Trying to boost sluggish attendance numbers, Hong Kong Disneyland opened their very own “Its A Small World” this weekend. The new ride is similar to other “Small Worlds”, but with the addition of 4 new languages: Cantonese, Korean, Tagalog and Putonghua (Mandarin).

Will this boost attendance? Time will tell. It seems it can take a while for a Disney park to find its footing in a new area, but just give it time. Sometimes the magic just needs a few years to kick in - just ask Europe. Although maybe they should look to the local culture to come up with new ideas for attractions. I am all for “Small World”, but come up with something new. Even if it isn’t an instant hit with the local market, it may attract a few Disney maniacs from across the various oceans.

We are pleased as punch to be giving away two copies of the “Saludos Amigos / Three Caballeros DVD” ths month at realdisney.com.

How do you enter? Super easy, just send an email to realdisney@gmail.com with your name and the email address, at which, you would like for us to contact you. Oh and make sure to put “Saludos Amigos / Three Caballeros DVD Contest” as the subject. It is just that easy.

Want a Sneak Peak of what you will be winning? Warning, these videos may make you want to visit Epcot.

TUCK EVERLASTING is a classic tale that was adapted from the novel by Natalie Babbitt. The film, originally released in 2002 didn’t gain the huge box office success as other Disney films released that year did, but it did however hit home with me and upon numerous viewings and listens it still remains to “stick with me.” The tale is about a family known as the Tuck’s who live in a remote cabin in the woods. Every 10 years the family gets back together and drink from a mysterious fountain of water giving them the ability to live forever. This is when Winnie comes into the picture and meets this strange yet friendly family. This fountain of youth is only the backdrop for a story that draws upon many topics we can all relate to. Winnie, played by Alexis Bledel uncovers the mystery and enchantment of the Tucks especially while falling for the young Jessie Tuck who is a mere 104 years old, but let’s just say 17……

To Read On & Listen…..Click Here to TubeDisney.com

The most fun out of these, well most fun if you are one of my children or have children, is the “Wall-E”-themed Jibbitz and Crocs shoes to coincide with the release of the Disney Pixar film. Wall-E is going to be a fantastic film that is set to release this year.

So as the summer months are coming up soon, now you can continue to wear your CROCs, buy more CROCS, or show your Disney spirit by wearing your CROCs.

For the first time, the two Academy Award nominated south of the border animated adventures are available together when Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment presents The Classic Caballeros Collection: Saludos Amigos/Three Caballeros on DVD April 29, 2008. Celebrate a cinematic Cinco de Mayo with Donald, Goofy and Walt Disney himself in this animated and live-action addition to the classic Disney collection.

Embark on thrilling adventures to South America and Mexico with Goofy, Donald Duck and Walt Disney himself as they experience all the music, beauty and excitement Latin America has to offer. In Saludos Amigos, Walt and his team of artists, musicians, writers and animators say “Adios!” to the U.S. to explore the heart and soul of Latin America. From the Bolivian Andes to the Argentine pampas, watch these four whimsical animated escapades while they travel to fun and exciting places. This delightful international adventure earned three Academy Award nominations in 1943 including Best Musical Score, Best Sound and Best Original Song.

Next, it’s Donald’s turn to take a fantastic journey through these colorful lands with his friends Joe Carioca and Panchito in The Three Caballeros. With lighthearted dance and lively music, this dazzling blend of live action and classic Disney animation is a celebration the whole family will enjoy! The film received two Academy Award nominations for Best Musical Score and Best Sound Recording.

BONUS FEATURES
- “South Of The Border With Disney” Featurette – Tag along with Walt and friends on a tour of Latin America.
- Walt Disney Interview
- “Don Donald” - Donald Duck Cartoon Short
- “Contrary Condor” - Donald Duck Cartoon Short

PRESS RELEASE FOR THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY COMPANY OBITUARY TO OLLIE JOHNSTON

Ollie Johnston, one of the greatest animators/directing animators in animation history and the last surviving member of Walt Disney’s elite group of animation pioneers known affectionately as the Nine Old Men, passed away from natural causes at a long term care facility in Sequim, Washington on Monday April 14th. He was 95 years old. During his stellar 43-year career at The Walt Disney Studios, he contributed inspired animation and direction to such classic films as Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Song Of The South, Cinderella…..

READ MORE ON OUR SISTER SITE AT: TUBEDISNEY.COM

At SAVE VMK TODAY there is an on-going effort to keep the game online so all us Disney Fans of the game can keep on playing and playing and playing our favorite promotion from the Disney Parks. You can sign the petition, upload YouTube petitions, Mail Letters the old fashioned way and more. Explore the site and do your part to keep this gem from the parks up and running for those of us who can’t be there 24/7.

SAVE VMK TODAY!

This week’s FEATURED LISTEN on TubeDisney.com is a personal favorite of mine having watched it so many times I think I wore out the VHS tape originally.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES was a rare Dark Classic in Disney’s film history. Debuting in 1983 and starring the talented Jonathan Pryce (recently seen in the Pirates franchise films as Elizabeth’s father), and Jason Robards this film captures something different from Disney.

Adapted from the Ray Bradbury book of the same title, tells the epic story of good vs. evil when on a brisk October day Mr. Dark and his Pandemonium Carnival come to town. It is here when our story begins to tell the tale of 2 young boys, Will and Jim who not only are struggling with their own lives but now have uncovered the secret to Mr. Dark’s true intentions.

Something Wicked This Way Comes draws on a variety of sub plots including the struggles of an aging father feeling like a disappointment to his son, a young boy who’s mother isn’t there emotionally and father has left them both, and the many stories of the town folk that draw many everyday people can relate to from money, traveling, companionship and age. It is these daily fears and struggles that draw Mr. Dark to grant their wishes with a serious consequence in the end to pay the price.

Jonathan Pryce delivers a strong performance as Mr. Dark, the carnival owner. His persona and delivery of the character not only make him believable, but sinister, evil and elegant all in the same. Mr. Dark stays with you even when the film is long over. Jonathan is one of those actors that continues….

READ MORE AND LISTEN TO SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Read More on our sister site at: TubeDisney.com “Relive the Memories”.

Click on the Postcard for a larger version.