Watch the brand new trailer for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” starring Emma Watson & Dan Stevens.
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Archive for Scott
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Sparkles with Endless Magic During the 2016 Holiday Season
Disney’s Animal Kingdom presents holiday themes in a whole new “dark,” with new daytime-into-night experiences, including Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rivers Rapids and Expedition Everest. For the holidays:
- Guests will be greeted, at the park’s entrance, by a dramatic, animal-themed holiday tree. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse don their holiday best to meet and greet guests at Adventurers Outpost.
- Their friends Goofy, Baloo, King Louie, Donald Duck, Chip and Dale also show off their holiday finest.
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Home Sweet Home: California Native Returns Home for Super Heroes Half Marathon Victory at Disneyland Resort
To say that Nick Arciniaga feels at home at runDisney races at Disneyland Resort is an understatement.
Arciniaga, who grew up in nearby Fountain Valley, Calif. but now lives in Arizona, came home again this weekend and won the Super Heroes Half Marathon on Sunday for his fourth runDisney half marathon victory at Disneyland Resort.
Wearing a full-length Spiderman costume as he ran, Arciniaga summoned his super hero strength to give the home crowd plenty to cheer about, blasting through the 13.1- mile course in record time. His winning time of 1:09:28 was nearly two minutes quicker than the race record (1:11:09) and was more than five minutes faster than second-place finisher Robert Coslick of Phoenix, AZ (1:14:40).
“I always used to come to Disneyland as a kid and I just love the area,’’ Arciniaga said. “This is an exciting course. There are people all over the streets – you have cheerleaders, you have people inside the parks, everybody is dressed up and there’s a lot of enthusiasm. It helps me pick up the pace and motivates me to run faster.’’
Arciniaga, 33, broke from the pack of nearly 10,000 runners from the start and ran alone for much of the race that went through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure as well as the streets of Anaheim.
“I like to run these races by myself. I’m not really interested in making them close at all,’’ he said. “I just want to run away from the start. I feel that’s kind of my best strategy.’’
The Super Heroes Half Marathon win adds to Arciniaga’s wins at the 2014 Disneyland Half Marathon and the last two Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side races. The only runDisney race at Disneyland Resort that he hasn’t attempted to win is the women-focused Tinker Bell Half Marathon presented by PANDORA Jewelry held each May.
“I might have to run that one now,’’ he said with a chuckle. “I might have to find myself a nice little skirt to run it in, but yeah I probably will.’’
Lindsey Carter of Huntington Beach, Calif., was the first female finisher, crossing the line in 1:25:01. Brian Siemann of Savoy, Ill, took home top honors in the wheelchair division. Siemann, who competed in the Paralympics in Rio this summer, won with a time of 59:10 after also winning the Doctor Strange 10K wheelchair division the day before.
In addition to the half marathon and the 10K, the race weekend included a Captain America 5K, runDisney Kids Races and a Health and Fitness Expo. In all, more than 25,000 runners participated, including more than 13,000 from California.
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14 Things to Know About Disney’s ‘Moana’ Before You See the Film
One of the most highly anticipated films of the year is set to make a big splash on Thanksgiving. It’s Disney’s new animated feature film “Moana.”
Here are 14 things you should know about “Moana.”
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Disney World’s Big Attendance Surprise
There were plenty of welcome and unwelcome surprises in Disney‘s fiscal fourth-quarter report on Thursday. However, the biggest head-turning nugget in the media giant’s fresh financials is that attendance at its Florida resort actually increased this summer.
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Boyz II Men, Alessia Cara, Gavin Degraw, Flo Rida, JoJo, Zara Larsson and OneRepublic Join Stellar List of Musical Artists Taking Over The Happiest Place on Earth
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration’ and ‘The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration’ Add More Spectacular Artists to the Happiest Event This Holiday Season
Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” will air THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will air FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel. “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.
Previously announced performers include Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson, Jordan Fisher, Forever in Your Mind, China Anne McClain, Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart.
The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.
The multi-platform programming schedule is:
THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.
Musical performances include:
- Boyz II Men, joined by JoJo, will sing a holiday favorite from the steps of Cinderella Castle
- Alessia Cara will sing “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s animated feature film, “Moana” (in theaters November 23) for the very first time on broadcast television.
- Kelly Clarkson will perform “Underneath the Tree” and “Stronger.”
- Flo Rida performs two of his smash hits.
- Zara Larsson sings a holiday classic from a stunning location at Walt Disney World.
- From Disney’s Hollywood Studios, OneRepublic performs one of their hit songs.
- Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Ugly Christmas Sweater” and “Marshmallow World,” all from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
Additional performances to be announced.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.
Musical performances include:
- “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
- “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
- Kelly Clarkson performing a song from her 2013 holiday album “Wrapped in Red.”
- “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
- Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
- Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrate the joy of the holiday season as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Musical performances include:
- Alessia Cara will perform a holiday favorite.
- Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel and also hosts from backstage.
- Kelly Clarkson performing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
In front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World, Gavin DeGraw sings a Christmas classic. - “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.
- OneRepublic performs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their new album, “Christmas Together,” out November 11 (Pearl Records, Inc.).
Additional performances to be announced.
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Ferran Soriano leading Man City to global success following Disney model
On a freezing February night in London in 2006, Samuel Eto’o’s late header secured a 2-1 win for Barcelona in their Champions League clash with Chelsea. A 1-1 draw two weeks later at the Camp Nou saw them safely into the quarterfinals and they would go on to win the trophy for just the second time in their history.
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‘World of Color – Season of Light,’ a Nighttime Spectacular
The all-new, nighttime spectacular “World of Color–Season of Light” wraps guests in the warm glow of holiday magic at Disney California Adventure Park. Fusing cherished holiday music sung by beloved artists with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films, this sparkling winter fantasy is magical for all ages. This fourth new production of “World of Color” is more brilliant than ever with additional lighting, lasers and high-definition projections.
- More than 120 characters from 30-plus Disney and Disney•Pixar animated films are included in “World of Color–Season of Light.”
- The show has been in development for nearly a year, and the production team spent 10 weeks working overnight in the theme park to program the new show.
Music
- The score for “World of Color–Season of Light” was recorded in sessions in London, Nashville and Chicago.
- The soundtrack features some well-known musical artists performing popular holiday tunes:
- “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
- “Let It Snow” by Dean Martin
- “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Michael Bublé and Idina Menzel
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Amy Grant
- “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters
- “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
- “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies” by Pentatonix
- “Wizards in Winter” by Transiberian Orchestra
- “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
- “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Heather Headley
Themes
- In the mesmerizing start, the last leaves of fall givie way to the arrival of winter, as Mickey and his pals decorate their homes for Christmas. Themes include:
- Snow: The Frost Fairies from “Fantasia” create a winter wonderland.
- Love and Romance: Some of Disney’s romantic, fairytale couples take center stage, celebrating the holidays with the ones they love.
- Family and Home: From Andy’s family in “Toy Story” to a “Mele Kalikimaka” with Stitch and his ‘Ohana and a “Feliz Navidad” from the Three Caballeros, the story demonstrates that the most precious holiday moments are spending time with family.
- The Nutcracker: Highlights from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet accompany hilarious visuals of gracefully dancing hippos, ostriches, elephants and alligators from Disney’s “Fantasia.”
- Lights: Goofy goes all out in an over-the-top holiday light displays — until his ode turns to overload and everything short circuits, leading to a “Blue Christmas” with Sadness from Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
- Peace on Earth: In a stunningly beautiful finale, the lagoon is illuminated with the light of hope, filling guests’ hearts with the spirit of peace, joy and goodwill to all.
Lighting & Projection
- For “World of Color–Season of Light,” the lagoon will be flooded with more light than ever as five newly installed barges erupt in a brilliant lighting effect to punctuate the grand finale.
- More than 800 individual light fixtures are needed to illuminate the show.
- Six laser projectors are deployed to create a variety of entertaining effects.
- Nearly 20 high-definition projectors convey imagery to the screens of water.
Fountains
- Paradise Bay lagoon serves as the stage for “World of Color—Season of Light.” The lagoon covers 3.5 acres with nearly 15 million gallons of water and more than 1,200 fountains.
- The tables on which the fountains and other equipment sit comprise nearly one full acre of engineered superstructure, longer than a football field and capable of three position levels: one for performance, one completely submerged and one for maintenance.
- A vast underwater grid contains more than 18,000 points of control. Each fountain has multiple points of control for lighting, color intensity, water angle, height and more.
- Fountain heights range from 30 feet to 200 feet in the air. By way of comparison, Mickey’s Fun Wheel reaches a height of 150 feet.
- The show features one of the world’s largest projected water screens – a wall of water 380 feet wide by 50 feet high, for a projection surface of 19,000 square feet.
World of Color Highlights and History
- “World of Color – Season of Light” is the fourth all-new production to take place on Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure Park. Previous shows were:
- The original “World of Color” (2010)
- “World of Color – Winter Dreams” (2013)
- “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” (2015)
- In its history, “World of Color” has incorporated pre-shows and enhancements to keep the show fresh for guests, including a New Year’s Eve pre-show (2010), a July 4 Independence Day pre-show (2011) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011).
- “World of Color” received the 2010 Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Award for Outstanding Achievement–Nighttime Spectacular, for being “a visual and technical marvel.”
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SAMSON WINS AT SARATOGA SPRINGS BY SAM ALLEN
Inspired by New York’s city of Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort pays tribute to famous elements of its real life counterpoint in a number of ways.
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Disney Springs Treats Holiday Guests to Festive Entertainment, World-Class Shopping, Special Events and More at Walt Disney World Resort
From West Side to Marketplace, from Town Center to The Landing, Disney Springs will be aglow and all decked out for a grand and gala holidays celebration in 2016.
With its multi-year makeover from Downtown Disney nearly complete, Disney Springs at every corner will be unwrapping its very first full-on holidays gala. For the first time, all four neighborhoods will be filled with festive decorations, the merriest of special events and entertainment fun for the whole family.
Disney Springs puts a big red bow around the season of cheer with three extra special events:
- Stitch’s Holiday Gift A fun scavenger hunt will allow guests to explore all four neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Guests pick up their Holiday Hunt booklet at any participating location, then explore Disney Springs in search of a unique Stitch icon at each participating location. Once complete, guests redeem the booklet at a redemption location to receive a free “completer” button.
- The Festival of Toys. The Once Upon a Toy Fountain area (Marketplace) comes alive with a holiday dance party, deluxe hot chocolate, pin trading and a nightly tree lighting ceremony inviting a select family to turn on the holiday lights.
- Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail. (Marketplace). This immersive and enchanting walk-through experience features 15 custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme. Custom music and a light snowfall completes the Christmassy scene.
Holiday Shopper’s Paradise
Talk about shopping, Disney Springs will be the address for shoppers at holiday time – from name-brand retailers to unique boutiques stocking that special trinket for under the tree to everything in between.
Some of the most recognizable names in retailing have opened their doors in Town Center, newest neighborhood of Disney Springs. This includes Anthropologie, Lucky Brand, kate spade new york, UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE, Tommy Bahama and Sephora – plus brands unique to Central Florida including UNIQLO, Melissa Shoes and UNOde50.
In Marketplace, guests can shop for seasonal offerings at Disney’s Days of Christmas, Art of Disney, World of Disney, Wonderful World of Memories, Marketplace Fun Finds, and Marketplace Co-Op.
At Art of Disney, shoppers can find sketch artists doing holiday artwork. Goofy’s Candy Co. for the holidays is a yummy wonderland of chocolate-dipped candy canes, Olaf caramel apples, Mickey Santa Krispy Treat, miniature fruit cakes and a Mickey Santa Cupcake.
Disney Springs also unwraps a special, hard-to-find present found on every shopper’s wish list: convenient, close-in and complimentary parking.
With the proximity of two “smart” garages where open parking spaces are readily identified, Disney Springs guests are spared the holiday angst of jockeying up and down rows of parked cars for the elusive slot. Disney Springs also is connected to Disney resort hotels by complimentary motorcoach or watercraft service. After 4pm, transportation is available from all four Theme Parks to Disney Springs.
Holiday Feasting at Disney Springs
When the holiday hungries strike, there is no need to pack back into the car. Great dining options abound at every corner of Disney Springs, whether it’s grab-and-go (food trucks at West Side), casual sit-down (Earl of Sandwich, Paradiso 37, Wolfgang Puck Cafe) or a memorable dining experience at venues such as STK and Morimoto Asia. At select locations such as The BOATHOUSE, Raglan Road, T-Rex Café, Rainforest Cafe and Splitsville, entertainment becomes an extra added attraction to holiday feasting.
Frontera Cocina, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, D-Luxe Burger, Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine are new Town Center dining discoveries holiday shoppers will find. Also new for 2016: a holiday cocktails and craft beer in Marketplace.
Byways and stages filled with holiday entertainment
Between great shopping and dining, Disney Springs treats guests to a sleighful of holiday entertainment.
- At Marketplace, Living Statues (World of Disney/Poutine Courtyard)
- At Marketplace, The Festival of Toys
- At Marketplace, Carolers (near Disney’s Days of Christmas and Santa’s Chalet).
- At Waterview Park (The Landing), Hanukkah-inspired troupe Kalinka 24-30
- At Waterside Stage (Marketplace), DJ Holiday Dance Party
- At Waterside Stage, UHURU celebrating Kwanza Dec. 26-27
- At Marketplace, Toy Soldier stilt walkers
Best News of All
That would be the Jolly Old Man himself. Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus invites the young and young-at-heart to share their Christmas wishes at Santa’s Chalet (Marketplace) Nov. 11-Dec. 24 (Noon-10:00 p.m.) and Black Friday Nov. 25 (8 a.m.-10:00 p.m.). Santa Goofy joins the fun Dec. 25-Dec. 30 (Noon-10:00 p.m.).
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