WAIKOLOHE POOL, MICKEY MOUSE, GOOFY AND FRIENDS -- With its fun recreation features and restaurants, its comfortable rooms, and its combination of Disney magic with Hawaiian beauty, tradition and relaxation, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai`i, offers a new way for families to vacation together on the island of O`ahu. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations)

Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii is an ideal locale for vacationers of all ages. Everyone – adults, teens and kids – can enjoy amazing adventures with the greatest pools on the island, the secluded beach and lagoon, guided excursions and activities, incredible dining and spectacular entertainment.

MENEHUNE BRIDGE (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations)

And now Aulani makes it easier than ever for families to experience the resort’s family activities, world-class entertainment and dynamic water playground. For a limited time, now through July 14, 2012, when guests book a minimum 5-night stay or longer at Aulani for stays most nights from Aug. 29 through Nov. 3, 2012, children age 3 to 9 in the party will receive three free kids meals for each night of the stay- one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner – plus a Rainbow Reef pass, valid for length of stay to snorkel amid the hundreds of colorful native fish in Rainbow Reef.

Hawaiian Airlines, “Your Wings to Aulani,” makes the vacation even easier with 25 percent off fares for the same period, booking now through July 14 for travel between Aug. 29 and Nov. 3. The fares are available on flights out of New York (JFK), Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose and may be booked with the Aulani “Kids Eat Free” package or any room reservation for Aulani.

With these special offers, families can find it easy to make more magical memories and share memorable meals at Aulani. Children can enjoy the wonders of Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon and enjoy free breakfast, lunch and dinner chosen from the kids’ menus at Aulani table-service or quick-service restaurants:

"AUNTY'S BREAKFAST CELEBRATION AT THE MAKAHIKI" (Matt Stroshane/Disney Destinations)

• `AMA`AMA Beach Restaurant – Receive one appetizer (lunch or dinner only), one entrée, one dessert (lunch or dinner only) and one single-serving beverage per meal period.
• Makahiki Buffet – Receive one full buffet (breakfast or dinner only) per meal period.
• The `Ōlelo Room – Receive one Continental breakfast (breakfast only) per meal period.
• One Paddle, Two Paddle, The Lava Shack or Māmā’s Snack Stop – Receive one entrée or one complete combo meal, one dessert (lunch and dinner only) and one single-serving beverage per meal period.

The limited time Aulani and Hawaiian Airlines special offers are available for booking now through July 14, 2012 for travel Aug. 29 through Nov. 3. Visit disneyaulani.com or call toll-free (866) 309-2384 and mention offer code STR.

TUBING ON WAIKOLOHE STREAM (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations)

Set on a beautiful lagoon along the coast of Oahu, Aulani offers something for everyone in an unforgettable vacation experience combining the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian islands with the magic of Disney storytelling and guest service.

MENEHUNE BRIDGE (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Destinations)

Each day of their stay, Aulani guests can customize their experience – relaxing on the beach or in the 18,000-square foot Laniwai spa, playing in the pools and snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, or discovering the island on special excursions. Among the unique experiences at Aulani are the Makai Preserve stingray adventure, the Painted Sky teen lounge and spa, and the Menehune Bridge, a water play area full of fun and surprises. Aulani also features two signature restaurants – the full-service ‘AMA ‘AMA and the buffet-style Makahiki – offering foods unique to Hawaii.

"AUNTY'S ONCE UPON AN ISLAND" STORYTELLING, AUNTY'S BEACH HOUSE (Matt Stroshane/Disney Destinations)

Young guests even have their own kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House. Here children can explore Hawaiian culture through supervised entertainment, including interactive touch tables, wildlife and nature programs, arts and crafts, Disney movies and traditional Hawaiian games.

Aulani is situated upon 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach. Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and less than an hour from Waikiki Beach. When all phases are complete, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, each featuring rooms that offer thrilling views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent, lush surroundings.

House of Cards -- Beginning summer 2012, Disney California Adventure park guests will fall into the rabbit hole and land in a wild and whimsical world at Mad T Party. Inspired by world of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," the all-new nighttime family celebration will feature a live band, unique entertainment, fun-filled games and plenty of dancing. Familiar faces from the story will be re-imagined in new ways to immerse guests in a captivating world that's filled with exclusive signature foods, beverages and merchandise offerings.

From “Mad T Party” to the “Red Car News Boys,” an exciting new lineup of characters and shows offers something for everyone at Disney California Adventure park as Disneyland Resort celebrates the grand re-opening of the park with the new Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre, featuring a restaurant and lounge.

The new lands become home for new characters and street performers, while “Pixar Play Parade” returns for twice-daily performances throughout the summer and the long-running hit “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” adds extra performances. The nighttime spectacular “World of Color” continues to amaze guests with fire, water, lasers, animation and new story elements.

'RED TO THE RESCUE' -- Big and red on the outside, gentle and good-natured on the inside, Red the Fire Truck is part of the new entertainment coming to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. Red shows up with his sirens blaring and his bell ringing to let guests know the flowers along Route 66 need watering. With his good buddy, a Volunteer Firefighter, the plants manage to get wet, and you might too!

In Cars Land, DJ, the ultimate party car – a big road-trippin’ mobile boom box with giant speakers, built-in disc changer and his very own party crew – takes to the street for “DJ’s Dance ‘n Drive,” a spontaneous, interactive dance party. Also at Cars Land is Red the Fire Truck who, with the help of his comic “Volunteer Fireman,” recruits guests of all ages to join “Red to the Rescue!” – helping water the flowers and clean up the town of Radiator Springs. (Prepare to get wet!)

Of course, Lightning McQueen and Mater, leading citizens of Cars Land, also are enjoying time on the streets of Radiator Springs, greeting and posing for photographs with guests near the Cozy Cone Motel.

Buena Vista Street, inspired by the Los Angeles of the 1920s and ’30s when Walt Disney was launching his animation studios, is brought to life with a series of eccentric personalities, the Citizens of Buena Vista Street. Among the “citizens” strolling the street and immersing guests in the period atmosphere are a fun-loving photographer, a misguided messenger, a dotty dog lover and a comic cop.

'RED CAR NEWS BOYS' -- Part of the new lineup of entertainment on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park, the "Red Car News Boys" roll into town on the Red Car Trolley bringing the latest headlines and belting out songs from the '20s and '30s.

Inspired by the spirit and style of Disney’s movie and stage musical “Newsies,” the “Red Car News Boys” roll into Buena Vista Street aboard one of the street’s distinctive Red Car Trolleys, performing a variety of authentic period tunes such as “California, Here I Come.”  Mickey Mouse, the fun-loving, mischievous young cartoon star of the period, joins the boys for a high-energy street show.

FIVE & DIME -- Part of the new lineup of entertainment on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park, the musical group Five & Dime jazzes things up when they arrive at Carthay Circle.

Also arriving on Buena Vista Street, by means of a makeshift jalopy en route to Hollywood, are “Five & Dime,” an innovative sextet of maverick musicologists longing for their big break. “Dime,” the female vocalist of the group, has charisma and a voice like a young Ella Fitzgerald, and the group enlists some “new musicians” from among the spectators to perform side-splitting versions of ’20s and ’30s song standards.

All the colorful characters interacting with guests along Buena Vista Street reflect the spirit of optimism and opportunity Walt Disney discovered when he first arrived in California. Dressed in period attire of the 1920s and ’30s, each performer has a unique identity that brings this boulevard of dreams to life, creating impromptu laughter and memories.

Over in Condor Flats, near Soarin’ Over California, Minnie Mouse plays hostess for a tune-filled “travelogue” of song, dance and interactive moments. “Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline” features Minnie and her four-member crew singing and swinging to songs from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. The show includes opportunities for guests to meet Minnie and join the dancing.

Mad T Party -- Beginning summer 2012, Disney California Adventure park guests will fall into the rabbit hole and land in a wild and whimsical world at Mad T Party. Inspired by world of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," the all-new nighttime family celebration will feature a live band, unique entertainment, fun-filled games and plenty of dancing. Familiar faces from the story will be re-imagined in new ways to immerse guests in a captivating world that's filled with exclusive signature foods, beverages and merchandise offerings.

After dark, a new nighttime family celebration takes over Hollywood Land. “Mad T Party” is a fantastic soiree filled with surprises and new takes on some familiar characters from the world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.” It’s a party like no other as guests fall into the rabbit hole and land in a wild and whimsical world where nothing is what it seems. A live band, unique entertainment, fun-filled games and plenty of dancing await guests seeking an escape into a bright and vivid alternate reality.

WORLD OF COLOR -- Lights, water, music, fire and animation come together like never before in "World of Color" at Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, Calif. The show combines nearly 1,200 powerful fountains with heights that range from 30 feet to 200 feet in the air, dazzling colors and a kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, including both classic and new animation from beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar films, such as "The Lion King," projected on one of 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 . Presented on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park, "World of Color" is a major milestone in the multi-year expansion of the park. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

The all-new entertainment joins an existing lineup highlighted by “World of Color,” the colorful water, laser and animation spectacular performing on Paradise Bay, and the long-running hit “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular.” “Disney’s Aladdin,” ever popular with guests, adds a fifth daily performance through the summer season.

An extended Disney California Adventure parade route, the longest in any Disney theme park, serves as the stage for the returning “Pixar Play Parade,” now traveling all the way through Hollywood Land and onward to Paradise Pier. “Pixar Play Parade” invites guests of all ages to share the thrills of a whirling, spinning, fun-for-all animated playground featuring acrobatics, bungees, playful choreography and interactive surprises that bring to life the exciting and colorful worlds of Disney•Pixar pals from “Toy Story,” “a bug’s life,” ” Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles” and “Cars.”

Marvel’s The Avengers is expected to cross the $1 billion threshold at the global box office on May 13, its 19th day in release, The Walt Disney Studios has announced. This is the first Marvel Studios film and the fifth Walt Disney Studios release to reach this important milestone.

The news comes just a week after Marvel’s The Avengers shattered records with a $207.4 million opening weekend, the biggest domestic debut of all time. The film has now earned an estimated $373.2 million at the domestic box office and $628.9 million internationally. As one of only 12 films in history to gross $1 billion, it joins Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Alice in Wonderland, Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Disney’s list of billion-dollar films.

We’re obviously thrilled with the global success of The Avengers. It’s a fantastic movie and an extraordinary franchise that will continue with more great stories and compelling characters for years to come.
Robert A. Iger, Disney’s Chairman and CEO

Marvel’s The Avengers has set several domestic box office records including the industry’s all-time second weekend record with an estimated $103.2 million, fastest film to reach $200 million (3 days), fastest to $300 million (in a record 9 days), and highest Saturday ($69.5 million) and Sunday ($57 million) totals. In addition, its opening day of $80.8 million is the second-highest single-day gross of all time. Moviegoers gave Marvel’s The Avengers a rare A+ CinemaScore.

Internationally, Marvel’s The Avengers began opening April 25 and is the biggest opening weekend of all time in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Central America, Peru, Bolivia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, and United Arab Emirates. Marvel’s The Avengers has now opened in all major markets except Japan (August 17).

On May 8, Disney announced that a sequel to Marvel’s The Avengers was in development, following last month’s announcement that a follow-up to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger will be released April 4, 2014. A sequel to last summer’s Thor is scheduled for release November 15, 2013, and the third installment of the hit Iron Man series, which has earned over $1.2 billion worldwide, will arrive in theaters May 3, 2013.

Marvel’s The Avengers is the first Marvel Studios film to be marketed and distributed by The Walt Disney Studios.

“If Main Street, U.S.A., is the romanticized version of Walt Disney’s hometown, Buena Vista Street is the next chapter of Walt’s life when he came to California,” says Ray Spencer of Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). “It’s an extension of where we started at Disneyland park . . . and now our guests can step across the plaza and get the rest of the story.”

A big part of that story was the premier of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937 at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, and that landmark building is the inspiration for the spectacular Carthay Circle Theatre that anchors Buena Vista Street. This new landmark for Disney California Adventure park becomes one of the premier dining locations at Disneyland Resort, the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.

LOBSTER PAD THAI IMPERIAL ROLL -- The Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park is one of the premier dining destinations at the Disneyland Resort, serving casual lunch or signature dinners. Executive Chef Andrew Sutton has created a market-inspired menu of modern cuisine that pays tribute to the bold and diverse flavors of Southern California.

The upstairs Carthay Circle Restaurant and downstairs Carthay Circle Lounge recall the grandeur of the original theater’s 1920s Spanish Revival architecture with custom tiles, plaster arches, custom woodwork and other historic touches. The cuisine is the star of this production with artisan ingredients, locally sourced produce and seafood and meats from throughout Southern California. Executive Chef Andrew Sutton from Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa created the restaurant’s seasonal menu, and Chef Gloria Tae, also from Napa Rose, is at the helm in the kitchen.

The culinary team is a group of true artists with passion and confidence for creating delicious food.
Andrew Sutton, Executive Chef

Located on the second floor, the 256-seat restaurant (200 inside, 56 on the terrace) is open daily for lunch and dinner.

HALIBUT CEVICHE

On the ground floor, the 68-seat Carthay Circle Lounge features cocktails from the 1920s with tableside service for signature beverages including martinis and classic punches. “The focus in the lounge is appetizers and tapas – international tastes that celebrate the diversity and heritage of Los Angeles in the 1920s and ’30s,” says restaurant manager and sommelier Joy Cushing.

FRIED BANANA SPLIT MONTE CRISTO SUNDAE

• Signature dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant upstairs (200 seats indoors, 56 seats on the terrace), with a 68-seat lounge downstairs. Hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Open for lunch and dinner with a market-inspired menu created by Andrew Sutton, executive chef for Napa Rose and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, with Chef de Cuisine Gloria Tae running the kitchen.
• Menu includes five varieties of sustainable fish, both wild and farmed, in dishes such as sushi-grade yellowtail, grilled with jerk spice and topped with tropical salsa, and Sierra Golden trout roasted with couscous, lemon and oil.  Lunch menu includes udon noodle bowl with red Thai curry broth and Angus burger with Tillamook cheddar cheese.
• Features hand-crafted cocktails, California beers from smaller breweries, wines from around the world with a strong focus on California vineyards, and lounge cocktails based on popular drinks from the 1930s including martinis and classic punches.
• Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, inspired by the original Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premiered in 1937. Features include custom tiles, custom plaster finishes, ornate woodwork.
• Each guest who orders an entrée and an appetizer, or an entrée and a dessert, will receive a ticket to a center-stage viewing area for the nighttime spectacular, “World of Color.”
• Reservations are recommended: 714-781-DINE.

Hours for both the restaurant and lounge are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

More Eats on Buena Vista Street

Buena Vista Street also offers three spots for quick bites: Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe; Mortimer’s Market andClarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream.

The 178-seat Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe (134 inside, 44 outside) offers Starbucks coffee drinks; signature sandwiches such as a turkey Rueben, paneer and roasted vegetable and salami with olive tapenade, and roast beef and cheddar, as well as savory soups including vegetarian cream spinach, chicken tortilla, classic chicken noodle and cheesy enchilada. Sweet rolls, pastries and breakfast sandwiches are on the morning menu along with specialty coffees.

• Quick-service and bakery with 134 seats inside, 44 outside with a view of Carthay Circle
• Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches
• Showcases Starbucks coffee drinks, with baristas in 1920s-inspired attire.
• Signature sandwiches with kettle potato chips, including roast beef and cheddar, turkey Reuben, paneer and roasted vegetable, and salami with olive tapenade.
• Two house soups daily, such as vegetarian cream spinach, chicken tortilla, lentil, Portobello barley, hearty meat stew, classic chicken noodle, vegetable minestrone with pasta, and cheesy enchilada

Mortimer’s Market will offer whole and cut fruits, bottled water, juices and soft drinks. (According to Disney legend, Mortimer Mouse is the name Walt Disney gave his new creation in 1928. He later changed it to Mickey.)

• Fruit and beverage kiosk with whole and cut fresh fruits, bottled water and juices, and soft drinks
• According to Disney legend, Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse on a train trip from New York to Los Angeles in March 1928. He called his creation Mortimer Mouse, but wife Lillian objected, saying Mortimer was too formal. So Walt changed it to Mickey.

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream features Dreyer’s ice cream, including bars dipped in milk or dark chocolate that guests can finish with sprinkles, pop rocks and other fun toppings.  Hot fudge and strawberry sundaes and other frozen delights round out the sweet offerings.

• Hand-scooped ice cream in waffle cones, sundaes (hot fudge, mocha, mint, strawberry)
• Chocolate-dipped ice cream bars (milk or dark chocolate)

A Culinary Journey Through Cars Land

With a nod to landmark diners along America’s historic Route 66, guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs at Cars Land, with a contemporary spin on classic tastes from the 1950s.

We started working nearly four years ago on the concepts. For Cars Land, we’ve developed fast-casual restaurants with lots of fun tastes, from dill pickle popcorn to chili and cheese – we call it chili cone queso – in an edible bread cone.
Chef Chris Maggetti, Disneyland

Cars Land has three spots for guest to fuel up: Flo’s V8 Cafe, Cozy Cone Motel and Fillmore’s Taste-In. Each location has a story, of course.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB PIE -- Flo's V8 CafŽ will serve house-made, single-serving pies include strawberry-rhubarb, apple-cheddar, chocolate mud, blueberry-peach and cherry, created by Disneyland Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet.

Flo’s V8 Cafe is inspired by timeless roadside diners and boasts “the finest fuel in the 50 states.” To cater to the growing number of Route 66 visitors and race fans coming to Radiator Springs, Flo expanded her place by adding a “showroom” dining area, the story goes.

The showroom is part of the 300-seat dining room that looks out directly over the Radiator Springs Racers attraction.
Chef Sean Layne, area chef for Cars Land.

Layne developed the restaurant’s signature vegetarian dish, a veggie-tater casserole that’s sure to be a hit with guests.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu for Flo’s will change often, with the centerpiece of the restaurant an on-stage rotisserie where guests will see meats grilling, such as New York strip loin, citrus-marinated turkey breast and pork loin flavored with Coca-Cola barbecue sauce.  Breakfast specials include brioche French toast with salted caramel and bananas and chicken tamales with scrambled eggs. Craft beers from Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg, Calif., and California wines also are on the menu.

House-made pies are the recipes of Disneyland Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet. The single-serving pies come in strawberry-rhubarb, Apple-Cheddar, chocolate mud, cherry and blueberry-peach, to name a few.

• Full meals at a quick-service counter, with seats for 300
• Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Inspired by vintage roadside restaurants along historic Route 66, specialties include rotisserie pork loin, citrus turkey and New York strip loin. Signature “veggie-tater bake” is Chef Sean Layne’s vegetarian version of classic shepherd’s pie.
• House-made, single-serving pies include apple-cheddar, strawberry-rhubarb, chocolate mud, blueberry-peach and cherry, created by Disneyland Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet.
• Beers served are Racer 5 IPA and Red Rocket Ale from Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg, Calif.
• California wines by the glass include Fess Parker Riesling, Silverado Chardonnay, Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon and Eppa Superfruit Red Sangria.
• Boasting “the finest fuel in the 50 states,” Flo’s caters to the growing number of Route 66 visitors and race fans coming to Radiator Springs, with a “showroom” dining area that overlooks the Radiator Springs Racers attraction.
• The cafe also is home to Flo’s personal memorabilia, collected during her glamorous career as a singer with the Motorama Girls.

Cozy Cone Motel is inspired by the quirky “wigwam” motels along Route 66 with each of five teepees offering tasty cone-themed treats. Cone Number 1 offers churro bites with cinnamon-chocolate sauce, cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa and Ramone’s Pear of Dice Soda made with dessert pear syrup, mojito syrup and Sprite. Cone Number 2 features soft-serve ice cream and “route” beer floats. Cone Number 3 offers savory bites all served in edible bread cones, such as a bacon-scrambled egg cone for breakfast, chicken verde or chili “cone” queso for lunch and dinner. Cone Number 4 is pretzel bites with cheesy sauce and Red’s Apple Freeze, a fat-free, frozen concoction with apple juice, toasted marshmallow syrup and passion fruit-mango foam. Cone Number 5 features two flavored popcorns daily, such as dill pickle and sweet & spicy.

• Quick-service, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with 56 seats outdoors
• Inspired by vintage “wigwam” hotels along Route 66, each of the five teepees offers cone-themed treats.
• Cone Number 1 offers churro bites with cinnamon-chocolate sauce, cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa and Ramone’s Pear of Dice Soda made with dessert pear syrup, mojito syrup and Sprite.
• Cone Number 2 features soft-serve ice cream and “route” beer floats.
• Cone Number 3 offers savory bites all served in edible bread cones, such as a bacon-scrambled egg cone for breakfast, chicken verde or chili “cone” queso for lunch and dinner. Specialty beverages are Fillmore’s Fuelin’ Groovy Ades, all-natural lemonade with wild berry foam, or pomegranate limeade with lemon-lime foam.
• Cone Number 4 serves pretzel bites with cheesy sauce and Red’s Apple Freeze, a fat-free, frozen concoction with apple juice, toasted marshmallow syrup and passion fruit-mango foam.
• Cone Number 5 features two flavored popcorns daily, such as dill pickle and sweet & spicy.  Other flavors include bacon and cheddar, nacho cheese, salt and vinegar. Specialty drink is Doc’s Wild Grape Tonic (Sprite with wild grape syrup and wild berry foam).
• As the story goes, the Cozy Cone Motel becomes home to Sally’s Snack Cone-anza when all the fans flock to Radiator Springs for the big races.

Fillmore’s Taste-In is home to resident hippie, Fillmore, where “natural fuels” are on the shelves in his tie-dyed geodesic dome, including whole and cut fruits, bottled water and juices, and soft drinks.

• Fruit and beverage kiosk with fresh whole and cut fruits, bottled water and juices, and soft drinks.
• Radiator Springs’ resident hippie, Fillmore, offers a variety of healthy snacks to visitors at his tie-dyed geodesic dome.

Other Dining Highlights at Disney California Adventure Park

Throughout Disney California Adventure park, guests will find diverse culinary styles and tastes in an array of eateries. The park’s Pacific Wharf offers plenty of spots for a quick bite, from a sandwich or sweets at Pacific Wharf Cafe to tacos at Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill and hearty Asian creations at Lucky Fortune Cookery. Also at Pacific Wharf, enjoy al fresco dining at Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery, with a menu of pastas, grilled sandwiches and California wines by the glass. At dinner, the menu adds dishes such as hearty balsamic-braised short ribs, braised lamb shank and sustainable fish. 

The dining pavilion in Paradise Pier provides plenty of seating and two restaurants. Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta offers something for everyone, from hearty pasta dishes to delicious salads and flatbread pizzas with flavors from traditional cheese to Portobello mushroom and spinach with pesto. Next door, Paradise Garden Grill gives dishes aMediterranean spin with chicken, beef, vegetable and tofu skewers served with a choice of sauce, including Moroccan chili tomato and tandoori-spiced yogurt. Refreshing Greek salads and a kid’s menu also are available. Corn Dog Castle serves a popular beach snack in two flavors, original and link, with a deep-fried cheddar cheese stick as a delicious meatless option. For guests 21 years of age and older, Bayside Brews offers domestic and specialty beers on tap, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and warm, salted pretzels.

At Ariel’s Grotto, the lively Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration for breakfast, lunch or dinner is one of this park’s most-requested reservations, with Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty greeting guests at every table.

Disneynature and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) today announced the impact of the latest Disneynature conservation program “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees.” For every moviegoer who saw Oscar the chimpanzee on the big screen during the film’s record-setting run, (April 20-May 3, 2012), Disneynature made a donation to JGI through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which will profoundly impact JGI’s efforts to conserve chimpanzee habitat, grow educational programs for schools and provide care for orphaned chimpanzees.

The conservation program will help to protect 129,236 acres (202 square miles) of wild chimpanzee habitat through infrastructure investments in the expanded Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Republic of Congo (Congo). Additionally, the program will enable JGI to exponentially grow its education program on the importance of protecting chimpanzees, reaching an estimated 60,000 children in 100 schools in Congo. The education initiative will extend to the students’ parents and neighbors, ultimately reaching nearly half of the country’s population. The program will also provide food and medicine for nearly all of the orphaned chimpanzees at JGI’s Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary for at least the next year.

A huge ‘thank you’ to Disneynature and the millions of people who saw ‘Chimpanzee’ in its first two weeks. The conservation program ‘See “Chimpanzee,” Save Chimpanzees’ substantially raised public awareness about the threats facing chimpanzees and their habitat, and everyone who saw the film helped the Jane Goodall Institute continue its efforts to protect these amazing beings and their forest home now and in the future.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace

In addition to marking the first-ever extension to a Disneynature ticket-sales initiative, the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” program was supported across The Walt Disney Company. Disney Interactive Media Group’s Animal Kingdom Explorer game, Disney Store, Disney Cruise Line and Disney’s internal Earth Day engagement efforts all contributed to the program, increasing the overall impact on chimpanzee conservation. Additionally, proceeds from external collaborations, including Alex Woo’s exclusive chimpanzee pendants and reservations made at Starwood Hotels & Resorts through the month of May, continue to broaden the impact.

Disney is proud to work with the Jane Goodall Institute to help advance its work to protect chimpanzees and their habitat for generations to come. The Walt Disney Company has a longstanding commitment to conservation and a renewed focus to connect kids with nature. Through Disneynature, we are devoted to making films that move, educate and inspire audiences.
Alan Bergman, president, The Walt Disney Studios

In celebration of the new Friends for Change anthem and the “Chimpanzee” end-credit song, “Rise,” written and performed by McClain Sisters, Disney Music Group also made a contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund “rapid response” program which supports emergency aid to animals during disasters.

© Copyright Disney

Mother’s Day may be a little more memorable this year for a Disney “mom” that recently gave birth to a white rhino calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

After a 16-month gestation period, Kendi delivered her fourth calf Friday, May 4. The healthy male, which has not yet been named, is the ninth white rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; his mother, 13-year-old, Kendi, was the first.

The birth of a white rhino calf is certainly something to celebrate since the population of this species is endangered in the wild. It’s encouraging that with protection and careful management, the global population of white rhinos continues to grow.
Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Disney Parks

The calf and mother doing well and are currently off the savannah bonding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests will be able to see them when they return to the herd in the coming weeks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom participates in a white rhino breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The program focuses on sustaining the white rhino population in North America.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the success of the rhino breeding program has directly contributed to the conservation of other white rhinos in the wild. In 2006 two rhinos born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Nande and Hasani, joined four others at Ziwa Sanctuary to help reestablish a white rhino population in Uganda. So far, Nande has been responsible for two offspring — a male calf born in 2009 was the first rhino born in Uganda since the 1980s followed by a female white rhino born in 2011.

Disney’s commitment to conservation and rhinos goes beyond breeding. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and the Disney Foundation have provided more than $1 million in support to programs in Africa and Asia to protect the last five remaining species of rhino. For more information on the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund visitwww.waltdisneyworld.com/about.

White rhino fun facts:

• White rhinos are named not for their color, which is gray, but for the shape of their mouths. The word “weit” in Afrikaans means wide.
• The white rhino is among the world’s largest land mammals, second only to the elephant. A male rhino can grow to more than 5,000 pounds as an adult.
• A rhino can move its ears independently to pick up sounds but it depends most on smell.
• The receptors responsible for the rhino’s sense of smell are larger than the animal’s entire brain.
• The white rhinoceros has the widest set of nostrils of any land based animal.

JEDIS, WOOKIEES and DROIDS, Oh MY!: Star Wars Weekends Returns to the Walt Disney World Galaxy in May 2012 -- A stormtrooper stands watch at Disney's Hollywood Studios as a statue in the shape of a very familiar mouse looks over him. (Mark Ashman, photographer)

Star Wars Weekends returns to the Walt Disney World Resort during May and June 2012, as Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park celebrates the Star Wars film saga and the hit animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The annual special event, included in regular theme park admission, will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18-June 10, 2012.

Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios -- The evil Sith Darth Vader makes a dramatic entrance to Jedi Training Academy during opening day of Star Wars Weekends. The annual sci-fi event, draws fans of all ages to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park to celebrate with Star Wars celebrities, more than 50 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, star conversations, Star Wars parades, interactive activities, exclusive merchandise and the famous Star Tours thrill ride. Event activities are included with regular theme park admission. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

The power of the Force and magic of Disney combine as more than 60 Star Wars characters – including Wookiees, droids, Rodians, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Jedi – roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greet opportunities with guests.

Star Wars celebrities highlight the event, appearing in themed parades, talk shows, star conversations, behind-the-scenes presentations and autograph sessions.  Here are the celebrities attending Star Wars Weekends 2012 (*subject to change):

Weekend I (May 18 – 20)

• Ray Park - (Darth Maul - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody - Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend II (May 25- 27)

• Andy Secombe (Watto - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Ray Park (Darth Maul - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Tom Kane (voice of Yoda - Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend III (June 1 -3)

• Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)

Weekend IV (June 8- 10)

• Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
• Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett - Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
• Daniel Logan (Boba Fett - Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones)
• Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress - Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

The Saga Continues in 2012 -- Star Wars Weekends returns to the Walt Disney World Resort from every Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 18-June 10, 2012, as Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the spectacular 3-D attraction, “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.”  The attraction, which opened last year, uses eye-popping 3-D, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology to immerse guests in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction.

Limited-edition and event-exclusive merchandise is offered each year, and the ever-popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” ends each Star Wars Weekends day with a show filled with comedy, dancing and high-energy music.

There is even a chance to be immortalized in carbonite with the new carbon-freeze me. Essentially, for $100 plus shipping, your likeness will be cast in an 8″ figurine encased in carbonite (really plastic, but who’s keeping track). Check out the details on the Disney Parks blog.

For more information and future updates, guests may go online to disneyparks.com/blog (keyword search: “Star Wars Weekends”) disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or starwars.com.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that its EOS 5D Mark II and 7D Digital SLR cameras have been used on the set of Marvel’s latest movie, “Marvel’s The Avengers,” to capture thrilling point-of-view (POV) action shots that can be seamlessly intercut with footage from the film’s principal 35mm and digital cinematography cameras to heighten the film’s visual impact. “Marvel’s The Avengers” shows an epic confrontation between nightmarish super villains attacking the Earth and the super-heroic team of Iron Man, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye and Black Widow. Directed by Joss Whedon, the film is the latest and most extraordinary Marvel Studios Super Hero movie to date.

With intense action and visual effects captured by the Canon cameras, “Marvel’s The Avengers” required close-quarter action work with unrepeatable stunts. “The 5D Mark II and the 7D digital SLR cameras produce excellent, cinema-worthy images. They are great for shooting additional angles that give film editors more options for creating powerfully immersive and kaleidoscopic views of action scenes,” explained the film’s cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey.

On the set of “Marvel’s The Avengers,” McGarvey and his crew used five Canon 5D Mark II cameras and two 7D models. Using multiple cameras limited the need to re-shoot complex action scenes, and the affordability and compact size of the cameras enabled the crew to obtain ample coverage by strategically angling them from various vantage points throughout the set. “The cameras’ small size was a major advantage to us. We were able to place them in tight locations that were really close to the big stunts, which would be too risky to do with bigger cameras that would require an operator and two assistants,” McGarvey said. He was able to slide one of the Canon cameras into a sewer grating, while placing another under a pile of debris for a key shot of a car hurtling toward the lens, flipping through the air on fire.

We are thrilled that the EOS 5D Mark II and 7D Digital SLR cameras were called to action on the set of ‘Marvel’s The Avengers.’ We designed these cameras with versatility and flexibility in mind, and their ability to record beautiful 1920 x 1080 HD video, coupled with their compact size, make them an ideal fit for filmmakers looking to capture tight action shots.
Yuichi Ishizuka, EVP and GM, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Compact, lightweight, and compatible with Canon’s wide selection of EF Series lenses, the Canon 5D Mark II and EOS 7D digital SLR cameras are equipped with large Canon CMOS sensors and Canon DIGIC 4 image processors that enable them to record exceptional full 1920 x 1080 HD video at the user-selectable frame rate of 24p (23.976 fps), which is the standard for today’s high-end filmmaking. Additionally, the cameras’ low-light capabilities were of major importance on the set of “Marvel’s the Avengers,” as many of the film’s scenes were shot at night.

True Believers, get ready for spectacular news – Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P., a subsidiary of Marvel today announced some amazing pre-order exclusives for fans that reserve an early copy of The Amazing Spider-Man™ video game in North America.  Planned to launch June 26th, the game brings Spidey back to the thrill of free-roaming throughManhattan in an original epilogue story to Sony Picture Entertainment’s upcoming feature film.  The pre-order exclusives for The Amazing Spider-Man video game are available today and include the Rhino Challenge from GameStop and a special mission featuring a fully playable Stan Lee from Amazon.com.

Pre-order Now from GameStop – The Rhino Challenge

Take control of the massive, genetically engineered villain RHINO and rampage around Manhattan in an exclusive gameplay challenge of pure destruction!  As Rhino, players will be able to unleash his formidable powers to destroy anything and everything that gets in his way in a timed event full of speed, combo streaks, and of course, a ton of things to break!  Unlockable for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 system ONLY. While supplies last. Limited time only.

Pre-order Now from Amazon.com – Play as Stan Lee for the First Time Ever

All the rumors can officially be put to rest – for the first time ever, fans will be able to play…STAN…LEE as himself in The Amazing Spider-Man.  Players will take on the role of Stan “The Man” Lee in his own special mission across Manhattan, borrowing abilities from his old pal Spider-Man as they help Stan collect pages of his latest script in a spectacular race aroundManhattan.  Stan’s mission is punctuated with his witty banter that fans have come to know and love, and a special surprise waits for them at the end of the mission – after all, it is Spider-Man’s 50th anniversary this year! Unlockable for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 system ONLY. While supplies last. Limited time only.

Go beyond the feature film and find out what happens next in The Amazing Spider-Man™ video game, which brings Spider-Man’s free-roaming, web-slinging action back to New York City.  Players take on the role of a young Peter Parker discovering his new Spider-Man powers and added Super Hero responsibilities, using the game’s innovative Web Rush mechanic to swing freely around Manhattan, combat a variety of criminal activities and take on classic Marvel Super Villains.  Set against an original story crafted by Hollywood writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (episodes of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and the re-imaginedBattlestar Galactica) that takes place entirely after the events of the upcoming feature film, The Amazing Spider-Man video game delivers a brand-new, immersive and cinematic adventure allowing players to truly harness the power of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

For more information on The Amazing Spider-Man video game, please check out the official website and their facebook page.

The Walt Disney Company today reported earnings for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended March 31, 2012.  Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter increased 29% to $0.63 from $0.49 in the prior-year quarter. EPS for the current quarter included a gain related to an acquisition and restructuring and impairment charges, which together resulted in a net $0.05 benefit to EPS. Excluding these items, EPS for the quarter increased 18% to $0.58 compared to $0.49 in the prior-year quarter.  Diluted EPS for the six-months ended March 31, 2012 was $1.43 compared to $1.16 in the prior-year period.

With 18% adjusted growth in earnings per share, we’re pleased with our second quarter performance. We’re incredibly optimistic about our future, given the strength of our core brands, Disney, Pixar, Marvel, ESPN, and ABC, and our extraordinary ability to grow franchises across our businesses, such as The Avengers, which shattered domestic box office records with a $207.1 million opening weekend for a global performance of more than $702 million to date.
Robert A. Iger, Disney Chairman and CEO

EPS for the current quarter includes restructuring and impairment charges totaling $38 million and a $184 million non-cash gain on the Company’s existing equity investment in UTV Software Communication Limited (UTV) which arose in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in UTV. The UTV gain was recorded in “Other Income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

EPS for the prior-year six months included gains on the sales of Miramax and BASS ($75 million) and restructuring and impairment charges ($12 million). On an after-tax basis, these items had a net negative impact on EPS of $0.01. Excluding these items and the current year items discussed above, EPS for the six-month period increased 18% to $1.38 compared to $1.17 in the prior-year period.

Media Networks

ABC News and Univision News today announced they have agreed in principle to form a far-reaching, multiplatform joint venture dedicated to informing, empowering and inspiring Hispanic Americans in English while providing all audiences with uncompromising coverage of current events with a unique perspective. The landmark agreement would capitalize on Univision’s news leadership and expertise in reaching U.S. Hispanics and ABC’s global news leadership to serve over 50 million Hispanics, the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the U.S.

The new 24/7 network will include America’s first English-language channel for English-dominant and bilingual Hispanics as well as integrated digital and social platforms. It will deliver news content focused on issues, lifestyle interests and culture of importance to Hispanics and will feature the trusted, award-winning journalists of ABC News and Univision News. Now for the first time Hispanic Americans will have a choice for uncompromising coverage of current events and lifestyle with a Latino perspective in English. The transaction is subject to the completion of definitive agreements.

Currently, Hispanics represent 16 percent of the total population in the United States, a number that is projected to double to 30 percent by 2050. Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the population, wield considerable spending power of over $1 trillion, and have an increasing impact on social, economic and political trends.

This exciting joint venture represents the latest example of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach of ABC. Our powerful premier news brand, combined with the world’s leading Hispanic media company, will create the nation’s first news and lifestyle channel targeted to this quickly expanding and important community.
Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group.

For more than five decades Univision has been the leader in serving Hispanics in the U.S. and this joint venture is an extension of our vision to deliver the most relevant news and information, regardless of language, to all Hispanics. This alliance combines the expertise and brand strength of Univision News with ABC News’ leadership and is another example of Univision’s commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic America while connecting all audiences to Latino issues.
Cesar Conde, president, Univision Networks

A website, mobile and social media content are expected to debut this summer. The currently unnamed television channel is expected to launch in 2013. Editorial coverage will focus on the issues most relevant for U.S. Hispanics, including the economy, jobs, health care, immigration, education, politics, entertainment, health and wellness and more.

All of us at ABC News are thrilled to work with Univision. Our mission is clear: To offer culturally relevant news, information and lifestyle programming to the large and thriving Latino audience in the United States. In these times of rapid change, we are very excited about this opportunity.
Ben Sherwood, president, ABC News

A management team is expected to be announced this summer. The network will have anchors and correspondents in major cities across the U.S. Additionally, ABC News and Univision News will share newsgathering and production resources.

Univision News is proud to be working with ABC News in this groundbreaking venture to further deliver global news and investigative reporting to the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population which today is one of the most important influencers on the future of the United States and its role in the worldIt will also provide all audiences with a multiplatform current events perspective on the issues that matter most to Latinos. This is an important moment for journalism in the U.S. and for the U.S. Hispanic community.
Isaac Lee, president, Univision News

New Test Track Concept Art | © Copyright Disney

As part a renewed corporate alliance, General Motors will be actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering in developing a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track experience.

New Test Track Concept Art | © Copyright Disney

Opening Fall 2012, the refurbished Test Track will be presented by Chevrolet and will feature a sleek new “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” where guests will create their own custom concept vehicles prior to buckling into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and putting their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit.

New Test Track Concept Art | © Copyright Disney