Walt Disney Studios Gets In On the Action at the 2011 D23 Expo

WDWNT on August 9, 2011

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TAKES FANS BEHIND THE SCENES
AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO, AUGUST 19-21

BURBANK, Calif. – August 9, 2011 – Exclusively at Disney’s D23 Expo August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Disney film fans will go behind the scenes to explore the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz: The Great and Powerful, and more.

With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit, and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers, and other surprise guests.

In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

  • A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team – Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave), and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).
  • The Characters of Monsters University – Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns, and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.
  • Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar – In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.
  • The Art of Brave – Production Designer Steve Pilcher and Shading Art Director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.
  • Pixar Shorts – This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

  • Walt Disney Studios Animation Pavilion – Experience the art, technology, culture, and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets, and art exhibits.
  • Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment Pavilion – Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D™ and more.
  • Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection – Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props, and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

The Backstory of Paradise Gardens

WDWNT on August 8, 2011

A fun story from Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

As all our guests know, every Disney Parks experience starts with a story. Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta at Disney California Adventure park are no exceptions. These aren’t just places to get fabulous pizzas, pasta and kabobs – they’re part of a story. A story of taking chances, new beginnings and family.

 

Come visit Paradise Garden and experience the story – and the food – for yourself! Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta are now open at Disney California Adventure park.

Fantasmic! Refurbishment Has Us Imagining Some Possible Show Changes

WDWNT on August 4, 2011

It is now confirmed that Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will not run from January 5th to February 12th, 2012. We have been getting a lot of questions about this closure and if it means the show will be changing. While everything is purely speculation at this time, let’s look at the facts. The show will only be closed for a little over 5 weeks. This is not enough time for any serious overhaul such as a new high-tech dragon, but is at least enough time for some technical upgrades. It is more than possible that new lighting, projectors, and props could be introduced to the show as installation time on items like this is not very lengthy. At this point, we should probably just be happy that the show is getting some TLC at all and will probably look a lot better following the brief closure.

If anything on this story should change, WDW News Today will keep you posted. For now, any major changes are simply “in your imagination”.

“Key to the Kingdom” WDW 40th Anniversary Ink and Paint Cel Premieres

WDWNT on August 4, 2011

Art of Disney Parks recently announced a new Ink and Paint Cel that is on the way just in time for Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary:

Event: Key to the Kingdom Ink and Paint Cel Premiere
Special Guests: Disney Design Group Artist, Costa Alavezos and Ink & Paint Artists, James Bonserio, Erin Magill, Theodora M. DeLaney, David Rippberger, Lynn Rippberger, Sharon K. Vincent
Event Date: Saturday, September 3, 2011
Event Times: 10:00am -1:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Event Location: Studios Animation Gallery, Disney’s Hollywood Studios™

Celebrate 40 Magical years with the newest commemorative release from the Disney Studios Ink & Paint Team!

Key to the Kingdom captures the essence of wonder and excitement that comprised the magical kingdom since it opened its gates on October 1, 1971.

The talented Ink & Paint team hand painted the iconic Mickey Mouse and loveable Pluto onto each Key to the Kingdom cel in this celebratory release comprised of 1500 cels.

An exclusively designed pin has been created to commemorate the release of the new cel, the pin is available with the first 750 orders placed for a framed cel only.



Key to the Kingdom
Limited Edition Pin

The Ink and Paint cel frames are wooden frames with options of either black or gold finishing.  All Ink and Paint cels are framed in museum grade plexi to preserve the delicate art.

If you are unable to attend the premiere of Key to the Kingdom, but would still like to purchase the Ink & Paint cel, please contact Walt Disney Event Services to pre-order your cel.

All pre-orders must be placed with
Walt Disney Event Services no later than
Friday, September 2, 2011 by 3:00pm EST.

Walt Disney Event Services
at 407-827-7600
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Key to the Kingdom 
IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FRAME OPTIONS:

FRAMING OPTIONS & RETAILS
Unframed Cel $125
Black Frame and Cel $215
Black Frame with Pin and Cel $240
Black Frame with Pin, Postcard and Cel $265
Gold Frame and Cel $290

Minnie’s Fly Girls Coming To Condor Flats

WDWNT on August 3, 2011

An interesting post today on the Disney Auditions Website looking for performers for a new stage show called Minnie’s Fly Girls coming to Condor Flats. Here actual post:

Disney Parks Talent Casting is seeking Female and Male Singer/Actors for Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airlines, a tune-filled “travelogue” of song, dance and Guest interactive moments, fueled by the adventurous optimism of three bright “stewardesses” (also known as Minnie’s Fly Girls), a witty control tower operator, and our charter airline owner herself — Minnie Mouse! This brand new show will be performed outdoors, at Disney California Adventure® Park.

The show looks like it will consist of four “Fly-Girls,” one “Control Tower Operator” and of course Minnie in a show that will take place in Condor Flats. Now from what it sounds like it will be in front of Fly ‘n’ Buy with the Operator in the tower that is on the roof of that store. The post is listing the show to go into rehearsal this September and premiere some time in October. Stay tuned to Disneyland News Today as more details surface.

 

“I’m Chiquita Banana And I’m Here To Sponsor”

WDWNT on August 2, 2011

 

Walt Disney World Resort and Chiquita Brands International announced an agreement July 29 that will bring premium, healthy fresh Chiquita and Fresh Express products to a number of retail points at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. This new strategic alliance represents the commitment of both companies to provide consumers with healthy food options.

“We are pleased to work with Disney to offer healthy, nutritious Chiquita and Fresh Express products to the millions of Guests who visit Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Disney Cruise Line each year,” said Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita chairman and chief executive officer. “This alliance joins two companies with the shared commitment of providing quality experiences to consumers. This is yet another step in Chiquita’s efforts to improve world nutrition by extending distribution of our healthy fresh products, now to include the world’s favorite vacation destinations.”Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line, Chiquita and Fresh Express products will receive brand exclusivity within their respective categories and enjoy significant exposure to important consumer segments. The new agreement continues Chiquita’s expansion into distribution points beyond traditional channels as well as providing an opportunity for Chiquita to educate consumers about the benefits of proper nutrition.

“This alliance complements our company’s commitment to providing Guests with high-quality, healthy food options,” said George Aguel, senior vice president, Corporate Alliances for The Walt Disney Company.

As part of the agreement, Chiquita will serve as the sponsor of both the “Crush ‘n’ Gusher” at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, themed around a tropical fruit processing center, and the “Living with the Land” attraction at Epcot, where Chiquita will join forces with Disney to help teach Guests about nutrition. In another joint effort, Chiquita also will participate in the runDisney marathon series to help promote healthy living and active lifestyles. Beginning with the upcoming Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend in September, Chiquita will share with Guests and participants how its fresh and convenient products can help improve personal nutrition.

Chiquita and Fresh Express products add to Disney’s existing portfolio of nutritious snack items as well as its ongoing effort to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition for kids and families. Chiquita bananas and Fresh Express salad items will be featured throughout Walt Disney Resort and offer visitors convenient low-calorie snacks.

The Walt Disney Company first pioneered groundbreaking nutritional guidelines in 2006 aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Disney Magic of Healthy Living, a comprehensive initiative launched in 2010, builds on that commitment by inspiring kids and families to explore simple and fun ways to eat right and be active. Today, more than 85 percent of Disney’s licensed food portfolio consists of healthier options, including produce and low-fat dairy.