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• Why For

• Monday Mouse Watch: Meet Alan Bergman, Disney’s leader of the brand

  Jim Hill talks about some of the management changes that Rich Ross made last week. In particular how Disney Studios' new chairman is looking to update the way the Mouse House markets its movies Read More... Posted Monday, November 16, 2009 12:00 AM | 5 Comments Filed under: Disney, Save Disney, Pixar, Pirates of the Caribbean, High School Musical, Disney Channel, Bob Iger, Gore Verbinski, Disney Fairies, Roy E. Disney, marketing, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Disney Parks & Resorts, 2009, Disney / Pixar, franchise, Disney Feature Animation, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, Hannah Montana , 2011, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Disney franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean films, 2010, Disney brand, Pirates of the Caribbean franchise , 2004, brand loyalty, Disney CEO, Universal Pictures, Disney Channels Worldwide

• Monday Mouse Watch: Will Dick Cook’s exit trip up “Pirates 4” as well as the Muppets’ big-screen return?

  Jim Hill shares what he’s heard about the sudden resignation of the Chairman of Walt Disney Studios. In particular the impact that this management change may have on the various pictures that Cook had personally put into development Read More... Posted Monday, September 21, 2009 12:00 AM | 10 Comments Filed under: Pirates of the Caribbean, Bob Iger, Johnny Depp, Walt Disney Pictures, Dick Cook, Anaheim Convention Center, Oren Aviv, Los Angeles, Walt Disney Studios, film, D23, 2009, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, 2011, Chairman, development pipeline, Pirates of the Caribbean films, Pirates of the Caribbean franchise , Development , Capt. Jack Sparrow, D23 EXPO, films

• Monday Mouse Watch: Unconventional promotion really paid off for “Up”

  Jim Hill explains why Wall Street analysts didn’t quite get the marketing campaign that the Mouse put together for Pixar’s latest Read More... Posted Monday, July 13, 2009 12:00 AM | 7 Comments Filed under: Disney, Pixar, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Pixar Animation Studios, marketing, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, 2008, 2009, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney Digital 3D, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Up

• Licensing International Expo 2009 offers sneak peeks at new films from Fox, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Studios

  Jim Hill shares some shots that he took while wandering the aisles at Mandalay Bay's convention center. Which is where many of the major studios promoted their upcoming motion pictures last week Read More... Posted Monday, June 08, 2009 12:00 AM | 15 Comments Filed under: Disney, Pixar, Universal Studios, Pirates of the Caribbean, CG, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Walt Disney Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Fox, Pixar Animation Studios, Jack Sparrow, Walt Disney Studios, Las Vegas, Walden Media, Disney / Pixar, Shrek, Pete Docter, Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, 3D, 2011, 2012, 2010, Toy Story 3, Up, 3D movie, Capt. Jack Sparrow, Licensing International Expo, convention center , Cars 2

• Monster Plantation's makeover nearly complete, revamped attraction opens this Saturday

  Jim Hill talks about this popular Six Flags Over Georgia dark ride. Which – after 7 months of renovations – is about to invite its very first Guests to attend a newly enhanced Monster pic-nic Read More... Posted Thursday, May 14, 2009 12:00 AM | 5 Comments Filed under: theme park, attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, 2008, 2009, ride, theme park attraction, 1981, animatronic

• Cast off any rumors ye may be hearin’ about an open castin’ call for “Pirates 4”

  Jim Hill lets the air out of one tall tale that’s just begun bouncing around the blogosphere. Which says that production of the next “Pirates of the Caribbean” film is supposed to get underway later this summer Read More... Posted Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:00 AM | 4 Comments Filed under: Pirates of the Caribbean, Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski, Walt Disney Pictures, 2009, Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, Pirates of the Caribbean films, 2010, Pirates of the Caribbean franchise

• The Disneyland expansion plan that never happened

  In this week's "Why For" column, Jim Hill talks about the contents of a three ring binder. Which contains WED's plans -- circa 1982 -- to radically expand Disneyland's capacity until this theme park could comfortably handle 17 million Guests every year Read More... Posted Friday, November 14, 2008 12:00 AM | 4 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, Michael Eisner, WED, Disneyland, Epcot, America Sings, Country Bear Playhouse, Frank Wells, Walt Disney Productions, Epcot Center, The American Adventure, World Showcase, Tokyo Disneyland, France, WDI, it's a small world, Walt Disney Imagineering, attractions, shows, rides, ride, show, Mary Poppins, 1981, Tron , 1982, Tomorrowland

• "The Alchemy of Animation" takes a look inside the modern Mouse Factory

  Jim Hill reviews Don Hahn's latest book. Which offers an in-depth look at how some of Disney & Pixar's very best films came together Read More... Posted Wednesday, October 08, 2008 12:00 AM | 2 Comments Filed under: book, Disney, Pixar, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, Cars, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Editions, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Tim Burton, Bolt, Glen Keane, 2008, The Fox and the Hound, 2006, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean films, 1984, Don Hahn , paperback, The Princess and the Frog, Snow White, Maleficent, The Alchemy of Animation: Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age, Frankenweenie, 1937, hand-drawn, stop-motion, computer-generated, performance capture, politics, sausage, debate, producer, veteran producer, Nine Old Men

• Still can't find Nemo? Then try looking inside of your room the next time you stay at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

  Jim Hill shares some shots of these newly rethemed rooms, which now feature characters from that 2003 Pixar Animation Studios release Read More... Posted Monday, July 14, 2008 12:00 AM | 13 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, Pixar, Pirates of the Caribbean, resorts, Walt Disney World, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Pixar Animation Studios, Toy Story, Disney Parks & Resorts, WDW, hotel, resort, 2009, Disney World, The Walt Disney World Resort, Disney / Pixar, 2003, Disney World vacation, WDW guests, WDW vacations, Disney Pixar , Pirates of the Caribbean franchise , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Shanghai, hotel rooms, WALL-E, Shanghai Disneyland, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, retheming, Nemo, Dory, Buzz Lightyear

• Woo Hoo ! "The Simpsons Ride" officially opens at Universal Studios Florida

  JHM was there yesterday as the bright yellow ribbon was cut and celebrities, dignitaries & guests all surged in experience this brand-new attraction Read More... Posted Friday, May 16, 2008 12:00 AM | 8 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, Universal Studios, attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, Imagineering, Orlando, Universal Orlando, WDI, Florida, WDW, Imagineer, Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park River Adventure, theme park attraction, President, Universal Studios Florida , Lisa Simpson, Bart Simpson, Homer Simpson, Marge Simpson, Universal Creative Studio, Universal Creative, Krusty the Clown, Krustyland, Mike West, Buddy Dyer, Joey Fatone, Mayor, Richard Benefield, God's Waiting Room, Bill Davis, Gracie Films, Consumer Electronics, AARP, Universal Orlando guests, opening ceremony, Timex, live orchestra, school children, chief operating officer, confetti, walkaround characters, walkaround character, ribbon, Princess Mononoke

• Arrrr you ready for an all-Pirates edition of Why For?

  There's plenty of POTC-related info to be found in this week's column. Including the current status of "Pirates 4," news on Disney's "Legends of the Brethren Court" book series as well as a review of that I-Drive favorite, the Pirate's Dinner Adventure Read More... Posted Friday, May 09, 2008 12:00 AM | 6 Comments Filed under: Disney, Universal Studios, fireworks, Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp, Gore Verbinski, Walt Disney Pictures, Magic Kingdom, Disney Press, The Walt Disney Company, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, character dining, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney Parks & Resorts, AA figure, hard ticket event, The Walt Disney World Resort, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, 2007, The Lone Ranger, Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, 1996 , 2006, Pirate & Princess Party, Disney's Pirate & Princess Party , Disney franchise, Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade , hard ticket , Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party, Pirates of the Caribbean films, CG version , lagoon show, Halloween hard ticket event , Pirates of the Caribbean franchise , Pirates of the Caribbean Online, MMOG, massively multiplayer online game, Pirates book series , Legends of the Brethren Court, Development , Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio , Prince of Persia, Tortuga restaurant, AA figures, Enchanted Adventures Parade, return on investment, Liberty Square bridge, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort , Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, 3D helmet, Caribbean, Jolly Roger, I-4 , Gasparilla Extravaganza, Gasparilla season , Tampa Bay, Piratechnics, Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, Southwest Airlines Gasparilla Pirate Fest , Gasparilla, Southwest Airlines, Gasparilla experience, Pirate's Dinner Adventure, International Drive, acrobats , Freedom Festival, Sebastian the Black, scurvy crew , Princess Anita, audience, Dubai, swordplay, stunts, I-Drive , Magic

• Monday Mouse Watch : Will a new name really be enough to boost ticket sales for WDW's "Pirate & Princess Party" ?

  Jim Hill brings you a pile of "Pirates of the Caribbean" -related news. Including the tabling of the "Tortuga" restaurant project Read More... Posted Monday, March 03, 2008 12:00 AM | 39 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, Visual Effects, fireworks, Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Best Buy, The Magic Kingdom, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Jack Sparrow, Disney Princess, restaurant, WDW, Disney Blu-Ray, Blu-ray, The Crystal Palace, movie, The Walt Disney World Resort, ticket sales, 2007, merch, full service, Saturday , Tuesday , merchandise , WDW management , Captain Jack Sparrow, The Black Pearl, Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, 2006, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Pirate & Princess Party, Disney's Pirate & Princess Party , Disney franchise, Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade , fireworks extravaganza , Music Magic and Mayhem, Walt Disney Creative Entertainment , hard ticket , after-hours event, break even , Rivers of America, Hershey's Treasures , WDW officials , financial success , Monday, Friday, April , Mickey's Pirate & Princess Party, POTC, Tortuga project, Adventureland Veranda, Adventureland , Cinderella's Royal Table, dining experience, Caribbean cuisine , rum , development pipeline, mock-up , test kitchen, Bonfamille's , French Quarter , Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, test meal , face character , quick service restaurant , full service restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern , lunch , dinner , dining facility , occupancy rate , 2012, Pirates of the Caribbean films, retail chain , Hi-Def , disc player, flat screen , HDTV , retail world, equation

• National Treasure 3 & 4 ?! Big Thunder Mountain ... The Movie ?!

  Why For returns with answers to your Disney-related questions. This time around, Jim Hill talks about the company's plans to expand its "National Treasure" franchise as well as reveals the studio's next theme park-based film. WARNING ! There be spoilers ahead ! Read More... Posted Friday, February 01, 2008 12:00 AM | 20 Comments Filed under: book, attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, Imagineering, Jerry Bruckheimer, Walt Disney Pictures, The Jungle Cruise, Disney Press, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Big Thunder Mountain, Jack Sparrow, WDI, Imagineer, Walt Disney Imagineering, writers' strike, movie, WGA, theme park attraction, the Writer's Strike , books, National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, National Treasure 3, National Treasure 4, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Lone Ranger, Big Thunder Mountain: The Movie, The Jungle Cruise: Heart of Darkness, The Jungle Cruise: The Movie, Nicholas Cage, John Turtletaub, Midnight Ride, Changing Tide, National Treasure book series, Aqua de Vita, The Water of Life, Water of Life, Fountain of Youth, Atlantis, The Fountain of Youth, Captain Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, Captain Hector Barbossa, The Black Pearl, Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Pirates 4, AVP, Alien vs Predator, Captain Barbossa, Benjamin Gates, Ponce de León, Page 47, National Treasure theme park attraction, The Gates Family, Gates Family, Gates Family Mystery, Gates Family Mysteries

• Suffering from "Pirates" withdrawal? Then treat yourself to a peek at "The Secret Files of the East India Trading Company"

  Jim Hill reviews this entertaining new interactive volume from brecker&mayer! LLC. Which brings the world of Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" to life right in your hands Read More... Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2007 12:00 AM | 7 Comments Filed under: book, Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney Pictures, Disney Press, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, film, movie

• Remembering Bruce Gordon (1951 - 2007)

  Jim Hill pays tribute to this much beloved author & Imagineer, who passed away this past weekend at the far-too-young age of 56 Read More... Posted Wednesday, November 07, 2007 12:00 AM | 21 Comments Filed under: Disney, theme park, attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, Imagineering, WED, Disneyland, Epcot, The Jungle Cruise, Epcot Center, Tokyo Disneyland, Jeff Kurtti, Bruce Gordon, WDI, Imagineer