Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with “Chimpanzee,” a new True Life Adventure introducing an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph.  Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together, Oscar’s chimpanzee family—including his mom and the group’s savvy leader — navigates the complex territory of the forest.

The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps, who’d rather make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimps, he is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.  Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“African Cats” and “Earth”) and Mark Linfield (“Earth”), “Chimpanzee” swings into theaters on Earth Day 2012.

In theaters Earth Day 2012!

MARVEL STUDIOS SPONSORS GLOBAL TWITTER CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD

PARTICIPANTS GET TEASE OF “MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS” 30-SECOND SUPER BOWL SPOT AND CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES

BURBANK, CALIF. (January 27, 2012)–Marvel Studios announced today that they will be sponsoring a Global Twitter Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. (PST) with cast members and the director of their highly anticipated action-adventure “Marvel’s The Avengers,” opening in theaters on May 4, 2012. The 30-minute live tweeting event features writer/director Joss Whedon and cast members Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg.

Fans around the world will be able to participate in the Q&A on Twitter by using the @Avengers handle and the #Avengers hashtag. Participating fans will have the opportunity to see a 10-second tease of the 30-second Super Bowl spot that will air during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 on NBC. They will also have a chance to answer “Avengers” trivia for a chance to win “Avengers” prize packs.

International fans will be able to submit questions for the talent in their native language through a global translation tool provided by Ortsbo.com. The chat will be moderated by Marvel’s @Agent_M.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, NickFury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert DowneyJr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, JeremyRenner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson, and written and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Follow @Avengers on Twitter for more details.

DISNEY TO INTRODUCE A LITTLE GIRL PRINCESS, “SOFIA THE FIRST,”IN ANIMATED SERIES AND MOVIE ON DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY JUNIOR

TV Movie Premieres in 2012; Series Launches in 2013 withAriel Winter, Sara Ramirez, Wayne Brady and Tim Gunn among Voice Cast

Disney will introduce a little girl princess to its celebrated legacy of princess fairytales in an animated television movie and series, “Sofia the First,” premiering in fall 2012 and spring 2013 respectively, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior channels around the world.  While Disney princess fairytales have been enchanting audiences for more than 70 years, this is the first time a series has centered around a princess as a little girl.  The stories are designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool-aged children.  The series and movie are productions of Disney Television Animation.

©2011 Disney Junior

“Sofia the First” stories are set in the storybook world of young Sofia who starts out life as a regular girl. But when her mom marries the king, she is whisked off to a glamorous, but sometimes confusing, castle world of royalty, pomp and new step-siblings, Amber and James.  “Sofia the First” will include appearances by Fauna, Flora and Merryweather (fairies seen in Disney’s classic “Sleeping Beauty”) as the headmistresses of Royal Prep, the academy that Sofia, along with other princes and princesses, attends.  Special event appearances will be made by classic characters including Cinderella and other Disney Princesses.

In announcing the series, Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said, “In Sofia, we have a ‘peer to peer princess,’ a relatable girl experiencing the same social issues as our young viewers – learning how to fit in, making new friends, conquering new skills and building sibling relationships.”  She continued, “Although Sofia will have plenty of pretty dresses and sparkly shoes, our stories will show Sofia, and our viewers, that what makes a real princess is what’s inside, not what’s outside.  That the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace make you special, not the dress you wear.”

Providing the voice of Sofia is Ariel Winter (ABC’s “Modern Family”).  Also highlighting the voice cast is Sara Ramirez (ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”) as Queen Miranda; Wayne Brady (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?) as Clover, a wise-talking Rabbit; and Tim Gunn (ABC’s “The Revolution,” “Project Runway”) as Baileywick, the family’s Royal Steward.  The actors providing the voices of King Roland, Amber and James will be announced soon.

The series was developed by Craig Gerber (“Pixie Hollow Games”) who also wrote the movie.  Jamie Mitchell (“Special Agent Oso”) serves as both Executive Producer and Director on the series.  Gerber is Co-Executive Producer  and serves as the Story Editor.

I had the privilege of seeing the trailer for “John Carter” during the D23 Expo in August. I have to tell you, I think this movie looks fantastic!

From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. 

JOHN CARTER arrives in theatres everywhere on March 9, 2012!

Here are some great imges of The Never Land Pirate Band and Jake from Disney Junior’s #1 series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” taping their performance for the 28th Annual “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” TV special.  The band will perform a special pirate-themed holiday tune during the telecast, which airs nationwide December 25 on ABC-TV.

Some of the other stars who are set to appear during the telecast, which was filmed at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida are four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Christina Aguilera and headliner/teen sensation Justin Bieber, as well as Academy® Award-winning actress and multi-platinum singer Jennifer Hudson, singer/songwriter and producer Cee Lo Green, platinum-record rockers OneRepublic, “American Idol” Season 10 winner and country crooner Scotty McCreery, Zendaya and Bella Thorne from Disney Channel’s hit series “Shake It Up” and the McClain Sisters, featuring China Ann McClain, star of Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm.”

In THE MUPPETS, Kermit joins Walter, Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and—eventually—the whole Muppet gang in the car for a trip of their own, as they endeavor to save Muppet Studios from evil oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper). So don’t despair. The Muppets can help keep kids busy and happy with…DISNEY’S “THE MUPPETS” ROAD TRIP GAME!!!

See if you can spot:

• 5 Kermit green cars
• 1 Person who looks like a relative of Gonzo’s
• 3 People who look like they just stepped off the Electric Mayhem Band bus
• 4 of Miss Piggy’s biggest fans. How can you tell? Easy, they could be

a)    Singing to themselves

b)    Fixing their hair in the mirror

c)    Blowing kisses to you through the window

d)    Blowing kisses to themselves in the mirror

• 2 Bumper stickers that are so funny, Fozzie Bear would add them to his act
• 4 People wearing suits they stole from Statler and Waldorf
• 3 Cars that are so patriotic, Sam the Eagle just might be driving them

Bonus:

• Sing the chorus of “Mahna Mahna” or “Rainbow Connection” at a red light or while driving through a tunnel
• Find a license plate from Smalltown, USA (or at least one that is red, white and blue)
• Find the letters of Disney’s “The Muppets” in license plates

Next week is Little Einsteins Fairy Tale Week on Disney Junior and to celebrate, they’d like to hear from you about your own Little Einstein!  Beginning Monday, November 28, the Disney Junior Facebook page will feature a special “My Little Einstein” tab where you can upload a photo of your child and tell them what makes him or her a Little Einstein.  Each day they will feature a new “Little Einstein of the Day” as their profile picture on Facebook.

“Little Einsteins” follows the global adventures of four friends, Leo, Annie, Quincy and June – along with their versatile and protective shuttle, Rocket, who takes them around the world and beyond in a quest to complete their mission while learning about nature, world cultures and enjoyment of the arts along the way.  Designed to encourage young viewers to learn about the world around them through exploration and discovery, the series introduces viewers to a different place or environment in each episode.  Classical music and famed works of art are highlighted throughout each story, often integrated to encourage viewers to sing or hum the featured symphony or seek a detail within the master work of art to help with the mission.

All next week, Disney Junior will air fairy tale-themed episodes of the hit series.  Below is the schedule for the week:

Monday, November 28

10:00 a.m. ET/PT  “Sleeping Bassoon”

10:30 a.m. ET/PT  “Annie and the Beanstalk”

Tuesday, November 29

10:00 a.m. ET/PT  “Brothers and Sisters to the Rescue”

10:30 a.m. ET/PT  “Little Red Rockethood”

Wednesday, November 30

10:00 a.m. ET/PT  “The Puppet Princess”

10:30 a.m. ET/PT  “Go Team!”

Thursday, December 1

10:00 a.m. ET/PT  “The Glass Slipper Ball”

10:30 a.m. ET/PT  “Sleeping Bassoon”

Friday, December 2

10:00 a.m. ET/PT  “The Wind-Up Toy Prince”

Rising animation stars Byron Howard and Nathan Greno

bring their latest hilarious, hair-raising installment

of Rapunzel and Flynn’s story to the big screen! 

BURBANK, Calif. – November 8, 2011—The Walt Disney Studios proudly announced today that directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the talented team behind Disney Animation Studio’s global blockbuster Tangled, will premiere a delightful new animated short film spotlighting the royal wedding of Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) and Flynn Rider – a.k.a Eugene – (Zachary Levi) in front of each screening of Beauty and the Beast in 3D, which opens on January 13, 2012.  

By popular demand, Greno and Howard are bringing back some of Disney’s most beloved characters when Tangled Ever After picks up where Tangled left off. The Kingdom is in a festive mood as everyone gathers for the royal wedding of Rapunzel and Flynn. However, when Pascal and Maximus, as flower chameleon and ring bearer, respectively, lose the gold bands, a frenzied search and recovery mission gets underway.  As the desperate duo tries to find the rings before anyone discovers that they’re missing, they leave behind a trail of comical chaos that includes flying lanterns, a flock of doves, a wine barrel barricade and a very sticky finale. Will Maximus and Pascal save the day and make it to the church in time?  And will they ever get Flynn’s nose right?

Tangled Ever After is the perfect accompaniment to Beauty and the Beast, which is returning to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™ and introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. Beauty and the Beast was nominated for six Academy Awards®, winning Oscars® for Best Song, by the renowned Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and Best Original Score (Menken).

Holiday tips from Leigh-Allyn Baker:

“Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!

December 2 on Disney Channel

Traveling with Tots

I have a few tips to make Holiday traveling with your toddler a bit easier.

1. You can thank the late, great Steve Jobs for tip #1. The iPad! Albeit an expensive convenience, it is one that is well worth the $$$. No longer do you have to bring crayons, coloring books, puzzles, games, blocks, cars or DVDs and DVD players. One lightweight iPad and a few clever downloaded apps can provide all of these things and more while making your travel bag a lot lighter and your trip through the security line a lot faster.
2. If you often face the dreaded “stop kicking the seat in front of you” scenario, there is a simple but often overlooked solution. Instead of sitting your husband next to you in flight, reserve him the window seat in front of your kicking toddler.
3. Give your toddler a new treat for car trips or plane rides. One of my favorites is Mrs. Grossman’s Peel and Play Activity Set. In one simple folder it reveals a setting for over twenty reusable stickers to create endless scenarios. Another classic yet creative way to pass the time is with Play-Doh. Challenge your toddler to make you a yummy cake. Then you can take turns singing Happy Birthday to each other.

Keeping the kids entertained during cold winter days

1. Go camping inside!  Build a tent out of dining room chairs and extra sheets and blankets.  You can make it as simple or as elaborate as time and bedding allows.
2. On rainy days, my husband and I move our cars and turn our garage into a toddler art studio.  When we are finished, we roll up our art work, wrap a rubber band around the middle and place it in a small basket secured to the handle bars of our son’s tricycle.   He then pretends he’s a newspaper delivery boy and rides around our garage tossing his “papers” to all of our pretend neighbors.
3. Cuddle up in a blanket on the couch and watch Good Luck Charlie.  It’s good for the whole family!

Festive Cooking with your Busy Toddler

By far, the easiest and safest Holiday treats to make with your toddler are rice cereal treats.  I opt for organic low sugar rice cereal, organic butter and mini organic marshmallows.  To add a punch of protein, add a ½ cup of almond butter to the mix after the melting of the marshmallows.  Of course, always make sure that the children enjoying these treats are not allergic to nuts.  These treats are great for impatient toddlers because they can be actively involved in the making of these simple treats and not just waiting on the sidelines while Mommy does the hard stuff.  For extra fun, let your child cut out different shapes and characters with festive cookie cutters.  Decorate with sprinkles and frosting.  Or for a healthier alternative, try decorating with carob and yogurt chips and chopped berries. And serve with a tall glass of low-fat milk.

RADIO DISNEY ENCOURAGES KIDS AND FAMILIES TO GIVE BACK

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS FIRST ANNUAL “FESTIVAL OF GIVING,” DECEMBER 3 AND 4

Radio Disney, the #1 radio network for kids, tweens and families, is making it easy for kids and families to give back this holiday season with the launch of its first annual “FESTIVAL OF GIVING.“ On DECEMBER 3 AND 4, Radio Disney stations in over 30 markets are bringing multiple charities together in their local communities to create a convenient way for kids and families to help others this holiday season. “Festival of Giving” kicks off Radio Disney’s Project Family initiative, inspiring families to spend time together in an effort to make a lasting, positive change at home, in their community and the world at large.

“We know our audience of kids and families is passionate about giving back,” said Sean Cocchia, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Radio Disney. He added, “With the busy holiday season upon us, ‘Festival of Giving’ will make it easy and fun for families to donate to local philanthropic organizations in their communities.”

All 31 “Festival of Giving” events will have a variety of organizations on-site to take donations including Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, The Humane Society, local food banks and animal shelters among others. Each event will be hosted by Radio Disney’s local stations and will feature music, interactive entertainment and prizes.

The “Festival of Giving” events taking place on December 3 will be hosted at the following locations:

Dallas, Texas 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

City of Frisco’s Simpson Plaza in Frisco Square with AM 620

Charities: CASA of Collin County, Miracle League of Frisco and Frisco Family Services

Boston, Massachusetts 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Marblehead Christmas Walk with AM 1260

Charities: Marblehead Food Pantry and Making Ends Meet

Atlanta, Georgia 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Atlantic Station with AM 590

Charities: Humane Society of Atlanta, Toys for Tots, Children’s Healthcare Network of Atlanta and Atlanta Community Food Bank

Houston, Texas 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

CityCentre with AM 1590

Charities: TBD

Detroit, Michigan 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Westland Shopping Center with AM 910

Charities: Westland Veteran’s Association, Michigan Humane Society, Toys for Tots and Forgotten Harvest

Phoenix, Arizona 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Outlets at Anthem with AM 1580

Charities: AZ Heroes to Hometowns, Salvation Army and The Al Maag Toy Foundation

Tampa, Florida 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tampa’s Curtis Hixson Park with AM 1380

Charities: Toys for Tots and Metropolitan Ministries

Minneapolis, Minnesota 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Rosedale Center in Roseville with AM 1440

Charities: Salvation Army, Read to Feed the Mind and Pillsbury United Communities

Miami, Florida 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Miami Children’s Hospital Palmetto Bay Outpatient Center with AM 990

Charities: Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation

Denver, Colorado 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Streets of SouthGlenn with AM 1690

Charities: Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and Boys & Girls Club of Denver, Mi Casa and Ronald McDonald House Denver

Cleveland, Ohio 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Crocker Park with AM 1260

Charities: Salvation Army, The Up Side of Downs of Greater Cleveland, Achievement Centers for Children, Purrfect Companions Cat Sanctuary, Berea Children’s Home and Family Services, Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland and Family Promise of Greater Cleveland

Orlando, Florida 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Oviedo Mall with AM 990

Charities: A Gift for Teaching, Christian Help and Oviedo Rotary

Orlando, Florida 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Winter Garden Village with AM 990

Charities: A Gift for Teaching, SPCA of Central Florida, Matthew’s Hope, Christian Help and Toys for Tots

St. Louis, Missouri 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Chesterfield Valley with AM 1260

Charities: St. Louis Area Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army and Five Acres Animal Shelter

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Century III Mall with AM 1250

Charities: Arthritis Foundation, Salvation Army and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Charlotte, North Carolina 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Carolina Place Mall with AM 1480

Charities: Humane Society, Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank

Kansas City, Missouri 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Legends Outlets Kansas City in Kansas City, Kansas with AM 1190

Charities: Hillcrest Transitional Housing, Toys for Tots and Heartland SPCA

Salt Lake City, Utah 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Shops at Riverwoods with AM 910

Charities: Kids On The Move, No More Homeless Pets in Utah, Utah County Food Bank, Salvation Army, The Christmas Box House, Head Start and The Adoption Exchange

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Shops of Grand Avenue with AM 1640

Charities: Hunger Task Force

San Antonio, Texas 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Huebner Oaks with AM 1160

Charities: San Antonio Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Animal Defense League and SAMM Ministries

Little Rock, Arkansas 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Promenade at Chenal with 99.5 FM

Charities: Reach Out & Read Arkansas, The Miracle League of Arkansas, Arkansas Food Bank, The Salvation Army and Pulaski County Humane Society

Richmond, Virginia 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

West Broad Village with AM 1290

Charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond and Central Virginia Food Bank

The “Festival of Giving” events taking place on December 4 will be hosted at the following locations:

New York, New York 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Queens Center in Elmhurst with AM 1560

Charities: TBD

Los Angeles, California 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Beeman Park in Studio City with AM 1110

Charities: Pet Orphans, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bookends, LAPD North Hollywood Division, North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, St. Charles Borromeo Church Food Pantry and Operation Uplift

Chicago, Illinois 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Gurnee Mills Mall with AM 1300

Charities: PAWS Chicago with additional charities TBD

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Shops at Liberty Place in The Rotunda with AM 640

Charities: Salvation Army, Operation Homefront, Operation Warm, Police Athletic League and Cradles to Crayons.

San Francisco, California 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno with AM 1310

Charities: Parca and The Second Harvest Food Bank

Seattle, Washington 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Marketplace at Factoria with AM 1250

Charities: Food Lifeline, Seattle Humane Society, Treehouse for Kids and Salvation Army

Miami, Florida 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

West Kendall Toyota with AM 990

Charities: Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation

Sacramento, California 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Fountains at Roseville with AM 1470

Charities: Placer SPCA, News10 Coats for Kids, Placer Food Bank, Peace for Families and Toys for the Troops Kids

Portland, Oregon 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cedar Hills Crossing Mall with AM 1640

Charities: Goodwill, Oregon Food Bank, Washington County Animal Shelter and KGW Great Toy Drive

Indianapolis, Indiana 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Feld Entertainment’s Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Conseco Fieldhouse with 98.3 FM

Charities: Toys for Tots and Shepherd Community Center

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Shops at East Towne Square in Mequon with AM 1640

Charities: Toms and Toys for Tots

Albany, New York 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Clifton Park Center with AM 1460

Charities: Toys for Tots, Saratoga County Animal Shelter Annex, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York