Sneak Peek- Radiator Springs Racers

Walt Disney Imagineer, Kathy Mangum, gives you a peek at the vehicle testing for Radiator Springs Racers. This thrilling new attraction is set to open in 2012 with the debut of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park.

Disney Acquires Facebook For Kids

Sounds like this could become popular really quickly.
Disney has acquired the rights to Farmville Togetherville, which is basically their own version of Facebook for children under 10 years old.
In Togetherville, kids will be able to interact with each other, exchange gifts, play games, watch videos, create art, and update their statuses, all under the supervision of parents, who will be able to monitor their childrens' activity on the site.
Here's how Togetherville describes itself on its website:

“Today's kids are growing up in a world that requires a whole new set of skills to become responsible digital citizens. In Togetherville, your kids learn much more than computer skills: they explore how to be creative, express themselves and learn in a fun, interactive and ad-free way. We help them use technology to connect with the important people in their lives - safely and responsibly.”

As long as it's properly monitored by adults, we think this sounds great! Plus, if kids enjoy the site, they'll spend more time there and will be less inclined to venture out to other, less child-friendly sites.
Should be inneresting to see if this takes off.
Would U allow your kids on Togetherville?

Happy Birthday to our FAVORITE webmaster, Stevie!

Lets WISH our favorite webmaster, Stevie a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!!! and ALL things Disney! 

Disney's Gnomeo' Makes Gains on 'Unknown' at President's Day Weekend Box Offic

Gnomes rule.

Disney's 3D toon Gnomeo & Juliet, buoyed by an especially good Monday, turns out to have nearly tied with Liam Neeson action pic Unknown for the President's Day weekend box office crown.

Monday morning, Disney had put Gnomeo's estimated four-day gross at $24.8 million, while Warner Bros. put Unknown's gross at $25.6 million. Warners is distributing Unknown on behalf of Joel Silver's Dark Castle Entertainment.

But once actual numbers were calculated Tuesday morning, the picture changed.

Gnomeo grossed more than predicted, or $25.4 million.

Unknown grossed $25.5 million in its opening to narrowly retain the lead -- although less than $40,000 separated the two films.

Gnomeo is benefiting from being the only fresh family film in the marketplace. The animated film has cumed $56.4 million in its first 11 days.

The reason why Disney opted NOT to make "My Peoples"

Over at JimHillMedia.com, he talks about Disneys defunct animated film "My Peoples" AKA "Eglin's People" AKA "Once in a Blue Moon" AKA "Angel and Her No Good Sister" AKA "A Few Good Ghosts" 


""My Peoples" AKA "Eglin's People" AKA "Once in a Blue Moon" AKA "Angel and Her No Good Sister" AKA "A Few Good Ghosts" was the animated feature that Walt Disney Feature Animation - Florida had in the works right before that studio was closed for good in March of 2004.
Now as to why "My Peoples" got shut down (More importantly, why this animated feature was going to feature a folk art version of Abe Lincoln ) ... Well, it's kind of an interesting snapshot of what was going on at Walt Disney Feature Animation at that time." read the rest here..

Why Walt Disney Feature Animation opted NOT to make "My Peoples"

No More Lines to Meet Mickey Mouse?

Mickey Mouse is joining the ranks of Fastpass attractions at Magic Kingdom such as Space Mountain. For the first time this spring, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is going to let guests use a timed pass to meet the iconic mouse.
The change will happen when Mickey moves into a new permanent meet-and-greet location in Town Square. Disney did not disclose an exact date.
Magic Kingdom guests will be able to obtain a Disney Fastpass ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can meet Mickey for hugs, photos and autographs.
Disney says it's the first time it has made the computerized Fastpass service available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney theme park.
Currently, guests can do the highly popular visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, to the right of Space Mountain. Mickey's Toontown Fair, where the character previously met with fans, closed last week to make way for an expansion of Fantasyland.

New Scenes From 'Cars 2' Shared in First TV Spot

During the Daytona 500 broadcast on Sunday, February 20, Walt Disney Pictures unleashed the first TV spot for "Cars 2". Though shorter than the previously-released trailers, the one-minute snippet manages to share some never-before-seen scenes including the one featuring Mater the tow truck who is amazed by a high-tech equipped room.

In this "Cars" sequel, Mater and Lightning McQueen head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater's action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.

Larry the Cable Guy and Owen Wilson still provide the voice for Mater and McQueen respectively. Directed by "Cars" helmer John Lasseter and "Ratatouille" producer Brad Lewis, the upcoming animation will bow in U.S. theaters on June 24. 

 

Shane Black to direct Disney's Iron Man 3

With Jon Favreau no longer involved in the project so he can focus on Disney’s Magic Kingdom movie, the upcoming Iron Man 3 will instead be helmed by Kiss Kiss Bang Bang! director Shane Black, Total Film is reporting. Very little is known about the film at this point, but it is known that the plot’s events will tie to next year’sAvengers movie. Coming from Walt Disney Pictures,Iron Man 3 is set for a May 2013 release.

Mila Kunis to join Disney’s Oz: The Great and the Powerful?

Mila Kunis is apparently being considered for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in Disney's upcoming Wizard of Oz prequel, NY Magazine is reporting. The site reports that Kunis is said to be walking away from the live action Akira remake to join James Franco in the movie to be directed by Spider-Man helmer Sam Raimi. Franco apparently agreed to the project because he thought that Kunis would be perfect for the role. If things work out, Franco will play a younger version of the famous wizard who finds himself in the land of Oz. Kunis can currently be seen in the Oscar-nominated Black Swan, and is the voice of Meg on Fox's Family Guy.

Disney Cues Up Direct-to-DVD 'Cars' Spin-Off: 'Planes'

Disney has announced a new direct-to-disc spin-off of Pixar's successful "Cars" franchise, "Planes."

The CG-animated feature film will be produced by DisneyToon Studios, overlaying new talking-transport-themed characters over the landlocked "Cars" world.

Disney says the film will debut in Spring 2013.

“We had such a great time exploring the world of ‘Cars’ over the course of two films, so it seemed only natural for us to see where our imaginations would take us in a film where planes were the main characters," said John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, in a statement.

A "Cars" sequel, the Pixar-produced "Cars 2," is due out in theaters June 24.

Here's the full Disney announcement:

DisneyToon Studios Announces PlanesAn all-new high-flying feature-length comedy adventure
with a fleet of fun new characters
 

BURBANK, Calif. – February 17, 2011 – The sky’s the limit as DisneyToon Studios proudly announces PLANES, a spectacular, full-length CG-animated comedy action adventure movie for everyone set high above the world of CARS.  PLANES will introduce an entirely original and hilarious crew of daredevils from every corner of the globe and draws inspiration from the immensely popular Disney•Pixar’s CARS world. PLANES will arrive on Blu-ray and DVD in Spring 2013.

“We had such a great time exploring the world of ‘Cars’ over the course of two films, so it seemed only natural for us to see where our imaginations would take us in a film where planes were the main characters.   By expanding the Cars world, ‘Planes’ gave us a whole new set of fun-filled situations and a great opportunity to introduce some fantastic new characters.” commented John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.  “The team at DisneyToon Studios has done such an amazing job creating a heartfelt story filled with great comedy, adventure, and emotion.  I know audiences are going to love taking off into the wild blue yonder with these daredevil characters, as they experience a whole new kind of animated adventure.”

PLANES takes off with an international cast of the fastest air racers around, in a comedy packed with action and adventure starring Dusty, a small town dreamer who longs to enter the most epic around-the-world air race … despite his fear of heights.  With the help and support of a fleet of new and hilarious characters, Dusty wings his way into the biggest challenge of his life.

Fasten your seatbelt; more information on PLANES will be arriving shortly.

New trailer for Mars needs Moms

A brand new trailer for Walt Disney Pictures' upcoming animated feature Mars needs Moms is now available to watch on Apple. Directed by Simon Wells, and featuring the voices of Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois, Mindy Sterling, Kevin Cahoon, and Joan Cusack, Mars needs Moms opens in theatres on March 11, 2011.

Happy Valentines day from "TDDF"

"Gnomeo & Juliet" was a surprisingly strong No. 3 hit!

The 3-D animated family film "Gnomeo & Juliet" was a surprisingly strong No. 3, with $25.5 million dollars. Meanwhile, the Channing Tatum historical action film "The Eagle" came in far behind the other new movies with $8.6 million.
"Gnomeo & Juliet" has been in the works for more than 10 years at Walt Disney Studios and was set to be released by its Miramax label before the unit was sold last year. After all the backstage turbulence, it ended up with the highest-ever opening for an animated film in February, not accounting for ticket-price inflation. The majority of the audience was made up of families with children younger than 12, and with no other kids' films being released until Paramount's "Rango" on March 4, it should rack up a strong box-office total.


1. "Just Go With It" (Sony): Opened to $31 million. $5.1 million overseas in 16 foreign markets.

2. "Never Say Never" (Paramount Insurge): Opened to $30.3 million on its first weekend; $31 million including Wednesday previews.

3. "Gnomeo & Juliet" (Disney): Opened to $25.5 million. $250,000 overseas in two foreign markets.

4. "The Eagle" (Focus Features): Opened to $8.6 million.

5. "The Roommate" (Sony Screen Gems): $8.4 million on its second weekend, down 44%. Domestic total: $26 million.

6. "The King's Speech" (Weinstein Co.): $7.4 million on its 12th weekend, down 4%. Domestic total: $93.9 million.

7. "No Strings Attached" (Paramount/Spyglass/Cold Spring): $5.6 million on its fourth weekend, down 29%. Domestic total: $59.9 million. $5.9 million overseas in 22 foreign markets. International total: $6 million.

8. "Sanctum" (Universal/Relativity): $5.1 million on its second weekend, down 46%. Domestic total: $17.5 million. $1.5 million overseas in two foreign markets. International total: $5.6 million.

9. "True Grit" (Paramount/Skydance): $3.8 million on its eight weekend, down 19%. Domestic total: $160.3 million. $8.3 million overseas in 16 foreign markets. International total: $14.5 million.

10. "The Green Hornet" (Sony): $3.6 million on its fifth weekend, down 40%. Domestic total: $92.3 million. $18.3 million overseas in 78 foreign markets. International total: $107.2 million.]

Disney looks for 'Prom' dates

It's fun to count how many times the word "prom" is mentioned, printed, flashed and otherwise promoted in this new trailer for "Prom," the Disney movie about same.

Then again, the film's title has an elegant simplicity: As the trailer makes clear, this is about, no surprise, a  collection of couples and quasi-couples taking the tentative steps toward the high-school rite of passage. (Kudos to the studio for dropping in at least a few characters who don't look like they walked in from an Abercrombie catalog shoot.)

As for the quality of said film, it's hard to tell from the group of mostly unknowns cast in this low(er)-budget Disney production if we're looking at a more wholesome update of "American Pie" or a higher-end Disney Channel movie. There are signs of both, from the glossy look (the former) to the acting (the latter).

Either way, there's something quaint about "Prom," from its obsession over who's asking whom to the big dance to the absence of anything resembling social media, cellphones or other technological advances from the last 15 years. Even the wrong-side-of-the-track guys feels like a throwback, a (more sanitized) version  of  Emilio Estevez's Andrew Clark from "The Breakfast Club."

The movie hits at the end of April, when countless prom-stressed teenagers will (Disney hopes) look to a movie theater for guidance and vicarious relief.

Disney California Adventure celebrates 10 year anniversary

Today, Disney California Adventure celebrates ten years, having opened at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim Calif. on Feb. 8, 2001.
The addition to Disneyland Resort of what was then called Disney’s California Adventure – its name was changed May 28, 2010 as part of the park’s current rebranding and expansion. The park's opening was part of a major Disneyland expansion that also included the opening of the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Downtown Disney in 2001.
Disney California Adventure (DCA) was originally planned as a tribute to California, its history, culture, landmarks and people. The dedication plaque reads:

To all who believe in the power of dreams…welcome! Disney's California Adventure opens its golden gates to you. Here we pay tribute to the dreamers of the past... The native people, explorers, immigrants, aviators, entrepreneurs and entertainers who built the Golden State. And we salute a new generation of dreamers who are creating the wonders of tomorrow... From the silver screen to the computer screen... Fom the fertile farmlands to the far reaches of space. Disney's California Adventure celebrates the richness and diversity of California... its land, its people, its spirit and, above all, the dreams that it continues to inspire.
~ Michael Eisner, Feb. 8, 2001

Since its opening, DCA has undergone some extensive re-theming in response to criticisms about the park’s initial concept and relatively undistinguished attractions, which contributed to lackluster attendance. In response, DCA has incorporated more Disney characters, shows, attractions and experiences.
DCA originally consisted five areas: Sunshine Plaza (to become Buena Vista Street), Hollywood Pictures Backlot (to become Hollywood Land), The Golden State, a bug's land and Paradise Pier. The lands are undergoing changes as DCA moves into its second decade and Cars Land, a sixth area, is being built.
DCA is in the midst of a $1 billion expansion that affects much of the park. As part of this expansion, Toy Story Mania and World of Color have opened. The expansion will also see a dark ride based on “The Little Mermaid” and the new Cars Land, inspired by the 2006 Disney-Pixar film, open in 2012.
For an overview of Disney California Adventure history, see this article by Around Disney, the Orange County Register blog. For a more personal account of the park's history, see this article by Alexandria Cruz, the Disneyland Examiner.

Who’s Going to Disney World? The Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, That’s Who!

We asked the question yesterday, and first thing this morning, we got the answer.   Who’s going to Disney World to mark Superbowl XLV?  Who showed heart, determination, and the will to win?
Aaron Rodgers is the man!
The Green Bay Packers’ young quarterback uttered those five iconic words - “I’m Going To Disney World!” – last night amid his team’s celebration of triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dallas.
Aaron will join Mickey in a special celebratory parade today at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.  We’ll bring you pics just as soon as they’re available.
Congratulations, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers!

Gnomeo & Juliet: Music Video -- Elton John and Nelly Furtado in "Crocodi...

Dont forget that Disney/Touchstone's Gnomeo & Juliet in theaters THIS Friday, February 11th 2011.

James Franco In Talks for Sam Raimi's 'Oz' as Johnny Depp Passes

Los Angeles, Actor James Franco is reportedly being considered to star in 'Oz, The Great and Powerful' after actor Johnny Depp dropped out.

'No deal making has begun and many issues would need to be ironed out,' aceshowbiz.com quoted a source as saying.

Directed by Sam Raimi, 'Oz...' is the story of a young illusionist from Omaha with a grandiose attitude who is forced to flee a travelling circus. His hot air balloon is swept up by a tornado to the land of Oz, which is run by two magical wicked witches.

The project is said to be a high priority for Walt Disney. Producation may start in the second half of this year.

George Lucas Visits Star Tours In Disneyland

In what must have been a scene right out of the beginning of Return of the Jedi, George Lucas made a trip to Disneyland in California to inspect his team's progress on the construction of the new Star Tours ride. Check out this post on the Disney Parks blog:

It was a big day for Star Tours recently, as Star Wars creator George Lucas, joined by producer Rick McCallum, paid a visit to Disneyland Park to take a few test rides on the attraction with our Walt Disney Imagineering team. After experiencing adventures to several of the Star Wars worlds aboard the Starspeeder 1000, George and Rick gave the team a big thumbs up on their progress. George even took a moment to pose with the Audio-Animatronics figure of C-3PO in the Starspeeder cockpit!
I hope Disney's going to double their efforts!

Gnomeo & Juliet Clips

The Stars Entertainment/Touchstone Pictures film will debut on February 11 after years of being transferred or shut down by one studio after another. Gnomeo and Juliet is a comical reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragic romance with garden gnomes. If you can’t wait until next week to see the film, io9 has gathered clips, a music video, and the trailer. The famous balcony scene is included in the selection.

Disney World passholder event to mark Expedition Everest’s 5th birthday

Thrill seekers, get ready. Walt Disney World passholders are invited to a special event to celebrate the fifth birthday of Expedition Everest.

Pre-registered passholders can “get your fill of Yeti thrills” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, according to the latest edition of Mickey Monitor. The theme park is scheduled to close at 6 p.m. that Saturday, so it’s a rare after-hours event.

Sign-ups begin on Feb. 18 at disneyworld.com/passholder. You must be registered on the site and have your current passholder ID on file to gain access to the sign-ups.

‘Lion King’ roars with regal Durham box office haul

The Durham Performing Arts Center’s recent showing of Disney’s "The Lion King" pulled in $5.5 million at the box office and pumped a total of $16.2 million into the Triangle’s economy, DPAC says.
All told, The Lion King attracted more than 81,000 people to the DPAC during its 32 showings of the touring Broadway musical.
The total economic impact figure is based upon a Touring Broadway League report, which states that Broadway tours, on average, contribute to the local metropolitan area’s economy an economic impact of three times the gross ticket sales.
According to Rachel Gragg, director of public relations and concert marketing at DPAC, the center completely sold out 28 shows, with the remaining four shows going over the 90 percent mark.
The North American touring production of "The Lion King" has been seen by nearly 13 million people and grossed more than $834 million to date.

Disney sends Snow White to China

Disney has hired Toy Story 3 writer Michael Arndt to write their upcoming fairy tale spin-off Snow & the Seven, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film will imagine Snow White as an English woman who travels to China to attend her father’s funeral, where she meets seven international warriors when she realizes that her evil stepmother is out to get her. Black Swan actress Natalie Portman is apparently interested in the title character, but her current pregnancy might prevent her from getting the part.