Historic Disney Photo: Walt Disney and head of rocket program

A variety of people have worked with Walt Disney over the yeas. Dr. Werhner von Braun who built the V2 rocket for Germany and after World War II came to the U.S. and worked for the U.S. government, was also a Disney employee for a short time.In the1950's, von Braun worked with Disney Studio as a technical director, making three films about space exploration for television. Here is a photo of Disney and von Braun in 1954, when von Braun was Chief,...

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Holidays around the World at Epcot kicks off

Holiday festivities are in full swing at Disney World with the Holidays Around the World at Epcot.Disney publicity photoThe Canadian Holiday Voyageurs perform at the Canda pavilion.If you are heading down to the Disney World this December, you will find what Disney is terming "An International Yuletide Extravaganza" at Epcot. Each pavilion hosts special holiday festivities, performances, food and sharing of traditions. Here is the...

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New Santa Mickey and Minnie Santa hats are out for the Holidays

The latest Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World are new Santa Mickey and Minnie Santa hats.This is the latest ear hat in the Year of the Ear series. At Disney World, it could be found  by the Emporium and other  locations throughout Magic Kingdom.At Disneyland it could be purchased at at the  Fantasyland Mad Hatter and other locatio...

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Donating Duffy the Disney Bear is the next Limited Time Magic

The gift of giving is the next Limited Time Magic at Disney World.From Dec. 2 to 8, 2013, you can donate a Duffy the Disney Bear to the Toys for Tots program for $5 at the Once Upon a To or World of Disney Store at the Downtown Disney in Disney World. The $5 purchase does not qualify as a charitable donation, according to the Disney Limited Time Magic websi...

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Spend Thanksgiving with Lady Gaga and the Muppets

What are we thankful for this Thanksgiving? A new TV special featuring the Muppets.Miss Piggy, Lady Gaga and Kermit"Lady Gaga & the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular" will air on ABC at 9:30 on Thanksgiving night. The 90-minute special includes Gaga and Kermit the Frog performing songs from her album "Artpop." Also appearing with the Muppets: Elton John, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, RuPaul and Kristen Bell. And what's a network TV show these days without...

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Disney historic photo: Walt Disney in 1912 at gathering of newsboys

Would you believe that Walt Disney was a "newsie."Here is a photo of 10-year-old Walt Disney (center, right) at a gathering of the Kansas City newsboys in 1912.Wikimedia Comm...

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The Simpsons parody Disney's Silly Symphonies "MusicLand" short

The Simpsons are well known for taking classic movies and television and turning them into hilarious and even touching parodies for the couch gags at the start of the episode. Whether a take off on AMC's "Breaking Bad" or HBO's "Game of Thrones," a parody of the Harem Shake viral video or an homage to the film "The Longest Daycare," the family from Springfield have now taken on Disney.The Simpsons have paid homage to Disney's "MusicLand" a Silly Symphonies short from 1935. "MusicLand" merges jazz and classical music, none of the characters speak...

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3 Disney theme park division executives are laid off

Three upper-level executives from the Walt Disney Co.'s theme park division have been laid off, according to the Orlando Sentinel The senior vice president of park sales and services, Rick Continelli; and two vice presidents fro the information technology group, Laura Hall and Allen Fazio have been let go.The changes are part of an overall restructuring of the parks division, the newspaper said. The latest moves bring to six the total number...

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Disney historic photo: Walt and Lillian Disney

Walt and Lillian DisneyLillian Marie Bounds was born in Spalding, Idaho n 1899. She started working at the Disney Studio in the "ink and paint" section as a secretary where she met Walt Disney.The two married in 1925 and remained married until Walt's death in 1967. On December 15, 1997, Lillian Disney suffered a stroke on exactly 31 years after the death of Walt. She died the following morning at her home at age 98....

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Walt Disney releasing soundtrack for new movie 'Saving Mr. Banks'

The original motion picture soundtrack for the upcoming movie "Saving Mr. Banks" and the "Saving Mr. Banks" 2-Disc edition will be released on Dec. 10, 2013.The soundtrack features the songs "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" performed by Jason Schwartzman (as Richard Sherman) and B.J. Novak (as Robert Sherman). Thomas Newman composed and conducted the original score. Newman has been nominated for...

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New gallery opens in Norway at Epcot inspired by "Frozen"

Disney publicity photoA gallery featuring Norwegian culture inspired by the new film "Frozen" has opened in Epcot's Norway pavilion at Disney World.The gallery contains items from the the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum from Decorah, Iowa and includes: an authentic hand-made bunad, the traditional costume of Norway, handmade instruments, furniture and painting. Some artifacts date back as early as the 1200s, according to the Disney Parks ...

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Disney historical photo: Walt Disney in 'Snow White' trailer

To pitch his first animated feature film "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Walt Disney himself appeared in the trailer for the movie. Here he is with the dwarfs. The movie premiered on Dec. 21, 1937.&nb...

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'Kick-Ass' star will play Quicksilver in next Avengers movie, Scarlet Witch also cast

Marvel has cast two actors to play Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch in the next Avengers movie.Avengers cover  #185Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen officially joined the team as the brother-sister duo for Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," to be released May 1, 2015, according to the Marvel website.This is not the first time Taylor-Johnson has played a Super Hero, he portrayed Kick-Ass/Dave Lizewski in the "Kick-Ass" franchise. Olsen has...

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Hidden Mickeys at the Mickey's Star Traders in Disney World

If you are searching for Hidden Mickeys at Disney World the one place were you will find the jackpot is Mickey's Star Traders in Tomorrowland.Inside all of the murals are Hidden Mickeys, as well as the trademark ears in the center of the store. Here's a quick look at what you'll find:© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Liebman© Steven Lieb...

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Disney historical photo: A young Walt Disney in France in front of Red Cross ambulance he drove

Walt Disney dropped out of high school when he was 16 to join the U.S. Army to fight in World War 1, but because he was underage the army rejected him. After trying to find a way to help any way he could, he and a friend joined the Red Cross. After joining he was sent to France for a year to drive an ambulance, but it was after the war was over.Wikimedia Comm...

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Disney, Marvel, Muppets DVD and Blu-ray releases for December and 2014

The Muppets, Disney classics and a Marvel Super Hero Team-up  are scheduled for release on DVD and Blu-ray for December and early 2014.There are seven movies scheduled for release, including:Dec. 3, 2013"Man & Hulk: Heroes United" is an animated story teaming up the Hulk and Iron Man. "When 'Zzzax,' a seemingly invincible, energy-devouring monster, threatens to destroy the planet," the Hulk and Iron Man join forces.  "Alone, neither...

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Smile of The Day: Historic Walt Disney photo of him showing off Disneyland plans

In this historic photo from the Orange County Archives, Walt Disney shows off Disneyland plans to Orange County officials in December 1954. The men in the front row (left to right) are Anaheim Mayor Charles Pearson, Orange County Supervisor Willis Warner, Walt Disney, Supervisor Willard Smith, and Orange County Planning Commission Chairman Dr. W. L. Bigham. The photo was taken at Disney Studios in Burbank. Orange County Archives/Wikimedia Comm...

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Disney receives 3 top awards from the Themed Entertainment Association

Disney received two of the 10 Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement this year, including one for Mystic Manor and another for Enchanted Tales with Belle.The Themed Entertainment Association Thea Award is considered the industry's top honor. In addition, the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland received the Thea Classic award.Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland "signals a new generation of possibilities in the integration of projection mapping...

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Thanksgiving treats are this week's Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World

Disney publicity photoThanksgiving food treats are going to be this week's Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2013, pumpkin treats are on the menu for special offerings. Here are some, according to the Limited Time Magic website.At Disney World, the Magic Kingdom will offer pumpkin delicacies at Tony's Town Square Restaurant and Sleepy Hollow, as well as seasonal Starbucks offerings at Main Street Bakery. Pumpkin...

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Disney sets release date for 'Alice in Wonderland 2' for 2016

Photo by Caroline Bonarde UcciJohnny Depp at the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest London premiereDisney has set a release date for the the sequel to Johnny Depp's "Alice in Wonderland.""Alice in Wonderland 2" starring Depp as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as Alice will hit the big screen on May 27, 2016, Deadline.com has reported. "The Muppets" director James Bobbin will be directing the movie.The original movie made $1 b...

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Jingle Cruise mini-poster is next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World

As we have mentioned before the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland and Disney World have been transformed into the Jingle Cruise for the holiday season.The queue and the boathouse have been filled with decorations and the boats have been renamed with the holidays in mind. And the Skippers have a number of new holiday centric jokes.Now, to help celebrate, Disneyland and Disney World are offering free "Jingle Cruise" mini-posters as long as supplies last...

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Huffy coming out with Marvel Super Hero bikes

Super Hero bikes are on their way.Huffy is working with Marvel to develop bicycles based on Captain America, Spider-Man, The Avengers and The Guardians of the Galaxy.The colorful bikes will include emblems from the characters The Captain America bike comes with a shield and Spider-Man will have a Web Trap in the front. These should be out in the spring of 2014.Scooters and tricycles will feature interactive lights and sounds, according to a press...

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'Royal' tea being served on Disney Cruise Line

Disney publicity photoTea time on Disney Cruise Line is has turned royal.At the Royal Court Royal Tea on the Disney Fantasy children are are crowned as young princesses or dubbed as royal knights before being seated.Lady Chamomile, the Royal Tea Hostess, and Chef Brule, the Royal Pastry Chef, serve tea sandwiches, pastries, cupcakes and, of course, tea.During tea time, the kids will get a visit from various Disney Princesses who visit each table...

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Nikon named official camera at Disneyland and Disney World

Nikon has been named the official camera of Disneyland and Walt Disney World.The multi-year deal means Nikon will have branded Picture Spots throughout the two resorts. In addition, the Disney PhotoPass Photographers will use Nikon equipment exclusively, as well as Disney Fine Art Photographers at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons and  Adventure Guides with Adventures by Disney."The alliance between Nikon and Disney allows us...

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Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Disney Miller, dies at 79

Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney and one of the inspirations for Disneyland© Walt Disney  CompanyWalt Disney with his daughters, Sharon Mae (left) andDiane (on the right). died Tuesday at her home in Napa, Cailf., according to the Los Angeles Times. She was 79.Miller was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Los Angeles to Walter and Lillian Disney. She was the elder and only biological daughter of the Disney's. Her younger sister, Sharon...

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Disney holding special showing of 'Savings Mr. Banks' plus studio tour

Disney is holding a special one week showing of the upcoming "Savings Mr. Banks" film combined with a tour of the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, Calif.The movie and tour is $50 and will be held Dec. 13-19, 2013.Starring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks the film is about the making of "Mary Poppins." The special showings will take place at 7 p.m. followed by the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour, which showcases key locations that were featured in...

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New restaurant opening at Morocco Pavilion with view of Illuminations

A new outdoor cafe featuring a number of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks in front of the Morocco pavilion will open soon at Epcot in Disney World.Disney artist rendition of The Spice Road TableThe Spice Road Table will have a view of the World Showcase lagoon with 120 outdoor terrace seats for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The restaurant will also seat 60 inside and have Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art, according...

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Interactive graphic: 10 Fast Facts about Mickey Mouse

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse.Nov. 18 is considered Mickey's Birthday due to his first public appearance in "Steamboat Willie." To help celebrate Mickey's birthday here is an interactive photo with 10 fast facts about Mickey Mouse.  To see the facts place your mouse over The Mou...

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Disney Facts: Christmas 2013 at Disney World by the numbers

The holiday season is in full swing at Disney World with decorations, parades and shows. Here is a quick look at what it takes to bring the holidays to Florida:8.5 million: Lights strung throughout Walt Disney World© Steven Liebman35,800: LED lights used for the 70-foot-tall tree at the Contemporary Resort entrance lobby.1,314: Wreaths hung around all of the resort1,300:  Decorated trees throughout property300,000: Yards...

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'Phineas and Ferb's' Dr. Doofenshmirtz shows his bloopers and outakes on his weekly web series

If you haven't been keeping up with "Phineas and Ferb's" Dr. Doofenshmirtz on YouTube, now may be the time.The weekly web series "Doof's Daily Dirt," which features the opinions and ruminations of this "evil scientist trying to take over the Tri-State area -- and also the Internet in his spare time" is hilarious.This week's episodes gives us a behind-the scenes look at bloopers and outtakes from his weekly web series. "Hello there, internet-types. This week we’re going to run a clip show. It's like recycling, only we're just going to show the bloopers,...

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Courtyard hotel in the Marriott Village finishes renovations near Disney World

Publicity photo by Marriott of Courtyard MarriottA new board giving out information on area attractions and an updated dining area are are the two key parts of the renovations which took place at The Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village near Disney World.A new 52-inch, interactive GBoard displays local weather conditions, provides driving directions, offers the latest flight information and offers tips about things to do in...

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Special holiday shows are part of next Limited Time Magic at Disney World

Disney publicity photoSpecial holiday shows are part of the next Limited Time Magic in Disney World.A special Holly Jolly Trolley show from the citizens of Main Street, U.S.A. and a Wishes and Celebrate the Magic with special holiday finale are the focus of the special event which will take place Nov. 15 to Jan. 4, 2014, according to the Limited Time Magic website.&nb...

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Special World of Color - Winter Dreams viewing area is next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland

Disney publicity photo of the holiday World of Color show.A special viewing area for the new "World of Color – Winter Dreams" is the next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland.From Nov. 18-24, 2013 with a FastPass and Glow with the Show Ears guests will have access to a special viewing area, according to the Limited Time Magic website.Access to the viewing area is on a first-come first-serve basis....

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Petition started to save Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at Disneyland

No one likes it when Disney decides to retire one of its attractions or shows. Over the years well over 100 have closed between Disneyland and Disney World.Disney publicity photoEach time a ride fades into Disney lore there is outrage and consternation.This scenario is playing out again in Disneyland. Earlier this month we reported that after more than 20 years Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will be retiring from the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. There...

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Disney Facts: A look at World of Color-Winter Dreams

The California Adventure has added a new version of the World of Color featuring the characters from the upcoming Disney animated movie "Frozen."Disneyland publicity photo.Programming for the “World of Color-Winter Dreams," which is in seven sequences, took three months, according to a Disney press release.The new show is also coming from a new system with more than 17 million pixels in the screen. More than 700 high-power, color, LED strobe lights...

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Harrods to open Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in its London store

Harrods is bringing a little bit of Disney to its London department store.Disney publicity photoDisney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a beauty salon which turns girls 3-12 into princesses, will open at Harrods alongside a new Disney Store and Disney Café.On Nov. 25, the boutique will open and has been reimagined for the UK with the help of Walt Disney Imagineering, according to a press release.Last year Disney UK and Harrods opened up a...

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Disney planning to bring "The Princess Bride" to Broadway

Inconceivable?Not all. Disney Theatrical Productions is looking to bring the "The Princess Bride" to the stage, according to Variety. Whether this will be a straight play adaptation of the the book written by William Gldman or become a musical is not known yet. In 2007, an attempt was made to turn it into a musical by Adam Guettel.The popular 1987 movie was directed by Rob Reiner and stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn,...

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Disney releases 2015 Disney Cruise Line itineraries

Disney has released its cruise sailing schedule for 2015 out of Florida to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries.The four cruise ships will sail from Port Canaveral on numerous itineraries. Bookings open to the public on Nov. 14, 2013. According to a Disney news release, here are the various itineraries:Disney publicity photo of  the Disney Dream at Castaway Cay.Three-night Bahamas. The Disney Dream sails to Nassau...

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Disney announces new line of toys and clothing based on upcoming "Frozen" film

In anticipation of the upcoming movie "Frozen" Disney has released a number of product collections, including stuffed animals, dolls, clothes and home decor."Frozen" centers around Anna as she teams up with Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven to find her sister Elsa, whose ice powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Here are some of the products being released:Anna & Elsa Costume Nightgown that features puff sleeves...

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Thor finishes first in the U.S. box office

"Thor: The Dark World" finished in first place at the box office during its first week of release with $86.11 million.Worldwide the movie has now grossed $327 million and has already surpassed the previous movie's box office take. The movie opened up in the U.S. stronger than the original Thor movie - which opened at $65.72 million in 2011. "Without adjusting for ticket price inflation, Thor: The Dark World delivered the ninth largest opening weekend...

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