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Disney News Stories
July 2010

USAToday: As indy films struggle Disney sells Miramax to business consortium for $660 Million - (DL) (7/30/2010)

After 17 years Disney has sold Miramax for $660 million to a business consortium that includes businessman Ron Tutor, as well as investment firm Colony Capital and its chairman Tom Barrack. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. 

Update: Added Official Press Release below

Disney Store Celebrates First East Coast Grand Opening of New Store Design at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY - (DL) (7/30/2010)

Disney Store celebrated the first east coast opening of its newly-designed store today with a grand opening event at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, New York. Disney∙Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear made a special appearance to welcome guests, and members of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens were there to “unlock the imagination” and enjoy a special tour of the new high-tech, interactive store. As special guests, the Boys and Girls Club kids were treated to a private reading of a Disney Digital Book brought to life by the 12-foot wide curved screen in the 360-degree Disney Store Theatre. Disney Store provided each child with a Toy Story backpack to kick off the back-to-school season and Disney Publishing Worldwide provided a free subscription to Disney Digital Books.

AAA Travel Offers Chance to Win Spectacular Disney Dream Vacation - (DL) (7/30/2010)

During the height of the summer travel season, AAA is offering visitors to AAA.com and other web sites an opportunity to win a fabulous five-day AAA Vacations^® package at Walt Disney World in Florida or the Disneyland Resort inCalifornia. The grand prize includes accommodations, four 5-Day Disney Theme Park tickets, a$1,000 Gift Card from AAA and roundtrip airfare for four.  

The sweepstakes, sponsored by AAA Travel, running now through August 31, features other prizes including weekly drawings for prizes such as a new or renewal one year AAA membership or two 2-Day Walt Disney World® Resort Magic Your Way Theme Park tickets with Park Hopper option.  

Mary Poppins Australia Opens to Critical Acclaim! - (DL) (7/30/2010)

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s eagerly anticipated Australian production of MARY POPPINSpremiered Thursday evening, July 29 at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The Melbourne engagement is a homecoming for the beloved character. MARY POPPINS was born in the pen of author P.L. Travers, who herself was born in Maryborough, Queensland, and was an actor and journalist in Sydney before moving to London.  The first Mary Poppins book was published in 1934 and the enduring story of the ‘practically perfect nanny’ has enchanted readers ever since.

‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World - (DL) (7/29/2010)

Disney announces the Main Street Electrical Parade will continue an open-ended run beyond the August 14th conclusion of the Summer Nightastic promotion. The Main Street Electrical Parade returned to the Magic Kingdom on June 6th with the introduction of Summer Nightastic at Walt Disney World.

Mandy Moore and Zach Levi lend their voices to Disney Tangled: The Video Game for the Wii™ Console, Nintendo DS™ and Windows/PC, Holiday 2010 - (DL) (7/29/2010)

Disney Interactive Studios today announced “Disney Tangled: The Video Game,” comes to the Wii system and Nintendo DS, as well as Windows/PC this holiday season. Featuring the voice talents from the film Mandy Moore and Zach Levi "Disney Tangled: The Video Game" lets players travel with Rapunzel and Flynn on an adventure-filled escapade jam-packed with challenges. As Rapunzel, players can use her hair to swing, climb, and rejuvenate. As Flynn, they can scale walls, engage in sword play, and use “Flynntuition,” to discover treasure along the way. There is also a creative play feature in Rapunzel’s Tower where players can paint murals and more.

Disney Store Celebrates First East Coast Grand Opening of New Store Design at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY - (DL) (7/29/2010)

Disney Store celebrated the first east coast opening of its newly-designed store today with a grand opening event at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, New York. Disney∙Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear made a special appearance to welcome guests, and members of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens were there to “unlock the imagination” and enjoy a special tour of the new high-tech, interactive store. As special guests, the Boys and Girls Club kids were treated to a private reading of a Disney Digital Book brought to life by the 12-foot wide curved screen in the 360-degree Disney Store Theatre. Disney Store provided each child with a Toy Story backpack to kick off the back-to-school season and Disney Publishing Worldwide provided a free subscription to Disney Digital Books.

Walt Disney World Resort Expands Relationship with HP Into Youth Sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex - (DL) (7/29/2010)

Walt Disney World Resort today announced an expansion to its long-term business relationship with HP, which now includes naming rights for the 165,000-square-foot fieldhouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Beginning today, the fieldhouse will be renamed with the HP brand and will feature several new high-tech elements designed to enhance the sports experience for the nearly 1.5 million athletes, coaches and fans who visit the complex each year.  HP also becomes the official imaging, printing and PC partner for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the leading multi-sports venue in the nation.

1313 Club Event: Marvelous Mechanized Magic to be Held September 18th - (DL) (7/28/2010)

This September 18^th 2010, Ape Pen Publishing and the 1313 Club will host an evening celebrating the incredible mechanical history of theme park animatronics and other mechanical magic.  The event will spotlight attractions, characters and memorable devices created by WED Imagineering and later used at theme parks around the world.  Using rare images, video, authentic props and animatronics, we’ll journey through the story of this fascinating technology that changed the world of themed entertainment. 

The Walt Disney Company to Acquire Leading Social Game Developer Playdom - (DL) (7/27/2010)

Advancing on its goal of bringing consumers its well-known stories, characters and brands in ever more engaging ways, The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Playdom Inc., one of the leading companies in the fast-growing business of online social gaming. Playdom shareholders will receive total consideration of $563.2 million, subject to certain conditions, and a performance-linked earn-out of up to $200 million.

Join Verizon FiOS on July 31 and Aug. 1 to Celebrate the Upcoming Release of Disney Channel's' Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam' - (DL) (7/27/2010)

Verizon, Disney Channel and Radio Disney will herald the premiere of the highly anticipated "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam" with an exclusive advance screening for FiOS TV subscribers and special events at Verizon stores (July 24, 25, 31 and Aug. 1).  The events include personal appearances and autograph signings by stars of the movie and a chance to join the entire cast at the New York City red carpet premiere Aug. 18.

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam Soundtrack to be Released August 10th - (DL) (7/27/2010)

No. 1 selling recording artist Demi Lovato and the multi-platinum-selling artists, the Jonas Brothers are featured on the soundtrack of the summer—Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam—set to rock into stores and online retailers on Tuesday, August 10th. The album features 15-all new songs from the movie, including three bonus songs ("Different Summers," "Walkin' In My Shoes" and "It's Not Too Late"). The physical CD also features exciting special bonuses, including the full-length "It's On" music video, exclusive interviews with Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers, and a movie photo gallery accessible through computer ROM drives.  "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," premieres Friday, September 3rd on Disney Channel.

Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Announces 2010 Florida-Based Program Grant Recipients - (DL) (7/27/2010)

Efforts to protect sea turtles, coral reefs and scrubs-jays in Florida have caught the attention of the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which recently announced that 10 Florida-based projects were among the list of 2010 recipients of nearly $1.5 million in grants to protect vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems around the globe.

Walt Disney World 2010 Holiday Festivities - (DL) (7/26/2010)

Press release announcing what's in store for the 2010 holiday season all around Walt Disney World.

New Disney Resort in Hawaii Begins Taking Reservations for 2011 Stays – Opening Date Set - (DL) (7/26/2010)

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i will begin accepting reservations for hotel rooms and vacation packages Aug. 2, 2010, through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Aulani is scheduled to welcome its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011.

TRON: Legacy Comic-Con Panel Discussion Photos - (DL) (7/26/2010)

Disney has released photos from before and during last week's TRON: Legacy panel discussion at Comic-Con in San Diego. We've also included the video of the discussion we previously posted last week.

Disney’s The Lion King in Paris to play its final performance Sunday July 25, 2010 - (DL) (7/23/2010)

Disney's The Lion King has made theater history as Paris' longest-running musical. It opened in Paris on October 4, 2007 and has played to 1.3 million theatre patrons, marked 1000 performances and won three Molière Awards in 2008 for Best Musical, Costumes and Lighting. On July 25th Disney's The Lion King will makes its final performance in Paris. Over the course of the show's run it represented a remarkable 12% of the market share of all of commercial theatre in Paris and reached an average of 90% theatre occupancy during its three-season run.

Veteran Disney producer/writer Jymn Magon Announces Webinars For Aspiring Writers & Artists, Disney Fans & Animation Aficionados - (DL) (7/23/2010)

Jymn Magon has worked in Hollywood for 35 years – half of that spent at Walt Disney Studios where he created, wrote, and story-edited such classics as Tale Spin, Gummi Bears, Rescue Rangers, Pooh, and Duck Tales. Now Jymn Magon begins a series of live web events aimed at Disney fans, animation aficionados, and aspiring writers & artists.

Presented at select times on August 7th & 8th, the first in his webinar series “Restless Nights and Disney Afternoons: Creating Hit Shows” offers an insider’s look into how animated TV series are developed. The price is $10, but registrations received by August 3rd get a 50% discount.

Future webinar topics include:  “Secrets of Animation Storytelling” and a two-part celebration of the “25th Anniversary of The Gummi Bears,” featuring actors and artists from the seminal Saturday morning show. 

Pictures From the Announcement of a new Haunted Mansion film by Guillermo Del Toro at Comic Con - (DL) (7/23/2010)

Disney has released a few images from the annoucement of the development of Disney's "Haunted Mansion" at 2010 Comic-Con on July 22, 2010 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.

TRON: Legacy Flynn's Arcade Event Pictures - (DL) (7/23/2010)

Disney has released photos from the July 22nd TRON: Legacy Flynn's Arcade event at Comic-Con.

Disney Launches TRON for the iPhone and iPod Touch at Comic-Con Serving as Fans’ ‘Golden Ticket’ to Disney’s ComiTRON Offsite Event - (DL) (7/23/2010)

By downloading the TRON app, attendees can “Enter the Grid” by checking in at the show via the phone’s GPS system, which also updates the user’s Facebook status. Starting today, anyone who has checked in at ComiTRON (located on aisle #3712) and opens us the app will receive an exclusive “golden ticket” to the Studio’s offsite ComiTRON event, revealing information about the event’s location and timing. 

The TRON app is free to download and fans can immediately play an all-new version of the classic Tanks game from the Tron Arcade, view a trailer of TRON: Legacy and receive pre-sale order information for the TRON Evolution video game from Disney Interactive Studios. The app will also update as the premiere of the TRON: Legacy film in December draws closer and include additional video, music, and free and premium games.

Disney Publishing Worldwide Launches International iPad App in Multiple Markets with an Original “Toy Story” Read-along - (DL) (7/22/2010)

Following the success of Disney's Storybook apps Disney Publishing Worldwide announces the creation of its first ever international versions of the “Toy Story” read-along app for iPad. Available in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, the “Toy Story” apps will each feature songs and movie clips in French, German, Italian and Spanish. The app will have special promotional pricing for a limited time at €2.99 through August 31st; pricing will then shift to €6.99. The Disney-Pixar feature film Toy Story 3 will launch in Europe throughout late July.

CinemaBlend: Comic Con: Jeff Bridges Gets His First Tron: Legacy Poster - (DL) (7/22/2010)

Images of Tron: Legacy banners outside the San Diego Convention Center featuring Jeff Bridges as Flynn. Images of the Tron:Legacy booth are also presented. 

The Walt Disney Studios and Guillermo Del Toro Developing Disney's Haunted Mansion - (DL) (7/22/2010)

The official press release and the first artwork for Guillermo del Toro's Haunted Mansion which was announced today.

TRON: Legacy Filmmakers to be Featured at SIGGRAPH 2010 July 27 - (DL) (7/22/2010)

Walt Disney Pictures’ highly anticipated film “TRON: Legacy”, a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world unlike anything ever captured on the big screen, will be the focus of a filmmaker panel discussion during the SIGGRAPH 2010 Computer Animation Festival in Los Angeles on Tuesday, 27 July at 3:45 p.m.

Disney and Target announce D-Signed, New Tween Fashion Line based on wardrobe of Disney Channel Characters Like Sonny Munroe - (DL) (7/21/2010)

Disney and Target today announce a new fashion line of apparel and accessories called “D-Signed,” available only at Target stores nationwide and Target.com on August 1st. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) collaborated with Target to deliver unique attire that can be mixed and matched for tween girls in sizes 4 to 16.

D-Signed is a departure from more general entertainment-inspired tween based clothing as these items do not portray the characters likeness, instead they’re inspired by their look and personality on the hit series—the items you would find in their closet. The fashion line and its mix-and-match versatility are featured in this new YouTube music video from Disney Living featuring Demi Lovato’s song “Me, Myself, and Time” and directed by filmmaker Ross Ching.

The first installment of D-Signed is inspired by the personal style of the Sonny Munroe character from Disney Channel’s popular television series Sonny With A Chance. Ranging from $4.99 - $19.99, the Sonny Munroe “D-Signed” collection includes: embellished graphic tees, skirts, dresses, pants, knit dresses, shorts, fashion tops and jackets, headbands, necklaces and bags.

(c) Disney

Disney's Friends For Change Donating $100,000 to Gulf Clean-Up Efforts, Offer New Video with Disney Stars - (DL) (7/20/2010)

In a new spot airing on the Disney Channel, DisneyXD, Radio Disney and Disney.com Joe Jonas (JONAS L.A.), Brenda Song and Debby Ryan (both from The Suite Life on Deck) and Moises Arias (Hannah Montana) talk about the oil spill in the Gulf. They discuss their reactions to the disaster and encourage kids to make positive changes to keep local waterways clean. In support of the clean-up effort Disney's Friends for Change will donate $100,000. Disney's Friends for Change is a movement that encourages kids to take action in protecting the Earth's natural resources and wildlife.

"It’s important for us to speak to kids about this unprecedented environmental disaster, to acknowledge their emotions about the news we’re all seeing on a daily basis and encourage them to channel their feelings into positive action," said Beth Stevens, senior vice president, Environmental Affairs for The Walt Disney Company. "Kids want to help and even though the clean-up in the Gulf is a job for trained professionals, all local waterways lead to the ocean so we’re recruiting kids to help keep them clean."

To learn more how you can participate go to the official site which offers additional tips, step-by-step tool-kits to organize community waterway clean-ups and resources for kids to learn more about why these actions matter.

Toy Story 3 Screenings the Biggest Charity Premiere Event in Hong Kong - (DL) (7/20/2010)

(c) Disney

As "Toy Story 3" premiered last week in Hong Kong the Walt Disney Company invited more than 2,000 guests from 11 local charities to screenings of the film making it the biggest charity premiere event in Hong Kong. The screenings were held in support of the Family Council’s ‘Happy Family Campaign’ 2010. For some attendees it was their first time watching an animated movie at the cinema. View the press release for brief remarks from event officials and invited guests.

(c) Disney

Catch the Action Sports Weekend at Downtown Disney District (Anaheim) - (DL) (7/20/2010)

From Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 25 the Downtown Disney District will host Action Sports Weekend featuring skate and bicycle motocross (BMX) athletes and activities brought to you by Quiksilver, DC Shoes, Street Surfing, Tavik, The Board Factory, and Coppertone.

 

Disney Company at 2010 Comic-Con - (DL) (7/20/2010)

The Walt Disney Company makes its mark at the 2010 Comic-Con convention with an exciting lineup of feature films, scripted and animated series, and interactive booths providing fans with a first look at new content, experiences and merchandise, including toys, electronics, collectibles and more.  You'll find presentations on ABC's "V", "No Ordinary Family" and "Castle", Walt Disney Pictures "Tron:Legacy" "Tangled" "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", Marvel Animation Avengers Panel, Disney Interactive Studios: Epic Mickey,  Marvel Studios "Thor and Captain America", Disney TV Animation's "Phineas and Ferb" and "Kick Buttowski".

Sneak Peek Disney Epic Mickey for Wii and the Upcoming Graphic Novel at San Diego Comic-Con, July 24 - (DL) (7/19/2010)

Disney Epic Mickey will be presented in a panel discussion taking place on Saturday, July 24th at 4:30 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center, Room 9. Game designer Warren Spector of Disney Interactive Studios' Junction Point and Peter David, award-winning comic writer and author of the upcoming Disney Epic Mickey "Tales of the Wasteland" themed comics, will share their insights on bringing the world of Wasteland to life in the upcoming Wii video game, Disney DigiComics and graphic novel. The panel will include discussion, gameplay footage, artwork and a sneak-peak at the comics. 

Disney.com Announces Third Annual 'U Rock' Event - (DL) (7/19/2010)

Disney.com announces Third Annual 'U Rock' Event -- U Rock gives fans the opportunity to create their own music videos set to songs from popular Disney artists and post their original videos on the Disney.com U Rock site (Disney.com/URock). Fans will vote on the U Rock finalists and determine who will win amazing prizes such as meeting the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

Holiday Inn at Walt Disney World Scores Well with Guests - (DL) (7/16/2010)

Pool view at the new Holiday Inn located in Walt Disney World Resort photo by: Rebekah Moseley

In less than 5 months, according to TripAdvisor, the #1 web site for consumer comments, the new Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort (near Downtown Disney) was ranked among the Top in Orlando. “Our desire to really-truly service our guests is evident in the thought that went into building this resort and in every employee,” said Tony Johnson, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the 323-room hotel which opened in Orlando in February of this year.

 

Holiday Inn at Walt Disney World Scores Well with Guests - (DL) (7/16/2010)

Pool view at the new Holiday Inn located in Walt Disney World Resort photo by: Rebekah Moseley

In less than 5 months, according to TripAdvisor, the #1 web site for consumer comments, the new Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort (near Downtown Disney) was ranked among the Top in Orlando. “Our desire to really-truly service our guests is evident in the thought that went into building this resort and in every employee,” said Tony Johnson, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the 323-room hotel which opened in Orlando in February of this year.

 

Rentrak Announces Top DVD Sales and Rentals for Week Ending July 11, 2010 - (DL) (7/15/2010)

Rentrak Corporation, today announced the top ten DVD sales and rentals for the prior week based on estimated consumer spending. Disney's Alice in Wonderland is at #5 in sales and #10 in rentals.

Mosquito Lagoon Oyster Reef Restoration Receives $100,000 Donation from Disney’s Friends for Change - (DL) (7/15/2010)

The Communities Helping Restore Oyster Reefs program received the most online votes from kids participating in Disney’s Friends for Change online campaign. The program distributes $1 million in grants to environmental causes over the course of a year. To save reefs at the Mosquito Lagoon in Florida, the Nature Conservancy Florida will work with volunteers to make “oyster restoration mats” created by attaching oyster shells to aquaculture grade plastic mesh. The mats are weighted down underwater, where they help restore depleted reefs by providing a stable foundation for new oysters to settle on.

Joe Jonas Set to Appear in TV Land's Hit Series, 'Hot in Cleveland' - (DL) (7/15/2010)

Joe Jonas, one third of the chart topping, Grammy® nominated music artists, the Jonas Brothers, and co-star of Disney Channel's Original series, "Jonas L.A." and the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie, "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam", is set to appear as Valerie Bertinelli's son, Will, in an upcoming episode of the successful TV Land series, "Hot in Cleveland."  In the episode, Will Moretti (Jonas) comes to Cleveland to visit his recently transplanted mother, Melanie (Bertinelli). Jonas will appear in the August 11 episode that will be taped in front of a live studio audience on July 17.

Disneyland Resort Welcomes Major League Baseball All-Stars - (DL) (7/15/2010)


Iron Man 2 Released on Blu-ray and DVD September 28 - (DL) (7/14/2010)

The billionaire Super Hero in the iron suit is back in Marvel Studios' and Paramount Pictures' thrilling sensation IRON MAN 2, debuting on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download September 28, 2010.

Disney Interactive Studios’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice Video Game Magically Appears on Shelves - (DL) (7/14/2010)

Disney Interactive Studios today announced the release of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice video game, inspired by the upcoming feature film “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, in theaters July 14, 2010. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice video game is now available in North American retail outlets exclusively for Nintendo DS™.

Chaka Khan, Clay Aiken, Seth MacFarlane and Kevin Smith Guest Star on Phineas and Ferb - (DL) (7/14/2010)

With a 100 episodes and counting, the Emmy Award-winning series "Phineas and Ferb" continues to roll out with new and thoroughly amusing stories for kids, tweens and families.  In August, the hit animated comedy, increasingly renowned for its smart humor and noteworthy guest stars, will present two new episodes featuring the legendary recording artist Chaka Khan, multi-Platinum selling singer Clay Aiken ("American Idol"), Emmy-winning animator/writer Seth MacFarlane ("Family Guy") and filmmaker Kevin Smith ("Clerks").

Disney Teams Up with CLOT to Launch Man Is In the Forest Retail Store - (DL) (7/14/2010)

Disney, together with leading Asian independent retailer CLOT officially opened the highly anticipated concept store Man Is In The Forest- the first store in the world where ground breaking Disney collaborations with leading designers will be sold under one roof.

Baby Warthogs and Oryx Calves Join Disney’s Animal Kingdom Family - (DL) (7/14/2010)

Babies abound at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer, which has seen multiple births over the past few weeks. Adding the pitter-patter of tiny hooves to the herd: three baby warthogs and two oryx calves.

Exclusive Winnie the Pooh Titles at Kohl's, Profits Benefit Kohl’s Cares® program - (DL) (7/13/2010)

Four Winnie the Pooh titles -- Winnie the Pooh: Nature’s True Colors; Winnie the Pooh: One Special Tree; Winnie the Pooh: Roo’s Big Nature Day; and Winnie the Pooh: Somebody’s Treasure and coordinating plush toys of Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore are available at Kohl's for just $5 each. Through the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program, 100 percent of the net profit from the sale of these items benefits children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.

 

Autoweek Video of Pixar Motorama, Car Show at the Studios - (DL) (7/13/2010)

Autoweek shares video from the July 11th Pixar Motorama. John Lasseter explained the event celebrating its 10th anniversary was born as he began to explore every aspect of the automotive world in preparation for Cars.
(via Pixar Blog)

D23 and Arclight Cinemas Present a Month Filled with Classic Disney Movies in August - (DL) (7/12/2010)

D23, Disney’s official fan club, and ArcLight Cinemas, the premier moviegoing venue in Southern California, will present classic Disney movies every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the month of August, giving movie lovers the rare opportunity to revisit some of their favorite Disney characters and stories on the big screen.

Adding to the Disney excitement at ArcLight Cinemas, D23 and The Walt Disney Archives have assembled an exclusive collection of classic movie posters from more than 70 years of Disney history. This amazing Disney-themed poster wall will be displayed from July 14 to Aug. 31 at ArcLight Sherman Oaks and ArcLight Pasadena.

Endangered Sea Turtles Thriving at Walt Disney World Resort - (DL) (7/12/2010)

Two ailing Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are on the road to recovery after being brought to Walt Disney World Resort last month from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Miss. to make room for animals directly impacted by the Gulf oil spill.  

ABC's Lost Emmy Nominations Include Best Drama, Writers, Director, Composer, Several Series Actors Nominated - (DL) (7/8/2010)

Writers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof received an Emmy Nomination for their work on the series finale "The End" (Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series) along with director Jack Bender (Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series) and Composer Michael Giacchino (Outstanding Music Composition For A Series--Original Dramatic Score). ABC's Lost has been nominated for "Outstanding Drama Series" with actor Matthew Fox (Jack) nominated for "Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series", Terry O'Quinn (Locke) and Michael Emerson (Ben) each captured an "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" nomination for their roles and Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet) was nominated for "Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series". Lost's episode "Ab Aeterno" that focused on the backstory of the mysteriously ageless Richard Alpert has been nominated for "Outstanding Art Direction For a Single-Camera Series" and the series finale episode "The End" yielded additional nominations in "Original Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series", "Outstanding Sound Editing For A Series", "Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)"

Disney.com Invites Budding Artists to Express Their Inner Mickey with Launch of New Online Mosaic - (DL) (7/8/2010)

Disney.com’s popular Create portal, which offers a unique set of creativity tools for designing original artwork to share online, announced today the launch of a new Group Wall feature. The Group Wall allows thousands of fans to create and share original pieces of art in the form of an online mosaic. Unlike other mosaics, guests will be able to watch as the Group Wall evolves, adding more artwork every minute, hour and day in a dynamic online environment. To commemorate the launch of this feature, the first ever Group Wall will be a new portrait of Mickey Mouse.

The Hunt Is On for Disney Fans This September with D23's Great Disney Scavenger Hunt - (DL) (7/7/2010)

From Downtown Disney to the Disneyland Hotel, from the Matterhorn to Midway Mania, Disney fans will embark on an all-day search that will take them throughout the Disneyland Resort on September 26 in the very first GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT from D23, the official Disney fan club. It’s the ultimate Disney test, with teams of up to four people racing against the clock to gather as many points as possible. The top 10 teams will win Disney prizes.  Any Disney fan can register for the GREAT DISNEY SCAVENGER HUNT by visiting www.disney.com/D23.  Registration opens July 12 and is $50 for a team (up to four people) of D23 Members and $75 for a team of non-members.

Disney Star Demi Lovato and General Growth Properties Invite Teens to Look and Feel Like Rock Stars in Music-Inspired Mall Tour - (DL) (7/7/2010)

There’s a rock star inside each and every teenager, and this summer Disney Channel star and number one selling Hollywood Records artist, Demi Lovato, and General Growth Properties (NYSE:GGP) mall owner and operator of more than 200 properties across the country, are partnering to host a music-inspired mall tour, Shop Til You Rock, that empowers teens to look and feel like rock stars through live local musical performances, exclusive teen activities and special mall offers and giveaways.

Disney Interactive Studios Announces Award-Winning Action Racing Game Split/Second Speeding to PSP System This Holiday Season - (DL) (7/7/2010)

Disney Interactive Studios today announced that after an explosive release for video game consoles, Windows PC and iPhone in May, Split/Second will be speeding onto the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and PSPGo. Split/Second, which was named Best Racing Game by Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2009, is expected to be available for these new handheld systems this holiday season.

Inwindow Debuts 3D Gesture Technology for Disney’s - (DL) (7/6/2010)

Inwindow Outdoor, the leader and originator of interactive storefront and mall advertising, this past weekend debuted a new interactive campaign for Disney’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice that marks the first major use of 3D gesture technology in an outdoor advertising display. Inwindow’s latest creation uses this new technology to elevate and enhance the level of interactivity above and beyond what gesture was previously capable of doing, giving people on the street the opportunity to actually play a game with their body movements controlling the action on the storefront screen. The displays were unveiled at three iconic locations – in Los Angeles on Hollywood Blvd at the H&H Mall and in New York at the Trump Building at 40 Wall Street next to the Stock Exchange and the world famous Macy’s Windows. A short video featuring the campaign, the technology in action and people playing the game can be found below.

Essence Communications Joins with Disney Parks, Steve Harvey to Help Take Disney’s Dreamers Academy to the 'Next Level' - (DL) (7/6/2010)

Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey, a program created by Disney Parks to provide career-exploration and mentoring to high school teens, has gained another “voice” – another big, national voice: Through an agreement announced today with Essence Communications Inc., the annual event is being relaunched as Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine.

Andrew Garfield Selected as the New Spider-Man - (DL) (7/2/2010)

Press release announcing Andrew Garfield as the new Spider-Man in the upcoming reboot of the franchise. Of course, Spider-Man, a Marvel character, is now owned by Disney.  Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012.  The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt.  Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Disney Acquires Mobile Games Developer Tapulous - (DL) (7/2/2010)

The Walt Disney Company has announced the acquisition of Palo Alto-based Tapulous, Inc., a leading developer of music games for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Through a merger agreement, Tapulous is now a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company reporting into Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG).

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: Apprentices Wanted! - (DL) (7/2/2010)

In honor of the impending July 14 release of the innovative and epic comedy adventure “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures kicks off a first-of-its-kind interactive experience to find the ultimate apprentice. Throughout June and July, in Los Angeles and New York, the public will be enlisted to step into the shoes of a sorcerer and test their magical skills. Like the characters in the film, participants will get the chance to shoot plasma bolts from their hands and bring mops to life in homage to the Disney classic, “Fantasia.” Those daring enough to face this “Sorcerer’s Challenge” will also be able to share the experience with family and friends via Facebook.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: A Night of Magic and Music in Midtown Manhattan July 6 - (DL) (7/2/2010)

The mystical masters behind the blockbuster “National Treasure” franchise, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, are celebrating their latest big screen incarnation, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” with a special music event in the heart of Manhattan. Since this epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice was filmed entirely on location in New York City, it is a “super” natural fit to honor the film’s impending July 14 release by throwing a party in iconic Bryant Park featuring performances by OneRepublic and Alpha Rev, plus appearances from the movie’s stars and filmmakers, including Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Toby Kebbell, Teresa Palmer, director Jon Turteltaub and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Walt Disney World Fourth of July Activities - (DL) (7/2/2010)

A few new items added to this previously posted item...Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows plus other patriotic treats – including appearances by “Benjamin Franklin” and “Betsy Ross.” The spirit of the Fourth of July is up in the air after dark, and three Disney parks will be making a bang, with Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios presenting special pyrotechnics and Epcot adding a patriotic "tag" to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular.

Disney Animal Expert Discovers Tiny Primate at Risk of Extinction - (DL) (7/2/2010)

A tiny Colombian primate known for its distinctive punk-rock hairstyle is in imminent danger of extinction, according to new research done by an animal expert at Walt Disney World Resort. The findings paint the clearest picture yet of a dwindling population at risk. The endangered cotton-top tamarin is found in a small area of northwest Colombia. According to the research featured in the journal Nature Communication, there are now just 7,000 of the species left in the wild.

‘World of Color’ Goes Online and On Tour - (DL) (7/2/2010)

Viewers around the world will join a one-of-a-kind, online phenomenon in July to experience the extraordinary magic of “World of Color,” the new after-dark spectacular presented nightly in Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim.  The interactive tour will feature live shows in four California cities, and the online audience will travel “virtually” to each location to watch the shows and interact with the webcast.

Alice in Wonderland among top 10 in sales and rentals for week ending June 27 - (DL) (7/1/2010)

Rentrak Corporation today announced the top ten DVD sales and rentals for the prior week based on estimated consumer spending. According to the company's Retail Essentials and Home Video Essentials tracking services for the week ending June 27, 2010 Alice in Wonderland was #4 in rentals and #6 in sales in its 4th week of release.

Disney Vacation Club Launches Sales for Aulani, First Resort in Hawai`i - (DL) (7/1/2010)

Disney Vacation Club began selling real estate interests for the company’s first family-friendly destination resort in Hawai`i today. Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai`i, is scheduled to open its first phase in fall 2011 and will mark the eleventh resort for Disney Vacation Club.

OverDrive to Add Disney Digital Books to Catalog for Libraries - (DL) (7/1/2010)

OverDrive, the leading global distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, and digital content to libraries and schools, today announced a preliminary agreement with Disney Digital Books that will enable libraries to offer access to Disney's comprehensive library of books online. Young library patrons and their parents will be able to enjoy-for the first time-unlimited access to over 600 new and classic Disney books for kids of all ages with just an Internet-connection and library card. The extensive library features hundreds of digital books available at the click of a mouse, including favorites from popular Disney franchises such as Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, Disney Princess, Cars, and Hannah Montana, along with many other classic and contemporary Disney stories.