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 Fantasy

The 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 website, this year's winners are culled from reviews posted in 2012, CNN reported.

Like so many large cruise ships, the Fantasy has two theaters, one for movies and one for live original productions. It also has a spa on board. Its youth-oriented areas divided by age, and adults can get away from the hubbub at a number of adults-only areas, including a quiet pool.

Despite its nine restaurants, the Fantasy was edged out in the best dining category by two Celebrity ships, the Reflection and the Solstice.

"Disney has done a great job at expanding without losing what makes it unique: characters and Disney-style entertainment," Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com, told CNN.com. "You can have multigenerational groups because they're providing something for every generation."

The fourth ship in Disney's fleet, the Fantasy launched in March of 2012. The ship is capable of carrying 4,000 passengers on 14 decks with and 1,458 crew, according to Disney.

Visit CruiseCritic.com for all the results of the annual survey.

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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, parrots, cockatoos, flowers, Tiki statues and wooden masks are led by four macaws named Jose, Michael, Pierre and Fritz.

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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.  EST

The meeting is being held in Phoenix.

A replay will be provided through March 20 at 1 p.m. EDT.

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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 released.

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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.com

This 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 are based at Universal Studios from an agreement made with Marvel before it was purchased by the Walt Disney Co.

And there is no area in Disneyland or California Adventure in California, because there are no designated theme areas that have been built. Remember, Disney does not just put characters out there, they want an area where they can tell a story.

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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 celebrations

include items from the Walt Disney Archives, including  this image

 of Mickey Mouse from the never-produced short Mickey’s Toothache. 

A gaucho doll that was a gift to Walt Disney will be at the Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix celebrations.

The special items include:

A gaucho doll that was a gift to Walt Disney will be at the Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix celebrations.

A collection of medallions and patches taken from Audio-Animatronics costumes used in the Horizons attraction will be at the Orlando and Chicago celebrations.

A pumpkin prop and other items from "Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas" will be on display at the Washington D.C., Newark, and Boston celebrations.

A metal film canister prop used in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" will be on display at the Seattle and San Francisco celebrations.

More D23 Celebration News

D23 holds Fan Artist Contest 2013

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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 if you work at it. (Caveat: This is what's on the menu as of this writing, and menus may change.)

If you don't happen to be visiting a Disney park, feel free to drown your sorrows in any pie you find close at hand.

Apple Pie

Many aficionados declare the best pie in the World is the apple-caramel pie at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It's made with fresh Granny Smith apples, sugar cookie crust, streusel topping and caramel drizzle. The resort is just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, a lovely respite on a busy day.

Close your eyes and you can almost pretend apple crisp is actually apple pie (sorry, purists). You can find a nice apple crisp at Columbia Harbour House at the Magic Kingdom or the 50s Prime-Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios. (Not up for eating your vegetables first? Take a seat at the bar and you can get your pie without cleaning your plate.)

Another option: The strawberry and apple crumble at Downtown Disney's Raglan Road.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie occupies the space in my brain immediately adjacent to apple pie; perhaps it's the Thanksgiving connection. But pecan pie is a lot harder to come by, especially when it's not actually Thanksgiving.

To find pecans anytime, you have to go to the Deep South -- in this case, Boatwright's Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside.

The next space over in my brain is reserved for pumpkin pie, but I didn't see a single pumpkin pie on the current Disney menu.

Mango Pie

Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Animal Kingdom serves an unusual pie: Mango pie with a shortbread cookie crust, fresh whipped cream and raspberry sauce. The pie has a custard texture. This restaurant is worth a visit whether or not you're on Team Pie.

Key Lime Pie

Where do you go for Key Lime pie? Key West, of course. In this case, Old Key West Resort. It's a bit of a schlep if you're not staying there, but the personal-sized Key Lime pie at Olivia's gets great reviews from guests, especially for its thick graham cracker crust.

A lot more accessible, but a little less pie-like: The Key Lime Tart at Sunshine Seasons at Epcot's Land Pavilion.

Shula's at the Dolphin in the Epcot Resort area also has a true Key Lime pie on the menu. And Downtown Disney is a veritable pie-a-palooza, with key lime on the menu at T-Rex, House of Blues and Cap'n Jack's.

Savory pies

Sure, dessert pies get all the glory, but don't overlook savory pies, especially not when they're on the menu at such great restaurants as Downtown Disney's Raglan Road and Epcot's Rose & Crown.

Raglan Road has a variety of tasty pies (I know; I've tried them all): a traditional shepherd's pie; chicken and wild mushroom pie; a "Beefy Murray," or curry beef pie with spinach, potatoes, mushrooms and apple chutney.

But if you're up for a quick-service meal, try Cooke's of Dublin right next door, which has a selection of traditional meat pies, including fisherman's pie (seafood simmered in white wine sauce with a mashed potato crust), chicken and mushroom pie and beef and lamb pie. (Since you're in the neighborhood, you could follow up your savory pie with a Key Lime pie dessert at any of the Downtown Disney restaurants.)

Back at Epcot, the Rose & Crown Dining Room offers both a cottage pie and vegetable pie with a mashed potato top. (The difference between a cottage pie and a shepherd's pie? The terms are often used interchangeable. But traditionally, a shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb or mutton, while a cottage pie is made with another meat, typically ground beef.)

Happy National Pie Day! Go ahead and pie one on for us!

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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 forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away – but that’s a promise he just can’t keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

So what do you think about the costume?

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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, three-day event where all the wonderful worlds of Disney come together,” Paul Candland, president of The Walt Disney Company Japan said in a news release.

The expo will take place Oct. 12-14, 2013 at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Information on tickets will be announced in March.

D23 Expo Japan will also feature two special exhibitions. The first pays homage to The Walt Disney Company’s 90th Anniversary, D23 and the Walt Disney Archives will present Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, featuring nine decades of treasures from the Archives’ vast collection. The Tokyo Disney Resort will celebrate its 30th year with a special retrospective exhibit.　

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Rachel Booth wins Disney Princess Half Marathon

Rachel Booth crosses the finish line in this Disney

publicity 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 a year ago. Coming in second was Mia Elbon of Nashville, Tenn. at 1:18:04 and coming in third was Megan Jaswell of Johnston, Rhode Island at 1:26:47.

“It never gets old, for sure,” Booth said in a Disney news release. “As I got to Mile 7 and 8 and through Mile 10, I got to see some people (cheering) and that definitely gave me extra incentive.”

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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 a recent visit.

                                                                                                                                                © Steven Liebman

                                                                                                                                                    © Steven Liebman

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                                                                                                        © Steven Liebman

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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 castle and enters a magical world on a quest to break the spell. Featured voices include Christian Bale and Billy Crystal.

"My Neighbor Totoro," is a special 25th anniversary release is also directed by Miyazaki and featured , the voice talents of Dakota and Elle Fanning, Tim Daly and Lea Salonga. The movie follows Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei as they discover their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit named Totoro who can only be seen by the eyes of a child.

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio founded in 1986 by directors Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. It has so far produced 17 films. Disney has the international rights to Ghibli's films.

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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 Disneyland.

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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. 

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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 started enforcing the hour time limit a year ago.

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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 that is why he is having so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain. According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. . . a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.”

In this Disney video, Project Manager Wyatt Winter and Creative Designer Pete Carsillo gives a tour of the queue.

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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 Starbucks

There'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 to the Starbucks opening in the parks.

For years there have been complaints on the quality of the coffee in the parks. Nestle is a corporate sponsor, and Nescafe coffee is sold in many places, which to the coffee aficionado is nothing more than water.

Joffrey’s has been operating coffee kiosks in Disney World since 1995 but now they will be expand and even create special blends of coffee just for Disney guests that will be available at additional locations, including quick-service restaurants and in-room coffee service.






“We are thrilled to be creating unique coffee blends exclusively for Disney guests,” Chris de Mezzo, Joffrey’s roastmaster and chief operating officer said in the release.

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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 Liebman
Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom

Called the Adventurers Outpost, this meeting place will be open starting this spring and be a place "explorers might come together to share tales from their expeditions around the world," according to the Disney Parks Blog.

While Mickey and Minnie will be moving from Camp Minnie-Mickey a few other Disney characters will still be there to greet guests.

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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 by The Willis Clan, Girsa, Three Dollar Band, Nova Celtic, The Farrell Bros., Celtic Wave, Johnny & Justin, Wyndbreakers, Raglan Road house band Creel and Albannach, with a new approach to percussion and Celtic music
• U2 tribute band Elevation, playing Saturday and Sunday
• Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leads Irish Dance Workshops Friday through Sunday and distinguished Dublin-born multi-instrumentalist Declan Masterson, leading Irish Music Workshops
• The Raglan Road Dancers, seven full-time champion dancers, performing daily
• “The Electric Ceili,” Sunday evening, bringing together a host of Irish musicians and dancers

On March 16 and on St. Patrick’s Day, Raglan Road seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to select entertainment on March 16 will include a $5 cover charge; on March 17, the cover will run up to $10.

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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, a new attraction Mystic Point - a Haunted Mansion style attraction - will open.

"Expansion is the number one factor of success," Andrew Kam Min-ho, managing director of the park, told the website.

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Disneyland holding back on special ticket deals to southern California residents

                                                                      © Steven Liebman
The 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 nearly a decade visitors have been offered the special deal from January through May, but with record attendance t the parks since June, when Cars Land opened in the California Adventure, that deal is no longer going to be available, Disney tells the newspaper.

"We regularly evaluate our offerings in the local market," said Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown tells the paper, "and make decisions based on our business needs."

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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 released

Disney 

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 offer Disney a 30 percent location rebate to shoot the remake of "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" by David Fincher, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Lucasfilm

Rumors are going around hot and heavy that the 70-year-old Harrison Ford has signed on for Star Wars Episode VII. The latest comes from the Latino Review, which says it has sources. Now, no one is confirming this, but the Latino Review has an excellent record of getting news out there first.

Marvel

Two "Game of Thrones" stars could end up joining the Marvel Universe.

Peter Dinklage will join the cast of "X-Men: Days of Future Past," according to an announcement made by Director Bryan Singer on Twitter. The movie is set be out July 18, 2014. And Jason Momoa, who played Khal Drogo in the first season of "Game Of Thrones," looks to be on top to play Drax the Destroyer in the upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie, according to the Latino Review.

Pixar

Albert Brooks has closed a deal to reprise the voice Marlin in "Finding Nemo 2" for Disney-Pixar, according to Deadline.

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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.com

The 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 She-Hulk Diaries" Jennifer Walters, a.k.a. She-Hulk, juggles climbing the corporate ladder by day and battling villains and saving the world by night. Yes, it's tough being green (wait, that's a line from another Disney owned character). She does all this while trying to navigate the dating scene.

In "Rogue Touch," the main character Rouge, from the X-men, is a young woman trying to balance  the challenges of everyday life and romance with one major obstacle —her touch is deadly. After accidentally putting her first boyfriend in a coma, she runs away from home where, she meets James and sparks fly, Hyerpeion says.  But James has his own problems.  To elude his mysterious and dangerous family, James shaves his head, dons all black. Stealing a car, they head out on the highway and eventually, Rogue has to decide whether she will unleash her deadly touch to save him.

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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 from American Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama.

In Disneyland, the Voices of Liberty will perform Feb. 18, 19, 22 and 24 at the Main Street Opera House.

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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, including festival-themed food and beverage locations, a la the Food & Wine festival.

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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 Light & Dark Sensor Technology that flashes blue in the brightness of day, and glows red in the shadows of darkness to illustrate the transformation of Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader.

The Clone Captain Rex 2.0sneaker with Revealers Light-up technology looks like a clone trooper helmet and flickers blue light to reveal Clone Captain Rex’s silhouette.

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

Disney publicity photo

As 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 in Daytona Beach, Florida (where a few days later Oz The Great and Powerful’s James Franco will serve as Grand Marshal for the 55th running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series)

March 5-6: Central Park in New York City

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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 8.

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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 character

The 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 icon, including finding a resurgence in the "Toy Story" movie series.

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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 products portfolio forStar Wars,” said Anita Castellar, Global Licensing Manager, Lucasfilm.

JAKKS will debut the figurine at the International Toy Fair in New York City and will be available at major retailers in the Fall 2013.

The agreement also includes rights for additional product categories including flashlights, play tents, and arcade games.

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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 One Mouse Show: Mickey Mouse tells the story of his life, from what it was like to be Oswald the Rabbit's understudy to becoming one of the most recognizable corporate symbols in the world. He talks about his love for Minnie and why they still live in separate houses after all these years, his frustration over his international fame and how that has limited his movie career and his deepsest darkest addiction -- Dole Whip.

Topsy Turvy from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: A foreign-language version of this production ran from 1999 to 2002 in Berlin and received rave reviews. The music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz already sound as if they belong on Broadway. And imagine: the Hunchback swinging above the audience and the theater transformed into a carnival atmosphere for Topsy Turvy Day.

The Jungle Book: This has what might be one of the best jazz music soundtracks around. "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You" would get everyone in the audience moving.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks: This 1971 musical film tells the tale of three siblings during the 1940 London Blitz. They are evacuated to a small village and placed in the care of a woman who turns out to be an apprentice witch. In exchange for their silence, the woman casts a spell on a bedknob that allows the children to travel anywhere on the bed. Think Mary Poppins meets Peter Pan.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: This hard-core psychological drama takes place inside a submarine. Captain Nemo takes aboard three castaways who get caught up in the captain's obsession to command the seas. The fight with the giant squid, tentacles dangling over stage, would rock the audience.

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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 Hollywood Studios at Disney World you'll be able to see movie posters of the Muppet movies we'd like to see:

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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.

                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman

The menu, according to the latest information on the Disney website includes:

The American Adventure:  The Smokehouse - Barbeque and Brews includes pulled pork, smoked brisket and craft beers.

China:  Lotus House will have spring pancake, taro-bacon puff pastry and bubble tea.

France: L’Orangerie will have a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and a selection of French wines.

Florida Fresh:  Watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines.

Fruits by the Glass:  Mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale.

Germany:  Bauernmarkt Farmer's Market will serve  spring pea and mushroom bread pudding, potato pancakes and a variety of beers. 

Italy: Primavera Kitchen will be serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails and Italian wines.

Japan:  Hanami will feature “frushi,” or fruit sushi, grilled seafood sticks and sake. 

Mexico: Jardin de Fiestas will feature crab tostadas, pork tacos, the strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights.

Moroco: Taste of Marrakesh will serve lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula and desert rose cocktail.

Pineapple Promenade: Spiced rum Dole Whip, pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more. 

United Kingdom: The Cottage Savories, Trifles and Tea will have tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.

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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 song "Man Or Muppet" by Bret McKenzie  from "The Muppets" will are going up against "Abraham's Daughter" by T Bone Burnett, Win Butler & Régine Chassagne from "The Hunger Games," "Let Me Be Your Star" by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman from "Smash" and "Safe & Sound" by T Bone Burnett, Taylor Swift, John Paul White & Joy Williams from "The Hunger Games."

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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 by Marc Webb from a screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner, with a previous draft by James Vanderbilt, and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are the producers.

The movie is scheduled to be released May 2, 2014.

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

Disney publicity photo of Senses

The 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 and tranquility associated with nature, according to Disney.

A cave-like grotto will lead to a Jacuzzi room where handmade mosaics will be placed on the wall with heated lounges, a whirlpool and steam room.

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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.

Disneyland

• As 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 two new horses
• Disneyland unveils it's new Ambassador Team.
• The all-new, live stage production, “Mickey and the Magical Map,” debuts this summer.
• An African-American family is suing Disneyland after, the family claims, an actor who portrayed the White Rabbit character from "Alice in Wonderland" refused to hug or touch their children because of their skin color,reports CBS Los Angeles station KCBS-TV.
• The Fantasy Faire opening March 12 will have Maurice’s Treats.

Disney World

• The famous California Grill closed Feb. 1 for a renovation that will last until the end of summer. What's a fine-dining-and-fireworks connoisseur to do until September? We have some suggestions, depending on what you're looking for:
• The day after leading the Baltimore Ravens in a 43-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, quarterback Joe Flacco showed up in Disney World for his parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Universe

• Tickets are on sale for D23's special Fanniversary Celebration events all over the country. 
• Disney to make standalone Star Wars movies
• 'Wreck-It Ralph' wins big at the Annie Awards
• Mariah Carey will premiere her new single 'Almost Home' on Feb. 19 as the lead single from Disney's Oz the Great and Powerful soundtrack.
• Disney unveils new line of fashion clothing and toys based on new Oz movie

Topic of The Week

Are Disney princesses good role models?

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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 and Powerful product reflects the spectacular adventure and stunning world showcased in the film," Jonathan Symington, vice president of licensing for Disney Live Action Studios at Disney Consumer Products said in a news release.

The variety of products include a dress collection from designer Sue Wong, inspired by the character Evanora, Theodora, Glinda and China Girl. The dresses are anywhere from $400 to $800 at Nordstrom and Macy's.

Designer Joe Vilaiwan created over 52 styles of jewelry. And high-fashion designer Jerome Rousseau created shoes available at Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, with a special silver shoe available exclusively at Shoescribe.com. The cost for the shoes, about $600.

If you actually want to dress up as Glinda and Wicked Witch, you can, with adult costumes featuring couture fashion detailing and embellishments, including real feathers, delicate lace and leather. These will be available at Disney Store locations and at DisneyStore.com. from between $350 and $400.

The costumes for little girls are for Glinda costume and China Girl at Disney stores from between $40 to $80.

There are also 11.5 inch dolls featuring Oz, Glinda, Theodora and Evanora at the Disney Store for about $34.50 each.

Other items available include: Oz graphic tees, a necklace and ring set. for girls, Glinda's Signature Tiara and Light up Wand, reversible tutus and fashion dolls.

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