New water show at California Adventure in Disneyland Resort features Goofy

The California Adventure has added a new water show during the day featuring Goofy.

Dressed in a tuxedo, Maestro Goofy conducts the dancing fountains at Paradise Pier (normally used for the World of Color show at night) in a five-minute concert. The performance, which takes place six times a day, is very reminiscent of the old Goofy cartoons.

Here are some other recent Goody appearances:

• Tokyo Disneyland opening new attraction featuring Goofy
• Goofy visits your home straight from Disneyland Paris

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Here's what's happening in the Disney Universe in August

August is a big animal month at Walt Disney World as the theme park honors primates, opens "The Lion King" wing of a new resort and closes the Country Bear Jamboree for refurbishment.

To find out what's happening the rest of the year, check out our Fall//Holiday Disney Guide.

The 2013 Ultimate Disney Guide will be coming soon.

AUGUST: Cotton-Top Tamarin Month, a wildlife conservation event celebrated at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This tiny, endangered primate is found only in Colombia and South America.

AUGUST 1:  Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates the world’s primates — such as gorillas, white-cheeked gibbons, siamangs, ring-tailed lemurs, and cotton-top and emperor tamarins — that make their home at the park. Guests will be able to participate in a variety of activities at Rafiki’s Planet Watch and near primate habitats throughout the park.

AUGUST 4- 10: Liberty Square Riverboat closed for refurbishment in Disney World.

The Lion King wing at the Art of Animation opens Aug. 10. Disney Photo by Matt Stroshane.

AUGUST 10: The Lion King wing opens at the Disney Art of Animation Resort in Walt Disney World in Florida.

AUGUST 11-12: D23's special meeting at the Grand Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel looks at 75 years of Disney animated features.

AUGUST 12: The Beastly Bazaar store in the Animal Kingdom closes. It will be turned into a meet-and-greet location.

AUGUST 15: Theatrical movie release of "The Odd Life of Timothy Green."

AUGUST 22-OCT. 16: Country Bear Jamboree at Disney World is closed for refurbishment.

AUGUST 31 - SEPT. 2 The Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. This 13.1-mile course winds through Anaheim, Calif., and the Disneyland Resort.

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Where in the Disney World is this picture from?

How good are you at figuring out where things are in Walt Disney World?

We changed our header photo today to this marker. Do you know where in the (Disney) World this marker can be found? Come on, try. I doesn't hurt to try.

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Aulani Disney Resort expanding in September

Not even open for a complete year and Disney is already expanding its latest Hawaiian resort.

The 21-acre resort will see an expansion starting in September of the Waikolohe Valley pool area as well as the addition of two new quick-service dining options, according to a Disney news release.

                          Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destination.

 

Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii on island of O`ahu.

 

 

Construction should be done by mid 2013 and will coincide with the final build-out of the resort, according to Disney.

“Aulani has been exceptionally well received by our guests, and we are excited to add new amenities,” Elliot Mills, vice president and general manager of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, said in the release.

In addition to the expansions, the Starlit Hui show will move to a larger venue to allow more guests to view the performance.

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Disney World releases information on its 2013 dining plans

Walt Disney World releases information on its 2013 dining plans.

For those unfamiliar with the plans, there are three in total. In addition, there are two special premium and platinum packages.

Here's a look at all the plans:

The Quick-Service Dining Plan  is touted as saving up to 10 percent per adult on dining. On this plan you receive two quick-service meals and one snack per person per night of the package stay.

The Plus Dining Plan  is touted as saving up to 15 percent per adult on dining. On this plan you receive one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack per person, per night of the package stay.

The Disney Deluxe Dining Plan is touted as saving up to 25 percent per adult on dining. This plan includes three meals and two snacks per person, per night of a package stay. This can be used in any combination for quick-service and table-service restaurants.

The Premium Package includes the Deluxe Dining Plan plus unlimited use of certain recreation including golf and tickets to Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba.

The Platinum Package includes staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, the Premium Package, plus pre-arrival planning services, a fireworks cruise, reserved seating at Fantasmic! and a select spa treatment.

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DVC Members can now download portable perks

The Disney Vacation Club has made it easier for members to keep track of your portable member perks.

It has always been difficult to figure out where you get discounts and what those discounts are, and you usually have had to wait to check in to get the booklet to see what was available. Now, DVCMember.com has created pdfs you can download to keep track of your perks. The pdfs are broken down by Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Vero Beach and Hilton Head.

Here they are:

• Walt Disney World Perks
• Disneyland Resort Perks
• Aulani Perks
• Vero Beach Perks
• Hilton Head  Perks

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HGTV Design Star named to kick-off Epcot Food & Wine Festival speakers

A Disney publicity photo of the Food & Wine Festival

The HGTV Design Star has been crowned and now we know who will be the first special speaker during the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Danielle Colding, 36, an interior designer from Brooklyn, N.Y., was named the season seven champion of the hit reality competition HGTV Design Star. 

Here is the list of other HGTV stars appearing at the Food & Wine Festival.


Oct. 5-7:  Casey Noble – “Design on a Dime”
Oct. 12-14:  Alison Victoria – DIY Network’s “Kitchen Crashers”
Oct. 19-21: Brian Patrick Flynn – HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor
Oct. 26-28: Meg Caswell – “Meg’s Great Rooms”
Nov. 2-4: Marianne Canada – HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor
Nov. 9-12:  Emily Henderson – “Secrets From a Stylist”

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Update: Disney races are filling up

Disney runners, if you have not signed up for the various taking place at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World, time is running out. Here is a quick update on the status of the various races.

For complete information and registration head to rundisney.com.

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend - Aug. 31 - Sept. 2: Sold out

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend - Sept. 28-29: The newly created 10-mile race takes place in and around Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The weekend includes the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash, kids’ races and a family fun run 5K at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The 10-mile race is sold out. The family fun 5K is 60 percent full.


Disney Wine and Dine Half-Marathon Weekend - Nov. 9-10: This nighttime race through the theme parks ends with an exclusive after-hours party inside the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This is 98 percent full.

A Disney photo of the start of the Princess Half Marathon last year.

Walt Disney World Marathon - Jan 12-13, 2013: The weekend includes the half marathon on Jan. 12, 2013, and the marathon Jan. 13. Those who are especially ambitious can choose to run the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, in which participants complete the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday to qualify for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge medal. Marathon is 75 percent full. Half marathon 65 percent full and Goofy's Race is 87 percent full.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend - Jan. 18-20 2013: The weekend starts with a Family 5K and kids races and then the half marathon through the Disneyland Resort. The 5K run is 59 percent full. The half marathon is sold out.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - Feb. 22-24, 2013: This is the 5th anniversary of this event at Disney World includes a Family 5K event as well. Registration is now open.

Expedition Everest Challenge -May 4, 2013: The race starts after sunset when individuals or teams take off to run the 5K trek, then go through an obstacle course and then a scavenger hunt. After that is an exclusive after-hours party at the theme park. The date has just been announced. Registration has not started yet.

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Date for 2013 Expedition Everest Challenge race is announced

Here is last year's course for the Expedition Everest Challenge

Get ready for a wild run.

Disney has set May 4, 2013 as the date for the 2013 Expedition Everest Challenge 5k run at at the Animal Kingdom in Disney World.

The race starts after sunset when individuals or teams take off to run the 5K trek, then go through an obstacle course and then a scavenger hunt. After that is an exclusive after-hours party at the theme park.

For more information head to rundisney.com.

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Health officials investigating illness at Disney World

 A hippo being fed during the Wild Africa Trek/ © Steven Liebman

 

Health officials in Florida are investigating a stomach illness Walt Disney World guests contracted after taking the special Wild Africa Trek tour at the Animal Kingdom.

Several dozen cases were reported by the those who took the pricey three-hour special tour which takes you through wooded areas to watch hippos in a pool, cross a rope bridge over crocodiles and provides you a special view of the savanna with a specially prepared lunch, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

A person who posted on DisBoards.com, a forum for Disney fans, said the questioning from health officials led the person to think that authorities are focusing on hand washing and common items that were touched, including binoculars.

Disney has taken several steps, according to the Orlando Sentinel, including cleaning various surfaces that guests touch, handing out hand sanitizers and emphasizing hand-washing policies to all.

The Wild Africa Trek is one of the most-exclusive experiences at Disney World costing from $139 to $249 a person depending on the season.

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Track Disney turtles during the annual Tour de Turtles

This Sea Turtle Conservancy photo shows the 2011 Tour de Turtles kick-off party.

Dudes. If you thought Crush and his pals had a long way to flow on the EAC in the movie "Finding Nemo," you ain't seen nothing yet.

For the past four years the Sea Turtle Conservancy has been following the marathon migration of sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds. This year they do it again by following 13 sea turtles representing four different species, including two Disney turtles whose names -- "Peach" and "Pearl" -- come from the movie "Finding Nemo."

The turtles will be tracked by satellite for about three months -- we did say this was a turtle marathon -- with the goal of seeing which turtle swims the furthest distance.

The marathon starts Aug. 1 and can be followed on the TourdeTurtles website. 

“The marathon is important on the larger level because the Sea Turtle Conservancy shares information with the National Marine Fishery Services which controls where people fish," Anne Savage, Conservation Director of Walt Disney World Programs, said in a Disney news release. “This will help determine where turtles swim in relation to where boats are, and to use that information to regulate the amount of time that people stay in those areas keeping the turtles out of danger.”

During the marathon, each turtle will represent a “cause or threat” to their survival. Peach, which is being sponsored by Disney’s Animal Programs and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, represents the threat of light pollution. Sea turtle hatchlings rely on moonlight to find their way to the ocean, but many become disoriented and are drawn off-course by artificial light sources. If you've ever been to Vero Beach, you might have seen resorts ask that you keep your curtains drawn so as not to confuse the turtles.

Pearl, which is sponsored by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and Disney’s Friends for Change, represents entanglement effects caused by pollution, fishing lines and fishing nets.

Once the competition starts, we will also be posting updates and reminding you to visit the TourdeTurtles website. 

Or as Crush would say: Watch the whole thing, dude. First, you'll be like "whoa," and then like "whoa" and then like "whoa ..."

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A look at how Disney World is already preparing for Christmas

Yes, it is Christmas in July. If you haven't already checked out those Hallmark ornaments -- you're late.

But it is usually always Christmas at Walt Disney World as Imagineers and workers take months to prepare for the holidays. Here's a video, presented by Disney, of the work taking place for the preparation. And for more specifics don't forget to check out our Christmas By the Numbers at Walt Disney World.

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Disney debuts its Back to School collection

Disney has unveiled 99 new Back to School items for kids, including a new "Tween lifestyle merchandise collection" inspired by the smash hit contest of the same name tied to the Disney Channel's TV series "Shake it Up," according to a Disney Consumer Products news release.

The items range from clothing, to school gear to beauty products and even food. If you want to look at everything, check out this photo gallery.

Here are some highlights from the news release:

Shake It Up by Make Your Mark — Taking the very best looks from popular Disney Channel dancers, CeCe and Rocky, the new collection features a color palette grounded in neutral black, vibrant fuchsia and electric purple, with grey heather, creamy white and bright citron to round out the assortment. Shake It Up by Make Your Mark is exclusively available at Sears stores nationwide.

 

Disney "Phineas & Ferb" Footwear Collection by etnies — In creating this new collection, etnies designers took characters and elements of the hit TV series and incorporated them into fun and fashionable shoes for children. The styles are available in sizes 10C through 7C and will be available in August at Zappos.com, Famous Footwear, and WSS.

 

Personalizable Brave Backpack — Carrying her trusty bow and arrow, the flame-haired star of Disney/Pixar's "Brave" is all set for her medieval adventures. Available at DisneyStore.com for $19.50, this backpack measures 15 x 12 x 5 inches and can also be accessorized with the Brave lunch tote and 16oz. water bottle.

 

Ready Pac Cool Cuts Mini-Meals and Salads — Ready Pac Foods has developed a new line of Disney-themed Cool Cuts  Mini-Meals and Salads for kids 6 - 12. All items will be available in August at traditional grocery stores and other club and mass merchandise stores where fresh produce is sold. 

Disney To-ki-o Treats Cosmetic Collection — Lip Smacker introduces prestige-inspired To-ki-o Treats, a beauty brand created especially for tweens and teens featuring Disney characters. Disney To-ki-o Treats Cosmetic Collection arrives at Walmart stores nationwide in August.

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Does Disney World need to cut back on Extra Magic Hours?

Extra Magic Hours have been a staple at Walt Disney World for about a decade now. Resort guests have been able to go into selected parks an hour before opening or stay three hours after normal closing time. But now it appears Disney is planning to cut back the evening magic from 3 hours to 2 hours starting in 2013.

Disney has changed its online explanation of the extra hours: “Each day, one of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks opens one hour early or remains open up to 2 hours after regular closing time. Additionally, Disney Water Parks offer Extra Magic Hours during select times of year.”

The official Disney Parks Hours Calendar shows three-hour evening Extra Magic Hours until the end of the year, but the calendar does not list the Extra Magic Hours for 2013.

Now, we all know the economy is tough, but is this cut for hotel guests needed? Is the financial picture of the Walt Disney Company really that bad? I don't think so.

We know that Disney also has shelled out $3 billion in capital expenditures in 2011, including $2.3 billion toward the new Cars Land in the California Adventure and the Fantasyland expansion in Disney World.

Bur Disney is expected to post quarterly earnings of 93 cents a share on Aug. 7 when it reports on the quarter ended in June -- a 19% increase over the same period a year ago. Next year, analysts expect Disney to post earnings growth of 15%, according to Nasdaq.com.

Let's look at some other financial facts pointed out in an article by The Motley Fool:

Theme parks: The Magic Kingdom at Disney World is still the most visited theme park in the world with 17 million annual visitors. Nine Disney parks are in the top 25 theme parks visited in the world, and all of them saw an increase in attendance last year.

Movies: Disney movies are hitting phenomenal heights. "John Carter" may have been a flop in the U.S., but worldwide it brought in $210 million. At $1.45 billion, "The Avengers" is the third highest-grossing movie of all time.

TV: The television division has 100 international Disney Channels reaching 141 million subscribers. ESPN alone has distribution agreements with 47 international sports networks and reaches 200 countries and territories.

Purchases: Disney acquired Indian media conglomerate UTV Software Communications earlier this year. UTV owns six of the most popular entertainment, news and film channels in India, a country with four times the population of the United States and a burgeoning middle class.

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Disney shows how old-time radio broadcast is made for California Adventure

I love listening to old-time radio shows. There's nothing like sitting back and letting your imagination create the pictures in your head.

There is a vintage radio in Oswald's Gas & Oil, a new shop on Buena Vista Street at the California Adventure in Disneyland Resort. And if there is a vintage radio, it needs a radio show. Here the Walt Disney Imagineers show how a radio program is created.

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Disneyland unveils new voice-based phone response system

The Disneyland Resort this summer is unveiling a voice-based phone program designed to answer questions from guests at the park.

Ask Otto! at 714-520-7090 was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to answer basic questions, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The phone program will answer:

• Park operating hours.
• Ride wait times and FastPass return times.
• Show times for parades fireworks, Fantasmic! and World of Color.
• General dining information and location for food and beverage options.

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Disneyland must let a disabled mom use a Segway on her visit, court rules

Disneyland may have to let a disabled mom use her motorized Segway to visit the park, even though the park only allows wheelchairs and motorized scooters, an appeals court has ruled.

Photo from the lawsuit

Tina Baughman, from Pacific Palisades near Disneyland, suffers from limb girdle muscular dystrophy, which makes it difficult for her to walk or stand from a seated position, according to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.


Baughman hoped to fulfill her daughter’s eighth-birthday wish: a visit to the happiest place on earth. She contacted Disneyland to explain her physical limitations and request permission to use a Segway. Disney refused to make an exception and Baughman sued Disney under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), claiming that Disney denied her full and equal access to Disneyland, the ruling states.

The panel voted 3-0 that accommodating the disabled does not stop at just providing access. The court also does not hold that Disney must permit Segways at its theme parks. It can exclude them if the company can prove Segways can't be operated safely in its parks (such as whether a device can be used in a particular facility, including the size, weight and speed of the device; the volume of pedestrian traffic in the facility; and whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to ensure safe operation of the device), according to the ruling.

"We have every confidence that the organization that, half a century ago, brought us the Carousel of Progress and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, can lead the way in using new technology to make its parks more welcoming to disabled guests," Chief Judge Alex Kozinsk, wrote in the court's decision.

He continued: As the man who started it all said, "Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world."

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Disney offering $30 savings for PhotoPass+ this summer

Disney is offering a $30 savings this summer for its PhotoPass+ package at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

In April, Disney introduced this new package, which includes:

• PhotoPass+ card and lanyard
• A gallery CD with more than 400 stock photos
• The ability to order a PhotoCD with all your photos online at DisneyPhotoPass.com
• Print packages at select character dining locations
• Digital downloads of select attractions
• Photos taken on rides like Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

The normal price is $199.95 at Disney World and $99.99 at Disneyland. But if you purchase these in advance, you will get $30 off.

Is it worth it with the discount? As I wrote when this new package was announced in April, it all depends. It's a lot of money, but if you have a large family or a couple of kids who want to stand in line for photos with the Disney characters, and you want some fairly good-quality photos, it might be worth it. The great thing about this is that you can get the attraction photos instead of having to shell out the extra bucks.

You can order the Disneyland package here and the Disney World package here.

DISNEY PHOTO TIPS 

• How to taking better camera phone photos at Disney
• How to photograph  wildlife at Disney World
• An app to help you take Disney fireworks photos

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Epcot 30th Anniversary merchandise has that retro feel

Disney has released photos of some of the merchandise which will be sold in conjunction with Epcot's 30th anniversary on Oct. 1.

Photo from the Disney Parks Blog

There will be four new shirts, a baseball cap and pins. Everything has the feel of 1980s. Remember the bold type and variety of colors which were trying to be different from the tie-dye generation? You know the variety of greens and the industrial looking orange (normally found on work overalls). Yes, they are back and there is one of my all-time favorite characters being featured  - Figment.

Here's a look at a couple of the items. For more photos head to the Disney Parks Blog.

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Happy Birthday Disneyland, 57 years and going strong

Disneyland turns 57 today. (It really doesn't look a day over 40.)

A short ceremony is planned at 2:30 p.m. in Town Square in front of the Main Street Train Station to honor the date.

In this Walt Disney Company copyrighted photo we see
Walt Disney with the first guests to the park during
 opening day in 1957.

With these words, Walt Disney opened the park:  

“To all who come to this happy place. Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past. And here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank You.”

The once-small park has grown into a resort with two theme parks and three hotels employing some 22,000 people. It was re-named Disneyland Park in 1998 to distinguish it from the resort as a whole. More than 16 million people last year visited Disneyland Park itself, according to Themed Entertainment Association and the Economic. The only other park in the U.S. with more people attending was the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Here's a collection of some Disneyland facts:

• Disney Facts: Disneyland 2012 edition
• Walt Disney's speech via Morse Code
• A look at Pirates of the Caribbean
• A look Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
• Disney artist creates animated version of an old Disneyland attraction
• Disneyland is the most popular place to share photos on Instagram

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Disney announces date to book special events at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

You'll be able to purchase tickets for the special events at the 17th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starting Aug. 14, Disney announced today.

The festival will be held Sept. 28 to Nov. 12 and features more than 270 chefs from across the country who will hold culinary demonstrations and tasting events. There will also be 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces featuring food and wine from all over the world.

Photo by ©Disney

The Food & Wine Festival will have a number of special new experiences, the Disney Parks Blog boasts. Including:

• Marketplace VIP Access Chef Tour begins at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday, with tastes from selected marketplaces around World Showcase Lagoon and behind-the-scenes stories from the chefs. You get five (pre-selected) dishes and five beverages (wine, beer and cocktails) on the tour, which takes about two hours. Cost is $90
• Italian Regional Food & Wine Luncheon at the Italy Pavilion in Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, pairing wines with casual, authentic dishes. The luncheons will be from noon-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cost is $75
• Party for the Senses in the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion – general admission is $145 , a reserved table on the main floor is $170 and a reserved table in the premium Wine View Lounge is $270 The dates for these vents are Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3.

Tickets will be available starting at 7 a.m. on Aug. 14 at 407-939-3378.

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Disney on list of companies with most U.S. capital spending in 2011

The building of Cars Land in California and expansion of the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World, helped The Walt Disney Company rank 17th nationally in a new study examining which companies were investing money in the U.S. in 2011.

Disney with $3 billion, of which $2.3 billion went toward the two theme parks, ranked 17th. AT&T with $20.1 billion ranked No. 1. Comcast, which purchased Universal Studios in 2011, is also on the list at No. 8, spending $5.3 billion.

The Progressive Policy Institute, a public policy think tank promoting the ideas of "New Democrats," constructed a list of the top 25 non-financial U.S.-based companies ranked by their U.S. capital spending in 2011.

PPI said on its website tat it wanted to "highlight those companies that are still investing domestically in buildings, equipment, and software." Using publicly available financial reports PPI created the list.

Here is the complete report.

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Phineas and Ferb to assemble with The Avengers and Spider-Man in new TV special

Finally. a Disney/Marvel crossover.

Phineas and Ferb meet the Marvel Super Heroes

Yes, the Marvel Super Heroes will be teaming up with Disney characters for the first time next year on the Disney Channel. And the Disney characters chosen are -- Phineas and Ferb.

According to a Disney news release, "production is now underway on "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel," an animated adventure that will assemble characters from two hugely popular franchises, Disney's 'Phineas and Ferb' and Marvel's iconic Super Heroes: Spider-Man and The Avengers (Iron Man, Thor and Hulk)."

The show will premiere on the Disney Channel in the summer of 2013.

Here's the plot: Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk enter Danville after Dr. Doofenshmirtz's latest scheme accidentally removes their powers and immobilizes them. It's up to Phineas and Ferb to team up with the Marvel Super Heroes to help them regain their powers and defeat Marvel Super Villains – Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom and M.O.D.O.K. – who are working together with Dr. Doofenshmirtz to use his power-draining technology to create mayhem.

I can't wait to see what Agent P does.

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Disney's animated moms: No, they're not all dead (or evil)

Disney isn't exactly known for its warm-and-fuzzy stories of mother-daughter bonding. Usually they're more sharp-and-prickly. But now comes "Brave," the new animated movie from Disney/Pixar that actually features the relationship between a mother and her rebellious teenage daughter. This got us thinking about Disney and moms -- specifically moms who have died in horrible fashion and moms replaced by wicked stepmoms. But a closer look at major animated movies from Disney and Pixar tells a different story. Click on the image and use the magnifying glass to see a bigger version.

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Update on Disney World Resort refurbishments for next few months

I always hate going on vacation to find out something where I am staying is closed. So, for everyone planning a trip soon, here are some of the attractions that will be closed for refurbishment during the next few months at various Walt Disney World resorts.

All-Star Sports 

The Surf Pool will be closed Aug. 6 to Sept. 7.

Beach Club Resort

Cape May Cafe is closed July 9 to Aug. 3.

A Disney public relations photo of Citricos

Grand Floridian

The courtyard pool will be closed Aug. 24 until sometime in December as the pool is rebuilt for a zero-entry style.


The Beach Pool Bar is currently closed through Aug. 24 for refurbishment.

Citricos will be closed from July 23 to Aug. 4 for refurbishment.
 
Gasparilla Grill will be closed Aug. 24 until sometime in  December.

Narcoossee's is closed until July 22 for refurbishment.

Sandy Cove will closed Aug. 21 until sometime in December for refurbishment. 

The Spa is closed and will reopen sometime in 2013.

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Room refurbishment will continue until the Spring of 2013. Building painting, which is taking place now, should conclude in August.

Yacht Club Resort

Yachtsman Steakhouse will closed from Aug. 27 to Sept. 14 for refurbishnent.

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App review: Where's My Perry

Disney Mobile Games added to its "Where's My Water" series with "Where's My Perry?," focusing on Phineas and Ferb's beloved Perry.

For those unfamiliar with show, Perry seems like your normal average platypus, but then turns into the crime-fighting Agent P going up against his nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz. (Okay, when you write it out it like this it sounds weirder than it actually is.)

This latest game uses the same mechanics of the popular "Where's My Water," in which you try to help Swampy take a shower. By using your finger you guide water in its different forms (ice, steam and liquid) across a variety of levels -- in this case, in an attempt to lead Agent P back to headquarters for a mission briefing.

In this version there are lasers which turn steam into water and water into steam, as well as a black sludge which blocks drains and when mixed with "lava" creates an explosion. In addition, you're goal for each level is to collect three gnomes and bonus items (just like "Where's My Water.")

In general, this is just another version of Swampy, but has a little more attitude with the animation of Agent P.

There are bonus levels where players must guide Balloony, Dr. Doofenshmirtz’ childhood friend, as he travels from deep below the ground to be reunited with Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

For 99 cents, well worth it. A lot of fun and just as addictive as "Where's My Water."

Here are the features, as listed in the Disney news release:

• More than 80 puzzles across four chapters, with free updates to follow. 
• Cut dirt to guide water and steam across ice, dirt and rock in a variety of levels. The evil villain Dr. Doofenshmirtz has scattered all kinds of lasers across the sewers—you’ll need to use them all to help change water to its different forms. (The “Heat-inator” instantly turns a body of water into steam, or ice into water; the “Cool-inator” instantly turns a body of water into ice, and steam into water; and the “Celebrate-inator” vacuums up water or steam to… wait, that’s classified.) 
• Collect all three gnomes in each level to become a master spy and find top-secret collectibles to unlock bonus levels featuring Balloony, Dr. Doof’s childhood friend.

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Disney unveils New Fantasyland updates, shows off new costumes

Disney invited the media yesterday on a hard hat tour of the ongoing construction of the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World, with few new details and views of what people are going to see.

Disney rendering of Belle's Cottage

Here's a look at some of the highlights:

• A new area means new rides, means new story lines and means new costumes for workers. The Orlando Sentinel has photos of the new costumes that were placed on mannequins at the theme park. They had a villager "feel to them, with earth tones, blousy sleeves, tunics and knee-length pants. Some had more regal looks — this is princess territory, remember — with elaborate fabrics and hats," the newspaper reported.
• The new expansion will be good for the local economy as the expansion has "generated 700 temporary construction jobs and will create 800 permanent in-park jobs once it is fully-operational," according to the Orlando Business Journal.
• When the $80 million indoor ride "Under the Sea -- Voyage of the Little Mermaid" opens it will have a new interactive queue. "Guests waiting to board the ride will participate in a scavenger hunt of sorts with Scuttle, a seagull character from the movie," HispanicBusiness.com reports
• If you're looking for some of the behind the scenes video of work taking place WESH.com in Orlando has the entire B-roll video of the construction available to watch with workers building the various parts of the area.

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Alternatives to the California Grill at Walt Disney World

A Disney photo gives us a view of the inside of the California Grill.

So you're faithfully making your dining reservations seven months in advance for your Disney World vacation and -- oh, no! -- the California Grill is going to be closed for renovation!

What's a fine-dining-and-fireworks connoisseur to do?

If the California Grill was on your "must" list, we have some suggestions for alternatives, depending on what you're looking for:


If you're going for the fireworks: You don't need to go far from the Contemporary to find a stunning view of the fireworks. At the Polynesian, 'Ohana offers a view of the fireworks through a wall of windows, but the buffet restaurant is sometimes described as "chaotic." And the decor? Let's just say it looks like it belongs in the "Brady Bunch" Hawaii episode. At the Grand Floridian, we like Narcoossee's, which features seafood but also offers a couple of serious steaks. Best of all: It's a lovely spot to watch the fireworks. You'll want to leave your table and step out onto the wraparound porch to catch the show.

If you're going for the romance: The California Grill might not have been your best choice to begin with. We've had a few truly romantic dinners there -- when we were lucky enough to get a table by the window before the fireworks, and before the place became overrun by children even at 9:30 at night (this was years ago, when children still had bedtimes). Today, it's pretty hard to find a romantic spot, short of Victoria & Albert's, which is pricey enough to require a second mortgage. So I suggest trying Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Not only is the food memorable, but it's one of the quieter restaurants at Disney World. You can also take a romantic stroll around the savannah after dinner. It's really quite lovely.

If you're going for the oak-fired filet: When Disney announced the California Grill was closing for renovations, several online commenters had only one demand: Don't touch my oak-fired filet. Thankfully, there are a lot of quality steaks at Disney World. Top of our list: Jiko, the magnificent restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which serves up a wonderful oak-grilled filet, with sides that change periodically (keep your fingers crossed for the mac and cheese with red wine sauce). The filet at Le Cellier has a lot of fans, but for me, it's too saucy and rich. If you like the simple preparation at the California Grill, you might agree.

If you're going for the sushi: Try Tokyo Dining at the Japan pavilion in Epcot. You may not even need an advance reservation -- it's typically pretty easy to get into. But if you plan ahead, you can get a table by the window and a fabulous view of Illuminations. Our favorite spot for sushi at Disney World is a little less glamorous: the bar at Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Downtown Disney. It's never crowded, and you can drop in for a drink and some low-stress sushi while you take a break from shopping.

If you're going for the wine list: We'll defer to Wine Spectator magazine for the best Disney wine lists. In the most recent awards, given last summer, seven Disney restaurants won Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine last year, including:

• Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge) 
• Citrico's (Grand Floridian) 
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria (Swan) 
• Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian) 
• The Portobello Yacht Club (Downtown Disney) 
• Todd English's Bluezoo (Dolphin)
• Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht & Beach Club)

Two more stood out above those, winning the "Best of" Award of Excellence: Victoria & Albert's (Grand Floridian) and Shula's Steak House (Dolphin). V&A is in a class by itself, so we'll set that aside. Shula's offers more than 700 wines, many from California -- and, of course, there's a 12-ounce filet.

If you want the whole package: My vote for the best all-around alternative to the California Grill goes to Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian. Its menu should appeal to fans of the California Grill -- the lobster tail and filet surf-and-turf with mashed potatoes and green beans positively flies out of the kitchen. And the fireworks are the perfect way to end an evening. But here's another idea, if you're daring: Wait until the end of August and book a table at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, which is scheduled to open in time for the holidays. Disney has been keeping fans updated on the restaurant's design and development, including details on the menu.

My dearest hope for the California Grill renovation, which is scheduled to be complete late next summer: That they find a way to dampen the sound. In recent years it has started to sound like a cafeteria, especially when the place fills up with kids before the fireworks. Perhaps they'll add a second floor -- for adults only.

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Registration now open for the Disney Princess Half Marathon

A Disney photo of the beginning of the Half Marathon in 2012

Registration is now open for the 2013 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World.

All finishers will receive a one-of-a-kind medal to mark the fifth anniversary of the female-focused event taking place Feb. 22-24, 2013.

After nearly 7,500 runners ran in the inaugural 2009 event, the popularity of the race has grown considerably with more than 19,000 competing in last year’s race. This year, the event is expected to attract more than 20,000 runners, according to a Disney news release.

The event includes the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K and Kids’ Races on Saturday, followed by half marathon on Sunday. The weekend also includes the Disney Fit for a Princess Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, featuring the latest running apparel and equipment.

Runners can sign up for the race at www.rundisney.com.

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Work out at Disney with with fitness guru Tony Horton

If your idea of a workout at Disney World does not include the stroller push or the toddler carry but is more in line with a traditional gym workout, Disney has created a special package for you.

Disney is working with fitness star Tony Horton for the Tony Horton Fitness Weekend from Sept. 6 to Sept. 9 at Disney World.

Tony Horton

For a mere $2,100 (tax included) you get the opportunity to train with Horton and special guest instructors over the course of the four days through a series of five VIP group workouts across the resort, according to a Disney news release.

Training will take place in areas such as Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the weekend concludes with a celebratory closing banquet at Epcot. Here's where you can go to register and find out more about the event.

Here are the specifics of what the package includes:

• 3-night stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Up to 5 VIP Tony Horton-led group workouts, special guests, and activities across Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• 8 planned meals for fitness participants including the closing ceremony banquet at Epcot
• Private group, round-trip bus transportation from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort to all activities
• Complimentary airport transportation on Disney's Magical Express
• Special commemorative gift

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Disney and Runner's World team up for special Marathon Weekend package

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January has been designated a Runner's World Challenge event where runners will be able to train virtually with Runner's World editors and enjoy some VIP race experiences, Disney announced this week.

The weekend includes the half marathon on Jan. 12, 2013, and the marathon Jan. 13. Those who are especially ambitious can choose to run the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, in which participants complete the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday to qualify for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge medal.

This year's marathon course will include not only all four parks, as it normally does, but adds the Walt Disney World Speedway and Champion Stadium ballpark at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Those who want to sign up can click on Runner's World challenge at www.rundisney.com for registration information or call 407-939-7781.

“We’ve planned 2013 to be the biggest year ever for the Runner’s World Challenge, and we’re excited to be collaborating with a great new partner for this kick off in January at Walt Disney World for the 20th anniversary Disney Marathon Weekend,” David Willey, Runner's World editor-in-chief and Rodale Inc. Active Living Group General Manager, said in a news release.

The Walt Disney World Marathon Course from Disney

Challenge participants will have exclusive access to a Challenge-only website where they can ask questions that will be answered by Runner's World editors.

The package includes:

• Entry into the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon, Half Marathon or Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge with preferred corral placement
• Three-night stay at Disney’s Yacht or Beach Club Resort
• Private packet pick-up and hospitality suite at the resort
• Keepsake 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend gift
• A Runner’s World Challenge tech shirt
• Course strategy session with the Runner’s World experts and editors
• Exclusive shakeout run with the Runner’s World editors
• Entry to the Pasta in the Park Party on Saturday night Jan. 12 at Epcot with Runner’s World VIPs & editors
• Private transportation to and from the start and finish lines
• Entry to the Race Retreat which includes pre- and post-race hot and cold beverages, dedicated stretching area, and private portalets & bag check, post-race buffet, massage and live results
• Post-race celebration on Sunday night at the Cool Down at Downtown Disney

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Shiny new Disney jewelry line goes upscale

Disney must think the recession is finally fading in the rear-view mirror. For real this time.

The company last week introduced a line of Disney Parks Authentic Diamond Icon jewelry that screams "consumer confidence." Or, possibly, "consumer craziness."

The line includes rings, earrings and necklaces in 14 karat gold -- your choice of yellow, white or rose -- set with diamonds. Whatever you think of the designs, the price is certainly swoon-worthy: as high as $5,000.

If you think you've seen these pieces before, it's probably because some of them bear a strong resemblance to Disney's costume jewelry (think Swarovski earrings, which will set you back a cool $9.50, or the sterling silver swirl icon necklace priced at $58).

No judgment here, but I'd rather fill up my jewelry box with faux baubles and spend that 5 large on a week at the Grand Floridian. Or the Contemporary. In a room with a Magic Kingdom view ...

Sorry, got lost in the revery for a minute there.

Here's a sampling of the new Disney bling:

"Bypass" ring, 0.21 carats total weight.  $1,125

Icon pendant necklace, 0.71 carats total weight.  $4,375

Large icon necklace, 0.70 carat total weight, 7/16" in diameter. $5,063
(The small version, at 0.21 carat total weight, will run you $1,000.)

Earrings range from $1,000 (0.28 carat total weight)
to $4,375 (0.90 carat total weight). 

Men's ring, 0.33 carat. $3,062.50

Women's ring, 0.75 carat total weight. $3,625. 

And don't worry, if diamonds aren't your thing, Disney has also introduced 14 karat Tinkerbell earrings ($500) and necklaces featuring Sorcerer Mickey ($1,250), the iconic Mickey Mouse hat ($1,000) and the Disney castle ($1,125).

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Disney artist creates animated version of an old Disneyland attraction

For those who do not remember the classic Disneyland attraction America Sings, James Lopez has created an animated version. Lopez has been an animator at Disney for more 18 years. In that time, he's worked on "The Lion King" (Timon) and "Pocahontas" (Wiggins, Percy & Ratcliffe) and was a supervising animator on "Hercules," "The Emperor's New Groove" and "The Princess and the Frog."  Lopez has written that he has been working his animated version of "America Sings" on and off for the past 15 years and it is still a work in progress.

America Sings used Audio-Animatronic animals to sing songs from various points in U.S. history. It opened on June 29, 1974, where the Carousel of Progress attraction was and used the same rotating  theater with six scenes. It closed on April 10, 1988.




Animated version of Disneyland's 'America Sings' Attraction (Act 1) from James Lopez on Vimeo.

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Smile of The Day: Tiger at Animal Kingdom

The Maharaja Jungle Trek in the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World gives people a great opportunity to tiger watch. There are four different observation areas and each provides a unique perspective.

The tiger is the third-largest land carnivore behind the polar bear and the brown bear. It is even bigger than its closest relative, the lion.

The white and black stripes on tigers create unique patterns and help camouflage them in the long grasses where they would hunt. The patterns are distinct. Each tiger in the world has its own stripe pattern.

                                                                                                                                            © Steven Liebman

 Tiger

Genus and Species: Panthera tigris

Where to find at Animal Kingdom: Maharaja Jungle Trek

Where they live: A patchwork area in Asia from India to the Russian Far East.

Height and weight: They can grow up to 11 feet long and 670 pounds.

Life span: 20 to 26 years in the wild and captivity 

What they eat: Tigers are predators and usually eat between 33 to 40 pounds of meat a day. In the wild  feed on medium and larger animals in the wild such as wild board, water buffalo, gaur and chital.

Wild population: There is an estimated 5,100 to 7,600 tigers in wild and are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List by the World Conservation Union.

Famous tigers in Disney movies: Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book" was the bad guy, due to the tragedy of what happened to his family he vowed to kill any human entering his jungle; Rajah is Jasmine's pet tiger in "Aladdin"; and the most famous of them all tigers is of course Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh," that's "T-I-double guh-errr, that spells Tigger."

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Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters perform in North Korea

Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters performed on stage in North Korea for new leader Kim Jong Un in what may be a first for these characters, according to various reports.

The Mickey Mouse performs in Disneyland.

Having these popular U.S. characters on stage in North Korea is a notable change in direction. Kim may be seeking to carve out a different image than his father and grandfather by easing restrictions on Western culture, Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor based in Seoul, South Korea told the Associated Press.

But these were not the real-thing characters. The Disney characters in the North Korean performance were not authorized by Disney, Zenia Mucha, the chief spokesperson for The Walt Disney Co., told the AP. These characters seemed to be barely a cut above the ones you may find walking around Times Square in New York City. Take a look for yourself.

Other characters featured in North Korea included Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Dumbo. Footage from "Snow White," ''Dumbo" and "Beauty and the Beast," among other movies, was played for the audience.

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Smile of The Day: Rhinos in the wild

The white rhinoceros can be seen at the Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, but don't expect them to be -- well white. The white rhino is in fact grey. Why it's called the white rhino is not full established but the popular theory is that it is a mistranslation from Dutch to English.  The English "white" sounds like the Dutch "wijd." The Dutch word "wijd" means "wide" in English and "wijd" refers to the size of the rhino's mouth.

                                                                                                                                           © Steven Liebman

 
Genus and Species: Rhinoceros unicornis

Where to find at Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safari ride in the east savanna.

Where they live: The white rhinos, like those in Animal Kingdom, in South Africa.

                                                                                       © Steven Liebman

Height and weight: The white rhino can weigh over 7,700 pounds and have a head and body length of 11 to 15 feet and a shoulder height between 5-feet 9-inches to 6 feet 6-inches.

What they eat: Grasses.

Keeping cool: White rhinos take cover by lying in the shade, they like roll in the mud, which coats their skin.

The horn: The horns have no bony core and consist of keratin.

Where the word rhinoceros comes from: The word rhinoceros comes from Latin through the Greek for rhino, meaning nose, and keras, meaning horn.

Status: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies the white rhino as endangered.

Famous rhinos in Disney movies: The only famous Rhino is not a rhinoceros but a hamster named Rhino from the movie "Bolt."

Other Disney wildlife photos

• Smile of The Day: Gorilla's in Animal Kingdom
• Smile of The Day: Lion on the savanna at Animal Kingdom
  Smile of the Day: Wildlife Hippo at Animal Kingdom

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What's happening in the Disney Universe July 8-14

There's a lot going on around the World this week when it comes to Disney. Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland are seeing the opening of two major sections of their parks with Toy Story Mania in Tokyo and Grizzly Gulch in Hong Kong.

Here's the list for this week:

JULY 8-14: The annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot with The Police Experience - A Tribute to the Police


JULY 9: Tokyo Disneyland celebrates Disney’s Natsu Matsuri, a Japanese summer festival. The park will hold daily Soryo Kobu dance competitions, in which Disney characters lead eight different dance teams in showing off their moves to different styles of music. Each night, four winning teams will compete in the finals, in a competition event that features more music, spraying water and blazes of fire!

A depiction of Grizzly Gulch by Disney.

JULY 9: The Toy Story Mania attraction opens in Tokyo Disneyland.

JULY 9 - AUGUST 3: The Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort will be closed.

JULY 11-15: The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition will appear at Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego.


JULY 13: The Blue Ribbon Bakery in Disneyland re-opens.

JULY 14: Grizzly Gulch officially opens at Hong Kong Disneyland.

To see what's happening the rest of July and August check out the Summer Disney Guide. For the remainder of the year take a look at the Fall & Holiday Guide.

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