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Disney Infinity hitting the road for Multi-City Tour!

11 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney Infinity, Disney Interactive’s biggest and most ambitious video game to date, is embarking on a multi-city “Summer of

Endless Fun” tour to showcase the most anticipated game of the year. The cross country road trip, which is free to the public, kicked off on July 7 in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif. Players will get an exclusive sneak peek at the game before it hits store shelves on Aug. 18.

Zigzagging across the country, fans will get the chance to play Disney Infinity – featuring the innovative Toy Box mode that truly brings every kids’ imagination to life. Who hasn’t thought about building a world where Mr. Incredible uses a Monsters University toilet paper launcher while driving around in Cinderella’s carriage with monster truck wheels? Now players can let their imaginations run free and create their own adventures.

The “Summer of Endless Fun” Tour will make stops in Chicago, San Diego, Boston, Detroit and Richmond, culminating with a

weekend of launch activities in New York City on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18. Activities at each tour stop include game demos, surprise guests, photo opportunities, giveaways, contests, entertainment provided by Radio Disney and more.

Disney Infinity is an all-new game platform that gives players the freedom to create stories and play experiences featuring characters from The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Animation Studios. Players can place real-world toy versions of beloved Disney characters onto a device called the Disney Infinity Base and transport them into the virtual game worlds of Monsters University, the Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars and The Lone Ranger, as well as into a giant Toy Box.

DISNEY INFINITY “SUMMER OF ENDLESS FUN” SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS

July 13-14: Taste of Chicago in Chicago, Ill.

July 18-20: Gaslamp Quarter during San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego, Calif.

July 19-21: Revere Beach National Festival in Boston, Mass.

July 26-28: Coast Guard Festival in Detroit, Mich.

August 10-11: Prince William County Fair in Richmond, Va.

August 17: Nintendo World Store in New York City, N.Y.

August 18: Times Square in New York City, N.Y.

For additional information about Disney Infinity, please visit www.disney.com/infinity and www.youtube.com/disneyinfinity, join the Disney Infinity Facebook community (Facebook.com/disneyinfinity) and Google+ community (https://plus.google.com/+DisneyInfinity), and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/disneyinfinity) and Instagram (instagram.com/disneyinfinity.

Disney Interactive

Disney Interactive, one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the part of The

Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and family-focused content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. Disney Interactive produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from Disney Interactive Games and Disney Interactive Media. Products and content released and operated by Disney Interactive include blockbuster mobile, social and console games, online virtual worlds, #1 kid’s entertainment destination Disney.com and the #1 Family/Parenting portfolio on the Web.

Study Scareonomics at Monsters University-Official Poster Released

3 December 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

After sharing several fun images and teaser trailers with alternate endings, Disney-Pixar has now released the official movie poster for Monsters University, starring the voice talents of Billy Crystal and John Goodman. At Monsters University, we’ll see what sort of scare-jinx the pair got into before working together on the Scare Floor. Be sure to check out the official Monsters University campus website too, where you can purchase apparel to show your school spirit!

Like MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY arrives in theatres everywhere on June 21, 2013!

FIRST IMAGE: Production Begins With Angelina Jolie as “Maleficent”

19 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

We brought you the news back in April as Walt Disney Pictures officially announced it’s plans for Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie. Now the Walt Disney Studios have released the first image from production along with a press release revealing more details:

Angelina Jolie as Maleficent — What do you think? Photo ©Disney (click to enlarge)

Burbank, CA (June 19, 2012) – The Walt Disney Studios announced today that production began Wednesday, June 13th, on “Maleficent,” starring Academy Award®–winning actress Angelina Jolie.

Directed by two-time Oscar®-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (“Avatar,” “Alice in Wonderland”), in his directorial debut, and produced by Joe Roth, “Maleficent” is written by Linda Woolverton (“The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith and Palak Patel.

Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (“District 9”), Elle Fanning (“Super 8”), Sam Riley (“On the Road”), Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”), Miranda Richardson (“The Hours”), Juno Temple (“Atonement”) and Lesley Manville (“Secrets & Lies”).

This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.

Behind-the-scenes talent includes Academy Award®–winning cinematographer Dean Semler (“Dances with Wolves,” “In the Land of Blood and Honey”), production designer Gary Freeman (“Saving Private Ryan,” “The Bourne Supremacy”), two-time Oscar® nominated costume designer Anna B. Sheppard (“Schindler’s List,” “The Pianist”) and seven-time Academy Award–winning makeup artist Rick Baker (“Planet of the Apes,” “Men in Black”).

“Maleficent” is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D.

Maleficent Starring Angelina Jolie To Hit Theatres on March 14, 2014

9 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

The Walt Disney Studios has announced a U.S. release date of March 14, 2014, for Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie in the title role as pDisney’s ultimate villain. The live-action film explores the origins of the evil fairy Maleficent and what led her to curse Princess Aurora in Disney’s animated classic Sleeping Beauty. Leading a team of visionary filmmakers known for creating and transporting audiences to new and exciting worlds, Academy Award®-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland and Oz The Great and Powerful) will direct with a script by Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Alice in Wonderland). Maleficent is produced by Joe Roth (Disney’s Alice in Wonderland and Oz The Great and Powerful).

{These are not official images, just ones I found on the interwebs. Stay tuned for official images from Disney}

Disney Delivers Its Newest Addition: DisneyBaby.com

17 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

As a Disney mom of three Disney kids, I was excited about the press release that popped into my inbox today! The site looks really fun, sort of a cross between a parenting tips site, shopping site, and the wildly popular pinterest format, all in one! Check out the news below:

Disney announced today the launch of DisneyBaby.com, a new online destination and product showcase for expectant and new parents, filled with inspirational ideas, tips from real moms and the most comprehensive collection of Disney Baby brand products on the Web.

At the heart of the site experience is Disney Baby Magical Moments, an easy-to-use tool for parents to upload their favorite baby photos and memories, adding to a dynamic collection of shared family experiences from other parents that flow throughout the site. DisneyBaby.com features the mom-trusted Huggies brand, as its exclusive sponsor.

“Disneybaby.com continues Disney’s longstanding tradition of helping families create magical moments together,” said Jessi Dunne, executive vice president, Disney Moms and Babies for Disney Consumer Products. “Our new destination emphasizes the joys of parenthood by offering tools, products and everyday solutions in a fun but meaningful way that resonate with mom’s and dad’s desire to bond with their baby.”

To make the most of these special bonding moments with Baby, DisneyBaby.com is organized around key moments of the day: Getting Ready, In the Nursery, Dressing Baby, On-the-Go, Mealtime, Playtime, Bathtimeand Baby’s Firsts. Key site features include:

o Disney Baby Product Collections — Parents will find an extensive selection of Disney Baby products to meet Baby’s needs for every key moment of the day, including one-of-a-kind nursery products, on-the-go baby gear, delightful products for feeding and bathtime, magical toys, and Disney Baby’s softest, cuddliest clothes. Parents and gift givers can quickly browse Disney Baby product collections and filter by gender, product type, Disney character and retailer. Links to retailers’ websites are provided for purchase opportunities.

o Inspired Ideas – Chock-full of ideas that add a touch of Disney magic to everyday moments with Baby, DisneyBaby.com offers creative inspiration throughout the site, from nursery design tips to age-based playtime activities to DIY party ideas for Baby’s first birthday and more.

o Tips from Real Moms – Real moms offer go-to tips on a wide range of topics from making bath time fun for Baby to stocking the diaper bag with must-have essentials to games sure to get Baby giggling.

o Disney Baby Magical Moments – Disney Baby invites moms and dads to weave their own experiences with Baby into the very fabric of the site by uploading and sharing their favorite moments and photos. Parents will watch them come to life as part of a vibrant panorama of shared experiences of parenthood.

“We continue to focus on building compelling new digital platforms to serve the needs of parents at every life stage, and are very excited to introduce a new destination that shows expectant and new parents how to add a little Disney magic to their growing family’s life,” said Brooke Chaffin, senior vice president, Disney Interactive Moms and Family.

According to Erik Seidel, vice president, Huggies Brand, the new site serves as a great channel for the Kimberly-Clark brand to offer useful tips, resources, and tools to meet parents’ needs so they can enjoy every moment of their journey, while strengthening the brand’s long standing relationship with Disney. “We are thrilled to serve as the exclusive site sponsor for what we believe will become a go-to site for moms everywhere.” Huggies is a part of Kimberly-Clark’s portfolio of trusted brands that lead the world in providing essentials for a better life. For more information, visit www.HUGGIES.com.

Disney Fantasy Floats Into The Open Sea!

10 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

As you may know, I am a huge fan of Disney Cruise Line and believe they do cruising like no one else. You also may have heard I’m a fan of Dumbo, the mascot adorning the back of Disney Fantasy. Things are inching closer to completion for the Disney Fantasy and its maiden voyage – just yesterday the Fantasy floated out of its enclosed dock as it moves on to the next phase of completion. Check out the photos and full press release below:

Disney Fantasy Float Out — PAPENBURG, GERMANY, (Jan. 9, 2012) – The newest Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Fantasy, floated out of the enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard yesterday as fireworks filled the sky. This symbolizes one of the final stages of this ship’s construction and marks a significant milestone towards the March 31, 2012 maiden voyage.

The Disney Fantasy features many of the innovations found on her sister ship, Disney Dream, with several new guest experiences exclusive to the ship that are sure to delight every member of the family. New experiences found on the Disney Fantasy include two Broadway-style musical spectaculars for the Walt Disney Theatre, a dining experience at Animator’s Palate where guests’ own drawings magically come to life, an interactive adventure quest starring the Muppets, a splashtacular water play area called AquaLab, a sophisticated nighttime entertainment area for adults inspired by European travel and much more .

The Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. All voyages will depart from Port Canaveral, Fla. and include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500.

Here are the facts on the Disney Fantasy:

Disney Fantasy is the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining Disney Magic (maiden voyage in 1998), Disney Wonder (maiden voyage in 1999) and Disney Dream (maiden voyage in 2011).

Birthplace
Meyer Werft – Papenburg, Germany

Maiden Voyage
March 31, 2012

Home Port
Port Canaveral, Fla.

Ship’s Registry
Bahamas

Tonnage
130,000 gross tons

Length
1,115 feet

Beam
121 feet

Draft
28 feet

Height
216 feet

Speed
22 knots cruising speed (maximum 23.5 knots)

Crew
1,458

Passenger Decks
14

Capacity
4,000 passengers

Staterooms
1,250

150 Inside Staterooms (12%)
1,100 Outside Staterooms (88%)
- 199 ocean view
- 901 verandah (includes 21 suites)

Itineraries in 2012
Seven-night Caribbean itineraries (alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean) departing from Port Canaveral, Fla.

Main Public Areas

Atrium Lobby – Deck 3 (atrium spans three decks)
Walt Disney Theatre (1,340 capacity; live original productions) – Decks 3 and 4
Buena Vista Theatre (399 capacity; motion pictures) – Decks 4 and 5
Preludes theatre concessions – Deck 3
Bon Voyage atrium lobby bar – Deck 3
Vista Café – Deck 4
Shutters (Capturing Memories) photo gallery – Deck 4
Vista Gallery – Deck 4
Guest Services – Deck 3
Port Adventures – Deck 5

Family Areas

D Lounge – Deck 4
AquaDuck water coaster – entrance on Deck 12
AquaLab water play area – Deck 12
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Deck 5
Goofy’s Sports deck – Deck 13
Donald’s Pool – Deck 11
Mickey’s Pool – Deck 11
Nemo’s Reef water-play area – Deck 11
Arr-cade – Deck 11
Mickey’s Mainsail, Sea Treasures, Whitecaps retail shops – Deck 3
Whozits & Whatzits retail shop – Deck 11

Youth Areas

It’s a Small World Nursery – Deck 5
Disney’s Oceaneer Club – Deck 5
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab – Deck 5
Vibe teen club – Deck 5
Edge tween club – Deck 13

Adult Areas

Europa – Deck 4

Skyline
Ooh La La
The Tube
La Piazza
O’Gills

Senses Spa & Salon – Deck 11

Quiet Cove Pool – Deck 11

Satellite Sun Deck – Deck 13

Cove Bar – Deck 11

Cove Café – Deck 11

Meridian bar – Deck 12

Waves bar – Deck 12

Currents bar – Deck 13

Dining

Enchanted Garden main dining (696 capacity) – Deck 2
Animator’s Palate main dining (696 capacity) – Deck 3
Royal Court main dining (696 capacity) – Deck 3
Remy adult-exclusive fine dining (68 capacity) – Deck 12
Palo adult-exclusive fine dining (128 inside / 16 outside capacity) – Deck 12
Cabanas casual dining – Deck 11
Flo’s Café: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, Fillmore’s Favorites quick service – Deck 11
Eye Scream ice cream – Deck 11
Frozone Treats smoothies – Deck 11

Disney Launches Season 2 of the Taste of Disney Web Series

9 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

If you’re a local about to be forlorn at the ending of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival this weekend, or just too far off to experience the festival in person, you can enjoy delectable Disney creations online with Disney.com’s web series. I somehow missed season one, but I’m excited to check out this series for great ideas to recreate Disney masterpieces at home:

The “Taste of Disney” web series on Disney.com offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the delectable culinary experiences found at Disney Parks and bring the magic into their homes. Mother and daughter hosts Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand are back for the second season, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look into the amazing food and special events of Disney Parks.

This season’s episodes feature in-depth interviews with the head chefs and event planners from Disney Parks, sharing their secrets from the most magical dining spots in the country. Fans can look forward to:

Finding out how 900,000 sumptuous samplings, 338,000 wine glasses and 100,000 desserts are made and distributed over the 45 days of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Seeing how some of their favorite iconic foods like Disney’s Polynesian Resort “Tonga Toast” and Main St. Confectionary’s Mickey inspired candy apples are made
An interview with the chef de cuisine of the Flying Fish Café about the restaurant and one of their most popular signature dishes
A look at how Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa has inspired the all-new Hawaiian kiosk at theEpcot International Food & Wine Festival and tips for hosting an authentic luau at home

After watching each episode, guests will be able to access the recipes for all featured dishes and make them at home. Guests can also check out the “Meet the Chefs” page for in-depth information about the hosts, chefs and other guests from the series.

Which recipe would you love to see recreated on the series??

Ashley Eckstein Brings Star Wars Fangirl Fashion to Life with Her Universe

28 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Star Wars^TM Fangirl Apparel from Her Universe^TM
to be Offered for the First Time at Star Wars Weekends at
Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park

LOS ANGELES, CA – Returning to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. as Celebrity Host of “The Clone Wars: Behind the Force,” actress Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) will also be bringing an all-new, unique range of Star Wars fangirl-focused products to the month-long event at Walt Disney World Resort. Available for the duration of Star Wars Weekends 2011, Eckstein’s line of Her Universe apparel and accessories was created as a response to the ever-increasing demand for fashionable “geek chic” products among the growing community of female fans.

In addition to a product line that already includes female-focused shirts and undergarments, Her Universe will be premiering two new shirt designs at this year’s Star Wars Weekends event. Featuring images of Jedi Master Yoda and other famous characters from the beloved Star Wars Saga, both designs will be offered in female sizes with female fits – and, for the first time ever, two popular Her Universe designs will also be available in children’s sizes. The new designs will be available exclusively for a limited time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends 2011.

“As the voice of Ahsoka Tano, it warms my heart to see an increase in young girls who are now Star Wars fans because of The Clone Wars,” says Eckstein. “However, it bothered me when those little girls had to go to the boys section to buy their Star Wars shirts. Now little girls can buy shirts that are specially made just for them!”

In addition to regular autograph signings each weekend, Eckstein will also be available for special merchandise autograph signings each day inside the theme park where her exclusive Her Universe apparel will be sold.

“Disney’s Hollywood Studios has played a huge part in my life,” says Eckstein. “Growing up in Orlando, my dad worked for Walt Disney World and I was at the theme park the first week it opened in 1989. It was a dream of mine to follow in my father’s footsteps and work for Disney. On my 16th birthday, I applied for a job at the ‘happiest place on Earth’ and was assigned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios where I would spend my weekends dancing in the parades and working in the restaurants! Now, to return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends as a host and a designer is magical!”

Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20 through June 12, Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is an annual event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park celebrating the Star Wars Saga, as well the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. In addition to offering fans a unique opportunity to join Jedi Masters, Sith Lords and Star Wars celebrities for special shows, presentations and memorabilia, the 2011 event also marks the launch of the all-new Star Tours attraction: Star Tours –The Adventures Continue. For more information on Star Wars Weekends, visit: disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or disneyparks.com/blog.

Ashley Eckstein Her Universe — Love this Padme Art Deco shirt!

Ashley Eckstein Her Universe Boba Fett Underwear — And hello? Who *doesn't* have a Boba Fett-ish?? 😉

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty psyched for this line!! As one Star Wars fan to another, this is a Force to be reckoned with!

For more information on Her Universe, visit www.heruniverse.com or by following Ashley on Twitter at and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

The Ballad of Nessie Animated Short to Appear with Winnie the Pooh Movie

17 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “THE BALLAD OF NESSIE” is an all new animated short appearing exclusively with the upcoming WINNIE THE POOH theatrical release, which opens in theaters in Spring 2011; the U.S. release date is July 15, 2011.

Here is more about the short: (click to enlarge)