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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Disney releases lineup for Villains Unleashed bash at Disney World in August

It's one month to the special Villains Unleashed bash at Hollywood Studios and Disney has released more specifics of what the night will look like on the Disney Parks Blog.

Disney publicity photo

By the way we will be at Hollywood Studios that night live tweeting and posting photos on Instagram and Facebook, so don't forget to start following us now.

The Aug. 23 event at Disney World kicks off at 8 p.m. with Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic.

The Streets of America will be turned into the Villains Dominion with more than a dozen villains from "Mulan," "Meet the Robinsons," "Lilo & Stitch: The Series," "Hunchback of Notre Dame " and "Cinderella."

The area around Star Tours is being turned into The Dark Side with Star Wars villains.

Villains from Pirates of The Caribbean series "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and others will be walking around the park. In all,  more than 50 villains will be available.

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Video: Take a ride on Expedition Everest from Disney World

Expedition Everest, the tallest mountain created by Disney Imagineers at Disney Parks worldwide,  is just under 200 feet tall.

The ride at Animal Kingdom in Disney World is nearly half a mile long with an 80-foot drop. 

Here you can experience the ride. Enjoy.

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Video: Festival of Fantasy Parade in 3 minutes

The Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World features 100 performers with  classic Disney and Pixar characters on seven floats.

The parade features a pirate ship, a music box seashell and a mega-sized bagpipe. Here's a 3-minute run through of the parade.

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Hong Kong Disneyland will unveil new nighttime show in October

Hong Kong Disneyland will unveil a new nighttime show in October called "Disney Paint the Night."

“Disneyland’s nighttime parades have been around for four decades, and the creative team keeps developing and looking for the best concepts and ideas for creating new electric parades," Randy Wojcik, Senior Show Director of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment said in a new release.

"We’ve created an all-new ‘Disney Paint the Night’ – which will change Hong Kong Disneyland’s nighttime landscape for ever more. Guests will be immersed in an outdoor evening dance party, during which they will experience an exciting new side of Hong Kong Disneyland,” he said.

The show will start with Mickey's magical paintbrush and bring to life various characters, including Tinker Bell, Lightning McQueen, Sulley and Mike, Belle, Ariel, and Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

The show will kick off Oct. 1, 2014.

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ESPN Fantasy Football Convention coming to Disney World in August

Fantasy Football fans will be able to descend upon Disney World in August for a special Fantasy Football Convention at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

This inaugural convention will be held Aug. 22-23 and include from ESPN Stephania Bell, Matthew Berry, Tim Hasselbeck, Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, Mark Schlereth, Sara Walsh and others to be announced later, the blog states.

A live broadcast of Fantasy Football Now will be held and experts will be roaming the floor for conversation and to help you out pick your teams.

You can get more information and you can register here.

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Video: Take a ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World

Do you ever feel the need to get back on The Rootinest Tootinest Ride in the Wilderness when you are no where near The Magic Kingdom in Florida?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of my favorite rides at Disney World and a is a must do whenever we visit. If you are like me and sometimes just want to that fun feeling, then please do the following: Get a small fan, turn it on low and point it at your face, and hit the play button.

Enjoy the ride - and keep your arms and hands inside the vehicle at all times.

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Marvel announces five more movie dates through 2019

Marvel has announced it will be releasing five more movies through 2019. But they won't say what they are.

Two new movies are scheduled for 2017, two more for 2018 and one more for 2019.

Some have theorized a third Avengers movie, a Black Widow standalone movie, another Captain America and another Iron Man.
Now which movies would you like to see?

Here's the complete list of dates of upcoming Marvel movies (these include movies not being released by Disney), starting off with the "Guardians of the Galaxy" coming out in two weeks.

August 1, 2014, "Guardians of the Galaxy":  An American pilot and a group of futuristic ex-cons go on the run with a highly coveted object in space.

November 7, 2014, "Big Hero 6": This is the first direct Disney/Marvel movie. It is a computer animated adaptation of the comic book series Big Hero 6.

2015
May 1, 2015, "Avengers: Age of Ultron": A sequel to the 2012 blockbuster movies is being directed by Joss Whedon.

June 19, 2015, "The Fantastic Four" the reboot from 20th Century Fox.

July 17, 2015, "Ant-Man": Biochemist Dr. Hank Pym uses his latest discovery, a group of subatomic particles, to create a size-altering formula. Though his first self-test goes awry, he develops an instrument that helps him communicate with and control insects.

2016
Third Amazing Spider-Man in development from Columbia Pictures

May 6, 2016, Captain America 3


May 27, 2016: "X-Men Apocalypse," in development will acts a sequel to "X-Men Days of Future Past."

June 10, 2016: "Amazing Spider-Man 3"


July 8, 2016, Untitled Marvel movie

2017

March 3, 2017: A sequel to The Wolverine from 20th Century Fox.

July 4, 2017: "Fantastic Four" sequel coming from 20th Century Fox.

July 28, 2017, Untitled Marvel movie

Nov. 3, 2017, Untitled Marvel movie

2018

May 4, 2018: Amazing Spider-Man 4

July 6, 2018, Untitled Marvel movie

July 13, 2015: An Untitled Marvel movie from 20th Century Fox.

Nov. 2, 2018, Untitled Marvel movie

2019

May 3, 2019, Untitled Marvel movie

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New kids fashion line features Walt Disney quotes

One company is turning Walt Disney quotes into a fashion line for kids.

Peek, Aren't You Curious, Inc. Future Tee 

Peek, Aren't You Curious, Inc. has taken 1928-1930 Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs and paired them with quotes for girls, boys and baby, sizes 0-14.

The clothing can be found at Peek stores, PeekKids.com, some Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com.

Here is a look at some of the clothing:

Minnie Mouse Short-Sleeve Tee: A short-sleeve ringer t-shirt in red heather featuring the vintage full-color 1928 Minnie Mouse design with the quote - "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" Priced at $34 for girls and $28 for baby girl.

Minnie Mouse Long-Sleeve Tee: A long-sleeve heather gray heavy-weight cotton t-shirt with the quote - "Believe in the future, the world is getting better, there is still plenty of opportunity" Priced at $42 for girls and $38 for baby girl.

Mickey Mouse Short-Sleeve Tee: A blue heather short-sleeve ringer t-shirt featuring the quote, "Whatever you do, do it well" on the front and a navy blue, water-base soft graphic silhouette of classic 1928 Mickey Mouse on the back. Priced at $24 for boys and $28 for baby boys.

Mickey Mouse Long-Sleeve Tee: A heavy-weight heather gray t-shirt, with raglan baseball-jersey-style long black sleeves, features Mickey Mouse on the front and the quote -- "When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do" on the back. Priced at $42 for boys and $38 for baby boy.

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Disneyland unveils next year's Diamond Celebration logo and some fun facts

Disneyland unveiled the Diamond Celebration logo as part of the annual July 17 anniversary  at Disneyland.

© Disney Enterprises

In the spring of 2015, Disney will launch a yearlong 60th anniversary celebration.

“It’s an incredible time at the Disneyland Resort as we prepare for next year’s Diamond Celebration,”  Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort, said in a press release. “We’re excited to honor our rich history, to celebrate the incredible magic that fills our resort today, and to create unforgettable memories with our guests for many years to come.”

Disneyland will be unveiling more information in the coming months. 

Nearly 700 million guests have visited the Disneyland Resort since it opened.

Here are some quick facts Disney has put together about the resort:

• Mickey Mouse ear hats are the most popular Disneyland Resort souvenirs of all time, with more than 84 million “ears” sold since 1955.
• Disneyland  created the first daily operating monorail in the Western Hemisphere. It opened June 14, 1959.
• Thirty-eight different languages are spoken among Disneyland Resort cast members.
• More than 800 species of plants indigenous to 40 nations grow at the Disneyland with 18,000 trees and 22 topiary animals and characters.
• Disneyland Resort serves more than 6,500 food items.
• There are more than 1,200 different costumes at the park.
• The longest-serving cast member is Oscar Martinez, who started in December 1956. He works at Carnation Café.

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Zip-a-dee-do-dah: It's Splash Mountain's birthday

Disneyland isn't the only thing celebrating a birthday today.

So is Splash Mountain.

The log-flume ride made its debut 25 years ago today at Disneyland's Critter Country.

In the years since, it has become iconic, spawning rides at Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland as well as a not-so-family-friendly trend of flashing the cameras on the ride's final drop (and generating the nickname "Flash Mountain").

Today also is the unofficial anniversary of the ride at Disney World, where it has its soft opening on July 17, 1992.

To celebrate, Disney is selling a limited-edition t-shirt for adults ($24.95) or kids ($19.95). The t-shirt design includes small sign saying "25 years" and "Disneyland." The shirts will be available for only four days, through Sunday, July 20. Expect delivery in 4-6 weeks.

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Animated 'Haunted Mansion' heading for Disney TV

The story of the Haunted Mansion has been a tough nut to crack for Disney.

In 2003, Disney tried to follow up on the success of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie with a live-action Haunted Mansion film starring Eddie Murphy. The reviews were scalding; the consensus was that the "horror comedy" was neither scary nor funny.

Gus Grimly illustration

In 2010, Disney announced it would take another crack at the story, this time with Guillermo del Toro writing and producing. In a recent Reddit AMA, del Toro said he's on the "third or fourth draft" of the script.

While the del Toro script continues to percolate, Disney is taking another tack, developing an animated Haunted Mansion special for television, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The TV special loosely coincides with the 45th anniversary of the iconic Disney ride, which opened in 1969 in Disneyland. It will be animated by children's book author Gris Grimly (Gus Grimly's Wicked Nursery Rhymes). Scott Peterson and Joshua Bruett (Phineas and Ferb) are on board to write and produce.

Grimly's whimsical horror style would fit right in at the House of the Mouse, right next door to Tim Burton's work. Grimly has written and illustrated a slew of classic takes, including Frankenstein, Pinocchio, nursery rhymes, Edgar Allen Poe stories and the tale of Sleepy Hollow.

As for the del Toro movie, it's happening slowly, but it is happening. In the same Reddit AMA, del Toro said he "always feels like we are very close" to having a script, but it's not there yet. Still, he and his team had developed 50-60 pieces or art, including maquettes of the Hat Box Ghost. But the film won't move forward until the script is finished.

"I have to believe that Disney will make this movie as soon as we crack the screenplay," he said, "but until they we cannot tackle it."

Another "6 degrees of Disney" factoid: del Toro and Grimly have a history together; they have been reported to be working on a stop-motion version of Grimly's 2002 "Pinocchio" story with the Jim Henson Company.

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Lineup announced for special food seminars at 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

A half dozen new food experiences will be available at this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from Sept. 19 to Nov. 10.

Disney publicity photo

Dining Through the Decades, Experience Puerto Rico and Food for Thought are some of the special culinary and beverage programs taking place during the 53-day festival.

Here's a look at some of the special programs being offered between Sept. 19 and Nov. 10

• “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on Oct. 3, 10 and 17.
• Cheese Seminars on Saturdays.
• Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining
 with more than 20 dinners throughout the festival.
• Dining Through the Decades, A Tribute to Walt Disney on Oct. 24.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival — Boot Camp Series interactive epicurean adventure on Sept. 21, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and Nov. 2.
• Experience Puerto Rico – The All Star Island on Sept. 20.
• Food & Wine Pairings on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Food for Thought on Fridays and Oct. 11.
• Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner on Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
• Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairing on Wednesdays 
• Parisian Breakfast on Saturdays.
• Party for the Senses on Oct. 4, 11, 18 and Nov.
• Party for the Senses Featuring Disney Chefs from Around the World on Oct. 25.
• Shake and Indulge Like the French Featuring Grand Marnier on Saturdays stating Sept. 27.
• Sunday Mornings With . . . on Sundays.

Guest can start making reservations for the programs at 407-939-338 starting at 7 a.m. a July 31, 2014 and get more information at epcotfoodfestival.com.

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