New Star Wars app that allows you to be the director is now available

Disney is now giving Star Wars fans the opportunity to customize their own 3D animated Star Wars scenes with a new app.

Star Wars Scene Maker features 3D models of characters, vehicles, and environments. Users can zoom in, pull back and explore. Users can also place customize characters and vehicles, and place them anywhere to create a new storyline, according to starwars.com.

"Star Wars Scene Maker allows us to put kids and fans of all ages in the director's seat and provide them with ways to unleash their creativity and share their passion for the Star Wars brand in a new way"said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide.

After placing everyone in a position you can then act as director and start filming the action. Music and dialogue keep the action going.

The first app launches with scene from "The Battle of Endor," from Star Wars Episode VI, Return of the Jedi; "Cloud City Duel" from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, and "Death Star Trench Run" from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. "The Battle of Endor" is free with download, and each additional content pack is $2.99, or $3.99 for both.

Star Wars Scene Maker is available now for free for iOS on the App Store.

 

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A photo tour of Walt Disney's original Carolwood train barn

Walt Disney was a train fanatic. And the one place you can immerse yourself in his obsession is at the  Carolwood Pacific Historical Society at Griffith Park in Los Angeles, where you can come face to face with Walt Disney history and tour his special Carolwood Barn.

© Steven Liebman

Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park, Los Angeles.

Ever since he was a child growing up in Missouri, Disney had a fascination with steam locomotives. His uncle was an engineer, and during one summer young Walt sold newspapers and food snacks on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

In 1949, when Disney moved his family to 355 N. Carolwood Drive, his fascination overtook him. 

He built a 1/8 scale track around the backyard of his house, carefully designing it so it would not interfere with his wife's garden. (He built a 90-foot long tunnel under the flower bed.)

The half-mile long steam train was capable of carrying people and would often take his daughter's and guests for a ride.  He dubbed the line,  the Carolwood Pacific Railroad. He controlled the entire track from inside his Red Barn, where he also tinkered with other trains. 

(Quick fact: His love of trains also inspired him to bring locomotives to Disneyland and Disney World. When Disneyland first opened the trains that were used were not owned by Disneyland or the Walt Disney Company. They were Walt's personal property. He eventually sold them to Disneyland.)

When Disney's home was eventually sold in 1998 and the barn about to be  demolished, the Walt Disney Family Foundation and others purchased the barn and brought to Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California. 

The barn, operated by The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society,  is occasionally open to public the third Sunday of each month from 11 am to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Admission and parking are free. (But it never hurts to buy a pin or shirt, or even just donate.) Here's how to get there and a phone number.

The docents are very well versed in all aspects of the collectibles inside the barn and Walt's train history. Don't be afraid to ask questions. 

The barn itself is full of great history, including Walt's tools and workbench, a reproduction of the Disneyland Railroad No. 1 "C.K. Holliday," the track switch board which Walt used to control the trains on his proper, train and toy collections and a reproduction of the actual track around his Carolwood home.

Here's a quick photo tour inside the barn:

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

This "combine" - a  railroad term for a coach that carries both passengers and freight, is on display at the 

Carolwood Pacific Historical Society location in Griffith Park, next to the Carolwood Barn. This is one

 of the trains used at Disneyland.

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Marvel to show free IMAX preview of 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

Marvel is planning on unveiling 17 minutes of exclusive footage of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" in IMAX format at 150 theaters across North America on July 7 at 7 p.m.

The movie goes into wide release on Aug. 1, 2014. Fans who attend this sneak peek will also receive a limited edition collectible “Guardians of the Galaxy” IMAX poster.

“We’ve re-mastered some of our epic sequences into the IMAX format, taking the scope and scale to new heights while creating a truly immersive, cinematic experience that will take you further into the Marvel Universe than ever before," director James Gunn said in a press release.

Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following website http://www.seeitfirst.net/pin/552287.

The movie stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime and Benicio Del Toro as The Collector.

The space adventure, according to a Marvel website, finds "Peter Quill as the object of a bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits--Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand."

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Stand out in designer Maleficent shoes

We're always on the lookout for Disney-related fashion items that go way beyond t-shirts and baseball caps (although we love them too). These sparkly shoes inspired by Maleficent fit the bill.

The limited-edition glittered loafers, from Italian designer Chiara Ferragni, are available in black or silver and sell for $298 online. (Some large and small sizes in black already are sold out.)

It may sound crazy, but they're actually quite versatile: You can pair them with your favorite LBD or jeans and a t-shirt.

They're also great inspiration for do-it-yourselfers: To get the same effect, you can buy a pair of black Keds sneakers for about $30 and paint eyes on them.

Either way, all eyes will be on your feet.

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Take a virtual tour of Walt Disney's Hollywood

D23 has created a virtual tour of Walt's Hollywood highlighting some of the places where Walt Disney "worked, lived and played." Visit the interactive graphic on d23.com to tool around Hollywood and Los Angeles -- without all the traffic.

Here's a peek at a few of the landmarks included:

• The Carthay Circle Theatre, Pan Pacific Auditorium and Pacific Electric Building, all of which are reflected in the design of the California Adventure park. 
• Disney's homes: Several of Walt Disney's homes, including the Los Angeles house where he rented a room for $5 a week in 1923 and the prefab house he built in 1927. 
• His studios: Several of the places Walt worked, including the storefront where Walt and Roy established Disney Bros. Studios in 1923. 

Enjoy the tour! 

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Photos of celebrities at Disneyland in the 1950s and 1960s

Disneyland has always been a destination for celebrities since it opened in 1955.

Here's a brief look a some of the celebrities who showed up:

1. Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher and their two sons visit in 1959.

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2. Guy Williams in 1958 visited Disneyland as Zorro. He played Zorro from 1957 to 1959.

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3. Groucho Marx at Disneyland in 1955.

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4. Jerry Lewis on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland in 1955.

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5. Baseball legend Stan Musial and his family on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland in July 1965.

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6. Prince Rainier of Monaco and his children Princess Caroline of Monaco and Prince Albert of Monaco greet are greeted by Mickey Mouse on Aug. 14, 1967 at Disneyland.

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7. Alabama Governor George Wallace in the 1968 at Disneyland.

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8. In November 1960 Sen. Edward M. Kennedy visits Disneyland.

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Bound for stardom: Rocket Raccoon, Guardian of the Galaxy shirts and toys

Forget Chris Pratt and his ripped abs (if you can). The real star of Disney's upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie is sure to be be Rocket Raccoon.

Rocket (voiced in the movie by Bradley Cooper) is a genetically modified raccoon with weapons and tactical skills. A bounty hunter and mercenary, Rocket works with Groot, a tree-like humanoid (voiced by Vin Diesel). (Just go with us on this.)

The movie, the 10th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is due in theaters Aug. 1. Here's a look at some of the Rocket merchandise you can find online now:

"I Bite" t-shirt for men, $19.95

Rocket and Groot t-shirt for boys, $12.95

And because not all comic book geeks are guys ... A women's Rocket t-shirt from Design for Humans is available in black, white or blue ($24). 

10-inch Big Blastin' Rocket Raccoon action figure with light-up blaster, $34.95

Interested in Rocket's backstory? The hardcover graphic novel Rocket Raccoon: Guardian of the Keystone Quadrant ($19.76) collects his early adventures.

Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Bobble Head ($17.59). Because it's a bobble head! 

Looking for something life size? This Fathead wall decal fits the bill ($99.99). 

Update: Check out the 15-inch Rocket Raccoon plush ($24.95) that was added 

to the lineup at the Disney Store this week: 

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How to celebrate the Fourth of July at Disneyland and Disney World

Disneyland and Disney World have announced special plans on how celebrating the Fourth of July at the two resorts.

Here's a look at the celebrations, fireworks and events which will take place on both coasts.

Disney publicity photo

Disneyland Fourth of July fireworks.

DISNEYLAND

Disneyland: “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will take place July 1 to 4 at 9:25 p.m. at the Sleeping Beauty Castle.  

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band is returning to Disneyland Park and will perform several times throughout the day on July 4, performing along the parade route at 3:30 p.m., just before the “Frozen” pre-parade and the first performance of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. The band also will appear in Town Square at 5:30 p.m. during the Disneyland Park flag retreat ceremony, as well as along the parade route back to “it’s a small world” at 5:45 p.m. The band will play a full concert at 7:15 p.m. at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree stage.

California Adventure: On July 4 the “World of Color” features a special, patriotic pre-show, prior to the 9 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. performances.

DISNEY WORLD

Magic Kingdom: “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" will be held July 3 and July 4. The 14-minute firework show,  above Cinderella Castle starting at 9 p.m. both nights.  at 9 p.m. both nights, is set to a musical score produced in a concert band style. 

Hollywood Studios: The “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration" kicks off at the Sorcerer’s Hat stage at 6 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m. on July 4 with live entertainment from “The Hollywood Rockers. A special rock n’ roll fireworks presentation above the Sorcerer’s Hat starts at 10:15 p.m.

Epcot: Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire will be available all afternoon at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a capella group, will have special performances at American Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. They also will perform inside the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m. that day. The  Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps will play outside at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45 p.m. “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” begins at 10 p.m. and will have a grand finale in a salute to America.

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Special 'Frozen' summer kicks off at Disney World on July 5, 2014

It's going to be a "Frozen" summer at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

Each day from July 5 to Sept. 1, 2014 there will be over a half dozen special events celebrating Anna and Elsa from the hit movie "Frozen" at the park, according to a Disney press release.

Disney publicity photo

Anna and Elsa from "Frozen."

Here are some of the highlights (and remember, schedules can change):

Royal Welcome: Each day at 11 a.m., Anna and Elsa, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, will travel in a royal procession down Hollywood Boulevard. Kristoff will also be on hand.

A Frozen Sing-Along:Inside the park’s Premiere Theater, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a fun and comedic retelling of the history of their kingdom amidst projections, lighting and special effects. The 20-minute show will be presented multiple times each day.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland: Inside the park’s Soundstage One, where Oaken – the film’s trading post owner – and his cousins have created the “Frozen Funland” with an ice skating rink and demonstrations, icy artisans creating carvings of favorite “Frozen” characters from giant frozen blocks and ability to take take photos with the film’s animated characters.

Coolest Summer Ever Dance Party: From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each evening, a live band will take the stage to celebrate the Frozen summer fun with contemporary songs and a few familiar tunes from the film.

Take-Along Olaf: As a special feature before the fireworks, guests will have a chance to be a part of a pre-show celebration by hashtagging photos of themselves in the park with a “Take-Along Olaf.” Throughout the day, Take-Along Olafs will be distributed at various locations in the park. Guests are then invited to take Olaf along with them on their Disney’s Hollywood Studios adventures.

Frozen Fireworks: At 9:45 each evening, the giant Sorcerer Mickey Hat on Hollywood Boulevard gets the full Frozen treatment with special projections of snow and ice images. Set to the film’s soundtrack, the fireworks show will feature some special guests.

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Two new VIP tours offered at Disney World

How much would you pay to experience Disney World's biggest thrills without waiting in line? Or to bypass the lines when you take your kids on Dumbo and other family-friendly attractions?

How about $299 a person?

That's the price tag for two new "VIP tour experiences" at Disney World:

• The Ultimate Day of Thrills: Go on all the "Mountains" -- and then some -- on a tour with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. 
• The Ultimate Day for Young Families: Go on Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo and many others, and end the day at Kilimanjaro Safaris. You don't have to have kids to go, but the kids do have to have an adult with them. 

Tours are available Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Each begins at Magic Kingdom and continues at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The 6-7 hour tours include lunch at a table-service restaurant.

Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney VISA Cardholders and Annual Passholders all are eligible for a 15% discount.

For more information, call 407-WDW-TOUR. Reservations are available 180 days in advance.

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Dooney & Bourke goes Downtown with Mickey and Minnie

The latest collection from Dooney & Bourke takes you on a stroll down Main Street USA with a smitten Mickey and Minnie.

The Mickey and Minnie Mouse Downtown collection comes in two color palettes: black and white with red accents, or tan and white with pink and green accents. Both feature some favorite Main Street USA vignettes: the ice cream parlor, the popcorn truck, and some laden shopping bags.

Prices range from $138 for a small crossbody bag to $268 for a large shopper. Pictured above is the satchel, which sells for $248.

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New Disney World contest requires an old photo

If you have a cherished picture from Disney World or Disneyland photo that involves bell bottoms or Farah Fawcett hair, now is the time to dig it out. It could win you and your family a trip to Disney World.

Just go to Disney's Recreate the Magic site and upload your favorite memory, along with a throwback photo from the trip. If you have dozens of photos and memories, you're in luck -- you can enter one every day through Aug. 11.

The winner will receive a seven-night Walt Disney World vacation for six people, valued at about $20,000. It prize package includes airfare, transportation, accommodations, park hopper tickets, Disney Character Dining experience and a $800 Disney gift card, along with VIP experiences.

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'Maleficent' becomes Angelina Jolie's biggest hit

"Maleficent" crossed the $500 million mark at theaters worldwide last weekend, becoming the top-earning film for star Angelina Jolie.

In its fourth week in release in the United States, the retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale grossed $13 million, for a total domestic take of $186 million.

Jolie's previous high mark was "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," in which she starred with Brad Pitt in 2005. That movie earned $478.2 million.

By comparison, "Frozen" passed the $1 billion mark in March, and Disney's highest-grossing movie of all time, "Marvel's The Avengers," made $1.5 billion.

Expect the worldwide gross for "Maleficent" to go higher: The movie has yet to open in Japan.

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Walt Disney's former estate sold for $74 million

There isn't much left of Walt and Lillian Disney at the Carolwood Estate where they once lived in Holmby Hills, Calif. There's the front gate, which may -- or may not -- have hidden Mickeys in it. And a few of Lilian's rose bushes, which the real estate agent says must be 70 years old.

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And then there's the 90-foot underground tunnel that once was home to Walt Disney's Carolwood Pacific railroad, a one-eighth-scale steam railroad that famously was one inspiration for Disneyland. The door to the tunnel, which has "1950" etched above it, remains. It looks as if you might be able to hear the Seven Dwarfs whistling while they work deep inside the tunnel.

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Walt Disney never slept in this house. Still, it's a little bit of Hollywood history. And now it's changing hands. The estate has been sold to an unidentified international buyer for $74 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The dream home Walt and Lillian Disney built in 1949 is long gone, replaced by a 35,000-square-foot mansion with all the accoutrements of modern wealth: 8 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, three bars, a wine cellar, tennis court and putting green.

And the barn where Walt had the control room for his train was saved in 1999 and moved to Griffith Park in Los Angeles, where it is open to the public.

The home was listed for sale in October 2012 for $90 million by its owner, investor Gabriel Brener, who  bought the property from the estate of Lillian Disney in the late 1990s for about $8.5 million. Brener later acquired additional land to expand the estate to 4.3 acres.

See the estate and hear a little bit about its history from the real estate agent in the CNN video below:

 

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'Newsies' will close on Broadway in August

Disney's "Newsies" will close on Broadway in New York this summer after a two year run.

"It's been an amazing journey on Broadway but our last performance in New York will be August 24. Come see us this summer before we hit the road and begin our North American Tour in October! We can't thank you enough for all the love and support," according to the Newsies Facebook page.

The musical won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Score and Best Choreography.

The musical was only intended to run 101 performances, but will finish at 1,005 performances and a gross of over $100 million, according to Broadwayworld.com.

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New line of geek apparel is available for Marvel Fangirls

Are you a Marvel fangirl looking to expand your wardrobe?

Marvel has teamed with Her Universe to offer a line of "geek couture" with an assortment of Caprain America fashion items, including fashion tops, tanks, dresses, cardigans, hoodies, skirts and leggings.

"At Marvel we actively seek innovative opportunities to leverage our iconic characters in the marketplace and expand our storytelling to a larger audience," Paul Gitter, senior vice president, licensing, Marvel at Disney Consumer Products, said in a press release.

Marvel apparel and accessories from the Her Universe collection will be available in the U.S. at both HerUniverse.com and through national retail outlets such as Hot Topic and online with ThinkGeek.com.

Here is a look at some of the products available:

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7 photos of Walt Disney from the 1960s

Walt Disney's empire had become a major success by the 1960s and is acknowledged as a leader in family entertainment.

During the early part of the decade, Walt Disney was finally able to make Mary Poppins after acquiring the rights from P.L. Travers. In 1964, he debuted 'it's a Small World" and Audio-Animatronics at the 1964 New York World's Fair and he announced plans for Walt Disney World.

On Nov. 2, 1966, doctors found a tumor on Disney's left lung. His lung was removed nine days later after doctors found the cancer had spread. On Dec. 15, 1966, Disney died of acute circulatory collapse, caused by lung cancer.

Here are seven photos of Disney from the 1960s.

1. Disney twirling a gaucho's lasso during a visit to Argentina in 1962.

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2. Disney was selected to head the annual National Wildlife Week program of the National Wildlife Federation in 1963.

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3. Disney with the Miss Universe Girls in  Hollywood. Represented are the Pacific islands of Okinawa, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and the Philippines.

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4. In 1965, Disney looks a the birds in the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland.

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5. Walt Disney with Spanish art in Barcelona in 1961.

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6.  Walt Disney talk to British actress Hayley Mills on the set of "The Castaways."

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7. Walt Disney and actress Sophia Loren are honored by the National Association of Theater Owners in New York, on Oct. 1, 1966.

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Muppets joining Fourth of July special in Washington, D.C.

Miss Piggy and Kermit The Frog

Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy will join an all-star lineup for for the 34th annual broadcast of "PBS' A Capitol Fourth" from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Kermit will perform the "Rainbow Connection" with the National Symphony Orchestra. "I love Washington D.C. Not only was it built on a swamp, but this is where I got my start in show business – on a local TV show in 1955," Kermit the Frog said in a press release. "Being in D.C. is like coming home!"

"Moi is thrilled to be part of this glorious patriotic celebration," Miss Piggy, who insists she's ready for all the pomp and pageantry, added. "Let's face it, wherever I go there's usually fireworks."

"A Capitol Fourth" airs on PBS Friday, July 4, 2014 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

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Disney Facts: Disney films preserved in the National Archives

Inside the Library of Congress are 10 Disney films being held for preservation.

Each year the Librarian of Congress names 25 films to the National Film Registry that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. Annual selections to the registry are finalized by the Librarian after reviewing hundreds of titles nominated by the public and conferring with Library film curators and the distinguished members of the National Film Preservation Board.

Here is a look at the Disney films on the list:

Bambi (1942)
One of Walt Disney’s timeless classics (and his own personal favorite), this animated coming-of-age tale of a wide-eyed fawn’s life. 

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Disney's 30th animated featured is bested on the French fairy tale of the same name. The movie is considered the third film in the late 1980s-early 1990s animated Disney Renaissance period. The movie was such as critical came that it was the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was not until 2001 that there was a Best Picture for Animation award.

Fantasia (1940)

While not a financial success, this movie won critical claim with its interpretation of classical music and the famed Sorcerer's Apprentice segment with Mickey Mouse.

Mary Poppins (1964)

The story about the supernatural nanny received critical and popular acclaim when it released, receiving 13 Academy Award nominations and won five of them.

Pinocchio (1940)
Walt Disney's second full length animated feature brought to all the famed song "When You Wish Upon A Star."

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs  (1933)
Disney's first full length animated feature was supposed to be a flop, if you listened to the nay-sayers at the time who nicknamed the film "Disney's Folly." But the film changed the way people looked at animation. The film received a standing ovation at its premiere. Variety wrote, ". . . so tender the romance and fantasy, so emotional are certain portions when the acting of the characters strikes a depth comparable to the sincerity of human players, that the film approaches real greatness." The movie was also a major box office success.

The Living Desert (1953)

Not everything produced by Walt Disney Productions was fiction. This nature documentary depicts the lives of animals in the desert of the American southwest. The movie received the 1953 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. 

The Three Little Pigs (1933)
Voted among the best cartoons of all time in a 1990s animators’ poll, “The Three Little Pigs” was one of a series of Silly Symphony shorts on which Walt Disney practiced and refined his art on the way to his first Technicolor masterpiece: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Wildly popular, this film pushed the envelope in "personality animation"— each of the three pigs had a different personality—and the title tune “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” became a Depression-era anthem.

Steamboat Willie (1928)
This was another first for Walt Disney and his crew. This movie was the first film with synchronized sound and debuted an icon - Mickey Mouse.

Toy Story (1995)
This film changed animation's face and delivery system as the first full-length animated feature to be created entirely by artists using computer tools and technology. Andy's current toys have to learn to live with his new favorite playmate, "to infinity and beyond," galactic superhero Buzz Lightyear.

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Kermit The Frog as Charlie Chaplin at The Jim Henson Company

© Steven Liebman

On southeast corner of La Brea and Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California, standing on top of building is Kermit The Frog.

But this Kermit is dressed as Charlie Chaplin.

Kermit is on top of the home of The Jim Henson Company. While this is not the home of The Muppets (they now belong to Disney), The Jim Henson Company is home to Fraggle Rock and other characters, studios and the famed Creature Shop.

The reason why Kermit is dressed like Chaplin is that this is the original location of Charlie Chaplin Studios. The studio was built in 1917 by by silent and sound film star Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin sold the studio in 1957, and over it was owned by Red Skelton and CBS. In February 1969 it was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

In November of 1999, the Henson family purchased the property and opened as the The Jim Henson Company on May 1, 2000.

© Steven Liebman

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