MI News Desk

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is coming to the home market on June 11th and to celebrate, Disney has released some beautiful concept imagery of the costumes from the film. Drawn by costume designer Michael Kutsche, the sketches show some of the primary looks of characters in the fim.

From the Wicked Witch of the West to the tallest Winkie guards to the shortest Munchkins, we get a look at the great images that were used to build the iconic costumes seen on film. A few months ago, MouseInfo got to take a close up look at some of the ACTUAL costumes from OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL.

Starting today, domestic Disney Parks are now offering a new mobility option for guests with mobile disabilities. The new Electric Standing Vehicles (ESV's) provide guests greater stability and are compatible with ongoing safety measures for guests.

Disney does not allow Segways or any other stand-up devices into the parks so this new rental option is for guests who rely on this assisted mobility.

Available at parks at both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, the Electric Standing Vehcles will not be advertised for rental but are available upon request at Stroller/Wheelchair rental locations. They can be rented for $50/day plus safety deposit.

As with Wheelchair and Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV) rentals, medical paperwork is not required to prove eligibility.

Disney's Magical fireworks show will become the latest addition to the Disneyland Resort's GLOW WITH THE SHOW program beginning May 5. Introduced last summer to spice up the popular WORLD OF COLOR show at Disney California Adventure, the popular light-up ear hats (retailing for $23.95 each) ended up being a popular merchandise item. Eventually, the program was expanded to other offerings including Fantasmic! and Mad T Party among other minor offerings.

Plus, as part of Limited Time Magic, there will be a special fireworks viewing area on Main Street, USA, reserved for "Glow with the Show" Ears owners! Ear hats are likely not going not be distributed, instead guests who already have a pair of ears will be allowed entrance on a first come first serve basis. The special viewing area dates are May 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19.

The Disneyland Resort is celebrating 30 years of the VoluntEARS program, and yesterday, it announced the 2013 VoluntEAR of the year and the VoluntEAR team of the year. Jon Storbeck, vice president of Disneyland park, was named 2013 VoluntEAR of the Year. Storbeck, a 30-year cast member, has volunteered since he began his career at the Disneyland Resort. He helped lead the original Disneyland Community Action Team, which would eventually become the Disney VoluntEARS.

The 2013 VoluntEAR Team of the Year title was presented to the Disney VoluntEARS Leadership Council, composed of 45 cast members from various lines of business who meet monthly to review, coordinate, and lead about 160 Disney VoluntEARS projects each year. They also bring awareness of the Disney VoluntEARS program to their respective divisions and business units.

Disney's "Oz the Great and Powerful" blows into in-home release on Blu-ray Combo pack and digital download on June 11th. Bonus materials including: “The Magic of ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ Second Screen Feature” that provides viewers with an immersive opportunity to journey

To celebrate Universal Studio's 100 years in film history, a brand new NBCUniversal Experience is now open on the lower lot. Three of this year’s top films nominated for “Best Costume Design” at the 75th Academy Awards will now have costume gowns and props on display within their The NBCUniversal Experience attraction. Some costumes on display will be:

• Les Miserables – “Fantine” tattered dress worn by Anne Hathaway
• Snow White and the Huntsman – “Snow White” dress worn by Kristin Stewart & Evil Queen scepter used by Charlize Theron
• Anna Karenina – dress worn by Kiera Knightley

Watch ABC's "Once Upon a Time," Sunday, May 5th at 8I7c to see what happens when The Evil Queen pays a visit to New Fantasyland™ in the Magic Kingdom® Park at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida.

"That's the Evil Queen!" Guests enjoying the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida recently may have stumbled upon a villainous presence within New Fantasyland™ at the Magic Kingdom® Park. Fans of the hit ABC show "Once Upon a Time" witnessed the Evil Queen plotting her evil agenda for all of the Disney Characters in this happy new land. Hear from Lana Parrilla who plays Regina Mills and The Evil Queen on ABC's "Once Upon a Time," as well as cast and crew on what it was like the day the Evil Queen made it known—she's got New Fantasyland in her sights!

Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” was honored recently for “Outstanding Achievement” in the “Attraction” category by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) during the recent 19th Annual Thea Awards.

The Thea Award follows the ride’s recognition for “Distinguished Achievement” from the International 3D Society as “Best Themed Attraction” earlier this year – the second consecutive year the honor was bestowed upon Universal Studios Hollywood and the first-ever multi-year win for a theme park.

The Disneyland Resort celebrated volunteerism this week when it recognized 10 exceptional Orange County students with $75,000 in scholarships for their leadership, academic excellence and contributions to the community.

Since the inception of the program in 2005, the Disneyland Resort has granted more than $425,000 in scholarships to graduating Orange County high school seniors. Each student will receive a $7,500 scholarship to use toward pursuing his or her future education goals.

From May 3 - June 19, 2013, the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood is playing host to a special engagement for MARVEL IRON MAN 3. The latest adventures of Tony Stark promise to deliver big numbers with oversees box offices already raking in the big dough.

Here in the US, we have

Actress Lily James (Downton Abbey) has been cast as Cinderella in Disney’s upcoming live-action interpretation of the film. The film is being directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh and stars Cate Blanchett as the iconic evil stepmother.

One of the most striking visuals from recent IRON MAN 3 trailers include people being sucked out of an airplane and Iron Man flying through the air to pluck them out of the sky. This exciting new clip gives a little bit more of a peek into the scene but leaves you wanting much much more!

IRON MAN 3 lands in theaters May 3.

Exclusively for IMAX fans as part of the IMAX 12:01 program, those attending midnight shows of Marvel's IRON MAN 3 in the first hours of May 3rd will receive a limited edition IRON MAN 3 print featuring original artwork by renowned artist, Jock.

This artwork is a collaboration between Marvel Studios, IMAX and Mondo, and will be the last print in the IMAX 12:01 series/

IRON MAN 3 lands in theaters May 3, 2013.

Guests attending EEA AirVenture Oshkosh this year will have the opportunity to experience a Special Preview Screening of DISNEY PLANES at the Fly-In Theater on Friday night, August 2, one week before the movie opens in theaters nationwide.

DISNEY PLANES opens in theaters August 9, 2013.