New Disney Princess Wish Lights shoes and sneakers introduced

A new set of shoes and sneakers for girls featuring Disney Princesses and a new "Wish Lights" technology has been released by Stride Rite.

"Our proprietary light technology gives little princesses the incentive to keep moving and keep wishing with inspiration from their favorite Disney Princess character," Kiran Smith, vice president of Marketing of Stride Rite Children's Group, said in a news release.

The technology allows the heart-shaped princess gem affixed on the shoes to light up white with every step. After 2,000 steps, the gem lights up pink "to remind each little princess that it is time to make a wish. The more steps she takes, the more wishes she is able to make," according to the news release.

The two Mary Jane shoes and the two sneakers are modeled after Disney Princess characters and include:

The Ariel Mary Jane features a bright pink leather and sequins upper with a picture of Ariel and special Wish Lights feature. 

The Bell Mary Jane features a bright purple leather and sequins upper with a picture of Belle and special Wish Lights feature. 

The Aurora sneaker features a special tiara hook and loop closure, a cool and comfortable mesh lining and a bright pink leather and sequins upper with a picture of Aurora and special Wish Lights feature. 

The Cinderella Sneaker features a special tiara hook and loop closure, a cool and comfortable mesh lining and a silver leather and sequins upper with a picture of Cinderella and special Wish Lights feature.

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Disney Facts: Disneyland's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Legend has it that 74 years ago this Halloween something strange happened at the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney's California Adventure.

Disney publicity photo.

A storm descended upon the hotel and lightening struck the elevator shaft causing the elevator to plunge 13 stories. But before reaching the bottom of the shaft, the elevator and its five passengers disappeared.

Here are some quick facts about the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction, according to Disney:

At 183 feet tall, the Hollywood Tower Hotel is the tallest building in Anaheim.

The architectural style of the hotel is known as Pueblo Deco. Pueblo Deco was popular in the 1920s and is characterized by the clean, geometric shapes common to the Art Deco style while borrowing elements from southwestern Native American art.

The landscaping is designed to reflect what was typical of an upscale hotel in 1930s Southern California with  Chinese flame trees, magnolias, and various palm trees accent the building.

Music heard in the area includes jazz and popular tunes from the 1930s, such as “I Can’t Get Started With You” by Bunny Berigan, “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn, and “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.

One of the artifacts filling the hotel lobby is a vintage 1930s edition of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.” 

There are numerous references to “The Twilight Zone” television series, which ran or 156 episodes from 1959 to 1964. They include:

• A pair of broken spectacles representing “Time Enough at Last.” 
• A miniature spaceman from “The Invaders.” 
• A devil-headed fortune-telling machine from “Nick of Time.” 
• The signature on the Elevator Inspection Certificate in the Tower of Terror ride vehicles is  Cadwallader, the name the devil uses in “The Twilight Zone” episode “Escape Clause.”
• The storefront for “Willoughby Travel” at the attraction’s exit references the television episode “A Stop at Willoughby.”

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Disney debuts new Princess Pets toy line

Disney has figured out that little girls not only live Disney Princesses, but also Princess' pets.

In June, Disney launches a Disney Princess Palace Pets app, which shares the stories of how the palace pets met each of the Disney Princess characters. Now, Disney is releasing toys based off the app.

The toys includes figures, "plush" stuffed animals and play sets. The pets include Cinderella's puppy, Pumpkin; Aurora's kitten, Beauty; Snow White's Bunny, Berry; Belle's puppy, Teacup; and Ariel's kitten, Treasure, according to Disney Consumer Products.

Here are some of the toys now available, more will be rolled out in 2014, according to Disney:

Furry Tail Friends: The pets come with removable tiaras and styling brushes to groom their tails for $5.99 each.

Talking & Singing Pets: The figures speak and sing several phrases with the press of their locket. The fall collection includes Pumpkin (Cinderella's Puppy), Berry (Snow White's Bunny) and Treasure (Ariel's Kitty) for $12.99 each.

Pamper Me Pretty Plush: The stuffed animals are good for grooming and come with extra-fluffy tails and accessories for $24.99.

Pamper & Beauty Salon: This set is filled with primping accessories like a blow-dryer, mirror, and barrettes. Rapunzel's kitty, Summer, is included with magical color-change features that make her pink nails and makeup appear and disappear with water.

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New clothes and products launched based on 'Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

S.H.I.E.L.D. tank top from Cafepress.com for $29.50.

Want to dress like an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Now you can.

Marvel has released new products inculding T-shirts, a mug and an iPad mini case, according to Disney Consumer Products.

"This new consumer products line will give fans a great jumping off point to enjoy the new series and to extend their passion for Agent Coulson and the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization," said Paul Gitter, senior vice president, licensing, Marvel at Disney Consumer Products.

The series stars Clark Gregg reprising his role as Agent Phil Coulson from the "Marvel's Avengers" movie, Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Agent Grant Ward, Chloe Bennet as Skye, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz and Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Jemma Simmons.

The team is tasked with investigating the new, the strange and the unknown around the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. Think of it as the superhero version of the "X-Files"

The items can be purchased at ABC.com, Marvel.com, Hot Topic and other specialty retailers.

S.H.I.E.L.D. T-shirt available at Hot Topic for $20.50.

Agent Coulson iPad mini case from CafePress.com for $29.50.

S.H.I.E.L.D. mug from Cafepress.com for $15

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Chalk Art Festival is next Disney Limited Time Magic

The walkways around Downtown Disney in Disneyland and Disney World will become canvases for artists.

Disney publicity photo of chalk artists

The next Limited Time Magic at both resorts is the Downtown Disney Chalk Art Festival from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6, 2013.

Street painting dates back to the 16th Century when artists, who has been working on cathedrals, needed to make some extra money so they would recreate some of their paintings on the streets. These street painters were called Madonnari because they often painted images of the Madonna.

The modern street chalk festival began in the U.S. in the 1970s.

At Disney World, in addition to the festival, at the Art of Disney Gallery artist Greg McCullough will appear for a signing from 2 to 10 p.m. from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6.

At Disneyland, artist Miss Mindy will appear from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. from Oct. 4 to 5 as Disneyland celebrates the release of some new pieces in her collection at WonderGround Gallery, in addition to a special artist showcase by Haunted Memories—from 1 to 4 p.m. from Oct. 5 to 6.

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Snooki visits Disney World

Disney publicity photo of Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi

The Jersey Shore came to Disney World today. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi visited Disney World today with her fiancé Jionni LaValle and one-year-old son Lorenzo.

This Disney publicity photo, was taken inside the Italy pavilion in Epcot. Snooki, who is now a celebrity contestant on "Dancing with the Stars," came to fame as part of the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" from December 2009 to December 2012.

She has been the center of controversy first with the TV show, then with comments by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on how he hates the TV show and its portrayal of New Jersey and most recently with one New Jersey town trying to stop her and MTV from filming another show.

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Smile of the Day: Elephant Safari

Standing in line at the Jungle Cruise at Disney World gives you the opportunity to read all of the signs.  Here's one with the Elephant Safari Company.

© Steven Liebman

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Foodtopia debuts at Disney World in October

Disney publicity photo 

Seven restaurants at Downtown Disney in Disney World will present special three-course dinners for the month of October as part of Downtown Disney Foodtopia.

Think of it as restaurant month at Downtown Disney.

From Oct. 1 o Oct. 31, Bongo’s Cuban Café, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Planet Hollywood, Portobello, Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Wolfgang Puck Café will feature dinners for $30. Fulton's Crab House will have a special option for $60, according to a Disney press release. The three courses include a non-alcoholic beverage.

Some of the offerings include:

Wolfgang Puck Café: Garlic and white bean hummus, a Caesar salad or butternut squash soup. Entrees include pesto chicken, crispy pork loin or spaghetti Bolognese. Desserts are key lime pie, carrot cake or a brownie sundae.

Paradiso 37: Blackened mahi sliders, a hearty beef burrito or chicken enchiladas paired with a starter and dessert.

Planet Hollywood: Celebrity BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, lasagna or gargantuan Southwest Salad for entrée options.

Foodtopia is available between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Reservations can start being made Sept. 28 by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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Pirates are coming to Disney as next Limited Time Magic

Disney publicity photo

The Pirates are coming are coming to to Disneyland and Disney World as part of the next Limited Time Magic.

From Sept. 23 to 29, 2013 the two parks will celebrate the Pirate life, inspired by the "Talk Like a Pirate Day," according to Disney.

In New Orleans Square at Disneyland, the The Bootstrappers pirate band takes over the Sailing Ship Columbia. You can set sail to the Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer's Island, where you may meet Captain Jack Sparrow.

At the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Adventureland is taken over by the The Rusty Cutlass pirate band . Pirate Goofy and Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates make appearances. There is a special pirate pre-show before the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade.

Both Parks are also featuring the Pirates League. Both Disneyland and Disney World have special programs featuring pirate makeovers.

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Disney's Pixar moves 'The Good Dinosaur' release date to 2015

Next year Pixar will not release a movie in the theaters for the first time since 2005.

"The Good Dinosaur," which was scheduled for release on May 30, 2014, has been moved to Nov. 25, 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported.

This change creates a domino effect, moving back the "Finding Nemo" sequel "Finding Dory" to the summer of 2016.

This means the next Pixar movie coming out will be "Inside Out" on June 19, 2015, which is a look inside the brain of a young girl.

"Nobody ever remembers the fact that you slipped a film," Pixar's president, Ed Catmull told the newspaper, "but they will remember a bad film."

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Angry Birds Star Wars II is released

The next installment of everyone's favorite birds birds in space adventure has been released.

Angry Birds Star Wars II was released by Rovio Entertainment with what is being touted as the biggest lineup of new characters in an Angry Birds game, according to the Star Wars blog.

The latest game follows the story of Star Wars Episodes I-III and introduces characters such as young Anakin, Jango Fett, and Darth Maul. And for the first time, players can join the "Pork Side" and play as a bird or a pig.

"Angry Birds Star Wars II combines the rich worlds of both Angry Birds and Star Wars in a unique way featuring fan favorite characters from both the dark and light side of the Force," Jami Laes, EVP Games, Rovio Entertainment, said on the site.

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Smile of The Day: Waterfall View

Disney Imagineers have a talent of making mountains and waterfalls look real. Here at the Tangled rest area in the Magic Kingdom in Disney World is a mountain waterfall.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney to open new vacation club resort at the Polynesian in Disney World

Disney publicity photo of the Polynesian

Disney today confirmed that its next Disney Vacation Club resort will be at the Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Construction of the Disney's 13th Vacation Club property will begin next month and is expected to be complete in 2015, according to a Disney press release. In addition, other areas of the Polynesian will undergo refurbishment.

The resort is on the Monorail line next door to The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is scheduled to open Oct. 23.

DVC opened in October 1991 and is approaching 200,000 member families.

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Special Thor exhibit opening in Disneyland

A special Thor exhibit will be coming to Disneyland on Nov. 1.

Thor: Treasures of Asgard is a collection of objects brought to Earth straight from Asgard. Innoventions houses the collection and is also the location where the Bifrost, a cosmic bridge that allows Thor to travel between the Nine Realms, including Earth is located, according to the Marvel Blog.

After viewing the exhibit, guests will then be invited to take the Bifrost to Asgard to meet Thor .

The exhibit is opening in anticipation of the next Thor movie, "Thor: The Dark World," scheduled for release Nov. 8.

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Construction of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride in Disney World reaches a milestone

Work on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland in Disney World reached a milestone this week, according to Disney Imagineer Dave Minichiello.

© Steven Liebman

Construction of the Seven Dwarfs Mine

Imagineers were able to start a "push/pull test" meaning they were able to "start moving the ride vehicle by hand, zone by zone, through the attraction," he said during a live chat on the Disney Parks Blog.

The ride, which is scheduled to open in 2014, draws its inspiration from the classic mine scene in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

"The storyline is from the dwarfs’ perspective," Minichiello said, but still has characters from the classic films, including Snow White.

The coaster has both interior scenes as well as exterior. Because it is located in the middle of New Fantasyland people will be able to walk around 80 percent of the ride, Minichiello said.

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Smile of The Day: Pete's Dragon and CInderella Castle

A nice night time photo of Pete's Dragon in front of the Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom during the Main Street Electrical Parade.

© Steven Liebman

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Disney announces cast for 'Into the Woods' movie

Production has begun on Disney's movie version of the musical "Into the Woods" starring Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine and Tracey Ullman.

The movie is being made by Rob Marshall who directed "Chicago" and Disney's "Pirate of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."

The Broadway musical, with a book written by James Lapine, and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, won Tony awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical. It mixes the plots of a number of Brothers Grimm fairy tales and explores consequences of the characters' wishes and quests.

The characters come from the tales such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. The tale is brought together by an original story about a baker and his wife, and a Witch who puts a curse on them.

The movie is scheduled for release Dec. 25, 2014.

Disney, in a press released, announced the following cast:

• Meryl Streep as the Witch who wishes to reverse a curse so that her beauty may be restored.
• Emily Blunt is the Baker's Wife, a childless woman who longs to be a mother. 
• James Corden plays the role of the Baker, a hard-working man who desperately wants to start a family. Anna Kendrick is Cinderella.
• Chris Pine portrays Cinderella's Prince, charming and impossibly handsome, who is on an endless quest to find his bride.
• Johnny Depp is the Wolf, who sets his sights on Little Red Riding Hood.
• Lilla Crawford (from Broadway's "Annie") makes her feature-film debut as Little Red Riding Hood, a smart and spunky girl who journeys into the woods, finding unexpected adventures along the way.
•  Daniel Huttlestone is Jack, an absentminded and adventurous boy who trades his treasured cow for five magic beans. 
• Tracey Ullman is Jack's Mother, a poor and exasperated mom who is overwhelmed, yet fiercely protective of her son.
• Christine Baranski is the Stepmother who wishes for riches and grandeur; she'll do anything to marry off one of her daughters to a prince. 
• MacKenzie Mauzy plays Rapunzel, a sheltered young woman who experiences the world beyond her tower for the first time. 
• Billy Magnussen is the Prince who courts Rapunzel. 

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Disney princesses dressed in their princes' garb

Artist Haruki Godo has created a new look for Disney Princesses by costuming them in the clothes of their respective princes.

On his deviantArt website, Godo has showcased nine costume swap art pieces including Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel.

This proves that princesses can look just as good in long pants as they do in long dresses.

costume swap 2 by ~godohelp on deviantART
costume swap 3 by ~godohelp on deviantART
costume swap by ~godohelp on deviantART

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Disney Imagineers to hold live chat on new roller coaster on Sept. 16

Disney Imagineers will hold a live chat on Monday, Sept. 16, to talk about the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train scheduled to open next year in the Magic Kingdom, the Disney Parks Blog announced.

Disney publicity photo

The Parks Blog will hold the live chat at 2:15 p.m. with some of the Walt Disney Imagineers who are making not only the new roller coaster by the recently opened Princess Fairytale Hall. The work has been taking place in the New Fantasyland area of the the Magic Kingdom.

Jason Grandt, creative designers lead and Dave Minichiello, executive creative director will answer questions on the Disney Parks Blog.

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See what gets delivered to Muppet Labs in Disney World (Photos)

The pre-shows at Disney Parks are created to keep you occupied and entertained before heading into the main attraction.  The video presentation at the beginning of Muppet*Vision 3-D at Hollywood Studios in Disney World World is fun, but don't forget to check out the room itself.

In the front, under the suspended televisions are the boxes delivered to Muppet Labs. Take some time to read the boxes and see what types of things are received at the facility.

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

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Disney World is getting food trucks

Food Trucks are coming to Disney World.

Four food trucks will be heading down to the Downtown Disney each will be differently themed, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The trucks will include:

“Enchanted Fare” will serve favorites from all Disney Parks around the world.

“The World Showcase of Flavors” will feature items from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

“Superstar Catering” will have food "fit for a Hollywood set."

“Namaste Café” will have a feature of spices with dishes.

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Disneyland Paris fans sign petition against the park demanding higher standards

Broken rides, poor food and a lack of stage shows are part of petition seeking higher standards at Disneyland Parks, according to The Independent.

More than 5,000 park fans signed the petition, which as sent to Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger. Disney owns 39.8 percent of Disneyland Paris.

Guillaume Gallant , a Belgian theme park enthusiast started the petition after a recent visit where he says "that four of the shows had been cancelled, two attractions were closed and food in one of the most expensive restaurants appeared to have been re-heated," according to The Independent.

A spokesperson for Disneyland Paris says that “both The Walt Disney Company and the management of Disneyland Paris are dedicated to ensuring that our resort offers each of its guests a magical experience, according to the The Express.

Even before its opening in 1992 Disneyland Paris has had problems. At first, the construction of the park was controversial with critics calling the park "cultural imperialism" from America.

Financially the park did not see a quarterly profit until 1995 and has suffered from financial hardships since then. The park is owned partially by the Walt Disney Company and Euro Disney S.C.A. In 2002,  The Walt Disney Company agreed to write off the $100 million Euro debt that Euro Disney S.C.A. owed to The Walt Disney Company.

Last year the staff went on strike seeking a 4 percent pay increase compare to the 1.5 percent being offered.

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Special tour of Disneyland is next Disneyland Limited Time Magic

Opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland - now officially called Disneyland Park - has a rich history. And the next Limited Time Magic offers guests a special tour of the park.

©Steven Liebman

From Sept. 16 to 30, 2013, guests can take a special tour of Disneyland as part of the next Limited Time Magic.

The tour guide, according to Disney, will be a member of the Disneyland Ambassadors program. The program was created in 1965 by Walt Disney. The tour will discuss Disneyland and the history of the Disney parks, including the role of the Walt in the 1964-65 World's Fair.

To participate in the one-hour tour, registration is through the Disney Parks Blog.

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Special tour of Hollywood Studios is next Limited Time Magic

© Steven Liebman

A special tour of Hollywood Studios at Disney World is the next Limited Time Magic from Sept. 16 to Sept. 30, 2013.

An official Walt Disney World Ambassador will lead the tour and talk about the park, its history, fun facts, and a special "walk" through of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Space is limited and to register for the tour, which starts at 9:30 a.m., you must go to the Disney Parks Blog.

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Disney will release 'Ant-Man' early but push back next 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie a year

Disney will release "Ant-Man" four month earlier next year but move back "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" from 2015 to 2016.

The fifth installment of the Pirates series was to be released in the summer of 2015, but will be moved back to the summer of 2016 but is still working on a script, according to Deadline.com.

The studio has an advanced outline, but would need to start production by February, meaning they would have to prep off the outline. Instead, the studio decided to move back the movie for a year.

In the meantime, Disney pushed up the release of "Ant-Man" to July 31, 2015 from Nov. 6, 2015. The filmed, based on the Marvel comic book follows Henry Pym, a brilliant scientist who invents a way to change size. But when that experiment goes awry, he discovers a way to communicate with insects.

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Smile of The Day: Monkeying around

It's always fun to take some detail photos at Disney World. Here's one of the monkey in the water area at Storybook Circus in the Magic Kingdom.

© Steven Liebman

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Smile of The Day: Be Our Guest Restaurant at night

We have previously written and showed various photos of Disney World at night. Here is another of my favorites taken at a recent trip. Here is the entranceway to the Be Our Guest Restaurant at the New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.

© Steven Liebman

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Forget Siri, let Iron Man's Jarvis be your iPhone assistant

Who needs Siri when you can have JARVIS.

Yes, the same day Apple is unveiling a new iPhone, Marvel is releasing an app which lets JARVIS, from Iron Man, be your own assistant.

On Sept. 10, Marvel will release an app that will not only help control the Blu-ray of Marvel's "Iron Man 3"for a second screen experience with access to exclusive content, but also help with everyday things, according to Marvel.

The app will let you:

• Engage JARVIS through voice-activated commands
• Receive messages from JARVIS
• Download ringtones
• Post to Facebook 
• Check time, local weather as well as set alarms through the integrated clock mode
• Initiate media delivered in messages, including video, audio, image, ringtone or website
• Install unique ringtones

Now you have to hope if you say "Evening, JARVIS," it will reply, "Welcome home, sir"

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'Glow With the Show' ear hats coming to Disney World

Disney World visitors don't get all the good stuff from Disneyland -- Haunted Mansion Holiday, anyone? -- but we won't have to glow with envy over one thing much longer.

Disney Parks Blog

Disney is bringing its "Glow With the Show" Mickey Mouse ear hats to Florida.

The light-up hats will debut at Hollywood Studio's Fantasmic show on Oct. 15, the 15th anniversary of the show. A few days later on Oct. 19, they will synchronize with the "Wishes" fireworks show and "Celebrate the Magic" show at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom.

And during the holidays, you'll get "special surprises" if you wear your glowing ears during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

No word on whether they will be part of Illuminations at Epcot.

The hats cost about $25 a pair (compared to about $14 for the low-tech black ears) and discounts do apply.

But you don't have to buy the hats to get the full effect. In fact, the people standing behind you may get more out of them than you will. But if they catch on, the video below will show you what kind of show you'll be in store for starting next month at Disney World.


 

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Smile of The Day: Baloo smiles

Baloo, the sloth bear from "The Jungle Book" who leads a carefree life and believes in letting the good things in life come by themselves, smiles during a parade at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.

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'Saving Mr. Banks' will premiere at AFI Fest

"Saving Mr. Banks" will open the AFI FEST 2013 on Nov. 7, 2013.

The movie, starring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, and directed by John Lee Hancock will have its North American premiere at the festival.

"Saving Mr. Banks" is the untold story of how Walt Disney's classic "Mary Poppins" made it to the screen.

According to the official synopsis, when Walt Disney comes up against the curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer P.L. Travers, played by Emma Thompson, who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney's plans for the adaptation.


"For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn't budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp."

The screening of "Saving Mr. Banks" for the Opening Night Gala will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre, formerly Grauman's Chinese Theatre, where, almost 50 years ago in 1964, Disney's "Mary Poppins" premiered.

To celebrate both films, AFI plans to bring "Mary Poppins" back to the TCL Chinese Theatre for a special screening of the classic film over the weekend of the film festival.

The film will release in U.S. theaters on Dec. 13, 2013, limited, and open wide on Dec. 20, 2013.

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Disney Magic returns to dry dock for 're-imagining'

The Disney Magic is now returning to Spain for its "reimagineering." The ship will be in dry dock in Cardiz, Spain from Sept. 7 to Oct. 10, 2013 and relaunch from Miami.

Disney rendering of Avengers Academy.

Disney rendering of Disney Magic.

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For the first time Marvel characters will be introduced to the Disney Cruise Line. The ship will also have a new lobby, new water thrill ride and additional interactive features.

“Walt Disney was a master storyteller and knew how to engage people’s emotions into stories. Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it to the experiences on board our ships,”  Joe Lanzisero, senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a press release.

The highlights of the revamp include:

The Lobby: The three-deck lobby features hand-tufted, custom-made carpet, the art deco atrium chandelier is inspired by rays of the sun and the glisten of the surface of the ocean The lobby’s centerpiece is a cold-cast bronze statue of “Helmsman Mickey.”

The Play area: Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to 3- to 12-year-old children, is re-imagined area that transports children to the magical realms of brave super heroes, adventuresome toys, fanciful fairies and Mickey Mouse’s club.

In the Oceaneer Club will be the Marvel’s Avengers Academy where super hero recruits will head on a multi-day, immersive experience where they interact with Marvel characters. Adjacent to Marvel’s Avengers Academy is Andy’s Room, where stars of the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy come to life in a multi-level space. Next door is Pixie Hollow, where Tinker Bell’s teapot house serves as a costume closet. In addition is the  Mickey Mouse Club, another new children’s area for arts and crafts.

Water fun:  The upper ship decks are being redesigned to contain the AquaDunk, a three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch. Riders step inside a translucent tube and await the near-vertical launch that takes place when the floor beneath them opens like a trap door. The drop sends guests through a translucent tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.

The AquaLab is an interactive water playground with pop jets, geysers and bubblers. The Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide is  250 feet of sliding loops and turns. Tots up to age 3 can play in the Nephews’ Splash Zone.

Dining:  The Animator’s Palate will be updated with new, animation-adorned walls and larger high-definition flat-screens. Carioca’s, a new restaurant named after Donald Duck’s parrot pal in “The Three Caballeros,” Jose Carioca. Festooned with lighted lanterns, the restaurant is designed to be “fun by day, elegant by night.” 

Cabanas will be a casual dining experience with food and beverage stations during daytime hours and a table-service restaurant during dinner. The Australian setting of the Disney-Pixar animated classic “Finding Nemo” inspires the décor. Palo restaurant for adults receives a makeover with  fixtures, glass artwork and new stone floors.

Night fun: For adults there will be a new lineup of clubs for dancing, comedy, music and variety shows. After Hours replaces Beat Street. Fathoms night club is a celebration of the sea that utilizes special effects, lighting and sound to create different atmospheres from early evening to night.

O’Gill’s Pub, an Irish pub and sports bar designed with traditional decor is also on the ship as well as  Keys piano bar and lounge. 

Relaxation:  The Senses Spa & Salon is redesigned  and expanded by 725 square. The D Lounge offers family-friendly games, shows, dances and activities designed for all ages. This replaces the Studio Sea.

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Princess Fairytale Hall to open Sept. 18 (and video sneak peek)

The new Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World will open Sept. 18, Disney announced this week.

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.

Below Walt Disney Imagineering shared a new sneak peek video.

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Friday the 13th and Disney Villains are next Limited Time Magic in Disneyland and Disney World

Get ready for the Big Bads, the Scary Scoundrels, the Magnificent Mischief-Makers - the Disney Villains.

Disney publicity photo.

This Sept. 13 - that is Friday the 13th - these villains will descend upon the parks as part of the next Limited Time Magic in Disneyland and Disney World.

Disneyland and Hollywood Studios at Disney World will stay open for the 13th hour (that's 1 a.m.) as part of the celebration with some extra surprises, Disney announced.

At Disneyland, Town Square will be transformed into a party atmosphere where Captain Hook, the Queen of Hearts, Judge Frollo and Lady Tremaine will be on hand. Halloween-themed projections, lighting effects and fog will set the tone. Witches and warlocks will get the dance party started, spinning a mix of upbeat Halloween tunes and Disney-friendly Top 40 hits.


Later in the evening, the celebration will move over to the New Orleans Square Train Station for the Unleash the Villains Dance Party featuring a lit-up dance floor and raised platforms, spooky décor and lighting effects. A mischievous station master DJ conducts this party — announcing the arrival of a different ghoulish Disney villain at the 13th minute after every hour.

At Hollywood Studios, head to the "dead" center of the part for what is being promised as the hottest club north of the Underworld.


The “Lord of the dead,” Hades, will host the party with his 13 devilish Disney brutes waiting in Villain Encounters surrounding Hades’ Hangout for greetings and autographs with guests.

To celebrate the imminent arrival of the midnight witching hour “Villainy in the Sky” will set the sky ablaze with fireworks, and keep the party going until the 13th hour.

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New Marvel's 'Thor: The Dark World' poster unmasks Malekith

Malekith the Accursed, the supervillain in the upcoming Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World" has been unveiled in a new poster.

Malekith is the ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim.

Christopher Eccleston plays Malekith in he movie, which will be released Nov. 8.

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Bring home a Disney Halloween

Christmas has been so thoroughly merchandised, it should be no surprise to see Halloween trees and Halloween village sets sprouting at retailers.

The folks at Disney, masters of merchandising that they are, have really embraced Halloween, going far beyond costumes and candy. And why not, when they can work with the Haunted Mansion and "The Nightmare Before Christmas"?

Here's a look at some of the creative Halloween decor from Disney:

In the dining room, set a spooktacular table with a 15-inch candelabra ($39.95) and Haunted Mansion-inspired wine glasses ($19.95 each). In the living room, add a Haunted Mansion throw ($54.95) or a pillow ($32.95) or two ($22.95) to your couch.

If your family enjoys an Advent calendar, you can count down the days until Halloween with a Mickey and Minnie countdown calendar ($29.95).

If you don't get enough of tree-decorating at Christmas, you can start collecting Halloween ornaments:

• A set of six Faces of Jack Skellington ($39.95)
• Glass Mickey Mouse pumpkin ornament ($16.95)
• Ear hat ornaments, including seven from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" ($22.95 each)
• A set of five Haunted Mansion busts  ($22.95). I don't know about you, but I'd keep these around to hang on my Christmas tree.

What's a Halloween tree? I'd suggest collecting a strong branch from your own backyard and hanging it horizontally on the wall or using a pumpkin as a vase. Branches look suitably spooky au natural, or you could spray paint it a glossy black and add a little glitter. Too much work? it's getting easier to find tabletop trees that will fit the bill.

Dress for spookcess

For grown-ups, Halloween is a great time to scare up some festive clothes and fashion accessories without donning a full-on costume.

The latest addition to the lineup, announced this week by the Disney Parks Blog, is a Haunted Mansion-inspired Dooney & Bourke bag that will retail for $330. The bag will be available starting Sept. 13 at locations in Disney World and Disneyland and online at the Disney Store later this fall.

You can also buy parks merchandise keyed to the season, including a Hitchhiking Ghosts t-shirt from Disney World ($29.95, adults) or a glow-in-the-dark Mickey Mouse and Friends t-shirt from Disneyland ($29.95, adults).

Of course there's no better time of year to fill out your Nightmare Before Christmas wardrobe. A personal favorite from the NBC line is this men's heavy-duty, black Jack Skellington zip-up hoodie ($59.95). On a sweeter note, this lavender women's T celebrates the true love of Jack and Sally ($32.95).

If adding your hard-earned money to Disney's coffins -- I mean, coffers -- isn't for you, try these ideas for a DIY Disney Halloween.

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A do-it-yourself Disney Halloween

Halloween is in full swing at Disney World, which means normal people have about a month to get ready before we have to start decorating.

So get out your paint and your craft paper and pull up a chair. We're going to help you add some Disney flair to your fall with a few simple ideas.

MarthaStewart.com

Of course we all love one particular mouse, but mice overtaking your house? That's a different matter. You can easily add the creepy factor to your front foyer with this clever idea from MarthaStewart.com. Give it a Disney twist by adding your own hidden Mickeys. Just download the pdf mouse templates and add a few silhouettes of our favorite mouse, which you can find easily through a Google image search. The lesson here: Almost any Halloween craft idea can be given a fun Disney spin.

Everyone loves visiting the Haunted Mansion graveyard while they wait in line for the ride, so why not add a pre-show in your own front yard? It wouldn't be difficult to make your own using styrofoam sheets and an inexpensive styrofoam tool kit. Can't find sheets thick enough? Glue more than one together. Paint the finished product a splotchy gray and add your favorite epitaphs: "Here lies good old Fred; a great big rock fell on his head" or "Rest in peace cousin Huet, we all know you didn't do it." Or make some up for your friends and family.

Sticking with the Haunted Mansion motif, you can add the hitchhiking ghosts to a window or mirror. Just blow up these guys to the size you want and cut them out of black construction paper (windows) or frosted window film (mirror).


Of course, Disney wants to help you get your craft on too. DisneyFamily.com has 31 days of Disney Halloween Crafts & Recipes, including a cute Mickey Mouse bat that can fly individually or in a flock -- or, if you're adventurous, you can string them together to make a garland of bats. Another one of my favorites, for the adult who wants to show some Halloween spirit without wearing a costume, is a pair of Malefecient's black and green horns.

Mission: Pumpkins

DisneyFamily.com

You also can count on Disney to provide a variety of spectacular Halloween Pumpkin Carving Templates. These have a high degree of difficulty. But if you don't want to try all that precision carving, consider using the templates to paint pumpkins.

One of my favorite simple projects is to buy several white pumpkins and paint different Jack Skellington faces on them. All you need is black paint, preferably something waterproof if you plan to put your pumpkins outside.

The best thing about this is that the pumpkins last for weeks -- you can paint them now and they'll still be good for Halloween. And if you don't have any artistic talent to speak of, that's ok; just print the faces out and use them as templates. The white pumpkins aren't cheap, so as an alternative you can paint an orange pumpkin white before adding the face.

Can't get enough of the Pumpkin King's many faces? Try this variation on another idea from MarthaStewart.com: Buy some white balloons and some eight-hour glow sticks. Just before your party, snap the light-sticks so they glow and insert one or two in each balloon. Then inflate the balloons and tie them off. Instead of painting generic ghost faces on the balloons, give them Jack's smiling -- or grimacing, or groaning -- mug.

If DIY isn't your thing, you can also bring home a Disney Halloween.

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