We wrote earlier this week about Disney’s final approval to begin work on Shanghai Disney Resort. This week, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to celebrate the start of construction on the new theme park and resort – the first Disney theme park to be built in mainland China.  Today, we’re sharing news of the ceremony, as well as the latest concept art that Disney has released for the resort.
President and CEO of the The Walt Disney Company Robert Iger, who was on hand for the festivities, had this to say:
Our …

Our excitement is building for “Cars 2″ in a big way, so we were thrilled today when we spotted this video of John Lasseter discussing “Cars 2″ on the Disney Living You Tube Channel (thanks to The Pixar Blog for the heads up.)
There are a couple of really interesting things that Lasseter discusses.  To begin, he mentions that the idea for the character of Finn McMissile actually dates back to the original film.  Originally, he wanted the characters of Sally and Lightning to go on a date to a movie.  …

Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, reported at the Disney Investor Conference yesterday on some innovative technology and systems being developed to improve guest experience, crowd management, and overall profitability at Disney Parks.
Called The Next Generation Experience by some commentators, this bundle of innovations will help Disney to improve the less enjoyable experiences for guests, including long ride and attraction lines, missing out on theme park time due to checking in at the resort, and “feeling uncertain” of how to navigate Disney parks and resorts.
Staggs is likening …

Although it sometimes seems like our choices are becoming more narrow, Disney and Keds would beg to differ.  The two American originals have teamed up to introduce DIY Disney, a line of shoes in Keds classic styles – and Disney-inspired fabrics –  that can be customized in a myriad of ways.
Start with your favorite fabric.  Then change laces, stitching - even the soles and inside!  In other words, you can make a shoe that is unlike any shoe anyone else has.
Fabrics range from Classic Mickeys, to comic strips, and even a pencil-sketch …

Imagineers provided the public with more pictures of Walt Disney World’s newest resort at a press conference earlier today.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will immerse guests in some of their favorite animated films.  Plans call for the structure to be divided into four wings, each of which will be themed after a favorite film – two from the Disney vault – “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King” – and two Disney-Pixar works: “Finding Nemo” and “Cars.” 
Construction is already underway near the Swan and Dolphin Resort on the new hotel, which will feature 2,000 rooms, …

Northeastern Disney fans, rejoice! There’s a new presence in Times Square, and it’s Mickey Mouse! As we previously reported, last week brought the return of a Disney store to New York City. Operated by the Disney Store (unlike the World of Disney store on 5th Avenue that closed down last year), this store takes the Disney Store’s new “Imagination Park” concept to a whole new level.
The experience of visiting the Times Square Disney Store doesn’t begin inside the store, but rather with it’s elaborate exterior. Featuring a facade made up …

Disney movie fans, rejoice! The remainder of 2010 and all of 2011 look to be a mix of highly anticipated and unexpected films from the Disney and Disney-Pixar banners.

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be an overwhelming process. While the vast number of different resorts, restaurants, attractions, and other experiences are part of what makes Walt Disney World such a great place to visit, it also means there’s a lot of information to learn and take in, especially for a first-time visitor. There are many different guidebooks and websites out there to help visitors plan their vacations and navigate the World, and one such guidebook is Steven Barrett’s “The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation: 2011.” This guidebook …

Ladies, what’s your vice? Designer Disney handbags, high-end cosmetics, trendy clothing, and couture Disney princess-inspired wedding gowns are all ripe for the picking.

Tucked into the laid-back pastel paradise known as Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a gem of a dining spot, Olivia’s. Caribbean cool atmosphere, thoughtful entrees, and service with a “welcome home” smile seems to be the golden rule at this often overlooked restaurant. Within feet of a boat platform that services the popular Downtown Disney area it’s more convenient to travel to Olivia’s than some may assume; take a resort bus from any Disney park or spend the afternoon shopping in Downtown Disney before hopping on a boat for …