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Disney News Stories
April 2002

Ongoing Coverage: Pirates of the Caribbean - the film - (Movies)
Original Story: 11/3/2001   Most Recent Story: 11/17/2009

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: Lilo & Stitch - (Movies)
Original Story: 4/16/2002   Most Recent Story: 3/3/2009

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: Accidents at Disneyland - (DL)
Original Story: 12/21/2001   Most Recent Story: 5/29/2008

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: Treasure Planet - (Movies)
Original Story: 2/27/2002   Most Recent Story: 8/14/2002

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Company Financial News - (General)
Original Story: 8/3/2001   Most Recent Story: 8/1/2002

Ongoing Coverage: Disneyland Pin Releases - (DL,Coll)
Original Story: 3/20/2002   Most Recent Story: 5/1/2002

Upcoming Disneyland Pin Releases - (DL,Coll) (4/30/2002)
Limited edition pins celebrating Cinco de Mayo will be released this weekend. Also this weekend limited edition annual passholder pins and pins featuring characters and their signature hats.

Pin Dining at Storyteller's Cafe - (DL,Coll) (4/30/2002)
Make a reservation for lunch at Storyteller's Cafe on Friday, May 10th and have the opportunity to purchase Mother's Day pins before their official release date Sunday, May 12th.

Disney's Weekend Box Office Numbers - (Movies) (4/30/2002)
Complete listing of the April 19 - 21 box office results for Buena Vista films. This week's top performing Buena Vista Pictures' film was The Rookie in the number 6 spot.

- (DL,Movies,Coll) (4/29/2002)


Production Has Begun On "The Soul Patrol,'' a Disney Channel Original Movie - (Movies) (4/26/2002)
Production has begun on "The Soul Patrol" (working title), a new Disney Channel Original Movie starring Tommy Davidson ("The Proud Family") with Eric Idle ("Monty Python") and Kathy Najimy ("Rat Race") as a trio of benevolent spirits who help two teens fight a local legend who's come back from the dead, seeking revenge on a town.

The Walt Disney Company Reports Earnings for the Quarter and Six Months Ended March 31, 2002 - (General) (4/26/2002)
On April 25th the Walt Disney Company reported earnings for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2002.

Mickey's Detective School - A Musical 'Toondunit' Premieres at the Fantasyland Theater - (DL) (4/25/2002)
'Mickey's Detective School -- A Musical Toondunit,' a 25-minute production, will play several times a day Friday through Sunday during the spring months, before going to a daily schedule on June 14. The show will then take a hiatus during the holiday season, when 'Minnie's Christmas Party,' will begin its run in the Fantasyland Theater.

Thea Awards Announced, Tokyo DisneySea, Animal Kingdom Lodge, DCA's Animation and Soarin' Honored - (DL,WDW,OD) (4/24/2002)
"This year, we are pleased to honor Disney with four Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement: the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge for Themed Hotel; for Attractions, both Disney Animation and Soarin' Over Calfornia at California Adventure; and for Theme Park and Entertainment, the Oriental Land Company's Tokyo DisneySea in Japan.�

Nancy Sinatra Celebrates Best of the West on Buena Vista Records' California Girl - (DL,Movies,Coll) (4/24/2002)
Sixties pop diva Nancy Sinatra has teamed up with Buena Vista Records to create a one-of-a-kind musical celebration of Disney's California Adventure Park with the all-new release, "California Girl."

Disney's Weekend Box Office Numbers - (Movies) (4/23/2002)
Complete listing of the April 19 - 21 box office results for Buena Vista films. This week's top performing Buena Vista Pictures' film was The Rookie in the number 4 spot.

Monsters, Inc. Crosses $500 Million at Box Office -- 2nd Biggest Animated Film of All Time - (Movies) (4/22/2002)
Monsters, Inc.," A Walt Disney Pictures presentation of A Pixar Animation Studios Film, has soared past the $500 million mark at the worldwide box office to become the second highest grossing animated film of all-time (behind only Disney's "The Lion King"). In conjunction with that milestone Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios today announced their next three films: Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Cars.

New Disney Program Encourages Today's Youth to Volunteer - (Movies,General) (4/22/2002)
Disney is calling all kids to become All-Stars, by joining the Disney Adventures All-Stars Program. The program encourages kids to show their character by participating in volunteer activities. Kicking off in May 2002, the program will give All-Stars the opportunity to register as an individual or group when they take part in or create volunteer projects. Disney Adventures Magazine, Disney Channel, Radio Disney and Disney Online will support this effort. Disney created the All-Stars Program to inspire volunteerism and recognize kids who help their communities. DisneyHand, the worldwide outreach program for The Walt Disney Company and administrator of Disney VoluntEARS, is supporting the All-Stars effort.

ESPN Auctions Offers Exclusive Items From ESPN The Magazine, Including a Magazine Experience - (General) (4/22/2002)
Beginning April 18-25, fans will have the opportunity to bid on items including an ESPN The Magazine Experience in New York City and autographed issues of the publication. Proceeds from certain items will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Walt Disney Company Celebrates The 10th Anniversary of Its VoluntEARS Program - (General) (4/19/2002)
To salute its cast members for continuing to support and help those in need in their local communities, The Walt Disney Company will mark the program's 10th anniversary by establishing EARS to You, a "dollars for do-ers" program in which The Walt Disney Company will make financial contributions to charities based on an employee's involvement and time commitment. In addition, Disney will introduce the Disney Adventures All-Stars Program, which challenges children to make a difference in the world by helping their communities.

Even More Magic in Store for Guests At Walt Disney World Resort This Summer - (WDW) (4/19/2002)
"Our 100 Years of Magic celebration has already proven to be extraordinarily popular with our guests," said Walt Disney World President Al Weiss. "And now we're pulling out all the stops to create the most magical summer ever at Walt Disney World."

Disneyland Resort Representatives Welcome "Operation Uplift'' Partner USS Shreveport - (DL,General) (4/19/2002)
After seven months at sea as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, U.S. military personnel aboard the USS Shreveport will be warmly welcomed to their home port of Norfolk, Va., on April 20 by Mickey Mouse and Disneyland(R) Resort representatives.

Walt Disney Classics Collection Recent and Upcoming Releases - (Movies,Coll) (4/19/2002)


Journey Into Imagination with Figment Brings Popular Purple Dragon Back to Epcot - (WDW) (4/19/2002)
Journey Into Imagination with Figment invites guests to an open house at the Imagination Institute led by Dr. Nigel Channing, who plans to show how the five senses can influence a person's imagination. The revamped attraction also heralds the return of "One Little Spark,� an uplifting song written by legendary Disney composers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman for the attraction's original opening in March 1983.

An Evening of Art, Fun & Fundraising at Club 33 at Disneyland - (DL,General) (4/19/2002)
Join Tony Baxter (famed Senior Vice President of Concept Development for Walt Disney Imagineering) and Bob Keene (Emmy ®-winning Production Designer) as they salute their mentor, Dr. Maxine Merlino, former Dean of Fine Arts, California State University, Long Beach on Thursday, May 16th, 2002 at the exclusive Club 33 at Disneyland. The evening fundraiser includes an elegant dinner in the charming New Orleans ambience of Club 33, admission to Disneyland, a silent auction and a Club 33 memento.

Disney Co To Join With Points of Light Foundation To Support The Unity In The Spirit of America Act - (General) (4/18/2002)
DisneyHand, the worldwide outreach program for The Walt Disney Company, announced today it will serve as a corporate sponsor of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network's administration of the Unity in the Spirit of America (USA) that recently was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush. Disney's support will include $1 million in financial support, as well as production resources, broad reach for awareness of the act, Disney talent and marketing resources.

Disneyland Pin Report - (DL,Coll) (4/17/2002)
Upcoming limited edition pin releases from April 19 - 21 include the Pirates of the Caribbean scene featuring the Redhead, Chip N Dale celebrate Earth Day, Walt Disney and Pirate Goofy celebrating the 35th anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Lilo & Stitch Film and Fun at the El Capitan Theatre - (Movies) (4/17/2002)
Enjoy Disney's Lilo & Stitch at the historic El Capitan Theatre followed by Hawaiian themed fun including crafts, hula dancing and more as well as an exhibit of Elvis memorabilia from June 21 - July 25.

Epic Megaseries Dinotopia Premieres Sunday, May 12, on the ABC Television Network - (Movies) (4/16/2002)
"Dinotopia,� the epic story of a lost continent where dinosaurs and humans live together in an almost-utopian world, will air on Sunday, May 12 (7:00-9:00 p.m., ET), Monday, May 13 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) and Tuesday, May 14 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), as a special presentation of "The Wonderful World of Disney� on the ABC Television Network.

Special for Canadians, Kids Visit Free, 5 Days for the Price of 3, 4th Night Free - (DL) (4/16/2002)
The "5 for 3" ticket offer has been extended! This ever-popular Canadian- exclusive ticket offer provides five days of unlimited fun and adventure for the price of three over a 13 consecutive day period to both Disney theme parks: Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. Plus the "5 for 3" Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket entitles each guest to "park hop" - visit both Disney parks on the same day. The "5 for 3" ticket offer is valid for arrivals until January 7, 2003.

WDIG Promotes Eric Aledort to Snr VP, Business Development and Strategic Partnership Marketing - (General) (4/16/2002)
Eric Aledort has been promoted to senior vice president, business development and strategic partnership marketing at the Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG).

5th Anniversary Disney Institute Animation Event, WDW Aug 18 -23 - (WDW) (4/15/2002)
Animation historian and author Jeff Kurtti will be our host and moderator for the 5th Anniversary Disney Institute Animation Event, August 18-23, 2002.

Carolwood Pacific Historical Society Announces Imagineering Appreciation Day - (General) (4/15/2002)
On Sunday, April 21, between 11 am and 3 pm, the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society (CPHS) is hosting "Imagineering Appreciation Day," a gathering of past and present Imagineers at the "birthplace" of it all-Walt's Carolwood Barn.

ABC Family To Host Spiderman Marathon, Memorial Day Weekend - (Movies) (4/15/2002)
While the new Spider-Man movie "sticks" to the silver screen, an animated "Spider-Man Through the Years" marathon, featuring Marvel Comics' favorite wall crawler in first-ever episode plus classic and modern day episodes from the four Spider-Man series (from the '60s, '80s, '90s and new millennium), will be presented during the Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 25, Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27 (7:00-9:00 a.m., ET/PT) on ABC Family.

Polycom Gets ESPN Pact - (Movies) (4/15/2002)
ESPN using Polycom Video Communications Systems to connect NFL teams during 2002 NFL Draft Broadcast

Disney Buys Rights To Japan Animated Film - (Movies) (4/12/2002)
The Walt Disney Studios has acquired all domestic theatrical, home entertainment and television rights to Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece, Spirited Away, Japan's all-time top grossing film. Acclaimed director John Lasseter (Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2), executive vice president, creative for Pixar Animation Studios, will serve as creative consultant for the newly dubbed version. Under the terms of the deal, Disney will also acquire the video distribution rights to the film in Japan as well as all theatrical, home entertainment and television rights in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and France.

One Hundred Mickeys Pin Release Info - (DL,Coll) (4/12/2002)
Pictures of the first set of 100 Mickeys Pins to be released on April 28th and the locations they will be sold.

Minnie Mouse is a "Lovely Lady" in "Nifty" New Sculpture Release from the WDCC - (Movies,Coll) (4/12/2002)
Minnie Mouse is a "Lovely Lady" in "Nifty" New Sculpture Release from the WDCC

Jessie and Bullseye from Disney & Pixar's Toy Story 2 Gallop Off the Screen and Into the WDCC - (Movies,Coll) (4/12/2002)
"The Toys Are Back in Town" and so are four all-new Walt Disney Classics Collection sculptures derived from Disney/Pixar's blockbuster computer animated feature Toy Story 2. Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl and Woody's faithful horse Bullseye are recreated just as they appeared on screen to help collectors relive all the fun and laughter of the hit sequel to the groundbreaking film Toy Story (1995)

Disneyland Pin Report - (DL,Coll) (4/9/2002)
The Disneyland Pin Report announces the upcoming releases of open editions featuring the Fab 5 in a variety of relaxed poses and pins modelled after the oversized bugs in Greetings from California.

Return to Neverland on DVD and Video August 20, 2002 - (Movies,Coll) (4/9/2002)
On August 20th, the magic takes flight in the continuation of the timeless tale of Peter Pan in Return to Neverland, coming to Disney DVD and video. A magical story, full of all the fun, adventure and fantasy of the original, Return to Neverland features favorite returning characters Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and Peter's arch rival Captain Hook, and introduces a new character, Wendy's daughter Jane, a young girl who doesn't believe in "faith, trust and pixie dust."

Newly Renovated El Capitan Entertainment Centre Honored As a Historic Hollywood Landmark - (Movies,General) (4/9/2002)
The El Capitan Entertainment Centre, located at 6840 Hollywood Blvd. adjacent to the legendary El Capitan Theatre, has undergone an extensive renovation and was honored as a Historic Hollywood Landmark at official ceremonies, April 9, 2002.

One Hundred Mickeys Pin Kick-Off Breakfast - (DL,Coll) (4/8/2002)
On Sunday, April 28th the Disneyland Resort will host the One Hundred Mickeys Pin Kick-Off Breakfast in the Blue Bayou restaurant. Tickets are $24 per person and will go on sale Wednesday, April 10, 2002 through Disneyland* DelivEARS at 800.362.4533. Admission to the Park is not included.

Disneyland ® Resort Earns Ten Awards for Dining Excellence From So Cal Restaurant Writers - (DL) (4/8/2002)
The Disneyland Resort recently received ten awards for dining excellence during 2001 from the Southern California Restaurant Writers (SCRW), the greatest number of awards the Resort has ever received from the organization. Among the honors, Bobby Gonzales of Granville's Steak House was singled out for personal recognition in being named the 2001 Maitre d' of the Year.

'Pin-demonium' Reigns as Walt Disney World Resort - (WDW,Coll) (4/8/2002)
Pin enthusiasts can select event themes ranging from princesses to dinosaurs. Each event will include a series of limited edition pins. Visitors can follow specially designed "pin pursuits," winding their way through each location on a quest for the perfect set of pins. Disney pin artists will be on hand to sign their creations, and some events will have pin auctions featuring one-of-a-kind finds.

Disney Online Launches 'The Magic Banner' - (Coll,General) (4/8/2002)
Disney.com announced today the launch of a new advertising format that expands upon the traditional banner ad. This new unit, named "The Magic Banner," engages guests with animated designs in a single, enlarged ad space at the top of the page. This creative design allows site advertisements to interact with the navigational and logo space of the Disney.com homepage, as well as several other highly visited areas of the site.

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

Disney and EchoStar Reach Agreement for Carriage of ABC Family and ESPN Classic on DISH Network - (Movies) (4/5/2002)
The agreement provides for the long-term carriage of ABC Family and calls for EchoStar to restore ESPN Classic to its prior level of service on DISH Network by mid-April. The agreement also resolves the legal proceedings between the two companies regarding ABC Family. Details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Disney Imagineering's Ultimate Ride Coaster Deluxe For PC Creates Bigger and Better Roller Coasters - (Coll) (4/5/2002)
"Ultimate Ride Coaster Deluxe" allows players, ages nine and up, to build spectacular rides with a plethora of new features: two track types, four environments, five coaster pieces and four themes. Users who compete in Imagineering Mode strive to successfully complete 26 new missions, out of 50 total, that present challenges based on specific criteria that the coaster must feature. In Build Mode, players' coaster aspirations can be limitless, just as long as their design adheres to the laws of physics.

Touchstone Pictures' Big Trouble Premiere held at the El Capitan Theatre - (Movies) (4/4/2002)
Photos from the premiere of Touchstone Pictures' Big Trouble starring Tim Allen and directed by Barry Sonnenfeld.

Original Cast of ABC's Beloved Comedy Series "Laverne & Shirley� Reunites - (Movies) (4/4/2002)
"On your mark, get set and go now,� as ABC returns to its nostalgic heyday with "Entertainment Tonight Presents: Laverne & Shirley Together Again,� a one-hour comedy special reuniting for the first time in almost two decades actor/director Penny Marshall and actor Cindy Williams with other beloved cast members from the classic hit series "Laverne & Shirley.� The program will air TUESDAY, MAY 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Harry Dolman Promoted To Executive Vice President, Global Hardlines, Disney Consumer Products - (General) (4/4/2002)
Harry Dolman has been promoted to executive vice president, global hardlines, for Disney Consumer Products (DCP).

Seven Major Studios Announce Entity to Develop Technical Standards for Digital Cinema Technology - (Movies) (4/2/2002)
Disney, Fox, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Create Entity to Establish Open Technical Standards and Spur Installation of Digital Projection Systems in Theaters Nationwide. The purpose of this effort is to ensure a high-quality digital movie-viewing experience and to facilitate the deployment of digital projection equipment in movie theaters nationwide.

One Hundred Mickeys Originals Selling Fast!!! - Only Three Left - (DL,Coll) (4/1/2002)
There are only THREE (3) One Hundred Mickeys Original Framed pieces remaining. For more infomation on One Hundred Mickeys merchandise and original artwork please call Disneyland DelivEARS at 800.362.4533. Don't forget to visit the 100 Mickeys exhibit at the Disney Gallery in Disneyland this Summer.

Michael Eisner's Message to Cast Members Celebrating The Rookie's Opening - (Movies) (4/1/2002)
Michael Eisner in an email to cast members writes: This summer, we'll have Country Bears, based on the popular theme park attraction, and in the fall comes Tuck Everlasting. Further down the road are Haunted Mansion, which will star Eddie Murphy, and Pirates of the Caribbean, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. I asked Nina Jacobson, president of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, what all of these projects have in common, and she summarize it with two words - "theme" and "ambition."

Oriental Land Says 285 MLN Guests Visited Disney Parks in Japan - (OD) (4/1/2002)
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. announced the 2001 fiscal year combined attendance figure for Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea Park. Between April 1, 2001 and March 31, 2002, a total of 22,047,000 guests visited the Parks. Altogether, some 285,117,000 guests have visited Disney Parks in Japan.