LEGO debuts six Disney princess sets Jan. 1

The next time you visit a LEGO store, you may find a distinctly pink-and-purple section carved out among all the Star Wars and Hobbit sets: Disney's princesses are coming.Cinderella, Ariel, Merida and Rapunzel will debut Jan. 1 in six sets:Ariel's Amazing Treasures (77 pieces, $12.99) -- includes Ariel, Flouder and a few whosits and whatsitsAriel's Magical Kiss (250 pieces, $29.99) -- includes Ariel and Eric, as well as Eric's castle and, of course,...

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Disney starts the year with a vacation-a-day giveaway

Disney is ringing in the New Year with a new vacation-a-day giveaway, and there's still time to enter for the first day's drawing.The prize: A five-day, four-night vacation for four to either Disney World or Disneyland. The giveaway starts tonight, Dec. 31, and continues through Jan. 31. You have to enter each day to be eligible for that day's drawing.Disney also will post a new video every day featuring a Disney celebrity talking about how they...

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Tickets on sale for 'Aladdin' on Broadway, opening March 2014

Tickets are on sale for Disney's "Aladdin" on Broadway.The Disney animated film has been turned into a Broadway show with previews beginning Feb. 26, 2014 and an opening night of March 20, 2014 at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.Casey Nicholaw who co-directed and choreographed "The Book of Mormon" and worked on "Elf: The Musical", "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Monty Python's Spamalot" directs and choreographs the musical.The show will...

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Three Kings Day celebration taking place at California Adventure from Jan. 3-6, 2014

Three Kings Day celebration will be held at California Adventure this year with a street party, music and traditional Mexican food.Dia de los Reyes Magos commemorates the day the three kings followed the star to Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It will take place Jan. 3-6, 2014. It has been celebrated for generations in Spain, Mexico, Central America and other nations, as part of the Christmas story.Disney publicity photoAccording...

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Photo: 'The Bachelor's ' Juan Pablo Galavis visits Disney World

The star of the upcoming "The Bachelor," Juan Pablo Galavis visited Disney World this week and mugged for the camera with Mickey Mouse.A professional soccer player for seven years, he retired in 2008, he has been chosen the first ethnic star for the ABC show, which starts Jan. 5, 2014. He is now in sports and entertainment consulting.He did appear on "The Bachelorette" in May 2013 but was eliminated. His daughter Camila with his former girlfriend, Venezuelan...

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Duffy the Disney Bear will get new costumes in 2014

The new year will bring a new clothes collection for Duffy the Disney Bear.The Disney merchandise team has announced that there will be a new 12-inch pre-dressed bear coming out in 2014 and a variety of costumes will be coming out for the 17-inch bear, according to the Disney Parks Blog. Some of the new costumes will be a new St. Patrick's Day and Easter inspired costumes as well as this inspired by "Pinocchio," "Steamboat Willie and Jake" and the...

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Goodnight all from Epcot

When leaving Epcot at Disney World during closing, you might get a goodnight nod from the projections here on Spaceship Earth. ...

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Disney, Marvel DVD and Blu-ray releases for 2014: April-May

The next two months are is a fairly light DVD and Blu-ray release schedule with the exception of one big movie - "The Pirate Fairy."  Here's an update of what's coming out for April and May. (Updated: March 29)April 1, 2014"The Pirate Fairy" is another visit to Pixie Hollow. According to the official description, "When a misunderstood dust-keeper fairy named Zarina steals Pixie Hollow’s all-important Blue Pixie Dust, and flies away to join forces...

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List of Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm movie releases for remaining 2014 and beyond

Superheroes and different perspectives on fairytales are what's coming up in 2014 in movie theaters by Disney.The one thing you won't be seeing is a Pixar movie. "The Good Dinosaur," which was supposed to come out in 2014 was moved back too 2015 by Pixar for more some more work.There's a full list of movies, including the adaptation of the Tony-winning play "Into the Woods," which will come out next Christmas. (This has been updated May 1, 2014)For...

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Photos: Tour of Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom in Disney World

Sometimes it's the simplest rides which give you a smile. On a recent trip to Disney World, I once again went on  Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom.For those not familiar with the attraction, it is a simple small wild mouse roller coaster you might find a boardwalk. The big twist is that the cars on the coaster spin at times. So as the car moves forward, it also moves around 360 degrees. The ride is themed with a few dinosaurs and idea that a...

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"Limited Time Magic" 2014 merchandise on sale through Jan. 9

It seems like this Limited Time Money -- er, Magic -- thing has worked out okay for Disney, because it's bleeding over into the new year.Disney has started sales of its Limited Time Magic 2014 castle design on T-shirts and other merchandise. All of the products feature the design pictured at right. The design, inspired by "it's a small world," was chosen by fans on Disney's social networks earlier this year.Although the print and the mug do not include...

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Jim Henson bio turns us on to early Muppets videos

Reading this year's well-reviewed biography of Jim Henson by Brian Jay Jones has set me on a mission to revisit the entire Muppet oeuvre. My most delightful discovery? Some of Henson's early commercial work with Muppets.Real Muppet aficionados are probably well aware of these shorts, which are available on YouTube. But they came as a surprise to me.My favorites: Henson's series of 10-second commercials for Wilkins Coffee, a local Washington D.C. coffee company. The ads star "Wilkins," who likes Wilkins Coffee, and "Wontkins," who doesn't. They...

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Tokyo Disneyland looks to expand

Tokyo Disneyland is planning to expand.The Oriental Land Co., Ltd, which operates the Tokyo Disney Resort says it plans to acquire 8.8 square miles (23,382 square meters) within the Tokyo Disney Resort area for future use.The land is owned by Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, which will sell the land for 9.319 million yen or about $88, 600. ...

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Minnie Mouse Marathon Bra introduced by Champion

In an attempt to add some Disney style to running gear, Champion Athleticwear has designed a new Marathon Bra featuring Minnie Mouse, according to the runDisney blog.The Minnie Marathon Bra has been designed for runDisney and will be sold at the Champion Athleticwear booth and with other runDisney merchandise during Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo, Jan. 8-11, 2014 during the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend....

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Atlanta Braves 2014 spring training schedule at Disney World is available

Part of the entertainment during the winter and spring at Disney World is Spring Training.The Atlanta Braves play at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from Feb. 26 to March 26, 2014.Here is the complete 2014 schedule:Wednesday, February 26 Detroit Tigers 1:05pmFriday, February 28 Houston Astros 6:05pmSunday, March 2 Detroit Tigers 1:05pmMonday, March 3 New York Mets 1:05pmTuesday, March 4 Washington Nationals 1:05pmThursday, March 6 Washington Nationals...

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Disney officials to discuss 1st quarter 2014 financial results in February

Walt Disney Company officials will discuss fiscal first quarter 2014 financial results through a live audio webcast on Feb. 5, 2014.Every quarter officials discuss financial results. This webcast will begin at 5 p.m. EST. Results will be released at about 4:15 p.m. EST.The webcast can be listened to at www.disney.com/investors. The audio cast will be available through Feb.19, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. EST....

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Disneyland ride and attraction closings and refurbishments in 2014: July-November

© Steven LiebmanThe Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will close for workstarting in January for about nine months.Here is a look at closings and refurbishments scheduled for Disneyland and California Adventure. These closings are subject to change, so check before you go: (Updated July 5)Jan. 5 - Sept. 26, 2014: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is closed for refurbishment.March 10 - July 3, 2014: Alice in Wonderland close for refurbishment.May 27 - July...

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Disney puts Olaf's summer song from 'Frozen' online

If you enjoyed the whimsical "Summer Sung" in Disney's latest movie "Frozen," you can now watch it again - for free.Disney has put online the video of the song sung by the magical snowman Olaf, who dreams of summer fun, but has no idea what happens to snow in the summer.Summer Song - Frozen on Disney Vi...

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Disney World ride and attraction closings and refurbishments in 2014: July -December

The Tomorrowland Speedway, and the Astro Orbiter at Disney World have been closed for refurbishment but should open this month.These closings are subject to change, so make sure you check the Disney World site before you head out for your trip.  (Updated, July 11)June 2 - Aug. 4, 2014: Tomorrowland Transit People Mover closed for refurbishment.June 2 - Sept. 19, 2014: Astro Orbiter will be closed for refurbishment.July 7 - Aug. 11, 2014:...

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Lineup for the 2014 Night of Joy announced

The lineup for the 2014 Night of Joy at Disney World has been set and announced.Publicity photo of the Casting Crowns who will performat the Night of Joy.The Christian music festival a the Magic Kingdom features live performances by Christian stars. Entrance to the events is a separate ticket.Disney has announced the following lineup:Sept. 5, 2014Hillsong UnitedChris TomlinMatthew WestFor King & CountryMandisaBuilding 429Matt MaherThe NeverclaimSept....

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Twitter co-founder joins Walt Disney Company Board of Directors

Photo by Andrew Mager/WikimediaJack Dorsey has joined the Walt Disney Company Board of Directors.The chairman of Twitter and CEO of Square Inc. has joined the Walt Disney Company Board of Directors as an independent director.“Disney is a timeless company, one we all grow up learning from and admiring,” said Jack Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter.“The perspective he brings to Disney and its Board is extremely valuable, given our strategic priorities,...

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Significant milestone at Shanghai Disneyland

A significant milestone has been taken place at the Shanghai Disney Resort with the topping of a the front of a house building.A publicity photo of  a topping off ceremony at Shanghai Disney ResortThe moment was commemorated when concrete was poured into the last section of the roof structure for a key building in the resort's retail, dining and entertainment area, according to a Disney press release.The building is near  the site...

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Special Photo: Merry Christmas to all

From us at Disney Diary to all of you:May Christmas bring you the best gifts all: Love and laught...

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Videos and Photos: Jingle Cruise Christmas and jokes

This year one more attraction at Disney World has been altered for the Christmas holiday.The Jungle Cruise has been transformed into the Jingle Cruise, complete with jokes tailored to the new ride.  Here is a video of all of the jokes and a photo gallery of the changes made to the ride. © Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Lieb...

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Disney Holiday Photo: Santa Mickey hat

There are numerous ways to dress up Disney World during the holiday season. One way is a simple Santa Mickey Hat. Put it on anything and you got a holiday lo...

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Vin Diesel to voice Groot in Marvel's 'The Guardians of the Galaxy'

Vin Diesel, the man behind the Riddick and the Fast and the Furious franchises will voice Groot in the upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel has announced.The Guardians of the Galaxy is about a futuristic group of beings which must join forces to defeat a big bad - think of it as The Avengers from the 31st Century. The team includes Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Racoon, Zoe Saldana as Gamora and Dave Bautista as Drax.The...

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Disney releases movie poster of Jon Hamm in 'Million Dollar Arm'

Disney today has released the trailer and poster of "Million Dollar Arm" starring Jon Hamm.The movie tells the story of JB Bernstein, a sports agent who uses an unconventional recruitment strategy to get talented Asian cricket players Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel to to become pitchers in Major League Baseball.The movie is scheduled for release, May 16, 2014.The movie trailer is below.Trailer - Million Dollar Arm on Disney Vi...

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Video: Behind the scenes stories about the music of 'Mary Poppins'

Music plays such an important role in all Disney movies and in "Saving Mr. Banks" we learn how the music was created for the "Mary Poppins.""Saving Mr. Banks" is the behind the scenes story of how Walt Disney convinced "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers to sell the movie rights to her book. It a look at what the real story is behind making of the movie.In this Disney video, Disney Legend Richard Sherman and Disney Producer Randy Thornton tell the story behind the music of "Saving Mr. Banks" and "Mary Poppins". Plus, Richard Sherman, part of the...

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Photo: Ornaments in France Pavilion at Epcot in Disney World

What do the ornaments on your Christmas tree look like? Here are a couple of ornaments created and on display at the France Pavilion at Epcot in Disney Wor...

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Photos: The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs at Disney World

New this year during the Holidays Around the World at Epcot in Disney World is the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.The singing group, featuring the members of the Off Kilter, the Celtic rock band which normally play at the Canada pavilion, takes guest on a journey across the Great White North, exploring holiday traditions and songs.Here is a quick look at the band:© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven...

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Disney World to expand FastPass+ system, report says

These paper FastPasses are on the way outat Disney World, with a new test at AnimalKingdom. (Disney publicity photo)Disney is planning to expand testing this week of the MyMagic+ project to all visitors at Animal Kingdom theme park, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The current testing has been kept to guests staying on Disney property at Disney resorts. Using the FastPass+ ride reservations system guests were allied to obtain three FastPasses a...

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Star Wars Weekend dates at Disney World are announced

Disney publicity photoDisney has announced on its website the dates for the Star Wars weekends in 2014 at Disney World.Star Wars celebrities, special shows and presentations take place each weekend at Hollywood Studios. The events will take place May 16 through June 8, 2014.Who will be attending and other information will be available early next year.Broken down, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday weekends are:May 16 – 18, 2014May 23 – 25, 2014May...

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Disney Animated is named Apple's iPad app of the year

Apple has named "Disney Animated" its iPad app of the year. The app, which brings the Walt Disney Animation Studio to life, tells the history of the of Disney animation through a special hands-on experience. The interactive images and animated clips explain Disney visual effects and contained a timeline of all 53 Disney animated films.The $9.99 app joins a list of numerous 2013 Best apps from the Apple Store.The app was also selected by Mashable...

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Disney Holiday Photos: A look at the ornaments on the Animal Kingdom Christmas Tree

All around Disney World during the holiday season are Christmas trees. They are in every park and at every resort. In total, 1,300 decorated Christmas trees can be found throughout the resort. Many of them have their own distinct decorations.For example, the tree outside the Animal Kingdom Park is filled with all kinds of animal themed ornaments. Take a closer look below at the tree:© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman©...

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