Two weeks after the Disney Channel launched the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off, the competition is going strong, with more than 5,400 (!) audition videos submitted online by talented young dancers from all over the United States.
Screenshot from the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off website, image copyright Disney
When Disney first announced the Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off several weeks prior to the launch of the official website, there was very little information online regarding specific rules and regulations. At first it was unclear how the six finalists would be chosen as it was announced that dancers could submit their videos online OR audition in person at five audition cities throughout July. A lively discussion started up on this blog about the contest, and hopefully everyone got their questions answered. Thanks to all of the commenters!
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1439
With the school year wrapping up and summer finally here (in the northern hemisphere, anyway), it’s the perfect time for families to go outside and connect with their communities and get kids actively involved in changing the world for the better.
I recently completed volunteer orientation with New York Cares, New York City’s largest volunteer organization whose 50,000+ volunteers help more than 400,000 disadvantaged New Yorkers every year. I am excited about the opportunity to start volunteering with one of the hundreds of projects available every month, from sorting pantry foods to painting schools, knitting with senior citizens, organizing books at the local library, recording books for the blind, and weeding and planting community gardens.
New Yorkers aren’t the only ones who have embraced the volunteer spirit, and the Walt Disney Company is inspiring kids around the world to become more environmentally active through Disney Friends for Change: Project Green, an innovative multi-platform environmental initiative on Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and Disney.com that invites young people to join together to help the planet.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1234
I am currently in the process of planning my first-year anniversary cruise with my husband, so I know first-hand how difficult it can be to figure out all of the details: which cruise line, which itinerary, what to do at the ports of call, etc., even though cruises are often stereotyped as easy/stress-free vacations. Fortunately, there are hundreds of websites dedicated to helping vacationers plan their cruises, and one of the most comprehensive is Cruisecritic.com, a one-stop destination for cruise deals, reviews, message boards, image galleries, and more.
Screenshot of the Disney Dream Cruise Ship, image from disneycruise.disney.go.com
In April of this year, Disney announced new itineraries for its Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships which have new 2012 itineraries sailing out of New York, Galveston, and Seattle. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are getting new ports of embarkation to make way for Disney’s brand new ships debuting in 2011 and 2012: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1278
From a recent string of tween-friendly musical series, it’s clear that the Disney Channel loves music stars. First there was Hannah Montana, then Jonas L.A., and the cast of I’m In the Band (not to mention made-for-TV movies Lemonade Mouth, Camp Rock, and the High School Musical franchise). But the Disney Channel’s recent foray into the world of popular music, Shake It Up, is the first to focus on dancing rather than singing.
Promotional image for Disney Channel's Shake It Up, copyright Disney
Shake It Up is a sitcom that follows the adventures of best friends CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue (played by stars Bella Thorne and Zendaya) who pursue their dreams of becoming professional dancers when they land dancing roles on a local series, Shake It Up Chicago.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1233
These days it seems like the Walt Disney Company is officially “under construction”, and the Internet is abuzz with excitement over the new features and upcoming expansions that Disney has planned.
China celebrates as Disney breaks ground in Shanghai, image copyright Disney
At the top of the chat-worthy charts:
Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom is undergoing a major expansion with four brand-new attractions: “Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid”, the “Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train”, the “Beast’s Castle”, and “Princess Fairytale Hall”.
“The Haunted Mansion” at the Magic Kingdom gets a makeover with a brand-new interactive line queue and enhanced hitchhiking ghosts.
“Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” re-launches with state-of-the-art 3-D effects and 54 different possible ride experiences.
“Ariel’s Undersea Adventures” finally sets sail with Disney’s most advanced animatronic characters and a soundtrack of beloved songs from the film.
Disney breaks ground in Shanghai for its newest theme park which will feature Disney characters and attractions, as well as all-new experiences and stories inspired by and created for the people of China.
Disney Cruise Lines launches the Disney Dream, its largest and most elaborately themed ship, with its fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy, scheduled to enter service in 2012.
Disney’s beautiful Aulani Resort & Spa is set to open in Hawaii as the twelfth Disney Vacation Club and the perfect vacation spot for fairytale weddings and honeymoons.
Read More: http://www.disney-blog.com/?p=1075
