Good Memories and Investments for Theme Parks, Which One is Best for You?

School is out and summer is finally upon us. Let the fun in the sun begin!

A TripAdvisor survey reveals that this year will see the return of the summer vacation. Over 86% of respondents indicated that they intend to go on a leisure trip this summer.

For Your Reservations contact Kristen Hoetzel of Magical Journeys... See Bottom of this Page.

As theme parks drain the savings accounts of willful and happy travelers, is there a theme park stock that might return a few of those dollars to your investment accounts?

The Magic of the Magic Kingdom
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) overall reported a 32% increase in net income from the previous year for the most recent fiscal quarter. The theme parks and resorts segment enjoyed the largest growth, with profits rising 73% to $383 million. The company attributed the increase to longer guest stays at resorts, and the new Disney Fantasy cruise ship. A hike in food and beverage prices, as well as theme park entrance tickets, added a 14% increase to the unit’s revenue of $3.3 billion.

The New Year’s Eve and Easter holiday anomaly helped the company as well--an anomaly that should not be overlooked, given how beneficial it was.

Disney tripled its investment in its resorts business over the past few years, spending $9.2 billion to update and refresh some of its parks in both Florida and California.  Attendance at the U.S. parks increased 8% in the second quarter.

The cost for two adults and two children (under the age of nine) to attend just the Magic Kingdom for one day? $391.94.*

Universal appeal
Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) is the parent company of NBC Universal, which operates the Universal Studios theme parks.

The Universal theme parks also saw a nice bump up from the New Year’s and Easter calendar anomaly. For the first quarter of 2013, revenue from the Comcast/NBC Universal Theme Parks segment increased 12.2% to $462 million compared to $412 million in the first quarter of 2012. It’s a nice improvement, but barely a drop in the bucket compared to the 73% increase at Disney.

Attendance at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando increased 66% between 2009 and 2011, thanks to the opening of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

$323.96 will get two adults and two individuals under 48 inches tall into Universal Studios for one day.* So far that's the cheapest admission among the theme parks.

The baby killer whale
Still just a baby killer whale on the New York Stock Exchange, SeaWorld Entertainment (NYSE: SEAS) only went public in April 2013, and shortly thereafter reported its first quarter earnings.

The company reported a loss of $40.4 million during the first quarter, or $0.49 per share. This may not sound favorable at first, but it is actually an improvement over the $45.1 million loss during the same quarter in 2012. The company saw also revenue increase 12% to $238.6 million during the quarter.

Admission per capita (defined as admission revenue divided by total attendance) increased by 12% from $38.99 to $43.56 primarily as a result of pricing and yield management strategies. In-park per capita spending (defined as food, merchandise, and other revenue divided by total attendance) increased by 6% from $23.17 to $24.63 due to improved economic conditions, targeted price increases, and increased offerings. Attendance in the first quarter of 2013 was up 2% to 3.5 million, a benefit of the timing of Easter and New Year's Eve both falling in the same fiscal quarter. SeaWorld is also the parent company of Busch Gardens Tampa.

Two adults and two children under the age of nine can visit SeaWorld for a single day for a total of $332.28 (with tickets purchased online in advance).*

Along for the ride
If you are looking to invest your money in a long-term stock, you can't go wrong with any of these companies. The most proven, well-diversified, and long-term stable stock is definitely Disney. SeaWorld is still a little wet behind the ears, but shows great promise (buy low, right?). If you are looking for the right theme park to invest your money in for a lifetime of memories with your children, you'd better consult with your children first.

*Does not include food, drinks, souvenirs, or anything a child may suddenly believe is the one and only object that will make him or her happy for the rest of his/her existence - or until the next souvenir shop.

It's easy to forget that Walt Disney is more than just the House of Mouse. True, Disney amusement parks around the world hosted more than 121 million guests in 2011.

Rwad More.... http://beta.fool.com/erinannie/2013/06/18/theme-parks-are-good-for-investments-and-memories/37614/?source=eogyholnk0000001

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Disney Consumer Products Unveils Upcoming Plans for Star Wars, Marvel and Disney Channel Franchises at 2013 Licensing Expo

Disney Consumer Products President, Bob Chapek, left, and Lucasfilm Executive Vice President Howard Roffman pose with Darth Vader and 20 Stormtroopers as they take over the stage during a private Disney event at the Licensing Expo, Monday June 17, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. This surprise grand finale, presented to more than 1,500 licensees, demonstrates a new era of merchandising potential for Disney Consumer Products' robust franchise portfolio, which now includes the Star Wars franchise. (Photo by Eric Jamison/Invision for Disney Consumer Products/AP Images)

Today Disney Consumer Products officially welcomed Lucasfilm into their already expansive franchise portfolio at the 2013 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. For the past 30 years, Licensing Expo has been the meeting place for the biggest names and the hottest properties in the industry. The Disney brands will be able to work with partners to develop new strategic partnerships, secure promotional tie-ins and more. For fans like us it means we can expect a whole slew of cool toys, collectibles, housewares, clothing and more! Take a read at how the House of Mouse will position some of our favorite brands.

Licensing Expo 2013
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is poised to widen the gap even further as the world’s largest licensor with another year of strong growth tied to robust sales of licensed Disney merchandise and the acquisition of top entertainment company Lucasfilm Ltd. During an exclusive presentation at the annual Licensing Expo 2013 trade show, Bob Chapek, president of Disney Consumer Products, announced the formal inclusion of Lucasfilm licensing into DCP’s extensive franchise portfolio. Chapek also outlined the division’s strategy of bringing a more consumer-centric focus to DCP by aligning Disney’s expansive library of content with each consumer segment, focusing on technology and product innovation and on long-term franchise development.

“Our rich and diverse content slate is full of opportunities to connect with the consumer in new and exciting ways through incredible storytelling and compelling characters. There is simply no better time in history for licensees and retailers to be associated with Disney.”

“The Disney brand is our most powerful asset and with the acquisition of Lucasfilm, our franchise portfolio has never been stronger,” said Chapek. “Our rich and diverse content slate is full of opportunities to connect with the consumer in new and exciting ways through incredible storytelling and compelling characters. There is simply no better time in history for licensees and retailers to be associated with Disney.”

Headlining new content and merchandising programs in fiscal year 2014 and beyond are: the Star Wars franchise and the Marvel franchises of Avengers and Spider-Man; plus dynamic original programming from the leading preschool brand Disney Junior – such as Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins, which are demonstrating blockbuster success with audiences and retailers alike. Additionally, plans for new content from both Disney·Pixar and Disney’s animation and live action studios, including Planes and Maleficent, rounds out a stellar content line-up prime for merchandising opportunities.

“With the industry’s most extensive franchise portfolio that includes the iconic Mickey Mouse, the mega boys franchise Marvel’s Avengers and top film franchise Star Wars, it’s critical that we continue to focus on the consumer and devise a strategy that aligns this rich and vast library of content with key markets and segments,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, Global Licensing, Disney Consumer Products. “Our licensees and retail colleagues are poised for incremental growth opportunities as we drive the development of compelling new products and retail programs that complement each other across the spectrum.”

"We're excited to be part of The Walt Disney Company and to be able to marshal all the resources we've never dreamt of before," said Howard Roffman, executive vice president, Lucasfilm franchise. "There's only one place where it made sense for Star Wars to reside and that is Disney, it is the only entertainment company that understands long term: long term brand affinity and franchise planning, plus the power of storytelling and compelling characters – this is what our fans expect from Star Wars."

Disney Consumer Products Executive Vice President Josh Silverman is interrupted by "The Imperial March" led by Darth Vader and 20 Stormtroopers as they take over the stage during a private Disney event at the Licensing Expo, Monday June 17, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. This surprise grand finale, presented to more than 1,500 licensees, demonstrates a new era of merchandising potential for Disney Consumer Products' robust franchise portfolio, which now includes the Star Wars franchise. (Photo by Eric Jamison/Invision for Disney Consumer Products/AP Images)

A look at licensing and retail opportunities ahead:

Leading the boys consumer segment with a powerful slate of content and licensing opportunities:

LUCASFILM

As previously announced Disney and Lucasfilm are in development on all-new Star Wars films. Acclaimed filmmaker J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, set for 2015, the first of three films continuing the Star Wars saga. These will alternate with standalone movies tied to key Star Wars characters. Production has also begun on Star Wars Rebels, an exciting, all-new animated television series based on one of the greatest entertainment franchises of all time. Scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, it will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world. This outstanding line of content presents stellar licensing opportunities and deepens Disney’s portfolio across consumer segments, particularly with boys and collectors, but also opens up the Star Wars world to new fans.

MARVEL

With a pipeline of strong and compelling multi-platform support through 2013 and beyond, Marvel's Avengers will continue to build as one of the top evergreen franchise licensing opportunities. Marvel Studios Avengers-related films include tent-poles such as Marvel's Iron Man 3, Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World (November 2013) and Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 2014), leading up to The Avengers sequel in 2015. On the television animation side, the Avengers will come to life on the small screen and in DVD in 2013, as Disney XD premieres two highly anticipated series on the Marvel Universe programming block – Marvel's Avengers Assemble and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. By leveraging compelling content and synergies across publishing and home entertainment, Marvel continues to develop a comprehensive licensing program with exciting characters and new style guides to help unify products that fall under both the individual films and the overall Avengers franchise.

Marvel’s other franchise, Spider-Man, will see a new Columbia Pictures’ film release in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May 2014), which will swing into theaters along with equally cool “web-slinging” products. The film is a key part of a consistent web of Spider-Man focused content support for the next few years – from the big screen to Ultimate Spider-Man on the small screen, along with interactive games, publishing and social content.

Also coming in 2014 is the launch of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (August 2014), a new tent-pole film release showcasing the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmic realm, introducing unique characters and cool, galactic gear and ships.

DISNEY·PIXAR

The Cars franchise continues to benefit from a robust program across The Walt Disney Company delivering sustained reach and frequency with new Cars Toons, short-form content for media and digital platforms, and “Cars Land,” the tremendously popular 12-acre addition to Disney California Adventure® Park. DCP will also contribute to this momentum in 2013 and beyond with a wide assortment of Cars products for kids, adults and collectors.

In May 2014 Disney·Pixar will present The Good Dinosaur, a hilarious, heartfelt and original tale in which giant dinosaurs never became extinct. The innovative product line for this film brings this new Pixar world to life and plays into the affinity boys have with dinosaurs, from collecting to re-enacting scenes from the film.

DISNEYTOON STUDIOS

Disney’s Planes is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane whose high-flying dream gives a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. The film is set to release in theaters August 9, 2013. DCP’s merchandise program for Disney’s Planes will feature a robust lineup featuring toys, social, fashion, home and books, with broad retail support.

A growing preschool consumer segment focus and a winning tween content slate:

DISNEY JUNIOR

As a daily programming block on Disney Channel and a 24-hour channel that launched last spring, Disney Junior has quickly ascended to the top among preschool and parent viewers alike with hit series Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins and Jake and the Never Land Pirates, as well as returning favorites Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Minnie’s Bow-Toons. Disney Junior consumer products are expanding and helping to grow preschool retail shelf space like never before.

Sofia the First merchandise makes its way to mass retailers for the first time this summer – debuting magical items from Mattel, JAKKS Pacific, Jay Franco and more. Additionally, the Doc McStuffins collection continues to grow and this year expands beyond award-winning toys into apparel and home décor. Jake and the Never Land Pirates will be launching a LEGO DUPLO line later this summer to round out the franchise’s adventure play offerings. Disney Junior is working closely with licensees and major retailers to grow its preschool market presence with compelling product development and expansion into new categories that position each of the five franchises as long-term, evergreen properties.

DISNEY CHANNEL

Disney Channel is primed to unleash Teen Beach Movie, an exuberant song, sand and surf fest set inside a retro beach party movie on July 19, 2013. Made for kids age six to 14 and their families, the movie boasts a comprehensive program of promotional partners and content extensions including a licensed merchandise line that features tween products across apparel, home décor, fashion dolls, school supplies and publishing. Tween programming continues to be a priority for Disney Channel, delivering new licensing opportunities for DCP with this coveted demographic.

DCP will also continue to support popular Disney Channel characters Phineas and Ferb with year-round sales opportunities, age and gender demographic expansion and new creative spotlighting their sidekick Agent P (aka Perry the Platypus). This summer Disney Channel and Disney XD will present an epic TV event – Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel – that will span across content, products, publishing, digital platforms and more.

Entertainment and product offerings for the whole family:

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

The Muppets will be returning to the big screen in spring 2014 with Muppets Most Wanted. Complete with new characters and incredible guest stars, the Muppets embark on a grand world tour only to find themselves wrapped up in an international crime caper. Film-related products for this evergreen franchise will be unveiled in late 2013 and into 2014 across all segments and at major retailers.

Scheduled for release in July 2014, Maleficent is the untold story of Disney's most beloved villain from the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. The film reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse baby Aurora. Product lines will span toys, role-play and seasonal categories as well as halo extensions that will reintroduce audiences to the confident, independent and fearless Disney Princess, Aurora.

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

Coming this November is Frozen, a comedy-adventure featuring the voices of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel. In the film, fearless optimist Anna (voice of Bell) teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, they race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. With major support companywide and a strong theatrical marketing campaign tied to the film, DCP has developed a broad merchandise program focusing on two princesses and two castles to create an exquisite, beautiful product assortment for this unique and relatable musical event film. Additional licensing opportunities exist across categories for 2014.

DISNEY CLASSICS

Disney’s classic characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Winnie the Pooh continue to reign as licensing powerhouses inspiring internationally celebrated global franchises. As the world’s most valuable franchise character, Mickey Mouse continues to resonate with today’s generation. Celebrated designer Marc Jacobs featured the iconic mouse in his spring 2013 collection, which went on to grace the covers of elite fashion publications around the world and was embraced by today’s hottest stars.

DCP’s strategy to break out Minnie Mouse as a fashion icon in her own right has paid off. The Minnie franchise now ranks as Disney’s No. 2 girls franchise behind only the Disney Princess franchise. Gracing the runways across international fashion week shows from Milan to Paris and Mexico to Tokyo and New York, Minnie Mouse-inspired collections were the buzz. Coming up in 2014 Mickey and Minnie will continue their ascent as muses for some of the biggest names in the fashion world and will expand lifestyle offerings across apparel, accessories, beauty, consumer electronics and home décor.

Meanwhile, Winnie the Pooh remains a favorite with parents thanks to content and product offerings that capture the essence of simplicity and wholesome goodness of this sweet ‘ol bear, but still make him relevant in today’s digital world. The popular Wonder and Wander App, for example, remains a favorite on the iTunes store.

Storytelling and role-play for girls of all ages:

DISNEY PRINCESS & DISNEY FAIRIES

With new princess character additions and through the re-releases of classic Disney films like The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition this fall, the Disney Princess franchise remains a leading licensing opportunity across multiple product categories. In fall 2014, a few months after the theatrical release of Maleficent, Walt Disney Studios will open its prestigious vault for the release of Sleeping Beauty Diamond Edition on Blu-ray. DCP will support the re-release of this timeless classic with a wide product assortment, which will also be supported through television promotions, short form content, marketing, PR and social media.

Rounding out Disney’s top franchises, Disney Fairies continues its success at retail. In fall 2013 a new “Bake Off” animated short will debut followed by the release of an all-new fairies film in spring 2014. Throughout 2014 the franchise will be supported with retail programs, interstitials on Disney Channel as well as vibrant new packaging. DCP will also focus on breaking out Tinker Bell for older girls with a licensing program that will leverage all-new artwork, fun editorial and create cohesive statements across categories and “halo” programs that highlight Tinker Bell’s sassy, feisty personality.

Creating magical moments with Disney right from the start:

DISNEY BABY

After its launch only two years ago as DCP’s newest brand, Disney Baby is quickly establishing itself as the premier infant and toddler brand offering a broad range of essential products for parents for every key moment of the day. The Disney Baby collection leverages Disney’s robust portfolio of classic and new characters and content with new products inspired by Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Mike and Sulley from Monster’s, Inc. In addition to showcasing innovative product offerings, the DisneyBaby.com website has also become a leading resource for millions of parents nationwide. Parents gather every day online to create a community of Disney Baby ambassadors by sharing information across Disney Baby social media channels and on DisneyBaby.com. The Disney Baby product line continues to grow with offerings now available at Amazon.com, Babies R Us, Kmart, Target, Walmart and more. This fall, the Disney Baby Store will celebrate its one-year birthday at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, Calif.

About Disney Consumer Products

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world's largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers' homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and digital products and also includes an English language learning business, consisting of over 40 Disney English learning centers across China and a supplemental learning book program. DPW's growing library of digital products includes best-selling eBook titles and original apps that leverage Disney content in innovative ways. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney's official shopping portals online are www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving and www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving.

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Huge Refurb of Disney Hollywood Studios May Include "Star Wars" and "Cars" Themed Lands

There have been many reports by other news sites that Disney Hollywood Studios may be up for a major refurbishment. I have contacted some people on the inside and word is that there may some truth to them. Disney Parks have been rumored to be working on updating the Studios for several years now with possible additions to Pixar Place by adding Cars Land from west coast's Disney California Adventure as well as rumored Monsters Inc attraction. There were also rumors of refurbishing the area surrounding the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectaular and the Star Tours area to be somewhat of a Lucasfilm backlot that was to include film props and concept art.

Map of Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends.

ComicBookMovie.com reports the following changes/updates:

–A indoor Jedi Training Academy will be at the ABC Sound Studio.

–The Backlot Express is being converted into a Star Wars-themed ride aimed for younger children who don't make the height requirement on the Star Tours ride.

–The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will remain until they have a reason to replace it as the brand still makes them money especially if another film is on the horizon.

–Cars Land is coming and it will take up the entirety of the Backlot Tour and Lights, Motor, Action stunt show as its nearly the same square footage of the Cars Land in California.

–The Muppets 3D attraction will remain as long as Disney makes Muppet movies.

–The Honey I Shrunk the Kids park was originally supposed to be converted into A Bugs Life area years ago and will most likely be slowly dissolved to make room for character meeting areas.

Disney! Can we PLEASE have a Mos Eisley Cantina to have a drink in? PLEASE?!

As mentioned, these are only rumors. In keeping with the film industry aspect it would be great to have an Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) area where they would educate guests on how a film is made from concept, filming and post production special effects and sound that would change regularly. Other things to add would be a Mos Eisley Cantina, an all-ages attraction and one ground-breaking coaster!

If Disney Parks were to announce or confirm anything regarding Star Wars Land or Cars Land coming to the Studios it would be during the upcoming 2013 Disney D23 Expo. I will be there to cover the event and you can be sure that if the news breaks we will have all the info on Jedi Mouseketeer and the Sorcerer Radio Network!

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Related articles

• Source: STAR WARS Land Details At Disney's Hollywood Studios & Other Park Changes
• STAR WARS LAND Coming to Walt Disney World?!

Where's My Mickey Mouse? Disney Launches New Mickey Mouse Initiative Game

There’s a new transmedia take on Mickey Mouse underway at the Walt Disney Company. Disney Mobile is releasing the latest iteration of its bestselling Where’s My Water? franchise on June 20 and the first to feature Mickey Mouse. Where’s My Mickey? introduces gamers to brand new physics-based puzzles featuring Mickey (60 unique puzzles) and Goofy (40 original puzzles). Bart Decrem, senior vice president and general manager for the Disney Mobile Games Group, told me that additional classic characters will be added over time to introduce more puzzles to the mix.

The game launches with five chapters, which feature Mickey and Goofy dealing with water-based physics puzzles that have players cutting through dirt and navigating other obstacles to accomplish things like watering flowers or moving water through clouds. The gameplay is wrapped around interactive stories. In addition to the game, players can watch the new Disney Animation Mickey shorts, which are also running on Disney Channel and Disney online portals over the summer.

“There’s a series of initiatives going on around Mickey, the center of which is really a new series of Mickey shorts that are showing up on television over the next few weeks,” said Decrem. “We’re taking the art style and the world of humor from the new Mickey series and bringing that to this world of Where’s My Water?”

Developed by the internal Disney Mobile team Creature Feep in 2011, Where’s My Water? has been played by over 200 million people to date on Apple iOS and Google Android smartphones and tablets. Like Rovio Entertainment’s Angry Birds, the franchise has also spawned merchandise like stuffed animals, electronic games and Halloween costumes around Swampy the alligator.

In the near future, Swampy, one of the newest Disney characters, and Mickey, Walt Disney’s second creation (gamers who played Epic Mickey know Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was the first) will be meeting for the first time virtually.

“We’re interconnecting these game worlds,” said Decrem. “We’ve done a game with Phineas and Ferb characters calls Where’s My Perry and we had crossover levels where those characters come together with Swampy and the gang.  We’re going to do more of that as we create these platforms, where the characters can cross-pollinate and connect with each other.”

Mickey doesn’t always correlate to success in the video game space. Disney recently closed Junction Point Studios after its cross-platfrm Disney Epic Mickey 2 failed to connect with gamers last Christmas. The original Wii-exclusive game introduced a brand new Mickey to fans and told the story of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (Walt’s first cartoon character, which was owned by Universal).

Mickey seemed to be everywhere at E3 2013. Sega debuted a remastered of Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse for Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and PC, which will ship this summer. The original launched in 1990 on Sega Genesis. Square Enix and Disney Interactive are working on Kingdom Hearts 3 for Sony PlayStation 4, the latest adventure in the series that blends Mickey and his friends with Final Fantasy characters and Disney movie worlds like The Little Mermaid, TRON and Beauty and the Beast. Square Enix also had Kingdom Hearts HD Remix 1.5 on PlayStation 3 on display at its booth. That game will be released on September 10.

And there’s certainly potential, down the line, for Mickey Mouse and classic characters to invade Disney Infinity, the new gaming platform that took up the majority of Disney’s E3 booth. That platform has been designed for new movies like The Lone Ranger and Monsters University to get original interactive adventures. Disney and Avalanche Software also allow characters to cross-pollinate in Toy Box mode, where Cars can play with TRON vehicles and Pirates of the Caribbean characters. Mickey would be the perfect fit for that.

Source... http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngaudiosi/2013/06/18/wheres-my-mickey-mobile-game-launches-new-transmedia-mickey-mouse-initiative-at-disney/?partner=yahootix

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Disney, Star Wars and Marvel Artist Brian Rood on Sorcerer Radio's WDW Tiki Room Show June 21, 2013 - Win Star Wars Art

The Sorcerer Radio Network, a global leader in fan-based Disney internet radio and programming, is proud to have Disney fine artist Brian Rood as guest on the WDW Tiki Room radio show 8 a.m. and 7 p.m./eastern Friday June 21, 2013. The crew will also announce a special contest where listeners and followers of Sorcerer Radio, WDW Tiki Room and the Sorcerer Radio Network of shows, sites and podcasts can enter to win a Brian Rood Fine Art package featuring a limited edition Star Wars print like the one pictured below!

Brian Rood is a professional illustrator working in the entertainment, comic and commercial art fields. He is most known for his photo-realistic paintings of Hollywood’s stars and characters. Brian has established an international fan base as well as an impressive client list featuring Lucas Film Ltd., Disney, Paramount Pictures, Pressman Films, , Acme Archives Direct, Dynamic Forces, EA games, Blam Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics, Chaos Comics, Image Comics, Celebrity Art International, Decipher Games, Upper Deck, Z-Man Games, Kid Rock, Heavy Metal Magazine, Art Scene International, SQP Inc. & MG Publishing. He has worked on hot-name properties, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Transformers, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek, The Crow, X-men, The Matrix Reloaded, Marvel Characters: Spiderman, Hulk, Daredevil, Electra, and the Avengers, Battle of the Planets, Vampirella, Lady Death, Chastity and GI Joe. A bit outside the Sci-Fi / Fantasy realm in which he is best know, Brian has worked on artwork based on some of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century. Greats like Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Richard Prior are just a few.


http://youtu.be/J23J9uI7r7E

His Disney, Lucasfilm and Marvel art can currently be purchased at art stores on Disney Parks property (D-Street, Art of Animation etc...) as well as on his site at http://brianrood.com.

Join hosts Kristen Hoetzel, Aljon Go and Natalie Henly on WDW Tiki Room as they discuss the series and ALL THINGS DISNEY, Fridays 8 a.m. and 7 p.m./eastern on Sorcerer Radio - www.SRSounds.com.

About Brian Rood:
Brian began his career while in college, studying graphic design. He became interested in the field of illustration and started an internship with a local art studio that was breaking into the comic books industry. It was here, that Brian learned about the airbrush as a commercial illustration tool and quickly caught on to painting with it. Soon Brian was teaching other artists how to manipulate the tool and create images that rival photographs.

Brian attended his first Comic Book convention with only two paintings and not knowing what to expect. Much to his surprise, the convention was more then just comic books, it was a gathering of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, film, music, video games, pin-ups, pop culture, licensed merchandise, etc… that would soon be taking Hollywood by storm. He was in complete awe of the opportunities and possibilities that were contained within the convention center walls. For several years to come, Brian toured the various conventions across then country and began establishing himself with fans, collectors, editors, art directors, writers and other artists. Brian’s untouchable talent got him jobs such as cover art, interior art, storybook illustrations, posters, collector lithographs, trading cards, and advertising/packaging art. Brian’s first art book, The Art of Brian Rood , was published in 2003 and has since gone into a hardbound edition.

Brian’s latest works can be found throughout various retail markets including the collectors market, Hasbro toys packaging art for both the Star Wars and Transformers toy lines, the gift markets, books and magazines, posters and lithos, giclees, stickers, collectible cards for both Topps and Upperdeck, magnets and much, much more! Be sure to stop by the online shopping to pick up your official Brian Rood merchandise today.

Visit http://brianrood.com

About WDW Tiki Room:
WDW Tiki Room, the show about all things Disney, is hosted by the husband and wife team of Aljon Go and Kristen Hoetzel. Every week they discuss Disney in pop-culture, theme parks, Disney news, celebrity interviews, Disney fan events and play the best mix of Disney artists and Disney attraction audio. The show airs Fridays at 8:00 a.m./eastern, 5/pacific (encore presentations air Fridays 7 p.m./eastern, 5/pacific and Sunday at 2 p.m./eastern, 11 a.m./pacific) on Sorcerer Radio - www.SRSounds.com. For more information on Kristen and Aljon as well as on-demand playback of archived shows please visit this LINK.

About Sorcerer Radio:
If you are looking to virtually relive your recent Disney trip or dream of your next one, then Sorcerer Radio is the place for you. Sorcerer Radio is a fan-run, award-winning internet radio station that has been entertaining Disney fans for a decade! With many weeks worth of Walt Disney World park music and attraction audio, as well as Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line you can easily be transported to your favorite vacation destination anytime, while at home or at work. Sorcerer Radio stands out from the pack in our innovative programming and personalities, providing fans with DJ hosted shows every weekday morning providing a balance of Disney discussion and music. Sorcerer Radio plays a wide variety audio from the Disney universe. We also have FREE APPS for your iPhone, iPad and Droid so you can listen just about anywhere! Check out the award winning Editor's Pick on Live365, Sorcerer Radio at SRsounds.com, All Disney music, all day long!

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Pre-order ABC's "Once Upon A Time: The Complete Second Season" on Blu-ray and DVD

Relive every thrilling moment as ABC's ONCE UPON A TIME: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON casts its tantalizing spell. The curse is broken, magic has arrived, and there's no telling what -- or who -- will be unleashed! Now the exiled fairytale characters must grapple with a flood of awakened memories as they come to grips with their new "reality." Old loyalties will be tested, new heroes will emerge and vengeful villains will wreak havoc - including ruthless pirate Captain Hook and the relentlessly wicked Cora.


http://youtu.be/4RWCOrJinL8

Amidst the backdrop of previously unexplored lands and a newly magical Storybrooke, love and sacrifice will set the stage for the ultimate battle between good and evil. For, in the words of Rumplestiltskin, where magic is concerned, only one thing is certain: it always comes at a price. From Storybrooke to Fairy Tale Land and beyond, experience the mystery, romance, action and adventure of ONCE UPON A TIME's remarkable second season. Complete with all 22 unforgettable episodes, plus exclusive bonus features, this must-own 5-disc boxed set is pure enchantment on an epic scale.

Pre-order ABC's "Once Upon a Time" Season 2 on Blu-ray, DVD or digital download today!



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"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Bonus Content Teaser - "Plo Koon's Discovery" (video)

"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" still has a few surprises left her sweetheart. As promised by Dave Filoni, supervising director of the series, there are still a few unseen episodes from season 5 and season 6 that we will be able to see in some type of "bonus content."

In the clip below we see Jedi Master Plo Koon take "The Wolfpack" - a clone trooper squad in the Grand Army of the Republic's 104th Battalion that served under him and Clone Commander Wolffe into a wreckage where they find more than what they bargained for. But what exactly did they uncover?


http://youtu.be/8juqPfRI94A

I like the new duds on Plo and the Wolfpack. The helmets are very Vader-like wouldn't you say? What do you think about this clip? Do you think we will see these clips on TV as a special or as additional episodes when the Blu-ray of season 5 is released. Leave a comment below.

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WDW After Dark - Live and Uncensored Weekly Webcast Returns August 2, 2013

Greetings Disney, Star Wars and Marvel fans! As the summer kicks into high gear the WDW After Dark weekly webcast will be taking a short hiatus. The LIVE and UNCENSORED show will return Friday August 2, 2013 with new segments, videos, guests and viewer questions!

Be sure to check out the HUGE archive of shows on WDWAfterDark.com courtesy of Live Stream!

Enjoy your summer and listen to our promotional partner Sorcerer Radio - All Disney Music, All Day Long! www.SRSounds.com!

Support our show and shop using our affiliate links and our Amazon shop!

Finally, book your trip to the Disney parks with Kristen at MagicalJourneysVacations.com!

Tune into WDW After Dark LIVE Fridays 9 p.m./e worldwide at www.WDWAfterDark.com
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D23: The Official Disney Fan Club - Launches New Website, Releases New Photos by Walt and Offers Free Membership Level

Here's the latest from the folks at D23: The Official Disney Fan Club! Not only have they posted some amazing content but they have redesigned the entire website. There is even a NEW FREE LEVEL of membership! So what are you waiting for? Visit d23.com TODAY!

Never-Before-Released Photos From Walt Disney's Camera Highlight the Reimagined D23.com

The Official Disney Fan Club relaunches their website with member-exclusive content and a new free level of membership.

Many Disney fans have heard Walt Disney tell the story of how watching his daughter's on the carousel at Griffith Park in Los Angeles served as inspiration to build Disneyland. But images from that fateful day have never been shown to the public… Until today. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is launching their reimagined website with thousands of pages of new content, including a story that features photographs of Walt's daughters Diane and Sharon on the merry-go-round on that fateful day that ultimately changed how Americans — and people around the world — vacation. The Walt Disney Archives recently discovered rolls of film from Walt's personal camera with hundreds of images, just a few of which are showcased today on D23.com in their new member-exclusive section. Other photos include a young Roy E. Disney on the same carousel, as well as candid moments from Walt's life and travels around the world.

In addition, visitors to www.D23.com will find:

· Exclusive Audiocast Interviews with Ginnifer Goodwin of Once Upon A Time and the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz of Phineas and Ferb

· Disney A to Z – A complete and newly-updated electronic version of the definitive Disney encyclopedia with more than 7,000 entries written by Dave Smith, founder and Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives

· A selection of new member-exclusive discounts and special events

· Disney Legends and the Walt Disney Archives – Two new microsites; Disney Legends will provide a deeper look at those who’ve made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, and the Archives site will open up the doors of this venerable institution so D23 can share more of The Walt Disney Company’s expansive collections.

· And much, much more!!

At D23.com fans can sign up for a free membership to unlock even more Disney content that is only available for D23 Members.

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"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Supervising Director Dave Filoni Comments on Emmy Win

Dave Filoni, supervising director of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" released a statement on Facebook about the show's wins:

Everyone, as you know tonight Star Wars: The Clone Wars won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Animation and David Tennant won Friday for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Series for his work as Huyang. 

These awards represent the hard work of everyone who has worked on The Clone Wars' 5 seasons. Whether you worked on Clone Wars in the Bay Area, Singapore, Taipei, or Tokyo we all did this together. 

Star Wars fans, your support and dedication to The Clone Wars helped champion our cause year after year. This win is for you as well, thank you from everyone at Lucasfilm, now let's celebrate!!

It's too bad the series was cut short this season as work was underway on its 6th season. Lucasfilm Animation with Filoni at the helm, is currently working on a new animated series called "Star Wars Rebels" set to debut fall 2014.

www.facebook.com/DaveFiloni

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