News, Author at On the Go in MCO

Pumpkins in July? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Is Growing “The Dark Side Of The Gardens” for Halloween

When It Comes to Creating “The Dark Side Of The Gardens” for Halloween,
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Horticulture Team has to Start Early

TAMPA, Fla. (July 2012) – As Busch Gardens began preparations earlier this year to transform the park into “The Dark Side of the Gardens” for its 13^th annual Howl-O-Scream event this fall, the horticulture team realized that they faced a challenge: It’s hard to find heirloom pumpkins and winter squash in Tampa in October.

Their solution? To research seeds and plant their own heirloom pumpkin patch. Heirloom pumpkins are the antique varieties of fruits and vegetables not normally found in mainstream produce markets. Heirlooms often feature unusual shapes, unexpected colors, plus a very flavorful flesh. Busch Gardens’ crop of pumpkins is destined not for pies, however, but for the delight of park guests who will be ready for the cooler temperatures and Halloween fun that pumpkin season signals.

BG Pumpkin Tree — Pumpkins growing on a tree at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay!

“Last year was our first try at pumpkin farming which ended in miserable results due to heavy rains,” said Busch Gardens’ Director of Horticulture, Joe Parr. “This year, we started in February with raised beds of rich compost made right here at the park with zoo and landscaping debris, and are watering with a water-conserving drip irrigation system.”

It must be working: The pumpkin experiment has yielded more than 60 fruits so far, much to the excitement of the proud gardeners who coaxed the vines from seeds by hand-pollinating the flowers with cotton swabs… and who are now sharing their office with piles of pumpkins.

BG Pumpkin Office — Some examples of the different varieties of pumpkins they have grown at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Pumpkins are all American members of the squash family and have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. When Columbus discovered America, he found the native people growing a variety of pumpkin which would come to be named Seminole. Busch Gardens’ pumpkin patch features the Seminole, as well as La Estrellas, a tropical pumpkin hybrid from the University of Florida. Both thrive in Florida’s heat and humidity. Parr’s team is also growing Rouge Vif d’Etampes (also known as the “Cinderella pumpkin”,) tiny Jack-Be-Littles, warty, dark-green Marina di Chioggias, the 50- to 60-pound“Big Max,” and even a “Pumpkin Tree,” which is actually a rare orange eggplant with tiny, ribbed fruits.

The challenge now will be to keep the ripe fruits looking their best until September when autumn harvest displays appear in the park for both day guests and Howl-O-Scream visitors to enjoy. If properly stored, pumpkins can last up to a year in Florida.

BG Pumpkin Team — A member of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay horticulture team with one of their many pumpkins!

“As the summer temperatures soar,” says Parr, “it’s nice to think that October’s chill and pumpkins are coming soon.”

Dine With Shamu Returns to SeaWorld Orlando

It’s Orlando’s most immersive and memorable family dining experience — Dine With Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando. Guests get closer than ever to SeaWorld’s majestic whales while enjoying a delicious menu of seasonal and sustainable items at a reserved poolside table.

They’ll get an incredible glimpse into the interactions that occur between SeaWorld’s trainers and whales. They’ll find out what makes killer whales such unique animals. And, everyone will learn about the many things we all can do to help save valuable ocean resources and habitats by enjoying sustainable and natural foods.

It’s a behind-the-scenes experience that will connect guests to the world we share like never before and it’s only at SeaWorld Orlando.

SeaWorld’s commitment to the world we share extends into the food we serve. All items served at Dine With Shamu are seasonable, fresh and sustainable. The summer menu includes:

All-natural, grain-fed Black Angus strip loin
100% natural cinnamon-cured roasted pork loin
Rosemary-glazed free range grilled chicken
Filet of cod (certified sustainable)
Seasonal sides including lemon butter herb-roasted red potatoes, summer vegetable lo mein, cucumber salad, mixed green salad, summer fruit salad, and coconut Caribbean rice
Baked goods made fresh at SeaWorld
Signature desserts
Special kids’ buffet

Dine With Shamu is $49 for adults and $24 for children (ages 3 through 9) and is not included with park admission. Prices do not include tax.

Advance reservations can be made at SeaWorldOrlando.com (starting July 14) or day-of inside the park at the reservations center.

Universal Orlando Resort Announces A New Themed On-Site Hotel Development

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Exterior - LR — Cabana Bay Beach Resort Exterior

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 9, 2012) – Universal Parks & Resorts and Loews Hotels & Resorts will build a new hotel development at Universal Orlando that will add high-quality, high-value options for families wanting an affordable on-site experience.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings: 900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate- and value-priced accommodations. It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Suite - LR — Cabana Bay Beach Resort Suite

The hotel will be themed differently than anything else currently available at Universal Orlando. It will evoke the driving vacations so many Americans grew up enjoying with their families – spending time at sweeping motor courts just off the highway, where families relaxed and played after a long day’s drive. The new hotel’s hip, vintage look will be accented with bold design, dramatic, clean lines, bright, period colors and touches of neon. Inside areas including the lobby, dining areas and large, comfortable rooms will follow suit. The hotel will have two themed pool areas.

“Our new hotel will give guests an affordable, incredibly themed on-site hotel experience unlike anything else at our resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our new family suites and family-value pricing will give our guests on-site options they’ve never had before.”

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Lobby - LR — Cabana Bay Beach Resort Lobby

The hotel will be built on a 37-acre site within Universal Orlando Resort and adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure – just offHollywood Way and Turkey Lake Road. Site work will begin soon. Pricing information, opening timeframes and room on-sale dates will be released over time.

The new hotel will allow families to choose between value pricing or the higher level of benefits and service that come with staying at other on-site Universal Orlando hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It will provide early park admission, proximity to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and resort-wide charging privileges – but will not offer complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Access.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Pool - LR — Cabana Bay Beach Resort Pool

“The Cabana Bay Beach Resort furthers our goal of operating special and distinct properties in important markets,” said Paul Whetsell, Loews Hotels & Resorts president and CEO. “This is another important step in our plan to expand the Loews system in major markets across the United States.”

SeaWorld Orlando Welcomes Baby Dolphin

A dolphin calf was born Saturday morning 6/30/12 at 8:47 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The young calf’s sex is unknown at this time, but it has been seen nursing and bonding with its mom, Starkey, both a good indication that the calf is doing well. This is Starkey’s sixth birth. Park guests can see the pair at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Nursery where pregnant dolphins, new mothers, their calves and experienced moms live together.

Universal’s Summer Concert Series Continues On July 7th With Lupe Fiasco

“THE SHOW GOES ON” THIS SATURDAY NIGHT WITH A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY RAP SUPERSTAR LUPE FIASCO AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Summer Concert Series Runs Every Saturday Night Through July 14

This Saturday night, Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series continues with rap and hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco.

Lupe Fiasco’s musical career took off in 2006 with his Grammy award-nominated debut album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor,” featuring hit singles like “I Gotcha” and “Daydreamin” featuring Jill Scott. He continued to release two additional hit albums, “Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool,” and “Lasers,” both of which included Top 10 smash hit songs – “Superstar” and “The Show Goes On.” The rap star has collaborated with other renowned hip hop artists, such as Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa and Trey Songz and is expected to release his fourth album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album,” this fall.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills. The full list of upcoming acts is below.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2012 LINEUP
Date	Headliner
July 7	Lupe Fiasco
July 14	Miranda Cosgrove

Guests can also experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and brand-new entertainment experiences – Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a hilarious and heartwarming new ride that combines a new storyline, new animation, the latest 3-D technology – and the heart, outrageous humor and memorable characters of the hit animated film. Before the concert, Universal’s Superstar Parade will roll through the streets and transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today’s most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests. After the concert, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a nighttime show that takes guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – will unfold across the park’s central lagoon.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

“Let’s Stay Together” With R&B Legend Al Green, Performing Live This Saturday At Universal Orlando’s 2012 Summer Concert Series

“LET’S STAY TOGETHER” WITH R&B LEGEND AL GREEN, PERFORMING LIVE THIS SATURDAY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S 2012 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Summer Concert Series Runs Every Saturday Night Through July 14

Universal Orlando Resort guests can “boogie down” this weekend as R&B music legend Al Green performs live at Universal Studios Florida.

Since the late 1960s, soulful star Al Green has topped music charts with classic hits like “Let’s Stay Together,” “You Ought to Be with Me” and “L-O-V-E (Love),” producing more than 20 million albums sold worldwide during his career. Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” Green’s most recent album, “Lay It Down,” features collaborations with other popular artists, such as John Legend, Erykah Badu and the late Amy Winehouse.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills. This year’s star-studded lineup features top-name talent that will appeal to fans of every music genre. The full list of upcoming acts is below.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2012 LINEUP
Date	Headliner
June 30	Al Green
July 7	Lupe Fiasco
July 14	Miranda Cosgrove

Guests can also experience Universal Studios’ brand-new entertainment experiences – Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. Before the concert, Universal’s Superstar Parade will roll through the streets and transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today’s most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests. After the concert, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a nighttime show that takes guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – will unfold across the park’s central lagoon.

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Celebrate The Fourth Of July At SeaWorld Orlando

Celebrate the Fourth of July at SeaWorld Orlando. In addition to Summer Nights special nighttime shows, an extended set of Reflections fireworks will blast off starting with a special pre-show at 9:30 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. An extraordinary performance by the Navy Band Southeast’s Wind Ensemble, a 40-piece band performing a variety of popular music ranging from traditional marches and patriotic fare to classical favorites and Broadway hits, kicks off the festivities. The celebration ends with the awe-inspiring Reflections fireworks and fountains show at 10:30 p.m. that include an extended set including an honorary tribute to the United States.

Guests can enjoy SeaWorld even later on July 4^th as the park is open until 11 p.m. Families can experience the all-new TurtleTrek, the world’s first 3D 360 dome theater experience, ride Manta under the stars (and fireworks!) and enjoy our amazing Summer Nights shows:

Sea Lions Tonite SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite daytime SeaWorld shows and attractions. And this year, a new spoof based on the park’s newest attraction – TurtleTrek — will keep guests laughing all night long.

Shamu Rocks SeaWorld’s spectacular whale show with more flash – and certainly more splash – than a rock concert. Shamu Rocks is a high-energy celebration of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring whales with a stunning light show, water fountain display and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.

Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Show Finale
SeaWorld is showcased in a whole new light during this spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks. A newly arranged soundtrack features the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, including segments of the incredible score from TurtleTrek. Families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.

For more information, please visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com!

Celebrate Canada Day at Epcot

On July 1st, Epcot will host a celebration of Canada Day in World Showcase’s Canadian pavilion. The festivities will be from 11am to 5pm and will be located at the Kidcot Fun Stop. Guests will be invited to learn more about this holiday, which was formerly known as Dominion Day and dates back to 1867. This “Discovery Experience” is open to guests of all ages and all will receive an award certificate once they complete the experience.

LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates Its First Fourth Of July With Red, Brick, And Boom

LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates Its First Fourth Of July With Red, Brick, And Boom

LEGOLAND® Florida celebrates with a bang this Fourth of July with its first Independence Day festivities, Red, Brick and Boom. Central Florida’s newest theme park will celebrate with four nights of family fun and fireworks, Jul. 4-7, 2012. But, this isn’t a typical fireworks show. LEGOLAND Florida’s special glasses turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO® bricks making this show a must-see. With over 50 rides, shows and attractions and the all-new LEGOLAND®Water Park, this independence celebration is perfect for families with children ages 2 to 12. The park will have extended hours with four nights of fireworks at 9pm.

A special all-American blow-out bash is reserved just for the fourth with atmospheric entertainment, backyard games and a Party in Miniland USA. Families can also build their very own star to add to LEGOLAND Florida’s first American Flag made out of thousands of LEGO bricks.

Red, Brick & Boom, July 4, 10:00am-9:00pm

Backyard games on the Mansion Lawn

10:00am – 5:00 pm

Build your own star to add to LEGOLAND Florida’s first LEGO American Flag at the Fun Town Plaza

10:00am – 5:00pm

Meet and Greet with LEGO Friends Olivia at the Fun Town Plaza

11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm

Party in Miniland USA with DJ Renee

5:00pm – 8:30pm

Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty Pirate-themed Pre-Show in the North and South Ski Stadium

8:30pm – 9:00pm

Fireworks Finale turns fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO bricks

9:00 pm

Red, Brick and Boom is included with park admission. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is through two limited-time special offers on the Florida resident Premium Pass and $10-off a single-day water park combo ticket. Guests will enjoy extended summer hours where families can stay and play until 8pm daily Jun. 23 through Sept. 2. To purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

Tables in Wonderland Taste Your Way Around the World event

On Saturday, July 28th, from 6:30 to 9:00pm, Tables in Wonderland will be hosting an event called Taste Your Way Around the World at the Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot. This special event for Tables In Wonderland members costs $110.00 per person, not including tax, but gratuities are included.

The event is being promoted as a teaser for those who can’t wait for the fall when the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts. It is a “sneak preview” of what is to come at this year’s festival and features speakers who will be talking about what’s new this year. There is a special website setup just for this event’s registration at www.disneyurl.com/sneakpreview. This is a new process they are trying out for this event as opposed to emailing Tables in Wonderland. It will provide you will instant confirmation if you successfully register. Online registration begins on July 2 at 10:00am.

The menu for the event will feature items from around the world to include:

Buffet Reception:

Florida Local: Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables, Fried Plantains and Cilantro

Florida Local: White Corn Arepa with Mangalista Pork Rilette and Zellwood Sweet Corn Salad

New Zealand: Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney

Scandinavia: Iron Horse Fairytale Cuvee

Poland: Frozen Belvedere Lemon Apple “Tea”

Singapore: Marques de Caceres Satinela

Plated Dinner:

Appetizer

Terra: Chili Colorado with House made Chips and Cashew Cheese, featuring Gardein Beefless Tips

Terra: Paul Dolan Pinot Noir

Salad

Greece: Greek Salad with Pita Bread

Greece: Domaine Skouras Moscofilero

Entree

Canada: “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce

Singapore: Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce Served with Carrots and Baby Green Beans

Canada: Mission Hill Syrah

New Zealand: :Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay

Dessert Trio From Desserts & Champange:

Yogurt Panna Cotta with Orange Cake, Raspberries and Pomegranae

Dark Chocolate Mousse with Chili and Salted Caramel

Lemon Custard Verrine with Blueberry Compote

Neige Premiere Sparkling Ice Cider

Soft Drinks, Water, Coffee, Tea

Italicized menu items indicate alcoholic beverages

This event is limited to the first 150 guests and park admission is NOT required. Each Tables in Wonderland member may register for up to ten guests including themself. You must have first and last names for each guest in your party, your TiW ticket number, mailing address, phone number, email address, credit card billing information, and any food allergy information at the time of registration. It is also suggested that you use a personal email address to register with as many company emails will filter the confirmation email as spam.

Universal Orlando Goes A Little Bit Country As Music Star Josh Turner Takes The Stage At The Summer Concert Series

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO GOES A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY AS MUSIC STAR JOSH TURNER

TAKES THE STAGE AT THE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Summer Concert Series Runs Every Saturday Night Through July 14

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series continues this weekend as country music star Josh Turner performs live at Universal Studios Florida.

Turner burst onto the country music scene in 2003 with his debut album, “Long Black Train.” The album’s single, “Long Black Train,” spent more than 40 weeks on the Billboard country charts. In 2006, Turner was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, making him the second youngest country singer to date ever to be inducted. Turner’s most notable hits include “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” which was the most played song on country radio in 2010 and earned him an American Country Award for “Singer of the Year – Male.” Turner’s fifth studio album, “Punching Bag,” was released this month.

Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills. This year’s star- lineup features top-name talent that will appeal to fans of every music genre. The full list of upcoming acts is below.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2012 LINEUP
Date	Headliner
June 23	Josh Turner
June 30	Al Green
July 7	Lupe Fiasco
July 14	Miranda Cosgrove

For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Special Rates for Teachers and School Staff at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin:

TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF

RECEIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION APPRECIATION RATES AT

THE WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – June 20, 2012 – Now that the school year is over, teachers and school support staff can enjoy the relaxing summer vacations they deserve at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. In order to thank these professionals for all they do, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is offering special room rates exclusively for them. The rates start at just $139 per night and offer a savings of up to 30 percent off of the standard rates.

Ideally located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers numerous amenities teachers and school support staff will enjoy during their stays. Guests can lounge on the Orlando hotel
’s white sand beach, indulge at one of the signature dining establishments or relax in the luxurious Mandara Spa.

Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers or by calling 1-800-227-1500. Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is valid for stays through Dec. 24. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups. Must show proof of employment upon arrival.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.
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LEGOLANDO Florida Launches Limited Time Offer to Florida Residents

LEGOLAND® Florida Launches Limited Time Offer to Florida Residents

NEW! Savings on Premium Passes and Single Day Tickets

Winter Haven, FL (June 19, 2012) – Families can have a blast for less cash this summer at LEGOLAND® Florida. With over 50 rides, shows and attractions and the all-new LEGOLAND® Water Park, Central Florida’s newest theme park offers two great ways to save so families can take part in the ultimate LEGOLAND® Florida experience. Special offers on both Premium Passes and single day Water Park combo tickets add up to a summer of fun. Guests will also enjoy extended summer hours where families can stay and play until 8pm daily Jun. 23 through Sept. 2. From roller coasters to the Build-a-Raft Lazy River, LEGOLAND Florida is the perfect combination of thrill and chill for families with children ages 2 to 12.

New Florida Resident Premium Pass Offer: This 6-week promotional offer allows Florida Residents to get an unlimited, 12 month Premium Pass to LEGOLAND Florida and the all-new LEGOLAND Water Park for just $159 plus tax. The Premium Pass has no black-out dates and includes admission to a year filled with special events at LEGOLAND Florida including the Red, Brick and Boom 4th of July Celebration, the Brick-or-Treat Halloween events, Christmas Bricktacular, a Kid’s New Year’s Eve Celebration and more. Free parking, discounts on food and merchandise and a complimentary subscription to LEGO® Club Magazine are also included. Guests can purchase the Premium Pass at the front gate or online at www.LEGOLAND.com through Jul. 31.

$10 Off Single Day Combo Ticket: A new online discount offers $10 off combo tickets for single day admission into LEGOLAND Florida and the all-new LEGOLAND Water Park. Families can now enjoy both parks for only $77 for adults and $67 for children ages 3-12 and seniors. This promotional offer is only available when purchased online now through Oct. 28 at www.LEGOLAND.com.

Existing Plus and Premium Pass members will also be receiving their own special offer from LEGOLAND Florida. Visit www.LEGOLAND.com for more information.

Take a Sneak Peek At The Secret Of The Wings

WALT DISNEY PICTURES ANNOUNCES

A SPECTACULAR ALL-NEW TINKER BELL DISNEY FAIRIES MOVIE

EXCITING WINTER ADVENTURE TAKES TINKER BELL ON AN EPIC JOURNEY

AND REVEALS A SECRET… THAT CHANGES HER LIFE FOREVER!

Featuring a stunning voice cast including Anjelica Huston, Timothy Dalton, Lucy Liu,

Raven-Symoné, Megan Hilty, Pamela Adlon, Matt Lanter, Debby Ryan and Mae Whitman and Introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE voiced by Lucy Hale

The Walt Disney Studios unveils an all-new, original full-length CG-animated feature film, “Secret of the Wings,” starring Tinker Bell, one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic characters, along with her fairy friends (Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist and Vidia) and introducing a sparkling new winter fairy, Periwinkle. Debuting on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital on October 23, 2012, the film marks the first time ever Tinker Bell will fly on Disney Blu-ray 3D.

For Tinker Bell and the other warm season fairies, the Winter Woods remains a mysterious and forbidden place. “Secret of the Wings” takes audiences on an amazing journey of discovery with Tink, into this forbidden world where she discovers a magical secret that changes her life forever.

A magical fairy adventure for the whole family, “Secret of the Wings” features a spectacular voice cast including Academy Award®-Winner Anjelica Huston (TV’s ‘Smash’), Timothy Dalton (TV’s ‘Chuck’, The Living Daylights), Lucy Liu (TV’s ‘Southland’, Charlie’s Angels), Raven-Symoné (TV’s ‘That’s So Raven’), Megan Hilty (TV’s ‘Smash’), Pamela Adlon (TV’s ‘Californication’), Matt Lanter (TV’s ‘90210’), Debby Ryan (TV’s ‘Jesse’) and Mae Whitman (TV’s ‘Parenthood’), and introducing the sparkling new winter fairy, PERIWINKLE, voiced by Lucy Hale (TV’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’). A DisneyToon Studios production, the film is directed by Peggy Holmes, co-directed by Bobs Gannaway, and produced by Michael Wigert. John Lasseter serves as Executive Producer.

“Secret of the Wings” is Disney’s highly-anticipated all-new movie in the Tinker Bell Disney Fairies film franchise. These beautifully-animated films have ranked at the top of the home entertainment charts every year they have been released.

In addition to the all-new feature film, the spectacular animated release includes a host of exciting bonus features that extend the viewing experience, taking audiences deeper into the magical world of Disney Fairies. (More details forthcoming)

To celebrate the upcoming release of “Secret of the Wings,” Disney has launched a new destination in Facebook for parents to stay updated on Disney Fairies news as well as receive the best new content and activities that they can share with their children. Audiences can become a fan now at: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFairies.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gcCorbZ6Mw

A Look At Angelina Jolie in “Maleficent”

DISNEY ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION ON “MALEFICENT”

ANGELINA JOLIE STARRER SET FOR MARCH 14, 2014 RELEASE

Burbank, CA (June 19, 2012) – The Walt Disney Studios announced today that production began Wednesday, June 13th, on “Maleficent,” starring Academy Award®–winning actress Angelina Jolie.

Directed by two-time Oscar®-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (“Avatar,” “Alice in Wonderland”), in his directorial debut, and produced by Joe Roth, “Maleficent” is written by Linda Woolverton (“The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith and Palak Patel.

Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (“District 9”), Elle Fanning (“Super 8”), Sam Riley (“On the Road”), Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”), Miranda Richardson (“The Hours”), Juno Temple (“Atonement”) and Lesley Manville (“Secrets & Lies”).

This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.

Behind-the-scenes talent includes Academy Award®–winning cinematographer Dean Semler (“Dances with Wolves,” “In the Land of Blood and Honey”), production designer Gary Freeman (“Saving Private Ryan,” “The Bourne Supremacy”), two-time Oscar® nominated costume designer Anna B. Sheppard (“Schindler’s List,” “The Pianist”) and seven-time Academy Award–winning makeup artist Rick Baker (“Planet of the Apes,” “Men in Black”).

“Maleficent” is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D.