Visions Fantastic - Visions Fantastic News Center http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/ The latest news about Disney hot off the presses including Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disney*Pixar, posted by VF NewsBot Tom Morrow and managed by VF News Editor Ezra. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:28:39 GMT vBulletin 1440 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png Visions Fantastic - Visions Fantastic News Center http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/ Resorts Lone Ranger Premiere at DCA http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33762-Lone-Ranger-Premiere-at-DCA?goto=newpost Thu, 30 May 2013 22:10:12 GMT Lone Ranger Premiere at Disney California Adventure


'Lone Ranger' premiering at Disney park (registration required)

Orange County Register
The Johnny Depp film, The Lone Ranger, will hold its world premiere at Disney California Adventure, the first time the park has hosted such an event, Disney confirmed Wednesday. But visitors will have to pay a hefty price to see the movie — $1,000 a ticket.

A "giant red carpet" will be rolled out along the park's version of Hollywood Boulevard and Buena Vista Street with thousands of guests and celebrities for the June 22 event, a Disney press release stated.
by by Sarah Tully

complete article (registration required)

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Related Articles:

Disney selling tickets to 'Lone Ranger' premiere for $1,000 a pop
Los Angeles Times

Disney heads off possible 'Lone Ranger' issues with benefit for American Indian College Fund
Showbiz 411

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33762-Lone-Ranger-Premiere-at-DCA Online D23 to offer free membership http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33761-D23-to-offer-free-membership?goto=newpost Thu, 30 May 2013 21:56:03 GMT *D23 to offer free membership * *D23: The Official Disney Fan Club to offer new free membership level*... D23 to offer free membership


D23: The Official Disney Fan Club to offer new free membership level
D23 is launching a new free level of membership that will include access to incredible content on the new D23.com, which debuts on June 17

D23
On June 17, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will launch a massive reimagining of its D23.com website, opening up the wonderful worlds of Disney like never before to its members. The website will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future.

In addition to its existing gold and silver levels, this new free level includes:
  • Access to all exclusive content on D23.com
  • Exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles
  • Subscription to weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers
  • Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
  • Access to the Members Only content on D23.com
  • An array of discounts and special offers


D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members can unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown.

News & Features

complete press release

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33761-D23-to-offer-free-membership Television Aereo stream “piracy”, says Disney/ABC http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33760-Aereo-stream-“piracy”-says-Disney-ABC?goto=newpost Thu, 30 May 2013 21:33:30 GMT *Disney’s Anne Sweeney calls Barry Diller’s Aereo “piracy”* *Disney’s Anne Sweeney calls Barry Diller’s Aereo “piracy”*... Disney’s Anne Sweeney calls Barry Diller’s Aereo “piracy”


Disney’s Anne Sweeney calls Barry Diller’s Aereo “piracy”

Deadline Hollywood
Less than two hours after Barry Diller extolled the value of his Aereo streaming service on the same stage, the co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of the Disney/ABC Television Group took a different view. “I think it is wrong. I think it is illegal, I think it is opportunistic piracy,” Anne Sweeney said today. “It’s taking advantage of our content”, she added. ABC is one of the broadcasters suing the Diller-backed Aereo for copyright infringement. Earlier in the day, Diller had spoken of how he was glad the broadcasters had sued him because of all the attention it brought the small but growing service.
by Dominic Patten

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33760-Aereo-stream-“piracy”-says-Disney-ABC Movies Disney sued over Pirates again http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33759-Disney-sued-over-Pirates-again?goto=newpost Thu, 30 May 2013 21:20:05 GMT Disney, Bruckheimer sued over Pirates rights again


Disney, Jerry Bruckheimer sued over 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise
According to the copyright infringement suit, plaintiff claims he came up with elements of the 'Pirates' movie franchise, then was duped into settling when he sued

The Wrap
Could Disney have done a little plundering of its own when coming up with the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise?

The company has been hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit by a man who claims that he came up with numerous elements of the hugely successful Pirates film series, including characters, supernatural elements, storylines, plots, themes, sequence structures and screenplay elements, according to court documents obtained by TheWrap. In addition to the Walt Disney Co. and Walt Disney Pictures, the suit lists numerous other defendants, including Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

In the suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Florida on Tuesday, Florida resident Royce Mathew claims that Disney infringed on a story that Mathew had written, and fraudulently procured a settlement from him when a previous lawsuit was filed. Mathew alleges that he created numerous supernatural stories in the late '80s and early '90s, including a "Supernatural Pirate Story," along with a related Supernatural Pirate Movie. Mathew claims that he provided Disney with copies of his creations over a period from 1991 to 1995, both through direct meetings and the Creative Artists Agency and William Morris Agency, but Disney subsequently credited Pirates of the Caribbean writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio with the creation of those works.

Though Mathew doesn't list specific damages in the suit, the complaint claims that Mathew "is entitled, inter alia, to the billions of dollars that Disney has generated, or allowed others to generate, from the defendants' unauthorized use and exploitation" of Mathew's works.

Mathew claims that he initiated a copyright infringement action against Disney in 2006, but that the defendants "fraudulently procured" a settlement, prompting him to execute a release agreement in mid-2007. Mathew is seeking a rescission of the earlier release agreement. However, his suit argues, even if a rescission isn't granted, he's still entitled to enforce his copyright claims after mid-2007.
by Tim Kenneally

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33759-Disney-sued-over-Pirates-again Movies Disney will adopt Producers Mark http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33758-Disney-will-adopt-Producers-Mark?goto=newpost Thu, 30 May 2013 21:06:52 GMT Disney will adopt PGA's Producers Mark


Disney close to adopting PGA's Producers Mark
With Disney coming on board, the Mark, which signifies a producers' contributions to a film, will have been endorsed by every studio except Warners and Paramount

Hollywood Reporter
Walt Disney Studios is in the final stages of negotiations with the Producers Guild of America to adopt the Producers Mark, the PGA’s sign that a credited producer actually has done the work of producing a given movie. The mark is represented by the lower case letters p.g.a. following a producer’s name.

PGA has made winning studio approval of the practice one of its major initiatives. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Alan Horn, who took over as chairman of the studio in June 2012, has supported adopting the mark.

To receive the Producers Mark, during postproduction a studio or production company submits a film’s credits to the PGA, which then asks eligible producers to fill out a form describing their functions on the film. A PGA panel of established producers, using that information as well as third-party verification, then decides which producers rate a p.g.a. designation for their contributions to the film. The process was developed out of that used by the PGA to determine which producers are eligible for awards consideration for PGA Awards and Academy Awards.

With Disney agreeing to use the mark, Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures are the remaining studios that have not yet adopted the practice, but talks with those studios are ongoing, and they are expected to eventually come on board.
by Gregg Kilday

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33758-Disney-will-adopt-Producers-Mark Resorts Small explosion in ToonTown http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33755-Small-explosion-in-ToonTown?goto=newpost Wed, 29 May 2013 04:59:35 GMT *Small explosion in ToonTown at Disneyland Resort* *No injuries in apparent dry-ice Disneyland blast*... Small explosion in ToonTown at Disneyland Resort


No injuries in apparent dry-ice Disneyland blast

San Jose Mercury News
A small explosion Tuesday in a Disneyland trash can that appeared to be caused by dry ice in a bottle brought evacuations but no damages or injuries, officials and witnesses said. The blast was reported at about 5:30 p.m. in the Mickey's Toontown area of Disneyland, Anaheim police spokesman Sgt. Bob Dunn said.

Disneyland officials on the park's Twitter account called the explosion "a small bang," and said that "in an abundance of caution, the area was evacuated." They said they were working with local authorities.

Anaheim police investigated with assistance from an Orange County sheriff's bomb squad. About two hours after the explosion the review was completed, the area was deemed safe and guests were allowed to return to Toontown, Disneyland said.
The Associated Press

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33755-Small-explosion-in-ToonTown <![CDATA[Resorts Mickey's Magical Map at DL]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33733-Mickey-s-Magical-Map-at-DL?goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 23:43:25 GMT *Mickey and the Magical Map in Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland* *Mickey and the Magical Map opening May 25, 2013!*... Mickey and the Magical Map in Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland


Mickey and the Magical Map opening May 25, 2013!

Disneyland Resort
Prepare yourself for a magical adventure into the heart of imagination as you join Mickey Mouse on a thrilling, live musical show! With a magical map as your guide, you and Mickey will find yourselves in the middle of fantastic worlds of excitement, color, beloved characters and some favorite songs — plus some new, soon to be favorite music as well.

Follow along as the magic map's compass points the way to new and fantastic worlds. Mickey and the Magical Map will take you to some of your favorite Disney Characters and stories... continue
Disneyland Park Entertainment

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33733-Mickey-s-Magical-Map-at-DL <![CDATA[Resorts Monstrous Summer at WDW & DLR]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33729-Monstrous-Summer-at-WDW-amp-DLR?goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 23:53:39 GMT *Monstrous Summer at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts* *First three park all nighter kicks off Monstrous Summer at the Walt Disney... Monstrous Summer at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts


First three park all nighter kicks off Monstrous Summer at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts

Disney Parks Blog
We’re keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season, to kick off a Monstrous Summer on both coasts. Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time. All three parks will feature limited-edition specialty merchandise and food and beverage offerings plus other surprises throughout the entire day.
by Thomas Smith

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Related Article:

Attend Monsters University at Disney Parks this summer.
Disney Parks Blog
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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33729-Monstrous-Summer-at-WDW-amp-DLR <![CDATA[Television Netflix get's TRON, Jake shows]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33714-Netflix-get-s-TRON-Jake-shows?goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 21:39:24 GMT * Netflix gets Tron: Uprising and Jake and the Never Land Pirates * *Netflix and Disney/ABC Television Group announce new multi-year licensing... Netflix gets Tron: Uprising and Jake and the Never Land Pirates


Netflix and Disney/ABC Television Group announce new multi-year licensing agreement for five popular Disney Junior and Disney XD shows
Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Tron: Uprising will be available for members in the U.S. to watch exclusively starting today

PR Newswire
Netflix and Disney/ABC Television Group today announced a new multi-year licensing agreement that will make Netflix the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for one of the most popular shows on Disney Junior, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, as well as fan favorite Disney XD show Tron: Uprising. In addition, Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso and JoJo's Circus will also be available for members in the U.S. to watch instantly later this month.

Disney Junior's Annie Award-winning series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, is a music-filled interactive treasure hunt that introduces a crew of kid pirates — leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby — and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, from Disney's classic Peter Pan.
press release

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33714-Netflix-get-s-TRON-Jake-shows <![CDATA[Online Disney's Story iPhone media organizer]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33713-Disney-s-Story-iPhone-media-organizer?goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 20:55:26 GMT Disney Interactive's 'Story' iPhone digital media organizer


New 'Story' app from Disney Interactive unlocks memories trapped on iPhones

Disney Post
Today, Disney Interactive is launching Story, a unique digital storytelling platform that unlocks photos and videos captured in your iPhone or iPod Touch and turns them into compelling personal narratives which can easily be personalized, saved and shared. Using intuitive technology to pull from user’s photo and video libraries, Story automatically organizes media into shareable “stories” based on time and location.

The innovative app makes sharing narratives with multiple photos and videos as easy as sharing a single photo. Featuring an elegant creation experience, users can either let Story do the heavy lifting or build their stories from scratch with easy-to-use editing tools. video
by Mariam Sughayer

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33713-Disney-s-Story-iPhone-media-organizer Games Star Wars games by EA http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33711-Star-Wars-games-by-EA?goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 05:19:55 GMT *‘Star Wars’ games go to Electronic Arts as Disney closes LucasArts * *Electronic Arts wins ‘Star Wars’ game license from Disney*... ‘Star Wars’ games go to Electronic Arts as Disney closes LucasArts


Electronic Arts wins ‘Star Wars’ game license from Disney

Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), the second-largest video-game publisher, reached a multiyear agreement with Walt Disney Co. (DIS) to create games based on ‘Star Wars’ characters after Disney said it would stop making them itself. Under the agreement announced yesterday, Electronic Arts, based in Redwood City, California, gains the right to develop new ‘Star Wars’ titles for game consoles, computers and mobile devices. Disney will “retain certain rights to develop new titles within the mobile, social, tablet and online game categories,” the companies said in a joint statement.

The deal, terms of which weren’t disclosed, expands upon an existing agreement Electronic Arts (EA) had with Lucasfilm Ltd. to license ‘Star Wars’ characters for an online multiplayer title for personal computers called ‘Star Wars: The Old Republic.’

In April, Disney said it would shutter LucasArts, the San Francisco-based game-making branch of Lucasfilm with the plan of licensing other companies to make ‘Star Wars’ games rather than develop them internally.

“Our agreement unlocks a whole new future of ‘Star Wars’ games that will span consoles, PCs, tablets, mobile and more,” Frank Gibeau, president of Electronic Arts’ Labels unit, said in a blog posting yesterday.
by Cliff Edwards

complete article

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Press Release:

Disney and Electronic Arts join forces to develop new ‘Star Wars’ games
Disney Post


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33711-Star-Wars-games-by-EA Resorts WDI patents ‘Twister’ ride http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33704-WDI-patents-‘Twister’-ride?goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 18:25:54 GMT *Walt Disney Imagineering patents new ‘Twister’ ride system* *Walt Disney Imagineering patents new ‘Twister’ ride system*... Walt Disney Imagineering patents new ‘Twister’ ride system


Walt Disney Imagineering patents new ‘Twister’ ride system
May be themed to ‘Planes’

Orlando Attractions Magazine
Walt Disney Imagineering is always coming up with new ideas to push the envelope in terms of theme park attractions, and from their new ride system patent, they’re looking to do it again. News site Disney by Mark has shared with us a look at a new ride system that WDI has recently patented. The ride was developed by Disney Imagineers David Crawford and Ed Nemeth. It’s called a Twister ride system and it’s something never before seen at any theme park.

The ride vehicles are attached to a 360 degree axis and rotate around it inside a tunnel with video being projected on the walls, giving riders a sense of traveling forward in their vehicles. The rotation could either be pre-programmed or guests may determine their rotation and movement with buttons or a joystick. The ride could also incorporate some game elements, with riders reacting to what they see on the screen and could be adjusted to provide a family ride or high thrills.

This is a new take on the typical spin ride like Dumbo which only offers up and down control. The addition of video screens and gameplay offer a unique experience each time you ride. The patent gives an example: continue
by Banks Lee

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33704-WDI-patents-‘Twister’-ride Products DCP drops unsafe manufacturers http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33703-DCP-drops-unsafe-manufacturers?goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 17:56:27 GMT *Disney Consumer Products drops unsafe manufacturers in Bangladesh, Belarus, Ecuador, Pakistan and Venezuela.* *Disney pulled out of Bangladesh... Disney Consumer Products drops unsafe manufacturers in Bangladesh, Belarus, Ecuador, Pakistan and Venezuela.


Disney pulled out of Bangladesh factories in March amid safety concerns
Disney stopped manufacturing in Bangladesh before the April factory collapse that killed hundreds

United Press International
Last month's deadly factory collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has prompted many clothing retailers to reconsider their relationships with manufacturers in developing countries. But according to reports, Disney is one retailer that already started to pull out of the country back in March, citing safety concerns. The company made the decision in the wake of a November factory fire in Dhaka that killed 112 people.

"After much thought and discussion we felt this was the most responsible way to manage the challenges associated with our supply chain," Disney said in a letter to vendors and licensees, asking them to pull out of countries not placed on its "Permitted Sourcing Countries List." Other countries on the list include Belarus, Ecuador, Pakistan and Venezuela. "Because Disney is primarily a licensor of intellectual properties, we must rely more heavily upon our licensees and vendors to help ensure working conditions that are consistent with Disney’s standards," the letter also read.

With Disney nearly out of the picture in Bangladesh, other retailers are left to consider the appropriate reaction to April's horrific building collapse. On Wednesday, representatives from dozens of international clothing companies — including Walmart, Gap, Mango, Benetton and H&M — met in Germany to discuss their response to the disaster.
by Kate Stanton

complete article

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Related Article:

Disney pulls out of Bangladesh factories
CNN Money


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33703-DCP-drops-unsafe-manufacturers Resorts Attractions close at DLR for safety issues http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33611-Attractions-close-at-DLR-for-safety-issues?goto=newpost Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:17:23 GMT * Attractions close suddenly at Disneyland Resort for cast member safety issues* * Disneyland forced to close attractions by OSHA *... Attractions close suddenly at Disneyland Resort for cast member safety issues


Disneyland forced to close attractions by OSHA

The Disney Blog
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) delivered several safety violation citations to the Disneyland resort yesterday. This has resulted in three major attractions to be closed at the Disneyland Resort today. Those attractions are Space Mountain, The Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Soarin’ Over California.

The citations include simple failures like not having a charged fire extinguisher and more serious ones like failure to protect employees from unsafe ladders or lack of railings preventing a fall hazard. Serious fines of up to $70,000 for each infraction could be levied if Disneyland does not comply immediately with the requests (although appeal is also an option). Total penalties for just the Space Mountain citations could reach over $230,000.

These are the same sort of hazards that forced Disneyland to close Alice in Wonderland until temporary scaffolding could be erected with guardrails. The park still hasn’t made permanent fixes there. Hopefully this does not result in another situation like Alice where we have to deal with a long closure or bad show until a more permanent fix can be found.

In the meantime with Big Thunder also down (for rehab) this makes four of the resort’s biggest attractions down on a busy weekend.

Update: Still piecing together the story. It sounds like CAL/OSHA inspectors were on-site this morning and found violations at a number of attractions. Some were closed temporarily until a fix could be made. Others with bigger problems remain closed. Add to that a fire on a sub at Finding Nemo closing that ride and you have a very diminished Disneyland today. Just to be clear, CAL/OSHA is concerned with employee safety. It doesn’t sound like guests were in danger here except as to when they would enter employee areas during an evacuation.

I have asked Disneyland for a statement and will follow up on this post if and when I get a reply.
by John Frost

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33611-Attractions-close-at-DLR-for-safety-issues Resorts Buzz Price window at DL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33461-Buzz-Price-window-at-DL?goto=newpost Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:07:45 GMT Buzz Price window on Disneyland's Main Street


Windows on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park:
Buzz Price window dedicated today

Disney Parks Blog
Despite the fact that he was never a Disney employee, Harrison “Buzz” Price, research economist and one of Walt Disney’s most trusted advisors, was honored posthumously with a window on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. In a ceremony hosted by Tom Staggs (Chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts) and Michael Colglazier (President, Disneyland Resort), family members, friends and Disney Legends remembered Buzz for the key role he played in Disney history.

In 1953, while with the Stanford Research Institute, Buzz helped find the perfect location for Walt’s new concept in outdoor entertainment, Disneyland Resort. Buzz analyzed potential sites in the Southern California area, ultimately focusing on 160 acres of orange groves in Anaheim. “We hit it right on the nose,” Buzz later recalled, “dead center. That was the perfect place for it.” He also determined that Central Florida was best suited for an “East Coast Disneyland” in 1963. In all, Buzz conducted more than 150 project studies for The Walt Disney Company, including site selection and feasibility for Tokyo Disney Resort.
by Jon Storbeck

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33461-Buzz-Price-window-at-DL Company Annette Funicello dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33411-Annette-Funicello-dies?goto=newpost Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:15:45 GMT *Annette Funicello dies at 70* * Beloved Mouseketeer and iconic teen star Annette Funicello passes away *... Annette Funicello dies at 70


Beloved Mouseketeer and iconic teen star Annette Funicello passes away

D23
Actress Annette Funicello, long-time Disney and Beach Party star, passed away on Monday, April 8, at Mercy Southwest Hospital in Bakersfield, California, at the age of 70. She died peacefully from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis, a disease she battled for over 25 years. Beloved by television viewers in the ’50s for her stint on Disney’s original Mickey Mouse Club, and by film buffs for her numerous roles in a series of popular teen-oriented movies in the ’60s, Funicello became a pop culture icon.

Born October 22, 1942, in Utica, New York, Funicello and her family moved to Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley when she was four years old. She was discovered by Walt Disney at age 13 while dancing the lead in Swan Lake at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank, and he invited her to audition for his new children’s TV series called Mickey Mouse Club and was hired on the spot to become a Mouseketeer. The show debuted on October 3, 1955, and Annette soon became the most popular member of the group. The series ran for three original seasons and in reruns through the 1990s.

After leaving the Mickey Mouse Club, Funicello was the only Mouseketeer to remain under contract to Disney and appeared on the TV shows Zorro (1957), The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca (1958), and starred in the Disney feature films The Shaggy Dog (1959), Babes in Toyland (1961), The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (1964) and The Monkey’s Uncle (1965).

In the early 1960s, Annette starred in a series of beach party movies with teen idol Frankie Avalon, including Beach Party (1963), Muscle Beach Party (1964), Bikini Beach (1964), Beach Blanket Bingo (1965) and How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965). During this time, she recorded a series of hit top-40 pop singles, including “Tall Paul,” “First Name Initial,” “How Will I Know My Love” and “Pineapple Princess.” Her string of successful record albums included such favorites as “Hawaiiannette” (1960), “Italiannette” (1960) and “Dance Annette” (1961).

Fellow Mouseketeer and long-time friend Sharon Baird observed, “Throughout all the years we were friends she never changed from that sweet person who cared so much about others. She always had time for everyone; family, friends and fans alike. It’s no wonder she was America’s sweetheart.”
News & Features

complete article

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33411-Annette-Funicello-dies Movies Pixar’s Finding Dory sequel to Finding Nemo http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33351-Pixar’s-Finding-Dory-sequel-to-Finding-Nemo?goto=newpost Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:57:20 GMT *Pixar’s Finding Dory sequel to Finding Nemo* *Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory to dive into theaters November 25, 2015*... Pixar’s Finding Dory sequel to Finding Nemo


Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory to dive into theaters November 25, 2015

D23
When Dory said “just keep swimming” in 2003′s Oscar®-winning film Finding Nemo, she could not have imagined what was in store for her (not that she could remember). Ellen DeGeneres, voice of the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, revealed details today about Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory—an all-new big-screen adventure diving into theaters on November 25, 2015.

“I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” said DeGeneres. “I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating Toy Story 16. But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”

Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton takes audiences back to the extraordinary underwater world created in the original film. “There is no Dory without Ellen,” said Stanton. “She won the hearts of moviegoers all over the world—not to mention our team here at Pixar. One thing we couldn’t stop thinking about was why she was all alone in the ocean on the day she met Marlin. In Finding Dory, she will be reunited with her loved ones, learning a few things about the meaning of family along the way.”

According to Stanton, Finding Dory takes place about a year after the first film, and features returning favorites Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. Set in part along the California coastline, the story also welcomes a host of new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.
News & Features

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33351-Pixar’s-Finding-Dory-sequel-to-Finding-Nemo Resorts Iron Man armor at DL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33301-Iron-Man-armor-at-DL?goto=newpost Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:36:24 GMT *Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor exhibit at Disneyland* *Iron Man Tech presented by Stark Industries coming to Innoventions at Disneyland Park*... Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor exhibit at Disneyland


Iron Man Tech presented by Stark Industries coming to Innoventions at Disneyland Park
Iron Man Tech opens at Innoventions in Disneyland park April 13

Disney Parks Blog
Beginning April 13, Iron Man Tech presented by Stark Industries will give Disneyland park guests the chance to see Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor, featuring Iron Man suits Mark I-VII – the same suits featured in “Iron Man 3.” And you will even be able to virtually “suit up,” yourself! Through simulation technology, guests will be able to see what it’s like to operate the latest pieces of the Mark 42 Iron Man armor, even getting the chance to test out its infamous repulsor blasts.

Iron Man Tech presented by Stark Industries opens at Innoventions in Disneyland park April 13.
by Erin Glover

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33301-Iron-Man-armor-at-DL Theatre Marvel Universe Live http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33291-Marvel-Universe-Live?goto=newpost Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:26:00 GMT 'Marvel Universe Live' arena tour


Marvel and Feld team up for arena tour
Special effects bonanza will feature dozens of superheroes and villians

Venues Today
The theatrical rights to Marvel’s large library of superheroes is one of the most coveted assets in touring. After over a decade of pursuit, entertainment mogul Kenneth Feld has secured the rights to take Spiderman, Thor, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, all of the X-Men and the insufferable Doctor Doom on the road for an epic traveling battle between good and evil — that until recently, many had believed to be impossible to stage. Kenneth Feld is stretching the tour all over the globe, with a 2014 summer launch for the four-year tour, beginning with a two-year run of North American arenas before heading overseas.

Disney’s purchase of Marvel in 2009 helped make the deal possible — Feld tours several Disney-themed ice shows every year. The storyline for the piece and concept is still in development, but Juliette Feld, daughter to Kenneth and producer of Marvel Universe Live, said the show brings “together the most Marvel villains and superheroes” ever to share a stage in a theatrical production. The Marvel deal gives Feld creative access to Marvel's entire catalogue of superheroes and villains.

The show will be directed by Shanda Sawyer, whose credits include Feld’s “Dragons – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus” and will be mounted at Feld’s new Florida campus in Ellenton, outside of Sarasota. Details on the feel of the show are sparse, and Juliette Feld said the company plans to “tease out the details as we get close to our opening date. Right now we’re working closely with the editors at Marvel to create something authentic.”

The upside potential for merchandising and VIP experiences could surpass anything ever done in family shows. Fans should likely expect a special effects bonanza — advances in live show theatrical effects, many developed by Feld, make it easy to imagine Silver Surfer flying across the arena or The Thing teaming up with Captain America to clobber a super villain.

“This is the largest and most complex show that Feld Entertainment has ever done," said Juliette Feld. “The creative efforts and R&D we are putting into the show are absolutely genre-busting.”
by Dave Brooks

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33291-Marvel-Universe-Live Resorts Boy dies after WDW pool incident http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33183-Boy-dies-after-WDW-pool-incident?goto=newpost Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:56:53 GMT * Boy dies after Walt Disney World pool incident* * Boy pulled from Disney resort pool dies *... Boy dies after Walt Disney World pool incident


Boy pulled from Disney resort pool dies

CNN
Two days after he was pulled from the bottom of a swimming pool at a Disney resort in Florida, a 13-year-old boy from Missouri has died. The boy died Tuesday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Anthony Johnson had been playing in a pool at Disney's Pop Century Resort on Sunday. No lifeguards were on duty at the time; signs were posted warning that swimmers swam at their own risk. Relatives said Anthony was jumping in and out with friends when they noticed him missing, and pulled him out within minutes, according to CNN affiliate WFTV.

"We are saddened by Anthony Johnson's passing and our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones," a statement from Disney said. "We have reached out to his family to offer care and assistance during this difficult time."

William Cybulski, a firefighter who was vacationing from Buffalo, New York, said he helped another vacationing firefighter and a doctor give CPR to the boy. "You never want to see something like that, especially when you're on vacation, or any child in general no matter where you are," Cybulski told CNN affiliate WKMG.

Cybulski's girlfriend, Crystal Loschiavo, told the station that she did her best to keep the family calm, and tried to soothe Johnson's brother. "The little boy was really upset that it was his brother," Loschiavo said. "He kept saying 'this is my only brother, this is my only brother. I don't want anything to happen to him.'"
by Joe Sutton and Ed Payne

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33183-Boy-dies-after-WDW-pool-incident Resorts Minimum age for parks to change http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33182-Minimum-age-for-parks-to-change?goto=newpost Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:48:22 GMT * Minimum age requirement for unacompanied children to change* * Minimum age requirement for park entrance policy to change *... Minimum age requirement for unacompanied children to change


Minimum age requirement for park entrance policy to change

TouringPlans.com
Starting on March 23, Disney will change its age of admission policy for entry into the gates. The new policy states that kids under the age of 14 must now be accompanied by a guest age 14 or older. The previous rule was that guests under the age of 8 had to be accompanied by a guest age 14 of older.

This change will affect all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, both Walt Disney World Water Parks, DisneyQuest, and both Disneyland Resort Parks.
by Rikki Niblett

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33182-Minimum-age-for-parks-to-change Television New Mickey Mouse shorts http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33173-New-Mickey-Mouse-shorts?goto=newpost Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:18:56 GMT *New Mickey Mouse shorts on Disney Channel* *Mickey Mouse to star in new cartoon shorts with classic comedy, contemporary flair*... New Mickey Mouse shorts on Disney Channel


Mickey Mouse to star in new cartoon shorts with classic comedy, contemporary flair

Disney Post
Many of us grew up watching Mickey Mouse cartoons — the timeless comedy shorts have entertained audiences for generations. Today, we're happy to share that everybody's favorite pal is set to star in all-new cartoon shorts titled “Mickey Mouse,” with a special preview beginning today exclusively on Disney.com. This series of 19, 2D cartoons will roll out beginning June 28 on Disney Channel, Disney.com and WATCH Disney Channel (an innovative app that delivers Disney Channel content to mobile devices).

News of the series was announced moments ago by Disney Channels Worldwide President and Chief Creative Officer Gary Marsh, "By bringing Mickey's comedic adventures to life with vitality, humor, inventiveness and charm, the entire Disney Television Animation team of artists, animators and directors have worked to capture the essence of what Walt Disney himself created 85 years ago."

Each cartoon finds Mickey in a different setting including Santa Monica, New York, Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, Venice and the Alps, facing a silly situation, a quick complication and an escalation of physical and visual gags. The stories also feature heartfelt and heroic moments as Mickey experiences life with Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto.
by David Gill

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Related Article:

Croissant de Triomphe (VIDEO)
Mickey Mouse and Friends


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33173-New-Mickey-Mouse-shorts <![CDATA[Movies The Beast (live action Beauty &...)]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33172-The-Beast-(live-action-Beauty-amp-)?goto=newpost Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:11:32 GMT ‘The Beast’ (live action Beauty & the Beast)


Next Disney Fairy Tale Blockbuster?
How about ‘Trance’ scribe Joe Ahearne reimagining ‘Beauty And The Beast’?


Deadline Hollywood
Disney is in talks with UK-based writer Joe Ahearne to reinvent its Beauty And The Beast franchise. This will be live action, and most certainly 3D.

Ahearne most recently scripted Trance, the film that Danny Boyle directed about an art auctioneer is pummeled so badly by his criminal cohorts that a hypnotherapist is needed to coax out the memories of where he hid a priceless painting.

Disney is calling this film The Beast, and considering the subject matter of Trance, indicates that this revisionist take on Beauty and the Beast could be a bit on the dark side. The film will be produced by Mandeville’s David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman and Disney’s LouAnne Brickhouse will steer the project.
by Mike Fleming Jr

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33172-The-Beast-(live-action-Beauty-amp-) Movies Disney joins satellite digital group http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33167-Disney-joins-satellite-digital-group?goto=newpost Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:50:19 GMT * Disney supports satellite movie file deliery to theatres * * Disney, Paramount, Lionsgate join WB, Uni for satellite movie file deliery to... Disney supports satellite movie file deliery to theatres


Disney, Paramount, Lionsgate join WB, Uni for satellite movie file deliery to theatres

Deadline Hollywood
Although studios and theaters have largely made the transition from film to digital, the delivery of digital movies has remained mostly physical via hard drives shipped to cinemas and uploaded to their servers That’s about to change.

Disney, Paramount and Lionsgate have signed on for satellite delivery of digital movies. Warner Bros and Universal already joined the initiative along with major theater chains AMC Entertainment, Regal Entertainment Group and Cinemark Holdings. Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox are in negotiations with DCDC, according to the Wall Street Journal (registration required).

Satellite delivery is undergoing tests and is set to launch later this year. Distribution via satellite will be less expensive and faster but will not be the sole method. Deluxe/EchoStar will be providing operations support for the DCDC network.
Deadline News

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Related Article:

Satellite-Distribution Plan for Movies Gains Studio Support (registration required)
Wall Street Journal


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33167-Disney-joins-satellite-digital-group Television Star And The Forces Of Evil http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33166-Star-And-The-Forces-Of-Evil?goto=newpost Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:38:13 GMT *Star Butterfly And The Forces Of Evil* *Disney Channel greenlights animated series about magical princess from young creator*... Star Butterfly And The Forces Of Evil


Disney Channel greenlights animated series about magical princess from young creator

Deadline Hollywood
On the heels of the breakout success of Sofia The First on Disney Junior, Disney Channel has ordered an animated series about a little older princess, voiced by The Middle‘s Eden Sher. The channel has given the green light to Star And The Forces Of Evil (working title), an animated comedy adventure about Star Butterfly (Sher), a fun-loving magical teen princess from another dimension who — after a few bold skirmishes with other-worldly monsters — is sent by her Royal Parents to live with the Diaz family on Earth. Soon, she takes their teenage son Marco on adventures to help her battle evil villains, whether throughout the universe or in their high school, all in an effort to protect Star’s powerful magic wand… which she’s still figuring out how to use.

The series was created by young artist and writer Daron Nefcy who serves as co-executive producer. She is a 2009 California Institute of the Arts graduate who is known in the Los Angeles underground art community. She recently worked on Disney Channel’s upcoming animated series Wander Over Yonder and the Warner Bros. animated series MAD.

“Disney continues to focus on discovering fresh voices in animation,” said Eric Coleman, SVP, Original Series, Disney TV Animation. “When Daron pitched her show, we fell in love with her characters, her style, and her sensibility.” Production has begun for a scheduled Fall 2014 premiere.
by Nellie Andreeva

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33166-Star-And-The-Forces-Of-Evil Products OZ fashion and home goods http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33163-OZ-fashion-and-home-goods?goto=newpost Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:04:57 GMT OZ fashion shoes debut in London


This Is The Most Fashion-Forward Disney Shoe Collection You'll Ever See
Nicholas Kirkwood Disney Shoe Collection

Refinery 29
Who doesn’t love a story that ends happily ever after? That’s why we give thanks to modern-day Prince Charming, a.k.a. Nicholas Kirkwood, for partnering with Disney to create a four-piece collection of heels fit for any real-life heroine. The capsule collection is inspired by Disney’s latest offering, OZ The Great and Powerful, with each pair drawing inspiration from a lead character: the Wizard, Glinda, Evanora, and Theodora.

They range from crystal-encrusted heels to black-and-ruby-sequined boots, and — a first for Kirkwood — a men’s brogue. The range is on show as part of Selfridge’s Shoe Carnival. And the costumes worn by James Franco, Michelle Williams, and the rest of the cast feature in the department store’s window display as well. PHOTOS
by Emily London

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Step Right Up! The Shoe Carnival arrives at Selfridges

Selfridges
OZ & Kirkwood We've partnered exclusively with Disney to bring OZ The Great and Powerful to Selfridges. Shoe wizard Nicholas Kirkwood has designed a four piece limited edition collection inspired by the film, available exclusively at Selfridges. At Selfridges London, the Yellow Brick Road and Emerald City become the magical backdrop of our Shoe Carnival window scheme while in store, the film comes to life as you can follow actual yellow bricks from the set to discover original costumes and props.
What's In

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33163-OZ-fashion-and-home-goods Resorts Marvel coming to HK Disneyland http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33159-Marvel-coming-to-HK-Disneyland?goto=newpost Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:46:56 GMT * Marvel coming to Hong Kong Disneyland* *Hong Kong’s Disneyland to get Marvel Superheroes*... Marvel coming to Hong Kong Disneyland



Hong Kong’s Disneyland to get Marvel Superheroes

Wall Street Journal
Famed Marvel Comics superheroes like Spider-Man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four will soon call a part of Hong Kong Disneyland home, when the theme park opens an area dedicated to the comic-book stars. On Wednesday, Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang said the theme park, which is 52%-owned by the city’s government, will add an area featuring “Marvel heroes” as part of the resort’s expansion program.

The addition of Marvel in Hong Kong will be the first of its kind of any Disney resort, and could be a big draw for mainland Chinese tourists after the success of several Hollywood smash-hits that featured Marvel characters. Marvel superheroes could also attract older and more affluent visitors, as opposed to the younger audiences that the traditional Disney characters target.

The Marvel addition is the latest move by Disney aimed at reaping the benefits of its $4 billion acquisition in 2009 of Marvel Entertainment. Earlier, Disney said it would prioritize plans to introduce theme-park rides based on Marvel superheroes.
by Jeffrey Ng, China Realtime Report

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33159-Marvel-coming-to-HK-Disneyland Movies Secret WDW filming for indie film http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33114-Secret-WDW-filming-for-indie-film?goto=newpost Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:15:19 GMT * Independant film secretly shot at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts* * Disney World horror fantasy raises knotty copyright issues*... Independant film secretly shot at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts


Disney World horror fantasy raises knotty copyright issues

New York Times
Is Randy Moore’s new movie about a father going insane at Walt Disney World simply cinematic art? Or is Mickey Mouse about to get very, very mad at Mr. Moore? Mr. Moore — without permission from Disney — filmed “Escape From Tomorrow” inside the company’s own theme parks in Florida and California. If that wasn’t gutsy enough, his film is a horror fantasy that harshly critiques Disney’s style of mass entertainment. It’s not the Happiest Place on Earth in his movie. Not by a long shot.

The movie, while careful to leave out certain copyrighted material (like the It’s a Small World song), would seem to test the limits of fair use in copyright law. His cast and crew spent about 10 days filming at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and two weeks at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. How did Mr. Moore get away with it? “I think they probably just thought we were crazy fans making a YouTube video, which is something that happens a fair amount,” he said.

continue
by Brooks Barnes

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33114-Secret-WDW-filming-for-indie-film Movies Disney at the Oscars http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33098-Disney-at-the-Oscars?goto=newpost Sat, 12 Jan 2013 00:04:50 GMT *Disney at the Oscars * * 17 Oscar Nominations for Walt Disney Studios Releases *... Disney at the Oscars


17 Oscar Nominations for Walt Disney Studios Releases

Walt Disney Studios
Oscar nominations were just unveiled today. Films released by The Walt Disney Studios received a total of 17 Oscar nominations when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its nominations for excellence in motion pictures in 2012.

The Disney-distributed film Lincoln earned 12 nominations, the most of any 2012 film, while Disney and Pixar’s animated films earned four and Marvel’s The Avengers received one.

Lincoln, from DreamWorks Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox in association with Participant Media, was nominated for Best Picture, Directing (Steven Spielberg), Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Daniel Day-Lewis), and Adapted Screenplay (Tony Kushner), among others. The much-lauded film was released domestically under the Touchstone Pictures banner, through Disney’s marketing and distribution agreement with DreamWorks Studios, which took effect in 2011 with such hits as The Help, Real Steel, and War Horse.

All three animated films released by Disney in 2012 – Disney/Pixar’s Brave, Disney’s Frankenweenie and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wreck-It Ralph – were honored in the Best Animated Feature Film category. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ short film Paperman, which ran in theaters with Wreck-It Ralph, also received an Oscar nomination. Marvel’s The Avengers was nominated in the Visual Effects category.

The 85th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, February 24. Be sure to check out Oscar.com for a complete list of the nominations.
by Janelle Tipton

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33098-Disney-at-the-Oscars Resorts Juggling robot http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33020-Juggling-robot?goto=newpost Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:41:28 GMT Disney Research Lab's juggling robot


Disney teaches humanoid robot to play catch and juggle

TechSpot
The happiest place on Earth has taught one of its humanoid robotic subordinates (for now) to play catch and juggle with willing human participants in an impressive display of animatronic autonomy. In order for the robot to play catch, Disney designers gave the unit a cup-shaped, human-like hand.

The robot uses an Asus Xtion Pro Live camera to track faces and incoming balls. Once the robot catches a ball, it gently tosses it back to the person. The robot is quick enough that designers were able to make it "juggle" with human partners through a rapid succession of tosses and catches.

In addition to playing catch and team-juggling, researchers managed to add a little finesse to the robot. When it doesn't catch the ball — and depending on where the ball lands — the artificial humanoid is programmed to shrug, follow the ball over its shoulder or direct a somber gaze toward its "feet" below in seeming disappointment. The robot also tracks the ball with its face, giving onlookers the illusion its following the ball with its eyes.VIDEO
by Rick Burgess

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33020-Juggling-robot Movies Disney artist Mel Shaw dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33019-Disney-artist-Mel-Shaw-dies?goto=newpost Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:29:12 GMT *Disney artist Mel Shaw dies* * Disney designer Mel Shaw dies at 97 *... Disney artist Mel Shaw dies


Disney designer Mel Shaw dies at 97
Contributed to 'Bambi' and later to 'Lion King'

Chicago Tribune
Variety (registration required) reports: Mel Shaw, a visual development artist, designer and writer who contributed to Disney animated features from Bambi through The Lion King and also helped design the Howdy Doody puppet for TV, died from congestive heart failure in Reseda, Calif, on Thursday, Nov. 22. He was 97.

Shaw did several stints at Disney starting in 1937 with early story and character design work on The Sorcerer's Apprentice and The Flight of the Bumblebee. He went on to work on story and visual development for Bambi and The Wind in the Willows segment of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. He left the studio in 1941, but returned 33 years later to help influence the look and story for Disney's The Rescuers, The Fox and the Hound, The Great Mouse Detective, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.

Animation historian Charles Solomon observed, "Mel Shaw's influence as an animation design artist extended over many decades and many studios. He worked with Hugh Harman and Rudy Ising in the early days of both the Warner Bros. and MGM cartoon studios. At the beginning of World War II, he contributed designs to Orson Welles' never-realized film of Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince. His best known artwork is the series of dramatic pastels in the title sequence of The Rescuers (1977), showing the bottle containing Penny's call for help riding stormy seas." continue
Variety

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Related Article:

Remembering Mel Shaw
D23


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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33019-Disney-artist-Mel-Shaw-dies Events D23 Fanniversary 2013 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33018-D23-Fanniversary-2013?goto=newpost Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:06:47 GMT * D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration 2013 * * D23 unlocks the magic of Disney with a year of spectacular events across the country *... D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration 2013



D23 unlocks the magic of Disney with a year of spectacular events across the country

D23
Starting in March, D23 takes the party on the road once again with our second D23′s Disney Fanniversary Celebration. The event, which played to crowds of enthusiastic fans across the U.S. earlier this year, will commemorate dozens of magical milestones, each celebrating an anniversary in 2013. Full details on D23′s lineup of 2013 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website in the Events section on D23.com.

Hosted by Disney Archivists and D23 Team Members, D23′s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., and will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated and live-action films, TV series, and nearly 90 years of Disney history.

Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special admission and surprises created especially for D23 Members in attendance. D23 will once again partner with The Walt Disney Studios, offering members access to advance screenings of the latest Disney animated and live-action feature films. In 2012, D23 Members were among the first to see Wreck-It Ralph, Frankenweenie, and Brave. continue
News and Features

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33018-D23-Fanniversary-2013 Products Disney clothes in Bangladesh factory fire http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33017-Disney-clothes-in-Bangladesh-factory-fire?goto=newpost Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:55:50 GMT *Disney clothes found in Bangladesh fire * * Wal-Mart, Disney clothes found in Bangladesh fire *... Disney clothes found in Bangladesh fire


Wal-Mart, Disney clothes found in Bangladesh fire

Newsday
The garment factory in Bangladesh where 112 people were killed in a fire had been making clothes for Wal-Mart, Disney, Sears and other major retailers — some of whom say they thought they had stopped doing business with the place. Many major retailers in the U.S. and Europe rely on such a long and complex chain of manufacturers, vendors and middlemen to keep their shelves stocked that it is difficult to keep track of where certain products are made.

Amid the blackened tables and melted sewing machines at Tazreen Fashions Ltd., an Associated Press reporter discovered clothes and account books Wednesday that indicated the factory was used by a host of major U.S. and European retailers. Among the items discovered were hooded sweaters marked "Disney Pixar." Walt Disney Co., which licenses its characters to clothing makers, said its records indicate that none of its licensees have been permitted to make Disney-brand products at the factory for at least a year.

Retailers have clauses in place that require suppliers to disclose all factories and subcontractors producing merchandise for sale. But it's hard to crack down on unauthorized subcontracting, said Josh Green, chief executive of New York-based Panjiva, which tracks shipments for factories outside the U.S. "The reality is you have to have round-the-clock monitoring of every aspect of the supplier's operations," he said. "It's just not feasible." Green noted that subcontracting is pervasive as suppliers look for ways to cut costs.

On Wednesday, police arrested three factory officials suspected of locking in the workers who died in Saturday's blaze on the outskirts of Dhaka. Police Chief Habibur Rahman said the three will be questioned. He said the factory owner was not among those arrested.
Associated Press

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33017-Disney-clothes-in-Bangladesh-factory-fire Company Shareholders in Phoenix 3/6/13 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33016-Shareholders-in-Phoenix-3-6-13?goto=newpost Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:42:53 GMT Disney's annual shareholders' meeting in Phoenix on March 6, 2013


The Walt Disney Company board increses annual cash dividend by 25 percent to $0.75 per share

The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company board announced that it has scheduled its annual shareholders' meeting for Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in Phoenix, Arizona.

The board also declared today an annual cash dividend of $0.75 per share, up 25 percent, or $0.15 per share, from the previous year. The dividend is payable on December 28, 2012. The December payment represents the 57th consecutive dividend payment to shareholders.
Disney Corporate Newsroom

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33016-Shareholders-in-Phoenix-3-6-13 Television ABC fights ad-skipping DVR http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33015-ABC-fights-ad-skipping-DVR?goto=newpost Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:30:12 GMT * Disney’s ABC fights ad-skipping DVR* * Disney’s ABC asks judge to block Dish’s Autohop *... Disney’s ABC fights ad-skipping DVR


Disney’s ABC asks judge to block Dish’s Autohop

Bloomberg BusinessWeek
Disney's ABC television network is trying to shut down Dish Network's ad-skipping TV recording feature two weeks after a federal judge denied a similar bid by a different broadcaster. The dispute over Dish’s ad-skipping technology, which broadcasters warn threatens their very survival, is being played out in federal courts on both coasts.

Dish, based in Englewood, Colorado, introduced its new digital video recorder, the Hopper, in March. Its PrimeTime Anytime feature can record all the major networks’ primetime shows and store them for eight days after their initial broadcast. AutoHop, introduced in May, allows viewers, with the touch of a button, to skip all the ads automatically, without having to manually fast-forward through them. The broadcasters claim that AutoHop “will ultimately destroy the advertiser-supported ecosystem” the networks depend on for revenue.
by Don Jeffrey

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33015-ABC-fights-ad-skipping-DVR Movies Flight of the Navigator remake http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33014-Flight-of-the-Navigator-remake?goto=newpost Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:51:50 GMT *Flight of the Navigator remake* * Safety Not Guaranteed duo working on Flight of the Navigator remake *... Flight of the Navigator remake


Safety Not Guaranteed duo working on Flight of the Navigator remake

New York Magazine
Variety (registration required) is reporting that the duo behind Safety Not Guaranteed, Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, have been hired by Disney to rewrite a remake of Flight of the Navigator, with Trevorrow being eyed to potentially direct. David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are producing.

The 1986 film focused on a 12-year-old kid who disappears, only to return eight years later still the same age. Then there is a lot of fun stuff with an alien spacecraft that is shaped like a silver Nerf football.
by Jesse David Fox

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33014-Flight-of-the-Navigator-remake <![CDATA[Events Mickey in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33003-Mickey-in-Macy-s-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade?goto=newpost Thu, 22 Nov 2012 05:58:25 GMT Mickey Sailor balloon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade


Sailor Mickey takes to the New York City sky Thursday at the 86th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Disney Park Blog
For the fourth year in a row, Sailor Mickey Mouse will chart a course along New York’s Central Park, through Columbus Circle, down 6th Avenue and arriving at Macy’s Herald Square, as the 61-foot-high balloon takes part in the 86th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 600-pound balloon, which also measures 33 feet wide and 48 feet long, requires 14,000 cubic feet of helium and two hours of inflation time.

Check your local listings for Thursday morning so you can watch the Sailor Mickey Mouse balloon sail through the Big Apple.
by Jonathan Frontado

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33003-Mickey-in-Macy-s-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade Television Mouseketeer Bonnie dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33002-Mouseketeer-Bonnie-dies?goto=newpost Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:48:15 GMT *Mouseketeer Bonnie Lynn Fields dies* *Former Mouseketeer Bonnie Lynn Fields dies at 68*... Mouseketeer Bonnie Lynn Fields dies


Former Mouseketeer Bonnie Lynn Fields dies at 68

Orlando Sentinel
Bonnie Lynn Fields, who danced and sang her way into pop-culture posterity as one of Walt Disney's Mouseketeers, died Saturday in Richmond, Ind. She was 68. Fields, a heavy smoker earlier in her life, was diagnosed with throat cancer about two years ago, according to her friend and former student Emily Kay Tillman.

The South Carolina native was 12 when she was offered a prized slot on "The Mickey Mouse Club," the children's variety show that launched the careers of Annette Funicello and others. Fields joined the cast for its third season in 1957-58 after an audition in Burbank that drew thousands of young performers.

Although she appeared most often in the show's background chorus, she stood out as an agile dancer. "Bonnie had a ballet line through everything she did. She was a lithe ballerina type. And she was light," Lonnie Burr, a lead Mouseketeer through the original show's first three years, recalled Monday.

In later decades Field's career encompassed film and theater. She also ran dance studios, including the Lynn Fields School of Tap and Performing Arts in Santa Monica. continue
by Elaine Woo, LA Times

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33002-Mouseketeer-Bonnie-dies Games Disney Infinity http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33001-Disney-Infinity?goto=newpost Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:17:47 GMT "Tokens" will unlock features of 'Disney Infinity' game


Will 'Disney Infinity' steal a slice of Activision's 'Skylanders' pie?

Forbes
When Activision’s Skylanders was originally released, it appeared a fun — but risky — proposition. Here was a game intentionally walling off on-disc content and forcing consumers to buy additional toys to access it. Taking into account sales of both software and toys, it was the #1 selling video game of 2011. If emerging rumors are to be believed, Disney is readying a Skylanders rival that will leverage the company’s wealth of timeless franchises.

Disney fansite Stitch Kingdom has allegedly seen an educational video produced for retailers, with the likely intent of familiarizing buyers and managers with the product. The video reportedly describes a game called Disney Infinity, which utilizes “plastic tokens” to teleport iconic Disney characters like Sulley (Monsters Inc.), Mr. Incredible (The Incredibles), and Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) to virtual worlds via a USB or infrared device. Similar to the Skylanders model, Disney would ship the title with a starter pack and release characters individually following the launch, in addition to “landmark tokens” used to gain access to additional levels or worlds.

There is substance to this rumor: In October, Disney chief executive Robert Iger teased an “ambitious and unannounced gaming initiative code-named Toy Box” via the New York Times.
by Jason Evangelho

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33001-Disney-Infinity <![CDATA[Resorts Oz themed Epcot Flower & Garden Festival]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33000-Oz-themed-Epcot-Flower-amp-Garden-Festival?goto=newpost Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:16:41 GMT Oz themed Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival


Disney’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival to have Oz theme

Orlando Business Journal
Walt Disney Pictures is slated to release Oz: The Great and Powerful — a film that’s a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz story — in theaters next year. Disney plans to include an interactive play area themed after the film at the 2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The Land of Oz play area will include play equipment adorned with flowers and settings and props similar to what’s seen in the movie.

“Guests can follow in the footsteps of Oz The Great and Powerful by playing carnival games in a circus-themed area. Here red-and-white tents will offer all kinds of midway games, plus fun photo opportunities,” said the Disney Parks Blog.

The 2013 festival at Epcot returns March 6 and is included as part of an Epcot admission.
by Richard Bilbaov

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/33000-Oz-themed-Epcot-Flower-amp-Garden-Festival Online Disney ends streaming service http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32999-Disney-ends-streaming-service?goto=newpost Wed, 21 Nov 2012 05:07:28 GMT * Disney ends movie streaming service* * Disney to Close Online Movie Store *... Disney ends movie streaming service


Disney to Close Online Movie Store

Motley Fool
The Walt Disney Co. is shutting down Disney Movies Online. It posted a notice yesterday on its disneymoviesonline.go.com website announcing the site's closure effective Dec. 31. The had enabled Disney customers to rent and buy movies from Disney's extensive library of films, as well as to stream movies that had been previously purchased in disc form to a Web browser. The site's capabilities never reached the level of rival streaming sites such as Netflix.

According to an Associated Press report, Disney said the site lacked "the flexibility that many users today demand." Disney is phasing it out in favor of a new service called Disney Movies Anywhere, although this new service is not yet operational.
by Rich Smith

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32999-Disney-ends-streaming-service Products Maker of Disney bead set sued http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32998-Maker-of-Disney-bead-set-sued?goto=newpost Wed, 21 Nov 2012 04:58:48 GMT Maker of Disney Princess bead set pays fine, pulls product in California


Maker of 'Disney princess' toy pays $225,000 fine

San Diego Union-Tribune
A company accused of selling deceptively packaged "Disney Princess" jewelry kits in California has agreed to pay a $225,000 fine.

U-T San Diego (http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/...s-225000-fine/) says a Chula Vista woman complained that her 6-year-old daughter was crushed when the kit she'd bought with saved money turned out to be half-empty. The packaging appeared to show it was full of beads.

San Diego city and county prosecutors sued Horizon Group USA, which agreed to accept last month's civil judgment but didn't acknowledge any wrongdoing. The district attorney's office says there's no evidence the company intended to defraud consumers. Nevertheless, Horizon agreed not to sell the jewelry kits in California and to remove thousands of kits from store shelves.
Associated Press

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32998-Maker-of-Disney-bead-set-sued <![CDATA[Movies Child shot at 'Wreck-It Ralph']]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32986-Child-shot-at-Wreck-It-Ralph?goto=newpost Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:15:09 GMT Child shot at 'Wreck-It Ralph' screening in Mexico City


10-year-old Mexico City boy killed during 'Wreck-It Ralph' screening

The Wrap
Authorities in Mexico City are investigating the silent shooting of a 10-year-old boy during a screening of Wreck-It Ralph at a Cinépolis movie theater on Nov. 2. Although no audible gunshot was heard, Hendrik Cuacuas was struck in the front of the head by a bullet estimated to have been fired four to six feet away, police said. The anonymous shooter escaped the scene of the crime and still has not been caught.

The victim's father, Enrique Cuacuas, told radio station Radio W that he "heard something whistle" past his head before turning to his right to see his son bleeding and convulsing. The boy was rushed to the hospital, but died two days later.

A Disney spokesperson has commented, "Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
by Greg Gilman

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32986-Child-shot-at-Wreck-It-Ralph Television Big Thunder Mountain http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32985-Big-Thunder-Mountain?goto=newpost Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:03:43 GMT Big Thunder Mountain to be adapted for TV


Disney's Big Thunder Mountain to be adapted for TV

Hollywood Reporter
ABC is going on a roller coaster. The Disney-owned network is developing a potential series take on Disney's popular Western-themed ride Big Thunder Mountain, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The dramatic take, fittingly titled Big Thunder Mountain, will be written by Jason Fuchs (Ice Age: Continental Drift) with Chris Morgan (Fast & Furious') attached to supervise and executive produce.

Big Thunder Mountain — which is featured at Disney parks in California, Florida, Tokyo and Paris — centers on a mining town amid the gold rush in the American Southwest that was a sacred spot to local Native Americans. Disaster ultimately strikes in the form of an earthquake (California, Paris), tsunami (Tokyo) and flash flood (Florida).

Additional details about the project, which hails from ABC Studios, are being kept under wraps.
by Lesley Goldberg

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32985-Big-Thunder-Mountain Movies Art teacher Jack Bosson dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32953-Art-teacher-Jack-Bosson-dies?goto=newpost Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:21:38 GMT *Art teacher Jack Bosson dies * * Jack Bosson, RIP * (http://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/jack-bosson-rip-72897.html) _ Cartoon Brew _... Art teacher Jack Bosson dies


Jack Bosson, RIP

Cartoon Brew
Word has come our way of the passing of a beloved artist, instructor and animation professional, Jack Bosson. Bosson was a practicing fine artist and freelance illustrator for over 35 years and had taught drawing and painting at Cornell University, College of New Rochelle, University of Southern California, Otis College of Art and Design, Gnomon, and Woodbury University. He did background painting briefly at Hanna-Barbera and was hired as a trainer in Feature Animation at Disney in 1995. In 1999, he continued as a training consultant to Disney. continue
by Jerry Beck

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32953-Art-teacher-Jack-Bosson-dies <![CDATA[Television ABC 'Day of Giving' for Hurricane Sandy]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32946-ABC-Day-of-Giving-for-Hurricane-Sandy?goto=newpost Fri, 02 Nov 2012 03:23:55 GMT ABC dedicates Monday as a 'Day of Giving' for Hurricane Sandy relief


Disney/ABC Television Group issues a call to action to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy
Dedicates Monday as a 'Day of Giving' across news, daytime, syndication, primetime and late night

ABC News
Disney/ABC Television Group today announced that it will designate Monday, November 5, 2012 as a “Day of Giving” across network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late Night, encouraging the tens of millions of viewers engaged throughout the day to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group, said, “This coordinated effort between network and syndicated programming spanning News, Daytime, Primetime and Late Night will reach tens of millions of viewers with a specific call to action…to do what Americans do best, and pull together in support of those who are suffering.”

The ABC Owned Stations and local ABC affiliates will integrate “Day of Giving” messaging into their local news throughout the day, calling on their local communities to help those impacted by the storm. continue
by Alyssa Bernstein

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32946-ABC-Day-of-Giving-for-Hurricane-Sandy Company Disney $2M hurricane relief http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32944-Disney-2M-hurricane-relief?goto=newpost Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:31:02 GMT * Disney commits $2 Million to Hurricane Sandy relief * * Disney announces $2 Million commitment to Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding... Disney commits $2 Million to Hurricane Sandy relief


Disney announces $2 Million commitment to Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts

Disney Post
Our thoughts are with those who are continuing to deal with the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Today, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced a $2 million cash commitment to the relief and rebuilding efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. One million dollars will be donated to the American Red Cross for immediate assistance, and another $1 million will be designated for organizations working on rebuilding efforts. Also, employee donations to nonprofits involved in disaster relief will be matched, dollar for dollar, by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

In addition to financial support, public service announcements will run on ABC, ABC.com, ABCNews.com, Disney Chanel, Radio Disney and ESPN’s family of networks.
by David Gill

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Press Release:

Disney announces $2 Million commitment to Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts
The Walt Disney Company


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32944-Disney-2M-hurricane-relief Company Disney buys Lucasfilm http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32939-Disney-buys-Lucasfilm?goto=newpost Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:26:47 GMT * Disney buys Lucasfilm* * Disney to acquire Lucasfilm * (https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/blog/disney-acquire-lucasfilm) _ Disney Post _... Disney buys Lucasfilm


Disney to acquire Lucasfilm

Disney Post
Bob Iger just announced that The Walt Disney Company is acquiring Lucasfilm – the global entertainment company founded by George Lucas and the home of the legendary Star Wars franchise. In addition to getting the rights to one of the greatest family franchises and epic stories of all time, Disney is also acquiring all of Lucasfilm’s operating businesses – including Industrial Light and Magic and Skywalker Sound.

Kathleen Kennedy, the filmmaker George Lucas handpicked to lead Star Wars, Indiana Jones and the rest of Lucasfilm into the future will be joining Disney as president of Lucasfilm. With this many characters to develop and stories to tell, Disney plans to release a new Star Wars feature film every two or three years for the foreseeable future.
by Heather Hust Rivera

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Press Release:

Disney to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Walt Disney Company
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Related Articles:

Robert Iger to Wall Street: Disney bought Lucasfilm for 'Star Wars'
The Hollywood Reporter

George Lucas: I'm investing in Disney because that's my retirement fund
Hollywood Reporter

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32939-Disney-buys-Lucasfilm Movies Star Wars movies planned http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32938-Star-Wars-movies-planned?goto=newpost Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:25:12 GMT * Three new ‘Star Wars’ movies planned * *Disney’s Iger:** Three new ‘Star Wars’ movies mapped out *... Three new ‘Star Wars’ movies planned

Disney’s Iger: Three new ‘Star Wars’ movies mapped out
TV plans too

Deadline Hollywood
Disney plans to bring not just one but three new Star Wars films to the big screen, and the companies “have a pretty extensive treatment of the next three movies,” chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a conference call announcing its deal to acquire Lucasfilm. “Episode 7 will be released in 2015, the first under the Disney/Lucas banner,” he said, with Episode 8 and Episode 9 to follow. Disney plans to release a new Star Wars movie “every two to three years.”

This deal comes with few limitations on the company’s use of the purchased properties like the Star Wars characters. “There are some encumbrances with the first Stars Wars films with Fox and some encumbrances with Indiana Jones with Paramount,” said CFO Jay Rasulo. Iger said that, while he “loves the franchise,” the Indiana Jones films were not a big factor in the deal because of Paramount’s rights to the franchise. Fox has no future distribution rights to any further Star Wars films, the execs said.
by Dominic Patten

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32938-Star-Wars-movies-planned Products Disney urged to drop candy tie-ins http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32937-Disney-urged-to-drop-candy-tie-ins?goto=newpost Wed, 31 Oct 2012 02:51:59 GMT *Disney urged to drop candy tie-ins * * Disney urged to close Holiday candy marketing loophole * (http://cspinet.org/new/201210291.html) *... Disney urged to drop candy tie-ins


Disney urged to close Holiday candy marketing loophole
CSPI Offers Ideas for a Healthier Halloween

Center for Science in the Public Interest
While the Walt Disney Company has won plaudits from health groups and parents for discouraging the use of its licensed characters to market junk food, Disney’s characters can be licensed to market candy to children as long as it’s Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or any other ill-defined “special occasion.” Today the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest is calling on Disney chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger to keep Tinkerbell, Mickey Mouse, and Toy Story characters off of candy and other junk foods.

"Disney understands as a general principal that it should take nutrition into account when it licenses characters to food companies, and for much of the year it does," said CSPI nutrition policy director Margo G. Wootan. "Disney's otherwise laudable policy has a loophole that Cinderella could drive her carriage through. Twenty-five percent of candy sales occurs around four holidays, Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter."

An encouraging step in the right direction is a licensing arrangement Disney has with Tim Burton's FrankenWeenie movie. Its ghoulish characters are promoting individually wrapped packets of Paramount Farms pistachios. The packs have just 20 calories and 20 milligrams of sodium.
continue
CSPI Newsroom

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32937-Disney-urged-to-drop-candy-tie-ins Travel Hurricane hit Disney ship http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32933-Hurricane-hit-Disney-ship?goto=newpost Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:51:37 GMT * Hurricane Sandy hit Disney Fantasy cruise ship * * Disney Fantasy cruise ship hammered by Hurricane Sandy *... Hurricane Sandy hit Disney Fantasy cruise ship


Disney Fantasy cruise ship hammered by Hurricane Sandy

CNN iReport
What initially started out as a relaxing trip, transformed into a torrential night on October 26 as the ship and its passengers endured rough waters created by Hurricane Sandy as it sailed past Miami, Florida. CNN iReporter tneyedoc2020 says the video of the rocking cruise ship does not do justice to what they experienced that night.

'There was a moment in the night where they ship tilted so far to the right that the furniture moved across our room. If you think about how far a thirteenth story ship has to tilt for furniture to move, it says a lot,' he said. He says the captain of the ship and its crew members were apologetic for the rough waters the ship went through.

'The captain came on the intercom and said that the weather was far worse than what was predicted in that area, and he told us to stay in our cabins to be safe,' he said. He said that night, which was the sixth day on the Disney Cruise, was a scary experience. 'The ship was rising and dropping into the water pretty dramatically, it was really startling at times,' he said. VIDEO
by Jareen Imam

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32933-Hurricane-hit-Disney-ship Theatre Broadway shows cancelled by Hurricane Sandy http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32932-Broadway-shows-cancelled-by-Hurricane-Sandy?goto=newpost Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:38:04 GMT * Disney Theatrical Broadway performances cancelled by Hurricane Sandy* * Disney Theatrical cancels Oct. 28-29 evening performances *... Disney Theatrical Broadway performances cancelled by Hurricane Sandy


Disney Theatrical cancels Oct. 28-29 evening performances
Including Mary Poppins, Lion King, Newsies

Playbill
In response to the announced closing of the New York City mass transit system, and in the interest of guest, cast and company safety, Disney Theatrical Productions has canceled its evening performances for Oct. 28-29. All tickets for the canceled performances will be refunded at the original point of purchase.

The following performances have been canceled: continue
Press Release

complete article

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Related Article:

Broadway, NY movie theaters closed as Hurricane Sandy bears down
The Wrap


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32932-Broadway-shows-cancelled-by-Hurricane-Sandy <![CDATA[Company Walt's secretary dies]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32931-Walt-s-secretary-dies?goto=newpost Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:20:52 GMT Walt Disney's personal secretary Lucille Martin dies at 90


Remembering Lucille Martin
Disney says farewell to Disney Legend Lucille Martin, who served as Walt Disney’s personal assistant and later vice president and special assistant to The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors

D23
Disney Legend Lucille Martin, noted for her roles as Walt Disney’s personal assistant and later vice president and special assistant to The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors, passed away on October 24. Throughout her tenure with The Walt Disney Company, Lucille also assisted former CEOs Ron Miller and Michael Eisner. She passed away at her home in Studio City, California, due to complications from cancer, at the age of 90.

“Walt made me feel comfortable right away,” Lucille once recalled. “He saw himself as an ordinary guy.” Walt took special care of his office staff, and Lucille remembered many kindnesses. “I had a hard time not calling him ‘sir.’ I’d say, ‘Yes, sir,’ and he’d say, smiling, ‘Yes, Walt.’ After about a week he gave me a drawing of a girl carrying a sign that read ‘DOWN WITH SIR.’ I kept it on my intercom the whole time I worked for him. I still have it.”

“From the day Lucille Martin stepped into Walt Disney’s office as his personal assistant in 1965, she brought her warm smile and kind ways to the studio every day of her 42 years with Disney,” Bob Iger, Disney Chairman and CEO, says. ”Lucille’s compassion, dedication and love for Disney are what made her such a valued colleague, treasured friend and Disney Legend. I speak for everyone at Disney in extending our most heartfelt condolences to Lucille’s family—she will be greatly missed.”
press release

complete press release

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32931-Walt-s-secretary-dies Events Cars Land float Rose Parade http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32922-Cars-Land-float-Rose-Parade?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:35:58 GMT * Cars Land-inspired float in the 124th Rose Parade * *Disneyland Resort to feature Cars Land-inspired float in the 124th Rose Parade*... Cars Land-inspired float in the 124th Rose Parade


Disneyland Resort to feature Cars Land-inspired float in the 124th Rose Parade

Disney Parks Blog
We’re bringing the excitement of the newly expanded Disney California Adventure park to Pasadena, Calif., with a Cars Land-inspired float in the 124th Rose Parade on January 1, 2013! This year’s parade theme is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” – which is perfect for a story like “Cars,” in which the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.

The float will feature floral representations of the stars of “Cars” – like Lightning McQueen, Sally, Luigi and Guido – along with familiar sights from the new Cars Land, including Ornament Valley, Radiator Springs Racers, the Cozy Cone Motel and more.

My favorite thing about Tournament of Roses Parade floats are all the moving pieces, and this float will have plenty! Our Cars Land float will come to life with a bouncing tire from Luigi’s Flying Tires, a bubbling “Original Radiator Spring,” real waterfalls and smoke-puffing baby tractors – you have to tune in to the parade to see all the amazing features for yourself! concept art
by Erin Glover

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32922-Cars-Land-float-Rose-Parade <![CDATA[Movies Alexander & The Very Bad Day]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32921-Alexander-amp-The-Very-Bad-Day?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:26:23 GMT *‘Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’* * Disney picks up ‘Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’... ‘Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’


Disney picks up ‘Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’

Deadline New York
Disney is stepping up to make Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, the adaptation of the Judith Viorst children’s book that has Steve Carell attached to star.

The project became a free agent when 20th Century Fox put it in turnaround last month. Carell boarded the project last April. There was interest from Universal, Sony, MGM and Walden but Disney grabbed the live action project.

Disney gets one of the more entertaining and humorous of the yarns you read endlessly to your kids at night. Alexander starts a wretched day with the realization that the gum he fell asleep chewing is now hopelessly tangled in his hair, and things get worse from there, to the point he threatens to chuck it all and move to Australia. Carell will play his dad.
by Mike Fleming

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32921-Alexander-amp-The-Very-Bad-Day Company Disney Chair Ray Watson dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32920-Disney-Chair-Ray-Watson-dies?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:17:04 GMT * Former Disney Chairman Ray Watson dies * * Ray Watson passes *... Former Disney Chairman Ray Watson dies


Ray Watson passes
Key planner for Irvine Co., former Disney Chair

Orange County Business Journal
Raymond L. Watson, a former Irvine Company president and a board member of Walt Disney Co. for more than 30 years, passed away on Saturday from complications of Parkinson's disease, his family announced. He was 86.

Watson was the first planner and architect for Newport Beach-based Irvine Co., and designed some of the first villages for the city of Irvine. He also played a key part in the creation of the University of California, Irvine.

Watson joined the board of Walt Disney Co. in 1974, and served as chairman of the board of the company during a nine-month stretch in 1983 and 1984, a period that saw him help fend off a pair of hostile takeover attempts. Watson helped oversee the 1982 opening of Florida’s Epcot Center, which at the time was touted as the largest private land development project ever. He retired from the Disney board in 2004.

A memorial service for Ray Watson is tentatively planned for Nov. 11 in the Irvine area.
by Mark Mueller

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Related Article:

Disney says farewell to the former Disney Chairman of the Board Ray Watson
D23


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32920-Disney-Chair-Ray-Watson-dies Online Haunted Mansion at Club Penguin http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32919-Haunted-Mansion-at-Club-Penguin?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:07:59 GMT *Haunted Mansion at Club Penguin * * Haunted Mansion inspires Club Penguin Halloween experience *... Haunted Mansion at Club Penguin


Haunted Mansion inspires Club Penguin Halloween experience

Orlando Attractions Magazine
Club Penguin, the online kids experience, has received a haunted overlay for Halloween. Kids will notice many nods to the Haunted Mansion. Some of the things you many recognize from the ride are:
  • Fortune Teller: Look for the fortune teller station in the Attic.
  • Horseless Hearse: Look in the Club Penguin Forest.
  • Maid and Butler Costumes: The Club Penguin team tried to replicate cast members with some of their Halloween Party costumes, giving the maid and butler costumes dark eye shadows.
  • You will also recognize a familiar pipe organ in the ballroom, creepy wallpaper and a few other items.
  • There are some more Haunted Mansion nods in this Club Penguin music video.

screenshot
by Anthony Armenia

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32919-Haunted-Mansion-at-Club-Penguin History Chapman: first female story artist at Disney http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32918-Chapman-first-female-story-artist-at-Disney?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:40:52 GMT * Brenda Chapman was “the first female story artist” at Disney * * “I Was Hired Because I Was A Woman” *... Brenda Chapman was “the first female story artist” at Disney


“I Was Hired Because I Was A Woman”

BrendaChapman.com
Yep. You read correctly. I was hired because I was a woman.

I’m not making assumptions. I was simply told that by the executive at Disney Animation with the cold blue eyes who sat behind his desk. It was 1987. They were getting some flack because they didn’t have enough women in creative positions–especially their story department – their current count: 0.

“We need a woman. And you’re the right price.” His exact words – I kid you not.

I was hired fresh out of CalArts as a story trainee. Definitely the right price. I just wanted to be a story artist – not “the first female story artist” at Disney. continue
by Brenda Chapman

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32918-Chapman-first-female-story-artist-at-Disney Events Disney Television Animation art show http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32917-Disney-Television-Animation-art-show?goto=newpost Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:26:51 GMT * Disney Television Animation art show ‘Some Kind of Monster’ * * Disney Television Animation creatives unveil some monster art *... Disney Television Animation art show ‘Some Kind of Monster’


Disney Television Animation creatives unveil some monster art
‘Some Kind of Monster’

Los Angeles Wave
The Disney Television Animation studio, turned one of its production offices on Sonora Avenue in Glendale, into an exhibit space for its fall gallery, themed "Some Kind of Monster." From ghoulish imagination to a bit of political/pop culture satire and well-known cinematic characters, the unit that cranks out kid and family-focused fare across multiple Disney platforms recently held its second in-house art gallery.

The show, the second of its kind, featured submissions from its pool of creative artists, executives and staff who create original, creator-driven shows for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior.

"As busy as we get, it's always nice to do something without any pressure; it doesn't have to be perfect. I just got to sit down for a couple of hours and doodle something out of my own brain," said Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, co-creator of the hit show Phineas and Ferb.

Dan Povenmire, P&F co-creator agreed. "I love it; creativity doesn't stop at six o'clock and this allows people to not only give purpose to what they are doing, but to share it with the rest of us. It's a good morale booster," he said.
by Olu Alemoru

complete article

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Related Article:

‘Some Kind of Monster’ art gallery spotlight
Nerd Reactor


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32917-Disney-Television-Animation-art-show Products Fleece hoodies recalled http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32909-Fleece-hoodies-recalled?goto=newpost Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:19:16 GMT * Disney fleece hoodies recalled for excessive lead * * Disney-themed fleece hoodies sold at Target recalled for lead *... Disney fleece hoodies recalled for excessive lead


Disney-themed fleece hoodies sold at Target recalled for lead
Thousands of Disney-themed fleece hoodies and t-shirt sets sold last year at Target are being recalled because they contain excessive levels of lead

CBS Detroit
New York-based Children’s Apparel Network said they are recalling approximately 6,200 products sold in red/white, gray/red, and black/blue color combinations in assorted sizes from 12M to 5T. The hoodies have Disney character designs in three different styles — Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Lightning McQueen. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the surface coating on the zipper of the fleece hoodie and t-shirt sets contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

The items were sold exclusively at Target stores in Michigan and nationwide and at Target.com from Oct. 2011 through Dec. 2011 for approximately $18. Consumers should take the product away from the child immediately and return the set to any Target store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Children’s Apparel Network
WWJ-950 NewsRadio

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32909-Fleece-hoodies-recalled Resorts Country Bears shortened http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32908-Country-Bears-shortened?goto=newpost Sat, 20 Oct 2012 07:43:01 GMT * Country Bear Jamboree shortened at Magic Kingdom* * New Country Bear Jamboree opens at the Magic Kingdom *... Country Bear Jamboree shortened at Magic Kingdom


New Country Bear Jamboree opens at the Magic Kingdom

Laughing Place
The newly updated Country Bear Jamboree reopened at the Magic Kingdom. The show is largely the same but it has been shortend with a couple of segments and several lines removed. One segment has also been moved to a new position.

Below is a complete video we've taken of the new show and a video of the old show found on YouTube. We've also taken a transcript of the original show and did a strikeout on all the removed lines and sections. continue
LP Lotion

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32908-Country-Bears-shortened <![CDATA[Online Swampy's Adventures]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32907-Swampy-s-Adventures?goto=newpost Sat, 20 Oct 2012 07:32:49 GMT 'Where's My Water? Presents: Swampy's Underground Adventures'


'Disney Where's My Water? Presents: Swampy's Underground Adventures' Launches on Disney.com and Disney's YouTube Channel

Disney Post
Today we’re excited to share with you the premiere episode of Disney Interactive’s new short-form animated video series, Disney Where’s My Water? Presents: Swampy’s Underground Adventures. This is based on Disney’s first character originating on a mobile platform and the star of Disney’s popular mobile game, Where’s My Water?.

The short-form animated series features 12 original episodes airing weekly and is the first production through Disney Interactive’s collaboration with YouTube that was announced last year.
by Mariam Sughayer, Disney Interactive

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Related link:

Swampy's Underground Adventures Ep 1
YouTube


Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32907-Swampy-s-Adventures Products Villain Palette Makeup Collection http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32905-Villain-Palette-Makeup-Collection?goto=newpost Sat, 20 Oct 2012 07:16:05 GMT * Villain Palette Makeup Collection * * E.L.F. Villain Palette Makeup Collection *... Villain Palette Makeup Collection


E.L.F. Villain Palette Makeup Collection

Filmic Light
Just a little over a month ago, on September 15th, E.L.F Cosmetics released the Disney Villains Palette Makeup Collection, featuring the Evil Queen, Maleficent, and Cruella de Vil. Sold exclusively at Walgreens, the "book-like" sets also contain step-by-step instructions on how to create the Disney villain look for both day and night. Sold separately. Retail price $9.99 each.

Sitting on the shelf next to the makeup palettes was this display for Villains press-on nails. It's been a good year for the Villains. PHOTOS
Snow White Archive

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32905-Villain-Palette-Makeup-Collection Television Designing pixie hair http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32904-Designing-pixie-hair?goto=newpost Sat, 20 Oct 2012 07:00:27 GMT Celebrity hairdresser designs pixie's hair


Dishing On Disney Hairdos

Wall Street Journal
Two of Walt Disney's recent animated movie hits featured heroines with fabulous hair. Both 2010's Tangled, which offered a twist on the Rapunzel story, and this year's Brave, featuring the red flowing locks of Princess Merida, grossed more than $200 million domestically, according to Box Office Mojo. So when it came to designing the character Periwinkle, Tinker Bell's sister in the coming Secret of the Wings, the studio realized it needed to seriously focus on her hair.

This time it turned to the celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves, whose clients include Eva Longoria, Megan Fox, David and Victoria Beckham, Celine Dion and Jessica Simpson. "But this is probably the greatest thing I've ever done, to give young girls a role model with short hair," Mr. Paves said of Periwinkle's hair, which he described as a "slightly aerodynamic, modern pixie." Peggy Holmes, the film's director, said she hired Mr. Paves because she wanted Periwinkle to be more contemporary and hip.

The film, which had a brief theatrical run in Los Angeles last month, will be released on DVD in late October.
PHOTOS
by Marshall Heyman

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32904-Designing-pixie-hair Resorts 2013 Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32892-2013-Limited-Time-Magic-at-Disney-Parks?goto=newpost Wed, 17 Oct 2012 20:24:55 GMT * Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks in 2013 * * Disney announces ‘Limited Time Magic’ experiences for 2013 *... Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks in 2013


Disney announces ‘Limited Time Magic’ experiences for 2013

Fox News
What was a three-story-tall ice castle doing in the heart of New York's Times Square on Wednesday?

Disney used the dripping, larger-than-life sculpture to announce its new Limited Time Magic program—described as "52 weeks of magical experiences big and small that appear, then disappear as the next special surprise debuts." Mickey Mouse and company unveiled ice castle, made out of 45,000 pounds of ice, and surrounded by six additional ice vignettes. Like the program it's promoting, it will last only a short time until it melts away.

Here's how it works:

Starting in January, visitors at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts can take advantage of special events — like Pirates's Week or True Love set around Valentine's Day — in limited amounts of time. Once the next one is set to appear, the one before will disappear for good.

Here’s some of the special Limited Time Magic events for guests in 2013: continue
Travel

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32892-2013-Limited-Time-Magic-at-Disney-Parks Movies Son of Ernest http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32888-Son-of-Ernest?goto=newpost Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:32:05 GMT * Son of Ernest * * A new Ernest movie * (http://www.vulture.com/2012/10/ernest-movie-son-of-ernest.html) * Just like everyone wanted * _... Son of Ernest


A new Ernest movie
Just like everyone wanted

Vulture
So, it looks like there's going to be another Ernest movie. Yes, that Ernest. The one from Ernest Goes to Camp, Ernest Saves Christmas, Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Scared Stupid, Ernest Rides Again, and a handful of direct-to-video releases.

"Didn't Jim Varney, the man who played Ernest, die?" you are perhaps wondering. Yes, he did die, in 2000. That's why this new movie is Son of Ernest, which, according to Variety (registration required) , will focus on the character's long-lost offspring.

Just to be really clear, people are making a new Ernest movie.
by Margaret Lyons

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32888-Son-of-Ernest Products Cinderella cosmetics collection http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32887-Cinderella-cosmetics-collection?goto=newpost Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:20:28 GMT * Cinderella Reigning Beauties Collection cosmetics at Sephora* * Sephora partners with Disney for a Cinderella-inspired beauty collection *... Cinderella Reigning Beauties Collection cosmetics at Sephora


Sephora partners with Disney for a Cinderella-inspired beauty collection
Guaranteed to lnock your glass slippers off

The Fashion Spot
For the big kid in us all, Sephora has collaborated with Disney Consumer Products on a series of captivating beauty collections inspired by beloved Disney Princess characters entitled Disney Reigning Beauties Collection. Each of the limited-edition seasonal collections focuses on the individual style, personality, and story of one featured Disney Princess, bringing her to life in a beautiful way that inspires women to create their own princess moment.

This fall, Cinderella is being brought to life with a premiere collection that will sweep you off your glass slippered feet and release your inner princess with shades derived from the film’s rich color palette. Amongst my favorite pieces is the elegant compact mirror (1: $24), which is adorned with a gold clock face overlay. The spellbinding Cinderella So This Is Love fragrance (2: $70) is also a treat, incorporating a complex floral and musky palette creating a delicate and youthful aroma fit for the belle of the ball. For cosmetic lovers, there's also the Moonlit Kiss lipstick set (3: $30), A Brush With Fate nail polish set (4: $30), and the Midnight Hour eyeshadow palette (5: $36). continue
by Emma Jones

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Press Release:

Disney Reigning Beauties Cinderella Collection by Sephora
Disney Consumer Products
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Related Article:

Disney offers Cinderella makeover (registration required)
Variety

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32887-Cinderella-cosmetics-collection Products Making of Snow White book http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32886-Making-of-Snow-White-book?goto=newpost Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:54:23 GMT Extensive "making of" book commemorates the 75th anniversary of Snow White


The Fairest One Of All
The making of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Weldon Owen Publishing
Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was first shown to a theatrical audience in December 1937 and brought overwhelming, joyous applause from a house full of hardened film-industry professionals. Such a level of artistic achievement doesn’t happen by accident.

This book is the first to reconstruct that process in exacting detail, with the loving attention it deserves from an internationally noted film scholar. Author J.B. Kaufman spent years researching the film’s history, interviewing participants, and studying the marvelous archival art that appears in these pages. The result is a work that can be appreciated equally as a piece of film history and as a collectible art book, a joy for anyone who loves film, animation, and the magical world that Walt Disney created.
Walt Disney Family Foundation

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32886-Making-of-Snow-White-book Events CHOC Walk at Disneyland Resort http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32885-CHOC-Walk-at-Disneyland-Resort?goto=newpost Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:35:06 GMT * CHOC Walk at Disneyland Resort * * Disney parks host CHOC Walk * (http://www.ocregister.com/news/choc-374525-hospital-little.html) _... CHOC Walk at Disneyland Resort


Disney parks host CHOC Walk

Orange county Register
Thousands poured through Disney California Adventure and continued through Disneyland in support of the 22nd annual Children's Hospital of Orange County Walk, which helps support services, education and research at the hospital. Some came to remember children who died. Others walked to encourage little ones facing tough health problems. Yet others came in support of the hospital that saved their kids' lives. Together, the 16,000 participants raised $1.8 million to support the hospital – a figure officials hope will go higher before the drive ends on Oct. 31.

This was a record-breaking year, with 850 teams, compared to 550 teams last year, walking through the Disney parks. Some of the largest teams included the Disney VoluntEars and Troy High School in Fullerton. The top fundraisers included Rita Burns, who raised more than $30,000, and the team Job's Daughters from CHOC, with 328 people, which raised about $25,000.
by Roxana Kopetman

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32885-CHOC-Walk-at-Disneyland-Resort Resorts Ice rink at DLR http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32884-Ice-rink-at-DLR?goto=newpost Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:27:31 GMT Ice skating rink at Disneyland Resort's Downtown Disney


Disneyland Resort guests will soon be ice skating at the Downtown Disney District

Disney Parks Blog
Tinker Bell and her pixie sister, Periwinkle, will soon bring a whole new experience to the Disneyland Resort. A new ice skating rink at the Downtown Disney District will allow guests to skate right into the world of Tinker Bell to celebrate the October 23 release of Disney “Secret of the Wings”! The new ice rink will soon begin limited operation, with a grand opening to follow on October 23.

This magical ice skating rink will be located between AMC 12 Theatres and the ESPN Zone, and will invite guests of all ages to glide along to special music and lighting effects. Skates will be available for rent, and helmets will be provided and required for each skater’s safety. And starting November 12, a special holiday village will surround the rink, with themed chalets where guests can purchase seasonal foods and merchandise.
by Janet Knox

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32884-Ice-rink-at-DLR Movies Roger Rabbit 2 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32880-Roger-Rabbit-2?goto=newpost Mon, 15 Oct 2012 21:24:42 GMT *Roger Rabbit 2 may still happen* * A “Roger Rabbit” sequel may happen sfter all, says director*... Roger Rabbit 2 may still happen


A “Roger Rabbit” sequel may happen sfter all, says director

Showbiz 411
Robert Zemeckis is in town for the premiere of his excellent drama, “Flight,” the closing film of the New York Film Festival... But wait–all that in a minute.

Zemeckis told me last night that, although he’s sad about the retirement of Bob Hoskins, he has a “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” ready to go. The brilliant 1988 combination live action and animation film has been begging for a sequel forever. “I have a script at Disney, and we’re just waiting for all the executive changes to settle down there,” Zemeckis told me. If I know Alan Horn, that’s a project he’ll get moving quickly. What great news!
by Roger Friedman

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32880-Roger-Rabbit-2 Resorts Couple wins DL Dream Home http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32869-Couple-wins-DL-Dream-Home?goto=newpost Sat, 13 Oct 2012 02:45:35 GMT *Couple wins Disneyland Dream Home * * Dream home winners get a glimpse of the future *... Couple wins Disneyland Dream Home


Dream home winners get a glimpse of the future
A couple receives the keys to their new home during a visit to Disneyland

Orange County Register
Two weeks before his last unemployment check arrived, Mark Roberson, a former truck driver from Clarkston, Ga., received a phone call in August that left him so stunned, he had to hand back the receiver to his wife, Gloria Roberson, for her to talk to the caller. A representative from homebuilder Taylor Morrison told Roberson, 44, that he had won a new house in the company's dream home giveaway that began early this year. Roberson had no memory of entering the contest.

As it turned out, he indeed had entered a contest, but one which he mistakenly thought had a prize of a trip to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The dream house contest did include a trip to the theme parks as part of the grand prize - a $200,000 house in any of the cities and towns where Taylor Morrison new homes were being built.

Friday morning, the Robersons, along with their 21-year old nephew, Zabiane, walked through the Innoventions attraction at Disneyland's Tomorrowland to receive a symbolic key to their new home in Houston, Tex. The winners took a tour through the Innoventions Dream Home, which features some forward-thinking ideas as well as some technological innovations that are now available.

The Robersons' 2,361-square-foot residence, which will be completed in November, will feature The Interactive Home, a digital technology package ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 offered by the builder in various locations, including the new Campanilla neighborhood debuting in two weeks in San Juan Capistrano.
by Lisa Liddane

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32869-Couple-wins-DL-Dream-Home Resorts New zebras at Animal Kingdom http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32868-New-zebras-at-Animal-Kingdom?goto=newpost Sat, 13 Oct 2012 02:36:32 GMT 15 new zebras at Disney's Animal Kingdom


Disney introducing zebras at Animal Kingdom

Orlando Business Journal
The Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park will soon welcome 15 Plains zebras to the African-inspired savanna. The zebras, which first arrived at Walt Disney World in February, have been adjusting to their new surroundings and will soon be the new finale of the safari attraction, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

The herd, which was acquired from the nonprofit organization Associations of Zoos & Aquariums, consists of all females between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. Disney told the Sentinel the zebras will be moved to their new home toward the end of the Kilimanjaro Safaris in phases. The theme park has not set an official date as to when they will be settled into their new environment, but expects the move to be completed by the end of October.
Morning Call

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32868-New-zebras-at-Animal-Kingdom Company WDW claims adjuster embezzled $122K http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32867-WDW-claims-adjuster-embezzled-122K?goto=newpost Sat, 13 Oct 2012 02:29:45 GMT * Walt Disney World claims adjuster embezzled $122 Thousand * * Ex-Disney employee accused of stealing $122K *... Walt Disney World claims adjuster embezzled $122 Thousand


Ex-Disney employee accused of stealing $122K

WDBO FM96.5
Investigators said a former Walt Disney worker used his position to steal the identities of park goers and rake in $122,000 in just six months. Gregory Washington worked as a claims adjuster for the company, making payouts to people who are injured on Disney property. Washington is facing 17 charges of insurance fraud and racketeering after investigators discovered he was opening up injury claims Disney already paid out and tacking on more charges.

Investigators said Washington pulled this off in three ways. They said he would add fake payouts to existing injury claim, make injuries appear more serious than they were, and then increase the payout, or he'd add more people's names to legitimate claims. The checks were then funneled to a fake billing service in Georgia. Reports show more than a dozen people were the victims of identity theft. VIDEO
by Renée Stoll

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32867-WDW-claims-adjuster-embezzled-122K Resorts DL Space Mountain injury http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32863-DL-Space-Mountain-injury?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:37:47 GMT * Disneyland machinist injured in Space Mountain * * Disney worker injured in Space Mountain *... Disneyland machinist injured in Space Mountain


Disney worker injured in Space Mountain
A vehicle struck a machinist, who was in critical care

Orange County Register
A Disneyland machinist, struck by a Space Mountain vehicle last week, remained hospitalized Tuesday in a critical-care unit, officials said. The 68-year-old employee was injured Oct. 3 after the park closed.

The machinist was returning a vehicle that had been out of commission back onto the ride when something went awry and the vehicle hit him. The impact caused back, chest and head injuries, said Patricia Ortiz, a spokesman for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal-OSHA.

The ride did not malfunction and was back in normal operation the next day, said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our cast member and his family," she said in a prepared statement.
by Sarah Tully

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32863-DL-Space-Mountain-injury Television Toy Story TV special http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32862-Toy-Story-TV-special?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:16:47 GMT * Pixar announces Toy Story of Terror TV special * * Pixar announces Toy Story of Terror TV special *... Pixar announces Toy Story of Terror TV special


Pixar announces Toy Story of Terror TV special

Animation World Network
As we head into October and Halloween approaches, Pixar Animation Studios is terrified to announce a very scary TV special in the works for next year's Halloween season. In 2013, prepare yourselves for Toy Story of Terror, in which Pixar will take you on a trip to infinity, from the beyond!

What starts out as a fun road trip for the Toy Story gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this Toy Story of Terror.
by Jennifer Wolfe

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32862-Toy-Story-TV-special Resorts Streetcar to DLR http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32861-Streetcar-to-DLR?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:10:29 GMT * Proposed streetcar to Disneyland Resort* *Anaheim considers Disney-area streetcars*... Proposed streetcar to Disneyland Resort


Anaheim considers Disney-area streetcars

Orange County Register
The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday night reviewed the concept of streetcars that would run on a fixed guideway to Disneyland, shops and restaurants of GardenWalk mall and the Anaheim Convention Center, among other stops. The system, called Anaheim Rapid Connection, would run on a 3.2-mile track mostly along Katella Avenue from the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, the transportation hub under construction and set to open in 2014. The idea of ARC is to provide a cheap – maybe even free – ride for the millions of tourists who visit Disneyland annually and for some of the 51,000 workers in the 5-square-mile area in and around the Anaheim Resort.

If the recommended streetcar plan goes forward, 10 streetcars in all would operate on the tracks in Anaheim, taking about 18 minutes to travel from one end to the other. The streetcars would have a sleek, modern look, fully enclosed, similar to those used in Portland, Ore., and in European cities.

The idea of streetcars is being recommended by city staff over an elevated monorail, which was Anaheim's initial focus. continue
by Eric Carpenter

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32861-Streetcar-to-DLR Resorts Headless Horseman falls at WDW http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32860-Headless-Horseman-falls-at-WDW?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:55:40 GMT Headless Horseman falls at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom


Headless Horseman takes fall at Disney Halloween event

Orlando Sentinel
The Headless Horseman and his steed took a very public fall at a recent Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, but both are doing OK, Walt Disney World officials said Wednesday.

The horse fell during his normal paces before the "Boo to You" Parade. A YouTube video shows the animal falling in the Liberty Square area as it turned toward Main Street. In the video, the horse quickly scrambles to its feet. The rider, a cast member costumed to look like the Headless Horseman of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" fame, hits the ground but was not trapped by the animal's body. The cast member is briefly seen standing and walking away.

Another video shows the horseman remounting. Disney confirmed that the duo completed their route through the Magic Kingdom, but they did not participate in the evening's second parade because they were undergoing evaluations.
by Dewayne Bevil

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32860-Headless-Horseman-falls-at-WDW Events Rhino art auction for charity http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32859-Rhino-art-auction-for-charity?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:43:52 GMT * Disney animal keeper auctions Rhino art for charity* * Rhino art created by Disney animal keeper goes to good cause *... Disney animal keeper auctions Rhino art for charity


Rhino art created by Disney animal keeper goes to good cause

The Disney Blog
Rhinoceroses have been hunted to the point of extinction for the value of their horn on the black market. One Disney Animal Keeper is turning that perceived value into a plus, and raising money by creating works of art that represent the Rhino horn.

Chad Harmon works as an rhinoceros keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where he tends to some of the toughest, strongest animals on the planet. His Horns to Heroes project used one of the rhinos he cares for as a model to make 40 horns by hand. He then recruited Central Florida painters, tattoo artists, sculptors, graffiti artists, illustrators, photographers and special-effects artists to create original and unique works of art. Each one was auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the International Rhino Foundation which funds research programs and helps protect threatened rhino populations in Africa and Asia. The arts auction raised approximately $6000 for the endangered animals.
by John Frost

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32859-Rhino-art-auction-for-charity Products Disney swears off endangered paper http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32858-Disney-swears-off-endangered-paper?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:30:03 GMT * Disney swears off endangered paper * * Disney breaks ties with paper makers over Indonesian rainforest concerns *... Disney swears off endangered paper


Disney breaks ties with paper makers over Indonesian rainforest concerns
Publisher pledges to use alternative sources

The Guardian UK
Environmentalists campaigning to prevent the wholesale destruction of the Indonesian rainforest scored a major victory on Wednesday after coaxing the Walt Disney company, one of the world's largest publishers of children's books, to revamp its paper purchasing policies and sever ties with two of Asia's most controversial pulp and paper manufacturers.

After two years of occasionally testy exchanges and intense negotiation with the Rainforest Action Network (Ran), a San Francisco-based advocacy group, Disney agreed in a new written policy to do everything it could to safeguard endangered forests and their ecosystems, which support the sorts of animals celebrated in Disney feature films and their multimedia spinoffs. "Disney is adding its voice to the growing chorus of companies demonstrating that there's no need to sacrifice endangered forests in Indonesia or elsewhere for the paper we use every day," Ran's executive director Rebecca Tarbotton said in a statement.

Or, as another activist for the organization put it: "The Jungle Book will no longer be destroying the jungle."

Disney will now avoid the mixed tropical hardwoods typically harvested in the Indonesian rainforest and will seek alternative sources such as recycled paper and wood harvested according to the recommendations of the internationally recognized Forest Stewardship Council. It will also cut ties with Asian Pulp and Paper (APP), the third largest paper manufacturer in the world, and with the Asian Pacific Resources International Holdings (April). Both companies have been blamed by activists for exploiting the Indonesian rainforest, which is disappearing at an estimated rate of 2.5 million acres a year.
by Andrew Gumbel

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Press Release:

Disney announces Paper Sourcing and Use Policy
The Walt Disney Company

Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32858-Disney-swears-off-endangered-paper Movies Stan Lee Media sues Marvel http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32857-Stan-Lee-Media-sues-Marvel?goto=newpost Fri, 12 Oct 2012 04:19:31 GMT * Stan Lee sues Disney over Marvel characters* * Stan Lee Media sues Disney for billions over Marvel characters *... Stan Lee sues Disney over Marvel characters


Stan Lee Media sues Disney for billions over Marvel characters

Los Angeles Times
Stan Lee Media, an Internet company that shut down more than a decade ago and has been mired in litigation ever since, has filed a multibillion-dollar lawsuit against Walt Disney Co. The complaint was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Colorado, where Stan Lee Media — co-founded by the famous Marvel Comics writer, who is no longer an officer of the company — is headquartered. It claims that a contract signed by Lee in 1998 assigned his rights to all of his comic book creations, including Spider-Man, the X-Men and most members of super-team Avengers, to Stan Lee Media.

"The true facts are that Stan Lee Media Inc. owns the copyrights to Stan Lee's creations," the complaint states. "Accordingly, Stan Lee Media Inc. is entitled to the billions of dollars of profits that have been kept by Defendant Disney." Specifically, the lawsuit focuses on the many successful movies based on Marvel characters released since Disney acquired the comic book company at the end of 2009.

A Walt Disney Co. spokeswoman e-mailed the following statement in response to the lawsuit: "This lawsuit is without merit, it arises out of the same core facts and legal claims that have been rejected by three federal district court judges."
by Ben Fritz

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32857-Stan-Lee-Media-sues-Marvel Resorts Wristband ticket technology http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32846-Wristband-ticket-technology?goto=newpost Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:04:03 GMT * Wristband ticket technology at Disney Parks* * Disney’s wireless wristband replaces tickets at theme parks*... Wristband ticket technology at Disney Parks


Disney’s wireless wristband replaces tickets at theme parks
Transitioning theme park technology into the digital world, Disney may soon roll out a new way to gain access to parks and rides.

Digital Trends
Detailed in documents filed with the FCC this week, representatives with Disney are seeking approval for a wristband that will be used for admission privileges to major theme parks like Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Rather than having to keep track of tickets, the “Magic Band” can be worn throughout the day and it communicates on the 2.4 GHz spectrum. The bracelet is designed to be disposable as well as waterproof for rides like Splash Mountain or Disney’s various water parks. However, it’s also likely that Disney could produce more permanent models for Los Angeles and Orlando residents that have purchased yearly access to the Disney parks. Hypothetically, it would be as simple as visiting the Disney site or using a mobile application to add a day-pass to the account tied to the band. continue
by Mike Flacy

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32846-Wristband-ticket-technology Products Book: Marvel Comics Untold Story http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32844-Book-Marvel-Comics-Untold-Story?goto=newpost Sat, 06 Oct 2012 01:24:07 GMT Book: Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe


Book Review 'Marvel Comics: The Untold Story' by Sean Howe
A wild-ride history of the company's creation from the people who built it, including the mad genius Stan Lee

Hollywood Reporter
Those who know Marvel mainly in its current incarnation as the Disney-owned pop-culture juggernaut — since 2008's Iron Man, Marvel movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide — will find it hard to connect that statistic with the motley crew of artists and writers behind such iconic figures as Spider-Man and Iron Man that Sean Howe vividly captures in his new history of the company.

In tracing Marvel's story from its origins as a pulp magazine publisher founded by Martin Goodman in 1933 through its alternating decades of boom and bust and onto its acquisition by Disney in 2009, Howe introduces a cast of characters that includes Captain America creator Joe Simon, the inventive and prickly Jack Kirby, the dour but brilliant Steve Ditko and cerebral Chris Claremont, who transformed the second-tier X-Men into a hit.

At the center of this freewheeling carnival was Stan Lee, whom Howe reveals as a combination of Budd Schulberg's Sammy Glick and Mark Twain, who mixed the immigrant hunger for success with a uniquely American gift for tall-tale telling. If Stan Lee didn't exist, Marvel Comics would have had to invent him. continue
by Andy Lewis

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32844-Book-Marvel-Comics-Untold-Story Events Haunted Mansion for sale http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32813-Haunted-Mansion-for-sale?goto=newpost Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:24:08 GMT * Disneyland Haunted Mansion for sale * * The ultimate Haunted Mansion collectable? * * Disneyland Haunted Mansion look-alike home for sale *... Disneyland Haunted Mansion for sale


The ultimate Haunted Mansion collectable?
Disneyland Haunted Mansion look-alike home for sale

Orlando Attractions Magazine
The Haunted Mansion look-alike home is for sale in Georgia. It’s a four-story, seven bedroom, six bath, more than 10,000-square-foot home modeled after Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

Owner and designer of the home, Mark Hurt, a Disney contractor. Hurt built the home in 1996 and added elements to replicate the attraction at Disneyland. Unlike the real Haunted Mansions at Disney parks, there aren’t 999 happy haunted living in this home. Hurt assures worried potential buyers that the house is not actually haunted as he has lived there with his wife and son for many years.

Hurt is selling the home because he has moved on to an even more ambitious project but hasn’t stopped designing and building unique Disney inspired buildings. Mark is working on his current project of a resort themed house modeled after Disney’s Grand Californian along with a replica of Walt Disney’s backyard barn and a pool that will be themed to the Jungle Cruise in Kaua‘i Hawaii. Hurt says that Walt Disney was the mentor that I had but never met.
by Matt Roseboom

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Seller's website:

Disneyland Haunted Mansion Replica Home
Theme Park Connection


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32813-Haunted-Mansion-for-sale Products Cinderella blue wedding gowns http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32806-Cinderella-blue-wedding-gowns?goto=newpost Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:21:07 GMT Alfred Angelo's Cinderella Diamond Wedding Gown Collection


Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo celebrates the blu-ray release of Cinderella with the Cinderella Diamond Wedding Gown Collection
This unique line of limited-release wedding dresses consists of five exquisite styles in soft shades of blue

D23
Alfred Angelo and Disney Consumer Products celebrate the release of Disney’s Cinderella Diamond Edition, available on Blu-ray for the first time this fall, with a one-of-a-kind Cinderella-inspired bridal collection. This unique line of limited-release wedding dresses consists of five exquisite styles in soft shades of blue. Each gown represents the iconic Disney Princess character from a unique point of view, including timeless ball gowns that sparkle with every turn, and modern fit and flare silhouettes that look as if they were bathed in moonlight.

The Cinderella Diamond Wedding Gown Collection was unveiled initially at Chicago Bridal Market on September 29, where bridal shops and industry press got the first view of the collection. The Cinderella Diamond Collection will make its runway debut on October 12 at a press-only show during Couture Bridal Market in New York City.
Press Release

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Related links:

Fairy Tale Weddings
Alfred Angelo

Disney Bridal
Disney Consumer Products


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32806-Cinderella-blue-wedding-gowns Events Fantasia in concert - London http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32805-Fantasia-in-concert-London?goto=newpost Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:04:18 GMT 'Fantasia' in concert at London's Royal Albert Hall


Disney's 'Fantasia' footage to Get Live London Philharmonic Orchestra Accompaniment
Footage will be projected in HD at the Royal Albert Hall event in London

Hollywood Reporter
The London Philharmonic Orchestra is to showcase a selection of music from Walt Disney’s original 'Fantasia' and Disney’s 'Fantasia 2000' at the Royal Albert Hall complete with extracts from the films in high definition. The one off concert, billed as a U.K. premiere of the animation footage and symphonic music is scheduled for Oct. 21.

The show will include a selection of the repertoire from the original 1940 version of 'Fantasia' and 'Fantasia 2000' including Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The music will be performed live while iconic moments from Disney’s footage — including Mickey Mouse as he dabbles in magic in Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the mythical unicorns and winged horses that accompany Beethoven’s "Pastoral" Symphony — are shown on the big screen

Disney’s 'Fantasia' is the latest film to be presented with a live orchestra as part of a cinematic experience at the Royal Albert Hall. It follows the successful sold out performances of 'The Lord of the Rings Trilogy' and 'The Matrix' and will follow the European premiere of the 50th Anniversary of West Side Story in June
by Stuart Kemp

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32805-Fantasia-in-concert-London Online Disney.com redesigned http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32791-Disney-com-redesigned?goto=newpost Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:18:23 GMT * Disney.com is being redesigned* * First phase of new Disney.com now live *... Disney.com is being redesigned


First phase of new Disney.com now live

Disney Post
Great news for connected Disney fans all over the world! Today, Disney Interactive rolled out the first phase of the new Disney.com experience. Serving as the digital gateway for all things Disney, our team built a magical online entertainment destination for the next generation of Guests. The new site will transform the way Disney fans watch, play, create and discover Disney online.

The new Disney.com was designed to be a clean, elegant and easy-to-navigate experience, unifying Disney content from across the company. It was built using Responsive Design technology, a modern web development technique that ensures a rich and consistent experience across platforms and devices, including personal computers, tablets and smartphones. Now families and fans have a simpler way to access their favorite and newly discovered Disney content.

The team responsible for building the site knew that the next generation of Disney fans would visit via mobile phones and tablets, so they built Disney.com to seamlessly adapt to the ever-expanding world of devices.
by Mariam Sughayer

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32791-Disney-com-redesigned <![CDATA[Resorts DCA Beast's Library update]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32787-DCA-Beast-s-Library-update?goto=newpost Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:25:02 GMT Beast's Library update at Disney California Adventure


The Beast’s Library updated with new characters and questions

Disney Parks Blog
The Beast’s Library in the Disney Animation Building is the perfect place to relax and cool off during a day at Disney California Adventure park. And now you can discover even more about the character inside you with updated questions and new characters just added to the library’s royal storybooks! Take a look: video
by Erin Glover, Manager

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32787-DCA-Beast-s-Library-update Events Tower of Terror 10-Miler http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32786-Tower-of-Terror-10-Miler?goto=newpost Mon, 01 Oct 2012 19:13:24 GMT * Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler * * Inaugural Tower of Terror 10-Miler crowns first winners *... Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler

Inaugural Tower of Terror 10-Miler crowns first winners

The Disney Blog
Juan Morales of Huntington Beach, CA., bested more than 10,000 runners at the inaugural Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler race at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday, checking in with a 58:00 finish.

Another Golden State runner, Kimberly Mueller of San Diego, was the first woman to cross the finish line. Mueller finished with a time of 1:04:50.
by John Frost

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Over 10,000 runners take part in inaugural Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler

Jim Hill Media
The moon was shining bright this past Saturday night as more than 10,000 runners lined up at the toll plaza for Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park eager to take part in the inaugural run of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler race. RunDisney kept everyone energized & entertained at the starting line with the help of a DJ who spun tunes while sitting behind a rather familiar-looking front desk.

Finally the race's 10 p.m. start time arrived. And after two waves of wheelchair athletes headed out on the course it was finally time to enter the 5th dimension. And as multiple interruptions of fireworks streaked across the sky, wave after wave of runners raced off into the darkness on a journey that would take them out to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and up onto the Osceola Parkway before they then returned to Disney's Hollywood Studios, past the set of the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show before reaching the finish line near DHS's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. As the racers made their way across the finish line, they then joined friends & family at the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash, a special after-hours party at the studio theme park which lasted until 4 a.m.

This nighttime race was just one component of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend. Over the course of this two day-long event, amateur athletes from around the country could take part in a Health & Fitness Expo, participate in the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run and/or look on as their children joined in on the runDisney Kids' Race. PHOTOS
by Jim Hill

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32786-Tower-of-Terror-10-Miler Company Fandango hires Disney exec http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32785-Fandango-hires-Disney-exec?goto=newpost Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:35:48 GMT * Fandango hires Disney executives * * Fandango names ex-Disney executive Paul Yanover as new president *... Fandango hires Disney executives


Fandango names ex-Disney executive Paul Yanover as new president

Los Angeles Times
Fandango, the fast-growing online movie ticket company based in Los Angeles, has named former Disney digital executive Paul Yanover to the newly created position of president. He will lead the company's overall business strategy, including growing its original content offerings across mobile, TV, and the Web and expanding partnerships with studios, Fandango said in a statement.

A veteran technology executive, Yanover served as executive vice president and managing director of Disney Online and was also co-founder and chief executive of Ceiva Logic, a consumer electronics company that created a groundbreaking digital picture-sharing network.
by Richard Verrier

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32785-Fandango-hires-Disney-exec Subscribe on facebook http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32779-Subscribe-on-facebook?goto=newpost Sat, 29 Sep 2012 21:20:34 GMT Visions Fantastic news presenter Tom Morrow is now on facebook. Since he is a news-bot, he can't respond to a message or friend request. But you can follow all the VF news from facebook by subscribing to him on facebook.

facebook Tom Morrow ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Ezra http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32779-Subscribe-on-facebook Events Disney Animation Studios tour http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32769-Disney-Animation-Studios-tour?goto=newpost Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:04:54 GMT * Walt Disney Animation Studios tour part of MacTech Conference * * MacTech announces Walt Disney Animation Studios tour *... Walt Disney Animation Studios tour part of MacTech Conference


MacTech announces Walt Disney Animation Studios tour

TUAC
Registration is currently underway for the 2012 MacTech Conference here in Los Angeles (October 17-19). MacTech will take attendees over to the Walt Disney Animation Studios for a special behind-the-scenes tour, and have a special exhibit of "Hollywood treasures" for attendees to check out.

MacTech 2012 will run from Wednesday to Friday October 17-19, 2012 at the Sheraton Universal in Los Angeles.
by Mike Schramm

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32769-Disney-Animation-Studios-tour Resorts WDW Big Thunder queue upgrade http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32760-WDW-Big-Thunder-queue-upgrade?goto=newpost Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:19:46 GMT Walt Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain to get queue upgrade


Disney's Big Thunder Mountain to get queue upgrade

Orlando Business Journal
Walt Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain at the Magic Kingdom will be getting an upgrade of its queue line much like The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Haunted Mansion and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

“We’ve previously shared updates here on the Disney Parks Blog about enhanced queues that have been added to other attractions at the park – these interactive queues immediately allow guests to immerse themselves in the story of an attraction while they wait to board,” said Disney Parks Blog.

The park has not released any details of the enhancements, but other attractions added interactive games, play areas and automated visuals that are designed to help guests forget about wait times.
continue
by Richard Bilbao

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Related Article:

Guests can soon interact with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in new immersive queue
Disney Parks Blog


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32760-WDW-Big-Thunder-queue-upgrade Television Disney streaming VOD servce? http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32759-Disney-streaming-VOD-servce?goto=newpost Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:17:58 GMT * Could Disney be the next big streaming VOD service?* *Analyst:* *Disney could be mext big subscription VOD provider *... Could Disney be the next big streaming VOD service?


Analyst: Disney could be mext big subscription VOD provider
Sanford C. Bernstein's Todd Juenger says the conglomerate could re-imagine its "sleepy SVOD service" once its Starz output deal ends in 2015 to unlock a "hidden treasure."

Hollywood Reporter
A Wall Street analyst suggested on Tuesday that Walt Disney could be the next big subscription VOD provider. "The time is ripe for Disney to re-imagine their sleepy SVOD service (Disney Family Movies) into a full-blown, premium Disney-branded SVOD service," Sanford C. Bernstein's Todd Juenger said in a report. "Full realization would likely require abandoning the Starz output deal," which ends in 2015.

Calling the company's SVOD business opportunity a "hidden treasure," Juenger suggested that DFM's earnings "would be easily superior" to the Starz licensing fee as the company would break even relative to the Starz deal at 4 million subscribers. "At 12 million subs, DFM would add $475 million incremental operating income (17 cents per share)," he said.

But Juenger also suggested that if Disney ended its output deal with Starz, "a chain reaction would be set in motion" that could affect various entertainment and digital players. "Would Starz abandon majors (a la Showtime) or redouble around Sony/Universal?" asked the analyst. "Netflix would face a mighty competitive entry, but could maybe pick up Sony or Universal movies."
by Georg Szalai

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32759-Disney-streaming-VOD-servce Products Worlds biggest Mickey collection http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32758-Worlds-biggest-Mickey-collection?goto=newpost Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:08:29 GMT Worlds biggest Mickey Mouse collection


Celebration woman's Mickey Mouse collection sets record

Orlando Sentinel
It's the happiest condo on Earth. Filled to the brim with plush dolls, pin and key-chain displays and thousands of figurines — some more than 2 feet tall — Janet Esteves' home is a monument to Mickey Mouse.

Esteves, a 57-year-old Celebration woman, has held the record for the largest documented Mickey Mouse memorabilia collection in the world since 2006. Back then, she set the record with more than 2,100 items. The latest Guinness World Records count put Esteves' collection at 4,127 items, but she estimates that she has about 2,000 more pieces still waiting to be cataloged and counted. Esteves holds the memorabilia record — but she keeps breaking it.

Esteves' 1,900-square-foot condo has been the family vacation home since 2005, and last year, Janet and her husband, Juan, decided to relocate there from their home in Palm City. The two packed their nearly 6,000 Mickey items in boxes and took months to get them all to Celebration. Though many of their pieces are already on display, dozens of figurines still fill their garage waiting for a more permanent home inside. "I'm always looking for empty spaces on the walls and thinking, 'Which Mickey can I put there?' " Janet Esteves said.

"This is a passion," she said. "Actually, it's an obsession. Some people think it's crazy, but frankly, I don't care." VIDEO
by Desiree Stennett

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32758-Worlds-biggest-Mickey-collection Products Mattel hires Disney executive http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32757-Mattel-hires-Disney-executive?goto=newpost Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:56:49 GMT * Mattel hires Disney Consumer Products executive* * Mattel taps Disney veteran to head licensing *... Mattel hires Disney Consumer Products executive


Mattel taps Disney veteran to head licensing

BusinessWeek
Mattel Inc. said Tuesday it hired a Disney executive to join the toy company's top executive team. The company has hired Jessica Dunne, the former executive vice president of licensing for Disney classic characters and Disney baby. Mattel cited her experience with infant and pre-school brands in announcing the appointment.

She will serve as general manager and senior vice president of consumer products for Mattel, where she is responsible for overseeing licensing for Mattel's powerhouse brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and American Girl. Dunne said in a statement that she will also aim to cultivate and develop Mattel's newer properties.
Associated Press

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32757-Mattel-hires-Disney-executive Movies Marvel moves close to Disney http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32729-Marvel-moves-close-to-Disney?goto=newpost Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:04:34 GMT * Marvel Studios move closer to Disney * * Marvel Studios Heading To Disney’s Backyard *... Marvel Studios move closer to Disney


Marvel Studios Heading To Disney’s Backyard

Deadline Hollywood
It been over three years since Disney announced they were buying Marvel for $4 billion but the superhero studio is finally moving in. Or at least closer. And Marvel’s move to Glendale from Manhattan Beach next year is all about getting closer to Disney, literally and figuratively.

“Proximity can only help when it comes to collaboration,” said a studio insider today about Marvel’s planed relocation to be nearer the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The move to Glendale of about 160 Marvel employees is scheduled to be completed by next April, says another source close to the situation. Marvel Animation Studios, a unit of Marvel Television, is already in Glendale.

Marvel has been housing its executive and film production offices at the Manhattan Beach Studios Media Campus, which is managed by Raleigh Studios, for nearly four years. Thor reshoots as well as parts of The Avengers and Captain America: The First Avenger was done at MBS Media Campus. However, with successive Marvel sequels shooting out of state due to more favorable tax incentives, the need for MBS Media Campus’ soundstages and other production facilities became unnecessary, Deadline has been told. “It wasn’t the only reason for the move, but it played a role. They just don’t need all that space,” said an insider.
by Dominic Patten

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32729-Marvel-moves-close-to-Disney <![CDATA[Resorts Addition to WDW 'Pirates']]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32723-Addition-to-WDW-Pirates?goto=newpost Sun, 23 Sep 2012 01:15:25 GMT New addition to Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean


Changes are afoot at Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park


Disney Parks Blog
Pirates of the Caribbean, the classic Disney attraction which inspired a four-part film franchise, has undergone a few changes in recent years due to the success of these movies. First, Captain Jack Sparrow made his debut at the attraction, then Captain Barbossa appeared aboard a pirate ship. More recently, the ghostly apparitions of knaves Davy Jones and Blackbeard have materialized.

Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering dropped us a line today to let us know that something from the most recent film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, is about to be added to the attraction here at Walt Disney World Resort. Updates to the attraction will be made overnight, so Pirates of the Caribbean will remain open to guests during park hours.
by Jennifer Fickley-Baker

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32723-Addition-to-WDW-Pirates Resorts ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ characters http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32722-‘Wreck-It-Ralph’-characters?goto=newpost Sun, 23 Sep 2012 01:05:27 GMT * ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ characters at Disney Parks * * ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ characters are coming to Disney Parks this November *... ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ characters at Disney Parks


‘Wreck-It Ralph’ characters are coming to Disney Parks this November

Disney Parks Blog
I’m excited to tell you Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz, two of the main characters from Disney’s newest animated adventure comedy Wreck-It Ralph, will soon be making their debut at Disney Parks.

Wreck-It Ralph is going to be great, and meeting Ralph and Vanellope in the parks will be just as fun. At Disneyland park, the arcade world of Wreck-It Ralph comes to life within the Tomorrowland Starcade. When Ralph and Vanellope are there, you’ll have an opportunity to meet them at the portal to Sugar Rush and can even play a round on the classic arcade game “Fix-It Felix, Jr.”

At The Magic of Disney Animation attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll step through Game Central Station, catching glimpses of the various game worlds from the film on your way to Sugar Rush, where Vanellope and Ralph are waiting to meet you at the finish line.
by Shawn Slater

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32722-‘Wreck-It-Ralph’-characters Events Space Shutttle flies over parks, studio http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32721-Space-Shutttle-flies-over-parks-studio?goto=newpost Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:57:30 GMT Space Shuttle Endeavour flies over Disney Parks, Studio on it's final flight


Space Shuttle Endeavour flies Over The Walt Disney Studios

Disney Post
Space Shuttle Endeavour flew over The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank on its way to Los Angeles International Airport. Employees on the Studio Lot cheered with excitement as the legendary shuttle circled overhead several times before continuing on its final flight.

While en route, the shuttle also flew over the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Check out videos of the Endeavour's flight over the Parks on the Disney Parks Blog.
by Heather Hust Rivera

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Related Articles:

Space Shuttle Endeavour treats guests to ‘ferry flight’ over the Disneyland Resort
Disney Parks Blog

Final Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour Makes Special Flyover at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Parks Blog


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32721-Space-Shutttle-flies-over-parks-studio Resorts DCA Park of the Year 2012 http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32720-DCA-Park-of-the-Year-2012?goto=newpost Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:30:19 GMT *Disney California Adventure named ‘2012 Park of the Year’ * * Disney California Adventure park named ‘2012 Park of the Year’ by Amusement... Disney California Adventure named ‘2012 Park of the Year’


Disney California Adventure park named ‘2012 Park of the Year’ by Amusement Today

Disney Parks Blog
Disney California Adventure park has been selected “2012 Park of the Year” by Amusement Today, a publication that covers amusement park news and trends. The publication’s Golden Ticket Awards, recently held at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., honors the “best of the best” in the amusement industry.

Gary Slade, publisher and editor-in-chief, personally selected Disney California Adventure park for the Publisher’s Pick Award after visiting this summer. He saluted cast members and Imagineers “for showing the imagination and creativity needed to make [Disney California Adventure park] the must-visit facility of the year.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Disneyland Resort cast members, and Imagineers, was Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park and Guest Services, and Kathy Mangum, Walt Disney Imagineering executive producer. Mary said, “I was truly honored to accept the ‘Park of the Year’ award on behalf of every cast member who is, and was, a part of the making of the new Disney California Adventure park. Without their hard work and dedication, this award and the joy that you see on our guests’ faces would not be possible.”
by Kevin Rafferty

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Related Article:

Amusement Today announces winners of Golden Ticket Awards
Amusement Today


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32720-DCA-Park-of-the-Year-2012 <![CDATA[Events Maker Camp's Imagineering tour]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32719-Maker-Camp-s-Imagineering-tour?goto=newpost Sun, 23 Sep 2012 00:13:14 GMT Maker Camp's Imagineering tour on YouTube


Walt Disney Imagineering takes teens behind the scenes

Disney Post
Recently, hundreds of teens experienced that magic up close. Walt Disney Imagineering, in association with Maker Faire’s “Maker Camp” – a month-long, virtual DIY camp – and Google+, hosted a live “field trip” of their usually top-secret facilities via Webcast.

During the tour, introduced by Imagineering chief creative executive, Bruce Vaughn, students and other viewers got a glimpse at some of the unique and innovative processes Imagineers use during the design phase of their projects. Of the more than 140 unique Imagineering job disciplines, four were highlighted: dimensional design (model-making, sculpting and rapid-prototyping), robotics design and programming, ride design, and previsualization (virtual experiences of yet-to-be-built attractions and facilities). The tour concluded with students asking Bruce and other Imagineers an array of questions, from highly technical inquiries to career advice.

The event drew rave reviews from the participants — and you can be part of the experience by watching the entire Webcast, which includes the tour and Q&A, on YouTube. video
by Christi Erwin Donnan

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32719-Maker-Camp-s-Imagineering-tour <![CDATA[Movies Disney's Barfi! India Oscar bid]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32718-Disney-s-Barfi!-India-Oscar-bid?goto=newpost Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:39:54 GMT India submits Disney's 'Barfi!' for Oscar consideration


India chooses 'Barfi!' for Oscars foreign-language entry
The Charlie Chaplinesque film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra and is directed by Anurag Basu

Hollywood Reporter
India's official entry for the 2013 Oscars is Barfi!, produced by Disney UTV Studios. The announcement was made by the Film Federation of India.

Since its Sept. 14 release on 700 screens in India, Barfi! has grossed an estimated $10 million (550 million rupees) with the film also receiving critical acclaim. “We are honored that Barfi! has been selected to represent India as its official entry to the 2013 Academy Awards),” said Disney UTV Studios MD Siddharth Roy Kapur. “Barfi! is very close to the hearts of all of us at UTV and it gives us great satisfaction that a film we have developed and nurtured from its inception has met with so much love from audiences and critics worldwide.”

Barfi! (the name refers to an Indian sweet) stars top actor Ranbir Kapoor in the title role of a deaf and mute young man and his love for an autistic girl (top actress Priyanka Chopra) while upcoming South Indian actress Ileana D'Cruz completes the love triangle. Kapoor's performance as a fun-filled character has shades of Charlie Chaplin with some scenes even paying tribute to gags from his comedy classics.
by Nyay Bhushan

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32718-Disney-s-Barfi!-India-Oscar-bid Products Disney shop at JC Penney http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32717-Disney-shop-at-JC-Penney?goto=newpost Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:13:17 GMT * Disney boutique at J.C. Penney* * Disney and J.C. Penney join forces *... Disney boutique at J.C. Penney


Disney and J.C. Penney join forces

The Motley Fool
Disney was the top stock yesterday on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, up well over 1%. The uptick was tied to a report in Women's Wear Daily (registration required) that the company will partner with J.C. Penney to open more than 500 in-store boutiques featuring Disney products designed exclusively for the retail giant. According to one account, "The Disney shops will average 750 sq. ft. to 1,100 sq. ft. and sell costumes, plush toys, figurines, footwear, sleepwear, underwear, backpacks, lunch totes and apparel for boys, girls and babies."

The partnership is part of J.C. Penney's ongoing "transformation." The retailer is remaking its stores to resemble an amalgamation of separately-branded boutiques by the likes of Levi's, Liz Claiborne, and Disney, among others.
by John Maxfield

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32717-Disney-shop-at-JC-Penney <![CDATA[Movies Coast Guard drama 'The Finest Hours']]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32716-Coast-Guard-drama-The-Finest-Hours?goto=newpost Sat, 22 Sep 2012 22:54:22 GMT Coast Guard drama 'The Finest Hours'


Van Patten in talks to steer Disney's 'Hours'
Helmer circling to direct Coast Guard drama

Chicago Tribune
Tim Van Patten, who has helmed episodes of HBO's Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones and The Sopranos, is in talks to direct Disney's Coast Guard drama The Finest Hours, based on the bestselling book by Casey Sherman and Michael Tougias. Finest Hours would be Van Patten's first feature after focusing primarily on TV. His credits also include HBO's Sex and the City, The Wire, Deadwood, Empire, Rome, and The Pacific, as well as NBC's Ed.

Plot revolves around a daring Coast Guard rescue of 84 men off of Cape Cod, in 1952, after two oil tankers collided and were torn in half by waves during a fierce blizzard. Film adaptation was penned by Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson, who wrote The Fighter.
by Marc Graser

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Related Article:

Tim Van Patten eyes 'Finest Hours' (registration required)
Variety


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32716-Coast-Guard-drama-The-Finest-Hours <![CDATA[Resorts Mater's vehicles get padding]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32708-Mater-s-vehicles-get-padding?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:54:54 GMT Mater's vehicles will get seat padding


Disney adds padding to Cars Land ride

Orange County Register
Disney plans to add padding in early October on Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, a ride in which riders in tow trucks based on a character in the "Cars" movies spin about. The ride is expected to remain open. Padding will be added to the back of seats near the shoulder area to increase comfort.

"We heard from guests that it was uncomfortable," said Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure in an August interview.

"The hard plastic on the sides can be painful when you get whipped into it, or the person next to you forces you into the side," said annual passholder James Stevenson of Studio City in an email. Stevenson said he doesn't think the padding will hurt the ride's thrill. "I think it's the sensation of being whipped (and even crunched by your seatmate) that is what makes the ride fun."
by Sarah Tully

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32708-Mater-s-vehicles-get-padding Movies Avengers edited for UK http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32706-Avengers-edited-for-UK?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:07:27 GMT Avengers edited for United Kingdom audiences


Marvel's Avengers Assemble Blu-ray censorship row:
Disney UK speaks out

Home Cinema Choice
Steve May talks exclusively to Disney about the censorship furore that's blown up following the Blu-ray release, that missing Joss Whedon commentary track and the possibility of a Special Edition down the line.

"The simple fact is for a 12 certificate film in the UK, that scene was deemed inappropriate," Disney UK home entertainment spokesperson Lydia Rodrigues told HCC. Rodrigues explains that surprisingly few territories around the world screened the unexpurgated version in cinemas, although the US was one. "There’s been no censorship, no foul play," Rodrigues declares, "the version of Marvel’s Avengers Assemble on Blu-ray disc in the UK is the same as the version shown theatrically. It really is."

The internet has been ablaze with indignation after differences between the US release and the UK disc became apparent following the film’s UK release. Claims of censorship have been rife. But what’s the truth? Obviously the nature of the differences reveal a key development in the story, so if you haven’t seen Avengers Assemble (spoilers ahead), read no further. continue
by Steve May

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Related Article:

British Board of Film Classification
Department for Culture, Media and Sport


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32706-Avengers-edited-for-UK Resorts Festival Arena Halloween carnival at DL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32699-Festival-Arena-Halloween-carnival-at-DL?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:37:10 GMT * Frontierland Festival Arena hosts Halloween carnival at Disneyland* * Halloween carnival coming to Disneyland *... Frontierland Festival Arena hosts Halloween carnival at Disneyland


Halloween carnival coming to Disneyland

Orange County Register
Villains will greet visitors in Frontierland as a Halloween carnival debuts for Disneyland's spooky season. For the first time, Disneyland will transform the Festival Arena into a seasonal carnival with crafts, pumpkin carvers, music and games, including one in which guests toss rings onto witch hats. The villains will be part of the Magic Cauldron Sideshow, in which a magician will cast a spell to make the characters appear, said John McClintock, a Disneyland Resort spokesman. In past years, villains met with visitors near It's a Small World.
by Sarah Tully

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Halloween Carnival takes over Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree at Disneyland Park

Disney Parks Blog
The Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree opens September 14 and continues most days through October 31. That’s where you’ll find a carnival filled with fun for the whole family, with favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, special Halloween entertainment, amazing pumpkin carvers, activities, holiday merchandise, yummy treats and even the Disney Villains! Try your hand at carnival games, like tossing rings on a witch’s hat or spinning the Crystal Ball Fortune Wheel to seek your own happy Halloween fortune.

Everyone’s favorite Frontierland musical group joins the fun, too, as Billy Hill and the “Haunted” Hillbillies take the stage six times a day for a round of appropriately spooky tunes, all done in their inimitable bluegrass style.

The highlight of the Halloween Carnival is sure to be the Magic Cauldron Sideshow. Dare to venture into this tented area, and you may be asked to help cast a magic spell, conjuring a Disney Villain from his or her realm to meet your group before returning to worlds beyond. Disney Villains fans will want to visit more than once, since you never know which Disney Villain might be summoned each time. Sounds like a real “scream!”
by Shawn Slater

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32699-Festival-Arena-Halloween-carnival-at-DL Resorts MK to serve alcohol http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32698-MK-to-serve-alcohol?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:22:23 GMT * Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol at Be Our Guest restaurant * * Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol for the first time ever with opening of Be Our... Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol at Be Our Guest restaurant


Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol for the first time ever with opening of Be Our Guest restaurant

Orlando Attractions Magazine
For the first time in its history, alcohol will be served at the Magic Kingdom theme park during regular opening hours. But it will only be served at one location, the new Be Our Guest restaurant in New Fantasyland.

The Be Our Guest restaurant opens on Nov. 19. It’s part of the Beauty and the Beast area of new Fantasyland. Information about how the beverage choices fit into the theme was posted to the Disney Parks Blog:
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“As part of the overall theming, we wanted to offer wine that enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine,” says Stuart McGuire, Beverage Director, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The wines focus primarily on France’s famous wine-growing regions, including Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

“We’ll also offer the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664,” says McGuire. “And, staying in the general region, we’ll also offer Belgian beers.”

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Beer and wine will only be offered with dinner and won’t be available to go.
by Matt Roseboom

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Related Article:

Storytelling Through Dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland
Disney Parks Blog



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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32698-MK-to-serve-alcohol Resorts Bobsleds go to museum http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32697-Bobsleds-go-to-museum?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:09:02 GMT * Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles donated to The National Roller Coaster Museum* * Disneyland Resort conates Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles and... Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles donated to The National Roller Coaster Museum


Disneyland Resort conates Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles and materials to museum
The National Roller Coaster Museum obtains the "holy grail of artifacts"

National Roller Coaster Museum Association
More than 53 years after opening the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster, Disneyland is donating two vehicles from the iconic Matterhorn Bobsled ride at Disneyland to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. First open in 1959, the 1/100th replica of the real Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, was a dream of Disneyland founder Walt Disney. The Matterhorn Bobsleds was a marvel of engineering when it opened at Disneyland. The 14-story “mountain” was built like a skyscraper with multiple floors and cooling units.

“This is the ‘holy grail’ of artifacts for the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archive (NRCMA),” NRCMA Chairman Gary Slade said. “The Matterhorn started the modern era of roller coaster design and launched the themed ride industry.”

In addition to the bobsled cars, Disney graciously donated signage from the California Screamin’ roller coaster from Disney’s California Adventure. The official presentation of the donation was made at the Golden Ticket Awards at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. on Sept. 8, 2012.

“We’re delighted to provide these pieces of Disneyland Resort history to the National Roller Coaster Museum, an organization that celebrates our industry,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of the Disneyland Resort. “The Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles and California Screamin’ signage represent two of our most beloved attractions, from the first tubular steel-tracked roller coaster in the world to one of the longest and most thrilling.”
press release

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32697-Bobsleds-go-to-museum <![CDATA[Resorts Aladdin's 10,000 performances]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32696-Aladdin-s-10-000-performances?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:54:27 GMT Aladdin's 10,000 performances at Disney California Adventure


Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular marks 10,000th performance at DCA

Laughing Place
On Saturday, September 8 at 2:20 pm, the performance of Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater truly was special, as it was the 10,000th since the show debuted on January 17, 2003. To commemorate the occasion, show director Sue Hamilton gave a heart-felt speech before the opening curtain. Saying, “We are here because of you, our guests,” she welcomed the audience on behalf of all at the Disneyland Resort. She noted that while the Genie grants three wishes, today they felt they had been granted 10,000 wishes. Thanking the show’s loyal audience members, she concluded, “You are our true genie.”

The production went off without a hitch (and without the flying carpet, which has been missing since last Fall). Keeping the show fresh for nearly ten years has been the task of a succession of Genie performers, whose topical jokes keep audiences coming back again and again. Near the end of the show, as the evil Jafar took control of the lamp, the Genie pointed out, “This has not worked out for you 9,999 times before.”
by Doug Marsh

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32696-Aladdin-s-10-000-performances Movies Tech exec Bob Lambert dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32695-Tech-exec-Bob-Lambert-dies?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:45:18 GMT * Disney technology executive Bob Lambert dies * * Bob Lambert died *... Disney technology executive Bob Lambert dies


Bob Lambert died
Longtime Disney exec oversaw technology push

Deadline Hollywood
Former Disney technology executive Bob Lambert died September 7 at his home in Glendale. He was 55. A 25-year veteran of Disney, Lambert served as the company’s senior technology executive. In that role, he oversaw Disney Feature Animation’s shift to CGI production and brought Pixar onboard to work on the software. Disney received a Sci-Tech Academy Award as a result of Lambert’s strategy; Lambert was appointed to the Academy’s Sci-Tech Council last year. As SVP for worldwide technology strategy and development, Lambert was charged with transforming Disney’s digital landscape, especially the move from celluloid film to digital.

He left the company in 2010 after a reorganization. Most recently, Lambert served as the chief strategic officer and chairman emeritus of the USC Entertainment Technology Center, which was founded in 1993 with assistance from Star Wars creator George Lucas.
by Nikki Finke

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32695-Tech-exec-Bob-Lambert-dies Movies Brave Little Toaster remake http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32694-Brave-Little-Toaster-remake?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:37:43 GMT Kushner-Locke sells Brave Little Toaster rights for a remake


Waterman gives 'Brave Little Toaster' a new lease of life

The Wrap
Waterman Entertainment has acquired the right to The Brave Little Toaster and is planning to turn the property into a CGI/live-action hybrid feature, a representative of the company told The Wrap. Following the adventures of a toaster, a vacuum cleaner, a lamp and a blanket, The Brave Little Toaster was made into a film in 1987, produced by Hyperion Pictures and Kushner-Locke and distributed by Disney.

The Brave Little Toaster was the first feature-length film that John Lasseter pitched to use computer-generated animation while at Disney. Lasseter left Disney shortly thereafter, and the development was taken over by Hyperion Pictures. The screenplay was written by Joe Ranft, who later rejoined Lasseter at Pixar to write Toy Story, A Bug's Life and Cars, among others. Waterman brought the rights from Kushner-Locke.

Toaster continues to be a top 100 best selling DVD for kids and family on Amazon, over a decade later. “The company has the opportunity to update the classic property, utilizing CG animation beyond what was technologically possible when Lasseter pitched the project,” said Waterman. This story about a group of household appliances will be updated to include technology that didn’t exist back in 1987, including the iPhone. The company is in pre-production on the film.
by Liza Foreman

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32694-Brave-Little-Toaster-remake Events Olszewski event at DL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32693-Olszewski-event-at-DL?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:28:27 GMT * Robert Olszewski event at Disneyland* * Special Robert Olszewski collector appreciation event at Disney Parks*... Robert Olszewski event at Disneyland


Special Robert Olszewski collector appreciation event at Disney Parks

Disney Parks
From September 21–23, select locations at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts will be offering 25 percent off Olszewski pieces. For those visiting the Disneyland Resort during this special “Collector Appreciation” weekend, plan on scheduling some time to meet Bob at The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A., and even get your piece signed. Signing limits will apply.

Here’s a list of days and times he will be appearing: details
by Michelle Harker

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32693-Olszewski-event-at-DL Products Performing arts magazine by Disney http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32692-Performing-arts-magazine-by-Disney?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Sep 2012 03:20:42 GMT * Disney performing arts magazine for educators * * Disney Extra Credit Magazine *... Disney performing arts magazine for educators


Disney Extra Credit Magazine
Created by Disney, inspired by you

Disney Parks Blog
The Disney Youth Programs team just released our first edition of Disney Extra Credit magazine, an exciting new publication designed specifically for students and educators who have a passion for performing. Disney Extra Credit magazine puts Disney Performing Arts and Disney Youth Programs in the spotlight, showcasing behind-the-scenes looks inside some of Disney’s world-class entertainment

This premiere issue has a little bit of everything. You’ll see what it takes to be a Disney Cruise Line dancer, read interviews with Broadway stars from Disney Theatrical Productions The Lion King and Newsies, and see how far Disney Performing Arts alumni have soared. Disney Extra Credit magazine is full of in-depth education news, tips for student travel, and Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort events for aspiring performers everywhere.

Click here to view our first issue and get insights from professional performers as they encourage you to continue to shine. If you are an educator who would like to make sure your school is signed up to receive our next print edition continue
by Tim Hill

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32692-Performing-arts-magazine-by-Disney Resorts Christian Bale flies ill child to DL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32676-Christian-Bale-flies-ill-child-to-DL?goto=newpost Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:29:23 GMT * Christian Bale flies cancer patient to Disneyland * * Christian Bale flies young cancer patient to Disneyland *... Christian Bale flies cancer patient to Disneyland


Christian Bale flies young cancer patient to Disneyland
The star of the just-completed Batman trilogy met with four-year old Jayden Barber, who is battling leukemia

Hollywood Reporter
Christian Bale flew four-year old leukemia patient Jayden Barber and his entire family out to Los Angeles for an intimate lunch at Disneyland's Club 33 earlier this week. Barber has been fighting cancer for over two years, as chemotherapy for bone cancer in 2010 then turned into MDS leukemia last year, according to WYTV in Ohio. Thought to be terminal after a bone marrow transplant did not work earlier this year, Barber is now in remission.

His mother, Charlene Barber, posted photos of the meeting on Facebook, in the group Lighting the Batsignal for Jayden, and wrote a glowing post about the experience. continue
by Jordan Zakarin

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32676-Christian-Bale-flies-ill-child-to-DL Movies Marketer Geoff Ammer dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32675-Marketer-Geoff-Ammer-dies?goto=newpost Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:19:19 GMT * Movie marketer Geoffrey Ammer dies * * R.I.P. Geoffrey Ammer *... Movie marketer Geoffrey Ammer dies


R.I.P. Geoffrey Ammer

Deadline Hollywood
Longtime movie marketing executive Geoff Ammer has died. He was 62 and died this morning at St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica after suffering a heart attack.

At Marvel he oversaw marketing for the studio’s first self-produced feature films including Iron Man, The Hulk as well as Iron Man 2 and Thor, all of which were distributed by other studios under arrangements made prior to Disney’s acquisition of Marvel. At Disney, Ammer led campaigns for a diverse group of movies including the live-action 101 Dalmatians, The Rock, Armageddon, Ransom, Friday Night Lights and The Insider, among numerous others.

He is survived by his wife Mia Ricchiuti Ammer, son Geoffrey Jr., daughter Annie and two sisters.
by Nikki Finke

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32675-Marketer-Geoff-Ammer-dies Resorts DLR closes short-term parking http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32668-DLR-closes-short-term-parking?goto=newpost Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:13:37 GMT * Disneyland Resort closes short-term parking * * Disneyland converts short-term parking lot *... Disneyland Resort closes short-term parking


Disneyland converts short-term parking lot
It will become drop-off, pick-up area in an effort to increase efficiency

Orange County Register
Disneyland Resort shut down its only short-term parking lot on Tuesday so that construction crews can change the configuration and the lot can re-open as a loading zone starting Friday. The mission remains the same: A free place to drop off or pick up friends and family members. The parking lot sits behind trees along Harbor Boulevard, near Disney Way.

Disney had found that some visitors were staying beyond the 15-minute time limit in the 50-spot lot. Instead, guests and employees will be able to drop off patrons and employees in the area; taxis will use the loading zone as well. The new area will have three traffic lanes – two for dropping off and loading, and a center one for passing through.

"The 15-minute lot was always intended to be a convenient way for guests and cast members to be dropped off to the Disneyland Resort," said Melissa Britt, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman. "These changes ensure cars keep moving, allowing for a better flow of traffic."
by Sarah Tully

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32668-DLR-closes-short-term-parking Movies Matched http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32667-Matched?goto=newpost Sat, 08 Sep 2012 05:04:20 GMT 'Matched'


David Slade to direct Disney's adaptation of 'Matched'

Hollywood Reporter
David Slade is Disney's choice to direct Matched, a futuristic love story that Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot are producing. Slade beat out several other directors for the gig.

The project is based on the 2010 YA novel by Ally Condie. Set in a future society where people are told what to read, what to watch, what to believe and who to love, the story centers on a young woman who rejects an arranged romance and chooses her own path.

Slade is known for his hard-edged fare. He made his debut with Hard Candy, the pedophile-themed Ellen Page thriller, and is coming off directing the pilot for NBC's Hannibal, centering on the famed fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter. But his ability to balance teen angst and action in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is what got Disney execs and the producers thinking he was the man for the Matched job. Slade beat out several other directors for the gig.
by Borys Kit

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32667-Matched Company Disney sues costumers http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32666-Disney-sues-costumers?goto=newpost Sat, 08 Sep 2012 04:54:06 GMT Disney sues over 'counterfeit' costumes


Disney, Warner Bros. sue over 'counterfeit' costumes
One "birthday party entertainer" is facing a multi-million dollar claim for renting and selling character outfits

Hollywood Reporter
Warner Bros., Disney and retailer Sanrio have teamed together to stop an Orange County, Calif.-based website from renting and selling counterfeit costumes. The penalty for enlivening childrens' birthday parties with unlicensed costumes including Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Superman, and Hello Kitty? Try as much as $2 million per costume. The plaintiffs ask for statutory damages for copyright violations, meaning up to $150,000 per infringement. They also want an injunction lest they suffer further "irreparable harm."

The plaintiffs filed the copyright and trademark lawsuit last week. The defendant is Jason Lancaster, who runs what seems to be a pretty basic, cheesy website. Warners, Disney and Sanrio see it as troubling. These entertainment giants are also cracking down on counterfeit costumes. The new lawsuit says that the costumes "incorporate the Plaintiffs' copyrighted properties." The Copyright Act doesn't allow a "useful article" to be copyrighted, but the copyrighting of "pictorial, graphic, or sculptural" elements of clothing is permitted.

And to get the message across, the plaintiffs are also suing for trademark violations, arguing that consumers will be likely confused as to the source of origin for these sold and rented costumes. The pricetag for damages in this regard are $200,000 for each trademark infringed, or $2 million if the infringement is found to be willful.
by Eriq Gardner

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32666-Disney-sues-costumers Products Avengers box set delayed http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32665-Avengers-box-set-delayed?goto=newpost Sat, 08 Sep 2012 04:39:37 GMT * Avengers Assembled Collection box set delayed by lawsuit * * Marvel Delays Release of Superhero DVD Box Set Due to Trademark Claim *... Avengers Assembled Collection box set delayed by lawsuit


Marvel Delays Release of Superhero DVD Box Set Due to Trademark Claim

The Wrap
Studios has delayed the release of a robust box set of its latest films including The Avengers due to a trademark claim filed Aug. 1 against parent company Disney. Marvel and Disney had been planning to release Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One — Avengers Assembled Collection, a box set ranging from the first Iron Man through The Avengers — a grouping that also includes the Iron Man sequels, Thor and Captain America.

Rimowa GmbH, a German luggage manufacturer, is accusing Disney and Marvel of stealing a design feature in the packaging of the box set. Samuel L. Jackson’s character Nick Fury used a Rimowa briefcase in The Avengers, but Marvel has also used a miniature version of briefcase to house the box set, and it also appears in advertising for the set.

"Images of the replica briefcase on Marvel's advertising materials, and fan video from Marvel's product display at this year's Comic-Con convention, show the plastic 'replica case' to be a close copy of Rimowa's Topas attache case in every respect but quality," a lawsuit filed Aug. 9 in the U.S. District Court of Central California alleges. Rimowa has said Marvel does not have the right to use replicas of the briefcase and seeks compensatory damages.

Marvel has since delayed the release of the set from Sept. 25 to next spring, a studio spokeswoman confirmed. The standalone release of The Avengers on DVD and Blu-Ray remains set for Sept. 25.
by Lucas Shaw

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32665-Avengers-box-set-delayed Events John Lasseter honored by car museum http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32660-John-Lasseter-honored-by-car-museum?goto=newpost Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:53:32 GMT Petersen Automotive Museum honors Pixar's John Lasseter


Petersen museum to honor John Lasseter, Adam Carolla

AutoBlog
At this year's Annual "Comedy and Cars" gala at the Petersen Automotive Museum, funnyman and car nut Adam Carolla will be honored, as well as Disney/Pixar's John Lasseter. They'll be named the 2012 Automotive Enthusiast of the Year, and 2012 Automotive Visionary of the Year, respectively.

John Lasseter is being recognized by the Petersen Museum for his work directing Cars and Cars 2. Lasseter has a cameo appearance in Cars 2 as "John Lassetire," the crew chief for Jeff Gordon's "Jeff Gorvette" character. In a comment released by the Petersen Museum, Lasseter says, "The Petersen Museum has the same passion for cars that we at Pixar have for animation...we are kindred spirits, and I'm honored both as a filmmaker and lifelong car lover to receive this award."

According to museum chairman Steve Young, "We felt it was time to recognize those who have used to gift of humor to promote the enjoyment of the automobile as a creative outlet." Both men will be honored a the Museum's annual "Comedy and Cars" gala on Thursday, October 4, 2012.
by George Kennedy

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32660-John-Lasseter-honored-by-car-museum Products Characters don designer duds http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32654-Characters-don-designer-duds?goto=newpost Tue, 04 Sep 2012 06:26:15 GMT *Disney characters don designer duds for Barneys* * Disney characters model designer clothes for Barneys holiday campaign *... Disney characters don designer duds for Barneys


Disney characters model designer clothes for Barneys holiday campaign

Entertainment Weekly
Your favorite Disney characters are swapping their classic clothes for designer duds. Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Snow White, Cruella de Vil, and Princess Tiana will model high fashion threads for Barneys New York’s upcoming holiday campaign. They will strut their stuff as supermodels for a 3-D short film featured in the store’s window displays as part of an extravagant light show.

The “Electric Holiday” light show — influenced by Disney’s famous electrical parade — will feature an original score by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino. For the occasion, Mickey will don Balenciaga, Minnie will be in Lanvin, Goofy in Balmain, Daisy in Dolce & Gabbana, Cruella in Rick Owens, Princess Tiana in Proenza Schouler, and Snow White in Nina Ricci. Don’t worry, Minnie and Daisy will keep their over-sized bows; they’ve just upgraded to flashier ones now.

The display will be unveiled on Nov. 14 at Barneys’ Madison Avenue flagship store.
by Maane Khatchatourian

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32654-Characters-don-designer-duds Events Disneyland Half Marathon http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32653-Disneyland-Half-Marathon?goto=newpost Mon, 03 Sep 2012 03:08:36 GMT * Jimmy Grabow wins Disneyland Half Marathon* * Jimmy Grabow wins Disneyland Half Marathon *... Jimmy Grabow wins Disneyland Half Marathon


Jimmy Grabow wins Disneyland Half Marathon
and motors to new record

Disney Parks Blog
It’s fitting that Disneyland Half Marathon winner Jimmy Grabow is from a town named Running Springs, Calif., because today he ran through Radiator Springs on his way to setting a new record in the race, finishing in 1:05:29. That’s nearly two minutes faster than the previous mark, set by Paul Ngeny (1:07:24) in 2011! Cindy Lynch, of Cardif, Calif., took home the women’s title, speeding through the finish with a time of 1:24:45. Close behind, Kellie Nickerson (who won the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon in January) finished in 1:26:29.

Grabow and Lynch joined actor Sean Astin and more than 17,000 registered runners sold-out half marathon field included runners ages 14 – 78 from all 50 states and 19 countries. Racers traveled down Route 66 through Cars Land for the first time, also passing through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, Angel Stadium and the streets of Anaheim. photos
by Erin Glover

complete article

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Related Article:

Fitness, fun on display at Disneyland race
Orange County Register


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32653-Disneyland-Half-Marathon Television Marvel SHIELD on ABC http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32646-Marvel-SHIELD-on-ABC?goto=newpost Wed, 29 Aug 2012 06:48:12 GMT *Marvel S.H.I.E.L.D. television series on ABC* * ABC greenlights ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Marvel pilot *... Marvel S.H.I.E.L.D. television series on ABC

ABC greenlights ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Marvel pilot
Joss Whedon to co-write & possibly direct

Deadline Hollywood
ABC has ordered a pilot for S.H.I.E.L.D., a live-action series from The Avengers writer-director Joss Whedon, Marvel TV and ABC Studios. The project is based on Marvel’s peacekeeping organization found in both the Marvel comic book and feature film universes, including the blockbuster 2012 movie The Avengers. S.H.I.E.L.D. will be written by Whedon and frequent collaborators, his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. Joss Whedon also is set to direct the pilot, schedule permitting. Production on the pilot, which marks the first live-action Marvel TV project to get a green light, will start immediately.

In addition to S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel TV has a couple of other projects in development at ABC Studios, including a Hulk series.
by Nellie Andreeva

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32646-Marvel-SHIELD-on-ABC <![CDATA[Resorts Disney won't buy DL Paris]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32643-Disney-won-t-buy-DL-Paris?goto=newpost Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:47:37 GMT * Disney may buyout Disneyland Paris* * Walt Disney Co. considers buyout of struggling Disneyland Paris*... Disney may buyout Disneyland Paris


Walt Disney Co. considers buyout of struggling Disneyland Paris
Purchase of Euro Disney shares the company doesn’t already own would be first step in comprehensive turnaround strategy

TIME
After two decades of putting up with lackluster financial results at its European theme-park resort, Disneyland Paris, the Walt Disney Co. is considering a possible buyout of the publicly traded French company that manages the resort, Euro Disney SCA. Disney currently owns 40% of Euro Disney, and sources close to the Burbank, Calif., entertainment giant told TIME that serious discussions have been taking place internally about buying out the stock it doesn’t currently own. Of the remaining shares, 10% is owned by Saudi Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, and the rest is held by individual and institutional investors.

Acquiring the entire French company would be the first step in a comprehensive turnaround strategy that would enable Disney to benefit far more substantially from the popular success of the park. The Walt Disney Co. was supposed to receive a steady stream of royalties and management fees, but because of the resort’s poor financial performance, it has had to waive, defer or reduce these fees for most years of the resort’s existence.

It’s not certain that Disney will decide to make a bid for the company, but the timing for such a move is favorable, since Disneyland Paris is currently on track to pay down about 500 million euros in debt over the next six years, or about one quarter of the remainder. This would put it on a more sustainable path to profitability. Thanks to management’s tight financial controls and higher spending per visitor, the resort is now finally making an operating profit and its cash flow is healthier.
by Peter Gumbel

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32643-Disney-won-t-buy-DL-Paris Movies Animator Ken Walker dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32640-Animator-Ken-Walker-dies?goto=newpost Tue, 28 Aug 2012 03:15:09 GMT * Disney animator Ken Walker dies * * Ken Walker 1921-2012 * (http://www.cartoonbrew.com/disney/ken-walker-1921-2012.html) _ Cartoon Brew _... Disney animator Ken Walker dies


Ken Walker 1921-2012

Cartoon Brew
Veteran Disney animator Ken Walker passed away last Saturday, August 18th, The Orange County Register posted his obituary on Wednesday. He was 91.

Walker began working at Disney right after graduating High School in 1940. After two years he joined the Navy, and after the war rejoined Disney as an assistant. In the mid-1940s, he was one of Ward Kimball’s assistants. Walker later worked as an animator on Alice In Wonderland and numerous shorts (including Trick or Treat and Pluto’s Party, both 1952). He also animated for Film Graphics, Bill Melendez, DePatie Freleng, among others.
by Jerry Beck

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32640-Animator-Ken-Walker-dies Resorts Gingerbread house at HMH http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32639-Gingerbread-house-at-HMH?goto=newpost Tue, 28 Aug 2012 03:10:02 GMT Tallest gingerbread house at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday


Disneyland is making its tallest gingerbread house

Orange County Register
At 9 feet tall with a ghost train around it, the upcoming gingerbread house will stand the tallest and feature the most complex special effects in the Haunted Mansion Holiday's 12-year history. Disneyland will debut its new, spooky gingerbread house when the seasonal version of the Haunted Mansion ride opens Sept. 14.

This year, Jack's Gingerbread House will look like movie character Jack Skellington's home on top of a spindly peak. Bakers and decorators cover the entire structure – a wooden house and hard-foam base – with gingerbread and fondant, an icing-like substance used in pastry sculptures. The house itself is about 3 feet tall and the base is about 6 feet tall, Sandahl said. Zero, the ghost dog, will fly around the tower.

Around the house for the first time, riders can watch a see-through ghost train that will appear to travel around the base of the house. One of the ghosts will blow out a candle on a cupcake on the train, which will also chase a gingerbread man on a push car.

The house likely will weigh 400 to 500 pounds. About 20 employees work to complete the house. Decorators will start covering the structure after Labor Day and spend a final two days on details after it is moved inside the mansion, art director Brian D. Sandahl said.
by Sarah Tully

complete article


Related Article:

Jack’s gingerbread house arrives at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park
Disney Parks Blog


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32639-Gingerbread-house-at-HMH Products Cinderella shoe line http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32638-Cinderella-shoe-line?goto=newpost Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:27:54 GMT * Cinderella shoe collection by DSW * * DSW launches new shoe collection inspired by Disney’s Cinderella *... Cinderella shoe collection by DSW


DSW launches new shoe collection inspired by Disney’s Cinderella

DSW Inc.
An exciting new line of evening and wedding fashion footwear, inspired by the 1950 Disney animated classic film Cinderella, will soon be available from leading branded twear and accessories retailer, DSW. “The Glass Slipper Collection” hits DSW stores, DSW.com and the DSW mobile site on October 1st in celebration of the release of Cinderella Diamond Edition, available on Blu-rayTM for the first time at the stroke of midnight on October 2nd.

The collaboration between DSW and Disney began with the idea of creating a line of shoes that successfully blends the classic elegance of Cinderella with today’s footwear trends. The result is a gorgeous collection of five timeless styles in must-have colors that any fashion-savvy shoe lover would want in her closet.

Shoes in the limited-edition collection bear an embossed carriage logo and a signature blue jewel on the sole, making them not only a great fashion statement, but a stylish collector’s item as well. Ranging in price from $59.95 to $89.95, The Glass Slipper Collection is the perfect fit for generations of women who want to look fabulous and feel glamorous on their big night.
Investor Relations

complete press release


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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32638-Cinderella-shoe-line Movies Rocketeer reboot http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32634-Rocketeer-reboot?goto=newpost Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:22:35 GMT 'Rocketeer' reboot


Disney’s 'The Rocketeer' being reloaded

New York Magazine
Now that Disney’s troubled movie studio is under new management, our spies tells us that, curiously, one of the first properties to be developed for a feature film is a reboot of 1991’s thirties-set adventure film, The Rocketeer.

We say ‘curiously’ because while the property was actually a flop at the time, its similarity to the current Disney-Marvel cash cow Iron Man is more than a little striking: In it, a racing pilot named Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) discovers a rocket-pack prototype in his stunt plane, hidden there by the gangsters who stole it from Howard Hughes; Secord tries it out, and, like Tony Stark, quickly discovers that a) flying without a plane is SO cool, and b) you gotta fight the bad guys (including Timothy Dalton, who two years prior had starred as James Bond for the second time) and save the girl (a luminous Jennifer Connelly).

While both properties are based on comic books, Iron Man actually arrived on the scene first: The Rocketeer was first published in 1982 by tiny (and now, sadly, defunct) Pacific Comics. By the time Disney released The Rocketeer in 1991, Pacific had already been liquidated for half a decade.

We’re told the studio will soon be meeting with various writers to come up with a take. But its reappearance at Disney now, of course, begs the question: Why? What is new studio chief Alan Horn up to? It could be an early sign that the former Warner Bros. chief doesn’t just view his new job at Disney Studios as that of a mere portfolio manager, content to make sure acquisitions like Marvel, The Muppets, and Pixar, which keep churning out their own properties as Disney’s brand withers. That would be good news, indeed.
by Claude Brodesser-Akner

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32634-Rocketeer-reboot Resorts Epcot 30th Anniversary http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32633-Epcot-30th-Anniversary?goto=newpost Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:08:58 GMT Epcot 30th Anniversary


Celebrating the Big 3-0: Making Epcot's big day bigger

Orlando Sentinel
WDW Celebrations, a not-for-profit group — unaffiliated with Walt Disney Co. — still creates theme-park gatherings for what Roth calls "like-minded Disney fans." Next up is Celebration 30, four days of events tied to Epcot's 30th birthday Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Celebration 30 is the eighth event from WDW Celebrations, which is run by "core team members" including co-founder Jason Diffendal, Jackie Steele, Tom Corless, Marcus D'Amelio, Matt Pezzula, Jose Castillo, Jennifer Leveillee and Adam Roth. They handle crowd logistics, logos, social media, high-tech scavenger hunts and more, Roth says. Two dollars from each eight dollar ticket goes to charity.

Disney's official celebrations have continued to be low-key, including last year's 40th birthday for Magic Kingdom. D23, the company-run fan club for all things Disney, has had anniversary events since forming in 2009. Its celebratory Epcot event on Sept. 29 is sold out.
by Dewayne Bevil

complete article

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Related link:

Announcing Celebration 30
WDW Celebrations


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32633-Epcot-30th-Anniversary Products Disney Prom dresses http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32632-Disney-Prom-dresses?goto=newpost Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:52:26 GMT *Disney Prom dresses* * Ashdon and Disney announce their first Disney Princess-inspired Prom dress collection*... Disney Prom dresses


Ashdon and Disney announce their first Disney Princess-inspired Prom dress collection

D23
Disney Consumer Products and Ashdon, Inc. recently announced the launch of its Disney Forever Enchanted collection, a new line of prom dresses inspired by the personalities and stories of each Disney Princess character. Every prom season, a new collection inspired by a different Disney Princess story will roll out beginning with Snow White.

Launching at retail in time for the 2013 prom season, the debut collection pulls from different aspects of the 1937 Disney animated classic film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and captures its essence through rich treatments and a variety of silhouettes and fabrics. With seven design themes and 75 style options, Disney Forever Enchanted offers a stunning array of possibilities and choices for Prom goers.

“Launching our new Disney Forever Enchanted collection with a Snow White-inspired line seemed only fitting, since she was Disney’s first princess,” said Ashdon CEO, Nick Yeh. “The dresses are fun to wear yet elegant, and offer young women a way to realize their own fairytale inspired dreams.”
News & Features

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32632-Disney-Prom-dresses <![CDATA[Movies Dick Van Dyke's SAG Award for Lifetime Achievement]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32631-Dick-Van-Dyke-s-SAG-Award-for-Lifetime-Achievement?goto=newpost Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:43:38 GMT * Dick Van Dyke to receive SAG Lifetime Achievement Award * * Dick Van Dyke to receive SAG Lifetime Achievement Award *... Dick Van Dyke to receive SAG Lifetime Achievement Award


Dick Van Dyke to receive SAG Lifetime Achievement Award

The Wrap
Dick Van Dyke will be saluted at the annual Screen Actors Guild awards for his iconic performances in the likes of Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Van Dyke will receive the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, the actors' union said Tuesday. He'll pick up his honor at the televised awards show, which premieres live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013

In a career that's spanned six decades, Dick Van Dyke has played a dancing chimney sweep with an iffy cockney accent, a happily married comedy writer and a crime-solving doctor. He has won five Emmys, a Tony and a Grammy award. His film and stage credits include the CBS procedural Diagnosis Murder, the film and stage versions of Bye Bye Birdie and the movie adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He recently appeared opposite Ben Stiller in [INight at the Museum[/I].

“Dick is the consummate entertainer — an enormously talented performer whose work has crossed nearly every major category of entertainment," Ken Howard, SAG-AFTRA co-president, said in a statement. "From his career-changing Broadway turn in Bye Bye Birdie and his deadpan humor in the Emmy winning Dick Van Dyke Show, to his unforgettable performance as Bert in Mary Poppins, he sets a high bar for actors."
by Brent Lang

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32631-Dick-Van-Dyke-s-SAG-Award-for-Lifetime-Achievement Movies Brave knockoff http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32623-Brave-knockoff?goto=newpost Mon, 20 Aug 2012 04:06:37 GMT Brave knockoff draws Disney legal challenge


Disney's lawyers skrew up their courage for fight over Brave lookalike flick
Braver, a budget animated flick, has been accused by the entertainment giants of cashing in on their blockbuster hit Brave

London Daily Record
The DVD cover shows a ginger-haired princess wearing a green dress and standing in an enchanted forest. But this isn’t Disney’s £120million Scottish blockbuster Brave – it’s English-made Braver, churned out for just £64,000. Their Brighton-based firm, Brightspark Production Ltd, released Braver last month and were delighted when Tesco and Sainsbury’s agreed to sell the DVDs for £3. But the 45-minute cartoon fairytale about kidnapped Princess Angela, described as the“bravest princess in all the kingdom”, is at risk of a sad ending.

Makers Jeremy and Jackie Davis are facing legal action over claims they are cashing in on this summer’s Pixar smash. Disney’s lawyers have started an investigation after US studio bosses were alerted to the film. They are angry that the title is so similar to their summer money-spinner and also believe Braver’s artwork may mislead consumers into believing the movie is connected to their own Highland tale about Princess Merida.

A Disney source said: “We’re surprised that supermarkets have agreed to put this film on their shelves because the people behind it haven’t exactly been subtle.

“The title and lettering on the cover are almost identical to Brave and there’s even a red-haired *princess wearing a green dress. The plot is also very similar.”
by Derek Alexander

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32623-Brave-knockoff Resorts Woman sells baby for WDW trip http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32620-Woman-sells-baby-for-WDW-trip?goto=newpost Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:16:47 GMT *Woman sells baby for Walt Disney World trip money* * Woman who tried to sell her baby for Disney trip gets mental health probation *... Woman sells baby for Walt Disney World trip money


Woman who tried to sell her baby for Disney trip gets mental health probation

Louisiana Advertiser
A 34-year-old Newark-area woman who tried to sell her infant son last summer for trip money to Disney World was sentenced Thursday to 18 months of intensive mental health probation. Bridget Wismer was charged in October with selling her baby, born Aug. 31, 2011, to John Gavaghan, who has a criminal record.

Wismer made national headlines when she was charged, even appearing on the Nov. 4 broadcast of the “Dr. Phil” syndicated television show to proclaim her innocence. She said the criminal charges against her were the result of a misunderstanding and that she thought the arrangements she made with Gavaghan were proper.

Wismer pleaded guilty but mentally ill in June, while Gavaghan, who was listed improperly as the child’s father on the birth certificate, pleaded guilty to the same charge.
by Esteban Parra

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32620-Woman-sells-baby-for-WDW-trip Products Disney/Marvel vitamin refund http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32619-Disney-Marvel-vitamin-refund?goto=newpost Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:06:07 GMT Disney & Marvel licensed children's vitamin refund


Have you bought Disney or Marvel children's vitamins?
You may be eligible for a refund

Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, charged NBTY with making false and unproven claims that its multivitamins — which featured Disney and Marvel Heroes characters — promoted healthy brain and eye development in children. According to the FTC, the vitamins’ packaging and print ads touted the amount of DHA as significant, but the multivitamins contained only a trace amount of DHA (0.1 mg). The FTC also alleged that the company’s claims about the brain and eye health benefits of its multivitamins were not supported by scientific evidence. apply for a refund
Consumer Protection Agency

complete article



Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32619-Disney-Marvel-vitamin-refund Resorts Muslim sues over head scarf http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32609-Muslim-sues-over-head-scarf?goto=newpost Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:26:41 GMT *ATTENTION!* READ COMPLETELY BEFORE POSTING This thread is open for posting, but all posts are to remain completely on-topic. You may discuss the... ATTENTION! READ COMPLETELY BEFORE POSTING
This thread is open for posting, but all posts are to remain completely on-topic. You may discuss the details of the lawsuit itself. There should be absolutely no name-calling, and no side-remarks about religion or politics in general. If any post is reported as offensive for any reason, that post will be deleted in its entirety and the thread closed permanently. Please read thoroughly, and reply thoughtfully. I hope that Visions Fantastic members can express themselves, but still be polite and respectful. ~Ezra

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Muslim sues Disneyland Resort for discrimination over head scarf

Muslim employee's suit accuses Disney of bias over head scarf
Imane Boudlal charges that she was harassed after she began wearing a hijab in 2010 while working as a cafe hostess

Los Angeles Times
Imane Boudlal Boudlal is suing Walt Disney Corp. in federal court, saying that she was discriminated against and harassed for her religious beliefs. She also alleges that she unfairly lost her job in 2010 after refusing to remove her head scarf at work. Boudlal alleges that her co-workers began taunting her, calling the Moroccan-born Muslim a "terrorist," a "camel" and someone who learned how to make bombs at her mosque. She complained to her managers verbally and in writing, she said, with no results, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.

The lawsuit charges that Boudlal, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, decided to wear her hijab full time in 2010, about eight months after she began wearing it publicly. She contacted her supervisors at Disneyland to request an exemption to the company's general appearance guidelines. Boudlal received initial approval to wear a Disney-designed scarf, but she was told it would need corporate approval before she could wear it to work. Not wanting to wait to mark Ramadan, Boudlal wore her own hijab to work Aug. 15, 2010, when she says she was told she could either remove the scarf, cover it with a hat or work in a job out of public sight.

She refused and, after a few additional meetings with Disney, filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The agency awarded Boudlal a notice of right to sue earlier this month, opening the door for litigation.

Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the company tried to accommodate Boudlal's needs — as it has with religious requests from other employees from various faiths. "We presented Ms. Boudlal with multiple options to accommodate her religious beliefs, as well as offered her several roles that would have allowed her to wear her own hijab," Brown said. "Unfortunately, she rejected all of our efforts and has since refused to come to work."
by Kate Mather

complete article


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Related Articles:

Disney sued by Muslim ex-employee for alleged discrimination
Hollywood Reporter

Ex-Disney employee files discrimination lawsuit
Orange County Register


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32609-Muslim-sues-over-head-scarf Resorts face cloning technology http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32600-face-cloning-technology?goto=newpost Mon, 13 Aug 2012 01:23:38 GMT * New face cloning technology for animatronics * Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/data/3/clonefaces.png * Disney... New face cloning technology for animatronics


Disney researchers can now digitally shave your face, clone it for animatronics

Engadget
Through a pair of research projects, the minds at Disney Research have managed to create systems for not only mapping, digitally reconstructing and removing facial hair, but also for creating lifelike synthetic replicas of human faces for use in animatronics. The team behind the Physical Face Cloning project hope to automate part of creating animatronics to speed up the task of replicating a human face, specifically for use on future Disney audio-animatronic robots. Another Disney team is also taking a careful look at the human facial hair... VIDEOS
by Sean Buckley

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32600-face-cloning-technology Movies Toy Story Partysaurus http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32595-Toy-Story-Partysaurus?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:38:30 GMT * New Toy Story short Partysaurus Rex * — Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/data/3/partysaurus.png — *First Look:* *... New Toy Story short Partysaurus Rex
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First Look: Pixar dives deep in new bath time 'Toy Story' short

Entertainment Weekly
Given how short Rex’s arms are, it’s ironic that he’s the Toy Story world’s resident hand-wringer. But in Pixar’s new animated short Partysaurus Rex (playing before Finding Nemo 3-D on Sept. 14), we discover that bath time is when the nervous-nellie plastic dinosaur finally lets himself get down and dirty.

It’s the third in Pixar’s series of Toy Story Toons shorts, which follow life for Woody, Buzz and the gang in the care of new owner Bonnie (seen at the end of Toy Story 3) In this mini-movie, Rex gets drafted for bath time and encounters a sad lot of rub-a-dub-dub cohorts.

“If you’re a bath toy you get really intense playtime. It’s like a party,” says director Mark Walsh, who previously worked as an animator on Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. “Then when the water goes down you can’t move. You’re helpless. And that’s pathetic, these guys in bottom of the tub all the time.” As the only available toy with limbs, Rex puts his tiny arms to good use by turning on the water and getting the party going for those dried-out toys on his own – which leads to a sort of bubble-filled rave, complete with glow-in-the-dark toys making disco lights.
by Anthony Breznican

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32595-Toy-Story-Partysaurus Resorts Interactive houseplants http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32594-Interactive-houseplants?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:14:31 GMT * Disney Research develops interactive musical houseplants* * Disney shows you how to play music on a houseplant *... Disney Research develops interactive musical houseplants


Disney shows you how to play music on a houseplant

Wired Magazine
Disney researchers have come up with a system called Botanicus Interactus that can turn a typical household plant into a touch-sensitive computer peripheral. A single wire is placed into the soil, and the plant is then transformed into an interactive toy. Now it can detect if and where a plant has been touched, or even if someone just gets near the plant.

So, what can you actually do with a touch-sensitive peace lily? Well, you could turn it into a musical instrument where each leaf plays a different note.

“Computing is rapidly fusing with our dwelling places and, thanks to touchpads and Microsoft Kinect, interaction with computers is increasingly tactile and gestural,” explained Ivan Poupyrev, senior research scientist at Disney Research. “Still, this interaction is limited to computing devices. We wondered — what if a broad variety of everyday objects around us could interact with us?”

The team will demonstrate an interactive garden of touch-sensitive plants at the Siggraph Emerging Technology expo, which started Monday.
by Mark Brown

complete article

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32594-Interactive-houseplants <![CDATA[Resorts Walk in Walt's DL Footsteps]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32593-Walk-in-Walt-s-DL-Footsteps?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:03:14 GMT New version of Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps tour


Disneyland Resort Guided Tours:
The New ‘Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps’ Tour

Disney Parks Blog
The “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Tour replaces the current “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” tour beginning September 9, and is available to book right now. Traveling through Disneyland park, you will learn about the challenges, excitement, inspiration, and fun that went into creating Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom as well as the story of the life of Walt Disney himself.

The newly re-launched tour includes an exclusive look into Walt Disney’s private apartment, a peek into the lobby of the exclusive, members-only Club 33, a private lunch on Main Street U.S.A., two classic attraction experiences and a collectible pin.

Here are some things you should know about the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour: continue
by Erin Glover

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32593-Walk-in-Walt-s-DL-Footsteps Events D23 Expo 2013 Anaheim http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32592-D23-Expo-2013-Anaheim?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 01:55:34 GMT * D23 Expo 2013 Anaheim * * D23 Expo 2013 * (http://d23.disney.go.com/d23-expo-2013/?int_cmp=d23_experientemail20120809_d23expo2013) * August... D23 Expo 2013 Anaheim


D23 Expo 2013
August 9-11, 2013 — Anaheim, CA

D23
D23 Expo 2013 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards-a stirring biennial event that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins; the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit featuring costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks, and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. details
Events

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32592-D23-Expo-2013-Anaheim Events D23 FANniversary multi-city tour http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32591-D23-FANniversary-multi-city-tour?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 01:46:50 GMT D23 FANniversary Celebration adds more cities


D23′s Disney FANniversary Celebration

D23
D23′s Disney Fanniversary Celebration events have proven extremely popular with our members across the country. Our initial spring tour saw every one of the six-city stops completely sold-out. In order to ensure that even more D23 Members get to experience all the fun of D23′s Disney Fanniversary Celebration we’re happy to announce that additional tour cities have been added. This September our Fanniversary Celebration will visit Seattle and Philadelphia. The tour will continue in October with stops in Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth. D23′s Disney Fanniversary Celebration Details
Events

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32591-D23-FANniversary-multi-city-tour Resorts Imagineer Kathy Mangum promoted http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32590-Imagineer-Kathy-Mangum-promoted?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 01:34:22 GMT Imagineer Kathy Mangum promoted to "executive producer" for Walt Disney World


Cars Land exec takes on role at Disney World

Orlando Sentinel
The Walt Disney Co.creative executive who lead the development of a hit "Cars"-themed attraction in Southern California has been given a new assignment: overseeing all attraction and resort design at Walt Disney World. Burbank, Calif.-based Disney said Wednesday it has appointed Kathy Mangum to the newly created post of "executive producer" for Disney World, the company's biggest theme-park resort, with four theme parks, two water parks, and two-dozen hotels and time shares.

Mangum is a vice president with Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney's in-house creative-engineering unit. Her star has soared since the mid-June opening of "Cars Land" in Disney California Adventure, one of two theme parks at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

There have been unsubstantiated rumors that Disney wants to copy all or part of Cars Land in Orlando, possibly in Disney's Hollywood Studios. But a spokesman for Walt Disney Imagineering said Mangum's reassignment was not tied to any new projects.

Disney World is in the midst of several other large initiatives, including a $425 million expansion of the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland section, a new land based on the film "Avatar" in Disney's Animal Kingdom that's expected to cost between $400 million and $500 million, and a billion-dollar technology-systems upgrade dubbed "Next Generation Experience."

Imagineering spokesman Diego Parras said Mangum's move is a natural progression for her now that Cars Land is complete. Disney World "is our biggest portfolio and, with everything that we have going on, we just simply need more resources," Parras said.
by Jason Garcia

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32590-Imagineer-Kathy-Mangum-promoted Resorts DCA Frankenweenie exhibit http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32589-DCA-Frankenweenie-exhibit?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 01:10:27 GMT * Art of Frankenweenie at Disney California Adventure * — Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/data/3/frankenset.jpg — *... Art of Frankenweenie at Disney California Adventure
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‘The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition’ coming to Disney California Adventure park September 14

Disney Parks Blog
Calling all you Tim Burton fans! In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday, guests will be able to step into another world of award-winning film director Tim Burton when “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” comes to Hollywood Land during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. From September 14 – November 5 at Disney California Adventure park, you can see the touring art exhibit, along with a special, extended sneak peek of Tim Burton’s animated feature film, Frankenweenie, releasing on October 5.

From original sketches drawn by Burton to extensive props, sets and puppets, the exhibition showcases the artistic detail and vision that has gone into telling the tale of a boy who, inspired by science and the love of his dog, brings his beloved pet back from the dead.
by Erin Glover

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32589-DCA-Frankenweenie-exhibit Events Frankenweenie Science Fair http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32588-Frankenweenie-Science-Fair?goto=newpost Sat, 11 Aug 2012 01:00:05 GMT * Frankenweenie Science Fair * * Discovery Science Center and El Capitan Theatre partner to host Frankenweenie Science Fair *... Frankenweenie Science Fair


Discovery Science Center and El Capitan Theatre partner to host Frankenweenie Science Fair

D23
Calling all aspiring scientists! It’s time to put on your lab coat and let your imagination go wild. Discovery Science Center (DSC) is proud to partner with the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood to host a Frankenweenie Science Fair in conjunction with the October release of the movie Frankenweenie by acclaimed director Tim Burton.

The first 50 participating students will receive a ticket to see Frankenweenie at the historic El Capitan Theatre, and a pair of tickets to visit Discovery Science Center. Six finalists will be selected to have their projects on display at El Capitan Theatre from October 5 to November 1. In addition, the six finalists will each receive Disneyland tickets for them and three guests.

The Science Fair competition concludes at the El Capitan Theatre on October 5 when three Grand Prize winners will accept their awards at a special ceremony, on the El Capitan stage prior to the showing of Frankenweenie. Grand Prize winners will receive all prizes listed previously plus a behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney Studios. complete details
News & Features

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32588-Frankenweenie-Science-Fair Movies Bob Hoskins retires http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32581-Bob-Hoskins-retires?goto=newpost Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:59:24 GMT *Roger Rabbit’s Bob Hoskins retires * * Bob Hoskins, ‘Roger Rabbit’ actor, retires citing Parkinson’s *... Roger Rabbit’s Bob Hoskins retires


Bob Hoskins, ‘Roger Rabbit’ actor, retires citing Parkinson’s

Showbiz 411
Bob Hoskins, the gruff and lovable character actor who starred in a series of terrific movies including Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, is retiring from acting at age 69. He says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease last fall, and is now going to concentrate on his health and his family.

Hoskins should get a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award for his great work in movies like Mona Lisa, The Long Good Friday, Mermaids, Parting Shots, Hook, and this year’s Snow White and the Huntsman. But he’ll best be remembered for Roger Rabbit, still a wonderful film. He played Eddie Valiant to Kathleen Turner’s animated Jessica Rabbit, and they were a hoot.

Good luck to Bob, and lots of prayers in fighting Parkinson’s. He will be missed from our screens.
by Roger Friedman

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32581-Bob-Hoskins-retires Company Touch-sense technology http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32576-Touch-sense-technology?goto=newpost Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:45:32 GMT * Disney Research projects touch-sense textures onto objects * * Disney researchers add sense of touch to augmented reality applications *... Disney Research projects touch-sense textures onto objects


Disney researchers add sense of touch to augmented reality applications

Phys.Org
Technology developed by Disney Research, Pittsburgh, makes it possible to change the feel of real-world surfaces and objects, including touch-screens, walls, furniture, wooden or plastic objects, without requiring users to wear special gloves or use force-feedback devices. Surfaces are not altered with actuators and require little if any instrumentation.

Instead, Disney researchers employ a newly discovered physical phenomenon called reverse electrovibration to create the illusion of changing textures as the user's fingers sweep across a surface. By tracking the finger's position using an external sensor, such as a Microsoft Kinect, the researchers can manipulate the electrovibration to make the user feel bumps, edges or changes in texture corresponding to particular locations on the surface.

"Augmented reality to date has focused primarily on visual and auditory feedback, but less on the sense of touch," said Olivier Bau, a postdoc at Disney Research, Pittsburgh. "Sight and sound are important, but we believe the addition of touch can create a really unique and magical experience."

The technology, called REVEL, could be used to create "please touch" museum displays, add haptic feedback to games, apply texture to projected images on surfaces of any size and shape, provide customized directions on walls for people with visual disabilities and enhance other applications of augmented reality.
High Tech Innovation

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32576-Touch-sense-technology Composer Marvin Hamlish dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32571-Composer-Marvin-Hamlish-dies?goto=newpost Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:43:56 GMT * Composer Marvin Hamlish dies * * Composer Marvin Hamlisch Dead at 68 *... Composer Marvin Hamlish dies


Composer Marvin Hamlisch Dead at 68

Wall Street Journal
Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch, the man behind the scores for such movies as The Way We Were and Sophie’s Choice, has died at the age of 68. He passed away in Los Angeles after a brief illness, according to the Associated Press.

Over his career, he won three Academy Awards, four Emmys, a Tony, three Golden Globes and the Pulitzer Prize.
Speakeasy

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32571-Composer-Marvin-Hamlish-dies Resorts Custom Princess figurines http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32570-Custom-Princess-figurines?goto=newpost Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:37:35 GMT * Custom Princess figurines in the likeness of your child * * D-Tech Me to offer Disney Princess figurines at World of Disney in Walt Disney... Custom Princess figurines in the likeness of your child


D-Tech Me to offer Disney Princess figurines at World of Disney in Walt Disney World Resort for a limited time

Disney Parks Blog
D-Tech Me is expanding starting August 26 at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. This new interactive experience will allow guests ages 3-12 to live out princess dreams by placing their likeness on a three-dimensional 7-inch Disney Princess figurine keepsake!

During this 10-minute experience, several cameras will instantly capture multiple angles of a guest’s face which are reconstructed in a computer for processing. The “princess in waiting” can choose one of seven different Disney Princesses. Hair, skin and eye color of the figurine are customized to match the guest. The completed figurine is then shipped directly to the guest’s home within five to six weeks.

Each seven-inch Princess figurine is $99.95 (plus $15.95 shipping, USA). Guests can order additional replica seven-inch figurines for $74.95 each or a three-inch replica for $39.95. No discounts will be offered.

Reservations are strongly recommended for this limited time experience and can be made by calling 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324) starting August 7, 2012.
photos
by Erin Catalano

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32570-Custom-Princess-figurines Resorts Dream Portraits 2012 by Annie Liebovitz http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32560-Dream-Portraits-2012-by-Annie-Liebovitz?goto=newpost Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:40:24 GMT Annie Liebovitz' Disney Dream Portraits feature Hitchhiking Ghosts and Captain Hook


See Will Ferrell, Jason Segel, Jack Black and Russell Brand as classic Disney characters

Fast Company
Since 2007, Annie Liebovitz has been shooting Disney Dream Portraits, recreating famous Disney scenes using famous people. The latest entries in the series feature Will Ferrell, Jason Segel, Jack Black, and Russell Brand.

The latest additions to the series surfaced online on August 2, and these are focused around some of Hollywood’s hottest jokesters. Will Ferrell, Jason Segel, and Jack Black all lend their images to a portrait of Phineas, Ezra and Gus, better known as the Hitchhiking Ghosts, who should be familiar to fans of Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride. In the second image, Russell Brand fits right into the very limber posture of Captain Hook struggling with the jaw of a hungry crocodile. The images act as a preview for a major new print campaign rolling out this fall. phtotos
by Joe Berkowitz

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32560-Dream-Portraits-2012-by-Annie-Liebovitz Resorts Prates League at DL http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32559-Prates-League-at-DL?goto=newpost Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:00:43 GMT * Pirates League in New Orleans Square at Disneyland * * Swashbuckling fun comes ashore in September at Disneyland Park with The Pirates League... Pirates League in New Orleans Square at Disneyland


Swashbuckling fun comes ashore in September at Disneyland Park with The Pirates League


Disney Parks Blog
A new wave of swashbuckling fun is set to hit land (Court of Angels in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park, to be exact) September 1, as The Pirates League plants its flag in the sands of the western shores. In The Pirates League, savvy pirates will transform guests, giving them their own pirate look and name, training them to swashbuckle and teaching them the official Pirate League Oath!

The Pirates League is the ultimate pirate transformation available to guests ages three and up. The Pirates League will offer three different packages for guests to choose from: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, First Mate, and Empress (created especially for all the pirate princesses!). Packages range from $29.95 – $34.95.

This special experience will be available at the Disneyland Resort, for a limited time only, this fall.
by Michelle Harker

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32559-Prates-League-at-DL Resorts WiFi in WDW http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32552-WiFi-in-WDW?goto=newpost Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:57:14 GMT Free WiFi at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom


Magic Kingdom rolls out free WiFi
Other parks coming soon

USA Today Travel
Free guest WiFi was rolled out with no formal announcement at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom park yesterday. Guests who connected to the "Disney-Guest" network and accepted Disney's terms of service were able to freely utilize the Internet using the service. While Disney has not responded to an inquiry regarding the details of the service, MousePlanet was provided with a statement that "WiFi is on scheduled [sic] to be rolled out for all of our theme parks and DTD by early 2013." Free WiFi was recently rolled out at all resorts without fanfare, as well.

One thing to keep an eye on is whether Disney has actually been able to build out a network that will handle traffic from tens of thousands of guests in each park and still provide sufficient bandwidth that it's not swamped, resulting in insufficient bandwidth per user. That's likely the scenario already effecting Internet connectivity in the parks through cellular service providers. Disney will need a huge amount of bandwidth to accommodate its ultimate purposes here. If they've been able to accomplish that with this service, it could potentially reap a number of benefits for both guests and Disney. continue
by Mark Goldhaber, Mouse Planet

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32552-WiFi-in-WDW Company Ginny Tyler dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32528-Ginny-Tyler-dies?goto=newpost Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:05:46 GMT * Mouseketeer, voice actress Ginny Tyler dies * * Ginny Tyler dies at 86 *... Mouseketeer, voice actress Ginny Tyler dies


Ginny Tyler dies at 86
Voice actress was Disney legend

Orlando Sentinel
The former Mouseketeer had a penchant for storytelling and the ability to mimic animal sounds.
Her voice was featured in 'The Sword in the Stone' and 'Mary Poppins.'

When episodes of "The Mickey Mouse Club" were repackaged for syndication, a new head Mouseketeer held court from the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland in 1963. For a year, Ginny Tyler hosted new segments of the television show that were woven around the old. As she took viewers behind the scenes of the theme park, more than one noted her resemblance to original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. At Disneyland, she hosted daily 15-minute segments for "The Mickey Mouse Club" that required a demanding production schedule. She often told stories on the air, signed autographs at the park — and considered the job the highlight of her career.

Her voice had long been featured in the chorus of birds outside the park's Tiki Room.

As one of the "Disneyland Storytellers," Tyler had already narrated such records as Bambi and Babes in Toyland and would become known for voicing animal characters. In one better-known role, she gave voice to Polynesia the Parrot, who helps teach Rex Harrison to talk to the animals in the 1967 film Dr. Dolittle.

In Disney films, she played the two amorous female squirrels in The Sword in the Stone (1963) and sang the parts of several barnyard animals in the "Jolly Holiday" sequence of Mary Poppins (1964).

Among many other roles, she voiced Casper the Friendly Ghost in 1963; Jan, the damsel in distress in Space Ghost cartoons in 1966, and many female characters in early episodes of the 1960s television series Davey and Goliath.

Tyler died July 13 of natural causes at a nursing home in Issaquah, Wash., said her son, Ty Fenton. She was 86.
by Valerie J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32528-Ginny-Tyler-dies Events USA Swimming views Nemo 3D http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32523-USA-Swimming-views-Nemo-3D?goto=newpost Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:14:58 GMT * USA Swimming Olympic team previews Finding Nemo 3D * — Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/data/3/usaswimming.jpg — *... USA Swimming Olympic team previews Finding Nemo 3D
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USA Swimming teams up with Disney●Pixar to promote the sport of swimming

USA Swimming

USA Swimming has joined forces with Disney●Pixar to promote the sport of swimming in 2012. A “Just Keep Swimming” public service announcement is now available online to help drive people to USA Swimming’s SwimToday campaign website. The site is designed to help anyone get started swimming, whether you’re looking for swim lessons, a competitive team or if you want to swim for fitness.

Some of the top swimming stars in the world are featured in the PSA alongside the sea creatures of Finding Nemo. The movie will be re-released in 3D on Sept. 14.

Members of the USA Swimming National Team had the chance to see the 3D movie at an advanced screening during the team’s training camp in Knoxville, Tenn. The U.S. swimmers said they enjoyed seeing the film and were especially excited to be some of the first people in the country to see it in 3D with special limited-edition snorkel goggles. The movie will be re-released in 3D on Sept. 14.

For more information about SwimToday, visit www.swimtoday.org. For more information on Finding Nemo visit the official site here.
press release

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32523-USA-Swimming-views-Nemo-3D Travel Father stops Make-A-Wish trip http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32517-Father-stops-Make-A-Wish-trip?goto=newpost Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:02:04 GMT Father stops daughter's Make-A-Wish Foundation trip to Walt Disney World


Father kills daughter’s Disney dream

San Francisco Chronicle
An Ohio father has come under fire for putting the brakes on his daughter’s dream trip to Disney World. William May of Toledo, Ohio, refused to sign off on the vacation that his 4-year-old daughter McKenna May received as a donation from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

McKenna has battled leukemia since 2010 and recently two of her dreams came true, according to the Sentinel-Tribune of Bowling Green, Ohio. She underwent her last cancer treatment and she received a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fl.

But in order to accept the Florida opportunity, both of McKenna’s parents must sign papers from Make-A-Wish. McKenna’s mother, Whitney Hughes, supports the trip, but her father feels that children who are cured shouldn’t receive donations from the foundation. “I think it should go to kids who only have six months to live,” William told the Sentinel-Tribune.

Susan McConnell, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish for Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, says McKenna’s trip was cleared by a Foundation doctor and she feels McKenna deserves to go on the trip.

But there’s hope: McKenna’s mother placed donation jars around Bowling Green and nearby towns inviting locals to help pay for her daughter to go to Disney World. To save money, she plans to drive to Florida but she still needs to raise $3,500 that she doesn’t have.

“She’s really excited,” Hughes said. “It’s all she’s talked about for the last three months.”
by Amy Graff

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Related Article:

Disney dream dashed
Bowling Green Sentinel-Tribune


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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32517-Father-stops-Make-A-Wish-trip Television Disney picks up Nickelodeon customers http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32516-Disney-picks-up-Nickelodeon-customers?goto=newpost Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:50:09 GMT * Disney picks up Nickelodeon customers during DirecTV blackout * * Disney benefits from Viacom, DirecTV squabble *... Disney picks up Nickelodeon customers during DirecTV blackout


Disney benefits from Viacom, DirecTV squabble

MarketWatch
While Viacom Inc. and DirecTV Group Inc. grapple over as much as $1 billion in rights fees, one of the beneficiaries in that struggle could be Walt Disney Co., an analyst said Tuesday. About 20 million DirecTV customers lost access to Viacom’s channels early Wednesday — including Nickelodeon — because the satellite provider couldn’t come to an agreement with Viacom on the renewal terms of their seven-year contract.

Nickelodeon is one of a handful of important kid’s channels and DirecTV customers, trying to calm down kids who don’t understand why they can’t watch “SpongeBob SquarePants” or “The Penguins of Madagascar” right this minute, have to figure out something. Many of those parents will turn to one of the Disney networks — Disney Channel, Disney XD or Disney Junior.

Disney Channel’s ratings are already up 21% since the blackout began, said Todd Juenger of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., which suggests it “has picked up all of Nick’s viewers and then some.”
by David B. Wilkerson

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32516-Disney-picks-up-Nickelodeon-customers Events Heinrich Kley at WDFM http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32515-Heinrich-Kley-at-WDFM?goto=newpost Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:40:35 GMT Heinrich Kley exhibit at Walt Disney Family Museum


Disney museum debuts Kley's art

San Francisco Chronicle
Walt Disney was mad for the horned demons, dancing elephants and weird hybrid creatures of Heinrich Kley, the early 20th century German artist and illustrator whose exquisitely drawn, fantastical images fueled Disney's imagination and inspired some of the animated characters and scenes in "Fantasia" and other classic Disney films.

Uncle Walt was probably turned on to Kley by Albert Hunter and other European artists who worked for him. But he really got into the German's macabre and satirical work while traveling through Europe in 1935, two years before American audiences saw Kley's tutu-wearing elephants and other anthropomorphized animals in Coronet magazine. Among other source material he'd bought in Europe, Disney came home with a stash of Kley drawings and sketchbooks that remained in his private collection.

They're being shown publicly for the first time in "Heinrich Kley: From Fantasy to Fantasia," an engaging little show at the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio. It brings together two Kley drawings and several sketchbooks - filled with fish-headed men and goat-clutching ogres, steam engines with human faces, a mermaid wrestling a shark, a factory-crushing giant, a fiddling mouse serenading two huge snails - alongside sketches, concept art and maquettes from "Fantasia," the 1940 Disney masterpiece that's rich in Kley-like imagery. photos
by Jesse Hamlin

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32515-Heinrich-Kley-at-WDFM Television 53 Emmy nominations http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32514-53-Emmy-nominations?goto=newpost Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:33:03 GMT *53 Emmy nominations for Disney/ABC * * The Disney/ABC Television Group received 53 nominations for the 64th Primetime Emmy® Awards *... 53 Emmy nominations for Disney/ABC


The Disney/ABC Television Group received 53 nominations for the 64th Primetime Emmy® Awards

D23
The Disney/ABC Television Group received 53 nominations for the 64th Primetime Emmy® Awards, covering the eligibility period of June 1, 2011, through May 31, 2012. The nominations were announced today from the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in Los Angeles. Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum presided over the nominations along with Kerry Washington from the ABC drama Scandal and Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Among ABC’s nominations were 14 for Modern Family. The complete list of Primetime Emmy nominations and other Academy news is available at www.emmys.com.

Jimmy Kimmel will host the 64th Primetime Emmy® Awards, broadcast live coast to coast, Sunday, September 23, 2012, exclusively on ABC.

Following are DATG’s Emmy Award nominations: continue
News & Features

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32514-53-Emmy-nominations Movies Finding Nemo sequel http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32508-Finding-Nemo-sequel?goto=newpost Wed, 18 Jul 2012 07:05:02 GMT 'Finding Nemo' sequel


Andrew Stanton to direct Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' sequel

Hollywood Reporter
Andrew Stanton is heading back to animation, signing on to direct a sequel to Pixar’s Finding Nemo, the 2003 modern classic he co-directed. Victoria Strouse, who wrote the 2008 Black list script The Apostles of Infinite Love, is writing the script and Lindsey Collins is producing. A 2016 release date is being eyed.

The move is also a safe one by Pixar, the company that once was praised for cranking out original film after original film, but now seems to trying to balance commercial prospects with unique creations.

Pixar is hard at work on three new original projects which will hit screens in the coming years: The Good Dinosaur (directed by Bob Peterson and slated for May 30, 2014; untitled inside the mind project (from Up's Pete Doctor, with a June 19, 2015 release); and an untitled movie about Dia de los Muertos (directed by Nemo co-director Lee Unkrich).
by Borys Kit

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32508-Finding-Nemo-sequel <![CDATA[Television Phineas & Ferb -& Marvel]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32500-Phineas-amp-Ferb-amp-Marvel?goto=newpost Sun, 15 Jul 2012 08:07:17 GMT Phineas & Ferb — & Marvel


First Disney – Marvel Crossover Announced — And It’s Phineas and Ferb!

Wired Magazine
Disney bought Marvel nearly three years ago. But it’s only now that true integration of Disney and Marvel has been announced, in the form of a crossover animated special starring Marvel superheroes and the characters from Phineas and Ferb.

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel will premiere next summer on Disney Channel, and will see classic Marvel heroes Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor being transported to Phineas and Ferb‘s Danville and immobilized by, of course, one of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s many “inators.” Consequently, Phineas and Ferb (along with their friends and Agent P, one must assume) have to find a way to help the heroes and to fight the classic Marvel villains Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom, and M.O.D.O.K., who are (of course) working with Dr. D to create mayhem and destruction.

Check out the promo “featurette” video
by Matt Blum

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32500-Phineas-amp-Ferb-amp-Marvel Events Pixar In Concert http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32494-Pixar-In-Concert?goto=newpost Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:42:39 GMT * Pixar In Concert features a full symphony orchestra * * Pixar In Concert * (http://www.pixar.com/about/Pixar-In-Concert) _ Pixar _ For... Pixar In Concert features a full symphony orchestra


Pixar In Concert

Pixar
For the first time, Pixar presents a compilation of the music and imagery from Pixar's thirteen feature films, performed by a full symphony orchestra.

The San Francisco Symphony
Saturday, July 28
Sunday, July 29

The Hollywood Bowl
Saturday, August 4, 2012, 8:00PM (Weekend Spectaculars)
Sunday, August 5, 2012, 8:00PM (Sunday Sunset Concerts)

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32494-Pixar-In-Concert Events Sleeping Beauty screening http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32488-Sleeping-Beauty-screening?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:47:23 GMT * Sleeping Beauty screening at the Academy* * Sleeping Beauty awakens in 70mm at the Academy*... Sleeping Beauty screening at the Academy


Sleeping Beauty awakens in 70mm at the Academy

Acacemy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present the 1959 animated classic Sleeping Beauty as the second film in its series The Last 70mm Film Festival on Monday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The film will be introduced by animator Andreas Deja (Winnie the Pooh, The Princess and the Frog) and character designer Mike Giaimo (FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Pocahontas).

The 70mm short Williamsburg: The Story of a Patriot (1957) will be screened before the feature at 7 p.m.. It has the distinction of being the longest-running motion picture in American film history, still running daily in VistaVision at the twin Patriot Theatres in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

"The Last 70mm Film Festival," a six-film series, will run Mondays through August 13, showcasing 70mm classics from different genres as well as rarely screened 70mm short subjects. details
Press Release

complete press release




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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32488-Sleeping-Beauty-screening History Disney predicts Mars landing http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32487-Disney-predicts-Mars-landing?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:36:47 GMT Disney predicts Mars rover landing with remarkable accuracy


55 years ago, Disney depicted the Curiosity rover's Mars landing with remarkable accuracy

The Atlantic
In just about a month, the newest robot resident of Mars is scheduled to arrive. Curiosity, as the little rover is known, is a work of technological art. As Ross Andersen wrote here on The Atlantic, this plutonium-powered machine will be able to vaporize rocks with its laser-eyes, track the weather, and film its surroundings in HD. But as impressive as the technology is that Curiosity packs, perhaps the plan to get this rover on the Martian ground is even more so.

As futuristic as this all is, NASA's history office pointed out today that Disney a 1957 cartoon imagined something pretty similar. The plan for the new rover's Martian touchdown next month is ingenious, and not all that different from how a Disney cartoon once imagined it. The "Mars and Beyond" episode of Disneyland, is worth watching in its entirety for some classic mid-century thinking about what Mars would hold for future explorers. videos
by Rebecca J. Rosen

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32487-Disney-predicts-Mars-landing Events Anaheimland - Charles Phoenix http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32483-Anaheimland-Charles-Phoenix?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:54:19 GMT Charles Phoenix's Anaheimland slideshow


Charles Phoenix's Anaheimland!
Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 3PM

Anaheim Historical Society
The Anaheim Historical Society will present a live comedy retro slide show performance by pop-culture humorist Charles Phoenix, celebrating Disneyland in the 1950s and '60s, and the legends, landmarks and lore of the city that surrounds it. Live music, special guests, and surprises. If you love Anaheim, you will not want to miss this!

Charles Phoenix is a Southern Californian performer, humorist, chef and author. In his acclaimed live shows, he explores America's classic and kitschy pop cultural past and present, with a unique spin and genuine reverence for all things Americana. details
Anaheim Gazette

complete details




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32483-Anaheimland-Charles-Phoenix Events Faux Disney characters in North Korea http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32482-Faux-Disney-characters-in-North-Korea?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:41:59 GMT Faux Disney characters in North Korean leader's show


Disney Characters Perform in North Korea

Time Magazine
Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh took the stage in North Korea during a concert for new leader Kim Jong Un, in an unusual — and unauthorized — performance featuring Disney characters. Performers dressed as Minnie Mouse, Tigger and others danced and pranced as footage from Snow White, Dumbo, Beauty and the Beast and other Disney movies played on a massive backdrop, according to still photos shown on state TV.

The inclusion of characters popular in the West — particularly from the United States, North Korea’s wartime enemy — is a notable change in direction for performances in Pyongyang. Actors and actresses also showed off new wardrobes, including strapless gowns and little black dresses.

Kim himself established the group that performed, and the changes may be a sign that he is seeking to carve out a different image from his father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, by easing restrictions on Western culture, said Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor based in Seoul, South Korea.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said Kim has a “grandiose plan to bring about a dramatic turn in the field of literature and arts this year.”
Associated Press

complete article

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Was That Mickey Mouse in North Korea?

Wall Street Journal
Kim Jong Eun and other top North Korean officials attended a variety show that included imitation Disney characters such as Minnie Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. The WSJ’s Isabella Steger speaks with South Korea Bureau Chief Alastair Gale. video
Speakeasy
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Related Article:

Kim Jong-un enjoys unauthorised Disney show (YouTube)
London Telegraph


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32482-Faux-Disney-characters-in-North-Korea <![CDATA[Movies Peter O'Toole retires]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32481-Peter-O-Toole-retires?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:17:05 GMT Peter O'Toole retires from acting



Peter O'Toole retiring from acting
'The the heart of it has gone out of me'

The Wrap
Peter O'Toole is bowing out of acting, saying, "the heart of it has gone out of me: it won't come back." The veteran thespian announced Tuesday that he was retiring after a 62-year career that began on the boards when he was just 17 years old. Now just shy of his 80th birthday on Aug. 2, O'Toole said in a statement, "It is time for me to chuck the sponge. To retire from films and stage."

The classically trained actor drew upon his sense of timing in making his exit, adding that he believed "that one should decide for oneself when it is time to end one's stay." He ended his statement with a flourish: "So I bid the profession a dry-eyed and profoundly grateful farewell."
by Kasia Anderson

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6 Underrated Performances

The Wrap
Here's a look at six of Peter O'Toole greats that deserve to be rediscovered:

'Ratatouille' (2007) O'Toole enjoyed something of a career resurgence thanks to his Oscar-nominated work in Venus, but for our money, his last great film performance came as the haughty restaurant critic Anton Ego in this Pixar masterpiece. The way his rave review of the rodent chef plays out over the climax of the film is a testament to the RADA trained actor's mastery of diction and voice. If only they gave performance awards for animated films, he'd have been a lock. continue
by Brent Lang

complete article

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Related Article:

Peter O'Toole could have been cast in TRON
The Playlist Indiwire


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32481-Peter-O-Toole-retires Movies Need For Speed http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32480-Need-For-Speed?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:54:46 GMT * ‘Need For Speed’ based on video game * * Disney sets ‘Need For Speed’ release For Feb. 7, 2014 *... ‘Need For Speed’ based on video game


Disney sets ‘Need For Speed’ release For Feb. 7, 2014

Deadline Hollywood
Need For Speed, DreamWorks Studios (Steven Speilberg) feature film based on the Electronic Arts video game franchise, will be released wide by Disney on February 7, 2014. DreamWorks offically acquired feature film rights to the property last month after setting Act Of Valor co-director Scott Waugh to direct. George and John Gatins developed the original story and George is writing the script; John is producing with Mark Sourian.

Need For Speed was the first major project expenditure DreamWorks made once the company came out of suspended animation while waiting for Reliance to invest cash in a re-up. The video game series has sold more than 140 million units worldwide.
by Nikki Finke

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32480-Need-For-Speed Resorts Mickey-vision glasses http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32479-Mickey-vision-glasses?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:47:17 GMT "Mickey-vision" glasses at Epcot create hidden Mickeys


Special event glasses turn Disney fireworks into fi-Ear-works

Orlando Attractions Magazine
If you’re attending a wedding reception at Epcot, or receive a special Disney gift basket, you may be able to get your hands on some special glasses.

These paper glasses don’t look like much, but if you put them on at night and look at the lights, or a fireworks show, you’ll have Mickey-vision. You may have seen similar glasses that let you see shapes in the lights – maybe it was snowflakes or a rainbow 3D effect. But these glasses make the three circle Mickey Mouse shape appear around almost every light source.

Unfortunately these glasses aren’t readily available and don’t come cheap. From what we’ve been able to gather, you can only get them as part of a private event at Epcot such as Disney Weddings or through a gift basket package from Disney Florist. video
by Matt Roseboom

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32479-Mickey-vision-glasses Resorts Snack food air fresheners http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32478-Snack-food-air-fresheners?goto=newpost Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:35:45 GMT * Snack food air fresheners * * Like Disney turkey legs? Take the smell home *... Snack food air fresheners


Like Disney turkey legs? Take the smell home

Orange County Register
Disneyland fans soon can take the smells of the park home with them. Next month, Disney parks will begin selling air fresheners with the scents of park food items, including turkey legs. The company is starting with four types that will sell for $5.95 each at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, said Steven Miller, Disney merchandise communications manager.

Disney officials know that food is something important for park-goers and smells can "trigger memories," Miller said. So, the merchandise team spent more than a year developing scents, settling on the first four types: turkey legs, candy apple, Mickey premium ice cream bar and Mickey waffle.

"It was really important for us to get the correct smells," Miller said. One of the first scents chosen was turkey legs. It smells like barbecue, he said. There was some worry that the freshener could elicit an "ew" response. "But we think people are going to buy it," Miller said.
by Sarah Tully

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32478-Snack-food-air-fresheners Movies Ernest Borgnine dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32472-Ernest-Borgnine-dies?goto=newpost Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:44:48 GMT * Ernest Borgnine dies * * Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine dies at 95 *... Ernest Borgnine dies


Oscar-Winner Ernest Borgnine dies at 95
The actor, who won his Oscar for his starring role in 1955's Marty, also delighted audiences with his turn in the 1960s sitcom McHale's Navy.

Hollywood Reporter
Ernest Borgnine, the dependable Academy Award-winning actor who made a career out of playing working stiffs and the heavy through a sturdy six decades of work in films, television and Broadway, has died. He was 95. Borgnine, who won the best actor Oscar for his sensitive portrayal of the simple, love-starved butcher in the 1955 best-picture winner Marty, died Sunday of renal failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his longtime manager confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was surrounded by family.

Borgnine's career took off after his performance of the sadistic Sergeant "Fatso" Judson in From Here to Eternity, which invariably led to his casting as a heavy in a number of projects. Borgnine often used his naval experiences as fodder for his character portrayals, as he did as the opportunistic PT-boat commander in the World War II-set McHale’s Navy, which also starred Joe Flynn and Tim Conway.

Borgnine also made in his mark in such films as Bad Day at Black Rock (1955), 1956's The Catered Affair (as a New York taxi driver opposite Bette Davis),The Dirty Dozen (1967), Ice Station Zebra (1968), Bunny O’Hare (1971), The Posiedon Adventure (1972), Crossed Swords (1977), Convoy (1978) and The Black Hole (1979).
by Mike Barnes , Duane Byrge

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32472-Ernest-Borgnine-dies <![CDATA[Movies Disney's $1 Bil domestic BO]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32471-Disney-s-1-Bil-domestic-BO?goto=newpost Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:26:06 GMT Disney's $1 Bil domestic box office gross


Disney first studio this year to cross $1 Bil in domestic grosses
Milestone reached Sunday as Pixar's Brave nears $175 million in North American grosses

Hollywood Reporter
Summer hits The Avengers and Brave have propelled Disney to become the first studio of the year to cross $1 billion in domestic box office revenues. Disney will reach the milestone on Sunday.

The Avengers, from Marvel and Disney, has now grossed $611.1 million domestically, the No. 3 showing of all time after Avatar and Titanic, both from James Cameron. Globally, the film also is No. 3 with $1.5 billion.

Pixar's Brave continued to do strong business in its third weekend, grossing $20.2 million for a domestic cume of $174.5 million. The 3D toon has grossed $211.1 million worldwide.

Disney will reach $1 billion in 188 days, beating the studio's previous record of 210, set in 2010. This marks the seventh year in a row — and the 16th time in 19 years — that Disney has achieved the milestone.
by Pamela McClintock

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32471-Disney-s-1-Bil-domestic-BO <![CDATA[Resorts DLR donates 'Cars' to charity]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32460-DLR-donates-Cars-to-charity?goto=newpost Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:43:10 GMT Disneyland Resort donates 'Cars' Power Wheels to charity


Disneyland Resort conates Lightning McQueen Power Wheels to local nonprofit

Disney Parks Blog
Children at 10 local nonprofit organizations are saying “KaChow!” thanks to the donation of 30 Lightning McQueen Power Wheels from the Disneyland Resort! You may remember the vehicles from a recent Cars Land video we shared here on the Disney Parks Blog. The donation is bringing daily fun and excitement to children at CHOC Children’s (Children’s Hospital of Orange County), Anaheim Family YMCA, and the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, to name a few. The donated vehicles feature race car sounds, phrases from the Disney•Pixar Cars films, and even power lock brakes!
by by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32460-DLR-donates-Cars-to-charity Movies Secretariat lawsuit http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32459-Secretariat-lawsuit?goto=newpost Fri, 06 Jul 2012 18:34:56 GMT Race announcer's estate, Disney, struggle over 'Secretariat'


Disney sues horse-racing announcer's estate over 'Secretariat'
The family of a CBS announcer who called the 1973 Triple Crown has said the 2010 film used his voice without permission

Hollywood Reporter
Walt Disney Pictures and Buena Vista Home Entertainment are looking to protect the 2010 film Secretariat from purported claims from the estate of the horse-racing announcer who called the race where the legendary horse won the 1973 Triple Crown. Disney has filed a lawsuit in New York that seeks a declaratory judgment that its film doesn't violate the publicity rights of fomer CBS track announcer Charles Anderson, who died in 1979. According to the studio, his heirs have spent two years since the film came out, arguing that Anderson's voice was used in the film without authorization.

Disney says that Anderson's voice was not used in Secretariat. The defendants couldn't be reached for comment, but from the looks of the complaint, it appears as though they might be prepared to argue that there should be protection anyway since the races were originally called by him. No word on whether the film actually used Anderson's words, but the plaintiffs add that the film is entitled to First Amendment protection as an expressive work.

Anderson's family is also purportedly alleging that the DVD and Blu-Ray included bonus materials that included historical footage. But Disney and Buena Vista say the footage was properly licensed from CBS Broadcasting and any publicity rights or copyrights belonged to CBS as part of a work-for-hire agreement.
by Eriq Gardner

complete article



Related Article:

Odd intellectual property case from Disney
Courthouse News Service


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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32459-Secretariat-lawsuit History 150 years of Wonderland http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32455-150-years-of-Wonderland?goto=newpost Wed, 04 Jul 2012 04:49:29 GMT 150 years of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland


Underground Publication

Brian Sibley: his blog
150 years ago today, on 4 July 1862, the Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (better known subsequently as Lewis Carroll) with his friend Robinson Duckworth rowed three young sisters up-river from Oxford for a summer picnic. As they rowed, Dodgson extemporised a fantasy about a young lady (called 'Alice', after one of the party) who followed a White Rabbit down a rabbit-hole into a land of wonders.

At the end of the outing, the real Alice (daughter of Henry Liddell, Dean of Christ Church) begged the storyteller to write out for her the story of her namesake's adventures. This Dodgson did in November 1864, entitling the story, Alice's Adventures Under Ground. A year later, expanded and embellished, it was published to the wider world as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
by Brian Sibley

complete article

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Related Article:

Alice Shadows
Michael Sporn Animation


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32455-150-years-of-Wonderland Resorts Marvel in Dubai http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32451-Marvel-in-Dubai?goto=newpost Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:49:09 GMT * Disney licenses Marvel characters for Dubai them park* * Disney to introduce Marvel characters in Middle East theme park*... Disney licenses Marvel characters for Dubai them park


Disney to introduce Marvel characters in Middle East theme park

Los Angeles Times
Disney plans to introduce the Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man and other Marvel characters in a theme-park setting for the first time since acquiring the comic book company in 2009. The Marvel Adventure family entertainment center is expected to open in late 2013 in the United Arab Emirates with superhero-themed attractions, restaurants and shops. The eight-acre indoor mini theme park will be part of the $5-billion City of Arabia entertainment, commercial and residential development in Dubailand.

Disney, for its part, is taking an arms-length approach to the project. The corporate parent of Marvel has gone to great lengths to make clear that the Dubai project is strictly a licensing agreement not involving Disney theme parks or Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative arm of the company. Marvel Adventure was designed by Los Angeles-based Rethink Attractions for Dubai-based IMG Group.
by Brady MacDonald

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32451-Marvel-in-Dubai Resorts No free DL ticket http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32450-No-free-DL-ticket?goto=newpost Mon, 02 Jul 2012 23:45:19 GMT * No free Disneyland ticket * * Beware of “Free Disneyland Ticket” offers on Facebook *... No free Disneyland ticket


Beware of “Free Disneyland Ticket” offers on Facebook

Orange County Register
Don’t fall for the “Free Disneyland Ticket” scam that’s going around on Facebook–even though 63,000 people already have. The Facebook invitation offers you free tickets for joining and inviting friends.

Te,, your kids not to fall for this scam–because they’ll never get the promised tickets. And while you’re at it, tell them never to sign up for any “free deals” on Facebook, because you’re not going to be getting that free iPod, iPhone, iPad or anything else they’re promising, but you will be getting ripped off.

Why do companies make these offers? To harvest the information you’re providing them, including email addresses, survey data and more. They appeal to young people, who are less sophisticated and more likely to provide tons of personal information online.
by Marla Jo Fisher

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32450-No-free-DL-ticket Movies Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32446-Marvel-Guardians-of-the-Galaxy?goto=newpost Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:25:22 GMT 'Guardians of the Galaxy'


'Guardians of the Galaxy' revealed as Marvel's mystery movie
The identity of the May 2014 release is expected to be officially unveiled during the studio's panel at Comic-Con

Hollywood Reporter
Marvel Studios has a new gang of superheroes waiting in the wings: The Guardians of the Galaxy. The Guardians of the Galaxy are a band of space-traveling heroes from the 31st century who were introduced into the Marvel Universe in 1969.

Sources tell Heat Vision that an announcement on Guardians is expected at Marvel's panel during Comic-Con. Sources also said that of the many movies Marvel has in development, Guardians is one of the projects most ready to go and fits well with Marvel’s grand plans. Marvel had no comment.

According to insiders, Guardians already has a well-regarded script by Nicole Perlman. She has written two drafts of Guardians. Adding to the heat surrounding Guardians is the fact that Marvel is on the hunt for a director. Those in the know say the project is in line with The Avengers in tone, with plenty of comedic elements on display.
by Borys Kit

complete article



Related Article:

Marvel planning 'Guardians of the Galaxy' pic (registration required)
Variety


Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32446-Marvel-Guardians-of-the-Galaxy Movies Marvel Ant-Man http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32445-Marvel-Ant-Man?goto=newpost Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:11:43 GMT Marvel 'Ant-Man'


Edgar Wright directing 'Ant-Man' test reel
Wright and Joe Cornish co-wrote the script for the project based on Marvel hero Hank Pym

Hollywood Reporter
As speculation continues to swirl around the mystery of what Marvel movie will be released in May 2014, Edgar Wright just quietly wrapped production on an Ant-Man test reel. Ant-Man is based on Marvel hero Hank Pym, a scientist who discovered a way to alter his size. He used a helmet to control armies of ants and also was a founding member of the Avengers. (Two other characters took up the mantle after Pym moved on.)

Ant-Man, with Wright involved, was on the initial Marvel Studios slate that the company announced in the mid-2000s as it put Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk into development. But Ant-Man was then sidelined as the focus turned to the heroes that eventually ended up this summer’s Avengers.

Wright has focused on other projects in the meantime, but he also has spent time nailing the Ant-Man script, which he co-wrote with Joe Cornish. Then, in mid-June, he spent just under a week shooting footage for a reel that will be used to test out the potential look and tone of his movie, as well as to decide how convincing Ant-man's powers look onscreen. Test reels are not uncommon for certain projects, especially those that fall into the stylized or risky categories.
by Borys Kit

complete article



Related Article:

Pixar/Marvel 'Ant-Man'? (Pixar not involved)
Visions Fantastic Rumor Mill



Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32445-Marvel-Ant-Man Movies Big Hero 6 - Disney animates Marvel http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32444-Big-Hero-6-Disney-animates-Marvel?goto=newpost Sat, 30 Jun 2012 20:41:11 GMT Disney animates Marvel's Big Hero 6


Disney developing Marvel animated movie

Deadline Hollywood
Walt Disney Animation Studios is in early development with Marvel on an animated feature film based on the comic book series Big Hero 6. This one hit the rumor mill and the studio acknowledged that it’s on the drawing boards.

Big Hero 6 is one of the lesser known of Marvel’s 4,000+ titles. The characters are Sunfire, Silver Samurai, GoGo Tomago, Honey Lemon, Hiro Takachiho, and Baymax. They were created by the Japanese government to protect the country from all threats.

As the project is in preliminary development, it’s too early to speculate about its future prospects or release date, but it’s unlikely that any additional details will be revealed at Comic-Con as some expect.
by Nikki Finke

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32444-Big-Hero-6-Disney-animates-Marvel Television Mouseketeer Don Grady dies http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32440-Mouseketeer-Don-Grady-dies?goto=newpost Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:18:44 GMT * Mousketeer Don Grady dies * * R.I.P. Don Grady * (http://www.deadline.com/2012/06/r-i-p-don-grady/) _ Deadline Hollywood _ Don Grady,... Mousketeer Don Grady dies


R.I.P. Don Grady

Deadline Hollywood
Don Grady, best remembered as Robbie Douglas from My Three Sons and as one of The Mickey Mouse Club‘s original Mouseketeers, died today after battling cancer, according to his family. He was 68.

The San Diego native was 13 years old when he became a Mouseketeer in The Mickey Mouse Club. He went on to appear in several TV Westerns including Wagon Train, The Rifleman, Have Gun Will Travel and Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theater. His biggest success came in 1960 when he was cast as middle son Robbie Douglas on the long-running TV show My Three Sons, starring Fred MacMurray, William Frawley and William Demarest.

When the series ended in 1972, Grady pursued a career in his lifelong love, music, recording an album of his own material on the Elektra label titled Homegrown. Grady also starred in a national tour in Pippin, and had roles in the stage productions of Godspell and Danm Yankees.
by Nikki Finke

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32440-Mouseketeer-Don-Grady-dies <![CDATA[Company Disney "last Media Tycoon"]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32425-Disney-quot-last-Media-Tycoon-quot?goto=newpost Wed, 27 Jun 2012 02:19:29 GMT Disney could be the "last Media Tycoon"


News Corp split may make Disney last Media Tycoon

The Street
The media industry may lose another conglomerate after News Corp. confirmed on Tuesday a report in its Wall Street Journal that the company may split into two companies, one focused on its newspapers and publishing businesses and the other on entertainment. If News Corp. were to split, Disney would remain the only major consumer media conglomerate left intact after a generation of consolidation and M&A that created sprawling media giants in the U.S. and Europe.

Disney's five-year outperformance relative to conglomerates that are slimming down highlights an interesting contrast within the media sector. Although M&A efforts in the industry have left a trash-heap of bad mergers, broken synergy promises and assets that perform better independently, signs of success in Disney's recent Marvel and Pixar acquisitions and its share outperformance signal the creator of Mickey Mouse may have uncovered a rare winning conglomerate formula.
by Antoine Gara

complete article




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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32425-Disney-quot-last-Media-Tycoon-quot Events DLR Avocado Week http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32424-DLR-Avocado-Week?goto=newpost Wed, 27 Jun 2012 02:11:16 GMT *California Avocado Week at Downtown Disney * * Downtown Disney presents second annual California Avocado Week* July 1 - July 7 ... California Avocado Week at Downtown Disney


Downtown Disney presents second annual California Avocado Week July 1 - July 7
Public invited to free interactive chef demonstrations, food sampling and guacamole contest

BusinessWire
Downtown Disney has teamed up with the California Avocado Commission to present the second annual California Avocado Week at Downtown Disney. To kick off the celebration of American Summer Holidays and the 4th of July, Downtown Disney and California Avocado Commission are hosting free chef demos and a guacamole contest that is free to the public.

Each day, beginning July 1 and continuing through July 7, a chef from one of Downtown Disney's premiere restaurants will take center stage, demonstrating culinary creations starring fresh California avocados, which are in season now. Attendees will be invited to taste the featured dish.

Following the cooking demonstration, there will be an interactive "Guac Off" competition. A select number of guests will be chosen to create a personalized guacamole recipe using a selection of ingredients. Daily grand prize winners will receive a $100 Downtown Disney gift card and $85 California avocado gift pack.

In addition, throughout the week, restaurants in Downtown Disney will feature special California avocado menu items and Sephora will offer refreshing avocado facials.
Press Release

complete press release




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32424-DLR-Avocado-Week Resorts Anaheim streetcar http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32421-Anaheim-streetcar?goto=newpost Sun, 24 Jun 2012 17:37:28 GMT *Santa Ana - Garden Grove - Anaheim streetcar * * Proposed streetcar would connect Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove *... Santa Ana - Garden Grove - Anaheim streetcar


Proposed streetcar would connect Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove

Orange County Register
Three cities – Santa Ana, Garden Grove and Anaheim – are moving ahead with plans to develop a fixed guideway to connect people, jobs and entertainment destinations.
Santa Ana and Garden Grove, in cooperation with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), are proposing to build a system covering the four miles between the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and a proposed transportation center in Garden Grove. The cost is estimated at $180 million for a first phase ending at Raitt Street, to $250 million for a system that would run to Garden Grove.

The city foresees a system with streetcars running on rails embedded in the pavement, powered by electricity running through an overhead line, picking up passengers at regular stops – as many as 25 – about every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with fares comparable to those for buses. In Santa Ana, the project would help connect people with government offices, courthouses, downtown businesses and the Artists Village. map
by Ron Gonzales

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32421-Anaheim-streetcar Events Disneyana Convention http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32420-Disneyana-Convention?goto=newpost Sun, 24 Jun 2012 03:56:04 GMT DisneyanaMania Convention


Disneyana Fan Club's DisneyanaMania Convention
All-Disneyana Show and Sale July 19-22, 2012

Disneyana Fan Club
Disneyana Fan Club has announced that its DisneyanaMania Convention and Show and Sale will be held in July, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove, California. This year's Convention promises to be exciting! See exciting guests such as Kevin Kidney, Jody Daily, Marty Sklar, Joanna Miller (Walt Disney's granddaughter), Kevin Rafferty, Andreas Deja, Tom Sito, Alice Davis, Bob Gurr, and more! Also featured will be our new Disney Legends honorees Glen Keane and Roger Broggie Jr. details
Events

complete article




Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32420-Disneyana-Convention <![CDATA[Events DL dinner for Musker & Clements]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32419-DL-dinner-for-Musker-amp-Clements?goto=newpost Sun, 24 Jun 2012 03:51:37 GMT Dinner honoring John Musker and Ron Clements Disneyland


Disneyana Fan Club's special event dinner honoring John Musker and Ron Clements
At Aladdin's Oasis at Disneyland on July 17, 2012 at 6PM

Disneyana Fan Club
Disneyana Fan Club will hold a Special Events Dinner honoring Directors John Musker and Ron Clements on July 17, 2012 at 6PM. The event will be held at Aladdin's Oasis at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Tickets for this event are $115 per person. Participants have the option of adding a Fantasmic Premium Viewing Dessert Package for an additional $75 for the 10:30PM viewing of "Fantastmic!" on the same evening. details
Events

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32419-DL-dinner-for-Musker-amp-Clements <![CDATA[Resorts Avatar "dragon" testing]]> http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32418-Avatar-quot-dragon-quot-testing?goto=newpost Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:08:03 GMT Avatar ikran "dragon" testing over Shafter, California


Dragon spotted over Minter Field

Bakersfield Californian
Flying a mechanical dragon hundreds of feet in the air above Shafter's Minter Field is no way to keep the thing a secret. That was apparently Disney's intention, however, when it swore airport officials to secrecy by having them sign a nondisclosure agreement as part of its rental of a hangar, a golf cart and rights to test the modified ultralight before shipping it off to Florida later this summer.

But what about everyone else who has business at the airport and happened to look up at the sky at various times over the past year? Maybe they wouldn't notice. They did.

"It looks real," flight trainer Justin Dyck said. "I thought it was going to be in a movie or something and they throw a little dragon in there."

Restaurant manager Tammy Zaninovich snapped photos and posted them on Facebook. So much for the surprise. "It breathes fire and the mouth opens and closes," she said. "It's pretty cool."

Pilot and aircraft restoration hobbyist Patrick Wiens, who saw the aircraft flying at dawn a couple of weeks ago, said it's essentially an ultralight with a "kite kit." He said he has seen plenty of those, but "never something so artistic." People he talks with around the airport have since mentioned the dragon to him. "They had never seen anything like it, either," he said. photos
by John Cox

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32418-Avatar-quot-dragon-quot-testing Events Bully victim offered DL trip http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32415-Bully-victim-offered-DL-trip?goto=newpost Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:13:18 GMT * Bully victim offered Disneyland trip* * Woman bullied on bus is offered Disneyland trip *... Bully victim offered Disneyland trip


Woman bullied on bus is offered Disneyland trip
Outpouring of support the woman who was bullied by boys includes offers to her for a trip to Disneyland and Disney World

Orange County Register
Is the woman in the middle of a video of four seventh-grade boys mercilessly taunting a 68-year-old bus monitor in New York state that went viral on her way to Disneyland? Maybe. Newscaster Anderson Cooper, on his CNN show, said that Southwest airlines has offered to fly, for free, Karen Klein and nine other people to Disneyland.
Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Co. says it would cover her bills at Disney World in Florida.

The verbal abuse was captured in a 10-minute cellphone video recorded Monday by a student of Athena Middle School and later posted to YouTube. The video shows Klein trying her best to ignore the stream of profanity, insults and outright threats. Eventually, she appears to break down in tears. Police said the boys regretted their acts. The district will pursue disciplinary actions against all four students.

The incident has turned into an international fundraising juggernaut and opened her tormentors to an onslaught of threats and abuse. From around the world, small donations for Karen Klein poured into the crowd-funding site indiegogo.com, at one point crashing the site and pulling in a staggering $443,057 by early Friday.
Associated Press

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32415-Bully-victim-offered-DL-trip Company Animator Ann Guenther Hospitalized http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32412-Animator-Ann-Guenther-Hospitalized?goto=newpost Fri, 22 Jun 2012 06:57:48 GMT *Animator Ann Guenther Hospitalized * * Ann Guenther Hospitalized *... Animator Ann Guenther Hospitalized


Ann Guenther Hospitalized

The Animation Guild blog
Yesterday, Tom Sito and I visited animation veteran Ann Guenther, who's recovering from surgery at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in the mid San Fernando Valley ...

Ms. Guenther has had a long and storied career in animation, working on a wide variety of iconic Disney features, from Sleeping Beauty to The Rescuers. She has also been a major creative force at Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros. Animation.

If you have a chance to call or visit or merely mail a card, please do so.
by Steve Hulett

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32412-Animator-Ann-Guenther-Hospitalized Movies New marketing execs http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32410-New-marketing-execs?goto=newpost Fri, 22 Jun 2012 06:44:01 GMT * New marketing executives * * Disney bumps up marketing duo * (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118055842.html) * Ayaz, Richards promoted... New marketing executives



Disney bumps up marketing duo
Ayaz, Richards promoted to senior VP

Variety
Walt Disney Studios has promoted Asad Ayaz to senior VP, marketing live action, Marvel, while Ticole Richards has been upped to senior VP, international marketing. The two report to Ricky Strauss, president of marketing for the studio.

Ayaz manages the strategic planning, development and execution of global marketing campaigns for Walt Disney Studios live action and Marvel film releases, including The Avengers, which has gone on to earn more than $1.4 billion since its bow May 4. Ayaz is responsible for marketing and messaging strategy, positioning, and tactical development for each advertising campaign. He has held a variety of positions during his eight-year tenure with Disney, including VP of global marketing strategy and communications, and director of brand marketing.

Richards will oversee international marketing campaigns for all theatrical releases. She has spent her entire professional career at the Mouse House, most recently serving as VP of international creative film services, focusing on overseas territories. She joined Disney in 1994, as VP of marketing and creative film services.
by Marc Graser

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Submitted by Ezra
]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32410-New-marketing-execs Resorts Avengers attractions http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32406-Avengers-attractions?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:17:00 GMT 'Avengers' attraction in the works


Disney steps up efforts to bring 'Avengers' to parks

Reuters
Walt Disney Co's design team has increased its efforts to bring the Marvel superhero team The Avengers to the company's theme parks after the film's smashing success, the head of Disney's parks unit said on Thursday. Speaking as Disney unveiled the final attractions of a $1 billion investment to boost its laggard Disney California Adventure park, Tom Staggs said he intends to bring The Avengers characters to the Anaheim resort and other parks outside the United States.

"We were hard at work on attractions using Marvel characters previously, and that work has only intensified given (the film's) great success," Staggs, chairman of Disney's parks and resorts division, told Reuters in an interview at the park's Golden Vine Winery.

The Avengers has sold more than $1.3 billion worth of tickets around the world. Executives and Disney's designers, called "imagineers," are still working out how to bring characters like The Hulk, Iron Man and Captain America to the parks. "The setting has to be right, the story has to be right. That takes a fair amount of time," Staggs said.

Disney is contractually restricted from bringing Marvel characters to its parks in Orlando, where they are licensed to Comcast Corp's Universal Studios.
by Lisa Richwine

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32406-Avengers-attractions Theatre Summer Magic http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32405-Summer-Magic?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:09:44 GMT * Summer Magic stage show* * Summer Magic * (http://theatreguildinc.org/webdocs/season/season.html) _ The Theatre Guild _ Making its... Summer Magic stage show


Summer Magic

The Theatre Guild
Making its worldwide premiere this coming summer, Summer Magic is a brand new stage adaptation by Jerry Maloy and Jimmie Hollifield of Walt Disney's 1963 classic movie musical starring Oscar winners Hayley Mills and Burl Ives. The songs were written by the Oscar-winning team of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Richard Sherman said that Walt Disney was using this musical as an "audition" to see if we could handle a big-budget musical like Mary Poppins. The script was originally adapted by Sally Benson (who also wrote Meet Me in St. Louis and Viva Las Vegas) from Kate Douglas Wiggin's novel Mother Carey's Chickens.

Mr. Maloy has received special permission from Disney Theatrical to perform his adaptation, meeting with Richard Sherman in California in consultation about the production.
Set in 1912 Maine, the musical features ragtime, barbershop, player pianos, waltzes, and the Disney favorite The Ugly Bug Ball. The cast encompasses all ages of dancers, singers, and actors. The production promises to be a delight from start to finish.
2012 Season

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32405-Summer-Magic Movies Untitled fairy tale comedy http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32404-Untitled-fairy-tale-comedy?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:03:43 GMT *Untitled fairy tale romantic comedy by Chris McCoy * * Disney buys pitch from Black List fixture Chris McCoy *... Untitled fairy tale romantic comedy by Chris McCoy


Disney buys pitch from Black List fixture Chris McCoy

Deadline New York
Chris McCoy, who has landed three scripts on The Black List, has just made a deal for a high-concept romantic comedy pitch at Disney with Mandeville partners David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman producing. The plot is under wraps, but it involves iconic fairy tales, something that has been a preoccupation for the studio. McCoy’s Black List scripts are Get Back, which has Don Scardino attached to direct; Good Looking, the Double Features-produced pic that has Randall Einhorn directing and Allison Brie to star; and Good Kids, the Depth of Field-produced film on which McCoy is attached to make his directorial debut.
by Mike Fleming

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32404-Untitled-fairy-tale-comedy Resorts Glow With the Show ears http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32400-Glow-With-the-Show-ears?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:30:49 GMT * Glow With the Show ears * * New Disney ears make visitors part of the show *... Glow With the Show ears


New Disney ears make visitors part of the show
Glowing Disney mouse ears synchronize with World of Color show


Los Angeles Times
Over the years, Disney theme parks have offered over 200 different varieties of Mickey Mouse ears for guests to wear. The latest version, which debuted Friday with the relaunch of Disney California Adventure, includes technology that let the ears glow and change colors in sync with the music of shows at Disney theme parks. Disney officials say the ears include circuitry to receive signals to light up and change colors not only for the "World of Color" show and but also the new "Mad T Party" dance party, inspired by the Alice in Wonderland story.

But they are not cheap: The price for the glowing ears is $25 while the plain black version sells for about $14 at the park. The video shows how the ears glow to the "World of Color" attraction at California Adventure.
by Hugo Martin

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32400-Glow-With-the-Show-ears History Earliest Oswald reel http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32399-Earliest-Oswald-reel?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 01:17:47 GMT *Earliest Oswald reel compiled by the Disney Archives * * 85-year-old Disney cartoon “Harem Scarem” unearthed by D23 and studio archives *... Earliest Oswald reel compiled by the Disney Archives


85-year-old Disney cartoon “Harem Scarem” unearthed by D23 and studio archives

Yahoo! News
As part of Disney's D23 fan celebration event, the Disney fan club and the Walt Disney archives has compiled the oldest known cartoon from the company's eponymous creator and has shared the video exclusively with Yahoo News.

"This is a prime example of the kind of thing that we're digging out of the vaults, going the extra mile to show the fans something new and unique," Disney archives director Becky Cline told Yahoo News. "There's no new Walt Disney history to share unless we dig it out and discover it." Cline says information and bios on Oswald were gathering dust while hidden away in "deep storage" in Disney's archives.

"We scanned the original artwork. Scanned every single page, put them together in order. In the end, we created a piece, about 90 seconds of animation. You can see that the animation is adorable. No bells and whistles."

During a private D23 "Disney Fanniversary" event for fans in Burbank, San Francisco, New York and Boston, Disney unveiled the animation, titled, "Harem Scarem." And now it is being shown to the public for the first time. "We wanted to do something unique and cool. We went into our animation files and discovered that we had a lot more art than we thought we did," Cline said. video
by Eric Pfeiffer

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32399-Earliest-Oswald-reel Television Seven Dwarfs toon series http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32398-Seven-Dwarfs-toon-series?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:54:49 GMT * Seven Dwarfs toon series * * Disney Jr orders Seven Dwarfs toon series *... Seven Dwarfs toon series


Disney Jr orders Seven Dwarfs toon series

Deadline Hollywood
With the tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the zeitgeist with the breakout ABC series Once Upon A Time and two Snow White movies this year, Disney Junior is revisiting the classic story with The 7D, a new animated series that has been put into production for a 2014 premiere. Described as a comedic take on the world of Seven Dwarfs in a contemporary storybook world, 7D takes place in Jollywood where Queen Delightful relies on the 7D — Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc — to keep the kingdom in order. Standing in their way are two laughably evil villains, Grim and Hildy Gloom, who plot to take over the kingdom by stealing the magical jewels in the 7D’s mine. While the names of the dwarfs are the same as in the 1937 Disney animated classic, their look is very different. The characters were designed by Fish Hooks creator Noah Z. Jones; Tom Ruegger (Animaniacs) exec produces.
by Nellie Andreeva

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Submitted by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32398-Seven-Dwarfs-toon-series Movies Untilted Christmas action-comedy http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32396-Untilted-Christmas-action-comedy?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:26:19 GMT * Untilted Christmas action-comedy by Scott Rosenberg* * Disney buys Scott Rosenberg Christmas comedy project for $1 Million *... Untilted Christmas action-comedy by Scott Rosenberg


Disney buys Scott Rosenberg Christmas comedy project for $1 Million
John Jacobs will produce the action-comedy

Hollywood Reporter
Recalling the big sales of yore, Disney has won a bidding war for a Christmas-themed pitch, paying $1 million for the action-comedy project from scribe Scott Rosenberg. John Jacobs is producing via his Smart Entertainment shingle. Smart’s Zac Unterman will executive produce.

The logline is being kept under wraps, but the bidding was between Universal and Disney.

Rosenberg was behind some of the big Jerry Bruckheimer action movies in the 1990s including Con Air and Gone in Sixty Seconds and co-created the short-lived ABC drama Happy Town. He did a rewrite of Pain and Gain for Michael Bay, and has supernatural comedy The Hauntrepreneur set up at Paramount.

Smart Entertainment is a producer on the Seth MacFarlane comedy Ted for Universal and MRC. Their previous credits include Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Blades of Glory.
by Borys Kit

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32396-Untilted-Christmas-action-comedy Company Friends for Change Ambassadors http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32395-Friends-for-Change-Ambassadors?goto=newpost Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:09:50 GMT *Friends for Change launches Ambassador program * Image: http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/gallery/data/500/foca.jpg * Disney Friends For... Friends for Change launches Ambassador program


Disney Friends For Change Ambassadors Program launches
To inspire millions of kids and families to make a difference in their communities

The Walt Disney Company
Disney Friends for Change, a global initiative that inspires kids and families to take action and make a difference in their communities, today announced that Disney Channel stars Debby Ryan (“Jessie”), Bella Thorne and Zendaya (“Shake It Up”), and Ross Lynch and Laura Marano (“Austin & Ally”) will serve as Friends for Change Ambassadors, encouraging kids and families to make a lasting, positive change by helping people, communities, and the planet.

In collaboration with select non-profit organizations, Disney Friends for Change Ambassadors will lead campaigns to engage millions of kids to take action and volunteer. Each nonprofit will receive a Disney Friends for Change grant to further the reach and impact of the themed campaign. In total, $750,000 will be awarded to the following three efforts:
  • “Helping Communities – Volunteer,” led by Debby Ryan and in collaboration with Free The Children (from June 29 – August 16)
  • “Helping People – Be a Leader,” featuring Bella Thorne and Zendaya, and in collaboration with Free The Children (from August 17 – September 27)
  • “Helping the Planet – Green Your Scene,” championed by Ross Lynch and Laura Marano, and in collaboration with TreePeople (from September 28 – November 30)

As part of the program, Disney Channel will debut a series of interstitial messages, featuring the Disney Friends for Change Ambassadors beginning Monday, June 18. Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney.com will chronicle the Ambassadors throughout the summer as they volunteer and inspire kids of all ages to lead.
Corporate Newsroom

complete press release



[INDENT]Submitted by Disney Corporate Citizenship via DaddyB. Edited by Ezra ]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32395-Friends-for-Change-Ambassadors Resorts Iger invested $10.5B http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32380-Iger-invested-10-5B?goto=newpost Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:38:14 GMT * Iger invested $10.5 Billion in Disney parks and resorts* * Disney investment in parks, resorts tops $10.5B during Iger tenure as Cars Land... Iger invested $10.5 Billion in Disney parks and resorts


Disney investment in parks, resorts tops $10.5B during Iger tenure as Cars Land debuts

Washington Post
Disney's investment in parks and resorts has hit $10.5 billion since Iger became CEO in October 2005, significantly more than the $8.2 billion predecessor Michael Eisner spent in the last seven years of his tenure. Among the recent projects:

  • the $1 billion-plus overhaul of Disney California Adventure;
  • the Aulani resort in Hawaii opened in August 2011;
  • an expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland opened in November 2011;
  • the Disney Fantasy cruise ship launched in March;
  • the first phase of an expansion of Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., opened in April.
  • Disney is also building a new theme park in Shanghai.


In an interview with The Associated Press in March, Iger said that even though the parks and resorts division doesn’t make as much in profit as the company’s TV properties like ESPN and Disney Channel, they are a link in the Disney ecosystem that connects people back to its characters, movies and shows. “It’s not just about being in the media business. It’s about being in the Disney business,” he said.
Associated Press

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32380-Iger-invested-10-5B Movies Stuff of Legend http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32379-Stuff-of-Legend?goto=newpost Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:20:18 GMT *‘Stuff of Legend’* * Disney makes pitch deal for ‘Stuff of Legend’ with Pete Candeland directing *... ‘Stuff of Legend’


Disney makes pitch deal for ‘Stuff of Legend’ with Pete Candeland directing

Deadline New York
Disney has just made a pre-emptive pitch deal for Stuff of Legend, with Pete Candeland attached to direct and Abduction‘s Shawn Christensen writing the script. It’s the second recent Disney deal for Candeland, who recently made a deal to turn the Disney theme-park ride Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride into a live-action feature.

Stuff of Legend, a graphic novel written by Mike Raicht & Brian Smith and illustrated by Charles Paul Wilson III, has a bit of Toy Story and The Chronicles Of Narnia in it. A young boy in 1944 is abducted by the Boogeyman, dragged by the ankles into the closet realm known as The Dark. The boy’s puppy rallies his toys to follow his master in a rescue mission. Once in the closet, each of those toys become menacingly large and agile creatures who engage in a war with the Boogeyman’s forces. Those armies are comprised of the other toys stored in the closet, a mix of medieval knights, cowboys and toy soldiers. The intention is to make a live-action film set in a CGI world, like Alice In Wonderland.

Candeland and Christensen spent close to a year working on a pitch and visual presentation after being given the graphic novel by Mandeville exec David Manpearl. This is the first IP movie deal for Th3rd World Studios, which published the graphic novel.
by Mike Fleming

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]]> Visions Fantastic News Center Tom Morrow http://www.visionsfantastic.com/forum/threads/32379-Stuff-of-Legend