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Disney News Stories
July 2012

Disneyland Weather Report for July 31 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/31/2012)

Tired of reading the same exact thing every day?  Sorry.  I will try it in a different way:

• Morning fog
• Sun
• High of 80
• Sunset
• Fog forms
• Repeat through Friday

Yep - that's about it my friends - now get outside and enjoy it :-)!

If you want some action head over to the WDW for some news on our first African tropical wave of the season (oooh ahhh).

Walt Disney World Weather Report for July 31 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/31/2012)

The chance for thunderstorms continues as the week goes on and actually increases with each day through Thursday.  So let's call it a 20 percent chance today, 30 tomorrow and 40 for Thursday and those numbers could actually inch up.  Basically if you plan a trip to Disney World in August you need to expect 1) Lots of tourists from Greece and 2) Afternoon thunderstorms always a possibility.

High temperatures will continue to top out in the mid 90s through the end of the week and frankly right on into the weekend so make sure everyone in your family stays plenty hydrated.

More interesting than what I just typed (because basically it has been the same thing every day for a prolonged period) is that we have our first African tropical wave of 2012.  This is the time of year where these waves start coming off the African coast basically one after another after another (almost like a parade).  Right now when I look at this thing on satellite, while it doesn't look too impressive in the thunderstorm department I see some spin and I like the chances for development over the next let's say 3 or 4 days.  I always love watching these systems, the water is really warm and there isn't a lot of dry air to impede progress.  It is rather close to the equator so it may have SOME trouble "spinning up" BUT like I said with wind sheer light I like the chances right now and we will have to keep our eyes on this over the next week or so.

Disney PIXEL'D App Now Available - (DL) (7/31/2012)

Disney Interactive has launched Disney PIXEL’D on the App Store (http://itunes.com/apps/pixeld), a new app for creating original and Disney-themed pixel art and animations foriPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  With Disney PIXEL’D, guests can create one-of-a-kind pixel art that literally pops as you make it, and then bring that artwork to life with an easy frame-by-frame animation tool.  Disney PIXEL’D is a free app that will offer regular content updates and in-app purchases for expanded sets of Disney character art and fill patterns for endless hours of pixel art fun.

Disneyland Weather Report for July 30 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/30/2012)

Once we get rid of the morning fog things look really nice. Expect plenty of sunshine and highs right around 80 through at least Thursday. 

Walt Disney World Weather Report for July 30 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/30/2012)

The oppressive heat continues through the week with below average thunderstorm chances through Wednesday. Plan on a thirty percent chance for thunder after 2pm and highs in the mid 90s.

D23 Expo 2013 Ticket and Package Info Announced; Go On Sale August 9th - (DL) (7/26/2012)

On Thursday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will open one year later and run from Aug. 9-11, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, the D23 Expo celebrates the entire world of Disney entertainment and brings together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products; Media Networks (including ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney) and Disney Interactive. D23 Expo 2013 marks the third Expo held in Anaheim, following Expos in 2009 and 2011.

Disneyland Weather Report for July 25 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/25/2012)

Much like I said yesterday you really can't do too much better than this truthfully.  Morning fog followed by afternoon sunshine and highs right around the mid to upper 70s can be expected through the weekend.  It looks like a gorgeous weekend to enjoy Cars Land as temperatures perk up a bit and get towards 80.

Walt Disney World Weather Report for July 25 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/25/2012)

OK let's try this again - remember that rainless forecast yesterday we tried well TODAY I'm sticking to it and tomorrow looks even drier.  I did appreciate the feedback on the whole "we would rather rain than have temperatures the surface of the sun" (in not so many words), and I can understand that.  Incidentally it has been one of the hottest June/Julys on record throughout the country and the pattern doesn't look to change much as we turn the corner and head into August.  I am getting concerned it is going to be about 100 degrees for the Tower of Terror race in September.

Anyway plan on highs in the mid 90s through the weekend. Today there is just a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms though I'll update that around 2pm once we start seeing how daytime heating is treating us.  Tomorrow temperatures can easily get into the upper 90s and heat indexes will without question reach the triple digits.  So make sure everyone stays hydrated.

Get Behind the Wheel as Wreck-It Ralph in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed - (DL) (7/25/2012)

Sega has announced that the title character of Walt Disney Animation Studios' upcoming comedy, Wreck-It Ralph, will appear alongside Sonic the Hedgehog in the highly-anticipated racing video game Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed(TM). The thrilling racing adventure allows players to race through land, air and water in new dynamic tracks inspired by classic SEGA video games. Wreck-It Ralph's unique transformable vehicles and signature All-Star move will make for some of the best racing around when he lines up against other All-Stars such as Sonic, AiAi and Danica Patrick, in both single player and multiplayer game modes.

Disneyland Weather Report for July 24 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/24/2012)

Basically every day is exactly the same (I think Trent Reznor said it best).  Honestly though this is great news for Southern California.  Highs for the rest of the week will top out right around 80 and once we get through with the pesky fog - it will be smooth sailing ahead with gorgeous sunshine.  If you are heading over to Cars Land ... you picked a great week. Now let's just hope it stays this nice through Labor Day for the Disneyland Half marathon ... who's with me?

Walt Disney World Weather Report for July 24 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/24/2012)

AS oppressive heat continues to impact the central US - the heat is definitely on throughout the parks as well.  As temperatures ramp up through the rest of the week to top out in the mid 90s.  Now keep in mind this is just about where we should be this time of year but trust me - I understand, it is pretty hot out there so make sure the kids have plenty of water.  Also while not convenient the best bet is to always get there for the park opening and then take a couple hours off and hang by the pool throughout the heat of the day.

So for today the set up is like any typical day with afternoon heating firing up some afternoon thunderstorms.  The chances actually decrease as we head through the rest of the week which is good news for all park goers.  Highs will be in the mid 90s throughout the weekend with thunderstorm chances being minimal. 

Not too exciting but generally that is a good thing.  Other bit of good news - the tropics are rather quiet as well as we head into the heart of the season.  Some dry saharan air is actually helping in that department as well.

Disneyland Weather Report for July 23 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/23/2012)

First things first I apologize for the lack of updates but a job change has forced me to move very quickly and it has been a crazy couple of weeks.  That said I had told everyone with Laughing Place that should something tropical develop I'd be right there with updates.

Looks like a great week shaping up for Disneyland.  As I type this I am breaking out into a cold sweat as I have only five weeks before the half marathon - yikes.  Highs will be around 80 today through mid week, dip down a bit and then rebound by the end of the week.

Your standard early morning fog will be followed by plenty of sunshine and simply splendid weather all week long.

Walt Disney World Weather Report for July 23 from @WDW_Weather - (DL) (7/23/2012)

First things first I apologize for the lack of updates but a job change has forced me to move very quickly and it has been a crazy couple of weeks.  That said I had told everyone with Laughing Place that should something tropical develop I'd be right there with updates.

So here we go.  I was actually in West Palm Beach this weekend and experienced gorgeous weather, that is until yesterday.  A trough has been keeping south florida quite wet for a number of days and this started to drift a bit further north.  Right now showers are continuing to diminish and there really isn't much chance for tropical development at all.  That said there is still plenty of moisture around South Florida so it could be another wet day.

Closer to the parks showers also appear very likely today into this evening.  Shower chances diminish as the week goes on but that means the temperatures are on their way back up into the mid 90s.  Incidentally the average high temperature for this time of year is actually 92 so we are pretty much on par.  Anyone ready for fall yet?

Wreck-It Ralph Reveals Additional Voice Talent - (DL) (7/20/2012)

Tapping stars from the big and small screens, Walt Disney Animation Studios rounds out its voice cast for “Wreck-It Ralph.” Directed by Rich Moore (TV’s “The Simpsons,” “Futurama”) and produced by Clark Spencer (“Lilo & Stitch,” “Bolt”), the hilarious arcade-game-hopping adventure adds to its current roster, which includes John C. Reilly as Wreck-It Ralph, Jack McBrayer as Fix-It Felix Jr., Jane Lynch as Sergeant Calhoun and Sarah Silverman as Vanellope von Schweetz. “Wreck-It Ralph” hits theaters November 2, 2012.

Disney Debuts Back to School Collections - (DL) (7/20/2012)

Disney Consumer Products has unveiled its 2012 Back to School lineup including a brand new Tween lifestyle merchandise collection under “Make Your Mark,” inspired by the smash hit contest of the same name tied to the Disney Channel’s successful TV series “Shake it Up.”  The lineup also includes a new shoe line from etnies inspired by the Emmy Award-wining Disney Channel TV series “Phineas & Ferb.”

Walt Disney Company Nominations for the 64th Annual Primetime Emmys - (DL) (7/19/2012)

The 64th Primetime Emmy nominations were this morning. Here's a complete list of Disney's nominations.

Disney’s Club Penguin Kicks off the Ultimate Music and Dance Party - (DL) (7/18/2012)

Disney’s Club Penguin kicked off the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Jam event, which transforms the #1 virtual world for kids into the biggest and most fun music and dance party ever.  The party will feature guest appearances by Rocky and CeCe penguins from Disney Channel’s top-rated series, “Shake It Up,” marking the first time players will have the chance to interact with Disney Channel personalities in world. Right before the event, ClubPenguin will also release its first-ever single and music video, “The Party Starts Now” in English, French, German and Spanish.

Disney Cast Members Perform in Encore Broadway-Style Show Through July 22 for Charity - (DL) (7/18/2012)

 

More than 500 Disney Cast Members have turned into singers, dancers and actors as they perform in “Finding Wonderland”, a Broadway-style show whose proceeds will go to a local non-profit group.

The show, which premiered on Sunday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Premier Theater, returns tomorrow July 19^thuntil Sunday July 22^nd. All functions are at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $15-$35 ($10 for children) and are available at www.encorecentral.org. Parkadmission is not required for this event. Parking is not included in ticketprice.

 

Phineas and Ferb and Marvel Team Up For Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel - (DL) (7/17/2012)

Production is now underway on "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel," an animated adventure that will assemble characters from two hugely popular franchises, Disney's "Phineas and Ferb" and Marvel's iconic Super Heroes:  Spider-Man and The Avengers (Iron Man, Thor and Hulk).  The epic television event, premiering in summer 2013 on Disney Channel, will mark the first crossover animated television special for Marvel and Disney properties.  Working closely with Marvel's creative team, "Phineas and Ferb" creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh are designing Marvel's Super Heroes and Super Villains including Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom and M.O.D.O.K. to fit the Danville world of the Emmy Award-winning series.

Harrods and Disney Team up to Celebrate Christmas - (DL) (7/17/2012)

Harrods is delighted to announce an exciting collaboration with Disney – the world’s leading family entertainment brand – as the luxury store puts plans in place to showcase a glamorous take on Disney’s fairytale Princesses this Christmas.

Comic-Con Day 2 Disney Highlights - (DL) (7/16/2012)

Comic-Con Day 2 Disney highlights from @figgy999

• The day started with a scavenger hunt throughout San Diego's Gaslamp District. The Avengers Second Screen app would give participants clues to locations after completing puzzles. Upon going to the location you would find S.H.I.E.L.D. agents guarding locations with caution tape that had a code printed on it. That code would unlock the next puzzle. The final location was a schwarma restaurant where folks that completed the hunt were given a wristband for a screening of Item 47 later that evening.
• The screening began with a special video introduction from Robert Downey Jr. from the bathroom on the set of Iron Man 3. Item 47, a short on the Avengers Blu-Ray, got a great reaction from the crowd. This was followed by a panel discussion with the cast and crew.
• Upon exiting attendees were given an Item 47 poster and a card with a code  to access a special video on YouTube.
• Saw a screening of ABC's 666 Park Avenue staring Terry O'Quinn, Vanessa Williams, Rachel Taylor, and Dave Annable. It was spooky and intriguing. Will air Sunday nights at 10 on ABC
• The Tron: Uprising panel also showcased other Disney XD animated shows including Motocity and Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja.
• At Marvel's Cup 'O Joe panel they announced titles spinning out of their Avengers vs. X-Men event: "A+X", "AvX: Consequences", "A-Babies vs. X-Babies", and "Marvel NOW! Point One" which will kick off the new era in Marvel comics.

Comic-Con Day 3 Disney Highlights - (DL) (7/16/2012)

Comic-Con Day 3 Disney Highlights from @figgy999

• The new Iron Man suit from the upcoming film made its debut at the Marvel booth.
• The Marvel Television panel discussed the new "Avengers Assemble" cartoon as an evolution of their "Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" show on Disney XD. The show is designed to appeal to fans of the film with a similar cast of characters and tone.
• They also discussed "Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H." which will also air on Disney XD.
• Finally "Ultimate Spider-Man" was recognized as the top animated program on Disney XD. They then screened an upcoming episode featuring Spider-Ham.
• At the "Phineas and Ferb" panel, moderated by Damon Lindelof, they announced a Marvel crossover entitled, "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel" that will air next summer. Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, and Hulk arrive to Danville after Dr. Doofenshmirtz uses one of his "-inators" to wreak havoc.
• While there were other panels, the main event for Saturday was the Marvel Studios panel. After showing clips of past Comic-Con panels and scenes from the films, the montage thanked the fans for making Avengers the top super hero movie of all time. Finally the words "Phase Two Begins Now" appeared on the screen to a loud applause.
• The LA Times, Geoff Boucher moderated the panel and introduced the president of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige. Kevin revealed the titles of the upcoming sequels as "Thor: The Dark World" and "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". He also confirmed that "Guardians of the Galaxy" will be the second Marvel film of 2014.
• At the first Marvel Studios panel, several years ago, there was a discussion of Edgar Wright working on Ant-Man which never came to be. When Geoff brought this up, Kevin introduced Edgar Wright who showed some test footage of Ant-Man shot two weeks ago. Disney fans should note that it featured a few bars of the Sherman Bros. classic, "it's a small world".
• Next some Luther Vandross music started playing as Robert Downey Jr. emerged in the back of the hall, wearing his Iron Man glove, and danced his way through the crowd and on to the stage. They showed some footage from the film and then Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, and Shane Black joined him on stage for Q&A which confirmed that Sir Ben Kingsley will be playing Mandarin. The panel wrapped up with a second showing of the footage.

New Disney Store Vinylmation Debuts at Comic-Con - (DL) (7/13/2012)

Disney Store will debut its limited edition Sparky-Saurus vinyl figure, inspired by the upcoming Tim Burton film from Disney, Frankenweenie, in the Funko booth (#4829) at Comic-Con International 2012 in San Diego, California. Inspired by the unique aesthetic of the stop-motion black and white film, Sparky-Saurus is attached to a base that looks like the homemade movie set constructed in a scene from the film. Only 1,000 Sparky-Saurus vinyl figures will be available at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).  Also at Comic-Con, a preview of Disney Store’s fall assortment of Frankenweenie merchandise will be on display at Walt Disney Studio’s Art of Frankenweenie booth (#3635).

Celebrate the Summer Games at a Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Live Event - (DL) (7/13/2012)

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is celebrating the summer games with a special event in the Dolphin lobby featuring the broadcast of the opening ceremonies in London displayed on large screen televisions, complimentary food and beverage and an opportunity to meet with past summer games medalists.

Comic-Con Day 1 Disney Highlights - (DL) (7/13/2012)

 

@figgy999 continues his daily look at Comic-Con. Here are Day 1 Disney highlights:

• D23 Members had a chance to pick up Oswald ears and have them signed by Warren Spector.
• The Disney Pictures panel featured Frankenweenie, Oz: The Great and Powerful, and Wreck-It Ralph.
  • Frankenweenie: Tim Burton showed an extended trailer and two clips
  • Oz: Sam Raimi was joined by Michelle Williams and Mila Kunis as they showed the first trailer from the film. All attendees were give a movie poster.
  • Wreck-It Ralph: Director Rich Moore was joined by John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman from the film. 10 minutes of the movie were shown.
  • As a "surprise" footage from The Lone Ranger, which is in production, was shown.
• At an arcade in a nearby mall, there were playable versions of Fix-It Felix Jr.   Everyone that played got a poster, but if you scored over 50,000 points you also got a t-shirt.
• The Frankenweenie Electrifying Garden opened where guests could visit a black and white garden followed by a pet cemetery where you could watch clips of the film. Visitors were given seeds and a Frankenweenie pin

 

Comic-Con Preview Night Disney Highlights - (DL) (7/12/2012)

@figgy999 is in San Diego right now for Comic-Con. Here's a look, from him, at the Disney highlights from the preview day (July 11).

• The Comic-Con banners in San Diego feature Wreck-It Ralph and Frankenweenie
• WB screened the pilot of their ABC show "666 Park"  Here is an article with reaction
• ABC has "The Neighbors" booth where you enter one of their homes, given a name tag with your "human name", and a t-shirt. My new name is Derek Jeter.
• The Frankenweenie exhibit was very popular and reached capacity. Don Hahn was in the exhibit meeting guests. They announced that the exhibit will be coming to Disney California Adventure September 14 - November 5.
• The Marvel booth featured the hall of armor to promote Iron Man 3. Popular giveaways included Spider-Man foam fingers branded to the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon on Disney XD and "Advanced Idea Mechanics" t-shirts that confirmed that the evil A.I.M. organization will play a role in Iron Man 3.

Encore Cast Member Cast to Peform for Charity July 15-22 at Hollywood Studios - (DL) (7/11/2012)

Sharing their passion for music and a desire to give back to the community a group of 500 Disney Cast Members will transform themselves intosingers, actors and dancers as they perform for the 10^th consecutive year to benefit a local non-profit organization. 

Disney On Ice Presents It's Newest Show, Rockin' Ever After - (DL) (7/11/2012)

Mickey and Minnie have searched the globe for the hippest and hottest acts to perform in the most sensational talent showcase to rock the ice, Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After. This new ice spectacular will launch a North American tour performing in more than 70 cities beginning on August 31, 2012 in Lakeland, Fla. Tickets for all 2012 engagements will go on sale July 20, 2012.

Marvel Hosts "Iron Man 3" Kids' Costume Event at Comic-Con July 14 - (DL) (7/10/2012)

Marvel Studios announced today that they will be hosting an “Iron Man 3” Kids’ Costume Event on Saturday, July 14, at 12:30 p.m. at the Marvel booth (#2329), at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The event is open to all children ages 2-14 who come dressed as Iron Man—Marvel’s iconic Super Hero featured in the upcoming “Iron Man 3.”  Anyone looking to participate in the costume event should arrive at the Marvel booth by 12:10 to prepare for the event. 

Runner’s World and runDisney Partner on VIP Experience for 20th Anniversary WDW Marathon Weekend - (DL) (7/10/2012)

Imagine a weekend where you run through Disney theme parks, experience Disney entertainment and are rewarded with a unique Disney medal, all while running side-by-side withRunner’s World editors who helped you train and encouraged you along the way. 

Commemorative Medal Awarded for 5th Anniversary Disney’s Princess Half Marathon - (DL) (7/10/2012)

Runners nationwide have their first chance today to go after a commemorative new medal that will be awarded to finishers of the 2013 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. Registration for the race weekend opens today and all finishers will receive a one-of-a-kind medal to mark the fifth anniversary of the women-focused event at Walt Disney World Resort, Feb. 22-24, 2013. Runners can sign up for the race at www.rundisney.com and the commemorative tiara medal will be revealed in the coming months.

Universal Orlando Resort Announces A New Family Suite Resort - (DL) (7/9/2012)

Universal Parks & Resorts and Loews Hotels & Resorts will build a new hotel development at Universal Orlando that will add high-quality, high-value options for families wanting an affordable on-site experience. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings:  900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate- and value-priced accommodations.  It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014.

Hidden Gems to Be Found in Brave (With Pictures) - (DL) (7/3/2012)

From Disney:

 

Fans of Disney•Pixar’s feature films love to scour the screen in search of the Hidden Gems the filmmakers sneak into each film: WALL•E’s explorations uncover a Mike Wazowski antenna ball, paying homage to Monsters, Inc., and in Up, the classic Luxo Jr. ball can be seen in the girl’s bedroom as Carl Fredricksen’s house flies by her window. Disney•Pixar’s epic action adventure Brave features a few such gems, two of which are revealed here: 

ANCIENT DELIVERY – The Witch, an eccentric crone disguised as a woodcarver specializing in whittling wooden bear figurines and conjuring haphazard spells, showcases her mysterious and inexplicable knowledge of the future with a carved figurine of the infamous Pizza Planet truck, an iconic delivery vehicle that’s appeared in nearly every full-length feature film from Pixar Animation Studios since 1995’s Toy Story. Disney•Pixar’s Brave is in theaters now.

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NO MONSTERS IN THE CLOSET – A carving of Sulley, the lovable blue monster slated to return to the big screen in 2013’s Monsters University, appears on a piece of wood in the home of the Witch, an eccentric crone and woodcarver in Disney•Pixar’s epic action adventure Brave, in theaters now.

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Disney VoluntEARS of the Year Named - (DL) (7/3/2012)

 

As part of the ongoing commitment to volunteerism, Walt Disney World Resort recently recognized its top VoluntEARS with coveted awards and charitable contributions. Cast Members and Mickey Mouse made surprise visits to present Disney’s Animal Kingdom Community Involvement Committee with the VoluntEAR Team of the Year trophy, and Dave Owen, an engineer at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, with the individual VoluntEAR of the Year award.