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September 2013

First photo of Lily James as Cinderella in New Live Action Movie

Production has begun on the live action version of Disney’s Cinderella directed by Kenneth Branagh and featuring Lily James in the title role. Judging by this first photo released from the set, I think we’re in for a treat.

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Here’s the plot synopsis with the full press release below the jump:

The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the tragic death of her mother. Keen to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother Lady Tremaine and her daughters Anastasia and Drisella into the family home. But, when Ella’s father suddenly and unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who abuse her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an employee at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears as if her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming “Kit.” Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand as a kindly beggar woman steps forward and, armed with a pumpkin and a few mice, changes Cinderella’s life forever.

Read More »First photo of Lily James as Cinderella in New Live Action Movie

“The Neighbors” returns strong…Give it a Chance!

About a year ago, when “The Neighbors” premiered on ABC, most thought it would be the first show cancelled of the TV season. It was consistently loathed by critics. Then the show received a full season order…then a season 2. The hatred did turn into… Read More »“The Neighbors” returns strong…Give it a Chance!

Newsies Fan Week

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Disney’s Newsies was only supposed to have a 100 day run on Broadway, but it’s now been playing more than 5 times that long. Everyone at the production will tell you could not have done it without the support of their fans. So it’s great to see them turn around the lens and recognize that support with a video that includes fans from around the world (including the cast of The Lion King shown above). I love how they worked the lyrics of King of New York into this tribute too:

Below the jump is another fun video from Newsies Fan Week. A look at the “Oldsies”:

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Exploring California Grill’s New Beverage Menu

Disney’s particular brand of magic does not usually require augmentation with spirits, unless you’re at the Haunted Mansion, but when I dine out at a nice restaurant like Disney’s California Grill, I do enjoy a glass of wine or a well-crafted cocktail with my meal.… Read More »Exploring California Grill’s New Beverage Menu

Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train Construction Update – September

rock work finally starting on this side

rock work finally starting on this side

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Mountain Range is about to get its fourth member – Snow White’s Mountain (just trying that on for size, no official name for the mountain has been revealed). The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train that rolls across the low hills of the mountain is getting closer to opening and in fact past an important milestone this week. In an online chat Imagineers revealed that a ride vehicle has been fitted to the track and can now be maneuvered by hand completely around the track. That’s big as it means systems testing can’t be too far behind.

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The ride height for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster was confirmed to have a height requirement of 38″. That puts it above Barnstormer at 35″, but less restrictive than Big Thunder which requires 40″. That’s about what was expected. I would have liked to seen 36″, but I understand it’s a new ride system (with first of their kind ride vehicles), so better to be cautious when first opening.

I have a new video of construction progress on the attraction below the jump:
Read More »Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train Construction Update – September

Using Disney’s Magic Bands

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I’m down here in Disney World right now for Disney’s Earmark Conference, which is a conference for Disney travel agents, and I’m writing this from the balcony of my room at the Contemporary Resort–not a bad place to write, although the castle is a bit distracting! This trip was my first opportunity to try the Magic Bands, as they’re still in the testing phase. They’ve been rolled out to most resorts at this point and should be resort-wide sometime in October (this can change), but I wanted to share some thoughts on using them with all of you.

First, let me just explain the bands for the uninitiated. The bands are literally that–wrist bands (similar to plastic wrist watch bands, but without the watch face) that will hold all your pertinent information, from where you’re staying to how many dining credits you have left on the Disney dining plan. They’ll have your room key, credit card information, and tickets on them as well.  You’ll be given a pin as well, which makes it more secure for credit card transactions. All your information is stored on the system, meaning that Disney can tell if you like Mickey bars at 11:00 p.m. and send one to your room. Or, more likely, they can use that information to customize marketing towards your likes.  In the future, there will even be sensors in the parks that track movements for crowd control purposes.Read More »Using Disney’s Magic Bands

New Frozen Poster Reveals Movies Humorous Side

Disney has released a new poster for it’s next animated feature – Frozen. In it you see some early evidence of how much humor the movie will have.

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Keep an eye out for the new trailer, debuting online 9/26. “Frozen” is in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013

More notes on the film below the jump:

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California Grill Construction Time Lapse Video

With sweeping views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, the re-imagined California Grill also features a new design inspired by mid-century modern California, and a new menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch.

With sweeping views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the re-imagined California Grill also features a new design inspired by mid-century modern California, and a new menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch.

The California Grill has always been my restaurant of choice when I wanted to celebrate a big event, so I was a bit nervous when they announced a major makeover for the space. But I needn’t have worried. The space is beautiful and the food still wonderful. If anything, I think they were a bit conservative in their vision.

You can now get your first look at the re-imagined California Grill as it is now open for dining, or drinks and a snack in the lounge (they serve the full menu there too), but the transformation didn’t happen overnight. Since the signature restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort closed to guests in January, the space has been humming with activity. The wood-burning oven is just about the only thing that stayed in place as the kitchen and dining rooms got major makeovers.

Shortly after the installation of new floor-to-ceiling windows, a time-lapse camera went into place on the fifteenth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, capturing all the construction and remodeling between June 2013 and the last test meals before opening to guests September 9th. I have a cameo during the 1:44 mark. But don’t blink!

Below the jump is a video featuring General Manager Michael Scheifler discussing the changes:
Read More »California Grill Construction Time Lapse Video