SoCal Disney

Tag: Corporate News

  • Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic

    So now Disney has announced that in addition to this year’s previously discussed Limited Time Magic promotion, there are other promotions being planned exclusively for Disneyland Annual Passholders…

    Sleeping Beauty Castle

    We’re doing something extra special during 2013 to make this the best year to be a Passholder!

    If you haven’t already heard, we’ll be packing more smiles, giggles and magical moments into your Disneyland® Resort visits with Limited Time Magic. And for our Passholders, we’re introducing Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic, an extra sprinkling of pixie dust over your Passport that lets you enjoy special surprises—but only for a limited time, and only for Annual Passholders!

    For more information and to stay up-to-date with the upcoming Limited Time Annual Passholder Magic opportunities, visit us at disneyland.com/apmagic, or like us on the official Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholder Facebook page. Be sure to check back regularly so that you don’t miss out!

  • D23 Expo 2013 Tickets

    Remember to order your tickets for the 2013 D23 Expo before the end of the year to get the lowest price!

    D23 Expo 2013

    Disney’s press release is as follows:

    On Thursday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will open one year later and run from Aug. 9-11, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, the D23 Expo celebrates the entire world of Disney entertainment and brings together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products; Media Networks (including ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney) and Disney Interactive. D23 Expo 2013 marks the third Expo held in Anaheim, following Expos in 2009 and 2011.

    More than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2011 for the second D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. In anticipation of even bigger attendance, D23 Expo 2013 will feature: an overflow theater for the D23 Arena, which will accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular Arena presentations; nearly double the size of presentation venue Stage 23 (formerly 1,000 seats); and an expanded show floor, to include Halls A, B, C and D, as well as a larger Collectors’ Forum to provide even more magical experiences for guests.

    As in previous Expos, D23 Expo 2013 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2011, celebrity appearances included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane, and Kyle Massey, along with Disney executives and creative talent. They came together to bring special presentations, announcements, and performances to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

    D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards-a stirring biennial event that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins; the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit featuring costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks, and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney.

    Tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From August 9-December 31, 2012, tickets will be $47 for a one-day adult admission and $37 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $40 for a one-day adult admission and $32 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit www.D23Expo.com.

    In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy D23 Expo VIP Sorcerer Packages, extremely limited tickets that are only available to members. These packages offer incredible, exclusive opportunities.

    The SORCERER PACKAGE includes:

    — Three-day admission ticket
    — Reserved seating at all presentations in the D23 Arena and Stage 23
    — Commemorative Sorcerer credential
    — Pre-Expo tour of the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit
    — Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store and the Treasure Trove
    the day before the Expo is open to guests
    — Exclusive tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to
    the public
    — Private welcome reception
    — Special entrance to the Expo each morning
    — Hardbound Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives catalog
    — Hardbound Disney Legends ceremony commemorative program
    — A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist
    — Exclusive D23 Expo 2013 tote bag filled with gifts
    — “Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo
    — In addition, Sorcerer-level members have access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge

    Sorcerer Package tickets will be available exclusively to both Gold- and Silver- level D23 Members at $1,500 per ticket. Members will also have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefit are highlighted at www.D23Expo.com.

    D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge.

    Visit www.D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

    About D23

    D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 unlocks the magic of Disney with a host of exclusive benefits, including a quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.D23.com; a weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; as well as exclusive events created especially for its members.

    Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships – which provide all benefits with the exception of a Disney twenty-three subscription – are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

    Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com, or at select shops at the Disneyland(R) Resort, the Walt Disney World(R) Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

  • Car’s Land Grand Opening!

    Watch as Bob Iger, Tom Staggs, and John Lasseter officially open Cars Land!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIJLlj8WK1c

    So very exciting! Expect to see move coverage of all the new additions next week and continuing through the summer.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhKR2g222-I

  • Marvel Superheroes Coming to the Disney Theme Parks

    At the Walt Disney Company’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Bob Iger let slip some details about their new plans for the parks.

    What follows is an article from the LA times on the issue.

    Walt Disney Co. is looking to bring some Marvel muscle to Disney theme parks.

    Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger told shareholders attending the annual meeting Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo., that the company has done preliminary design work that will one day lead to Marvel superheroes appearing in the theme parks along with Disney’s other familiar characters.

    “We haven’t announced anything yet,” Iger said. “But we’re working on some concepts.”

    When Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4.3 billion in 2009, the Burbank entertainment company talked about incorporating the comic book giant’s library of 5,000 characters throughout its various businesses.

    Indeed, a new animated television series, “Ultimate Spider-Man,” premieres April 1, kicking off a programming block devoted to Marvel characters on the cable network Disney XD. Marvel’s big-screen presentation of “The Avengers” superhero mash-up reaches theaters May 4. Disney showed a trailer to investors at its annual meeting.

    Iger didn’t mention which Disney park might get an infusion of spandex-clad heroes. Its competitor, Universal Studios, has the rights in perpetuity for its Marvel Super Hero Island attraction, which includes rides based on Spider-Man, Dr. Doom, the Hulk and Storm, and features a number of other characters from the X-Men. The company also has a 10-year-plus deal for its Spider-Man attraction at Universal Studios Japan.

    For the near term, Disney is focused on an ambitious theme-park project based on director James Cameron’s blockbuster science-fiction fantasy “Avatar.” Disney announced a long-term licensing deal last fall to develop rides and attractions based on the 2009 film.

    The first “Avatar” land is planned for Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Iger told shareholders that the new attraction probably won’t open until 2015.

    Iger also announced an initiative to hire at least 1,000 returning military veterans over the next three years in a program dubbed Heroes Work Here.

    Disney stockholders reelected all 10 members of Disney’s board, including Iger, who was formally elected chairman.

    Shareholders also approved the company’s executive pay plan in an advisory vote.

    dawn.chmielewski@latimes.com

  • Harry Potter coming to Universal Studios Hollywood

    Well… I wondered if/when this would happen considering the popularity of the Orlando version. This isn’t particularly good news for Disney… I sure hope Cars Land is a sucess!

    Universal Studio’s Press Release Follows:

    HOGWARTS IS COMING TO HOLLYWOOD!

    Warner Bros. and Universal Parks and Resorts to bring
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood

    Significant Expansion Also Planned for
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

    Hollywood, CA (Dec. 6, 2011) – Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.
    The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.
    “I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting,” said J.K. Rowling.
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time.
    “The announcement of our partnership with Universal to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already exists in Orlando is probably the best holiday gift we could give to the legions of Harry Potter fans worldwide,” said Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO, Warner Bros. “Everyone involved with these projects is committed to continuing the enchantment of J.K. Rowling’s masterful books as they were brought to life on screen in our eight films and dedicated to extending the magic of the experience for generations of fans to come.”
    “This is an incredible moment for Universal Studios and the millions of guests who visit our theme parks,” said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios. “The Harry Potter stories are some of the most powerful of our time and we are honored to expand our Orlando experience and bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever changing family tourism in Los Angeles.”
    “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entirely new level of themed entertainment that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life in incredible ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “We are thrilled to be able to share this experience with our guests in Hollywood. And we are thrilled to take what has been created in Orlando to even greater levels.”
    About Universal Parks & Resorts
    Universal Parks & Resorts (UPR), a unit of Comcast Corporation’s NBCUniversal, encompasses today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences, creating emotional connections with guests around the world. Each year, millions of guests visit Universal theme parks to experience thrilling, world-famous attractions based on popular culture’s most compelling stories and characters. With three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal has created attractions that use ground-breaking technology to deliver experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
    NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news, sports and entertainment networks; Universal Studios, a premier motion picture company; significant television production operations; a leading television stations group; and world-renowned theme parks.
    About Warner Bros. Entertainment
    Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.
    Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon. Each of the seven books by author J.K. Rowling has broken sales records, with the series to date having sold approximately 450 million copies worldwide and translated into more than 70 languages. The Harry Potter films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, have grossed more than $7.7 billion to date worldwide at the box office, making Harry Potter the largest-grossing film franchise in history.
    HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

  • Walt Disney Studios at the D23 Expo

    The Walt Disney Studios has announced the major guests and topics which will be discussed at their large Arena presentation at the D23 Expo on Saturday the 20th. Notable guests include Jennifer Garner, Jason Segel, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Sarah Silverman, Taylor Kitsch, Jack McBrayer and members of the cast of Marvel’s “The Avengers.”

    D23’s “Disney Geek” gives us an in depth account of what to expect at the expo.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73_517Ihhns

    The Walt Disney Studio’s press release follows:

    08.09.11 – Disney film fans will get a first look at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios, with a variety of panel discussions, sneak peeks, and exhibits.

    On Saturday, August 20, Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, producer and president, Marvel Studios, will present a not-to-be-missed look at The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film slate, which includes Disney’s The Muppets, John Carter, Disney•Pixar’s Brave, Marvel’s The Avengers, Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and more.

    With projects from Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios, this special presentation will feature never-before-seen footage and all-star appearances by Jason Segel, Kermit, and Miss Piggy (Disney’s The Muppets), Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe (John Carter), Kelly Macdonald and Kevin McKidd (Brave), Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green), Jack McBrayer and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph), cast members from Marvel’s The Avengers, and other surprise guests.

    Out on the Expo floor, fans can explore the world of The Walt Disney Studios at their leisure with comprehensive exhibits, including:

    Walt Disney Studios Animation
    Experience the art, technology, culture, and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with filmmaker demonstrations, drawing classes, book signings, meet-and-greets, and art exhibits.

    Walt Disney Studios In-Home Entertainment
    Dive into cutting-edge home entertainment technology and learn what the future holds for Disney movie fans, with sneak peeks of upcoming films in breathtaking high-definition Blu-ray 3D™ and more.

    Inside Tides: Pirates of the Caribbean Film Prop Collection
    Get an up-close look at an exclusive collection of detailed set pieces, props, and costumes from the billion-dollar blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

    In celebration of 25 years of moviemaking magic, five sessions will be devoted to the artistry and technical wizardry of Pixar:

    A Conversation with the Pixar Creative Team
    Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend some time with the key figures responsible for Pixar’s unprecedented success, including John Lasseter (chief creative officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios), Jim Morris (general manager, Pixar Animation Studios), Pete Docter (director, Monsters, Inc., Up), Andrew Stanton (director, Finding Nemo, WALL-E), Bob Peterson (co-director, Up), Lee Unkrich (director, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (director, Brave), and Dan Scanlon (director, Monsters University).

    The Characters of Monsters University
    Director Dan Scanlon and Production Designer Ricky Nierva discuss how they combine hair, horns, and a lot of heart to bring the wonderful Monsters University characters to life.

    Michael Giacchino’s Music of Pixar
    In this musical presentation, award-winning composer Michael Giacchino explores his early influences through the creation of modern-day classic scores from Ratatouille, Up and Cars 2.

    The Art of Brave

    Production designer Steve Pilcher and shading art director Tia Kratter show how they and their team put paint to canvas and fingers to computer keys to create the stunning visuals of Scotland for Disney•Pixar’s upcoming film Brave.

    Pixar Shorts

    This retrospective screening of the animation studio’s legendary short films will be followed by a panel discussion with several of the filmmakers, including Ralph Eggleston (director, For the Birds), Andy Jimenez (director, One Man Band), Angus MacLane (director, BURN-E), Pete Sohn (director, Partly Cloudy), Teddy Newton (director, Day & Night), and Enrico Casarosa (director, La Luna).

    Expo attendees will also have access to advance screenings of an all-new 3D version of The Lion King, presented by RealD 3D, coming to theaters and homes this fall, and the upcoming ABC holiday special Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

  • Disney Autographs by Coolwaters Productions

    One of the featured independent exhibitors at the D23 Expo will be Coolwaters Productions LLC. They’re a talent management company and they’re bringing stars from Tron, Tron: Legacy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, and Marvel to the D23 Expo. Well… maybe “stars” isn’t the right word, but they were all in the movies, and you can get an autograph … for a price. Full details below.

    06.22.11 – Join us for exclusive autograph sessions and meet and greets with celebrities including Bruce Boxleitner and Billy Dee Williams at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event!

    Celebrity management company Coolwaters Productions LLC is bringing a cavalcade of talent to the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, August 19-21, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Each day at the Coolwaters booth, located in the Collectors Forum, fans will enjoy celebrity meet and greets and autograph signings, including rare photographs and limited-edition Tron pin sets created by D23 especially for this event.

    Friday, August 19: Marvel Day

    Doug Jones: Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (also starred as Billy Butcherson in Disney’s Hocus Pocus and will be signing images from both films)
    Matthew Wolf: Voice of Thor in the animated film Thor: Tales of Asgard

    Saturday, August 20: Tron Day

    Bruce Boxleitner: Alan Bradley/Tron in Tron, TRON: Legacy, the videogame TRON: Evolution and the upcoming animated series TRON: Uprising
    Cindy Morgan: Lora/Yori in Tron, and the videogame TRON 2.0
    Jackson Bostwick: Sark’s Head Guard in Tron
    Anis Cheurfa: Rinzler, Clu’s right hand man in TRON: Legacy
    Rob Daly: Clu’s Lead Sentry in TRON: Legacy

    Sunday, August 21: Pirates of the Caribbean Day

    Isaac C. Singleton: Bo’sun in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
    Greg Ellis: Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves in all four installments of the Pirates of the Caribbean films
    Treva Etienne: Koehler in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
    Vince Lozano: Jacoby in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
    Tyler Tuione: Boiler Room Attendant in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

    With the recent opening of Star Tours — The Adventures Continue at the Disney Parks, D23 Expo 2011 is honored to welcome Hollywood icon and Star Wars luminary Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian). Williams, an award-winning artist, has created an exclusive piece of artwork featuring Disney characters, which will be available to attendees as a limited edition poster only at the Expo.

    All celebrity appearances are subject to change at any time. There will be a charge for each signature signed during the event from the celebrities listed in this press release. Autograph tickets will be available for purchase during all Expo hours at the Coolwaters Productions LLC booth at the Collectors Forum and are on a first-come, first served basis.

  • D23 Expo Arena Schedule

    The D23 Arena presentations are the biggest and, in my opinion, most important events on the D23 Expo Schedule. It’s these events where the top brass give the insider looks at what to expect in the next year or so and where most of the amazing special guests show up. They are not to be missed except in extraordinary circumstances.

    The D23 Expo 2011 is proud to announce the Arena schedule for The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Expo guests will have exclusive access to presentations from The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Channel, and Marvel Comics—plus they will be able to experience the 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony.

    In addition to the spotlight arena presentations, this year’s Expo will feature screenings, celebrity panels and autograph signings, eye-popping pavilions, exclusive insights into TV shows, theme parks, animation, Disney history, and more, to be announced in the coming weeks. Arena presentations will include:

    Friday, August 19:

    2011 Disney Legends Ceremony—11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Hosted by Tom Bergeron. Honorees Regis Philbin; Jim Henson; Disney Princesses Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin and Anika Noni Rose; Bo Boyd; Jack and Bonita Wrather; Guy Williams, and Ray Watson will be inducted as Disney Legends for their contribution to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company in a special presentation exclusively for D23 Expo guests.

    Walt Disney Parks and Resorts—3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Join Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as he gives D23 guests a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney’s parks and resorts around the world.

    Saturday, August 20:

    The Walt Disney Studios —11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, this session will be hosted by Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, president, Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, president, Production, Marvel Studios.

    The Lion King 3D Exclusive D23 Screening—6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    Disney fans will have access to an exclusive advance screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D™, ahead of the film’s highly anticipated theatrical and home entertainment releases. “The Circle of Life” takes on a new dimension as Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa grace the screen once again, this time in breathtaking 3D.

    Sunday, August 21:

    Marvel Comics —10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    An exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s chief creative officer and one of the most respected and sought after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.

    Disney Channel —2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Fans are invited to experience the excitement of a spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel’s hit series Shake It Up. From meeting the cast of television’s first dance-driven sitcom and learning moves from a Disney Channel dance master to a special panel, autograph session and more, this unforgettable experience awaits Disney fans of all ages.

    These presentations add to the already robust schedule of experiences, presentations and pavilions that will make up the D23 Expo 2011, including the Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament presented by Hasbro’s Trivial Pursuit, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit—including the Fan Art Gallery, the D23 Expo Live Auction and the D23 Expo Dream Store. Additional schedule, pavilion, and talent announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

    – Original Article –

    Depending on which calender you use, these exact times may vary from the final schedule. And of course, everything is subject to change time and location up until it actually happens! Hopefully they’ll be more organized this time. Crowd control and overcrowding were major issues at the 2009 Expo.

  • Disney 2Q Net Slides 1.2%

    Profits are down slightly mostly due to poor performance in the studio division (Mars Needs Moms anyone?) but actual revenues are still up. The full article follows…

    The Walt Disney Company

    NEW YORK (Dow Jones)–Walt Disney Co.’s (DIS) fiscal second-quarter profit slid 1.2% as strong advertising revenue and an improving parks-and-resorts business were offset by poor results in the studio entertainment division.

    Results missed analyst expectations, pushing shares down 2.8% to $42.70 in after-hours trading. The stock is up 17% this year through Tuesday’s close.

    Like many of its peers, Disney’s networks have benefited from a rebound in the television advertising market, while its theme-parks division has reported higher attendance and per-person spending. However, overall results were dragged down by the timing of the Easter holiday, which fell in the current quarter, along with the effects from the Japanese earthquake, the timing of certain DVD releases and a disappointing showing for the film “Mars Needs Moms.”

    Those factors, along with a charge on last year’s purchase of social-game maker Playdom, combined to cut earnings by more than $170 million.

    For the quarter ended April 2, Disney reported a profit of $942 million, down from $953 million, a year earlier. On a per-share basis, earnings rose to 49 cents from 48 cents as Disney had 2% fewer shares outstanding in the latest period. Revenue grew 5.8% to $9.08 billion.

    Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a profit of 56 cents on revenue of $9.13 billion.

    Revenue from the company’s media networks–its biggest top-line contributor–jumped 12%, while profit increased 17%. ESPN revenue was boosted by the football Bowl Championship Series and high ratings for regular-season NBA games. Chief Executive Robert Iger said on a conference call that early signs suggest “strong” advertising sales during next week’s upfront.

    Still, Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo warned that comparisons to the year-ago third fiscal quarter will be difficult, as the prior period included the World Cup, a seven-game playoff between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics and heavy political advertising spending.

    Parks-and-resorts revenue rose 7.4% although profit declined 3.3%. Excluding the impact of the Easter holiday timing, attendance at domestic parks would have risen 2%. Per-capita spending rose 6% and per-room spending gained 4%.

    In the current quarter, bookings at Disney resorts are about 2.5% below year-ago levels, but booked-room prices are ahead by double digits.

    The interactive media segment, which has plagued Disney amid increasing competition from more mobile game platforms, posted 8% revenue growth as its operating loss widened. Still, the company said it sees continued opportunities for that unit.

    The studio entertainment segment’s top line fell 13%, while profit slumped 65%. The segment was hurt by lower unit sales of home entertainment after a strong prior-year performance of the first two “Toy Story” films and other movies, as well as the disappointing “Mars Needs Moms.”

    However, a strong opening weekend for Marvel Studios’ comic-book adaption of “Thor” bodes well for Disney, which will begin distributing films from the studio beginning with “The Avengers” in 2012.

    The company said the upcoming releases of the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” installment and “Cars” sequel also will be major factors in the current quarter.

    Meanwhile, Disney said it expects to save $350 million to $400 million over five years, beginning in fiscal 2012, after changing certain salary pension plans. The move should cut pension expense by 25% to 30% compared with the prior program.

  • Disney Tops First Quarter Financial Estimates

    Good news for the Walt Disney Company! Earnings are up, and by a fairly significant amount!

    The Walt Disney Studios

    If you are so inclined, you might also want to take a look at the Disney 2011 Annual Report.

    Feb 08, 2011 (SmarTrend News Watch via COMTEX) — Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) reported Q1 EPS of $0.68, topping consensus estimates of $0.56 per share. Revenues for the quarter rose to $10.72 billion, ahead of consensus estimates of
    $10.52 billion.

    “We had an excellent first quarter, driven by strong creative content and our unique ability to leverage great entertainment across the many platforms, businesses and markets in which we operate,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO. “With net income up 54%, it’s a great start to a new fiscal year.”

    Walt Disney has a potential upside of 4.8% based on a current price of $41.19 and an average consensus analyst price target of $43.16.

    Walt Disney is currently above its 50-day moving average (MA) of $38.37 and above its 200-day of $35.39.

    In the last five trading sessions, the 50-day MA has climbed 0.64% while the 200-day MA has risen 0.17%.

    The Walt Disney Company, an entertainment company, conducts operations in media networks, studio entertainment, theme parks and resorts, consumer products, and Internet and direct marketing. The Company produces motion pictures, television programs, and musical recordings, as well as publishes books and magazines. Disney also operates ABC radio and television and theme parks.