Disney News by Stitch Kingdom

Watch the Magic Kingdom’s Fourth of July Fireworks, Celebrate America, Online

Posted on July 4, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

Last night, the Magic Kingdom previewed its spectacular Fourth of July fireworks program known as Celebrate America and fortunately we were right there in the middle of it all to capture it for you. While there’s no humanly way possible we could replicate the magic and the spectacle of it all, we hope that you enjoy watching the video as much as we did making it.

Embedded below is the playlist which will automatically play the second half once the first half is completed. If you prefer to watch a larger version on YouTube, you can access the playlist directly.

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Celebrate the Summer with Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

No, sadly the Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends show hasn’t returned, but the theatre in which it took place at Animal Kingdom’s Camp Minnie-Mickey isn’t going to waste either. Offered daily through August 8, Disney has brought back the Good Times Gathering Spot which had previously only been offered during Christmas and Easter weeks.

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Inside the New Hall of Presidents (Photo Gallery)

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

Unfortunately, because the attraction is not yet officially open, I cannot offer any photos inside the actual theater, but I can share images of some of the artifacts you can find inside the pre-show area, including the first ladies’ exhibit featuring dresses and other items from Elizabeth Monroe, Edith Roosevelt and Nancy Reagan.

Please enjoy.

Permanent link to this post (56 words, 21 images, estimated 13 seconds reading time)

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Celebrate the American Dream – WDW Naturalization Ceremony Photo Gallery

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

I had the distinct honor of attending the naturalization ceremony which took place at the Magic Kingdom earlier this morning in which 1,000 immigrants (including 25 cast members) were sworn in as new citizens of the United States.

The ceremony, with keynote speaker actor Andy Garcia, was an incredibly moving experience as the new citizens were sworn in. The event also featured performances by Voices of Liberty and appearances by the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Mickey himself. After the ceremony and group photo, the citizens and their friends and family made way to experience the newly enhanced Hall of Presidents (more to follow on that later).

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Disney Gift Card Now Available in Small Bracelet Style

Posted on July 2, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

The Disney Gift Card is now available in small form. Using the same bracelet as the small form PhotoPass cards, the new gift card format which made its debut as a limited release during the Food and Wine Festival is now available full time.

The card appears to be available only in select locations as a resort’s gift shop had them, but the Emporium in Magic Kingdom did not.

Permanent link to this post (70 words, 1 image, estimated 17 seconds reading time)

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Disney’s Magical Express Streamlines Check-in Process (for Most)

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

About a month ago, Disney’s Magical Express instituted a new check-in procedure for guests arriving at Orlando International Airport and making use of the service for those staying at a Disney owned and operated resort.

Guests who have their blue DME booklet in hand and have attached the yellow tags to their checked bags (or have no checked bags for DME to claim) are able to proceed directly to the bus waiting area, bypassing the welcome desk altogether which used to be mandatory for everyone. Instead, eligible guests will now have their voucher scanned at a podium at the front of the bus queues.

Permanent link to this post (105 words, estimated 25 seconds reading time)

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

The Little Mermaid’s Broadway Run Loses Its Legs August 30

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

It’s being widely reported that Disney Theatrical has opted to close the show with August 30 being the final performance after an almost two year run in an effort to avoid losses during the ‘slowdown season.’ Tickets for performances sold beyond August 30 are eligible for a refund.

Sierra Boggess, who originated the role of Ariel, has recently left the show after extending her intial performances.

It is expected that there will be a touring production of the musical commencing late 2010.

Permanent link to this post (83 words, estimated 20 seconds reading time)

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato’s Princess Protection Program, Watched by 28.1 Million, Now on DVD

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

BURBANK, Calif., June 30 — Last week Disney Channel’s PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM was crowned royalty as TV’s number one entertainment telecast of 2009 in Kids 6-11 (3.1 million) and Tweens 9-14 (3.2 million) and as cable’s most watched scripted telecast (viewers) when the exciting adventure/comedy debuted. Since its premiere in EMEA in May ’09, and now the U.S. and Canada, Disney’s “Princess Protection Program” has reached 28.1 million unique Total Viewers around the world, including 3.7 million Kids 6-11 and 3.5 million Tweens 9-14 for the June 26th premiere.

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

Audition Information for ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ Tenth Anniversary Edition Announced

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

Who wants to be a contestant on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” Here’s how to apply for the highly-anticipated 10th anniversary edition hosted by Regis Philbin and running for 11 nights in August, Sundays-Thursdays at (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) from August 9 to August 23 on the ABC Television Network.

There are multiple ways (see below) to become a contestant on “Millionaire,” including the original phone game that was used when the show premiered in 1999 and video submissions – an all-new method that will enable people to upload videos of themselves directly to the show’s producers. Would-be contestants can use more than one method to try to get on the show but will only be selected one time. No former “Hot Seat” players are eligible, and you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident and meet all eligibility requirements. Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet

HK Disneyland Expansion is On – Disney to Invest $452M for 30 New Attractions, 3 New Lands

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Stitch Kingdom Leave a comment

HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong on Tuesday said the Walt Disney Co will invest $452 million to expand its Hong Kong theme park, seen as necessary to bolster the park’s long-term prospects against a planned rival park in Shanghai.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Hong Kong would not invest more capital in the joint venture but would convert a substantial part of its loan to the project into equity.

After Disney’s new investment and the government’s debt to equity swap, Hong Kong will see its stake in the underperforming park fall to 52 percent from 57 percent.

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

Tweet