Jamie at Disneyland with Maynard

• Sep 27-29: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• Sep 30-Oct 1: Go-Go's
• Oct 2-4: Air Supply
• Oct 5-6; Sister Hazel
• Oct 7-9: Sugar Ray
• Oct 10-11: Edwin McCain
• Oct 12-13: Manhattan Transfer
• Oct 14-15: TBA
• Oct 16-17: The Pointer Sisters
• Oct 18-20: Night Ranger
• Oct 21-23: Boyz II Men
• Oct 24-25: Survivor
• Oct 26-27: .38 Special
• Oct 28-30: Smash Mouth
• Oct 31-Nov 1: Spin Doctors
• Nov 2-3: Christopher Cross
• Nov 4-5: Hanson
• Nov 6-8: Dennis DeYoung
• Nov 9-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Are you ready for Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation? Disney is now offering free* dining on your next trip to Walt Disney World®Resort! With so many different appetizing options to choose from, this is the perfect time to plan your next family vacation! Contact your MouseEarVacations® travel consultant today and save!

Walt Disney World® Resort is NOW offering Free* Dining!

Now through July 31, 2013, buy a non-discounted 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts for arrivals most nights Sept. 2-25, 2013, and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!*

Or, buy a non-discounted 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Value Resorts for arrivals most nights Sept. 2-25, 2013, and get a FREE* Quick-Service Dining Plan.

• Check in dates: 9/2/13 to 9/25/13.
• Must book a minimum of 3 nights' accommodation and at least a 2-day Base Ticket
• Guests staying at a Value Resort will receive Quick Service Dining Plan
• Guests staying at Moderate or Deluxe Resorts will receive the regular Dining Plan
• Guests may pay to upgrade their dining plans and/or tickets
• Must book by 7/31/13

Terms and Conditions apply, please contact your MouseEarVacations® travel consultant today for more details!

*Prices based on 2 Adults, 1 Junior and 1 Child. The number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites and 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, The Little Mermaid Standard View Rooms.

**Excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3 to 9 must order from children's menu, if available. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

I’m happy to share that these new ornaments will be at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts within the next few weeks. Similar to the character ear hat ornaments released last summer, these new shoe ornaments contain some amazing details. The artwork for these ornaments was created by Disney Design Group artists Cody Reynoldsand Costa Alavezos. Cody designed the majority of the shoes, including the Disney Princesses and other characters like Daisy Duck, Minnie Mouse or Mary Poppins. I recently spoke with Costa Alavezos about his experience creating the Disney Villain shoes.

The shoes each measure approximately 3 inches long by 3.5 inches tall. All of them contain a removable ribbon attachment, which is perfect for those interested in displaying them year round.

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Step inside Adventurers Outpost, and you’ll find mementos from Mickey and Minnie’s expeditions around the world, including stunning photographs from their trips to destinations as varied as the mountains of Nepal and the savannas of Africa.

During today's Upfront presentation, ABC announced it would air a "Toy Story of Terror" Halloween Special featuring the original voice talent.

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Young readers ages 6-10 will find out how the fun-loving monster duo went from being mismatched strangers to inseparable pals by exploring original film clips featuring official character voices, interactive storytelling exercises, game activities and more. Additional app highlights include:

• Create your own Monsters University ID badge & “Monsterify” photo tool
• 3D, first-person game views and special rewards
• Read-to-me and read-on-my-own narration options

Sheriff Woody is bringing his Talent Roundup to the stage of the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. You’ll delight at the sight of Jessie’s slingshot tricks and Woody’s skill with a lasso. There will even be plenty of dancin’, strummin’ and singin’, thanks to guitar-playin’ cowboy Buckaroo Bob.

Between Talent Roundup shows, everyone’s favorite Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will take the stage in “Red, White and Bluegrass!” You’ll even have a chance to meet Woody, Jessie and Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed in their finest cowboy (and cowgirl) duds!

And that’s not all! Woody’s All-American Roundup will feature Rodeo Games, crafts and activities for the whole family and a selection of merchandise and yummy food.

So mosey on down to Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree for Woody’s All-American Roundup, starting June 14. It’s gonna be loads of rootin’, tootin’ fun!

Disney has released via Twitter a new image from Frozen, the next film from Disney Animation Studios coming to theaters November 27th.

Clark Gregg reprises his role of Agent Phil Coulson from Marvel's feature films as he assembles a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. Coulson's team consists of Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), highly trained in combat and espionage, Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen) expert pilot and martial artist, Agent Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker); brilliant engineer and Agent Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) genius bio-chemist. Joining them on their journey into mystery is new recruit and computer hacker Skye (Chloe Bennet). From Executive Producers Joss Whedon ("Marvel's The Avengers," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"); Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." pilot co-writers ("Dollhouse," "Dr.Horrible's Sing-Along Blog"); Jeffrey Bell ("Angel," "Alias"); and Jeph Loeb ("Smallville") comes Marvel's first TV series. "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is produced by ABC Studios and Marvel Television

Weekend I (May 17–19) 
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend II (May 24-26)
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend III (May 31 – June 2)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend IV(June 7-9)
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VIReturn of the Jedi)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca – Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back,Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Also new this year is a photo opportunity with a “life-size” rancor. The giant beast, which was Jabba the Hutt’s prized pet in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, will be on display during the event. The handcrafted replica is 17 feet long and weighs more than 700 pounds. The reptomammal sculpture is well-traveled — it’s a popular piece at Star Wars events around the globe and will make its way to our park for Star Wars Weekends.

A trio of specialty “one-man shows” will be presented this year, giving guests a peek into the on- and off-screen worlds of three Star Wars celebrities — James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis.

• “Obi-Wan & Beyond” (each event day) stars James Arnold Taylor. James takes audiences on a journey into his wonderful world of voice acting.
• “Visit to the Maul” (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park. Guests can see a demonstration of amazing martial arts skills by the actor who portrayed Darth Maul on the silver screen.
• “An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” (Weekends II and III) stars Warwick Davis. Guests get a unique look into the fascinating world of this Star Wars legend.

Lucasfilm announced today that production of Star Wars: Episode VII will take place in the United Kingdom. All of the six previous live-action Star Wars movies have included UK production in such famed studios as Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood Studios.

"We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that," said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. "Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun and recently War Horse, it's very exciting to be heading back."

Earlier this year, representatives from Lucasfilm met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, in London to establish an agreement to produce Star Wars in the U.K. "I am delighted that Star Wars is coming back to Britain. Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries," Osborne said today.

Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Michael Arndt and is scheduled for a 2015 release.

The Marin Independant Journal (Brenda Chapman's hometown paper) reports on an email she sent to them about the "makeover" of Merida for her addition to the Disney princess lineup on Saturday at the Magic Kingdom. To say the least, Chapman is not happy saying (among other things)

"There is an irresponsibility to this decision that is appalling for women and young girls, Disney marketing and the powers that be that allow them to do such things should be ashamed of themselves."

and

"When little girls say they like it because it's more sparkly, that's all fine and good but, subconsciously, they are soaking in the sexy 'come hither' look and the skinny aspect of the new version. It's horrible! Merida was created to break that mold — to give young girls a better, stronger role model, a more attainable role model, something of substance, not just a pretty face that waits around for romance."

As has received much attention (positive and negative) on the Internet recently, Merida from Disney / Pixar's "Brave" was crowned as Disney's 11th princess at a Magic Kingdom ceremony on Saturday. Below are some of Disney's pics and their video from the event.

For those who feel thwarted by the very brief presence of Wang Xueqi’s Dr. Wu character in Iron Man 3, happy news: The Chinese actor’s edited-out performances will soon see the light of day in the form of a short film.

The piece, which is as yet simply called The Prologue, is comprised of sequences shot during the production of Iron Man 3 and was set before the narrative of the first film, a spokesman for DMG Entertainment, the blockbuster’s Beijing-based co-producers confirmed.

There is no confirmed word yet on whether this will appear on TV, BluRay or any other medium.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Big Hero 6,” an action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action and all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the CG-animated “Big Hero 6” hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.

 BRIDGE TO SAN FRANSOKYO – Concept art showcases an iconic bridge and treasured landmark of the high-tech, fast-paced city of San Fransokyo, the setting for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ action comedy adventure “Big Hero 6”— in theaters on November 7, 2014. 
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SAN FRANSOKYO AT NIGHT – Pictured in concept art, the high-tech city of San Fransokyo is home to brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada and his team of first-time crime fighters in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ action comedy adventure “Big Hero 6”—in theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.
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Big Hero 6 First Look Footage 

"The storytelling aspects are very frenetic, very visceral," Joe Quesada, Marvel's chief creative officer, said of the comic. "It takes tropes of Japanese culture, manga, anime. There are giant dinosaurs that invade a city, big robots, youth fashion, cutesy stuff in the vein of Hello Kitty."

This brings up an interesting question ... will this be the first Disney film that they're not allowed to advertise in a Walt Disney World theme park???

Building on the global phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros. Entertainment today announced an expansion of historic proportion with the entirely new themed environment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

(l-r) Dumbo Double Dare, 1/2 Marathon, 10K and Family Fun Run 5K
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“Doc McStuffins: Time for Your Check Up!,” the second DVD compilation for Disney Junior’s hit animated TV series “Doc McStuffins,” will debut May 7, 2013.  A must-add to the family viewing collection, the DVD comes packaged with 5 fun-filled episodes and a FREE growth chart.

2012's #1 cable TV series in Kids 2-5, "Doc McStuffins" tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic.  Assisting Doc at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including: Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her  cuddly best friend lamb; Hallie, a jolly and caring  hippo nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic.  Whether it's a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who has sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others.  

Episodes:

1 – Gulpy, Gulpy Gators! / One Note Wonder
2 – Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!
3 – Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night
4 – Bronto Boo-Boos / Brontosaurus Breath
5 – Doctoring The Doc / Hot Pursuit 

In a super-close competition, Chef Andrew Sutton from Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spawas edged out today by Chicago Chef Carlo Lamagna for top honors in the Skuna Bay Chef Challenge at the legendary “Taste of Derby” at the Kentucky Derby.

It’s a long road from Southern California to Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Ky., and Sutton started competing in March in North American regionals, sponsored by Skuna Bay Salmon. Thirty chefs entered their most impressive Skuna Bay salmon recipes, and Sutton was a regional winner. In April, the winning regional chefs went head-to-head in Round 2 in competitions in Los Angeles and Chicago. Sutton again was victorious.

The finals for “National Skuna Bay Craftsman Chef” were this week in Louisville, with Sutton going up against Chef Carlo Lamagna from Perennial Virant in Chicago. At each stage of the competition, Sutton crafted the same beautiful dish: an elegant, use-all-of-the-fish trio that included tangerine-cured salmon belly sashimi; a pan-roasted fillet with crispy skin on an English pea coulis, topped with house-cured salmon roe and Eureka lemon; and an escabéche featuring fresh salmon cut in perfect miniature cubes and tossed with cucumber, mint and cilantro. Each round started by breaking down and filleting a 10- to 12-pound Skuna Bay salmon. (Skuna Bay is along Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where waters are glacier-fed and the fish used in their feed is from sustainably certified fisheries.)

Along with competing in the prestigious culinary contest, Sutton gets a primo seat for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

He offered his winning creation at Napa Rose before the contest, practicing to get it perfect. And we bet you’ll find it back on the restaurant’s menu.

Megatron and the Decepticons are closing in on Orlando…we must prepare for battle… The highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013, Universal Orlando announced on May 2nd.

Universal also launched an all-new “Join the Resistance” Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they’ll experience on the mega-attraction.  “Recruits” can create their very own NEST IDs, train for battle, access exclusive photos and video and win prizes – including a trip to the attraction’s grand opening celebration on June 20.  Click here to join the resistance.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The ride was created under license from Hasbro, Inc. and is based on its iconic TRANSFORMERS brand.

The battle begins when guests enter the NEST facility – the headquarters for the government operation that partners with the Autobots to protect Earth from the Decepticons.  While inside, they are recruited to help protect the AllSpark – a powerful energy source that would allow the Decepticons to destroy the planet. Guests board EVAC – an Autobot created exclusively for the attraction – to transport the AllSpark to safety.  But beware…the Decepticons are in close pursuit…

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Celebrate the spirit of Mexico and commemorate the year of the ear all at once with your very own Cinco de Mayo ear hat! Capturing the essence, the colors and the iconic character of Mexico and its festive culture, this Limited Time Magic offering can be found right inside the Fantasyland Mad Hatter, located at Disneyland Park. Don't miss the chance to "cap" off this festive fiesta in style, courtesy of a little Limited Time Magic!

Meet The Three Caballeros
Don't miss a rare opportunity to say "¡Saludos Amigos!" to three of the most famous Latin American lovebirds in history, The Three Caballeros!

Panchito, Jose Carioca and, of course, el Pato Donald are getting the band back together and they're ready to pose for a picture or two—stop by and meet these classic Characters while you have the chance!

Move Your Feet to the Music
Once you've had your fill of The Three Caballeros, get ready to groove to music from south of the border, and maybe even move your feet a little!

First, soak up the spirit of the occasion with an energetic set by delightful marionettes. Then, float through the romanticized beauty of Mexico's history with some folkloric dancing. Finally, work up an appetite with a little dancing of your own, set to the tunes of the world-renowned band, Mariachi Cobre!

Feast on Festive Mexican Eats
Ready for an authentic Mexican food experience? San Angel Inn Restaurante and La Hacienda de San Angel will both be a huge part of the occasion and they're preparing a selection of fiesta-themed offerings to celebrate!

Check out the listings below for the Cinco de Mayo-specific menu, complete with appetizers, entrees and even a dessert!

Appetizers

• Cream of Chile Poblano: Chile poblano, cilantro, onion, garlic and Mexican cream, garnished with tortilla strips, poblano peppers and cream ($7.50)
• Chalupas de Chicharron: Corn dough topped with roasted chipotle sauce, shredded chicken, pork rind in green tomatillo sauce, fresh cheese, sour cream and avocado ($11.50)

Entrees

• Chile en Nogada: Egg-battered stuffed poblano pepper with pork, almonds, raisins, apple, pineapple, cinnamon, roasted tomato and garlic, topped with a walnut cream sauce ($24.50)
• Enchiladas de Mole Poblano: Corn tortillas filled with marinated chicken, topped with mole poblano sauce, sesame seeds and Mexican cream ($23.50)
• Pollo Rostizado en Salsa de Mercado: Slow roasted French-chicken breast, topped with a roasted green tomato, pine nuts, garlic, onion and saffron sauce ($23.50)

Dessert

• Camotes en Leche Condensada: Sweet potato dessert topped condensed milk, garnished with almond brittle ($7.00)

And for something fun to wash it all down with, stop by La Cava where you can sample an assortment of different drinks, including margarita-flavored Horchata and zesty Micheladas.

You can even try the famous "Banderita"—three separate shots that together form the colors of the Mexican flag!

Cinco de Mayo Ear Hats
Before this fiesta has you ready for a siesta, pop into a shop at the Mexico Pavilion and purchase a Cinco de Mayo ear hat!

Capturing the essence, color and iconic symbols of Mexico, there's quite simply no more festive way to commemorate the year of the ear!

• September: 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29
• October: 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
• November: 1

Prices range from $59 to $73 for adults and $54 to $68 for children depending on the date.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be celebrating International Migratory Bird Day on May 8 with a special event. They’re inviting guests to be “honorary birds” for the day. Here are some highlights:

• Main Entrance (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Guests receive their bird band and a bookmark with the locations of the other “banding” sta­tions in the park.
• Oasis (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.): What is your feather color?: Guests can have their plumage (clothing) recorded.
• Tree of Life (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.): How far did you migrate? Guests will measure their migration distance and see how they compare to other migratory birds.
• Asia (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.): What is your wing span?: Guests will have their arm length measured and recorded.
• Africa (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.): What is your height?: Guests will have their height measured and recorded.
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.): Guests can participate in a variety of special activities, including learning more about Operation Migration, which has been helping rare whooping cranes migrate for more than 10 years. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has supported Operation Migration since its inception.

1. Snow White
2. Cinderella
3. Aurora ("Sleeping Beauty")
4. Ariel ("The Little Mermaid")
5. Belle ("Beauty and the Beast")
6. Jasmine ("Aladdin")
7. Pocahontas
8. Mulan
9. Tiana ("The Princess and the Frog")
10. Rapunzel ("Tangled)."

The ceremony - a royal coronation - will be held on May 11th at the Magic Kingdom and will be open to the public.

• IM Audi custom sports car under the AMC Theatre dome
• DJ with activities for children and Iron Man trivia 1:30p - 5p
• Face painting via Kama's Art Shoppe (not complimentary)
• LEGO and Ridemakerz carts with Iron Man merchandise
• Iron Man coloring pages with crayons at table service restaurants
• Free Iron Man buttons with purchase of $50 or more at select locations

• Pocahontas will be temporarily greeting guests on Discovery Island May 5-11
• Discovery Island Character Landing will beclosed May 10-11 so Pooh and Tigger will greet guests in Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Eeyore's last day in the park will be May 9
• The new Adventures Outpost on Discover Island opens on May 12 as a meet and greet location for Mickey and Minnie

• Park Hours: 9a to midnight
• Jedi Training Academy (adults are invited to train with their kids. Signups are at the ABC Sound Studio): 9a, 9:30a, 10a, 10:30a, 12p, 12:30p, 1p, 1:30p, 2p, 2:30p, 3p, 3:30p, 4p, 4:30p, 5p, 5:30p, 6:30p, 7p, 7:30p
• Star Wars Characters Throughout the Park: 9a - 7:30p
• DJ Lobot's Dance Party at the Sorcerer's Hat: 6p-7p and 7:45p - park closing
• "Symphony in the Stars" - A Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular: 9:45p

Limited Edition Star Wars merchandis will also be available on the day.

Actress Lily James (Downton Abbey) has been cast as Cinderella in Disney’s upcoming live-action interpretation of the beloved classic tale. The film is being directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh and stars Cate Blanchett as the iconic evil stepmother. Cinderella is expected to be released in 2014.

Building on the success of its women-focused events, runDisney is broadening the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort next year by adding a 10K and a new two-race challenge. The Princess 10K gives runners of various levels more opportunities to run through Disney theme parks and receive a specially-designed finisher medal. And runners looking for an even bigger challenge can sign up for the 10K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday (19.3 miles total) to earn the inaugural Disney Glass Slipper Challenge Medal to go along with medals from each individual race. 

Go behind-the-scenes of Disney Cruise Line’s mind-blowing operation and design, meet the masterminds who orchestrate a magical vacation and engineered a gravity-defying water coaster that will take your breath away.

As far as I'm aware, this is the first television show on the cruise line to include the new ships - the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. There are four preview clips available on their Disney Week website.

The Walt Disney Company will discuss fiscal second quarter 2013 financial results via a live audio Webcast beginning at 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. Results will be released at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT / 1:15 p.m. PDT. To listen to the Webcast, point your browser to www.disney.com/investors. The discussion will be available via replay through May 21, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT. These webcasts are usually pretty informative for Disney fans, particularly the question and answer session that follows.

Penguins are once again assembling as Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains in Disney’s Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids, for this year’s all-new Marvel Super Hero Takeover event. Now through May 7, penguins will be called to defend the city of Penguintropolis and bring members dressed as Marvel Super Villains to justice before they take over with their destructive robots. After choosing sides, members can suit up in over 25 Marvel costumes like Super Heroes Iron Man, She-Hulk, Captain America and Sif or the more mischievous ensembles of Marvel Super Villains like the Mandarin and Loki.

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will kick off a Monstrous Summer by keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours nonstop on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season.

The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in California will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time* marking the beginning of a summer of fun inspired by the upcoming Disney•Pixar comedy adventure Monsters University.

Exclusively for IMAX fans as part of the IMAX 12:01 program, those attending midnight shows of Marvel's IRON MAN 3 in the first hours of May 3rd will receive a limited edition IRON MAN 3 print featuring original artwork by renowned artist, Jock. This artwork is a collaboration between Marvel Studios, IMAX and Mondo, and will be the last print in the IMAX 12:01 series.

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Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a never-before-seen short starring the one and only Mickey Mouse in Get A Horse! featuring Walt Disney himself as the voice of Mickey Mouse, this black-and- white, hand-drawn short follows Mickey, his favorite gal pal Minnie Mouse and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical wagon ride, until Peg-Leg Pete shows up and tries to run them off the road.

'Star Wars VII - Return of the Empire' has gotten almost a million views in one week and continues to grow rapidly.  Director Sam Macaroni, known for his popular action/comedy youtube videos, has created a world where Disney and Star Wars characters mix seamlessly.  Movies.com called it "the Most Elaborate Disney Mash-up Yet."  The Huffington Post said "This Disneyfied "Star Wars" parody finally lets us see what would happen if R2D2 met WALL-E."  USA Today said "What surprised me is that it's pretty well-made and manages to integrate several iconic Disney images in a funny and thoughtful way."  Geektyrant wrote "Star Wars VII - Return of the Empire might just be one of the funniest and best Disney Star Wars parody mashups that I've seen." 

CFNews13.com covers the latest Monorail overlay at Walt Disney World - this time for Monsters University coming to theaters this summer. What do you think?

• Pre-Show (2:52)
• Complete Ride-Through (5:14)

Come celebrate the 15th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom park at "Party for the Planet"—an Earth Week event where you can meet some of your favorite Disney Characters, purchase collectable merchandise and try out some tasty sweet treats!

And at Disneyland...

Let your taste buds get down and "dirty" during Earth Week at Disneyland Resort! For one week only, "dig in" to the "Worm and Dirt Tart," a delightfully playful dessert offered as part of Limited Time Magic. You can find the confection at Plaza Inn and French Market at Disneyland Park, or in Wine Country Trattoria inside Disney California Adventure. But buy one while they last—this is one Earth Week celebration your taste buds won't want to miss!

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