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Disney News Stories
December 2008

Ongoing Coverage: The Princess and the Frog News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 12/11/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Hannah Montana Phenomenon - (Movies)
Original Story: 1/10/2007   Most Recent Story: 12/11/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Rapunzel News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 12/10/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Channel News - (Movies)
Original Story: 5/15/2008   Most Recent Story: 12/9/2009

Ongoing Coverage: A Christmas Carol News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 7/31/2007   Most Recent Story: 11/30/2009

Ongoing Coverage: High School Musical News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/15/2006   Most Recent Story: 11/25/2009

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: Mary Poppins the Musical News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/15/2006   Most Recent Story: 11/13/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 11/12/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Pixar / Disney Up News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 11/11/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Disneyland Coming to Shanghai? - (OD)
Original Story: 6/3/2002   Most Recent Story: 11/6/2009

Ongoing Coverage: CARS News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 1/20/2005   Most Recent Story: 10/30/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Pixar / Disney Toy Story 3 News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 10/29/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Song of the South News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 10/27/2009

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

Ongoing Coverage: Beverly Hills Chihuahua News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 8/31/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Little Mermaid the Musical News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 8/14/2009

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

Ongoing Coverage: Disney Financial News for FY 2009 - (DL,WDW,OD,Movies,Coll,General)
Original Story: 7/30/2008   Most Recent Story: 8/4/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Disneyland Resort and City of Anaheim at Odds - (DL)
Original Story: 2/13/2007   Most Recent Story: 7/28/2009

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

Ongoing Coverage: Tarzan the Musical News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/15/2006   Most Recent Story: 5/5/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Bolt News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/13/2007   Most Recent Story: 3/30/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Race to Witch Mountain News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 4/28/2008   Most Recent Story: 3/25/2009

Ongoing Coverage: Pixar / Disney Film WALL-E News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 3/16/2009

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

Ongoing Coverage: The Chronicles of Narnia News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 3/2/2004   Most Recent Story: 1/29/2009

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: Bedtime Stories News Stories - (Movies)
Original Story: 6/12/2007   Most Recent Story: 12/29/2008

Ongoing Coverage: 2008 Obituaries - (DL,WDW,OD,Movies,Coll,General)
Original Story: 1/6/2008   Most Recent Story: 12/29/2008

Science of Imagineering to Debut on DVD - (DL) (12/29/2008)
Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Educational Productions have created a new educational DVD series called "The Science of Imagineering" due out this spring. The goal of the series is to make math and science fun for middle-school students by introducing basic scientific principles as they apply to theme park attractions. At Walt Disney World Resort, for example, production crews recently filmed Imagineers Joe Rohde and program host Asa Kalama who explained the design process involved in creating Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom. With Imagineers as their E-ticket instructors, students will learn about gravity at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, centripetal force at Mission: SPACE, and why science matters at Catastrophe Canyon.

Disneyland Resort Cast Members Help More Than 10,000 Local Individuals Through Holiday Giving Efforts - (DL) (12/24/2008)
HTML clipboard During this season of giving, more than 10,000 individuals will benefit from the contributions of food, toys, clothing and care packages that the Disneyland Resort and its Cast Members have donated to numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Orange County. “The Disneyland Resort is focused on giving back to the community throughout the year. The holiday season makes it a particularly special time to extend our resources to those in need. Thanks to the generosity of our Cast Members, the Disneyland Resort is helping to fulfill numerous wishes in our community and for the brave men and women serving our country overseas,” said Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort.

For a Limited Time -- Disney Offers Families Even Greater Value on Hits in Hi-Def - (DL) (12/24/2008)
With Blu-ray high-definition players at the top of more Holiday wish lists than any other consumer electronic product* and the top-selling consumer product during the recent “Black Friday” online shopping day**, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment today announces an expansive hit-filled money-saving promotion giving the rapidly-growing number of Blu-ray families even greater value on many of the studio’s top releases. The one-of-a-kind promotion from Disney allows movie fans, including millions who will have just received holiday gift cards, fantastic extra value on box-office mega hits and family favorites including Wall-E, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Tinker Bell, Sleeping Beauty, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, National Treasure: Book of Secrets and many more, when they purchase from December 26, 2008 until January 10, 2009.*** The exciting price reduction will be reflected at participating retailers across North America.

Disney.com Unwraps Exclusive Video Premieres for the Holidays - (DL) (12/24/2008)
Disney.com, the No. 1 ranked kids’ entertainment and family community Web site, is celebrating the holiday season with several exclusive online video premieres and performances. Previews of three highly-anticipated Walt Disney Pictures’ films, including the trailer for G-Force and “first looks” at Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience and Hannah Montana The Movie, are set to debut on Disney.com. Also premiering on the site are short films from Disney•Pixar, Cars Toons¸ a new animated short series directed by Academy Award^®-winner John Lasseter, and starring Lightning McQueen's rusty but trusty friend Mater. To celebrate Christmas Day, Disney.com will feature exclusive online video performances from the magical Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade on Christmas Day, following its television debut on ABC Christmas morning.

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line - (DL) (12/19/2008)
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This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked to the “raft-ers” with holiday cheer. From Thanksgiving and continuing through to the new year, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, from traditional “turkey day” fanfare to Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.

Online Gaming Site, Viwawa, Partners with Disney Interactive Media Group to Launch a Disney Avatar Creation Engine in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesi - (DL) (12/19/2008)
HTML clipboardViwawa, Asia's fastest growing social gaming network, announced today their partnership with Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) to offer Disney-inspired avatar customizations for its subscribers in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Now with hundreds of Disney outfits and accessories available on Viwawa's new Disney avatar creation engine, subscribers can engage in multiplayer games with avatars dressed in Mickey and Minnie Mouse Ears, Disney shirts, hats, balloons, and more.

Disney's High School Musical 3: Senion Year released on DVD and Blu-Ray on February 17th - (DL) (12/19/2008)
The worldwide blockbuster that thrilled kids of all ages is now the entertainment event of 2009 when Disney’s  High School Musical 3: Senior Year –Extended Edition, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on February 17th.   
 
 America’s favorite Wildcats (Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman) are back for their exciting final year at East High.  Director Kenny Ortega pulls out all the stops with incredible new music and exhilarating dance numbers that will blow away devoted franchise fans and newcomers alike. And, now viewers can see the movie like never before, with the all-new 3-disc Deluxe Extended Edition which features the never before seen extended movie on both DVD and Blu-ray disc – in one set! Plus, this Deluxe set also includes DisneyFile digital copy, and exclusive bonus features such as deleted scenes, bloopers and much more.   

The Walt Disney Company and Media-One Form Joint Venture to Launch Disney-Branded Free-to-Air Television Channel in Russia - (DL) (12/16/2008)
HTML clipboard The Walt Disney Company, through one of its subsidiaries, and Media-One Holdings Limited, a broadcaster operating assets in the regions of Russia, are forming a joint venture to launch a Disney-branded television channel in Russia. The joint venture plans to launch the new family-oriented entertainment channel on 30 stations throughout Russia currently owned and operated by Media-One. Anchored by Disney programming for kids and family, the channel also plans to air original Russian programming. In addition to programming the TV channel with acquired content, the joint venture also has plans to produce its own programs which will occupy more of the schedule as the company matures.

WDW Resort and Steve Harvey Inspire Teens Through Disney’s Dreamers Academy 2009 Class - (DL) (12/16/2008)
HTML clipboard Walt Disney World Resort, in partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, today announced its selection of 100 nationwide high school students to participate in the Disney’s Dreamers Academy of 2009. Selected students and a guardian will travel to Walt Disney World Resort to take part in an innovative career inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun. The program will take place February 12-15, 2009, during national Black History Month.

Disneyland Resort Makes Annual Passes More Accessible and Affordable for Southern California Residents - (DL) (12/15/2008)
HTML clipboardAs Disneyland Resort celebrates the holiday gift-giving season, a newly launched Monthly Payment Program for Annual Passholders will make it easier for Southern California residents to have their own frequent Disneyland Resort celebrations in the year to come. HTML clipboardThis new program lets Southern California residents enjoy the Disneyland Resort magic throughout the year with an Annual Passport, while paying in 12 monthly installments. By selecting the payment option, Guests will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied.  For example, a Guest purchasing a Southern California Select Annual Passport for $134 would pay $69 at the time of purchase - with the remaining balance of $65 spread out over the next 12 months.

Disney Parks launches video campaign - (DL) (12/11/2008)
Want to see your name in Disney lights? Disney parks has launched a new campaign that dynamically creates a custom commercial based on your name and what you're celebrating. See Sun7News.com to test it out for yourself or click below to see it in action.

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

Kids Sail Free on Three-Night Disney Wonder Sailings This Winter and Spring - (DL) (12/10/2008)
HTML clipboardDisney Cruise Line, a leader in the family cruise segment, is making it easier than ever for families who have dreamt of taking a Disney cruise vacation to sail the most magical ship afloat with a “Kids Free” special offer on three-night cruises this winter and spring.

Disney Cast Members Collect 20,000 Toys for Local Children - (DL) (12/9/2008)
HTML clipboardMaking holiday dreams come true for Central Florida children, thousands of Walt Disney World Cast Members helped Santa by generously collecting new toys for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign. A convoy of Marine vehicles arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort to pick up approximately 20,000 new toys; presents for children ranging from infants to teenagers. Donning Santa hats and plenty of good cheer, Disney VoluntEARS greeted the Marines and helped them load the toys onto military trucks. Some of the items collected included learning toys, board games, arts & crafts, CD players and small electronic games, along with sports equipment.

Disney / Pixar to Premiere Its First Disney Digital 3-D Short Film - (DL) (12/9/2008)
HTML clipboardDisney•Pixar will premiere its first Disney Digital 3-D™ short film – “Tokyo Mater” – directed by Academy Award®-winner John Lasseter, at theaters nationwide beginning December 12. Appearing before Walt Disney Pictures’ “Bolt,” the animated short is the fourth in Disney•Pixar's "Cars Toons" series, inspired by the hit 2006 film “Cars.”

Future NFL Stars to Compete in 2008 Pop Warner Super Bowl at Disney World - (DL) (12/8/2008)
HTML clipboard The nation’s top youth football players are competing this week at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in the 52nd Pop Warner Super Bowl and hoping to join former Pop Warner players such as Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson and Donovan McNabb as NFL stars one day.

The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Outstanding Shares of Jetix Europe - (DL) (12/8/2008)
HTML clipboard In order to expand its kids and family media business in Europe and extend its brand leadership around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced that one of its subsidiaries has entered into agreements to acquire outstanding shares of Jetix Europe N.V. (AMEX: JETIX; Reuters: JETIX.AS; Bloomberg: JETIX.NA) for € 11 per share, which will bring Disney's ownership of the pan-European kids entertainment company to approximately 96%.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Invites Visitors to Celebrate the Season with "Visions of the Holidays: A Live Creation of Art" - (DL) (12/5/2008)
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is bringing together two world-class artists to celebrate the holiday season in a special one-night event called Visions of the Holidays: A Live Creation of Art that will stimulate the senses through artistry and culinary experiences.     

NetDragon and Disney to Launch First MMORPG 'Disney Fantasy Online' - (DL) (12/2/2008)
HTML clipboardNetDragon Websoft Inc., one of the leading online game developers and operators in China, together with The Walt Disney Company's Interactive Media Group today announced their first Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) "Disney Fantasy Online" will be launched in Spring 2009. This fun and dynamic game is set to be the most highly anticipated game for the season.

Group RCI and Disney Vacation Club Members to Receive Benefit of New Multi-Year Relationship - (DL) (12/2/2008)
HTML clipboardGroup RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and Disney Vacation Club, one of the world’s most innovative and fastest-growing brands in the vacation-ownership industry, announced today a new multi-year affiliation relationship. This new agreement allows subscribing members access to a broad array of exciting vacation opportunities.

TCM Presents: The Family Classics With All-New Original Special and Nostalgic Holiday Festival - (DL) (12/1/2008)
HTML clipboard .ExternalClass p.EC_MsoNormal, .ExternalClass li.EC_MsoNormal, .ExternalClass div.EC_MsoNormal {margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';} .ExternalClass h1 {margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;page-break-after:avoid;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';} .ExternalClass p.EC_MsoHeader, .ExternalClass li.EC_MsoHeader, .ExternalClass div.EC_MsoHeader {margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';} .ExternalClass p.EC_MsoBodyTextIndent2, .ExternalClass li.EC_MsoBodyTextIndent2, .ExternalClass div.EC_MsoBodyTextIndent2 {margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%;text-autospace:none;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';} .ExternalClass a:link, .ExternalClass span.EC_MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;} .ExternalClass a:visited, .ExternalClass span.EC_MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;} .ExternalClass span.EC_EmailStyle19 {font-family:'Century Gothic';color:windowtext;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none none;} .ExternalClass span.EC_EmailStyle20 {font-family:'Century Gothic';color:black;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none none;} .ExternalClass span.EC_EmailStyle21 {font-family:'Century Gothic';color:black;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none none;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in;} .ExternalClass div.EC_Section1 {page:Section1;} .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Verdana } Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is set to conjure up some pure movie magic this December, when the network debuts TCM PRESENTS: THE FAMILY CLASSICS. The festivities will include Sunday movie showcases featuring more than 25 Disney live-action classics, plus an all-new original documentary entitled THE AGE OF BELIEVING: THE DISNEY LIVE-ACTION CLASSICS, narrated by Tony® winner and three-time Oscar® nominee Angela Lansbury.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Schedule for Fiscal Year 2009 - (DL) (12/1/2008)
HTML clipboardTokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea Park announced the annual schedule for fiscal year 2009 (April 1, 2009 – March 31, 2010). The two Parks will continue to offer guests distinctive, Disney-style experiences over the upcoming year with new attraction openings, a variety of special events, and diverse entertainment programs. Please see below for more details (in chronological order).