Agent P stars in new levels and new game by Disney

There's a double dose of Agent P available from Disney Interactive with a new IOS game and additional levels in "Where's My Perry."

Perry the Platypus from Disney's "Phineas and Ferb" get a lot of action this summer.

First Agent P joins other Animal Agents in 60 plus new levels in the latest update of "Where's My Perry." According to Disney Interactive "players will tangle with new obstacles to solve puzzles, such as 'Dirt-splosions' that create patches of dirt out of thin air and Dr. Doofenshmirtz’ s most powerful 'inator' yet, the 'Turf-inator'."

 Second is a new free game called "Where's My Summer" where Agent P has 12 beach-themed levels to get through with backgrounds such as cruise ships, beach balls and sandcastles.

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Smile of The Day: Seven Dwarfs at night

It's always fun to see the Seven Dwarfs, especially lit up during the The Main Street Electrical Parade.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney announces conservation awareness days at Animal Kingdom

Disney will hold special days highlighting certain animals this Fall at Animal Kingdom in Disney World.

The Conservation Awareness Day will have special activities themed to special animals and learn how Disney cares for them.

© Steven Liebman

The animals will be:

Sept. 5 - Vultures

Sept. 26 - Elephants

Oct. 31 - Bats

Nov. 12 - Rhinos

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Disney Facts: Mickey and the Magical Map by the numbers

Today marks the premiere of the the “Mickey and the Magical Map” stage production at the refurbished Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland.

Disney publicity photo

The show stars Mickey Mouse as the curious and slightly mischievous apprentice to sorcerer Yen Sid. The map has the power to take dreamers to any place imaginable. When Mickey attempts to paint the one spot on the map, he heads on adventures through various scenes from Disney movies.

Here is a look at the show, by the numbers:

1 million: The number of pixels in the map.

71,000: The weight in pounds of all the scenery.

35,000: The size of LED screen surface in square inches. 

900: The number of people who auditioned for the show.

60: The number of speakers in the theater.

22: The length of the show in minutes. 

6: Disney production numbers featuring classic songs and an original number, “Journey to Imagination” written especially for the show.

5: The number of times the show is supposed to run each day.

(Source: Disney news release)

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World's largest Star Wars LEGO modeled unveiled in NYC

©Steven Liebman

The world's largest LEGO model was unveiled in New York's Times Square this weekend.

The replica LEGO Star Wars X-wing fighter was among a number of other LEGO Star Wars creations, including Yoda, Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Chewbacca.

Visitors were able to walk around the X-wing fighter and take pictures with the LEGO creations -- and even be photographed in the cockpit of the X-wing. The fun part was a photo booth featuring Yoda wearing a N Y I (Love) T-shirt.

The LEGO model is a 1:1 replica weighing nearly 46,000 pounds. It took 17,336 hours to complete and workers used 5,335,300 LEGO bricks to make the model, which stands 11 feet tall and 43 feet long with a wingspan of 44 feet, according to LEGO.

The models were made to celebrate the start of the start of The Yoda Chronicles on Cartoon Network on May 29.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

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Two Disney legends to perform in once-in-a-lifetime concert

Two of the world's most celebrated songwriters and composers, who have won a combined 10 Academy Awards for their work with Disney, will hold a special one-night-only performance.

Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken will be in concert Aug. 10 at the D23 Expo 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in the D23 Expo Arena, according to a news release.

The two men have composed music and songs for more than three dozen Disney feature films, over two dozen Disney Park attractions and half a dozen Disney musicals on Broadway.

Richard M. Sherman and his brother Robert B. Sherman wrote more than 200 songs for 27 films and two dozen television productions, including "The Jungle Book," Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, it’s a small world, and Carousel of Progress.

Alan Menken has received more Oscars than any living person. He has written songs and scores for films such as "Tangled" (Oscar nominee), "Enchanted" (three Oscar nominations) "The Little Mermaid" (two Oscar wins), "Beauty and the Beast" (two Oscar wins), "Aladdin" (two Oscar wins), "Pocahontas" (two Oscar wins), "Hercules" (Oscar nominee) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

The concert is part of the price of the ticket for the D23 Expo. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Smile of The Day: Mary Poppins

Some words from Mary Poppins: Stay awake, don't rest your head. Don't lie down upon your bed. While the moon drifts in the skies... Stay awake, don't close your eyes. Though the world is fast asleep, though your pillow's soft and deep, you're not sleepy as you seem; stay awake, don't nod and dream... Stay awake... don't nod... and... dream.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney and shampoo supplier expand agreement

The soap and shampoo supplier for Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Vacation Club properties will expand its multi-year agreement.

H2O Plus products will now also be available at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, according to a news release.

H2O Plus will sponsor five runDisney races, including health and fitness expos at Disneyland and Disney World.

"We've enjoyed a wonderful, long-standing relationship with Disney and we are pleased with the opportunity to further collaborate with one of the most beloved companies in the world" H2O Plus CEO Rick Ruffolo said in ate release.

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Production begins on new Star Wars animated television series

Work has started on the a new Star Wars animated television series on the Disney Channel.

Star Wars Rebel is is set between the events of Episode III and IV, according to a news release. During this time period the Empire is hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape.

Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

"The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we're thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD's viewers," according to Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

"I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars," Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm said in the release.

Casting will be announced at a later date.

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Scotland food booth will be aded to 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

© Steven Liebman

Scotland will be one of the new food marketplaces debuting at the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the menus are still in development, but the Scottish cocktail to be served will be a Rusty Nail.

In addition to the new booth, Brazil, Hawaii and the Terra Marketplace will be returning to the festival scheduled for Sept. 27 to Nov. 11.

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Smile of The Day: Fairy Godmother

Wouldn't it be great to have a Fairy Godmother? It would be great to listen to the magical phrase: "Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo Put 'em together and what have you got bibbidi-bobbidi-boo."

© Steven Liebman

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Doofenshmirtz appears on 'Shark Tank' seeking investors for an 'inator'

After trading barbs back and forth on Twitter with members of ABC's "Shark Tank," Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz from Disney's Phineas & Herb finally got the opportunity to appear on "Shark Tank" trying to get seed money for one of his "inators"

Appearing before multi-millionaire and billionaire panelists Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary Doofenshmirtz tries to get money for his Shrink-inator.

Will one of the six panelists invest into Doofenshmirtz scheme to help him take over the tri-state area? Take a look.

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Dates for Festival of Masters announced in Disney World

A Disney publicity photo of artist Greg Trombo
at  last year's Festival of Masters event.

The Festival of Masters, a three-day event at Disney World, highlighting artists, will take place Nov. 8-10, 2013.

The festival includes one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculpture and  jewelry. There will be hands-on activities and live musical performances.

The festival will be held in Downtown Disney.

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Head of Lucasfilm will appear at Star Wars celebration

Star Wars Celebration Europe will have a special guest when it takes place this summer in Essen

Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm will make her first Star Wars Celebration in Essen, Germany this summer, according to the Star Wars blog.

Celebration is a three-day fan fest, July 26-28, 2013

with exhibits, screenings, merchandise and celebrity guests.

Kennedy is also the producer of the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. She is expected to talk on stage with with celebrity host Warwick Davis about her career in the movie industry.

Nominated for eight Academy Awards, Kennedy is one of the most successful and respected producers and executives in the film industry today. She joined Lucasfilm in 2012, personally selected by George Lucas to lead the company.

Kennedy has produced or executive produced over 60 films, which have collectively garnered 120 Academy Award nominations and 25 wins. Among her credits are Jurassic Park, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and The Sixth Sense.

More information on Celebration can be found here.

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New Disney animation movie expected out in 2014

Disney concept art

Walt Disney Animation is planning on releasing an action comedy adventure in 2014.

The movie, called Big Hero 6 combines Marvel stories and Disney animations, according to a post on D23.com.

The plot involves Hiro Hamada, a robotics prodigy who is in the grips of a criminal plot that could destroy San Fransokyo and joins forces with a team of first-time crime fighters to save the city. The movie is scheduled to be out on Nov. 7, 2014.

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Smile of The Day: Prince Charming and Snow White

Here Prince Charming and Snow White are on parade in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

© Steven Liebman

 

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Smile of The Day: Electrical Water Pageant

The Electrical Water Pageant is a nightly display that goes around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake to each of the resorts near the Magic Kingdom.  The end of the pageant is a patriotic theme.

© Steven Liebman

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New Marvel cartoons debuting on Disney XD this summer

This summer two new Marvel shows will be appearing on Disney XD.

"Marvel's Avengers Assemble" and "Marvel's Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.," will premiere in July and August, , according to the Marvel website.

On July 11, "Marvel's Avengers Assemble" starts up bringing the heroes from Marvel together. 

On Aug. 11, the Hulk gets his own show with Red Hulk, She-Hulk, A-Bomb and Skarr with "Marvel's Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H."

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New level released for Disney's Where's My Water? game

The latest update to the Where's My Water? is Swampy's female friend.

The 40 new levels in the 99-cent pack show Allie playing her steam driven instrument. There are five levels all existing players get for free.

Players can also unlock bonus levels, and listen to Allie’s musical performances of well-known songs, including popular Disney scores.

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Disney unveils new dress collection for Quinceañera celebrations

Disney has unveiled a new line of Quinceañera gowns inspired by Disney Princesses.

The 21 gowns, two styles for each Princess, was created in collaboration with Ashdon Inc, according to a Disney Consumer Products press release. The new dresses do not include one for the newest Disney Princess, Merida.

A Quinceañera is a coming of age celebration for Latinas that signifies her journey from childhood to young womanhood. It often includes a religious ceremony followed by a reception with family and friends.

The Belle dress

“The Latino community has a strong affinity for Disney, and the Disney Royal Ball Quinceañera Collection offers another avenue to make the Quinceañera celebration even more unique and meaningful for Latina teens and their families,” Gilberto Martinez Kladt, vice president of licensing for Disney Princess, said in the release.

The following dresses inspired by the Disney Princess characters, according to the release:

Ariel: Cascading waves of organza ruffles and oceans of jewels pay tribute to Ariel's courageous yet free-spirited nature.

Belle: Versailles-inspired beadwork and sophisticated silhouettes reflect Belle's elegance, intelligence and beauty.

Cinderella: Inspired by Cinderella's graceful elegance, these gowns bring the magic of the ballroom to life, with glamorous draping and delicate beadwork featuring coach-
like embellishments.

Jasmine: A whole new world awaits with these exotic gowns. Shimmering beadwork and beautiful silhouettes celebrate Jasmine's bold and adventurous spirit.

Mulan: These Chinoiserie-inspired organza ball gowns capture Mulan's heroic spirit and valiant heart.

Pocahontas: Inspired by Pocahontas' courageous heart and love of nature, these gowns celebrate the beauty of the earth and the sky. Cascading ruffles and elegant draping are adorned with dazzling beadwork.

Sleeping Beauty dress

Rapunzel: A tribute to Rapunzel's passion and artistic spirit, the cap-sleeve, organza ball gown features exquisite beading and a skirt inspired by organic, hand-rolled flowers, while the strapless style features a ruffled detachable skirt.

Sleeping Beauty: As alluring and beautiful as Aurora herself, these dreamy gowns feature sweetheart necklines, delicate beadwork with whimsical skirts.

Snow White: Inspired by the compassionate nature and grace of Disney’s first princess, these stunning gowns make a graceful yet dramatic statement.

Tiana: Masquerade across the dance floor in dazzling New Orleans style. These enchanting gowns capture Tiana's confident attitude and independent spirit.

Corona de La Princesa: Disney's own grand addition to the Disney Royal Ball Quinceanera collection with ornate details to celebrate being a princess

The dresses are available in sizes 0-20 with prices ranging from $520 to $999.

Additional information on the Disney Princess Royal Ball Quinceañera collection and retail outlets can be obtained here.

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Official Disney fan club will revamp website in June

The official Disney Fan Club website will be getting a major makeover in June, featuring celebrity interviews; vintage film clips; rarely seen artwork and photography; items from the Walt Disney Archives; behind-the-scenes previews of new movies and theme park attractions.

D23.com will relaunch on June 17, 2013, according to a Disney news release.

The new gated site will be free to current D23 Members. In addition, D23 is launching a new free level of membership.

The new content will include:

• Audio interviews of various stars.
• Featured items from the Walt Disney Archives.
• An updated electronic version of the definitive Disney encyclopedia.
• Special looks at various aspects of Disney.
• A look at some of the more unusual and outrageous pieces of Disney’s past.
• Profiling characters from television, film and comics with concept art and complete biographies;.
• A digitized version of the out-of-print book featuring some of Walt Disney's most enduring words.
• A video feature in which Disney Legends answer fans’ questions.
• Special first look at what's next in the Disney's Universe.
• A look at attractions of Disney’s past which once delighted theme park guests
• A special look at Muppetology, which opens up the Muppet-acular universe of our fuzzy friends.

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Smile of The Day: Sergio, The Italian Mime

The daily entertainment in the World Showcase at Epcot is known for acts such as Off Kilter and Voices of Liberty, but there is one entertainer you shouldn't miss: Sergio, The Italian Mime.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney announces entertainment for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Six new acts will appear as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series at this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this fall, according to Disney.

The festival, taking place Sept. 27 to Nov. 11, has 19 different acts this year, including The Manhattan Transfer Wilson Phillips and the  Spin Doctors.

Here's the full schedule as announced by Disney:

Sept. 27-29:  Starship starring Mickey Thomas

Sept. 30-Oct. 1:  Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4: Air Supply
Oct. 5-6: Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9: Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11:  Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13:  Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15:  Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17: The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20: Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23: Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25: Survivor
Oct. 26-27: 38 Special
Oct. 28-30: Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3: Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5: Hanson
Nov. 6-8: Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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Adventurer's Outpost opens at Animal Kingdom in Disney World

Disney publicity photo

A new base of operations at Animal Kingdom in Disney World for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse has opened on Discovery Island.

Adventurer's Outpost contains photographs and other mementos from Mickey and Minnie's adventures around the world, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

In addition, to looking over the items, Mikey and Minnie and will be available to meet and for photos.

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Merida becomes 11th Disney Princess

Merida riding Angus

Merida has now joined the Disney Princess royal court becoming the official 11th Disney Princess this past weekend.

Merida’s procession through the Magic Kingdom in Disney World to Cinderella’s Castle was led by a troop of Scottish dancers and an authentic pipe and drum band. Riding her horse Angus, Merida joined her mother Queen Elinor on stage.

“When Queen Elinor placed the crown on Merida’s head, it signified a moment of deep connection, as a mother recognized the spirit, heart and true personality of her daughter. It's moments like these that encapsulate what is special about being a princess, but also resonate with mothers across the world,” Katherine Sarafian, “Brave’s” producer said in a news release.

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New LEGO Star Wars story to be shown on Cartoon Network

The Yoda Chronicles, a new LEGO Star Wars story will be shown on the Cartoon Network May 29 at 8 p.m.

The "The Phantom Clone" is the first of three specials, a brand new character, Jek 14 will enter the Star Wars universe. Created by the LEGO Group, Jek 14 is a clone who has been "enhanced" by the Force, according to the Star Wars Blog.

The show takes place in the prequel Star Wars era and features Yoda leading the Jedi in a fight to stop Darth Sidious and his minions from creating a new super-weapon.

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New Disney archives exhibit will feature 'Mary Poppins' and Oz items

A new “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit will be presented at this year's D23 Expo Aug. 9 to 11, 2013.

Tik Tok puppet

The exhibit, according to a D23 news release, will feature items from the 50th anniversary of "Mary Poppins," including concept art and matte paintings, Mary and Bert’s carousel horse and the snow globe from the “Feed the Birds” sequence among other items.

Also part of the exhibit will be items from the land of Oz and the ABC television series "Once Upon A Time."

Highlights include a costume from 1957’s “Rainbow Road to Oz”—a segment from The Fourth Anniversary Show, which celebrated Walt Disney four years on television, starring many of the Mickey Mouse Club’s Mouseketeers. Also featured are props and costume pieces from 1985’sReturn to Oz including the Tik-Tok puppet, “Powder of Life” tin, and Dorothy’s costume and slippers. And, of course, there will be an assortment of costumes from this year’s Oz The Great and Powerful.

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New Star Wars movie to be filmed in the United Kingdom

Production for the new Star Wars: Episode VII will take place in the United Kingdom where the previous Star Wars movies were made, according to the Star Wars Blog.

The movie, to be directed by J.J. Abrams is scheduled for release in 2015.

Lucasfilm representatives met with U.K. officials earlier this year.

"We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that," Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. said in a news release.

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Disney Fast Facts: Beauty and The Beast in New Fantasyland

New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World is filled with the world of Beauty and The Beast, from the house with Enchanted Tales with Belle, to the Beast's Castle to Gaston's Tavern.

Here are six fun facts about the Beauty and The Beast World in New Fantasyland.

©Steven Liebman

The Beast's Castle at night.

• There are over 12,000 “books” in the library at Enchanted Tales with Belle.
• The six stone figures on the bridge leading to the Be Our Guest Restaurant were all named “Frank” during the design phase and the name stuck.
• The lion-like figures flanking the door at the entrance to Be Our Guest Restaurant were called “golions” by the design team because of the combination of goat and lion.
• At Be Our Guest Restaurant, the Rose Gallery is centered by a music box nearly 7 feet tall with a twirling Belle and the Beast.
• The Centerpiece chandelier at Be Our Guest Restaurant measures more than 12 feet tall and 11 feet wide. It boasts more than 84 candles and more than 100 jewels that hang down.
• There are 115 windows in the Beast’s Castle.

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Smile of The Day: Disney Princess Poster

In honor of the upcoming May 11 ceremony in which Merida will officially join the elite group of Disney Princesses, we have put together this little poster listing all the Disney Princesses and the year their movie came out. Enjoy.

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Disney Interactive introduces new app to help with life stories

Disney Interactive has launched a new iOS device that is being touted to help people tell stories with their photos and videos.

The app, called Story, pulls from photo and video libraries and organizes the media into shareable “stories” based on time and location, according to Disney Interactive.

After the Story is made, the stories can be personalized, saved and shared.

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Disney unveils celebs attending Star Wars Weekends

Billy Dee Williams, Darth Mal and Boba Fett are some of the celebrities attending Star Wars Weekends this month at Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

Every weekend from May 17 to June 9, Star Wars celebrities and characters and special shows will be on hand.

Disney publicity photo

Here’s a list of scheduled celebrities:

Weekend I (May 17–19)
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend II (May 24-26)
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend III (May 31 – June 2)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend IV (June 7-9)
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VIReturn of the Jedi)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca – Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back,Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

In addition,  James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis will perform special one-man shows, including:

• “Obi-Wan & Beyond” (each event day) with James Arnold Taylor.
• “Visit to the Maul” (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park and a demonstration of martial arts skills.
• “An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” (Weekends II and III) features Warwick Davis looking into the world of this Star Wars legend.

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Disney unveils medals for Disneyland Half Marathon

Disney has unveiled the new medals for the Disneyland Half Marathon which takes place Aug. 30 to Sept. 1.

Disney publicity photo

The new collection of medals include the Dumbo Double Dare, a large D for the half marathon, the inaugural 10K medal with Alice from Alice in Wonderland in a cup and Alice and the White Rabbit.

More than 25,000 runners are registered for the weekend which includes the Disneyland Half Marathon, Disneyland 10K and Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K.

The events will take the runners through Disneyland, California Adventure and the streets of Anaheim.

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Disney Facts: Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

The Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World has more than 183 characters in the show with 128 characters featured in the “Under the Sea” scene.

According to Disney,

© Mary Liebman

• More than 20,000 live and artificial plants decorate the attraction, inside and out.
• The figure of the sea witch Ursula is 7 1/2-feet tall and 12 feet wide.
• If the grand mural in the load-in area were turned on its side, it would reach a depth of more than 14 fathoms.

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Smile of The Day: Magic Kingdom at night

The Cinderella Castle at night in the Magic Kingdom is always beautiful. Here is a view of the castle from atop Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort.

© Steven Liebman

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7 Star Wars filmmakers vie for a chance to have their video featured in a commercial

There are now seven finalists from the thousands of submissions from Star Wars fans who submitted videos as part of the Pringles and Star Wars "The Force For Fun" competition.

The 30 and 60 second videos required to merge Pringles with the Star Wars universe and characters. The winner gets $25,000 and the chance to be featured as a Pringles national advertisement. The winning video will be selected by representatives from Lucasfilm and Pringles.

According to a Pringles news release, the seven finalists are David Brashear, Erik Beck and Justin Johnson, Ryan O'Rourke and John Griese, Colin Duffy and Matt Sklar, Jared Hedges and Dave Cain, Brooke Dooley, Jordan Allen and Luke Rocheleau, and Steven Houser.

Here are the seven videos in the finals.

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Walt Disney Company posts increased earnings in second quarter

Disney Parks and Resorts revenues for the second quarter increased 14 percent to $3.3 billion primarily because of a shift in the timing of the New Year's and Easter holidays relative to fiscal periods, according to the Walt Disney Company.

The company released its second quarter earnings for fiscal 2013. Diluted earnings per share for the second quarter increased 32 percent to to 83 cents from 63 cents in the prior-year quarter.

Under the Parks and Resorts segment, higher operating income at the U.S. parks happened because of increased guest spending and attendance at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, the addition of the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, which launched in March 2012, and higher occupied room nights at the Walt Disney World Resort, according to a company news release.

Studio Entertainment revenues increased 13 percent to $1.3 billion driven by the write-down on John Carter in the prior year, and an increase in worldwide theatrical distribution. The strong performance of "Oz The Great And Powerful" and "Wreck-it Ralph" was better than Jon Carter in the same quarter last year.

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Disney Facts: Storybook Circus

One of the sections of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World is Storybook Circus.

Storybook Circus has set up shop in Carolwood Park, which refers to the steam train that was in Walt Disney’s backyard. In fact, there is a Carolwood Foundation which was created to preserve Walt Disney's railroad legacy.

Here are some other fun facts from the Disney about Storybook Circus:

© Steven Liebman

• The music from the old fashioned calliope in the front of Pete’s Silly Sideshow was recorded from a set of antique circus crank organs owned by a collector in Southern California.
• Pete’s Silly Sideshow resembles a type of sideshow called a Ten-in-One, which traditionally offered a series of acts performing various tricks and daredevil stunts.
• Pete, sometimes known as Peg-Leg Pete, is the longest running continuous Disney character, debuting in 1925 in the Disney short, Alice Solves a Puzzle.

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Disney and EA come to new deal for Star Wars games

The Walt Disney Company has entered into a multi-year exclusive licensing agreement with Electronic Arts to develop and publish new games based on Star Wars characters and storylines.

According to a news release, Electronic Arts "will develop and publish new Star Wars titles for all interactive platforms and the most popular game genres, while Disney will retain certain rights to develop new titles within the mobile, social, tablet and online game categories."

“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to creating quality game experiences that drive the popularity of the Star Wars franchise for years to come,” said John Pleasants, Co-President of Disney Interactive.

"The new experiences we create may borrow from films, but the games will be entirely original with all new stories and gameplay,” said EA Labels President Frank Gibeau.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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Disney Facts: What entryway figure in Be Our Guest Restaurant is called

When walking into the Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland in Disney World you can find figures about the entrance doors hat contain eagles with snakes. So what are they called? The answer is "Sneagles," according to Disney.

© Steven Liebman

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'Iron Man 3' has second largest box office opening of all-time

"Iron Man 3" will end up having the second largest box office opening weekend of all-time.

Disney is estimating Iron Man 3 will gross $175.3 million. This ranks second behind "Marvel's The Avengers" which had a $207.44 million opening.

Globally, the movie has grossed $680.1 million, according to boxoffice.com. After 12 days in release, the movie has surpassed the global box office gross of "Captain America" ($369 million), "Thor" ($449 million), "Iron Man" ($585 million) and "Iron Man 2" ($62 million).

The film holds the highest opening day of all time in China, Russia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa and the Ukraine. It also holds the biggest opening weekend in history for Argentina, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

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Merida to be crowned an official Disney Princess on May 11

Merida, the fiery redhead star of Disney-Pixar's "Brave," will join an elite group of characters to become the 11th official Disney Princess.

Disney publicity photo

The ceremony will take place on May 11, 2013 in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. There at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Cinderella Castle all of the current 10 Disney Princesses will join Merida. She joins, Snow White ("Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"), Mulan ("Mulan"), Aurora ("Sleeping Beauty"), Belle ("Beauty and the Beast"), Tiana ("The Frog Princess"), Cinderella ("Cinderella"), Ariel ("The Little Mermaid"), Jasmine ("Aladdin"), Pocahontas ("Pocahontas") and Rapunzel ("Tangled").

Merida is the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. She is an archer, a sword fighter and likes to ride around the countryside with her horse, Angus. She has triplet brothers named Harris, Hubert and Hamish.

The last coronation took place on Oct. 2, 2011at Kensington Palace in London when Rapunzel joined the group.

Rapunzel's Royal Celebration on Disney Video

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Smile of The Day: Fiesta Hoy

The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot at Disney World  takes you on a fun little tour of Mexico. In honor of Cinco de Mayo - Fiesta Hoy.

© Steven Liebman

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Happy Cinco de Mayo for a week in Disney World

Today is Cinco de Mayo, but the celebration will last at Disney World through May 11 with a special Limited Time Magic at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot.

According to Disney's Limited Time Magic website, there is special entertainment and food.

Here's the rundown:

• You can meet the The Three Caballeros! - Panchito, Jose Carioca andv Donald Duck.
• Listen to the world-renowned band, Mariachi Cobre!
• There's special Cinco de Mayo ear hats available.
• San Angel Inn Restaurante and La Hacienda de San Angel both have special menu, complete with appetizers, entrees and dessert.

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Tickets on sale for 2013 Mickey's Halloween and Christmas parties in Disney World

Tickets have gone on sale for two major holiday parties in Disney World.

© Steven Liebman

Dates have been announced on the Walt Disney World website for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and tickets went on sale today.

Mickey's No So Scary Halloween Party will be held on Sept. 10 ,23, 17, 20, 24 ,27, 29, and Oct. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be held Nov. 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22 and Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 20.

The Halloween Party features a special Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, Disney Villains Dance Mix and Mingle, special fireworks and trick-or-treating.

The Christmas Party features special lights on Cinderella Castle with icicles forming over the parapets and towers, Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, a special Holiday Wishes fireworks, a dance party in Tomorrowland, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

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