'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. Scriptwriter Mitchell Kapner will write the next installment according to the website.

Read More

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 Liebman

Read More

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 area.

© Mary Liebman

Read More

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 Photo

The 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 Magic" program this year in an effort to offer guests unexpected experiences "big and small that appear, then disappear as the next special surprise debuts."

Here's a look a other Limited Time Magic experiences:

• Disney announces special 'Limited Time Magic' weeks for 2013
• Disney Limited Time Magic for Presidents Day
• Dapper Dans Limited Time Magic Week
• Disney World Limited Time Magic in Canada
• Lunar New Year Limited Time Magic 
• New Orleans Bash Limited Time Magic coming to Disneyland
• True Love Week Limited Time Magic
• Golden Horseshoe Revue Limited Time Magic at Disneyland
• Long Lost Friends Limited Time Magic

Read More

You can now Fan Wrap your car in Star Wars images

From StarWars.com

You'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 things we are most passionate about and create a business," said NickMurray, who co-founded the business with Cory Pacione. "It's a lifelong dream to work with Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise," he said on the Star Wars site.

Read More

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 make the suit or does the suit make the man?

The movie is released on May 3.

What do you think?

Read More

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 green space at the center of the park and gives a closer look at the Enchanted Storybook Castle, which will be the central attraction of the theme park.

“With Shanghai Disneyland, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company.

“Shanghai Disney Resort will bring a classic Disney Parks experience to mainland China and will immerse Chinese guests in a whole new world of creativity, imagination and adventure that only Disney can deliver," said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Read More

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 and you'll see Mickey and Minnie frolicking among the flowers.

Two new designs -- one pink, one black -- will be used on duffel bags, totes and cosmetic bags, among other items.

It feels right that Disney made the announcement today, on the opening day of the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. If you're going to the festival, the bags will be on display -- but not on sale -- at the Festival Center.

Don't worry, you won't have to go back to Epcot to get a bag of your own once they are on sale. They will also be sold online.

Interested in what you can buy at the Flower & Garden Festival? The Disney Parks Blog also has a look at this year's merchandise today.

Read More

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 Disney has a nomination:

MOVIE OF THE YEAR
Django Unchained (The Weinstein Company)

Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company)
TED (Universal Pictures)
The Avengers (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
The Dark Knight Rises (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE
Ben Affleck – Argo (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Bradley Cooper – Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company)
Daniel Day-Lewis – Lincoln (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Jamie Foxx – Django Unchained (The Weinstein Company)
Channing Tatum – Magic Mike (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST ON-SCREEN DUO
Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson – Django Unchained (The Weinstein Company)
Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company)
Mark Wahlberg and Seth MacFarlane as Ted – Ted (Universal Pictures)
Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo – The Avengers (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis – The Campaign (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST FIGHT
Jamie Foxx vs. Candieland Henchmen – Django Unchained (The Weinstein Company)
Daniel Craig vs. Ola Rapace – Skyfall (Sony Pictures)
Mark Wahlberg vs. Seth MacFarlane as Ted – Ted (Universal Pictures)
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner vs. Tom Hiddleston – The Avengers (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Christian Bale vs. Tom Hardy – The Dark Knight Rises (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST VILLAIN
Javier Bardem – Skyfall (Sony Pictures)
Leonardo DiCaprio – Django Unchained (The Weinstein Company)
Marion Cotillard – The Dark Knight Rises (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Tom Hardy – The Dark Knight Rises (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Tom Hiddleston – The Avengers (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Read More

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 like the maid; I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for ten minutes!"

© Steven Liebman

Read More

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 roster of the stars and the schedule of when they speak. 
• This festival will have an all-start cast at The Flower Power concert series. The concert series brings back the "oldies but goodies" singers and bands from yesteryear.
• The festival this year introduces festival kiosks. There will be 12 Garden Marketplaces around World Showcase.
• 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.

Read More

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.

                                                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman

Read More

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 Liebman
Tinker Bell topiary from 2011.

Here's a look at the event, by the numbers:

30 million: Multi-hued blooms blanket the festival

500,000: Plants, trees and shrubs that are planted for the festival

24,000: Cast member hours it took to prepare for the festival.

1,000: Native butterflies in Tinker Bell's Butterfly House

700: Container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns used to landscape Epcot.

400: Walt Disney World horticulturists who installed the festival landscape

225: Floating mini-gardens, each three feet in diameter around the World Showcase.

150: Gardening demonstrations and seminars to be presented.

100: Epcot horticulturists who remain to maintain the topiaries and other festival displays

75: Days of the festival

60: The number of different different species of trees at the festival.

48: Different varieties of bedding plants

47: Types of palms at the festival.

40: The length in feet the "yellow brick road" is in The Land of Oz Garden

30: “Flower Towers” of of several varieties of blooms and plants line Innoventions Plaza

12: Garden marketplaces surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon

Read More

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.

                                                                                                                                                  © Steven Liebman

Read More

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 Lines and some of the items will be available starting March 4 at http://www.disneyparks.com/store.

The new line debuts March 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trend D in Downtown Disney.

Read More

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.

 

Read More

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 Disney.

Read More