March 2013 ~ amirmu

Sunday, 31 March 2013

2013 Flower and Garden Festival: Radiator Springs

Posted on 18:32 by the great khali

The next stop on the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Disney Photo Tour is the Radiator Springs area.

The area includes the Lightning McQueen and Mater topiaries and play area for the children. There is also a game in which people are asked to help Mater find missing parts in the area.

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Video: Goofy shows us 'How to Play Baseball'

Posted on 17:30 by the great khali

Welcome to the start of baseball season.

From March 31 to Sept. 29 fans across the country will be rooting for players and teams all in hopes to see them in the playoffs and eventually the World Series. This will mark the first year with the Houston Astros as a member of the American League West Division.

Now for those who need a reminder of how the American Pastime is played, here Goofy shows us all - "How to Play Baseball."

How to Play Baseball on Disney Video

Posted in Videos | No comments

Disney releases voice cast for upcoming 'Planes' movie

Posted on 17:00 by the great khali

Disney has announced the full voice cast of the upcoming movie "Planes" featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But there is a problem. Dusty is a afraid of heights.

The movie, which is scheduled to be released Aug. 9 has the following cast:

Stacy Keach provides the voice of Skipper, a reclusive old Navy Corsair who takes Dusty's training to new heights.

Brad Garrett lends his voice to fuel truck Chug, Dusty's buddy, coach and biggest fan.

Teri Hatcher brings life and charm to the say-it-like-it-is mechanic Dottie.

Cedric the Entertainer as Leadbottom, a puttering old biplane who has no time for Dusty's far-fetched flights of fancy.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is Rochelle, a tough and confident racer who is the pride of the Great White North.

John Cleese is the voice of Bulldog, the oldest and arguably wisest racer on the circuit.

Carlos Alazraqui brings to life the intensely charming El Chupacabra, a racer with more dramatic flair than is recommended at high altitudes.

Priyanka Chopra voices the exotic, mysterious and ruthless Ishani, the reigning Pan-Asian champion from India.

Roger Craig Smith voices world champion racer Ripslinger—wings down, the biggest name in air racing—and he knows it.

Gabriel Iglesias provides the voices of both Ned and Zed, two not-so-sharp saboteurs who work for Ripslinger.

Val Kilmer provides the voice of Bravo, a member of the Jolly Wrenches and a fan of air racing.

Anthony Edwards is the voice of Echo, a member of the Jolly Wrenches and a fan of air racing.

Colin Cowherd from ESPN gives play-by-play coverage as Colin Cowling, an affable blimp and an eye-in-the-sky reporter for the Racing Sports Network.

Sinbad brings to life Roper, an irascible race official pitty full of sly remarks and colorful commentary.

Oliver Kalkofe provides the voice of meek German minicar Franz and his brazen airborne alter ego Fliegenhosen.

Brent Musburger brings Brent Mustangburger, the excitable 1964½ Ford Mustang sports broadcasting icon, back to the big screen.

Posted in Disney news, Movies | No comments

Disney news roundup from March 24-March 31

Posted on 16:39 by the great khali

Roger Rabbit returns for a rare appearance in Disneyland, the courtyard pool re-opens at the Grand Floridian and a man stuck on "it's a small world" gets a court settlement. These are just of a few things that has happened in the Disney Universe this week.

Here's a roundup of Disney news this past week:

The newly released model of how the Shanghai Disney Resort will look has evoked a new round of debate about whether the first Disney theme park on China's mainland will steal the thunder of the one already operating in Hong Kong. - Read more at Shanghai Daily

A four-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after nearly drowning on a Disney cruise on Saturday. Read more at the Daily Mail.
.
Roger Rabbit returns to Disneyland for rare appearance in Easter Bunny Hop during Limited Time Magic. Read more at Insidethemagic.net.

Disney invests in interactive experiences. Read more at Orange County Register.

Disabled man stuck on Disneyland ride is awarded $8,000

'Iron Man 3' exhibit coming to Disneyland

Free coffee refills has been a staple of the Market House in Disneyland since the park opened in 1955, but no longer.

Photos: Courtyard Pool at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort reopens after refurbishment. See the photos at wdwmagic.com.

Video: Check out Mickey Mouse's tap-dance moves. See the video at The Daily Disney.

Photos: Monorail Black Has Become the “Iron Man-O-Rail." See the photos at WDW News Today.

Posted in Disney news | No comments

Disney execs to discuss finances May 7

Posted on 16:30 by the great khali

The Walt Disney Company Executives will discuss the company's fiscal second quarter financial results in May.

The execs will be on via a live audio webcast at 5 p.m. EDT on May 7. The webcast will be available at www.disney.com/investors. A replay of the discussion will be available through May 21.

Posted in | No comments

Free coffee refills going away at Disneyland, report says

Posted on 15:08 by the great khali

Free coffee refills has been a staple of the Market House in Disneyland since the park opened in 1955, but no longer.

When the shop closes April 15 to be turned into a Starbucks, the free refill will disappear, according to the Orange County Register.

"When Market House re-opens in the fall, the location will no longer brew Disney branded coffee or offer free refills," Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman said in a statement to the Register.

There is a movement to save the refill. A Facebook page "Save Free Coffee Refills at Market House Disneyland" has been created.

Posted in | No comments

Smile of The Day: Dopey says hi

Posted on 12:06 by the great khali

Dopey gives a hello wave during the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disney World.

Posted in Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Smile of The Day | No comments

Friday, 29 March 2013

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Dancing princesses

Posted on 19:13 by the great khali

The next stop on the 2013 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Photo Topiary Tour is the dancing princesses.

On either side of bridge between the United Kingdom and French pavilions are the two dancing princesses - Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

Sleeping Beauty topiary

Cinderella topiary

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival | No comments

'Iron Man 3' exhibit coming to Disneyland

Posted on 18:22 by the great khali

Stark Industries is coming to Disneyland.

Set pieces from the new movie "Iron Man 3" will be part of a new exhibit opening April 13 at Innoventions, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The exhibit feature Iron Man suits Mark I-VII – the same suits featured in “Iron Man 3.” Simulators will also allow people to see what it’s like to operate the latest pieces of the Mark 42 Iron Man armor, and even test repulsor blasts.

If you can't make it to Disneyland, you can check out Iron Man's Hall of Armor here on Marvel.com. website.

Posted in Disney news, Disneyland, Marvel | No comments

New hats coming out for next Limited Time Magic

Posted on 17:55 by the great khali

The next Limited Time Magic begins April 1 with the continuation of the Year of the Ear and new Ear Hats at Disneyland and Disney World, according to the Limited Time Magic site.

In Disney World, Strawberry Ear Hats will be available for purchase at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

In Disneyland, Crazy Cone hats inspired by the motel from the Disney/Pixar film "Cars" will be available at Sarge's Surplus Hut in the California Adventure.

Posted in Disney World, Disneyland, Limited Time Magic | No comments

Thursday, 28 March 2013

Eating around the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Posted on 18:29 by the great khali

Whoever suggested adding food and beverages to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in Disney World really should get a massive raise. And a tall Dole Whip with spiced rum. I'm buying!

We spent a couple of days grazing at the food booths and enjoying the topiaries. (Note: Don't graze at the topiaries.) A number of our choices were on the "Try It" menu of healthful fruit- and veggie-focused fare. As much as we loved the brisket, a couple of the "Try It" dishes were among our favorites.

One tip: If crowds aren't your thing, try visiting during lunchtime. It got pretty crazy in the evenings.

Here's a brief look at our delicious tour of the Flower & Garden Festival:

Florida Fresh

Watermelon salad

The dish: Watermelon salad with pickled red onions, baby arugula, feta cheese and balsamic reduction

The skinny: I may never eat watermelon without feta cheese again. It's that simple. We had brisket and brie and heirloom tomatoes as we grazed around the World Showcase, but this was probably my favorite dish. The combination of sweet watermelon, peppery arugula and salty feta was an absolute delight. Try it, indeed!

Potato pancakes

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

The dish: Potato pancakes with house made apple sauce

The skinny: The lines at this kiosk near Germany seem to be more for the beer flights than the food, but the potato pancake is worth the stop too. It's nice and crisp outside and tender inside, and the applesauce actually tastes like apples. Like some of the other dishes we tried, it was a bit salty, but not too much.

The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews

The dishes: Pulled pig slider with cole slaw and smoked beef brisket with collard greens and jalapeño corn bread

Smoked beef brisket

The skinny: Skinny? Nothing at this barbecue in the American Adventure courtyard will make you skinny. But it won't make you sorry either. Both of these dishes are meal-sized. I'd guess the brisket dish includes 3 or 4 ounces of brisket, half a cup of collards and a two-inch cube of corn bread -- and every bit delicious. The meat is moist and tender, and the collards have a bit of crispiness to them. Only the corn bread left me wanting a little more. The brisket was the only dish I ordered more than once, and that's just because brisket is definitely not part of my usual diet. The "slider" is not the mini size you may be used to. The bun is closer to the size of a standard hamburger bun. It's piled high with tasty pulled pork and cole slaw. It's just a bit spicy. I'd suggest ordering this dish without the bun -- leave yourself room for the next stop on your grand tour.

Hanami

Frushi, sushi roll

The dish: Frushi, a sushi roll filled with strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe with coconut rice

The skinny: This was probably the most unusual thing we tried, and it wasn't all that daring. What it was, though, was delicious. The fruit was ripe and sweet, and the rice had a subtle sweetness I wasn't expecting. The roll is served with a subtle raspberry sauce and whipped cream. The lovely thing about this dish is that nothing in it is sweeter than the fresh fruit.

The Cottage: Savories, Trifles and Tea

The dishes: Potato, chive and cheddar cheese biscuit with smoked salmon tartare and sour cream; baked goat’s brie with kumquat chutney; Waterkist Farms heirloom tomatoes with house-made mozzarella, Minus 8 vinegar and basil

Baked goat's brie with kumquat chutney

Dole Whip with rum

The skinny: British food gets a bad rap if you ask me. I actually like bangers and mash and meat pies. And I love the Rose & Crown. (All of which may make you highly skeptical of this entire review, but at least all my cards are on the table now.) So, we tried all three food offerings on the Cottage menu. Top marks went to the goat's brie, which is wrapped in a tasty pastry. The cheese is mild but flavorful. If anything, it could have been warmer, and it was a bit overpowered by the chutney. But yum. The tomatoes were tasty, but the mozzarella was a little rubbery. Finally, the biscuit with salmon tartare was delicious. The tartare was perfect, but the biscuit was a bit overdone (the perils of mass production, I think). All in all, high marks for the Cottage.

Pineapple Promenade

The dish: Dole Whip with Siesta Key spiced rum

The skinny: What can I say about the Dole Whip with spiced rum? Every time I try to find the words, I drift off into a reverie. But I'll try. First of all, this is not the giant Dole Whip you'll find over at the Magic Kingdom, so you'll likely be sober when you finish it. (Unless, of course, this isn't your first drink of the day.) The spiced rum is the perfect complement to the pineapple ice cream, especially once you mix it up a bit. I hope they never take this off the menu. And I hope they start to explore, I don't know, maybe vanilla soft serve with Godiva liquor, Kahlua or orange vodka? Start working on that, Imagineers.

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, EPCOT, Flower Garden Festival | No comments

Marvel will publish 'Once Upon a TIme' graphic novel

Posted on 18:18 by the great khali

Marvel Comics will produce a graphic novel based on ABC's "Once Upon a Time" in September and is expected to again publish Star Wars comics starting in 2015.

On Sept. 4, Once Upon a Time: Shadow of the Queen, an all-new original graphic novel hardcover based on the TV show will be released, according to comicmix.

In the graphic novel, the Evil Queen has captured the Huntsman’s heart. With the Huntsman a slave, experience the never-before-told tale behind their twisted relationship—and what happens when a good man is forced to do bad.

In 2015, the deal between Lucasfilm and Dark Horse ends. The assumption is that since Marvel and Lucasfilm are both Disney companies that Marvel will once again publish Star Wars titles.

Posted in Disney news, Marvel | No comments

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Celebrate National Something on a Stick Day at Disney

Posted on 17:49 by the great khali

This doesn't sound like a real thing, right? National Something on a Stick Day? Well, I saw it on the Internet, so it must be true. Thursday is the Day, and Disney World is the perfect place to celebrate. Or whatever it is you do with a day like this.

Disney has an impressive menu of food on sticks, and we're not even talking about those ginormous turkey legs.

Knock yourself out with:

Caramel apples: Disney is the master of the caramel or chocolate apple, starting with Mickey and Minnie with their marshmallow ears. Its Mike Wazowski apple is a thing of potentially radioactive beauty. Pretty much every character and holiday gets enshrined in an apple.

Other fruit: At Karamell-Küche in Epcot's Germany pavilion, you'll find one of the more unusual options: chocolate and caramel-covered grapes on a stick. I admit, they're a tough sell when you see them sitting next to all the other amazing caramel-coated wonders -- including my personal favorite, dark-chocolate-dipped pineapple spears. Yes, they're on sticks too. You also can get a fruit skewer without the chocolate.

Tigger tails: Another classic, the Tigger tail is a marshmallow shish kebab covered in orange chocolate with dark chocolate stripes. Fun, but you have to be a marshmallow fan.

Cake pops: Never accuse Disney of letting a trend pass them by, including the cake pop trend. And why not, when all you need to make a Mickey is a round cake and a couple of marshmallows? (Again with the marshmallows!)

Any of the above are available at the Candy Cauldron or Goofy's Candy Co. at Downtown Disney. You also can find an impressive selection at the new Big Top Souvenirs in the Magic Kingdom's Storybook Circus section.

The Mickey bar: Possibly the most ubiquitous food on a stick is the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, which you can find any any of the fleet of ice cream carts around the World. Not the most creative choice, but this list wouldn't have been complete without it.

If sweet-on-a-stick isn't your thing, how about savory?

Corn dogs: The best corn dog experience is at Disneyland, but you can find a pale imitation at a cart in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. Or you can take a few toothpicks to Casey's Corner and skewer a few corn dog nuggets.

Shish kebab: Looking for a sit-down skewer? Restaurant Marrakesh at Epcot's Morocco pavilion has a beef tenderloin shish kebab. You can even make this one yourself: AllEars posted the recipe.

A meal on a stick: At Downtown Disney's Paradiso 37, you can put together a whole meal on skewers: an appetizer of chorizo and beef skewers paired with Central American crazy corn (fire-roasted corn on the cob -- on a stick, of course -- topped with a spicy yellow pepper sauce and A LOT of cheese).

Hey, who says Something on a Stick has to be food? How about a classic ride that amounts to Something on a Stick, like Dumbo, Aladdin's Flying Carpets or the Astro Orbiter?

Perhaps if you want to fly at the end of a stick, you'll do it before the corn dogs and Tigger tails.

Posted in Disney World, Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Magic Kingdom | No comments

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Phineas and Ferb topiary

Posted on 17:41 by the great khali

The next stop on our photo topiary tour of the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is Phineas and Ferb.

The duo, plus Agent P in the background, has one of the most popular spots in the park, behind Spaceship Earth.

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, Disney World, EPCOT | No comments

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: China topiary

Posted on 19:17 by the great khali

There are two topiaries at the China Pavilion during the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in Disney World. The first is a trio of pandas which can be found on the walkway outside of the pavilion.

The second, you need to walk inside a bit. It is the dragon and it is also placed inside a fountain area. The real fun thing about the dragon is that a spray of water erupts from it every minute or so.

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, Disney World, EPCOT | No comments

Photo of Grand Floridian construction in Disney World

Posted on 18:43 by the great khali

Construction of the new DVC villas at the Grand Floridian in Disney World continues. Here's the latest look as the work progresses on the 147 villas, which are supposed to be open by the Fall of 2013.

Construction of the Grand Floridian villas

Posted in Disney news, Disney World, DVC | No comments

Disabled man stuck on Disneyland ride is awarded $8,000

Posted on 17:50 by the great khali

A disabled man stuck on the broken down "It's a Small Word" ride at Disneyland was awarded $8,000 after being stranded for three hours, according to an Associated Press report.

Inside the It's a Small World ride

While other people were evacuated, Jose Martinez who is in a wheelchair and needed to urinate for three hours was stuck on the ride with the famous theme song continuously playing.

Martinez' lawyer David Geffen said half of the money was for pain and suffering and the remainder for disability law violations.

Posted in Disney news, Disneyland | No comments

Disney World announces artists schedule for April

Posted on 17:16 by the great khali

Tyler Dumas and Annick Biaduet are just two of the artists who will be appearing at Disney World during the month of April, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Monty Mandovan art piece

Here's the schedule:

April 4: ACME Archives Artist Annick Biaudet appears at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to sign her newest releases inspired by “Beauty and the Beast.”

April 5: Disney Design Group Artist Tyler Dumas will be appearing at D Street in Downtown Disney Westside from 5 to 7 p.m.

April 5-7: The Art in the Garden Weekend is held each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Artists Larry Dotson, David E. Doss and Noah, along with ACME artist Annick Biaudet will be on hand for artist demonstrations and signings. Noah appears only April 6–7.

April 6: Sculptor Bruce Lau appears at the Art of Disney in Epcot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to -4 p.m. to sign his latest sculpture Magician Figment. Disney Design Group Character Artist Monty Maldovan will sign his latest Figment-inspired piece, Mickey and His Pal Figment from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

April 8–12: David E. Doss appears daily at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

April 10–11: Author Ridley Pearson signs his newest book release.

April 18–22: Larry Dotson appears at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., each day.

April 19-22: As part of Earth Day, Animal Kingdom hosts artists and vendors such as Just Plumerias, Elemental Nursery, Photographer Carlos Cuba, Silver Designer, Tim “Bushman #1” Adebule and ACME Archives artist, William Silvers.

Posted in Disney World | No comments

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Snow White topiaries

Posted on 03:00 by the great khali

The next stop on our Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival photo topiary tour is Germany with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The topiaries are placed in a line opposite the pavilion and there is a great view of Spaceship Earth behind Snow White. Now, for those who have trouble naming the dwarfs here you go Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy and Sneezy. And if you are wondering how they got their names, here's a look at the how they were named.

©Steven Liebman

Dopey topiary

Happy topiary.

Grumpy and Sneezy topiaries

Doc topiary

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, EPCOT | No comments

Monday, 25 March 2013

Minnie Mouse gets new designer dress for Disneyland Paris events

Posted on 18:54 by the great khali

Minnie Mouse is adding a new dress to her closet.

Disney photo from YouTube video

For the first time a major designer has made a dress for Minnie Mouse which she will wear during special events at Disneyland Paris, according to the Associated Press.

Lanvin's designer Alber Elbaz designed a smaller-sized red tiara alongside a thick, bejeweled blue hourglass gown with padded shoulders. It was unveiled on catwalk presentation.

"Walt Disney was the one that actually designed Minnie. It's the first time an actual designer has come into the picture and designed a dress for her," Lanvin's designer Alber Elbaz told The Associated Press following the show.

Posted in Disneyland Paris, Minnie Mouse | No comments

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Buzz Lightyear topiary

Posted on 03:00 by the great khali

"To infinity and beyond."

The next stop on the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Show Topiary Tour - Buzz Lightyear in front of Mission Space. (If you've missed any of the other topiaries, the full tour links are below.)

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, Disney World, EPCOT | No comments

Sunday, 24 March 2013

Lilo & Stitch part of Disney DVD releases in summer 2013

Posted on 15:55 by the great khali

The summer months will see about seven DVD releases from Disney including two-movie collection of Lilo & Stitch and The Emperor's New Groove.

Here's what's coming out May through August:

May 7
"Doc Mcstuffins: Time For Your Checkup," this is episodes 1-5 from the Disney Junior television show.

May 21
"Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Quest For The Crystal Mickey" is the feature plus for additional episodes.

"Howl's Moving Castle" is a Studio Ghibli film from Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Howl's Moving Castle is part of a new HD digital transfer.

"My Neighbor Tortoro" is another Studio Ghibli film being transferred to HD.

June 11

Lilo and Stitch: 2-Movie Collection contains"Lilo & Stitch" and "Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch" are being transferred to Blu-ray.

The Emperor's New Grove: 2-Movie Collection contains "The Emperor's New Groove" and "Kronk's New Groove"for the first time ever on Blu-ray.

August 27

"Superbuddies" is about a number of puppies which come together and discover mysterious rings that grant them each a unique super power.

Posted in Disney news, Movies | No comments

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: The Troll topiary

Posted on 12:39 by the great khali

Today's Topiary Tour at the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival in Disney World takes us to the Norway Pavilion. And the Troll - don't look into his eyes. In Norse and early Scandinavian folklore trolls possess magic powers and are hostile to men. In Norse mythology they have been known to live in isolated mountains, rocks and caves. And even though they have been known to live under bridges that is NOT where the phrase toll bridge comes from.

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, Disney World, EPCOT | No comments

Saturday, 23 March 2013

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Lady and The Tramp topiary

Posted on 05:00 by the great khali

The 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Topiary Tour continues. This time we head over to Italy for our favorite romantic pair - Lady and The Tramp.

The movie was ranked 95 out of 100 in the "100 Greatest Love Stories of All Time" by the American Film Institute in their 100 Years...100 Passions. The only other animated film which made the list was "Beauty and the Beast," which ranked 34.

©Mary Liebman

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, Disney World, EPCOT | No comments

Walt Disney Marathon weekend adds another race

Posted on 04:30 by the great khali

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is slowly becoming the Walt Disney Marathon Week.

Disney has announced that is in 2014 the event will be expanded to five days, from Jan. 8-12 and will include a 10K, according to a news release and a new - The Dopey Challenge.

The 10K is being added to the Family Fun Run 5K, the Disney Half Marathon, the Disney Marathon and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge.

The Dopey Challenge includes running all four timed events in successive days (48.6 miles) for the chance. Yes, they are not kidding.

According to Disney, after the Disney Family Fun Run 5K on Thursday, runDisney’s new Walt Disney World 10K, a 6.2-mile timed event, takes place Friday, at Epcot. Runners completing the race will receive a Minnie Mouse inspired medal.

The Walt Disney World Half Marathon will be run on Saturday followed by the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday. Runners who complete both – Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – will receive a special Goofy-themed medal. Add on the 5K and the 10K and runners can earn four medals, one for each race completed, plus the Goofy and new Dopey Challenge medals, for a total haul of six medals.

Online registration opens April 9, but runners can enter early by signing up for the Runner’s World Challenge starting April 2.

For more information and to register for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events and other runDisney races, go to www.runDisney.com.

Posted in Disney news, Disney World | No comments

Friday, 22 March 2013

New Mickey Mouse live show opens May 25 in Disneyland

Posted on 20:00 by the great khali

The new Mickey Mouse live show at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland will begin May 25.

Disney concept art of the new "Mickey and the Magical Map."

“Mickey and the Magical Map” shows Mickey as the sorcerer’s apprentice.

According to a Disney news release, Sorcerer Yen Sid sets his Mapmakers to make map capable of taking dreamers to any place imaginable and so large it spans the entire stage of Fantasyland Theatre.

Mickey stumbles upon the map’s magical powers which take him and the audience on a journey of imagination which include going on an adventure with King Louie and jungle beasts, look at the dreams of brave storybook heroines Pocahontas, Mulan and Rapunzel, a celebration of life “Under the Sea,” and a “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.”

Posted in Disney news, Disneyland | No comments

Disney announces Limited Time Magic Easter Experience in Disneyland and Disney World

Posted on 14:30 by the great khali

The next Limited Time Magic Experience at the Disney parks centers around Easter, Disney announced on its website.

From March 25-31, 2013 Disneyland and Disney World will have a number of activities.

A Mickey Mouse Easter Egg from the Limited Time

Magic Easter Egg Hunt.

At the Magic Kingdom in Disney World and Disneyland Park Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny make an appearance. In the Magic Kingdom the couple will visit Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. and participate in a springtime procession. In Disneyland the couple will also appear in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.

At Epcot in Disney World the couple will also appear in the in the United Kingdom pavilion where children can have their photos taken with the couple and hunt for Easter eggs and play in relay races.

California Adventure in Disneyland, will host the Wilderness Explorer Egg Hunt. Russell and Dug have hidden oversized Easter eggs throughout Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. To earn a Spring Egg-tivity Badge, you need to track them down, follow the clues and solve the big puzzle .

Here's a look a other Limited Time Magic experiences:

Posted in Disney World, Disneyland, Limited Time Magic | No comments

2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Show: Lotso topiary

Posted on 03:00 by the great khali

The thing about the Lotso topiary at the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Show in Disney World is not the pink hue of the flowers which help create the image.

What is memorable is the scent. Yes, get within five feet of the topiary and you will smell strawberries. The smell is pumped into the air to remind you that the pink stuffed teddy bear from "Toy Story 3" was made with a strawberry scent.

Lotso is the second topiary in the American Adventure pavilion. Yesterday, we featured Woody, also from the "Toy Story" movies.

The complete Photo Topiary Tour

Posted in 2013 Flower and Garden Festival, Disney World, EPCOT | No comments

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Hollywood Studios parade and live entertainment closing down April 6 in Disney World

Posted on 13:59 by the great khali

The Hollywood Studios parade and a live street show will close down on April 6 in Disney World, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Carl from the movie "Up" in the Pixar

and Pals parade slated to be closed

Arpril 6. 2013.

The Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade which can now been seen daily at 3 p.m. highlights floats with characters from Pixar movies "The Incredibles," "Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," "Ratatouille" "Monsters, Inc." and "Up." The parade began in 2011 replacing the Block Party Bash.

The live street show Disney Channel Rocks will also closed down. Disney Channel Rocks is a mix of songs from the Disney Channel on a moving stage which stops in front of the large Sorcerer Mickey Hat. The show evolved from similar ones put on from the popular High School Musical days in which songs were also sung from the stage.

No announcements have been made on replacement plans for the parade or the live show.

Posted in Disney news, Disney World, Hollywood Studios | No comments