I have always loved watching films about nature, a passion that dates back to the classroom as a small child watching National Geographic films in place of regular school work. That is why I am especially excited for Disneynature’s “Earth” which is to be released in theaters on Earth Day.
Is this a sign of things to come – official trailers for attractions at Disney Parks? If so, I welcome them with enthusiasm. An example of this is a recently created preview I came across of The Haunted Mansion attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Disney typically does a pretty good job hiding construction and refurbishment projects. Sure the construction walls are not always the most welcoming aesthetic when visiting a Disney park but when they even go so far as to “theme” the walls, it makes for a much more pleasant experience.
Disney has recently launched D23, the first official community for Disney fans in the company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.
Disney has announced that “The Disneyland Story, Featuring Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” will reopen later this year. Every since the show was removed four years ago during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Disney purists had wondered when and if Mr. Lincoln would ever return. Now the attraction is scheduled to reopen.
Russia’s powerful Federal Anti-Monopoly Commission (FAS) is blocking a deal that would launch a Disney-branded television station in Russia. The agency claims that the deal for a 49% stake in a joint venture with regional commercial network Media One TV, which runs channels in 30 of the country’s 89 regions, “was not in the interests of free competition.”
The Walt Disney Company has acquired Kerpoof, a web-based creative design suite for children that launched at 2007’s TechCrunch 40. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Kerpoof’s online portal at Kerpoof.com will continue to operate as its technology is deployed on Disney’s homepage.
After learning that Hard Rock Park, the rock n’ roll themed amusement park named after the popular restaurant chain, would close it doors forever, it seems as if the park has found a buyer. A bankruptcy judge on Tuesday approved the sale of the park for $25 million to FPI MB Entertainment. They plan to reopen the park by Memorial Day.
Disney Consumer Products and the LEGO Group recently announced a multi-year licensing agreement that gives the LEGO access to an extensive portfolio of renowned Disney and Disney Pixar properties. LEGO and LEGO Duplo products are currently in development for three franchises — Disney Pixar’s Toy Story and Cars, and Prince of Persia.
For the first time in its history, Disney is creating a film with an African-American princess. Princess Tiana’s story will come to the big screen later this year in the animated musical “The Princess and The Frog.” She is the first princess introduced by Disney since Mulan in 1998.
