Disney to acquire Lucasfilm, including Star Wars

Need something to take your mind off Superstorm Sandy? We've got a good one: Disney is buying Star Wars -- and "Episode 7" is scheduled for release in 2015.

No kidding.

Disney has announced it's buying Lucasfilm Ltd. -- including the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises -- from founder George Lucas for $4 billion. The news is being widely reported in the financial media this afternoon.

As if that weren't mind-blowing enough, there's this: "Star Wars Episode 7" is now targeted for release in 2015, and more feature films are expected, The Wall Street Journal reported. Disney chief executive Bob Iger said the plan is to release a new feature film every two or three years thereafter, Reuters reported.

"This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney's unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value," Iger said in a statement.

Disney shared video of George Lucas and Bob Iger talking about the announcement.

The New York Times said the move gives Disney "a commanding position in the fantasy world of film." It also noted that Disney's annoucement took Hollywood and Wall Street by surprise.

To be sure, the reaction to the surprise announcement wasn't universally positive.

"C-3PO does not answer to Wall-E," humorist Alexandra Petri wrote in the Washington Post. "Minnie Mouse is just creepy, and I don’t want her fraternizing with any of the giant menagerie of characters I’ve come to know and love. And get those dopey pre-feminist Princesses away from Leia."

Of course, it's too late to wish for no fraternizing. Disney already has Star Wars-themed rides at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and Star Wars weekends at Hollywood Studios. It has also done some creative merchandising around Star Wars, including the awesome Carbon Freeze Me, which put you in place of Han Solo, encased in carbonite.

What else do you think Disney should do with the Star Wars franchise?

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Smile of The Day: A photo of Tick Tock

Today's Smile of the The Day features our favorite crocodile - Tick Tock. Here he is part of the Mickey' Boo-To-You Parade at Walt Disney World. If you ever see him in a parade, you should applaud. Remember, he always likes a hand.

                                                                                                                                 © Steven Liebman

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This week in the Disney Universe: Oct. 28- Nov. 3

This week brings a celebration of bats, the last of the Halloween parades, the celebration of the Day of the Dead and a new Disney movie.

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

OCTOBER 26-28: Sister Hazel performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World and Meg Caswell of – “Meg’s Great Rooms” appears as well.

OCTOBER 27: Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 28-JANUARY 5, 2013: Typhon Lagoon is closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 29-31: Billy Ocean performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 31: Bat Day celebrated at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

OCTOBER 31: Disneyland will celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland during Halloween Time.

NOVEMBER: A new nighttime projection show on the Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World begins. A specific date has not yet been announced.

NOVEMBER 1-DECEMBER 31: The Disneyland Resort in California turns into a holiday wonderland with Sleeping Beauty Castle lit up with icicles and lights, "it's a small world" holiday special around the globe and meet real reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Roundup in Frontierland in Disneyland.

NOVEMBER 1-8: Big Thunder Ranch closed for refurbishment.

NOVEMBER 1-2: .38 Special performs  at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 2: Walt Disney Studios movie "Wreck-It Ralph" is released. Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the "good guy" star of their video game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. Before the movie, Disney's new short "Paperman" will also debut.

NOVEMBER 2-4: Marianne Canada of HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 3:  Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

NOVEMBER 3-4:  Howard Jones LIVE performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

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Disneyland announces narrators for Candlelight Ceremony

Disneyland has announced the list of celebrity narrators for the 2012 Disneyland Candlelight Ceremony and Processional. The show has expanded this year to a total of 20 from Dec. 1-20.

                                                               ©Disney

Here is the list.

Dec. 1-2: Dennis Haysbert
Dec. 3-5: Kurt Russell
Dec. 6-8: TBA
Dec. 9-11: Lou Diamond Phillips
Dec. 12-13: Dick Van Dyke
Dec. 14: Marcia Gay Harden
Dec. 15-16: Patricia Heaton
Dec. 17-19: Molly Ringwald
Dec. 20: Dennis Haysbert

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Parts of Disneyland will close for filming of Disney movie

Parts of Disneyland will be closed to the public Nov. 6 and 7 for the filming of the movie "Savings Mr. Banks."

The movie is a look at the making of Disney's 1964 "Mary Poppins." The movie stars Ton Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers.

According to the Orange County Register, Disney officials would not say which actors would be at Disneyland.

Here is the movie synopsis from Disney: "When Travers travels from London to Hollywood in 1961 to finally discuss Disney’s desire to bring her beloved character to the motion picture screen (a quest he began in the 1940s as a promise to his two daughters), Disney meets a prim, uncompromising sexagenarian not only suspect of the impresario’s concept for the film, but a woman struggling with her own past. During her stay in California, Travers’ reflects back on her childhood in 1906 Australia, a trying time for her family which not only molded her aspirations to write, but one that also inspired the characters in her 1934 book.


"None more so than the one person whom she loved and admired more than any other — her caring father, Travers Goff, a tormented banker who, before his untimely death that same year, instills the youngster with both affection and enlightenment (and would be the muse for the story’s patriarch, Mr. Banks, the sole character that the famous nanny comes to aid). While reluctant to grant Disney the film rights, Travers comes to realize that the acclaimed Hollywood storyteller has his own motives for wanting to make the film — which, like the author, hints at the relationship he shared with his own father in the early 20th Century Midwest."

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Smile of The Day: The Evil Queen

Mickey's Boo-To-You Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World hosts numerous villains, including The Evil Queen and her Magic Mirror.

The Queen has been getting more popular with the ABC TV series "Once Upon a Time" portrayed by Lana Parrilla.

Did you know that in the first edition of Brothers Grimm book containing this fairytale, the Queen is Snow White's biological mother, not her stepmother.

                                                                                                                                 © Steven Liebman

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A first look at the new Under the Sea ride in the New Fantasyland

While the world of Beauty and The Beast takes up a substantial portion of The New Fantasyland at The Magic Kingdom, all you need to do is take a few steps down the path and you'll end up "under the sea."

                                                                                                 © Steven Liebman

The new ride Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is housed in a building featuring Prince Eric's castle surrounded by rocks and waterfall. A wood-carving statue of Ariel is on the bow of a shipwreck near the entrance to the ride. Once you walk down the path, you enter what feels like an underground cavern before getting to the loading area. (Next to the ride is Ariel's Grotto, where you can meet the mermaid herself.)

The ride itself is a quick (about 5 minute) re-telling of the movie "The Little Mermaid." Once you enter your "clamshell" vehicle, Scuttle the seagull greets you, playing an accordion, to regale you with the tale of Ariel who tells us (spoiler alert) she wants more out of life, falls in love, make a deal with the sea witch, gets her legs, loses her voice, loses the Prince, gets the Prince back and marries the Prince.

Yes, this is all done in about 5 minutes, complete with movie's musical score and singing by Ursula and a great Busby Berkeley-style choreography of Sebastian's hit "Under the Sea," featuring 50 spinning starfish.

                                                                © Steven Liebman

Here's some quick facts about the new ride (from Disney):

• Nearly 200 Audio-Animatronic figures perform in the attraction.
• Ursula is the largest Audio-Animatronic figure in the show at 7½-feet tall and 12-feet wide. Flexible materials allow her to  bounce along with the music.
• The attraction features an Omnimover ride system pioneered by Walt Disney Imagineers in the 1960s and used for the “Doom Buggies” of the Haunted Mansion. This allows the "clamshell" you ride in to rotate 180 degrees so you can go backwards as you slowly descend "under water."
• Imagineers working on the attraction consulted with Ariel’s animator in the film, Glen Keane, who recommended that her hair be treated as a character all its own.
• Each scene of the attraction was first built as a one-quarter-inch scale model first for the Disneyland ride and then as a one‑inch scale model, so Imagineers could “ride” through the attraction scene-by-scene before full construction began.

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Smile of The Day: Maleficent

Mickey's Boo-To-You-Parade at The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World features many Disney Villains. And one of the crowd favorites is the self-proclaimed "Mistress of All Evil" herself - the one, the only Maleficent.

For those who did not know, the word maleficent is an adjective, defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as "working or productive of harm or evil." So, this wicked fairy is aptly named.

                                                                                                                                    ©Steven Liebman

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Truly enchanting "Tales with Belle"

The curtains were briefly raised this month on the New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Gaston strutted his stuff in the town square; crowds strained to get a peek at the Be Our Guest Restaurant (no luck while we were there); and hungry guests chowed down on the pork shank at Gaston's Tavern.

                                                                          © Mary Liebman

Nearby, a 50-minute line snaked around Maurice's cabin for Enchanted Tales with Belle. We got in line mostly because we wanted to get inside the cabin; we're not exactly the target audience, as neither of us is a girl under the age of 10.

Billed as an "interactive storytelling experience," Enchanted Tales is a much more elaborate version of the old Storytime with Belle, in which Belle dressed up the kids in the audience and had them act out the parts in the stories she told. Storytime had plenty of fans, which explains why the attraction has grown up into Enchanted Tales, a lovely experience whether or not you're in the target audience.

The line for the attraction winds through Maurice's cabin, where you can see the remnants of Belle's youth growing up there: the books piled everywhere, including Belle's favorite ("Sleeping Beauty"), still open on the table; the portrait of a young Belle with her mother; and the marks on the wall indicating Belle's height as she grew up in the house (ending with "18 ans").

Then, you and about 40 other guests gather in Maurice's workshop for a few instructions before stepping through a magic mirror into the Beast's castle, where you meet Madame Wardrobe.

The castle setting feels significantly different from the cabin. It's rather flat and two-dimensional compared with the richly detailed cabin. My theory is that this is a way of focusing attention on the characters.

Madame Wardrobe explains that we are going to surprise Belle by putting on a show dramatizing how she fell in love with Beast. She gives the children -- and any adults who are game -- roles in the show before ushering us into the grand, two-story library. The roles are equal-opportunity: During the session we attended, a little girl played Beast (adorably, I might add).

What's that on the mantel over the fireplace? Everyone's favorite candelabra, Lumiere. The slickly animated Lumiere sets up the surprise before calling Belle into the room.

What follows is a truly enchanting -- and somewhat brief -- retelling of Belle and Beast's love story.

A PhotoPass photographer takes pictures throughout the show, and at the end of the experience, each of the children (and adults) who participates is introduced to Belle and has a portrait taken.

If there's a downside to this experience, this is it. If you don't have a child in the show, you still have to sit through the photo session. If you can suppress your inner ogre, though, you might enjoy the epic cuteness of all those wide-eyed children meeting Belle in person as their names are announced.

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Smile of The Day: Zombie Couple dancing

Mickey's Boo-To-You Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World has many dancers participating. One of the more scary ones are what I like to call the zombie couples. The facial
expressions are priceless and quite frankly a little scary.

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Festival of Masters returns to Disney World in November

About 150 artists will gather again in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World this year for the 37th Festival of the Masters.

                                                                                       © Disney

The Disney Artist Village tent at Pleasure Island on Nov. 9-11 will feature Disney character art created by artists in various formats including fine art, photography, glass work, sculptures, and jewelry, according to a Disney news release.The event takes place from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

News this year will be Emerging Masters area, where more than 30 juried up-and-coming artists will showcase works and compete for awards.

There will be activities presented by Michaels, including “Make It Take It” crafts, a do-it-yourself fashion show, and the “Michaels Master Mural” where guests can help create a mosaic-like mural. Other activities will include face painting and live entertainment by performers from La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, a chance to construct an 8-foot tall LEGO Hulk figure, domino games at Fuego by Sosa Cigars and live music.

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Disney changes lineup for Candlelight Processional at Disney World

Disney has finalized its celebrity narrator lineup for the Candlelight Processional at Epcot in Disney World.

As we reported earlier this month, Olivia Newton-John was removed form the Dec. 14 -16 slot. Now, Lea Salonga, a soprano singer and actress who won a Tony for originating the lead role of Kim in "Miss Saigon" and is the singing voice of Jasmine in "Aladdin" and Fa Mulan in "Mulan" will take that slot. And, actress Alfre Woodard will fill the Dec. 17-19 slot.

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.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Here is the updated list:

                                                                 © Steven Liebman

Nov. 23–25: Geena Davis

Nov. 26–29: Neil Patrick Harris

Nov. 30–Dec. 1: Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 2-4: Andy Garcia
Dec. 5-7: Blair Underwood
Dec. 8-9: James Denton

Dec. 10 –13: Jodi Benson

Dec. 14-16: Lee Salonga
Dec. 17-19: Alfre Woodard

Dec. 20–22: Trace Adkins

Dec. 23–25: Gary Sinise
Dec. 26-28: Amy Grant

Dec. 29–30: Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason

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Another change to Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World

Ahoy, a mermaid ahead.

                                   © Steven Liebman
Jack Sparrow in the Boo-To-You
Halloween Parade in Disney World.

Have you noticed the changes that have taken place on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Walt Disney World?

Captain Blackbeard (played by Ian McShane) has replaced the apparition of Davy Jones on the waterfall mist at the beginning of the ride. McShane recorded the new loop on Feb. 11.

“He came in wearing his complete Blackbeard costume, including the sword, saying it helped him stay in character," Michael Sprout, a Walt Disney Imagineer who directed the special shoot, told the Disney Parks Blog.

But the other addition is a bit more subtle. When on the ride take a look at the beach scene, after the waterfall mist. Here you still find skeletons of pirates stranded on the island, and one more skeleton. This one handcuffed inside a wrecked rowboat. Look for the skeletons legs, you won't find any. Instead you'll see the remains of a tail. That's right, a mermaid.

I hope Ariel doesn't get insulted.

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No one poses like Gaston

New and a bit alarming 

Who'd have ever thought that this could be? 

True that he's no Prince Charming 

But there's something in him that I simply didn't see 

© Mary Liebman

Perhaps the most impressive feat Disney has achieved in its new Fantasyland is the rehabilitation of the villainous Gaston.

Oh, sure, he still struts and preens, and there’s a statue paying tribute to his many charms -- including his striking vanity. But watching Gaston work the crowd was an unexpected highlight of last week’s dress rehearsal at Walt Disney World’s new Enchanted Forest in Fantasyland.

My, oh my, could Gaston work the crowd.

He strolled around the courtyard outside his tavern, and around his fountain, flexing his formidable (and, I’m sorry, fake) muscles and batting his eyes at all the girls, young and not-so-young alike.

                                  © Steven Liebman

As we watched, a crowd formed, and then a line. A Disney cast member tried to discourage the line, saying Gaston preferred to randomly bestow his charms upon his adoring townsfolk. But the line was not to be deterred.

Even dripping sweat in stifling heat, Gaston charmed each and every person he met. He gamely knelt to pose with little girls and puffed up his chest for the grown ladies. Watching him work is a delight, even if you don't want to wait in line for some close-up faux flirting. It’s clear he’s going to be a huge draw when the new Fantasyland opens next month.

Watching Gaston charm the crowd, I couldn't help but think ... there may be something there that wasn’t there before.

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Smile of The Day: Hitchhiking Ghosts from Boo to You Parade

It's that time of the year to celebrate Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. Here's a look at The Hitchhiking Ghosts. During the Halloween season, this parade will travel a total of 23 miles through The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

                                                                                                                                © Steven Liebman  

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Vote for your favorite Disney Villain: Maleficent or The Evil Queen

We have reached the finals of the The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off.

The field of 16 Sinister villains has been voted down to two - Maleficent vs. The Evil Queen. It's now up to you to crown "The Baddest of Them All" for this Halloween.

During the month October we asked you to vote for your favorite villain. We took 16 villains, randomly paired them and let you at them. Click on the bracket chart for a closer look at the pairings.

The semi-finals just ended with

Click on the image to enlarge

The Evil Queen receiving  84 percent of the vote vs. Scar's 16 percent. And, Maleficent receiving 80 percent of the vote vs. Ursula's 20 percent.

So, now it's up to you. Vote early and often, really, as many times as you want.  The ballot is below. And don't hesitate to leave a comment telling us why you think your choice deserves to get the crown.

And, don't forget to enter our $25 Disney Gift Card Giveaway below as well. Your vote should count.

Voting ends on Oct. 30 and the winner of the Face-Off and Giveaway will be announced on Halloween.

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Photos featuring construction of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride at The New Fantasyland

Even though the New Fantasyland in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World will open officially on Dec. 6, there is one attraction that will still take a couple of years.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train won't open until 2014 and construction is going full tilt. The roller coaster ride will have the train vehicle swing during every turn around the track and according to the Disney Parks Blog, will feature music from the movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

Here are some photos of the construction taken just a couple of days ago on Oct. 19.

                                                                                                                               © Steven Liebman

                                                                                                                              © Steven Liebman

                                                                                                                               © Steven Liebman

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Smile of The Day: Pumpkins and The Castle

Halloween time at Walt Disney World is always fun. The Magic Kingdom is filled with hundreds of pumpkins. Here's a look at Cinderella Castle with some pumpkins in the foreground.

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Disney announces special 'Limited Time Magic' weeks for 2013

Disney announced this morning a new celebration program for 2013 in which guests will experience surprise weekly themes at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida.

Called "Limited Time Magic," the program is described as unexpected experiences "big and small that appear, then disappear as the next special surprise debuts."

Examples of this listed on The Disney Parks Blog include:

Valentine's Week: Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles.

                                                           © Disney
A giant ice castle his built in in Times Square,
in New York City, for Disney's announcement. 

Independence Week: Patriotic lighting will bathe the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.

Long-Lost Friends Week: Lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo opps with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Disney guests even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.

Pirate Week: The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life with pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.

Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: The Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

The Villains: On Friday the 13th in September 2013, Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will remain open until the 13th hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar and other Disney Villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and other nighttime mischief.

Golden Horseshoe Revue: The fabled Frontierland show returns to Disneyland park for one month only, bringing back the corny jokes and enduring songs that were often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.

Each of the weekly experiences will be announced in the parks and online both on Disney sites and social networks.

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Disney announces New Year's Eve events

Disney World has announced a  variety of special programs to ring in the New Year, including special parties, dancing and fireworks.

Here's some of the things in store on Dec. 31:

Disney Photo of Illuminations

Epcot: DJs will be stationed at select pavilions throughout the evening and watch “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at 7 p.m. and 11:42 p.m. A buffet dining experience inspired by Disney’s classic animated films Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 will take place at World ShowPlace facility, with reservations available from 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Priced at $68.67 for adults and $44.37 for children. Park admission is required. 

Hollywood Studios: “The Mulch, Sweat, and Shears New Years Eve Spectacular” takes place in front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios signature Sorcerer Hat icon and includes contemporary rock, funk, and classic rock and roll favorites. The four concert sets will feature pyrotechnics and special effects and lead up to ringing in the New Year.

DisneyQuest: The celebration will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. where there will be a  DJ Dance Party, character meet and greets, plus unlimited access to games. There’s a confetti drop and festive party favors as the clock strikes midnight

Cirque du Soleil: Guests will receive a limited-edition Walt Disney World/Cirque trading pin.

Atlantic Dance Hall: This venue at the Boardwalk Resort will offer a special-ticket New Year’s Eve party from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with a video DJ and limited viewing of Epcot’s Fireworks

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Winner of $25 Disney Gift Card Giveaway Oct. 1-Oct. 14 announced

Happy Halloween to Tina C. the winner of the Oct. 1- Oct. 14 Disney Villain Giveaway $25 Disney Gift Card.

We've e-mailed Tina C. to congratulate her and alert her that she has won. She has until Wednesday to claim the prize, or another lucky winner will be chosen.

But folks, just because you didn't win this time, doesn't mean you can't still win.

We have another treat for you: The second of two Halloween giveaways tied to our special Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off. You will be able to vote and enter the giveaway once each day.

The second giveaway begins Oct. 15 and lasts until Oct. 30.

So please help decide who should be crowned the Villain of Halloween and see if you can fill up your trick-or-treat bag.



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Quarter-final results of The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off Challenge

The quarter-final round of The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off challenge is over and the four remaining villains on the way to naming the "The Baddest of Them All" this Halloween is Ursula, Maleficent, Scar and The Evil Queen.

Click to enlarge

We started off with the Sinister Sixteen, you voted it down to the Evil Eight and now we have the remaining Fearsome Four.

Here is how your votes broke down:

Evil Round 1: Ursula beat out The Queen of Hearts, 79 percent to 21 percent.

Evil Round 2: Maleficent beat out Shan Yu, 89 percent to 11 percent.

Evil Round 3: In what some are thinking is a major upset, Scar defeated Cruella de Vil receiving 68 percent of the vote over her 32 percent.

Evil Round 4: Jafar had no chance against The Evil Queen. The Queen received 90 percent of the vote over Jafar's 10 percent.

Now, its time to vote in the Fearsome Four semi-final rounds.

Fearsome Four Round 1: Who is more powerful, the underwater witch - Ursula, or the big bad dragon lady - Maleficent.

Fearsome Four Round 2: Here we have royal fight on our hands. The dark prince, Scar, goes up against the The Evil Queen.

And, don't forget to enter our $25 Disney Gift Card giveaway for the second half of this Face-Off challenge.

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The Unofficial Disney Face-Off Semi-Finals: Ursula vs. Maleficent

Update: The winner of this round is Maleficent. You can now vote in the finals.

Welcome to The Unofficial Disney Villans Semi-Final Round featuring Ursula vs. Maleficent. You can cast your vote as many times as you want this week.



 And don't forget to vote in the other semi-final round: Scar vs. The Evil Queen.

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The Unofficial Disney Face-Off Semi-Finals: Scar vs. The Evil Queen

Update: The winner of this round is The Evil Queen. You can now vote in the finals.


Welcome to The Unofficial Disney Villans Semi-Final Round featuring Scar vs. The Evil Queen. You can cast your vote as many times as you want this week.

 And don't forget to vote in the other semi-final round: Ursula vs. Maleficent. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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This week in the Disney Universe: Oct 14 -20

Food, music and bears highlight what's happening this week in the Disney Universe.

The Country Bear Jamboree reopens this week at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World after being closed for refurbishment, Air Supply, the Gin Blossoms and Survivor will play during the Eat the Beat Concert series and more food at  17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

In addition, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook starting Thursday for some real-time updates as we go on a quick visit to Disney World to sample some food, wine and spirits (that's Halloween spirits at The Magic Kingdom).

OCTOBER 14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice,” performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 14: Disney Channel star Caroline Sunshine is on at for the 22nd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort. She will take walkers in supports of Children's Hospital of Orange County around Disney's California Adventure. More information is available at www.chocwalk.org.

OCTOBER 15-17: Air Supply performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 16: "Jake and The Never Land Pirates: Jakes Saves Bucky" released on DVD; The Santa Claus 2," "The Santa Claus 3-Movie Collection" and "The Santa Claus: Special Edition" all released only on Blu-ray.

OCTOBER 17: Country Bear Jamboree is expected to re-open after refurbishment.

OCTOBER 18-19: Gin Blossoms perform at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 18 -25: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is closed for refurbishment.

OCTOBER 19-21: Brian Patrick Flynn – HGTV.com, “Design Happens” contributor appears as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 20: Party for the Senses takes place during the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

OCTOBER 20-21: Survivor performs at the "Eat the Beat" concert series as part of the 17th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in Epcot at Walt Disney World.

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Disney launches Monsters University website

"Monsters University" may not be opening until June 21, 2013, but you can learn everything you need to know about this great educational institution as Disney/Pixar launches an official school website.

"While we have built a campus known for its diversity, academic disciplines and excellence, MU is also an institution that lives by its intellectual curiosity, as we foster a willingness to challenge what is blindly accepted, and seek what is quantitatively true. We are a unique group of educators and students who, by the rigors of exhaustive focus and effort, demand more from ourselves. Because excellence is a word that is not awarded by inclusion into this fabled institution, it's a word that must be earned, protected, and treasured," Monster University President Victoria Gross writes in her welcoming letter.

The site is complete with a history of the University (it was established in 1313 following a land grant from the city of Monstropolis), news and events about the university, students policies, talks about alumni, how to donate, directions and even a map of the campus.

You can learn about campus life, including fraternities such as Jaws Theta Chi, Omega Howl and Gamma Roar Roar (GRR) and sororities such as Slugma Slugma Kappa and Python Nu Kappa.

There's even a Campus Safety Blotter listing recent calls: "Thursday, 12:08am - Four female students report prank phone calls from an unknown male caller pretending to be a lost human."

And yes, there's a Campus store.

I wonder what kind of job you can get with a degree from the School of Liberal Arts & Monstrosities?

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New details released of fashion icons participating in Disney and Barneys window display

A larger list of  designers participating in the Barney's Electric Holiday has been released.

                                                                                                        Disney Photo
This line art drawing depicts Suzy Menks, Steven Mesiel, Bryan Boy,
Alber Elbaz and Carine Rotieldl

On Nov. 14, the windows outside Barneys New York on Madison Avenue will be unveiled to show the 2012 Electric Holiday campaign. Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino is creating an original score for the display, the released stated.

A Disney model will be dressed in a one-of a-kind exclusive look created by some of the most influential fashion designers in the world.

The line art drawing released depicts Suzy Menkes, Steven Meisel, Bryan Boy, Alber Elbaz and Carine Roitfeld. Other fashion notables rumored to be included in the front row of the moving art short include Franca Sozzani, Emmanuelle Alt, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Glenda Bailey, according to a news release.

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Disneyland to open skating rink in Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney at Disneyland will open an ice skating rink that brings you straight into the world of Tinker Bell.

Starting Oct. 23, a new ice rink between the AMC12 Theaters and the ESPN Zone will open  for a limited time, according to the Disney Parks Blog. The rink will feature an experience with Tinker Bell and her sister Periwinkle.

Beginning Nov. 12, a holiday village will be built surrounding the rink with areas where guests can purchase seasonal foods and merchandise.

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Disney sued by Stan Lee Media for billions over Marvel character rights

Who owns Spider-Man, The Avengers, the X-Men, Iron Man and a slew of other characters created by Stan Lee when he worked at Marvel Comics?

According to Stan Lee Media, they do and they are suing the Walt Disney Co., seeking billions of dollars for copyright infringement, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Stan Lee is no longer associated with the company which holds his name, but that is not stopping the company, which went into bankruptcy a decade ago, from suing Disney.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado, claims that Lee signed a contract in 1998 assigning his rights to all the characters he created while at Marvel to Stan Lee Media. So Stan Lee Media says they are due money from Disney for all the movies they made and money from what was licensed out to other movie studios. (If you remember "The Avengers" itself brought in $1.5 billion in its worldwide release.)

However, Stan Lee signed those rights back to Marvel Inc. a couple of weeks later. Disney purchased Marvel. In 2009, Disney purchased Marvel for $4 billion, including all of its roughly 5,000 characters.

According to the L.A. Times, "Stan Lee Media claims its rights supersede Marvel's because its contract was signed first. In addition, it claims Disney never publicly recorded Marvel's agreement with Lee with the U.S. Copyright Office."

In a statement, the Walt Disney Company said, "This lawsuit is without merit. It arises out of the same core facts and legal claims that have been rejected by three federal district court judges."
Stan Lee Media has been involved in numerous lawsuits over the years.

In 2007, the shareholders of Stan Lee Media, an internet company, filed a suit against Marvel Entertainment for $5 billion claiming that when Stan Lee assigned his creative rights to Stan Lee Media, this made Stan Lee Media co-owner of all the character Lee created while at Marvel. In September 2008, that lawsuit was dismissed. A similar, but larger suit was filed against Marvel in January 2009. In 2010, that suit was dismissed saying Stan Lee Media had no standing to sue.

Stan Lee Media also sued Paradox Entertainment for the rights of Conan on Aug. 21, 2011, when the Conan movie opened. That suit was dismissed in February 2012.

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Disney announces Test Track will re-open Dec. 6

Disney has announced the re-imagined Test Track in Epcot at Disney World will re-open Dec. 6.

Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick said during an earlier a live chat on the Disney Parks Blog that this ride will be  new kind of virtual//physical experience.

Disney rendering of new Test Track sign.

Here's the highlights: 

• You design your own thrill ride through an interactive touch screen and then get into a simulator to test the ride.
• The queue area has changed its focus from testing to design. This area will look at Chevrolet’s Automotive Design process. 
• The Design Studios is where you will use an interactive kiosk to design your own vehicle based on the concepts of Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness and Speed.
• In the sim car (which is the physical ride itself), there are four "show scenes" in which there is interaction. Capability is where your car is tested for rough road and weather conditions. Efficiency tests your car design's environmental footprint. The Responsiveness phase tests maneuverability, and finally, Speed is tested.
• The post-show area shows off the scores from everyone throughout the day and you'll be able to "play with your design with multiple interactive elements.

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Disney to hold live chat about New Fantasyland on Oct. 15

The Disney Parks Blog will hold a live chat later this month on New Fantasyland.

Chris Beatty, creative director with Walt Disney Imagineering, will talk about the Be Our Guest Restaurant, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Gaston’s Tavern, Belle’s Village, Enchanted Tales With Belle, Storybook Circus and others, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

This will be the final live chat before the official grand opening on Dec. 6.

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First Round Disney Villain Face-Off Winners

The first round of The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off challenge is over on our journey to name "The Baddest of Them All" this Halloween.

Click the image to enlarge

In the first round over 320 votes were cast in eight rounds. The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off begins with the Sinister Sixteen and each week, as we get closer to Halloween, you all get to vote on pairings of evil-doers until you decide who get the crown.

Along the way you'll learn about all the villains, be able to give us your best "Boo-Cheers" and be able to enter a raffle for a $25 Disney Store Gift Card, by clicking here.

Here is who you decided should go to the next level and who should be dubbed the Evil Eight:

Round 1: The Queen of Hearts received 73 percent of the vote while the Big Bad Wolf received 27 percent.

Round 2: The closest contest of the first eight was between Ursula and Chernabog. Only one vote separated the two with Ursula winning with 51 percent of the vote against Chernabog's 49 percent.

Round 3: Maleficent won the next round with 84 percent of the vote versus Lady Tremaine's 16 percent.

Round 4: Another close vote had Judge Claude Frollo from "THe Hunchback of Notre Dame" going up against Shan Yu from "Mulan." Shan Yu won, receiving 60 percent of the vote.

Round 5: One devil faced off against another de Vil. Cruella de Vil received 71 percent of the vote, besting Hades from "Hercules."

Round 6: Scar received 76 percent of the vote against Doctor Facilier's 24 percent.

Round 7: This was the most lopsided contest of them all. The Queen trounced Gaston receiving 98 percent of the vote.

Round 8: In this final contest, Jafar went up against Captain Hook. Jafar received 72 percent of the vote over Captain Hook's 28 percent.

To cast your votes in the new round, go here.

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The Unofficial Disney Villains Face-Off Evil Round 4: Jafar vs. The Queen

We are now into the second bracket in the month-long Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off competition.

You all have cut down the original Sinister Sixteen contestants down to a grouping we call the Evil Eight.

In this Evil Round 4 quarterfinals, The Queen goes up against Jafar.

Name: The Queen

Movie: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)

Best known for: Her poison apples

Quote: “Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”

Background: The jealous queen targets her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, so she will once again be the most beautiful woman in the land.

Why she’s the baddest of them all: She’s the original evil -- the template for all that follow.

VS.

Name: Jafar

Movie: “Aladdin” (1992)

Best known for: Trying to kill Aladdin -- again, and again, and again.

Quote: “How many times do I have to kill you, boy?”

Background: He is the sorcerer of Agrabah with the intent to overthrow the Sultan, get rid of Aladdin and rule the land.

Why he’s the baddest of them all: He can shoot lighting bolts from his hands and eyes, and has a staff that turns into a snake. (Why did it have to be a snake?)

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The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off Evil Round 3: Scar vs. Cruella de Vil

We are now into the second bracket in the month-long Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off competition.

You all have cut down the original Sinister Sixteen contestants down to a grouping we call the Evil Eight.

In this Evil Round 3 quarterfinals,  Scar goes up against Cruella de Vil. 

Name: Scar

Movie: “The Lion King” (1994)

Best known for: Cavorting with hyenas.

Quote: “As far as brains go, I got the lion's share. But, when it comes to brute strength ... I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool.”

Background: A covetous Scar arranges for the death of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. But he’s too sure of himself.

Why he’s the baddest of them all: You have no idea.

VS.

Name: Cruella de Vil

Movie: “101 Dalmatians” (1961)

Best known for: Her fashion sense

Quote: “I don’t care how you kill the little beasts, just do it, and do it now!”

Background: Already in possession of 84 puppies, “that devil woman” just needs to steal Pongo and Perdita’s 15 little ones to complete her wardrobe.

Why she’s the baddest of them all: In a word: puppies. Just how evil do you have to be?

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The Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off Evil Round 2: Maleficent vs. Shan Yu

We are now into the second bracket in the month-long Unofficial Disney Villain Face-Off competition.

You all have cut down the original Sinister Sixteen contestants down to a grouping we call the Evil Eight.

In this Evil Round 2 quarterfinals,  Maleficent goes up against Shan Yu:

Name: Maleficent

Movie: “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)

Best known for: Turning into a dragon.

Quote: “You poor, simple fools. Thinking you can defeat me? Me, the mistress of all evil?”

Background: Upset after being snubbed by the parents of the Princess Aurora, she seeks revenge by cursing the child.

Why she’s the baddest of them all: She cursed a baby because she wasn’t invited to the christening. A christening, people!

VS.

Name: Shan Yu

Movie: "Mulan" (1998)

Best known for: Killing his enemies in cold blood; had an archer shoot an enemy messenger in the back (apparently he never learned that you don't shoot the messenger).

Quote: "Your walls and armies have fallen, and now it's your turn."

Background: Leader of the Huns who invades Han China.

Why he's the baddest of them all: He's a Hun. Come on, a Hun!

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