The wives of actor Alan Thicke and comedian Gilbert Gottfried trade homes for one week, on “Celebrity Wife Swap,” on Tuesday, March 12 at 8:00 pm ET on the ABC Television Network.
ABC’s ‘Splash’ to be Hosted by Joey Lawrence and Charissa Thompson
ABC announces Joey Lawrence (ABC Family’s “Melissa & Joey”) and Charissa Thompson (ESPN’s “SportsNation”) as hosts of the new diving competition series, “Splash,” where ten celebrity contestants will face their fears as they flip, twist and spin into the depths of the pool below, premiering TUESDAY, MARCH 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“Splash” marks the first time ten celebrities will train and compete in regulation platform and springboard diving at dizzying heights in front of a weekly poolside audience. After training with professional divers and being mentored by the world’s most decorated and medaled diving legend, Greg Louganis, their dives will be critiqued by two judges, London Olympic U.S. Gold medalist David Boudia and Australian Olympic athlete and USA Dive Team director Steve Foley.
Shanghai Disneyland Model Photo Released (Hi-Res); Resort Slated to Open End of 2015
Earlier today at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, chairman and chief executive officer Robert A. Iger unveiled the first image of a model of Shanghai Disney Resort, featuring the resort’s theme park, Shanghai Disneyland.
“With Shanghai Disneyland, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” said Iger. “We believe this will be one of the most spectacular Disney experiences yet – and an important part of our future. We look forward to opening the gates at the end of 2015 and welcoming the first of the millions of guests who will enjoy Shanghai Disneyland for generations to come.”
‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ New Stills Feature Kansas Characters (Minor Spoilers)
We have just a few more days before Oz the Great and Powerful debuts in theaters nationwide on March 8, 2013 and so far we’ve seen plenty of images of the mystical land and its inhabitants. Today, Walt Disney Studios has decided to share with us stills of a couple of characters from Oscar Digg/Oz’s world in Kansas, where he performs in the traveling Baum Brothers Circus. While we have a photo of the sideshow Strongman (portrayed by Tim Holmes), we also have a photo of a young lady who bears a striking resemblance to actress Joey King. How’s that? You know how the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz ends (the book itself does not share the same ending in the slightest), so it’s only fair that you know just how this prequel begins. It’s already been shared that Zach Braff, who voices Finley, also serves as Oz’s assistant in Kansas. In fact, there may be even another friendly face or two in the opening scenes, so you’ll want to keep an eye out.
WDW Refurbs: Starbucks Opening Delayed; Tomorrowland and Fantasyland Closures
We received a few new updates from Walt Disney World over the past week or so regarding upcoming refurbishments and have new additions as well as several date revisions. While we recommend verifying all of the changes by visiting our ReSearch page, here are some of the highlights:
- Main Street Bakery — which is being converted over to the Magic Kingdom’s Starbucks location — is now slated to open on June 19, 2013. This is actually the second delay we have seen before (it was initially slated to open on May 18, then was pushed back to May 28).
‘Sofia the First’ Renewed for Second Season
The animated series starring Disney’s first little girl princess, “Sofia the First,” the reigning cable TV series among Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5 and Boys 2-5, has been ordered for a second season on Disney Junior, the daily programming block for preschoolers and parents on Disney Channel, as well as the burgeoning 24-hour channel, Disney Junior. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. In addition to its regal standing with the youngest viewers, “Sofia the First” is also the #1 preschooler cable TV series in Total Viewers and Women 18-49, a key indicator of parental approval.
PetSmart Launches New Line of Disney Licensed Products
PetSmart today introduced new Disney pet apparel and toys. Characters such as Donald Duck, Tinker Bell, Kermit the Frog, Tigger and, of course, Mickey Mouse will add fun and magic to more than 30 new products available at all PetSmart stores in North America and online.
“Disney characters have a special place in many pet parents’ hearts, and this new PetSmart collection allows them to share the magic of Disney with their pets in a fun and fashionable way,” said Laurie Taylor, PetSmart’s vice president of dog and cat hardgoods.
From bandanas and tees to ropes and squeaky toys, the new assortment of Disney products includes:
WATCH: ‘Iron Man 3′ Iron-Men Filled Trailer
Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios have just released the new trailer for Iron Man 3 which debuts in theaters on May 3, 2013. You can watch it embedded below.
Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?
Disney’s ‘Super Buddies’ to Save Planet on Blu-ray, August 27
Ahead of any official announcement, Amazon.com has begun listing Disney’s direct-to-video Super Buddies on Blu-ray for a release of August 27, 2013.
While we are currently short on plot de-tails (yes, we went there), it’s not hard to imagine what Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha and Mudbud are up to in this super puppy romp, but it’s pretty much a given it will be cute. We have, however, managed to dig up this official synopsis:
Kinsey Collection to Open at Epcot on March 8
Guests to the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot will journey “between the pages” of history as the American Heritage Gallery opens its doors to an art exhibit representing over 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution.
“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” which opens March 8, draws from an extensive collection of rare art, documents, books and artifacts amassed by philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who share a passion for African-American history.
Their private collection has been displayed throughout the U.S., including in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Approximately 40 pieces will be on display for Epcot guests at any given time on a rotating basis during the exhibit run.
