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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5 Disney plays we'd like to see on Broadway

A few weeks ago we mentioned that Aladdin the musical will be coming to Broadway in 2014.This will be the ninth Disney play to go to Broadway, following "Aida," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "The Little Mermaid," "Mary Poppins," "Newsies," "Peter and the Starcatcher" and "Tarzan."But what could be next? What Disney tale would you like to see on stage? Here's a look at five ideas Disney could bring to the Great White Way:Mickey - A...

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Muppet movies we'd like to see

Last week production of the new "The Muppets . . . Again!" started in London.We know that this movie, starring Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey, centers around a tour of Europe. And we know it is coming out next year. But wouldn't it be fun to see some classic movies made into Muppet movies.How about Miss Piggy starring in "Cleopigtra." Or Kermit The Frog in "Pirates of the Amphibian." If you wander around the outside of MuppetVision 3-D at...

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Menu revealed for Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World not only will offer entertainment and topiaries but this year will offer a showcase of food.Around the World Showcase will be pavilions featuring small plates and beverages.                                                            ...

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Disney has 3 nominations in 55th Grammy Awards

When the 55th Grammy Awards are presented Sunday night (8 p.m. EST on CBS) Disney will have three nominees vying for awards."The Muppets" soundtrack is up for an award in the Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media category. It is going up against "The Descendants," "Marley," "Midnight In Paris" and "Rock Of Ages."In the Best Song Written for Visual Media category, the song "Learn Me Righ by Mumford & Sons" from the movie "Brave" and the...

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Filming for Spider-Man 2 begins in New York

Filming of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" began in New York City, according to the Marvel website.In this sequel, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), goes up against his newest villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx) while an old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) returns. In addition Peter uncovers new clues about his past.The movie stars Garfield, Foxx, DeHann, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Shailene Woodley, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, and Sally Field.The movie is directed...

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Senses Spa at Saratoga Springs to re-open in the summer

Disney publicity photo of SensesThe redesigned Senses Spa at the Saratoga Springs Resort in Disney World is scheduled to re-open in the late summer.The new facility will include 10 treatment rooms offering an array of services including water therapy, massage and facials. Manicure and pedicure rooms depict lighting and textured fabrics. Design materials and textures, including stone, are designed to connect with the earth and speak to the serenity...

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14 things that happened this week in the Disney Universe

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, new ambassadors, new music, new clothing and tickets for a Fanniversary are all just part of what was going on in the Disney Universe during the first week of February.Here's a quick look at what's was going on in Disneyland, Disney World and beyond.DisneylandAs part of Black History Month, a dozen gospel choirs from across Southern California will perform at the California Adventure on Feb. 16.The Circle D Ranch welcomed...

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Disney unveils new line of fashion clothing and toys based on new Oz movie

Do you want the look of Glinda, Evanora, or Theodora from the upcoming movie "Oz The Great and Powerful?"You'll soon be able to. Disney has unveiled a new fashion and toy collection inspired by the movie, which will be released March 8.CDI, Jem, Sue Wong, Joe Vilaiwan, Jerome C. Rousseau, Tollytots are all behind a collection of couture fashions, apparel, designer shoes, accessories, limited edition costumes and toys."This assortment of Oz The Great...

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