WDW Daily News

IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) today announced that the latest IMAX^® 3D cinematic space adventure from acclaimed filmmaker Toni Myers, officially now titled A Beautiful Planet, will debut domestically in IMAX^® theatres April 29, 2016.

Additionally, A Beautiful Planet, a co-production between IMAX Entertainment and The Walt Disney Studios, will receive a special presentation at the Giant Screen Cinema Association’s (GSCA) International Conference and Trade Show held next week in San Francisco, where Myers will be on hand to unveil footage from the film.

A Beautiful Planet is a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. Made in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the film features stunning footage captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

“Toni has crafted a remarkable film that uniquely captures the raw beauty of our planet,” said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. “In collaboration with our long-time friends at Disney, we’re so excited to bring the entertaining and creative A Beautiful Planet to IMAX audiences during Earth Month next year, making it a one-of-a-kind celebration and appreciation of the place we call home—in IMAX.”

“A Beautiful Planet provides a unique perspective on our relationship with Earth, offering audiences a vantage point that very few have ever been able to experience,” said Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios. “IMAX is a perfect format for the film’s spectacular and immersive imagery.”

Myers has been editing, writing, producing and directing films specifically tailored for The IMAX Experience^® since 1971. Her most recent documentary feature film, 2010’s acclaimed Hubble 3D, has grossed nearly $70 million in IMAX^® theatres to date.

A Beautiful Planet will be presented in IMAX^® 3D and 2D for digital, Laser and IMAX 15/70 locations.

Neuschwanstein Castle is Germany’s most famous castle, but you probably recognize it as belonging to Sleeping Beauty. In the real world, the fairytale centerpiece of the Disneyland theme park was inspired by the home of Bavarian monarch King Ludwig II.

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High school students nationwide can now apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com to be among 100 selected to participate in the 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, educational mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entering the search for its ninth class of Dreamers, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques, leadership values and networking strategies.

It all takes place in the very magical and creative setting of Walt Disney World Resort. Dreamers are taken both on stage and behind the scenes, where Disney theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Disney Dreamers are exposed to motivational speakers and celebrities who share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

“We’re excited to welcome back Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE for the ninth year,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vice president of deluxe resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “This program stands out for its ability to motivate and inspire teens to think big and achieve their dreams. By applying for Disney Dreamers Academy, high school students from across the country are taking a step toward an experience that can change their lives.”

Applicants must answer essay questions about their personal stories and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.

Select Disney Dreamers along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they will participate in life-changing sessions as they are surrounded by the creativity and innovation represented in Disney theme parks around the world. Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 3-6, 2016.

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE and Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. “One of my personal commitments is to always give back and particularly to youth,” said Harvey. “We’ve seen 800 students come through the program, and I’m excited to find the next 100. I encourage all high school students to take the time to apply for Disney Dreamers Academy because I truly believe that a young person’s dream is more important than anything.”

ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “Each year, ESSENCE is honored to seek out the next generation of big dreamers and welcome them to Walt Disney World Resort for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is our privilege to take part in such an empowering youth platform that enables us to impact the leaders of tomorrow.”

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 30, 2015. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications in November and winners will be announced in December 2015.

For more information regarding applications, visit: DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Follow the Dreamers on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or on Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.

Voice-over actors are the hidden artists who provide the audio atmosphere and essential back stories that bring theme parks to life.

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Time to cancel those surveys asking whether anyone would confuse the logo of Deadmau5 with the head of Mickey Mouse. Deadmau5 — aka EDM star Joel Zimmerman …

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Story time just got a little more magical for AT&T* U-verse^® customers. Families have downloaded more than 8 million digital books through the Disney Story Central app, and AT&T U-verse and Disney are now bringing the popular Disney Story Central platform to TV screens across the country for the first time. As a subscription-based on demand service, Disney Story Central offers all AT&T U-verse TV customers a robust collection of narrated classic Disney stories for $8 per month.

Parents and their children can read along with beloved Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Anna and Olaf on their TV screens. New stories will be added to the platform every few months.

“We’re excited to bring customers and their families interactive experiences that foster creativity and imagination,” said Mel Coker, chief marketing officer, AT&T Home Solutions. “Disney Story Central allows families another way to enjoy U-verse TV together.”

AT&T U-verse customers already have access to great live and on demand programming from Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD.  They can view it on their U-verse TVs and through the U-verse App. Along with Disney content, the U-verse App lets customers watch more than 230 live channels inside their home and more than 170 channels on the go – more than any cable TV provider.

“We are always looking for new and innovative ways for our consumers to enjoy Disney storytelling,” said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Expanding the Disney Story Central platform onto AT&T U-verse TV is another way to connect families with the Disney stories they know and love.”

For more information on Disney Story Central, visit www.DisneyStoryCentral.com.

Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse services. For more information on AT&T U-verse — or to find out if it’s available in your area — visit www.att.com/u-verse.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Dole Pineapple Whip is one of the most beloved snacks available at the Disney parks, as any Disney devotee will gladly tell you. Creamy, tropical, and refreshing, the frozen treat inspires such nostalgia that it has spawned entire blog posts — people love Dole Whip, and they’re not messing around.

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If you’ve ever wanted to make your own cartoons, learning the basic principles of animation from two of Disney’s greatest is a great way to start. This video course explains each of the “12 Principles of Animation” in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way.

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Lights, camera … blossom! Floral and garden designers are paying homage to Disney and Pixar films at the Philadelphia Flower Show, which opens Saturday with the theme “Celebrate the Movies.”

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Chevrolet—by far the largest-selling brand owned by General Motors—has been sending its auto dealers to Disney World for the past four years. As part of a program that began in January 2011, Chevy sales teams participate in workshops in Orlando and Anaheim with the Disney Institute, Disney’s customer-service consulting division.

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