bill Grinnan made a promise that they would do whatever they could to educate others about heart disease. Despite their personal tragedies, the Grinnan family became crusaders for heart disease research and treatment. Now it's time for someone to give back to them, in the form of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," airing SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast. OAD: 10/17/04)

Country music recording artist Lee Ann Womack was one of many people who wanted to give something back to the Grinnans. When she heard that the family is big on country music, she surprised them at the "reveal" and presented them with some unique gifts.

Hannah Grinnan was just 11 days old when she underwent organ transplant surgery. After months of touch-and-go circumstances, Hannah was finally released from the hospital and the Grinnans returned home. Shortly thereafter, Hannah began to reject her heart. The only way to save her was to be near a facility that could handle her emergency conditions. Loma Linda University Medical Center had the best heart center for children, so the family made the difficult decision to move to Redlands, California. At the time, their other children -- Mary, 22, Bill Jr., 20, Catie, 17, Gabe, 11, Sara, eight, and seven-year-old Clare -- had to take on adult responsibilities and care for each other while their parents held vigil in the hospital. No one complained though, since their unselfish help meant having one more day with Hannah.

Today Hannah is a relatively healthy six-year-old who likes to do all the things that a youngster her age should enjoy. But she can't swim in the family's pool because the chlorine irritates her skin; it's affected from the many heart medications she must take, including an anti-rejection medication that makes her susceptible to life-threatening conditions. And inside the house she experiences many other symptoms that irritate her sensitive system. The EMHE team contacted many indoor air-quality professionals and incorporated several ways to improve Hannah's home environment.

While the design team, contractors and hundreds of workers gave the Grinnans' three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch home a complete health makeover, as well as a home makeover, the Grinnans went on vacation to the San Bernardo Inn in San Diego.

The design team for this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" features team leader Ty Pennington, Paul DiMeo, Tracy Hutson, Michael Moloney, Constance Ramos and Preston Sharp. 

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Construction Workers instead of Lions and Hyenas

Disneyland Paris - Till January 21st the Videopolis is undergoing a rehab resulting in cancellation of all performances of The Legend of the Lion King. Unfortunately there is no sight of the capacity increase that the spokesperson of the resort had promised to the French daily Le Parisien last summer. Instead the floor of the front part of the stage and those elements integrated into it (lights, the water basin on the right, special effects) is getting some attention. Also the special effects in other parts of the stage are supposed to be rehabbed. As all of this takes places behind a huge green curtain blocking the view onto the stage or the lower seating area, the most obvious change so far is the replacement of the large sets of screens suspended from the theatres roofs, serving guests in the rear seating area of the Hyperion. In their place new screens have been installed, but not, as rumored, Plasma-screens but instead screens for back-projections. The according projectors are in place already too.

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Up, up, and Away

Disneyland Paris - Only added in time for the summer season 2004 the adventure trail for children and the artificial climbing rock at the shores of Lake Disney in front Disney’s Hotel New York have been dismantled already. The small garden area where it was placed and the surrounding walkways have been fenced off - most probably in preparation for the installation of the new balloon that will take off from a platform on Lake Disney to allow guests to take a bird’s view of the resort. So far the landings for the rental boats has been moved but no new structure on the lake appeared.

The movies are scheduled to premiere in 2005. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, Disney Channel, during the semi-annual meeting of Television Critics Association.

The adventure/comedy Kim Possible: So the Drama finds Kim and Ron Stoppable's friendship put to the ultimate test when a new kid, Erik, arrives at school and steals Kim's heart causing Ron to suddenly realize he too has feelings for Kim. Starring are Christy Carlson Romano (Disney Channel's Even Stevens) as Kim Possible; Will Friedle (Boy Meets World) as Ron Stoppable; Ricky Ullman (Disney Channel's Phil of the Future) as Erik; Tahj Mowry (Smart Guy) as Wade and Kirsten Storms (Disney Channel's Zenon) as Bonnie Rockwaller. The teleplay was written by creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle. The director is Steve Loter. It is a production of Walt Disney Television Animation in association with Disney Channel and premieres in April 2005.

Go Figure (working title) follows 14-year-old Katelin in her quest to become a world class championship ice skater. When renowned coach Natasha Goberman offers to train her, Katelin will do almost anything to take advantage of the opportunity – even join the girl's hockey team. Sarah Kawahara, the Emmy award-winning choreographer of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, will serve as the ice choreographer. The teleplay was written by Patrick J. Clifton and Beth Rigazio. The director is Francine McDougall. The executive producer is Sheri Singer. It is a production of Salty Pictures, Inc. and premieres in June 2005.

"Ruff" & "Proud Family" InfoLife is Ruff (working title) is a tale about Calvin, a popular 13-year-old slacker who has a passion for rare comic books. When a mint Metro Man #1 – a coveted comic book - goes on sale, he's determined to find a way to buy it. Calvin learns of a prestigious dog show with a cash prize so he adopts Tyco – a huge slobbering but goodhearted beast – from the pound. After some hilarious ordeals, the dog teaches Calvin to appreciate the values of true friendship, responsibility and hard work. Starring are Kyle Massey (Disney Channel's That's So Raven) as Calvin; and Jed, a 135-pound Labrador/Saint Bernard mix as Tyco. The teleplay was written by Eddie Guzelian (Disney Channel's American Dragon: Jake Long). The executive producers are Jordan Davis and John Davis. It is a production of Davis Entertainment and premieres in July 2005. In The Proud Family Movie (working title), Penny and her family are lured on an all expenses paid vacation to Legoom Island where Dr. Carver, a mad scientist, holds them captive after Oscar Proud refuses to reveal his secret Proud Snacks formula for Kicking Donkey Dipping Sauce. Dr. Carver then unleashes his creation, evil peanut-like creatures called G-Nomes who can morph into clones of Penny, Oscar, Trudy and the entire Proud family, to wreak havoc back home. Starring are Kyla Pratt (One on One) as Penny Proud; Tommy Davidson (In Living Color) as Oscar Proud; Jo Marie Payton (Family Matters) as Suga Mama; Paula Jai Parker (Friday) as Trudy Proud and Arsenio Hall (Coming to America) as Dr. Carver. The teleplay was written by Ralph R. Farquhar, Calvin Brown Jr., John Patrick White and Stiles White. The director is series creator Bruce Smith. The executive producers are Farquhar, Tom Wilhite, Bruce Smith and Willard Carroll. It is a production of Jambalaya Studio in association with Disney Channel and premieres in August 2005.

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'Good Reasons' to fire Ovitz

Walt Disney Co. had "a lot of good reasons" to fire Michael Ovitz from his job as president, but none of the reasons were good enough to justify a for-cause firing, an expert for the company's board of directors testified Friday.

California employment lawyer John Fox is expected to be one of the last witnesses in the trial of a shareholder lawsuit challenging Disney's 1996 decision to terminate Ovitz with a $140 million severance package after 14 months as president.

Shareholders say Disney's board was lax in reviewing Ovitz's employment contract and in failing to fire him for cause due to alleged dishonesty and insubordination to Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner, the longtime friend who recruited him.

Disney's review of the decisions to hire and fire Ovitz was so flawed that the company lost the chance to avoid paying the $140 million severance, shareholder attorney Steven Schulman said Friday.

Fox is the second defense expert to say there is no evidence Ovitz was guilty of dishonesty or other conduct that would meet the standard of gross negligence or malfeasance.

Without such proof, Disney would likely have faced a lawsuit from Ovitz for defamation, fraud and breach of contract, an action that would have exposed the Burbank, Calif.-based entertainment giant to hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, both defense experts said.

"Disney would have lost," Fox said Friday.

Schulman suggested Ovitz would have sued Eisner and other Disney leaders, rather than the company, for blackening his reputation in a wrongful firing for cause.

The week's testimony has featured a debate among experts over whether Disney is entitled to recover the severance pay from Ovitz, Eisner or allegedly negligent Disney directors.

Fox's firm has billed close to $400,000 for its work as an expert witness for Disney's directors, the lawyer said Friday.

Larry Feldman, a California trial lawyer who served as an expert for Ovitz, estimated he has spent from 140 hours to 150 hours on the case, at $725 per hour.

Shareholder expert John Donohue, a Yale Law School professor, is being paid $500 per hour for his work on the case, a shareholder attorney said.

Donohue is slated to return to the stand next week.

A decision from Chancellor William B. Chandler III is not expected until months after the trial ends.

Eisner has announced he will step down from the CEO spot at Disney when his contract runs out in 2006.

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Behind the scenes of Narnia

Click the link below for behind the scenes look at Narnia

LINK

Disney Channel Announces Four New Original Films

Disney Channel has ordered four new original movies including the first animated Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM), "Kim Possible: So the Drama" and "The Proud Family Movie" both based on the hit series; the live action "Go Figure", a story about a 14-year-old whose life ambition is to become a world class championship ice skater; and "Life is Ruff," a heart-warming comedy about a popular 13-year-old slacker who must make over a slobbering mutt in order to win a prestigious dog show. The movies are scheduled to premiere in 2005. The announcement was made January 12th by Gary Marsh, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, Disney Channel, during the semi-annual meeting of Television Critics Association.

The adventure/comedy "Kim Possible": So the Drama" finds Kim and Ron Stoppable's friendship put to the ultimate test when a new kid, Erik, arrives at school and steals Kim's heart causing Ron to suddenly realize he too has feelings for Kim. Starring are Christy Carlson Romano (Disney Channel's "Even Stevens") as Kim Possible; Will Friedle ("Boy Meets World") as Ron Stoppable; Ricky Ullman (Disney Channel's "Phil of the Future) as Erik; Tahj Mowry ("Smart Guy") as Wade and Kirsten Storms (Disney Channel's "Zenon") as Bonnie Rockwaller. The teleplay was written by creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle. The director is Steve Loter. It is a production of Walt Disney Television Animation in association with Disney Channel and premieres in April 2005.

"Go Figure" (working title) follows 14-year-old Katelin in her quest to become a world class championship ice skater. When renowned coach Natasha Goberman offers to train her, Katelin will do almost anything to take advantage of the opportunity – even join the girl's hockey team. Sarah Kawahara, the Emmy award-winning choreographer of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, will serve as the ice choreographer. The teleplay was written by Patrick J. Clifton and Beth Rigazio. The director is Francine McDougall. The executive producer is Sheri Singer. It is a production of Salty Pictures, Inc. and premieres in June 2005.

"Life is Ruff" (working title) is a tale about Calvin, a popular 13-year-old slacker who has a passion for rare comic books. When a mint Metro Man #1 – a coveted comic book - goes on sale, he's determined to find a way to buy it. Calvin learns of a prestigious dog show with a cash prize so he adopts Tyco – a huge slobbering butgoodhearted beast – from the pound. After some hilarious ordeals, the dog teaches Calvin to appreciate the values of true friendship, responsibility and hard work. Starring are Kyle Massey (Disney Channel's "That's So Raven") as Calvin; and Jed, a 135-pound Labrador/Saint Bernard mix as Tyco. The teleplay was written by Eddie Guzelian (Disney Channel's "American Dragon: Jake Long"). The executive producers are Jordan Davis and John Davis. It is a production of Davis Entertainment and premieres in July 2005.

In "The Proud Family Movie" (working title), Penny and her family are lured on an all expenses paid vacation to Legoom Island where Dr. Carver, a mad scientist, holds them captive after Oscar Proud refuses to reveal his secret Proud Snacks formula for Kicking Donkey Dipping Sauce. Dr. Carver then unleashes his creation, evil peanut-like creatures called G-Nomes who can morph into clones of Penny, Oscar, Trudy and the entire Proud family, to wreak havoc back home. Starring are Kyla Pratt ("One on One") as Penny Proud; Tommy Davidson ("In Living Color") as Oscar Proud; Jo Marie Payton ("Family Matters") as Suga Mama; Paula Jai Parker ("Friday") as Trudy Proud and Arsenio Hall ("Coming to America") as Dr. Carver. The teleplay was written by Ralph R. Farquhar, Calvin Brown Jr., John Patrick White and Stiles White. The director is series creator Bruce Smith. The executive producers are Farquhar, Tom Wilhite, Bruce Smith and Willard Carroll. It is a production of Jambalaya Studio in association with Disney Channel and premieres in August 2005.

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'Lost' Pilot Finds Directors Guild Glory

The pilot for ABC's "Lost," an expensive and epic production which launched one of the season's smash hit shows, is one of the leading awards contenders as the Directors Guild of America announced its nominees for outstanding achievement in episodic television.

Series creator J.J. Abrams directed the "Lost" pilot and this is Abrams' first DGA nod. He's facing a field of established veterans working on some of television's most decorated dramas. "Sopranos" directors John Patterson (for the episode "All Due Respect") and Tim Van Patten (for "Long Term Parking") are former winners with three and four nominations to their credit. Christopher Chulack, nominated for the "Time of Death" episode of NBC's "ER," is a two-time winner with four nominations on his resume.

Walter Hill, who directed the pilot for HBO's "Deadwood," is a first-time DGA nominee, but Hill is an established and respected feature film director.

The voice-over announcer is featured in this clip (think Nah-nee-a) as in the Weta clip and you can hear short interviews with the big three: Director Adamson, Producer Johnson, and Weta's Taylor. It's also mentioned that Disney's fiscal year begins in September so the Narnia film will hit in fiscal year 2006.

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Vista tuba players perform at Downtown Disney

The day before Christmas Eve, when many people were shopping for gifts or travelling to visit family and friends, a few local students woke up early and hit the road ... to spend a day with their tubas.

It may seem like a strange way to use a school vacation day, band leaders said Wednesday, but four tuba players from Rancho Buena Vista High School were among more than 200 other musicians who participated in Tuba Christmas held at Downtown Disney theme park in Anaheim last month.

Senior Josh Wing, junior Beth Palmieri and sophomores Eric Hellie and Paula Reth participated in the daylong event, one of 210 Tuba Christmases around the world.

The events, open to tuba players of all ages and abilities, started 31 years ago at Rockefeller Center, when Tuba Christmas founder Harvey Phillips got permission to use the stage for a tribute to his music teacher, the late William Bell of the New York Philharmonic.

The events have become a popular ---- if somewhat offbeat ---- musical celebration and tribute.

Groups of musicians from ages 8 to 98 descended on a variety of locations in December to play Christmas carols and other holiday music on their tubas, baritones or euphoniums.

Phillips estimated that 18,000 musicians played in the events worldwide, some of which included tuba decoration contests. Reth tied for first place in the Anaheim iteration of the event, decorating her instrument with colored duct tape to capture the prize.

"There are so many players who come out to some of the places, it's hard to conceive where in the world they're all coming from," Phillips said. "We feel that what has happened is that some of the young players are very proud to do this, and the self-esteem it generates can be really something. That's 95 percent of playing any instrument."

Other celebrations were held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Rockefeller Center in New York, CNN Center in Atlanta and in cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Riverside and Santa Barbara.

For tuba players who were not stateside for the holidays, there were also concerts in Japan, Australia and Iraq, among other countries.

"The tuba takes a lot of air to play," said Mark Wadleigh, assistant band director at Rancho Buena Vista. "Young people tend to struggle with it at first, but those four are our top players at school."

The students who participated in the musical tribute said Tuba Christmas, a first for all four, was fun.

"The best part is being around all your friends while doing something you enjoy." said Hellie, who has played the tuba since sixth grade.

Though not all students dedicate vacation time to music, playing with the band during the school year is a six-hour-a-week, after-school commitment, not including practice time at home or travel and preparation for tournaments and festivals, such as one coming up this March at El Camino High School in Oceanside.

"We keep them out of trouble," said Wadleigh with a laugh, explaining the time commitment required of band participants. "We're lucky because we get to work with some of the best kids in school. It takes a lot of time and effort, they are dedicated to what they do." 

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Good Reasons to Fire Ovitz

Walt Disney Co. had "a lot of good reasons" to fire Michael Ovitz from his job as president, but none of the reasons were good enough to justify a for-cause firing, an expert for the company's board of directors testified Friday.

The expert, California employment lawyer John Fox, is expected to be one of the last witnesses in the trial of a shareholder lawsuit challenging Disney's 1996 decision to terminate Ovitz with a $140 million severance package after 14 months as president.

Shareholders say Disney's board was lax in reviewing Ovitz's employment contract and in failing to fire him for cause due to alleged dishonesty and insubordination to Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner, the longtime friend who recruited him.

Disney's review of the decisions to hire and fire Ovitz was so flawed that the company lost the chance to avoid paying the $140 million severance, shareholder attorney Steven Schulman said Friday.

Fox is the second defense expert to say there is no evidence Ovitz was guilty of dishonesty or other conduct that would meet the standard of gross negligence or malfeasance.

Without such proof, Disney would likely have faced a lawsuit from Ovitz for defamation, fraud and breach of contract, an action that would have exposed the company to hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, both defense experts said.

"Disney would have lost," Fox said Friday.

Schulman suggested Ovitz would have sued Eisner and other Disney leaders, rather than the company, for blackening his reputation in a wrongful firing for cause.

The shareholder derivative lawsuit, which has been in progress for more than seven years, claims Disney's board failed in its fiscal responsibilities by not properly scrutinizing Ovitz's employment contract when he joined the company in 1995 and then granting him a no-fault termination that entitled him to the massive severance package when he left in December 1996.

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Disney poised for further growth

Analyst Jessica Reif Cohen said the company could also benefit from a new distribution deal with Pixar and a push into the video game business with the acquisition of a video game developer.

Disney shares closed up 55 cents, or 2 percent ,at $28.30.

Cohen lifted her rating on Disney to "buy" from "neutral" and established a $35 12-month price objective.

The analyst raised her 2005 earnings estimate by 3 cents to $1.26 per share. The current Thomson First Call average estimate is for earnings of $1.24 a share.

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Theme parks to continue to recover

Looking at the individual performance of each of Disney's businesses, Cohen said its ailing theme parks division should continue to recover in 2005.

The analyst said theme parks historically take around four years to bounce back to prior operating income peaks from traumatic events such as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

A rise in the number of international visitors due to the weaker U.S. dollar will drive the overall improvement in theme park attendance, according to Cohen.

At the moment, foreign visitors make up around 17 percent of total attendance, but this should rise to prior peak levels of 25 percent.

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ABC ratings recovery

Elsewhere, Cohen lifted her 2005 operating profit forecast for Disney's ABC television network on a revival in its ratings led by the success of its series Desperate Housewives.

The analyst now expects ABC to post an operating profit of $50 million, compared with a prior forecast that the network would break even.

Cohen estimates that the success of Desperate Housewives, if maintained, could lift Disney earnings by nearly 2 cents a share in 2005 on the back of increased advertising rates for the show.

On the cable front, an increase in the fees paid by cable companies to carry sports channels ESPN and ESPN2 will provide a further boost to earnings. Advertising revenue at the two channels has also grown by 20 percent on a continual ratings improvement.

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Pixar deal in the works?

Moving from the small screen to the big screen, Cohen sees a 90 percent chance of Disney renewing its partnership with animation studio Pixar.

"We expect Pixar to make a final decision regarding its next distribution partner only after Disney announces who its next CEO will be by June," said Cohen.

Current Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner will remain in his post until 2006.

The analyst however said any deal will be on much more favorable terms for Pixar.

Even if they fail to reach agreement, Pixar will retain a relationship with Disney as its seven feature films, including the recent "Cars" are co-owned and sequel rights are controlled by Disney, said Cohen.

Disney can also expect to benefit from the success of two blockbuster movie hits in 2004, "The Incredibles" and "National Treasure."

Meanwhile, the sale of its loss-making Disney Stores to The Children's Place should boost the bottom line at its consumer products division.

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Future of the radio business

Cohen also suggests 2005 may mark the year Disney pulls out of the radio business.

"With only 21 radio stations, Disney's radio operations are small relative to its peers, and while these stations are strong cash flow generators, they are not critical drivers of Disney's businesses," said Cohen.

The analyst estimates its radio business could fetch between $3.8 billion to $5.1 billion.

As a result of improving earnings, Disney's free cash flow position should improve significantly over the next two years.

This should allow Disney "to drive returns to shareholders via continued dividend increases, more aggressive share repurchases and selective acquisitions," said Cohen.

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Disney, Miramax final split reported near

The Walt Disney Co. and its subsidiary Miramax Films are close to a final deal to sever their relationship, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Citing sources, the paper said Disney and Miramax moved closer to a resolution of their differences during a meeting of key players at Disney's Burbank, Calif., headquarters Wednesday.

"We're very close," the paper quoted one source.

Neither Disney nor Miramax would comment. The paper's sources said the talks could drag on for a while longer, given the high stakes and "strong personalities" involved.

Disney formally acknowledged last month it might soon end its relationship with Miramax Films' Harvey and Bob Weinstein. In its annual Securities and Exchange Commission filing, the entertainment giant said it "does not expect business at its subsidiary Miramax to continue at the same level" after the current contract expires on Sept. 30.

The Times said sources close to Miramax suggest few obstacles remain in the way of a settlement, but a source close to Disney was not as optimistic.

"Are we making progress? Yes," the source said. "Is there a lot more to go? Yes."

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Disney trial draws to end, closing ugly chapter

A shareholder lawsuit over the $140 million severance the Walt Disney Co. paid Michael Ovitz neared its close on Friday, after months of testimony about one of the ugliest chapters in Disney's history.

As one of the final witnesses, California employment attorney John Fox testified that Disney's board of directors had good reason to fire Ovitz as president roughly a year after he was hired by Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner.

"You could see why Mr. Eisner and others wanted to terminate Mr. Ovitz's employment," he said.

But the board could not force Ovitz out without paying him the $140 million severance since his failures fell short of "gross negligence" standards, added Fox, called as an expert witness by the Disney directors who are defendants in the shareholder lawsuit.

Shareholders have sued the board in Delaware on claims that it breached its duty in approving the hiring of Ovitz, who at the time was a top talent agent and dealmaker in Hollywood, having founded Creative Artists Agency.

Shareholders say the board breached its duty a second time by allowing Ovitz to leave from the company with a huge severance after just 14 tumultuous months in the job. Chancellor William Chandler is expected to return his decision in the case this spring.

Yet the question of whether board members fell down on the job has attracted far less interest from the public since the trial began in October than details that have come out about the failed partnership and friendship of Eisner and Ovitz.

FAILED FRIENDSHIP

Both took the witness stand and fielded repeated questions from lawyers about their relationship, which flourished over years with joint family vacations in Europe and Aspen, birthday parties, holidays and glamorous dinners.

Ovitz, who said he had trusted Eisner "1,000 percent," even described camping out by his friend's hospital bed after Eisner underwent heart surgery in 1994.

But trouble began as soon as Ovitz joined Disney, carrying a $1 million salary, bonus and options for 5 million shares.

Even before he started the job, Ovitz attended a meeting at Eisner's house where Disney attorney Sanford Litvack, finance chief Stephen Bollenbach and others had gathered.

Immediately, Bollenbach looked at Ovitz and said, "I just want you to know that I'll never work for you." Litvack echoed the statement.

Resentment by other senior executives never passed, and eventually became one of the chief reasons his relationship with Eisner fell apart, Ovitz said.

"There were a lot of difficult days," Ovitz said of his brief stay at Disney, where he added, "they are not particularly sensitive to human beings."

Others put the blame on Ovitz, saying he spent lavishly, picked unrealistic projects and failed to work within the confines of a large corporation.

Eisner said Ovitz rubbed many the wrong way -- "he was controversial and it got worse as things went on" -- and downplayed their supposedly close friendship.

"I was amused by him," he testified last November.

Evidence showed Eisner was also infuriated by Ovitz. In one memo, he called Ovitz a "psychopath" and "devious" and in another he said Ovitz "cannot tell the truth."

Eventually, Eisner forced him out of the company, having testified he could not fire Ovitz for cause. The president walked away with a no-fault termination and the severance.

"It was aggravating, annoying and upsetting" Eisner said.

Years after the fact, Ovitz said he still unsettled by the dramatic fallout. "I was this guy's friend," he said on the witness stand. "But it all went downhill."

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'Hey there, Hi there, Ho there' is ULTIMATE

Since 1998 the song "Dancin' (A Catchy Rhythm)" is entertaining the guests of the Disneyland Resort Paris - the pop song written by Vasili Sirli and Jay Smith for the Wonderful World of Disney Parade is in fact so popular with guests that the sales of the CD-single continued briskly even when it was (temporarily) not used in the parade as e.g. during the year 2000. The song even got exported to Walt Disney World's EPCOT where it is played for the character bus touring the lagoon with Mickey, Minnie and friends. Now finally the song has made it into the sales charts as part of the 3-CD set Ultimate Disney available in the UK.

                                                     

This is the first time that a song written especially for the Disneyland Resort Paris has made it onto a collection of Disney hits available through general CD stores - and then such a successful one. Too bad that the full color booklet mentions "Disneyland Park" and not "Disneyland Paris" as the source for it. Interesting for fans: the booklet includes full credits for the song including recording studios etc. If this is not good enough a reason to order the 3-CD set take a look at the track listing it features 56 Disney hits from the early days of Snow White all the way through Home on the Range or Lion King 3 and even some of the most beloved theme park songs on 2 CDs. A third CD features 12 "sing-a-long-versions" of hits from animated Disney features, each of them available twice once with lead vocals and once without. The lyrics for the 12 songs (e.g. "Welcome" from Brother Bear or "A Whole New World" from Aladdin) can be found in the booklet.

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More Info on Georgia-Pacific, Disney Promotion Deal

Georgia-Pacific Corp.'s paper products will be featured and promoted at Walt Disney Co.'s parks and resorts under a 10-year deal announced Friday. GP bath tissue, toilet paper, napkins, cups, plates and bowls will be used by guests and workers at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Brawny paper towels will sponsor a stunt show at Disney-MGM Studios. Dixie tableware will sponsor Mickey's Backyard BBQ pavilion and Chip 'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Both parks are near Orlando, Fla.

In addition to the previously announced Jack Johnson biopic, ESPN has "Four Minutes," about Roger Banister's record shattering mile run, in the works. The sports network wants to have as many as four movies on the air in 2005, including a telefilm about the classic Dempsey/Tunney boxing match and "Code Breakers," about scandals at West Point and the Naval Academy.

Beyond movies, ESPN has "Playmakers" creator John Eisendrath under contract to draft a boxing pilot which could go to series either late this year or early 2006.

After a roller-coaster year at the box office in 2005, Disney could use an annual sure thing to bolster its holiday or summer season in the same way that Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have been able to depend on "Potter" and "Rings," respectively.

"We have high hopes for the first picture," Iger said Tuesday at the annual Global Entertainment, Media and Telecommunications Conference in Phoenix. "The studio has been working hard at creating its own 'Harry Potter' or 'Lord of the Rings' franchise and this has real franchise potential for the company."

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe," a live-action film with computer-generated animation, began shooting in New Zealand last summer and is scheduled for release at the end of 2005.

In all, there are seven books in author C.S. Lewis' landmark series and the thinking is that a series of films could follow if the first entry connects with audiences.

Box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian said movies based on popular books can be a double-edged sword.

"The pluses are that it has a built-in audience and high awareness level," said Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. "The X factor is always, how is that audience going to respond to your interpretation and execution of their beloved story?"

Disney is co-financing the film with Walden Media, which limits the company's financial exposure as well as its potential profits. But after several expensive flops in 2004, the studio has been more conservative with its movie budgets with the box office hit "National Treasure" being the only fiscal 2005 film that costs Disney more than $100 million to produce.

"We don't have any big risks going forward and I think the (movie) slate is quite strong," Iger said.

While Disney seeks even firmer footing on the feature film front, the company is soaring on the wings of a resurgent ABC broadcast network that has gone from a miserable fourth-place to a strong second in the prime-time ratings.

"It's the right people and the right structure making the right decisions," Iger said, giving immense credit to new ABC executives Anne Sweeney and Steve McPherson. "That's a great turnaround story for the company."

Key to the ratings comeback has been the smash new Sunday night comedy-drama "Desperate Housewives," which usually finishes in the top two in ratings each week. The network also has another new top 10 hit with the Wednesday night drama "Lost."

"It's still a business that's got its challenges, but we also know that a few hits can go a long way," Iger said.

Iger is the only internal candidate in contention to replace current Disney CEO Michael D. Eisner, who is retiring from his post in 2006 after more than 20 years at the helm. Iger was asked about his goals should he become the next CEO.

"The heart and soul of the company is creativity and innovation," Iger said. "The most important thing for a CEO is to respect that and make sure it's a priority."

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Disney Confirms Executive Position Problem

The Walt Disney Co. has announced some interesting bits of news regarding the millions and millions of dollars that are earned by various executive positions within the company. Additionally, Disney has also made note of just what to do about their problem with the split roles of the Chairman and the CEO within the giant production, marketing, and distribution company. Of course, still feeling the wake of protests from last year concerning the acts and involvement of ceo Michael Eisner, which resulted in the initial split between the two roles (therefore stripping Eisner of his role as Chairman), the executive board of The Walt Disney Co. has finally made it a company policy to have the two roles split and separate. AWN.com reports, "Disney's net income in fiscal 2004 rose 85% to $2.3 billion, or a 75% increase before the effects of accounting changes."

"Eisner still received $8.3 million in total compensation in 2004, a rise of about $1 million from 2003. Eisner's base salary was steady at $1 million while his bonus rose to $7.25 million in cash from $6.25 million in stock, with total compensation rising 13.6%."

"Disney president/coo Bob Iger, a top contender to replace Eisner when he steps down at the end of his contract, received $12 million in compensation, although that included a $3.5 million payout from restricted shares granted in 2002. Iger's salary rose to $1.5 million from $1.4 million, and his annual bonus rose to $6.5 million in cash from $4 million in cash and $1 million in stock."

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The Land Exterior Photo Update

Below are some photo's of Epcot's The Land Exterior rehab.

  

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Disney show set to dazzle Malaysians

Dreams really do come true! Disney On Ice is proud to bring you a dazzling tale of hope, heart, heroism and hilarity as it presents Princess Classics.

Get ready to visit spectacular enchanted castles and far-off lands in this magical, musical journey.

For the first time, Disney On Ice combines exceptional moments from Disney's Cinderella, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in one captivating, star-filled adventure for dreamers of all ages.

This magical ice-skating extravaganza will be in Malaysia from Mar 3 to 8 at Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil. Tickets are priced at RM55, RM110 and RM155 for weekday performances and RM60, RM120 and RM185 for weekend performances.

In conjunction with The Star's 33rd Anniversary, Star readers' can now enjoy RM33 off each ticket for a minimum purchase of four tickets. Look out for the discount voucher in your StarMetro editions from now until Jan 23 and present the voucher at any Axcess Ticket outlets.

Besides that, there will also be a ticket promotion at the A&W Petaling Jaya car park between 11am and 8pm. There will lots of fun activities and games and patrons stand a chance of winning complimentary tickets to the show.

There will be a ticket booth for those with the Star Family Discount Voucher to buy tickets at discount.

For bookings and enquiries, call Axcess Ticketing at 03-7711 5000 or log on to www.axcess.com.my. For group and schools discounts, call 03-7957 7161 or 03-7958 2544.

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Disney lets girls learn like a princess

Girls ages 4 to 6 will get a kick out of "Disney Princess Enchanted Learning," a title for the Leapster handheld gaming system.

They practice reading and math skills with Cinderella and Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" by playing games. For example, to help create a ball gown for Cinderella, girls move Gus-Gus the mouse around the screen to accumulate numbers, shapes or letters. The learning objective may be as simple as finding numbers or as difficult as counting by fives. When the game is finished, girls help decorate Cinderella's ball gown.

Girls also play a side-scrolling game with Ariel in which they seek sets of objects to solve math equations. They also must use hand-eye coordination to open clamshells with a stylus. The purpose isn't to catch the clams when they're open. It's to collect words that start with specific sounds.

In total, there are four substantive learning games, two sing-along activities and two activities that let girls create fireworks. All of the games provide three levels of difficulty and are programmed to provide tutorials if a child is struggling with a concept.

Girls earn "jewels" when they play the games, and when they have accumulated enough jewels, they receive princess tiaras.

Score: 4.5 (out of 5)

Best for ages 4 to 6

From Leapfrog, www.leapfrog.com, $25, for the Leapster.

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Mohawk High School band tells board of trip to Disney World

Monday evening, Jan. 10, Mohawk High School band director, Ben Herrick, and three band members told Mohawk School Board members about their recent trip to perform at Disney World.

Herrick said it was an unbelievable success: Forty-five students and eight chaperones traveled to Florida by bus during Christmas break. Before the trip, the band received a new banner from the band boosters. While at Disney, the band received a Magic Day celebration banner from Disney World.

"It was the best performance; it was my proudest moment with this band," said Herrick, who admitted he got choked up watching his students.

While Herrick gave all the credit to the students' behavior and performance, band member Tiffany Grine said the trip was a success because Herrick expected them to be good, and the band wanted to live up to it.

"This trip was a lot of work, and he took care of everything," Grine said. "He knew where we should be and when."

She said she was really impressed when Herrick paid for his own ticket into Disney so the students could benefit.

Jackie Atkin, another band member, said the trip will help students decide whether they want to remain in the music program. She said it gave them a sense of pride to perform at Disney with so many people taking pictures of the band.

Member Devin Weaver said the trip was enjoyable.

"It was a great learning experience," he said. "Thousands and thousands of people were watching us."

According to Herrick, future plans would include a shorter Thanksgiving trip to New York or Chicago every two years and every four years to return to Disney or a similar location.

Tod Craft was re-elected to serve as board president. In his absence, Todd Price conducted the meeting. Price was re-elected as vice president and administered his oath of office.

Board members approved all the first of the year resolutions presented:

Established the third Monday at 7:30 p.m. for the regular monthly meeting

The treasurer should pay all bills as long as they are within the appropriation approved; and for her to request advancements as needed and to invest funds

Appointed Duane Coldiron as legislative school liaison to the Ohio School Board Association

Appointed Superintendent Sam Martin as purchasing agent

Members approved issuing a four-year contract to LuAnn McMonigal as district treasurer. By law, her contract must be issued every four years after her first two-year contract. She has been treasurer for the Mohawk School District for 18 years.

Martin expressed his appreciation to board members for helping him become acquainted with the district. He said they should be proud and take credit when they hear of student accomplishments.

Athletic Booster President Neil Kelbley attended the meeting to let members know that some of the fund-raising bricks had to be removed for the new concrete. They have been saved for future use.

A one-year supplemental contract was approved for Brock Cleveland as a junior high boys' basketball coach. The 2005-2006 school year calendar was approved. Lynda Weininger was approved as a trustee for Mohawk Community Library for a seven-year term. Four substitute teachers were approved for contracts.

The board approved extending condolences to the families of Matt Beach and Kyle Griffin. Reinhart thanked the school principals who offered an opportunity for students and families to come together to talk and start the healing process. 

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Georgia-Pacific, Disney form strategic alliance

In court documents, attorneys for shareholders say the article in last week's New Yorker turned up information never revealed in years of preparation for the case, items that suggest witnesses told one story in court and another elsewhere.

For example, the article says Ovitz remembers Chief Executive Eisner laughing at his worry that Disney's board might not approve Ovitz's hiring as president.

According to the article, Ovitz recalls Eisner "ticking off the various ways that board members were beholden to him, and assuring Ovitz that they would do what he wanted."

It could be a key point in the lawsuit, in which shareholders have accused Disney directors of abandoning their duty to scrutinize the Ovitz hiring.

Specifically, shareholders are looking for an Eisner note to Ovitz dating back to January 1996 and a seven-page letter Ovitz wrote to Eisner six months later.

Shareholder lawyer Steven Schulman said at a court hearing Tuesday that he had called the writer, James P. Stewart, who told him he did not have the documents, but that they had been shown to him or read to him.

By whom, Stewart did not say. Schulman said he did not ask.

Chancellor William Chandler III rejected the shareholders' request for permission to interrogate Disney officials over the missing documents.

The Delaware Chancery Court judge did, however, order Disney to have its document custodian swear in an affidavit that the company did look for and could not locate the documents that the New Yorker reporter saw.

Much of the expert wrangling in the waning days of the 10-week trial has focused on whose case has been helped the most by another set of documents that turned up almost at the end of seven years of preparation for the case.

A box of documents believed to represent Ovitz's work files while at Disney for a time threatened to undercut arguments that he did little constructive work for the company as president.

Shareholder expert John J. Donohue Thursday said the late documents buttressed his conclusions that Disney had cause to fire Ovitz, for grounds including bucking Eisner's instructions to focus on operations, not deal-making.

An expert for the Disney directors, California employment lawyer John Fox, defended the deal, saying it was structured to allow him to take risks without fear of being fired and was typical of agreements for high-ranking executives who need latitude to make decisions.

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With my nearly-two twin boys back aboard the ship sampling the toy selection in the Flounder's Reef nursery, and my husband meditating with some barbells in the gym, I was strolling down a quiet beach sipping a frosty Pina Colada until it was time for my massage.

Serenity Bay, the adults-only area of Castaway Cay, Disney's private Bahamian island, is paradise found if you've got kids and are hankering for a little time to yourself. Though other cruise lines have private Bahamian islands or beaches, none has an adults-only area like Castaway. There's a bar, mile-long stretch of sand, and a cluster of open-air spa cabanas -- straight out of Central Casting -- nestled into the foliage just behind the beach.

In fact, Castaway offers lots of features the other big-ship lines don't, from these secluded massage huts to children's programming that includes tots as young as three months -- most lines' programming starts at age two or three. Other Castaway exclusives include bicycle rentals and a dock to accommodate the ships, eliminating the need to anchor offshore and spend time tendering guests to the island like the other lines with private islands must do.

It's no surprise Disney trumps the competition in so many ways -- the company has always been a trend-setter -- and a very successful one at that.

"Castaway Cay ranks significantly higher than any port of call we have ever visited," says Larry Stauffer, Disney Cruise Lines' manager of Shore Excursions and Castaway Cay.

In the spirit of giving the people what they ask for, Disney (tel. 800/951-3532; www.disneycruise.com) is offering a new 7-night western Caribbean itinerary on the Magic that visits Castaway twice on eight sailings between May 27 and Dec 9, 2006, along with calls to Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Castaway aside, the entire Disney cruise experience gets good grades from passengers.

As they say, you get what you pay for. You get more on a Disney cruise -- and it'll cost you. From the unrivaled kids facilities and programming for infants through teens, to extra-roomy cabins with a bath and a half, free unlimited fountain sodas from a poolside dispenser and quality family-oriented entertainment inspired by Disney film greats, the line offers an experience (and prices) that stands apart from the big-ship crowd.

Compared to Carnival, a 3-, 4-, or 7-night Disney cruise typically costs 30% to 80% more for comparable accommodations on the same sailing date. For Royal Caribbean, the differential is less, but still ranges from 20% to 75%, even when comparing Disney to Voyager class ships.

Though rates are higher, it sure doesn't seem to hurt business any. The Magic and Wonder typically sail full and you can always count on a large contingent of repeat guests who are coming back for more.

Disney's got the magic touch, and I was put under the spell myself on a 3-night Wonder cruise last August. What seems to impress many guests is the service, and I concur; no small feat considering the ships can each carry upwards of 2,500 guests per sailing.

Dining service deserves the biggest kudos. We took our young sons to Triton's one day for lunch, and despite the spilling and squealing two years are so good at, the staff was ultra gracious and attentive. Not only did a pair of high chairs appear within seconds, our boys were plied with paper, crayons, and cute little hats made from napkins. Though the family-friendly quotient was sky high, you never felt like you were in a Chucky Cheese -- the overall atmosphere in Triton's, the ship's most elegant dining venue, remained professional and polished.

Even in the ship's much more casual and bustling eating outlets, service was tops. The server at the Pluto's Dog House snack bar by the pool was always smiling, courteous and efficient when we and a steady stream of other guests kept him trotting back and forth filling orders for chicken fingers and fries all afternoon long. The young women staffing the nursery were endlessly cheerful, no matter how challenging their diaper-wearing charges were. The masseuse at Serenity Bay was excellent and seemed to have an endless amount of energy and pleasantness despite her tiring profession -- of course the heavenly seaside setting, all warm breezes and soothing sounds of the surf, didn't hurt. (The only thing you'll find painful is the prices; the $139, 50-minute deep-tissue massage was $30 bucks more than the same massage on the ship.)

Even the top-level brass made great efforts to please passengers. The Master of the ship himself was stationed in a public room one evening on our 3-night cruise to autograph guests' mementos. Meanwhile, the hotel manager and other officers mingled among guests in the atrium before dinner and happily joined in the "pin trading" session so beloved by hard-core Disneyphiles.

It seems the reason for all of this good cheer is that employees, for the most part, seem to truly like their jobs. Hotel Director Mike Mahendran told me that performance expectations are high, but that it certainly doesn't hurt that crew members earn 10% to 30% more than the industry standard, and enjoy other perks that foster productivity.

The trio of elegant maitre ds, who stood oozing charm at the entrance to Animator's Palate one evening ready to escort guests to their tables, were among the most professional I've ever seen on a big ship. They managed to somehow be supremely efficient as well as chatty, smooth and unhurried.

The ship's dining venues themselves were standouts in terms of design and whimsy.

Though the cuisine is tasty enough, it's not award-winning and is on par with that served on the other big-ships lines. What stands out in the Wonder's five restaurants is Disney's concept of rotating waiters (as you dine at the different restaurants, your waiters come along too) and each outlet's distinct themes. From the tropical yellow, flamingo pink and jungle green of the Parrot Cay restaurant to the white-linen elegance of Triton's and the magic of Animator's Palette, where video screens and lighting change colors over the course of the meal, these venues break the mold of the typical ship restaurant. Palo's, the ship's cozy adults-only reservations-required Italian restaurant is similar in atmosphere to other ship's alternative restaurants, and is worth a visit ($10 per person). Only the Beach Blanket buffet restaurant was disappointing because of its ultra-cramped quarters -- trying to squeeze through the throngs with kids and trays in tow during busy breakfast and lunch times practically qualified as a circus trick.

Where you won't have to squeeze at all is in the spacious cabins. At 223 to 226 square feet (not including the balcony), standard outside cabins are bigger than just about any other standard cabins out there. Plus, no other mega ship can claim tubs in all staterooms -- a big plus for families with kids -- or a split bath set-up in most. All cabins also have a mini-fridge (empty, so you can fill it with milk and snacks for your kids), sitting area with sofa bed, lots of storage, and a pleasing, low-key Art Deco-inspired décor with special touches like a framed 1930s black and white photograph of Mr. and Mrs. Walt Disney on the ocean liner Rex.

Disney's evolving repertoire of entertainment and activities also set the line apart. Over the years, Disney has been making a real effort to spice up its offerings on board, since the line repeats its same four Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries over and over all yearlong, with the exception of a new 7-night Mexico itinerary being offered next summer out of Los Angeles. For instance, after recent dry docks, both the Wonder and the Magic now have a new teen area -- called Aloft on the Wonder and the Stack on the Magic. Built in the former ESPN sky bar space, the teen digs are three times the size of the old Common Grounds hangout. Aloft and the Stack have two rooms, one with video screens for movies and the other a teen disco with a private Internet center. Plus, for the 3 to 12 set, some 24 new activities were introduced in 2004. The former Common Grounds space is now an adults-only venue called Café Cove, serving gourmet coffees, specialty drinks and light fare.

Other new entertainment fare includes the recent debut of an interactive Name-That-Tune-style music game show called Sound Waves. There's also now an expanded kids show that's featured on the last night of the cruise. Some 200 to 300 children dance and do sign language on the stage of the Walt Disney Theater while a slide show highlights the activities they enjoyed all week. On 7-night itineraries, there's also a fun new theme dinner and deck party called Pirates IN the Caribbean, complete with themed meals (like Black Beard's jumbo crab cakes), music and special effects (from black lighting to pirates repelling from the funnels).

These options add to Disney's current line-up, which includes an elaborate production of Hercules, A Muse-ical Comedy featuring a brilliant Robin-Williams-meets-Harvey-Fierstein Hades character, to the popular Regis-inspired Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer game show. Plus for adults, a jazzy piano bar, nightclub and sports bar/karaoke venue keep options wide open. With our kids safely tucked away in Flounders Reef one evening, my husband and I enjoyed dinner for two followed by a great evening listening to Daryl Lockhart tickle the ivories in the romantic Cadillac Lounge.

Undeniably a bit hit for Disney fans and families, a Disney cruise is worth every cent if you're looking for a casual big-ship experience and a truly high level of service and amenities. That said, a Disney cruise, though, isn't for everyone. With no casino aboard either ship, gigh rollers are out of luck. And though the Disney touch is subtler than you might imagine on these elegant ships -- décor is understated and characters make scheduled appearances only -- the experience is still all about Mickey. You have to appreciate the mouse and his legacy to enjoy this cruise. And while you get a lot of unique perks on a Disney cruise, you'll won't be able to escape certain big ship issues, from long waits for room service to lines at check in and at food outlets.

Unable to find office space in Georgetown, Delaware, the town of 4,623 residents where the trial began in October, New York lawyers for Disney investors are operating out of a three- story, white Victorian house across from the courthouse.

"We had to renovate the entire building to install the computer lines and other stuff we needed to be able to function," said Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman's Steven Schulman, the investors' lead attorney. "It was quite an undertaking."

The trial, which resumes today after a holiday break, pits Disney investors against former and current directors whom they contend are liable for failing to manage Ovitz's hiring and firing. The Hollywood celebrities and their lawyers find themselves in Georgetown because Burbank, California-based Disney is incorporated in Delaware.

Investors want the money returned to Disney, the No. 2 U.S. media company after Time Warner Inc. The company has insurance coverage for directors and officers should the defendants be found liable.

The case was assigned to Chief Chancery Court Judge William B. Chandler III. The judge, who is set to hear testimony from expert witnesses on whether Disney could have fired Ovitz without paying his $140 million severance, lives 13 miles from the courthouse.

Chickens

Georgetown, whose surrounding county has more chickens than anywhere in the U.S., according to state data, has tested the out- of-towners' ingenuity in several ways.

With no dry-cleaning services at the hotel where they are staying 21 miles away in Rehoboth Beach, the lawyers representing Ovitz were forced to "ship clothes for two months," said Mark Epstein, a partner at Los Angeles' Munger, Tolles & Olsen.

Most of the defense lawyers' weekends have been consumed by witness preparation, document searches and legal research geared to making the case that neither Ovitz nor Disney's board did anything wrong in connection with the former talent agent's hiring and firing, Epstein said.

'War Room'

The defense team divides its time outside the courtroom between rented offices in town and a "war room" -- a conference- size space on the first floor of their hotel.

The 32-member team, which has taken over the Bellmoor, a luxury hotel in Rehoboth, has access to more than 10 computers, two industrial-sized printers, laptop docking stations and high- speed Internet connections. A total of about 22 lawyers and 10 paralegals and other support staff have been assembled to defend the company and Ovitz in the suit.

Lawyers for the Disney directors are squired to and from the courthouse in a mini-bus rented from Eagle Limo, a local car service that offers Lincoln Town Cars and stretch limousines.

Shareholder lawyers drive over from their Rehoboth hotel, the Boardwalk Plaza, in their own cars. Both sides turned down the more Spartan accommodations of the Comfort Inn, Georgetown's only hotel.

Other lawyers who have come to Georgetown have been less picky. Attorneys for both sides in a nine-day trial of a stock- appraisal case heard in May 2003 stayed at the Comfort Inn, court officials said.

Michael Eisner

Georgetown, located about 90 miles southeast of Philadelphia near Delaware's Atlantic coast, has had its normally quiet pace of life upset by the influx of witnesses testifying at the trial. Disney Chief Executive Michael Eisner, Ovitz and actor Sidney Poitier, a former director, were among those who took the stand.

During Ovitz's testimony, a local radio station hired two people to dress up in mouse and duck costumes -- an acknowledgement of Disney's famous cartoon characters -- and stage a fight in front the courthouse.

Other residents are taking the trial in stride. At Smith's Family Restaurant, the town's only diner, waitress Debbie Marker said most customers don't have a clue about the nature of the Disney case.

"You have to give them some background," said Marker, 51, who goes by the nickname "Sarge" and has become the restaurant's unofficial spokeswoman since the trial began Oct. 20.

Smith's bustles every midday with groups of senior citizens, local attorneys and courthouse employees. The waitresses know customers' names and tastes, cutlery comes wrapped in a bag and salad dressing is served in a paper cup. The meatloaf special for $5.99 with two vegetables is the most popular order.

'Very Friendly'

The visiting lawyers are "very friendly," said Marker, recalling that one bought six people lunch one day, paying about $35. "You couldn't get two lunches out in California for $35," she said.

Even 53-year-old Judge Chandler, an avid runner, had to make adjustments because of the trial. One change: He curtailed his daily lunchtime jogs around Georgetown so he can keep up with other cases.

Epstein and three lawyers for Disney directors got a little home-away-from-home cooking in November when Rehoboth retiree Marcia DeWitt took pity and invited the team to her house for dinner. The menu included chicken barbequed in her husband's special garlic sauce, organic greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, grilled asparagus with red peppers and chocolate sundaes with cookies on the side, DeWitt said.

"My husband and I thought they might be tired of hotel and restaurant food and probably would enjoy eating a meal in a more casual" environment, said DeWitt, a retired plaintiffs' lawyer from Baltimore who has been following the case from a back bench in the courtroom.

'Punkin Chunkin'