In 1956, the year after Disneyland opened, Walt Disney was asked to imagine what entertainment would be like a half-century into the future.
As one of the world’s great innovators, Walt had just introduced people to a new form of leisure entertainment—the theme park.
The Walt Disney Company (DIS) announced 11 startup companies that have been selected for a special mentorship and investment program. Kicking off today, Disney Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is a fifteen-week immersive program which gives companies access to mentorship from top Disney executives, up to $120,000 in investment capital to develop their companies as well as special access to resources from across The Walt Disney Company.
To kick off the program, participating companies will meet with various mentors including Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger, and leaders from Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ABC, ESPN and Walt Disney Imagineering, as well as other entertainment industry leaders, investors, and Techstars’ extensive network of technology mentors. Selected companies will develop mentorship relationships based on expertise, interest and background. Participating companies will meet with mentors regularly and work together to build and expand business plans, product launches, marketing campaigns, and formulate long-term strategies. The program culminates with a Demo Day in October, where each team will present their company to industry leaders, Disney executives, and the entrepreneurial community.
Today, Universal Orlando Resort announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will officially open on July 8 – allowing guests to experience even more of Harry Potter’s adventures in an all-new, magnificently-themed environment. 
Located in the Universal Studios Florida theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will feature shops, dining experiences and the next generation thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The new immersive area will double the size of the sweeping land already found at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, expanding the spectacularly themed environment across both Universal theme parks.
Guests will enjoy new experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films. They will see the Knight Bus as they stroll through London, walk the streets of Diagon Alley and explore iconic shops like Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, dine in the Leaky Cauldron, embark on a thrilling adventure through the Gringotts bank vaults – and much more.
Guests will also be able to board the Hogwarts Express and enjoy a unique journey as they travel between London and Hogsmeade.
Vacation packages to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Universal Orlando Resort are available now. For additional information, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/WizardingWorld.
HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
Take a look at the Zoey & Pickles Section of the newly opened Marketplace Co-Op. Zoey & Pickles is a girls’ destination containing the latest trends and glamour for the up and coming fashionista.
Halfway through 2014, only one album has managed to sell over one million copies—a sign of the consistent decline of all album sales that the music industry has witnessed since the advent of digital downloads.
Take a look at the Time Card that was distributed for the opening day of Frozen Summer Fun.
Take a look at The Jammitors performing at Epcot on the Fourth of July 2014.
Take a look at some of the delicious food and beverage offerings at Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Which is your favorite?
Take a look at The Jammitors performing at Epcot on the Fourth of July 2014.
Welcome Anna and Elsa as they arrive in Hollywood as part of their goodwill tour of neighboring kingdoms, making their way down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh on Opening Day.
