One of the comments that was made in the 1Q results conference call was that Disney’s theme parks had seen a larger drop off in visits from locals than had been expected. Also mentioned was the expectation that further admission discounts would be coming. Well, here’s the first one. Florida residents can get two parks for two days for $99 ($83 for ages 3-9).
Tickets must be purchased before May 20th and the last day to use the tickets is May 21st. They are “Magic Your Way” base tickets, which means they must be used within 14 days of first use as well.
020909 Update: The deal is now official. Nikki Finke reported it first, then the NY Times confirmed the news… Dreamworks SKG (the film and tv, but not the animation, division) has ended negotiations to partner with Universal Studios and instead is heading just a bit… Read More »Disney and Dreamworks? A Match Made in Heaven
Today is “D Day” for hundreds of executives throughout The Walt Disney Company’s east coast and west coast divisions that support the parks and resorts (including Imagineering). Today’s the day they have to decide if they’ll take a severance package or risk future layoffs with… Read More »D-Day for Disney Park Executives, Layoff or Severance?
The Walt Disney Company has announced the creation of the Disney Memorial Pausch Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University in recognition of the passion and energy Dr. Randy Pausch brought to his work at both Carnegie Mellon and Walt Disney Imagineering. Pausch is best known for his life-affirming “Last Lecture,” which he delivered to his students and colleagues a few weeks after learning he had just months to live. Intended as a roadmap for his three young children, the lecture included his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously.
“Randy Pausch lived his life inspiring his students, colleagues and co-workers. Now, the vitality and energy he brought to his classroom lives on and serves as an inspiration to millions of people he never had the chance to meet,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “We are proud to honor Randy’s passion by supporting the innovators and dreamers of tomorrow with these fellowships.”
The Associated Press has a small story and a 2 minute video (click on the little icon to the left of the story) that reveals many of the new character figures that have been added to Disneyland’s classic “it’s a small world” attraction in an… Read More »Character Invasion of “it’s a small world” revealed
The American Idol Experience isn’t Disney’s first interaction with American Idol. Many former winners and contestants of the American Idol television show have visited Walt Disney World over the years and now Disney has put together a gallery of photos taken during those visits. There… Read More »Gallery of former American Idol winners and contestants at Walt Disney World
When I heard that Disney was releasing a 20th Anniversary Edition of “Oliver & Company” the first thing that came to my mind was how long ago 1988 seems. It was pre-internet, the Berlin wall still stood, and Miley Cyrus’ birth was still 4 years away. And yet Oliver & Company really pushed the boundaries for Walt Disney Feature Animation.
There was ample use of computer generated animation. All the cars on the road, Fagan’s cart, and that great staircase descent of Bette Midler’s spoiled Poodle Georgette were CGI. In fact, the staircase shot was in many ways a precursor to the great tree-surfing scene that was so spectacular in Tarzan.
In Oliver & Company, Disney presents an unforgettable musical adventure as Oliver, an adorable stray kitten (voiced by Joey Lawrence), takes Manhattan by storm! When Dodger (Billy Joel), a street-smart mutt with a weakness for mischief, befriends the homeless tabby, he introduces his new pal to his pack of pickpocket pooches, run by the nefarious Sykes (Robert Loggia).
Just as Oliver is about to begin a life of crime, he is rescued by a rich girl named Jenny, who takes him home to live in luxury with her and her spoiled poodle Georgette (Bette Midler). But when Sykes finds out about Oliver’s new benefactor, he hatches a plot to abscond with the little girl and hold her for ransom. The courageous kitty and his new found friends must race to the rescue in an electrifying chase through the city’s labyrinthine subway system in order to bring Jenny home.
Oliver & Company’s, Disney’s 27th full-length animated film, celebrates its 20th anniversary in a special edition DVD with enough fun and laughter for the whole family. The adorable gang of animal outcasts comes to you with brilliant animation, a fantastic soundtrack and the amazing voice talents of Billy Joel, Bette Midler, and Huey Lewis, that puts Oliver & Company on track to win the hearts of a whole new generation.
As for special features, the 20th Anniversary Edition comes with animated shorts, behind–the-scenes featurettes and an all-new game that the parents and kids will love to play together. Not exactly anything to write home about. The shorts are cute and memorable, but the featurettes are literally nothing new. I would have at least appreciated a retrospective from some of those involved in the project and where they are today.
If you don’t have Oliver & Company in your Disney DVD collection, now is your chance to catch up with this unique animated feature.
One of the forum members of Tiki Central finally convinced his stepmom, Diana Lai, to tell her story of how she became one of the original VIP Hostess’ for Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. That’s Diane facing the camera in a postcard for Tiki Room (above).… Read More »Tales of an Original VIP Hostess for Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
