June 16th

The Disney Channel is celebrated their album release by making Tuesday, June 16th, “Jonas Day”. It includes three one-hour blocks (six episodes) of “JONAS,” plus music videos, a sneak peek at Jonas Brothers’ upcoming concert tour, and their Friday, June 12 performance of “Poison Ivy” and “Paranoid” on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Lines, Vines and Trying Times on June 16th!

“The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009″ kicks-off on June 20 in Dallas, Texas.

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The show, which premiered in February, stars Demi Lovato, Tiffany Thornton, Sterling Knight, Brandon Mychal Smith, Doug Brochu and Allisyn Ashley Arm. It has received some great ratings and audiences definitely love the show.

Gary Marsh had this to say about this announcement: “’Sonny’ was a hit right out of the gate, thanks in no small part to the stratospheric trajectory of our newest star, Demi Lovato. She and the entire talented cast, along with our gifted writing and producing teams, have turned ‘Sonny With A Chance’ into ‘destination television’ for kids everywhere. We thrilled with the direction this first season has taken, and look forward to tapping further into its comedic potential, adding music and more, in Season Two.”

Also, the fictionalized tween magazine “Tween Weekly” seen in the series has successfully crossed over into the digital world at www.TweenWeekly.com. The site features articles, interviews and quizzes that explore pop-culture, fashion and celebrity in relation to the world of “Sonny With A Chance.” Updates coincide with each new episode premiere.

Source: Disney Channel Press Release

Image Credit: Bauer Griffin

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Gary Marsh made the announcement and said, “’Hannah Montana’ has become one of the most iconic series in television history. That is a direct result of the extraordinary collaboration between the show’s producers, writers and cast – all of whom constantly challenge each other to raise the bar, comedically, musically and from a storytelling perspective. In keeping with that approach, Miley and the producers have proposed a change of setting for Season Four that will provide the catalyst for wonderful new characters and further expand the storytelling opportunities.”

The series will contain the same characters we all know and love. Since the Stewarts are saying goodbye to their beachfront home, I imagine season 4 is the last season.

Are you happy about another season of “Hannah Montana”?

Source: Disney Channel Press Release

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There aren’t very many details to report, except that it looks like he has landed the lead role.

The drama is being offered to several networks such as FOX and HBO. Justin started off his career modeling and then headed into the music industry.

Justin competed on “Nashville Star” and cam in 10th place. That’s where he met Billy Ray Cyrus, who later introduced him to Miley.

Can he act? I guess we might be able to find out!

Source: Aceshowbiz

Image Credit: INF

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Entertainment Weekly

(Check out the cover of this issue on the right.)

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Sooner or later everybody has to leave home—even if home is a castle sparkling with pixie dust. Last month, Disney’s biggest stars, Miley Cyrus and Zac Efron, showed signs that they could survive outside of the Magic Kingdom. For three years now, the Disney Channel has groomed Cyrus and Efron as carefully as Geppetto once carved a puppet out of wood. “It’s almost like the old studio system, where they own you,” says agent Cindy Osbrink, who handles Dakota Fanning, as well as Disney kid Kyle Massey (Cory in the House). “There are feature films and recording contracts. It’s all or nothing.” But, she adds, “it’s not a bad thing. They take care of the kids very well.”

So, what does happen when a Disney star moves on? According to EW, it can be a difficult thing.

The upside for Disney is that once a teen star moves on, the company no longer has to answer for every saucy leaked photo and tab­loid scandal. On the other hand, Disney and this generation have made beautiful money together. Breaking up is hard to do.

I do wonder just how hard it is for a Disney star to move on. It seems that others have moved on okay and have had successful careers. And then, there are some who stay with Disney as long as they’ll have them.

As for Miley Cyrus and Zac Efron…I think they’ll be just fine.

Source & Image Credit: Entertainment Weekly

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Disney’s D23

They have a little bit of everything planned, from special screenings to stepping behind-the-scenes with Mary Poppins.

D23 also announced its first members-only contest!

“D23 Members are Disney’s biggest fans, and they’re always looking for distinctive, memorable ways to celebrate the things they love most about Disney,” said Steven Clark, Head of D23.  “For our inaugural season of events and contests, we’ve created an experientially and geographically diverse calendar that we know our Members will enjoy and remember fondly for years.”

See the calendar of events below.

SUMMER 2009 CHARTER MEMBER-ONLY SPECIAL EVENTS:

May 28 D23 “Up All Night” at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre (FREE)

(Los Angeles, CA) — Theatergoers across the country will soon meet the unlikely duo of 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen and 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer Russell in Disney•Pixar’s latest adventure, Up.  D23 Members will be among the first to see the film at this free event at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on May 28, 2009.  The fun begins with a special pin trading event, followed by an all new Disney stage show and a screening of the new Disney-Pixar short Partly Cloudy and the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed Up!  And it wouldn’t be a D23 event without a few other special surprises and guests!

May 31          D23’s Flowers & Fireworks Celebration at Epcot (FREE with park admission)

(Orlando, FL) – Join D23 at Epcot at the Walt Disney World  Resort to celebrate its members in all 50 states and more than 25 countries worldwide!  Start the evening at the American Gardens Theatre with reserved seating for the Flower Power Concert Series Finale, starring the legendary Tony Orlando, to close the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.  Next, head to a VIP location to mix and mingle with your fellow D23 members over desserts and coffee, and then enjoy the spectacular nighttime extravaganza IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from a private viewing area.

June 24         D23’s Supercalifragilistic Night on Broadway

(New York, NY) — Disney’s award-winning musical Mary Poppins recently celebrated its 1,000^th performance on Broadway and on June 24, 2009, D23 Members are being offered the opportunity to meet one another and share in the magic with premium seats, merchandise discounts and an opportunity to stay after the show for a special “behind-the-scenes” experience at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.  D23 Members also will receive the recently released 2-Disc Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Special Edition DVD, courtesy of our friends at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

June 24         D23 and Poppins Breeze into The Windy City

(Chicago, IL) — Mary Poppins blew into the Windy City on March 25, 2009 and original Broadway stars Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee have been delighting audiences at the Cadillac Palace Theatre ever since.  On June 24, 2009, D23 Members will have the chance to experience the “practically perfect” Mary Poppins like never before, with premium seats, merchandise discounts, complimentary souvenir program and a once-in-a-lifetime “behind-the-scenes” experience.  D23 Members also will receive the recently released 2-Disc Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary Special Edition DVD, courtesy of our friends at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

June 27         D23 and The Lion King Roar in Vegas

(Las Vegas, NV) — After entertaining more than 45 million guests in theatres around the world, Simba and Nala have roared their way onto the world famous Las Vegas Strip.  On June 27, 2009, D23 will host a special night at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, with premium seating for The Lion King, a “behind-the-scenes” experience and more, available exclusively to D23 Members.

June 27 &

Aug. 15          D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives (FREE)

(Burbank, CA) — A rare opportunity for D23 Members to enjoy a 2-hour tour of The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Archives, hosted by D23 and Disney Archives staff.  Only two dates are available for the Summer 2009 Calendar and space is limited.

July 17           D23 presents Disneyland, U.S.A. (FREE)

(Anaheim, CA) — Celebrate Disneyland’s 54^th Anniversary with a special screening of Walt Disney’s recently restored 1956 “People and Places” featurette Disneyland, U.S.A., as well as a panel discussion including Imagineer Tony Baxter, Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith, and Disney Studios Film Archivist Ed Hobelman.  The event will take place at Disneyland’s Team Disney Anaheim Theater and will be followed by a D23 Member reception.

Sept TBD      The Walt Disney Family Museum Preview (FREE)

(San Francisco, CA) – Prior to its October 2009 Grand Opening, D23 members will have the opportunity to experience The Walt Disney Family Museum, celebrating the life and achievements of the man who raised animation to an art, transformed the film industry, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a global and distinctly American legacy.  This special preview will be hosted by the Museum’s Executive Director Richard Benefield.  Dates and details will be available soon.

To find out more about D23’s Summer 2009 Special Events Calendar, including admissions and how to register for events, visit www.disney.com/D23 and click on the “Expo & Events” tab.  All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice, have varying admission fees and registration processes, and may require advance reservations due to space limitations. 

SUMMER 2009 CHARTER MEMBER-ONLY CONTEST:

In addition to D23’s inaugural slate of special events, the fan community is also pleased to announce its first Member-only contest.  This summer, one lucky D23 Member and a guest will have the chance to win an incredible getaway package to join the pack at Pride Rock and see The Lion King in Las Vegas including 2-nights accommodation at the Mandalay Bay Resort and much more. To enter, D23 Members are being asked to tell us what they love most about The Lion King in 300 words or less.  A complete list of rules/ regulations and more information will be available at www.disney.com/D23 in early June.

Source: The Walt Disney Company

Image Credit: ©2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Some of your favorite Disney stars such as Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato (29 total DC stars!) will be participating in sharing the message which will debut on Disney Channel, Disney XD, Radio Disney and Disney.com.

Here’s more information. Be sure and visit http://www.disney.com/projectgreen too:

The Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green initiative invites young people to join together to help the environment across four key areas: climate, water, waste and habitats.  Kids will learn practical ways to preserve the planet, track their collective impact and have the opportunity to vote on how $1 million in donations from Disney will be divided and invested in various environmental causes over the course of a year.

This is very exciting news! I am all about doing something and spreading the message on taking better care of our planet. I think this is a fantastic idea.

You can get more information, like when the messages will start airing and what you can do for our planet by working together, below.

Beginning Friday, May 15, Disney Channel and Radio Disney will air the first in a year-long series of on-air messages that will feature Disney Channel stars challenging kids to join them in registering and pledging environmental stewardship by making small changes in their daily actions that can positively impact the world around them.

If 500,000 kids participate in Disney Friends for Change: Project Green events, together they can:

o       Prevent approximately 100,000 tons of CO₂ per year from polluting the air by adjusting their home thermostats.

o       Save 5 million gallons of water in a single day by reducing shower times.

o       Prevent 1 million pounds of waste from entering landfills by bringing trash-free lunches for a week.

o       Create new habitats for local animals by planting 500,000 trees.

Kids can pledge to join online at Disney.com where they’ll commit to take simple everyday actions, such as turning off the lights and switching to reusable water bottles, and find out more about why these actions matter. Through the online community, kids will be able to invite friends to join, interact with one another and take pride in the results of their efforts as their collective impact on the planet is tallied and their votes determine the distribution of charitable contributions.

Climate, water, waste and habitat will each be highlighted for three months, culminating in quarterly events where on a designated day, kids will be encouraged to act in unison on a single task such as adjusting home thermostats or reducing water usage.  These events will be tracked online and on air as kids report back on their actions.   Kids will also help determine how Disney will donate $1 million to environmental organizations over the course of a year to plant trees, preserve the rainforest, help endangered animals and support alternative energy among other causes.

Source: Disney Channel

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Disney announced today that they have teamed up with the streaming video site Hulu.

Very soon, some of your favorite Disney Channel shows will be available on-line.

In the very near future you’ll get to log on to your computer and watch episodes of “Wizards of Waverly Place” and other great shows.

I am very excited about this and think it’s a great move for Disney to make. It just makes sense to start bringing everything online.

Source: Disney press release

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The Walt Disney Company has signed a deal with YouTube which will bring clips from the Disney Channel, ABC and ESPN to the video streaming site. I say…it’s about time!

In addition to professional clips, in-stream commercials, episode recap and webisodes, the Disney content will be housed in a unique commercial-oriented channel separate from amateur, semi-pro and non-commercial video content.

What does this mean for the deal with Hulu, which would be streaming full episodes? It doesn’t completely rule it out.

Disney has not released an official word about the deal on when we can expect to see the content uploaded and made available. I think this is a very smart move on Disney’s part! Thousands of clips from the Disney Channel are uploaded weekly anyway, so why not make them professional and official? Makes sense to me!

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She said: “I think it’s been decided they’re going for a whole new route with it which is a shame but I had a really good time doing the third one.”

She added: “I’m back to auditioning and have got some cool opportunities and good scripts so hope something comes up!

“When I’m 16 and have left school I can start concentrating on other stuff and in ten years time I’ll hopefully have a film or two under my belt but I love theatre too so that would be fun.”

I actually think this might be a smart move. I wasn’t quite sure about these “newbies” that they brought in for HSM3 anyway. Something seemed a little off to me. If they are going to do another High School Musical movie without the original cast, they really do need to surprise us and it sounds like that’s exactly what Disney has up their sleeve. We know the story line, but the cast is a mystery.

What do you think about this choice?

Source: PA

Image Credit: PR Photos

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