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From the official Vinylmation blog comes this first look at the special edition Vinylmation for Epcot’s Flower and Garden festival from Disney Design Group artist Michelle St.L.
Adventures by Disney, named the World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator by the 2009 World Travel Awards, adds a new line of itineraries to its award-winning list of family vacations for summer 2010. Known as the Gateway Collection, these itineraries provide guests with more time on their own to explore the destinations and sites at their leisure. In conjunction with the added time, travelers receive the benefits of Adventures by Disney’s highly-trained Adventure Guides who are the concierges for each trip and are always available to provide recommendations and schedule reservations so guests receive the most during their vacation. Additionally, the Gateway Collection features comfortable lodging and is priced as a value option for its select destinations, which makes traveling the world even more affordable.
The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort’s name — Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i — reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011.
Disney XD will premiere a new original 2-D animated series “Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil,” a comedy about an extraordinary kid named Kick who is determined to become the world’s greatest daredevil, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (8:30 a.m. ET/PT). Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series premiere will air between two brand new episodes of the hit animated series “Phineas and Ferb.”
“Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil” follows Clarence “Kick” Buttowski, an extraordinary kid living in the world’s most ordinary town. Determined to become the world’s greatest daredevil, Kick rebels against the mundane and knows that when life throws him an obstacle, his only choice is to jump it. Small in stature but big in heart, Kick makes the most out of his suburban surroundings by devising such stunts as riding down Dead Man’s Drop on an ironing board or racing the school bus with a soda-powered jet pack. If one of his stunts goes awry, Kick responds with his customary “I’m good!” then picks himself up and tries it again. Aided by his loyal sidekick, Gunther, Kick takes on every stunt with unwavering enthusiasm.
Leading up to the premiere, DisneyXD.com will launch a “Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil” show page featuring action-packed games, activities and videos, including “Loco Launch-o,” a high energy game where users help Kick perform the ultimate daredevil jump. Beginning Saturday, February 13, kids can create their own Kick Buttowski catch phrase by submitting their favorite saying customized with a selection of backgrounds, props, sound effects and graphics; some of the catch phrases may be selected to appear on-air.
“This series embodies the new Disney XD brand. It delivers the perfect mix of action and comedy that our audience wants,” said Eric Coleman, Senior Vice President, Original Series, Disney Television Animation.
“Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil” stars Charlie Schlatter (“Kim Possible,” “Loonatics Unleashed”) as Clarence “Kick” Buttowski; Matt L. Jones (“Breaking Bad”) as Gunther; Danny Cooksey (“Tiny Toon Adventures,” “Dave the Barbarian”) as Brad; John DiMaggio (“Futurama,” “Chowder”) as Mr. Vickle and Eric Christian Olsen (“Brothers & Sisters”) as Wade.
The series was created by Sandro Corsaro and is executive-produced and directed by Chris Savino. “Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil” is produced by Disney Television Animation. It carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.
Full episode previews will be available free of charge on iTunes beginning Friday, January 29 and via Disney XD VOD beginning Friday, February 5. The series will air regularly on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT. Following the linear premiere, episodes will be available on DisneyXD.com
ABC Entertainment Group and CafePress, the online epicenter for user-designed apparel and gifts, today announced a licensing agreement that allows TV fans to design and sell authorized show merchandise. Fans of the hit ABC shows – Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs and Schoolhouse Rock along with Legend of the Seeker (from ABC Studios) – can unleash their creativity to design custom apparel and gifts by following the official guidelines. Fans can visit CafePress.com to create products and purchase merchandise designed by other fans fully encompassing fan engagement within this merchandise platform. In addition, CafePress will be launching a shop featuring official Schoolhouse Rock merchandise.
We have received an update from Walt Disney Studios confirming some reports that Beauty and the Beast won’t be making its 3D debut for Valentine’s Day this year as initially announced during last year’s company shareholder meeting.
Although we do not have a new release date, it looks like the film is still expected to be released, but not until some point in 2011.
ESPN has acquired technology development company Vistas Unlimited, Inc., located in Plano, Texas. The acquisition will augment ESPN’s innovative use of virtual technology across its multiple platforms. Under this agreement, ESPN will continue to employ a majority of Vistas’ employees.
“This acquisition represents ESPN’s dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation and technology development,” said Chuck Pagano, executive vice president, ESPN technology. “The team that is joining ESPN brings a wealth of knowledge on developing cutting-edge virtual components that enhance the fan’s enjoyment of a game telecast.”
Coming to a theme park galaxy near you in April is this Disney theme park exclusive merchandise featuring a two-pack of Jedi Mickey alongside his R2-MK astromech droid pal.
From Hasbro, the R2-MK action figure features red and yellow accents and — of course — his own pair of Mickey ears. Packaged with Jedi Mickey, the set will retail for $18.95.
For more photos and information, see StarWars.com
Big Bad Toy Store has now featured an image of the upcoming Disney Label release of the Buzz Lightyear transformer figure from Takara-Tomy.
Expected to ship in June, the figure is available for pre-order from the site for $45.
Linda Lingle today announced that Hawai‘i will be the location for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth installment of the highly successful Walt Disney Pictures’ action adventure film series from Jerry Bruckheimer Films. The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger met with Governor Lingle on Friday to share the news that the islands of Kauai and Oahu will be sites for the production of the feature film, which will begin shooting this summer and is slated to be released in summer 2011. The production is expected to generate an estimated $85 million in direct and indirect spending in Hawaii, providing a needed economic boost for the state’s economy as well as creating hundreds of jobs for local residents.
