Smile of The Day: Chickens Only

As I have written before, I love to pay attention to all the signage around the Disney Parks. This is one of my favorites from Muppet*Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.                                                                           ...

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Disney reveals Exclusive Disney Villains Designer Collection

A glimpse from Disney of the upcoming doll collection.Don't you just love the bad girls? Well, that's what Disney is banking on with the release of the Disney Villains Designer Collection this fall at its stores and DisneyStore.com.Last year the company released its Disney Princess Designer Collection, and now it's moving over to the dark side.There will be 13,000 limited edition dolls of each of six villains: Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians), Evil...

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Smile of The Day: A view of Harper's Mill

Here's a view of Harper's Mill on Tom Sawyer Island in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Inside the mill is a scene from Disney's "The Old Mill," a 1937 Silly Symphonies cartoon showing animals living in an abandoned windmill riding out a thunderstorm. The gears inside the windmill "creak" to the tune of "Down by the Old Mill Stream."                                 ...

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Smile of The Day: Haunted Mansion names

I always enjoy the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and reading the Spiritual Repose wall. Many people usually just walk by and miss it.                                                                                  ...

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Disney will release "Wreck-It-Ralph" video game in November

The trailer for the upcoming Disney movie "Wreck-It-Ralph" was a lot of fun. Since it all takes place in a video game world, you had to wonder if there would be a video game tie-in.Sure enough, this week Activision Publishing announced that the video game will coincide with the Nov. 2 release of the movie this fall.In "Wreck-It Ralph," video game character Ralph (the voice of John C. Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer), the "good guy" star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades...

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Disney will start taking reservations for Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom in August

You will soon be able to start making reservations for the new Be Our Guest Restaurant in the revamped Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom.The Disney Parks Blog announced the restaurant will open by the holidays and guests will be able to start making reservations in August.Chef Michael Deardorf has been in charge of Disney kitchens for 25 years, most recently as part of the opening of the restaurants at the Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii.Be Our Guest will have three dining rooms which will seat more than 500 people.Lunch will be fancier quick service...

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Disneyland celebrates Avocado Week; chefs participating in cooking demonstrations

Downtown Disney in Disneyland will present the second annual California Avocado Week from July 1 to July 7.Each day, according to a Disney news release, a chef from one of Downtown Disney’s restaurants will take stage to demonstrate some dishes featuring California avocados. Afterthe cooking demonstration, there will be an interactive “Guac Off” competition where a select number of people will be chosen to create a personalized guacamole recipe using...

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Marvel theme park to open in Dubai

An indoor theme park dedicated to Marvel characters will open in Dubai by the end of 2013, according to various news reports.The 350,000-square-foot Marvel Adventure, located in the City of Arabia, will include retail outlets, dining facilities and a range of interactive entertainment experiences featuring Marvel characters, a report on Emeriates 24/7.Spider-Man could be swinging his way into Dubai.A ground-breaking took place on Tuesday.The idea...

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Smile of The Day: Harambe Village

A view of Harambe Village at Animal Kingdom in Disney World.                                                                                      © Steven Lieb...

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Disneyland announces dates for Mickey's Halloween Party 2012

                                                                       © Steven LiebmanThe exterior of the special Halloween Haunted Mansion.Disney this week has announced its plans for Halloween Time at Disneyland.From September 14 to October 31 Disneyland will be transformed...

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The Amazing Spider-Man video game is released

A look at The Amazing Spider-Man video game.The Amazing Spider-Man video game is now available, one week before the movie is released nationwide. The game, now available across the U.S. and will be available June 29 in Europe, is an epilogue to the upcoming movie, as players take the role of a young Peter Parker discovering his newfound powers, according to a news release."Dee Brown and his team at Beenox have completely revamped The Amazing Spider-Man’s...

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Smile of The Day: Evil Parade flashback

Here's a look back at a 2005 Christmas Parade at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.  I love the villains take on the holiday.                                                                                           ...

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Smile of The Day: Historic look at the making of Expedition Everest

It's always fun to watch the construction of attractions at Disney. What's even more fun is taking a look back a few years after the attractions are built. Here's a look at Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in Disney World while it was under construction. The ride opened April 7, 2006.                                             ...

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D23 sponsors special dinner inside The Great Movie Ride at Disney World

Sometimes it sounds so good to be a D23 member. The number of events is growing and the special added thrills always seem to be fun, especially dinner inside an attraction at Walt Disney World.D23  has added a feast to its Halloween annual Sip & Stroll event inside The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios.For those who purchase the "Super Scream" package, beginning Oct. 2, there is a Hollywood Studios nighttime costume party stopping...

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Disney Pixar's 'Brave' wins the weekend box office, ranks in middle of Pixar releases

Disney Pixar's "Brave" beat out "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" in its opening weekend with $66.7 million and ranks in the middle of Pixar opening weekends.The movie features the story of Princess Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronting tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. She is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma...

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This week around Disney: June 24-30

Buzz Lightyear with a Space Shuttle behind it in a NASA photo.Here's a quick look at what's happening in the World of Disney this week. For a complete list of what's happening check out out Ultimate Summer Guide and our Ultimate Fall/Holiday Guide:JUNE 24-30 The annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot with Stayin’ Alive - A Tribute to the Bee GeesJUNE27-29: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger spin in Magic Kingdom closed.JUNE 29: Disney...

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Smile of The Day: Fife and Drum Corps at Epcot

The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps is a colonial-era band that plays marching music at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World.The four musicians and the standard-bearer play classics like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "God Bless America." It's a lot of fun to watch the band march out and interact with the audience as well.                             ...

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Smile of The Day: Jungle Trekkers

A view down the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.                                                                                                           ...

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Hong Kong Disneyland expansion - Grizzly Gulch - opens July 14

A conceptual drawing by Disney of Grizzly Gulch’s Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's latest expansion, Grizzly Gulch, opens on July 14.The wild west setting setting takes guests into a bustling western Gold Rush township where there are seven attractions:  the Geyser Gulch area with water-based activities and sudden eruptions of Mother Geyser; the Grizzly Gulch Welcome Wagon Show;  photo opportunities...

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Disney among best perceived brands by the LGBT community

Disneyland and Disney World rank high among the best perceived brands by the LGBT community in the U.S., according to a website which measure's brand perception among the public.Under YouGov's BrandIndex, Disney is fourth behind Android, iPhone and iPad.According to the website, all 1,100+ brands in the YouGov BrandIndex brand universe were measured with the company’s buzz score, which asks respondents “If you've heard anything about the brand in...

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Disney/Pixar releases 'Monster University' trailers, vote on your favorite line

Hello Humans!Ever wonder how Mike and Sully met before working together at "Monsters, Inc.?" Disney/Pixar has their back story - all set at "Monsters University."Four newly released trailers gives us a peek into how the scare-tacular duo met in this prequel to the 2001 animated movie.  Billy Crystal and John Goodman get behind the microphones again to reprise their roles as Mike and Sully.The  movie, due out in June 2013, looks how how the two fared during their days at the University of Fear, before becoming best buds.The trailer starts...

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Production starts on Disney's 'Maleficent' starring Angelina Jolie

                                                                      Walt Disney StudiosProduction has started on Disney's "Maleficent," starring Angelina Jolie, according to Walt Disney Studios.This is the untold story of one of the Disney villain Maleficent from the 1959...

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Disney World announces special July 4 celebrations

Disney press photo of The Magic KingdomDisney World is celebrating July 4 with special pyrotechnic shows at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot, according to Disney.Here are the specifics: Magic Kingdom presents “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This fireworks, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. on July 3 and July 4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios,...

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Brave: The Video Game is now available

You may not have seen the movie yet, but you can now play the game.  Brave: The Video Game, inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie “Brave,” is now available for PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii system from Nintendo, Nintendo DS handheld system and Windows PC/ MAC, the company announced this morning.Players will be able to continue Merida's journey to undo a curse before...

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This week in Disney: June 18-24

Here's a quick look at the week ahead in all things Disney, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland and other highlights.For a complete list of things happening this summer, check out our Ultimate Summer Disney Guide. If you want to start planning for fall and the holidays, check out out Ultimate Fall/Holiday Guide.Here's what's on tap this week:JUNE 18: The Cars wing opens at the Disney Art of Animation Resort in Walt Disney World in Florida.JUNE 18: Starting today, Disneyland Resort hotel guests will be able to advantage of Extra Magic Hours...

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New Disney Fairy movie coming out Oct. 23

"Secret of the Wings," the fifth in the Disney Fairies direct-to-DVD series is scheduled to be released Oct. 23 on Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack and Digital.In this computer-animated film Tinker Bell goes into the Winter Woods and meets the frost fairy named Periwinkle where a secret is revealed.The movies stars the voices of Mae Whitman, Lucy Liu, Megan Hilty, Raven-Symoné, Jesse McCartney and Angela Bartys, it also features new cast members who include Matt Lanter, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Hale, and Debby Ry...

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Disney World reports 9 guests injured in first three months of the year

Disney publicity photoWalt Disney World reported nine injuries on its rides during the first three months of the year, according to the Orlando Sentinel.Two of the people suffered heart attacks, two had seizures, two had chest pains and three suffered broken bones, according to the website.The rides where the injuries took place varied from the Prince Charming Regal Carousel at the Magic Kingdom to Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom and Mission:...

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Disney's new film short "Paperman" will make theatrical debut

Disney's groundbreaking short film "Paperman" will make its theatrical debut in front of the movie "Wreck-It Ralph," on November  2, according to the Walt Disney Animation Studios."Using a minimalist black-and-white style, the short follows the story of a lonely young man in mid-century New York City, whose destiny takes an unexpected turn after a chance meeting with a beautiful woman on his morning commute. Convinced the girl of his dreams is gone forever, he gets a second chance when he spots her in a skyscraper window across the avenue...

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Mickey Mouse found on Mercury by NASA

There is a hidden Mickey on the planet Mercury.Yes, that's right on Mercury. The Messenger spacecraft, which is on a year-long science orbit of the first planet in our solar system, has captured a the hidden Mickey Mouse image on the planet, according to the NASA website.Photo by NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of WashingtonThis seems the perfect place for the next hot Disneyland location, and the...

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Disney Candlelight Processional narrators announced

The Holidays are always my favorite time of the year to go to Disney World and we always stop to listen to the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.Today Disney has announced the celebrity narrators who have confirmed. The processional combines seasonal music and reading of scripture by the narrators. It will be performed nightly from Nov. 23-Dec. 30 at 5 p.m., 6:45 p.mm. and 8:15 p.m.                   ...

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Smile of The Day: Winnie the Pooh - the criminal?

The Brampton Guardian newspaper in Canada may not have meant to put Winnie the Pooh in this light. Thanks to @ScottFilmCrit...

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DIsney Trading event returns to Epcot in September

The Disney Trading, titled "Mickey's Circus" will be held this year in Epcot from Sept. 7 -9.The annual event features three days of pin and Vinylmation trading. Approximately 26 pin items were designed specifically for this event, including boxed sets, individual pins and even some Passholder-exclusive items, according to the Disney Parks Blog.In addition, 3-inch and 9-inch Vinylmation figurines designed by Disney Design Group artists Ron Cohee,...

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Disney giving everyone the grand opening experience for Cars Land with Live Webcast

The Disney Parks Blog is planning on giving everyone a look at Cars Land with a special grand opening Live Webcast.After three years of construction at the California Adventure the 12-acre expansion takes guests through the town of Radiator Springs from the "Cars" movies.                                                   ...

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Disney Facts: Every month is wedding month at Disney

June is traditionally known as the wedding month, except at Disney World where every month is wedding month.More than 1,000 couples a year tie the knot at the Disney World Resort, so chances are you'll be able to catch a glimpse of happy couple. Even the Walt Disney Marathon has had couples stop in the middle of the race in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom and say their vows.All told, more than 40,000 couples have married at Walt...

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Disney launches 'Frankenweenie' exhibit

Disney is launching a touring exhibit of Tim Burton's upcoming stop-motion animated movie "Frankenweenie."The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition will premiere in Barcelona, Spain, at CineEurope, June 18-21, and in the U.S. at Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego on July 11-15. In total, the tour will hit seven countries, including Spain, France, England, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.The exhibit, according to a company news release, will give people a glimpse...

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Two Disney plays up for Tony Awards tonight

In the 18 years Disney has been producing Broadway shows it has won 11 Tony Awards and has received 35 nominations.Tonight it as a chance to add to those awards as two of its plays, "Newsies" and "Peter and The Starcatcher," are up for Tonys."Newsies," a musical based on the 1992 film of the same title (which did not do well in theaters but received a cult following) is inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1889 in...

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Disney surprises gone wrong - a video tour

Parents love to surprise their kids with great gifts and experiences and one of their favorite fake-outs is the surprise family trip to Disney (either Land or World). Moms and dads hope to hear grateful shouts of joy and see children leaping into the air as if they had won the lottery.Sometimes, the reaction is not exactly what they hope for. Here are a few surprising examples of how kids respo...

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Another Avengers Father's Day gift idea

The "Iron Man" braceletI just got back from seeing "The Avengers" for a second time and an inspiration came for one more gift idea for those dads out there. (Don't forget we have plenty of other ideas, just check out our Disney Father's Day Gift Guide.) It's very simple: The Iron Man bracelet.Remember the bracelet Tony Stark puts on so the Mark VII can find him in mid-air and suit him up after Loki throws him out the window? Well, you too can have...

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Disneyland tickets available on smartphones

There's a new way to buy theme park tickets at Disneyland - using your phone.You can now purchase 1-Day 1-Park, and 1-Day Park Hopper tickets using your smartphone, the Disney Parks Blog announced.All people need to do is head to m.disneyland.com and select “Buy Tickets” from the home page. After entering the number of tickets (up to a maximum of 15), and your credit card information, "you will receive a confirmation with a barcode that will be...

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Disney Facts: Cars Land and California Adventure By The Numbers

In about a week Disney will unveil the new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street areas. This ends a multi-million dollar five-year expansion of the California Adventure at Disneyland which also include new rides and new shows. Here's a fresh look at California Adventure:280,000:  Square feet of rockwork in Cars Land, making Ornament Valley mountain range the largest rockwork created in a domestic Disney theme park.36,000: Approximate number...

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Disney Epic Mickey being released Nov. 18

The highly anticipated "Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two" will be released Nov. 18.According to the Disney press release: "'Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two' returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with more than 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners - Mickey with the magical paint...

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Disney and Harrods teaming up this Christmas for special displays

The famed London luxury department store Harrods is teaming up with Disney this holiday season to spotlight  Disney princesses.In November, the store will pay tribute to Disney with window displays featuring special twists to Disney Princess dresses by world class designers like Oscar de la Renta, Versace and Elie Saab, according to the company.Each of the princesses will be featured: Ariel, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine,...

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New resort coming to Downtown Disney area

B Hotels & Resorts will open a new resort in the Downtown Disney area in the fall of 2013, according to the company.The B in Lake Buena Vista is taking over the 394-room Royal Plaza resort.  The hotel will remain operational during the renovation. It will be officially launched as part of the B Hotels & Resortsin the fourth quarter of 2013, according to the company."The B in the Walt Disney World Resort is going to be a unique venue for visitors who are looking for an upscale lifestyle experience, tranquility and relaxation after...

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Father’s Day gift ideas for Disney fans

Mother’s Day is easy: Flowers, jewelry, breakfast in bed. No sweat.But Father’s Day? That’s much harder. For most men you can’t even fall back on the traditional necktie, because ties are nearly extinct in today’s workplace. This year we’re here to help. For “Avengers” fansA lot of today’s dads are taking their kids to see “The Avengers” with absolute glee. After all, they’ve been reading the comic books since they were kids themselves. Tell your...

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