Price increase for lockers, wheelchairs and scooters

Walt Disney World raises rental prices for lockers, wheelchairs and scooters Orlando Sentinel Walt Disney World this week hiked rental prices for some frequently used items by between 11 percent and 60 percent. The price of renting a small locker in one of the resort’s four theme parks climbs from $5 per day to $7 per day, up 40 percent. A large locker jumps from $7 to $9, a 29 percent increase. The price hikes are steeper in Disney’s two water parks. Small lockers rise from $5 to $8, up 60 percent, and large lockers rise from $7 to $10, up 43 percent. Meanwhile, the cost of renting a wheelchair goes from $10 per day to $12 per day, a 20 percent increase. And the cost of renting one of the resort’s electric scooters goes from $45 per day to $50 per day, an 11 percent increase. Disney says the refundable deposit charges for wheelchairs and scooters haven’t changed. by Jason Garcia complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Bruckheimer 'Alien Legion' comic project

Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney Developing 'Alien Legion' Cinematical Science fiction comic Alien Legion is on its way to the big screen. USA Today sat down all its creators, and Carl Potts revealed that Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney were currently developing a feature film out of the series. Derek Haas and Michael Brandt are currently working on the third draft of the script, and Disney is undoubtedly hoping it could become another blockbuster franchise. I'd love to see the Mouse House actually develop a viable sci-fi franchise of their own, and Alien Legion is certainly a very promising series. Potts described Alien Legion as "the Foreign Legion in space," and it's probably best described as melting pot of military and sci-fi, as Star Trek, Star Wars and The Dirty Dozen all influenced its vision of intergalactic soldiers banding together for honor, fortune, and adventure. by Elisabeth Rappe complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Toy Story Mania! wins TEA award

And the Winner is... Disney Parks Blog Just today, Walt Disney Imagineering was honored with the top award within the themed entertainment industry. TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) announced that Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s California Adventure Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios received the Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Attraction. TEA praised the attraction as “a suite of many technical and creative innovations.” Including this latest award, Walt Disney Imagineering has received a total of 34 awards throughout the Thea Awards’ 16-year history, including nine previous wins in the attraction category. Some of Disney’s past recipients of Awards for Outstanding Achievement for an Attraction include Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Soarin’ Over California at Disney’s California Adventure Park, Indiana Jones® Adventure at Disneyland Park, Space Mountain, From the Earth to the Moon at Disneyland Paris and CineMagique at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. Indiana Jones® is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. by Heather Hust Rivera complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Shanghai officials to visit WDW

Disney to bring delegation from China to Orlando as design of Shanghai Disneyland continues Orlando Sentinel The Walt Disney Co. plans to bring a delegation from Shanghai to Orlando early next month for a series of briefings with executives at Walt Disney World, as the company accelerates design of its first resort on mainland China. The meetings, which will include tours of Disney World’s fire and emergency-response operations and water-quality-monitoring labs, come with Disney attempting to finalize an agreement to build Shanghai Disneyland in the world’s most populous country. Studying Disney World’s infrastructure may be important as Disney is believed to be planning a multi-park destination resort in Shanghai that could ultimately rival its Orlando property in size — much larger than Disney’s other theme-park resorts in California, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. “We’re just going to show them what we do,” said Ray Maxwell, district administrator for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the government district responsible for emergency response, environmental monitoring and other functions at Disney World. Maxwell said the briefings that involve Reedy Creek are designed to show “what are the needs of developing a theme park and what are the ongoing needs.” A spokesman for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts declined to provide further details of the meetings, which are scheduled for the first week of December. “We’ve hosted Chinese delegations at Disney locations in Florida and California on multiple occasions since we began negotiations more than a decade ago,” spokesman John Nicoletti said. by Jason Garcia complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Disney avoids swine flu

Disney adds sanitizer stations to prevent swine flu Orange County Register Disney officials are trying to make it easy for visitors and employees alike to prevent the spread of illness by placing hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the resort. The dispensers were installed in early November, said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman. With about 20 million visitors into both Anaheim parks annually, the opportunities for the spread of the H1N1 virus are ample: Excited children hug Mickey Mouse and Cinderella. Thousands of guests board carriages on rides daily. Food merchants are everywhere. Disneyland Resort has taken the following steps: Hand sanitizer dispensers are in key spots, including Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure entrances, near character meet-and-great areas and in hotel lobbies. The parks have a total of 16 stations. Guests can buy sanitizer for $1 at 60 locations in the theme parks. Reminder signs are up at the free dispenser spots. Brochures now include information about the dispenser locations and flu-prevention tips. Workers are intensifying their cleanings of drinking fountains, phones and other surfaces that are frequently touched. Employees with regular guest contact are given hand sanitizer. Custodians and hotel room cleaners are allowed to wear gloves. by Sarah Tully complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Most Sophisticated Audio-Animatronics Technology

Blog Exclusive: First Video of the Most Sophisticated Audio-Animatronics Technology Yet Disney Parks Blog The new, fully-electric head allowed Imagineers to add new technology and functionality to a figure that has entertained Disneyland guests since 1965. The previous Lincoln head and face had seven functions, and the new and improved head and face has a total of 20 functions. Lincoln can now purse his lips, smile, grimace and form an “O” with his lips. Don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. The classic attraction is scheduled to re-open at Disneyland Park in December. The fascinating figure – along with new and classic show elements – continue the Disney tradition of merging great storytelling with breathtaking technical innovation. The rich and moving show provides a patriotic tribute to our nation’s 16th president. by Heather Hust Rivera complete article

Submitted by Neo

Rasulo and Staggs switch jobs

Disney to switch top finance exec, theme parks chairman Orlando Sentinel The Walt Disney Co. is shaking up leadership of its global theme parks division, announcing this afternoon that Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs will be moved to become chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The division’s current chairman, Jay Rasulo, will take Staggs’ place as Disney Co. CFO. The executives will assume their new roles at the end of the year. Disney characterized the unusual swap as one as that provides new opportunities to a pair of its top executives. A person familiar with Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger’s thinking said the move is also designed to prevent independent ’silos’ from developing in Disney’s different divisions. The move has been interpreted in some quarters as a sign that Disney is grooming Staggs to eventually become Disney Co. president — which would put him in position to eventually succeed Iger, 58. Though highly regarded, Staggs is seen as lacking operational experience. The person familiar with the decision said the move was unrelated to succession planning. by Jason Garcia complete article

Related Article:
Disney's Iger on executive shuffle
LA Times

Press Release:
The Walt Disney Company Announces Executive Changes
BussinessWire

Submitted by Ezra

Parks revenues dropped last year

Revenues drop at Disney parks last year Orange County Register Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ revenues dropped by 7 percent, or $10.7 billion, in the fiscal year that just ended compared to the prior year, according to financial statements released today. Guests spent less on merchandise, got deals on ticket prices and paid discounted room rates, resulting in a decrease in revenue, according to a press release. The overall figures are for Parks and Resorts worldwide, which includes Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Check back later today for more details, including information about Anaheim parks and hotels. Or, listen to a conference call HERE. by Sarah Tully

Submitted by Ezra

Epcot retires holiday light archway

Disney officially retires the Lights of Winter holiday archway at Epcot Orlando Attractions Magazine With Christmas decorations beginning to show up all over Walt Disney World, fans have wondered when the popular Lights of Winter archways linking Epcot’s Future World and the World Showcase would be installed. The answer: they won’t. Today Disney announced that the Lights of Winter have officially been retired. From the official Disney Parks Twitter account: Quote: Note:The Lights of Winter at Epcot has been enjoyed for years. But tech to operate the lights is obsolete, prompting us to retire the lights Many Disney fans who are displeased with the removal of this holiday staple. The Lights of Winter have flickered on and off, synchronized to holiday music for many years. Their retirement now leaves the nightly Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park as the primary spot to watch dancing lights for Disney park goers. by Ricky Brigante

Submitted by Ezra

Rich Ross restructures roster of studio executives

Ross shuffles Disney execs Restructuring hits marketing, distribution, operations Variety Walt Disney Studios has unveiled a major restructuring of its marketing, distribution and operations division, an overhaul driven by newly appointed chairman Rich Ross. Ross has essentially appointed a single executive to oversee each key division at the studio, with those areas not only covering film but TV in some cases, as well. Move comes after Mark Zoradi announced on Monday his resignation as president of worldwide marketing and distribution of the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group. Disney’s homevideo boss Bob Chapek will now serve as president of distribution, managing the delivery of films and TV shows across various platforms, including theaterical, home entertainment, pay TV and digital formats. Alan Bergman, currently president of the Walt Disney Studios, will now take on the new duties of overseeing the studio’s franchises, post production, the Disneynature docu label and the Muppets Studio, while continuing to guide operations including business affairs, legal affairs and finance. Oren Aviv, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, will now also take on oversight of physical production. A new marketing prexy will be announced shortly. They will handle marketing for live-action, animation, Miramax Films, DreamWorks, and home entertainment. All four business heads will report to Ross. Additionally, former Pixar technology head, Greg Brandeau, will assume the role of chief technology officer and executive VP of TWDS, reporting to Ross. by Marc Graser complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Samantha Brown visits Walt Disney World

Samantha Brown visits Disney World again Orlando Sentinel Travel Channel darling Samantha Brown was in Orlando again last week apparently to film her 10th anniversary show. She was spotted taping with Donald Duck and a family at the Mexico pavilion at Epcot on Wednesday. Disney’s four parks had a lot of their Christmas decorations up by that point, so I can’t help but hope she might also be filming another Disney holiday special. by Kristin Ford complete article

Submitted by Ezra

ABC changing online video

ABC is testing changes to it's online video features Visions Fantastic News Center Last week Disney's ABC began implementing some changes to its Full Episode Player — and testing the waters about possible pay-per-view in the future. Normally, episodes are available online the day after they premiere. Last Wednesday, viewers who went to abc.com/watch looking for the previous night's premiere of the series V were met with a notice that the series would not be available until Saturday — with enhanced written commentary by the producers available. But accompanying this notice was an optional online survey gaging viewer's reaction to changes in ABC's Full Episode Player, which is currently free with a single commercial sponsor per episode. Among the questions, respondents were asked if they were willing to pay for video-on-demand instead of waiting 4 days to see an episode on ABC.com or Hulu. They were also asked how frustrated they were by the delay. In addition to the delayed premiere of V, four other series' full episodes were inexplicably absent: All My Children, Eastwick, The Forgotten and One Life To Live. Comments left by viewers on the shows' pages exhibited the kind of frustration that the survey asked about. Viewers posted that they only view these shows online: That they work or go to school at that time, and cannot watch the shows on television. The missing series were not missing due to technical difficulties of the video player upgrade. Checking Hulu for these series' full episodes results in a notice there: Quote: Select episodes from this series were made available on Hulu on a promotional basis. Full episodes are no longer cleared for online streaming at this time. This could be an initial testing phase of a plan Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed last July to begin a paid online subscription service (Disney to charge for online programming 07-23-09, Visions Fantastic News Center). If so, how would it be structured? ABC could continue to offer it's Free Episode Player, but with limited windows of time in which to view the episodes, restrictions that would not apply to paid subscribers. Or Disney could discontinue the free service completely, and unlikely prospect considering that videos are main attraction for the ABC website. If viewer reaction turns out to be too negative, ABC could continue a free commercially sponsored video player: An earlier study funded by Disney stated that the online viewers could watch shows with as many as 8 different sponsors commercials without affecting their viewing satisfaction. — But in this economy, the advertisers simply may not be there. by Ezra David Haith

Written and submitted by Ezra

Distribution president Mark Zoradi resigns

Walt Disney film topper resigns Mark Zoradi departs post as motion pictures group president The Hollywood Reporter Passed over last month in a changing of the guard atop Disney's film studio, Mark Zoradi has resigned as president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group. Disney announced the move Monday and said the resignation would take effect immediately. Zoradi was a 29-year Disney veteran. His departure follows the Sept. 18 ouster of Dick Cook as film studio chairman. On Oct. 6, Disney chief Bob Iger announced the appointment of then-Disney Channel topper Rich Ross to fill Cook's vacated post. As film group president, Zoradi oversaw worldwide marketing and distribution of all Disney releases. There was no immediate indication about whether Disney will name a successor to Zoradi. by Carl DiOrio = complete article

Submitted by Ezra

'Three Men and a Bride'

Guttenberg, Danson and Selleck = 'Three Men and a Bride' Cinematical We are now in the age of the 20-year-old sequel. Now we've reached the pinnacle of past grabs, as WENN is reporting that Steve Guttenberg, Tom Selleck, and Ted Danson are reuniting for Three Men and a Bride. "Disney's developing Three Men and a Bride. That's going to be a smash. A smash hit. They're bringing everybody back for that," says Guttenberg. "Nobody knows about it. I'm the first to talk about it." by Elisabeth Rappe complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' remake

Robert Zemeckis Has Reached Out To Paul McCartney And Ringo Starr To Star In New 'Yellow Submarine' Mtv Movies For all his embrace of whiz-bang moviemaking technology, Robert Zemeckis remains loyal to his roots: once a Beatlemaniac, always a Beatlemaniac. More than three decades after his directorial debut, the Fab Four-obsessed comedy I Wanna Hold Your Hand, the man is returning to the same musical territory with a 3-D performance-capture adaptation of the classic cartoon movie, 'Yellow Submarine'. Zemeckis wants Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to return to that trippy, underwater territory as well, MTV News has exclusively learned. "We haven't gotten the word yet on the two surviving Beatles, whether they're interested in doing it or not," the director said during an interview with our own Josh Horowitz. Simply put, that's a wacky – and, obviously, amazing! – idea. Even if we're not entirely sure what he means. Does he intend to have Paul and Ringo don those skintight mo-cap body suits and dance around a green screen? Or is the concept to have other actors portray the musicians, while the remaining Beatles provide their voices? And where in all of this would John Lennon and George Harrison fit? All we know now is that Paul and Ringo are Zemeckis' first choices. "Of course it would be," he said. The funny thing is that in the 1968 cartoon original, other actors provided the Beatles voices, with the boys from Liverpool only showing up at the end. by Eric Ditzian complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Disneyland Christmas TV taping dates kept secret

Disney keeps mum about Christmas TV taping Orange County Register Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have performed in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Ryan Seacrest has served as host and local dancers have joined parades at Disneyland for previous tapings of Christmas TV specials. But Disneyland officials won’t tell guests about the filming ahead of time. In fact, they won’t confirm when the taping is scheduled, only saying it will happen over the next few weeks, to avoid “guest dissatisfaction,” said George Savvas, a Disneyland Resort spokesman. The way Disney sees it, the taping is an annoyance for visitors. Views are obstructed. Crowds form. The schedule constantly changes. And there’s no guarantee of a celebrity sighting. Disney won’t say which stars — if any — will participate in this year’s event. “We don’t want to disappoint our Disneyland guests,” Savvas said. “We do not encourage people to show up for (those days) specifically to see that taping occur.” by Sarah Tully complete article

Submitted by Ezra

'Roger Rabbit' sequel in development

'Roger Rabbit' Writers Working On Sequel, Robert Zemeckis Says Director reveals that original scribes Jeffrey Price and Peter Seaman are developing a script Mtv Movies In the spring, and out of nowhere, Robert Zemeckis exclusively revealed to MTV News that new digital tools like performance-capture technology had him buzzing about finally making a sequel to Who Framed Roger Rabbit. But there's a big difference between being excited about a project and actually moving forward with it. MTV News has now exclusively learned that Zemeckis is not only pumped to bring the flustered cartoon bunny back to the big screen after 20 years, but that he has commissioned a script. And guess who's writing it? Original scribes Jeffrey Price and Peter Seaman. "There's a script that's being developed," he revealed, adding, "We've got the original writers that are working on it now — Seaman and Price." by Eric Ditzian and Josh Horowitz complete article

Related Article:
Robert Zemeckis Indicates He'll Use Performance-Capture And 3-D In 'Roger Rabbit' Sequel
Mtv Movies

Submitted by Ezra

DreamWorks 'Robopocalypse'

'Robopocalypse' fast-tracked at DreamWorks Doubleday also pre-emptively acquires rights to manuscript The Hollywood Reporter DreamWorks Studios and Doubleday have pre-emptively acquired film and publishing rights to Daniel H. Wilson's unpublished manuscript, "Robopocalypse," which explores the fate of the human race after a robot uprising. DreamWorks co-presidents of production Mark Sourian and Holly Bario acquired the film rights from literary manager Justin Manask. They are fast-tracking development of the project. Doubleday executive editor and vp Jason Kaufman nabbed world publishing rights to the book from Laurie Fox at the Linda Chester Literary Agency. The publisher has slotted a tentative 2011 publication date. "Daniel H. Wilson's cautionary tale of man versus machine grabbed us from the very beginning," said Sourian. "Wilson's background in robotics and artificial intelligence grounds his story with a frightening level of realism." Wilson added: "Writing this novel is an incredible thrill, after spending years studying and thinking about robotics. My hope is that the story we tell will make the robots of the future proud of us humans." by Jay A. Fernandez complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Disney Way entrance often closed for construction

Disney Way entrance often closed for construction Orange County Register Disneyland-heading guests should note that Disney Way at the Harbor Boulevard entrance is being periodically closed because of construction. Disney Way used to lead into the entrance of the Timon parking lot, which was closed in July for the construction of Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure. The roadway still winds around the theme park so that drivers can access Disneyland Drive and other parking lots. However, that roadway also is being closed periodically at Harbor Boulevard because of the theme park expansion, said David Gill, a Disneyland Resort spokesman. by Sarah Tully complete article

Submitted by Ezra

'Remember... Dreams Come True' has a 3-day run at Disneyland

Disneyland switches fireworks shows Orange County Register Disneyland is switching up its fireworks shows over the next two weeks. The last night of “Halloween Screams” — a special fireworks show for Halloween Time — was Sunday. That show ran almost every night for about five weeks. This coming weekend, the “Remember … Dreams Come True” show will come back for just three nights: Nov. 6, 7 and 8, according to the Disneyland Web site. “Remember” was created for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration. A flying Tinker Bell will not join the show this weekend, said John McClintock, a Disneyland spokesman. The next fireworks show, “Believe … in Holiday Magic,” is scheduled to start up Nov. 13, the same day that the Christmas holiday season begins. by Sarah Tully complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Disney Parks audio assistance device

Disney parks offer devices for visually impaired visitors Orange County Register Starting Sunday, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure for the first time began offering hand-held devices that give audio descriptions of scenes in 19 attractions for visually impaired guests. Disney parks are believed to be the first ones to offer such a service, Disney officials said. Five devices are available at each Disney park, said Mark Jones, manager of Disney domestic services for guests with disabilities. Guests must give a $100 refundable deposit to use the “audio-description service” devices. In March, Walt Disney World parks began providing the service, now available at 30 locations. Disney added the audio service to its devices that already provide assistance for guests with hearing disabilities, which were introduced in 2002, Jones said. Visitors pick up the devices at guest-relations offices at both parks, choosing either two-ear or one-ear headsets. by Sarah Tully complete article and VIDEO

Related Article and VIDEO:
Disney’s Handheld Device Adds Audio Description
Disney Parks Blog

Submitted by Ezra

Disney to give $7 million to reforestation projects

Disney to give $7 million to reforestation projects Reuters The Walt Disney Co said on Tuesday it will invest $7 million in forest conservation projects in the Amazon, Congo and United States as part of its effort to reduce emissions, waste and energy use as a corporation. The donation, made in partnership with several conservation groups, is one of the largest by a single corporation and will help combat climate change and improve local conditions for people and wildlife, Peter Seligmann, chief executive and chairman of Conservation International said in a statement. by Gina Keating complete article

Press Release
The Walt Disney Company Makes Significant Commitment to Protect Threatened Forests in the Amazon, Congo and United States
BusinessWire

Submitted by Ezra

DreamWorks Gershwin biography

DreamWorks cues up Gershwin Doug Wright wrote script for composer biopic Variety DreamWorks is tuning up a biopic on composer George Gershwin. The company has picked up a screenplay by Memoirs of a Geisha scribe Doug Wright about the iconic musician. Marc Platt (Wanted) is producing alongside singer and pianist Michael Feinstein. DreamWorks declined comment on the project. Insiders say deal is near complete, and DreamWorks plans to develop project in the vein of a Martin Luther King Jr. biopic on which the company — headed by Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider — began work in May after inking a deal with the King estate. Story will span Gershwin's life, from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn as the child of Russian immigrants to his early death in Hollywood in 1937 at age 38. During his career, he wrote more than a dozen Broadway shows with his older brother Ira Gershwin. His "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" remain among the most recognizable musical works throughout the world. Feinstein is an expert on Gershwin. Early in his career, he worked for Ira Gershwin, archiving the works of Ira and George. by Tatiana Siegel complete article

Submitted by Ezra

'Doggy Day Care' at DreamWorks

DreamWorks snaps up 'Doggy' Studio nabs Laurie Craig's comedy pitch Variety DreamWorks has snapped up Laurie Craig's comedy pitch Doggy Day Care. Based on a story by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Julie Goldstein and Laurie Craig, the project, set in a dog day care, concerns what really happens when dogs get together without human supervision. "We were utterly charmed by the story they have crafted," said co-president of production Holly Bario. Goldsmith-Thomas and Goldstein are also producing. The pair recently teamed to produce Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Doggy Day Care marks Craig's second project with DreamWorks. She penned the script for the company's family comedy Paulie" She also wrote next year's kidlit adaptation Ramona for Fox 2000 as well as Ella Enchanted for Miramax. Craig is repped by Original Artists. by Dave McNary & Tatiana Siegel

Submitted by Ezra

Disney/ABC to build a new studio in Santa Clarita

Disney building Santa Clarita production facility The Ranch primarily will serve needs of ABC Studios The Hollywood Reporter Disney is planning to build a 12-stage production facility at its Golden Oak Ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley to serve primarily the needs of ABC Studios. Disney and ABC Studios have filed applications with Los Angeles County for Disney/ABC Studios at the Ranch, a high-tech soundstage and production complex to be built in the western tip of the Golden Oak Ranch, off the 14 Freeway. The facility, which would include six pairs of soundstages as well as offices, production shops and storage, would take up 56 acres of the Golden Oak Ranch's 890 acres. Disney has only two soundstage facilities, one on the Mouse House lot, which has virtually no usable outdoor space, and one at Prospect Studios. As a result, ABC Studios' 14 locally produced series are spread over nine lots, and those filmed at Disney Studios frequently have to go out for location shoots. When the Ranch is built, it could accommodate about four established and as many as six freshman shows, said ABC Studios' executive director production Richard Ballering. "The synergy of indoor and outdoor production" that would keep series shoots on the lot full-time was the main draw for going with the construction plan for the Golden Oak Ranch, which will continue to have 195 acres of outdoor filming/movie ranch, Ballering said. by Nellie Andreeva complete article

Related Article:

Disney expands Mouse House: New facilities to be built at Santa Clarita property
Variety

Submitted by Ezra

Disneyland fort graveyard accessable again

Trip Report: Disneyland graveyard is alive again Orange County Register After sitting behind construction walls for the past few years, a portion of the fort on Tom Sawyer’s Island is now open again. Guests can now explore the pathways outside the fort, as well as the adjacent graveyard. Although the graveyard portion is open, Fort Wilderness is still closed. by Sally French complete article and PHOTOS

Submitted by Ezra

DreamWorks 'Someone in the Dark'

DreamWorks takes 'Dark' screenplay Carlos Brooks attached as director, exec producer The Hollywood Reporter DreamWorks Studios has purchased the original screenplay Someone in the Dark, written by Richard Blaney and Gregory Small. Writer-director Carlos Brooks, who came to the scribes with the idea, is attached to helm and executive produce. Brooks wrote and directed the 2008 Sundance feature Quid Pro Quo.. The script is described by the studio as a teen thriller, but they are keeping details under wraps. DreamWorks has been active in the new material market lately, picking up the Will Beall comic-book adaptation pitch Xombie, the Michelle McGrath and Hayes MacArthur pitch Substitute Husband and the Aaron and Matthew Benay pitch Wicked: Witch, an adaptation from a series of young-adult novels. by Jay A. Fernandez complete article

Submitted by Ezra

New Disney phone aps

Disney Launches New App With 'Click2Life' Tool Media Week Disney has launched a new application for Apple’s iPhone and iTouch devices, with a feature that will enable users to take pictures of items from the real world, and in doing so, will unlock unique content within the app. By using the free apps “Click2Life” tool, users can take pictures of images from Disney by literally lining up an iPhone in front of a computer screen and snapping pictures from the site. Those photos of Disney.com will instantly become 3D images within the app, said Jason Davis, vice president, Disney.com. But according to Davis, the long-term plan for Click2Life is for users to be able to take pictures of items from the real world, such as a Disney movie poster or product from a Disney store, to unlock proprietary content or offers. According to Davis, Disney has seen an upswing in mobile traffic, particularly from the Web-surfing-friendly iPhone and iTouch. So why create a dedicated application if these devices are already drawing fans? by Mike Shields complete article

'Mobile Magic' First Disney Parks Mobile App Details, Screen Shots Unveiled Disney Parks Blog Earlier this year, we announced our first official Disney Parks mobile application – Mobile Magic. Now, we’re sharing details and screen shots. You’ll recall that Mobile Magic is bringing attraction wait times, FASTPASS return times, extensive information on character locations and more for Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks to your Verizon Wireless phone. Development work has been ongoing but the team recently offered a walkthrough of the app and it’s looking great. Attraction wait times on your Verizon Wireless device will be unique. There’s been an investment in the backend infrastructure to support Mobile Magic and offer actual wait times based directly on Disney Parks information. As for FASTPASS, you’ll be able to check if it’s still available for specific attractions. And if FASTPASS is available, the app will deliver information about the next return time. So, if you can still get a FASTPASS, the application will show, for example: FP: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Also, mobile maps are GPS-enabled. It’s simple to scroll through content and find it on the map via a “getting there” option. The map zooms out and allows you to see your location and exactly where the character greeting or restaurant can be located. by Thomas Smith complete article

Related Article:

'Mouse Wait' free iPhone app available for Disneyland visits
Orange County Register

Submitted by Ezra

Jerry Bruckheimer 'Shattered Union'

More perfect 'Union' for Disney Bruckheimer taps Straczynski to adapt vidgame Variety Jerry Bruckheimer is plotting a civil war at Disney, tapping J. Michael Straczynski to adapt 2K Games' Shattered Union. In the game, states secede from the U.S. and form their own governments that wage a civil war against each other after Washington, D.C., is wiped out in a nuclear blast and chaos ravages the nation. Players control one of the warring group of states — the California Commonwealth, Republic of Texas and New England Alliance are three of the six — or a European peacekeeping unit sent to reunify America. Mike Stenson and Chad Oman will exec produce the project at Jerry Bruckheimer Films, which is readying Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time for the Mouse House to release next summer, based on Ubisoft's vidgame franchise. by Marc Graser By complete article

Submitted by Ezra

Disneyland Resort further reduces gas emissions

New Disneyland fuel station cuts gas emissions Orange County Register Disneyland Resort has the ability to use even more compressed natural gas (CNG) with a new fueling station that opened earlier this month. The new station increases the resort’s storage by more than 50 percent, increasing the capacity for future uses. The station was built to accommodate the 16 guest parking trams that were converted to CNG in December. With the conversion, the resort annually cuts out the need for 56,000 gallons of diesel, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The trams had diesel-hybrid engines for the previous 10 years. “The program really is in evolution right now. It’s a very clean fuel and provides us with other opportunities that wouldn’t have otherwise been available to us,” said Frank Dela Vara, director of environmental affairs and conservation at the Disneyland Resort. In addition to the trams, CNG fuels several Disneyland attractions: Columbia Sailing Ship, Tom Sawyer Island Rafts, Jungle Cruise boats and Main Street U.S.A. vehicles. Used cooking oil powers the Disneyland Railroad trains and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage vehicles have electric engines. by Sarah Tully complete article

Submitted by Ezra