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),...

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

© Steven LiebmanThe 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.&nb...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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. 6Cinderella Castle Forecourt...

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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...

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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 ElevationThe 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...

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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...

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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 Lieb...

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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...

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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 photoTerraTrick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein Chick’n Breast Chili Colorado with House-made Chips...

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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.Which is your favorite Disney Dog?...

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

© Steven LiebmanIt'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 Characte...

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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...

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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 Lieb...

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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 WilliamsThe 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...

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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 Lieb...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 LiebmanBut 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...

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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...

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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...

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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, D23announced 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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 photoThe 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...

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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...

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

Disneyland publicity photoA 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 photoFrom 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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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