© Copyright Disney

As part of its Heroes Work Here initiative, The Walt Disney Company today hosted more than 400 guardsmen, reservists and veterans at its Burbank studio lot for the first of three Career Expo events this week.  The Expo began with a ceremony during which Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger signed the Statement of Support for the Employer Support of Guard and Reserves (ESGR).  The ESGR, through the Office of the Secretary of Defense, honors companies who have demonstrated support for guardsmen, reservists and veterans.  David McGinnis, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, took part in the ceremony with Mr. Iger.

In signing the statement, The Walt Disney Company joined employers in pledging to:

• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• Continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
• Fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Ensure that managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

In the two months since Heroes Work Here launched, approximately 250 guardsmen, reservists and veterans have accepted offers to join various divisions of Disney including The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, ESPN, Marvel, Disney Consumer Products, Disney Interactive Media Group and Corporate.

Heroes Work Here is part of our comprehensive initiative to expand our long-standing support for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to hiring vets, we’re also committed to ensuring they have the tools they need to effectively transition into a civilian career and are well equipped and positioned for success after their service, whether at Disney or another employer.
Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO The Walt Disney Co.

In addition to today’s event, Disney will host two additional Career Expos in New York and Orlando this week.  Over 1,000 guardsmen, reservists and veterans have been invited to the Expos, which will showcase opportunities for returning military personnel and assist in their transition to civilian life through workshops on resume writing, interview techniques and help in translating their military skills to the business world; recruiter meet and greets, speakers, leadership talks with select members of the Disney ex­ecutive team and veterans already working at Disney, and more.

Today, supportive employers like The Walt Disney Company are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve Service members.  Disney has consistently shown broad support for its service member employees, evidenced by the Heroes Work Here military hiring initiative.  Today’s signing guarantees strong support for employee service in the Guard and Reserve into the future.
David McGinnis, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs

ABOUT DISNEY’S HEROES WORK HERE INITIATIVE

In March 2012 Disney announced its company-wide Heroes Work Here initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans. The program continues Disney’s long history of respect and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces by expanding the company’s commitment to recognize and honor the sacrifice and service of these men and women.

As part of the initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years, support military families and veterans during their transition into civilian life, and produce a national public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the U.S. to hire veterans. The public awareness campaign, featuring veterans currently employed in various businesses across The Walt Disney Company, will highlight their value, encourage companies to hire these highly skilled men and women, and direct them to the Joining Forces initiative for more information.

In addition to providing career opportunities for veterans, Disney will also invest in select non-profit organizations that provide training and other support services.  Through the Disney VoluntEARS program, employees will also engage in service projects with veterans’ organizations in communities around the country.

Heroes Work Here includes recruitment efforts across all segments of The Walt Disney Company, including ESPN, Disney-ABC Television Group, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Parks and Resorts and Disney Interactive Media Group.

2012 Walt Disney World Marathon -- (JAN. 8, 2012): Runners start the 19th annual Walt Disney World Marathon at 5:35 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 26.2-mile race, with a field of 26,500 registered runners from all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 international countries, took athletes through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and several Disney resort hotel areas. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Runners in the 20^th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon in 2013 will have the unique experience of running along a speedway and through a baseball stadium – in addition to Disney’s four theme parks – as part the latest enhancements designed to celebrate the event’s two decades of existence.

The 2013 Disney Marathon course will again start at Epcot. But runners will go through the Magic Kingdom and then, for the first time ever, run through the high-banked Walt Disney World Speedway where stock cars, Indy cars and exotic supercars typically roar around the one-mile tri-oval track. And later the course will take runners to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and through the complex’s Champion Stadium, a major-league style ballpark that’s the Atlanta Braves’ annual spring training home.

Walt Disney World Marathon Course Map

Running through the speedway and the ballpark should provide quite a thrill for the runners. These very creative enhancements should make for a pretty memorable 20^thanniversary marathon that people will probably be talking about for 20 more years.
Jon Hughes, veteran race director

The marathon’s commemorative route changes add to the new enhancements recently announced, including enhanced entertainment along Mile 20, a specially-designed 20^th anniversary Mickey Mouse medal and a new post-race party at Downtown Disney.

In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna (Jan. 10-13) will feature events for the entire family such as Kids’ Races throughout the weekend, including the Mickey Mile, a Family Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday.  There is also Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge which involves running the Half Marathon and the full Marathon – 39.3 miles!  The Health and Fitness Expo runs throughout the weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and features the latest in running technology and fashion, as well as renowned running experts like Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney.

Runners can register at www.rundisney.com.  Runners can register early to get the best price.  Below is pricing and the schedule of events for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.

© Copyright Disney

This has got to be the coolest way to trick out a monorail! To celebrate the new Cars Land, Disneyland has upgraded their monorail system with three new faces: Mandy (blue), Mona (orange) and Manny (red).

© Copyright Disney

In addition to the faces, the new monorails will also have a corresponding personality when it comes to the onboard announcements as well. I think this is a great way to enhance the experience that falls inline with the guests expectations at the park. In my opinion, this is a far more creative engagement than the AvengersRail that Walt Disney World Resort has done here on the East Coasts.

I hope that these new characters make their way to Walt Disney World and liven up our monorail system as well. Until then, I guess this is just another reason for me to try to make it out West to the Disneyland Resort this summer.

Adventures by Disney Brings Disney•Pixar's Epic Action Adventure "Brave" to Life with New Scotland Itinerary -- Disney•Pixar's "Brave" tells the tale of the courageous Merida, the film's headstrong teenage protagonist, who defies ancient tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate. In 2013, a new Adventures by Disney 9-day, 8-night quest through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness will take families through the rugged Highlands, allowing them to experience first-hand the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland that inspired Merida's story of bravery. The culture of the Scottish Highlands will come to life through authentic, hands-on activities including traditional highland games, lessons in Celtic music and dance, horseback riding through the Caledonian Forest, archery at Glamis Castle and more.

Step out of the theater and become immersed in the world of “Brave” with Adventures by Disney’s first-ever Pixar-inspired itinerary, “Scotland: A Brave Adventure.” Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” tells the tale of the courageous Merida, the film’s headstrong teenage protagonist, who defies ancient tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate. This 9-day, 8-night quest through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness takes families through the rugged Highlands, allowing them to experience first-hand the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland that inspired Merida’s story of bravery.

Adventures by Disney is a leader in the group guided-tour industry – sharing the stories of the world through 20+ international itineraries. For “Scotland: A Brave Adventure,” Adventures by Disneytrip-planning specialists worked directly with the expert storytellers on Pixar’s “Brave” production team to incorporate the castles, landscapes and legends that inspired the lush settings and memorable characters in the film – creating a Scotland experience that could only come from Disney. Guests will discover locations that inspired Pixar’s creative spark during visits to the historic Black House of Arnol and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, both of which served as reference for the Witch’s cottage, and Dunnottar Castle, one of the inspirations for the DunBroch family’s home.

Beyond the drawing board, the culture of the Scottish Highlands will come to life through authentic, hands-on activities – a hallmark of Adventures by Disney itineraries. On the Isle of Skye, adventurers will partake in traditional highland games, make Scottish pastries – a favorite treat of Merida’s triplet brothers – and take lessons in Celtic music and dance. While traveling through Inverness, guests will participate in two of Merida’s favorite activities – horseback riding through the Caledonian Forest and archery at Glamis Castle. In Edinburgh, families will learn the art of tapestry-making at Dovecot Studios.

Another signature of an Adventures by Disney vacation, families will visit the country’s most treasured historical sites – including Eilean Donan and Edinburgh Castles, the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis – but in unique ways that only Disney could dream up. Rather than just walking the shores of Loch Ness, guests will go on a canoe expedition where they will search for “Nessie” and discover the picture-perfect Urquhart Castle. In the capital city, travelers will tour the Royal Mile, including privately-guided visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Scottish home of the Royal Family – and the National Museum of Scotland, where they will learn fascinating details of the ancient period in which “Brave” is set. Each departure features two knowledgeable Adventure Guides who will serve as leaders, storytellers, companions and personal concierge – taking care of all the details for a truly hassle-free travel experience.

“Scotland: A Brave Adventure’ combines the creative genius of Pixar Animation Studios with Disney’s ability to bring iconic stories to life with in a whole new way. For the first time ever, our guests will be fully immersed in the legends and locations that inspired the film. ‘Brave’ is the perfect tale for Adventures by Disney to share; Merida’s experience speaks to the importance of the family bond – a cornerstone of any Disney vacation.
Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney

Also new for 2013, Adventures by Disney has announced a Southeast Asia itinerary. Featuring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the 12-day, 11-night itinerary will give travelers the opportunity to experience some of Asia’s most exotic and culturally rich cities – including Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

For more information on “Scotland: A Brave Adventure,” visit www.AdventuresbyDisney.com or contact the reservations center at 1-877-728-7282.

Protect your iPad from bumps and scratches with this sleek hard plastic case covered with an easy-to-grip fabric that is richly printed with your favorite design. Customize your Where’s My Water? iPad case in a variety of ways at DisneyStore.com.

Disney Mobile and Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced the first line of merchandise based on Disney’s hit mobile game, “Where’s My Water?”. The new line extends the story of Swampy the Alligator, Disney’s first original character for mobile, and includes an impressive line-up of licensees and retailers including, Hasbro, Inc., JAKKS Pacific/CDI, and Toys”R”Us. The “Where’s My Water?” merchandise line also features Cranky, Swampy’s reluctant friend and the alpha-male of the group, and Allie, the female alligator who humors Swampy’s attempts to bring human culture to alligators.

Swampy's bath time buddies are ''tri-duckin''' on this breezy cotton t-shirt. Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL.

Designed to resonate with fans of the popular game, the first wave of “Where’s My Water?” product will be available at mass retailers nationwide in June, with select items available now at Disney Store locations and DisneyStore.com. The line features: plush and novelty toys, consumer electronics accessories, and apparel and accessories. The second wave of product coming this fall will expand to include a face-to-face game, consumer electronics, stationery, home accessories, and Halloween costumes.

‘Where’s My Water?’ has quickly become one of the most popular titles in mobile gaming history, making Swampy one of the most beloved characters ever born from a mobile franchise. Launching a line of Disney merchandise just seven months after hitting the App Store is a testament to the cultural relevance Swampy and his friends have already achieved.
Bart Decrem, Sr. V. P. and G. M., Disney Mobile

Protect your iPhone or iPod touch from bumps and scratches with these Where's My Water? cases.

The ‘Where’s My Water?’ product launch continues Disney’s tradition of developing innovative and story-driven products that enhance consumers’ love for Disney characters and storytelling. The new line expands the ‘Where’s My Water?’ experience by giving fans a way to deepen their relationship with Swampy and his friends outside the virtual realm of the game.
JD Edwards, V. P. of Media Networks and Games Licensing for Disney Consumer Products

Since launching in September of 2011, “Where’s My Water?” has reached the No. 1 spot on the App Store in 80 different countries and most recently, Apple announced that “Where”s My Water? Free” made App Store history as the 25 billionth app downloaded. The game also launched on Android platforms for Google Play and the Amazon Appstore where it has enjoyed similar success. Later this year, Swampy will make his debut online in a 12 episode web series called, “Where’s My Water?, the Adventures of Swampy.”

How do you increase traffic at a theme park when unemployment rates hover around 10 percent and the national economy has flat-lined? That was the challenge facing communications company BETC Euro RSCG last year in its work for Disneyland Paris. The solution: create a crowdsourced social media campaign that reminds families of what Disneyland actually represents. Parents across Europe were asked to film the moment they told their children they would be going to Disneyland, with the footage then turned into a series of television spots on the theme, “The Magic Begins the Moment You Tell Them.”

Results: a new attendance record for the park in 2011—and the gold medal at Euro RSCG Worldwide’s 11th annual Creative Business Idea® Awards, a program that in years past has awarded such iconic advertising as Air France’s “Making the Sky the Best Place on Earth,” Charles Schwab’s “Talk to Chuck,” Evian’s “Live Young,” and Dos Equis’ “The Most Interesting Man in the World.”

With BETC’s campaign, ‘The Magic Begins the Moment You Tell Them,’ we found a very true and powerful insight. It goes beyond marketing—nothing is made up; it is the genuine response of children.
Federico Gonzalez, SVP, marketing and sales, Euro Disney and Disney Destinations EMEA

We tapped into families’ very personal experiences. Parents filmed their kids’ reactions to the announcement, and the reality was more amazing than anything we could have planned. The strategy proved to be effective on every communication channel.
Francois Banon, vice president, communication, Euro Disney

Stephanie Pitet, cofounder, Pitchville, and one of 20 international search consultants who made up the judging panel at this year’s CBI Awards, said: “The Disneyland Paris work is part of the growing trend of user-generated content, and it’s done here to perfection. The Disney brand embodies the values of family happiness and magical moments together—especially, for parents, those irrecoverable years when their children are young. By sharing the genuine and joyful reactions of real children upon learning of the family adventure to come, these spots are refreshingly real and honest—and create a sentimental association with the brand.”

Bringing in the silver at this year’s CBI Awards is Euro RSCG Dusseldorf’s “The Best Screenplays Are Written by Reality,” for n-tv. The campaign presents the current-events coverage of n-tv, Germany’s first 24-hour news channel, as action, romance, or fairy tale, with the tagline, “The best screenplays are written by reality.” Whether spotlighting the “political love affairs” of Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy or labeling Vladimir Putin the “better Rambo,” the ads underscore the drama and excitement inherent in current events and in the real-life characters that populate them.

Television news broadcasts face extreme competition today, thanks to the explosion of entertainment options. With this campaign, n-tv skewers the notion that real people and events are somehow dull or dry, using actual news moments to remind viewers that real life produces moments of action and romance and intrigue thatHollywood could never hope to best.
Oliver Klein, founder, Cherrypicker

This year, two campaigns were jointly awarded bronze: the LVMH event “Journees Particulieres,” by Euro RSCG C&O and Havas Event, and “What a Person Can Miss a Machine Will Find,” created by Euro RSCG Warsaw for the Polish Federation of Cancer Survivors.

To further deepen the general public’s bond with French premium luxury company LVMH, Euro RSCG C&O orchestrated with Havas Event a series of special events, inviting the public into more than two dozen houses of LVMH in France, Italy, Spain,Scotland, and Poland. Participants were ushered through normally closed doors to get a firsthand glimpse of the brands at work, learning about their heritage, interacting with the highly skilled craftspeople, and taking part in workshops and demonstrations. Houses opening their ateliers, workshops, and cellars to the public included Belvedere, Berluti, Bulgari, Chaumet, Christian Dior, Dom Perignon, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Givenchy, Glenmorangie, Guerlain, Hennessy, Krug, Le Bon Marche, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, and Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

LVMH understands that the very mystique that elevates brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon, and Hennessy can also represent a barrier for people. By inviting people inside to discover the secrets of these magnificent brand heritages—and by extending the experience to tens of thousands of others online—the company was able to bring the public much closer to its brands, creating a stronger and richer connection.
Peter Cowie, managing partner, Oystercatchers

Although the actual events took place over two days, Euro RSCG C&O created a digital ecosystem leading up to it that included a dedicated website, which saw half a million visitors over six months, six teaser videos, a heavily trafficked Facebook fan page, e-newsletters to keep people connected to the happenings, and an online registration process. The event presentations were live-streamed over the Internet, and participants took home a commemorative print magazine to extend the experience further.

Euro RSCG Warsaw’s campaign for The Polish Federation of Cancer Survivors had a simple yet essential goal: increase the number of women getting mammograms each year. The social good campaign used the element of surprise to highlight the benefits of regular mammograms over self-examination alone: Women were ambushed with the “Get a mammogram” message while shopping for bras. As they made their way out the door with their new purchases, a hidden security tag would sound an alarm—a tag that the salesperson missed, but the machine detected. The impact of the experience led 15 percent of these women to schedule an appointment for a mammogram scan.

Just over a decade ago when we put Creative Business Ideas® at the heart of everything we do, creativity and business effectiveness were seen as being at opposite ends of the spectrum. Now creativity is a boardroom topic, and, in a world in which you can no longer buy attention but instead have to earn it, those brilliant ideas that engage, entertain, cut through, and drive profitable growth have never been more sought after. The Creative Business Idea Awards celebrate those very ideas, and it’s great to see how digital and social are at the core of this year’s winners.
David Jones, global CEO of Havas and Euro RSCG Worldwide

Brilliant ideas executed well—and, critically, that have led to profitable growth for the client. That’s the brief we were given when asked to judge the dozens of entries to this year’s CBI Awards. We sifted through some amazing work from around the world, and these four campaigns stood out for all of the elements I’ve just listed. It was invigorating to be part of the entire process—to be reminded of the incredible power of what may seem at first a simple idea. This is what the communications industry is all about.
Herve de Clerck, founder, AdForum

Visit the “Creative Business Ideas” board on Euro RSCG Worldwide’s Pinterest page, http://pinterest.com/eurorscgww/ to view video case studies of the winners.

When one thinks about good eats, a themed resort is hardly the first thought that comes to many people’s mind. That is something that Disney has been trying to address with the many world famous chefs that they employ all over the Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando, FL. Some of the most respected chefs work for the mouse and/or have restaurants at the destination. Here are some of the leaders of Disney’s culinary endeavors:

Chef Robert Adams, executive chef Magic Kingdom - Adams oversees the culinary team in Magic Kingdom.  His training was in Central Florida restaurant kitchens, and he helped open Orlando’s venerable Le Coq Au Vin.  Adams has been with Disney since 1983, and helped open more than 40 restaurants in the parks and resorts.

Chef Jens Dahlmann, executive chef Epcot - Dahlmann classically trained in European kitchens and worked for Cunard and Seabourn cruise lines, traveling in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.  He also worked for Le Cirque 2000 in New York City and Cafe ‘L Europe in Palm Beach, Fla., before joining Disney in April 2004.  He was chef de cuisine at both Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk and California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort before taking the helm at Epcot, where he directs a team of chefs in Future World and World Showcase restaurants.

Chef Lenny DeGeorge, executive chef Resorts Food & Beverage - DeGeorge grew up in his family’s catering business, then studied at Johnson & Wales in Providence, R.I.  After graduation he headed to Walt Disney World Resort to hone his skills in Magic Kingdom restaurants.  At Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, he focused on the cuisine of the Pacific Northwest.

Chef Todd English, Todd English’s bluezoo – Celebrity chef, restaurateur and TV and radio personality, English opened his first Florida restaurant, Todd English’s bluezoo, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin in 2004.  Bluezoo’s signature “dancing fish” grill features fresh seafood roasted over an open rotisserie.

Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Herbitschek was born in Austria and studied at Mollard Pastry School in Vienna, the “city of sweet dreams.”  After working in resorts in the United States, Philippines, Japan and Hawaii, Herbitschek now oversees a staff creating breads and sweets – 1,200 loaves of bread on an ordinary day.  And his wedding cakes are legendary.

Chef Scott Hunnel, Victoria & Albert’s – Chef Hunnel started his career as a dishwasher in a Chicago restaurant, and today is at the top of his game with Central Florida’s only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, Victoria & Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  He graduated from Chicago’s Joliet Culinary Program, and has been with Disney since 1998.  Hunnel and his culinary team prepare modern American cuisine with the best-of-the-best from around the world.

Chef Gary Jones, culinary dietary specialist, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts – Jones has been an integral part of the Food & Beverage Operations team for 24 years.  Initiatives focus on providing healthy options, expanding menu offerings for children, and developing new ideas for guests’ special dietary needs.

Chef Tim Keating, Flying Fish Cafe – Keating oversees a talented staff in the on-stage kitchen at the award-winning restaurant.  The New Jersey-born chef began his culinary career in his early teens and mastered his craft at several top California hotels.  He is a founding member of the Chefs Collaborative, a nationwide group that supports local farmers and inspires their customers to choose nutritious and sustainable foods.  Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk features seasonal cuisine with influences from around the globe.

Chef Roland Muller, chef de cuisine Walt Disney World Product Development - A native of the Alsace region of France, Muller began his cooking career at age 14, classically training in France.  He moved to California to be part of, he says, “the American food revolution” and also to learn English.  Muller worked at Disneyland Paris before coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 1997.  Today he’s chef de cuisine for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage Product Development.

Chef Tim Oakley, chef de cuisine The Land, Epcot – Oakley graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, then with a hospitality degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where he met Disney reps at a job fair and headed to Walt Disney World Resort.

Chef Brian Piasecki, chef de cuisine California Grill - Toledo, Ohio, native Piasecki says he always felt at home in the kitchen, and did most of his training at Disney’s apprenticeship program, working in some of the top Walt Disney World kitchens.  Today he’s chef de cuisine at the award-winning California Grille at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Chef Phillip Ponticelli, chef de cuisine Cítricos, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Ponticelli studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., then headed first to the South Pacific, then to Switzerland to further his training.  Coming back to America, he worked in Washington, D.C., and joined the Disney culinary team in 1996.  He has worked at several Disney restaurants, including California Grill, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and Narcoossee’s.  Ponticelli describes Cítricos’ cuisine as “American style with heavy emphasis on Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.”

Chef Wolfgang Puck, Wolfgang Puck Cafe – Austrian-born Puck received his culinary training in France, and today oversees a food empire that includes restaurants in major cities around the world.  He is the author of several cookbooks, including Adventures in the Kitchen with Wolfgang Puck.  Signature dishes at his restaurant at Downtown Disney West Side include thin-crust pizzas and Chinois Chicken Salad.

Chef Michael Pythoud, executive chef Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal
Kingdom - Pythoud oversees the culinary staff at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  A native of Neuchatel, Switzerland, he says he knew he wanted to be a chef at age 6 and began an apprenticeship at age 15 in a Swiss restaurant.  His career took him from Switzerland to the Philippines, New York City and Disneyland Paris.

Master Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer, Parks & Resorts Food & Beverage Concept Development & Standards – Riemer was born in Berlin, Germany, and apprenticed in pastry kitchens at age 16.  He graduated from Culinary Pastry School in Brunswick, Germany, and started working around the globe – Switzerland, Indonesia and India were stops along the way.  His favorite medium is chocolate – Riemer says he bakes every single day and spends his free time trying out new desserts.

Chef Bruno Vrignon, Les Chefs de France, Epcot – French-born Vrignon, long associated with the three French chefs who operate the Epcot restaurant – Paul Bocuse, Roger Verge and Gaston Lenôtre – trained with Bocuse at his legendary restaurant in Lyon, France.  Vrignon has been chef at the Epcot World Showcase restaurant since it opened in 1982.  Signature dishes include classic French onion soup, coq au vin, and marmite du pêcheur parfumée au safran, a traditional Mediterranean seafood casserole

Chef Ed Wronski, Director, Food & Beverage Product Development, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts - A native of Detroit, Wronski graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.  He first joined Disney in 1976, left to pursue other opportunities, then returned to the company. He spent five years at Tokyo Disney Resort, and returned to Walt Disney World Resort in 2003.

Disney•Pixar’s “Brave,” a groundbreaking adventure full of humor, heart and breathtaking action, extends its pioneering spirit to its world premiere on June 18, 2012, marking the Grand Opening of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre^SM. The red-carpet event is a special presentation for Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival. Premiering in Dolby 3D, a state-of-the-art imaging solution providing audiences with a superior 3D experience, “Brave” is an epic tale set in the mystical Scottish Highlands where the film’s headstrong protagonist, Merida, is forced to discover the meaning of true bravery. The film hits theatres nationwide on June 22, 2012.

With a spirited heroine and enchanting setting in the ancient Scottish Highlands, ‘Brave’ represents some exciting firsts for Pixar. We are proud that the world premiere of ‘Brave’ will serve as the inaugural premiere at the new Dolby Theatre as part of the LA Film Festival, a fitting way to launch Merida’s extraordinary adventure.
Ricky Strauss, president, marketing, The Walt Disney Studios

According to Ramzi Haidamus, executive vice president, sales and marketing at Dolby Laboratories, the 180,000-square-foot, 3,400-seat Dolby Theatre will be a world stage for entertainment and a top venue to host world premieres and launch events. “The world premiere of Disney•Pixar’s ‘Brave’ in conjunction with the LA Film Festival is perfect for kicking off the next era for Dolby,” said Haidamus. “We are committed to creating the best entertainment experiences, and now with the grand opening of the Dolby Theatre, we are honored to host the best as well. This is the first of many exclusive and exciting events—from movie premieres to awards ceremonies—in which Dolby and our technologies will play a featured role.”

Celebrating 18 years, the Los Angeles Film Festival will make this special presentation available to Festival attendees with Platinum All-Access or Gold Passes. An additional Gala screening of the film will be held the next day at Regal Cinemas at L.A. LIVE for pass and ticket holders. “We are thrilled to present the world premiere of ‘Brave,’ a beautiful adventure story, to our LA Film Fest audience,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain. “As Disney•Pixar’s first film with a female protagonist, it fits perfectly with our celebration of Women in Animation programming we’ll be holding during the Festival.”

With its grand opening, the Dolby Theatre is set to be a showcase for Dolby innovation, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby 3D and other new technologies for years to come. The “Brave” world premiere is sponsored by VisitScotland.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Dolby Atmos is a trademark, and Dolby Theatre is a service mark of Dolby Laboratories.
All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. S12/25694 DLB-G

ABOUT THE MOVIE

© Copyright Diseny • Pixar

Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

With the summer movie season heating up, four popular Disney•Pixar movies are returning exclusively to AMC Theatres for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. From May 25 through May 28, “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “WALL•E” will be featured at AMC locations around the country. Each film will be accompanied by a classic Pixar short film and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming movie, “Brave.”

There are some great films coming out Memorial Day weekend but nothing specifically for families and young children. We’re excited to provide our guests with an opportunity to take the whole family out to the theatre to enjoy some of the most treasured movies of all time, plus give our guests the chance to see a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Brave.’
Sun Dee Larson, vice president of Film Marketing at AMC

Priced at $6 per movie (pricing may vary), each movie will play once every day on a rotating schedule. Participating locations, showtime information and advance tickets are available now at amctheatres.com/pixar.

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.