To a theatre near you...
Toy Story 3, Coming Soon!
On June 18, 2010, the entire original animated gang will be back in full force for a brand-new 3D film- Toy Story 3.
"It takes place in the summer between Andy graduating high school and going off to college," John Lasseter says. "The toys are actually at that place of being out-grown. And that's where the adventure starts." Joining the voice cast in this emotional journey are veteran actors Jeff Garlin, Bonnie Hunt, Whoopi Goldberg, Timothy Dalton, Ned Beatty and Michael Keaton, who play new characters- their toy identities are still under wraps! With yet another touching story, a talented cast, plus all-new digital 3D technology, you won't want to miss Toy Story 3.
The Lion King Roars into the Smithsonian...
This fall, more than 50 million "Guests" worldwide will have experienced Disney's landmark musical, The Lion King. It is the first American musical to ever reach this milestone and only the fourth one in history! In celebration of the production's achievements, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History inducted The Lion King into its permanent collection at a special ceremony attended by Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Group. Simba's stylized lion mask, headdress and costume, as well as custom shoes and the hat designed for Rafiki, will join the ranks of iconic objects from Broadway musicals including Hello, Dolly! and Cats. Kudos to the King!
DR LEE
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Penguin Power!!!
When Bob Igeer announced the three strategic pillars that would lead The Walt Disney Company in the 21st century, the terms "creativity,""technological innovation" and international expansion" were revitalized in the fabric of our business. And these strategies are centainly reflected in the remarkable success of Club Penguin, the snow-covered virtual world that launched four years ago and joined The Walt Disney Company in August 2007.
Since its creation, Club Penguin has become known as one of the largest, safest and fastest-growing online communities for families. Millions of players have logged on to the award-winning experience to create their own penguins,which they can use in single and multi-player activities- ranging from a friendly snowball fight to writing a book that others can read.
Just this month, Club Penguin added a successful Spanish version of the community to the existing English, Portuguese and French ones- a testament to the Web site's strong global reputation. "We had close to a million Spanish-speaking players before we even launched in Spanish," says Lane Merrifield, executive vice president, Disney Online Studios, and co-founder of Club Penguin. "It's important to be able to give the global audience the same experience, to feel supported and listened to."
And growth is still on the horizon. "We often characterize our global expansion as not as much trying to go out there to build an audience, but frankly following the audience," Lane continues, hinting that we can expect Club Penguin to adopt even more languages.
Since joining the Disney family, the franchise has also benefited from a successful line of merchandising, including expansions onto Nintendo DS, and a new presence in the Disney Parks.
Still, Lane's team remains committed to developing new content each week to support an ever-evolving story. "Things that are dreamed up in a meeting room are being implemented... two or three weeks later," Lane explains. " And so it really is... almost real-time storytelling."
Lane, whose first job was as a Disneyland Resort entertainment Cast Member, likens Club Penguin to Walt's own vision; "The best ideas come from the kids themselves. So not only are we able to tap into our own imaginations, but we're able to take Walt's dream one step futher and tap into the imagination of our global audience."
And perhaps, just like Walt's Disneyland, Club Penguin will never be complete, as long as there's imagination let in the world!
DR LEE
Since its creation, Club Penguin has become known as one of the largest, safest and fastest-growing online communities for families. Millions of players have logged on to the award-winning experience to create their own penguins,which they can use in single and multi-player activities- ranging from a friendly snowball fight to writing a book that others can read.
Just this month, Club Penguin added a successful Spanish version of the community to the existing English, Portuguese and French ones- a testament to the Web site's strong global reputation. "We had close to a million Spanish-speaking players before we even launched in Spanish," says Lane Merrifield, executive vice president, Disney Online Studios, and co-founder of Club Penguin. "It's important to be able to give the global audience the same experience, to feel supported and listened to."
And growth is still on the horizon. "We often characterize our global expansion as not as much trying to go out there to build an audience, but frankly following the audience," Lane continues, hinting that we can expect Club Penguin to adopt even more languages.
Since joining the Disney family, the franchise has also benefited from a successful line of merchandising, including expansions onto Nintendo DS, and a new presence in the Disney Parks.
Still, Lane's team remains committed to developing new content each week to support an ever-evolving story. "Things that are dreamed up in a meeting room are being implemented... two or three weeks later," Lane explains. " And so it really is... almost real-time storytelling."
Lane, whose first job was as a Disneyland Resort entertainment Cast Member, likens Club Penguin to Walt's own vision; "The best ideas come from the kids themselves. So not only are we able to tap into our own imaginations, but we're able to take Walt's dream one step futher and tap into the imagination of our global audience."
And perhaps, just like Walt's Disneyland, Club Penguin will never be complete, as long as there's imagination let in the world!
DR LEE
Friday, November 6, 2009
A MARVEL-ous Addition
Spider Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, X-Men - any of these names sound familiar? Well, as some of the world's most famous superheros, they should. But what you may not know is that they are just a handful of Marvel's thousands of characters that are expected to join Mickey -and friends!-in becoming part of the Disney family. On Augest 31, The Walt Disney Company announced an agreement to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc.- one of the worlds most prominent character-based entertainment companies with a library of more than 5,000 characters that have been featured in comics, television and films for more than 70 years- for approximately $4 billion.
Building on Disney's strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, the transaction which is scheduled to be completed by year's end, will combine Marvel's strong globel presence built on their world-renowned characters with Disney's creative skills, unparalleled portfolio of entertainment properties and business structure.
Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel and all its characters. Disney President and CEO Bob Iger saided in a letter to employees and Cast Members, "Marvels business meshes perfectly with ours and what we've all been doing to maximize the value of Disney's creative properties across our businesses, media platforms and geographical markets." "Not only will we combine the great characters and storylines of Marvel with those of Disney, but we will also bring together two groups of dedicated and very talented people,"Bob says. "Disney's success has been built on the great storytelling skills, the technical artistry and the creative vision of its Cast Members and employees. At Marvel,[Chief Executive Officer] Ike Perlmutter and his team have created real value by combining similar creative skills with strong strategy and a disciplined and smart way of doing business. They've done a great job in extending and increasing the popularity of such Marvel characters as Iron Man, X-Men and Spider Man."
As part of the agreement, Mr. Perlmutter will continue to oversee Marvel, and will work directly with Disney's global lines of business to build and futher integrate Marvel's properties. "Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," Mr. Perlmutter says. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character prroperties by accessing Disney's tremendous global organization and infrastructure."
Much like the acquisition of Pixar three years ago, which as Bob points out "exemplified our focus on creating high quality technologically innovative entertainment that appeals to audiences all over the world," the Marvel acquisition will offer similar opportunities to advance that strategy. "We look forward to welcoming the Marvel team to the Disney family and to the exciting potential this combination offers."
DR LEE
Building on Disney's strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, the transaction which is scheduled to be completed by year's end, will combine Marvel's strong globel presence built on their world-renowned characters with Disney's creative skills, unparalleled portfolio of entertainment properties and business structure.
Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel and all its characters. Disney President and CEO Bob Iger saided in a letter to employees and Cast Members, "Marvels business meshes perfectly with ours and what we've all been doing to maximize the value of Disney's creative properties across our businesses, media platforms and geographical markets." "Not only will we combine the great characters and storylines of Marvel with those of Disney, but we will also bring together two groups of dedicated and very talented people,"Bob says. "Disney's success has been built on the great storytelling skills, the technical artistry and the creative vision of its Cast Members and employees. At Marvel,[Chief Executive Officer] Ike Perlmutter and his team have created real value by combining similar creative skills with strong strategy and a disciplined and smart way of doing business. They've done a great job in extending and increasing the popularity of such Marvel characters as Iron Man, X-Men and Spider Man."
As part of the agreement, Mr. Perlmutter will continue to oversee Marvel, and will work directly with Disney's global lines of business to build and futher integrate Marvel's properties. "Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," Mr. Perlmutter says. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character prroperties by accessing Disney's tremendous global organization and infrastructure."
Much like the acquisition of Pixar three years ago, which as Bob points out "exemplified our focus on creating high quality technologically innovative entertainment that appeals to audiences all over the world," the Marvel acquisition will offer similar opportunities to advance that strategy. "We look forward to welcoming the Marvel team to the Disney family and to the exciting potential this combination offers."
DR LEE
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sharing "Magic," One Community at a Time
Walt Disney once said, " The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements, but rather with things we do for other people." In 2010, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts(WDPR) is sharing this message on a whole new level with a first-of-its-kind program. Ever since they first asked, "What will you celebrate," Guests have turned their special occasions into memorable experiences at the places where dreams come true. And next year, the Disney parks are going a step further, encouraging people to celebrate the spirit of service in their own communities with an exciting proposition; "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."
"In 2010, we want to recoginze and add one more cause for celebration- the contributions people make to their communities every day," Jay Rasulo, chairman, WDPR, says. "We want to inspire one million volunteers- people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place."
Beginning January 1, guests can log on to Disneyparks.com to learn about participating organizations that can use their much-needed help. As an extra-magical way to say "Thank You" to those who give back to their local communities, WDPR will offer one million participants a free one-day admission ticket to a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort theme park. Employees and Cast Members are also invited to participate in this new program.
"The Parks group came up with this incredible concept for how they could take the 'What will you celebrate' campaign to a whole new level by shifting the focus to volunteerism," says Jennifer Anopolsky, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, whose team worked closely with WDPR on the new program. "We were just over the moon. It will really bring a lot of excitement and maybe some new Cast Members to the Disney VoluntEARS program." A program which, since its inception in 1983, has inspired members to contribute more than 5.5 million hours of service in more than 40 countries worldwide!
The new concept also supports one of Disney Corporate Responsibility's key priorities- helping show our Company's values through our day-to-day business. "Corporate Responsibility is about the good things we do in our businesses every day, like making healthy Disney-branded foods available through our licensing business and in this case promoting community service through a unique campaign from WDPR," Jennifer explains. "This campaign is really terrific because it offers something special for everyone, both guests and Cast Members who give a day of service."
But there's still much to be done before January. WDPR is partnering with Southwest Airlines to spread the volunteer message on a 20-city U.S. marketing tour, while Community Realations teams are working hard to offer a broad range of opportunities that will help guests and Cast Members make an impact on their communities.
As we look forward to inviting the million guests who will proudly enter Disney theme parks having contributed their part, we can't help but appreciate the Company's own spirit of giving back. "It's not just about what we do, it's who we are," Jennifer adds. So spread the spirit of service, and we'll see you next year.
DR LEE
"In 2010, we want to recoginze and add one more cause for celebration- the contributions people make to their communities every day," Jay Rasulo, chairman, WDPR, says. "We want to inspire one million volunteers- people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place."
Beginning January 1, guests can log on to Disneyparks.com to learn about participating organizations that can use their much-needed help. As an extra-magical way to say "Thank You" to those who give back to their local communities, WDPR will offer one million participants a free one-day admission ticket to a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort theme park. Employees and Cast Members are also invited to participate in this new program.
"The Parks group came up with this incredible concept for how they could take the 'What will you celebrate' campaign to a whole new level by shifting the focus to volunteerism," says Jennifer Anopolsky, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, whose team worked closely with WDPR on the new program. "We were just over the moon. It will really bring a lot of excitement and maybe some new Cast Members to the Disney VoluntEARS program." A program which, since its inception in 1983, has inspired members to contribute more than 5.5 million hours of service in more than 40 countries worldwide!
The new concept also supports one of Disney Corporate Responsibility's key priorities- helping show our Company's values through our day-to-day business. "Corporate Responsibility is about the good things we do in our businesses every day, like making healthy Disney-branded foods available through our licensing business and in this case promoting community service through a unique campaign from WDPR," Jennifer explains. "This campaign is really terrific because it offers something special for everyone, both guests and Cast Members who give a day of service."
But there's still much to be done before January. WDPR is partnering with Southwest Airlines to spread the volunteer message on a 20-city U.S. marketing tour, while Community Realations teams are working hard to offer a broad range of opportunities that will help guests and Cast Members make an impact on their communities.
As we look forward to inviting the million guests who will proudly enter Disney theme parks having contributed their part, we can't help but appreciate the Company's own spirit of giving back. "It's not just about what we do, it's who we are," Jennifer adds. So spread the spirit of service, and we'll see you next year.
DR LEE
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Cay to Happiness
A treasure chest of new amenities awaits "Guests" at Disney's Castaway Cay.
As Bahamian breezes waft across the sprawl of sandy beach beneath your feet, the question that begs answering during your time at Castaway Cay, Disney's private tropical island, is not "what will I do today," but, "how many things can I do today." You can make it an adventurous day at either the water slides of Pelican Plunge or the elaborate play area of Spring-a-leak. Or you could chill in one of the 20 new private cabanas or simply stroll the newly extended Castway Family Beach.
And as you gaze out at the brilliant blue of waters around the island, you smile to yourself, because you know that no matter what you choose for today, you're assured that it will be the time of your life.
That's the attitude Disney Cruise Line (DCL) hopes will reflect in each "Guest" to the newly enhanced Castaway Cay. The island, which is consistently rated by DCL "Guests" as their favorite port of call, is undergoing a host of changes that were designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Once that work is complete,Castaway Cay will become an even more magical place to visit. All these changes are entirely inspired by the input from our "Guests." Disney Imagineering will continue to surprise and delight "Guests" with our new enhancements.
Said enhancements address nearly every aspect of enjoyment on Castaway Cay. The ongoing changes are also preparing the island for the arrival of the Company's new ships,"Disney Dream" and "Disney Fantasy," which are currently under construction.
Some of the island's facilities are being expanded to accommodate the larger "Guests" capacity on the new ships. The Castaway Family Beach will be extended by more than 700 feet for more strolling, sunning and sandcastle building; additionally, the family lunch buffet Cookies Too and Sand Bar will offer food and beverages for those who've worked up an appetite from all the fun. Later, "Guests" can get set to get wet at one of two new water features. Pelican Plunge is a 2,400 square foot floating platform with two giant water slides and a "bucket dump" the cools those waiting in line with hundreds of gallons of water. The second water play area is Spring-a-Leak, which is built to resemble a washed-away beach dwelling, but is outfitted with water jets, sprays and a splash pad to keep visitors cool. Every family member, child or adult, can enjoy.
Other enhancements include the aforementioned cabanas, each furnished with comfortable cushioned chairs, luxurious chaise lounges, stylish side tables and a dining table. Convenient features include a refrigerator, lockable storage unit, outside fresh water shower and sail cloth for shade on the deck. Amenities included with a beach cabana rental include non-alcoholic beverages, suntan lotion and fluffy towels. A variety of a`la carte services and packages will be offered, including special food and beverage options.
Also on the island will be a new teen retreat, Hide Out, and the popular Castaway Ray's Stringray Adventure, which has been moved to a different location next to Gil's Fins and Boats beach rental. All of these amenities and so many more are born from DCL's desire to keep Castaway Cay close to "Guests" hearts.
DR LEE
As Bahamian breezes waft across the sprawl of sandy beach beneath your feet, the question that begs answering during your time at Castaway Cay, Disney's private tropical island, is not "what will I do today," but, "how many things can I do today." You can make it an adventurous day at either the water slides of Pelican Plunge or the elaborate play area of Spring-a-leak. Or you could chill in one of the 20 new private cabanas or simply stroll the newly extended Castway Family Beach.
And as you gaze out at the brilliant blue of waters around the island, you smile to yourself, because you know that no matter what you choose for today, you're assured that it will be the time of your life.
That's the attitude Disney Cruise Line (DCL) hopes will reflect in each "Guest" to the newly enhanced Castaway Cay. The island, which is consistently rated by DCL "Guests" as their favorite port of call, is undergoing a host of changes that were designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Once that work is complete,Castaway Cay will become an even more magical place to visit. All these changes are entirely inspired by the input from our "Guests." Disney Imagineering will continue to surprise and delight "Guests" with our new enhancements.
Said enhancements address nearly every aspect of enjoyment on Castaway Cay. The ongoing changes are also preparing the island for the arrival of the Company's new ships,"Disney Dream" and "Disney Fantasy," which are currently under construction.
Some of the island's facilities are being expanded to accommodate the larger "Guests" capacity on the new ships. The Castaway Family Beach will be extended by more than 700 feet for more strolling, sunning and sandcastle building; additionally, the family lunch buffet Cookies Too and Sand Bar will offer food and beverages for those who've worked up an appetite from all the fun. Later, "Guests" can get set to get wet at one of two new water features. Pelican Plunge is a 2,400 square foot floating platform with two giant water slides and a "bucket dump" the cools those waiting in line with hundreds of gallons of water. The second water play area is Spring-a-Leak, which is built to resemble a washed-away beach dwelling, but is outfitted with water jets, sprays and a splash pad to keep visitors cool. Every family member, child or adult, can enjoy.
Other enhancements include the aforementioned cabanas, each furnished with comfortable cushioned chairs, luxurious chaise lounges, stylish side tables and a dining table. Convenient features include a refrigerator, lockable storage unit, outside fresh water shower and sail cloth for shade on the deck. Amenities included with a beach cabana rental include non-alcoholic beverages, suntan lotion and fluffy towels. A variety of a`la carte services and packages will be offered, including special food and beverage options.
Also on the island will be a new teen retreat, Hide Out, and the popular Castaway Ray's Stringray Adventure, which has been moved to a different location next to Gil's Fins and Boats beach rental. All of these amenities and so many more are born from DCL's desire to keep Castaway Cay close to "Guests" hearts.
DR LEE
Monday, November 2, 2009
Disneyland's Salute to the Bicentennial! Looking back to 1976
Disneyland, never noted for any reluctance to flaunt the national virtues and celebrate the American experience, unveiled its salute to the bicentennial during the weekend.
Called "America on Parade," it is a patriotic extravaganza complete with drum rolls and brusting fireworks that makes everything that has gone before here seem like headducking diffidence.
On the drawing boards for more than a year, the twice-a-day event is expected to attract more than ten million "Guests" to the amusement park this year, a total reached only twice before.
It features 150 dancers dressed in costumes and huge heads giving them a height of eight feet, who portray historical figures ranging from Columbus and the Pilgrim Fathers to space explorers and Saturday football hero.
They march, dance and caper along a three-quarter mile parade route winding through the 73.4 acre park, ending up at the square at the foot of Main Street. The dancers are accompanied by 50 floats whose themes whimsically commemorate the nation's growth, achievements and lifestyles.
And seeing as how Disneyland is also celebrating it's 20th anniversary this years, such cartoon favorites as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy are out there strutting their stuff daily at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Disney officials are closed-mouthed about the cost of staging "America on Parade," which will run for 15 months, but, one saided it is a "multi-million-dollar" affair.
The economy may be in doldrums, but executives here are bullish about the future of the$159 million park, which has drawn more than 135 million "Guests" since opening in July 1955.
Attendance so far this year is running three per cent above last year, when 9.7 million "Guests" toured the 54 major attractions in the park. When Disneyland opened, it had only 22 major attractions worth $17 million.
Anaheim has kept pace with the park's growth. In 1955, the city had only 87 hotel and motel rooms and just 34 restaurants. Today there are more than 10,000 hotel rooms and more than 275 restaurants.
DR LEE
Called "America on Parade," it is a patriotic extravaganza complete with drum rolls and brusting fireworks that makes everything that has gone before here seem like headducking diffidence.
On the drawing boards for more than a year, the twice-a-day event is expected to attract more than ten million "Guests" to the amusement park this year, a total reached only twice before.
It features 150 dancers dressed in costumes and huge heads giving them a height of eight feet, who portray historical figures ranging from Columbus and the Pilgrim Fathers to space explorers and Saturday football hero.
They march, dance and caper along a three-quarter mile parade route winding through the 73.4 acre park, ending up at the square at the foot of Main Street. The dancers are accompanied by 50 floats whose themes whimsically commemorate the nation's growth, achievements and lifestyles.
And seeing as how Disneyland is also celebrating it's 20th anniversary this years, such cartoon favorites as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy are out there strutting their stuff daily at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Disney officials are closed-mouthed about the cost of staging "America on Parade," which will run for 15 months, but, one saided it is a "multi-million-dollar" affair.
The economy may be in doldrums, but executives here are bullish about the future of the$159 million park, which has drawn more than 135 million "Guests" since opening in July 1955.
Attendance so far this year is running three per cent above last year, when 9.7 million "Guests" toured the 54 major attractions in the park. When Disneyland opened, it had only 22 major attractions worth $17 million.
Anaheim has kept pace with the park's growth. In 1955, the city had only 87 hotel and motel rooms and just 34 restaurants. Today there are more than 10,000 hotel rooms and more than 275 restaurants.
DR LEE
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Keys to unlocking the Guest Experience
The Disneyland Resort provides Guests with an unparalleled family friendly experience. How are we able to consistently create these fantastic experiences for our Guests every day? In 1962, Van Arsdale France started what is now known as the Disney University and played a major role in creating the Four Keys of the Disneyland Resort Show. These keys are taught as the basics of Guest Service to each Cast Member who joins the Resort.
Safety... Creating an environment where Guests feel safe bringing their families to the park, and Cast Members feel safe coming to work.
Courtesy...Treating each Guest as a VIP and continuing our legacy of quality and friendly service you cannot find anywhere else.
Show...Staying in character, incorporating your area's theme while On Stage and keeping your area clean and "Show ready" to make our Guests a part of the stories they cherish.
Efficiency... Assisting our Guests in experiencing as much of the Resort as possible and being respectful of their time.
DR LEE
Safety... Creating an environment where Guests feel safe bringing their families to the park, and Cast Members feel safe coming to work.
Courtesy...Treating each Guest as a VIP and continuing our legacy of quality and friendly service you cannot find anywhere else.
Show...Staying in character, incorporating your area's theme while On Stage and keeping your area clean and "Show ready" to make our Guests a part of the stories they cherish.
Efficiency... Assisting our Guests in experiencing as much of the Resort as possible and being respectful of their time.
DR LEE
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Movie Release Summer 1981
The Fox and the Hound
A new animated feature to be release this summer, "The Fox and the Hound," promises to possess all the universal and timeless qualities that have become the hallmarks of Walt Disney animation.
In tradition of past Disney animated favorities, the story becomes heartrending in places while retaining humorous sequences in others. The vocal talents of many well known personalities join the Disney family of cartoon characters, including those of Micky Rooney, Jeanette Nolan, Pearl Bailey, Pat Buttram, Sandy Duncan, Kurt Russell and Jack Albertson.
An orphaned fox (Tod) and a hound pup(Copper) grow up as friends only to learn that they are supposed to act as natural enemies. Copper's owner, a cantankerous hunter named Amos Slade (Jack Albertson),and his older dog Chief soon teach Copper skills of a professional hunting dog, and Tod learns the hard way that he should not rely upon their former friendship for protection.
For his safety, Tod (Mickey Rooney) is taken to a game preserve by his adopted owner, the Widow Tweed (Jeanette Nolan). There he loses his heart to a foxy lady named Vixey (Sandy Duncan). To continue with this story of Tod's and Vixey's escape from the hunters and Tod's heroic ventures to save both Copper and his master,would spoil the suspense of future moviegoers looking forward to Disney's 20th animated feature.
Production on "Fox and the Hound" began in the spring of 1977. At the cost of 12 million, this latest animated adventure is the most expensive film of its kind. Its release comes at a time when the medium of animation, which remains a hand-drawn art form, is gaining a worldwide increase in popularity and a new following from almost every age group.
In color by Technicolor, this classic tale is from a story by Daniel Mannix, co-produced by Wolfgang Reitherman and Art Stevens, directed by Stevens, Ted Berman and Rick Rich under the executive producership of Ron Miller. It will be released by Buena Vista.
DR LEE
A new animated feature to be release this summer, "The Fox and the Hound," promises to possess all the universal and timeless qualities that have become the hallmarks of Walt Disney animation.
In tradition of past Disney animated favorities, the story becomes heartrending in places while retaining humorous sequences in others. The vocal talents of many well known personalities join the Disney family of cartoon characters, including those of Micky Rooney, Jeanette Nolan, Pearl Bailey, Pat Buttram, Sandy Duncan, Kurt Russell and Jack Albertson.
An orphaned fox (Tod) and a hound pup(Copper) grow up as friends only to learn that they are supposed to act as natural enemies. Copper's owner, a cantankerous hunter named Amos Slade (Jack Albertson),and his older dog Chief soon teach Copper skills of a professional hunting dog, and Tod learns the hard way that he should not rely upon their former friendship for protection.
For his safety, Tod (Mickey Rooney) is taken to a game preserve by his adopted owner, the Widow Tweed (Jeanette Nolan). There he loses his heart to a foxy lady named Vixey (Sandy Duncan). To continue with this story of Tod's and Vixey's escape from the hunters and Tod's heroic ventures to save both Copper and his master,would spoil the suspense of future moviegoers looking forward to Disney's 20th animated feature.
Production on "Fox and the Hound" began in the spring of 1977. At the cost of 12 million, this latest animated adventure is the most expensive film of its kind. Its release comes at a time when the medium of animation, which remains a hand-drawn art form, is gaining a worldwide increase in popularity and a new following from almost every age group.
In color by Technicolor, this classic tale is from a story by Daniel Mannix, co-produced by Wolfgang Reitherman and Art Stevens, directed by Stevens, Ted Berman and Rick Rich under the executive producership of Ron Miller. It will be released by Buena Vista.
DR LEE
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
New Technology for Guests
In November, a brand new mobile application will be offered to Verizon Wireless subscribers at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Disney Parks-Verizon Mobile Magic is a phone application that boasts GPS technology to deliver valuable information to Guests within our domestic theme parks and resorts.
With the application, Guests can look up attraction wait times, Disney's FASTPASS Service return times and find their favorite characters. The application can make suggestions for Guests based on their exact location within a park. Guests can also access GPS-enabled theme park maps that pinpoint their location.
With more than 90 percent of families bringing cell phones to Disney Resorts, Disney's objective will be to enhance the magical experience through innovative wireless technology.
Guests who are not Verizon Wireless subscribers can still get in on the fun. A newly developed mobile Web site will allow any Guest with browsing-enabled cell phone to access useful information such as park hours, entertainment schedules and dining information.
The Mobile Magic application will be available for download in November.
DR LEE
With the application, Guests can look up attraction wait times, Disney's FASTPASS Service return times and find their favorite characters. The application can make suggestions for Guests based on their exact location within a park. Guests can also access GPS-enabled theme park maps that pinpoint their location.
With more than 90 percent of families bringing cell phones to Disney Resorts, Disney's objective will be to enhance the magical experience through innovative wireless technology.
Guests who are not Verizon Wireless subscribers can still get in on the fun. A newly developed mobile Web site will allow any Guest with browsing-enabled cell phone to access useful information such as park hours, entertainment schedules and dining information.
The Mobile Magic application will be available for download in November.
DR LEE
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