The Orlando Sentinel asked their Facebook followers what else they would like to see changed at Walt Disney World after the decision to ban selfie sticks.
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Walt Disney Records’ Teen Beach 2 Soundtrack Debuts In The Top 10 On The Billboard 200
Walt Disney Records’ soundtrack to the hit Disney Channel Original Movie “Teen Beach 2” debuts at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart after scanning 24,000 units (includes TEA and SEA) in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In addition to its Top 10 Billboard debut, the album ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtrack chart, No. 1 on the Children’s chart and No. 7 on both the Digital Album and Top Albums charts. The album also fast tracked its way to No. 1 on the iTunes Soundtrack chart and was No. 6 on the Album Overall chart.
Disney Channel’s premiere and encore telecasts of “Teen Beach 2” reached 13.3 million Total Viewers, including 4.4 million Kids 6-11 and 4.2 million Tweens 9-14. Friday’s premiere telecast was TV’s #1 movie year to-date with 7.5 million Total Viewers, 3.2 million Kids 6-11 and 2.8 million Tweens 9-14. Its availability on the WATCH Disney Channel App resulted in nearly 1 million views.
A fantastical music- and dance-driven story designed for kids, tweens and families, “Teen Beach 2” picks up at the close of summer. With surf season over and high school back in session, laid-back Brady and studious Mack’s relationship is headed for a wipeout when they receive a surprise real-world visit from their 1960s silver screen friends, Lela and Tanner, who have remarkably departed “Wet Side Story,” quickly followed by their 1960s bikers and surfer friends led by Butchy, Cheechee and Seacat. Knowing first-hand that the “real” world and the movie world don’t mix, Mack, Brady and all of the “Wet Side Story” friends must quickly devise a plan and use the magic of Lela’s necklace to get everyone back to their movie world before it’s too late.
The Teen Beach 2 soundtrack was released on June 23rd and is available at iTunes http://smarturl.it/tb2a1 and wherever music is sold. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
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Wizard World Launches CON RADIO
Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced the launch of CON RADIO, featuring an array of online audio programs allowing fans to stay current on everything happening in the convention and pop culture universe. CON RADIO has something for everyone: lifestyle, horror, Q&As with favorite celebrities, video games, and even sports entertainment. All free, all on-demand.
Fans can listen to CON RADIO anytime at: http://www.wizardworld.com .
“CON RADIO is a pop culture force to be reckoned with,” said horror expert Keenan McClelland. “It’s about time we obtained the best podcasts on the net and housed them under one geeky roof at Wizard! Thrill me!”
“What a time to be a geek! Never before has the storage, weird, creative, nerdy, and geeky have been embraced like it is today,” said Tony Kim, Crazy 4 Comic Con host. “While the pop culture universe expands, our con culture comes closer together. Thanks to this new initiative by Wizard World called CON Radio. We will be like the Avengers of radio!… except more flabby and not as good looking- but you won’t know that by our voices. Check us out, the world is depending on you!”
CON RADIO will feature nine unique programs at launch, including:
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Common Room – A female-take on the geek culture and nerd lifestyle, with no topic off-limits. Recorded weekly.
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Con Smash – Con Radio’s flagship program, featuring pop culture news & rumors, debates, celebrity interviews, contests & more. Hosted by Wizard World’s Mo Lightning & Billy Patterson. Recorded weekly.
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Crazy 4 Comic Con – The most comic book-leaning podcast on Con Radio. Join host Tony Kim and special guests as he talks comic books, art, writing, and of course, the joy of comic cons all across the world. Recorded monthly.
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Every Day is Halloween -Celebrating all things scary, Horror Guy Keenan creates a podcast experience unlike any other. Clips from classic movies, forgotten TV commercials, movie reviews, and industry analysis are just the proverbial tip of the knife. Recorded monthly.
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The Game Fix Podcast – No pop culture hub would be complete without a spotlight on video games. Gamers can get their fix from a gang of radio personalities who’ve spent their entire lives gaming, from the NES to the latest and greatest consoles. Recorded weekly.
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The Modern Geek Show – Fashion, flirting, fitness… How does today’s geek find time to balance all of this, work, and his or her pop culture interests? Recorded weekly.
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Talking TV WITH Liz and Lindi – Team Supernatural Drama isn’t just a title, it’s a lifestyle! Regulars on the con scene for a while, hosts Liz Pochop & Lindi Smith have recently expanded their reviews to Entertainment Weekly’s website (ew.com) and now this exclusive-to-Con Radio podcast. Recorded weekly.
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Wizard World Classics – Missed a favorite celebrity on his or her panel? That’s OK – Listen to it here! Wizard World presents brand new, and classic, clips from various celebrities in short segments that keeps the show flowing! Recorded weekly.
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WrestlingAudio Presents… – Simulcast sports entertainment (pro wrestling) programming from the 10-year podcast veterans of WrestlingAudio.com. Includes news & rumors, celebrity interviews, contesting, more. Recorded 1-3 times per week.
In addition, CON RADIO plans to develop additional shows expected to launch this summer as well as live streaming from Wizard World Comic Con shows nationally.
Fans can interact with CON RADIO on Twitter: @radioforgeeks.
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New Family Culinary Adventure Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort
Calling all foodies! The new Family Culinary Adventure at Walt Disney World® Resort allows guests to go backstage, step into the kitchen at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and work alongside a Disney Chef.
Upon arrival in the kitchen, guests will be broken into groups and assigned a portion of the meal, which they’ll prepare with the aid of a Chef. Teams will regroup to introduce their menu item before sitting down to a group dinner. At the conclusion of the adventure, guests will be presented with a cookbook signed by the Chefs and a white Chef’s hat.
This 3 ½ hour interactive experience is available twice a week and costs $175 per adult and $125 per child (ages 9-12), plus tax. Each experience is limited to 30 Guests. Beer and wine are included for Guests 21 years and over. Transportation to and from Disney’s Contemporary Resort is available for Disney Resort hotel Guests only.
A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to capture photos of the group during the experience. Photos are included in the Memory Maker product. If guests have not purchased Memory Maker, they will be able to purchase the photos a la carte. Each Guest will receive a PhotoPass card with a 16-digit claim code, which will include all the photos taken of the entire group during the experience. Photos will be available to view on the Disney PhotoPass website within 24 hours of the event.
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Coolest Summer Ever at Walt Disney World Resort Brings Cool Thrills, Fresh Entertainment and Frozen Fun
Summer is here and the forecast for Walt Disney World Resort is cool – the Coolest Summer Ever. Exciting new entertainment, dining and shopping experiences are giving guests endless ways to have a ‘cool’ time.
From “Frozen” fun throughout the theme parks, to a splashing good time at Disney’s Water Parks, to fresh finds for shoppers at Downtown Disney, guests will find there is something for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort this summer.
“Frozen” Summer Fun
The fun heats up “Frozen” Summer Fun June 17 through Sept. 7 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guest favorites Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf are welcomed to Hollywoodland twice each day as they take part in the Frozen Royal Welcome, a festive cavalcade throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters.
During the cavalcade, Anna leads the procession in an elaborate horse-drawn sleigh, with Elsa gliding by on a stunning, ice palace float. The entire procession pauses twice along the route in tribute to these visitors from Arendelle, as guests in Hollywoodland are invited to join in singing “Let It Go!”
The popular show, For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, welcomes guests to the beautiful Hyperion Theater, located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Royal Historians of Arendelle host this fun and comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen,” plus all-new in-theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. Outside the theater, there is a new merchandise location filled with all-things “Frozen.”
But that’s not all that’s in store for guests visiting “Frozen” Summer Fun.
The fun centers around the Event Stage throughout the day, with Olaf’s Summer Cool Down — where Olaf keeps things cool several times each day. Having always dreamed of being in “snow business,” Olaf is joined by some of his summery friends to sing his famed number, “In Summer,” inviting the audience to join in. Then, Olaf sends a flurry from his personal snow cloud out over the audience in an icy blast.
Twice each hour beginning at 10 a.m. daily inside the ABC Sound Studio, guests also can view a showing of the new animated short, “Frozen Fever,” which debuted in theaters with Disney’s live-action “Cinderella,” and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
Then once the sun goes down, DJ Chill and some favorite Disney Characters take to the stage to host the “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party.
As the night comes to a close, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together at the Event Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring “Frozen” Fireworks display set to the music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow.
“Since we launched Frozen Summer Fun in mid-June, the reaction from our guests has been sensational,” said Ray Fournier, Producer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment. “People really love seeing Olaf and the fireworks. They’re responding so enthusiastically as we bring to life the story of Elsa, Anna and their Frozen friends.”
There’s also the “Frozen” Summer Fun Premium Package option for guests to purchase at an additional cost that includes reserved viewing for the Frozen Royal Welcome complete with regal refreshments of water, soft drinks and ice cream, reserved seating for a showing of For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Frozen Fireworks viewing paired with a Frozen-themed dessert party complete with specialty desserts, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Cost is $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included). Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com or by calling 407-939-3463.
Other Cool Experiences
Downtown Disney – Guests can find hot summer fashion trends and cool new waterfront dining at Downtown Disney. New retail stores include Sanuk, APEX by Sunglass Hut, Havaianas, Erin McKenna Bakery NYC and more, as well as new dining experiences such as The BOATHOUSE (now open) and Morimoto Asia (opening fall 2015). Downtown Disney is currently undergoing the largest expansion in its history, to be renamed and re-imagined as Disney Springs, an exciting new waterfront district for shopping, dining and entertainment. Disney Springs will be completed in 2016.
Disney’s Water Parks – Sunny ‘ski’ slopes and palm tree-lined lazy rivers await guests at Disney’s Water Parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – this summer. And a cool new deal doubles the fun at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. When guests purchase a one-day water park ticket, they can park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.
Magic Kingdom – When they’re not visiting Hollywoodland, Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” meet and greet guests daily at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. The royal sisters also appear during the daily Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, and guests can enjoy visuals from “Frozen” during the “Celebrate the Magic” projection show that transforms Cinderella Castle each evening.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – New dining and entertainment offerings welcome Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests this summer as the theme park continues to undergo the largest expansion in its history. A new shopping and dining option, Harambe Market, is now open for guests in the Africa section of the park. Harambe Market offers a new quick-service food and beverage location with street-inspired dishes from walk-up windows. The new space also opens up a new pathway from Africa to Bradley Falls and the Asia section of the park.
Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and their friends now welcome guests for a fun-filled character dinner at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, in addition to breakfast and lunch. “Donald’s Safari Dinner” offers guests the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney Characters, including Donald and Daisy, while enjoying a delicious selection of all-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian offerings, hearty stews, and delicious desserts – all with an African touch. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (3463) or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining.
Epcot – Epcot guests can enjoy cool new entertainment acts throughout Epcot World Showcase this summer:
- American Adventure – Beloved a cappella group Voices of Liberty moves outdoors twice per week to perform a modern twist on American classics at the American Gardens Theatre stage. Wednesday through Sunday, a new five-member, contemporary a cappella group called “American Music Machine” brings a vibrant musical energy to the stage. The group will perform a diverse range of contemporary and classic American pop hits, all presented in a unique style with custom arrangements by Tim Davis, best known for his work on “Glee.”
- Canada – The Canadian Lumberjacks demonstrate the time-honored tradition of Canada’s great timber and logging eras in a thrilling and friendly competition, featuring axe-throwing, chopping, log-rolling and more.
- Italy – The spectacularly choreographed flag-throwing team of Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro combines live music, energy, the flair of hand-painted flags, and magnificent period costumes. The Sbandieratori bring to dynamic life a rich, 500-year Italian tradition that’s not to be missed.
- Morocco – B’net Al Houwariyate, a multi-generational Berber music and dance troupe from Marrakesh, illuminates the stories and experiences of women in Morocco in a lively and interactive performance.
- United Kingdom – Strolling the quaint streets of the United Kingdom pavilion, the Paul McKenna Band is a traditional, acoustic four-piece group from Glasgow, Scotland. Their contemporary approach to songs never strays too far from their Scottish, folk music roots.
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Inside Disney’s Ambitious Plan to Build the Coolest Toy of the Decade
Disney has a plan to fight the irresistible pull of screens with even cooler technology. Earlier this month, Disney unveiled Playmation, a combination of hardware and apps meant to get kids playing outside again.
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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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