Jim Hill Media | Theme Park News | Inside Disney, Universal Themed Entertainment

What happens when Snow White meets Tony Stark? Disney / Marvel Magic

Jim Hill — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:39:00 GMT

My apologies for being off the air here for a couple of days here. But I've been out in Southern California on a business trip from JimHillMedia and the Huffington Post . Going to the sorts of places that Disney fans just dream about getting into and seeing things that ... Well, I can't talk about. Not yet, anyway. But in the weeks & months ahead, boy, will I have some truly cool stories to share. But -- for now (mostly because I'm headed out the door shortly for a roundtable session...(read more)

Grab your tiaras & doubloons For Disney Junior Live On Tour

Paul Perrello — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:17:00 GMT

Avast, me hearties ! Walking the plank off the television screen and into an arena near you, look for some popular Disney Junior characters to make a stop in your hometown. Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Sofia the First will be hitting the road starting this summer as Feld Entertainment announces it will stage a live production based on the top performing Disney Junior cable television programs. Feld, famous for Disney On Ice and Disney Live! extravaganzas, along with its Ringling Brothers and...(read more)

Woo Hoo ! Springfield is coming to the Universal Orlando Resort this summer

Jim Hill — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:36:00 GMT

Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America's favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. Copyright Fox / Universal Orlando. All rights reserved The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor...(read more)

Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken for a once-in-a-lifetime concert

Jim Hill — Fri, 17 May 2013 02:25:00 GMT

For one night only, two of the world’s most celebrated songwriters and composers will take to the stage for “Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken: The Disney Songbook.” The concert will take place at the D23 Expo 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in the D23 Expo Arena on Saturday, August 10. Together Sherman and Menken have won a combined 10 Academy Awards for their work with Disney, and have composed music and songs for more than three dozen Disney feature films, over two dozen...(read more)

Mike & Sulley join the long parade of Pixar & Disney stars who "Got Milk ?"

Jim Hill — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:32:00 GMT

So what's the drink of choice in Monstropolis these days? Milk, of course. And if the college-aged versions of James P. Sullivan & Mike Wazowski are to be believed, milk doesn't just do the human body good. It also does wonders for a growing monster. Giving Sulley a thicker coat of fur and -- in Mike's case -- stronger nails on his hands & his feet. Copyright California Milk Processor Board / Pixar. All rights reserved Mind you, these stars of Pixar 's first-ever prequel,...(read more)

Video: "Disney's PLANES Takes Flight" Features Music by Mark Mancina

Nancy Stadler — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:20:00 GMT

From above the world of "Cars" comes "Disney's Planes," an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty's not exactly built for racing-and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty's courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights...(read more)

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club Announces New Free D23 Membership Level, Weird Disney & More

All the News — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:19:00 GMT

Members Will Have Online Access to Vast Array of Exclusive Disney Content Disney to Celebrate Expansion With New Free D23 Membership Level BURBANK, Calif. - May 16, 2013 - On June 17, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club , will launch a massive reimagining of its D23.com website, opening up the wonderful worlds of Disney like never before to its members. The site will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company's vault of material, past and present,...(read more)

Huffington Post -- How cinematographer Roger Deakins helped blur the line between live-action and animated features

Jim Hill — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:05:00 GMT

It wasn't a phone call that Roger Deakins had ever expected to receive. This acclaimed English cinematographer -- best known for his Oscar-nominated work for the Coen brothers and Sam Mendes -- had strictly been working the live-action side of the street. But when Pixar Animation Studios reached out in 2005 and asked him to come consult on a project that they then had in development, Deakins had to admit that he was intrigued. Cinematographer Roger Deakins "They were just getting started...(read more)

Newly released teaser trailer for Twentieth Century Fox's "RIO 2" in theaters April 11, 2014

All the News — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:02:00 GMT

The entire cast of the animated smash RIO returns in RIO 2, and they are joined by a new flock of top actors and musical talents. Rich with grandeur, character, color and music, RIO 2 finds Jewel (Anne Hathaway), Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and their three kids leaving their domesticated life in that magical city for a journey to the Amazon. They encounter a menagerie of characters who are born to be wild, voiced by Oscar nominee Andy Garcia, Oscar/Emmy/Tony-winner Rita Moreno, Grammy winner Bruno Mars...(read more)

ABC Releases Trailer for "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" Marvel's First Television Series

All the News — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) Clark Gregg reprises his role of Agent Phil Coulson from Marvel's feature films, as he assembles a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange and the unknown around the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. Coulson's team consists of Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), highly trained in combat and...(read more)

"Moving Innovation" is a ridiculously entertaining & informative look back at the history of computer animation

Jim Hill — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:08:00 GMT

"Discover a new world with Epic the Movie by Blue Sky Studios , a brand-new 3D animated film from the people who brought you Ice Age ." That's the message that the folks who work in promotions at 20th Century Fox have been hammering home for the past few weeks. As they try & make sure that as many would-be moviegoers as possible know that this new Chris Wedge movie will soon be opening in theaters. On Friday, May 24th, to be precise. Copyright FOX and its related entities. All rights...(read more)

Famed Actor and Musician John Stamos Prepares for Battle with TRANSFORMERS at Universal Orlando Resort

All the News — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:08:00 GMT

Famed actor and musician John Stamos "rolled out" to Universal Orlando Resort yesterday, May 13, 2013, where he was recruited as a NEST agent by the larger-than-life Autobots, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The Autobots are preparing for battle against the Decepticons before the highly-anticipated, mega-attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D, grand opens on June 20. Hosted by Universal Orlando, Stamos is best known for starring on hit TV shows, "Full House" and "ER,"...(read more)

A Huffington Post exclusive: A detailed look at Diagon Alley, the highly anticipated expansion of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

Jim Hill — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:43:00 GMT

Ever since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened at Universal's Islands of Adventure back in June of 2010, thousands of people have entered Hogsmeade and -- after spotting that stationary version of the Hogwarts Express (which was parked at the entrance of this theme park land as a photo op) -- exclaimed: "Oh, wouldn't it wonderful if we could climb aboard that train and actually go someplace like London or Diagon Alley." Well, as you can see by this exclusive piece of...(read more)

Disney∙Pixar Brave's Merida is welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court at the Magic Kingdom

All the News — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:55:00 GMT

Copyright Disney Enterprises. All rights reserved. In celebration of mothers and daughters everywhere, Disney proudly welcomed Merida from Disney∙Pixar's Brave , into the Disney Princess royal court on May 11th, 2013. The special ceremony to honor the brave and passionate princess was hosted at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in front of Cinderella Castle. Copyright Disney Enterprises. All rights reserved. Merida was welcomed on stage by the entire Disney Princess court, and was...(read more)

First look at Walt Disney Animation Studios CG animated 'Big Hero 6' in theaters November 7 2014

All the News — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:54:00 GMT

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes "Big Hero 6," an action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion-a robot named Baymax-Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city. SAN FRANSOKYO AT NIGHT – Pictured in concept art, the high-tech city of...(read more)

Disney Interactive Launches Personal Storytelling App for iPhone & iPod touch

All the News — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Story App Instantly Unlocks and Organizes Memories Included in Your Photo Library May 8, 2013 (Glendale, CA) -Disney Interactive today announced that Story, a digital storytelling app for iPhone and iPod touch that turns photography and video into compelling personal narratives, is now available on the App Store. A revolutionary story creation and storytelling app, Story uses intuitive technology to access the photo and video library on your iPhone or iPod touch and automatically organizes them into...(read more)

Ms. Squibbles and Monsters University Wish You All a Happy Mother's Day

All the News — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:42:00 GMT

Happy Mother's Day From Monsters University! (Please visit the site to view this media) Like MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity Follow Disney/Pixar on Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar Tweet the official hashtag: #MonstersU Visit the website: http://www.Disney.com/MonstersU...(read more)

How the Thinkwell Group conjured a "Making of Harry Potter" attraction for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Jim Hill — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:52:00 GMT

Between that basilisk in the basement, those pesky mountain trolls who wander in through open doors, not to mention the occasional dragon which slips its chain and then starts ripping up the roof of this famed castle, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has obviously previously had some problems with creatures. But who knew that the people who had been placed in charge of rebuilding the cinematic version of this iconic structure would then find themselves being out-foxed by a fox? As Craig...(read more)

Return to the Hundred Acre Woods with The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh on DVD, Blu-Ray. Digital Copy this August

All the News — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:20:00 GMT

Disney Proudly Celebrates the “Winnie The Pooh” Movie that Started it All! Beloved Original Animated Classic Debuts for the First Time on Blu-ray TM and HD Digital - August 27, 2013 BURBANK, Calif., May 3, 2013 - The Walt Disney Studios proudly celebrates the heartwarming animated classic that started it all - "The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh." Available August 27 th for the first time on Blu-ray TM and HD Digital with a variety of bonus features, a whole new generation...(read more)

The Walt Disney Company and EA Announce Multi-Year Star Wars Games Agreement

All the News — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:15:00 GMT

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND EA ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR STAR WARS GAMES AGREEMENT Deal will bring new Star Wars games to fans across the most popular gaming genres and platforms BURBANK and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 6, 2013 -- The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced a new multi-year exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish globally new games based on Star Wars characters and storylines. Under the agreement, EA will develop and publish new Star...(read more)

Mouseketrips - Disney VISA Free Dining 2013

All the News — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:10:00 GMT

Disney VISA Free Dining 2013 2013-05-06 07:39:14-04 Travel Dates : September 2 – 25, 2012 The Walt Disney World ® Resort has released a new Free Dining offer to cover dates from September 2 through September 25, 2012. Only selected dates and resorts are available. Please note that in order to qualify for the free Disney dining offer, your must check in on one of the available dates above. Your stay can extend beyond September 25, and you will still receive the free Disney dining for your...(read more)

Knott's Berry Farm freshens its flume with a multi-million dollar redo of Timber Mountain Log Ride

Jim Hill — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 GMT

It's one of the hard realities of the theme park business. You may have this absolutely killer concept for a new attraction in your head. But when you factor in the size of the budget that you've been handed coupled with the amount of time that you have left to actually construct this ride, sometimes only a fraction of the show that you had in your head makes it out into the real world. Bud Hurlbut (l) and Walter Knott look over the scale model of Calico Log Ride. Copyright Cedar Fair Parks...(read more)

Universal Orlando Resort Reveals Grand Opening Date for Blockbuster Attraction, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D

All the News — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:51:00 GMT

HEED THIS WARNING: THE DECEPTICONS HAVE ARRIVED IN ORLANDO THE BATTLE BEGINS JUNE 20 Orlando, Fla. (May 2, 2013) - Megatron and the Decepticons are closing in on Orlando...we must prepare for battle... The highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013, Universal Orlando announced today. Universal also launched an all-new "Join the Resistance" Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they'll experience...(read more)

Disney Interactive releases second video in its behind-the-scenes "Creating Infinity" series: "The Toy Box"

All the News — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:43:00 GMT

Disney Infinity is an all-new video game initiative starring the beloved characters from Walt Disney and Pixar Studios' most popular franchises. Players can place real-world toy versions of their favorite Disney characters onto a device called the Infinity Base and transport them into the virtual game worlds of Monsters University, the Incredibles, Cars and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as into a giant Toy Box. For additional information on the Disney Infinity Toy Box mode, visit https:/...(read more)

The Decepticons have arrived in Orlando

All the News — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:39:00 GMT

...(read more)