Smile of The Day: Snow White and a famous character quote

Some of the greatest character ever can be seen during the Main Street Electrical Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.And on is the optimist - Snow White.Here's a famous character quote: "Want to know a secret?  Promise not to tell? We are standing by a wishing well.  Make a wish into the well, that's all you have to do. And if you hear it echoing. Your wish will soon come true."           ...

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The Muppets are back -- again

Jason Segel breathed new life into the Muppet franchise in 2011, and Disney isn't about to lose the momentum. The Muppets in a Disney publicity photo.This week Disney christened the sequel, "The Muppets ... Again!" Due March 21, 2014, the new film will have to make due without Segel and co-star Amy Adams, but it will have plenty of star power, including Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell. Here's how the Hollywood reporter describes the plot:...

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‘Big Thunder’ and ‘Tomorrowland’ in development by Disney

“Pirates of the Caribbean” – mega hit. “The Haunted Mansion” – bomb.                                                                                              © Steven LiebmanDisney has ordered a pilot for a drama...

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The latest on the stalled Pleasure Island redevelopment at Disney World

When is Disney going to do something with the old Pleasure Island? Disney fans have been clamoring for an answer since the company’s plan to develop “Hyperion Wharf” stalled almost two years ago. Pleasure Island has been shuttered since 2008. Its replacement – a dining and entertainment area built around a “dockside” theme – was originally supposed to be complete by early this year. Disney concept art of the Hyperion Wharf area.Instead, the company...

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Smile of the Day: A smiling Captain Hook

Some may say that Captain Hook is even meaner than The Grinch. Here's the Captain on a parade at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Here's the captain's philosophy as to why parents read stories to children."No, child, Your mother wants to read to you every night in order to stupefy to sleep, so that she and daddy could sit down for three measly minutes without you. And you mindless, inexhaustible, unstoppable, repetitive, and nagging demands: He...

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Lucasfilm postpones turning Star Wars episodes to 3D

Lucasfilm has announced that is postponing the this fall's scheduled 3D releases of Star Wars Episodes II and III.The company announced on its website that "given the recent development that we are moving forward with a new Star Wars trilogy, we will now focus 100 percent of our efforts on Star Wars: Episode VII in order to ensure the best possible experience for our fans. We will post further information about our 3D release plans at a later date."The...

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Smile of The Day: A waving Ariel

For today's Smile of The Day, give a wave back to Ariel.This is part of the Voyage of the Little Mermaid entrance at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.                                                                                     ...

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True Love Week is coming to Disney World and Disneyland as part of Limited Time Magic

Disney World and Disneyland will be full of true love Feb. 11-17 as each resort celebrates Limited Time Magic with True Love Week.The week-long event celebrates the love of friends and family, and invites couples to rekindle the flame, according to Disney news releases.Each resort will feature limited- time Valentine’s merchandise and special entertainment, to romantic dinners for two and new themed photo location.What's planned at Disney WorldRomantic...

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Smile of The Day: Phineas and Ferb topiary

"I know what we're going to do today."We're going to look at the Phineas and Ferb topiaries that were located in Downtown Disney in Disney World for a little while. And, we hear, you can expect to see them again during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Show this spring.                                                 ...

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Hong Kong Disneyland has special celebration for the Chinese New Year

Hong Kong Disneyland is celebrating the Chinese New Year from Feb. 1 to Feb. 24 with special decor and shows.The park is welcoming the Year of the Snake with a ‘Golden Walk of Fortune’ along Main Street, U.S.A. where guests can capture the happy moments at the Golden Mickey photo location, according to The Travel Daily News.As a tradition during Chinese New Year, golden Mickey Lai See filled with chocolate coins will be distributed throughout the...

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LEGO Star Wars coming to DVD in March

LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out, the 22-minute special that was seen on the Cartoon Network, will be coming out on DVD March 26, according to Lucasfilm.In this special, the original Death Star has just been destroyed, but a new Imperial threat has arisen. While "Luke has become a household name as 'Death-Star-Blower-Upper,' he finds that not even the Force can protect him from a new menace: crazed fans. Things aren't looking so good for Darth...

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Disney asking for your opinion on a 2014 design

Disney is seeking feedback to decide which original design will be sold in parks in 2014.There are three original 2014 designs that everyone can vote and the winning designs will be sold Walt Disney World and Disneyland.You can cast your vote he...

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Top 100 Greatest Movies for Kids list released, Disney has 29 on the list

Scholastic Parent & Child magazine has unveiled its list of "100 Greatest Movies for Kids" and there are a slew of Disney movies making the list, with four of them in the top 10, but none topping the list.The No. 1 spot goes to "The Wizard of Oz," starring Judy Garland, but Disney does have 29 movies on the overall list with "Mary Poppins," "Toy Story 2," "Beauty and The Beast" and "Pinocchio" in the top 10."We are thrilled to offer an all-inclusive...

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2013 Disney bridal gown collection now available and bridal showcase event announced

The latest bridal collection, 2013 Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, is now available. Alfred Angelo Sleeping Beauty dress.The collection includes nine Disney Maidens dresses and eight Disney Blossoms gowns. Each of the different dresses, according to the Disney Weddings Blog, illustrate a "notion of romance." The collection is available from sizes 0 to 26W.In addition, Disney is hosting is Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Bridal Showcase...

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Disney announces list of HGTV stars at 20th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

This is the third year the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is being presented by HGTV. This means that you will be seeing a lot of HGTV stars during the festival from March 6 to May 19.We previously gave you the run down on the new topiaries and music, and some of the special food, now Disney has announced which HGTV and DIY superstars will be showing up to Disney World.                 ...

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Aladdin, a new musical, will debut on Broadway in 2014

"Aladdin" is coming to Broadway.The Disney animated film is being turned into a Broadway show and will debut in early 2014 at the New Amsterdam Theatre, after pre-Broadway tune-up in Toronto from Nov. 13 to Jan. 12, 2014, Disney announced in a press release.Casting, Broadway dates and ticket information will be announced later.Casey Nicholaw who co-directed and choreographed "The Book of Mormon" and worked on "Elf: The Musical", "The Drowsy Chaperone"...

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First look at Epcot Flower & Garden Festival special menu

Can't decide between visiting Epcot during spring's Flower & Garden Festival or the fall Food & Wine Festival?Perhaps this will sway you: Dole Whip with Spiced Rum.Yep, that's part of the new menu for the Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World, according to the Orlando Sentinel, which detailed some of the food booths set to debut at the festival this spring.We had already reported that "festival-themed food" would be part of this year's...

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Report: JJ Abrams to direct 'Star Wars VII'

It sounds like a fanboy's (and fangirl's) dream come true: JJ Abrams will direct the next installment of the "Star Wars" movie franchise, according to TheWrap.com.That's right -- Star Wars, not Star Trek.So much for Abrams' public declarations, made as recently as November, that he wasn't interested in the job.The report is as yet unconfirmed, but the New York Times says an official announcement is expected soon. Entertainment Weekly says it has...

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Take the pirate oath with Captain Jack Sparrow at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney has found a clever way to turn what could have been nothing more than an overblown ad for a movie franchise into a fun walk-through experience -- if you go in with tempered expectations.                                                                         ...

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Smile of The Day: Mickey Mouse hand and foot prints in cement

Did you know you can always see Mickey Mouse's hand and foot prints at Disney World?Just head on over to the Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios and look at the cement in front of the entrance. There you will find many things, including Mickey Mouse's block.                                                       ...

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Disney to introduce new pirate role-playing game to Disney World in Spring

Disney is expanding its interactive role-playing games at DisneyWorld.A rendition of the new interactive game atDisney World from the Disney Parks Blog.In addition to becoming a secret agent at Agent P' World Showcase adventure in Epcot to defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz and be an apprentice sorcerer to defeat Disney Villains around The Magic Kingdom, you can now become a pirate and go on pirate raids throughout Adventureland in The Magic Kingdom."A Pirate’s...

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Smile of The Day: Pluto in Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom parade is probably one of the most understated in all of the Disney parks. But the  combination of floats and people on stilts dressed as animals make it very colorful. Especially when you see the familiar characters on the parade route - like Pluto.                                                   ...

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The gang from Monsters, Inc. comes to your iPhone

The gang from Monsters, Inc., has been everywhere lately in the runup to this summer's prequel "Monsters University."And now you can take them with you everywhere you go with a new mobile game, "Monsters, Inc. Run" (99 cents for iPhone and iPad). As the name implies, this is a classic running game, with Mike Wazowski collecting coins for upgrades as he and Sully race through Monstropolis to rescue Boo.In a review, IGN notes that the game is slick...

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Finally some Lost Girls in a new Disney Fairies book series

Why should the Lost Boys have all the fun?Disney is doing all it can to fuel the Fairy trend with a new book series, "The Never Girls," early chapter books for kids ages 6-10. The stars of the books are four little girls who seem carefully constructed to appeal to common stereotypes: the athletic leader; the smart, pretty girlie-girl; the quiet but thoughtful wallflower; and the little sister who dreams of being a Fairy.In the first book, the girls...

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Smile of The Day: Brother Claude

It's always fun to take a stroll past the cemetery at The Haunted Mansion in The Magic Kingdom in Disney World and read off the tombstones. You never know what happened to the mansion's extended family.                                                                       ...

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More details on the upcoming Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

If you're suffering through an arctic blast like much of the country is this week, it might lift your spirits to think of spring. For Disney, that means the 20th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, scheduled to start March 6 and continue through May 19.© Mary LiebmanThe festival always includes an army of topiaries, a concert series and seminars with HGTV personalities. And this year, there are some new attractions,...

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Smile of The Day: Alice and The Mad Hatter

It's always fun to watch a parade at Disney World. And here, Alice and The Mad Hatter give off some great facial expressions during the afternoon parade at The Magic Kingdom.                                                                               ...

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California woman wins the Tinker Bell Half Marathon

A California woman returning from ankle surgery came back to win the Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland.Angela Escay, from Carmichael, Calif., crosses the finishline in this Disney publicity photo.Angela Escay, from Carmichael, Calif.,  set a course record at 1:24:10 in the second annual women-focused event at Disneyland. Last year, Kellie Nickerson won the inaugural event with a 1:27:52.“The course was a lot of fun, run through the...

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Disneyland photographing guests to cut back on rented out tickets

Disneyland and the California Adventure are trying to crack down on people renting discounted tickets by taking their photo.The parks are focusing on visitors using multi-day passes and putting them in their computers. That way, Disney employers can make sure people don't violate company policy, according to the Orange County Register.Both children and adults are photographed. The photos are erased when the tickets expi...

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How to film a movie in a Disney theme park without permission

How can someone make a movie at Disney theme parks without Disney's permission?It takes an extremely small camera and some very game actors and crew, according to The Los Angeles Times.Randy Moore did just that, making “Escape from Tomorrow,” a story of a man on a surreal journey on the last day of his vacation at the park after finding out he was laid off from work. He day derails bordering on a complete mental break down. It was filmed in black...

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New Balance now official running shoe at Disney World

New Balance Mickey shoeNew Balance is teaming up with Walt Disney World to become the park's official athletic shoe. It also becomes the official running shoe for runDisney race weekends and the official baseball shoe of amateur baseball events at the Sports Complex, according to a news release.Future initiatives of the alliance include the creation of maps for the running trails at Walt Disney World Resort and fitness programs for Disney resort...

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New Facebook game called Disney City Girl debuts

Ever dream of giving it all up and moving to the Big City (New York City, that is.). Well, now you can.Disney City GirlDisney has introduced Disney City Girl, a new Facebook simulation game allowing players to move to New York City, develop a career, try to move up from tiny apartment to a penthouse and dress your avatar in hundreds of different clothing items and accessories while competing against friends in daily fashion face-offs. Think...

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Habit Heroes re-opens in Epcot at Disney World

The original Habit Heroes opened last February at Innoventions in Epcot with a slate of super heroes to help fight unhealthy eating habits.That lasted less than a month. Disney closed the exhibit after National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance spurred a nationwide ."It appears that Disney now believes that using the tool of shame, favored so much by today's healthcare corporations, is the best way to communicate with children," the NAAFA wrote last year. "Disney, in partnering with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, has taken the side of the bullies."Now...

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Smile of The Day: Aladdin and Jasmine on a ride

You never know what you'll find when walking around Walt Disney World.During a morning at The Magic Kingdom we found Aladdin and Jasmine taking a ride on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. They even ducked the spitting camels like everyone else.                                                           ...

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See lesser known Disney characters at Long Lost Friends week at Disney World

Clarabelle Cow, Robin Hood and The Three Little Pigs are some of the many Disney characters, but are hardly ever seen at Disney World.The Three Little Pigs in a Disney publicity photoBut from Jan. 21 to 27, those characters and others will be showing up for meet and greets at Town Square in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World as part of the next Limited Time Magic at Disney World. Dubbed Long Lost Friends Week, the lesser-known Disney characters...

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Lunar New Year is next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland

The next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland is the Lunar New Year celebration.Mishu in a Disney publicity photo.From Feb 8 to 11 the Happy Lunar New Year will take place at California Adventure, according to the Disney Parks Blog.During the four-day celebration in the Pacific Wharf area there will be cultural experiences, food offerings, merchandise, and performances from dancers, musicians, and martial artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, characters...

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Smile of The Day: Boo - from 'Monster's Inc.'

Boo!Did we scare you?Here's a smiling Boo from Monster's Inc. walking down the streets of Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.                                                                                           ...

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Disney working with HSN for fashion and jewelry based on new 'Oz The Great and Powerful' movie

The new fashion statement this spring could be coming from Disney's upcoming movie "Oz The Great and Powerful."Designers such as Naeem Khan, Badgley Mischka and Adrienne Landau, as well as Raven Kauffman, Urban Decay and Be&D are creating exclusive jewelry, fashion, beauty products and home accessories to tie in to the movie. (Can't wait to see those ruby red shoes.)Disney is partnering with HSN (Home Shopping Network) on this project. The...

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American Idol Experience at Disney World adds songs

Have you ever tried out for the American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World?                                                                     © DisneyNever wanting to inflict pain on others, I never have tried, but I've always wondered how many songs you...

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Smile of The Day: Wanted - Mr. Potato Head

There's nothing like standing in line at a ride in  Walt Disney World, turning the corner and seeing something that just makes you smile.Here's one from the Toy Story Mania ride at Hollywood Studios.                                                                       ...

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Walt Disney Family Museum showcases Walt's Oscar collection

Now that Oscar season is in full swing, it's time for the reminder that Walt Disney still holds the record for most individual Academy Awards won. The number is 32. This includes the technical awards. If you'd like to see them you can - they are located at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.The museum compiled some Walt Disney Oscars facts as well. Here they are:Photo is property of The Academy of MotionPictures and SciencesIn addition...

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Disney announces new interactive gaming platform called Disney Infinity

There will be a new way to play with Disney characters in June with a new gaming platform.Disney Infinity integrates collectible character figures from Disney and Pixar films that play together in a virtual "Toy Box." This all-new game universe will launch in June across all consoles and will have a phased roll out across mobile and online devices throughout 2013, according to a news release.“Disney Infinity introduces a new way to interact with...

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Become a Wilderness Explorer at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Four years after it hit theaters, Disney has found a way to work "Up" into its Florida theme parks as more than just Pixar Pals.The answer? The Wilderness Explorers are coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom.This spring, AK visitors will be able to earn badges, just like Russell did in the movie.The Disney Parks blog isn't giving away many details except to say, "Soon, guests can become Wilderness Explorers and experience the entire park using their...

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Smile of The Day: A Figment Eye Exam

Capturing your imagination is always important and the only way to do that is to find that figment on of your imagination.  And finding Figment is easy to do at Disney World.Here's a clip of the Imagination ride at Epcot in Walt Disney World where Figment gives you an eye exam. Following the bouncing Figme...

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Disney announces 2014-2015 slate of movies

Muppets, superheroes, pirates and the retelling of a classic Disney movie are some of the films to be released in 2014 and 2015, according to the Disney Post blog.The Walt Disney Studios has released the list of movies with run dates. Here's the list:The Muppets sequel: To be released March 21, 2014, director James Bobin returns and brings a new cast including Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell."Captain America: The Winter Soldier": Scheduled...

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