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Disney News Stories
April 2001

Ongoing Coverage: Pooh Heirs Sue Disney Over Royaties - (General)
Original Story: 6/21/2000   Most Recent Story: 11/13/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Disney and eBay sign auction deal - (Coll,General)
Original Story: 2/8/2000   Most Recent Story: 10/26/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Cruise Line Adds Seven Day Cruise - (OD)
Original Story: 12/8/1999   Most Recent Story: 8/11/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Hong Kong Disneyland - (OD)
Original Story: 8/17/2000   Most Recent Story: 7/10/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Child Critically Injured on Cartoon Spin - (DL)
Original Story: 9/24/2000   Most Recent Story: 1/27/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Space Mountain Accident Injures Nine - (DL)
Original Story: 8/2/2000   Most Recent Story: 1/6/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Films Weekend Box Office Totals - (Movies)
Original Story: 4/24/2001   Most Recent Story: 12/10/2008

Ongoing Coverage: Broadcast of the Very Merry Christmas Parade - (WDW,Movies)
Original Story: 12/13/1999   Most Recent Story: 6/12/2007

Ongoing Coverage: Mission SPACE - (WDW)
Original Story: 1/20/2000   Most Recent Story: 6/14/2006

Ongoing Coverage: Brother Bear - (Movies)
Original Story: 8/14/2000   Most Recent Story: 10/24/2003

Ongoing Coverage: Hilary Duff's Career Begins at DIS Channel - (Movies)
Original Story: 8/29/2000   Most Recent Story: 5/2/2003

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Cable Disputes - (Movies)
Original Story: 11/30/2000   Most Recent Story: 4/5/2002

The Fourth Annual Disneyana Shop Celebration Saturday, May 5, 2001 - (DL,Coll) (4/30/2001)
As part of the Fourth Annual Disneyana Shop Celebration on Saturday, May 5, 200 I, the first 1000 Guests who visit the Disneyana Shop will receive a free limited-edition mini-lithograph. The edition is limited to 1000 mini-lithographs, and is limited to one per Guest. In addition, the Disneyland ® Resort has created a very special pin for this celebration. This special collector's pin will feature Mickey & Friends and will be offered for $10.00. The collector's pin is limited to an edition size of 2000.
Source: Company Mailing

Disney Online Celebrates Walt Disney Pictures' Epic Animated Adventure -- Atlantis: the Lost Empire - (Movies,General) (4/30/2001)
The Atlantis: The Lost Empire SuperSite, found at www.disney.com/atlantis, lets guests experience Milo's adventure and journey to a long-lost undersea kingdom through a variety of interactive features. Also starting today through June 18, Disney Auctions presented by eBay will offer fans the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind experiences and exclusive items from Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
Source: Company Press Release

Disney Announces Disney's DVD Technical Support Web Site - (Movies,Coll) (4/30/2001)
Disney DVD consumers now have access to an online support site for all their DVD questions. On May 1, the Disney DVD Technical Support internet site opens to the public at www.DisneyDVD.com/support, and consumers can contact Buena Vista Home Entertainment directly with questions about their Disney DVDs.
Source: Company Press Release

Disney Online Wins "Best of Festival" Award At the International Web Page Awards - (General) (4/27/2001)
Disney.com also wins "Best of Category" for Entertainment; Disney.com, ESPN.com and Mr. Showbiz/Wall of Sound/Movies.com take home "Creative Excellence Awards" Disney Online last night was awarded the "Best of Festival" award, "Best of Category" for entertainment and a "Creative Excellence Award" at the International Web Page Awards ceremony. The "Best of Festival" award recognizes the best Web page created in 2000, focusing on outstanding Internet graphic design and creativity. Disney was recognized for its virtual theme park home page. There were more than 700 entries for this award.
Source: Company Press Release

Disneyland Resort launches ticket offer for Canadians only! - (DL) (4/26/2001)
This special Canadian exclusive 5-for-3 ticket is the cost of a regular 3- day Disneyland Resort Flex Passport but valid for 5 days over a 14 consecutive day period. Plus, for the special promotional period, the 5-for-3 tickets allow park-hopping privileges to both parks on the same day. Prices are $111 US for adults and $87 US for children.(1) Tickets are available for purchase and arrival to Disneyland Resort until November 17 and expire on November 21, 2001. This special offer is available to Canadian residents only and tickets can be purchased in Canada through CAA or a travel agent.
Source: Company Press Release

Electrical Parade returns to the Disneyland Resort - (DL) (4/26/2001)
Press release announcing return of the Main Street Electrical Parade (now called Disney's Electrical Parade) to the Disneyland Resort at Disney's California Adventure.

Production Starts on Mini-Series Adaptation of 'A Wrinkle In Time' - (Movies) (4/26/2001)
Miramax Television, in association with Dimension Films and Fireworks, is proud to announce that production has begun on "A Wrinkle in Time," the upcoming four hour, two part mini-series based on Madeleine L'Engle's Newbery Medal winning children's book. It will be the first mini-series featured On ABC's Wonderful World of Disney and will air during the 2001-2002 season.
Source: Company Press Release

The Walt Disney Co. Reported Earnings For The Quarter and Six Months Ended March 31, 2001. - (General) (4/25/2001)
The Walt Disney Co. reports higher earnings before restructuring and impairment charges for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2001

El Capitan Theatre To Showcase 10 Classic Films in May - (Movies) (4/24/2001)
Beginning May 3rd, the El Capitan will showcase 10 classic films that had their premieres at the historic Hollywood Theater. The series begins with the debut screening of a new 35mm print (struck from a recently discovered pristine master) of "Citizen Kane," the film which marked the El Capitan's bow as a movie theatre in 1941. The other films in the series are: "Citizen Kane," "Rear Window," "Doctor Zhivago," "Vertigo," "Sunset Blvd.," "Uptown Saturday Night," "The Man Who Knew Too Much," "Gigi," "The Music Man," and "Sabrina."

Summer 2001 Is a 'Specials' Time for Value-Minded Floridians at Walt Disney World Resort - (WDW) (4/23/2001)
Summer 2001 will be a "specials" time for budget-conscious Floridians to experience the fun of Walt Disney World Resort, with special ticket offers in store for all four theme parks and two water parks plus the best rates of the year to test Disney's PGA TOUR-caliber golf courses.
Source: Company Press Release

Disney Online Holds #1 Spot for Kids and Family Online Entertainment - (General) (4/23/2001)
Disney Online, part of the Walt Disney Internet Group and creator of the No. 1 entertainment destination online for kids and families, remains the worldwide leader in kids and family online entertainment, generating 7.6 million unique users in March 2001, a 20% increase from March 2000, according to the March Media Metrix survey.
Company Press Release

Randall Baumberger Promoted to Senior Vice President of Disney Regional Entertainment - (DL) (4/19/2001)
Randall Baumberger has been promoted to senior vice president of Disney Regional Entertainment. Baumberger oversees ESPN Zone, a sports-themed dining and entertainment venue with locations in Atlanta; Anaheim, Calif.; Baltimore; Chicago; New York; and Washington D.C., as well as DisneyQuest Chicago.

Disney Channel Ranks No. 1 in Total Day and Prime Time With Tweens for Week of April 9 - (Movies) (4/18/2001)
After taking the No. 1 spot in prime time for the first quarter of 2001 with both kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14, Disney Channel is again on top, ranking No. 1 with tweens in both total day (1.9 rating/tied with Nickelodeon) and prime time (5.1 rating) for the week of April 9-15, 2001.he Saturday telecast of Disney Channel's latest original movie, "Hounded," was the top-rated movie of the week among both broadcast and cable television with tweens 9-14 (9.6 rating) and teens 12-17 (5.2 rating).

DCA Artist Choice Pin of the Month - May - (DL,Coll) (4/18/2001)
As part of the inaugural year celebration at Disney's California Adventure the DCA Artist Choice pin of the month program with 11 pins has been announced. On the second Saturday of the month a pin will be released featuring a DCA district. The May pin features a Grizzly Bear and is entitled "GRR Bear"

Peter D. Whitford Named President, Disney Store - Worldwide - (Movies) (4/17/2001)
Retail industry veteran Peter D. Whitford has been named president of the Disney Store - Worldwide. Whitford will oversee all facets of the Disney Store's global retail operation.
Source: Company Press Release

'Disney's Pepper Ann' Helps Clean Up the Planet in Celebration of Earth Day - (Movies) (4/17/2001)
Pepper Ann overcomes her stage fright in order to help clean up Lupkin Park in a special Earth Day episode of "Disney's Pepper Ann" entitled "Environ-Mentals" airing on Sunday, April 22 on UPN and in syndication (check local listings).
Source: Company Press Release

Patrick Fitzgerald Joins Buena Vista Home Entertainment as Snr VP, Sales and Distribution - (Movies) (4/13/2001)
Patrick Fitzgerald has been named as the new senior vice president, Sales and Distribution, for Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE).

Awards & Honors Mark Final Day of National Robotics Championship - (WDW) (4/12/2001)
Awards and honors were presented to teams participating in the 10th-annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition which wrapped up on Saturday at Walt Disney World's EPCOT Resort in Orlando, Fla. Team 22, "Double Deuce," from Chatsworth High School in North Hills, Calif., sponsored by Boeing-Rocketdyne, Computer Associates, Decker Machine, and Fadal Engineering, took one of the top honors in winning the coveted Chairman's Award, given annually to the team whose partnership best illustrates the true spirit of FIRST. Award presentations were also highlighted by the announcement of $1.2 million in scholarships for FIRST students, aimed at opening doors in higher education that will lead to careers in engineering and design.
Source: FIRST Press Release

Epcot 8th Annual Flower and Garden Festival Details - (WDW) (4/11/2001)
Details on Walt Disney World's 8th Annual Flower and Garden Festival Details, to be held at Epcot April 20 - June 3.

Nine Day Engagement of Sing-Along Mary Poppins at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre Begins April 13th - (Movies) (4/11/2001)
For this interactive presentation, a restored 35mm Dolby Stereo print of the classic 1964 film has been customized with on-screen lyrics of all the songs so that audiences can join in the fun by singing along. Additionally, Mary Poppins herself will introduce the show at each performance. Moviegoers are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from the film.
source: Company Press Release

ABC.com Provides 50/50 Lifelines to Participants in ABC / McDonald's Millionaire Game Promotion - (Movies) (4/11/2001)
ABC.com, a part of the Walt Disney Internet Group, will play a focal part of ABC Television Network and McDonald's upcoming "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" game promotion by providing a 50/50 Lifeline that could help players win cash prizes of as much as $1 million. The national promotion, extending from April 19 to May 17, will feature a sweepstakes in which every scratch-off game card could produce a prize of either cash or food. For the first time in lottery/sweepstakes history, the opportunity exists to win cash instantly on every game card.
source: Company Press Release

Regis Philbin Makes Million Dollar Entrance to Open "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!� - (WDW) (4/10/2001)
Armored trucks loaded with collectible prizes, Mickey Mouse and Regis Philbin himself arrived at Disney-MGM Studios today to launch the opening of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!� live-show attraction at Walt Disney World Resort.
Source: Company Press Release

Press Conference with Regis Philbin, Michael Davies and various media representatives - (WDW) (4/10/2001)
Transcript of the press conference held at the Who Wants to Be A Millionaire - Play It! Attraction at Disney-MGM Studios Friday, April 6, 2001with Regis Philbin and Executive Producer Michael Davies.
Source: Company Press Release

DCA Special Lithograph Signing April 21 - (DL,Coll) (4/10/2001)
To celebrate DCA's inaugural season a special lithograph signing featuring Senior Concept Designer Rennie Marquez will be held on Saturday, April 21,2001from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Off the Page, Hollywood Pictures Backlot in DCA.

Feel the Force During Star Wars Weekends At Disney-MGM Studios During May - (WDW) (4/10/2001)
For four consecutive weekends beginning May 4 the Disney-MGM Studios joins forces with Lucasfilm Ltd. to present the second annual Star Wars Weekends, a celebration that transports guests of all ages to a galaxy far, far away. With the popular Star Tours attraction, Hollywood-style motorcades and star conversations, a high-energy Cantina Street Party and celebrity autograph sessions, the theme park is transformed into a Force-filled fan-fest each weekend.
Source: Company Press Release

Steven M. Bornstein Named President, ABC Television - (Movies) (4/10/2001)
Steven M. Bornstein has been named president, ABC Television. In his new role, Bornstein will oversee the ABC Television Network, ABC's 10 owned television stations and Buena Vista Television, a provider of syndicated television programming.
Source: Company Press Release

Giant-Screen Version of Beauty and the Beast' To Be Released Worldwide on January 1st, 2002 - (Movies) (4/10/2001)
The worldwide release date for the giant-screen version of Walt Disney Pictures' Academy Award ®-winning "Beauty and the Beast" has been set for January 1st, 2002.
Source: Company Press Release

Delphi-Sponsored Teams Excel in 'FIRST' National Robotics Competition - (WDW) (4/10/2001)
While most kids travel to Walt Disney World in search of Mickey Mouse and Goofy, more than 10,000 students converged on Disney's Epcot ® Center April 5-7 with other famous names in mind: Archimedes, Curie, Galileo and Newton. The 2001 FIRST National Robotics Competition held in Orlando, Fla., over the weekend grouped student teams in four divisions, named for the famous scientists. Delphi Automotive Systems sponsored 10 high school teams at this year's competition.
Source: Company Press Release

Biggest, Most Power-Packed Night of Joy Lineup Ever At Disney's Magic Kingdom Event Sept. 7-8 - (WDW) (4/10/2001)
The biggest, most power-packed, most-honored lineup in Night of Joy history will feature Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jars of Clay, Jaci Velasquez and seven other acts when Walt Disney World Resort presents its 19th annual celebration of contemporary Christian music Sept. 7-8 in the Magic Kingdom. The entertainment lineup also includes Plus One, Salvador, Rebecca St. James, Anointed, Stacie Orrico, Rachael Lampa and Whisper Loud. Among them, the 11 acts performing during the weekend have amassed 46 Dove Awards (through 2000) and have sold more than 18 million albums. Jars of Clay scored a 2001 Grammy for If I Left The Zoo (Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album).
Source: Company Press Release

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Walt Disney's Kansas City Studio - (General) (4/9/2001)
The official groundbreaking ceremony for Walt Disney's original Laugh-O-gram Studio Building in downtown Kansas City will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10 at 1127 East 31st Street, the site of the historic building. The event, which will kick off fundraising to restore the historic site where "the mouse" was born and the Disney dream began, is part of an ongoing revitalization effort in Kansas City's midtown.

The Disney Channel Debuts on DIRECTV(TM) in Brazil - (Movies) (4/9/2001)
On April 6, DIRECTV Latin America announced the official debut of the Disney Channel to all DIRECTV(TM) subscribers in Brazil. The Disney Channel is a new, 24-hour Portuguese television network with entertainment for kids and families created specially for the Brazilian market. DIRECTV subscribers will enjoy the best of the Disney programming, including exclusive and original productions, a two-hour live, daily show, blockbuster movies, animated and live-action series, concerts and special events.

4, 5 and 6-Day Flex Passports now include park hopping - (DL) (4/6/2001)
Announcement that 4, 5 and 6-Day Disneyland Resort Flex Passports now include park-hopping privileges.

ATLANTIS: The Lost Empire At the El Capitan Theatre - (Movies) (4/5/2001)
Visit the El Capitan Entertainment Centre June 8 - July 14, 2001 for Disney's feature film Atlantis: The Lost Empire and special exhibits and adventures next door at Destination Atlantis.

Disney Channel Ranks No. 1 With Tweens in Prime Time for 7th Consecutive Quarter - (Movies) (4/5/2001)
Led by strong performances from its original movies "Zenon the Zequel," "Motocrossed" and "The Luck of the Irish," Disney Channel ranked No. 1 in prime time among tweens 9-14 (3.5 rating) for the first quarter of 2001.
Source: Company Press Release

Disney Channel Springs Into April With 70 Million Subscribers - (Movies) (4/5/2001)
Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, today announced that the network will be in more than 70.3 million households as of April 2, 2001, according to the latest figures from Nielsen Media Research.
Source: Company Press Release

Robert Miller Named President of Disney's Hyperion Book Unit - (General) (4/4/2001)
Robert S. Miller has been named president of Hyperion, Disney's book publishing arm. He helped Disney establish Hyperion in 1990 and held the title of senior vice president and managing director.
source: Company Press release

Hyperion Names Ellen Archer VP and Publisher And Will Schwalbe VP and Editor in Chief - (General) (4/4/2001)
Ellen Archer, vice president and associate publisher of Hyperion, has been promoted to vice president and publisher, and Will Schwalbe, executive editor, has been named vice president and editor in chief.
source: Company Press release

Honda to Take Advantage of Walt Disney Internet Group's Revolutionary Big Impression Ad Unit - (General) (4/4/2001)
Honda will be among the advertisers taking advantage in coming weeks of Walt Disney Internet Group's pioneering Big Impression ad unit, the revolutionary, oversized ad unit that measures a full 30 percent bigger than traditional banners.
source: Company Press release

LP: CA Middle School collects Disney videos for Children's Hospitals - (Movies) (4/3/2001)
Do you have any older G-rated films lying around the house collecting dust? Can't figure out what to do with your VHS Disney videos once you've purchased them in DVD format? LaughingPlace.com offers an update on the Chaminade Middle School community service program which under the direction of Michael Hart has collected close to 3700 family videos and distributed them among various local children's hospitals.

Disney Channel Gives the Greenlight to Five New Original Movies - (Movies) (4/3/2001)
Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, has greenlit five new original movies for its monthly movie showcase. All five films -- "Ring of Endless Light" (working title), "Twas The Night" (working title), "The Heidi and Heather Burge Story" (working title) "Gotta Kick It Up" (working title) and "Get A Clue" -- will begin production in various locations in April and May 2001. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, executive vice president, original programming, Disney Channel.

THQ Brings "Disney's Atlantis: the Lost Empire" to Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color Systems - (Movies) (4/3/2001)
THQ Inc. today announced an agreement with Disney Interactive to publish "Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire" for Nintendo's highly anticipated Game Boy ® Advance and existing Game Boy ® Color handheld systems.

Continental Airlines Adds Disney Programming on Select Flights - (Movies,General) (4/3/2001)
Continental Airlines welcomes Disney as an exclusive programming partner for inflight entertainment on the Continental Family Channel. This channel is available to all customers traveling on its 767s and 777s and will feature such Disney films as Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Michael Eisner and The Walt Disney Co. to be Honored for Visionary Architectural Patronage - (General) (4/3/2001)
Michael Eisner, chairman of Disney since 1984 and widely celebrated as one of the nation's most passionate patrons of architecture, will accept the prestigious annual Honor Award from the National Building Museum at a black-tie gala Thursday evening, April 5.

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Announces Workforce Reduction of 4,000 - (General)
Original Story: 3/27/2001   Most Recent Story: 4/2/2001

Cirque du Soleil to Hold Auditions in Orlando April 3, 2001 - (WDW) (4/2/2001)
Cirque du Soleil, the internationally acclaimed producers of La Nouba at Downtown Disney West Side in the Walt Disney World Resort ®, will be conducting auditions in Orlando on Tuesday, April 3, 2001.

Dimension Films Launches New Interactive Web Site to Extend SPY kids(TM) Movie - (Movies) (4/2/2001)
By registering to become an official SPY kid(TM), young secret agents can follow in the footsteps of the movie's brother and sister heroes. SPY kids(TM) will use their budding spy skills to save the world from oddball characters and most importantly, keep their family together.

GameSpy Industries Teams With Disney Interactive to Bring Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - (Movies,Coll,General) (4/2/2001)
GameSpy will host the online multi-player gameplay for Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Search for the Journal prequel, and Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire - Trial by Fire, the follow-up, expanded retail version of the game launching May 15th, through a custom Atlantis-themed version of its popular GameSpy Arcade

Disney Interactive Releases First-of-Its-Kind, Free Movie 'Prequel' Online - (Movies,General) (4/2/2001)
The most massive free distribution of an interactive game to date, "Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire -- Search for the Journal" fuses advanced PC technology -- processing speed, 3D video cards and online multi-player capabilities -- with Disney animation, creativity and story telling to introduce the film's characters and tell its back story: a compelling tale of exploration and adventure that takes place 13 years before the film begins. Beginning in April, more than 12,000,000 prequel games will be distributed through mass-market outlets and companies including Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Kellogg USA, Kodak through Walgreens Photo Center, Disney Adventures magazine, and both the Disneyland ® and Walt Disney World ® resorts.

Animal Kingdom Lodge details - (WDW) (4/2/2001)
Press release with details of Walt Disney World's new Animal Kingdom Lodge which opens officially on April 16, 2001.