With an expected shipment date of August 3, Toys R Us is now accepting orders for their version of the Disney-branded Asus netbook we talked about here.
Report: Dining with a Disney Imagineer at The Hollywood Brown Derby
After many trips to Walt Disney World contemplating the idea, I finally bit the bullet and invested into the Dining with an Imagineer program which takes place during lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby. Offered only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the program which costs $60.99 + tax and 18% gratuity per adult (bringing the per adult total to about $75) and $34.99 (or about $45 total) per child, brings the group (maximum of eight guests) face to face with a bonafide Disney Imagineer at Walt Disney World.
Booking proved to be a bit of a challenge as, if I recall correctly, the 90 + 10 didn’t work too well. After a few days of trying, however, I was able to secure my reservation. A credit card is required at time of booking (there is a 48 hour cancellation policy), but you are not charged. Instead, you are presented a bill at the end of the event as with any dining. For booking purposes, it also appears to help if the Cast Member starts looking at The Hollywood Brown Derby moreso than for the experience itself.
Spidey Hits the Beach with Sandman on the Next Spectacular Spider-Man
On the next ALL-NEW episode of The Spectacular Spider-Man, school’s back in session, and things have changed. PETER PARKER’s actually invited to FLASH THOMPSON’s birthday bash. Meanwhile, SPIDER-MAN has to party with SANDMAN, who’s once again looking to make his Big Score. And is that VENOM disappearing into the night?
Watch FIRST STEPS only on Disney XD, this Monday night at 7:30 PM ET.
Win the Newest Disney Dreams Painting from Artist Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade is offering the opportunity to win a 12″x18″ limited edition canvas of his newest entry into the Disney Dreams series, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland. To enter for a chance to win the painting valued at $750, complete this entry form on the official website. Entries must be received by August 31.
Walt Disney World’s Extreme Makeover: Character Edition
Mr. Smee, we thought we knew you. There was no doubt that once the Pirates League moved into town and started offering pirate makeovers that major changes would be afoot. Consider the following photo that compares Mr. Smee’s old look to his new look. Seams a bit different, don’t it? And who knew Mr. Smee lacked a belly button? He must have lost it in a battle with Peter Pan. He now also sports a more texture/plasticized set of eyebrows, a completely different mouth and all over has a more cartoony look, particularly with his eyes (and I think he might have had a nose job too). I might be going overboard when I suggest I think he even shrank a bit considering the height of his eyes compared with Hook’s nose (even more dramatic when it appears that Hook is even leaning forward in the old look photo while he’s standing upright in the new look photo).
Magic Kingdom’s ‘The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains’ Tour On Hold Until October
A photo taken backstage during the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour. © Brad K. All Rights Reserved.
For reasons unspecified, although presumably because of the proximity of the Monorail barn during the tour, ‘The Magic Behind our Steam Trains’ tour has been canceled through at least October 12, after which it will resume a Monday – Saturday schedule.
Guests who have already booked the tour are currently being notified of the change by Disney.
The Hong Kong SAR Government and The Walt Disney Company Applaud Approval of HKDL Expansion Plan
HONG KONG (July 10, 2009) – The Hong Kong SAR Government and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) today applaud the Legislative Council’s approval of the financial arrangement relating to the Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) expansion plan. Three new themed areas will be added to HKDL, bringing the total number of attractions, entertainment, and interactive experiences at the resort to over 100 by 2014 and further establishing Hong Kong as one of the world’s premier international family tourist destinations.
Financial Secretary, Mr. John C. Tsang commented that, “HKDL, as an important tourism infrastructure, has brought substantial economic benefits to Hong Kong. With the proposed expansion and realignment of the financial arrangements, we believe that HKDL would rise up to the keen competition in the region on the tourism front, attracting more family visitors from round the world. This will generate streams of benefits to our tourism and related sectors, further reinforcing the tourism industry’s contribution as a major pillar of Hong Kong’s economy.”
“We are pleased that the financial agreement relating to the HKDL expansion has been approved and we are eager to begin work on this exciting new chapter for Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. “This substantial investment represents our continued commitment to and confidence in Hong Kong Disneyland and solidifies our partnership with the Hong Kong government helping assure the resort’s long-term success.”
Disney Releases Posters Advertising New Lands at Hong Kong Disneyland
Disney has just provided us with the following posters advertising the new Grizzly Trail, Mystic Point and Toy Story lands. Click on each thumbnail to view a larger version.
First Look: eFX Inc.’s Four-Foot Replica of Capt. Nemo’s Mysterious Nautilus from the Classic Disney Film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
4-Foot Nautilus Replica In-Production Model from eFX
BURBANK, Calif. — (July 10, 2009) -– eFX Inc. will explore the mysteries of the deep, and of Walt Disney’s haunting interpretation of Capt. Nemo’s Nautilus, when it unveils its highly accurate, detailed collectible model of this iconic submarine from Disney’s renowned adaptation of Jules Verne’s epic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
The Nautilus is among the upcoming limited-edition collectibles from eFX that will preview at San Diego Comic-Con this July, and at the first-ever D23 Expo, Sept. 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Pre-orders are expected to be taken shortly after the D23 Expo, and the Nautilus is expected to ship in early 2010.
At an incredible four feet long, the approximately 1/45th scale Nautilus from eFX will offer extraordinary details, including internal and external lighting and re-creations of both the lush salon and the all-important wheelhouse, providing collectors with the opportunity to peer into the inner sanctum of this enormous underwater vessel.
Walt Disney Studios and Disney Parks Team Up at National Association of Black Journalists Convention; Tiana to Make In-Person Debut
WASHINGTON, July 10 — Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are combining forces at this year’s National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention and Career Fair to present an exciting lineup of entertainment, including a sneak preview of special footage from Walt Disney Pictures’ animated comedy adventure, “The Princess and the Frog,” and the debut of Disney’s newest princess, Tiana, voiced by Tony Award(R) winning-actress Anika Noni Rose.
Rose will also perform a song from “The Princess and the Frog.” The performance and the sneak peek of select footage from the upcoming film are part of the NABJ Convention’s “NABJ Presents” event on Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Tampa Waterside Marriott Hotel and Marina.
“Disney’s magic is in full-force again this year and we are especially thrilled they have chosen the NABJ Convention to highlight ‘The Princess and the Frog,’” said NABJ President Barbara Ciara. “We are also proud of Disney’s involvement in the African-American community through multiple initiatives including Disney’s Dreamers Academy. And we are pleased that convention attendees are offered the opportunity to experience the theme parks of Walt Disney World Resort first-hand.”
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will unveil Princess Tiana live and in-person, just as she will appear to park guests, at the NABJ Convention — two months before her scheduled debut at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.
“This is the first time anyone will see the new princess,” said Craig Dezern, vice president of Global Public Relations for Disney Destinations. “We’re excited for NABJ attendees to see first and first-hand our newest Disney princess.”
