REPORT: LEGO and Star Wars Unveil Life-Size X-wing Starfighter in New York City
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Representatives from both the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire were out in full force this morning as LEGO virtually transformed New York City’s Times Square into Yavin IV to unveil the world’s largest LEGO sculpture. Consisting of 5,335,200 LEGO bricks and weighing in at a svelte 45,980 pounds, the full-scale LEGO X-wing Starfighter arrived with much fanfare. Built in the LEGO model shop in Kladno, Czech Republic, the 1:1 replica of LEGO kit 9493 took 32 builders 17,336 hours to construct. Its true 1:1 scale means it measures 11 feet in height, 43 feet in length and has an impressive wingspan of 44 feet. In addition, the cockpit can fit an actual ‘pilot’ (serving as a photo-op during the three day event).
The X-wing is stationed in Times Square through Saturday, where it serves as an ambassador for the new animated series, ‘The Yoda Chronicles,’ debuting May 29 on Cartoon Network at 8:00 pm ET (a special follows at 9 pm, covering the big reveal).
‘Just as kids love to test and hone their LEGO building skills and imaginative storytelling, our LEGO Master Builders are always testing their creative skills to top their last larger-than-life sized creations,’ said Michael McNally, Brand Relations Director for LEGO Systems. ‘The size and structural complexity of a freestanding model 42 times the size of one our retail sets was a challenge they could not resist.’ The sculpture had to be engineered to withstand transportation, assembly/dis-assembly, resting above the New York City subway system and even earthquakes as it will be on display at Legoland California from June 15, 2013 through the end of the year.
While visitors can board the X-wing for a photo-op, other activities include: photo-ops with life-size LEGO Star Wars figures including Yoda, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2; participate in free building classes with a LEGO master builder; make and take home a mini-X-wing; and check out a display of ‘The Yoda Chronicles’ LEGO sets. Visitors can also claim a goodie-bag which contains a commemorative double-sided poster, mini-magazine/comic book which includes articles and 2013 Star Wars mini-fig checklist and more. Additionally, a special commemorative edition of the 9493 X-wing Starfighter LEGO set is available exclusively at the Toys ‘R’ Us in Times Square for $74.99 which includes a limited edition Yoda ‘NY I (heart)’ mini-fig through Saturday or while supplies last.
The event is open to the public from 10:00 am through 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Below is our photo gallery from the event. Click on any of the thumbnails to see a larger version:
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: LEGO, New York, New York City, NYC, Star Wars, Times Square
Leonard Maltin to Moderate ‘Peter Pan’ Panel for Disney D23 Members; Limited National Screenings Announced
In honor of Peter Pan: Diamond Edition
Moderated by noted film critic/historian Leonard Maltin, the panel is set to include Kathryn Beaumont (voice of Wendy), Ted Thomas (son of legendary Disney animator Frank Thomas and director/writer of the acclaimed documentaries Frank and Ollie and Walt & El Grupo) and Margaret Kerry (live-action reference model for Tinker Bell).
In addition, D23 members and their guests will also enjoy discounted VIP Orchestra Reserved Seating, a souvenir bucket of popcorn, and a 20-oz. bottled drink, a never-before-seen episode of ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ and even an appearance by Jake himself, live on stage.
Tickets to the screening/panel are $19 (D23 members may purchase a total of 4 tickets each) and will be available beginning December 27 at 10 am PST. For more information and to purchase tickets when available, see the official event page.
In addition, Disney D23 will be offering free screenings (only) to Peter Pan in the following cities on January 24: Chicago, Orlando, New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Tickets are free and will be available to reserve beginning January 7 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT. As a reminder, tickets to screenings are offered through SeeItFirst.net, so it is advisable to create an account and ensure you can access it prior to the tickets becoming available. For more information, see the official event page.
Categories: D23 Expo, DVD/Blu-Ray, Movies Tags: Chicago, Cinema, D23, Disney D23, Films, Free, Movie News, Movies, New York, New York City, Orlando, Peter Pan, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Screenings
Report: Free ‘Inside the Lion King’ Exhibit Opens in New York for Limited Time
On November 13, 1997, Disney brought the staged, musical adaptation of its animated smash, The Lion King, to Broadway. Fifteen years later, it is now the the fifth longest-running musical in Broadway history, contains to sell out nightly and consistently has one of the top box-office intakes out of the dozens of theatrical offerings on Broadway alone.
As a thank you to the tens of millions of theater-goers who have seen the show as well as the millions more who will, Disney Theatrical has produced a free, time-limited exhibit appropriately titled ‘Inside The Lion King.’ Located at the corner of 42nd St and Sixth Ave in Manhattan, the exhibit gives visitors unprecedented access to not only ‘The Lion King,’ but the entire theatrical process. From concept design to modeling and mock-ups to fully realized costumes, the exhibit virtually makes the visitor part of the backstage experience itself. Here, photography is not only allowed, but encouraged, as is the ability to touch the costumes themselves and explore how they are constructed.
The individual displays are arranged around the exhibition by logical groupings as evidenced by the free exhibition ‘guide map’ handed out. Although the map has sections laid out in a circle, life appears to be more of a square. The map also encourages photos in particular with the Rafiki and Scar wax figures (on loan from Madam Tussauds) along with the adult Simba costume, but the truth is every step along the way is a virtual photo-op here, in particular with Zazu and Bertha, the elephant.
As guests travel around the exhibition, they’ll encounter several exhibition staff members willing to share information and enthusiasm about the musical. One of the several facts I personally heard over and over was that it takes four performers to operate Bertha [the elephant] — that’s one in each leg. In addition to the staff, there are two interactive touch-screen operated kiosks located towards the exit which offer up a wealth of information about the show across several categories.
While costumes and other artifacts make up the perimeter of the exhibit, the center portion of the room is dedicated to show merchandise — it is Disney after all. Virtually every item that can be purchased while attending the show is available to purchase here, though to be honest, the items are available through limited online channels as well. In either case, it’s a far broader offering than the limited theatrical merchandise one would find at the Disney Store in Times Square, making this a great place for a last-minute holiday gift or Christmas tree ornament. There is, however, one exclusive tshirt for the exhibit itself, offered only here. On a confusing side note, purchases seem to show up on statements as ‘Sister Act merchandise.’ From what I am told there are no discounts beyond Disney Cast Member, but there is a purchase with purchase offer: a reusable ‘The Lion King’ tote for $5 with any purchase. That said, it might be worth checking in towards the close of the exhibition just to be sure on any of the 2012. Another reason to stop by the exhibition is that tickets to the shows’ performances are being sold at the exhibit’s exit.
The exhibition will also play host to several workshops geared towards children aged six and up. For more information and for the current schedule, you can visit the official exhibition page.
‘Inside the Lion King’ is open daily from now through December 16 from 10 am – 8 pm, with limited hours on December 3 for private events. Admission is free.
Below is our gallery of images from the exhibit which represent a sample of what’s available to see hands-on, along with a video showing some of the highlights.
Categories: Theatre Tags: Broadway, Disney Theatrical, Events, Exhibits, Free, Lion King, Museums, Musicals, New York City, NYC, The Lion King, Theater, Theatre, TLK
NYCC: Disney Publishing Announces Booth Giveaways, Signings and Panels
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) kicks off New York Comic-Con 2012 with several exciting author/illustrator panels, in-booth signings, and exclusive giveaways at the DPW booth, #1132.
BOOTH GIVEAWAYS:
From Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus to Disney “It’s a Small World,” there is something for everyone. Giveaways include:
- Marvel preview booklet
- Heroes of Olympus water bottles
- Rick Riordan’s The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel posters
- Disney “it’s a small world” tote bags
PANELS
Passion, Power, and Paranormals! (Friday, October 12 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Room 1A14)
Authors Keri Arthur, Maureen Johnson, Tahereh Mafi, Tonya Hurley, Margaret Stohl, Dan Krokos (False Memory), Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds) and Kalayna Price discuss the inclusion of romantic elements in their action-packed novels. If dating the undead wasn’t tricky enough, these protagonists must also battle the forces of evil while trying to keep their sanity and the world safe from destruction. Moderator Jocelyn Davies will have the authors divulging the steamy details behind creating their characters and their tricky love affairs.
Hocus Pocus: Magic & Monsters in Science-Fiction and Fantasy (Saturday, October 13 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Room 1A08)
Science-Fiction and Fantasy authors discuss the costs and consequences of ‘magic’ in their novels. Moderator Beth Revis will have authors Andrea Cremer, Jacqueline Carey, Jocelynn Drake, Kim Harrison, Max Gladstone, Cecil Castellucci, Victoria Schwab (The Archived) and Richard Kadrey dishing about the the scary, hairy, and dangerous creatures that lurk in the worlds they have created.
The World of Graphic Novels (Saturday, October 13 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm, Room 1A06)
Restaurants, outer space, fantastical worlds, high school — graphic novels today will take readers to all these places and more! How do graphic novelists combine words and pictures to create the worlds within their books? Authors Fred Chao, Zack Giallongo, Ben Hatke, Tyler Crook, and Orpheus Collar (The Red Pyramid: Graphic Novel) discuss how world-building works in the world of comics.
Action-Packed Comics to Grown On (Sunday, October 14 @ 10:45 am -11:45 am, Room 1A08)
Want to raise a comic book aficionado? Start here! With characters ranging from a neurotic rabbit to a crime-fighting lunch lady and formats from graphic novels to pop-ups, authors Patrick McDonnell (Mutts comic strip), Philip Amara (So You Want to Be a Comic Book Artist), Ben Hatke (Legends of Zita the Spacegirl), Zach Giallongo (Broxo) and Orpheus Collar (The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel) are masters at penning favorites for the youngest age group. Look forward to a discussion about presenting the comic book genre to the littlest readers in an accessible and often downright hilarious way guaranteed to have them reading AND creating works of their own.
Kids/YA Publisher Spotlight (Sunday, October 14 @ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Room 1A07)
Come hear the advance buzz about what’s coming up from Disney Publishing Worldwide, First Second, Macmillan Kids, HarperCollins, Little, Brown, Random House, Penguin Young Readers, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster and Tor! Editors and marketing staff come together to recommend their favorite upcoming books by exciting new authors and illustrators — accompanied with giveaways, trivia and — most of all — FUN!
SIGNINGS:
Friday, October 12th:
- Dan Krokos (False Sight advance copies) and Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds advance copies) @ Disney Publishing Worldwide, Booth 1132 (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Post-Panel signing: ‘Passion, Power and Paranormals!’ @ Autographing Area, Tables 2, 3, and 4 (3:15 pm – 4:15 pm)
Saturday, October 13:
- Victoria Schwab (The Archived advance copies) 11:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Disney Publishing Worldwide, Booth 1132 (11:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Post-Panel signing: ‘Hocus Pocus: Magic & Monsters in Science-Fiction and Fantasy’ @ Autographing Area, Tables 2, 3, and 4 (2:45 pm – 3:45 pm)
Sunday, October 14:
- Post-panel signing: ‘Action-Packed Comics to Grown On’ @ Autographing Area, Tables 2, 3, and 4 (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
- Orpheus Collar (The Red Pyramid: Graphic Novel) @ Disney Publishing Worldwide, Booth 1132 (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
Categories: Publishing Tags: Comic-Con, Disney Publishing Worldwide, DPW, New York, New York City, NYC, NYCC
‘Frankenweenie’ Early Screening in New York City on September 23
In conjunction with the New York International Children’s Film Festival, Walt Disney Studios will be offering a special pre-release screening of Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie this Sunday, September 23 at 11 am at the IFC Center in New York City.
Tickets are $18 per adult, $14 per child/senior and $13 for IFC members, which is a bit on the pricey side, even for New York, but this will guarantee you the opportunity to see the film nearly two weeks in advance of its theatrical debut on October 5.
Tickets can be purchased online here and are expected to sell out well in advance. For more information, visit the event page.
Categories: Movies Tags: Cinema, Film News, Frankenweenie, Movie News, Movies, New York, New York City, NYC, Screenings, Tim Burton
Disney/ABC Television to Bring Presentations, Activities to World Maker Faire 2012 in New York
Disney/ABC Television Group will sponsor interactive activities for kids and families to celebrate creativity and innovation, at World Maker Faire 2012, a two-day exposition spanning science, technology and the arts at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), September 29-30. These next generation of thinkers and tinkerers are invited to take part in an inventive healthy cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s popular daytime series “The Chew”; participate in activities inspired by Disney’s hit series “Phineas and Ferb” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”; and use human-power to activate an eco-friendly Disney XD game.
“Imagination and innovation inspire everything we do at Disney/ABC, so we applaud and encourage these dreamers and thinkers who delight in the magic of discovery to drive positive changes in the world,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. “The New York Hall of Science and World Maker Faire are perfectly aligned with our mission to connect kids and families to the excitement of innovation through entertainment, learning and play.”
“Disney has been a sponsor of NYSCI for more than a decade. We have collaborated on many projects that encourage kids and families to think creatively and be curious about our world,” said Margaret Honey, president and CEO of NYSCI. “Disney/ABC Television Group is a natural partner with World Maker Faire, and we are thrilled to have Carla and the entire Disney team involved in what is quickly becoming New York’s premiere showcase of science, technology and invention.”
“We are thrilled to have such a creative and innovative company like Disney/ABC Television Group participating in World Maker Faire and bringing hands-on activities and their incredible TV personality for attendees to interact with,” said Sherry Huss, maker-in-chief. “Disney’s connections to young people and their commitment to getting kids and families creating make them an ideal partner.”
The lineup of Disney/ABC Television Group activities at World Maker Faire 2012 includes:
Saturday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Make: Live Stage (Zone D)
- Carla Hall from ABC’s “The Chew” gives a culinary demonstration on making a delicious dish healthier for the entire family.
Saturday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Dsney Channel’s “Phineas and Ferb” inspire a kite-making activity worthy of the animated duo’s coolest inventions.
- Disney XD goes green with “The Wash Out,” a clothes laundering game using human-powered technology.
Sunday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Kid crafters can engage in Disney Junior’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” swashbuckling sword-making activity.
- Disney XD goes green with “The Wash Out,” a clothes laundering game using human-powered technology.
More information about World Maker Faire 2012, including ticket prices, is available at makerfaire.com.
Muppets Named Family Ambassadors for New York City
The Muppets were today named New York City Family Ambassadors by NYC & Company, New York City’s tourism and marketing organization. As part of the year-long collaboration, the Muppets will encourage family travel to New York by highlighting the best ways for families to experience and enjoy the many dining and shopping venues, cultural institutions, parks and attractions across the five boroughs.
“I’ve loved New York ever since I arrived in New York harbor and saw that the Statue of Liberty is green. What a welcome! New York is a great place for families, frogs, pigs, bears and…uh, whatevers to visit. We can’t wait to show the world the best ways to hop around the city!” said Kermit the Frog, the world’s most famous amphibian.
Added Miss Piggy, “New York is the most fabulous city in the world. In fact, it’s almost as fabulous as moi. So don’t just sit there! Get ready world! You’re about to take the ultimate diva’s tour of moi’s favorite city! Lucky vous!”
The Muppets will also encourage locals to explore different neighborhoods across New York City by highlighting family-friendly things to do, see, and visit. The Muppets will share their personal City preferences at www.nycgo.com/family where Miss Piggy will discuss shopping, Kermit will help visitors navigate the five boroughs, Swedish Chef will focus on cuisine and more.
“We could not imagine better NYC Family Ambassadors than the lovable and enchanting Muppets,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “Appealing to fans of all ages across the globe, the Muppets will highlight what they love about the five boroughs and illustrate why New York City is the perfect place for families to visit this year.”
Footage from today’s announcement has been posted to YouTube courtesy of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office:
Categories: Uncategorized Tags: Events, Muppets, New York, New York City, NYC
Disney D23 Takes ‘Fanniversary’ on the Road with Nationwide Events
Disney lovers are invited to celebrate with Disney D23, the official fan club of The Walt Disney Company, this summer as it brings its annual anniversary event to Disney fans in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Chicago and Walt Disney World (Orlando).
Each event promises to lead guests on a journey through dozens of unforgettable Disney moments that have delighted generations of Disney fans. Each show will be hosted by a Disney archivist and D23 team member and will highlight the rich behind-the-scenes stories of these magical moments through rarely (or never-before) seen film footage, concept art, photography, and exclusive interviews with many of your favorite Disney Legends and luminaries.
Tickets will become available for purchase on March 16 at 1 pm ET/10 am EST initially be available to D23 members and their guests for $18 each. Remaining tickets will be available to the general public for $25 each.
Event locations and dates are as follows:
- Los Angeles – Friday, April 27, 2012 – The Studio Theatre, The Walt Disney Studios
- San Francisco – Saturday, April 28, 2012 – Walt Disney Family Museum
- Boston – Sunday, May 20, 2012 – Museum of Fine Arts
- New York City – Tuesday, May 22, 2012 – Cherry Lane Theater
- Orlando – Saturday, June 23, 2012 – Premiere Theater, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World
(Park admission not included and required) - Chicago – Sunday, June 24, 2012 – Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Additionally, we have been advised that while the live elements of the show will contribute to a unique experience, the content is not expected to change between performances.
For more information and to purchase tickets as they become available, visit the event page.
Categories: D23 Expo Tags: D23, Events, New York City
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Disney Fantasy Arrives in New York City
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, arrived in New York City with great fanfare this morning after having made her Transatlantic voyage. With a US Coast Guard escort and being trailed by a helicopter documenting her arrival, she pulled into New York Harbor, next to the Statue of Liberty, just in time to make her national television debut on ABC’s ‘Good Morning America.’
After blowing all of her musical horns (she has all the same horns the Disney Dream has plus a couple of bars of ‘New York, New York’ and a water salute from an FDNY fireboat, she headed up the Hudson River to her temporary home at Pier 88 in Manhattan. The Disney Fantasy is scheduled to remain in New York City through March 1, when she’ll receive her christening that evening.
Although the Disney Fantasy will be heading to her home port in Port Canaveral in Florida, sister ship the Disney Magic will begin a limited number of sailings out of New York City this summer.
Below is our photo gallery of the Disney Fantasy arriving in New York City this morning, taken while aboard the Staten Island Ferry as well as from Battery Park, where many fans had gathered to get their first in-person look at the luxury cruiseliner.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line Tags: DCL, Disney Fantasy, New York City, NYC
Disney Cruise Line Announces Excursions for New York City, Walt Disney World
For those guests planning on making the trek to New York City to board the Disney Magic as she begins to set sail on May 25, 2012, Disney Cruise Line has made available details for a few special excursions in the city, available only on debarkation day.
The Midtown Manhattan & Top of the Rock excursion will take you into the heart of midtown aboard an air-conditioned motor coach. You’ll visit the ‘Top of the Rock’ observation deck located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza which offers unparalleled views of the Big Apple. The breathtaking landscape stretches for miles in every direction and includes panoramic views of: Central Park, the Empire State Building, The Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and much more.
Return to street level and your guide will take you around the Rockefeller Center and across Fifth Avenue for a brief photo stop. You will re-board your coach and the tour will continue passing the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Central Park, Fifth Avenue Shops, Empire State Building and Times Square. Stop at Grand Central Terminal to take some pictures of this beautiful Beaux-arts building in midtown Manhattan and free time to browse or purchase a snack.
The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $129 per adult and $89 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.
The New York by Land & Sea excursion takes you aboard the ZEPHYR, a state-of-the-art, custom built luxury catamaran to enjoy an approximate 60-minute tour of New York’s waterways. You”ll experience unparalleled views of the skyline and the port as your tour guide provides an informative English narration while smoothly plying New Yorks’s waterways.
You’ll also sail under the Brooklyn Bridge and see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, the World Financial Centre, the famous borough of Brooklyn, and Staten Island as well as the State of New Jersey and Ellis Island, immigrant gateway to America and a brief stop in front of the Statue of Liberty (visit to the Statue not part of the excursion). Finally, disembark the ZEPHYR at the South Street Seaport for free time to shop, sightsee, and have a snack at some of the dozens of eateries that fit every taste and budget before being dropped off at your departing airport.
The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $129 per adult and $89 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.
The American Museum of Natural History & Central Park will take you by motorcoach on a short scenic drive to the Fifth Avenue side of Central Park, where your walking tour through the park will begin. Central Park is more than 150 years old and covers an area of 843 acres. See areas where countless movies were filmed, the homes of the rich and famous, and many iconic sights including The Boathouse, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and, above all, The Alice in Wonderland Sculpture. It stands 11 feet tall in bronze, surrounded by the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and a few of her other friends. Atypical of most sculptures, children are invited to climb, touch and crawl all over Alice and her friends.
The adventure continues beyond Central Park and visits the American Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s largest and most accomplished in its field. Over 140 years old with over 30 million specimens, the exhibits range from one of the world’s best collections of dinosaur fossils to The Rose Center for Earth and Space. As part of your tour you will enter the planetarium to embark on a stunning voyage though time and space to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky. Tour familiar constellations, explore new celestial mysteries and discover the fascinating story that connects us all to the stars.
The length of the excursion is 4 to 4.5 hours and costs $139 per adult and $99 per child. It also includes a transfer to LGA, JFK or EWR airports. For more information, visit the excursion page.
Lastly, a new Port Canaveral excursion has been added, this one for a private viewing of Illuminations at Epcot with a full dessert bar. Price has yet to be determined, but you can visit the excursion page for more information as it becomes available.
Categories: Disney Cruise Line, Epcot, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: DCL, New York City, NYC
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