Walt Disney Co. reports record earnings

Disney reported record profits during the second quarter due mostly to the movie division , the company said in its quarterly earnings report Tuesday.

The company reported earnings of $1.28 per share on revenue of $12.45 billion, up 8 percent from a year ago.

“Our strategy of building strong brands and franchises continues to create great value across our company,” Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in the earnings statement. “This quarter we delivered the highest EPS in the company’s history, and we’ve now generated greater EPS in the first three quarters of FY 2014 than we have in any previous full fiscal year."

The studio revenues increased for the quarter 14 percent to $1.8 billion due to the success of "Frozen" "Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier" and "Maleficent."

The parks and resorts for the quarter increased 8 percent to $4 billion. The parks, according to Iger, will also see a greater presence of Star Wars and more information will be released next year.

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Disney Facts: 5 quick facts about Disneyland's Tomorrowland

© Steven Liebman

Tomorrowland at Disneyland.

When Tomorrowland opened at Disneyland in 1995 it was described a "vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man’s achievements … a step into the future, with predictions of constructive things to come," by Walt Disney.

The area is one of the five original ands and was the last to be complete. Because of budget cuts not all of the rides were operating on opening day, July 17, 1955. It now has 10 attractions.

Here are five quick facts about Tomorrowland from Disney:

1. Only one attraction remains from Tomorrowland's opening day - Autopia. There are three different types of cars - “Suzy,” a stylish coupe, “Dusty,” an off-road vehicle, and “Sparky,” a racy sports car.

2. Live "mermaids" were used when the Submarine Voyage (now Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage) first opened in 1959.

3. The Disneyland Monorail was the first daily operating monorail system in the Western Hemisphere.

4. The Matterhorn Bobsleds can be found in only one Disney park – Disneyland.

5. The Carousel Theater, now home to Innoventions, was previously the location for the Carousel of Progress, which is now located at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, and America Sings, which sent many of its critters to Splash Mountain after closing in 1988.

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Two new ways to get special treatment at the Food & Wine Festival

Just as the phone lines were opening last week for Food & Wine Festival reservations, Disney announced two new special events:

• Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE! For $79 per person, plus tax, you can join an after-hours street party that goes until 1 a.m. The price includes six food and/or beverage items.  
• Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package: For $199 per person, plus tax, you get access to premium areas where you won't have to wait in line for food, entry to one Late Nights Live event and a package of other goodies delivered to your room (including a special festival Magic Band, a bottle of wine, a Food & Wine Festival wine glass and a $50 gift card). This offer is only available to guests staying on property. And we've heard it's selling out fast, so if you're interested, call soon. 

I was on the phone the morning tickets went on sale, and it was tough getting answers -- or even finding a cast member who knew anything about these events. Judging by comments online on the Disney Parks Blog and elsewhere, lots of people had a similar experience.

Now we have some answers to some of the questions causing the most confusion:

What's open during the Late Night Live event?

Only the area between the United Kingdom Pavilion and World Showcase Plaza. The food booths in that area are United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, Hawaii, Dessert and Champagne.

Is admission required? 

Admission is not required for the Late Night Live event -- but only if you're arriving just in time for the event to start at 9:45. If you plan to be there earlier, you'll need admission. Admission is required for the Premium Package.

Is the wine basket per person or per room?

Everything is per person, contrary to some early reports. Buy two Premium Package tickets and get two bottles of wine, two wine glasses and two $50 gift cards. (It really wouldn't make sense any other way, would it?)

Do you have access to the Premium areas during the whole week of your stay, or only one day?

You have access to the 10 concierge areas from noon-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the week of your stay, so you will always be able to escape at least some of the food and beverage lines.

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Disney Facts: 5 facts about Paradise Pier and Pacific Wharf at Disney's California Adventure

The Paradise Pier and and Pacific Wharf areas of California Adventure at Disneyland Park are designed to pay tribute to the seaside areas of California.

© Steven Liebman

Paradise Pier at California Adventure at Disneyland.

The Pier represents all the towns with games, shops and restaurants, while the Wharf represents the business area of "cannery row."

Here are five quick facts about this area of the park from Disney:

1. The wood deck that make up the Boardwalk is called Curupay. The wood comes from a sustainable forest in Paraguay.

2. Recycled water continuously circulates through Paradise Bay at a rate of 450,000 gallons per hour,  the equivalent of refilling a backyard swimming pool every two minutes.

3. King Triton’s Carousel features 56 sculptured creatures that represent California’s marine life.

4. Boudin Bakery makes the sourdough bread for all of The Disneyland Resort.

5. Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop offers each guest a free sample square of chocolate. 

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The Muppets return with new web series

If you can't get enough of your fill of the Muppets, don't worry, they are back.

The crew can now be seen on “Disney Drive-On” a new series only available on Disney Movies Anywhere.

There are now two episodes up and more will follow. The series focuses on the Muppets production office and how they work in Hollywood and prepare to make movies.

Here is a preview of the first episode.

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'Guardians of the Galaxy' ranks 12th on all-time list of Superhero box office opening weekends

The latest Marvel/Disney superhero group to grace the screen is coming on strong. "Guardians of the Galaxy" is estimated to make $94 million in its opening weekend, according to Disney.

The opening weekend numbers would rank Guardians 12th on the top list of Superhero Opening Weekends, according to boxofficemojo.com, closely trailing "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," which came out earlier this year.

This is the 10th film in what is considered the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which started in 2008 with "Iron Man." Of the 10 films, Guardians has the  sixth highest opening weekend box office. 

The sci-fi film follows a group of self-proclaimed "losers" banding together to save the galaxy. Chris Pratt plays Peter Quill, who was abducted as a child from Earth and grows up to be a scavenger with a bounty on his head after stealing a mysterious orb sought by Ronan the Accuser, played by Lee Pace.

Those seeking to catch Quill - Gamora (the last survivor of the Zehoberi people, played by Zoe Saldana), Rocket ( wisecracking genetically altered raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Groot ( a sentient tree-like creature with a limited vocabulary of three words, "I am Groot," voiced by Vin Diesel) eventually join Quill and Drax the Destroyer (an alien, played by Dave Bautista, bent on revenge after his family was killed by Ronan) to save the galaxy from this mysterious orb

The movie is not only popular with the fans, 88 percent of the top movie critics around the U.S. monitored by Rotten Tomatoes liked the movie as well. 

 

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Bill Murray to voice Baloo in Disney's new 'The Jungle Book'

Wikimedia Commons

Bill Murray at Toronto Film Festival.

Bill Murray will voice of Baloo in Disney's live-action "The Jungle Book."

The movie, written by Justin Marks, is directed by Jon Favreau and will be released Oct. 9, 2015.

The film alsos star Christopher Walken as King Louie, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera and Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha and Neel Sethi as Mowgli.

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Second Walt Disney Record The Legacy Collection coming out in August is 'Mary Poppins'

The second release of the Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection will feature music from "Mary Poppins" and be available on Aug, 26, 2014.

The collection contains 2½ hours of content, including the original soundtrack, previously released demos and newly recorded versions, and cast and filmmaker interviews and a collectible 20-page booklet.

The CD cover and 20-page booklet feature newly created artwork inspired by "Mary Poppins" from Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The original soundtrack featured 14 songs from Richard and Robert Sherman. The second disc features demo recordings and some lost tracks from the Sherman brothers. The third disc has more than 40 minutes of excerpts from the story meetings between author P.L. Travers, the Sherman brothers and screenwriter Don DaGradi. Some the story meeting was heard during the closing credits of "Savings Mr. Banks."

Here what is on each disc:

DISC ONE – THE SOUNDTRACK
1. Buena Vista Fanfare
2. Overture
3. One Man Band
4. Sister Suffragette
5. The Life I Lead
6. The Perfect Nanny
7. Air Mail • Admiral Boom • The Not-So-Perfect Nannies • Mary Poppins Arrives
8. A Spoonful of Sugar
9. Pavement Artist
10. Jolly Holiday
11. Jolly Holiday (Reprise)
12. Penguin Dance
13. The Carousel Horses
14. Supercailfragilisticexpialidocious
15. Pavement Artist (Reprise)
16. Stay Awake
17. Trouble at Uncle Albert's
18. I Love to Laugh
19. A British Bank (The Life I Lead)
20. Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)
21. Father's Footsteps
22. Fidelity Fiduciary Bank
23. Panic at the Bank
24. Chim Chim Cher-ee • March Over the Rooftops
25. Step in Time
26. A Man Has Dreams (The Life I Lead/A Spoonful of Sugar)
27. Mr. Banks Is Discharged
28. Let's Go Fly a Kite

DISC TWO – PRE-DEMOS and THE LOST CHORD
Pre-Demos
1. The Perfect Nanny Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
2. Jolly Holiday Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
3. The Pearly Song [Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious] Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
4. Stay Awake Performed by Richard M. Sherman
5. Chim Chim Cher-ee Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
6. I Love to Laugh Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
7. Tuppence a Bag [Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)] Performed by Richard M. Sherman
8. Let's Go Fly a Kite Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

The Lost Chords of Mary Poppins
9. Mary Poppins Melody [Pre-Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
10. Mary Poppins Melody [New Recording] Performed by Kate Higgins
11. Admiral Boom [Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman
12. Admiral Boom [New Recording] Performed by Randy Crenshaw, Jeff Gunn and Dennis Kyle
13. The Right Side [Pre-Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
14. The Right Side [New Recording] Performed by Juliana Hansen
15. The Chimpanzoo [Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman
16. The Chimpanzoo [New Recording] Performed by Bob Joyce, Jeff Gunn, Randy Crenshaw and Dennis Kyle
17. The Land of Sand [Pre-Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
18. The Land of Sand [New Recording] Performed by Kate Higgins, Juliana Hansen, Jeff Gunn and Bob Joyce
19. The North Pole Polka [Pre-Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman
20. The North Pole Polka [New Recording] Performed by Jeff Gunn, Bob Joyce, Richard M. Sherman, Kate Higgins and Dennis Kyle
21. The Eyes of Love [Pre-Demo] Performed by Richard M. Sherman
22. The Eyes of Love [New Recording] Performed by Juliana Hansen
23. Overture [Album Version]

DISC THREE
1. – 21. The Mary Poppins Story Meetings
22. Hollywood Spotlight Microphone
23. The Sherman brothers Reminisce About Their Work on Mary Poppins

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Disney Facts: 5 facts about Buena Vista Street in Disneyland Park Resort

Buena Vista Street in California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort was created to reflect Los Angeles of the 1920s and 1930s when Walt Disney first arrived.

© Steven Liebman

Mickey Mouse on Buena Vista Street at the California Adventure.

“It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods – a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made – in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And with that wonderful audacity of youth, I went to Hollywood, arriving there with just forty dollars. It was a big day the day I got on that Santa Fe California Limited. I was just free and happy!” Disney is quoted on a plaque in the section of the park which opened June 15, 2012.

Here are five quick facts about Buena Vista Street:

1. Buena Vista Street is named after Buena Vista Street in Burbank, where The Walt Disney Studios is located.

2. The two Red Car Trolley cars are numbered 623 and 717. The numbers represent when Walt Disney first moved to California in June 1923 and when he opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955.

3. The Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge is based on the the Carthay Circle Theatre, which opened in Hollywood in 1926 and was where "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs " debuted.

4. The Candy Mountain featured at Trolley Treats was inspired by an early concept for a water flume attraction in Disneyland.

5. Listen carefully when you walk into Oswald’s and Julius Katz & Sons. The radios are tuned to KBVS where “The Adventures of Hank and Wally,” the FF&P Classical Music Hour and Scary Symphony can be heard.

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Disneyland ride and attraction closings and refurbishments August-December 2014

© Steven Liebman

The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will close for work

starting 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:

Jan. 5 - Sept. 26, 2014: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is closed for refurbishment.

June 18 - Aug. 17, 2014: Captain Eo closed for refurbishment.

Aug. 25 - Sept. 11, 2014: Haunted Mansion closed for refurbishment.

Aug. 26 - Aug. 28, 2014: Sailing Ship Columbia

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Pirate's Booty teams up with Marvel Avengers for a new snack

Pirate's Booty is teaming up with Marvel to release a limited-edition lunch multi-pack with Avengers characters.

Marvel artists designed a custom digital comic featuring the Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, and Iron Man, with the Pirate’s Booty Pirate.

“Pirate’s Booty is excited to partner with Marvel’s iconic Avengers,” Eric Berniker, vice president of Consumer Engagement and Innovation at B&G Foods said in a press release. “The Avengers are all about adventure and fun, which makes it a great fit for Pirate’s Booty.

The limited edition snacks come in 12 packs of half-ounce Pirate’s BootyAged White Cheddar.

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Updated: Disney World ride and attraction closings in 2014 from August -December

Two attractions at Disney World which have been closed will re-open this month and one will go dark for a six days for refurbishment.

The Transit People Mover at the Magic Kingdom and It's Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom will re-open in the early part of August. Most of the big rides should be operational in the fall for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival with the major exception of the Walt Disney Railroad. The railroad will be closed from the end of September to the beginning of November.

Closings do change,  so make sure you check the Disney World site before you head out on your trip.

Now until Aug. 4, 2014: Tomorrowland Transit People Mover closed for refurbishment.

Aug. 4 - Aug. 8, 2014: Liberty Square Riverboat closed for refurbishment.

Now until  Aug. 11, 2014: It's Tough to Be A Bug at Animal Kingdom is closed for refurbishment.

Now until Sept. 19, 2014: Astro Orbiter will be closed for refurbishment.

Sept. 8 - Sept. 19, 2014: Mickey's Philharmagic closed for refurbishment.

Sept. 22- Sept. 27, 2014: Carousel of Progress closed for refurbishment.

Sept. 28 - Nov. 9, 2014: Walt Disney Railroad is closed for refurbishment.

Oct. 26 - Jan. 3, 2015: Typhoon Lagoon closed for refurbishment.

Nov. 10 - Nov. 21, 2014: Magic Carpets of Aladdin closed for refurbishment.

Jan. 1 - March 6, 2015: Cinderella's Royal Table closed for refurbishment.

Jan. 4 -March 14, 2015: Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment.

Jan. 5, 2015: American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios will permanently close.

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Haunted Mansion shop coming to Disney World this fall

Disney Parks Blog

This Halloween promises to be extra spooky at Disney World -- and possibly extra-expensive, if you're in a shopping frame of mind. Disney is opening a Haunted Mansion-themed shop that will be filled with an extensive new line of Haunted Mansion merchandise.

The former Yankee Trader shop in Liberty Square closed this week. When it reopens this fall, it will be a showcase for all things Haunted Mansion, Disney announced this week. Disney didn't say when the shop would re-open, but the park's Halloween celebration starts Sept. 1, and Disney has never been known to miss a great marketing opportunity.

This is a big year for the Haunted Mansion: The ride is celebrating its 45th anniversary at Disneyland Aug. 16. (It opened two years later at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.) It's also getting an animated special on Disney XD later this year.

The shop will sell "select items" from the new line of merchandise, which includes more than 100 things, from t-shirts and fashion accessories to household items like dishes, bookends and bat-shaped ice cube trays. Some of the items have been around before, like a purple Dooney & Bourke bag that was available for a limited time.

We're also hoping to find some of the new pieces of art, sculptures and figurines that are debuting Aug. 16 at Disneyland in honor of the anniversary.

Here's a look at some of the pieces from the upcoming line:

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Disney Parks is bringing a special obstacle course to communities around the country

Disney is planning on six free events around the country to encourage children to connect with influential adults in their lives.

The events over the summer in California, Chicago, Atlanta and Florida will have an obstacle course designed by Disney Imagineers where families will participate in games and team-building station.

Disney Parks is working with the Search Institute and Center for Childhood Creativity.

“We are thrilled to work with Disney once again and provide another creative way in which families can spend meaningful and playful bonding time together,”  KaBOOM! CEO and Founder Darell Hammond said in a press release.

The stops on the tour are in 

Anaheim at the Center Street Promenade on August 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sacramento at a location to be named on August 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

San Francisco at the Marina Middle School on August 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chicago at Lincoln Park, Grove 2  on August 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Atlanta at the Old 4th Ward Skate Park on Sept. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kissimmee at Mill Run Park on Sept. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Families can register  at kaboom.org/playtogether.

 

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Disney TV animation planning Haunted Mansion show

©Steven Liebman

The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.

While everyone stills awaits the possibility of Guillermo del Toro brining to the big screen "Haunted Mansion," Disney Television Animation is moving forward with a special based on the them park attraction for the Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Gris Grimly, the horror genre artist and children's book illustrator ("Gris Grimly's Wicked Nursery Rhymes") is the executive producer of the project, said Eric Coleman, senior vice president of original series, Disney Television Animation.

No further plot details were announced.

Also working on the project are are two "Phineas and Ferb" alums, Scott Peterson, who will executive produce, story edit and write, and Joshua Pruett as consulting producer and writer.

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Disney and Kohls introduce new clothing line for young girls and tweens

Is it already time to think about back to school shopping?

In time for the new school year, Disney and Kohl's are launching a special mix and match assortment of clothing for young girls.

The "D-Signed" brand launches with the "Girl Meets World" collection. "Through creative collaborations with Disney Channel and Kohl's, our 'D-Signed' brand continues to give girls the ability to express their individual style that's trend right and mom approved," Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing at Disney Consumer Products, said in a press release.

Here's a look at some of the collection:

Disney D-Signed Cheetah Hooded Moto Jacket for $50. 

Disney D-Signed Glitter Girl Sketch Tee and Handkerchief Skirt.

The Tee is $28 and the skirt is $38.

Disney D-Signed Pleated Chiffon Dress  for girls 7 to 16 for $50.

Disney D-Signed Tiered Lace Ruffle Tunic, Blazer and Abstract Leggings

The Tunic is $34, the blazer is $50 and leggings are $28.

Disney D-Signed Pleated Chiffon Dress for girls 7 to 16

Disney D-Signed Lace Skater Dress  for girls 7-16 for $50.

Disney D-Signed Jeggings for $38.

Disney D-Signed Ruffle Bow Tee for $30.

Disney D-Signed Tiered Zip Dress - Girls 7-16
MSRP: $50.00

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Disney is moving towards $10 hourly starting pay as job market rebounds

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11 Disney celebrity photos from the 1980s and 1990s

Ever since opening Disneyland, The Walt Disney Company has had a long tradition of attracting celebrities.

Over the years, thousands of celebrities and politicians have visited Disney Parks around the world.

Here are a 11 photos of celebrities who visited Disney Parks in the 1980s and 1990s: (Don't forget to see photos of celebs who visited Disneyland in the 1950s and 1960s.)

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President Ronald Reagan speaks Epcot on Mar 3, 1983.

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In 1998, pitcher Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers gives Goofy a baseball at Disney World.

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Kellie Shanygne Williams and Jaleel White at The Magic Kingdom in 1995.

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In September 1996, Prince Ranier poses with Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse at Disney-MGM Studios.

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First Lady Hillary Clinton, addresses the audience during the rededication of Walt Disney World during its 25th anniversary on Oct. 1, 1996.

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Melanie Griffith gives Mickey Mouse a smooch on the nose during Euro Disney's fifth anniversary in Paris.

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Britney Spears and Minnie Mouse take a photo at Disney-MGM Studios in May 1999.

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Minnie Mouse and Cameron Mathison during Super Soap Weekend at Disney MGM Studios in Disney World in September 1999.

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In 1999, actor Stephen Nichols and Goofy are at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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In September 1999,  actor Mark Consuelos and actress Kelly  Ripa attend the 4th annual ABC Super Soap Awards.

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In 1999, Tiger Woods poses with Mickey and Minnie after winning the National Car Rental Golf Classic at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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Treasures of Walt Disney exhibit in Chicago being extended to 2015

If you have not yet had the chance to see the Treasures of Walt Disney Archives in Chicago, you have lucked out. The Museum of Science and Industry is extending the exhibit through Jan. 4, 2015, the museum announced.

The exhibit has more than 300 artifacts from over 90 years of history, including costumes, props, artwork, classic animation and hand on activities.

“Guests of all ages have enjoyed revisiting their favorite Disney moments in this exhibit,” Anne Rashford, director of special exhibits, said.

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10 photos of Marvel stars at 2014 San Diego Comic-Con

San Diego Comic-Con has become the gathering place during the past several years for all the stars of the upcoming Marvel movies.

This year Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd showed up to highlight the upcoming "Ant-Man" movie, due out July 17, 2015. And, the stars in the next Avengers movie, "Avengers: Age of Ultron" due out May 1, 2015, showed up.

You can get all the Disney and Marvel news at Comic-Con here.

Here's a quick look at who was at Comic-Con:

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Actor Michael Douglas attends Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Actor Paul Rudd (R) attends Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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A general view of the atmosphere at Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Marvel fan attends Marvel's 'Ant-Man' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

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Actors Chris Evans, Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner attend Marvel's 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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 Actors Paul Bettany, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Spader, Chris Hemsworth, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders and Mark Ruffalo onstage at Marvel's 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Actors Mark Ruffalo (the new Hulk) and Lou Ferrigno (the TV Hulk) attend Marvel's 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Marvel fan Adrian Perez (L) and actor Chris Hemsworth attend Marvel's 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Actor James Spader attends Marvel's 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Actor Samuel L. Jackson attends Marvel's 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' Hall H Panel Booth Signing during Comic-Con International 2014 at San Diego Convention Center on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

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Disney and Marvel: A roundup of Comic-Con news

Let's face it, Disney owned Comic-Con in San Diego this year. How could it not? It also happens to own Marvel Comics and the Star Wars franchise, two massive Comic-Con draws.

It didn't disappoint. Well, it might have disappointed a little bit by not showing any footage from "Star Wars: Episode VII." But it still had a lot of exciting news to share.

Here are some highlights of the week's presentations: (Here are 10 photos of Marvel stars who showed up to Comic-Con)

• The Guardians of the Galaxy are everywhere: It's still a week until the movie opens, but the buzz is deafening and the early reviews are excellent -- with 25 reviews in, Rotten Tomatoes is giving the movie a 100 percent fresh rating. So it's no surprise there was plenty of Guardians news this week. Maybe the biggest: the sequel already has a release date. Look for Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on July 28, 2017. The Guardians also are joining the Disney Infinity 2.0 lineup in Sept. 23. Marvel Animation also confirmed it's working on a Guardians of the Galaxy animated series, although it did not say when the series will hit Disney XD. 
• Animated Marvel series renewed: Disney XD has renewed both "Marvel's Avengers Assemble" and "Marvel's Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H." In season two, the animated Avengers will take on Thanos, the villain who first showed up after the credits in the last Avengers movie and will appear in "Guardians of the Galaxy." And Hulk and his team will make it to "Planet Hulk."

• "Age of Ultron" brought down the house: There wasn't much news about the Avengers sequel, but the panel was a smash hit. The panel included a length teaser trailer, which promised a "darker" take on the Avengers story. The trailer isn't be available to the public yet. One bit of news: There will be an original graphic novel released to tie in to the movie. "Avengers: Rage of Ultron" is a standalone story that will explore the relationship between the super villain Ultron and his creator. The graphic novel will be published next April, the month before the movie's May 1, 2015, release date. 
• Phineas and Ferb getting "Lost": On the heels of its Star Wars homage, Phineas and Ferb will take on the TV classic "Lost." Damon Lindelof himself wrote the episode, which is slated to air this fall. Lindelof, you may remember, was one of the creators of "Lost," and was its head writer. "Lost in Danville" will "revolve around a mysterious locked capsule that suddenly appears in Phineas and Ferb's backyard," the New York Times reported. 
• More Pirates: The fifth and, supposedly, final installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean series will be released July 7, 2017 -- six years after "On Stranger Tides." Johnny Depp is on board to do one more turn as Captain Jack Sparrow, and Geoffrey Rush and Keith Richards will be back as well. No word on Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightly. 
• New Star Wars comics: Marvel announced that it will introduce three new Star Wars comic series next year. The main ongoing series will debut in January, followed by an ongoing Darth Vader title in February and a five-issue Princess Leia miniseries in March. The series will take place between the original Star Wars movie and "The Empire Strikes Back." 
• New "Star Wars Rebels" trailer: Disney did not bring the cast of Episode VII to Comic-Con, but it did bring a new trailer for its upcoming "Star Wars Rebels" animated series, which is slated to debut on Disney XD in October. The series is set five years before "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" and focused on a small group of rebels aboard their starship. Here's the new trailer: 

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Complete menu for 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival released

Disney has released the full menus for the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Disney World.

There will be more than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces during the 53-day festival from Sept. 10 to Nov. 10.

Disney publicity photo

Here is the complete menu, according to Disney:

Africa 

• Beef tenderloin tips berbere style with okra, jalapeños, tomato and pap 
• South African bobotie with turkey and mushrooms (gluten free) 
• MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc 
• Fairview Pinotage 
• The Wolftrap Red: Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier 

Australia

• Garlic shrimp with roasted tomatoes, lemon myrtle and rapini (gluten free) 
• Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies (gluten free) 
• Pavlova: Crispy meringue shell with fresh berries and vanilla custard 
• Coopers Brewery, Original Pale Ale 
• Chateau Tanuda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling 
• St. Kilda Chardonnay 
• Nine Stones Shiraz 

Belgium

• Potato and leek waffle with beer-braised beef 
• Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream 
• Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream 
• Hoegaarden 
• Stella Artois 
• Leffe Blonde 
• Stella Artois Cidre 
• Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur 
• Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois Cidre 

Brazil

• Mocequa de pescado: Regal Springs premium tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice (gluten free)
• Crispy pork belly with black beans, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
• Pao de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
• Cocada: Brazilian coconut candy
• Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine
• Tannat Reserve
• Frozen Caipirinha

Brewer’s Collection

• Pop the top and soak up some European-style suds. Or, order a flight to set off on your own beer smorgasbord. 
• Radeberger Pilsner 
• BraufactuM Colonia 
• BraufactuM Palor 
• Schöfferhofer Grapefruit 
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest 
• BraufactuM Roog 
• BraufactuM Darkon 
• BraufactuM Progusta IPA 
• Beer flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Colonia, BraufactuM Palor and Schöfferhofer Grapefruit 
• Beer flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Altenmünster Oktoberfest, BraufactuM Roog, BraufactuM Darkon and BraufactuM Progusta IPA 

Canada 

• Canadian cheddar cheese soup 
• Seared rainbow trout with bacon, frisee and maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free) 
• “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce (gluten free) 
• Moosehead Lager 
• La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine 
• La Face Neige Sparkling 
• Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah 

China

• Beijing roasted duck in steamed bun with hoisin sauce 
• Mongolian beef in a steamed bun with chili mayo 
• Black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles 
• Chicken potstickers 
• TSINGTAO Beer 
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling 
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah 
• Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec 
• Happy Lychee with tequila and vodka 
• Mango green tea with popping bubbles 

Craft Beers

• Sophisticate your knowledge of all things hops and barley with a cool pint or flight from a popular craft brewery. 
• Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis – Chico, CA 
• Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale – Milton, DE 
• Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale – Shiner, TX 
• Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze – Abita Springs, LA 
• Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale – Chicago, IL 
• Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils – Cape Canaveral, FL 
• Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL – South Burlington, VT 
• Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale – Athens, GA 
• Beer Flight 1 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Sierra Nevada, Kellerweis; Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Punkin Ale; Shiner Brewery, Wild Hare Pale Ale; and Abita Brewing Company, Purple Haze 
• Beer Flight 2 (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Goose Island, 312 Urban Wheat Ale; Florida Beer Company, Sunshine State Pils; Magic Hat Brewery, Dream Machine IPL; and Terrapin Beer Company, Rye Pale Ale 

Desserts & Champagne

• Dessert Trio: Passion fruit coconut creamsicle, blueberry lime cheesecake roll and chocolate espresso opera cake 
• Guylian Belgian chocolate seashell truffles 
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé 
• Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial 
• Ruinart Blanc de Blanc 
• Dom Pérignon 
• Frozen S’mores featuring Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup 

Farm Fresh

• Nueske’s Pepper Bacon hash with sweet corn, potatoes, hollandaise and pickled jalapeños (gluten free) 
• Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens (gluten free) 
• Orlando Brewing Company, I-4 IPA – Orlando, FL 
• Ba Ba Black Lager, Uinta Brewing Company – Salt Lake City, UT 
• Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale, Bold City Brewery – Jacksonville, FL 
• Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale, Cigar City Brewery – Tampa, FL 
• Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine 
• Chateau St. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 
• St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 
• Beer Flight (4 4-ounce servings): I-4 IPA, Ba Ba Black Lager, Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale and Florida Cracker Belgian Style White Ale 

France

• Tartelette aux escargots: Escargot tart with garlic, spinach, bacon and parmesan 
• Gratin de crozet de savoie: Wheat pasta gratin with mushrooms and Gruyere cheese 
• Boeuf bourguignon: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes 
• Crème brûlée caramel fleur de sel: Sea salt caramel crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar 
• Beer Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 
• Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche 
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet 
• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir 
• La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice 

Germany

• Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham and cheese 
• Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll 
• Berliner: Yeast doughnut filled with apricot jam 
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest 
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett 
• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese 
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese 
• Kallstadter Kobnert Spaetburgunder Spätlese Dry Barrique Style 

Greece

• Vegetarian moussaka 
• Griddled Greek cheese with pistachios and honey (gluten free) 
• Chicken gyro with tzatziki Sauce 
• Spanakopita 
• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero 
• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri 
• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah-Xinomavro 
• Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS Natural Yoghurt Liqueur 

Hawai'i

• Kālua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise 
• Tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips 
• Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave Golden Ale 
• Kona Brewing Company, Castaway IPA 
• Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine 
• Aulani Sunrise featuring Sammy's Beach Bar Rum 

Hops & Barley

• Artisan cheese plate featuring Cabot Cloth wrapped cheddar, Purple Haze chèvre goat cheese and Cave Man blue cheese 
• Baked lobster alfredo 
• Florida grass fed beef slider with pimento cheese 
• Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins and cream cheese icing 
• Samuel Adams Octoberfest 
• New Belgium Brewing Company Snapshot 
• Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat 
• Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy 
• La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 
• Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Cambria Estate Winery 
• Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Samuel Adams Octoberfest, New Belgium Snapshot, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat and Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy 

Ireland

• Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie 
• Kerrygold cheese selection: Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig 
• Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard (gluten free) 
• Guinness Draught 
• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine 
• Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen 
• Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur 

Italy

• Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil 
• Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala: Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread 
• Cannoli al cioccolato: Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit 
• Moretti Lager Beer 
• Moretti La Rossa Beer 
• Procecco, Bosco del Merlo 
• Pinot Grigio, Placido 
• Chianti Classico, Placido 
• Frozen Primavera with limoncello and tequila 

Japan 

• Spicy hand roll: Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce 
• Teriyaki gyoza bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce 
• Chirashizushi: Salmon, shrimp, crab and egg served over seaweed salad and ginger rice 
• Kirin Draft Beer 
• Sake: Kikusui Ginjo 
• Sake Sunrise 
• Sparkling Peach Sake Gell 

Mexico

• Shrimp taco: Fried shrimp, pickled habanero pepper and onions on a flour tortilla 
• Rib eye taco: Marinated rib eye, roasted chipotle salsa and grilled scallions on a corn tortilla (gluten free) 
• Sweet corn cheese cake 
• Dos Equis Beer 
• Sangria 
• Tequila Flight 
• Mango-strawberry margarita 

Morocco

• Kefta pocket: Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket 
• Spicy shrimp roll with cilantro and mint sauce 
• Baklava 
• Casa Beer 
• Guerouane White 
• Sangria 
• Mimosa Royale: Sparkling wine and orange juice topped with orange liquer 

New Zealand

• Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs 
• Venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction (gluten free) 
• Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney 
• Kim Crawford Pinot Gris 
• Mohua Sauvignon Blanc 
• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 
• Kim Crawford Pinot Noir 

Patagonia

• Beef empanada
• Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée (gluten free)
• Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri (gluten free)
• Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
• Terrazas Reserva Malbec
• Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier
• Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé

Poland

• Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
• Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash
• Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
• Blaufraenkische Donausonne, Hungarian Wine
• Frozen Szarlotka (apple pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Puerto Rico

• Ensalada de carrucho: Caribbean conch salad with onion, tomato and cilantro (gluten free)
• Carne guisada con arroz blanco: Slow-braised beef with Puerto Rican-grown rice (gluten free)
• Friturias: Sorullitos (sweet polenta fries) and bolitas de queso (cheese fritter with mayo ketchup)
• FlanCocho: Vanilla caramel custard with chocolate coffee cake
• Gasolina Sangriiia
• Medalla Light Beer
• Frozen San Juan Breeze
• Frozen San Juan Breeze with Don Q Limón Floater
• Chilled Club Caribe Mango Rum (neat)

Scotland

• Vegetarian haggis with neeps and tatties: Griddled vegetable cake with rutabaga and mashed potatoes 
• Fresh potato pancake with smoked Scottish salmon and herb sour cream (gluten free)
• Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon (gluten free)
• Crannachan: A traditional Scottish dessert trifle
• Innis & Gunn Original
• Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich 12 year
• Glenfiddich Scotch Selection (12, 15 and 18 year)

Singapore

• Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice (gluten free)
• Seared mahi mahi with jasmine rice and “Singa” sauce
• Tiger Beer
• Marqués de Caceres Satinela
• Singapore Sling featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring

South Korea

• Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce
• Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw
• Bokbunjajoo: Bohae black raspberry wine
• iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew
• Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Terra

• Blackened Chick’n Breast, farro wheat and spicy gumbo sauce featuring Gardein Chick'n Breast
• CraB’less CraB Cake with pepper slaw and Cajun remoulade featuring Gardein
• Chocolate-blood orange cupcake with tofu icing
• Red Bridge Ale
• The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
• Paperboy Red
• Fresh Watermelon Juice

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New Walt Disney documentary coming to PBS in 2015

A new four-hour two night film about Walt Disney will premiere in the fall of 2015 on PBS, PBS and the American Experience announced this week.

The two-night event will contain archival footage from the Disney vaults, interviews with animators, artists who worked on films and Imagineers who helped design Disneyland.

“Walt Disney is an entrepreneurial and cultural icon,” American Experience executive producer Mark Samels said in a press release. “No single figure shaped American culture in the 20th century more than he.”

The movie is being directed and produced by Sarah Colt, who worked on "Henry Ford" and "RFK," and was written by Mark Zwonitzer of "JFK" and "Triangle Fire."

According to the PBS new release, in 1966, the year Walt Disney died, "240 million people saw a Disney movie, 100 million tuned in weekly to a Disney television program, 80 million bought Disney merchandise, and close to seven million visited Disneyland."

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Marvel superheroes coming to Disney Infinity in September

If you've been thinking Disney's hit Infinity game isn't quite "super" enough, we've got good news for you. Marvel's Super Heroes are finally on their way.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are joining the previously announced additions of the Avengers and Spider-Man. They all will arrive with Disney Infinity 2.0: Marvel Super Heroes on Sept. 23.

You can pre-order the new arrivals now. If you pre-order the starter pack, Disney says you'll get a free Marvel figure of your choice with the pack.

Disney Infinity already is a massive hit, with more than 3 million starter packs sold. That adds up to more than $500 million in revenue in just the past year.

Here's a look at what's coming in September:

• Marvel Super Heroes Starter Packs: Including Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow figures ($74.99) 
• Play sets: Guardians of the Galaxy (including Star Lord and Gamora); and Spider-Man (including Spider-Man and Nova) ($34.99 each) 
• Individual figures: Captain America, Hawkeye, Hulk, Iron Fist and Nick Fury from the Avengers; Rocket Raccoon, Drax and Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy; and Venom from Spider-Man ($13.99 each) 
• Non-Marvel additions: Look for Donald Duck, Tinkerbell, Stich and Hiro and Baymax (from the upcoming Big Hero 6)

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