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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Delivers New Magic with Extensive Renovations

An exciting, hotel-wide refurbishment is bringing new magic to the luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, with completely redesigned guest rooms plus a refreshed lobby, pool areas and the concierge-level Craftsman Club. The most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2001 opening will elevate the premium guest experience and bring a contemporary approach to the Arts & Crafts design style.

The renovations are currently in progress, with expected completion in the fall of 2017. Guests may already enjoy some of the updates, with many guest rooms available and the redesigned pool area ready for summer fun.

Recently named a AAA Four Diamond hotel by the Automobile Club of Southern California for the sixteenth year in a row, the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa captures the romantic spirit of California’s Arts & Crafts movement in the early 20th century.

“Our renovation adds more luxury to this iconic Southern California hotel, while staying committed to its signature Arts & Crafts design,” said Dan Coleman, General Manager of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. “We want our guests to feel they are staying in a Disney hotel that’s distinctly situated in beautiful California. The revitalized design helps convey this feeling and allows us to continue exceeding guest expectations.”

Redesigned Guest Rooms
Every single element in the redesigned guest rooms will be new, creating a fresh sense of luxury – from floor and walls to furnishings, bedding and linens, as well as upgraded bathrooms. Upon entry, guests will notice beautiful hardwood flooring transitioning into soft, bright-toned carpeting. Linens and pillows are restyled in a bright, white palette and upgraded bathrooms include new fixtures. The room decor is a contemporary take on the Arts & Crafts style featuring all-new furniture made of natural oak, specially designed for each room, as well as California-inspired artwork created by artists and Disney Imagineers, including beautiful headboard walls with wood inlay designs featuring Chip ‘n Dale climbing orange trees! Guests with sharp eyes will catch other uniquely Disney details throughout these newly enhanced rooms.

Other Enhancements

  • Pools: The pools and surrounding areas have been redesigned with new hardscapes that reinforce the Arts and Crafts feeling of this premier Disney resort.  A variety of natural stones were chosen to create a warm and welcoming environment at each pool.
  • Lobby: The already spectacular six-story Grand Hall lobby will continue to impress guests with new, stylish furnishings to complement the existing Arts and Crafts décor.
  • The Craftsman Club: The new design for The Craftsman Club, the hotel’s concierge-level lounge, will draw inspiration from the architectural and furniture designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a visionary of the Glasgow Style of the Arts and Crafts movement. New hardwood flooring, custom-designed rugs, finely-crafted artisanal furniture and specially- commissioned art will add to the sophisticated, upscale tone of the Club.

Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa is the first Disney resort hotel in the world to be located inside a theme park, providing guests with an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure Park.

Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels also enjoy Extra Magic Hour, which provides early entry to select Disneyland and Disney California Adventure attractions.

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Disneyland Resort Debuts a New Universe of Fun This Summer with Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Guests escaping to the Disneyland Resort in search of fun and adventure this summer will join forces with Guardians of the Galaxy as this intergalactic crew attempts its own escape in the rockin’ new attraction Guardians of the Galaxy –  Mission: BREAKOUT!, opening Saturday, May 27, in Disney California Adventure Park.

Heroes from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” film, some appearing for the first time in a Disney park, also come alongside the Avengers for all-new, epic adventures during Summer of Heroes. Beginning May 27, guests will live these exciting stories as they encounter some favorite Super Heroes together for the first time.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! launches guests into an action-packed adventure that’s full of irreverent humor, combining a breathtaking free-fall sensation with all- new visual and audio effects. The action jumps to the beat of the attraction’s “awesome mix tape” of music, inspired by the films’ soundtracks. Guests will discover multiple ride experiences as they help  Rocket in a daring plan to free the Guardians–a band of extraterrestrial misfits–from the fortress of The Collector, Taneleer Tivan.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens as a permanent attraction just in time for summer 2017 at the Disneyland Resort, and the Summer of Heroes inaugurates an ever- expanding universe of Super Hero stories at Disney California Adventure that will become even bigger over time. In addition, guests in the park’s Hollywood Land will join some favorite Super Heroes for epic, new experiences for a limited time.

“Pick your spot for fun and adventure this summer at the Disneyland Resort,” said David Duffy, director of creative entertainment at the Disneyland Resort. “You can step into a rescue mission on a thrilling adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and you can encounter legendary Super Heroes. You can step up to meet Groot for the first time, and find out if you have what it takes to join the Avengers. You can watch the Main Street Electrical Parade one more time, re- discover some of your favorite classics like ‘Fantasmic!’ and so much more.‘’

In Disneyland Park, the classic Main Street Electrical Parade has been extended by popular demand through Aug. 20, 2017. The nighttime parade features beloved Disney characters and stories, half a million twinkling lights, the synthesized music of “Baroque Hoedown” and the heartwarming joy of nostalgia.  Summer 2017 also marks the return of the nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!,” the Disneyland Railroad and attractions on Rivers of America.

In Disney California Adventure:

Guests will enjoy some of the Super Hero experiences year-round:

  • Super Hero Encounters: For the first time, citizens of Terra (Earth) will come face-to- face with Groot.  They also may encounter the First Avenger, Captain America, and everyone’s favorite web slinger, the friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man.
  • “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!”: Star-Lord fires up his old-school boom box to get a party started.  Everyone, including tree-of-few-words Groot, is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash.

For a limited time (May 27 through Sept. 10), some new adventures will be exclusive to

Summer of Heroes:

  • “Avengers Training Initiative”: Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.
  • Heroic Encounter: Black Widow: Black Widow arrives on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park guests.
  • Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action: Special themed merchandise, plus food and beverage items, will be available throughout Hollywood Land.

Another new, year-round show is fun for all ages:

  • “Disney Junior Dance Party!”: Debuting Friday, May 26, this fun concert experience invites adults and kids to dance and sing along to the music.  Popular Disney Junior characters from Disney Junior TV shows “Doc McStuffins,” “Sofia the First” and “The Lion Guard” are joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the new series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers.”

In addition, the popular “Pixar Play Parade,” presenting the colorful and exciting worlds of the Disney•Pixar pals from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” “Finding Nemo,” “Cars” and others, has returned to Disney California Adventure with daily performances full of fun and surprising movement and effects.

And Princess Elena, the adventurous heroine of the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor” and the first Disney Princess inspired by diverse Latin American cultures will greet her fans in the patio of Paradise Garden Grill.

In Disneyland:

Along with the Main Street Electrical Parade, some classic guest favorites have been enhanced and are set to return in Summer 2017. Dates will be available soon at Disneyland.com.

  • The summer months offer a last chance to view the lights, music and fun of the beloved Main Street Electrical Nightly performances through Aug. 20 feature favorites like Cinderella’s ball, Elliot, the smoke-breathing, tail-waggin “Pete’s Dragon” and the glittering “To Honor America” finale.
  • The popular nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” is set to re-open this summer on the Rivers of America, enhanced with new scenes and Guests will find Mickey Mouse in more scenes than ever before, and they’ll discover new roles for Genie from “Aladdin” along with characters from “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
  • As work continues on a new Star Wars-themed land, set to open in 2019, the iconic Disneyland Railroad is preparing to return this summer to take guests on a tour of the They’ll enjoy a new look along the Rivers of America, with a spectacular new vista of a waterfall, rocky cliffs and a dramatic gorge below.
  • Also returning this summer are the Rivers of America attractions: the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes and Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island.
  • In Tomorrowland, Star Wars and Disney fans will step into out-of-this-galaxy experiences at Star Wars Launch Bay, meeting some Star Wars characters and getting an up-close look at replica props and models from Star Wars movies, including the latest “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.  
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Five Fun Ways to Experience the New ‘Disney Junior Dance Party!’ at Disney California Adventure Park

Beginning May 26, 2017, the all-new “Disney Junior Dance Party!” comes to life in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure Park, where guests also will discover the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission BREAKOUT! attraction and the epic Summer of Heroes.

Here are five reasons guests will want to join the fun at “Disney Junior Dance Party!”  High-Energy Entertainment: Guests are an integral part of the show in this high-energy dance party, which features delightfully interactive entertainment and an opportunity for guests of all ages to participate in the festivities. Guests also enjoy special surprises with some favorite Disney characters.

Interactive Magic: “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a musically-infused live concert featuring a DJ and a Party Host who encourage guests to get up and move to their favorite Disney Junior songs. In an exhilarating experience for little ones, bubbles, snow and confetti fill the room, inviting everyone to reach out and touch the fun.

Beloved Disney Junior Stories: Inspiration for the storytelling in “Disney Junior Dance Party!” comes from four popular Disney Junior TV shows: the new “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” along with “Doc McStuffins,” “Sofia the First” and “The Lion Guard.” Disney Junior is where the enchantment of Disney storytelling often begins for young guests, and those stories come alive in “Disney Junior Dance Party!”

Fun for Everyone!: This charming live show is sure to be a must-see for guests, and especially for families with young children. As little ones are immersed in the interactive fun with some of their favorite Disney Junior characters, parents will recognize the way the magic becomes so real for young children.

Conga line!: “Kids are going to be surrounded by the energy that is Disney Junior,” said Brad Kaye, principal art director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “They’ll be on their feet from the time they walk into the theater until they form the conga line at the end.”

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‘DuckTales’: Lin-Manuel Miranda Joins Disney XD’s Toon Reboot

When the DuckTales cast records its lines, Lin-Manuel Miranda will be in the room where it happens. The Hamilton creator/ex-star is lending his voice to the Disney XD toon series reboot that premieres this year.

Full Story

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DISNEY•PIXAR’S “CARS 3” FUELS TWO SOUNDTRACKS

As Lightning McQueen heads to the big screen alongside his new tech-savvy trainer Cruz Ramirez, Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3” fuels two soundtrack releases—both available from Walt Disney Records on June 16 as the film opens in theaters nationwide. The Cars 3 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, features eight tracks—including original songs by Dan Auerbach and ZZ Ward, four covers by various artists, and two instrumental tracks from Brad Paisley. The Cars 3 Original Score Composed and Conducted by Randy Newman reunites the “Cars” franchise with the Oscar®-winning composer. Both soundtracks are available for pre-order tomorrow, May 19, 2017.

“Lightning McQueen is on the journey of a lifetime—traveling cross-country, revisiting the past and looking into his own heart and soul to answer some big questions,” said “Cars 3” director Brian Fee. “Just like the music in the first two ‘Cars’ movies, the songs and score in this film really help support the story we are telling.”

CARS 3 ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
The Cars 3 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features “Run That Race,” an original song written and performed by nine-time Grammy® winner Dan Auerbach that can be heard as the movie opens. “The song is about never giving up and always trying your best,” said Auerbach, who met with filmmakers prior to penning the song. “They showed me the storyboards and ran through the plot. I was able to read some of the dialogue and from there I had enough to piece together a story in my mind for the song.”

Auerbach will release Waiting on a Song, his second solo album, on June 2 via his new label, Easy Eye Sound.

The soundtrack also features “Ride,” an original end-credit song performed by Hollywood Records artist ZZ Ward, featuring musician Gary Clark Jr. Written by Ward, Evan Bogart and Dave Bassett, the song was released by Walt Disney Records as a digital single on April 14. It was performed live by Ward April 17 on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Ward’s sophomore album, The Storm, will be released June 30.

The soundtrack also features four cover songs, including two bonus tracks.*

  • “Kings Highway,” originally released in 1991 by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, makes a comeback courtesy of 23-year-old British singer-songwriter James Bay.
  • Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit “Glory Days” gets a modern-day makeover by Grammy®-nominated performer Andra Day, who voices Sweet Tea in the film—a performer in the Cotter Pin with a hairstyle reminiscent of Day’s signature look.
  • *The Beatles’ classic 1965 song “Drive My Car” is back on the road, compliments of Hollywood Records artist Jorge Blanco.
  • *”Freeway of Love,” made famous in 1985 by Aretha Franklin, is performed for the soundtrack by actress Lea DeLaria, who also provides the voice of Miss Fritter, a school bus-turned-demolition-derby-queen in “Cars 3.”

Three-time Grammy®-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer Brad Paisley, who has 24 No. 1 singles under his belt, was called on to create two instrumental tracks that are featured on the Cars 3 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. “Truckaroo” and “Thunder Hollow Breakdown” accompany the film’s action-packed Crazy 8 demolition derby sequence that puts Lightning and Cruz in the midst of total chaos. “Brad Paisley was part of both ‘Cars’ and ‘Cars 2,'” said Tom MacDougall, executive vice president of music at Disney. “We knew he could have some fun with a demolition derby, and he just killed it. His down-home country tracks really add to the scene’s action and humor.”

From Walt Disney Records, the Cars 3 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is available June 16 and can be pre-ordered digitally HERE and via Amazon HERE.

CARS 3 ORIGINAL SCORE SOUNDTRACK
Newman, who was behind the Oscar®-winning music in Disney·Pixar’s “Toy Story 3” and “Monsters, Inc.,” composed the score for the first “Cars” movie and penned the Oscar®-nominated song “Our Town.” For “Cars 3,” Newman created a score that reflects the heart and high-octane action of the film—21 tracks are included on the soundtrack. “Randy has a real connection to the ‘Cars’ world,” says MacDougall. “His ability to capture the feeling of this film, its characters, locations and the Americana theme throughout is extraordinary—the music is so naturally fluid and inspired. It really feels like Randy is coming home with this score.”

Newman used a 110-piece orchestra to record the score. The Cars 3 Original Score Composed and Conducted by Randy Newman is available June 16 from Walt Disney Records and can be pre-ordered HERE.

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NEW OFFERINGS IN THE ENCHANTING EXTRAS COLLECTION AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

As we recently shared, the Enchanting Extras Collection immerses guests in more magic than they ever thought possible with distinctly Disney experiences. Today we’re sharing updates on two Enchanting Extras offerings – the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie and a new Specialty Cruise.

The popular Amorette’s Cake Decorating Experience, one of our “Adventures in Dining” options, has been extended through Aug. 25, 2017. Plus, it’s now offered 3 times per week (Sunday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9 a.m.). During this special 90-minute cake decorating experience, guests will decorate their own Mickey Cake while a pastry artist shares insider stories and tips. The cost is $129 plus tax for two Guests decorating one cake. Guests must be at least 10 years of age to participate. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Over at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, guests can experience Cruising Around the World, a new “Rest & Recreation” option. During this specialty cruise, guests will board a pontoon boat at Bayside Marina and sail around Crescent Lake and the World Showcase Lagoon. In addition to the captain who accompanies each cruise, each boat can accommodate up to 10 Guests. Guests can even turn this Specialty Cruise into a lunch cruise! Guests may purchase food and beverages through Private Dining; assorted bag snacks, and assorted soft drinks are included. The Day Cruise Around the World will be offered daily starting on June 1, 2017. This experience lasts one hour and the cost per pontoon boat is $159 (includes tax and gratuity). Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529).

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Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior Announce Star-Filled Events for Fans at Disney’s D23 Expo 2017

Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior will present one-of-a-kind experiences for kids and families during D23 Expo 2017, the ultimate Disney fan event, taking place FRIDAY, JULY 14SUNDAY, JULY 16 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The lineup includes star-studded Q&A panels featuring the talented voice casts of Disney XD’s highly anticipated DuckTales series and Disney Channel’s Tangled: The Series, plus a special appearance by the stars and director of the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants 2. Disney Channel and Disney XD cast members from Stuck in the Middle, Bizaardvark, K.C. Undercover, Walk the Prank, and MECH-X4 will greet fans at the D23 Expo’s Talent Central throughout the weekend.

The one-and-only Scrooge McDuck’s Money Bin, located on the show floor, will provide the priceless opportunity for fans to dive into more than 30,000 plastic gold coins and “swim” away with a professional 180-degree video capture to share with friends. The new DuckTales series premieres this summer on Disney XD, in the 30th anniversary year of the Emmy® Award-winning original series treasured by a generation.

On FRIDAY, JULY 14, Descendants 2 stars Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart, along with Kenny Ortega, the Emmy Award-winning director, executive producer, and choreographer, will make a special appearance.

On SATURDAY, JULY 15, Disney XD’s DuckTales stars Ben Schwartz (the voice of Dewey), Kate Micucci (Webby Vanderquack), Beck Bennett (Launchpad McQuack), and Toks Olagundoye (Mrs. Beakley) will join executive producer Matt Youngberg and co-producer/story editor Francisco Angones for a Q&A panel taking place from 4:15– 5:15 p.m. on Stage 28.

On SUNDAY, JULY 16, fans are invited to join the stars and creative team of Disney Channel’s Tangled: The Series for a Q&A panel as they share some of the magic behind bringing the series to life. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, who reprise their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene (AKA Flynn Rider) from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ acclaimed feature film, will be joined by executive producer Chris Sonnenburg, co-executive producer Ben Balistreri, and Broadway stars Eden Espinosa (Cassandra) and Jeremy Jordan (Varian). The panel will take place from 10:30–11:30 a.m. on Stage 28.

Fans of Disney Junior’s Doc McStuffins are invited to visit McStuffins Toy Hospital Nursery, which will be on the Expo show floor during the entire three-day event. Young visitors can give the toy babies a checkup, as well as be among the first to play the new Doc McStuffins Baby app, set to launch this summer. The McStuffins Toy Hospital Nursery is part of Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit, a traveling museum exhibit designed to model “care and compassion” for kids ages 2-7 via immersive activities that reinforce the importance of health and well-being.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

About Disney Channels Worldwide

Disney Channels Worldwide is a portfolio of kid-driven, family-inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 162 countries/territories in 34 languages, spanning Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama, and Radio Disney brands. Through cable, satellite, and digital terrestrial television channels and a strategic partnership with Disney Media Distribution for the third-party distribution of Disney-branded kids’ programming across the globe, Disney Channels Worldwide reaches hundreds of millions of viewers. Disney Channel properties continue to rapidly expand into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to new consumers.

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FIRST LOOK AT NEW SPACES AND EXPERIENCES ABOARD THE DISNEY FANTASY

Yesterday, the Disney Fantasy set sail on her first cruise after a sprinkling of pixie dust that brought new fun for kids, adults and families. Each new area is marked by meticulous detail and unmistakable Disney touches. Here’s a first look at some of the ways we added even more magic to one of the most magical ships at sea …

Star Wars: Command Post 
Now kids can train with heroes of the Star Wars saga and help with missions against the First Order. Throughout their journey, they’ll meet members of the Resistance and learn to channel the Force.

Sweet on You 
Themed after the iconic Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, this whimsical ice cream shop features hand-crafted gelato and ice-cream, specialty sundaes, homemade chocolates, truffles and lots and lots of candy.

Tiffany & Co. 
This premier jewelry store is home to timeless collections of jewelry and luxury accessories, including the Tiffany T collection and other glamorous pieces featuring renowned Tiffany & Co. diamonds.

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MOBILE ORDER AVAILABLE AT PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR BEGINNING MAY 27

As we’ve previously shared, a new food ordering service, Mobile Order, is debuting in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

Today, we’re excited to share that Mobile Order will be available at the park’s Satu’li Canteen restaurant on opening day – May 27 – and then expanding to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus during the summer. And better yet, more Mobile Order fast casual and quick service locations across Walt Disney World® Resort are on the way.

Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. Guests can select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.

It’s easy to do. After guests place their order, pre-pay in the app and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, they’ll tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare their meal. When ready, guests will be alerted through the app to pick up their meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick-up sign.

Please note during the initial launch period of Mobile Order, the only form of payment accepted will be by credit card. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.

Stay tuned as we continue to share more about Mobile Order and additional new features and enhancements to the My Disney Experience app.

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ADVENTURES BY DISNEY INTRODUCES NEW ICELAND VACATION AND REIMAGINES CLASSIC ITINERARIES IN 2018

Today, Adventures by Disney® announced its newest destination – Iceland! In 2018, guests can explore the diverse landscapes of this country and discover the natural powers of majestic waterfalls, massive glaciers and stunning volcanos. This new 8-day, 7-night, action-packed vacation will immerse Guests in the rich Icelandic culture and unparalleled natural beauty that joins forces through this land of fire and ice.

Also in 2018, Adventures by Disney vacations to Germany, Costa Rica and Ireland have been reimagined, expanding upon the already rich authentic experiences and local storytelling of these destinations.

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