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Disney

Times MONDAY MAY 21 , 2007

Disney Makes History! Magic Kingdom Opens For Only One Family As Disney Parks Kick Off ‘Year of a Million Dreams’

Disney’s PETER PAN Flies Around The World By DONALD DUCK

The Spranglers family having the whole Magic Kingdom all to themselves. By MICKEY MOUSE For the first time in history, a family today had the Magic Kingdom all to themselves. They entered the park to a view never seen before by any Disney guest – Main Street, U.S.A. completely empty, no other guests, no Disney cast members, just a red carpet stretching out a welcome. The family had their pick of favorite attractions. There were no lines. Because no one else was there. This unprecedented moment in Disney history was all part of the launch of Disney’s “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration, during which literally millions of dreams will come true at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort and California’s Disneyland Resort. “The Year of a Million Dreams” is a firstof-its-kind event celebrating the individual dreams of Disney Park guests from around the world. So Disney made the Spangler family from Randolph, Ohio – winners of an online sweepstakes used to help kick off the celebration – the ultimate, one-of-a-kind Magic Kingdom VIPs. Disney Parks literally rolled out the red carpet for the Spanglers on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort. But there were more surprises in store. As the Spanglers reached the center of Main Street, U.S.A., fanfare trumpeters broke the morning silence from atop the buildings lining the street and the familiar strains of “Be Our Guest” began to play – a signal for a whole lot of smiles. Appearing almost magically to form a receiving line fit for royalty were 1,500

Disney cast members and Disney characters, beaming and bubbly. For the Spanglers, their morning was nothing short of incredible. In a park that hosts millions of guests each year, Magic Kingdom attendance was four as Ray and Tammy Spangler and their children, 13-yearold Derick and 11-year-old Ashley, walked toward Cinderella Castle between rows of smiles lining the red carpet. “It was amazing,” said Ashley. Derick chimed in, “That was awesome!” With their Disney VIP host leading the way, they rode their favorite attractions, met their favorite Disney characters, appeared on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” and lived out a dream. “This is beyond the dream,” Ray said. “This is something that you can’t even think of dreaming of, yet we have it.” As the lands of the park filled in behind them with other guests, the Spanglers dined with Disney royalty in Cinderella Castle during A Fairytale Lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table and were named grand marshals for the “Disney Dreams Come True” parade. They were to conclude the day with an “unbirthday party” inspired by the “Alice in Wonderland” story and then enjoy exclusive viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular “Wishes.” For Tammy Spangler, winning this most remarkable experience was a dream-come-true – but one she figured was probably a proverbial “pipedream” when she entered the sweepstakes. “I hardly ever enter these things,” she said, “but Disney’s the most fun we’ve ever had on vacation, so when I discovered the contest

when I was [online], I entered it. But I really didn’t figure we’d win, not in a million years.” But this is “The Year of a Million Dreams” and the Spanglers won’t be the only ones finding their dreams come true at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. During “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration, literally millions of dreams will come true. “Our guests the world over have told us they believe a Disney Park is the place ‘where dreams come true’ and that something magical happens when they walk through our gates,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “And that’s never been more true than during ‘The Year of a Million Dreams’ as we bring more magic to life than ever before.” Dreams to surprise and delight guests and unique experiences will be hallmarks of “The Year of a Million Dreams.” As part of the celebration, extra-special dreams will be awarded through a random process as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway. With the sprinkle of a little pixie dust by day, a vacationing mom might be chosen to spend that night with her family in a new royal suite inside Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, or at Disneyland, a lucky guest may be surrounded by All Things Mickey that night in a new Mickey Mouse Penthouse overlooking the Disney domain in California. Disney Vacation Club memberships, traveling around the world as a parade grand marshal in each Disney theme park, sporting exclusive pins and Mouse ears – dreams from fun to fantastic will shower down on guests during the celebration. Other amazing dreams-come-true:

magical Disney Cruise Line sailings; Adventures by Disney vacations; a private shopping spree for Disney merchandise; Dream FASTPASS badges to enjoy many popular park attractions; special park after-hour events; or a visit to Walt Disney’s apartment at Disneyland including a dining experience. For the overnight stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a Walt Disney World guest at the parks or Downtown Disney will be selected randomly by early in the afternoon almost every day beginning in late January. The guest and up to five members of their party will begin their dream-come-true night that evening at Cinderella’s Royal Table, the popular restaurant located in Cinderella Castle. Can’t be in the parks? You may still have a dream-come-true through a mail-in entry (details at www.disneyparks.com/rules). For example, mail-in winners could win prizes such as the Disney Vacation Club membership, grand marshal of a Disney parade around the world, exclusive trading pins or Mickey Ear Hat. (Some prizes, such as the Castle and Mickey Mouse Penthouse stay, require sameday use so mail-in winners will receive a prize of comparable value.) Dreams will be awarded every day at Disney parks and Downtown Disney in Florida and California. While workers complete the Cinderella Castle Suite (opening late January 2007) and Mickey Mouse Penthouse (opening December 2006), the other fantasies begin Oct. 1 as Disney launches enough dreams to make Tinker Bell blush.

Saturday, March 3, 2007, London - Kathryn Beaumont, the original voice of Wendy, and Tinker Bell model Margaret Kerry were joined by local celebrities to celebrate the March 6th Platinum Edition 2 disc DVD release of Peter Pan in London’s Leicester Square. Celebrity attendees included Thandie Newton, Patsy Palmer, Fay Ripley and Gail Porter. Attendees enjoyed a screening of the digitally restored feature, followed by a themed after party at the ‘Darling House’, where children enjoyed a puppet theater and a visit by Captain Hook & Smee! WE CAN FLY! WE CAN FLY! Thursday, March 1, 2007, Perris, CA - To celebrate the DVD Launch of Disney’s Platinum Edition of Peter Pan, a team of skydivers got together to create a stunt dubbed “The World’s First Fly-In Theater.” The forty skydivers donned green tights and sang “We Can Fly, We Can Fly” as they boarded the airplane and took to the air. When they reached maximum altitude, they leapt from the plane and joined together to form two giant “P’s” in the sky as they flew into the theater, located on the ground below. After landing, they walked a green carpet, grabbed some popcorn and watched the world premiere screening of the all-new DVD in a custom outdoor theater. Walt Disney’s PETER PAN PLATINUM EDITION 2-disc DVD is filled with high-flying bonus features for all ages including “Camp Never Land” - explore the world of Never Land with three all-new multi-level games, a never-before-seen alternate opening beginning in Never Land instead of the Darling’s home, Deleted songs, “In Walt’s Words” – A new discovery! Walt Disney reveals in his own words “Why I made Peter Pan”, “You Can Fly: The Making of Peter Pan” an exciting journey to discover how the film was made, a sneak peek at the all-new Tinker Bell movie, and much more. PETER PAN PLATINUM EDITION has undergone an extensive audio and picture digital restoration. The 2-disc DVD features an all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which provides state- of-the art dramatic clarity of sound. The new digital restoration required a team of film, computer and animation experts to apply cutting-edge technology.

Banking with Scrooge today. Scrooge Bank is a major Disney Financial Institution offering home loans, car loan, business loans, Internet Banking, insurance and deposit products.

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NEWS

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007

Euro Disney Celebrates 15 Years of Dreams

Winnie the Pooh photos sold By PIGLET A photo of Christopher Robin clutching his Winnie the Pooh teddy bear has been sold at auction for £3,500. The previously unpublished black and white picture, showing the six-year-old son of Pooh author AA Milne, was part of a family album taken at their home. Another item of interest to enthusiasts - a sketch by EH Shepard entitled Pooh lowers the Sail - was sold for £5,800. The items were bought by two different, anonymous collectors at Dukes Auction House, Dorchester, Dorset, on Thursday. Auctioneer Garry Batt told BBC News Online: “The auction house was surprised but pleased with the level of interest in the sale of these items.” Milne’s creation Winnie the Pooh is one of the great heroes of 20th Century children’s literature. The books have been read by millions around the world. Films and videos have also been made about Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. The sketch entitled Pooh lowers the sail show Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and friends in a sailing ship pulled by a horse landing at what looks like Toyland. It were drawn by EH Shepard - who illustrated all the Pooh books.

By ROBIN HOOD

Six-year-old Christopher Robin with Winnie the Pooh

“Pooh lowers the Sail” sketched by EH Shepard

From a new parade spectacular with dozens of Disney characters to exciting new attractions and an enchanting makeover of Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Resort Paris celebrates its 15th anniversary with a yearlong celebration beginning April 1, 2007. In the last 15 years, Disneyland Resort Paris has established itself as the leading tourist destination in Europe, welcoming more than 175 million visits and growing from a single park and a handful of hotels into a vibrant destination. Today, the resort features two Disney Parks, seven Disney themed hotels with 5,800 rooms, seven partner hotels, two convention centers, the Disney Village entertainment and retail district and first-class golf courses. ‘Since 1992, Disneyland Resort Paris has been making dreams come true for guests of many cultures, countries and ages,’ said Karl L. Holz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Euro Disney S.A.S. ‘The yearlong 15th Anniversary celebration has something new for everyone -- and festivities every single day for 12 magical months.’ In the Disneyland Park, Mickey Mouse and dozens of Disney characters star in the all-new

Disney’s Once Upon a Dream Parade. The colorful procession features famous ‘dream’ moments from some of the most beloved Disney stories ever. The parade starts with a float featuring an open book to symbolize dream images coming to life, with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a hot-air balloon, Donald Duck at center stage, and Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale interacting with Guests. ‘Most of the floats have two themes, one on the front and one on the back,’explained François Leroux, vice president of entertainment. ‘Our guests will see more of their favorite dreams coming to life, such as Alice in Wonderland and Pinocchio representing Dreams of Laughter and Fun. And for the first time ever, to excite the senses we’ve added fragrances that will fill the air and match the themes of each float.’ Throughout both the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, there are even more opportunities to meet favorite Disney characters, including the new Disney Characters’ Express that transports a trainload of characters several times daily down Main Street, U.S.A. to meet guests in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and at special locations added just for the celebration. As a dazzling backdrop for the party, the Disneyland Park’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is artfully adorned with colorful sculptures of Disney Characters with birthday candles decorating the turrets. Each evening, the candles will sparkle as they come to life during Candleabration, a stunning character-filled birthday show. Three new attractions open at Walt Disney Studios Park during the celebration. The first two, opening in June 2007, will be making their highly anticipated worldwide debut: Crush’s Coaster, a family thrill ride, plunges guests into the underwater world of the Disney Pixar animated hit film ‘Finding Nemo.’ This immersive experience will transport guests into the big blue world of curious clownfish Nemo and his surfer turtle friend, Crush. Plenty of

thrills and unexpected surprises await. Cars Race Rally, inspired by the Disney Pixar film ‘Cars,’ lets guests of all ages take a crazy spinning ride on the famous Route 66. Guests of all ages climb aboard for a zanycruise on the famous Route 66, created with dimensional movie sets. At each corner of the track, famous faces from the awardwinning film are waiting to cheer on drivers. As the rocky desert landscape whizzes past and the canyon walls spiral around, the colorful cars cross the finish line. The fun continues in early 2008 on the park’s new Hollywood Boulevard with the opening of the The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, a haunted hotel towering 13 stories tall. The thrill ride will dare guests to board a ramshackle hotel freight elevator -- with a faster-than-the-speed-of-gravity drop that plummets 13 fear-filled floors. The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, already a hit at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disneyland, is one of Disney’s most popular attractions worldwide. Special Packages, Easier Access “In addition to all of our new and unique experiences, and as our anniversary present to guests, we’re creating special packages that make it more affordable than ever before to live out Disney dreams,” said Norbert Stiekema, sales and distribution vice president, Disneyland Resort Paris. And just in time for the 15th Anniversary celebration, the TGV French rail network is expanding service to Disneyland Resort Paris with links to Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich in Germany, and Basel and Zurich in Switzerland. “With this expansion, Marne-la-Vallée is the biggest platform of hub interconnections for TGV in France,” said Stiekema. The party continues daily from April 1, 2007 through March 2008 at both parks of the Disneyland Paris Resort.

NEWS

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007

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Disney’s Pirates Fever Spreads Beyond The Film To an Interactive Disneyland Adventure A longtime favorite Disneyland Resort attraction is reopening May 25 with new swashbuckling adventures as Captain Jack Sparrow and his gaggle of mates take over Tom Sawyer Island and turn it into their own “Pirate’s Lair.” The pirates will loot and carouse as they attempt to recruit island guests into their brotherhood of freedom and greed at Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. “The phenomenal popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has allowed our Imagineers and cast members to bring the classic Tom Sawyer Island pirate experience alive in new, entertaining and fun ways like only Disney can do,” said Ed Grier, President of Disneyland Resort. “Through Disney’s signature brand of storytelling, guests will be immersed in a pirate experience like no other and find new ways to explore an island that’s been taken over by some of the most popular characters from the Pirates franchise, including Captain Jack Sparrow himself.” Pirates aficionados who are gamers also will find a bounty of buccaneer booty when a Disney Parks wireless initiative brings technology to life like never before. Created in partnership with Disney Interactive Studios for Disneyland and Walt Disney World, guests with a Nintendo DS™ and a copy of the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Nintendo DS video game will be able to download content will only be found in Disney Parks in Southern California and Florida. “The Year of a Million Dreams has been all about immersing our guests in the excitement of Disneyland, and this in-park videogame content is a groundbreaking way for them to

participate in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ adventure,” said Grier. n Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End for Nintendo DS, players take on the roles of Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner in a journey based on the events, environments and characters seen on the silver screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. (See Article: Disney To Release Exclusive Pirate Content At It’s Theme Parks For Nintendo DS Owners) Developed by Amaze Entertainment and published by Disney Interactive Studios, the game is rated E 10+ for “Everyone who is ten years or older” by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and will be available at selected retailers nationwide as well as for purchase in the Disneys parks. At Disneyland, half the fun will be discovering “hotspot” locations in New Orleans Square (hint: as every pirate knows, X marks the spot) for downloads that unlock new content such as unlimited health and “savvy” as well as fun extras and additional costumes. This special content is only available in the parks through Labor Day weekend and is accessible with a Nintendo DS. Both Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and the Nintendo DS in-park play opportunities are additions to the line-up of the new immersive experiences debuting in 2007 as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration at Disney. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island makes its debut day and date with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the third film in the popular Disney movie franchise. Building upon the hands-on play and exploration that

have made the island a Disneyland favorite for children and adults alike since it opened more than 50 years ago, Pirate’s Lair takes its inspiration from Tom and Huck’s pirate games chronicled in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, as well as from Disneyland’s famed Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the blockbuster motion picture series. The Pirate’s Lair experience embarks when aspiring pirates traverse the Rivers of America in Frontierland on rafts -- with island maps in hand -- and head ashore at Pirate Point where they are greeted by Captain Jack Sparrow’s warning of his presence on the isle. Guests will soon discover that Captain Jack Sparow has joined his fellow adventurers from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies in a plan to overtake the Tom Sawyer Island. William Turner has set up his blacksmith shop on Pirate Point and Elizabeth Swann has landed, as evidenced by her framed portrait, signed love letters and diary of the two. Quarrelsome pirates Pintel and Ragetti also have staked their claim. Appearing as special effects in the form of a pop-up head and a spooky skeletal arm, the pair attempts to frighten off would-be treasure-snatchers and other plunderers. Cavern explorers in Dead Man’s Grotto will encounter ghostly apparitions, buried treasure and mysterious voices, as well as discover an ornate chest that holds the heart of the villainous Davy Jones. Brave souls seeking to claim the cherished chest will be shocked to feel the thump of his beating heart and hear the strains of his ghostly voice. In a watery inlet alongside a ramshackle

barrel bridge in Smuggler’s Cove, treasure seekers might spot a sunken ship. A closer look discovers a chest that can only be revealed by operating a hoist to lift it from its underwater. Unwitting guests roaming the island may stumble upon a rather intimidating suspended bone cage, similar to the one depicted in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. However, this seemingly unfortunate situation could lend itself as the perfect opportunity to pose for photos as trapped prisoners of the cannibal tribe that menaced Captain Jack. Down another path, guests may meet up with roving pirates seeking new recruits to takeover the Pirate Oath, as well as The Bootstrappers, a fun-loving band of rogues who are always looking high and low for singa-long participants to join them. Captain Jack Sparrow and several sly, cunning pirates take to the swords in “Jack Sparrow’s Swashbuckling Adventure,” an interactive and high-energy live performance. During the show, Captain Jack tricks a fellow pirate into helping him retrieve a map from the Casque of the Unknown that leads to the ultimate buried treasure. A brawl ensues and the pirates engage in swordplay, acrobatics and a cannon battle in their quest for the revered map. The performance runs several times daily on the island. The crafty Captain Jack Sparrow, his ruthless and cunning nemesis Barbossa, and Davy Jones, the legendary ruler of the ocean depths, continue to entertain Disney park guests as part of the “wildest crew to ever sack the Spanish Main” in the classic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland, Walt

Disney World, Tokyo and Euro Disney. Tom Sawyer Island opened in June 1956. It claims the distinction of being the only attraction personally designed by Walt Disney. Along with the arrival of Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, summer 2007 will mark the return of FANTASMIC! This dazzling adventure inside Mickey Mouse’s magical imagination is an extravaganza of characters, light and special effects. It will be performed on the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island beginning in June. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island joins a full lineup of immersive experiences to be found at Disneyland during the Year of a Million Dreams celebration in 2007. The Resort is celebrating its “Dreams Come True” heritage by making literally millions of dreams, large and small, come true for eligible guests. Many money-can’t-buy experiences—from exclusive Dream FASTPASSES for popular Disney attractions to around-the-world vacations or a stay in the special Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel—will be awarded at random. There are other “Dreams Come True” opportunities for guests to meet and play with Disney Princesses at Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, duel with Darth Vader at Jedi Training Academy, create mayhem with the denizens of Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, or show their school spirit by joining in the fun of the High School Musical Pep Rally at Disney’s California Adventure park. The Year of a Million Dreams continues throughout 2007 both at Disneyland Resort and at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

things happen. However, Anaheim leaders don’t seem to be too thrilled with them. It was only last month when Disney sued the city over a zoning issue, banning construction for a residential project that the city had in mind. Although Walt Disney World far surpasses Disneyland in size, and number of guests, it was the 50th anniversary of Disneyland that is responsible for the surplus of cash that is allowing for this expansion. There is also a

high demand at the Disneyland Resort, whose occupancy rate is operating at 93%. The average in the Anaheim area is 72%. Disney has slowly acquired 460 acres of property in Anaheim, including a plot of strawberry fields that could be the site of the third theme park. Disneyland President Ed Grier wouldn’t give any specifics but did in fact say that plans are “around the corner”.

Disney Launches Family Wiki This week the Walt Disney Company announced a brand new website that will be launched for beta testing later this week. Family.com will be a website geared towards parents, more specifically, Moms, who need a place to get information on nutrition, education, and eventually a “ParentPedia”, which will be a database of information on 1,000 topics that can be broadened by users. This website will also be a place for parents to come together, share stories and hardships even. A place where they can connect with other families and their situations. “To get community right, you need to have the right mix between homegrown content plus the ability to loop in people and content from outside. That takes guts because you don’t really know what users are going to say. It’s uncharacteristic for a company that wants to control things as much as Disney.”, says Josh Bernoff, from Massachusetts based Research. Paul Yanover, the executive vice president of Disney Online, said that over 30,000 mothers surveyed over the past year want a site that they can be open in, yet have the trusted name and content that Disney can provide. The site will be monitored for any foul language, racist remarks or any other actions that go against their “house rules”. The website will also include Disney merchandise as well as promote Disney films. It won’t however, have only Disney merchandise, but similar products and content.”We want to be clear that ‘Disney’ does not necessarily mean Disney-branded products and services,” Yanover said. “It means Disney as a reliable brand. We don’t just want to push Disney products.”

A panorama night shoot of Disneyland.

Disneyland to Expand? There are BIG things on the horizon for the Walt Disney Company. Following the success of the Walt Disney Word Resort in Florida, the company plans on expanding its Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. “It’s about changing Anaheim into Orlando - making this into a national and international tourist space,” says Jim Hill, owner of jimhillmedia.com. He seems to be correct in that assumption. While Disney won’t reveal

specifically what the plan is for Disneyland, it is said that they plan on mimicking the Disney World blueprint. This would mean, among other things timeshares or possibly a west coast cruise line. They also have plans for sprucing up the California Adventure Park, as well as rethinking the possibility of a third theme park. After recovering from the 9/11 slump, Disney now has enough funds to make these

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NEWS

Disney’s Pixar takeover is boost for Jobs By CAPTAIN HOOK

Steve Jobs, the head of Apple, has had his share of ups and downs, including a battle with cancer and at one time even being ousted from the computer company he founded. But the self-styled outsider and college dropout who was famously paid $1 a year at Apple has refused to quietly fade away. His fortunes have revived in recent years and Disney’s purchase of animation firm Pixar may finally have cemented his position as a main player in the technology and media industries. The question is: where does he go now?

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007 Following the $7.4bn (£4.1bn) takeover of Pixar, the company he bought in 1986 for $10m, Mr Jobs gains a place on Disney’s board of directors. Some observers are already tipping him to be Disney’s new chairman. This situation would have been impossible last year, when Mr Jobs and former Disney boss Michael Eisner had a very public falling out. On the surface the battle seemed to be about distribution rights, but at its core was a tussle over who would define the future of increasingly profitable animated films. The power of Disney, the pioneer and grand-daddy of the genre, was on the wane, while Pixar was the thrusting young upstart itching to fill its boots. However, Disney had an ace up its sleeve - a distribution network that alongside its marketing and merchandising expertise could make or break films such as Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and A Bug’s Life. For shareholders the spat between the two

firms was vexing, and helped speed Mr Eisner’s exit from the home of Mickey Mouse. Disney’s new boss Robert Iger immediately looked to smooth the ruffled feathers and get Pixar and Mr Jobs back on board. The first sign that relations had thawed was when Disney agreed to sell television programmes from its ABC channel, including hits Desperate Housewives and Lost, through Apple’s iTunes music and video systems. Analysts applauded the deal, saying that with Apple’s understanding of how to make technology user friendly, it was likely that many more consumers would be tempted to watch TV programmes on digital players such as an iPod. While this may be a small revenue stream at present, for companies like Disney it could become a powerful money-spinner. The problem is that few media companies have really grasped the full potential the technology can offer them, analysts believe. And this is where Mr Jobs, who once said he wanted “to put a ding in the universe”, is

Disney launches new Hongkong theme park By Mulan

MAKING MAGIC: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse make every visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort magical.

Winnie the Pooh On A Starlight Starbright Adventure With the help of his beary special friends at Build-A-Bear Workshop and The Walt Disney Company, Winnie the Pooh is on a mission to bring special comfort and friendship to children in need of a friend during hospital stays. Thousands of make-your-own Winnie the Pooh plush bears will be sent to children’s hospitals in three countries through the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. Each time a Guest makes a Winnie the Pooh of their own (valued at $20 USD, $30 CAD, GBP 18 UK) at a Build-A-Bear Workshop location and online at www.buildabear.com, they are asked to make another one, at no charge, to be donated to a young Starlight Starbright child at a local children’s hospital. This fabulous promotion will take place at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom through June 30, 2007. Starlight Starbright is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. “Starlight Starbright understands what children and families go through when a child in the family is hospitalized due to a serious illness, and so we are delighted to partner with Build-A-Bear Workshop and Disney on this campaign,” said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. “It provides an easy opportunity for children and families around the globe to participate in a simple act of kindness and know that they will make a child’s hospital stay much brighter.” “Winnie the Pooh represents friendship and the simple joys of childhood, making him the perfect character to be a part Build-A-Bear Workshop’s ‘A Year of Friendship’ campaign,” said Jeff Hoffman, vice president, Disney Worldwide Outreach. “For more than 80 years, Winnie the Pooh has brought a smile to young and old and we hope that he can do the same for the children and families of the Starlight Starbright Foundation.”

Disney buys Pixar in $7.4bn deal Walt Disney has agreed a $7.4bn (£4.1bn) deal to buy Pixar, the animation firm behind films including Toy Story and The Incredibles. The all-share deal will see Pixar chief executive Steve Jobs join Disney’s board of directors. Under the agreement, 2.3 Disney shares will be issued for each Pixar share. Disney’s distribution deal with Pixar was due to end this year, and it seemed the two would split after failing to agree on how to divide future profits. However, Disney’s new boss Robert Iger has been working to revive relations between the two companies. The deal is a turnaround for Mr Jobs, who fell out with former Disney boss Michael Eisner and said he would walk away from the current distribution deal when it expired this year, following the release of new movie Cars. Mr Jobs, who is also the boss of Apple Computer, controls more than half of Pixar’s stock.

Disney has opened a new $1.8bn (£1bn) theme park in Hong Kong, the firm’s biggest foray into the Chinese market. Hong Kong Disneyland, based on Lantau Island, is expected to attract more than fiveand-a-half million visitors in its first year. The project is 57% owned by the Hong Kong government, and is expected to generate $19bn over the next 40 years. Characters such as Alice in Wonderland sing and speak in Cantonese, while Chinese food is sold around the park. The theme park was opened by Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and other guests included Hong Kong’s chief executive Donald Tsang and Disney boss Michael Eisner. Guests watched a traditional Chinese lion dance performed in front of an enormous fairytale-style castle.

“Disney and Pixar can now collaborate without the barriers that come from two different companies with two different sets of shareholders,” Mr Jobs said. The loss of Pixar would have been a blow for Disney, as demand for the company’s films, as well as DVDs, videos and merchandise, has proved to be very strong. “With this transaction, we welcome and embrace Pixar’s unique culture, which for two decades has fostered some of the most innovative and successful films in history,” Mr Iger said. “The addition of Pixar significantly enhances Disney animation, which is a critical creative engine for driving growth across our businesses.” Disney’s earnings from Pixar’s six films are estimated to be about $3.2bn. However, analysts said that the real value to Disney was the talent the deal would bring in-house, especially Pixar executive vicepresident John Lasseter, the man credited as being the creative driving force at the firm. Under the deal, Mr Lasseter will become chief creative officer of the combined animation studios as well as principal creative adviser at Walt Disney Imagineering, the company behind Disney’s theme parks.

The merged image of Disney and Pixar icons.

likely to come into his own. “It is critical that media companies gain a greater understanding of technology and the impact it may have on their businesses,” Kathy Styponia, an analyst at Prudential Securities was quoted in the Financial Times as saying. “No company understands technology and the consumer better than Apple,” she added. At Apple, Mr Jobs describes his role as making space for creative people to work in, and keeping the rest of the company out of there. While he may not get the chance to be so hands-on at Disney, it is unlikely that he will sit quietly. “Jobs is a maverick guy who is not afraid to speak his mind,” Joe Bonner, an analyst at Argus Research told the Independent newspaper. “He’s outspoken. He would not be a quiet little boy on Disney’s board.” Many in the market believe that Mr Jobs may manage to shake things up at Disney, especially as he thinks that “innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”. Disney hopes the park will tap into Hong Kong’s appeal to newly-wealthy mainland Chinese and their children as a shopping and leisure centre. On the eve of the opening ceremony, local officials clashed with the theme park after it ordered health officers investigating food poisoning cases to remove their caps and badges. Hong Kong officials, angered that food inspectors were asked to take off their uniforms to avoid scaring clients, told Disney it was “not above the law”. Disney apologised for its action - made during open days last month - and promised to comply with local laws. The health inspectors were called in after three cases of food poisoning, still under investigation, were reported in two of the park’s restaurants from “rehearsal days” ahead of the opening. The two officers complied when they were asked to dress less conspicuously - but the request has been widely criticised by government officials. The resort - the Disney group’s second in Asia, after Tokyo - suffered a series of setbacks in the run-up to its official opening.

Analysts back Disney Pixar tie-up By Winnie the Pooh

Analysts and investors have broadly welcomed Walt Disney’s $7.4bn (£4.1bn) move to buy animation studio Pixar. The tie-up between two of the biggest names in animation was described as a “nearperfect strategic fit” by investment bank Merrill Lynch. The all-share deal will see Pixar boss Steve Jobs join Disney’s board. Shares in Pixar, the firm behind Toy Story and The Incredibles, rose 3% on Wall Street on Wednesday, although Disney’s shares were little changed. Both companies announced the deal - which was widely expected by the market - after the close of US trade on Tuesday. “We view the Disney-Pixar combination as a near-perfect strategic fit,” said analyst Jessica Reif Cohen in a Merrill Lynch research report. “Pixar’s family-oriented content meshes well with Disney’s brand and is an important cog in its theatrical/home video distribution, theme parks and consumer products divisions.” Disney chief executive Robert Iger has been working to revive relations between the two companies, which have enjoyed success in recent years from several animated features. However, Mr Jobs, who also runs Apple Computer and controls more than half of Pixar’s stock, publicly fell out with previous Disney boss Michael Eisner over a new distribution agreement. Before the takeover deal was announced, Disney’s distribution deal with Pixar was due to end later this year. “I give Bob Iger tons and tons of credit for taking this on and working in the interest of shareholders,” said Harold Vogel, of Vogel Capital Management. “It’s a pretty impressive transaction. It’s small [in financial terms] but it’s large for Disney in terms of change in culture and what it can do for Disney around the world.” Disney’s earnings from Pixar’s six films are estimated to be about $3.2bn.

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007

NEWS

‘Pirates’ lands in Tokyo for launch

Disney Hits It Big with iTunes The Walt Disney Company had released its quarterly earnings yesterday, showing $23.7 Million in TV shows and $2 Million in movie profits through iTunes. Top sellers included Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Cars. “We continue to view the broadbandenabled internet as an important entertainment medium, and our creative and technological investments in Disney, ESPN, ABC.com are designed with that premise in mind.” Said Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger. Mr. Iger also stated they are extremely happy with iTunes prices and even went as far as to say that they make as much profit from iTunes as the physical media. “There are cost of goods that are factored out of the iTunes sale, which allows them to sell at a lower price. That’s their decision and it allows us to take revenue out that is equal to, in terms of a per-click sale, store sales. So, yes, we’re quite comfortable with iTunes,” Iger explained.

By PETER PAN On Wednesday night, Disney threw the international premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” at the giant Nippon Budokan arena, best known for its famous rock concerts. Roughly 5,000 people attended the Japan preem -- 3,000 more than attended the world preem of the pic at Disneyland on Saturday. Mark Zoradi, president of the Walt Disney Motion Picture Group, noted that the cast and director Gore Verbinski were all set to attend the Tokyo preem. “Last year, we went around the world and we did four or five premieres. This year, we decided to just do the U.S. and Tokyo. The reason we choose Tokyo is because Japan is such a big market,” Zoradi said on the phone from Tokyo hours before the event. “For a movie like this, Japan could be the No. 1 or 2,” added the exec, who heads up worldwide marketing and distribution for the Mouse House. Tokyo also is the ideal platform to reach out to all of Asia. “The fact that we are having 5,000 people brings the media out. That’s the reason for such big premieres, to generate a lot of publicity,” Zoradi noted. Disney and its promotional partners threw a pre-screening reception, versus an after-party. Tokyo was also the focus of Sony’s unusual step of holding the world premiere of “SpiderMan 3” on April 16, a full two weeks before the actual release of the movie. (Tentpole opened in Japan on May 1, three days ahead of its U.S. bow.) Competitors opined that Sony was trying to outdo “Pirates” buzz by waging such an aggressive release campaign. Sony -- headquartered in Tokyo -- also was taking advantage of Japan’s Golden Week holiday, which kick-started “Spider-Man 3” in that market with a $26 million opening weekend record. Spidey’s Japanese cume has hit $44 million, trailing only France at $46 million and the U.K. at $57 million. Though none of the other summer tentpoles are preeming in Japan, the attraction of the market as a launch point’s easy to understand at a time that the international markets represent an increasingly large portion of the box office for high-profile pics. Over 62% of the “Spider-Man 3” grosses -- now at $750 million -- have come from outside the United States; more than 60% of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” worldwide total of $1.07 billion was generated internationally. Japan’s box office on “Pirates 2” topped $84 million, second only to the $98 million cume in the U.K. Disney’s turned on its worldwide promo machine full blast for “Pirates.”Johnny Depp’s been able to tubthump extensively in the U.K., for example, as he’s been in Britain recently for feature version of “Sweeney Todd.”

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Disneyland’s Underwater Adventure Returns to Park In Time for The Year of a Million Dreams!

“Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage” Ready for action By BELLE

In preparation for a brand-new “E-Ticket” attraction at Disneyland, the Tomorrowland Submarine Lagoon is being transformed into the underwater habitat of Nemo, Marlin, Dory and friends for the “Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.” The new attraction, opening June 11, 2007 as part of “The Year of a Million Dreams” at Disneyland, will feature extensively enhanced versions of the eight original submarines from the fondly remembered “Submarine Voyage” attraction, which explored the “liquid space” of the lagoon from 1959 through 1998. “Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage” is inspired by the Disney/Pixar film, Finding Nemo. “From the very beginning, we’ve combined new innovations with favorite stories to create magical new worlds,” declared Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, when he unveiled plans for the attraction. “In ‘Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage,’ our guests will experience Nemo’s world in a way that has never been done before.” As a member of the sub crew, guests will embark on an expedition to the site of an erupting undersea volcano. Soon after departure, they will be delighted to discover their favorite fish friends getting into the swim of things right alongside their submarine! Nemo and company are able to go along for the ride thanks to a stunning new animation

technology developed exclusively by Walt Disney Imagineering. The Finding Nemo characters will appear exactly as they do in the film, but in a real, three-dimensional underwater setting. Along with the improved unique underwater technology, the “Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage” will feature fully sculpted AudioAnimatronics characters, including scuba divers and the scavenging seagulls (“Mine, Mine”) from Finding Nemo. “We are literally bringing the undersea world of Finding Nemo off the screen and into the submarine lagoon of Tomorrowland!” says Tom Fitzgerald, executive vice president and senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, creative arm for all Disney parks and resorts. “We are going to immerse our guests into an adventure that will leave them in disbelief - - they will want to experience this new attraction over and over to find out – ‘How did they do that?’” The Finding Nemo submarine vehicles are being enhanced in a number of ways, including the addition of two extra seats and portal windows in anticipation of expanded guest interest. In a first-of-its-kind development, the submarines are being converted from the diesel power of the 1950s to a new, environmentally friendly fully electric power. With new onboard audio, guests will get to hear the sounds and voices of the underwater characters as they move alongside the submarine. These sounds are synchronized to travel along with the figures under water using a four-channel stereophonic sound system. Guests will get to eavesdrop on the exploits of Dory (Blue Tang fish), Marlin (Clown fish), Crush (Turtle), Bruce (Great White Shark) and the members of the “tank gang,” and most importantly, take

part in an ever changing adventure of trying to “find” Nemo throughout the voyage. Along the way guests will travel through colorful undersea environments created using yet another original Imagineering-developed technology. The underwater scenes will be more eye-popping than ever before thanks to custom colors created from recycled glass, providing deeper, richer hues that last longer under water. After surviving a sub-shaking volcanic eruption, the subs will dive alongside a breathtakingly beautiful coral reef where Marlin, Nemo and all their friends gather to celebrate finding Nemo at last! Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is one of the new immersive experiences at Disneyland during the Year of a Million Dreams celebration, which began on October 1 at Disney Parks in the United States. For 15 months, the Resort will celebrate dreams coming true, making literally millions of dreams, large and small, come true for eligible guests. Many moneycan’t-buy experiences—from exclusive Dream FASTPASSES for popular Disney attractions to around-the-world vacations or a stay in the special Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel—will be awarded at random. There are other “Dreams Come True” opportunities for guests to meet and play with Disney Princesses at Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, duel with Darth Vader at Jedi Training Academy or join in the fun of the High School Musical Pep Rally. “The Year of a Million Dreams” continues throughout 2007. More information about the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, TheYear of a Million Dreams, and vacations at Disneyland Resort is available at www.disneyland.com, by calling (866) 60-DISNEY, or by visiting local travel agents.

Disney to Test 8th Grade Jam Parties According to jimhillmedia.com, Disney will be testing the 8th Grade Grade Jam, a party for graduates much like the one that is held for senior high school graduates every year. The party will be modified for these junior high graduates, however. The seniors’ party is held from 10p.m. to 4a.m., obviously too late for the younger kids. Their party will be held on May 4th from 7p.m. to 11:30p.m. The party’s admission fee is $38.00 per person adn includes a meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and dessert. They will also be serving lemonade. The party will be held in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be able to ride many attractions and use the Dinoland USA section. Several schools have agreed to take part in the test run of the 8th Grade Jam, and Disney Destinations, LLC, according to Jim Hill, are already looking into scheduling additional nights in 2008.

A Disney Fans Ulitmate Prize on eBay! The ultimate piece of Disneyana is available on eBay. Walt Disney’s signed passport is on the auction site and is expected to fetch a hefty price of between $14,000 and $21,600. The passport was used just once, according to the item description, when he traveled to London right before Mary Poppins was released. Many Disney fans where aware of the items before the general press got wind of it as seen on the Magical Mountain Disney forums. However, since this item is so rare, most Disney fans will have to sit on the sidelines and just watch to see how much this historical item will sell for.

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FEATURE

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, the Pirates’ Ride for Me

KID’S VIEW

By Captain Jack Sparrow

Location :Disneyland parks, CA, Tokyo, and Paris and WDW Magic Kingdom, FL Thrill Scale : 2 Small splashdowns, mildly frightening images. Type: Boat-conveyed dark ride Dead men may tell no tales, but Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean have entertained millions with their salty tales. A landmark achievement in theme park storytelling when it debuted in 1967, Pirates remains one of Disney’s--and all of parkdom’s--most beloved attractions. First-timers and those returning with nostalgia-tinged memories alike adore its timeless tales and pitchperfect presentation. Pirates of the Caribbean may be the quintessential theme park attraction. It is a masterful blend of fanciful storytelling and high-tech wizardry--but the latter never overshadows the former. The robotics, special effects, conveyance system, music, and other elements meld seamlessly to sweep guests away into a mythical, three-dimensional pirate world. The experience varies slightly depending on the park. The original Disneyland version, personally overseen by Walt, has an extended “grotto” sequence at the beginning of the attraction. This is where the coveted treasure lies. Also unique to California, Pirates resides in the New Orleans Square area, and its boats drift past diners in the enchanting Blue Bayou

Toon Time story by Kim

Captain Jack Sparrow joins the Pirates of the Caribbean crew in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World with amazingly lifelike animatronic figures.

YO HO (A PIRATE’S LIFE FOR ME)

Lyrics by Xavier Atencio and music by George Bruns

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me. We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot, Drink up me ‘earties, yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me. We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.

Barbossa joins the battle scene in Pirates of the Caribbean and asks the town to give up Captain Jack Sparrow. restaurant. (Epcot’s Mexico pavilion uses a similar concept with its restaurant and boatconveyed attraction.) In Paris, the boats go up a ramp to begin the attraction and deliver the splashdown as a finale. The three other Pirates start by sending their boatloads of passengers down a short, but attention-grabbing, drop. (California and Paris feature two small waterfalls.) It is as if Disney transports guests to a mysterious subterranean netherworld where skeletons come to life and break into rousing choruses of the Pirates theme song. The first major scene places passengers squarely in the middle of a raging buccaneer battle. Pirates, apparently attempting to ransack a town under the cover of night, are firing their cannons. The townspeople are firing back however, and the water around the guests’ boats reverberates from the blasts.

Moving into the town, the pirates have rounded up the mayor and are trying to get him to reveal the location of the booty by dunking him in a well. The extraordinary detail of the attraction comes to life here. Disney literally and figuratively set the stage for future theme park attractions with Pirates by incorporating lighting, music, dialogue, costumes, set design, and other techniques to tell the story. Some are borrowed from film and theater; other techniques are unique to attraction development. The next scene, featuring the “wench” auction, may be the most elaborate. The potential “brides” pose for the leering pirates, while an auctioneer presides over the event with authority and startling clarity. According to Disney’s Marty Sklar, Imagineers updated the auction figures through the years to give them more fluid and sophisticated articulation.

Traveling on, guests see woman with rolling pins and brooms chasing pirates in an endless circle. Originally, the pirates chased the women, but in the politically correct 1990s, Disney altered the scene. I guess it’s still OK to portray public drunkenness, looting, prostitution, and arson, however. Things take a turn for the worse as fire rages through the town. The oblivious pirates seem more interested in drinking their rum than escaping danger. The famous “hairy leg” pirate sits idly on a bridge above the guests as fire consumes the village. A trio of pirate prisoners is intent on escaping the inferno. They try, unsuccessfully, to coax a dog into bringing them the key to their cell. The attraction ends just as the fire threatens to detonate a storehouse of powder kegs. Then it’s on to the REAL booty: Disney’s huge gift shop stuffed with Pirates doodads.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me. We kindle and char, inflame and ignite, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. We burn up the city, we’re really a fright, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. We’re rascals, scoundrels, villans, and knaves, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. We’re devils and black sheep, really bad eggs, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me. We’re beggars and blighters, ne’er-do-well cads, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho. Aye, but we’re loved by our mommies and dads, Drink up, me ‘earties, yo ho.

I remember waking up bright and early Saturday morning at 7 A.M. to watch cartoons. The last time I did that, I was probably eleven years old. Now at the age of sixteen, I can’t even imagine getting up early on a Saturday morning. All Disney articles are fun to write, but this one will be especially fun to write because I am going to recall all the old Disney cartoons I used to watch on Saturdays. Some of you may not remember these cartoons, but I sure do. Doug, Recess, The Weekenders, Pepper Ann, Sabrina The Animated Series, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Bump in the Night, Fudge, House of Mouse, and many, many more. It could take hours to list all the ABC shows I watched, but I’ll only highlight a few of my favorites. Bump in the Night is a claymation show and it is about Mr. Bumpy, who is a green monster that lives under a boy’s bed. His best friends are Squishington, who lives in the boy’s bathroom and Molly Coddle, who is a rag doll. The enemies of Mr. Bumpy are Destructo and Closet Monster. Destructo is a toy robot and Closet Monster is exactly what it sounds like, a monster living in the closet. This show was not on for a long time and it aired in the mid 90’s. It was like no other show I’ve seen before because they used claymation. The next show is Fudge, which aired right after Bump in the Night. Fudge aired for two seasons, the fist season was on ABC and the second on CBS. If you think the name Fudge sounds familiar, there are books called Fudge written by Judy Blume. But the one thing that sticks out in my memory about Fudge is, turtle soup. In one episode, Fudge made turtle soup from his older brother’s turtle. Gross!! Doug, who doesn’t remember Doug? And his dog Porkchops? Doug aired from 1996 to 2000, but it first aired on Nickelodeon. Doug and his friends Skeeter and Patti went to middle school and Doug was in love with Patti. I remember loving Doug when I was younger. It was a great show. Recess and Disney’s House of Mouse are still on the Disney channel, so I won’t talk that much about the shows. Recess was about six friends who went through everyday challenges of recess. Disney’s House of Mouse was a restaurant with entertainment for all of the Disney characters. The place was run of Mickey Mouse, of course. The Weekenders, Pepper Ann, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Sabrina the Animated Series, I’m clumping all together for me because I knew all the words to their theme songs. That is how much Saturday Morning Cartoons I watched over the years. -Sabrina the Animated Series: Not as good as the live action series, but they tried. It is a spin off, featuring Sabrina as a twelve year old just learning how to use her powers. Some of the same characters are still featured on the show but there are some new ones too. Uncle Quiggley is a new character and I think he just came out of the blue. Melissa Joan Hart and her sister Emily do the voices for three characters. I know that some of these shows air on Toon Disney, but sadly I do not have that channel. It was fun to extract all of these old memories from my brain and share with you some of the shows I enjoyed watching when I was a child.

FUN

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007

CLUES Across 1. Dr._____ - played by Phylicia Rashed in Dinosaur 4. Talking palm tree in Animal Kingdom 6. Moroccan artisan sent by the king to help design the Morocco pavilion 8. Donald’s _____ is a children’s play area in Toontown 9. Mythical creatures, considered trademark of Norway, found in Maelstrom 10. Brother Bear attraction rumored to be put here 13. Plays Dr. Nigel Channing in journey into imagination 15. Name of the pegllegged parrot at the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean 16. Brothers who wrote the song The Best Time Of Your Life from The Carousel of Progress, along with many others. 18. Your Star Tours pilot. 22. Crab house restaurant that is located on a riverboat. 25. Voice of S.I.R. in Alien Encounter. 27. Attraction where you could find Jules Verne. 29. Longest attraction track in WDW. 32. Name of the Cirque Du Soleil show in Downtown Disney. 33. Original sponsor of Space Mountain. 34. Teddi ____ can be found in the Country Bear Jamboree. 35. You may see him and his friends at the Crystal Palace.

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Down 2. Companion property to the Dolphin 3. Walking plant in Animal Kingdom 5. Crystal ____Restaurant. 6. “House of ____” - used to be albe to buy tricks and masks here. 7.”Place of all delights” is the translation for what Animal Kingdom area? 8. Guests head for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge can dine here. 11. Bill ____ he Science Guy - can be found in University of Energy. 12. Where can you Ride the Comix? 13. Special day upon which Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened. 14. Epcot pavilion can guests hear holiday storyteller La Befana. 15. ____ Century - the newest value Resort. 17. former sponsor of Universe of Energy. 19. Restaurant in the Grand Floridian. 20. Astro Orbiter and the magic Carpets of Aladdin are similar to the attraction. 21. Talking trash can’s name 22. “Seize the____” - motto of X-S Tech from Alien Encounter. 23.____ Logging Company - found on Kali River Rapids. 24. His escape led to the closing of Alien Encounter. 26.”____ to riches” - fountain in Fantasy land. 28. Restaurant whose name means “ family. 30. One of the hitchhiking ghosts. 31. Can be found at the Liberty Tree Tavern along with Minnie and friends.

WINNIE THE POOH

SOLUTION

Across: 1. Vitium, 3. Que, 5. Discipula, 9. Secundus, 11. Nunc, 14. Perpetuus, 16. Salvus, 17. Tyrannus, 18. Graecus. Down: 2. Ibi, 3. Quare, 4. Possum, 5. Deus, 6. Insidiae, 7. Ubi, 8. Discipulus, 10. Dea, 12. Liber, 13. Vester, 14. Plenus, 15. Tolero.

ARIES (mar 21st--apr 19th) Adventure and fun should be the order of the day, thanks to Jupiter. Arrange to get as much out of the day as is possible, because trips and short journeys are very well aspected. Romance continues to look up too, so all in all you should be able to end the day on a high note!

CANCER (jun 22nd--jul 22nd) Beware of sending mixed signals today. Thanks to Venus and Uranus you’re likely to feel in the right mood for some intimacy and cozy moments to start with, but you’re also likely to change your mind and decide that you’d really rather do something else! You could confuse someone a lot!

LIBRA (sept 23rd--oct 22nd) It will be one of those days where you’ll feel like you’re walking through treacle; everything will seem to need extra effort and it will feel as though your energy levels are totally depleted. Take the hint and use the day to rest. Kick back and revitalize yourself with a good book.

CAPRICORN (dec 22nd--jan 19th) The moon continues to beam down on you, paving the way for another great day, and for once you’re likely to be the center of attention. Romance, friendships, and outings are all well aspected, but do keep an eye on the cash-flow. As long as you’re sensible there shouldn’t be a problem!

TAURUS (apr 20th--may 20th) A negative aspect from the moon suggests that you’ll want to head off to the nearest mall and spend your hard earned cash. Hold your horses, Taurus; dipping in to your already low funds won’t boost your mood, but visiting somewhere beautiful and inspiring, such as an art gallery, will!

LEO (jul 23rd--aug 22nd) Money is looking good today, so get yourself down the local mall for something that is eyecatching and chic: the more stylish accessories you can find to compliment your new outfit the better. Then make sure you arrange an evening out with some equally fun-minded friends!

SCORPIO (oct 23rd--nov 21st) Don’t feel too bad if you decide you really need a bit of time- out today, because as with Libra this isn’t likely to be one of your more sparkling days, and like Libra, spending a little quality time enjoying more gentle pursuits will provide the relaxing end to the weekend you need!

AQUARIUS (jan 20th--feb 18th) A challenging influence from Jupiter could create some minor stress with a friend today, especially if you seem to be a little too focused on yourself. The trouble is that the moon is also making communication difficult and you could come across as rather aloof – keep some blue agate close to offset this!

GEMINI (may 21st--jun 21st) The negative influence from the moon will disappear today, making you feel much happier than you did yesterday. Money still needs a careful eye, but the opportunity to seize the day is there, as long as you stop fretting about something that really isn’t such a big deal!

VIRGO (aug 23rd--sept 22nd) Thanks to the moon in Libra, today is likely to be a good day for cash matters, but not so good in terms of a small hiccup close to home. Don’t dwell too much on this hiccup; recognize it for what it is – insignificant. A piece of clear quartz will help you see straight on the matter!

SAGITTARIUS (nov 22nd--dec 21st) A positive aspect from the moon, still in Libra, is likely to bring out your more sensitive and kindly side today, which will help combat the fiery effect of Mars. Spending time with friends, whether you opt for paint-balling or an indoor rock concert, will provide a great end to the weekend!

PISCES (feb 19th--mar 20th) You lose a couple of obstructive aspects today, which should impact on your day the moment you wake. The emphasis is very much on family and friends today, and for some fortunate Pisceans there’s a bit of good luck winging its way to you in the form of a boost to your cash levels!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Disney Time, Monday May 21 , 2007

movies of the month

movie review by Nemo the fish



Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Ratatouille

Meet the Robinsons

Running time: 168 mins Rating: M Consumer Advice: Moderate violence; Supernatural themes Director: Gore Verbinksy Cast: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Chow Yun-Fat

Running time : 90 mins Rating: TBC Running time: TBC Director: Brad Bird Cast: Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo, Ian Holm, Brian Dennehy

Running time: 87 mins Rating: G Director: Stephen J. Anderson Cast: Angela Bassett, Spencer Fox, Jordan Fry, Tom Kenny, Harland Williams

Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) are allied with Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones’ locker, while the terrifying ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman and Davy Jones, under the control of the East India Trading Company, wreaks havoc across the Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, they must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning Chinese Pirate Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final, titanic battle, as not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the freedom-loving Pirate way, hangs in the balance.

A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely - and certainly unwanted - visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy’s passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Lewis is a brilliant twelve-year-old with a surprising number of clever inventions to his credit. His latest and most ambitious project is the Memory Scanner, a machine that will help him find his birth mother so they can become a family. But before he can find her, his invention is stolen by the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his diabolical hat - and constant companion Doris. Lewis has all but given up hope in his future when a mysterious boy named Wilbur Robinson whisks our bewildered hero away in a time machine and the two travel forward in time to spend a day with Wilbur’s eccentric family. In a world filled with flying cars and floating cities, they hunt down Bowler Hat Guy, save the future and uncover the amazing secret of the Robinson family.

PLOT: In the continuing saga of Jack Sparrow who last we saw, fell to the clutches of the Cracken, and is taken body and soul to Davy Jones Locker. Feeling more than a little guilty, Elizabeth Swann joins forces with Barbossa to rescue Jack and return in time to unite with the Pirate Lords to battle the evil forces of Davy Jones and the East India Trading Company lead by Cutler Beckett. . REVIEW: Why do critics generally seem to tear down the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise? Of course they are not perfect films, few are. But what is it audiences see that critics don’t? Credit Johnny Depp for creating one of the most endearing characters ever to grace the screen as Jack Sparrow. Credit some wonderful chemistry from Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. And credit the magnificent score by Hans Zimmer, some eye-popping direction by Gore Verbinski and a mass of talented character actors having a blast. And don’t forget what may be the best visual effects in the series, from an angry Calypso to an imaginative and fierce battle at sea. With that, you get the final (for now) installment of one of the most popular franchise ever to invade the screen, critics be damned. And with At World’s End, the best of the series, you will find a darker, more complex, action-packed adventure that will please most of the fans by bringing the best of the earlier installments for a thrillingly death-defying journey to the end of the world. With that in mind, I don’t think the majority of critics are going to find the love for Pirates but audiences don’t seem to care. And why should they? Johnny Depp is back, and trust me when I say that they really don’t want people complaining there’s not enough Johnny. In an “Army of Darkness/Evil Dead” inspired moment, the different personalities of Jack Sparrow haunt the anti-hero as he finds himself surrounded by crabs and a very odd crew… Johnny is everywhere. A funny

moment that sadly gets stretched a bit too long but hey… who’s really gonna complain. And did I mention that this film is dark… in one of the most spectacular and haunting moments in the film, the souls of the dead that Swann, Will Turner and company pass on their way to Davy Jones Locker, linger beneath the ocean black. This creepy moment is sure to creep out the kiddies. And the most surprisingly bleak image comes early on when all those associated with pirates are lead to their death. A powerful and surprisingly touching moment as those doomed to die face their fate with song. Don’t get me wrong, the humor is here too. And when I say funny, I’m talking about Jack of course… the monkey. The primate has a bigger part and steals almost every scene. Other welcome additions were Chow Yun-Fat and expanded roles for the exciting Naomie Harris and the return of Geoffrey Rush who gives Jack Sparrow a little competition in the humor department. And you’ve heard the rumors, Keith Richards is here as Captain Teague, Captain Jack’s pappy. And once he arrives, At World’s End really takes off and proves to be the most entertaining of the franchise. His moments with Jack are pure gold while he is on-screen. He is given just enough without becoming an in-joke. Of course there are moments that don’t quite work including an overly complex plotline which drags at times. And you may be trying to figure out just who is backstabbing who which gets a little tedious. But it still moves along quickly enough, for the most part, to make you forget that it is almost a three-hour film. And if you don’t want to sit through the credits, make sure you take a potty break or grab some snacks because, of course, you may want to glimpse the final, after-credit moment which I won’t give away. Avast me hearties, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is sure to shiver yer timbers and make yer roger jolly.