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First-of-a-Kind, Handheld Device Brings Magic of Disney Theme Parks to Guests with Disabilities

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 16, 2009 – Disney engineers have taken recent advances in wireless technology one step further, creating a first-of-a-kind, handheld assistive device to bring the magic of Disney theme parks to guests with visual and hearing disabilities.

Disney’s Handheld Device combines multiple functions – assistive listening, handheld captioning, and closed captioning activation – into one small, easy-to-use platform. The assistive listening system provides amplified audio, while handheld captioning enables guests to read captions while enjoying specific theme park attractions. Closed captioning is also activated by the handheld device in pre-show areas where TV displays narrate the upcoming experience.

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Harbor Nights Primavera at Universal Orlando’s Portofino Bay Hotel Set for May 8

On Friday, May 8, a wine tasting, gourmet food and jazz event at Harbor Piazza in the Italian-themed Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando will be taking place from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Featuring select wines and sparkling wines, gourmet food samples, live music performance by Michael Andrew & Swingerhead and a balcony music show paying tribute to Mama (Mia).

Tickets are $35 for general admission or $60 for reserved seating (includes private wine station and passed hors d’oeuvres). To purchase online, visit LoewsHotels.Tix.com. For more information, call 407-503-1200. Parking is free with $5 valet parking available.

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Five Reasons I Absolutely, Positively Won’t be Riding Characters in Flight (Maybe)

As photos and video of experiences on Downtown Disney’s newest venture emerge onto the interwebs, I started to see a sharp decline in my own personal enthusiasm for being able to experience the 400 foot flight on a tethered balloon myself. I kid you not, I was very excited at the proposition – initially. Despite the $16 price tag, I was all set to ride this thing 10x minimum: sunrise, sunset and everything in-between. What could possibly have changed my mind, you ask? Let me count the ways. Read more…

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Walt Disney Signature Line Enters Home Theater Market

The upscale Walt Disney Signature collection has expansion plans for the upcoming High Point Market and will be adding home theater seating and case goods, as well as an outdoor furniture line.

The home theater line is designed by designer Theo Kalomirakis and will be produced by German manufacturer W. Schillig. The outdoor line is being offered through Veneman Collections.

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Themed Entertainment Association and Economics Research Associates Post International Theme Park Numbers for 2008

The TEA/ERA Attraction Attendance Report identifies the top commercial theme parks and waterparks around the world and reflects their performance in 2008. Global attendance data is broken down by geographic region, by chain and by type of venue. This vital report is issued annually and jointly produced by the TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) – the leading international trade alliance for the creators of compelling experiences and places – and ERA (Economics Research Associates) – a top international consulting firm providing economic analysis for the entertainment and leisure industry worldwide.

Burbank, Calif. USA — April 16, 2009 — The TEA/ERA Attraction Attendance Report for 2008 is now posted on the TEA and ERA websites. It reveals 2008 visitation totals for top theme parks and waterparks worldwide.

The report summary is included here (see below). To access the full report including attendance charts, visit:
Read more…

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Hannah Montana and 94 Others on Billboard’s Hot 100 List

The soundtrack to Hannah Montana The Movie has pushed six (yes, s-i-x-) tracks onto Billboard’s Hot 100, with new entries this week in addition to improving on tracks already on the list.

Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” which moves up two spots to No. 8, also scores the week’s greatest digital gain, with downloads up 37% this week. “Hoedown Throwdown,” also from the movie, leaps to No. 28 (with a 119% download gain) and Taylor Swift’s “Crazier” climbs to No. 38 (with downloads up 87%).

Elsewhere on the Hot 100, Hannah Montana’s “Let’s Get Crazy” is at No. 75, Miley Cyrus & Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Butterfly Fly Away” debuts at No. 72, and Hannah Montana’s “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home” moves up to No. 88.

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2008 Theme Park Attendance Report: Disney World Flat, Disneyland Down, Hong Kong and the Rest Up

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and Economics Research Associates’ report for attendance to the world’s theme parks in 2008 was released earlier today. On the whole, things look on par or slightly better for the Disney Parks over 2007.

In North America, Magic Kingdom (#1) remained steady at approximately 17,063,000 after its record breaking performance in 2007; Epcot (#3) also remained steady at 10,935,000; Disney’s Hollywood Studios (#4) saw the largest percentage increase of 1% for an attendance total of 9,608,000; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (#5) set an attendance record of 9,540,000 (an increase of .5%)

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Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. (Arcade) to be Closed with Space Mountain for Refurbishment

I know some have wondered, so wonder no more. Disney has officially announced that the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. (aka the Tomorrowland Arcade) will be closed for the entire duration of the Space Mountain refurbishment, beginning April 19 and ending November 21.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch!

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Shamu Tweets: SeaWorld’s Star Killer Whale Joins the Twitter Community

Orlando, Fla., (April 15, 2009) – For the first time in four decades SeaWorld’s star killer whale is communicating in something other than clicks, squeaks, whistles and trills. Shamu has joined Twitter.

www.Twitter.com, a free social networking/micro-blogging community, allows users to communicate in 140-character blog posts, also known as “tweets.” Shamu, who writes under the Twitter handle “RealShamu,” started tweeting at 1:16 p.m. April 7, attracting close to 1,000 followers in his first week.

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