Dis-Asia

Disney Dream Portraits by Annie Leibovitz: Behind The Scenes With Olivia Wilde as the Evil Queen

2011-03-08T17:54:00.000+08:00

Video: Disney Cruise Line 2011 European Itineraries

2011-03-04T23:33:00.003+08:00

Video: The Show - March 3, 2011 - Orlando Attractions Magazine - Episode 14

2011-03-04T06:57:00.002+08:00

Video: D23's Disney Geek — March 2, 2011

2011-03-04T06:52:00.000+08:00

Video: Walt Disney World "A Festival with Character "

2011-03-04T06:50:00.000+08:00

Video; On This Day in History: Indiana Jones Adventure Opening Ceremony 1995

2011-03-04T06:45:00.002+08:00

Video: The Clam Shells Have Arrived at Disney California Adventure Park!

2011-03-02T10:32:00.000+08:00

Sneak Peek of a Stage Spectacular Aboard the Disney Dream -- "Disney's Believe"

2011-03-01T09:26:00.002+08:00

Video: Epcot Topiaries Backstage

2011-02-28T08:08:00.002+08:00

Video: Disneyland Paris Welsh festival From 4 to 6 March 2011

2011-02-27T20:34:00.000+08:00

Video: WDW NewsCast - Walt DIsney World News - Feb. 23, 2011 With Lou Mongello

2011-02-26T23:54:00.000+08:00

WDW NewsCast - February 16, 2011

The WDW News Cast - Interactive Walt Disney World news from Lou Mongello of http://WDWRadio.com

Topics this week include:

- Disney's NextGen (Next Generation) Technology
- Disney character FASTPASS

Video: King Triton Joins Cast of Characters at The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure

2011-02-26T18:32:00.000+08:00

King Triton -- who is Ariel's father -- has taken his place on top of the main archway in front of the upcoming attraction The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure in Disney California Adventure park. Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/fZvwgP

Video: Opening Dates Are Set For A Soundsational Summer at Disneyland Resort

2011-02-26T18:29:00.000+08:00

As days get longer and the weather gets warmer (well hopefully!) we are very excited about summer 2011 at the Disneyland Resort. And today I'm thrilled to share the opening dates for three new experiences headed your way. Read more about a Soundsational summer at Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/fXOgg7

Video: California Adventure's Blue Sky Cellar -- The Latest Updates

2011-02-25T11:21:00.002+08:00

The Show - Feb 24, 2011 - Orlando Attractions Magazine - Episode 13

2011-02-25T08:01:00.002+08:00

Video: La Hacienda at Epcot

2011-02-25T07:45:00.000+08:00

Video: Every Role A Starring Role -- Candy Makers at Disneyland Resort

2011-02-25T07:41:00.000+08:00

Video: Haunted Mansion's new hitchhiking ghost projections at Walt Disney World

2011-02-24T13:30:00.002+08:00

Video: Walt's Restaurant at Disneyland Paris

2011-02-24T07:59:00.000+08:00

Video: D23's Disney Geek—February 23, 2011

2011-02-24T07:46:00.000+08:00

Video: From WDW Radio: Disney Dream - Nightlife in The District

2011-02-22T09:23:00.002+08:00

Video: Behind-the-Scenes of "Disney's Believe" - the New Musical Aboard the Disney Dream

2011-02-22T09:18:00.002+08:00

Video: Karamell-Küche at Walt Disney World

2011-02-19T08:58:00.000+08:00

Video Celebrating Presidents' Day at the Hall of Presidents at Disney's Magic Kingdom

2011-02-19T08:54:00.002+08:00

Video: Disney Grad Nite Dates Announced for Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

2011-02-18T07:21:00.002+08:00

Video: Disneyland Fireworks Through the Years

2011-02-18T07:18:00.002+08:00

Video: Disney's Aulani -- From the Ground Up

2011-02-18T07:15:00.000+08:00

Video: WDW NewsCast Feb. 16, 2011 - Walt Disney World News & Rumors - Destination D

2011-02-17T18:39:00.002+08:00

Video: D23's Disney Geek — February 16, 2011

2011-02-17T07:04:00.000+08:00

Great Moments in Movie History with Minnie Mouse "Star Wars"

2011-02-17T02:45:00.002+08:00

New Online Process Makes Checking In Fun, Easy and 'Goofy' for Disney Cruise Line Guests

2011-02-17T02:42:00.002+08:00

Video: 'Disney Junior -- Live on Stage' Opens in March at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts

2011-02-16T07:30:00.002+08:00

Video Ad: Disney Parks "Go With the Flow"

2011-02-16T07:27:00.002+08:00

Video Ad: Disney Parks- "No Worries"

2011-02-16T07:21:00.002+08:00

Video: Disney's 'Ducky' Draws Donald Duck

2011-02-15T23:40:00.002+08:00

Video: Cars 2 Races into Toy Fair 2011

2011-02-15T23:37:00.000+08:00

Sesame Street: Smell Like A Monster spoof of the Old Spice Ad's

2010-10-10T10:13:00.002+08:00

Video: Disney Halloween Spoof: Ghoulish Greeting #1 #2 and #3

2010-10-05T10:31:00.000+08:00

Music Video: Walt Disney Did This To Me (original) By Jake of the FanninEleven

2010-09-03T11:51:00.001+08:00

FanninEleven | September 02, 2010

This is another original by our brother Jake...

I believe in a little thing that they call love
The 'head over heels' 'my heart is racing' kind we all dream of
And I know that's kind of sappy
So I'll try my very best to explain...

Do you remember Peter Pan, the Pixie Man,
He flew his way to Neverland
All just on the notion that he never would grow up
This girl who is starring, she is Wendy, she is 'Darling'
Salt to his pepper, leave his sight he'd never let her

And some might say they were as different as could be
But when together Peter truly felt like he

Like he could fly (x6)

Do you remember belle she was a beauty
and the prince he probably knew that he
was destined for a life under this terrible spell

But the personification
of his common household nation
proved to Belle she loved this beast
and proved the beast loved her as well and now...

Isn't this the reason why we wake up everyday?
Paint a target on our backs and let Cupid have his way...

So we'd become..

A tale as old as time
True as it could be

And I'll admit that I've been brainwashed
But I wouldn't have it any other way
I started young on this diet of Disney
and it's filled my glass up way past halfway

Walt Disney did this...

She was the lady of the water, future queen under the sea
He was a prince up on the mainland and he was searching for beauty
So she traded in her voice for a pair of legs and for some sunsets
And she came ashore one day and she was hoping to get to...

Meet him and in her miming ways greet him
Who would have thought all it took was a blue lagoon?

There you see her, sitting there across the way
She don't got a lot to say but there's something about her
And you don't know why but you're dying to try you wanna
kiss the girl

And as far as I can tell Lady and the Tramp are still together
and I guess that proves spaghetti kisses last forever
Here's my hand, do you trust me? It's a magic carpet ride...
We have to have you home by midnight

Or our carriage will turn into October's decoration
but that's no surprise, the mirror told us it would happen
And you should never take the apple from a lady in the woods
That's an awful spot for retail, so you knew she was up to no good

But it's all ok
"Happy Ever After" is the name of this game.

Video: New Disney World's luxury pet resort, Best Friends Pet Care

2010-09-02T12:17:00.002+08:00

Tokyo Disney Resort Welcomed 500 Millionth Guest

2010-08-27T15:27:00.000+08:00

Japanese housewife Megumi Soma, center, is all smiles as she`s congratulated by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse for being the 500 millionth visitor to the Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea amusement parks near Tokyo at Urayasu, Japan, on Friday Aug. 27, 2010. Soma, who came from Fujioka, north of Tokyo, crossed the gate with her family members to find herself to be the 500 millionth visitor to the landmark theme parks. The Tokyo Disneyland, the first Disneyland outside the United States, opened in April 1983.

Disney cruise ship in Europe rescues 18 people lost at sea

2010-08-10T00:32:00.000+08:00

There was a "magical" ending to a high seas drama in the Mediterranean on Friday as a Disney cruise ship, the Disney Magic, rescued 18 Algerians lost at sea.
A Disney spokeswoman tells USA TODAY the 2,400-passenger vessel joined the search for the Algerians while sailing from Gibraltar to Barcelona. The Algerians reportedly had been stranded on the open water for four to five days.
"The shipboard team heard crew members from two other vessels talking on the radio about sighting the boat and then losing a visual of it, so the Disney Magic then joined the search and quickly spotted the small boat, which had lost power," Disney spokeswoman Rena Langley says.
Confirming a first-hand account from a passenger posted at a Disney fan site over the weekend, Langley says the Disney Magic took the stranded Algerians aboard and provided them with food and cabins.

Source USAToday

Video: Grand opening of Via Napoli pizzeria in the Italy pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World

2010-08-07T18:27:00.002+08:00

Join Mickey, Minnie and the Zucchini sisters at the grand opening of Via Napoli, an authentic Italian pizzeria in Epcot's World Showplace at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The restaurant is run by The Patina Restaurant Group, which also runs the Tutto Italia Ristorante at Epcot. You'll hear from Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti and Vice President of Epcot Dan Cockerell.

Video: World of Color- Aerial View

2010-08-04T12:07:00.002+08:00

Behind the Scenes: Disneyland Performers Prepare for Celebrate! A Street Party

2010-07-30T08:55:00.002+08:00

Disney shuts down monorail after driver gets shocked

2010-07-18T09:59:00.002+08:00

Disney had to shut down its monorail system Saturday night after a driver got an electric shock while flipping a switch.

According to Disney officials, the driver flipped a switch and received a light shock. Disney took him to a hospital only as a precaution. The driver was released with no injuries.

The monorail was shut down for about 20 minutes, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Disney is early bird on new Twitter service

2010-07-16T20:49:00.001+08:00

Walt Disney Studios has become the first advertiser to partner with Twitter on its new Earlybird service.

A new revenue channel for Twitter, Earlybird is designed to provide followers with exclusive deals, sneak peeks, events and discounts for a limited period of time. While advertisers design the offers – deciding on their availability, amount and price – Twitter retweets them to @earlybird followers.

Launched on 6 July and initially focused on the US market, @earlybird has so far attracted more than 60,000 followers.

Walt Disney’s exclusive offer is a two-for-one special deal on tickets for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, which opened in US cinemas this week.

According to the Twitter blog, the programme is just getting started: “We’ve got an amazing line-up of deals to share in the coming days and weeks with people following @earlybird.

“Several times a week, @earlybird will help consumers discover Twitter-exclusive deals in entertainment, fashion, technology, beauty, travel and more. These deals will come directly from our advertising partners and from other companies (including Groupon and Gilt Groupe) that already deliver valuable deals to consumers via Twitter.”

Article courtesy of Businessandleadership.com

Electrician working at Disney complex in Fla. dies

2010-07-10T14:08:00.000+08:00

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Authorities say an electrician working at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida has died after being seriously injured while installing a temporary transformer.
Osceola County sheriff's officials say 50-year-old Steven Snyder of Davenport was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a hospital Friday.
Snyder worked for Buena Vista Construction Company. Disney says he was installing the transformer to supply power to a tent that was under construction. A Disney spokeswoman said the company is grieving with Snyder's family, friends and co-workers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified and authorities are investigating.

Sorce: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jcSevzjw4xIAd2XHBMLRO2RqDligD9GS08F80

Disney loses $270 mln judgment over "Millionaire"

2010-07-08T09:51:00.000+08:00

By Alex Dobuzinskis
LOS ANGELES, July 7 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) will have to pay the British company that created "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" $270 million in unpaid revenues from the popular TV game show, a U.S. jury ruled on Wednesday.
Celador Entertainment had sued Disney six years ago, but the case was only brought to trial in May before a jury in Riverside, California.
Disney chief executive Bob Iger said his company will appeal the decision.
"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" debuted in Britain in 1998 and came to the United States on Disney's ABC network the following year. It became a ratings smash for the Burbank-based Disney, with TV personality Regis Philbin as host.
Paul Smith, chairman of Celador, said the case came down to competing interpretations of the contract between his company and Disney.
"Clearly I'm delighted, this was a David against Goliath story. I think that very few small independent companies would dare to take on the giants -- we did and we won," Smith told Reuters by phone from London.
Celador had claimed it was owed 50 percent of revenue from airings of "Millionaire" in the United States and also from merchandising tied to the show, such as a board game.
Iger, who was among the witnesses called to testify earlier in the trial, told reporters the dispute all boils down to the contract.
"The judge and the jury got it completely wrong," the Disney chief executive said on Wednesday at a media and technology conference in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Celador's Smith said two expert witnesses that the company called to the stand during the trial testified that Celador could be owed between $200 million and $360 million, but that the jury came to its own calculation of $270 million in the case.
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" still airs in syndication in the United States, with Meredith Vieira as host. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Gary Hill)

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0716808220100708

Disney may start Shanghai park work in Nov: 2010

2010-07-06T16:28:00.000+08:00

SHANGHAI — Disney could start building its planned theme park in Shanghai as early as November, a year after Chinese authorities gave the green light for the project, a report said Tuesday.

"Talks on the Disney project are in the final stages and the construction is expected to start as early as November," the China Business News reported, citing an unnamed source.

The park would be Disney's fourth outside the United States and its third in Asia, after Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong -- the last to open in 2005.

All major construction in Shanghai has been suspended until after the World Expo ends on October 31 as part of efforts to improve the city's air quality during the six-month event.
The Shanghai government announced its long-awaited approval for the project in November last year after authorities in Beijing approved Disney's application.

Neither side disclosed any figures or gave a timeframe for the project, but previous reports have said the US entertainment giant will invest 3.6 billion dollars in the 10-square-kilometre (four-square-mile) park.
When asked about the report, Disney said it looked forward to being able to announce a final deal and a timeline for opening in the future.

"Final discussions between Disney and the Shanghai government are not yet complete, and detailed negotiations to produce a final deal will continue for a number of months," a Hong Kong-based Disney spokeswoman told AFP in an email.

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hfw2b5hnomJzxE35SHlXp91ErOaQ

Trailer for The Sorcerer's Apprentice

2010-07-05T17:31:00.000+08:00

Living Statues surprise guests in Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World

2010-07-04T11:47:00.000+08:00

These living, breathing, moving "statues" posed and played with guests during part of June and July 2010 in the Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Watch as a red guitar player and a bronze angel get their picture taken with various guests.

Visit Orlando Attractions Magazine at http://attractionsmagazine.com for more about the statues and other entertainment at Downtown Disney.

Disneyland Paris Remember the Magic - Princess Parade 2006

2010-07-04T11:35:00.002+08:00

25th anniversary of Tinker Bell's pre-fireworks flight at Magic Kingdom.

2010-07-04T11:32:00.000+08:00

e flight. At the time, Tinker Bell had been flying over Disneyland Park in California since the summer of 1961, coasting through the skies from the top of the Matterhorn and over Sleeping Beauty Castle, preceding the park's Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show. But, she had yet to make an appearance in Florida.

It wasn't until 1985 that guests at the Walt Disney World Resort finally got their wish and it was announced that Tinker Bell would perform her first flight at Magic Kingdom Park. The guest response was immediate and a crowd of more than 60,000 showed up to watch the fairy's inaugural flight July 3, 1985.
Originally planned as a seasonal and holiday spectacle for our theme park, the response was so positive that Tinker Bell's flight turned into a nightly event that continues to this day.

Tinker Bell currently makes her nightly appearance at the end of the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular. In the middle of the fireworks, she appears near the top of Cinderella Castle and flies a distance of 850 feet into Tomorrowland. Her trip takes less than 30 seconds.

Attraction Insider: World of Color control room!

2010-07-04T11:28:00.000+08:00

Today, we're taking you behind the scenes and going inside the control room that allows Disney cast members to run "World of Color" every night.

The production uses one of the biggest show control systems ever built. More than 18,000 active points of control are precisely managed by a single system.

In this video, Disneyland Resort Ambassador Danielle DuBois takes us into this technological marvel and speaks with Chuck Davis, Senior Technical Director.

The Fortune Teller on Main Street, U.S.A

2010-07-04T11:23:00.002+08:00

Fireworks tradition at Disneyland Resort

2010-07-04T11:19:00.000+08:00

Video: World of Color- Dancing Fountains at DCA

2010-05-25T13:32:00.000+08:00

The nearly 1,200 fountains in the World of Color are a spectacular combination of water, fire, color, music and dancing. Walt Disney Imagineers wanted the "stars" of the show to move like humans, so they turned to professional choreographer and dancer Joshua Horner to give the fountains life, character and emotion. In this podcast, watch as Imagineers are inspired by Horner as he dances his way through the World of Color. It's another exclusive peek behind the scenes.

Video: Making Minnie Mouse Candy Apples at Marceline's Confectionary

2010-05-25T08:36:00.000+08:00

Have you ever thought about making a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple? Candy maker Margie Bursiaga at Marceline's Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District sure makes it seem simple in this video.
What do you need to get started? An apple on a stick, caramel, marshmallows, melted milk chocolate, melted white chocolate, an edible red bow, red sugar and white chocolate dots.
The apple designs at Marceline's Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District represent a collaboration between candy makers, store management and the product development team. The designs can take more than a month, as candymakers go from developing the concept to producing and selling it in the candy store.
There are more than a dozen different apple selections that change throughout the seasons. Do you have a favorite?

Video: Disneyland Resort- Park Balloons

2010-05-25T08:32:00.000+08:00

Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one, literally. Disneyland has been selling balloons in the Park since 1955. So, how does that cool Mickey Mouse-shaped balloon get inside that clear balloon? It takes skill. And how do the vendors hold all those balloons without letting them go? Again, it takes skill and a special technique. Check out this video and see how they make balloon magic. By the way, if you ever pop a balloon while you are in the Park, just bring it back to the vendor and they will give you a new one!

Video: Mickey can now talk with Guests and Interacted with Them

2010-05-11T12:43:00.000+08:00

Mickey, who usually saves his voice for shows and parades, talked with guests and interacted with them in never-before-seen ways! This was part of a process we call "play-testing", as it gives us a chance to develop new concepts with our guests long before they end up in the Parks. "We're always looking for innovative ways to let guests interact with our beloved characters," says Disney Imagineer and head of Advanced Development Scott Trowbridge. "And we have many more surprises up our sleeves."
Since many guests did not have an opportunity to experience this, here's a short video that shows some of the fun.

Video: Disney's Harmony Barber Shop A Cut Above

2010-05-06T08:07:00.002+08:00

Even Michael Jackson's millions couldn't buy Disney desk

2010-05-04T07:31:00.001+08:00

What price decades of Disney treasure? Who knows, because not even one of its top historians can put a dollar value on memorabilia from the Magic Kingdom. Dave Smith, who started the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, says they have millions of historic Disney items in warehouses, many of which still come in handy.
"Disney is a company that reuses its past all the time," said Smith, who is visiting Hong Kong Disneyland for the first time. "We still need information about old projects to do new ones."

Among the items he brought with him are the first Disney publication in Hong Kong - a 101 Dalmatians comic book - and drawings by Walt Disney when he was a teenager.mSmith says once it's in the archives it can't be sold.

The late King of Pop Michael Jackson even tried to buy the company founder's old desk.
"I think a million dollars was mentioned," he said. "But no, we are like a museum - we don't sell."

source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=21&art_id=97758&sid=28103370&con_type=1&d_str=20100504&fc=1

Video: The Stage is Set for World of Color

2010-05-01T07:28:00.000+08:00

Video: Tokyo Disneyland Jungle Cruise.

2010-04-23T14:43:00.002+08:00

Video: DCA World of Color Debuts June 11th!

2010-04-22T08:12:00.002+08:00

Video: A Model Vacation on Disney Cruise Line- Exclusive Tilt-Shift Vide

2010-04-20T06:01:00.003+08:00

Disney Gives Record 251,000 VoluntEAR Hours and $28.5 Million to Central Florida

2010-04-17T19:25:00.000+08:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 12, 2010 – Highlighting the many ways that Walt Disney World Resort makes dreams come true within and beyond its borders, the newly released 2009 Community Report showcases Disney’s ongoing and active involvement in Central Florida - a legacy set forth many decades ago by Walt Disney himself.

“Walt Disney World Resort and its Cast Members work daily to help realize the dreams of our community,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We actively seek ways to conduct our business in the most responsible way.”

As the largest single private employment site in the United States, Walt Disney World Resort and its more than 58,000 Cast Members play a vital role in Central Florida. The 2009 Community Report details their commitment with a focus on Disney’s accomplishments related to the environment, workplace and community, with a special emphasis on the well-being of children and families.

In 2009, Walt Disney World Resort contributed more than $28.5 million to community efforts, granted nearly 7,000 wish trips to children facing life-threatening medical conditions and generated approximately $586 million in taxes to Central Florida governments. Other highlights include:

Disney Cast Members Reach Record Level of Volunteerism

In 2009, Disney VoluntEARS gave a record 251,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, from donating more than 650,000 school supplies to local students through A Gift For Teaching and S.T.A.R.S. to serving 9,000 meals at Coalition for the Homeless. In addition, 130 Disney Cast Members provided support to local non-profits by serving on their boards.

The momentum continued earlier this year through “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.,” which inspired one million people to give back to their communities through volunteer service. More than 6,500 Central Floridians joined in 303 local “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” projects, ranging from community beautification events to sorting food for the hungry. “This was a starting point for many people,” said Chris Allen, Executive Director of HandsOn Orlando, the agency that oversaw many of the efforts. “We’ve found that if first-time volunteers have a great experience, they realize their potential and want to do more. Many will go on to volunteer again and again.”

Eco-Friendly Actions Make Big Impact

In 2009, The Walt Disney Company announced environmental goals to help manage and minimize its overall impact on the environment and inspire others to action. At Walt Disney World Resort, waste management and energy conservation initiatives are yielding impressive results. More than 92,000 tons of waste was diverted from landfills in 2009 through recycling efforts, enough to fill Spaceship Earth at Epcot more than seven times. Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort has reduced energy consumption by more than 5% since 2006, enough to power 4,100 Central Florida homes for a year.

Central Florida Charities “Shine On” With Disney Grants

Celebrating those who work tirelessly to build better futures for Central Florida’s children, Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $700,000 in grants to 34 non-profit organizations via prize patrols that blanketed the region in May 2009. Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants recognize charities that commit their time and talent to making a difference in the lives of Central Florida’s children through programs that focus on connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion. Top recipients in 2009 were Coalition for the Homeless and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida.

“Walt Disney World Resort is always looking for ways to invest in the children of Central Florida and demonstrate our commitment to their healthy development,” says Shannon McAleavey, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Walt Disney World Resort. “We look to collaborate with organizations that will help us make a difference in children’s lives through long-term, sustainable efforts. Ultimately, this creates a stronger community for us all.”

More than 170 local charities applied for 2010 Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants. Applicants will discover if they will be Disney Grants recipients this May, when prize patrols will yet again descend across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake Counties to award funding to those selected. Learn more about Disney’s charitable contributions, VoluntEAR efforts in the community, the company’s environmental stewardship and its initiatives that benefit and enhance the quality of life for Cast Members by reading the 2009 Community Report at www.wdwpublicaffairs.com/Resources/pdf/WDW_v13.pdf.

Video: A Look Around Tokyo Disney Sea

2010-04-15T20:47:00.000+08:00

Tokyo Disneyland Disney's Easter Wonderland Parade

2010-04-15T15:32:00.002+08:00

Video: Look Around Tokyo Disneyland Park

2010-04-14T20:26:00.001+08:00

Video: Tokyo Disneyland Pooh's Hunny Hunt

2010-04-14T05:25:00.000+08:00

What a great Dark Ride I would put it at the Top of my List as the Best Disney Dark Ride. Created on April 13, 2010 using FlipShare.

Video: Interview: Bestselling Author, Ridley Pearson, at Walt Disney World

2010-04-11T05:17:00.002+08:00

Eddie Carroll, voice of Jiminy Cricket and Jack Benny impersonator, dies at 76

2010-04-11T04:49:00.000+08:00

Eddie Carroll, an actor who for decades gave voice to Jiminy Cricket in Disney projects and impersonated Jack Benny in a noted one-man stage show, has died. He was 76.

Carroll died Tuesday from a brain tumor at the Motion Picture & Television Hospital in Woodland Hills, said his wife, Carolyn.

"He was so proud to do both roles," his wife said. "He just admired the whole fantasy of Jiminy Cricket, and he loved the man . . . who was Jack Benny."

In 1973, Carroll became only the second actor to voice the cricket, who was the title character's conscience in the 1940 animated film "Pinocchio."

Before auditioning, Carroll studied Jiminy's signature song, "When You Wish Upon a Star," sung by Cliff Edwards, who died in 1971. The Canadian-born Carroll realized that he needed to adopt a Midwestern accent.

His agent did "back flips" when Carroll got the part, he told the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News in 2008. "He knew the role was a cottage industry. . . . There's something practically every month -- a singalong film, computer game, recording as spokesman for Disney on Ice, a show at Disneyland or Disney World."

No one else has voiced a Disney character for as long as Carroll did, said Rick Dempsey, senior vice president of Disney's Character Voices division.

"He totally was Jiminy Cricket," Dempsey said. "He really took what the character was into his own heart and in a sense lived that in his own life. He also was one of the best Jack Benny impersonators on the planet."

When a crew member on a 1982 film set dropped a prop that ruined a scene, Carroll broke the tension by bursting out with a trademark Benny line, "Oh, for heaven's sake, Rochester!" and "everybody laughed," he later recalled.

It led to him being cast in the one-man show, "A Small Eternity With Jack Benny," which opened in 1983 in Santa Monica.

After touring in that show for a year, he wrote his own tribute, "Jack Benny: Laughter in Bloom," and continued appearing as the comedian, who died in 1974, until late last year. He often toured six months a year.

Los Angeles magazine's reaction to the show in the 1990s was typical: "Before our eyes, he truly becomes the legendary comedian."

Laura Leff, president of the International Jack Benny Fan Club, told The Times: "Jack's humor is based so much around character, and Eddie was able to re-create that in a very authentic way. It was the next best thing to having Jack himself there."

Eddie Eleniak was born Sept. 5, 1933, in Edmonton, Canada, and acted in high school alongside another student, Robert Goulet.

A bout with polio was not that far behind him when Carroll came to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s with Goulet as part of an NBC talent program.

Soon after moving to the U.S., Carroll served in the Army. For two years, he wrote and produced shows for Armed Forces Radio and Television.

When his mother suggested he needed a simpler last name, he adopted "Carroll" for a favorite aunt.

In an acting class after the war, he met Jamie Farr, who would appear in the TV series " MASH." They formed a production company in the 1960s that developed a number of projects for networks and studios.

"We were like brothers, and we still are," Carroll said in 2005 in the Toledo (Ohio) Blade.

Carroll had appeared in more than 200 commercials, , and was a regular on the early 1970s variety program "The Don Knotts Show."

To convincingly portray Benny, Carroll taught himself to play violin and joked with a Times reporter in 1999: "Thank goodness Benny wasn't a great violinist or I'd be in trouble."

After walking onstage as Benny, he would put the violin down and drolly say, "Don't look so relieved; I play it later."

Actress Erika Eleniak of TV's "Baywatch" is his niece.

For almost 37 years, he lived in Encino with Carolyn, whom he married in 1963.

He is also survived by his children, Tia Monti and Leland Carroll; and two brothers, Bob Elen and Dale Eleniak, all of Los Angeles.

source Los Angeles Times.

Video: Check out the New D Street store Downtown Disney from MagicCityMayhem

2010-04-10T09:39:00.001+08:00

A new store at Downtown Disney Orlando. Featuring tons of Vinylmation!
More great video's at http://www.youtube.com/user/MagicCityMayhem

Disney Cruise Line and Michelin-starred Chef Create Perfect Pairing with French-inspired Remy On the Disney Dream

2010-04-09T07:38:00.000+08:00

CELEBRATION, Fla. – In an exquisite, top-deck restaurant with incredible ocean views, Disney Cruise Line debuts Remy – its first-ever premier dining option. With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, Remy melds classic and contemporary styles in a sophisticated new dining concept exclusively for adults on the Disney Dream.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort, are collaborating to create a French-inspired menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients sourced from around the world.

Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek of Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort and Chef Mattieu Gerard Siegrist of l’Assiette Champenoise will lend their talents to create Remy’s savory breads and delectable dessert offerings.

French-trained Chef Patrick Albert, executive chef for Remy, oversees an all-star culinary team that will provide guests with a superb experience and epicurean excellence each day aboard the ship.

“Remy, a first-of-its-kind onboard experience, takes Disney Cruise Line dining to new heights,” said Ozer Balli, vice president, Disney Cruise Line Hotel Operations. “The extraordinary success of Palo on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder encouraged us to create this elegant, upscale and even more intimate dining experience for the Disney Dream.”

Dinner at Remy is a lavish and leisurely affair, starting with a signature chilled Champagne cocktail made tableside, followed by eight to nine small courses complemented by a stellar wine list. Lallement’s cuisine is simple and stylish, such as roasted lobster with cream, and fresh asparagus with black truffles and vin jaune. It earns l’Assiette Champenoise two stars (of a possible three) from Michelin, making the experience “excellent cooking and worth a detour.” Hunnel’s innovative dishes offer small tastes of everything from wild caviar to Kobe beef and Japanese Wagyu strip loin. His cuisine earns Victoria & Albert’s the coveted AAA Five Diamonds, a rating accorded a mere 0.19 percent of restaurants in North America and the Caribbean.

Polished touches at Remy include a tableside trolley for serving international cheeses, decanting stations for wines, and post-prandial coffee service including French press and grand crème.

With a subtle nod to the hit Disney•Pixar film “Ratatouille” and its diminutive French star Remy, the softly lit main dining room with seating for 80 is designed in Art Nouveau style with a palate of soft greens, deep reds and rich gold. The restaurant’s classic French design features graceful sinuous lines on chair backs, etched in glass and in wall treatments, and Nouveau-style floral and leaf design in the carpet and banquettes, and warm lighting. The famous Remy character is subtly and artfully integrated into the design.

Tables are elegantly set with Frette linens, Riedel glassware, Christofle silverware and china made exclusively for Remy, with gracious accents such as purse stools for women’s handbags. The attentive serving staff is part of the sophisticated story, dressed in long white aprons, black jackets or burgundy vests, and bow ties. “From the moment our guests walk through the door, they are seamlessly transported to a fine French dining experience,” said Balli.

The private Chef’s Table dining room seats 16 and offers a glimpse into the kitchen. The room is furnished with rich “Ratatouille”-inspired décor – bold red carpet, chairs and drapes with touches of gold, opulent chandeliers, and scenes of Paris on the walls. The private Chef’s Table dining room has its own entrance to the kitchen to allow the chefs easy access, and offers a special multi-course menu.

A glass-walled wine room with marble flooring has seating for up to 16 guests amid more than 900 bottles of wine including a fine rare selection of Old World wines balanced with a solid selection of New World wines. Once dinner is booked and guests are on board, they are invited to meet with a sommelier in Remy’s wine room to taste and pre-select their wines for the evening.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

Video: Frontierland Hoedown Happening at Magic Kingdom Park

2010-04-09T07:34:00.000+08:00

It has been part of the park experience over the years- The Frontierland Hoedown Happening is the latest installmentand you can be part of the show!
The action begins without notice at Walt Disney World, when a lone operator from Big Thunder Mountain walks into the street and starts waving their hat. Soon other residents of Frontierland join in, including the Country Bears and other friends.
When the last song ends, the Frontierland performers thank everyone for joining in and go back to their business — until a Frontierland Hoedown Happening happens again. Have you experienced it yet?

Video: Sweet Sunday at the Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival

2010-04-08T10:29:00.000+08:00

If the video makes your sweet tooth ache for more, here are some details to help you decide which event will satisfy your craving.

Date: Sundays, April 18, May 2, 16, 23 (other dates are sold out)
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Festival Showplace, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Disney’s California Adventure park
Price: $70 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. You can book online and check the latest information at disneyland.com/foodandwine.

**Guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend; valid ID required. Advance reservations required. Space is limited. Admission to Disney’s California Adventure park is required for events held within the Park and is not included in the event price.

Video: Finding Inspiration at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

2010-04-07T10:32:00.000+08:00

Space Shuttle Discovery Soars Over Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World

2010-04-06T08:36:00.000+08:00

Photo by Kent Phillip for Disney

Yet Another Bus Crash at Walt Disney World

2010-04-04T07:36:00.000+08:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA -- A Disney bus driver is now facing charges crashing into an SUV.

Officials said the crash was not as severe as Thursday’s deadly Disney crash that killed a 9-year-old boy.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the latest accident happened late Saturday morning, when the bus rear-ended an Ohio man’s SUV at World Drive and Buena Vista Drive, near the entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The SUV was then pushed into a Disney-owned van.
Troopers said the impact in Saturday’s crash was minor, but the bus driver, identified as Fredrick Cassens, 80, of Auburndale, needed some medical assistance.
Officials said Cassens did not have to go to the hospital.
Cassens has been charged with careless driving.
The other drivers were identified as Mark Sigman, 47, of Ohio, in the SUV; and Brianna Berry, 20, of Texas, driving the van.
The latest bus accident at Walt Disney World comes just two days after Chase Brubaker, 9, died after he was run over by a bus Thursday while riding his bicycle at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
Troopers said Chase’s bike swerved into the road and hit the bus, but the boy’s parents said Friday that Disney was to blame for the death of their son.

Source: http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/4/3/another_disney_bus_involved_in_crash.html

A Glimpse of the Circle D Corral at Disneyland Park

2010-04-03T21:18:00.002+08:00

Rare Video of Mickey Mouse Dancing at WDW.

2010-04-03T21:16:00.002+08:00

Video Update: What’s Coming Up at Disney’s California Adventure Park

2010-04-03T21:13:00.000+08:00

Every Role a Starring Role – Behind the Scenes with the Jungle Cruise Horticulture Team

2010-04-03T21:07:00.002+08:00

Disneyland Resort Offer- Pirates TV Spot!

2010-04-03T08:14:00.002+08:00

Suicides shock France's Disney park

2010-04-02T11:17:00.000+08:00

By Cheryl Roussel in Paris

Disneyland Paris is investigating after two park employees committed suicide in the past six weeks, under working conditions which a trade union described as "humiliating".

A Eurodisney chef hanged himself at his home near Paris last Friday, on the same day he was due to return to work after a period of sick leave. According to the Disneyland branch of the trade union federation, Force Ouvrière, the worker, in his 40s, had told colleagues he wanted to leave his job because he was struggling with demands to "increase figures with fewer resources".

Disneyland Paris directors have denied the suicide was work-related and said that it should not be made "a symbol of something it isn't." It added that the chef had been "highly appreciated by his managers" and well-integrated with fellow employees.

The company has organised a meeting with the chef's fellow employees to discuss the suicide and its possible causes.

Trade union representative, Mary Lyn Lesueur, acknowledged the man's personal problems contributed to his death but insisted that, "it's certain that there is a real management problem at Disney".

The worker was not the first Disneyland chef to commit suicide in recent weeks. On 21 February a 30-year-old chef de partie (line cook) from the park threw himself in front of a train after working in conditions which a trade union spokesman called "humiliating".

Only the day before, a 22-year-old employee had threatened to commit suicide within the park itself. Disneyland directors immediately voted to open an investigation to "identify possible factors of stress or harassment" which could have led to the first suicide.

Stress-related suicides became a much-discussed issue in France last year after it was revealed that France Télécom had been hit by a spate of suicides. Trade union leaders blamed job cuts and a brutal management culture at the company, where at least 44 members of staff have taken their own lives since 2008.

The French government approved Eurodisney's approach to work-related stress just days before the first suicide.

source : http://www.independent.co.uk

Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea Visitors Down 5.2% In FY09

2010-04-02T11:03:00.002+08:00

"Disney's Easter Wonderland"

TOKYO (NQN)--Oriental Land Co. (4661) said Thursday the number of visitors to its Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea theme parks declined 5.2% on the year to 25.81 million in fiscal 2009.
The fall was attributed to a deadly flu outbreak and the fact that visitor numbers were bumped up in fiscal 2008 because that year marked the 25th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort.
However, the figure exceeded the target set at the outset of the year by 4 million people and is the second-largest total ever. Visitor numbers have been on a moderate uptrend.

Boy killed at Disney World

2010-04-02T10:46:00.000+08:00

A 10-YEAR-OLD boy was struck by a bus and killed on Thursday while riding his bicycle in a wooded part of Walt Disney World in Florida, US media reported.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that the boy was riding with an 11-year-old friend on a two-lane road that loops around part of the resort when he was hit by the bus. He died at the scene, but the girl he was riding with was not injured.

'We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the boy's family and loved ones for their loss,' Disney spokesman Andrea Finger told the daily. 'We're currently providing the necessary resources and care to help the family with this situation.'

Ms Finger said the bus driver and the 28 passengers were being interviewed by authorities.
There is a sidewalk along the road where the accident occurred, but the paper said it was unclear whether the children were riding in the road or on the sidewalk.

This week is one of the busiest times of the year for Disney, as many US schools are closed for the week leading up to Easter,

Video: THE LION KING: Celebrating 10 Years in London

2010-03-25T08:36:00.000+08:00

The 10th Anniversary in London was a huge celebration. Watch interviews with the creative team and celebrities, and see glimpses of the momentous performance.

Disneyland Band Performs Music Education Concerts

2010-03-19T11:44:00.000+08:00

The Disneyland Band has been entertaining guests since the park opened on July 17, 1955. Over the past 27 years, the band has performed annual music education concerts for 40,000 second graders from throughout Orange County. The 45-minute performances introduce musical instruments, music styles and proper concert manners. The concerts, which are based on California education standards, take place in a number of venues including the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Princess Tiana Joins Disney Princess Court

2010-03-19T11:38:00.002+08:00

At a star-studded event highlighted by a rare gathering of all eight Disney Princess characters, Princess Tiana was warmly and regally welcomed as the ninth member of the beloved Disney Princess Royal Court during a magical crowning ceremony at the historic New York Palace in Manhattan. Celebrity guests included, Anika Noni Rose (voice of Tiana), Michael Leon Wooley (voice of Louis the alligator), Jennifer Cody (voice of Charlotte) plus Tina Fey, Melissa Joan Hart, Audra McDonald, Kelly Rutherford, Nigel Barker and more. Tiana will now forever be celebrated and recognized as a Disney Princess across The Walt Disney Company and will be included in Disney Princess products alongside the other princess characters starting this July. The special event also celebrated the arrival of The Princess and the Frog on Disney Blu-Ray.

Video: Travel down the road with the Main Street Electrical Parade from 1999

2010-03-17T00:25:00.000+08:00

Florida Hospital for Children Unveils 1st Milestone of the Walt Disney Pavilion

2010-03-14T00:43:00.000+08:00

ORLANDO, Fla., Mar. 11, 2010 – With help from a world-famous mouse, dozens of eager children and a shower of confetti, officials opened the doors to the welcoming, new lobby of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children and unveiled the first physical milestone of the hospital’s innovative model of pediatric health. The entrance serves as a gateway to the remainder of the children’s hospital where the smallest patients from around the world will receive superior treatment and care from renowned physicians.

Inspired by the soothing environment of nature, the lobby features beloved and nurturing Disney characters such as Timon and Pumbaa from “The Lion King,” Flounder and Sebastian from “The Little Mermaid” and Rutt and Tuke from “Brother Bear.” Walt Disney Imagineers designed the space with these thoughtfully chosen characters to complement the hospital’s healing environment where young patients are supported by caring, medical professionals, along with family and friends.

“Our goal is to create a therapeutic environment that reflects the type of attention and care children and their families receive during their visit,” said Marla Silliman, administrator of Florida Hospital for Children. “With this captivating entrance, we hope young patients overcome the apprehension of a hospital stay by engaging them in a world of fantasy, imagination and adventure.”

“I didn’t feel like I was in a hospital,” said Kyle Bennett, a 6-year-old boy from Orlando. “’The Little Mermaid’ section of the lobby was my favorite part and I loved scaring the salmon away.”

The lobby of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children features several interactive activities and experiences that children of all ages can enjoy to ultimately enhance patient experience. For example, kids can fish for virtual salmon, step into a safari to touch and illuminate markings on a cave wall, generate jungle sounds on musical step pads, swat chirping bugs that glow during an engaging game that tests memory skills or play in a magical world of bubbles and dancing creatures from under the sea.

“This lobby was created with all the care and attention to detail that we devote to an attraction in our theme parks,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s a place to leave worries behind and replace them with immersive, interactive fun. We’re delighted to have helped create a calm and relaxing environment for the children and families who will come here for care.”

As part of a part of a $10 million commitment by Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Worldwide Outreach, the lobby represents the first in a series of significant milestones for the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children. Construction and renovations are currently underway and will continue throughout the year to complete units and patient rooms. By early 2011, the addition including seven stories and more than 200 dedicated pediatric beds, will open featuring concepts, colors, sounds and themes inspired by the lobby design. While patients, families and visitors will enter through the lobby, the same calming and reassuring atmosphere will be reflected throughout the entire Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children facility.

Florida Hospital is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to help complete the development of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children.

About the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children
The Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children is a full-service facility served by more than 70 pediatric specialists, one of the largest panels of pediatric experts in Central Florida and a highly trained pediatric team of more than 600 employees. This unique children’s hospital provides patients with private, family-centered pediatric rooms, a dedicated pediatric emergency department and an Advanced Center for Pediatric Surgery. The Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children delivers a complete range of pediatric health services for younger patients including advanced surgery, oncology, neurosurgery, cardiology and transplant services; full-service pediatrics; and an innovative health and obesity platform. The recent expansion includes a seven-floor dedicated entrance, three-story lobby, and when completed the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children will have a total of more than 200 pediatric beds.

Video: Sherman Brothers Honored with Window on Main Street, U.S.A.

2010-03-12T08:57:00.000+08:00

Theyve written some of the most memorable songs in Disney theme park and motion picture history, and on March 11, 2010, the Academy Award-winning composers of the music from Its a Small World and The Enchanted Tiki Room, as well as Mary Poppins, will receive the highest honor that the Disneyland Resort bestows. The Sherman brothers, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, will receive a tribute window on Main Street, U.S.A.

Video: Disney•Pixar Animation Brings “World of Color” to Life

2010-03-09T08:35:00.000+08:00

Time-Lapse Video: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

2010-03-09T08:30:00.002+08:00

What Do You Do When it’s Raining at Disneyland ?

2010-03-09T08:26:00.000+08:00

St David's Welsh Festival 2010 - Fireworks at Paris Disneyland

2010-03-09T08:14:00.002+08:00

St David's Welsh Festival 2010 - Fireworks
6-7 March 2010

Disney Cruise Line Funnel Nearing Completion

2010-03-03T23:04:00.000+08:00

The funnel for the Disney Dream cruise ship is in the final stages of construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the iconic piece is being painted before it is permanently mounted to Disney's newest ship. The finishing paint coats will be applied, transforming the piece from its current unadorned state, into the traditional red and black colored smokestack that has become the icon for all Disney ships