My Disney Blog

Mickey Mouse Band Aid Collector's Tin

Every once in a while, I get a really cool product sent to me for review. A few days ago, I received an awesome Mickey Mouse Band-Aid tin, and it's collectible too. I was really tempted not to open it, cuz it was a collector's tin, but as I promised that I would consider a review, I just had to check them out. PLUS, I am really way too nosy, and would have opened it anyway! haha. Having two young children, I've been through PLENTY of Band-Aid's in my life! These are very cool because they have Disney characters on them, PLUS, the ouch faces are totally priceless. There are several different characters and a few sizes. This is a Limited Edition, so get yours while you have a chance. I will proudly keep my collector's tin...even after the Band-Aid's are gone! You can order them at Amazon.com. Also, you can “Like” the brand's Facebook page and submit your best (worst) fashion malfunction story for a chance to win amazing prizes by Cynthia Rowley www.facebook.com/band-aid  :)

--- DisneyDean

Disney and ASUS Launch Netbook Computer for Kids

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and ASUS, maker of the pioneering Eee PC™ netbook, have collaborated to develop the Disney Netpal, a netbook computer for children that’s fun, web-safe and easy to use.  Developed with parents and kids in mind, the Disney Netpal by ASUS is durable, with a reinforced mechanical design, and offers a truly magical and engaging computing experience with a unique Disney user interface.  Features include more than 40 robust parental control options, an 8.9-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi capabilities, Windows XP Home, and kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters and icons in stunning visual environments.  Browsers and email have extra filters to assure that parents are able to control online safety and content for their children, and can easily select with whom their children can correspond via email. The Disney Magic Desktop “gadget tray” offers a creatively designed 2D menu displaying Disney-themed email, Disney-themed browser and a robust suite of Disney-themed parental control options.

With a user interface that is incredibly easy to use for both kids and parents, from package to set-up in four simple steps, the Disney Netpal will be available in late July in two models with prices based on features (see graphic below for Netpal feature comparisons).  The Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed for kids ages 6-12.  Retailers include Toys”R”Us and Amazon.com, and the suggested retail price is $349.99.  Carrying cases will also be available separately.

“Today’s kids are a digital generation,” said Chris Heatherly, head of Disney’s Toymorrow team and VP of Toys and Consumer Electronics for Disney Consumer Products.  “Parents are comfortable with their kids using the Internet, but they want to be assured that their kids are having a safe online experience.  The Disney Netpal, designed together by ASUS and our Disney Toymorrow team, is a no-compromise device.  There are plenty of terrific features and fun applications designed just for kids, but parents have ultimate control over the experience, with the power to set limits on how their kids are using the PC.”

Disney’s Toymorrow team is an internal group of Disney inventors, designers, engineers, researchers and product development experts.  The Toymorrow team meets several times a year to brainstorm and develop new products and product concepts that focus on the convergence of toys and digital media in exciting, fun and creative ways. 

ASUS is an established leader in the netbook category and is widely credited with launching the netbook craze, with nearly 7 million Eee PC™ netbooks sold to date.
 
“We’re proud to be involved in the creation of this very unique netbook for kids,” said Eric Chen, Vice President of ASUS' Systems Business Group.  “The Disney Netpal is creatively designed in a way that truly keeps the Disney magic alive, and its state-of-the-art features make it an excellent choice for kids and families.”

Disney Netpal By ASUS Is Easy:  Kid-friendly Disney Magic Desktop, Applications and Widgets
The Disney Magic Desktop installed on the Disney Netpal by ASUS is an easy-to-use interface specifically tailored to kids, with an intuitive visual interface and instructions that make it easy for kids to operate the computer.  Right out of the box, the Disney browser launches numerous kid-friendly Disney websites for kids to explore.  The Disney Magic Desktop features a 2D “gadget tray” that displays bold visual icons for easy access to applications.  Rounding off the Disney Netpal by ASUS’ fun, kid-friendly features are a collection of 15 easily-accessible widgets, including a stopwatch, digital memo pad, which inserts “reminder notes” on the Disney Magic Desktop, and a calculator.

Disney Netpal By ASUS Is Fun, Customizable And Colorful
The Disney Netpal by ASUS features two choices of stylishly designed lids; Disney Princess Pink boasts beautiful pink florals and Disney Magic Blue cleverly displays rows of miniature Mickey Mouse icons.  Kids can dress their desktops with more than 10 customizable themes inspired by popular characters from Disney’s and Disney∙Pixar’s most popular franchises, including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E.  Themes that appeal to slightly older kids, such as Hannah Montana and JONAS The Series styles, are also available. Favorite character icons can be attached to email addresses.

Additional Disney-developed applications include Disney Mix for music and media management, and Disney Pix for photo customization and organization.  The Disney Pix application features fun Disney Bobblehead software, which lets kids insert images of their faces on top of bodies, download them into videos and postcards and play wacky moving dance scenes, for hours of fun. The Radio Disney widget streams real-time music and lets kids simultaneously submit song requests, if they wish.  The Disney Netpal by ASUS also includes a driving game, number game, memory game and photo scrapbook.

Disney Netpal By ASUS is Optimized for Web-Safety and Sports a Sleek Durable Design
The Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed to be kid-friendly, both in terms of durability and content permissions.  It’s rugged and durable, with a spill-proof keyboard that protects against inadvertent liquid spills. The Disney Netpal by ASUS’ ShockShield data protection guards against data loss when the computer is subject to impact. 

The Disney Netpal also allows parents to create a web-safe computing environment with 40 parental control options. Parents can pre-select email correspondence options, browsers, the websites their kids visit and the programs they use. These permissions can also be scheduled on a calendar, providing parents with a convenient, automated means of granting access on the days and times that they choose. Parents can also pull up data to determine where children spent time, and for how long.  Additional websites can be added for access, but only if the parent approves and submits the request within the password-protected system.

Specifications
Model   Disney Netpal by ASUS MK90H     Disney Netpal by ASUS MK90 – exclusively at Toys”R”Us 
Operating System        Genuine Windows® XP Home        Genuine Windows® XP Home      
Display 8.9” LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024x600)        8.9” LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024x600)      
CPU     Intel® ATOM N270        Intel® ATOM N270      
WLAN    802.11 b/g/n    802.11 b/g/n  
Memory  DDR2 SO-DIMM 1GB        DDR2 SO-DIMM 1GB      
Storage 160GB HDD       16GB SSD      
Interface       1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor)
3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in     1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor)
3 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x audio jacks: Headphone / Mic-in   
Camera  0.3 M Pixel     0.3 M Pixel   
Reader  MMC and SD (SDHC supported)     MMC and SD (SDHC supported)   
Audio   Hi-definition audio CODEC
Built-in stereo speakers
Analog Mic      Hi-definition audio CODEC
Built-in stereo speakers
Analog Mic    
Battery 4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs*  4200mAh Polymer, 5hrs*
Dimensions      248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 28.7mm (H)      248mm (W) x 173mm (D) x 28.7mm (H)    
Weight  1.2kg with battery      1kg with battery      
Casing Colors   Princess Pink, Magic Blue       Princess Pink, Magic Blue     

*Subject to system configuration and usage.
Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more details.

Thanks to Disney Consumer Products for the information!

--- Disney Dean

Handy Manny Measures Up

Disney Channel's hit "Handy Manny" character and Wilmer Valderrama, the talented actor who helps bring him to life, unveiledthe new Disney Consumer Products booth at Licensing International Expo 2009 today, TUESDAY, JUNE 2, in Las Vegas.  Seen daily during Playhouse Disney programming block, the hit series and its high affinity among preschoolers and parents has inspired Disney Consumer Products to expand its offering in multiple categories including books, toys, apparel, accessories, home furnishings, food, stationary, books and more.

In addition to 29 brand new episodes for its third season, today Disney Channel announced a new short-form series and two primetime specials.   "Handy Manny's School for Tools," 20 animated shorts, will begin production this year for a 2010 premiere.  In Fall 2009, Disney Channel will present the first of two primetime specials, "Handy Manny's Motorcycle Adventure," which takes viewers along on Manny's exciting and unexpected road trip to his family reunion.  The special features four new songs including "Rolling" performed by renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos.  The second primetime special will debut in 2010.  The daily series will also introduce 10 new tools: a jackhammer, a power screwdriver, a power socket wrench, a shop vac, a pair of needle nose pliers, a deluxe tool box, a laser level and a trio of crescent wrenches.

A Top 10 player among all series geared towards preschoolers age 2-5, "Handy Manny" is set in a multi-cultural, multi-generational community and follows a curriculum that models problem solving.  The Emmy and Imagen Award-nominated series can be seen in over 135 countries and in 23 languages with title translations including "Manny et ses Outils" (France), "Meister Manny's Werkzeugkiste" (Germany), "Manny Tuttofare" (Italy), "Händige Manny" (Sweden), "Manny Manitas" (Spain) and "Otasuke Manii" (Japan).  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the series reached over 75 million unduplicated viewers worldwide.  Rick Gitelson is executive producer and story editor of "Handy Manny."  "Handy Manny" is a production of Nelvana Limited in association with Disney Channel.

Disney Consumer Products and Fisher Price debuted a "Handy Manny" toy line at mass retailers in Fall 2008 and it became a runaway success, winning several prominent awards for the popular Fix-It-Right Tool Truck and the Talkin' Toolbox.  New toys for fall 2009 include the Fix-It-Right Manny's Motorcycle and Manny's Workbench.

Beginning this year, Disney Consumer Products is expanding the "Handy Manny" product line with action figures, puzzles, playsets and plush, all new apparel, footwear and sleepwear, home furnishings and décor, bedding, backpacks, party patterns, stationery, greeting cards and new book titles and DVDs.

"Handy Manny" is a featured character at Disney's California Adventure and Disney's Hollywood Studios and appears in the daily "Playhouse Disney Live on Stage!" show at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world.  The popular character also stars in "Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour" in two productions touring around the world.

--- Disney Dean

Disney Store Earth Day Activities

Disney Store North America unveiled its comprehensive line up of Earth Day activities and promotions designed to educate families about the impact they make by recycling and provide everyone with the opportunity to engage in replanting an endangered rainforest through The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees Campaign (www.plantabillion.org). These initiatives build on The Walt Disney Company's recently announced long-term environmental goals to reduce emissions, waste, electricity and fuel use, as well as the company's impact on water and ecosystems.

To add to the Earth Day celebration, Disney Store will also introduce an exclusive assortment of environmentally friendly tee shirts and tote bags made from Sustainable Solutions Group's RETHINK fabric, a new textile created from recycled water bottles.

"Disney Store's Earth Day 2009 participation continues Disney's long-term commitment to protecting the environment," said Jim Fielding, President, Disney Store Worldwide. "From merchandise made from recycled and organic materials to projects to promote environmental awareness with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Nature Conservancy, Disney Store is proud to help bring attention to preserving this magical place in which we live."

Disney Store's Earth Day 2009 celebration will include these exciting programs:

• Plant a Billion Trees Campaign: Disney Store and Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy have planted one tree to match the number of earth-friendly reusable tote bags that have been produced; these bags are available for purchase at Disney Store locations nationwide. Disney Store donated 96,000 trees (one for each tote bag) to help The Nature Conservancy reach its goal of planting a billion trees by 2015 in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most endangered rainforests. The tote bags feature a special Earth Day design, are made from 100 percent recycled materials and retail for an SRP of $2.50 each. Please visit www.disney.com/conservation to learn more. Disney Store in the United Kingdom recently joined forces with local charity the Woodland Trust to create "the Magical Wood", a 50 acre site which will be replanted through in-store fundraising efforts, and Disney Store locations throughout the continent of Europe will be planting trees locally, making this a truly global campaign.

• Recycling is Magic: Plastic Bottle Recycling Campaign (April 22, Earth Day): According to the Web site Earth911.com, "In 2006, Americans drank about 167 bottles of water each but only recycled an average of 23 percent. That leaves 38 billion water bottles in landfills." On April 22, 2009, Disney Store locations nationwide will host a plastic bottle recycling program called "Recycling is Magic." To help educate children on the benefits of recycling, Disney Store is inviting everyone to bring in empty plastic bottles and toss them into a unique recycling bin. On April 22, while supplies last, guests can exchange three empty bottles for a free commemorative Earth Day re-usable water bottle, an approximate value of $8.50.

• Earth-friendly Products -- Three Plastic Bottles Equal One Magical Tee Shirt: Families will get a first-hand look at how recycling is a magical process when they see Disney Store's new earth-friendly tees (SRP $12.50 for kids and SRP $16.50 for adults) and totes (SRP $19.50) made from RETHINK fabric from Sustainable Solutions Group. To make the fabric, plastic water bottles are cleaned, smashed, recycled and combined with cotton or other materials, turning what was once waste into something useful. The soft, wrinkle resistant shirts and durable tote bag feature an exclusive Disney Store Mother Earth design. Each shirt also features a label letting the consumer know exactly how many bottles were used to manufacture it. Disney Store's other earth friendly products include adult and children's tee shirts made from organic cotton (starting at SRP of $12.50), stainless, reusable water bottles (SRP $12.50), organic cotton gardening aprons for adult (SRP $39.50) and kids (SRP $29.50), and refillable ceramic mugs (SRP $10.50).

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America Earth Day Murals: Beginning April 13, 2009, special Earth Day murals designed by local children participating in Boys & Girls Clubs of America will be on display in Disney Store windows nationwide. Disney Store donated all the art supplies, instructions and recycled paper to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. With the help of Disney VoluntEARS, the children will decorate squares of recycled paper that will be collected and assembled in 4 by 6 foot murals in Disney Store windows. The artwork will celebrate what Earth Day means to kids in their community.

--- Disney Dean

DISNEY UNVEILS NEW "THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG" TOY LINE

Actress Anika Noni Rose, Voice Of Princess Tiana, in the upcoming 2009 Holiday movie "The Princess and the Frog" recently received a One–Of-A-Kind Tiana Doll. Disney just sent over this video, and I hope you love it just as much as I do. Anika is such a class act - and it makes me so happy that they chose her for this role. Really hoping this will help 2D hand drawn animation to make a comeback!  

--- Disney Dean