Marvel Introducing Line of Superhero Storybooks

When Disney bought Marvel nearly a year ago, many fans were torn as to whether this would herald a new era for the company or a disaster for one of the leading comic book institutions. One thing no one questioned, however, was why the Mouse House was interested in Marvel. Disney wanted a property for boys as prolific as its Princess and Pixie lines for girls, and Marvel provides that in spades. For the most part evidence of Marvel’s new ownership hasn’t been that obvious, at least to the more casual viewer. The most notable change was over the San … Continue reading

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

Can you see the hidden Mickey in the ceiling of this Epcot store? The last of my books about Disney World, “The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World,” is for the park’s devotees. Its subtitle is, “Over 600 secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom,” and author Susan Veness makes good on that promise. If you’re a fan of Disney World, not just of its rides but of its whole experience, this is the book for you. If you’ve been to the park so many times that now you’re starting to notice all of its … Continue reading

Upcoming Disney Flicks

Because it’s the first month of the year I thought I’d take a look at some of Disney’s upcoming movies for 2011. I’m going to skip over highly anticipated films like the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Cars 2,” because I’ve posted about them before, and more general knowledge is known about them. Instead, I want to feature lower-key Disney movies, ones that are perhaps more bubbly fare than blockbuster bait, but should be enjoyable nonetheless. At the moment Disney’s got three such movies announced: “Prom,” “Mars Needs Moms,” and “Winnie the Pooh.” The first, “Prom,” is a blend … Continue reading

New Disney Music Website

Fans of Disney’s teen musical acts, often teenagers themselves, now have yet another destination at which to spend time on the Disney Go website: Disney Music. Given that Disney’s been in the pop music business for years now, releases from their animated movie soundtracks notwithstanding, the only surprise is that the company hadn’t launched a music site this sophisticated until now. Disney Music brings the Mouse Company’s extensive catalog all into one place, but the focus is clearly on the Disney Channel’s recent teen sensations. Currently on the main page of the site visitors are greeted with Selena Gomez’s brand … Continue reading

Will High School Musical Continue?

Parents, you might need to console your tweens and teens: it’s a bittersweet day for fans of Disney’s mammoth “High School Musical” franchise. After two Disney Channel movies, one silver screen flick, and countless albums, merchandise, theater and international spin-offs, the era of the Wildcats as we know it is over. But the story isn’t entirely finished, thus the silver lining to the cloud. Ashley Tisdale, who played the drama queen antagonist of the series, signed on to star in the spin-off tv movie “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.” The movie starts filming this summer for a 2011 release on the Disney … Continue reading

Disney Internship Opportunities

At times it feels like the main focus here at the Disney blog is children – well, children and we adults who hold on to that little inner something that delights in fairy tale wonder. Given the nature of Disney’s target audience, it often feels that I have nothing to offer parents of teenagers and college-age kids. So today’s blog is for you. Do you have a child in college (or are you a college student) who loves Disney, or who considers a career in Disney a dream opportunity? Then you should think about applying for a Disney internship. Anyone … Continue reading

Unlock Your Favorite Films with Disney KeyChest

Say goodbye to your DVDs and even your Blu-Rays, because Disney’s about to bring watching movies at home into a new era. At the beginning of the month the Walt Disney Corporation unveiled a new technology called KeyChest. KeyChest allows consumers to purchase television shows or movies, store them on remote servers, and then play them on various media devices, from TV’s to computers to mobile phones. KeyChest is expected to go on sale by the end of 2010. I don’t blame you if you can’t get your head around KeyChest. I couldn’t, at first. But after thinking about it … Continue reading

From Olympus to Egypt: Rick Riordan’s Latest Series

Thanks to Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, I can’t look at the Empire State Building in the same way anymore. I bet countless readers across the country feel the same. As we gaze up at the New York City skyline, look out across the Hoover Dam, or rest upon any other major landmark in the United States, there will always be an impulse in the back of our minds or in the corners of our eyes to search for hints of mythic Greek gods, monsters, and entrances to fabled underground labyrinths. Now Riordan is about to revive … Continue reading

Disney Launches New Digital Books Website

Books are the latest digital trend. From the Kindle to downloadable PDF novels, it’s increasingly possible to read just about everything online. Disney Publishing Worldwide is one of the latest companies to jump on the bandwagon, launching the new Disney Digital Books website. After logging on to the site, kids can access hundreds of books based on familiar Disney characters. They can also create a customizable profile, entering their age and listing their favorite books. Stories at all reading levels are provided. For example, beginner books feature Winnie the Pooh or the Little Mermaid. Meanwhile, more advanced readers may choose … Continue reading