Walt Disney Co. reports record earnings

Disney reported record profits during the second quarter due mostly to the movie division , the company said in its quarterly earnings report Tuesday.The company reported earnings of $1.28 per share on revenue of $12.45 billion, up 8 percent from a year ago.“Our strategy of building strong brands and franchises continues to create great value across our company,” Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in the earnings statement....

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Disney Facts: 5 quick facts about Disneyland's Tomorrowland

© Steven LiebmanTomorrowland at Disneyland.When Tomorrowland opened at Disneyland in 1995 it was described a "vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man’s achievements … a step into the future, with predictions of constructive things to come," by Walt Disney.The area is one of the five original ands and was the last to be complete. Because of budget cuts not all of the rides were operating on opening day, July 17, 1955. It now has 10 attractions.Here...

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

Just as the phone lines were opening last week for Food & Wine Festival reservations, Disney announced two new special events:Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE! For $79 per person, plus tax, you can join an after-hours street party that goes until 1 a.m. The price includes six food and/or beverage items.  Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package: For $199 per person, plus tax, you get access to premium areas where you...

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

The Paradise Pier and and Pacific Wharf areas of California Adventure at Disneyland Park are designed to pay tribute to the seaside areas of California.© Steven LiebmanParadise Pier at California Adventure at Disneyland.The Pier represents all the towns with games, shops and restaurants, while the Wharf represents the business area of "cannery row."Here are five quick facts about this area of the park from Disney:1. The wood deck that make up the...

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The Muppets return with new web series

If you can't get enough of your fill of the Muppets, don't worry, they are back.The crew can now be seen on “Disney Drive-On” a new series only available on Disney Movies Anywhere.There are now two episodes up and more will follow. The series focuses on the Muppets production office and how they work in Hollywood and prepare to make movies.Here is a preview of the first episo...

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

The latest Marvel/Disney superhero group to grace the screen is coming on strong. "Guardians of the Galaxy" is estimated to make $94 million in its opening weekend, according to Disney.The opening weekend numbers would rank Guardians 12th on the top list of Superhero Opening Weekends, according to boxofficemojo.com, closely trailing "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," which came out earlier this year.This is the 10th film in what is considered...

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

Wikimedia CommonsBill Murray at Toronto Film Festival.Bill Murray will voice of Baloo in Disney's live-action "The Jungle Book."The movie, written by Justin Marks, is directed by Jon Favreau and will be released Oct. 9, 2015.The film alsos star Christopher Walken as King Louie, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera and Lupita Nyong'o as Raksha and Neel Sethi as Mowgli....

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

The second release of the Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection will feature music from "Mary Poppins" and be available on Aug, 26, 2014.The collection contains 2½ hours of content, including the original soundtrack, previously released demos and newly recorded versions, and cast and filmmaker interviews and a collectible 20-page booklet. The CD cover and 20-page booklet feature newly created artwork inspired by "Mary Poppins" from Lorelay Bove,...

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

Buena Vista Street in California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort was created to reflect Los Angeles of the 1920s and 1930s when Walt Disney first arrived.© Steven LiebmanMickey Mouse on Buena Vista Street at the California Adventure.“It was July 1923. I packed all of my worldly goods – a pair of trousers, a checkered coat, a lot of drawing materials and the last of the fairy tale reels we had made – in a kind of frayed cardboard suitcase. And...

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Disneyland ride and attraction closings and refurbishments August-December 2014

© Steven LiebmanThe Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will close for workstarting in January for about nine months.Here is a look at closings and refurbishments scheduled for Disneyland and California Adventure. These closings are subject to change, so check before you go:Jan. 5 - Sept. 26, 2014: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is closed for refurbishment.June 18 - Aug. 17, 2014: Captain Eo closed for refurbishment.Aug. 25 - Sept. 11, 2014: Haunted...

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