'Oz The Great and Powerful' leads box office and sequel in the works

Disney's "Oz The Great and Powerful" led the movie box office in its opening week and and there is already talk of a sequel.Oz brought in $80.2 million in the U.S., beating out "Jack The Giant Slayer" and "Identity Thief." Worldwide Oz brought in $150 million, according to boxoffice.com.In the meantime, Mila Kunis, who plays Theodora in the film said there was a sequel in the pipeline, according to NDTV. "We're all signed on for sequels," Kunis said....

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Smile of The Day: P is for Peepers

Not exactly sure what P stands for? Well, at Toy Story Mania in Hollywood Studios in Disney World, the letter stands for peepers. That's right a set of eyes.© Mary Lieb...

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Smile of The Day: View-master Peter Pan

There are many things you can find at Disneyland and Disney World when standing in line waiting for the rides.If you look closely, sometimes you can find some fun things to grab a quick shot. Here's one in Hollywood Studios at Toy Story Mania ride. Remember the old View-masters. These are the old special-format stereoscopes where the images would look rich and almost 3-D. Here's an image from a large View-Master reel that was blown up for the queue...

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Next Disney Limited Time Magic is all about the 'Ears'

The next Limited Time Magic announced at Disneyland and Disney World is more of a limited time sale than an experience.Disney PhotoThe parks are offering miniature MousekeEars featuring pop color or Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck Goofy and Pluto, according to the Disney Parks Blog. The hats, which normally sell for $12.95 each are going to be two for $15 in March while supplies last.Disney instituted the "Limited Time...

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You can now Fan Wrap your car in Star Wars images

From StarWars.comYou've always been able to show off your inner Star Wars love with clothes and accessories now there's a way to pimp out your ride.Fan Wraps has introduced a user-installed vehicle graphics, according to the official Star Wars site. Whether Storm Trooper, Chewbacca, Yoda, Boba Fett or others, the options will soon increase. The artwork, according to the Star War site is from the Lucasfilm archives."Cory and I wanted to take the two...

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Marvel releases new 'Iron Man 3' movie trailer

Marvel has released the second full trailer of "Iron Man 3" trailer.Here's the official synopsis from Marvel.com: When Tony Stark finds his world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man...

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Disney releases photo of Shanghai Disney Resort model

The first image of the Shanghai Disney Resort model was unveiled Wednesday.A Disney image of the Shanghai Disney Resort model.When the resort opens at the end of 2015, Shanghai Disney will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a 495,000 square foot area retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs, according to a Disney news release.The image shows a part of the 11-acre...

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Vera Bradley bags coming soon to Disney parks

Any confirmed Disney World shopaholic is used to seeing leather Dooney & Bourke bags lining the walls of Disney shops. Well, soon they'll have to make room for some serious competition: A line of Disney-inspired bags from Vera Bradley is coming to Disney parks this fall, the Disney Parks Blog reported this morning.From a distance, the Disney designs look like any Vera Bradley bag -- bright and flowery, made of quilted cotton. But look closer...

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Disney gets five MTV Movie Award nominations

The Walt Disney Studios has received five nominations in the "2013 MTV Movie Awards" including Movie of The Year."The Avengers" received four nominations and "Lincoln" received one.The nominees were elected by a special voting Academy, including members of the MTV audience. You can vote in the various categories at MovieAwards.MTV.com. Results will be announced during the April 14 telecast on MTV.Here are the candidates in the five categories where...

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Smile of The Day: Mr. Incredible

A father as well as a superhero (and sometimes being a father is like being a superhero) Mr. Incredible waves to the crowds at Hollywood Studio in Disney World during a parade.Ever wonder what a superhero feels like when saving the world. Here are Mr. Incredible's thoughts: "No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit? I feel...

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Your Complete Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

This week the 20th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off for 75 days.The festival, which takes place March 6 to May 19 will have over 100 topiaries, music, a special Land of Oz playground, special seminars and more.Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about the festival:The complete downloadable festival guide.A look at the festival, by the numbers.There will be a lot of HGTV stars. Here is the complete...

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Smile of The Day: Pinocchio on parade

Pinocchio sits on a float in the Main Street Electrical Parade in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.                                                                                                   ...

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2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival By The Numbers

The 2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place March 6-May 19 at Walt Disney World Resort and contains hundreds of topiaries.                                             © Steven LiebmanTinker Bell topiary from 2011.Here's a look at the event, by the numbers:30 million: Multi-hued blooms blanket the festival500,000:...

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Smile of The Day: Flik and Atta

Atta and Flik from Disney-Pixar's "A Bug's Life" walk during the parade at Hollywood Studios in Want Disney World.                                                                                               ...

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Disney unveiling new cosmetics and beauty collection for Disney Parks

Disney is unveiling a cosmetics and beauty collection for women exclusively being sold at Disney Parks.Called Beautifully Disney, the line includes eight nail polish colors, eight lip gloss colors and two color palates of eye shadow inspired by Disney characters.The items will be available at various locations in the parks including Tren-D at Walt Disney World and Disney Vault 28 at Disneyland.The line will eventually be available on Disney Cruise...

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Disney reveals winner of 2014 logo from Limited Time Magic vote

In January, Disney asked the public to decide which original design would be sold on merchandise 2014 in the Disney parks.The choices of the 2014 decide people could vote on.Thousands of people voted and Disney is now revealing the winner. In this Disney video,  Patty Landing, creative manager with Disney Design Group who created the artwork, reveals the design.  ...

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Spring Trolley Show Limited Time Magic coming to Disney World

Spring has come to Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.One of the latest Limited Time Magic events will take place March 3 to May 12 in which the Citizens of Main Street will arrive on a horse-drawn trolley  and sing some songs.This is the latest Limited Time Magic event announced by Disn...

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Disney sails to victory in Cruise Critic poll

Disney's newest cruise ship, the Fantasy, sailed to top honors in the 2013 CruiseCritic.com Cruisers' Choice Awards released this week.The Disney FantasyThe Fantasy scored the top rating for best overall large ship, plus best cabins, entertainment, public rooms, service and best for families. Disney's Dream placed first for best shore excursions, thanks to the private Castaway Cay island.While there are more than 100,000 reviews on the Cruise Critic...

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Disneyland to hold special 50th anniversary event for Enchanted Tiki Room

Are you an Enchanted Tiki Room fan?Disney is planning a special 50th anniversary event in Disneyland on June 28-29 at the Disneyland Hotel, according to the Disney Parks Blog.There will be special themed merchandise for sale, artists signings, a silent auction, a trading area and commemorative gifts.On June 23, 1963, the attraction debuted at Disneyland as the first Audio-Animatronics show. The 225  animated performers, including toucans,...

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Disney annual shareholder meeting webcast on March 6

The Walt Disney Company annual meeting of shareholders will take place March 6.In case you miss can't make the meeting the remarks by management including answers to some questions will be available live via audio webcast at www.disney.com/investors beginning at 9 a.m.  ESTThe meeting is being held in Phoenix.A replay will be provided through March 20 at 1 p.m. E...

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Smile of The Day: Heimlich from a Bug's Life

Heimlich, the green caterpillar with thick German accent, rides down Hollywood Studios in Disney World. The character from the movie "A Bug's Life"  played a clown. I guess you can call his ability to bring smiles as he comes by - The Heimlich maneuver.                                                       ...

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Star Wars trilogies being released worldwide in new HD format

Lucasfilm and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is re-releasing both Star Wars trilogies in the UK, Australia, Japan and Spain in limited edition steelbook packaging.Since the 2011 release the collections became the bestselling Blu-ray Disc catalog series of all time, according to the Lucasfilm.There is no US release currently planned. Release dates for these sets will soon be releas...

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Hong Kong Disneyland to get Marvel characters, report says

Marvel superheroes will have a home at Hong Kong Disneyland.The theme park, which is 52 percent owned by the city's government, will add an area for the Marvel characters, CRIENGLISH.com reports. The Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang made the statement.From Marvel.comThis will be the first Disney resort which will have any presence of the characters on site. While merchandise is sold at all Disney locations, the characters in Florida...

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Smile of The Day: Timon at Festival of The Lion King

The Festival of The Lion King is one of the better shows at Disney World with puppetry and visual effects. Here Timon talks to the acrobatic monkeys.                                                                                     ...

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A look at D23's Disney Fanniversary treasures that will be on display

This year's D23's Disney Fanniversary Celebration across the country will contain four treasures from the Walt Disney Archives.Each show will be hosted by a Disney archivist and D23 Team member and will highlight the behind-the-scenes stories and never-before-seen film footage, concept art, photography, and interviews with Disney Legends and luminaries.Some of the artifacts that will be on display at the Fanniversary celebrationsinclude items from...

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Celebrate National Pie Day at Disney World

Those of us on Team Pie think every day should be National Pie Day. But alas, it only comes once a year, on March 1.If you happen to be at Disney World for the big day, consider making your own Limited Time Magic with a piece of pie -- or Pie Around the World, depending on your appetite.This isn't as easy as it might sound. In a world of flourless chocolate cake, pie is not that common on Disney World menus. But you could certainly get your fill...

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Marvel unveils new Spider-Man costume for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'

The new costume for "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"“The Amazing Spider-Man 2" will feature a new costume for the web-slinger, according to Marvel.com.The movie is schedule to be out May 2, 2014. According to Columbia Pictures, for "Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), life is busy – between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), high school graduation can’t come quickly enough. Peter hasn’t...

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D23 to hold Expo in Japan for first time

The official Disney Fan Club, D23, will hold its first Expo outside of the U.S. in October.D23 Expo Japan will feature presentations by senior Disney creative executives who will talk about what’s on the horizon from across The Walt Disney Company, including theme parks, movies, television, music, and interactive gaming. There will also be special merchandise and collectibles as well as Disney characters to meet.“We are thrilled to host this extraordinary,...

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Rachel Booth wins Disney Princess Half Marathon

Rachel Booth crosses the finish line in this Disneypublicity photo.For the second straight year Rachel Booth has won the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World.The Mandeville, La. runner is the only woman to win four runDisney races – two Princess Half Marathons (2012 and 2013) and two Disneyland Half Marathons (2010 and 2011).Booth's latest win over 26,000 runners took 1:17:38 – 33 seconds faster than her then-record time of 1:18:11...

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A sampling of Hidden Mickeys at Disney World

Hidden Mickeys started out as an inside joke among the Walt Disney Imagineers. The imagineers started concealing them in the designs of attractions.The three circles which make the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse is now everywhere and there are numerous books and websites devoted to them. The best site out there (in our humble opinion) is still Steven M. Barrett's Hidden Mickey's Guide. Here is a sampling that we took on...

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Two Disney/Studio Ghibli films coming out on DVD in May

Two Disney/Studio Ghibli animated films have been announced for release on Blu-ray and DVD on May 21."Howl's Moving Castlesoars" by 2001Academy Award winning director Hayao Miyazaki for Best Animated Feature "Spirited Away" is about Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, who is swept off her feet by a mysterious wizard named Howl. The Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a spell on Sophie. Sophie climbs aboard Howl's flying...

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Smile of The Day: Cinderella step-sister tries on glass slipper

During the Main Street Electrical Parade in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, Cinderella's step-sister is trying on the glass slipper.                                                                                         ...

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Dapper Dans Limited Time Magic Week at Disneyland and Disney World

Since 1959 the Dapper Dans have been serenading guests at Disneyland.The barbershop quartet started at Walt Disney World in 1971 and now the group is getting its own Limited Time Magic week. From February 25 to March 3, the group will have special performances at  the Magic Kingdom in Disney World and in Disneyla...

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Cinderella stars in new PSA for the Ad Council

Disney is helping out the government by lending one of its princesses to a Public Service Announcement.Cinderella stars in a new spot for the Ad Council promoting safe car seats.The video shows Cinderella riding in the horse drawn carriage and reminds parents to choose the right car seat for the child's age and size.&nb...

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Disneyland to enforce FastPass hour deadline

Disneyland will join Disney World and start enforcing the 60-minute FastPass window, according to the Orange County Register.Beginning Tuesday, the 13 rides at Disneyland and the California Adventure will be impacted. Earlier this month, the parks put up signs at the rides to remind guests to return during the time window, according to the website.Disney is doing this because many guests are waiting hours later to return to use them. Disney World...

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A video look behind the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue at Disney World

Work is now taking place on the new queue at Big Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. In a few weeks when it opens it will tell the backstory of Barnabas T. Bullion, founder and president of Big Thunder Mining Company. The backstory goes like this, according to Disney: “Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright . . . he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And...

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Disney names Joffrey's official specialty coffee

For all of those who have complained about coffee at the Disney parks, this may be your answer and we're not talking StarbucksThere's a new coffee in town at the Disney parks: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.Disney has entered into a long term alliance with the specialty coffee company that makes it the official specialty coffee of Disneyland, Disney World and the Disney Vacation Club properties, according to a news release from Disney.This is in addition...

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New Mickey and Minnie greeting area in Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom in Disney World is getting a new meeting area for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on Discovery Island.                                                                    © Steven LiebmanTree of Life in Animal KingdomCalled the Adventurers Outpost, this meeting place...

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Raglan Road in Disney World to hold large St. Patrick's Day celebration

A large St. Patrick's Day celebration is on tap at Disney World in March at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant.More than 10 Irish bands will perform March 8-10 and 14-17 at the restaurant across from Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island in addition to food by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, face painting, stiltwalkers and St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia. The highlights include:Raglan Road dancers appear in this Disney publicity photo.Performances...

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Hong Kong Disneyland has finally turned a profit

Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse in Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland in this Disney publicity photo.Hong Kong Disneyland has finally turned a profit.Seven years after opening the theme park saw an 18 percent increase in revenue from a year ago and an increase of visitors by 13 percent to 6.7 million, according to the South China Morning Post.In 2011, the park opened two major attractions, Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch. Later this year,...

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Disneyland holding back on special ticket deals to southern California residents

                                                                      © Steven LiebmanThe California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort.Southern California residents should not expect any 2-for-1 ticket deals at Disneyland this year, according to the Orange County Register.For...

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Smile of The Day: Sulley on parade

James P. "Sulley" Sullivan who holds the record as "The Best Scarer" in "Monster's, Inc." is on parade at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.                                                                                         ...

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Disney movie news roundup

Actors reprising famous roles, "Game of Thrones" and remakes are just a small part of what's going on in the Disney movie universe.The latest Oz movie poster releasedDisney The secret Disney project "Tomorrowland" starring George Clooney may have a new lead villain. Hypable is reporting that High Laurie is looking to be the "big bad" in this project, but there is not much information out there on the plot.The Australian government is ready to...

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Marvel and Disney team up for She-Hulk and Rouge novels

Two Marvel Super Heroes will get their own novels this June, according to Hyperion Books.She-Hulk from Marvel.comThe She-Hulk  and Rouge will get their own titles. “Marvel has had tremendous success with recent hit movies and we think it’s a great time to explore what happens to super heroines when they are dropped into traditional women’s novels,” Hyperion’s Editor-in-Chief Elisabeth Dyssegaard said in a press release. In "The...

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Disney Limited Time Magic for Presidents Day announced

The next Disney Limited Time Magic events have been announced for both Disneyland and Disney World.The Oz The Great and Powerful Sneak Peek will take place from Feb. 16 to March 31 throughout the day in the Muppet*Vision 3D Theater at Disney California Adventure park in Disneyland. The Presidents Day holiday brings a weeklong celebration to Disney World, according to the Disney website. The Voices of Liberty, an 8-part a cappella group, will perform at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot. In addition to the songs there will be memorable quotes...

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Land of Oz Garden now open for Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Almost one third of an acre in Epcot has been transformed into the largest garden ever created for the upcoming 20th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World.The Land of Oz Garden, based on the upcoming Disney film "Oz The Great and Powerful"includes a yellow-brick road, an interactive children’s play area with game, a garden filled with flowers and  art-glass poppies.The festival includes an army of topiaries, a concert series and seminars with HGTV personalities. This year, there are some new attractions,...

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New Star Wars sneakers introduced by Stride Rite

Your kids can now feel The Force on their feet. Stride Rite has created three sneaker styles inspired by Star Wars characters. Each sneaker also has its own light-up technology.The Morphing Lightsaber sneaker features Push to Change light-up technology. The lightsaber on the front of the shoe lights up with every step and changed from Yoda green to Sith red with a push of a button. The Jedi to Sith sneaker with Shadow Lights technology features...

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Disney unveils a Journey to Oz balloon to travel across the U.S.

Disney publicity photoAs part of the World Premiere of" Oz The Great and Powerful," Disney has as a Journey to Oz Balloon which will appear at various locations in the U.S. before the March 8 movie debut.The balloon will first appear at Disney's El Captain Theatre on Feb. 13 in Hollywood and then travel across the country, according to a Disney news release, to:Feb. 17: Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California Feb. 20: Daytona International Speedway...

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New Disney poster released of "Oz The Great and Powerful"

Disney releases a new poster of Finley and China Girl from the upcoming movie “Oz The Great and Powerful” on March...

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Mr. Potato Head takes on the Marvel Universe

Mr. Potato Head is taking on the Marvel Universe in a new line of toys coming out Summer 2013.PPW Toys of Mr. Potato Head as a Marvel characterThe Mr. Potato Head figures will be wearing the costumes of Wolverine, Iron Man and Thor and unveiled at the New York Toy Fair. PPW Toys is launching this line.Created in 1952, Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be featured in a television commercial. In the past 60 years, the character has become an American...

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New Darth Vader figurine to be on sale in Fall 2013

A new Darth Vader figurine will soon be out on the market.Lucasfilm and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. have agreed to a deal for the toy maker to make and market a 31-inch Darth Vader with his light saber, according to a news release by the companies. “With a successful track record of bringing popular entertainment properties to life and with a strong passion for the franchise, JAKKS was the perfect licensing partner to enlist as we continue to build our consumer...

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