Bradley Cooper will join cast of Marvel's 'Guardians of The Galaxy'

Bradley Cooper will voice Rocket Raccoon in Marvel's upcoming "Guardians of The Galaxy" movie, Marvel has announced.

Cooper will join Chris Pratt (who will voice Peter Quill), Zoe Saldana (who will voice Gamora) and Dave Bautista (who will voice Drax).

The Guardians of the Galaxy is about a futuristic group of beings which must join forces to, of course, defeat a big bad. Think of The Avengers with a team consisting of a resurrected super human (Drax), a raccoon who shoots laser weapons (Rocket Raccoon), a resurrected spy who is a highly accomplished athlete, gymnast, and hand-to-hand combatant (Gamora) and a NASA astronaut who, let's just say it's all a bit complicated (Peter Quill).

Or as the Marvel wiki explains: "Even the 31st Century needs heroes, and the call has been answered by the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team of superhuman and extraterrestrial adventurers dedicated to the safeguarding of the Milky Way Galaxy from any force that threatens the security or liberty of its various people."

Cooper has previously starred in "Silver Linings Playbook" and the "Hangover" trilogy.

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Citizens of Main Street return for next Disney World Limited Time Magic

© Steven Liebman

The Citizens of Main Street are back again for a Limited Time Magic at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.

Starting Sept. 1, 2013, the group will be performing their seasonal showcase on the trolly down Main Street, U.S.A. as part of the Fall Trolley Show.

The Citizens have come out before with a Spring and Summer show. 

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Disneyland Limited Time Magic is celebrating Oswald

The next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland will focus on Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

On Sept. 5, 1927, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit debuted in a short film titled "Trolley Troubles" and to celebrate the anniversary, it's all things Oswald, according to the Disney website.

Clarabelle's in Disney California Adventure Park will have the Oswald Ice Cream Sundae in a souvenir Red Car Trolley cup.  Oswald's or Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park will have Oswald-inspired merchandise.

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James Spader will be the villain in Marvel's 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'

James Spader, last seen as the strange Robert California in "The Office," will play the big bad in the next Avengers movie, Marvel announced on its website.

Ultron (left) and James Spader (right)

Spader will play Ultron in the "Avengers: Age of Ultron." The film, from writer/director by Joss Whedon is scheduled for release on May 1, 2015.

Spader earned three Emmy Awards for his role as Alan Shore on "Boston Legal" and "The Practice," and will return to television this fall in NBC's highly anticipated series "The Blacklist."

Ultron is probably the greatest and most horrific creation Dr. Henry Pym ever created in his New Jersey Lab. "Ultron is a criminally insane rogue sentient robot dedicated to conquest and the extermination of humanity," according to the Marvel Universe Wiki.

Whedon recently told Entertainment Weekly that he is going to try to find a way to humanize "the angry bot." “He’s always trying to destroy the Avengers, goddamn it, he’s got a bee in his bonnet. He’s not a happy guy, which means he’s an interesting guy."

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Disney Facts: 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon

The Disneyland Half Marathon kicks off this weekend with runners going through Disneyland, California Adventure and the streets of Anaheim.

The event which takes place Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 is premiering a new collection of medals, including the Dumbo Double Dare, a large D for the half marathon and the inaugural 10K medal with Alice from Alice in Wonderland in a cup and Alice and the White Rabbit.

Here's a look at the event, by the numbers:

17,800: Runners registered for the half marathon

Disney publicity photo

8,400: Runners registered for the 10K (includes 5,300 in Dumbo Double Dare)

8,217: California residents are in the half marathon

5,300: Runner registered for Dumbo Double Dare

5,210: Southern California residents in the half marathon

5,000: Runners registered for the 5K

1,500: Runners registered for Kids Races

276: Active military are running in the Disneyland Half Marathon

81: The age of the oldest female running Dumbo Double Dare (and oldest runner for the overall 

weekend)

80: The age of the oldest male running

54: People celebrating birthdays by running the Half Marathon

50: States plus District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are represented

18: People celebrating birthdays by running the 5K

15: Countries represented

14: The age of the youngest runners in Dumbo Double Dare and the Half Marathon

13: People celebrating birthdays by running the 10K

Source: Disneyland

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Aladdin goes into previews on Broadway starting February 2014

Disney's 1992 animated classic "Aladdin" will be starting previews on Broadway starting in February 2014, according to broadwayworld.com.

Previews will begin at the the New Amsterdam Theatre Feb. 26 with a possible March 20, 2014 opening night.

Group sales are now available at aladdinbroadway.com.

The play has a pre-Broadway engagement at Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre Nov. 1, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014. The show features music by Alan Menken; lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin with a book by Beguelin. Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph.

Toronto is the first staging of this full-length two-act Aladdin, it will include the five songs from the film in addition to others.

Previous live versions included Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular at Disney California Adventure, regional productions of the show licensed and versions of the script which have been available to schools.

Aladdin will be designed by six-time Tony winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, three-time Tony winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.

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Night of Joy schedule of performers announced

The Night of Joy weekend returns to Disney World this September for the 31st year.

Francesca Battistelli is one of the performers
scheduled to perform at the Night of Joy weekend. 

The Contemporary Christian music festival will be held at the Magic Kingdom Sept. 6 and Sept. 7. It is an after-hours event, from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., and requires a a special ticket.

Here's the complete schedule of performers:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage
7:40 p.m.: Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith
9:50 p.m.: MercyMe
11:55 p.m.: Skillet

Galaxy Stage
7:30 p.m.: Audio Adrenaline
8:50 p.m..: Audio Adrenaline
10:25 p.m.: Mandisa
12:10 a.m.: For King and Country

Rockettower Plaza Stage
8:15 p.m.: City
9:40 p.m.: We As
11:20 p.m.: Moriah Peters

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage
7:40 p.m.: Francesca Battistelli
9:30 p.m.:  Gospel Music Association Winner Steven Musso
9:50 p.m.: TobyMac
11:55 p.m.: Newsboys

Galaxy Stage
7:30 p.m.:  Matthew West
8:50 p.m. : Matthew West
10:25 p.m.: Group 1 Crew
12:10 a.m.: Building 429

Rockettower Plaza Stage
8:15 p.m.: City Harbor
9:40 p.m.: We As Human
11:20 p.m.: Plumb

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Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom opening this Fall

Disney photo from Disney Parks Blog.

Workers have started placing some finishing touches on the exterior of the Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The hall will be the new home for Disney princesses in the Magic Kingdom. The castle-like entrance features walls of stone and stained glass windows opening up into a large gallery – an airy space with a high ceiling – where portraits of the Disney princesses will be placed on the walls.

After waiting on line, the guests will head from the waiting area to a chamber to meet the princesses.

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Great Irish Hooley returns to Disney World on Labor Day Weekend

The Great Irish Hooley returns to Disney World this Labor Day Weekend.

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in in Downtown Disney will host the four-day event from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

Disney publicity photo of Elevation

The hooley, Irish slang for party, consists of Irish bands playing traditional, folk and rock tunes on the restaurant stage, Irish dance workshops and Celtic face painting.

“Last year’s hooley was such a success that we started planning early this year to invite the best of Irish bands and entertainers,” John Cooke, a Raglan Road founding partner and native of Ireland, said in a Disney press release.

The entertainment will include:

Scythian playing kicked-up Celtic and world music infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility.

Lisa Canny, musician-singer-songwriter from Ireland’s west coast will entertain with traditional and folk music featuring her contemporary flair.

Elevation, the leading U2 tribute band on the planet, will rock the crowd with the best of U2.

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6 tips for surviving the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is less than a month away. If you plan to attend any of the 46-day event get ready for a lot of food, wine, people and a little more rowdy behavior than you may be used to at Disney World.

There are more than 25 kiosks of food and drink to choose from. Here are six quick tips on how to enjoy the festival:

1. Go during the week. Stay away from the festival on weekends if you can. Local residents come out in force to make the crowds daunting -- maybe not to the level of you would see during major holidays, but it's crowded enough to make the World Showcase hard to navigate. 

2. Go at lunch time. Even when it isn't Food & Wine time, the World Showcase gets more crowded in the evening as people arrive for dinner at Epcot's restaurants. Now imagine all of those people milling around and standing in food lines rather than going into restaurants. When you get crowds eating and drinking, you also get a bit of rowdier bunch than usual. It can also be harder to endure the long lines for food and beverages and to find a place to safely eat. There are fewer people around during the lunch and early afternoon hours, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the food and the company.

3. Buy a wristband gift card. These cards can be used at any of the kiosks and can also be used to purchase non-food items. The gift card is a perfect way to stay on a budget -- put the amount you want to spend on the card and then you can walk around see what looks interesting and swipe the card. The card can be recharged, so it's easy to add another $10 for an extra Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle or a Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket. Prices for the food range from $3 to $7.

4. Graze and share. The festival is the ultimate tapas bar. There are more than 25 kiosks, or what Disney likes to call Marketplaces, each with main courses, drinks and desserts. That's a lot of food to sample. Walk around and see what's interesting. Also think about splitting each of the dishes. Yes, this means you might get only one or two bites of something, but it will also give you the opportunity to taste many things without stuffing yourself. And if you go for a couple of days, you can always go back for seconds another time. It doesn't hurt to go in with a little game plan ahead of time. 

5. Share a table and meet new people. Everyone likes to eat. And everyone will share their opinion. As you walk around the festival you will see tables set up. Don't be afraid to share them with strangers. It's a good opportunity to not only meet new people, but ask what they have tried and find out what they recommend. You might get some good ideas.

6. Splurge for a seminar. You might think it's not worth spending the big bucks to attend a food seminar, but it is. The amount of food and drinks provided is more than you might expect -- from food and wine pairings, to cocktails, to tasting menus. And the experts do know what they are talking about and can provide you with good insight on drink and food preparation as well as some history of what you're sampling.

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Smile of The Day: Mickey and Minnie topiaries at the Magic Kingdom

Every time I head to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, I look for the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse topiaries which always are placed in different locations.

© Steven Liebman

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Smile of the Day: Spaceship Earth and Itsukushima Shinto Shrine at night

Night time photography is always fun, especially when trying to capture Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Disney World.

Here, the photo is taken at the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase area. In the foreground is the replica of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. The actual shrine, located on the Japanese island of Itsukushima dates from the 12th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine plays on the contrasts in colour and form between mountains and sea and illustrates the Japanese concept of scenic beauty, which combines nature and human creativity," according to the UNESCO site.

© Mary Liebman

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Menu for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival released

If you're getting ready for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Disney World or still thinking about a quick trip, you'll have more than 25 kiosks of food and drink to choose from.

Here is a look at the kiosks and menu planned for the 46-day long event, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Disney publicity photo

Terra

• Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein Chick’n Breast Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese featuring Gardein Beefless Tips 
• Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce
• Fresh Watermelon Juice
• Napa Smith Organic IPA
• The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
• The Vegan Vine Red Blend

Brazil

• Seared Scallop with Ragout of Tomatoes, Peppers, Hearts of Palm and Steamed Rice
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro
• Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato White
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Argentina

• Beef Empanada
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
• Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
• Terrazas Reserva Malbec
• Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
• Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon

Australia

• Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini
• Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
• Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s Berries and Vanilla Custard)
• Rosemont Estate Pinot Grigio
• Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay
• Rosemont Estate Merlot
• Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz

Mexico

• Shrimp Taco with Purple Cabbage
• Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle
• Rice Pudding
• Dos Equis Beer
• Sangria
• Tequila Flight
• Mango-Habanero Margarita

Singapore

• Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut and Jasmine Rice
• Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce
• Tiger Beer
• Marqués de Caceres Satinela
• Singapore Sing featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring (garnished with Cherry Man Farm-to-Market All-Natural maraschino cherry)

China

• Mongolian Beef in a Steamed Bun
• Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
• Chicken Potstickers
• Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, Chocolate)
• Tsing Tao Beer
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
• Kung Fu Punch with Vodka
• Happy Lychee with Vodka
• Lychee Aerated Water

South Korea

• Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce
• Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
• Bohae Black Raspberry Wine – Bokbunjajoo
• Jinro Chamisul Soju
• Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Africa

• Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap
• Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket
• Man Vintners Chenin Blanc
• The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier)
• Porcupine Ridge Syrah

Cheese

• Almond Crusted Blue Cheese Soufflé with Fig Jam
• Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard
• Goats Gouda
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Lost Slipper Sauvignon Blanc
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Fairest Chardonnay
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Big Bad Red Blend
• Once Upon a Vine’s A Charming Pinot

Brewer’s Collection

• Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Warsteiner Premium Verum
• Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
• Radeberger Pilsner
• BraufactuM Palor
• BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer
• BraufactuM Darkon
• Beer Flight 1: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Altenmünster Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
• Beer Flight 2: Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Palor, BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer, BraufactuM Darkon

Germany

• Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham & Cheese)
• Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
• Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Braufactum Darkon
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
• Weingut Pitthan Dornfelder Dry Barrique Style

Poland

• Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
• Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup)
• Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
• Temptation Zinfandel
• Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Italy

• Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana
• Salsiccia e ‘Papacelli” Napoletani
• Cannoli al Cioccolato
• Moretti Beer
• Moretti La Rosa
• Procecco
• Pinot Grigio Placido
• Chianti Placido
• Italian Margherita

American Adventure Coffee Cart

• Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee – Made with Kahlua, Vanilla and Caramel. Served Hot or Frozen

Hops & Barley

• Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise
• New England Clam Chowder with a side of Tabasco
• Craisin Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager
• Samuel Adams Octoberfest
• Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat
• Rogue Chocolate Stout
• Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée
• Beer Flight 1: Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat, Rogue Chocolate Stout

Florida Local

• Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles
• Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Micro Cilantro
• Cigar City Brewing Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale
• Orlando Brewing, Sun Shade Organic Pale Ale
• Florida Orange Groves, Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria
• Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine

Japan

• California Roll
• Spicy Hand Roll
• Teriyaki Chicken Hand Roll
• Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables
• Sapporo Draft Beer
• Sake: Junmai Ginjo
• Green Tea Colada

Morocco

• Kefta Pocket
• Harissa Chicken Roll
• Baklava
• Casa Beer
• Ksar White
• Sangria
• Mimosa Royale

New Zealand

• Gratinated Green Lip Mussels with Garlic and Herbs
• Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
• Venison Sausage with Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Arugula and Black Currant Reduction
• Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
• Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
• Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Belgium

• Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef
• Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
• Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s® Berries and Whipped Cream
• Hoegaarden
• Stella Artois
• Leffe Blonde
• Leffe Brune
• Beer Flight 1: Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Leffe Brune
• Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

France

• Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
• Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes)
• Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
• Beer Kronenbourg Blanc
• Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
• Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (Vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)

Ireland

• Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
• Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig
• Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s Custard
• Guinness Draught
• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
• Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen

Canada

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
• Moosehead Lager
•  La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine
• La Face Neige Sparkling
• Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

Greece

• Taste of Greece: Grilled & Marinated Calamari, Hitipiti, Eggplant Dip, Olives and Pita Bread
• Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
• Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
• Spanakopita
• Dannon Oikos Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt
• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah
• Ouzo by Metaxa

Refreshment Port

• Dole Pineapple Fritters
• Fried Shrimp with Dole Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Fried Chicken Chunks with Dole Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Orange Dole Whip
• Orange Dole Whip with Crème de Cacao White
• Dragon Berry Colada featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum

Desserts & Champagne

• Chocolate Orange Cupcake
• Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
• Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse
• Dessert Trio
• Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
• Frozen S’mores
• PyramidWeiss Cream Beer
• Möet & Chandon Ice Impérial
• Möet & Chandon Impérial
• Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé

Hawai’i

• Klua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
• Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale
• Kona Brewing Company’s Pipeline Porter
• Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Réserve
• Aulani Sunrise featuring Ocean Vodka

Scotland

• Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
• Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes
• Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
• Innis & Gunn Original
• Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich 12 year
• Glenfiddich Scotch Flight (12, 15 and 18 year)

Craft Beers

• Dogfish Head Brewery, Namaste
• Abita Brewing Company, Fall Fest
• Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy, (Summer Shandy/Orange Shandy)
• Florida Beer Company, Devil’s Triangle
• New Belgium Brewing Company, Fat Tire
• Widmer Brothers Brewing, Alchemy Ale
• Red Hook, Audible Ale
• Sierra Nevada, Torpedo Extra IPA
• Beer Flight 1: Dogfish Head Brewery Namaste, Abita Brewing Company Fall Fest, Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Shandy, Florida Beer Company Devil’s Triangle
• Beer Flight 2: New Belgium Brewing Company Fat Tire, Widmer Brother s Brewing Alchemy Ale, Red Hook Audible Ale, Sierra Nevada Torpedo

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The Dog Days of Summer is the Limited Time Magic in Disney World

The Dog Days of Summer are coming to Disney World as part of the next Limited Time Magic.

From Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, 2013, some of Disney's favorite dogs, Pluto, Bolt and Dug and even Stitch will be dancing at the Rockettower Plaza State in Tomorrowland. There will also be games and food available. 

All of which raises the question, which Disney Dog is your favorite? So take the poll and let us know which is your favorite dog.

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End of summer party at the pier is next Limited Time Magic in Disneyland

© Steven Liebman

It's the last blast of summer at the California Adventure in Disneyland.

Paradise Pier  is the center of attraction for the next Limited Time Magic from Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, 2013.

The boardwalk will be bustling, according to Disney, with favorite Disney Characters.

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Posters bring a smile around the Tangled rest area in Disney World

Detail work is very important around all of the Disney parks. Whether it is the color of a building, creation of a ride or even the costumes the cast members wear.

Even the posters placed on the side of a building are thought out, from typography to photos. The Tangled rest area at the edge of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World not only was constructed with great architectural detail, but the posters placed around the rest area are hilarious.

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Smile of The Day: Dancing Pluto

The Tomorrowland Dance Party in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World is always a fin respite, especially when Pluto comes out to show his dance moves.

© Steven Liebman

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Roddick and Williams to appear at Mylan WTT event in Disney World

Andy Roddick and Venus Williams will appear at the Mylan WTT Smash Hits, a charity night of tennis at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

Venus Williams

The tennis action will take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 as part of the event being co-hosted by Billie Jean King and Sir Elton John.

Additional players will be announced in the coming weeks, according do a Disney press release.

“For more than 20 years, Mylan WTT Smash Hits has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful events in tennis,” King said in the release.

Last year’s Mylan WTT Smash Hits in Pittsburgh raised a record $1 million, bringing the 20-year total to more than $11.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and various local AIDS charities since 1993.

Tickets for Mylan WTT Smash Hits go on sale at 10 a.m. on Sept. 9. Prices from $50 to $125 and can be  ordered through www.WTTSmashHits.com or ticketmaster.com.

Roddick, who is playing in his 9th Smash Hits event, is a former world No. 1. Roddick won 30 singles titles on the ATP Wo

rld Tour, including the 2003 US Open and was ranked in the top 10 for nine consecutive years.

Williams participated in her first Smash Hits in 1997, the only other time the event was held at Disney. The 4-time Olympic gold medalist has also won 44 career singles titles on the WTA Tour, including five Wimbledon singles championships.

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Smile of The Day: Mickey Mouse celebrating

Mickey Mouse is always fun to see, especially when he is partying at the Move It Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney Cruise Line bans smoking on stateroom verandahs

Smoking will no longer be permitted on stateroom verandahs on board Disney Cruise Line ships effective Nov. 15, 2013.

Disney publicity photo of stateroom.

People found smoking g in their staterooms or on their verandahs will be charged a $250 stateroom recovery fee.

The fee, according to Disney, covers a deep cleaning to include air filter replacement, carpet extraction, the cleaning and replacement of drapes, comforters, blankets, and pillows, along with verandah cleaning and maintenance

Portions of the open-air decks on each ship will be designated as smoking areas.

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California Grill to reopen in Disney World on Sept. 9

A view of the California Grill prior to the 

renovation.

After nearly seven months of renovations, the California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort will reopen Sept. 9, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The restaurant will start taking reservations Aug. 26 at www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE (3463).

The restaurant will come with a new menu featuring seasonal ingredients and an expanded sushi bar with a 12 course chef's choice menu. There will also be 250 choices on the wine list with 80 by the glass.

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Petco releasing a Star Wars line for pets

Star Wars fans will soon be able to bring the Force to their pets.

Lucasfilm and Petco are releasing a new line of collars, apparel and toys for dogs and cats inspired by Star Wars characters on Sept. 1, according to the Star Wars blog.

Think of it is outfitting your Petawan. 

"Many Star Wars fans have taken it upon themselves to create fantastic costumes for their pets, and now Petco offers products that are not only creative and fun, but also safe for pets," Elisabeth Charles, chief marketing officer from Petco Animal Supplies, said on the blog.

Some of the products include:

• Dog hoodies featuring Chewbacca, Jedi, Sith, or mysterious bounty hunter.
• Pet beds in either a Yoda or Darth Vader theme.
• Cat toys with a catnip mouse toys dressed as Chewbacca, Yoda, Darth Vader, or Stormtroopers, as well as themed ball and teaser toys.
• Dog toys themed as Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Jabba the Hutt, Chewbacca, Yoda, Boba Fett, C-3P0, or R2-D2.
• Matching collars and leads in Princess Leia pink, Death Star print, Yoda green and Star Wars hero blue are available for dogs and cats.

For the complete collection and a list of special events taking place head over to the Star Wars blog. On Sept. 1, the petco.com/starwars site goes live where you can see and purchase the line of of products.

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Disneyland will host Thor exhibit this fall

This fall Disneyland will allow guests to visit Asgard and and learn more about Thor.

In preparation of for the upcoming movie “Thor: The Dark World,” opening Nov. 8, 2013, Disneyland will bring people face to face with Thor and his world, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Disneyland has already had a Marvel experience tis sumer with Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries when "Iron Man 3" opened.

Could this mean that next April, we will see a Captain America exhibit when "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" is due out.

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New surprises planned for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday edition

Ever since the Haunted Mansion Holiday edition at Disneyland was created 13 years ago, Imagineers have made changes every year.

© Steven Liebman

But this year, on the 13th anniversary, Disney is planning on a lot of new surprises, according to Brian Sandahl, Senior Designer, Show Development and Productions.

For those not familiar with this transformation, each Halloween into Christmas, the regular ghosts who occupy the Haunted Mansion are evicted and in their place are characters from "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas."

The plans for the 13th Haunted Mansion Holiday started about a year ago, Sandahl said in the Fall Edition of the Disney Debit newsletter for Disney credit card holders.

The first change begins in the Stretching Portrait Gallery "where a new animation effect will stretch imaginations to the screaming point."

That is the only small preview Sandahl gives.

The new mansion debuts on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013.

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A 90-second time-lapse video tour of Disneyland

If you want take a beautiful 90 second trip through Disneyland and California Adventure you must see this time-lapse video.

Produced by Matt Givot and Dan Douglas, the duo used over 20,000 images to create this tour.

"In one afternoon, we used timelapse photography to show some of the enchanting experiences guests from all over the world come to Disneyland to enjoy. The film gives a unique perspective of the colorful lights, moving crowds and entertaining rides," Givot writes on his Vimeo page. 

Welcome to The Magic - A Disneyland Timelapse from Givot on Vimeo.

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Familiar Limited Time Magic returns to Disneyland and Disney World this week

Two familiar Limited Time Magic events return to Disneyland and Disney World this week.

From Aug. 19 to Aug. 25, 2013, the Dapper Dans are bringing back the popular boy band medley show to the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. The groups has done this a couple of times this year already.

During the same time in Disneyland another Long Lost Friends Week is taking place at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland. From Merlin to Hercules and Meg to Tarzan, Jane and Terk, characters who do not normally make appearances will be at the park to meet guests.

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Exclusive Disney Princess inspired dresses are going up for auction

Looking for an exclusive Disney Princess-inspired dress? You could now buy one.

The 10 exclusive dresses that were recently on display at the D23 Expo in California and were showcased in the 2012 Harrods Christmas window displays are going up for auction, D23

announced recently.

The dresses were designed by designers like Oscar de la Renta, Versace and Elie Saab and were inspired by Ariel, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana.

Christies will hold the auction Nov. 13, 2013 as part of its Vintage Coutre sale. The proceeds will go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. The hospital is located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Walt Disney first visited the hospital in 1951.

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Starbucks update at Disneyland: new locations opening

Here's a Disneyland Starbucks update.

The Downtown Disney District at Disneyland will get two Starbucks locations.

The first will be in front of the west entrance to the World of Disney and the second will be a kiosk location, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

This past year Starbucks has been opening locations in both Disneyland and Disney World. In addition to the two locations in Downtown Disney in Disneyland, Starbucks previously opened at the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in California Adventure park. This September you will be able to get Starbucks that the Market House inside the Disneyland park.

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Disney-inspired Vera Bradley collection available at Disney Parks in September

The Disney-inspired Vera Bradley collection will finally be available at the Disney Parks in September and online in October.

From a distance, the Disney designs look like any Vera Bradley bag -- bright and flowery, made of quilted cotton. But look closer and you'll see Mickey and Minnie frolicking among the flowers.

Two new designs -- one pink, one black -- will be used on duffel bags, totes and cosmetic bags, among other items.

The collection will be available in Disney World on Sept. 21, 2013 and in Disneyland on Sept. 23, 2013.

The premier event in Florida will begin 7:30 a.m. at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

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Disney unveils new favors and collections for birthday parties

Disney is releasing new birthday party collections featuring characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, according to a press release.

"The new Dream Party line fuses Hallmark's creativity and party expertise with the magic of Disney storytelling," Josh Silverman, executive vice president global licensing of Disney Consumer Products said in the release.

The Dream Party collection includes not only plates, napkins and party favors as well as activities and accessories. There are three separate packages available in four themes.

The four themed collections include:

Disney Princess: The Royal Event of the Year

Disney·Pixar Cars: The Brithday Grand Prix

Minnie Mouse: Minnie's Bow-tique Birthday

Spider-Man: Spider Heroes Unite

The three packages are

Room Transformation Kits: These include up to 22 pieces to decorate the ceilings and walls, balloon drops, hanging centerpieces (example: Disney Princess chandelier), snack caddies (example: Marvel's Spider-Man on the Brooklyn Bridge), doorway curtains and wearable items for the guest of honor (example: Minnie Mouse ears headband). Prices range from $3.49 to $8.49.

Create the Adventure: Games and activities that coordinate with the party theme and keep young guests entertained. Prices range from $2.99 to $7.49.

Remember the Fun: Kid-friendly souvenirs to send home. Prices range from $1.89 to $9.99.

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Disneyland and Disney World albums being released Aug. 20, 2013

What's your favorite Disneyland or Walt Disney World song?

Could it be "Yo Ho," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," or the "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room?"

All of the songs for the two parks will be available Aug. 20, 2013 as the official albums are released, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The two CD sets will be available around each of the Disney Parks and will also be able to download them at the Disney Music Store.

Here are the tracks on the albums.

The Walt Disney World Resort Official Album

Disc 1
All Aboard!
Flitterin’
The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room
Swisskapolka
Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)
The Bear Band Serenade
Splash Mountain Medley
Grim Grinning Ghosts
It’s a Small World
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Be Our Guest
The Little Mermaid Medley
Circus Parade
Casey Jr.
There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
Galactic Anthem
Spaceship Earth
Energy Adventure Medley
One Little Spark

Disc 2
Destiny
Test Track
The Seas with Nemo and Friends Medley
Soarin’
Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey)
Impressions de France
Golden Dream
Reflections of China Suite
The Three Caballeros
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Theme
The Throne Room
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motor, Action
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Hot Potato
It’s Tough To Be a Bug
CTX Theme

The Disneyland Resort Official Album

Disc 1
All Aboard!
Married Life
The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
Tarzan Medley
Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)
Grim Grinning Ghosts
Splash Mountain Medley
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Pecos Bill
Touch the Sky
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
The Fantasyland Dark Ride Suite
It’s a Small World Clock Parade
It’s a Small World
Steamboat Willie
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Disc 2
Submarine Voyage
The Throne Room
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro-Blasters
Space Mountain
Suitcase and a Dream
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf
Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Theme
Soarin’
The Bakery Theme
A Bug’s Life Suite
It’s Tough To Be a Bug
The Little Mermaid Medley
Midway Mania
The Cleaner
California Screamin’
Welcome to Radiator Springs
Funiculi Funicula
Radiator Springs Racers

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Disney World Marathon sold out, update on other Disney races

The 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon has filled to capacity making it one of the fastest marathon sell-outs in Disney history, according to a Walt Disney World press release.

Disney photo

The marathon sold out in four months, compared to five months it took for the 2013 marathon to sell out.

The 2014 the event is being expanded to five days, from Jan. 8-12, and includes The Dopey Challenge, the Half Marathon, the 10K and the 5K. Registration remains open for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge (running the Half Marathon and Marathon). And a limited number of individual registrations are still available for the marathon and half marathon through charity and tour groups. 

Here's an update on all of the other Disney running events.

Disneyland Half-Marathon, Aug. 30-Sept. 1
All of the events, including the Half-Marathon, 10K, Dumbo Double Dare, Family Fun Run 5K, and Kids Races are all sold out.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler, Oct. 4-5
While the 10-miler event at Disney World is sold out, the Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run is sold out and the Kids Races are 57 percent full.

Disney Wine & Dine & Half-Marathon, Nov. 8-9
The Half Marathon at this Disney World event  and Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K are sold out. Kids Races are 54 percent full and the Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste is 87 percent full.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Jan. 8-12, 2014
The marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K are sold out. The Kids Races are 51 percent full.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Jan. 16-19, 2014
The Half Marathon and Kids Races sold out quickly. The Tinker Bell 10K is 74 percent full. The Never Land Family Fun Run 5K is 77 percent full. 

Disney Princess Half Marathon, Feb. 20-23, 2014
The Half Marathon at Disney World, Disney Enchanted 10K and Glass Slipper Challenge are all sold out.

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Disney 'Planes' debuts in third place at the weekend box office

Disney's "Planes" debuted in third place at the weekend box office with $22.5 million, according to box-office.com.

Sony's "Elysium" brought in at estimated $30.5 million and "Where the Millers" brought in $26.56 million.

The 3D computer-animated adventure from Disney Toon Studios is a spinoff of Pixar's "Cars." The movie was originally supposed to be released as a direct to video but the studio heads thought the movie was good enough to be released in theaters.

"Planes" opened 66 percent below the $66.14 million debut of 2011's "Cars 2," according to Boxoffice.com.

Since 1980, "Planes" ranks 29 on the opening weekend Disney and Pixar list.

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Next Disneyland Limited Time Magic is a tour of the windows on Main Street

Disneyland publicity photo

A special tour of the traditions and history of Disneyland is part of the next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland.

In select small groups, guests will be on a tour with Jon Storbeck from Aug. 12 to 16, 2013, vice president of Disneyland Park at as part of the Min Street Windows Tour, according to Disney's Limited Time Magic site.

Storbeck is very knowledgeable about the park, having worked at the Disneyland Resort since 1983.

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Kids 6 to 13 can participate in The American Idol Experience as part of next Limited Time Magic

Normally you have to be at least 14 years old to be on stage and sing as part of The American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios in Disney World. But, the next Limited Time Magic will let younger guests audition.

Disney publicity photo

From Aug. 12 to Aug 18, 2013 according to the Disney Limited Time Magic site. children ages 6 to 13 will be able to participate as part of The American Idol Experience: Juniors Edition!,

The tryouts start with an a capella performance of a popular song. "And with the right kind of energetic impression," the you then get to move to the next round. After a quick karaoke-style audition backstage, three contestants will be chosen to compete in front of a live crowd.

Here is the list of songs contestants can choose from:

"Ain't Too Proud To Beg"
"Best of Both Worlds"
"Breakaway"
"Bubbly
"Circle of Life"
"The Climb"
"Colors of the Wind"
"Drops of Jupiter"
"Go the Distance"
"I Want You Back"
"Life is a Highway"
"Love Story"
"One Thing"
"Part of Your World"
"Reflection"
"Rock With You"
"The Story of Us"
"Stuck like Glue"
"This is Me"
"Walking on Sunshine"
"You'll Be in My Heart"

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Star Wars trilogies combo packs being released Oct. 8

This Fall, the Force can be with you.

The two Star Wars trilogies are going to be released in the the U.S. on Blu-ray/DVD combo packs, according to Star Wars.com.

Coming out on Oct. 8, 2013, the prequel trilogy (Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith) and original trilogy (Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi) will feature new cover artwork as well.

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Disney and other cruise lines voluntarily discloses alleged incidents onboard vessels

The Disney Cruise Line has started to voluntarily disclose all claims of alleged incidents on board Disney Cruise Line vessels.

Disney decided to start putting the information on its website under the its Safety and Security tab after the other three large cruise lines - Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian - started to release the figures after industry leaders were hauled before then Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

"Consumers deserve to know what rights and protections they have and, more importantly, do not have on their cruise," said U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, who chairs the senate committee.

Even with the disclosures by the four cruise lines, none of the companies say which vessels specifically were involved in the alleged incidents. 

According to a U.S. Senate report released last week, cruise lines reported 130 allegations of major crimes to the FBI in 2011 and 2012, but only 31 were made public.

In the first six months of 2013:

The Disney Cruise Line reported "one claim of alleged sexual assault by a crew member against another crew member; one claim of alleged sexual assault made by a passenger against another passenger; one claim of alleged rape made by a crew member against another crew member; and, one claim of alleged rape was made by a passenger against another passenger."

Norwegian Cruise Line reported one claim of alleged assault with bodily injury by a passenger, one claim of alleged sexual assault reported by a passenger.

Royal Caribbean International reported one claim of alleged assault with bodily injury by a passenger and one claim of alleged bodily injury by a crew member, six claims of alleged theft over $10,000 by crew members, one claim of alleged theft over $10,000 by an unidentified person, two claims of alleged rape by a passenger, two claims of alleged rape by a crew member, one claim of alleged sexual assault by a passenger and two claims of alleged sexual assault by crew members.

Carnival Cruise Line reported two incidents of alleged suspicious death of a passenger, four claims of alleged theft over $10,000, four claims of alleged assault with serious bodily injury, four claims of alleged rape by passengers and three claims of alleged rape by a crew member, one unidentified alleged claim of a rape,  three alleged claims of sexual assault by passengers and two alleged claims of sexual assault by a crew member.

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Walt Disney developing movie based on best-selling 'Artemis Fowl' series

Walt Disney Studios is developing a live-action movie based on the best-selling book series "Artemis Fowl."

The movie is being made in conjuction with producer Harvey Weinstein, according to a Walt Disney Studios press release. Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal will executive produce the project.

The movie will be based on the first and second installments of the series, written by Eoin Colfer. The screenplay is being written by Michael Goldenberg (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix).

Artemis Fowl "is about 12-year-old Artemis who is a millionaire, a genius - and above all, a criminal mastermind. But Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy (Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit) to harness her magic to save his family. These aren't the fairies of the bedtime stories - they're dangerous," according to the press release.

"With its balance of mystery, adventure and family appeal, Artemis Fowl is a natural fit for Disney," said Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production.

"I feel as though everything is coming full circle considering Bob DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal brought me this book while I was still at Miramax and within hours I told them I wanted the rights to the film." said Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company.

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Disney and Marvel unveil back-to-school collection

It's already time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping.

Fashionable apparel, backpacks, school supplies, home décor and digital apps are just some of the items Disney and Marvel are unveiling their back-to-school collection, according to a Disney Consumer Products press release.

Some of the products include:

The My Favorite Princess collection features Ariel with an assortment of dresses, fashion tops, tulle sparkle skeggings and accessories. Prices range fro $8.99 to $21.99 and are available at Kmart.

This Spider-Man tee for boys sports an allover print web pattern with metallic screen art accents, flocked character line art and a bright white vinyl eyes with embroidered trim. Price is $19.95 at the Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

Foodles snacks area available in seven varieties and offer combinations of fruits, vegetables and other sides like dips, raisins and crackers and cheeses in either a Mickey-shaped tray or Princess carriage tray. Prices range from $2.99 to $3.99 and are available at select grocery stores throughout the U.S.

This Spider-Man 11 piece art supply kit includes pencils, notebooks and other school supplies. Price is $14.95 and is available at the Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

Dusty and other characters from the upcoming movie "Disney Planes" are featured on kids footwear at Payless from sizes 5 to 15. Price is $19.99.

Rapunzel, Cinderella and Jasmine all appear on the Disney Princess Dress and Leggings Set for girls. The cotton dress features a handkerchief hem trimmed with glittering tulle. Price is $29.95 and is available at the Disney Store and DisnesyStore.com.

Minnie Mouse hair accessories are available from jcpenney. Price range is $6 to $10.

Hot Topic is featuring an Ariel t-shirt and tank collection, including the one pictured below. Price range is $20.50 to $24.50.

The Spider-Man backpack and lunch tote collection includes a personalizable backpack and lunch tote, an art supply kit and pencil box. Prices range from $8.95 to $34.95 and is available at the Disney Store and DisneyStore.com. The backpack and lunch tote sets are also available featuring Ariel and Jake and The Never Land Pirates.

The Ariel art supply kit is available at the Disney Store and DisneyStore.com for $14.95.

The Vans Marvel footwear collection features, Spider-man, Wolverine and The Avengers. Price ranges from $36.99 to $69.99 and is available at Journeys.

Forever 21 is launching the Marvel Comic Trend Shop for the real fan-girl. More than 20 items of apparel featuring characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Thor, Hulk and others are featured. Prices range from $6.80 to $22.80.

These Minnie Mouse-inspired Peep-Toe Ballet Flats are $85 at Nordstrom and Saks.com.

This Minnie Mouse Baseball Tee is for girls 6 to 16 for $18 at jcpenney.

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