One day after March 19 was set as the deadline for binding offers for MGM, the same date has emerged as a deadline in the latest round of bidding for Miramax. Owner Walt Disney Co. hopes to select a winning bidder from offers received by that date and close on a sale of the one-time indie highflyer within 30 days of the deadline.

Interested parties offer conflicting takes on how heated interest in Miramax has been. Some say Disney's suggested minimum bid of $700 million is overcooked by at least $200 million, and others claim sufficient interest to deliver offers of that level or higher.

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I had been pretty neutral on all things Disney while I was growing up, and as a young adult I didn’t seek out any Disney entertainment. I had been to Disney World once when I was eight or nine, but that was pre-Epcot and all I remembered was loving Peter Pan and hating Space Mountain. But in 2006 when my kids were five and two, I had the chance to go to Disney World again.

This time, it was a whole new experience. Not only did I enjoy the rides and attractions myself, but I also saw them through the eyes of my children. I realized that the idea of Disney is to put together a destination that offers something for everyone.

Sure, a few rides are for grown-ups only, and a few are really just for little kids. But the vast majority of the rides and attractions are for people of all ages, from babies up to great grandparents. This is what Disney does well. Sure, it’s an artificially created environment, but you’re surrounded by nice, helpful employees, fun rides, interesting attractions and, at Epcot especially, really good food. That trip to Disney World changed my general view on Disney.

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Walt Disney Television International India (WDTVI) has appointed Arnab Chaudhuri as director - content and creative. In this role, Chaudhuri will oversee the creative and content strategy for Disney's TV network in India comprising Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV.

As part of his new mandate, Chaudhuri will be responsible for aligning local content acquisition, local production, animation projects, interstitials and on-air promotions to support the programming priorities for the network.

Says WDTVI VP and general manager Natasha Malhotra, "Creating compelling content, channel environments and engaging and entertaining our audience with locally relevant initiatives is a key strategic priority for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV. As we continue to deliver on this commitment, the creative expertise and experience Arnab brings with him from India and international markets will play a crucial role in driving the growth of our channels."

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Disneyland Paris has recently launched a great offer for families thinking of visiting the French capital. If you book now you can get 40% off all tickets and kids under seven years old go for free. The tickets include accommodation, entrance to both parks and breakfast. Booking must be made before 30th April for arrivals between 5th April and 8th November 2010.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Valid on room and ticket package only, excludes transport. Discount based on selected hotels and arrival dates and will vary. Minimum 2 night / 3 day stay. For new bookings made by 30 April 2010 for arrivals between 5 April and 8 November 2010.

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From April 16 to May 31, 2010, please your “palette” with a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences at the Fifth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival.

For 46 days, Disney’s California Adventure® Park and select locations at the Disneyland® Resort will host “The Art of Flavor,” one of the most anticipated events of spring!

Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State’s regional and culinary diversity. It’s presented by Vanity Fair® Premium Napkins and Plates.

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Agents will be able to win trips to Disneyland Paris during Disney’s New Generation sales weekend on March 12-14. Nine major retail brands are taking part in the sales push, including Thomas Cook, Thomson, Global, Worldchoice, Advantage and The Travel House.

Disney is sending out 1,800 kits to top-selling branches including posters, balloons, flyers and window cards. The top five agents over the weekend will win a holiday to the Paris park with other prizes such as nights out for the best-selling five branches plus awards in categories such as the best dressed stores and agent.

Disney's Pixar Animation Studios head into the next week's Oscars with the only movie ever nominated for both best film and best animated film, "Up," about an old man and boy on an adventure in a faraway land. Since its release last spring, "Up" has sold more than $725 million worth of tickets worldwide. It follows a string of successes that include "The Incredibles" and "Cars."

Disney/Pixar chief creative officer John Lasseter, a major star in the world of animation, spoke to Reuters about "Up" and the company's moviemaking philosophy, including another Disney Oscar hopeful, "The Princess and the Frog."

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In a statement, Vue's CEO, Tim Richards, said the firm had entered a "far-reaching agreement" with Disney. "We are delighted that we have reached an agreement with our partners at Disney," he said.

"This is a win-win for everyone in the entertainment business and in particular for our customers by offering greater film choice."

The decision means the film will be shown in Vue's 69 cinemas across the country. Cineworld, the UK's second largest exhibitor, will also show the movie in its 77 cinemas.

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CINEMA chain Vue announced that it has reached a deal with Disney which will see new movie Alice In Wonderland screened in all its cinemas. There were fears that the company would boycott the Tim Burton (right) film over a dispute with the film company. But Vue said that it had entered a "far-reaching agreement" with Disney.

 "Captain EO" and Michael Jackson are returning to Disneyland. The park says it will show the 1986 Jackson musical film beginning Tuesday and running indefinitely.

On the Disney Parks blog, Disney executive Heather Hust Rivera says the park will show a 70mm print of the 17-minute movie in the Tomorrowland theater, with enhanced sound.

However, Rivera says the showing won't feature some special effects from the original presentation. She would not elaborate. The original presentation included lasers and smoke.

Jackson, who died last year, plays the role of a spaceship captain who uses love and music to fight a wicked witch queen played by Anjelica Huston. The original ran at Disneyland from 1986-1997. The new showing replaces the 3-D show "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience."