Historic Disney Photo: Walt Disney and head of rocket program

A variety of people have worked with Walt Disney over the yeas. Dr. Werhner von Braun who built the V2 rocket for Germany and after World War II came to the U.S. and worked for the U.S. government, was also a Disney employee for a short time.

In the1950's, von Braun worked with Disney Studio as a technical director, making three films about space exploration for television.

Here is a photo of Disney and von Braun in 1954, when von Braun was Chief, Guided Missile Development Operation Division at Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Wikimedia Commons

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Holidays around the World at Epcot kicks off

Holiday festivities are in full swing at Disney World with the Holidays Around the World at Epcot.

Disney publicity photo

The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs perform at 

the Canda pavilion.

If you are heading down to the Disney World this December, you will find what Disney is terming "An International Yuletide Extravaganza" at Epcot. 

Each pavilion hosts special holiday festivities, performances, food and sharing of traditions. Here is the breakdown of what you will find around the World Showcase.

Here is what's going on:

American Adventure:  Meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah and discover the spirit of Kwanzaa.

Canada:  The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs go on a musical tour as you explore seasonal customs.

China:  The agile Monkey King weaves his tall tale with twists and turns celebrating Chinese New Year.

France:  Père Noël shares the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child.

Germany:  Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.

Italy: The the kind-hearted witch La Befana  arrives on the eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children.

Japan:  The story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year are shared.

Mexico: Los Tres Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, is celebrated as they tell of their journey to the Posada and traditions today.

Morocco: Join Taarji, a Moroccan drummer, reflects on family traditions commemorating the holiday of Ramadan.

Norway:  Sigrid teaches about Julenissen, the Christmas Gnome.

United Kingdom: Meet Father Christmas, dating back to 15th-century England.

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

The latest Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World are new Santa Mickey and Minnie Santa hats.

This is the latest ear hat in the Year of the Ear series. At Disney World, it could be found  by the Emporium and other  locations throughout Magic Kingdom.

At Disneyland it could be purchased at at the  Fantasyland Mad Hatter and other locations.

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Donating Duffy the Disney Bear is the next Limited Time Magic

The gift of giving is the next Limited Time Magic at Disney World.

From Dec. 2 to 8, 2013, you can donate a Duffy the Disney Bear to the Toys for Tots program for $5 at the Once Upon a To or World of Disney Store at the Downtown Disney in Disney World.

The $5 purchase does not qualify as a charitable donation, according to the Disney Limited Time Magic website.

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Spend Thanksgiving with Lady Gaga and the Muppets

What are we thankful for this Thanksgiving? A new TV special featuring the Muppets.

Miss Piggy, Lady Gaga and Kermit

"Lady Gaga & the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular" will air on ABC at 9:30 on Thanksgiving night. The 90-minute special includes Gaga and Kermit the Frog performing songs from her album "Artpop." Also appearing with the Muppets: Elton John, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, RuPaul and Kristen Bell.

And what's a network TV show these days without a love triangle? Gaga and Kermit perform a duet of her song "Gypsy." We can't wait to see how that sits with Miss Piggy.

Also expect classic holiday tunes -- including Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls -- performed by the Muppets.

Gaga will also been seen in the next Muppets movie, "Muppets Most Wanted," due March 21.

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

Would you believe that Walt Disney was a "newsie."

Here is a photo of 10-year-old Walt Disney (center, right) at a gathering of the Kansas City newsboys in 1912.

Wikimedia Commons

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

The Simpsons are well known for taking classic movies and television and turning them into hilarious and even touching parodies for the couch gags at the start of the episode.

Whether a take off on AMC's "Breaking Bad" or HBO's "Game of Thrones," a parody of the Harem Shake viral video or an homage to the film "The Longest Daycare," the family from Springfield have now taken on Disney.

The Simpsons have paid homage to Disney's "MusicLand" a Silly Symphonies short from 1935. "MusicLand" merges jazz and classical music, none of the characters speak through sound and musical tones.

The gag is called "‘MusicVille" with all of the The Simpsons characters as musical instruments. They live in a jazz world where Mr. Burns tries to change it into a classical music world.

Here's the original "Musicland" and . . .

. . . and The Simpson's "MusicVille" parody.

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3 Disney theme park division executives are laid off

Three upper-level executives from the Walt Disney Co.'s theme park division have been laid off, according to the Orlando Sentinel 

The senior vice president of park sales and services, Rick Continelli; and two vice presidents fro the information technology group, Laura Hall and Allen Fazio have been let go.

The changes are part of an overall restructuring of the parks division, the newspaper said. The latest moves bring to six the total number of executives who have been laid off in the recent months.

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Disney historic photo: Walt and Lillian Disney

Walt and Lillian Disney

Lillian Marie Bounds was born in Spalding, Idaho n 1899. She started working at the Disney Studio in the "ink and paint" section as a secretary where she met Walt Disney.

The two married in 1925 and remained married until Walt's death in 1967. On December 15, 1997, Lillian Disney suffered a stroke on exactly 31 years after the death of Walt. She died the following morning at her home at age 98.

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

The original motion picture soundtrack for the upcoming movie "Saving Mr. Banks" and the "Saving Mr. Banks" 2-Disc edition will be released on Dec. 10, 2013.

The soundtrack features the songs "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" performed by Jason Schwartzman (as Richard Sherman) and B.J. Novak (as Robert Sherman).

Thomas Newman composed and conducted the original score. Newman has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards with nine in the Best Original Score category for "The Shawshank Redemption," "Little Women," "Unsung Heroes," "American Beauty," "Road to Perdition," "Finding Nemo," "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events," "The Good German," "Wall-E," and "Skyfall."

He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for The Living Proof from "The Help."

"The rare opportunity of writing music for a movie about the making of Mary Poppins was impossible to ignore. The fact that it could provide emotional content in relief of the struggles that the Sherman brothers and Walt Disney endured was reason enough to take on the challenge," Newman said in a press release. "Like the story itself, the music is at times joyous and hopeful and other times, full of despair and nagging regret. All by way of England and America in 1961, with stops along the way to rural Australia in 1906. What more could anyone ask for...?"

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

Disney publicity photo

A gallery featuring Norwegian culture inspired by the new film "Frozen" has opened in Epcot's Norway pavilion at Disney World.

The gallery contains items from the the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum from Decorah, Iowa and includes: an authentic hand-made bunad, the traditional costume of Norway, handmade instruments, furniture and painting. Some artifacts date back as early as the 1200s, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

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

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

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

Marvel has cast two actors to play Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch in the next Avengers movie.

Avengers cover  #185

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen officially joined the team as the brother-sister duo for Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron," to be released May 1, 2015, according to the Marvel website.

This is not the first time Taylor-Johnson has played a Super Hero, he portrayed Kick-Ass/Dave Lizewski in the "Kick-Ass" franchise.

Olsen has starred with Robert DeNiro and Sigourney Weaver in "Red Lights," and Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson in Spike Lee's "Oldboy."

According to Marvel lore, Quicksilver and Scarlet Wtich, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, were raised by a gypsy couple. The twins soon found they had special talents. When their father went to steel food to feed his family, enraged villagers attacked, Pietro fled with Wanda. The two wandered Europe. By accident Wanda, using her Hex powers caused a fire. Magneto eventually saved them and they joined him and his group. Later the two moved to America to join the Avengers. Now, whether or not this origin story is used for "Avengers: Age of Ultron" is yet to be seen.

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

If you are searching for Hidden Mickeys at Disney World the one place were you will find the jackpot is Mickey's Star Traders in Tomorrowland.

Inside all of the murals are Hidden Mickeys, as well as the trademark ears in the center of the store. 

Here's a quick look at what you'll find:

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

© Steven Liebman

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

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

Wikimedia Commons

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

The Muppets, Disney classics and a Marvel Super Hero Team-up  are scheduled for release on DVD and Blu-ray for December and early 2014.

There are seven movies scheduled for release, including:

Dec. 3, 2013

"Man & Hulk: Heroes United" is an animated story teaming up the Hulk and Iron Man. "When 'Zzzax,' a seemingly invincible, energy-devouring monster, threatens to destroy the planet," the Hulk and Iron Man join forces.  "Alone, neither can defeat the awesome power of Zzzax. As a duo, they just might have a chance – if they can find a way to work together without smashing heads before time runs out."

Dec. 10, 2013

"Mary Poppins" is celebrating its  50th anniversary and being re-released with new digital restoration. This is coincides with the upcoming movie "Saving Mrs. Banks" which tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of "Mary Poppins." The film won five Oscars, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews, Best Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and Best Visual Effects. 

"Muppet Treasure Island" stars Kermit the Frog as Captain Smollet and Tim Curry as Long John Silver in Muppet version of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel.

"The Great Muppet Caper" follows the story of Lady Holiday, "a high-fashion designer whose priceless diamond necklace has been stolen. But when Kermit mistakes Miss Piggy for her, it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, Lady Holiday's scheming brother is also wooing the sultry swine so he can frame her for another brazen jewel heist. Now it's up to Kermit and his Muppet pals to clear Piggy's name and catch the real culprits."

Dec. 17, 2013

"The Lone Ranger" did not do well the first time around when it was in theaters and caused Disney to take a write-off because it lost money. Disney is hoping that it will be something people will want to see . "It’s a wild ride of high-velocity action, explosions and gunfights that brings the famed masked legend to life through brand-new eyes. The Lone Ranger (Armie Hammer), the last of his kind, teams with Tonto (Johnny Depp), a dark and mysterious vigilante, to seek vengeance after justice has failed them. It’s a runaway train of epic surprises, as these two unlikely heroes must learn to work together before the ultimate showdown between good and evil explodes."

Feb. 11, 2014

"The Jungle Book" is being released for the first time on Blu-ray in this Diamond Edition special. This release will include behind-the-scenes bonus features. This was the 19th animated feature by Disney inspired by Rudyard Kipling's stories of the "feral child Mowgli."

Spring 2014

"The Pirate Fairy" is another visit to Pixie Hollow. According to the official description, "When a misunderstood dust-keeper fairy named Zarina steals Pixie Hollow’s all-important Blue Pixie Dust, and flies away to join forces with the pirates of Skull Rock, Tinker Bell and her fairy friends must embark on the adventure of a lifetime to return it to its rightful place. However, in the midst of their pursuit of Zarina, Tink’s world is turned upside down. She and her friends find that their respective talents have been switched and they have to race against time to retrieve the Blue Pixie Dust and return home to save Pixie Hollow. 

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

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

Orange County Archives/Wikimedia Commons

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Disney receives 3 top awards from the Themed Entertainment Association

Disney received two of the 10 Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement this year, including one for Mystic Manor and another for Enchanted Tales with Belle.

The Themed Entertainment Association Thea Award is considered the industry's top honor. In addition, the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland received the Thea Classic award.

Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland "signals a new generation of possibilities in the integration of projection mapping with ride technology, audio-animatronics and other special effects." according to the TEA website.

There are some 40 visual effects created by different technologies and 36 projectors, including four ultra-high-definition (4k) projectors. The wire-guided, trackless ride system can position the vehicle where guests ride in any direction.

Enchanted Tales with Belle at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World is more than a typical character greeting, adding a magic mirror effect as well as the Audio-Animatronics figure of Lumiere, the candlestick.

"While it may have been tempting to focus on more contemporary theatrical media and technology to create this experience, the daring use of absolutely simple storytelling and playacting (with background of Imagineering wizardry) creates a much stronger and more personal connection than a more programmed experience," according to TEA.

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

Disney publicity photo

Thanksgiving food treats are going to be this week's Limited Time Magic at Disneyland and Disney World.

From Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2013, pumpkin treats are on the menu for special offerings. Here are some, according to the Limited Time Magic website.

At Disney World, the Magic Kingdom will offer pumpkin delicacies at Tony's Town Square Restaurant and Sleepy Hollow, as well as seasonal Starbucks offerings at Main Street Bakery.

Pumpkin cupcakes will be available at Hollywood Studios, while pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin muffins will be available inside Sunshine Seasons at Epcot. At the Animal Kingdom there will be a feast for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving Day at Tusker House.

At Disneyland, pumpkin spice lattes will be available at Jolly Holiday Bakery and Mint Julep Bar, caramel apple muffins at Schmoozies, The Coffee House and Surfside Lounge, sweet potato pie at Tomorrowland Terrace, pumpkin cheesecake at Harbour Gallery and pumpkin fritters at Royal Street Veranda.

At the California Adventure, pumpkin pie hot chocolate will be found at the Pacific Wharf Café, Award Wieners and Flo's V8 Café, and turkey-shaped bread at the DCA Bread Cart, Mortimer's Market and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.

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

Photo by Caroline Bonarde Ucci

Johnny Depp at the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest 

London premiere

Disney has set a release date for the the sequel to Johnny Depp's "Alice in Wonderland."

"Alice in Wonderland 2" starring Depp as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as Alice will hit the big screen on May 27, 2016, Deadline.com has reported. "The Muppets" director James Bobbin will be directing the movie.

The original movie made $1 billion. 

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

As we have mentioned before the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland and Disney World have been transformed into the Jingle Cruise for the holiday season.

The queue and the boathouse have been filled with decorations and the boats have been renamed with the holidays in mind.

And the Skippers have a number of new holiday centric jokes.

Now, to help celebrate, Disneyland and Disney World are offering free "Jingle Cruise" mini-posters as long as supplies last as part of the next Limited Time Magic at both parks.

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Huffy coming out with Marvel Super Hero bikes

Super Hero bikes are on their way.

Huffy is working with Marvel to develop bicycles based on Captain America, Spider-Man, The Avengers and The Guardians of the Galaxy.

The colorful bikes will include emblems from the characters The Captain America bike comes with a shield and Spider-Man will have a Web Trap in the front. These should be out in the spring of 2014.

Scooters and tricycles will feature interactive lights and sounds, according to a press release. The price tag ranges from $49.99 to $99.99.

"This new line will successfully turn bikes into more than just a transportation device, but an extension of Super Hero role play that we know kids enjoy with the Marvel Universe." said Paul Gitter, senior vice president, licensing, Marvel at Disney Consumer Products.

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'Royal' tea being served on Disney Cruise Line

Disney publicity photo

Tea time on Disney Cruise Line is has turned royal.

At the Royal Court Royal Tea on the Disney Fantasy children are are crowned as young princesses or dubbed as royal knights before being seated.

Lady Chamomile, the Royal Tea Hostess, and Chef Brule, the Royal Pastry Chef, serve tea sandwiches, pastries, cupcakes and, of course, tea.

During tea time, the kids will get a visit from various Disney Princesses who visit each table and greet the guests. In addition, the young princesses receive a My Disney Girl doll dressed as their favorite princess, a memory book and a jewelry box.

The young knights receive a shield and a seafaring Duffy bear, according to a Disney press release.

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Nikon named official camera at Disneyland and Disney World

Nikon has been named the official camera of Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

The multi-year deal means Nikon will have branded Picture Spots throughout the two resorts. In addition, the Disney PhotoPass Photographers will use Nikon equipment exclusively, as well as 

Disney Fine Art Photographers at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons and  Adventure Guides with Adventures by Disney.

"The alliance between Nikon and Disney allows us to connect with millions of passionate Disney guests who want to tell their stories through the capture of amazing imagery," Nikon President Nobuyoshi Gokyu said.

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

Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney and one of the inspirations for Disneyland

© Walt Disney  Company

Walt Disney with his daughters, Sharon Mae (left) and

Diane (on the right). 

died Tuesday at her home in Napa, Cailf., according to the Los Angeles Times. She was 79.

Miller was born Dec. 18, 1933, in Los Angeles to Walter and Lillian Disney. She was the elder and only biological daughter of the Disney's. Her younger sister, Sharon Mae Disney, who was adopted by the Disney's in 1936, died in 1993.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Diane Disney Miller and our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. As the beloved daughter of Walt Disney and one of his inspirations for creating Disneyland, she holds a special place in the history of The Walt Disney Company and in the hearts of fans everywhere," said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Miller, who own an operated the Silverado Vineyards Winery was instrumental in getting the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles built and the development of The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio of San Francisco.

"She will be remembered for her grace and generosity and tireless work to preserve her father's legacy, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In her memory and honor, flags at the Disney Studio Lot in Burbank and at our theme parks will be flown at half-mast," Iger said.

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

Disney is holding a special one week showing of the upcoming "Savings Mr. Banks" film combined with a tour of the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, Calif.

The movie and tour is $50 and will be held Dec. 13-19, 2013.

Starring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks the film is about the making of "Mary Poppins." The special showings will take place at 7 p.m. followed by the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour, which showcases key locations that were featured in the film, according to a Disney press release.

On the tour there will be sets from the film, including Walt Disney's office and "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers' home. There will be photo opportunities with Mickey Mouse as well as Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep characters from "Mary Poppins."

Included in the tour is a visit to the Legends Plaza to visit the many historical plaques, including Walt Disney, Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, and many more. Guests will also receive a commemorative 50thAnniversary "Mary Poppins" DVD, a value of $17.99.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 or go to http://movies.disney.com/saving-mr-banks.

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

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New restaurant opening at Morocco Pavilion with view of Illuminations

A new outdoor cafe featuring a number of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks in front of the Morocco pavilion will open soon at Epcot in Disney World.

Disney artist rendition of The Spice Road Table

The Spice Road Table will have a view of the World Showcase lagoon with 120 outdoor terrace seats for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The restaurant will also seat 60 inside and have Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art, according to a Disney news release.

The whitewashed façade of Spice Road Table is accented in icy shades of blue from the famous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. A collection of shops in the colorful style of a Moroccan “souk,” or marketplace, stretches along the front of the building.

This is the third restaurant in the Morocco pavilion, joining The Tangierine Café and the Restaurant Marrakesh.

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Interactive graphic: 10 Fast Facts about Mickey Mouse

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse.

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

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Disney Facts: Christmas 2013 at Disney World by the numbers

The holiday season is in full swing at Disney World with decorations, parades and shows. Here is a quick look at what it takes to bring the holidays to Florida:

8.5 million: Lights strung throughout Walt Disney World

© Steven Liebman

35,800: LED lights used for the 70-foot-tall tree at the Contemporary Resort entrance lobby.

1,314: Wreaths hung around all of the resort

1,300:  Decorated trees throughout property

300,000: Yards of ribbon and bows draping over all of the Christmas trees

160: Hours of decorating needed on the 16-foot-tall gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

150: Semi-trailer truckloads of decorations all of Walt Disney World

98: Percent of the lights used which are LED. The remainder are compact florescent.

25: Foot wreath in diameter on the Cirque du Soleil building at Downtown Disney West Side

10: Miles of twinkling rope lights in the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios

6: Life-sized creations cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs

1: Life-size gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters

Source: Walt Disney World

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

If you haven't been keeping up with "Phineas and Ferb's" Dr. Doofenshmirtz on YouTube, now may be the time.

The weekly web series "Doof's Daily Dirt," which features the opinions and ruminations of this "evil scientist trying to take over the Tri-State area -- and also the Internet in his spare time" is hilarious.

This week's episodes gives us a behind-the scenes look at bloopers and outtakes from his weekly web series.

"Hello there, internet-types. This week we’re going to run a clip show. It's like recycling, only we're just going to show the bloopers, the outtakes, the gag reel and footage of me making a fool out of myself, which is less like recycling and more like just giving you our trash, like 'Hey, we threw this away because it was bad, and now you get to have it.' Enjoy," Dr. Doofenshmirtz announces.

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Courtyard hotel in the Marriott Village finishes renovations near Disney World

Publicity photo by Marriott of Courtyard Marriott

A new board giving out information on area attractions and an updated dining area are are the two key parts of the renovations which took place at The Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village near Disney World.

A new 52-inch, interactive GBoard displays local weather conditions, provides driving directions, offers the latest flight information and offers tips about things to do in Orlando, according to a Marriott press release,

In addition, the note has reworked The Bistro which will feature breakfast and dinner menus. There is also a large communal table for families and small groups. The Bistro is serving Starbucks drinks and has a number of craft, domestic and imported beers for the evening.

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

Disney publicity photo

Special holiday shows are part of the next Limited Time Magic in Disney World.

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

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

Disney publicity photo of the holiday World of Color show.

A special viewing area for the new "World of Color – Winter Dreams" is the next Limited Time Magic at Disneyland.

From Nov. 18-24, 2013 with a FastPass and Glow with the Show Ears guests will have access to a special viewing area, according to the Limited Time Magic website.

Access to the viewing area is on a first-come first-serve basis.

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Petition started to save Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at Disneyland

No one likes it when Disney decides to retire one of its attractions or shows. Over the years well over 100 have closed between Disneyland and Disney World.

Disney publicity photo

Each time a ride fades into Disney lore there is outrage and consternation.

This scenario is playing out again in Disneyland. Earlier this month we
reported that after more than 20 years Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will be retiring from the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. 

There is now a petition on change.org seeking to keep the show. Steven Iverson of Orange, Calif. hopes to get 2.000 people to sign on. So far he is 298 short of the goal.

"Uncountable guests plan their vacations and trips around the Billy Hill & The Hillbillies show, making it the highlight of their trip and their main focus once they arrive. This show is the main reason many people continue to purchase annual passes and travel from around the country. Disney needs to know how many people love this show and these great musicians, and how it will upset many guests and may cause them to lose valuable customers by guests not renewing annual passes or buying their traditional disneyland vacation tickets for the entire family," the petition states.

For many people this show has been part of a family tradition. Here's a look at what some people  have said about the closing:

"The Billy Hill show is like family. You cannot fire family. If you had any idea of how many audience members spirits are lifted or depression lessened by attending a Billy Hill show, you would not be considering their departure. Indicates to me that Disney management has no idea what it is doing. Sorry Walt, they got the train off the tracks," wrote John Moser of Joshua Tree, Calif.

"This show made me want to be an actor and comedian and now I am a professional actor and comedian! This show was the highlight of every family trip to Disneyland. Disneyland Resort needs outstanding theatre like this, to lose it would diminish Disneyland's standards of family entertainment," wrote Sarah Brooks of Riverside, Calif.

"I plan all of my Disneyland trips around the schedule of The Billy Hill Shows, so I can see as many A Team shows as possible. They are my most favorite thing on property. I have been to DL more than 10 times since I discovered the Billys. But I am not sure now when I will return. You are taking something very special and magical away from your guests. I can't express how sad I am about this decision, wrote Donna Miller of Middlebury, Ind. "

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

The California Adventure has added a new version of the World of Color featuring the characters from the upcoming Disney animated movie "Frozen."

Disneyland publicity photo.

Programming for the “World of Color-Winter Dreams," which is in seven sequences, took three months, according to a Disney press release.

The new show is also coming from a new system with more than 17 million pixels in the screen. More than 700 high-power, color, LED strobe lights were installed along the side of the California Screamin’ coaster.

The holiday show starts off with a season’s greetings featuring the “World of Color” Honor Choir singing “Glow,” written especially for this new show. Then Tinker Bell’s traditional greeting from “Wonderful World of Color” summons Old Man Winter and the skating Frost Fairies.

In the next part of the show Olaf takes guests on a winter sleigh ride, encountering Bambi, Thumper and, from “Frozen,” sisters Anna and Elsa. Images of holiday cards follow with "The Toy Story" characters performing the Nutccracker.

Olaf returns and imagines himself enjoying the sunshine, then leads the audience in a holiday sing-along. In the finale Olaf welcomes a surprising Santa.

Here are some other fast facts about the show:

• The “World of Color – Winter Dreams” features more than a dozen songs, including  “Jingle Bells,” “Feliz Navidad” and “The Dreidel Song.” 
• The voices of more than 500 singers representing all 50 states in the U.S. appear in the pre-show.
• More than 1,400 submissions from around the country were received for the Honor Choir.
• Other Disney fans designed holiday cards and submitted them online to appear in the “Glow-A Season of Light” sequence.

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

Harrods is bringing a little bit of Disney to its London department store.

Disney publicity photo

Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a beauty salon which turns girls 3-12 into princesses, will open at Harrods alongside a new Disney Store and Disney Café.

On Nov. 25, the boutique will open and has been reimagined for the UK with the help of Walt Disney Imagineering, according to a press release.

Last year Disney UK and Harrods opened up a pop-up shop and now have decided to expand the partnership.

"Our partnership with Harrods will bring Disney magic to an iconic British store in a completely unique way. The Boutique lets children step into the world of classic Disney characters, celebrate the qualities like kindness and bravery that make them true heroes and heroines, and be transformed as Cinderella was in the famous Fairy Godmother scene from the movie," Anna Hill, vice president, The Walt Disney Company, UK & Ireland said.

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Disney planning to bring "The Princess Bride" to Broadway

Inconceivable?

Not all. Disney Theatrical Productions is looking to bring the "The Princess Bride" to the stage, according to Variety.

Whether this will be a straight play adaptation of the the book written by William Gldman or become a musical is not known yet. In 2007, an attempt was made to turn it into a musical by Adam Guettel.

The popular 1987 movie was directed by Rob Reiner and stars Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Carole Kane, Fred Savage and Peter Falk.

The comic-fantasy-romance has some of the greatest movie lines ever:

Inigo Montoya: "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

* * * * * 

Westley: "Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning."

* * * * * 

Miracle Max: Have fun stormin' da castle.

Valerie: Think it'll work?

Miracle Max: It would take a miracle.

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Disney releases 2015 Disney Cruise Line itineraries

Disney has released its cruise sailing schedule for 2015 out of Florida to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries.

The four cruise ships will sail from Port Canaveral on numerous itineraries. 

Bookings open to the public on Nov. 14, 2013. According to a Disney news release, here are the various itineraries:

Disney publicity photo of  the Disney Dream at Castaway Cay.

Three-night Bahamas. The Disney Dream sails to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Rates start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Dates: Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24

Four-night Bahamas. The Disney Dream will sail to Nassau and Castaway Cay, including a day at sea to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Disney Cruise Line shipboard experience. Rates start at $600 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Nassau, Castaway Cay

Dates: Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Key West, aboard the Disney Magic. Rates start at $980 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Dates: Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, Mar. 1, 15, 29, Apr. 12, 26

Seven-night Western Caribbean, including Jamaica, aboard the Disney Magic. Rates start at $980 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Castaway Cay

Dates: Jan. 11, 25, Feb. 8, 22, Mar. 8, 22, Apr. 5, 19

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean, including St. Maarten, aboard the Disney Fantasy. Rates start at $1,225 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Maarten, San Juan, Castaway Cay

Dates: Jan. 3, 17, 31, Feb. 14, 28, Mar. 14, 28, Apr. 11, 25

Seven-night Eastern Caribbean, including St. Thomas, aboard the Disney Fantasy. Rates start at $1,225 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Ports: Port Canaveral, St. Thomas, San Juan, Castaway Cay

Dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, Mar. 7, 21, Apr. 4, 18

Caribbean and Bahamas from Miami

In 2015, the Disney Wonder will sail from Miami on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises. Rates start at $352 per person for four-night cruises and $440 for five-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Four-night Bahamas

Ports: Miami, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Key West

Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22

Five-night Caribbean, including Grand Cayman

Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 6, 20, March 6, 20, April 3, 17

Five-night Caribbean, including Cozumel

Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay

Departure dates: Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.

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

In anticipation of the upcoming movie "Frozen" Disney has released a number of product collections, including stuffed animals, dolls, clothes and home decor.

"Frozen" centers around Anna as she teams up with Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven to find her sister Elsa, whose ice powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

Here are some of the products being released:

Anna & Elsa Costume Nightgown that features puff sleeves and
a sparkle tulle overlay. Available at Walmart for $11.98.

Designed to look like Olaf, this snowman-shaped pillow is available at Target for $19.99.

Anna & Elsa Rolling Luggage travel case is equipped with retractable
handles and rolling wheels, at the Disney Store for $34.95.

Disney Frozen Musical Magic Elsa and Anna Dolls. When you hold their hands
or when they hold each other's hands they light up and play music.
From Mattel for $29.99 each.

Olaf T-shirt from the Disney Store for $12.95.

The Frozen plush collection includes various characters, including Sven (shown here),
Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf. Available at the Disney Store from $14.95 to $19.95.

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Thor finishes first in the U.S. box office

"Thor: The Dark World" finished in first place at the box office during its first week of release with $86.11 million.

Worldwide the movie has now grossed $327 million and has already surpassed the previous movie's box office take.

The movie opened up in the U.S. stronger than the original Thor movie - which opened at $65.72 million in 2011. "Without adjusting for ticket price inflation, Thor: The Dark World delivered the ninth largest opening weekend on record for the month of November. The film registered the fourth largest opening weekend of 2013 to date (behind only Iron Man 3, Man of Steel and Fast & Furious 6)," according to boxoffice.com.

The sequel also opened in China taking in $19.6 million, higher that the "Marvel's The Avengers" opened. The movie took in $94 million during its second weekend overseas.

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