Beat the crowd and do your Disney Parks holiday shopping online

Ladies, if you've ever visited Disney World in December hoping to score a cute WDW holiday t-shirt or sweatshirt, you might recognize this scene:

From across the World of Disney you spot a cute, red t-shirt -- maybe with Mickey Mouse adorned in Christmas lights. You dash over to snap it up only to find ... a pile of size smalls, and maybe a medium. There's nary a large or extra large to be found in the whole, wide World.

I've been visiting Disney at Christmas for 20 years, since before they really revved up the holiday marketing machine. No matter how early we go, this scene has played itself out year after year.

Not this year. This year, I'm going to do my shopping before my trip.

The holiday theme park gear started to show up at the Disney Store online a couple of weeks ago, and more is showing up every day. Some of these designs also are available with the Disneyland name on them.

Here's a look at some of the early offerings:

Mickey Mouse Snowflake Long Sleeve Tee for Women, $39.95

A very nice, heavyweight Tee for women. It has a wide boatneck. Yes, this is already in my 2013 holiday collection. 

Santa Mickey Mouse V-Neck Tee for Women, $32.95

This is the same design as last year, and it sold out quickly. Mickey has a fuzzy Santa hat on. 

Minnie and Mickey Mouse Holiday Hoodie for Women, $34.95

This one is not park-branded, but it's awfully cute for the holiday. And there aren't many designs available in ladies' styles. It's lightweight for a sweatshirt. 

Santa Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt for Adults, $39.95

Men's styles don't sell out as quickly as women's, so you can usually find this familiar style at the parks into December. But I include it because of its clean, iconic design. (If you're reading, Disney Elves: Pretty please, make this in women's sizes, and put one on hold for me!) 

Santa Mickey Mouse Long Sleeve T for Adults, $31.95

 Last but not least, another men's tee with what looks like a new design to me. 

Santa Mickey Mouse Long Sleeve Tee for Adults, $49.95

I'm partial to the subtle designs, so this is a favorite of mine. This design also is available in a gray fleece pullover for adults at $59.95. 

To keep track of new offerings, keep an eye on the Disney Parks holiday clothing site for the next couple of weeks. 

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Last episode in LEGO Star Wars trilogy airing Nov. 27

The last episode of the LEGO Star Wars trilogy will be broadcast on the Cartoon Network this November.

In the "Attack of the Jedi," coming out Nov. 27 at 8 p.m., "Obi-Wan discovers that several major Sith Lords and their apprentices are gathered on the lava planet Mustafar. The Jedi must hurry to destroy the Sith, but it's a trap -- and the Republic fleet is destroyed," according to the Star Wars website.

The series started off with "The Phantom Clone" and was followed up with "Menace of the Sith."

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Eat to the Beat concert lineup for November

Five bands are left to perform in November during the Eat to the Beat Concert series.

The concert series is part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Disney World.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

The series, which has featured bands such as The Go-Go's, Air Supply and Smash Mouth, ends Nov. 11.

Here is the final list of bands:

Nov. 1: Spin Doctors

Nov. 2-3: Christopher Cross

Nov. 4-5: Hanson

Nov. 6-8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX

Nov. 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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Boy in critical condition after falling off the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland Paris

A 5-year-old boy was in critical condition after falling into the water on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland Paris.

Inside the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World.

The child fell off the side of the boat and became trapped between a platform and the boat, according to The Telegraph.

The police officer in charge of the probe said the boy lost his balance when the boat was arriving at the end of the ride," according to Agence France-Presse.

The father then jumped into the water and was able to free him, according to the Daily Mail online. 

The group which owns and operates the park, Euro Disney, confirmed to AFP that the accident happened.  “Our first aid services quickly intervened,” a spokeswoman for the group said.

“The ride is temporarily closed and we are at the side of the family.” 

The Pirates ride is similar to those at other Disney Parks around the world.

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Disney unveils new medals for Princess and Tinker Bell half marathons

Disney as unveiled what some of the new medals look like for races in Disneyland and Disney World in 2014.

Disney publicity photo

The medal for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, which takes place Jan. 16-19, 2014 at Disneyland, has a few enhancements, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The medal for the Princess Half Marathon, which takes place Feb. 20-23, 2014 at Disney World, has a new look. The medal is inspired by Cinderella. In addition the two new races were added, a 10K and a Glass Slipper Challenge, which includes running the half marathon and the 10K race.

All of the races at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon are sold out. The only races open for registration during the Princess Half Marathon weekend is the Disney Royal 5 K and the kids races.

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First Lady to give speech at Disney World to support hiring veterans

First Lady Michelle Obama is coming to Disney World in November to give the keynote speech at Disney’s first-ever Veterans Institute workshop.

Disney is hosting the free Veterans Institute workshop to inspire companies to employ servicemen and women transitioning to the private sector. The Walt Disney Company, has had its own initiative to hire service people called Heroes Work Here.

The First Lady's speech will be Nov. 14.

“We applaud First Lady Michelle Obama’s efforts to raise awareness of the strengths and unique needs of veterans and their families, and we are honored to have her join Disney’s first-ever ‘Veterans Institute,’ a program designed to showcase the value of veterans, share best hiring practices, and encourage greater employment opportunities for military men and women transitioning into civilian life,” Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company said in a Disney press release.

In 2011, the First Lady and Jill Biden launched Joining Forces, an initiative dedicated to connecting servicemen and women, veterans, and military spouses with the resources they need to find jobs at home, according to a Disney press release.

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What Disney Princesses are dressing up as this Halloween

Ever wonder what costume Disney Princesses would wear for Halloween?

Artist Isaiah Stephens decided to to give it a try and has come up with a fun collection of Disney characters dressed up or the holiday ranging from Wonder Woman to Hermoine Granger to Sailor Moon.

© Isaiah Stephens

"I've always been a fan of heroines. Female heroes tend to be far more interesting than their typical million dollar smile, eight packed, steroid freak counterparts. I feel that a lot of the time, they don't get the respect that they deserve. And for me, drawing these was just a fun way to pay respect to some of the heroines that I've been a fan of over the years," he said.

When deciding what costume these princesses would wear, Stephens said he writes down a list of characters he thinks the Disney heroines would be a fan of in our universe and also takes suggestions from followers on Tumblr and deviantArt.

Of the 21 created so far, Stephens said his favorite is between Mulan as Xena and Alice Liddell as Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

And, there is more to come. The last few pieces, he said, will be the men of Disney. He has already uploaded one version -  Aladdin and Abu as Ash Ketchum and Pikachu.

You can find the complete gallery here.

Here are some examples.

SNOW WHITE AS WONDER WOMAN

Disney Halloween: Snow White by ~IsaiahStephens on deviantART

BELLE AS HERMOINE GRANGER

Disney Halloween: Belle by ~IsaiahStephens on deviantART

WENDY AS PRINCESS LEIA

Disney Halloween: Wendy by ~IsaiahStephens on deviantART

MULAN AS XENA PRINCESS WARRIOR

Disney Halloween: Mulan by ~IsaiahStephens on deviantART

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Dad makes Disneyland his Halloween costume

What's the one place everyone loves? Disneyland.

From YouTube

So Rob Cockerham said he decided to create a wearable version of the theme park.

"My plan was to wear a map on my shoulders, not parallel to the ground, and not perpendicular to the ground either. I'd wear it at a steep angle, so that kids would have a better view of everything," he wrote on cockeyed.com.

On the website he also describes in detail how he made the costume. This video shows the costume off.

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Disney World to host international Netball tourney next year

Disney World will host the inaugural Disney International Youth Netball Tournament next year.

The tournament, taking place Oct. 27-31, 2014, will feature international teams competing in Netball - a fast-paced team game based on running, jumping, throwing and catching. The event will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, according to a Disney press release.

The game is popular among young women in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Teams can include up to 12 players on a rectangular court. The aim of the game is to score as many goals as possible from within an area called the Goal Circle, which is a semi-circle centered on the goal line and measuring 16 feet in radius, Only two players from each team may score goals – the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter.

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Disney's ABC Family releases new apparel collection based on various TV series

Disney's ABC Family Division has released a new collection of apparel and accessories based on a few of its television shows for this holiday season.

The first collection features fashions inspired by characters from "The Fosters," "Twisted," "Switched at Birth" and "Baby Daddy," according to a press release.

Wet Seal, a specialty retailer to young women, are featuring this collection at its Wet Seal stores nationwide and online at wetseal.com.

Here's s pat of the collection

This skirt is inspired by Lacey
 (played by Kylie Bunbury) from "Twisted."

This shirt is inspired  Lacey (played by Kylie Bunbury) from "Twisted."

This dress is inspired by street-artist Bay
 (played by Vanessa Marano) from "Switched at Birth." 

This dress is inspired by Riley (played by Chelsea Kane) from "Baby Daddy."

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Lucasfilm announces screenwriters for Star Wars Episode VII

Lawrence Kasdan and J.J. Abrams have taken on the screenwriting duties for Star Wars Episode VII, Lucasfilm has announced.

"There are very few people who fundamentally understand the way a Star Wars story works like Larry, and it is nothing short of incredible to have him even more deeply involved in its return to the big screen. J.J. of course is an incredible storyteller in his own right," Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said.

Kasdan, who has been serving as a consultant on the film, wrote the screenplay for "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and co-wrote "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." Abrams is also directing the next installment of the Star Wars saga.

Filming will begin in Spring 2014 and will be released in 2015.

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Disney adds mixers to the Festival of the Masters

Over the past year, Disney has gotten a lot more creative with its liquor.

A year ago, it started serving alcohol at the Magic Kingdom for the first time (beer and wine at dinner at Be Our Guest). Then last spring, it added food and beverages to the Flower & Garden Festival -- including, memorably, a rum-spiked Dole Whip.

Disney Parks Blog

Epcot also has seen the debut of the "ice cream martini" at L'Artisan des Glaces -- your favorite ice cream topped with Grand Marnier, Rhum from Martinique, or whipped cream flavored vodka.

And now Disney is spiking another event: The Festival of the Masters, the annual gathering of artists taking place Nov. 8-9 at Downtown Disney. 

The festival always showcases limited-edition artworks and artist appearances as well as family-friendly crafts and entertainment. This year, it's getting a decidedly 21-and-over twist: "Mixers and Masters," which will put cocktails at center stage.

Downtown Disney restaurants will be featuring specialty cocktails like the Pinkberry Martini from Wolfgang Puck Cafe (pictured) or a pineapple mojito at Bongos Cuban Cafe, the Disney Parks Blog is reporting.

In addition three times a day experts will put on "The Art of Mixology," a 10-minute demonstration at the Waterside Stage.

Admission and parking for the event are free. Alas, the cocktails are not. 

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New Marvel app and stylus released to help teach how to draw Super Heroes

Kids can now learn how to draw Marvel characters as part of the Marvel Creativity Studio Stylus and App for the iPad.

“Leveraging the comic drawing history of the Marvel brand with the innovation that eKids brings to the table – or in this case, tablet – this product delivers a fun experience with endless play value," Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global franchise licensing and commercialization at Disney Consumer Products said in a news release.

The app and stylus, which costs $34.99, contains:

• Illustrated coloring pages with drawing tools.
• Using the stylus unlocks special tools to help color the page.
• An interactive grid system includes drawing aids such as side-by-side drawing canvas, trace lines and a unique “Drawing Scope” – allowing artists to learn how to draw the characters.
• The ability to build and animate action scenes with character stickers, sound effects, speech bubbles and backgrounds.

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Photo of the upcoming Throne Room of Odin at Disneyland

Starting Nov. 1, Innoventions in Disneyland will open “Thor: Treasures of Asgard.” Here, Disney says guests will be able to cross the Bifrost cosmic bridge between the realms of Earth and Asgard. Once in Asgard you will be Thor at the throne room of Odin.

Disney artist rendition

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Disney Facts: Villas at the Grand Floridian

The new Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa recently opened.

The new Disney Vacation Club is located along the Monorail and the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.

Disney publicity photo

Here are some fast facts about the new resort and its rooms:

• A Mary Poppins-themed bronze fountain is located in the lobby.
• Deluxe Studios sleep up to five guests.
• One-Bedroom Villas sleep up to five guests.
• Two-Bedroom Villas sleep up to nine guests.
• Grand Villa sleeps up to 12 guests.
• Each villa features crown molding, porcelain tile on the balconies, cove ceilings, ceiling fans, wall coverings and upgraded finishes.
• Themed “Grand Floridian” plates, classic Victorian-themed silhouettes and portraits framed with Mary Poppins themed cut-outs can be found in the rooms.
• Master bedrooms have decorative wainscoting, decorative crown molding on master bedroom ceiling and dimmable lights over the bed. 
• Master bathrooms have a mirror TV, freestanding Victorian-style tub with air-bubble jets, mosaic marble tile and walk-in master bath shower.

Source: Disney World

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New Disney 94-song box set will come out in November

Nearly 90 years of Disney music will be celebrated with an all new Disney Classicsbox set this November.

The four volume collection of Disney Modern Classics, Disney Timeless Classics, Disney Theme Park Classics and Disney Television Classics will be available Nov. 12.

The 94 songs were compiled by Disney Music Group's resident music historian Randy Thornton.

"From the Studio's earliest days, music has always been an integral part of the Disney creative process. But when 'Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf' debuted in 1933, it began a musical legacy that remains unmatched to this day," Thorton said in a press release.

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World's largest Disney Store to open in China

The Walt Disney Company China will build the world's largest Disney Store in Shanghai.

Scheduled to open in 2015, the 53,000 square foot store will be located in Shanghai's financial district and feature a 10,800 square foot Disney-themed outdoor plaza area. This would be as big as an NFL football field including only one of the end zones.

Artist's rendition from Disney

Shoppers will be able to interact with the Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars using new technology, according to Disney press release. "China's flagship Disney Store will feature the largest and most diverse collection of Disney products by local and international designers," Stanley Cheung, executive vice president and managing director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China, said.

For the first time ever a Disney Store will feature landscaping and be able to hold outdoor events.

The first Disney Store opened in 1987. There are now 340 locations around the world. The Shanghai store will be the first store on the Chinese mainland.

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Halloween week is the Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World

Disney publicity photo

Halloween week at the Disney Parks features special fun and music.

Inside the Magic Kingdom at Disney World from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon is transformed into The Happy Haunted Horseshoe from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hostess Miss Betty Blue calls forth the Cadaver Dans, the piano-playing Dearly Departed Stan and everyone's favorite morbid magician, Abner Cadaver.

At Disneyland, the popular barbershop quartet, the Cadaver Dans, harmonize outside of the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3.

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Jungle Cruise being revamped for the Christmas holidays at Disneyland and Disney World

For the first time, the Jungle Cruise will get a transformation during the Christmas holiday season.

The "Jingle Cruise" will be unveiled in early November at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Disney announced on its blog.

The queue and the boathouse will be filled with decorations and the boats are being renamed with the holidays in mind.

The fun part of the trip is the standup the Skippers do during the tour. This time they have added new jokes to get people into the spirit of the holidays, the blog states.

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Downtown Disney makeover will have 3 pedestrian bridges, report says

The Downtown Disney makeover at Disney World will now include three pedestrian bridges, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Disney is remaking the shopping and dining district and rebranding the name as Disney Springs. It will have double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. It is expected to be complete in 2016.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the agency which oversees the resort added the bridges to the Downtown Disney makeover.

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Star Wars pins benefiting children's charities released

Limited edition pins featuring Yoda and Darth Vader are available as part Variety's 24th annual Gold Heart Pin Campaign.

The money will go to benefit Variety programs that serve children who are disabled and disadvantaged.

The pins are available for $3 in movie theaters and select retail outlets nationwide from November 2013 to April 2014. The locations where the pins can be found are available at usvariety.org.

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New DVC resort, Villas at Grand Floridian opens at Disney World

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Disney Vacation Club's 12th resort, opened today in Disney World.

Disney publicity photo

The villas keep the Victorian theme of the Grand Floridian complete with a Mary Poppins-themed bronze fountain with playful penguins waits to greet guests as they step into the lobby. In the lobby’s atrium are two five-tier custom grand chandeliers with antiqued-brass finish and decorative green crystals.

The villas can sleep anywhere from five to nine guests. The resort, according to a Disney press release, is the first Disney Vacation Club property to feature deluxe studios that sleep up to five guests. The grand villas sleep 12 and in addition to the multiple bedrooms and bathrooms there is a media room with a home theater system.

The resort is one of the three on the monorail around the which connects to the Magic Kingdom.

“The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is yet another example of how we are listening and responding to our members,” Ken Potrock, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club said in the release. “The resort builds on the continuing momentum to provide our members with ever-greater choices and experiences.”

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Mickey Mouse is now talking to guests when he meets them at Disney World

© Steven Liebman

Usually when you approach Mickey Mouse to get his autograph or take a photo at Disney World, he mime's his way through a conversation. But, no more.

Now, Mickey is speaking with guests inside the Backstage with Mickey Mouse attraction at the Magic Kingdom, according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel.

A video posted on Disney's YouTube channel shows Mickey Mickey saying "Hi there" and Come right in," as well as counting down for a photograph.

This Mickey's mouth moves when he speaks and his eyes blink. The company would not discuss the technology behind this nor would say if this would be rolled out to other meet and greet sites in the parks.

"We are always looking for ways to surprise and delight our guests, and we're excited about how much our guests are enjoying this new experience," Kathleen Prihoda, a Walt Disney World spokeswoman told the newspaper.

As the new Magic Band technology progresses, those wearing a band (which would contain people's names) soon might have Mickey addressing them by name as they approach.

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Valet parking starting at Downtown Disney in Disney World

Downtown Disney is trying an experiment this holiday season with valet parking.

Now through Jan. 1, 2014, valet service will be available at the Downtown Disney West Side via Entrance 4 for $15, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The service joins other valet services at the higher end resorts on the Disney property. The service will run from 4 p.m. to 2 am. daily to take advantage of the dinner time traffic as well as those attending the La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil or those going to a concert at the House of Blues.

One cool function is that to get your car, you'll be able to text the valet ticket number to the valet booth and have it waiting for you, according to the blog.

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Specialty food trucks coming to Downtown Disney at Disney World in November

Disney today announced that the four Food Trucks planned for Downtown Disney at Disney World will start to roll out in early November.

The trucks, which will be near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil will be open Wednesdays through Sundays.

The bright red “Enchanted Fare” trucks will serve favorites from all Disney Parks around the world, including the hand-dipped corn dogs of Disneyland.

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

“Superstar Catering," is a stainless steel truck looking like a 1930s Art Deco diner will have favorite foods from Hollywood Studios.

“Namaste Café” will have a feature of dishes from Animal Kingdom.

The Disney Parks blog has a more complete menu.

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13 Disney Villains we love to hate

Yes, Disney's villains have done some horrible things. Two words: Puppy fur.

But they're so stylish, so devilish, so gleefully, over-the-top wicked that it's hard not to love them at least a little for their joie d'evil.

In honor of some of the characters who put the howl in Halloween, here are the 13 Disney Villains we love to hate.

If your favorites didn't make our nightmare list, let us know who we left out and why you love to hate them.


THE QUEEN

Movie: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)

Best known for: Her poison apples

Quote: “Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”

Background: The jealous queen targets her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, so she will once again be the most beautiful woman in the land.

Why we love to hate her: She’s the original evil -- the template for all to follow.

URSULA

Movie: “The Little Mermaid” (1989)

Best known for: Taking Ariel’s voice -- and trying to take her man, too

Quote: “Poor unfortunate souls!”

Background: Ursula “helps” the “unfortunate merfolk” who make the mistake of sharing their wishes with her. Along comes Ariel, who wishes to be part of Prince Eric’s world.

Why we love to hate her:  She has her looks, her pretty face, but it's all about that  b-o-d-y language.

MALEFICENT


Movie: “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)

Best known for: Turning into a dragon.

Quote: “You poor, simple fools. Thinking you can defeat me? Me, the mistress of all evil?”

Background: Upset after being snubbed by the parents of the Princess Aurora, she seeks revenge by cursing the child.

Why we love to hate her: She turns into a dragon. Do we need to say more.



SCAR

Movie: “The Lion King” (1994)

Best known for: Cavorting with hyenas.

Quote: “As far as brains go, I got the lion's share. But, when it comes to brute strength ... I'm afraid I'm at the shallow end of the gene pool.”

Background: A covetous Scar arranges for the death of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. But he’s too sure of himself.

Why we love to hate him "You have no idea."

JAFAR

Movie: “Aladdin” (1992)

Best known for: Trying to kill Aladdin -- again, and again, and again.

Quote: “How many times do I have to kill you, boy?”

Background: He is the sorcerer of Agrabah with the intent to overthrow the Sultan, get rid of Aladdin and rule the land.

Why we love to hate him: He can shoot lighting bolts from his hands and eyes, and has a staff that turns into a snake. Come on, that's kind of cool.

LADT TREMAINE

Movie: “Cinderella” (1950)

Best known for: Mistreating her stepdaughter, including locking her in her room when she knows her own daughters won’t fit in the glass slipper.

Quote: "Do them again! And don't forget the garden. Then scrub the terrace, sweep the halls and the stairs, clean the chimneys. And of course there's the mending and the sewing and the laundry... Oh yes, and one more thing. See that Lucifer gets his bath."

Background: She is a socialite who wants to see her family succeed.

Why we love to hate her: Her sinister glare. Have you ever experienced that look from your own mother?

JUDGE CLAUDE FROLLO

Movie: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)

Best known for: Stunning hypocrisy (pretty sophisticated for a kids’ movie)

Quote: “And he shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit.”

Background: He kept Quasimodo locked in the tower of Notre Dame cathedral for 20 years -- which, all in all, seems better than tossing him into a well, which was his initial inclination.

Why we love to hate him  He actually believes he’s doing good, not evil.

HADES

Movie: “Hercules” (1997)

Best known for: Eerie resemblance Snow Miser

Quote: “It's a small underworld, after all, huh?”

Background: The Greek god of the underworld, Disney’s version of Hades is out to steal his brother Zeus’s place on Mount Olympus. (The mythical Greek version of Hades didn’t have the same kind of ambition.)

Why we love to hate him: He is the original under-dog.


CRUELLA de VIL

Movie: “101 Dalmatians” (1961)

Best known for: Her fashion sense

Quote: “I don’t care how you kill the little beasts, just do it, and do it now!”

Background: Already in possession of 84 puppies, “that devil woman” just needs to steal Pongo and Perdita’s 15 little ones to complete her wardrobe.

Why we love to hate her: The wardrobe. While stylish - yikes.

DOCTOR FACILIER

Movie: "The Princess and the Frog" (2009)

Best known for: Trying to rule New Orleans with his friends from the other side.

Quote: "A tip of my hat from Doctor Facilier."

Background: Facilier tricks his victims into making deals with him. He can read their past and present with his tarot cards; he then looks into their futures as well, and offers to "change it 'round some."

Why we love to hate him: He’s got friends in low places.


GASTON

Movie: “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

Best known for: His biceps

Quote: “Here in town there's only she who is beautiful as me, so I'm making plans to woo and marry Belle.”

Background: Despite his vanity and temper, Gaston is a hero in town (especially among the ladies). That makes it easy for him to raise an army to attack the Beast’s castle.

Why we love to hate him: His good looks hide his bad intentions.




THE QUEEN OF HEARTS


Movie: “Alice in Wonderland” (1951)

Best known for: Wanting to take people's heads off

Quote: “I warn you, child, if I lose my temper, you lose your head.”

Background: Believed by some to be a caricature of Queen Victoria, the Queen of Hearts just wants everything to go her way.

Why we love to hate her: She throws a good party, but let's say she's at least one card short of a full deck.

CAPTAIN HOOK

Movie: “Peter Pan” (1953)


Best known for: His hook, of course.

Quote: “I’ll get you for this, Peter Pan, if it’s the last thing I do!”

Background: He never breaks a promise, or so they say. But once he sets his sights on Peter Pan, that becomes impossible.

Why we love to hate him: Who can resist a villain with that sunning moustache.

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Aulani pool expansion complete

The expansion of the water area at the Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii is complete.

Disney publicity photo

The expansion comes just two years after the resort opened and features an infinity pool with a realistic grotto, a fun splash zone for smaller children and new poolside and beachside dining areas, according to Disney.

A highlight of the new family pool is a grotto that provides a view of the sunset over the Pacific. After dark, a starscape of lights appear on the grotto ceiling. Also open at the resort is a new food service location, the Ulu Cafe.

"In keeping with the rest of the resort, we integrated Hawaiian culture, stories and artistry into the design of the new pool area and restaurant to create an inspiring new environment for our guests,"\ Jeanette Lomboy, executive producer for Aulani, Walt Disney Imagineering said.

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Disney Facts: ESPN Wide World of Sports

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World is the home to the AAU National Championships, Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championship and the Atlanta Braves Spring Training.

Disney publicity photo

The facility hosts more than 350 events a year and can accommodate 70 different sports. Here is a look at the facility, by the numbers:

165,000: Square feet inside the HP Field House which can accommodate basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts, team handball, roller hockey, cheerleading and dance, trampoline and tumbling, and indoor tennis.

11,500: Seating capacity at Champion Stadium where the Atlanta Braves train

400: Meter polyurethane track at the Track & Field Complex

56: High-definition cameras

40: High-definition video screens

20: Zone audio system

17: PlayStation 3 systems at the PlayStation Pavilion

10: “HAR TRU” green clay courts at the tennis complex

3: Jumbo screens

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Disney creating new Norway vacation inspired by "Frozen"

Disney is hoping the upcoming movie "Frozen," which takes place in Norway, will encourage people to want to visit the Scandinavian country.

Adventures by Disney is offering a special eight-day, seven-night Norway vacation.

Disney publicity photo of Norway

The movie is about Anna, an optimist who sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoffand his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Along the way they encounter mystical trolls and a snowman named Olaf.

The trip's itinerary, according to Disney, includes:

• Visiting to the villages of Bergen, Flam, Geiranger and Oslo.
• Meeting local storytellers, fishermen and farmers along the way to learn their stories. 
• Discovering the Fjord country by safari. 
• Hiking.
• Exploring the capital city of Oslo. 
• Rafting down a river in the Voss.
• Learning Norwegian folk dancing. 
• Visiting the stave churches that inspired the film’s architecture. 

Information on the trip can be obtained at www.AdventuresbyDisney.com/Frozen

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Special stickers available at Disneyland and Disney World starting Oct. 21

Disney publicity photo

As part of a Limited Time Magic with the Glow with the Show Mickey Ears, Disneyland and Disney World are offering special stickers, according to Disney.

Starting Oct. 21, and while supplies last, if you purchase a Glow with The Show special light up Mickey Ears you get two ear cling stickers - one saying "bon voyage" to 2013 and another welcoming 2014.

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Couple gets married on Pirates of Caribbean ride in Disneyland

© Steven Liebman

Yo Ho. Yo Ho. The married life for me.

Who needs those fancy shmancy Disney weddings. Why not just exchange vows on a ride?

A Utah couple did just that, getting married at Disneyland on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Just 150 seconds into the ride Tony Elegante and and his bride-to-be Nikki, declared their love, with the help of a friend, who officiated the ceremony, according to ksl.com.

The couple loaded up one of the boats soley for their family and friends. “By the time we were to the big cannon ship battle, we were already married," Tony Elegante told KSL.

This all begs the question - which Disney ride would you want to get married on?

Here's a photo gallery of the couple's trip.

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