Disneyland quietly is testing a talking Mickey Mouse character who greets guests by name and has a moving mouth and blinking eyes.
Traditionally, the masked characters who interact with visitors don’t speak, only using sign language to communicate at the Disney parks. The test Mickey’s eyelids blink and his nose and upper lip move as he talks. His voice sounds like the cartoon character.
[...]
Michele Himmelberg, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, confirmed that Disney is testing the talking Mickey. But she declined to comment about whether the character would be added to the park permanently.
For now, the talking rodent is greeting guests at Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyHIdr1aM7s

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6k2xdtU8Wc

What are your thoughts? Is this the next generation of character greetings in the parks?

Via. The Orlando Sentinel

Walt Disney World’s monorail system is only partially operational now after an electrical short at a control booth at the Magic Kingdom monorail platform this morning.

Smoke was seen after the short, which happened at about 10:05 a.m and caused a train pulling into that station to stop. About 25 guests were on that train for about 10 minutes while a tractor towed the train to the station, where the guests unloaded.

Monorail loops to the resorts and Magic Kingdom are closed. The line to Epcot is still running.

Engineers are reviewing the system now.

“Our buses and ferryboats are currently available to transport guests as our engineering services team reviews the situation,” said Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez.

The Reedy Creek Fire Department responded to the incident around 10:14 a.m., but did not find a fire.

No injuries were reported, a sheriff’s spokesman said.

So what are your thoughts. Do you think that Disney needs to do something about their Transportation system?

Disney CEO and president Bob Iger released this statement in response: “Throughout his distinguished 38-year Disney career, Dick Cook’s outstanding creative instincts and incomparable showmanship have truly enriched this company and significantly impacted Disney’s great legacy,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “We thank Dick for his tremendous passion for Disney, and his many accomplishments and contributions to The Walt Disney Studios, including a very promising upcoming film slate. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we wish him the best with all the future has to offer.”

Recent reports have now said that Disney is now reporting that he is still working there.

This brings three questions to me.
1. Did he resign, quit, or was he forced to resign?
2. As I said earlyer, who takes over?
3. After giving a great presntation at the D23 expo last week, why resign?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jQaHgsKhQ4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=08W5Os-Wnj0

Exclusive Screenings & Sneak Peeks

The D23 EXPO will offer guests the chance to get sneak peeks of upcoming Disney movies like The Princess and the Frog,TRON: Legacy, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Rapunzel, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and many others. The D23 EXPO also will present the U.S. premiere screenings of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in Disney Digital 3D™.  More than that, the D23 EXPO will present several classic movies on the big screen, including the original Tron, Sleeping Beauty, The Shaggy Dog, Darby O’Gill and the Little People, along with other exciting screening events.  The ABC House Screening Room will present screenings of new television entertainment, including ABC’s vibrant new fall schedule.

Special Presentations and Panels

The D23 EXPO will offer fascinating explorations of the past, present and future of Disney.  Throughout the four days, scores of special panels and presentations will bring new insight into Disney history, let guests go “behind the magic” of Disney theme-park attractions and movies, and get fans up close and personal with the Disney legacy of unforgettable entertainment.

D23 EXPO Show Floor

A giant show floor filled with incredible pavilions and interactive areas assembles the entire world of Disney under one roof. From Disney’s global theme parks to the Company’s environmental initiatives, the show floor includes a collector’s area, a gathering of Disney licensees, an eight-room “home” showcasing an amazing array of Disney merchandise, and new technologies being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering. The show floor is the heart of the D23 EXPO. It will also be home to the “ABC House Screening Room,” a sign-up area for the “Lost University,” and kid-friendly play areas that make the D23 EXPO an exciting event for all ages of Disney fans.

“Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives”

The legendary Walt Disney Archives will assemble a never-before-seen collection of more than 100 props, costumes and one-of-a-kind items from more than eight decades of Disney creativity.  For the first time ever, the Archives also will present a retrospective of props and costumes from the classic “Captain EO” attraction in which Michael Jackson thrilled theme-park audiences in 3D.

Arena Presentations

The 4,000-seat Anaheim Convention Center Arena will be home to spectacular presentations throughout the four days of theD23 EXPO.  Disney President and CEO Bob Iger will kick off the entire event with an unforgettable presentation that includes a 30-minute glimpse at the upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog and a live performance by its vocal star,Anika Noni Rose.  Other Arena presentations will incorporate surprise celebrity appearances as D23 EXPO guests learn about the future of ABC, Disney movies, theme parks, animation and more.

Celebrity Appearances

Celebrities from both current and classic Disney projects (both on screen and behind the scenes) will be on hand throughout the D23 EXPO, and are currently scheduled to include: X Atencio, Jake T. Austin, Kathryn Beaumont, Richard Bellis, Tom Bergeron, Bruce Broughton, Cheryl Burke, Maria Canals-Barrera, Marge Champion, Ron Clements, Mary Costa, Alice Davis, David DeLuise, Joseph Fiennes, Michael Giacchino,  Blaine Gibson, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammer, Don Hahn, David Henrie, Patricia Heaton, Tommy Kirk, Steve Lisberger, Joel McNeely, Brendan Milburn, John Musker, Ed O’Neill, Marty Sklar, Jennifer Stone, Valerie Vigoda and many more.

Family Activities

Disney Consumer Products will give D23 EXPO guests the chance to explore a host of activities for the entire family, including a Disney Creativity Center hosted by Crayola, the Disney Princess Storytime and Royal Manners event, the Baby Einstein World of Discovery Center, and a magnificent live LEGO building event in which Master Builders will invite guests to join them to construct a life-sized mural of Disney characters, paying homage to the innovation of Disney and LEGO. There will be appearances by best-selling authors, fine artists, and toy designers. There will also be a series of fashion shows featuring the latest styles from Disney Couture, Disney Couture kids and the Wizards of Waverly Place collection. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the first-ever Disney Dream Home and to go “behind the fairy tale” at the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings showcase.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

The four days of the D23 EXPO are packed with excitement and activity.  Below are selected highlights from the four-dayD23 EXPO schedule.  Please note that because the D23 EXPO is a first-of-its-kind live experience, schedules, locations and descriptions are subject to change — so be sure to visit www.D23Expo.com for full updates and even more schedule details and surprises.

THURSDAY, Sept. 10, 2009

Bob Iger Presentation, 10 a.m. – Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger will launch the first-ever D23 EXPOwith an hour-long presentation in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, exploring the incredible future of Disney and exciting projects that are taking shape around the globe. Arena.

Disney Legends Awards, 11 a.m. – Men and women who have contributed to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company will be honored in a special presentation, hosted by Tom Bergeron and open to all D23 EXPO guests.  The full list of honorees will be announced shortly, and includes renowned celebrities, actors and artists. Arena.

The ABCs of Disney, 3 p.m. – Steve McPherson, president of the ABC Entertainment Group, and Emmy®-nominated Tom Bergeron host a D23 EXPO-exclusive presentation as many of the biggest TV stars of today preview ABC’s new series, with a very special “Dancing with the Stars” performance.  Arena

An Afternoon With Imagineering Legends, 4:30 p.m. – Recently retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Marty Sklar hosts a panel of extraordinary artists who shaped classic Disneyland attractions, including X Atencio, Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson and Bob Gurr. Storytellers Theater

Top Ten for the Toy Chest: The Making of the Next Great Disney Toy, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Beauty and the Beast 3D Preview and Panel Discussion, 1 p.m., Studio Theater

The Magic of Disney in the Art of Disney Stamps, 1:30 p.m., Stage 23

The World of Vintage Disneyland – In Color, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

The Music of The Haunted Mansion, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

The Music of The Lion King Panel, 4 p.m., Studio Theater

the boys Screening and Panel, 7 p.m., Studio Theater

Fifty and Fabulous Film Festival Presents Darby O’Gill and the Little People, 10 p.m., Studio Theater

FRIDAY, Sept. 11, 2009

Disney Movie Magic: Inside The Walt Disney Studios, 11 a.m. – The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook offers Disney fans an unprecedented sneak peek at new live-action movies from Walt Disney Pictures, incorporating exclusive footage from such movies as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and more. Special celebrity guests also will join in on the fun. Arena

Tron Presentation, 4 p.m.,  –  Steven Lisberger, director of 1982’s Tron, is a special guest as the D23 EXPO offers an exclusive exploration of the science-fiction classic, including glimpses of the upcoming TRON: Legacy.  A fascinating discussion will be followed by the first-ever digitally converted screening of the original Tron. Studio Theater

Disney Rarities, 5:30 p.m. – Academy Award-nominated producer and author Don Hahn joins Walt Disney Animation Studios’ creative director Dave Bossert to present several rarely seen animated short films from Disney history, including some of Walt Disney’s earliest animation efforts. Some of these shorts have not been seen in more than 60 years. Stage 23 Theater

The Making of “Toy Story: The Musical”, 5:30 p.m. –  A preview of the newest stage extravaganza for Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Parks. Michael Jung, Vice President of Creative, and Matt Almos, Creative Director, host this musical sneak peek, and composers Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn will perform.  Storytellers Theater

Walt and El Grupo and Saludos Amigos, 7:30 p.m. – Filmmakers Ted Thomas and Kuniko Okubo and Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman lead a panel discussion about the upcoming Walt and El Grupo, a new documentary that reveals the story behind Walt Disney’s influential 1941 trip to South America. After the discussion, D23 EXPO guests will be treated to a rare screening of Saludos Amigos, the colorful animated feature that grew out of Walt’s goodwill expedition south of the equator. Studio Theater

Early Bird Books: Kingdom Keepers, 8:30 a.m., Stage 23

Sailing to New Horizons with Disney Cruise Line, 9 a.m., Storytellers Theater

A Day in the Life of an Adventures by Disney Guide, 12:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Happy Haunts: 40 Years of The Haunted Mansion, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Nightmare Before Christmas 3D Screening, Plus Tim Burton Shorts Frankenweenieand Vincent, 1 p.m., Studio Theater

Special Preview: “The Wonderful World of Color,” 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

History and Preservation of Disney Animation Art: The Courvoisier Tradition, 2 p.m., Stage 23

We Make the Music: Conversations with the Creators of Disney Theme Park Music, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

The Evolution of Mickey with Dave Pacheco and Andreas Deja, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

Fifty and Fabulous Film Festival Presents The Shaggy Dog, 10 p.m., Studio Theater

SATURDAY, Sept. 12, 2009

So You Want to Be an Imagineer, 9 a.m. – Marty Sklar hosts a conversation with more than half a dozen guest Imagineers, who will discuss the challenges and rewards of their careers … and the special skills that are needed to “make the magic.”Storytellers Theater

Disneynature Presentation, 10 a.m. –The latest updates from Disney’s newest film label, Disneynature. This prestigious production banner literally goes to the ends of the earth to tell the remarkable stories of nature. Studio Theater

Imagineering the Future of Disney Theme Parks, 11 a.m. – Go behind the scenes with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo as he unveils the magical entertainment and experiences on the horizon at Disney’s Parks and Resorts around the world … and offers a surprise or two. Arena

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 12 p.m. – Don Hahn hosts a compelling discussion about the making of Walt Disney’s first animated feature film.  Following the discussion, D23 EXPO guests will enjoy a screening of a newly restored digital version of this landmark film. Studio Theater

Disney Store: The Magic is Back, 2 p.m. – Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, looks at the vibrant future of the Disney Stores around the world. Arena

The Princess and the Frog, 3 p.m. – All-new footage from Disney’s upcoming animated musical The Princess and the Frogwill be screened, followed by a panel discussion with the film’s creators, including John Musker, Ron Clements, Andreas Deja and Eric Goldberg. Studio Theater

Prep and Landing, 5:30 p.m. – The directors of Disney’s new TV special explore the creation of this new holiday-time treat. Studio Theater

D23 Expo Live Auction, 7 p.m. – 49 lots of extraordinary rarities and specially designed items will be front and center at thisD23 EXPO exclusive event, including a check personally signed by Walt Disney, a progressive dinner through the Disneyland Resort plus a stay in the Presidential Suite of the Disneyland Hotel, original animation production cels, movie premiere tickets, an authentic attraction vehicle, a very special “Lot 23” exclusive, and much more. 7 p.m., Arena (Note: Auction admission is free; bidders must purchase a $40 bidder’s package.)

Trail of the Panda Screening, 7:30 p.m. – The D23 EXPO presents the U.S. premiere of Trail of the Panda (Xiongmao Huijialu), the second Disney Chinese-language film production, created specifically for audiences in China. Studio Theater

Early Bird Books: The Alchemy of Animation with Don Hahn, 8:30 a.m., Stage 23

Behind the Fairy Tale – Disney Weddings with Kristie Kelly and David Turturro, 11 a.m., Stage 23

The Science of Imagineering, 12:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Growing Up Disney with Roy P. Disney, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Refreshing a Classic: Remaking “it’s a small world” for the 21^st Century, 2 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Sneak Preview of The Walt Disney Family Museum, 2:30 p.m., Stage 23

The Making of the U.S. Presidents, 3:30 p.m., Storytellers Theater

Disney Kids’ Fashion Show, 4 p.m., Performances Stage

Lost Chords – Never-Heard Music from Disney Animation with Russell Schroeder, 5:30 p.m., Stage 23

Fifty and Fabulous Film Festival Presents Sleeping Beauty, 10 p.m., Studio Theater

SUNDAY, Sept. 13, 2009

The Future of Disney and Pixar Animation, 11 a.m. – Get a glimpse of what the future holds at Disney and Pixar Animation Studios as Chief Creative Officer, John Lasseter, shares sneak peeks of such exciting upcoming films as The Princess and The Frog, Rapunzel, Toy Story 3 and more.  Arena

A Magical Afternoon With  the Cast of Wizards of Waverly Place,

2 p.m. – Cast members Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera and David DeLuise join executive producer Peter Murietta for an exclusive preview screening of the season premiere episode ofWizards of Waverly Place.  Popular Radio Disney personality Ernie D also will join in the fun! Arena

Toy Story 3 Special Presentation, 6:30 p.m. – Sneak a peek at what’s in store when Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the Toy Story gang make their big-screen return – this time in 3D. Pixar filmmakers Lee Unkrich and Darla Anderson host. Studio Theater

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 Double Feature Premiere Screening, 7 p.m. – Following the 5 p.m. sneak peek of Toy Story 3, the D23 EXPO will host the U.S. premiere screening of this 3D double feature.  (Note: There will be a 10-minute intermission between the films.) Studio Theater

Early Bird Books: South of the Border with J.B. Kaufman, 8:30 a.m., Stage 23

The Making of Toy Story Midway Mania, 9:30 a.m., Storytellers Theater

Collector’s Edition Fine Art Panel Discussion, 12:30 p.m., Performances Stage

The Science of Imagineering, 1 p.m., Storytellers Theater (an encore presentation)

Silver Banjo Barbeque Panel with David and Ron DeFore, 12:30 p.m., Stage 23

Special Muppets Presentation, 1:30 p.m. - The Muppets Studios takes you inside the Muppet world for an exclusive frog’s-eye-view of what Kermit and Company have been up to in 2009 – and all the fun and mayhem they have planned for 2010 and beyond! Studio Theater

Disneyana Detective with Tom Tumbush, 3 p.m., Stage 23

Imagineering Pixar for the Disney Parks, 3 p.m., Storytellers Theater

From Annette to Miley, 3:30 p.m., Stage 23

TONY ANSELMO is a Disney animator who, since 1985, has provided the incomparable (and some would say inimitable) voice of Donald Duck in movies, cartoons, TV shows and theme-park attractions.

HARRY ARCHINAL is the former president of Buena Vista International, who helped expand Disney’s cinematic presence into regions outside of the U.S. and Canada, bringing Disney movies to audiences around the world.

BEATRICE ARTHUR brought deadpan comic timing and enormous warmth to the role of Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992, a role that brought her a second Emmy Award (in addition to an Emmy for Maude). She was also a Tony Award-winning stage actress and is in the Academy of Television Arts & Science’s Hall of Fame. Note: This award is presented posthumously.

BILL FARMER is an accomplished voice actor whose enormous body of work has included providing the voice of Goofy since 1986. Farmer has also been the voice of Pluto and Horace Horsecollar for Disney productions.

ESTELLE GETTY was, in fact, younger than Beatrice Arthur but portrayed her mother, feisty Sophia Petrillo, in The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992. She received an Emmy Award for the role – which she reprised in Golden Palace and Empty Nest – and was nominated six additional times. Getty was one of the first recipients of the “In Memoriam” Tony Award for her Broadway stage work. Note: This award is presented posthumously.

DON IWERKS is the son of Walt Disney’s longtime friend and animator Ub Iwerks. Don Iwerks worked at Disney from 1951 to 1986, and created revolutionary film systems that were used in movies like Mary Poppins (sodium traveling matte process) and in such Disney theme park attractions as “CircleVision 360″ and “Star Tours.”

RUE McCLANAHAN was honored with an Emmy Award for her hilariously lusty, warm-hearted role as Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, which she also repeated on Golden Palace. From 1972 to 1978, McClanahan played opposite Beatrice Arthur as Vivian on Maude, and also co-starred in Mama’s Family. In addition to her renowned work on TV, on stage and in films, McClanahan is active in animal-rights, cancer and AIDS organizations.

LEOTA TOOMBS THOMAS was working at Walt Disney Imagineering (then WED Enterprises) when she served as a model for a new attraction called the Haunted Mansion. She soon became world-famous as the Mansion’s disembodied Madame Leota. Note: This award is presented posthumously.

BETTY WHITE has become a television icon, especially for her role as slightly befuddled, always charming Rose Nylund in The Golden Girls – for which she received one of her six Emmy Awards. White has also been a key cast member in such hit TV shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Palace, The Practice and her own series, The Betty White Show. She has been seen in 19 films and has long supported many animal-rights organizations.

ROBIN WILLIAMS is the recipient of six Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Grammy Awards and the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (1997). His unforgettable film work for Disney has included providing the voice of Genie in Aladdin and starring in Good Morning, Vietnam, and Dead Poets Society. He also appeared in the short film Back to Neverland at Disney theme parks. This fall, Williams stars with John Travolta in Old Dogs from Walt Disney Pictures.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients also participate in a hand-print ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Yes, I am just as lost as you are. Disney have bought Marvel for $4 Billion, yes that’s billion with a B. Disney will acquire the rights to 5,000 Marvel characters. Marvel Chairman Mort Handel called Disney “a perfect home for our great collection of characters.”  Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company said “This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories.” (Video below the cut)

So now comes the big question, what happens to Universal Studios “Islands of adventure” theme park in Orlando. The parks rides are mostly Marvel characters and it will be interesting to see what becomes of it. What are your thoughts on the buy? Post them in the comments!

Disney’s official Press release can be read here.