ABC to Present New Series & Stars at D23 Expo!

ABC TELEVISION NETWORK PRESENTS THE STARS OF TV’S

MOST ANTICIPATED FALL SERIES, LIVE ON STAGE,

AT THE D23 EXPO, SEPTEMBER 10-13

Fans Have the Chance to Visit the “ABC House Screening Room” and Be
The First to Sneak a Peek at ABC’s New Fall Schedule Throughout
The D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center

Enter the World of ABC’s Hit Series “Lost,”
Receive a Special Collector’s Pin, Exclusively at the D23 Expo!

Want to be among the first to watch ABC’s new series? Would you like the chance to see some of television’s biggest stars in person? Fans will have those opportunities and many more at the inaugural D23 EXPO, where the entire world of Disney comes together under one roof, Sept. 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

ABC proudly presents “The ABCs of Disney,” an exclusive D23 EXPO event in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena, September 10 at 3:00 p.m. Hosted by Emmy®-nominated Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos”), “The ABCs of Disney” presentation features Steve McPherson, President of the ABC Entertainment Group, unveiling sneak peeks at many of the fall TV season’s most anticipated new shows.

Joining Steve McPherson and Tom Bergeron on stage are some of the most beloved television actors of our time, the stars of ABC’s new Wednesday night comedies, Patricia Heaton (“The Middle”), Kelsey Grammer (“Hank”) and Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”). Actor Joseph Fiennes (perhaps best known for his starring role in the Oscar®-winning film “Shakespeare in Love”) will introduce his new series, the much buzzed-about drama, “FlashForward.”

“The ABCs of Disney” concludes with a thrilling dance performance by two of “Dancing with the Stars”’ professional champions, including Cheryl Burke (two-time winner with partners Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith). After the presentation, fans will have a chance to receive autographs and take photos with the stars. (Please note: though the talent listed are confirmed, appearances are contingent on production schedules.)

Throughout the four-day D23 EXPO, guests can enter the “ABC House Screening Room” to see sneak peeks of ABC’s new Fall schedule. The “ABC House Screening Room” is set up to be as comfortable as a living room –- where guests are encouraged to put up their feet, relax and enjoy the best that television has to offer. (Screening schedule to be announced).

Also on display Sept. 10-13 is ABC’s “Lost.” In celebration of the Emmy® Award-winning series “Lost” entering its final, thrilling season, ABC Television Network presents a can’t-miss experience for all fans. Guests will be able to step into the world of “Lost” and see a selection of props, set pieces, costumes and collectors’ artifacts from key moments in the series, as well as sign up for Lost University, a special Blu-ray™ and online experience, and receive a limited edition collectors’ pin, available only at D23 Expo.

Fans will also have a chance to sneak a peek at ABC’s first TV special by Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Prep & Landing”. On Sept. 12, “Prep & Landing’s” directors, Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton, will present the holiday special and answer fans’ questions.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is $37 for a one-day adult ticket and $27 for children 3-12. Four-day passes are $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Special vacation packages including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission are available at the D23 EXPO website. Packages are available from the Walt Disney Travel Company and the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.

Many more details about D23 EXPO entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23″ at Twitter and on Facebook.

Be sure to check out all the lots that D23 will be offering in their Live Auction - http://psc.disney.go.com/eventservices/artofdisneyparks/media/D23_online_auction_catalog.pdf.

Sketches Has Landed!

Everyone has been wondering "when the next issue of Sketches will land?" The wait is over as it started to land this past weekend.

Sketches (Volume 17; Number 2) features Robin Hood & Maid Marian ("Merry Matrimony) and Toby Turtle ("Peering Page") and Skippy Rabbit ("Attentive Attendant"). The back cover features Snow White ("Sweet Temptation").

This volume of Sketches includes both the 2009 Spring and Summer Catalog Supplements and the Jiminy Cricket Fall Event Dealer Participation Listing.

Nice articles on Grandma Fa, Robin Hood, Runaway Brain, Sheriff of Bullet Valley, Jungle Book, Johnny Tremain and Peter Pan.

WDCC Product Error and *On Alert* Notification

Product Error:

An error was discovered regarding the Vampire Quartet (#4010346) from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas were produced without the Numbered Limited Edition backstamp and corresponding numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

To address this error, new Certificates of Authenticity are being printed designating the sculpture as a Limited Edition of 750 (since they've already started to ship worldwide, thesculptures and certs cannot be numbered "1/750", "2/750" etc.).

In Summary: The sculpture is now a Limited Edition of 750 rather than a Numbered Limited Edition. The revised COA's will be sent to the retailers who ordered them, once they are printed.

Collectors will be notified of the error in NewsFlash and will be instructed to contact their retailer for replacement certificates. Collateral for the sculpture (including the catalog supplement mailing to retailers and collectors) identified this as a Numbered Limited Edition.

On Alert:

Please Note: Scrooge and Marley, Vampire Quartet, Walt with Oswald, Seven Dwarfs Signature Series, Ariel with Prince Eric Statue and Mulan and Father are all "On Alert" and nearly sold out in the US.

Please contact your Authorized WDCC Dealer and/or the Walt Disney Theme Parks for availability.

Sulley and Mike Punching Out Today!

Honored today (08-03-09) with retirement are Sulley and Mike from Monsters, Inc. Sulley and Mike were released in September 2002 along with Boo, Boo's Door Station and an Opening Title. Boo was retired in August 2007. The Door Station and Opening Title have not been retired to date.

Quantities are Limited! Please check with your authorized dealer for availability.

D23 Expo to Explore Future of Disney Theme Parks

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Offer a Glimpse “Behind the Magic” at Disney’s D23 EXPO, Sept. 10-13

Burbank, Calif., Aug. 3, 2009 – What will Disney’s theme parks and resorts look like in the future? Fans will learn the answer to that question and many more as they take a “behind-the-magic” tour of their favorite Disney destinations at the inaugural D23 EXPO, where the entire world of Disney will come together under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center in California from September 10-13.

Through a series of stunning displays and not-to-be-missed presentations, D23 EXPO attendees will explore the rich legacy and future of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – a story that began in 1955 with Disneyland and has since grown to include 11 theme parks at five vacation destinations around the globe, as well as new immersive vacation experiences including the Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney and the Disney Vacation Club. On Saturday, Sept. 12, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo will share some “behind-the-magic” details as he pulls back the curtain on several new projects – including the 12-acre Cars Land that’s set to open at Disney’s California Adventure in 2012.

Here’s a sampling of exciting Disney Parks experiences that D23 EXPO attendees will discover:

• Never-before-seen models of classic Disney attractions and glimpses of coming projects that will surprise and delight even the most knowledgeable Disney fans.
• An exclusive sneak peek at the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure that’s so big, it won’t fit inside the Blue Sky Cellar.
• The chance to meet, up close and personal, Lucky the Dinosaur and Wall-E.
• A preview of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures ever created.
• Displays showcasing cutting-edge effects technologies that are being developed for Disney attractions, shows and venues.
• New Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2011.
  

Also, in the 500-seat Storytellers Theater, Imagineers and Cast Members who create and operate Disney’s parks, resorts, cruise ships and other vacation experiences will take fans behind-the-magic with a variety of presentations including:

• World of Color – Imagineer Steven Davison brings to life World of Color, the water-and-fire spectacular that will debut next year at Disney’s California Adventure.
• The Making of Toy Story Mania! – From its interactive elements and innovative ride system to its cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics figure of Mr. Potato Head, Toy Story Mania! represents a new kind of Disney theme park attraction. Meet the team who helped bring it to life.
• “So You Want to Become an Imagineer” – A panel of Imagineers will answer one of the most frequently asked questions of Walt Disney Imagineering – “How does one become an Imagineer?” – and will share what it’s like to be one.
• The Making of the U.S. Presidents – Imagineers will talk about updating both Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland and Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
• An Afternoon With Imagineering Legends – Disney Legend Marty Sklar will lead a celebration of the careers and accomplishments of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Cast Members who have been named Disney Legends.
  

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is $37 for a one-day adult ticket and $27 for children 3-12. Four-day passes are $111 for adults and $81 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on up to four same-day admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.

Special vacation packages including Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations, D23 EXPO tickets and theme park admission are available at the D23 EXPO website. Packages are available from both the Walt Disney Travel Company and the Anaheim/ Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, which is offering a limited number of area hotel rooms at special rates to those attending the D23 EXPO.

Many more details about D23 EXPO entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23EXPO.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” at Twitter and on Facebook.

Jiminy Cricket Has Sold Out!!

Jiminy Cricket ( "Spirit of the Season"), the Fall 2009 Premiere Event Sculpture has SOLD OUT!!

Jiminy from Mickey's Christmas Carol, has sold out two months prior to the event! Awesome News!! Many will recall a similar situation last fall with the Tinker Bell event sculpture ("Blithe Spirit"), with the sculpture selling out prior to the event. As one who had to frantically search for Tinker Bell, I made sure to have Jiminy pre-ordered this year!

Sculpted by Ruben Procopio, Jiminy is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 2,000. He will be available through all participating Walt Disney Classics Collection dealers and the Walt Disney Theme Parks, September 25-27, 2009.

Also available will be a Whiteware version exclusive to Gold Circle Dealers. The whiteware version will be a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 150.

Artist Partners Collectibles Kicks Off their Summer Signings with Trevor Carlton!

Join them this Saturday, July 25th as Trevor Carlton returns for the Grand Re-Opening where he will paint LIVE under the Tent at 1:30pm!

Sideshow Collectibles Unveils the Horned King!

Sideshow Collectibles has updated their website with the latest release in the Disney Bust Series from Grand Jester Studios and the creators of the Walt Disney Classics Collection for Fourth Quarter 2009 .. Tremble, mortals, at the terrible glory and fearsome visage of the Horned King!

Erupting from the stygian depths of the Black Cauldron itself, this ghastly ghoul has set his baleful sights upon all who dwell within the fabled kingdom of Prydain. The ultimate embodiment of decay and corruption, this character authentic, polystone mini-bust is designed and sculpted by veteran Disney animator and sculptor Rubén Procopio.

Standing an impressive 10 ½” high, the rarely portrayed Horned King villain from Disney’s The Black Cauldron (1985) comes painted and ready to display.

Item # 4013950 UPC 045544216029
Numbered Limited Edition (NLE): 1,000
SRP: $80.00 US
Scheduled Release: Fourth Quarter 2009
© Disney

Plans for WDW Fantasyland: Fact or Rumor?

The Internet was a buzz yesterday with plans that leaked of proposed changes for Fantasyland at WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT.

It appears attractions such as Mickey's PhilarMagic, Snow White's Scary Adventures, It's a Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Mad Tea Party will stay in their current locations but Dumbo the Flying Elephant could be relocated.

You will notice the numerous character meet-n-greets, a new 'Be Our Guest' table service restaurant and 'Gaston's Tavern' and dueling Dumbo rides with an interactive queue sandwiched in-between. Based on these plans, it looks like Toon Town will be no more.

While there is absolutely no reason to think the finished product (assuming the project is green-lit officially) will look anything like these plans, it is interesting to ponder the possibilities.

Thanks Greg for sharing this with us!

World of Color: Disney Issues New Press Release!

16 July 2009
"World of Color"

Innovative Entertainment Technology Drives ‘World of Color’ – the Next Milestone in Expansion of Disney’s California Adventure

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 16, 2009) – Elaborate preparation is underway for “World of Color,” the spectacular nighttime water show that will astound guests with its magnitude and creativity when it debuts in spring 2010 as the next major milestone in the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park. Surpassing all Disney water productions, “World of Color” will bring Disney animation to life with powerful fountains that become stars of the show as they create the world’s largest projected water screen.

For months now, guests at Disney’s California Adventure have been peering into the lagoon near Paradise Pier as Walt Disney Imagineering and Creative Entertainment have installed the massive infrastructure and innovative technology that will create the stage for this extraordinary combination of music, animation and stunning water effects. Teams of Disney workers have built nearly an acre of superstructure to support the complex “World of Color” production.

“World of Color” will combine hundreds of magnificent fountains, dazzling colors and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects to take water-infused entertainment to a new level of artistry. The production will flood the senses, taking audiences on an imaginative journey into the colorful worlds of animated Disney classics such as “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Lion King” and “Pocahontas,” along with Disney•Pixar films “Toy Story,” “WALL-E” and many more.

Disney’s newest production features an unprecedented infrastructure of water effects, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images. This technical wizardry, combined with classic Disney film sequences, will create a breathtaking emotional experience for guests as jaw-dropping effects sweep across the lagoon, soar into the sky and rush toward the audience.

A newly designed 9,000-capacity viewing area will provide Disney’s California Adventure guests the best view in the park of this exciting nighttime extravaganza. The show lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Some of the technical magic behind ‘World of Color’ includes:

• Nearly one full acre of engineered superstructure, longer than a football field and capable of settling on three levels – one for the performance, one under the water surface and one for maintenance.
• More than 1,200 powerful and programmable fountains.
• A vast underwater grid with more than 18,000 points of control. Each fountain has multiple points of control for lighting, color intensity, water angle, height and more.
• Fountain heights that range from 30 feet to 200 feet in the air (by way of comparison, Mickey’s Fun Wheel reaches a height of 150 feet, some of it below the edge of the lagoon).
• A precise system of flame projections, lasers, and special effects that will flood the senses as guests experience the animation.
• Scenic elements that rise more than 80 feet above the lagoon.
• The world’s largest projected water screen – a wall of water 380 feet wide by 50 feet high for a projection surface of 19,000 square feet.
• Nearly 30 high-definition projectors.

D23 Expo: The Ultimate Convention for All Things Disney!

Animation, movies, music, television, Theme Parks, theater, and more -- the magic of Walt Disney's incredible vision has touched the lives of millions in so many ways. Each with special memories, fans are always eager to see what's next from the House of Mouse. Even after 81 years of sparking imaginations worldwide, the most ardent Disney enthusiast couldn't have predicted the Company's latest stroke of genius. From September 10 through 13, the Anaheim Convention Center will host every Disney experience conceivable as the first-ever D23 Expo thrills the city of Anaheim, California, right down to its last glimmer of pixie dust.

Steven Clark, head of D23, shares the exciting details. "The Walt Disney Company has never done anything like this before. It's the biggest, truly most impressive gathering of all things Disney. Every part of the Company will come together to celebrate our rich history and legacy on an enormously grand scale."

Here's a floor-by-floor rundown ...

Starting in the 5,000-seat arena, visitors can hear keynote speakers from every area of The Walt Disney Company. "President and CEO Bob Iger kicks off Thursday's talks at 11 a.m. with a Company-wide overview ... and a few surprises along the way," says Steven. Other department heads will also speak during the four-day extravaganza, along with star-studded presentations, live performances, and behind-the-scenes exclusives. Steven promises Guests are in for the biggest "wow" possible and reveals that the lineup will be spectacular, with appearances from some of TV's hottest stars. "Though everyone's sworn to secrecy, I can tell you one thing -- it's going to be awesome!"

Next up is the arena event Steven anticipates most. "I'm thrilled we were able to bring the Disney Legends Ceremony to the expo ... for the first time ever it won't be held on Disney property. It's exciting that Cast Members and fans will be able to participate in this 22-year-old, time-honored Disney tradition." With the ceremony scheduled for 12 p.m. on Thursday, this year's honorees -- selected from live-action films, animation, Imagineering, and Theme Parks -- will be announced later this summer. Past legends are always invited and Steven confirms it will be well attended by Disney celebrities.

SHOW FLOOR

Over in Halls A, B, and C, individual pavilions will display each business unit's latest and greatest in true Disney style. From the models and concept art for Parks and Resorts to Radio Disney and the ESPN Lounge, there's something for everyone in the family as well as hardcore fans. Fashion shows, book signings, activities, pin trading, and the D23 Expo Dream Store are just the beginning.

Check out the Donald Duck Art Competition at the Fan Art Gallery, where D23 Members illustrate their take on the feisty fowl. "This is the first time the Company's given fans the opportunity to interpret a Disney Character, let alone become the official portrait artist. The winner will receive a 'Duckster' award, created by Walt himself. Not many are handed out and there are only a few left in the vault. It's highly coveted," Steven points out. Entries for the D23 2009 Fan Art Contest -- showcasing Members' art of the Fab Five -- will also be displayed.

The Collector's Forum is where fans can showcase, buy, sell, or trade their own personal collections. "There have been similar Disneyana events at other conventions and unofficial clubs. They're incredibly popular and allow fans to meet each other," explains Steven.

Saturday night's D23 Expo Auction will include one highly desirable lot sure to cause a stir amongst collectors. "Even though there are about 35 lots of extraordinary collectibles and historic memorabilia, lot 23 will be the one fans go crazy over since it represents the year Walt formed the company ... it contains an extra-special surprise."

SECOND FLOOR

Venture upstairs for another special event Steven really looks forward to. "I'm excited about the 'Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives' exhibit. Over the years, the Disney Archives has loaned props, costumes, memorabilia, and historic assets to various museums. For the first time ever, the Archives will host its own display of rare and iconic items from classic films as well as contemporary shows ... these pieces are the 'crown jewels of Disney' and most have never been seen prior to the expo. Having the chance to enjoy Disney history this way is almost an event within an event," Steven continues.

Guests can also preview the auction or catch a sneak peek of the new fall lineup at the ABC theater. Stage 23 will feature presentations from Disney authors, the Archives team, Imagineers, and more. Steven describes the program from Walt Disney Theatrical Productions. "We'll have a choir and music from 'The Lion King,' with Tom Schumacher and director Roger Allers giving the genesis of how they created the music. It's going to be an amazing musical event."

THIRD FLOOR

Moving upward, Walt Disney Studios occupies the entire third floor with a state-of-the-art digital cinema and galleries showcasing concept art, models, and production elements from various movies. "Filmmakers and talent will be on hand for a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming films like 'The Princess and the Frog,' 'Disney's A Christmas Carol,' Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland,' 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice,' 'Prince of Persia: Sands of Time,' 'Toy Story 3,' and a special look at 'Rapunzel,'" Steven says.

"We'll have advanced screenings of 'Tinker Bell and The Lost Treasure' and the Diamond Edition of 'Snow White' with a guest panel. Our '50 and Fabulous Film Festival' features nightly screenings of Disney classics turning 50, including 'Darby O'Gill and The Little People,' 'The Shaggy Dog,' and 'Sleeping Beauty.' It's going to be an annual tradition."

With so much to see, where does one start? Steven replies, "People can find event info online to plan their must-sees ahead of time. We've taken over hundreds of thousands of square feet for four full days of exciting Disney entertainment."

Dust off your Mickey ears ... the countdown to the D23 Expo is on!

Concept Sketches for upcoming 'Mickey's Christmas Carol' releases!

Ruben Procopio has recently updated his blog, Masked Avenger Studios with concept sketches of his upcoming releases from Mickey's Christmas Carol .. Jiminy Cricket and Scrooge and Marley plus images of both sculptures in clay form.

Jiminy Cricket (a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 2,000), is the Fall Spirit of the Season Premiere Event sculpture. He will be available through all participating Walt Disney Classics Collection dealers and the Walt Disney Theme Parks, September 25-27, 2009.

Also available will be a Whiteware version exclusive to Gold Circle Dealers. The whiteware version will be a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 150.

Scrooge and Marley, a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 joins previous releases from Mickey's Christmas Carol Holiday Series, scheduled for an October release.

The series made it's debut in July 2008 with the Open Edition releases of Mickey Mouse (as Bob Cratchit), Donald Duck (as Nephew Fred) and Scrooge McDuck (as Ebenezer Scrooge), sculpted by Ruben Procopio. This first scene release was an instant hit with collectors! Ebenezer Scrooge was just honored with retirement on June 20th!

'Haunted Mansion Series Poll' Results are In!

Our recent Would you be interested in seeing a 'Haunted Mansion Series' Done Poll has ended. The results are as follows:

83.84% - Yes
16.16% - No

Rumors are afloat there is a series in place, the Haunted Mansion Organist being the 1st release in the series. Castmembers (as well as other message boards) are pretty sure that there will be a series and possibly 5-6 releases. I have been unable to get a confirmation there is an actual series in place.

In another entry, we've been discussing potential releases we would like to see done if a series materializes, which I will recap in another poll later this week.

I will leave the results up for the Would you be interested in seeing a 'Haunted Mansion Series' Done Poll for a few days for anyone who wants to see/compare the final results. As with previous polls, Blogger results never add exactly to 100%, so the accountant in me recalculated the results based on the number of people who voted in each category to the total :)

Thanks to all who participated!

Image used in entry is entitled, "A Dismaying Observation" done by Shag for the upcoming 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion.

'Favorite' of the 3rd Qtr. Releases Poll Results!

Our recent Your 'Favorite' of the 3rd Qtr. Releases Poll has ended. Of those choices polled, the results are as follows:

• 24.62% - Haunted Mansion Organist (Theme Park Exclusive)
• 23.13% - Dwarfs on Log (Signature Series)
• 14.18% - Scrooge and Marley (Mickey's Christmas Carol Series)
• 8.21% - Vampire Quartet (Nightmare Before Christmas)
• 5.97% - Jiminy Cricket (Event Sculpture)
• 5.97% - Walt Disney & Oswald
• 4.48% - Jasmine (Leading Ladies Series)
• 4.48% - Mickey Mouse (Runaway Brain)
• 3.73% - Jiminy Cricket (GC Exclusive Whiteware)
• 1.49% - Aladdin
• 1.49% - Snow White
• .75% - Bat Kid (Nightmare Before Christmas)
• .75% - Dr. Frankenollie (Runaway Brain)
• .75% - Peru (Small World)
  

I will leave the results up for the Your 'Favorite' of the 3rd Qtr. Releases Poll for a few days for anyone who wants to see/compare the final results. As with previous polls, Blogger results never add exactly to 100%, so the accountant in me recalculated the results based on the number of people who voted in each category to the total :)

Thanks to all who participated!

Time to Say Good-Bye!

Sometimes a temporary structure lasts a little too long...



Courtesy of YouTube.com
*All images and music ©The Walt Disney Company
"Hooray For Hollywood" BGM © Disney