World Premiere of Up at the El Capitan Theatre

Laughing Place has a nice coverage of the World Premier (really? I thought that occurred at Cannes?) of Up at El Capitan Theater. It has both video and still pictures.

I wish the video of the interview with John Lasseter wasn't cut short. I was quite interested in the shirt he was wearing, which he attempted to show. Here is the clip:



Oh well, you just have to look at the still pictures at the site that I linked to to see a close up of his shirt.

Zz.

Her Prince Has Come. Critics, Too.

This is a very good NY Times piece (available for a limited time) addressing the controversy surrounding the Princess and the Frog, Disney's upcoming hand-drawn aninmation featuring the first African-American princess. The FACT that there are some people who already are making such vehement attacks even BEFORE they have seen it says a boat load about these people and not about Disney.

Still, in the end, it is still about the story, and the last part of this news article is worthy of a quote here:

Disney can take some comfort in a backlash to the backlash.

“This is one of those situations where I am ashamed of the black community,” Levi Roberts said in a YouTube video. “Are we being racist ourselves by saying this movie shouldn’t have a white prince?”

Perhaps the final word — for now — should come from somebody who is African-American and a former Disney animator.

“Overly sensitive people see racial or ethnic slights in every image,” wrote Floyd Norman, whose credits span from “Sleeping Beauty” to “Mulan,” in a 2007 essay on the Web site Jim Hill Media. “And in their zeal to sanitize and pasteurize everything, they’ve taken all the fun out of cartoon making.

As I've said earlier, if Disney decided to NOT make anymore movies with African-American theme or lead, these very same people should SHUT UP and not complain. Who would want the hassle?

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

From SpectoMagic at the Magic Kingdom.



Zz.

Up, Up, and Away with Director Pete Docter

As if we haven't gotten enough already on insights into "Up" (I certainly can never get enough of such things), Disney Insider has a link to a rather fascinating inside look at the making of up from director Pete Doctor.

As far as how the story originated, he said:

It was based on my drawing of a super-grouchy old guy holding a bunch of colorful, happy balloons ... that contrast seemed pretty funny. Then we played around with the idea of floating away in a house. It was a bizarre solution to escaping everyday life that captured both [co-director] Bob Peterson and I ... we just went from there.

Sunday.... I'll be seeing it this Sunday!

Zz.

"Up" Opens Today - Finally!

After months of expectations, thrillers, and the couple of weeks of glowing review after the world premier at Cannes, "Up" finally opens in the US today! There is an extremely high expectation of a significant box-office success here after all the promotions and wave reviews. The prediction so far is a box office take of $60 million for the opening weekend. This is amid all the competition from existing blockbuster movies. So I'm not sure how realistic such an expectation is, but we shall see.

Zz.

Disney Addict Shares Advice for Adventures at Happiest Place on Earth

I've always said that if you want some GOOD advice on how to do a Disney theme park, ask a Disney addict! :)

Well, this is just what you will get in this news report and if you buy the book. Bill Burke is a self-professed Mouse addict and has written a guide book on how to do WDW. Even if you're already a Disney expert, this is still a fun news article to read, with a chuckle or two here and there. For example, his take on the food cost at WDW:

“Before we dive headfirst into one of my favorite Disney World topics, gird your loins and prepare for sticker shock. Dining on-property is expensive no matter how you go about it. And before we start in earnest let me provide this initial tip: Don’t be the guy who wants to save money by packing peanut butter sandwiches and juice boxes for the afternoon. Don’t be that guy. We see that family and weep. Eating great food is one of the most fun, satisfying things in life. Leave the cooler at home and dive headlong into Lake Debt with me.”

That certainly is true, but still, there are ways that one can cut costs without having to lug that cooler (which is very uncool at a Disney theme park) with you all over the place. Filling up your water bottle at the many water fountain is a prime example.

But what about the air-conditioning at Crystal Palace?

“Perhaps the most important benefit of dining at the Crystal Palace - and the importance of this cannot be understated - is that this restaurant has the strongest air conditioning of any restaurant on Disney property. On the Mousejunkie ‘Save Me From Heatstroke’ scale, the Crystal Palace ranks a 10 - Crystal Palace air conditioning supervisor, I salute you.”

:)

Zz.

'Up' Director and Producer say Disney Hasn't Stifled Creativity at Pixar

Pete Doctor and Jonas Rivera said that Disney's acquire of Pixar has not stifled the creativity at the animation studio, even though it was something they feared in the beginning.

"Yeah, there was a day or two when it was pretty nerve-racking and we were all kind of waiting to see what happened," he says. "But then it was fine.

"In fact, if you want to extend the Star Wars scenario, they ended up giving Princess Leia Darth Vader's job," referring to Pixar's John Lasseter being named head of Disney animation.

At this, Up producer Jonas Rivera leans forward.

"It's funny, but if anything the atmosphere is a little more free," Rivera says. "I mean, I can't imagine going anywhere else and trying to make Up."

It isn't surprising. When Disney had the foresight to appoint Lasseter to head all the animation effort at Disney, one kinda expect that he would let Pixar do what it has been doing so well. Even Disney in-house animation branch is getting a good dose of self-confidence and creativity.

Now, if only someone could rescue their live-action production....

Zz.

How Technology Lifts Pixar's 'Up'

I love it when Disney and Physics mix together! :)

This is a terrific article that dove into the technical aspect of the animation in "Up", especially with regards to making a realistic simulation of various aspect of the movie such as all those balloons!

May said that the animation department at Pixar never even considered hand-animating the balloons. But even standard computer animation wouldn't be up to the task, because of the N-squared complexity involved in the thousands of interdependent balloons. Instead, the studio's computer whizzes figured out a way to turn the problem over to a programmed physical simulator, which, employing Newtonian physics, was able to address the animation problem.

"These are relatively simple physical equations, so you program them into the computer and therefore kind of let the computer animate things for you, using those physics," said May. "So in every frame of the animation, (the computer can) literally compute the forces acting on those balloons, (so) that they're buoyant, that their strings are attached, that wind is blowing through them. And based on those forces, we can compute how the balloon should move."

See kids! That physics lesson you learned in college could be very useful if you want to work at Pixar!

:)

Zz.

Disney's D23 Members Invited to Become Donald Duck's Official Portrait Artist

Here you go! If you have the talent as an artist, the D23 club is looking for someone to be Donald Duck's official portrait artist to celebrate his 75 birthday.

The contest is hosted by D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans, and is open to all D23 Members who are 18 or older. Full-length oil, acrylic or watercolor canvas portraits of Donald Duck, no larger than 24" W x 36" H, are eligible. Artists must first submit an original sketch, in any medium or size, of the planned artwork. The submission form, as well as full contest rules and additional details, can be found at the official D23 website, www.disney.com/D23. All finalists selected to have their works displayed will be eligible for two complimentary, four-day admission passes to the D23 Expo.

And the prize is quite magnificent as well.

The creator of the winning portrait will receive an authentic "Duckster" - an award that Walt Disney personally commissioned in 1960 and which has been presented fewer than two dozen times to people who made significant contributions to the Walt Disney Studios. The last time a "Duckster" was awarded was nearly 20 years ago, and only a few of these rare, bronze statuettes of Donald Duck remain in the Walt Disney Archives. Among the past recipients of the "Duckster" are Clarence Nash, the original voice of Donald Duck, and famed Donald illustrator Carl Barks.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Disney's Beach Club.



Zz.

The Disney "Halo" Effect

I guess it is not out of the question, but this is the first time I've heard of a Disney person spoke of the Disney "halo" effect. It is part of the Disney marketing strategy in getting corporate sponsor and involvement.

In at least one instance, though, Disney is giving away some of the space. It pledged to do so as one of the lesser-known components of the incentive package to lure La Jolla, Calif.-based Burnham to Orlando three years ago.
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In case you ever wondered how deftly Disney pitches its sponsorship opportunities, this should give you an idea: The company goes as far as to boast of a "halo effect" for companies associated with the Disney name.

The story cited a document written by a Disney salesman to pitch a potential client on space at Innoventions.

"Our research shows that guests perceive a company inside Innoventions as a world-leader in their specific field," he wrote. "From a psychographic standpoint, guests entering Innoventions enter with an open mind that is ready to be entertained. This is simply a different mind-set from that of a consumer inside of a store, watching television at home or sitting in front of a sales agent."

"psychographic"?

:)

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Downtown Disney during the holidays.



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Disney Store at Chicago's Michigan Ave

Went to the Disney Store on Michigan Ave. today. They already have "Up" merchandise, including reusable bags.

Still VERY limited amount of adult merchandise. They did have t-shirts and hoodie sweats specific to Chicago. Didn't find my size for the hoodie, and managed to find ONE medium t-shirt in a sea of Large and Extra-Large.



They seriously need more adult apparels there.

Zz.

Why Donald Duck Is the Jerry Lewis of Germany

Whoa! We are big Donald Duck fans, but oh boy. I don't think we hold a candle to the obsession the Germans have for Donald Duck!

Comics featuring Donald are available at most German newsstands and the national weekly “Micky Maus”—which features the titular mouse, Goofy and, most prominently, Donald Duck—sells an average of 250,000 copies each week, outselling even “Superman.” A lavish 8,000-page German Donald Duck collector’s edition has just come out, and despite the nearly $1,900 price tag, the publisher, Egmont Horizont, says the edition of 3,333 copies is almost completely sold out. Last month the fan group D.O.N.A.L.D (the German acronym stands for “German Organization for Non-commercial Followers of Pure Donaldism”), hosted its 32nd annual congress at the Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, with trivia and trinkets galore, along with lectures devoted to “nephew studies” and Duckburg’s solar system.

That is utterly hysterical! I wonder if they'll be doing anything for Donald's 75 birthday?

Now where can I get my hands on these comic books? :)

Zz.

3D Coming To Blu-Ray?

Well, of course one can show 3D movies already on TV using those silly red-blue glasses. But we're talking about the latest advancement in 3D technology using those polarized glasses that many in the industry, including Disney Digital 3D and RealD, are using. Those are still not available on Blu-Ray, and consumers have to content to watch such movies in 2D.

So now there is an effort to bring that technology to Blu-Ray.

3D isn't completely new to Blu-ray, with recent titles like "My Bloody Valentine 3D" packing in the old-style red and blue glasses in the box. However, the 3D effects obtained with the older red/blue (anaglyph) glasses pale in comparison with the effects commonly seem in theaters today with polarized glasses. It's likely that the Blu-ray association will try to incorporate the newer 3D technology into the standard, but from the demos we've seen (like Panasonic's 3D Blu-ray demo at CES 2009), it will require new, 3D-capable HDTVs to work, which means it's a long shot to gain widespread adoption.

Oh dear! A 3D-capable HDTVs?? Honestly, I don't want to upgrade anymore, at least, not in the next 5 to 10 years or so. I waited until I can buy a good Profile 2 (or BDlive) Blu-Ray player, and was hoping that with my hi-def TV, I'm DONE with audio-video upgrade for a while.

So they better not pull this on me because there's a very good chance that I'm not going to be buying a "3D-capable" HDTV anytime soon.

Zz.

A Common Thread: The ties that bind Disneyland, Freedomland, the New York World's Fair and Walt Disney World

Have you been reading Chuck Schmidt's wonderful article on the history and connection between Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the New York's World Fair? If you haven't, you should! It is in 4 parts, and they are linked below:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

There are so many interesting tidbits in the articles. I find the coverage of "Freedomland" fascinating, because I didn't know about this before.

You just have got to read the articles, that's all there is to it.

Zz.

"Up" Win Palm Dog Award

It has not been released in the US, yet "Up" has already garnered its first award - well, sorta since it really isn't an "official" award of any kind. It seems that there is an unofficial competition at Cannes for the best canine in the movies shown at Cannes. And the the "...dog called Dug and a pack of wild but wonderful hounds..." from "Up" garnered the "Palm Dog" award (I think I got more of a chuckle out of that name than anything else, since it resembles the Best Picture Palm d'Or" award).

"Up was a favourite from the word go as it featured loveable Dug and a pack of wild but wonderful hounds with comically malfunctioning human voice collars," said journalist Toby Rose.

The 3D dogs beat off stiff competion from a black poodle sitting at the table with Nazis in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, said Rose.

"Up" opens a week from today here in the US.

Zz.

Disney/Star Wars Big Figs

Oh my god!

I don't normally collect these Star Wars themed Disney figurines, but just look at the Donald figurines in this Theme Park Ranger report! As he said, it is oh-so Han Solo!

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Ah... the "golf ball". How many pictures can one have of it?

:)



Zz.

Disneynature Producing Two More Films

On the heels of the successful "Earth", Disneynature is producing two more nature films.

"Cats" is being directed by Keith Scholey and Fothergill for worldwide release beginning in 2011. It focuses on two families of African cats and is being shot in Kenya's Masai Mara. Scholey and Alix Tidmarsh are producing for Big Cat Prods.

"Chimpanzee" is being written and directed by Fothergill and Linfield for a worldwide theatrical rollout beginning in 2012. It will revolve around a group of chimps living in the rain forests of the Ivory Coast and Uganda. It will be produced by Tidmarsh and Fothergill in association with the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation and the Jane Goodall Institute.

I wonder if they will still have giveaways and other promotions like they did with "Earth".

Zz.

Disney Previewed Part of "A Christmas Carol" at Cannes

Disney previewed a part of "A Christmas Carol" in 3D at Cannes, complete with fake snow. And from all indications, this could be a winner as well.

The scenes previewed involved Scrooge's scoffing at his yuletide-favoring nephew (Colin Firth) and cowering in his confrontation with Jacob Marley (Gary Oldman), whose jaw is literally dropping over his old partner's doomed path. Zemeckis explained that a linen strap used to be tied around a corpse's head to keep the mouth closed, but this ghost's band has come loose, leading to ghastly (and funny) sight gags.
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Viewers were wowed. Bob Tourtellotte, entertainment editor for Reuters, says the film was "heads and tails above what Zemeckis had done before in terms of photo realism. It's not perfectly real, but it's getting there."

There's a lot of movies out of Disney to look forward to during the next 12 months. I can't wait!

Zz.

Disney Plans 500-Room Hotel Near Washington D.C.?

Back in 2007, I reported on a news article that Disney was eying to build hotels in other parts of the country and maybe even smaller theme parks. Nothing came of it, or at least, I haven't heard of anything of it.

Until now.

The Washington Post is reporting that Disney has bought a 15-acre land in the Washington DC area with plans to build a 500-room hotel.

Disney plans to build a 500-room hotel resort on the parcel, providing another anchor for a 300-acre venture that seeks to rival the District as a conference and convention destination. National Harbor already includes six hotels; more than a dozen restaurants; and a giant conference center run by Gaylord Entertainment, owner of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Business, though, has been slowed by the recession, and many of the 400 residences at National Harbor have not been sold. A Disney spokesman said the company will almost certainly go ahead with the project despite the economic climate, but the company did not provide a timetable.

Hum... this is certain a bold move during this turbulent economic climate. Still, if they also build a World of Disney Store there, I might just drop by if I'm ever in the neighborhood. :)

Zz.

A Peak At "Tomorrowland"

"Tomorrowland" screen writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore gave an interview and a sneak peak at Disney's upcoming "Tomorrowland".

With the live-action portion of the movie division at Disney in a slump right now, is this the next "Pirates" franchise for the studio? I'm skeptical. Dwayne Johnson is not exactly Johnny Depp. But as they say at Pixar, it's the story. So we shall see.

Zz.

Disney’s Film Strategy Sputters

This news article looks at the severe down turn in revenue brought in by the Walt Disney Studios this past couple of years. It questions Bob Iger's strategy of cutting back on the number of movies Disney releases each year.

The company’s film profit plunged 97 percent to $13 million in the quarter ended March 28. Revenue tumbled 21 percent to $1.44 billion, reflecting the box-office sales and a drop in DVDs. Fox’s film profit rose 8 percent.

Most of the problem, from my perspective, is due to the failure of the live-action movies being released by the company. They do not have a "John Lasseter" for the live-action movies who does the creativity check and quality control. Lacking of a big franchise movie such as "Pirates" prop up the profits, the few live-action movies being released so far have been rather disappointing in quality and can't catch an audience.

While there are several animation movies to be released this year from Disney that I am definitely looking forward to, the only live-action movie that I can think of from them that is high on my list of must-see is "Alice in Wonderland", mainly because of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. If I were in charge of Disney Studios, I'd try to get Tim Burton into my circle. His movies may not always be huge blockbusters, but they are never boring.

Zz.

Fun And Sun At Walt Disney World

Ah, just a bit more than a month away before our next vacation at WDW. Can't wait already, and this video just whet the appetite even more!



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Some comic relief at Dinoland USA, Disney's Animal Kingdom.



Zz.

Disneyland Park Now on the iPhone & iPod Touch

Now you can have all you need to know about Disneyland while you're there using your iPhone and Ipod Touch.

“It’s exciting to bring this wealth of information about Disneyland Park to the iPhone.” said Mike Westby of TimeStream Software. “With just a tap of their finger, users can now view Attraction Information, Disneyland Park Tips, dial a phone number to make reservations, even learn where to find their favorite Disney characters within the park.”

I'm waiting for an app where it knows exactly where in a Disney theme park you're located, and it tells me where the nearest hidden Mickey is!

Zz.

Disneyland's A Magical Kingdom, Even For Grownups

We usually go to WDW without kids in our group (at least those that don't need to be fed or have their diapers changed). So we are used to having grownup times at Disney theme parks. Still, this is a hilarious report on two dads, sans kids, and their trip to Disneyland.

But this time would be different. Two longtime Disneyland veterans had come to Uncle Walt's utopia, sans kids and wives. Our goal? To enjoy a guy's weekend. To see what it's like to experience the resort as grown-ups.

In other words, to avoid Toontown like it's a hotbed of swine flu.

You have to read the rest of the trip report. It is equally hysterical, but also contains a lot of very good suggestions for adults-only trips. As someone who do not travel with kids, I of course do not have any appreciation on what an adult goes through with kids in tow at a Disney theme parks. After reading this and other trip reports with kids in the party, I don't think I'm missing anything. :)

Zz.

Kidani Village at AKL Opens

It's a bit late, but what the hey....

Laughing Place has extensive photos and videos of the Kidani Village, which is the DVC section of Animal Kingdom Lodge and opened this week.

We will be visiting it on our upcoming trip in June since we will be dining at Sanna. So I'm looking forward to looking around the place. Alas, we won't be staying there this year. Both of our trip will involve stays at Saratoga Springs. But definitely next year!

Zz.

Park Merchandise

Hey, it appears that you can now buy certain park merchandise online!

It used to be that you can only buy Mickey Ears hat at the theme parks. Now that, and others can be purchased online. The selection is quite limited right now. Not sure if they are going to expand it in the future, or if this is just temporary during the economic slowdown.

Zz.

More Uplifting Reviews of "Up"

I can't help with the pun!

With the premier of "Up" at Cannes, more reviews of the movie are starting to appear online. I'll add to this when I find more.

London Evening Standard

Directed by Pete Docter, Up is a delightful combination of wry humour, deft characterisation and adventure (believe me, the 3D format really pays dividends when it comes to exploiting the many vertiginous possibilities provided by aerial pursuits at 20,000ft).
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Indeed, some scenes, like the floating house dropping slowly out of sight through the clouds, have an element rarely associated with Hollywood cartoons: great visual beauty.

The Guardian

It really is a lovely film: smart, funny, high-spirited and sweet-natured, reviving memories of classic adventures from the pens of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Jules Verne, and movies like Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life and Albert Lamorisse's The Red Balloon, though I sometimes felt that my heart was being warmed by tiny invisible laser-missiles fired from the screen and digitally guided directly into my thorax.
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It's a terrific family adventure: the 3D presentation gives it a real boost, but this film is airborne because of the traditional strengths: story, characterisation and inventive animation with the old-fashioned values of clarity and simplicity. There's something else to ponder, too. Disney/Pixar's great rival DreamWorks put a few little anti-Disney digs in their great animation Shrek. Could the image of all those multicoloured balloons in this Pixar film be a cheeky appropriation of DreamWorks' balloon logo?

Hum... I've never thought of THAT!

The Hollywood Reporter

Winsome, touching and arguably the funniest Pixar effort ever, the gorgeously rendered, high-flying adventure is a tidy 90-minute distillation of all the signature touches that came before it.

Zz.

Disney's M&M Candies!!

Oh my! I want some of these!!

Mars is putting Disney and Pixar characters, logos, and movie sayings on their M&M candies!

There are nine different blends:

1. Mickey Mouse - featuring everyone's favorite mouse, along with Donald Duck and the famous song line "M-i-c- You Know the Rest"

2. Disney Babies - featuring baby Mickey Mouse and baby Minnie Mouse

3. Disney Princess - featuring The Little Mermaid's Ariel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty with the expression "Happily Ever After"

4. Disney Princess Wedding - featuring Cinderella and the Prince in silhouette and in a heart, wedding bells and the popular wedding phrase "Dreams Do Come True"

5. Disney-Pixar's Cars - featuring the film's logo, Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and the catchphrase, "Get In Gear"

6. Disney Fairies - featuring Tinker Bell, Rosetta and Silvermist, with the saying "Believe In Magic"

7. Winnie the Pooh - featuring Winnie, Eeyore, Tigger and the familiar Winnie the Pooh logo

8. High School Musical - featuring the High School Musical logo, an East High megaphone, the East High Wildcat mascot and the phrase "Dive In"

9. Disney-Pixar's Toy Story - featuring Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Alien and the motto "Friends Forever"

OK, I've got to find me some of these!

Zz.

Cannes Critics Gave Warm Reception to "Up"

Ahead of the official world premier of "Up" at Cannes, the critics received an advanced showing of the movie. So far, the response has been tremendous.

Hundreds of international critics massed in one of the festival's giant red-velvet screening rooms gave a rare hearty round of applause to the opening movie, a rousing adventure quest in the wilds of South America.

We now have to just sit back and wait for the official written reviews. Roger Ebert, who has already seen it, but in 2D, gave it a very glowing review. Besides, he isn't that much of a fan of 3D "gimmick" anyway. :)

Zz.

Disney CFO Sold Off 75,000 Disney Shares

In a sign that doesn't reflect very well on the Walt Disney Company, it's Chief Financial Officer Thomas Stagg sold off 75,000 shares of his Disney Stocks worth $1.9 million.

But Staggs may have made his most important statement about the company without saying a word, observers say. On Friday, he sold 75,000 Disney shares for $1.9 million, or about $25.38 per share on average. The insider sales were the first at the company since September, when Staggs sold $2.6 million in shares through a selling plan he had adopted.

Does he know something the rest of us doesn't? And it appears that each time he has made such a sale, Disney stocks took a tumble.

Staggs' sales have tended to precede drops in Disney's stock price, according to Thomson Reuters. The last 12 times Staggs has sold, shares have fallen about 8% in the following six months. Thomson rates Disney a three out of 10 in regards to insider sentiment (measured by buying and selling), with 10 being the most bullish.

The question now is, were those drop simply a reactionary result because he sold the shares, or was the sell-off a reflection of what was about to inevitably happen?

Zz.

Disney CEO Contract and Compensation

This news article examines Robert Iger's contract and compensation with The Walt Disney Company. It looks at several "controversial" issues with the CEO's contract, including a "golden coffin" provision.

As a Disney shareholder, albeit, not a BIG shareholder, I have two opposing views on this:

1. If as a CEO, you have to lay off a large part of your workforce, not because you have over-expanded and have a lot of unneeded baggage, but because you can't support them and need to increase your profit margin, then you haven't performed as expected. This should reflect on your bonuses, no matter how well the company's stocks perform.

2. On the other hand, Iger has guided Disney into a direction in which many loyal Disney fans consider to be the next renaissance of Disney. The acquisition of Pixar, and the revival of hand-drawn animation, bring back what many love Disney for. And they ARE still making money, and not losing billions the way the financial and automobile industries are experiencing. His performance as far as upholding the Disney brand has been outstanding. One truly can see that he believes in the product that he is selling.

One can hope that there's some common middle ground between these two. I also think that Iger is using the economic recession to position Disney in a better state to really take off once the recovery kicks in. One can only hope. I definitely am holding on to all my Disney stocks, and will continue to buy more.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

In the main lobby of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.



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New Trailer for "Princess and the Frog"

Monsters and Critics has a new trailer for "Princess and the Frog".



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WDW Random Picture

This is from the now defunct Stars and Motor Cars on Parade at DHS.



Zz.

Disney/Pixar to Open Studio in Vancouver

Disney/Pixar Studios has announced the launching of a new animation studio in Vancouver, Canada. Why Vancouver? Tax-breaks, my friends!

The move marks the latest company to open a VFX or animation facility in Vancouver. Other residents include Rainmaker, an animation company; CIS Vancouver, a Deluxe-owned VFX business; and Moving Picture Co., a Technicolor-owned VFX facility.

Tax incentives, a local talent base and proximity to Pixar contributed to the decision. Pixar will receive incentives offered for animation production and research and development.

"Canada, and Vancouver specifically, has had terrific tax incentives for this type of work," Morris said. "I think they have a desire to grow this sort of business activity and get a critical mass. This will allow us to do more with the budgets that we have."

It appears that this studio will be producing non-feature work. But what is more interesting in this article is the "condensed" list of all the upcoming Pixar movies in the pipeline. This list may have been mentioned already, but I certainly have missed it.

Pixar has a full slate of upcoming titles -- some sequels and some introducing new characters. "Up," the studio's 10th computer-animated feature and first to release in digital 3-D, opens May 29 and introduces new characters, including elderly Carl Fredricksen and young wilderness explorer Russell.

The 3-D releases of "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" bring Woody, Buzz and the toys back to theaters Oct. 2.

Current film projects at Pixar, which employees about 1,000, are the 3-D features "Toy Story 3," "Cars 2," "The Bear and the Bow" and "Newt." The studio also is developing a series of shorts based on the Mater character from "Cars" as well as theme park projects.

I can't wait for "Up".

Zz.

Celebrating Mother's Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Celebrating all mothers this weekend for Mother's Day. This is certainly true at Disney's Animal Kingdom.



Happy Mother's Day!

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

From the old "3 o'clock parade" at the Magic Kingdom. :)



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New WDW Passholder Offers

Theme Park Rangers has a list of special passholder events/offers that are listed in the new issue of Mickey Monitor.

Looks like I will miss the doorbuster and the pyrotechnics demonstration. We won't leave for WDW till June 23. :(

Zz.

Disney Parks Stop Scans for Topless Riders

This isn't a funny news, but it still made me chuckle.

Disney has decided to no longer scan the pictures that are taken on a number of rides.

Disney confirmed Tuesday that it has reassigned employees at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure who watched for breast-baring riders because "actual inappropriate behaviors by guests are rare."

Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown says the changes took effect Sunday at Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and California Screamin'.

Riders are photographed on the attractions and can then buy souvenir copies. Some have exposed their breasts in hopes that the picture would make it onto a photo preview screen at the ride's exit.

Hysterical!!

First of all, even if it did happen, one can hardly fault Disney for the stupid behavior of some guests (but I'm sure there will be people who would claim to be offended by it and blame Disney). Secondly, don't they also scan people either for smooching or doing some other inappropriate behavior? I've heard unconfirmed reports that if a couple were lip-locked in one of these pictures (and notice that I am not making any assumption about the gender of this couple), then such pictures would not be displayed either. I wonder if that is still in place, or if these re-assigned cast members were also the ones checking for such a thing?

Still, I would think that if anyone wanted to expose her breast in one of these pictures, she would probably prefer doing it on the Tower of Terror. After all, there is a nature "up-lifting" effect. You won't need a support bra! :)

I will have to pay attention to those pictures after I get off Splash Mountain from now on! :)

Zz.

Disney Shares Jump On Better-Than-Expected Results

I told you so!

I hope you bought Disney stocks before their better-than-expected financial report for the 2nd quarter!

The bottom line, however, still managed to best Wall Street's estimates.

Barclays Capital raised its rating on Disney from underweight, or sell, to overweight, or the equivalent of a buy call. Wunderlich Securities lifted its rating on the stock to hold from sell.

"While we continue to harbor structural concerns on certain subsectors of media, we believe Disney is best-positioned for media's digital evolution," Barclays analyst Anthony DiClemente wrote in a note to clients. "DVD sales and ABC are now a smaller component of operating income and thus valuation."

With "Up" and a slew of other movies coming out this year from Disney, I can only hope that their movie division will not under perform. "Up" certainly looks like a winner.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

This is from the Seas with Nemo and Friends.



Sure looks delicious! I wonder if they serve this at Coral Reef restaurant? :)

Zz.

He Was Promotable

This is a rather interesting interview with Robert Iger (link may require free registration for access) because it also revealed another aspect of his career that I didn't know before. While I've known previously that he is a morning person (like me), what I didn't know that one of his bosses very early in his career didn't think that he was promotable.

Q. Tell me about your best and worst bosses.

A. I’ve worked for some great leaders. Roone Arledge was a consummate perfectionist. He drove everybody to levels of perfection or to come as close as possible to it. You exhausted every possibility there was to make something great or make something better.

Tom Murphy and Dan Burke taught me the importance of trust and managing people. You could learn from them but you also had the opportunity to go out and take those learnings and actually apply them on your own. There was a decentralized approach to the way they ran the company.

Michael Eisner brought me into different types of creativity. I had been mostly a television executive and he taught me about creativity on almost every level, in every direction, from theme-park attractions to stage plays.

My first boss at ABC told me I wasn’t promotable, so I’d have to put him in the category of “bad boss.” Clearly he had poor judgment.

I'd say! I wonder where that person is now....

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Another picture from a recent Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.



Zz.

Disney Discounts

With the 2nd Quarter financial report from The Walt Disney Company looming tomorrow, this news article looks at Disney efforts in trying to lure people to the theme parks. In particular it analyzes all the various discounts and promotions Disney has been running.

While I think that the discounts may undercut the profit margin, there's a very good long-term impact on this whereby many folks who would not have visited the theme parks are getting introduced to it. This is a very good Disney brand-name introduction and cultivation.

Then again, the hotel promotions have helped Disney continue its push to keep guests on resort property for the entire duration of their vacations, especially when combined with features such as its free airport-shuttle-and-luggage service and the Disney Dining Plan. Several stock analysts think Disney has been able to use the economic downturn to gain market share from rivals Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.

Mark Wienkes, an analyst at Goldman Sachs, called Disney's discounts "a very thoughtful, coherent long-term strategy."

Although Wienkes said the discounts will result in "significant [profit] margin erosion" at Disney's U.S. parks this year, he said that is preferable to holding the line on prices at the expense of having fewer people in the parks.

"To the extent that you can sustain the brand — maintain the experience and keep the brand alive — then I would choose that," he said.

It's a tough time for everyone, but Disney has been very wise in what they are doing to survive this period.

Zz.

Who is Your Most Favorite Member of the Fab 5?

Don't forget to participate in our poll. Vote for your most favorite member of the original Fab 5!

Zz.

The Battle of the Disney Reusable Shopping Bags

OK, so we know that Disney has produced several reusable shopping bags. There are those flimsy ones that fold very neatly to fit into a purse. And of course, the Disney Stores have been selling shopping bags with Mickey, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Wall-E themes.

Since late last year, both WDW and Disneyland have been selling "green" reusable bags for around $3 each. They are pretty cute, and I've bought several of them.


The one on the left is from DL, and the one on the right is from WDW. I kinda like the DL version better. The tree is larger, and so is the lettering. I also like the deeper green color.

In addition to that, the Disney Stores also had these special bags for the last Earth Day. This is also the bags that you could have gotten for free with a coupon from Fandango if you bought your tickets with them to see Disneynature's "Earth".


Is that it? Nope!

About a year ago, some friends were visiting the LA/DL area and got me this bag. I am not sure if they got it from the Disney Studios, or from Disney Imagineering. In any case, here's a picture of another Disney reusable bag.


I actually like this one a lot. But since I only have ONE, I'm keeping it as a souvenir. This, of course, defeats the whole purpose of having reusable bags, but I have many of the others, so I'm using those instead.

These bags also make a GREAT gift bag! I didn't have to do a lot of gift warping last holiday season because I used these bags instead to put the gifts in. Everyone loved getting them. So they may be cheap reusable bags, but they also make very good gifts.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

They used to have this Goofy Pose-A-Matic outside of the Exposition Hall at the Magic Kingdom, but it is no longer there.



Zz.

HK Close To Deal With Disney

This is certainly good news for Hong Kong Disneyland if it is true.

WSJ is reporting unconfirmed news that Disney and the Hong Kong government is close to a deal on the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland. If you recall from earlier reports, Disney has halted all expansion plans and had started laying off workers related to the expansion due to the lack of agreement between the two parties. It appears that high level talks in LA between the two of them may have benefited both sides.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

One of my most favorite attraction at WDW - Splash Mountain. Off to find my Laughing Place!



Zz.

A Possible Sequel To "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"?

Thanks to The Disney Blog for pointing out this story.

It appears that there's a glimmer of hope for a sequel to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". "Roger Rabbit" director Bob Zemeckis dropped the bomb nonchalantly during an interview, of all places.

That would be an absolutely amazing feat if that can happen, because I can only imagine how the negotiations would occur to get all those cartoon characters from different competing companies to appear in the movie. And to think that it may also be done in 3D would be a mind-blower.

Yowzah! First Tron, now this!

Zz.

Things That The Horse-Racing Industry Can Learn From Disney?

I initially thought that this was a piece on the poor horses that died almost at the same time. But no, it is a piece on how poorly the horse-racing industry is treating its customers. The writer compares how Disney does it at the various theme parks and what can be learned from it.

The most obvious difference between the mouse world and the horse world is the level of planning and detail at Disney -- even during a recession.

Buses, unlike races, run on time. Customers, unlike bettors, are king. Cleanliness, unlike the state of most grandstands, is a fixation. Friendliness and politeness, unlike the attitude of most part-mutuel tellers, is a job requirement. Food quality and options, unlike most track food, is impressive.

We haven't even talked about the main attraction yet, the theme parks themselves.

Hum... I guess as much as some of us complain about some of the things going on at the Disney theme parks, we still don't have it as bad as what this writer talks about. Still, as most of us know, Disney is judged to a significantly higher standards than others, because they have set their level higher than others. What many of us can tolerate at other theme parks, we would find very uncharacteristic at a Disney theme park. That is why when it appears to be an erosion of such quality, many of us are up in arms.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Water falling "up" near the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot.



Zz.

Disney Tourist With Swine Flu?

I guess it had to happen sooner or later.

There is a news report that a tourist from Mexico who was visiting Walt Disney World has been diagnosed with the swine flu.

Loran Hauck, chief medical office for Aventist Health System, told WFTV.com the case was diagnosed this morning.

"A case was diagnosed here in Orlando today on a tourist from Mexico who came to Disney attractions two days ago to visit," Hauck wrote in an e-mail obtained by the Orlando television station.

There's nothing anyone can do here unless, besides checking people's biometric identity, they also check body temperature, blood test, etc.. etc. And who wants that?

Edit: It appears that this case is not confirmed yet.

Zz.

Random DL Picture

Since we've had random WDW pictures, I thought we should also have random Disneyland pictures. So here's the first one. This is of course, at the It's A Small World attraction.



Zz.

Celebrating Spring At Disneyland Resort

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

The Seas with Nemo and Friends.



Zz.

20 Secrets of Disney's Hollywood Studios

In honor of the 20th anniversary of DHS last Friday, the Chicago Tribune has this article on 20 "secrets" of DHS. I put "secrets" in quotes because some of these are really not a secret at all to many Disney fans, even casual ones, if you've seen any of the Disney shows on the Travel Channel.

Still, there's plenty of fascinating things to read and learn from.

Zz.

More Uproar Over "Princess and the Frog"

Y'know, if I were the Disney Animation Studios, I would say that this is the LAST time I would try to integrate a black princess into my story, because it is JUST not worth it!

It seems that there are people already up in arms about the rumor that the first Disney African-American princess might have a "whitish" suitor in the movie.

The controversy has intensified after it was revealed that the film would be set in New Orleans and that Tiana would find love with a white prince — well, almost. His skin has been described as olive-toned and he will be voiced by Bruno Campos, a Brazilian actor.

“What? No black prince? What’s up with this?” blogged James Collier on Acting White, an anti-racism website, in a posting typical of the general disbelief among the film’s most vocal black critics. “Perhaps Disney doesn’t want the future mothers of dwindling white America being imprinted so early in their lives with the notion of a black suitor.”

Give me a break! These are probably the SAME people who complained about Barack Obama not being black enough because of the way he speak, the way he is educated, etc... So now there are various degree of "blackness", and obviously there are people running around in this world who have been self-appointed and have a measuring stick to know when someone is black enough! I'm surprised they haven't tossed out Tiger Woods since he is half Asian!

And take note that this is all BEFORE they have even SEEN the freaking movie! Talk about PREJUDICE and PRE-JUDGEMENT!

Zz.

Marty Sklar To Retire From WDI

Whoa! This is major news!

The Disney and More blog is reporting that Marty Sklar has announced his retirement from WDI and the Walt Disney Company. If this is true, this will be the end of a major chapter in the Walt Disney Company as he is one of, if not the, last person at the Walt Disney Company to have worked directly with Walt. He has the distinct honor of being the only person who was at the opening of ALL the Disney theme parks.

Best wishes in your retirement, Marty, and thanks for everything.

Zz.

Yard Crasher: Disney Epcot

DIY Network's "Yard Crasher" will crash into a very, very, VERY large backyard - the Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival. The premier episode will air on the network on Monday, April 27 at 9 p.m. EDT.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

HalloWishes fireworks during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.



Zz.

MLB All-Star Game Grand-Slam Million-Ticket Sweepstakes

Yes, I know the topic was a mouthful. But if someone hits a grand-slam homerun during the upcoming Major League Baseball game, the first 1 million fan who entered in the sweepstakes will get to see the new Disney movie "G-Force" for free.

Here's the press release.

A team of secret government operatives are infiltrating Major League Baseball this season. Their mission? Give away one million tickets to see their movie "G-FORCE" on its opening day. From Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films comes "G-FORCE," a 3-D high-octane comedy adventure about a covert government program in which guinea pigs are trained to work in espionage. The film, opening nationwide July 24, teams up with MLB for the unprecedented G-Force Grand Slam Sweepstakes. If a grand slam is hit during the All-Star Game on July 14, the first million people who have entered on Disney.com will win a free ticket to see "G-FORCE" on its opening day.

The program marks the most comprehensive promotional sponsorship of Major League Baseball by a major motion picture ever and the first movie promoting its debut during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game since Disney's "Angels in the Outfield" in 1994.

"'G-FORCE' is a hilarious 3-D comedy that family audiences will love," said Jim Gallagher, president of marketing for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. "We hope one of the All Stars hits a grand slam, because what better way to launch the release than with a million enthusiastic sports fans showing up as part of opening day!"

Grand slams are on the rise with 18 grand slams having been hit so far this season, well ahead of the normal pace.

"By teaming the most significant sporting event of the summer with the most anticipated family movie of the summer, we hope to give fans a little something more to cheer for when they tune-in to the All-Star Game," said Tim Brosnan, Major League Baseball executive vice president, business. "Delivering tried and true forms of family entertainment, Disney and Major League Baseball are a perfect team."

"We think that 'G-FORCE' hits a grand slam with comedy, adventure and innovative 3-D, and we're excited to share the fun with audiences of all ages," said producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The first million people who enter online at Disney.com between April 22 and midnight on July 14 will receive a code redeemable for one free ticket to the movie on its opening day (July 24) at participating theaters if a grand slam is hit during the All-Star Game, which will air live on FOX at 8 p.m ET. on July 14. Additionally, the more than 46,000 attendees of the All-Star Game, which takes place in St. Louis' Busch Stadium, will each receive a promotional card with a ticket code redeemable for a free ticket on opening day if a grand slam is hit.

This new promotional relationship follows last week's announcement that four sponsors of Major League Baseball are returning along with three new sponsors in Japan.

The movie takes a front-row seat in the effort to select the starting lineups for this year's MLB All-Star teams. As the exclusive sponsor of in-stadium All-Star balloting, "G-FORCE" will appear on more than 20 million ballots distributed at the 30 MLB ballparks, at more than 100 Minor League ballparks, and through in-stadium messaging and announcements. Major League Baseball and Disney will select a child from local Boys & Girls Club of America chapters to participate in the in-stadium All-Star balloting launch ceremony.

Prior to the All-Star Game, 29 MLB Clubs will host "Walt Disney Pictures 'G-FORCE' Days" including "G-FORCE"-themed trading card giveaways and movie ticket/prize-pack giveaways during the games.

For the G-Force Grand Slam Sweepstakes Official Rules, go to Disney.com/g-force. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Riding in the front car of the monorail.



Zz.

Happy Earth Day, and Happy Birthday DAK

Today is Earth Day, and opening day for Disneynature's "Earth". Are you going to go see it?

Today is also Disney's Animal Kingdom's birthday. It first opened on this day in 1998.

Zz.

Celebrating the Animation of Milt Kahl

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science will be celebrating the animation magic of Milt Kahl, one of Disney's Nine Old Men. As one of the less well-known animators, his contribution to Disney's animation is nevertheless quite substantial.

This LA Times news article has a good coverage of Kahl's amazing talent and ability. I'm always grateful of being able to read about things like this and to be able to appreciate the contribution of someone who we may not know about, or did not appreciate fully.

Zz.

Characters In Flight Officially Opens

Characters In Flight officially opens at Downtown Disney today. Check this news article or previous blog entries to see a video of this new attraction.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

A couple of the occupants of the savanna at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, my most favorite resort in all of WDW.



Zz.

Disney Goes To War

This is a rather curious but fascinating find. While many of us were aware of the Disney's involvement during World War II, especially in producing various propaganda material, I certainly didn't read about it coherently, until now.

This is information hosted at the US Army's webpage on Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company's role during the war. It's a wonderful article on the history and relationship between the military and the Walt Disney company way back then when the whole nation was galvanized to fight the war.

Zz.

"Earth" Is Already Making An Impact

Disneynature's "Earth" will open this Wednesday, April 22, but it already is making an impact. Over half a million tickets have already been purchased, and that means that Disney will plant half a million trees.

The president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group spoke with Access Hollywood saying, "With half a million new trees committed so far, Disneynature's first film is already making an impact on the world--and 'EARTH' hasn't even opened yet. We're so pleased that moviegoers have embraced this film and our tree-planting initiative to this degree and we expect the numbers to keep climbing."

Good job!

We are planning on seeing this probably on Friday.

Zz.

Learning to Chat With Mickey Mouse

Well, this is certainly new.

Disney has opened a school that teaches Chinese kids English, or what they call "Disney English".

The company says the initiative is primarily about teaching language skills to children, not extending its brand in the world's most populous nation. But from the oversize Mickey Mouse sculpture in the foyer to diction lessons starring Lilo & Stitch, the company's flagship school here is filled with Disney references.

It was hard to figure out the reason and motive for Disney to open such a facility. However, there's a hint on why they would do this.

Disney, based in Burbank, Calif., already sells merchandise at shops nationwide and has produced two films in the country, including a live-action one due for release this year featuring China's beloved pandas. And in the boldest attempt to extend the brand, the company recently asked China's government for permission to build a $3.59 billion Shanghai Disneyland that could open in 2014.

Still, amid China's limits on foreign media, the company has been unable to start a television channel or distribute its full portfolio of movies in China, and teaching English is a way for Disney to expand its reach. The company plans to have four Shanghai centers by June, from the current two, and to launch in Beijing within a year. Disney declined to say how many students it has.

It certainly is an interesting approach to penetrate more of the Chinese market. Still, are they making money out of something like this, or is this also simply a "loss-leader" to get the kids be familiar with the Disney brand name?

Zz.

"Surprise Kids! You're Going To Disney World!!"

Surprise your kids by telling them that you're going to Disney World! They'll cry and scream in ....... despair???!!



Is there a point where it is legal to disown one's own children? :) :)

Zz.

Disneynature's "Earth" Opens on Earth Day

In case you haven't heard it, the first movie from the Disneynature movie company, "Earth", will open this Wednesday, April 22, on Earth Day. It is produced by the same team that made the wonderful "Planet Earth" series on Discovery Channel.

Disney will also plant a tree, mainly in the Brazilian Atlantic forrest, for every person that sees it on its opening week. In addition, if you buy advanced tickets on Fandango, you'll get a coupon for a free shopping bag with any purchase at a Disney Store.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

The peak of Expedition Everest at night.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Hey, let's all go get a sip of Beverly!



Zz.

Device Helps Blind Visualize Rides At Disney Parks

Disney is rolling out a wireless device that helps guests that are visually impaired to have a visual description of attractions such as It's A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Called "audio description," the service provides visually impaired vacationers with a narrative depiction of the scenes that unfold as they move through rides such as the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean.

It is the latest feature added to a proprietary, wireless system that Disney World initially developed to help disabled guests. The system also includes features for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, such as amplified sound and hand-held captions.

Naively, one would think that simply piping in a narrative audio would be sufficient. But as in many cases, the devil is in the details. Things are often not as trivial as they appear. It is certainly the case here.

Engineers had to make various changes along the way. Tests revealed, for instance, that blind guests were uncomfortable using the original, two-ear headphones because they depend on their sense of sound to guide themselves around. So Disney replaced the headphone with a single earpiece, which allows a guest to leave the other ear unobstructed.

The system's narration also had to be carefully selected and produced to distinguish it from the other audio encountered in a Disney attraction.

For example, in the Haunted Mansion, where all riders listen to a ghoulishly themed male voice, the audio description produced by the hand-held device is provided by a female voice speaking in even tones.

Zz.

New Pictures From Disney's Resort In Hawaii

Thanks to Melody for pointing this out. There are pictures on DisBoards of the current construction at Ko Olina on Oahu of the new Disney resort.

It looks like the resort will be right next to a lot of houses.

Zz.

'Snow White' Blu-ray Box Art

High-Def Digest has the first look at the box art for the upcoming Blu-Ray release of Snow White. The article has links to previous known specs of the disk.

Considering that this is such a landmark movie for the Walt Disney company, I would think that it would get the same loving treatment as Sleeping Beauty, if not more. I am ready to toss out the DVD version of Snow White in anticipation of the Blu-ray release, which hopefully will also contain the standard DVD version.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Zz.

Disney Expert Uses Science to Draw Boy Viewers

Such close study can start to sound a bit spooky, but sometime that's what you got to do to research what needs to be done.

This NY Times article highlights the "research" that Disney did in its attempt to capture the market of boys in the 6 to 14 age range, a segment of the population that has been rather weak for Disney. So far, it has resulted in the DisneyXD channel, which is only the beginning of its campaign.

Ms. Peña and her team of anthropologists have spent 18 months peering inside the heads of incommunicative boys in search of just that kind of psychological nugget. Disney is relying on her insights to create new entertainment for boys 6 to 14, a group that Disney used to own way back in the days of “Davy Crockett” but that has wandered in the age of more girl-friendly Disney fare like “Hannah Montana.”
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The people on Ms. Peña’s team have anthropology and psychology backgrounds, but she majored in journalism and never saw herself working with children. Indeed, her training in consumer research came from working for a hotel operator of riverboat casinos.

“Children seemed to open up to me,” said Ms. Peña, who does not have any of her own.

Sometimes the research is conducted in groups; sometimes it involves Ms. Peña’s going shopping with a teenage boy and his mother (and perhaps a videographer). The subjects, who are randomly selected by a market research company, are never told that Disney is the one studying them. The children are paid $75.

I suppose if you are willing to invest into something, you might as well get as much information before hand on how to proceed and know your target audience.

Zz.

Saw "Up" in 3D

Well, not the whole movie, obviously.

We went to see "Monsters vs. Aliens" in 3D over the weekend. It wasn't a bad movie, worth a few chuckles here and there. Still, can we have a moratorium on aliens from another world that have the street savvy or can speak street language of people here on Earth? It's getting to be freaking annoying.

Anyway, this isn't a review of the movie. What was fascinating was the trailers shown before the movie, several of them in 3D. Of course, one of them was a trailer of "Up". I have only one thing to say about it: SPECTACULAR!

I'm already salivating for the day it will be released, and this trailer does nothing but simply adds to my giddiness to see this movie. I can feel it in my bones that this is going to be VERY good.

Zz.

Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom

OK, this is such a good idea considering that it is Animal Kingdom. Disney is rolling out another way for you to have your meals at DAK - a picnic!

Under the plan, guests pre-order picnics in front of Animal Kingdom's guest-relations office or at the Tusker House Restaurant and then pick them up at their chosen time (as long as it is no earlier than two hours after the order is placed) at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery next to Tusker House. They then head for one of 14 designated picnic spots around the park

The picnics feature either sandwiches or rotisserie chicken or ham, one or more sides, desserts and bottles of water. Each comes in a reusable bag with plates, utensils and a map marked with the picnic locations.

Prices start at $24.99 plus tax for a sandwich meal for three and range as high as $56.99 plus tax for a rotisserie meal for six.

I will have to check what areas they are designating as picnic areas. I may be tempted enough to do this next time we are there.

Zz.

Characters In Flight - Views From The Top

As expected, there are already pictures and videos of the new Characters In Flight, the new hot air balloon ride at Downtown Disney's West Side. Thanks to OrlandoCentral for the video.



I hope to get to do this when we get there next in late June.

Zz.

Remy at Chefs de France

Courtesy of TheDisneyBlog, here's a video of Remy's appearance at Chefs de France.



This may push me over the edge and forces me to make a reservation there. :)

Zz.

Disney Films Undermines Effort On Children's Personal Safety?

More psychoanalysis of Disney's movies and the possible impact on children. This time, some scholars are claiming that many Disney movies give the wrong type of response to unwanted physical contact on children by adults.

The research, published in the journal Child Abuse, was conducted by a team of psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists at Carleton University, in Canada.

The academics wrote that they were "surprised to find depictions of children being touched, usually by adults, contrary to the expressed desires of the child".

They studied 47 animated feature length Disney films, released between 1937 and 2006. In ten of them, they found examples of "unwanted personal contact" or scenes which show child characters in "risky situations".

I suppose I shouldn't say anything more since I haven't read the paper. However, I will say that one can make any kind of assertion one wants, but it is another thing to show that A causes B. Disney movies have been around for such a long time, including the ones being studied here. If one were to argue that such movies put kids in jeopardy, then one would think that there have been already MANY instances where one can point to as solid evidence that, yes, Disney movies did contribute to such-and-such incident. After all, there have been thousands, if not millions, of children who grew up with many of these Disney movies. Do they have solid evidence that there were a lot of child abuse incidents in which there is a direct correlation and causation evidence that it was the influence of these movies that contributed to such abuse?

It is one thing to hypothesize these things. It is another to show evidence.

Zz.

Brad Garrett at "Finding Nemo"

Actor Brad Garrett meets the actors at "Finding Nemo - The Musical" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.



Zz.

The Mouse Is No Louse--Buy Disney

Despite all the bashing that the Disney stocks had taken over the past few months, and with these so-called analysts downgrading Disney stocks, here's something from Forbes.com that has a very clear and simple messge: "Buy Disney".

"The Disney name is one of the world's most recognized brands across all of its major business segments," says George Putnam, editor of the Turnaround Letter. "While the company's financial results have been hurt temporarily by the global economic weakness, we believe it is well positioned to prosper again when economic conditions improve."

I see the drop in the price of Disney stocks as an opportunity to buy more stocks in the company.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

From Saratoga Springs Resort.



Zz.

Disneyland's "It's A Small World" Redux

The issue and passion surrounding the changes made to Disneyland's "It's a Small World" doesn't seem to want to go away. As you recall, many Disney fans were up in arms with the addition of Disney characters into the attraction.

Well now, here's another reason to douse that flame of anger. Jim Hill has an article that included an interview with one of the original designer of that attraction. Alice Davis, who was one of the designer of the original attraction, doesn't have a problem with it.

A lot of people decided before they even rode the revised version of 'it’s a small world' that they were going to hate it. Well, to them I say, 'Get a key and open your minds.''

Kim Irvine did a wonderful job here and the general public needs to understand & appreciate that. Sure, this was a project that was started by a committee. But that committee was smart enough to hand this project off to an artist who actually understood this attraction and really respected the people who originally created 'it’s a small world.' Which is why this redo turned out as well as it did.

I would say that if there is anyone who knows about Mary Blair and knows about the attraction intimately, it is her. With this interview, I would find it very hard to be convinced of all the statements from various Disney "fans" about the desecration of It's A Small World. Those things just right hollow now, or at the very least, carry less weight. Alice Davis' statements certainly has the tone of telling these fans to get over it and go on with their lives.

Zz.

GM and Segway Unveil PUMA

I read about this new 2-seater vehicles this morning, and I had some nagging thing in the back of my head that kinda made me think there's something familiar about this, but I didn't make the connection till just now.

So GM and Segway are teaming up to make this rather "cute" vehicles that people can get around in. Think of it as a longer-range Segway where you can relax and sit down. It also has all the stuff to prevent crashing, etc.

Coined P.U.M.A (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), the vehicle features an OnStar wireless communication system that lets people communicate and locate each other in a city. Reportedly, the vehicle can also detect and automatically avoid other moving vehicles and people in its path.

So when I read it this morning, I kept thinking "Hum... why does this look familiar?" I didn't think anymore about it till I read this blog and voila! There's the Disney connection!! It's those hover chairs in Wall-E!!

GM's announcement comes a day after Ohio State released a study that found 20 percent of preschoolers are obese. I know the mega-corporation lampooned in Disney's Wall-E was meant to be Walmart, but GM seems to be moving us a step closer to the Axiom Hover Chairs that make physical activity quaint.

:)

Zz.

Wall Street and Toy Retailers are Down on "Up"?

I will echo what was said in this article. I read it with "extreme irritation".

This news article describes how Wall Street and toy retailers are not that keen on the upcoming Disney-Pixar release of "Up".

Some industry watchers, a few of them still griping about the hefty $9 billion that Disney paid for Pixar in 2006, are fretting about the film’s commercial potential, particularly when it comes to benefiting other Disney businesses.

Richard Greenfield of Pali Research downgraded Disney shares to sell last month, citing a poor outlook for “Up” as a reason. “We doubt younger boys will be that excited by the main character,” he wrote, adding a complaint about the lack of a female lead.

My question is, how is his batting average when compared to Pixar?

Bob Iger had a dead-on response for such nonsense regarding the lack of franchise/merchandising ability of "Up":

Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chief executive, responded, “We seek to make great films first. If a great film gives birth to a franchise, we are the first company to leverage such success. A check-the-boxes approach to creativity is more likely to result in blandness and failure.”

AMEN!

Considering how dumb Wall Street has been lately, I don't think they should be telling someone else how to do business. They somehow forgot that the reason for Pixar's sucess IS by going beyond business models and going after the creativity aspect of it, NOT by putting commercialization and merchandise aspect ahead of everything else.

How DUMB can you get and still not realize it?!

Zz.

Another Make-A-Wish Comes True

Another deserving kid going to Disney World sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

On Friday, Timothy celebrated with his classmates at Hephzibah Elementary School.

The fourth-grader's sarcoma is in remission, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation is fulfilling his wish to see Disney World and Mickey Mouse, his favorite Disney character.

I've mentioned this before, but I'll mention this again. If you can spare some cash, Make-A-Wish Foundation is such a worthy cause. It doesn't cure cancer or any other diseases, but the joy and happiness that these kids get, to do what they had wished for, is just precious.

Our group of pin traders here in the Chicagoland area, The Windy City Pin Traders (WCPT), periodically rally behind one of these Make-A-Wish kid and send them things like lanyards, pins, autograph books, etc. for them to take to a Disney theme park to do pin trading, get autographs, etc. It added to their experience and got them even more excited for their trip. Our latest effort, thanks to Patti, is a kid in Canada who, if things goes well, should either already be at WDW, or had come back. I think we got a lot of pins and lanyards not only for him, but for his siblings as well who were going with him.

We hope to continue with this effort.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

My #1 most favorite attraction in ALL of WDW!



Zz.

ShoWest Shows Big Sequels

The ShoWest Convention attendees in Las Vegas got to hear about several major sequels and movies coming in the next several months. Among them, of course, are the upcoming releases from Disney.

Two films that are being converted into 3-D are the Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," which will be re-released for a special two-week double-feature run in October, whetting the public's appetite for next year's "Toy Story 3."

Zoradi also screened a few minutes of another animated classic that was chosen for the 3-D treatment, "The Beauty and the Beast," to be released in time for Valentine's Day 2010. Other 3-D clips screened included "Tron 2," the eye-popping sequel to the 1982 cult hit, and a series of shorts in advance of "Cars 2" called "Car Toons." The bespectacled audience was likewise enthralled by the first 47 minutes of Pixar's latest movie "Up" -- the first flick from that studio to make the leap to 3-D.

Here's another preview of "Up". I just can't wait for it to be here already.



Zz.

Random WDW Picture

No need to explain where this is from....



Zz.

More "I'm Going To Disney World!"

"Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, you're about to be indicted by the Grand Jury for corruption. What I you going to do now?"

"I'm going to Walt Disney World!"

The former and disgraced governor of Illinois is at WDW right now with his kids. Probably the kids are on Spring Break or something. The only thing that would complete this would be:

"Michael Vick, you've just been released from prison for animal abuse! What are you going to do now?"

"I'm going to Walt Disney World!"

Just don't get too close to Pluto, Michael. That's my advice.

Zz.

Random WDW Picture

Early, foggy morning at The Magic Kingdom, waiting for the rope drop.



Zz.