Topiary Tour 2014: Mater's Garden

We are heading to our second top on the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Topiary Tour.

This stop is Mater's Parts, Plants & Playin' Garden near the The Test Track. Here you see Lightning McQueen and Mater.

Follow along here on the topiary tour.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

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Topiary Tour 2014: Entrance to Flower & Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is well underway. There are so many topiaries out there that we wanted to break them down and give a more complete view of all the topiaries, so we decided on a little topiary tour.

Join us this week, as we head around the and focus on the various topiaries. The first stop is the entrance. This is what guests see as they come into the main entrance. Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy try to capture some butterflies. Follow along here on the topiary tour.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Mary Liebman

© Mary Liebman

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The Walking Disney: A Disney and 'Walking Dead' mashup

Ever wonder how Disney characters would handle themselves in the world of "The Walking Dead?"

French artist Kasami-Sensei came up with these answers in his series "The Walking Disney" with characters Pocahontas and John, Tiana, Esmeralda, Clopin and Djali, Rapunzel and Flynn and Kristoff and Sven.


The Walking Disney : Pocahontas and John by Kasami-Sensei on deviantART
The Walking Disney : Tiana by Kasami-Sensei on deviantART
The Walking Disney : Esmeralda, Clopin and Djali by Kasami-Sensei on deviantART
The Walking Disney : Rapunzel and Flynn by Kasami-Sensei on deviantART
The Walking Disney : Kristoff and Sven by Kasami-Sensei on deviantART

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New Star Wars combat game lets you assemble your own team

Disney has introduced a new Star Wars combat game letting players assemble a powerful team of heroes.

Courtesy of starwars.com

Star Wars: Assault Team is a new game for iOS, Android, and Windows devices, according to Starwars.com

The features of the game allow players to:

•  Collect hundreds of character cards to create the ultimate team using the saga's most iconic heroes, including Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Boba Fett, and more.
• rain, improve and strategically deploy each character's special attacks, making a team even more dominant against ever-powerful enemies.
• Fight against other players in PvP battles to win extra rewards.
• Complete all-new missions set between Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.

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Disney D23 Expo 2015 tickets go on sale this August

The next D23 Expo in Anaheim is scheduled for the summer of 2015 with ticket to of on sale in August.

The fourth event is expected to be larger than the 2013 D23 Expo which drew more than 65,000 Disney fans during the three-day event,

The 2015 D23 Expo event will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of August 14–16. Each of Disney’s worlds -- theme parks, television, music, games, and films, including Pixar, the Muppets, Star Wars and Marvel -- will all gather to give a view of what's to come,  according to a press release.

Highlights planned for D23 Expo 2015 include:

• The 2015 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy.
• Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a collection of one-of-a-kind assets, props, and costumes curated by the Walt Disney Archives.
• The Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, and merchandise.

Advance tickets will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning Aug. 14, 2014. D23 Members will receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is open to the general public. D23 Gold and Silver Members will also be entitled to early admission to the Expo show floor.

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Pirates of Caribbean movies will be focal point of new ride at Shaghai Disneyland

Rendering from Disney of Treasure Cove

The Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise will play a large role in the new Shanghai Disney resort.

This first-ever Pirates-themed land in a Disney park, to be named Treasure Cove, will be one of a kind to Shanghai Disneyland, according to a Disney press release. The Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle of the Sunken Treasure is an all-new high-technology boat ride attraction.

Guests will take a trip down the ocean depths and through pirate ships and a naval battle with Captain Jack Sparrow to find Captain Davy Jones' treasure.

"We are committed to creating experiences which honor both Disney heritage and appeal to our Chinese Guests," Mike Crawford, general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort said in a press release.

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Disney company to discuss final second quarter 2014 financial results

The Walt Disney Company will hold a live audio webcast in May to discuss the final second quarter 2014 financial results.

The webcast will go live at 5 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2014 at www.disney.com/investors.

The discussion will be available via replay through May 20, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.

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Dr. Doofenshmirtz being chased at Disney World

There are a lot of different surprises at Disney World.

One can be found at Epcot during the Agent P's World Showcase Adventure. Usually at the end of each adventure there is something special to see. In Germany, if you are lucky you might get a chance to see this (see below).

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Disney Cruise Line announces summer 2015 cruise schedule

Bookings for the 2015 Disney Cruise Line summer schedule begins on March 27.

Disney publicity photo of the Norwegian Fjords

The new schedule includes the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Faroe Islands for the first time. In addition, will be sailings to the Baltic, Copenhagen, Denmark and St. Petersburg, Russia. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean and Bahamas also are included in the summer lineup.

Here are some specifics, according to Disney:

Norwegian Fjords

The Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration and backdrop for Disney’s “Frozen.” Guests will discover breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent mountain ranges, glaciers, geysers and fjords.

Seven-night Norwegian Fjords departs June 6 to the following ports:  Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway.

Nine-night Norwegian Fjords departs June 20 to the following ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger, Molde, Olden and Bergen, Norway.

11-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland departs June 29 to the following ports:  Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger Norway; Akureyri and Reykjavik (overnight), Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Dover, England

Rates start at $1,561 per person for seven-night cruises, $2,133 per person for nine-night cruises and $2,453 per person for 11-night Norwegian fjords cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Northern Europe

The Disney Magic will sail the Baltic waters to  Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Seven-night Northern European trip departs May 30 and June 30 to the following ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.

12-night Northern European trip departs July 20 and July 22 to the following ports: Dover, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany (July 10 cruise only); Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia and Tallinn, Estonia.

Rates start at $1,463 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,844 per person for 12-night Northern European cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Mediterranean

The Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean.

Five-night Mediterranean trip departs Aug. 10 to the following ports: Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Seven-night Mediterranean trip departs Aug. 15, 22 and 29 to the following ports: Barcelona, Spain; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence (La Spezia), Italy and Nice (Villefranche), France.

Rates start at $1,255 per person for five-night cruises and $1,302 per person for seven-night Mediterranean cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Alaska

The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Seven-night Alaska trip departs June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 to the following ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

Caribbean and Bahamas

The Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral and Miami to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries, including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

From Port Canaveral, rates start at $495 per person for three-night cruises, $662 per person for four-night cruises, $1,465 per person for five-night cruises and $1,145 per person for seven-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

From Miami, rates start at $400 per person for four-night cruises and $500 per person for five-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

More information can be obtained at Disney Cruise Line at   888-325-2500.

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Disney World event in November focuses on closed-down attractions

A special D23 event at Disney World in November will bring together Disney archivists, Imagineers and legends to talk and celebrate some former attractions.

D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind will take place Nov. 22 and 23, 2014 at the convention center at the Contemporary Resort, according to a news release.

Rarely seen concept art and image, vintage video clips and hours of stories will focus on fan favorite rides like Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. There will also be a day of presentations focusing on the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted Disney rides it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

Presenters and panelists include Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley.

In addition, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event.

Tickets got on sale April 16 and are $190 each and available to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City.

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Disney World breaks ground for new state-of-art laundry facility

Disney publicity photo

Disney World has started construction on a new laundry facility to deal with the additional resort hotel rooms and new types of linens being used at the hotels, according to a Disney news release.

This will be the fourth laundry facility at the resort and is being touted as one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind in the U.S. “The new facility will showcase some of the textile industry’s most cutting-edge features including conveyors and air suction tubes that quickly move linens and machines that automatically sort, separate and fold,” J.R. Garcia, director of textile services at Walt Disney World Resort, said in the release.

Located near Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the facility is scheduled to open in the spring of 2015 and will employ an additional 200 cast members.

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Disney World adds new Disney Princess Cup soccer event this fall

Disney World is adding a new soccer event this fall featuring girls ages 9 to 14 called the Disney Princess Cup.

The event, scheduled for Oct. 10-12, 2014, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will feature 6 versus 6 player format, according to a press release.

The cup will be open to teams and individual players, will also include a pep rally featuring a Disney Music recording artist, an awards ceremony, a speaker series geared towards empowering young girls, and designated free time for teams and parents to visit the Disney theme parks, according to the release. 

“This new event figures to provide the parents, coaches and players with a hassle-free experience within a competitive yet family-oriented environment where the parents and coaches can celebrate with their kids and empower them to embrace their inner Disney Princess to become strong, unique and compassionate individuals," said Faron Kelley, director of marketing for Disney Sports.

Registration for begins April 1 at www.espnwwos.com.

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'Frozen' soundtrack again tops the Billboard 200 for seventh week

The "Frozen" soundtrack is again in the top slot on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

For the seventh week, the soundtrack ended up on the top of the list and has sold over 1.6 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The soundtrack features eight original songs from Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and songwriter Robert Lopez.

The album also peaked at No. 1 on the iTunes Overall Chart (and in 31 countries), plus Amazon's Overall Music Category, Pop, and Overall MP3 charts. The album also held the top position for five non-consecutive weeks at Spotify.

The Oscar-winning song "Let It Go," performed by Idina Menzel, has sold over 2 million copies and is expected soon to be certified double Platinum.

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Six Disney and Marvel movies to be released in IMAX theaters

Disney and IMAX have announced a deal to release six movies over the next two years in IMAX theaters, including all of the Marvel superheroes and new Star Wars film.

"For the last several years, Disney and IMAX have worked together to deliver extraordinary cinematic experiences to audiences around the world," IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond said in a press release

The movies to be released in IMAX(R) theaters include:  "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (April 2014), "Maleficent" (May 2014), "Guardians of the Galaxy" (August 2014), and "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (May 2015), "Tomorrowland" (May 2015) and "Star Wars: Episode VII" (December 2015).

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Walt Disney Company purchases Maker Studios

In an effort to expand its online video content on YouTube, The Walt Disney Company is purchasing Maker Studios.

Maker has more than 55,000 channels, 380 million subscribers and 5.5 billion views per month. “Short-form online video is growing at an astonishing pace and with Maker Studios, Disney will now be at the center of this dynamic industry with an unmatched combination of advanced technology and programming expertise and capabilities,” Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company said in a news release.

Some of the channels include Tessa Violet, Bart Baker, KassemG, and Lloyd Ahlquist's Epic Rap Battles of History,

Maker Studios shareholders will receive total consideration of $500 million, and a performance-linked earn-out of up to $450 million if the strong performance targets are met. The new studio will report to Disney Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo.

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Warning: Theme park price inflation at Disney World

We all know we spend a lot of money at Disney World, starting with $2 bottles of water and $50 t-shirts. We know what we're getting into.

But this is extreme even for Disney.

I've been ogling a silver bracelet online at the Disney Store for a while now, and I thought if I lucked into a 20 percent off shopping coupon on our recent Disney trip I might splurge.

But when I found it at the World of Disney -- and at a couple of other Disney World stores -- the silver bracelet was selling for more than double the online price.

Seriously: $375 online vs. $775 in the stores. The gold version also was priced several hundred dollars higher -- about $2,275 vs. $1,975 online.

I regret that I didn't double-check any other prices, but I was in a state of shock.

All of this is just to say: Buyer beware. Most things are priced the same -- t-shirts and home goods and so forth -- but if you're going to spring for something really special, look for it online first.

Of course, this could just be an oversight on Disney's part, and as soon as they figure it out, we'll see the price skyrocket online. But I'm an optimist that way.

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How did reviewers like 'Aladdin' on Broadway?

It's a whole new world for "Aladdin," which opened on Broadway last week to warm, if not adoring, reviews.

Aladdinthemusical.com

Adam Jacobs gets top billing as Aladdin, but the reviews agree that James Monroe Inglehart steals the show as Genie -- much as Robin Williams did in the 1992 movie.

The show was directed and choreographed by Casey Nickolaw, who also choreographed and co-directed "The Book of Mormon." Chad Beguelin wrote the book and provided additional lyrics for the show, which retains the familiar songs from Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

Reviews may not make a whole lot of difference to this show, which could live or die on Disney fans' warm feelings for the movie. But just in case, here's a roundup of reviews:

The New York Times: "This latest musical adapted from one of Disney’s popular movies ... defied my dour expectations. ... 'Aladdin' has an infectious and only mildly syrupy spirit. Not to mention enough baubles, bangles and beading to keep a whole season of 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' contestants in runway attire."

The Wall Street Journal: "It's not nearly as good as the movie, but it does have a terrific star, super-duper sets and sensational special effects."

Associated Press: "James Monroe Iglehart is just so magically delicious as the guy in the lamp that the show sometimes feels like its holding its breath until he reappears."

The Hollywood Reporter: "While it doesn't rival the imagination or innovation of 'The Lion King,' the show's ebullient comic spirit should make it a popular hit."

Variety: "The magic carpet ride is magical. The Cave of Wonders is wonderful." But, the show "doesn't do justice to the movie, or to the spirit of the late Howard Ashman."

Newsday: "The news in this 'Aladdin' is James Monroe Iglehart's Genie, here also the emcee, who has the unpredictable style of a big-band crooner filled with unlimited infusions of helium. The other news is the show's return to the original, less action-driven concept that composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman created before Ashman died in 1991."

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Easter Egg hunt returns to Disneyland and Disney World in 2014

Disney is bringing back one of its Limited Time Magic events from last year - The Easter Egg.

From April 10 to 20 at Epcot, California Adventure you can search high and low for 10 special eggs sprinkled around the park, the Disney Parks Blog announced.

© Steven Liebman

Last year, we were at the park for this event and at first, it seemed a little silly. But we decided we were on a mission. As we headed to the Canada pavilion, we noticed several other groups, adults and kids, who walked all over the pavilion, looking in windows, under bushes, atop buildings and in flower gardens. You can read more about it here.

© Steven Liebman

Here’s how it works. For $4.95 you can purchase a map and stickers. As you find the 10 characters you match the sticker with the character.

Maps and stickers will be able to be purchased at:

California Adventure: Elias & Co., Oswald’s, Radiator Springs Curios, Rushin’ River Outfitters, Studio Store and Treasures in Paradise.

Disneyland: Disney Showcase, Fairy Tale Treasures, Gag Factory, Pieces of Eight and Pooh Corner

Epcot: Heritage Manor (American Adventure Pavilion), Disney Traders, International Gateway, Pin Central and Port of Entry

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Photos: Magic Kingdom construction and Cinderella Castle paint job

One of the most lovely views at the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle. And one of the best photos to take of the castle is from the walkway near the Liberty Square entrance.

There, the castle reflects beautifully in the water around the moat. If there is water. The moat around the castle is dry as various construction is under way for the expansion of the hub area and the painting of the castle. Ha, Spring maintenance.

© Steven Liebman

Cinderella Castle gets a paint job.

© Steven Liebman

Painting and work on Cinderella Castle. 

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

The Swan Boat Landing -- which hasn't seen a swan boat in more than 30 years -- has been demolished ... 

© Steven Liebman

... as has the patio near the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. 

© Steven Liebman

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Special look at 'Maleficent' preview at Disney Parks on April 18

Those heading to the Disney Parks in April will get s special look a the upcoming film “Maleficent” starring Angelina Jolie.

Starting April 18, a special extended trailer will be playing at Hollywood Studios in the ABC Sound Studio and at the Bug’s Life Theater in the California Adventure, according to the Disney Parks Blog. 

The new movie is looking at the “untold story” of Maleficent, the iconic villain from “Sleeping Beauty” who turns into the dragon.

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Photos: Downtown Disney construction (March 2014)

Construction of Downtown Disney continues in its transformation to Disney Springs.

The new area doubles the number of shops and restaurants. There will be four areas,

The Town Center, The Landing and Marketplace and West Side. The entire area should be complete by 2016.

The parking lot is being changed into a massive parking garage. These photos show what is happening along the waterfront on the Marketplace side, including construction of a new walkway from Downtown Disney to Saratoga Springs.

© Steven Liebman

A view of construction taking place  along the water at Downtown Disney.

© Steven Liebman

Construction of the new walkway from Saratoga Springs  Resort to Downtown Disney.

© Steven Liebman

Construction cranes at Downtown Disney.

© Steven Liebman

Construction at Downtown Disney.

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Celebs at Disney Parks March 9-16 including Tina Fey, Jerry Seinfield and Katie Holmes

It's time to take our weekly look at celebrities visiting Disneyland and Disney World, this time including Katie Holmes, Tina Fey, Jerry Seinfeld and Johnny Galecki from "Big Bang Theory."

This time we take a look at who showed up at the parks from March 9 to March 16, 2014.

First, we visit Hollywood Studios at Disney Word, where Katie Holmes gives Minnie Mouse a little hug . . . 

Disney publicity photo

. . . and Tina Fey cozies up to Sweetums from The Muppets. . .

Disney publicity photo

Over at Disneyland, Jerry Seinfeld and family posed near the castle.

 

 . . . Dallon Weeks from the band Panic! at the Disco also was spotted in Disneyland, as was . . .

I met @DallonWeekes at Disneyland! Totally made my day. pic.twitter.com/ZzwxaSfe6c
— Summer the Human (@IAmSummerPaige) March 10, 2014

. . . Johnny Galecki from "The Big Bang Theory" . . .

Look who I just met at Disneyland! pic.twitter.com/Z16UjaF5a3
— Tevin Limon (@T_Limon11) March 15, 2014

. . . actress Ashley Benson . . .

Met @AshBenzo today at disneyland she is so sweet @DisneylandCeleb #PLL pic.twitter.com/nyxBX89JLl
— Brianna Walit (@BreeBreeGal) March 16, 2014

. . . and actor Jeremy Shada.

Just met @JeremyShada at Disneyland 😍✨ pic.twitter.com/JYqlrRARTO
— okæ (@kaelynnjay) March 17, 2014

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'Frozen' and 'Saving Mr. Banks' being released on Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday

Tuesday is a big day for Disney DVD and Blu-ray releases.

Two big movies, "Frozen" and "Saving Mr. Banks," are coming out in addition to the "Jungle Book 2." Here's a quick look at what is being released.

Frozen

The Oscar-winning movie was released on digital download on Feb. 25. It is now coming out on DVD and Blu-ray combo pack. is released

"Frozen" is released on Blu-ray combo pack and was released on digital download Feb. 25. The release includes the original theatrical short "Get A Horse." It also includes, the making of video and deleted scenes.

Here are specifics of the special features:

The Making Of Frozen: Hosts Kristen Bell, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff take you deep into the Disney Animation Studios on a musical.

D’frosted: Disney’s Journey From Hans Christian Anderson to Frozen: While Frozen is a new and unique fairy tale, the story of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen was one of Walt Disney’s projects in development for years. Through research and never before seen concept artwork by Marc Davis, we take a look at the legacy of this story and how it lead the way for Frozen.

Deleted scenes in include:

- Never Underestimate The Power Of Elsa

- The Dressing Room
- Meet Kristoff #1
- Meet Kristoff #2

 Music Videos:
- Demi Lovato (English)
- Martina Stoessel (Spanish)
- Martina Stoessel (Italian)
- Marsha Milan (Malaysian)

Saving Mr. Banks

The movie is released on Blu-ray, DVD and HD Digital with Director John Lee Hancock's insider’s look at the Disney Studios today and reflect on studio life during the creation of Mary Poppins. Discover exactly where Richard and Bob Sherman, Don DaGradi, and PL Travers worked on the story and music. Wandering through the lot, learn about studio life during Walt’s time and discover how his creative spirit still flourishes today. And the cast and crew sing an impromptu version of the iconic song on set during the last day of shooting.

Special Features include:

"Lets Go Fly A Kite"

Deleted scenes: 

1. Stargaze
2. Nanny Song
3. Pam Leaves

Jungle Book 2

The movie is  released on DVD. "Mowgli has been living in the man-village with his little stepbrother Ranjan and his best friend Shanti. But the man-cub still has that jungle rhythm in his heart, and he misses his old buddies Baloo and Bagheera. When Mowgli wanders back to the wild for some swingin' fun, he soon finds the man-eating tiger Shere Khan is lurking in the shadows and planning his revenge," according to the official description of the movie.

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Take a ride on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Video)

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin opened at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World on Nov. 3, 1988.

During this ride, you can take aim with your space cannon and fire your laser to try and defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg.

In this video you are part of Star Command. Take a ride through of the attraction.

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'Frozen' is now one of the top 15 highest grossing movies of all time

"Frozen" has now moved up the Disney box office earning list to sixth place, outperforming the 2014 "Alice in Wonderland" and now ranks15th on the all-time worldwide box office gross list.

The film has grossed $396.4 million in North America and $630.2 million overseas. 

The movie is less than $400,000 away from surpassing "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace."

Here is a look at the Top 10 highest grossing Disney films:

1. "Marvel's The Avengers" - $1.518 billion
2. "Iron Man 3" - $1.215 billion
3. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" - $1.066 billion
4. "Toy Story 3" - $1.063 billion
5. "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" - $1.045 billion

6. "Frozen" - $1.026 billion
7. "Alice in Wonderland" (2010) - $1.025 billion
8. "The Lion King" - $987 million
9. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" - $963.4 million
10. "Finding Nemo" - $936 million

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New comic book starring Figment from Journey Into Imagination being released in June

One of Disney World's beloved characters, created specifically for the theme park, will get his own comic book from Marvel.

Figment #1 cover by John Tyler Christopher

The Disney Kingdoms line of Marvel comics will featured Figment from Journey into Imagination from Epcot, according to Marvel.com. The comic debuts June 4.

"Expanding the story of Figment has been intimidating, but I’m genuinely enjoying it," Skullkickers creator Jim Zub kavich, who will write the comic book told Marvel.com.

Zubkavich said he plans to keep the purple dragon's innocence in the forefront with the steampunk style which can be seen in the original incarnation of the ride which opened on March 5 1983. The ride featured the Dreamfinder, who used his Dream Mobile to collect ideas and dreams. He then creates Figment in the Sherman Brothers song "One Little Spark" -- "Two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow, horns of a steer, but a loveable fellow! From head to tail, he's royal purple pigment, and there, voilia, You've got a Figment!"

"Dreamfinder is an eccentric inventor, an excited adventurer, and an intrepid explorer," Zubkavich said. "He’s a bit Reed Richards, a bit Kurt Wagner and a bit Stephen Strange. He's someone who doesn't want to settle for a mundane life and the creative risks he takes could lead him to greatness, but those highs have a long way down if he falls."

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5th Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic scheduled for October

This fall the The Swan and Dolphin at Disney World will hold its 5th Annual Food & Wine Classic.

The event will take place Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2014 and will include beer and wine, spirits and food pairing seminars. There will also be live entertainment during the program.

A two-night package, including two-night room accommodations for two adults and two causeway event passes for two nights at check in to enjoy unlimited food and wine tastings and entertainment offered on the causeway is $610 for the Dolphin and $650 at the Swan. Reservations can be made at 888-828-8850.

If you are not staying at the resort you can get Causeway tickets to include the Beer Garden which will be set up for the first time at the Crescent Terrace.

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Special Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise event at Disneyland in June

Jack Skellington and gang are coming to Disneyland a few months before the Halloween and Christmas holidays.

On June 13 and 14, 2014 at Disneyland, there will be a special "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" event.  The $90 pin trading event includes Disneyland event themed merchandise, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The event schedule runs:

June 13, 2014 (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
Early Registration
Event Store & Random Selection Process Merchandise Pick-up
Trading Area

June 14, 2014 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Event Store & Random Selection Process Merchandise Pick-up
Trading Area
Trading Boards
Trading Activities
Merchandise Artist Signing Opportunity
Silent Auction – featuring pre-production pins, artist proof pins and more
Product Showcase – meet Disney Pin Merchandisers and view upcoming pin releases
Commemorative Gifts (including a commemorative event T-shirt*)

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Special photos of the 'Captain America: Winter Soldier' red carpet premiere

The "Captain America: Winter Solider" premiere took place at the El Capitan Theatre on March 13, 2014 in Hollywood. The movie opens nationwide on April 4.

During the red carpet photographer Charley Gallay decided to document the event in black and white. Here are some of the photos.


The cast of the movie stand in front of the world premiere poster.


Chris Evans, Captain America himself, signs autographs.


Cobie Smulders and Scarlett Johansson.

Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Fury himself.

Anthony Mackie, who plays The Falcon.


Jeremy Renner who plays Hawkeye.

Elizabeth Henstridge as Jemma Simmons from "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." television show.


The Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johansson.

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Anna and Elsa from 'Frozen' are moving from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom in April

Disney publicity photo

Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" will join their fellow Disney royals at Princess Fairytale Hall in Disney World next month.

The sisters will move from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom on April 20 where they will appear together every day until early evening, according to Disney. Disney FastPass+ will be available at Princess Fairytale Hall.

At night other Disney Princesses will be available to greet guests. Cinderella and Rapunzel will also continue making appearances.

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Guide to vegetarian foods at Disney World resort

There are more than 200 places to dine around Disney World from theme parks to resorts to Downtown Disney and more than 6,000 different foods served.

If you're vegetarian or vegan there are numerous options around Disney World from full-service and quick-service restaurants and portable food carts. Here is a sampling of some vegetarian meals from the Disney Parks Blog and some resources to check out. Remember, before heading on your visit when making dining reservations don't forget to ask about the menu and ask about vegan and vegetarian meals.

You can get information about Disneyland vegetarian and vegan eating at restaurants here.

Disney publicity photo

Vegetarian Sandwich with grilled tofu, zucchini, eggplant, 

roasted red pepper, and herb goat cheese served on
grain bread at The Wave at The Contemporary Resort

MAGIC KINGDOM

Columbia Harbour House: Lighthouse Sandwich, a stack of hummus and broccoli slaw on whole-grain bread.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe:  Greek salad, veggie wrap and veggie burger.

Golden Oak Outpost: Veggie flatbread.

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant: Eggplant stack with caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, red sauce and penne pasta.  Gnocchi with goat cheese and leek cream sauce and spinach.

EPCOT

Boulangerie Patisserie: Cheese plate and fresh baguette.

La Hacienda:  Black bean soup with cactus leaves, queso franco and Mexican cream, the roasted sweet peppers with lime and sea salt and the spinach house salad with queso fresco, tomatoes, pomegranate, pine nuts and avocado drizzled with mustard vinaigrette. 

Le Cellier Steakhouse: Wild mushroom risotto, creamed spinach, baked mac and cheese and  asparagus. 

Tangierine Café: A vegetarian platter with hummus, tabouleh, lentils, falafel and marinated olives with fresh Moroccan bread. 

Teppan Edo: Yasai, fresh seasonal vegetables with udon noodles and steamed rice.

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Bradley Falls kiosk: Veggie egg roll.

Tusker House:  Chutneys, salad, curried basmati rice, spiced tandoori tofu, saffron-infused vegetables, couscous with roasted vegetables, vegetable samosas, pearl couscous with sweet basil and basmati rice with toasted almonds.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Backlot Express: Grilled vegetable sandwich.

Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant: Noodle bowl with wok-fried coconut tofu, soybeans, sugar snap peas, bok choy and shiitake mushrooms in a red curry broth.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Here are some websites you can look at for additional information.

• Vegetarian/Vegan Table Service Meals from AllEars.Net
• Vegetarian/Vegan Counter Service Meals from AllEars.Net
• Veg Disney Facebook Page 
• Vegetarian Dining in Dinsey World from Disney Food Blog

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Alicia Keys song is featured in new Spider-Man movie

The upcoming "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" movie will feature the song "It's On Again" by Alicia Keys featuring Kendrick Lamar.

The song is part of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" coming out April 22. The movie is being released internationally on April 16 and in the U.S. on May 2, 2014.

"We were looking for just the right song to close out the film – a song that would be upbeat and exciting, but also contain a note of foreboding. Alicia's song, 'It's On Again,' is the perfect end note," film director Marc Webb said in a news release.

The film's epic score was composed by Hans Zimmer and The Magnificent Six, which features Pharrell Williams, Johnny Marr (of The Smiths, Modest Mouse), Michael Einziger (of Incubus), Junkie XL, Andrew Kawczynski, and Steve Mazzaro. The soundtrack also features new songs exclusive to the film performed by Pharrell Williams, The Neighbourhood, LIZ, and Alvin Risk.

The movie stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and Jamie Foxx as Electro.

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