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The Episode That Was Confirmed Dead (or Lost Season 4 Epsiode 2)

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Anyone remember Nicki & Paulo from last season? They were the 2 random annoying characters who popped up for about 2 episodes and then were buried alive by the end of their flashback? Well, I did not like them. These 4 jokers who popped up in last night’s episode of Lost are reminding me of… Read More »The Episode That Was Confirmed Dead (or Lost Season 4 Epsiode 2)

Friday Morning Roundup – The Year Of The Rat

  • The LA Times says don’t count on seeing Super bowl MVP Eli Manning at a Disney Theme park anytime soon. Instead he’s going to the Bahamas on vacation. Although Manning is contractually obligated to show up at a Disney park at some point, I’m guessing Disney forgot to specify when. Oh well. Maybe that means I’ll get to see him at Walt Disney World.
  • Disney Wants Your Children. Ars Technica has a good story on Disney’s MMORG strategy starting with ToonTown Online and Pirates Of The Caribbean Online.
  • AAA’s Home & Away magazine has an article on how to save some money on your next trip to Walt Disney World. I have to say I disagree with most of these suggestions.  I agree that paying for a ‘view room’ is silly. I agree that renting a house can be a good deal for the right group of people. I also think the right character meal can be a blessing. But the wrong one is no value at all.
  • Main Street Gazette posts a rumor that Disney World may finally be razing the Tree Houses. Although this article doesn’t mention it. A number of the Tree Houses were damaged in the 2004 hurricanes. Now that I live in Orlando, I actually miss the Disney Institute.
  • Michael Barrier continues his excellent series on tracing Walt Disney’s where abouts. This time he follows Walt and Lillian to England in 1946.
  • The Daily Briefing blog at Fortune magazine tries to sort out why Disney’s theme parks are still profitable and in no danger of becoming otherwise. Too bad both his examples are poor ones. New attractions are an important part of compelling repeat visitors, but new attractions open at the local amusement park too. It’s Disney’s unique ability to tell classic stories with its new attractions that drive repeat business. And while Pal Mickey is a good example of technology matched with branding, it’s hardly driving people to the parks.
  • It’s no secret, Miley Cyrus is big. Some are forecasting her to take over the spot vacated by the Olsen twins, Kate and Ashley. With Hannah Montana, there are effectively two of Miley anyway. Very shortly Miley could be worth a billion dollars.
  • Disney & More Blog has a new picture of Wall-E. Man he’s cute. And I wish people would stop comparing him to Number 5. Wall-E is much more expressive and versatile.
  • Finally, below the cut check out Muppets For President video. Too Funny.

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Star Wars Weekends Dates are now Final

There are new dates for the 2008 Star Wars Weekends up on the official Walt Disney World site. At first there was some conflict between the information that was released prior in the Cast Member newsletter, but in the last few hours the dates have been changed to be consistent with the first update. Those… Read More »Star Wars Weekends Dates are now Final

American Idol coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Walt Disney World Resort has announced plans to create a high-energy "American Idol" attraction bringing the popular musical audition themed show to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The attraction will take over the space of the former ABC Theater and construction is already well under way. Guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamor of the distinctive "American Idol" set. No word if they’ll have Ryan Seacrest as an audio-animatronic, but then again, how could you tell. (Just kidding Ryan.)

The attraction will have a competition element to it as well. With each eligible "Grand Finale" park guest who wins the daily competition qualifying for a guaranteed slot for regional auditions for the "American Idol" TV show. Eligible being the keyword there. I think "American Idol" has pretty strict rules on who they’ll consider for the show. However, I am seeing some ‘groupie’ potential too.

"American Idol" appears to be taking the slot vacated by "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" when "Toy Story Mania" construction started. One major difference, WWTBAM was at least a Disney property. I wonder if they’ll be giving out pins and other awards along the way. The attraction is scheduled to open in late 2008.

Executed well, this will be a popular addition to Hollywood Studios. What other Reality TV would you like to be able to participate in at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? How about Iron Chef America?   

A larger version of the concept art is on Flickr. The full press release and a cute but cheesy video released with the press release is below the cut:

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LOST Episode 4.02 – Confirmed Dead

Apparently there is some show on ABC tonight that everyone is all excited about. Tonight the LOSTies begin to question the intentions of their supposed rescuers when four strangers arrive on the island. I hear we also learn the identity of more of the Oceanic Six. Last weeks premier episode airs at 8pm and the… Read More »LOST Episode 4.02 – Confirmed Dead

Walt Disney’s Jazzy Classic – The Aristocats Special Edition

Walt Disney’s Jazzy Classic – The Aristocats Special Edition.
Coming to DVD on February 5, 2008 with Exclusive New Bonus Features

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I’ve just finished watching The Aristocats Special Edition, Walt Disney’s Jazzy Classic version. Disney has remastered the beloved animated musical adventure with new digitally enhanced picture and sound. The cats look and sound better than ever.

I also really enjoyed the special features. There is a brand new virtual kitten game, fun learning activities, plus a nostalgic behind-the-scenes featurette that showcases the music of the immortal Sherman brothers. I also found the bonus short "Bath Day" to be a lost classic. The Aristocats Special Edition is the purr-fect treat for the whole family!

All New Bonus Materials

  • Never-Before-Seen Deleted song
  • Games and Activities: Disney Virtual Kitten ROM, English Read-Along
  • The Aristocats Disney Song Selection
  • Bonus Short: Bath Day – a cartoon short from 1946 featuring Figaro
  • Backstage Disney: The Aristocats Scrapbook

For this re-release Disney has provided this long, but informative, interview with Richard Sherman, one half of the Sherman Brothers who were responsible for the jazz-inspired musical numbers of The Aristocats. I’ve included the full interview below the cut:

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Time Warner Casting Off AOL?

How times change.  Disney competitor Time Warner’s CEO is explaining how he wants to cast off AOL. A spinoff or sale of AOL, should it occur, would mark a sea change from 2000, when Time Warner agreed to be purchased by the Internet company then known as America Online at the top of the dot-com… Read More »Time Warner Casting Off AOL?

Mickey Mouse dons Chinese Costume for “Year Of The Rat” Celebration at Disneyland.

It’s a celebration that has Mickey Mouse’s name written all over it … well, half of his name, anyway. The most famous Mouse of all is inviting families to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Year of the Rat Mouse at Disneyland Resort. Mickey Mouse and Minnie will mark the Year of the Mouse by… Read More »Mickey Mouse dons Chinese Costume for “Year Of The Rat” Celebration at Disneyland.