Disney Cruise Line announced that the basic structure of the youth programming for children ages 3 through 12 is changing significantly. Trends among cruise lines that cater to families has been to create smaller age groupings in their kids’ clubs and organize activities exclusive to each Disney has decided to break from tradition once again and is eliminating age restrictions for onboard programming. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, once reserved for 3 to 7’s and 8 to 12’s respectively are now open to all kids in those ranges, and activities are divvied up by interests, not age, which enables children to choose from a wider array of offerings and select those that are best-suited to their individual personalities and tastes. Read More at Disney Cruise Line …..

Via AP:
“NEW YORK – The Walt Disney Co. completed its $4.24 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment Inc. on Thursday, bringing Spider-Man, Iron Man and 5,000 other characters under the same roof asMickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Marvel shareholders approved the acquisition earlier Thursday as expected.
Marvel Chief Executive Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter, who owned 37 percent of Marvel stock, supported it. He will oversee the Marvel business and report to Disney CEO Robert Iger.
Iger said the deal can help Disney grow revenue and profits, saying in a statement, “the creative and business potential of this combination is substantial.”
Marvel shareholders received $30 per share in cash, plus 0.7452 Disney shares for every Marvel share they owned. Disney shares closed Thursday at $32.25.
That valued Marvel shares at $54.03 each, and put the purchase price at $4.24 billion.
The deal is Disney’s largest since it bought Pixar Animation Studios Inc., the maker of “Up” and “Cars,” for $7.4 billion in stock in 2006.
Separately, POW! Entertainment Inc., a company led by Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee, said it expanded a three-year relationship with Disney by giving Disney greater rights to its creative output and exclusive consulting services.
Disney, based in Burbank, Calif., will take a 10 percent stake in POW! for $2.5 million, it said.
Walt Disney Studios’ president of worldwide distribution, Bob Chapek, said it made sense to extend the relationship with the company partly because of Lee’s “knowledge and familiarity of the Marvel Universe.”"

Get up to a $750 Disney Gift Card FREE when you buy a 5-night/6-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Resort Hotels! Eat, play and shop with the Disney Gift Card. Use the card to cover vacation expenses: dining at your choice of Walt Disney World® restaurants, special event tickets, sports, recreation, tours and more—all this in addition to shopping! With your gift card in hand, the world is yours!

Details on the Disney Website.

“It’s here. The first official Disney Parks mobile application is now available and you’re invited to check it out.
Trying Mobile Magic is simple. Verizon Wireless customers can download the application for $9.99 for 180 days. Just go to the Media Center to “Browse & Download,” then “Get New Applications.” You’ll then find Mobile Magic in the “Travel & Navigation” folder. The app can also be found by texting Magic to 2777 later today.
You should know that there’s a 24-hour free trial available for a limited time if you’d like to test it out. In either case, download and message charges may apply. Airtime or megabyte data charges may also apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. You can access the Disney Parks mobile web site by going to either m.disneyland.com or m.disneyworld.com on your mobile web browser.”
Read more on the Disney Website.

Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney who helped create a “new golden age of animation” with such hits as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, died of stomach cancer at 79 today in Newport Beach, Calif., the company announced.

In a statement, the company called him “a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney’s animation legacy.”
Roy Disney, whose father, Roy O., founded the company with his uncle Walt.

Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line unite to Create the Ultimate Mediterranean Vacation for Summer 2010

(Dec. 15, 2009) BURBANK, Calif. – Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line announced today a special add-on option for a series of Mediterranean cruises in 2010. A perfect synergy of Adventures by Disney’s expertise and the magic of a Disney Cruise Line.
This new vacation provides guests with the enjoyment of onboard activities and unique shore experiences immersing every member of the family in the cultures and sights of this European region. This limited-time offer is available to booking now for 10- and 11-night Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean vacations on the following departure dates: May 5, 15, 26; August 7, 18, 28 and September 8.

A Mediterranean Adventure, On Land and By Sea Adventures by Disney now brings the history and wonder of the world’s best destinations to families taking a Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean voyage. This first-time add-on package combines Adventures by Disney’s highly-trained Adventure Guides and incomparable itineraries designed specifically for families with the unparalleled Disney Cruise Line experience at sea.

“This new product brings the best of both Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line to families interested in the ultimate Mediterranean experience,” said Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line & New Vacation Operations. “Visiting some of Europe’s most captivating destinations, the trip is designed to ensure that the guest’s only agenda is to soak up the culture, relax and have fun in the Mediterranean.”

To learn more about this exciting and magical new itinerary, visit Adventures by Disney.

Disney DVC iPlanner App

Disney DVC iPlanner Appfor iPhone and iPod Touch has been approved and is in the Apple App Store for purchase!

Effective Sunday, October 11, 2009, the charge for valet parking at Disney resorts increased to $12 per day.
In addition, Disney Vacation Club Members no longer receive free valet parking.
All Disney Deluxe resorts offer valet parking. Disney has increased the charges to $12 per day to valet park. Disney Vacation Club Members no longer receive free valet parking and are subject to the same $12 per day charge.