LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 — The Walt Disney Company has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles in support of the organization’s Catastrophic Disaster Plan, a disaster preparedness project to feed and shelter 250,000 people following a major disaster, such as a large scale earthquake.
The Walt Disney Company’s donation aided the Red Cross in qualifying for a $1 million challenge grant. To date, the total committed donations to the Plan are nearly $5 million dollars.
Singer, musician and “American Idol” season seven champion David Cook takes a ride Aug. 17, 2009 aboard the Magic Carpets of Aladdin attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Joining Cook on the family vacation to Walt Disney World were his nieces and nephews: Pictured are Gracie (right), age 6 and Marshall (held by Cook), 18 months. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)
Want to be among the first to watch ABC’s new series? Would you like the chance to see some of television’s biggest stars in person? Fans will have those opportunities and many more at the inaugural D23 EXPO, where the entire world of Disney comes together under one roof, Sept. 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
ABC proudly presents “The ABCs of Disney,” an exclusive D23 EXPO event in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, September 10 at 3:00 p.m. Hosted by Emmy®-nominated Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos”), “The ABCs of Disney” presentation features Steve McPherson, President of the ABC Entertainment Group, unveiling sneak peeks at many of the fall TV season’s most anticipated new shows.
Just moments ago, time froze (for a second) as the unofficial D23 Expo Countdown clock rang 23 days, 23 hours, 23 minutes and 23 seconds until the official start time of the first annual Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California on September 10, 2009.
Let us all bow our heads in a second of silence for this momentous occasion.
Disney has made the official announcement today, the ADR period will return to 180 days after being shortened to 90 days from 180 days from 90 days (and so on, and so on, and so on). The change will take effect beginning October 27.
This goes for all reservations which have been affected by the last 90 day change with the introduction of the new dining reservation system, A La Carte (which stands for Application for Celebrations, Activities, Recreation, Tours and Events (but not dining)). So all tours (which used to be up to a year) will then be available for booking 180 days out, as will items like specialty cruises (which used to be at 90).
As part of a new campaign dedicated to Hollywood and film, Bloomingdale’s has partnered with six major studios which includes Disney/Pixar and Walt Disney Studios to help promote upcoming releases and distribute free tickets to films such as the Toy Story & Toy Story 2 in 3D double feature and The Princess and the Frog.
In addition, the stores in New York City, Sherman Oaks, South Coast Plaza and Orlando will host a photography exhibit of behind the scenes production of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 beginning in September. Other stores will include exhibits from other studios, namely costumes from upcoming and past iconic films.
Title: Toy Story Mania! (link)
Publisher: Walt Disney
Released: August 14, 2009
Cost: $4.99
iTouch?: Yes, but no bonus feature
Pros: Portable version of its theme park candidate, fun graphics, good re-play value
Cons: Some controls can be annoying
Review: If you’ve been to Disney’s California Adventure (Anaheim) or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Orlando) within the past year, you no doubt are familiar with Toy Story Mania!, the Toy Story-themed 4D (that’s park-speak for 3D with cold water splashed on you) video game/attraction. Set to make its in-home debut later this year on the Nintendo Wii (minus the cold water), the iPhone edition is a happy medium which allows you to take the charm of the game with you no matter where you go.
Late last month, we gave you a photo report of the last Vinylmation artist release party which featured exclusive looks at some upcoming Vinylmation releases. On display there were several Muppets Vinylmation figures, presumably from Series 1 which is expected to be released at some point in 2010.
Today, we bring you a look at what’s purported to be the complete release of Vinylmation Muppets Series #1.
Update: To see actual photos of the Muppets vinylmation, please see our D23 Expo Vinylmation report here
Title: Disney Puzzle Slider (link)
Publisher: Walt Disney
Released: August 14, 2009
Cost: $2.99
iTouch?: Yes
Pros: Dozens of amazing Disney oriented wallpapers
Cons: Controls are overly sensitive, music loop can’t be turned off
Review: Under the guise of a puzzle slider game, Disney Puzzle Slider is above all else your ticket to 74 of some really great Disney pieces of art spread across 11 categories – Mickey and Friends, Pooh and Pals, Fairies, Bloc28, Disney Villains, Pirates, Simply Mickey, Disney Stylized, Cuties, Classic Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Classic Disney Friends.
Note: For information on Stan Lee’s Time Jumper, please read our introduction article here.
Title: Stan Lee’s Time Jumper (link)
Publisher: Walt Disney
Released: August 10, 2009
Cost: Free
iTouch?: Yes
Pros: Free!, it’s Stan Lee!, extras add to fun
Cons: Future editions aren’t free
Review: How does one animate a comic book while not turning it into a cartoon? Comics legend Stan Lee introduces us to his joint project with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Time Jumper, the story of a reluctant hero who must travel through time on a quest to save his brother while fighting the time threating enemies and problems of his own.
