Join mischievous Peter Pan, the young boy who refuses to grow up, his hot-tempered pixie pal, Tinker Bell and the Darling children as they soar away to the mysterious Never-Never land where childhood lasts forever in this magical, musical adventure!

There's reportedly this interesting moment when you work on an animated feature when the ownership of that movie shifts from the production team to the audience. But I've never actually seen it happen ... Until this past Saturday morning, that is. Sony Pictures Animation was holding a special pre-opening screening of " Hotel Transylvania " at The Grove Stadium 14. And given that some of the key creative & voice talents from this Columbia Pictures release were supposed to be...

How Pixar added depth to the Depths in "Finding Nemo 3D" Bob Whitehill is very particular when it comes to particulates. You know what particulates are, right? Suspended solids in liquid. They're those itty-bitty bits of matter that give sea water its unique color and clarity, which is why -- if you're trying to use CG to create believable H20 -- you need to load that faux fluid with lots of artificially-created particulates. Which is just what Pixar Animation Studios did when they...

ONCE YOU'RE INSIDE... THERE IS NO ESCAPE UNIVERSAL ORLANDO'S HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 22 IS NOW OPEN The Country's Best Halloween Event Returns With Highly-Anticipated Haunted House Experiences Based on AMC's "The Walking Dead," Video Game Franchise "Silent Hill," Penn & Teller and More ORLANDO, Fla. (September 21, 2012) - Tonight, there will be no escape as Universal Orlando unleashes the horror of Halloween Horror Nights 22, featuring all...

GALVESTON, Texas (Sept. 22, 2012) - Today, the Disney Magic arrived in Galveston, kicking off the Disney Cruise Line inaugural season sailing from the Port of Galveston. To salute its arrival to the Lone Star State, the Disney Magic donned a Texas-sized cowboy hat on the ship's funnel as crew members and Disney characters waved from the upper decks of the ship. In 2012 and 2013, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Galveston on a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with some cruises...

For a few hours, Philadelphia was "the happiest place on earth" for more than 200 fans of the Walt Disney Company. It was standing room only at the Rainey Auditorium at Penn Museum in University City as Disney's official fan club D23 rolled out its Fanniversary celebration welcome mat for Disney fans in the City of Brotherly Love. Upon arriving at the museum on South Street, guests were checked in by cast members of the Disney Store in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and they were presented...

Exclusively for IMAX fans as part of IMAX's 12:01 program - those attending the FRANKENWEENIE midnight shows in the first hours of October 5 will receive a limited edition FRANKENWEENIE print using an original sketch by Tim Burton. Check for list of participating theatres on imax.com ; while supplies last. Imax FRANKENWEENIE page: http://www.imax.com/movies/m/frankenween

As a comedian best known for playing the everyman, Tim Allen is surprisingly introspective. In an exclusive interview with AARP The Magazine , the Golden Globe® winner discusses his fresh outlook on marriage and family, as well as his career successes. Allen also touches on his sobriety, losing his father at a young age, and other personal struggles from which his accessible brand of comedy was born. Allen is currently headlining a stand-up act at The Venetian in Las Vegas through the beginning...

Watch it on iPad or iPod Watch it on iPad or iPod “Like” Frankenweenie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Frankenweenie

Los Angeles, Calif., September 19, 2012 -Disney began production today on "Saving Mr. Banks," the account of Walt Disney's twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to P.L. Travers' popular novel, Mary Poppins , and the testy partnership the upbeat filmmaker develops with the uptight author during the project's pre-production in 1961. Two-time Academy Award®-winner Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump") will essay the role of the legendary Disney (the...

We live in a pretty wondrous age when it comes to communications, don't you think? Where if you want to get ahold of someone, you now have a myriad of choices. You can pick up your mobile phone and either dial or text them. Or if you prefer to fire up your computer, you can then e-mail these folks or instant message with them via Facebook. Or just hop on Skype and do a quick video chat. Ah, but all this instantaneous communication does comes at a price. Whenever I go into town nowadays to pick...

Frankenweenie fun facts: When Tim Burton originally conceived the idea for “Frankenweenie,” he envisioned it as a full-length, stop-motion animated film. Due to budget constraints, he instead directed it as a live-action short, released in 1984. “Frankenweenie” follows in the footsteps of Tim Burton’s other stop-motion animated films “Corpse Bride” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”—both of which were nominated for Academy Awards®...

Pitches for new TV shows are typically rather elaborate affairs. Featuring over-sized pieces of production art (to help give the execs in Programming some idea what this series' main characters might possibly look like), props, costumes, music ... Whatever it takes to convince the powers-that-be that a pilot for this proposed new program should be produced. Well, that's not how Jed Elinoff & Scott Thomas actually sold their idea for a brand-new animated series to Disney XD . No sir. No...

Chris B. wrote in on September 10th to say Hi Mr. Hill, Great website and so appreciate how you share your Disney knowledge. With the opening of the New Fantasyland Disney has installed a statue for Beauty and the Beast's Gaston. Disney villains have typically only been out and about for the Halloween events. Is Gaston's statue and tavern the first Disney Villain to get a permanent statue and "attraction"? The statue outside of Gaston's Tavern in the Fantasy- land expansion...

Earlier today, Chris sent me a note which read: Hi Jim I am loving the daily why for entries. I heard that when planning a european park the original plan was to construct somewhere is Spain. if this is true why for did Disney feel the need to build it in France? As a Britt, I can say that the amount of family trips to Spain must exceed those to France, mainly due to the better weather. If you could shed some light on this it would be much appreciated. The Euro Disneyland construction site in the...

Joliet, IL - September 14, 2012 - Today Disney•Pixar Cars fans teamed up with NASCAR driver Casey Mears to wave the green flag and kick off the Cars "Take Flight" experience during Chase weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, Sept. 14-16. In celebration of the world television premieres of the Cars Toons short films "Air Mater" and "Moon Mater" this fall on Disney Channel, and the launch of a new Cars "Take Flight" product collection, Disney has created a fun...

World Record Attempt: Calling all Vampires! Friday, October 12th* Registration begins at 3 pm, Record attempt recorded at 5pm at Park close We need YOU, parents and kids, to come to LEGOLAND ® California Resort dressed as a Vampire on October 12th to help us break the World Record for the Most Vampires in one place at one time! In preparation for the World Record Attempt, any Park guest can participate in the LEGO ® model group build on October 6, 7, 8 and 11th as we build a 10-foot LEGO...

Wreck-It Ralph is in theaters November 2 nd From Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore comes “Wreck-It Ralph,” a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping adventure. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day. Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the...

Get Scared Shrekless During select dates in October Dress up your little ghouls and goblins in their favorite costumes and come to a Gaylord Hotels resort for an early Halloween celebration with Shrek & Friends! Package Includes: One night room accommodations Trick or Treat Bag welcome amenity Costumed trick-or-treating around the resort atriums, with candy passed out at each stop by favorite DreamWorks characters from movies such as Shrek , Puss In Boots , Madagascar 3 'Europe's Most...

From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that...

Brian K. dropped me a line on September 3rd to say: Hey Jim! I can't get enough of your site and I literally feel like I "grew up" reading your insight into the parks and attractions, so thanks! I feel like I already know the answer to this, but do you think we might ever see a major investment in Walt Disney World 's four parks? I know none are near as fundamentally flawed as DCA was, but what about an announced "five year plan" for the resort, divvying another $1 billion...

MONSTERS, INC. is returning to U.S. theatres for the first time in 3D on December 19 th ! Like MONSTERS, INC. 3D on Facebook ( facebook.com/PixarMonstersInc ) and visit the official site ( Disney.com/MonstersInc3D )!

It's not often that a woman steps off a speeding train and is then immediately asked "What do you want to deal with? A Grizzly bear or monsters?" Well, that's sort of what happened to producer Michelle Murdocca back in 2004. She was just finishing up working on " The Polar Express " when Michelle was asked if she wanted to become VP of Production for the then-soon-to-launch Sony Pictures Animation studio. "Before I could commit, I wanted to learn more about the properties...

Danielle F. wrote in yesterday to say: I really enjoyed today's story about Luigi's Flying Tires and like the idea of you turning Why For into a daily feature at your site. I just hope you get sent enough questions to actually make this happen. And speaking of questions: I was sorry to hear that Michael Clarke Duncan died today . I don't suppose that you have any Disney-related stories that you can tell about him? Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan in "The Green Mile." Copyright...

Newsies , the Tony® Award winning new American musical, proudly welcomes Corey Cott to the role of the show's leading man Jack Kelly, full time, beginning at today's 2pm performance. Cott became the Jack Kelly alternate in mid-August and has performed the role intermittently since. Copyright 2012 Disney Theatrical. All rights reserved. Corey Cott makes his Broadway debut in Newsies just weeks after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama. His university credits...

Minnie Mouse in Texas -- Minnie Mouse visits Galveston, Texas, to help announce the new Disney Cruise Line homeport for 2012. CELEBRATION, Fla. (Sept. 5, 2012) - In early 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer a variety of new itineraries departing from Galveston, Texas, providing even more cruise options for guests. In addition to six-night Western Caribbean sailings, new choices include four-night Caribbean getaway cruises and eight-night itineraries that take guests to Walt Disney World Resort and...

Licensing Agreement Enables Fans to Celebrate Highly Anticipated 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who Series With Unique Branded Merchandise LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 4, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CafePress Inc.(Nasdaq:PRSS),The World's Customization Engine(TM), today announces its new partnership with BBC Worldwide Americas to bring exceptional Doctor Who-branded apparel and gifts to fans in North America via CafePress' e-commerce store. With the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who approaching in November...

© 2012 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved. Actress Kaley Cuoco , who portrays Penny in the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning television series “The Big Bang Theory,” spent some time web slinging with Spider-Man near Stan Lee Boulevard at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on Sunday, September 2, 2012. Universal Orlando Resort hosted Cuoco , who also starred in the hit animated film, “HOP,” for a tour of both theme parks during the Labor Day holiday weekend...

Winner will receive a Pair of the Iconic Cinderella Slipper Re-Imagined by World-Renowned Shoe Designer Christian Louboutin Burbank, CA, September 4, 2012 -- In honor of Disney's global release of the classic animated masterpiece "Cinderella", which will be available in Blu-ray TM Diamond Edition on October 2, 2012, Walt Disney Studios, in collaboration with Christian Louboutin and Glam Media, today reveal details of their national quest to find a modern-day Cinderella. One lucky woman...

Pirate Pete wrote in this weekend to say: Have you been following what's been going on with the Luigi's Flying Tires ride at DCA 's Cars Land ? Why exactly did they remove the balls from that attraction? Was it a safety issue? Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer. Copyright Disneyland. All rights reserved Pirate Pete -- The balls weren't removed from this reimagining of Disneyland's classic Flying Saucers ride because of safety concerns. But -- rather -- because they were slowing down the...

How tall is Walt Disney World 's Space Mountain ? Seems like a relatively straight forward question, don't you think? But the way that Company officials have answered that question has changed greatly over the past 37 years. By that I mean: If you were to ask a spokesperson who works for the WDW Resort today about what the height of this Tomorrowland thrill ride is, they'd mostly likely tell you that -- were you factor in some of the spires which jut out of this immense show building...

Actor Sean Astin joins field of more than 17,000 runners for race at 'Happiest Place on Earth' ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2012) - Jimmy Grabow, from the appropriately named Running Springs, Calif., won the Disneyland Half Marathon in record fashion, finishing in 1:05:29. Grabow's time was nearly two minutes faster than the previous mark, set by Paul Ngeny (1:07:24) in 2011. Cindy Lynch, of Cardiff, Calif., captured the women's title at Disneyland, finishing with a time of 1:24:45....

Posted: 01 Sep 2012 10:53 AM PDT Travel dates : September 30 - December 24, 2012 Walt Disney World has released a special discount for the general public where guests can save up to 30% off of their room only reservation at select Walt Disney World resorts. Savings are based on resort; Sample Savings : Save up to 15% at Disney's Art of Animation Resort (Family Suite Rooms) Save up to 20% at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort...

A Clever Little Hero, One Great Big Adventure Mystery in the Mist Edition T he Sherlock Holmes of Mousedom Embarks on a Heroic Journey when "The Great Mouse Detective" Mystery in the Mist Edition Arrives for the First Time on Blu-rayTM and HD Digital on September 18, 2012 On September 18, 2012, fans can experience Disney's greatest little mystery, in High Definition picture and sound, and go on a great big adventure as "The Great Mouse Detective" Mystery in the Mist Edition...

Now take an ice cream break.

Partnership with ASIFA-Hollywood and Animation Magazine Puts Spotlight on First Decade of Productions; Screenings include Filmmaker Reunions, Rare Footage and Giveaways Culver City, CA, August 27, 2012 - The 10th anniversary celebration of Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) continues with a five-week series of special screenings featuring SPA's beloved collection of animated and hybrid films, as well as reunions with filmmakers participating in Q & As following each screening, rare footage/materials...

This past Saturday morning after our water aerobics class (Yes, Nancy has got me exercising. With the hope that I'll eventually slim down from my current Jabba-the-Hutt-like physique to something a little ... Well, less bulky), we dropped by our local WalMart to do some grocery shopping. And as I wandered past their in-store Subway sandwich shop ... Photo by Nancy Stadler ... what to my wondering eye should appear but Frankenweenie toys! Photo by Jim Hill "Now wait a minute," I hear...

For four weeks now, Phineas & Ferb fans have been patiently waiting to learn what became of Agent P. That crime-fighting platypus who suddenly disappeared back on July 26th when " Where's Perry? Part 1 " first aired on the Disney Channel . Copyright Disney Channel. All rights reserved And while I'm pleased to hear Agent P's fate will finally be revealed tonight when "Where Perry? Part 2" premieres at 9 p.m. ET / PT ... To be honest, I consider this particular episode...

-- Fish Hooks Available Now from the App Store -- Disney/ABC Television Group's Digital Media team is launching "Fish Hooks," a new physics-based puzzle game for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch based on the popular Disney Channel series of the same name. The game is available for free from the App Store in more than 70 countries. Fish Hooks features Milo the fish and a host of his aquatic friends from Freshwater High. In the game, the ever "crabby" Randy Pincherson lives up to...

The full-length animated features that Walt Disney Animation Studios has produced over the past 75 years can mostly be sorted into two distinctly different piles: Those films that Walt personally had a hand in and those movies which were produced after Disney passed away. Please note that I said "mostly." Because the jury's still out about which pile "The Aristocats" actually belongs in. Why For? Because prior to his death in December of 1966, Walt spent five years working...

"Where's Perry?" - Agent P's fate is finally revealed in the action-packed finale of the two-part television special that left Phineas, Ferb and the gang hanging... literally off an unchartered gorge and Candace frantic over a phone call with Jeremy that left their relationship status in limbo. Now, with Agent P nowhere in sight, Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram square off against evil Carl who controls a set of Flynn-Fletcher robots to take over the OWCA, in one of the biggest...

Actor Sean Astin to lead sold out field of more than 17,000 registered runners along half marathon course through all-new Cars Land at newly reopened Disney California Adventure ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2012) – The Happiest Race on Earth just got happier as runners in the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will race Sept. 1 and 2 through the newly reopened Disney California Adventure Park , including Cars Land. More than 17,000 registered half marathon runners, including actor Sean Astin (The...

CULVER CITY, Calif., August 20, 2012 - The forecast is sunny side up for Sony Pictures Animation as the studio has reassembled the all-star, comedy voice cast of the animated hit Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs for Cloudy 2: Revenge of the Leftovers , set for release in 3D on February 7, 2014. The first Cloudy film took in $243 million worldwide. The sequel is directed by Cody Cameron (whose story artist credits include Shrek, Madagascar , Surf's Up and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ) &...

This is kind of hard for a grown man to admit. But I really miss Stars Hollow. You know the place I'm talking about, right? The fictitious Connecticut town which " Gilmore Girls " was set in? Copyright Warner Bros. All rights reserved Oh, sure. We all mostly tuned in for the seven years that this comedy-drama ran on The WB & The CW to find out what would happen next to Lorelai Gilmore ( Lauren Graham ) and her daughter Rory ( Alexis Bledel ). As well as seeing if we could actually...

"Did you enjoy attending the 2011 edition of the D23 EXPO ?" For a lot of Official Disney Fan Club members, the answer to that question depends largely on how early they got in line for last year's Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix concert. If you were among the folks who got in line early-early outside of Stage 23, you had a genuinely wonderful time at this three-day-long event. On the other hand, if you were among the hundreds who wound up getting turned away that Friday night because...

My apologies, folks. I know that JHM has been extremely light on content this past week or so. But I have been traveling. Dear Lord, have I been traveling. I wonder how many Frequent Flyer miles The Dreamfinder racked up while he was flying this contraption around EPCOT Center's Kodak pavilion? Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved First I flew out to LA to take part in a two day-long " Wreck-It Ralph " / " Secret of the Wings " press junket. Then it was back...

The Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney and ESPN radio personality Colin Cowherd already in the field; uniquely-designed commemorative race medal for every finisher LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Aug. 16, 2012) - Several additional celebrities are joining in the fun of the 20 th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Comedian and The Price Is Right host Drew Carey, actor Gilles Marini ( Sex in the City: The Movie, Switched at Birth and Dancing with the Stars ), Access Hollywood...

Ain't No Party Like a BATHTUB Party! The toys are back! Disney*Pixar's brand-new Toy Story Toon, PARTYSAURUS REX, will run in theaters before FINDING NEMO 3D starting September 14th. This adorable short is directed by Mark Walsh, produced by Kim Adam, and is the third installment of Toy Story Toons. Check out this brand-new clip from PARTYSAURUS REX "Partysaurus Rex" features Rex ( voiced by Wallace Shawn ), the insecure toy T-Rex in the 'Toy Story' gang. Rex goes from shrinking...