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60th Anniversary of Mickey Mouse Club to Be Celebrated at D23 EXPO 2015 with Reunion of Original Mouseketeers

Members of the original Mickey Mouse Club will join the fun at D23 EXPO 2015 during a special presentation to commemorate the show’s 60th anniversary. Celebrating Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club — 60 Magical yEARS, hosted by author Lorraine Santoli (The Official Mickey Mouse Club Book), will take place Sunday, August 16 at 5 p.m. in Stage 23. The panel, featuring original Mouseketeers Sherry Alberoni, Sharon Baird, Bobby Burgess, Tommy Cole, Darlene Gillespie, Cubby O’Brien, and Doreen Tracey, along with actors Tim Considine (Spin Evans) and David Stollery (Marty Markham), will include a one-of-a-kind performance filled with memories, music, and magic. D23 EXPO 2015, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will take place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

In addition to the panel, the Disney Dream Store will offer a small collection of 60th anniversary Mickey Mouse Club items to mark the occasion. Also, several of the Mouseketeers will be available for a signing opportunity at D23 Autograph Central on the EXPO show floor on Sunday from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Plus, guests will be able to see Mouseketeer Annette Funicello’s original Disney Legend handprints on display for the first time outside the Walt Disney Studios lot. The handprints, taken on October 21, 1992, when Funicello was inducted as a Disney Legend, will be presented in one of the show floor’s “photo spots.” There will also be a collection of props and costumes from Mickey Mouse Club Circus in Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit.

D23 will also present several other engaging presentations for guests throughout the weekend including:

Charles Phoenix: Big Retro Disneyland Slide Show!
Friday, August 14, 10 a.m., Stage 28
Be prepared for your Disneyland-loving spirit to soar when the Ambassador of Americana takes you to the granddaddy of all theme parks when it opened. With his spectacular collection of “found” mid-century-era Kodachrome images, unbridled enthusiasm, and keen eye for detail, Charles shares the early days of Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland. See long-gone attractions, including the Phantom Boats, Flying Saucers, the Indian Village, PeopleMover, House of the Future, Carousel of Progress, and the original Tomorrowland—promoted as “The World of 1986”—and the all-new Tomorrowland in 1967. Your imagination will be inspired!

Disneyland Home Movies
Friday, August 14, 4:30 p.m., Stage 28
While Disneyland is one of the most photographed places on earth, this collection of one-of-a-kind footage and photography offers a unique viewpoint from another time. From the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Randy Haberkamp, Managing Director of Preservation and Foundation Programs; Lynne Kirste, Special Collections Curator; and surprise special guests will take guests on a journey from Walt’s inspirations for Disneyland to the park’s opening and evolution, as captured on film. Suzanne Lloyd joins the presentation to showcase her grandfather Harold Lloyd’s stunning photography of Disneyland taken the week before the opening and on opening day.

A Goofy Movie 20th Anniversary Reunion!
Friday, August 14, 6 p.m., Stage 28
Fans of A Goofy Movie won’t want to miss this special commemoration of the beloved Disney animated feature, which turns 20 in 2015. Film producer Don Hahn hosts a panel of A Goofy Movie talent––including Disney Legend Bill Farmer (Goofy), Jason Marsden (Max), Jim Cummings (Pete), Rob Paulsen (P.J.), and writer Jymn Magon––who will share behind-the-scenes stories and surprising anecdotes from the fan-favorite musical.

The Making of American Experience: Walt Disney
Saturday, August 15, 4:30 p.m., Stage 28
This fall, PBS will premiere a new two-part, four-hour film exploring the life and legacy of Walt Disney as part of the American Experience series. Go behind-the-scenes with the team who brought the project together for a special sneak peek of the film: moderator Don Hahn (film producer, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King), Sarah Colt (director/producer, American Experience: Walt Disney), Neal Gabler (biographer, Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination), and Becky Cline, the Director of the Walt Disney Archives.

Best of Destination D
Sunday, August 16, 4:30 p.m., Stage 28
Since 2010, D23 Destination D events have offered D23 Members the chance to celebrate their favorite Disney subjects with unique and in-depth presentations from Disney Legends, Imagineers, animators, and others who have made magic on film, at Disney theme parks, and beyond. At D23 EXPO 2015, D23 is bringing two popular presentations from prior Destination D events together for a celebration of Walt Disney World® Resort—including a look back to its construction, early development, and favorite attractions of the past with Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith. Then, Imagineer Jason Grandt will provide a modern look at Disney Parks and offer a designer’s point of view of details and “Easter Eggs” found throughout different attractions.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

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Christine M. McCarthy Named Chief Financial Officer and Kevin Mayer Named Chief Strategy Officer of The Walt Disney Company

Christine M. McCarthy has been named Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Kevin Mayer has been named Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), effective immediately, it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“Christine has done an incredible job as Disney’s Treasurer over the past 15 years, and her strong leadership and keen financial acumen make her an ideal Chief Financial Officer,” Mr. Iger said. “She is highly respected in the finance sector, and in this new role she will have even more impact on creating value for Disney shareholders.” Ms. McCarthy will report directly to Mr. Iger.

“Kevin has overseen Corporate Strategy and Business Development at a time of unprecedented growth for Disney, playing an integral role in our successful acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm,” Mr. Iger said. “With this promotion to the new role of Chief Strategy Officer he will continue to focus on growth opportunities and help position the company for the future.” Mr. Mayer, who previously reported to the Chief Financial Officer, will jointly report to Mr. Iger and Thomas O. Staggs, Chief Operating Officer.

As CFO, Ms. McCarthy will now oversee Investor Relations, Corporate Planning and Control, Tax, Corporate Treasury, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Integrated Supply Chain Management, and Corporate Citizenship. She succeeds James A. Rasulo as CFO.

“I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with the role of CFO of this incredibly dynamic company,” Ms. McCarthy said. “Under Bob’s leadership, Disney has delivered record results, and I look forward to working with our talented senior management team as we build on the company’s financial strength and strong balance sheet to deliver shareholder value.”

In Ms. McCarthy’s most recent role as Executive Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, Alliances and Treasurer, she developed a finance team responsible for treasury, corporate finance, capital markets, financial risk, international treasury and investments, credit, and risk management.

Mr. Mayer has served since 2005 as Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development, and in his new role as Chief Strategy Officer he will oversee Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Acquisitions, Enterprise Information Technology, Innovation, Brand and Franchise Management, and Global Corporate Alliances.

“I’m extremely gratified to be given this opportunity to further expand Disney’s assets and businesses,” Mr. Mayer said. “Disney’s growth has been incredible these past several years, and I am proud of the role my group has played in facilitating that expansion and excited by the strategic opportunities that lie ahead for the company.”

In 2009 and 2011, readers of The Deal named Disney the Most Admired Corporate Dealmaker in the consumer sector.

Mr. Mayer rejoined Disney from L.E.K. Consulting LLC, where he was a partner and head of the Global Media and Entertainment practice. Prior to L.E.K., Mr. Mayer held leading positions at interactive and Internet businesses, including chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Interactive, where he managed all aspects of new media business, including content, sales, business and technology development, and distribution.

Mr. Mayer first joined Disney in 1993 as Manager, Strategic Planning, where he spearheaded strategy and business development for all of Disney’s interactive/Internet and television businesses worldwide. Later, he became Executive Vice President of the Internet group, responsible for the operations, business plans, creative direction and distribution of Disney’s popular Web sites, including ESPN.com and ABCNews.com. Mr. Mayer received his M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1990, and holds a M.S.E.E. from San Diego State University and a B.S.M.E. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ms. McCarthy has served as Disney’s representative on the board of FM Global since 2010. She is also a Trustee of the Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena, Calif., and a mentor for the National Math and Science Initiative’s STEM program. She has been named multiple times to Treasury & Risk magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Finance,” and in June, 2015 she was named Treasury Today magazine’s Woman of the Year, one of the profession’s most highly regarded benchmarks.

Prior to joining Disney, Ms. McCarthy was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Imperial Bancorp from 1997 to 2000. She held various finance and planning positions at First Interstate Bancorp from 1981 to 1996, and was elected Executive Vice President in Finance for First Interstate in 1993. Ms. McCarthy completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences at Smith College, where she received an award for excellence in botany, and later earned an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Anderson School at UCLA.

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Special Vacation Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Disney Visa® Cardmembers can save 35% on Deluxe Studio-Standard View accommodations at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Walt Disney World® Resort for stays most nights July 5-Oct. 3, 2015.

Guests can embrace the tranquil spirit of the South Pacific at an oasis of tropical palms, flickering Tiki torches and white-sand beaches at one of the original Walt Disney World Resort hotels – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations are required. Deposit must be made at time of booking with a Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards® Redemption Card. 

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Sequel Gets Title

The Guardians of the Galaxy sequel has gotten a fitting title.

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International Soccer Star Marcelo to Inspire Youth Players at Disney Soccer Academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Brazilian soccer star Marcelo, the defensive anchor for Real Madrid, is joining other European soccer pros who are interacting with youth players participating in the Disney Soccer Academy this week at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

Marcelo, arguably the top left back in the world, will attend the popular Disney Soccer Academy for the first time on Tuesday. English Premier League players will join Marcelo in coaching and interacting with aspiring players during the week.

This year’s Disney Soccer Academy will be held at the HESS Sports Fields at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

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Get emotional with Disney’s new GIF keyboard app for iOS

A new GIF keyboard app prominently featuring characters from “Inside Out” has just been launched by Disney for iOS, apparently as a tie-in to the recently released Pixar computer-animated film.

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New Disney Segment to Combine Consumer Products and Interactive Divisions

In response to changing consumer preferences in a marketplace increasingly influenced by technology, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today announced a realignment of two of its divisions, Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive. The new combined segment, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), will be run jointly by Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Consumer Products; and Jimmy Pitaro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Interactive.

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“Both Disney Interactive and Disney Consumer Products have a strong track record of connecting people to their favorite stories and characters,” said Tom Staggs, Chief Operating Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As technology and digital entertainment continue to evolve, a shared innovation strategy will enable this new segment to create unique and engaging products and experiences that exceed consumers’ expectations.”

The new structure is designed to share technological expertise and maximize opportunities and efficiencies across two divisions that have increasingly become focused on similar objectives of delivering cutting-edge, interactive consumer experiences and products. In addition, the change will more effectively leverage Disney’s extensive licensing structure and retail relationships across both segments.

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Why Stormtroopers Look Different In Star Wars: The Force Awakens

We’ve known for a few months now what the brand new Stormtroopers would look like in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens – both thanks to concept art and trailer footage…

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Chart: How Inside Out’s 5 emotions work together to make more feelings

An important part of the climax of Pixar’s wonderful new film Inside Out involves the realization that all of our emotions are important…

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Dressing like Disney isn’t just for kids

Grown-ups are playing dress-up in a fashion trend called “Disneybounding,” which allows fans to display devotion without donning a Cinderella gown or a Buzz Lightyear spacesuit.

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