The ABC Television Network’s “Modern Family,” the critically acclaimed comedy series that takes an honest and often hilarious look at the complexities of modern day families, received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Television Series Comedy or Musical. The series has also been recently honored with an AFI Award as one of the Top 10 television programs of 2009, in addition to three Writers Guild Awards nominations, including Best Comedy Series and Best New Series nominations.
Queen + The Muppets’ ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Single and Video Now Available Digitally
BURBANK, Calif. — Since its posting on November 24, the video for Queen + The Muppets’ version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” has been viewed over a staggering 10.3 million times on YouTube. The video brings together two iconic pieces of pop culture — Queen’s rock-opera classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the inimitable Muppets. It features all the recognizable characters that defined an era of television, and continue to be popular with each new generation: Miss Piggy, Kermit The Frog, Gonzo, Animal and many more.
The momentum for the video has taken on a life of its own, and as a result, the single and video are now available digitally at online retailers today.
Rock’n'Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Adds New Drop: The Queue
In a foreshadow of what may be to come with the dueling Dumbos in the new Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, a new queueless system is being tested at Rock’n'Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World as reported today on Twitter by Studios Central and Touring Plans.
Guests obtain a boarding group pass and are free to hang out in the area which provides entertainment via a live DJ and video games while waiting for their group to board the attraction.
FASTPASSes for the attraction were still made available but were being distributed over at the Tower of Terror. The single rider line was still available as well.
Former Imagineer Ric Turner Turns Christmas Hero with Lights Display
You can take the boy out of the Osborne Lights, but you can’t take the Osborne Lights out of former Walt Disney Imagineer Ric Turner who has made it a tradition to turn his home into a lights and musical spectacle for the Christmas season as well as Halloween. (Turner now operates as a consultant for WDI).
Below is a video of Ric’s 2009 holiday display which scales up the popular video game Guitar Hero.
Be sure to check out Ric’s other YouTube videos including his 2009 Halloween spectacle in which onlookers were serenaded by a 12 foot tall jack’o'lantern (face).
The Magic Continues as Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion Breaks Ground
To celebrate a significant step in the expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland, a groundbreaking ceremony was held today at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. John Tsang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts officiated the ceremony with representatives from the Government, The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong community in attendance.
The ceremony represents a major milestone in the Resort’s expansion plan. The expansion will bring the total number of attractions, entertainment and interactive experiences at the Park to more than 100, create 3,700 jobs during the construction phase and 600 new full-time jobs after expansion.
“Today marks the beginning of another exciting phase for Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Mr Rasulo. “The new themed areas will showcase the best in creativity, technology and story-telling. The planned attractions and rides will position our youngest Disney theme park for future growth and success.”
Mr. Tsang said that a larger park with more attractions will continue to draw the crowds and provide even more fun and excitement for visitors.
Win a Trip for Four to Disneyland and to Meet Supernanny Jo Frost from The Style Network
The Style Network is offering a parent/legal guardian of a child aged 12 or under to enter to win a 3 day/2 night trip for four to Los Angeles, California including roundtrip airfare, hotel stay, car rental allowance, meal allowance, Disneyland park hopper tickets, $1000 in cash and a limousine trip to meet Supernanny Jo Frost (or a $1000 gift card if the meeting is unable to take place).
Eligible contestants can enter daily through December 24. For official rules and to enter, see Style’s I Want My Supernanny Sweepstakes.
Win a Vacation for Four to the Disneyland Resort from Honda
In honor of the 2010 Honda Crosstour (now on display at the Disneyland Resort for the holiday season), Honda is offering the chance for one person to win a vacation for four to the Disneyland Resort including air travel, hotel stay, park hopper tickets and a $500 Disney gift card.
You may enter once per day up to January 3. For official rules, eligibility information and to enter, visit the Honda Holiday Family Gathering Sweepstakes page.
Photo: Betty White ‘Buddies’ Up for Charity
Two Golden Girls, Betty White a.k.a. Rose Nylund, and Rosebud from Santa Buddies support Morris Animal Foundation at the Eukanuba AKC Long Beach Dog Show on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. Ms. White accepted a check on behalf of the Morris Animal Foundation, a canine cancer research organization, and a cause close to her heart. The donation from Eukanuba will help fund the research goal to cure canine cancer in the next 20 years!
Photo courtesy of Disney.
‘Ace of Cakes’ Duff Goldman Guest Stars on Imagination Movers, January 16
The Imagination Movers help baker Ben Boudreaux (Duff Goldman), a.k.a. “the Muffin Man,” remember the secret ingredient for his world famous muffins in a new episode of “Imagination Movers,” SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 (10:00–10:30 a.m., ET/PT).
Disney XD’s ‘I’m in the Band’ to Premiere Jan 18 After Cardinals’ Kurt Warner Guests on Suite Life
“I’m in the Band,” a music-filled, live-action comedy series for kids and families about a teenager who realizes his wildest dream when he joins his favorite “vintage” rock band, Iron Weasel, will premiere MONDAY, JANUARY 18 (7:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD and DisneyXD.com. Kicking off the evening is a new episode of the hit series “The Suite Life on Deck” guest starring Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner (6:30 p.m. ET/PT).
