MFL News & Deals – March 10, 2010
WDW NEWS
• Click below today at 8 a.m. PST / 11:00 a.m. EST time to listen in on the live Walt Disney Company annual shareholders meeting via webcast.
<http://www.disney.com/investors>
• Disney’s Give a Day, Get a Day” program has officially ended after reaching its goal of 1 million volunteers. For more information, visit our Give a Day, Get a Day page:
<http://tinyurl.com/ydrn2ej>
• Party all day at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney on St. Patrick’s Day, beginning at 11 am. For the price of $10 the restaurant will distribute wristbands that allow guests to come and go throughout the day. Children 17 and under are free. Live entertainment includes Creel and Danielle at noon, a dance troupe lead by Myra Waters at 1 pm and and at 10 pm, the world’s most popular U2 tribute band, Elevation will perform until closing. Guest can look forward to party favors, games and the opportunity to compete in the “So You Think You Can Riverdance” contest for prizes. For all of the latest dining news, visit our Dining Tips page at:
<http://tinyurl.com/yctwcob>
• The Orange County Register has tips on how to maximize your Mr. Potato Head shopping at Downtown Disney. You pay a set price to fill a box with as many potato toy parts as you can fit.
<http://tinyurl.com/ybeaknk>
• Sculptor Bruce Lau will be signing his newest work, Figment in Tuxedo: Tophat and Tails, on Saturday, April 24, at the Art of Disney in Epcot. This piece is limited to only 750 pieces, stands a 6-1/2 inches tall and cost $140. The signing will take place from 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 4pm. This information comes from the Disney Everyday Blog where you can see several photos of the adorable Figment creation and get more info on the event.
<http://tinyurl.com/yl4d8yj>
• Disney has extended park hours and added entertainment offerings for the remained or March and the early part of April. Check Disney’s calender for changes.
<http://tinyurl.com/ya5svcc>
• Chip and Co. reviews Disney’s Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
<http://tinyurl.com/ybteftx>
• The Disney Blog has more info and photos on the new Holiday Inn that recently opened in the Downtown Disney area.
<http://tinyurl.com/ybmrqnl>
• Get the recipe for Grand Floridian Resort & Spa’s Chocolate Crusted Key Lime Pie.
<http://tinyurl.com/ydt8v2f>
• “So, I find it fascinating that of the four new restaurants that recently opened in Walt Disney (Sanaa, Kouzzina, T-Rex, and Paradiso 37), three of them have donuts on their dessert menus!” Today, the Disney Food blog explores donuts, the new interactive dessert.
<http://tinyurl.com/yeqlayq>
Reminder: Florida Residents have a chance to win a pair of “4-Day Dream Passes until 4/30 in the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival ‘Grow Your Garden’ Instant Win Game. Contest opened yesterday.
<http://bit.ly/9PSYcs>
• Quick Shot for Disney Every Day: Family goes all out for Alice in Wonderland Screening at Downtown Disney.
<http://tinyurl.com/y8vapea>
• Touring Plans Blog gives tips on how to do the ” Seven Seas Lagoon Monorail Crawl”. Yep! Been there done that!
<http://tinyurl.com/yhvngbw>
• MouseSteps pictorial coverage of Epcot’s 2010 Flower and Garden Festival grows to a whopping 350 photos and videos (some of which you previously saw).
<http://tinyurl.com/yefncsx>
==============
DISNEYLAND NEWS
• From Disneyland’s Facebook page: March 24 will be an evening of unique food and wine pairings at the Napa Rose Restaurant. The Napa Valley Vintners are hosting a consumer appreciation night at the Private Dining Room in the Napa Rose Restaurant. The Napa Valley Vintners are providing a unique selection of wines from dozens of Napa Valley wineries. Wines will be paired with food prepared by Napa Rose chefs, and guests will have an opportunity to meet the people behind the wines. The cost is $60.00 per person. Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. To book, please contact a Napa Rose Manager at 714-300-7170.
• Anaheim GardenWalk went up for sale yesterday because the developer couldn’t meet the payments. Blue Sky Disney blog wonders if Disney will miss chance to “control a piece of property that could prove valuable years from now when that Third Gate opens up.”
<http://tinyurl.com/yh9yal8>
• Four Disney hotel workers plan to take their plea for affordable health care directly to top Disney officials at Wednesday’s annual shareholders meeting.
<http://tinyurl.com/yz3g8mv>
• Disney Parks Blog answers questions fans have asked about the Disneyland Resort Ambassadors.
<http://tinyurl.com/y8z75m6>
• Tron fans will love this article. Jim Hill Media explores the TRON attractions that Disneyland almost got! Really!
<http://tinyurl.com/y922mkb>
• Made available by Bideblog [videblog-bearride.blogspot.com], browse a 32-page copy (in pdf format) of the last Vacationland magazine from Winter 1983, Disneyland’s quarterly magazine. There’s a great article on Fantasyland.
<http://tinyurl.com/yhfw57m>
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DCL NEWS
• Barbara Nefer of the Examiner tells you all about character meals on the Disney cruises.
<http://tinyurl.com/y9t9xh2>
• DVC has unveiled a great new incentive for those considering purchasing at any of four DVC properties, Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Get a free cruise on its newest ship when it sets sail in 2011, Disney Dream. The duration of the cruise is dependent upon the number of points purchased. Existing members can also use points to purchase cruises. Disney Cruise Line will begin taking reservations for the incentive cruises on April 1, 2010. For more info and a point chart, visit DVC News.
<http://tinyurl.com/y8lengg>
-For those who would rather not cruise, Disney is offering tiered pricing for the Bay Lake Tower with incentives up to $12 off per point. Incentives for Animal Kingdom Lodge have decreased from $15 per point to $10 for some point levels.
<http://tinyurl.com/ylddwvk>
• Posted to Disney Cruise Line’s Facebook page: Ever wonder what it’d be like to have Castaway Cay all to yourself? On Thursday, Jonathan our Disney Cruise Line Blogger finds out when he’s deliberately “stranded” on the island & asked to post about his unique experience. What would you do with the island all to yourself? Parasail? Cabana Massage? Eat self-serve ice cream all day?
-Sounds like a fun job. If you would like to see what Jonathan was up to, visit the link below on Thursday.
<http://www.facebook.com/DisneyCruiseLine>
==============
THOSE OTHER THEME PARKS
• Yesterday I posted that coupon code McDonalds2010 is being displayed in Florida McDonalds restaurants and gives $10 off admission at the gate to SeaWorld. I have since learned that this code can be used SeaWorld’s web site and stacked with the “adults get in at kids’ prices” deal. The etickets (vouchers) will be good for one year from the time of purchase. ~thanks to Genevieve H. for the info.
• Universal Studios will hold Grad Bash on April 23, 24 & 30. The party will take place in both parks with live concerts by Flo Rida and Sean Kingston, DJs, street entertainment, and karaoke. Additionally, at Citywalk, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with at Pat O’Brien’s on March 17. Enjoy traditional Irish food and drink, live rock bands, Stilt Walkers and Bead Girls! Admission is free before 7 pm; general admission is $12 plus tax. $7.95Hurricanes all night and $2 Bud Drafts.
• SeaWorld rescues 11th cold-stress manatee this year.
<http://ow.ly/1gjAc>
• Sea World and the family of trainer Dawn Brancheau want to keep video of Dawn’s death out of public view. The video, from Sea World security cameras, was turned over to the sheriff’s department.
<http://tinyurl.com/yblp5kg>
• Screamscape has a video of the “original” Universal Orlando’s Jaws ride in which the shark drags the boat around the water. “Very few people actually had the chance to ride this version of the ride because it was quickly shut down due to severe technical problems that kept it shut for the next three years until they could rebuild it nearly from scratch.”
<http://tinyurl.com/yj8oxrk>
• Megacon brings comics, celebs and other cool stuff to Orlando this weekend. Starts Friday and runs through Sunday at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive. Great for Star Trek fans!
<http://tinyurl.com/yjdjby3>
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RUMOR MILL
(where everything is pure speculation and heresay)
• On the DIS board someone mentioned a rumor that Port Orleans French Quarter would get a Princess and Frog theme. My comment: Could this be the next resort for which Disney plans “themed” rooms?
• From Jim Hill Media: “But now comes 2010 with its rumors of monorails at both Disneyland & Walt Disney World being “skinned” so that they then resemble light cycles. So maybe “TRON Legacy” will soon have a legacy of its own. At least when it comes to Disney Parks & Resorts.”
• Posted by Pseybert on WDW Magic forum: Just re-confirmed with my uncle (who designed the Tower of Terror in Florida – need I say more?) and he confirmed both the 19 new drop profiles and the touch screens. I can’t say how exactly the screens will be used though.
==============
DISNEY ODDS & ENDS
• ‘Disneymania 7′ is packed with 15 classic Disney songs performed by favorite artists, including Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Allstar Weekend and Booboo Stewart. The album became available in stores on March 9, you can listen to the entire CD online. This is just a awesome album.
<http://tinyurl.com/cep2e8>
Use the links below to buy/download Disneymania 7 on iTunes or Amazon. com.
iTunes: <http://tinyurl.com/ycybrlq>
Amazon Disneymania 7 on CD: <http://tinyurl.com/yjjnkju>
Amazon MP3 Download: <http://tinyurl.com/yax6opy>
-And watch Selena Gomez perform “Trust in Me” from the Disneymania 7 album.
• The Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, FL has launched a new web site that runs a really nice video tour of the massive property on the front page.
<http://tinyurl.com/ylh3foz>
• Disney World’s new tilt-shift video series has become very popular. Blooloop’s Chad Emerson discussed the videos with Todd Heiden, International PR Director, Disney Destinations LLC. For any novice aspiring to make one of these videos, this is a must read.
<http://tinyurl.com/yzfgsd8>
• Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has secured agreements with 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution to offer HD movies for purchase and rental on the PlayStation Network video delivery service in the U.S.
<http://tinyurl.com/yfq5qm4>
• Time Warner has sent an email to its subscribers in the New York area warning that, similar to Cablevision subscribers this weekend, they could lose service temporarily to to ABC, ESPN and other Disney channels.
<http://tinyurl.com/yh86klq>
• Disney no longer holds trademark hostage over the University of Oregon’s mascot. The Donald and the Duck are going their separate ways.
<http://tinyurl.com/y93849r>
• The Disneyland Theory blog waxes nostalgic as it explores the correlation between Walt’s parks, memory and fiction.
<http://tinyurl.com/ybngyxf>
• In the nine years since Disney first introduced Hilary Duff to the world in “Lizzie McGuire,”she has taken part in pretty much every different form of entertainment that there is. From TV, she went to movies, and then recorded several multi-platinum albums before returning to movies and most recently TV. Hilary has signed with Simon & Schuster to release a young adult fiction series, as well as a nonfiction title.
<http://tinyurl.com/yfrr9z2>
• Justin Bieber performs Baby on the UK’s Lets Dance TV Show. Watch this performance before it gets deleted from You Tube.
<http://www.chipandco.com/?p=7233>
-And watch Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth on a photo shoot for the cover of Teen Vogue.
<ttp://www.chipandco.com/?p=7239>
• Is Tim Burton struggling to hold onto his creepy-cool imagination? Entertainment Weekly thinks maybe he is.
<http://tinyurl.com/yblqbtx>
• It seems even political journalist can’t write a piece these days without working in Alice in Wonderland. The Fox and the Hound brings you “Jerry in Wonderland,” taking a trip with Jerry Brown down the rabbit hole. Alice in Wonderland mania has taken over. I’m just saying. 
<http://tinyurl.com/yfdabpo>
• Family man does Disney. Too funny.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXtTtf5lcYo>
• Quick Shot: Meet Stretch the newest toy and character from Toy Story 3
<http://tinyurl.com/ye2hn3y>
• Handy Manny treats for family night.
<http://tinyurl.com/ybeputl>
• Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair, today’s “way back” tour takes you on a 3-part tour of Tim Burton’s career. From the early years at Disney’s animation studio to director of movies of late, this article is peppered with photos and facts. Don’t miss the animated short, “Vincent,” in part one. Great reading for Burton fans!
<http://tinyurl.com/yhn6nmh>
==============
MONEY SAVERS
• JetBlue is giving away free airline tickets in NYC today only. Click the link below to see what you must do. Also it’s JetBlues 10th anniversary year and they will be celebrating all year long with special promotions on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
<http://tinyurl.com/yd2ju4u>
• The first 10,000 to respond get a Spring Cleaning Gift Pack with favorite Ziploc® Brand, Scrubbing Bubbles® and Pledge® products inside.
<http://tinyurl.com/ydweahc>
• If you have a DivX compatable movie player you can get free movie downloads of Green Lantern: First Flight, Batman Begins, Two Weeks Notice, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It’s you choice (just one) from Film Fresh with the code DXWB2000 at checkout.
<http://www.filmfresh.com/divx-giveaway>
• Lots of ways to bring down the price of Princess and the Frog on Blu-ray when it’s released. Slick deals is reporting that it will go on sale at Targets for $26.99 plus come with an exclusive purse. And don’t forget that you can use the link below (not active yet) to get $10 off the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from 3/16 to 3/12, bringing the price down to $16.99. If you use the frog tape rebate we mentioned, reposted below, the price drops to $9.99.
Coupon: <http://tinyurl.com/y9t2l4y>
Rebate Form: <http://tinyurl.com/ycernpt>
• Buy one, get one free Jibbitz on Crocs.com (including Disney varieties) with the code JIBBITZBOGO at checkout. Stack this discount with code “secondchance” for free shipping.
<http://tinyurl.com/yc5axrl>
From Disney Movie Rewards Facebook page: We LOVE our members! Let us count the ways. Go to DisneyMovieRewards.com and enter the Magic Code “i” for bonus points!
• New Blockbuster Express code for rent one, get one free movie: GN13B2 (valid until 3/15).
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AMAZON DEALS
Please be aware that Amazon.com adjusts prices frequently and often, the
prices listed below are subject to change at any time.
Disney Fairies: Tinkerbell – Nintendo DS
List Price: $19.99
Price: $14.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001C0L7L8/disneydollarle07>
Panasonic HDC-HS250-K HHD HD Camcorder (Black)
List Price: $899.95
Price: $499.00
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004U8P8/disneydollarle07>
The Script [Explicit]
by The Script
Price: $2.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001J9AQA0/disneydollarle07>
For a limited time, you can get $5 off a Merliah doll at checkout inspired
by the DVD Barbie in A Mermaid Tale.
Price after discount: $12.79
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002RMO88Y/disneydollarle07>
Peter Rabbit Tell a Tiny Tale (Board book)
List Price: $7.99
Price: $2.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0723263868/disneydollarle07>
Carnivale: The Complete First Season (2003)
List Price: $39.98
Price: $15.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002YLC1U/disneydollarle07>
Carnivale: The Complete Second Season (2003)
List Price: $39.98
Price: $15.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000FL7C82/disneydollarle07>
Breaking Bad – The Complete First Season (2008)
List Price: $29.95
Price: $17.49
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001DJLCRC/disneydollarle07>
The Outsiders – The Complete Novel (Two-Disc Special Edition) (1983)
List Price: $26.98
Price: $6.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000A0GOE6/disneydollarle07>
Strawberry Shortcake: The Berryfest Princess (2010)
List Price: $19.98
Price: $9.99
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0031Y8018/disneydollarle07>
