Disney Interactive Studios has released this first-look featurette with Junction Point’s Warren Spector, Paul Weaver (Studio Director) and Chase Jones (Design Director) as they talk about their new title, ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’ which features the ability to play as both Mickey and Oswald with ‘couch co-op.’

The team talks about conceiving the sequel to the Nintendo Wii game as well as bringing it to all platforms this time around. All in all, there isn’t too much that’s new here, but it does provide the opportunity to hear a bit of Oswald’s speaking part in the game’s opening cinematic in which he screams ‘earthquake!’ In the game, Oswald is voiced by legend of the genre, Frank Welker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvi-pmvivSk

The multi-platform ‘Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’ will be released this fall and is currently available for pre-order.

Below is a list of new items and sales now available for purchase at DisneyStore.com. Clicking on a product’s image or description will launch the product’s page on DisneyStore.com in another window.

Note that this list is generated and posted automatically. Stitch Kingdom should not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misinformation or item availability.

	Seven Dwarfs Giclée by Darren Wilson- $120.00 Snow White’s favorite friends gather for a happy (well, except for Grumpy) group portrait by Darren Wilson. Our Seven Dwarfs fine art print will mine a treasure vault of memories for many years to come. It’s a gem!   share this item
	”Pooh and Company” Winnie the Pooh Giclée by Darren Wilson- $120.00 Tubby cubby Winnie the Pooh and his friends gather for a warm group portrait by Darren Wilson. Our fine art print from the Hundred Acre Wood will charm family and friends with Disney’s winsome, whimsical characters.

Ryan is ecstatic when he finds out that he gets the first date of the season. After a quick visit with her girlfriends, Emily arrives at the mansion to take Ryan away for what he thinks will be a glamorous day of fun. But Emily has other plans, as she takes him to her home and instructs him in the everyday task of baking cookies for Ricki’s soccer team. Will he pass the “test”? Later that night, Emily looks stunning as she scoops Ryan up in a sleek Aston Martin and brings him to a romantic dinner spot. After walking a red carpet lined with adoring fans, Emily and Ryan have a secluded fireside table where they discuss relationships and their potential future over dinner. Then things turn intimate even though the couple are the in middle of a crowd, as they are serenaded in a special concert by popular country band Gloriana, featuring their hit single “(Kissed You) Good Night.” But is there enough romance for Ryan to get the rose?

The next day, 13 bachelors take to the stage and join Emily and the beloved Muppets for a live performance benefiting The Ricky Hendrick Centers for Intensive Care at The Levine Children’s Hospital. The men split up in groups to rehearse, but one man has a serious case of performance panic. He explains the problem to Emily and musters up enough courage to go on, but how will he feel when Miss Piggy targets him during the show? The men also get a pleasant surprise when they see Ricki for the first time as she joins her mother and The Muppets in a special performance. That evening at the swank after party, the competition for Emily’s attention heats up: Chris is all smiles as the Bachelorette gushes over his looks; Stevie treats her to a slow dance but gets interrupted by the overconfident Kalon; and Jef finally starts to open up to Emily, but will she find him too guarded?

The next day is a

The prices and packages remain the same: $50 for access to a four hour block inside the park; $75 for the preview plus a private World of Color showing; and $500 for an extended, five-hour preview plus a 3-course meal inside Carthay Circle Restaurant, including a wine presentation from the Lasseter winery, taxes and gratuities included. The dining experience also includes the private viewing of World of Color plus priority loading at Radiator Springs Racers and complimentary valet parking at Downtown Disney.

It’s worth noting that as the block of select annual passes will be lifted for the event, some guests will effectively be attending the preview for free at a cost less than what a block pass would run.

For more information and to purchase tickets now, visit the event page.

As a reminder for those wishing to preview the new areas for free, there is a sweepstakes being offered. See details and the entry page here.

Lastly, passholders are being invited to enjoy a magic morning by entering either the Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure one hour before the park officially opens on select days between June 18 and September 13, 2012. Registration is required but not being accepted at this time. For more information, visit the benefit page.

New series for the 2012-13 season are “666 Park Avenue,” “The Family Tools,” “How to Live with your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life),” “Last Resort,” “Malibu Country,” “Mistresses,” “Nashville,” “The Neighbors,” “Red Widow” and “Zero Hour.”

“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Body of Proof,” “Castle,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Happy Endings,” “Last Man Standing,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Primetime: What Would You Do?,” “Private Practice,” “Revenge,” “Scandal,” “Shark Tank,” “Suburgatory,” “20/20″ and “Wife Swap” Will Return

“We are using the success we achieved last season as a strong foundation to launch some more great shows this time around,” said Lee. “Last year was about stability and ambition, this year is about growth and continuing momentum, with strong programming that will stake ABC’s claim on more nights as the home of quality entertainment.”

A solid mix of promising new series and returning hits is what drove ABC to strong results in the 2011-12 Season. Season to date among Adults 18-49, ABC claims TV’s No. 1 comedy/scripted series (“Modern Family”), the No. 1 drama (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and the No. 1 freshman drama (“Once Upon a Time”). Led by Emmy-winning “Modern Family,” ABC’s 2-hour Wednesday night comedy block continues to connect with audiences, posting its 2nd straight year of growth with viewers (+3%) and young adults (+6%). In addition, ABC is the only network up during the 10 o’clock hour on Monday-Friday as lead-in to affiliates’ late-local newscasts with Total Viewers (+8%) and Adults 25-54 (+7%).

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2012-13 season.

ABC’s fall

On June 9 and 10, Disney D23 will hold previews for its members and their guests of the new areas. In addition to being able to explore the re-imagined and expanded Disney California Adventure Park during specified time windows, some packages will even include dinner at the Carthay Circle Restaurant. The dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant includes a three-course meal featuring modern cuisine that pays tribute to the bold and diverse flavors of Southern California, and a special wine presentation from Lasseter Family Winery. In addition, the dinner includes an extra hour for previews, the private World of Color showing, priority loading at Radiator Springs Racers and complimentary valet parking.

To celebrate these previews and the grand reopening of Disney California Adventure, the Disneyland Resort is spreading the happiness by donating a total of $500,000 to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and the Anaheim Community Foundation.

Tickets are $50 – $500 depending on the chosen packages and will be available on May 18 at 1 pm ET. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official event page.

Below is a list of new items and sales now available for purchase at DisneyStore.com. Clicking on a product’s image or description will launch the product’s page on DisneyStore.com in another window.

Note that this list is generated and posted automatically. Stitch Kingdom should not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misinformation or item availability.

	Brave Merida Cup- $6.50 Inspired by Merida’s passion for archery, the handle of this Brave Cup is styled in the shape of a bow. Merida is surrounded by three little bear cubs on this clear goblet that is infused with glitter and features raised bas relief design elements.   share this item
	Polka Dot Minnie Mouse Cup- $6.50 Minnie puts her feet up as she takes a rest on the handle of this Polka Dot Minnie Mouse Cup. Part of our Minnie Meal Time Magic Collection and made of durable acrylic, this cup features Minnie’s trademark polka dots in bright pink that match the inside.   share this item

(Conversation #1)

BARBARA WALTERS: Let’s move it along a little bit. You did make that historic decision to say that you’re in favor of gay marriage. There are 30 states which are not. But there are also federal laws that impinge on the rights of gays. They can’t file a joint income tax report; they don’t have social security that they can pass to each other. Will you now fight for a federal bill that gives the same rights to heterosexuals that the federal bill now does not give to gays?

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Well, keep in mind that on issues like social security, for example, a lot of this has to do with what’s called the Defense of Marriage act, DOMA. It was passed originally when Hawaii started making noises about recognizing same sex marriage. The idea was we don’t want that drifting into the federal government, and this is part of the reason why my justice department has said to the courts, we don’t think the Defense of Marriage Act is constitutional. This is something that historically had been determined at the state level, and part of my believing ultimately that civil unions weren’t sufficient and I’ve been a longtime supporter of civil unions for same sex couples was partly because of the issue of social security benefits or other laws, state taxes, things like that. You know part of it was also just knowing friends and family, people that I’d gotten to know who had these wonderful relationships, and they’d say to me, You know what? The words matter. So even though you’re a strong supporter of civil unions, somehow it still says we’re different, and that particular set of conversations that I had is ultimately what led me to this conclusion.

BARBARA WALTERS: Well you’ve talked about talking with your Attorney General. Will you personally fight to repeal that act?

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Well, look, Congress is clearly on notice that I think it’s a bad idea.

(Conversation #2)

WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Mr. President ,you took a lot of flak for passing the stimulus bill and helping out the banks, and then you took a lot of flack because people felt you didn’t do enough with the folks who were responsible. They didn’t go to jail, nobody got into trouble. So now I’m wondering, because I watched this JP Morgan Chase thing just go down, I’m wondering (A), what do you think happened, and (B), sir, what are you going to do about it, because this has to be the last straw.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Well look, first of all, JP Morgan is one of the best managed banks there is. Jamie Dimon, the head of it, is

Today’s playground will provide more than 1,000 children in Anaheim with a safe place to play. Planning for the playground began at a Design Day event held in March. Local children and community leaders met with organizers from Disney and KaBOOM! to design their dream playground. The children’s drawings were then used to create the final playground design.

“It’s important for families to have safe and fun gathering places, like this new playground at Stoddard Park,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis. “We are thrilled to work together with our community partners and neighbors to create this great addition to our neighborhood, where kids and families can spend time together, be active and lead healthier lives.”

Disney is a KaBOOM! National Partner, and supports the nonprofit’s vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Since 2011, Disney has pledged more than $3.5 million to help build 16 playgrounds and learning gardens with the participation of more than a thousand Disney VoluntEARS. At the end of 2012, Disney will have helped KaBOOM! build close to thirty playgrounds.

“Parks are foundational for great neighborhoods and, thanks to everyone involved, Anaheim’s Stoddard Park area residents have a wonderful, newly designed park to enjoy,” said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait. “Providing children and their families safe and enjoyable parks provides them the opportunity to build stronger connections with their neighbors. We are grateful to Disney, the Anaheim Family YMCA, KaBOOM! and the hundreds of volunteers who made this possible.”

“This project exemplifies the Y’s focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Paul Andresen, Anaheim YMCA President & CEO. “We know that one of the best ways to improve people’s health is to work together as a community and provide fun, safe opportunities for outdoor play.”

“Every child deserves to have a great place to play and we’re thrilled to continue our work with Disney in striving toward that goal,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! Founder & CEO. “Thanks to the efforts from Disney, KaBOOM!, the City of Anaheim and the Anaheim Family YMCA, we moved one step closer to the KaBOOM! vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.”

Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort

LeSportsac and Disney Consumer Products announced today the launch of the Disney It’s a Small World by LeSportsac collection featuring handbags, totes and accessories that combine the bright aesthetic of LeSportsac with inspiration from the mid-century artwork of Disney artist Mary Blair who created the whimsical look of the beloved Disney theme park attraction “it’s a small world.”

Disney It’s a Small World by LeSportsac collection includes five seasonal deliveries, each inspired by a specific country. In addition to celebrating a country, each delivery will be anchored with a Signature Tote and a colorful print that pays tribute to the unique facades and architectural works of Disney’s “it’s a small world” Theme park attraction. The collection kicks off with a celebration of Tahiti that includes two graphic totes and a range of 12 styles in two vibrant prints.

“We are so inspired by Blair’s original art and the “it’s a small world” theme of global awareness,” said D’Arcy Jensen, Vice President, Global Creative Director, LeSportsac. “Each collectible design we are creating is a colorful narrative that is sure to delight fans of Disney, Mary Blair and LeSportsac alike.”

The “it’s a small world” attraction, which debuted at the New York World’s Fair in 1964, was created by Walt Disney both as a salute to UNICEF and his belief that everyone is united in their love of children and dreams of a better tomorrow. In keeping with the original philanthropic message of “it’s a small world,” Disney will make a donation to UNICEF in honor of “it’s a small world” and all product in the Disney It’s a Small World by LeSportsac collection will include a special hangtag sharing the history of the original attraction and the connection to UNICEF.

[View with PicLens]

“Our collaboration with LeSportsac pays homage to the magical experience of “it’s a small world” while continuing the legacy of the message behind one of Disney’s most beloved theme park attractions,” said Robert Oberschelp, director, Disney Collections, DCP. “Walt Disney’s vision is as powerful and true today as it was when he first shared it with the world.”

The Disney It’s a Small World by LeSportsac Collection is available online at LeSportsac.com and at all LeSportsac flagship boutiques worldwide. LeSportsac is also available at better department stores and select specialty stores.

UPDATE #1: 5/14/12 – Please note the collection from LeSportsac is not currently available, but we are told it should be within the next month or so. Once we are able to confirm a date, we will update.

Below is a list of new items and sales now available for purchase at DisneyStore.com. Clicking on a product’s image or description will launch the product’s page on DisneyStore.com in another window.

Note that this list is generated and posted automatically. Stitch Kingdom should not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misinformation or item availability.

	Spider-Man Lunch Tote – $12.50   share this item
	Personalizable Brave Backpack – $19.50 Carrying her trusty bow and arrow, the flame-haired star of Disney/Pixar’s Brave is all set for her medieval adventures. Pictured on clear PVC, Merida stands out against the glittering underlayer of this Brave Backpack that can be personalized.   share this item

Below is a list of new Disney items being released this week at Amazon.com. Clicking on a product’s image or description will launch the product’s page on Amazon.com in another window.

Note that this list is generated and posted automatically. Stitch Kingdom should not be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misinformation or item availability.

	A second essay upon the execution of the laws against immorality and prophaneness; wherein the case of giving informations to the magistrate is considered, and objections against it answered (Paperback) (Available Monday, May 14 or Pre-Order from Amazon.com) To order or for more information, click here
	A Friend for Merida (Disney/Pixar Brave) (Pictureback(R)) (Paperback) (Available Tuesday, May 15 or Pre-Order from Amazon.com) To order or for more information, click here
	A Mother’s Love (Disney/Pixar Brave) (Step into Reading) (Library Binding) (Available Tuesday, May 15 or Pre-Order from Amazon.com) To order or for more information, click here
	A Mother’s Love (Disney/Pixar Brave) (Step into Reading) (Paperback) (Available Tuesday, May 15 or Pre-Order from Amazon.com) To order or for more information, click here
	A Royal Adventure (Disney/Pixar Brave) (Giant Coloring Book) (Paperback) (Available Tuesday, May 15 or

Consider yourself warned.

On Tuesday, bookstores will begin offering the Brave junior novelization, an adaptation of the film, true to a script which may or may not be the one that makes the silver screen. One thing is for sure, the junior novelizations, which I am a fan of, hold nothing back when it comes to major plot points, so they’re not something to read if you want to be surprised when the film opens on June 22, 2012.  So revealing are the books, that the Pirates of the Caribbean editions actually stop halfway through the film, so there’s no way to know how it all ends until you see the actual film.

Despite the books, whose secrets are of course released only to those who opt to read them, Disney/Pixar has historically been very tight-lipped when it comes to major plot points. So much so, that as they were rolling out the supporting cast of vehicles in Cars 2, they made sure licensees presenting at the New York International Toy Fair block out images of any vehicle not yet released, even down to small sheets of stickers. Not to mention they famously pulled a fast one by presenting Siddley as the enemy of hero Finn McMissile in the early trailer/previews.

So one has to wonder why Pixar has not only been flaunting some of its plot points of Brave right before your very eyes, almost as to hide them in plain sight. Many have made the connections, many have not, but for those that haven’t, it appears Disney Store wants to correct that by releasing products that range from subtly suggesting what happens to outright telling you.

It started with this Deluxe Brave Figure Play Set released a couple of weeks ago. Among the figures included is a large adult bear wearing a crown. Get it yet? Here’s a hint, the actual description on the product’s website identifies it as ‘mumbear.’ See it now? Final hint: the junior novelization calls it ‘Elinor-Bear.’

All the while, Disney/Pixar has been releasing trailers and stills that show Merida with the adult bear in tow, or reaching out to the bear and even seemingly defending it by sword. Surprise.

By extension, you can probably guess where this is leading since Merida has been seen being very

Although it’s meant to make its online debut tomorrow, on the official Disney XD Facebook page, the 30+ minute prelude to the new ‘TRON: Uprising’ series, ‘Beck’s Beginning’ is now online for viewing on its YouTube channel. Having already seen the prelude twice, once as a screener a couple of days ago and once again today on Disney Channel on Demand, I don’t mind highly recommending viewing of the prelude by every one, even if they’ve never seen either film. It’s absolutely visually stunning and a great use of the medium for the series’ lore. I cannot wait for the series premiere on June 7.

Beck is a young mechanic living in Argon City, a growing metropolis in a far off corner of the grid that has just been occupied by General Tesler, a henchman of the notorious Clu. After his best friend Bodhi is ruthlessly derezzed by Clu’s army, Beck seeks justice for his lost friend and launches a crusade against the regime. His rebellion captures the attention of Tron, the greatest warrior The Grid has ever known, who sees the potential in Beck and trains him to be his successor. Labeled with the moniker of The Renegade, Beck sparks a revolution to fight for the freedom of The Grid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjbwVzJR8w4

If you have trouble viewing the video, try a different browser.

Note that the prelude is actually a string of all ten ‘microsodes’ that were meant to air individually, this is why it seems to go to a ‘commercial break’ every few minutes or so.

For those that don’t wish to watch it online, it is also available on iTunes (TRON: Uprising, Vol. 1 – TRON: Uprising) as a free download on Monday, May 14th and will premiere on television on Disney Channel on May 18 (with a re-air on Disney XD on May 21).

On Tuesday, May 15 at 9:00 pm ET/PT special musical guests Carrie Underwood and Alanis Morissette will hit the stage with unforgettable performances on “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show.” Award winning Country superstar Carrie Underwood is set to perform “Good Girl,” the first single off her brand new album, “Blown Away.” Her exciting performance will be accompanied by Tristan Macmanus, Sharna Burgess, Henry Byalikov and Emma Slater. Multi-platinum, Grammy ® Award-winning artist Alanis Morissette will hit the stage with a world premiere performance of her new single, “Guardian,” from her upcoming album, “Havoc and Bright Lights.” Her performance will be accompanied by Blake McGrath and Tyne Stecklein.

During Tuesday night’s results show we will also have an incredible performance from the upcoming Warner Bros Pictures feature release, “Rock of Ages.” The electrifying performance will feature two-time former “Dancing with the Stars” champion Julianne Hough and her co-star, actor/singer Diego Boneta. Directed by Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), New Line Cinema’s adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” hit theaters June 15th. The movie musical stars Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman, Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, with Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise.

In the final “Macy’s Stars of Dance” performance this season, two yet to be named “DWTS” pros will perform a riveting Samba to “End of Time.” All season long, fans have voted on the performance song, style, costumes and pro dancers for the season’s Macy’s Design-a-Dance.

Carrie Underwood’s brand new album, “Blown Away,” made history by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, making her only the second country artist in the 47 year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1. With more than 267,000 albums sold, “Blown Away” debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 Chart, making Underwood the only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at No. 1. In addition to holding the No. 1 spot on both the Country and All-Genre Album Sales Charts, “Blown Away” also holds the No. 1 spot in digital sales, with more than 107,000 copies sold, making “Blown Away” country’s best-selling digital album debut since 2010. Since releasing “Some