Buzz Lightyear Themed Commercials for Disneyland

With the major changes at Disney California Adventure due to roll out, the Disneyland Resort is expecting major crowds this summer. That said, it’s always a good idea to tell people that there’s something new to see. With that in mind, Disney has rolled out two TV commercials featuring Buzz Lightyear as he explores the parks.

The first is specific to DCA

The second has many of the same scenes, but also has some shots specific to Disneyland itself:

It’s a cute idea. I have to wonder if some of this is meant to counter the bad vibes sent out when the resort raised prices on tickets and annual passes. Actual attendance doesn’t seem to be a problem. APs went up 30% in a bid to force some pass holders to downgrade to passes with black outs on the busiest days of the year. Cast Members have also been restricted on how often they can ‘sign-in’ family and friends over the summer.

What do you think? Will crowds materialize this summer?

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Disneyland sets New 2012 Half-Marathon Course

Earlier this week, runDisney made another exciting announcement, this time revealing the course for the Disneyland Half Marathon to be held on September 2, 2012. Although the majority of the course remains unchanged from years previous, there is an exciting new turn early on that appears to have runners going through the new Cars Land area in Disney California Adventure Park. Unfortunately however, it does appear that there is less running in Disneyland in order to compensate for the added distance through California Adventure.

Here are the two course maps for comparison:

Disneyland Half Marathon 2012 Map

Disneyland Half Marathon 2011 Map

Other highlights for the 2012 course will include running through Angel Stadium, as well as starting and finishing by the Disneyland Hotel and the Downtown Disney district. Will you be running the Disneyland Half Marathon this year? What do you think of the course changes for this year?

Previously: Walt Disney World Announces New Course for Marathon.

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Calling All Disney Popcorn Bucket Collectors – Disneyland Paris Sets

Popcorn Buckets - Disneyland Paris

Though there were no churros or Dole Whips to be found at Disneyland Paris, one popular treat found in American Parks is also readily available at Disneyland Paris – pop pop popcorn!

Just like in the states, the aroma of fresh popcorn wafts through the air at Disneyland Paris, and it’s offered in adorable collectible buckets. I spotted these three design variations during my visit in early May.

The 20th Anniversary bucket with the yellow lid, dangling star and soaring characters, is an exclusive to Disneyland Paris.

I really loved the the red and black Mickey Ears style, also stamped with the Disneyland Paris logo. (Alas, not enough room in the suitcase for this one!) The blue-topped bucket with Disney character favorites was also a popular choice among Guests throughout the Parks. I can’t say for sure if these two buckets are exclusive to Disneyland Paris and am hoping The Disney Blog readers can help solve the mystery. If you’ve spotted similar designs at other Disney Parks, let us know!

Previously: Hats, but no Mouse Ears, at Disneyland Paris.

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Driven. “Dancing With the Stars” Finale.

The man was on a mission to win the mirrorball trophy. His determination could not be stopped. Beating out the technically brilliant Katherine and Mark, Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd were crowned champions of the ballroom on last night’s “Dancing With the Stars” finale.

After watching this season’s eliminated contestants come back to dance one final time, we saw performances from Kelly Clarkson and Gladys Knight. The three remaining couples each danced a perfect scoring last dance for the judges. William and Cheryl performed another sexy salsa, Katherine and Mark dazzled with a jive, and Donald and Peta heated things up with a cha cha.

William and Cheryl were revealed to be in third place, which left Katherine and Mark and Donald and Peta on the dance floor with the trophy within reach. It was Donald and Peta who came on strong at the end, peaking at the right team to win it all. What a conclusion to a thrilling season of competition!

I’m super excited for the upcoming all-stars season. I can’t wait to see who makes a  return trip to the ballroom. I’ll definitely be watching!

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Duets – Can it Capture American Idol Audience?

Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke

Duets with Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke

The television ratings juggernaut that is “American Idol” ends tonight. ABC is hoping its new music series, “Duets,” can capture some of that magic with a one-of-a-kind singing competition that kicks off on Thursday night. Hosted by Quddus (who?) and staring four of the music music industry’s biggest stars — Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles and Robin Thicke – the show looks to fall somewhere between “The Voice” and idol..

Clarkson, Legend, Nettles and Thicke will set out on individual journeys across America looking for undiscovered talent worthy of being their duet partners, ultimately each choosing two singers as partners. Together Superstars and partners take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts, and the winning partner will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

I’ll admit I’m intrigued, although I’m not sure how the format will work. I like that Kelly Clarkson and John Legend are participating. That lends some credibility. Not so sure about the Dance Fever thing in the background of the photos. Will you be watching?

Duets premiers on ABC Thursday May 24th at 8PM ET/PT.

A video preview is below the jump:

Continue reading

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