Phineas and Ferb Wiki:Newsletter submissions/Get on the bus...the Platy-bus, that is

It's been a busy month for Phineas and Ferb- and it's no surprise, seeing as they're promoting their big made-for-TV movie. The Wall Street Journal recently took a look at how Disney is planning on promoting the series and movie, and part of that big promotion is quite literally big. As in, a 27-foot Airstream trailer painted to look like Perry the Platypus.

Just two days after the TimesTalk panel also covered in this issue, Phineas and Ferb returned to New York City in style to kick off "Perry the Platy-bus on Tour", redesigning a patch of Times Square in front of ABC Studios in the style of Phineas and Ferb's backyard, bringing along giveaways, character appearances, special guests, and, of course, that big platypus-shaped bus. Along for the ride were not only Phineas, Ferb, and Agent P themselves, but Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Alyson Stoner, and Dee Bradley Baker. Guests were able to have their pictures taken with the characters as well as the guests (who also signed autographs), get freebies such as T-shirts, Frisbees, and ice pops (the latter of which were helpful on the hot New York day), sing "Perry-oke" for additional goodies, and try out the Across the 2nd Dimension video games inside the Platy-bus itself.

As usual, Perry wasn't in plain sight at the start of the day. Well, he was, but camouflaged under a giant tarp. After the crowd of kids was warmed up by the Radio Disney crew, who led them in Phineas and Ferb games and trivia along with dances to the likes of Taio Cruz and Miley Cyrus, Phineas and Ferb themselves came out and asked the eternal question, "Where's Perry?" The New Jersey Repertory Theatre Glee Club then performed a rendition of "Everything's Better with Perry", followed by the big reveal of the Platy-bus itself. Radio Disney's Jake Whetter then interviewed the guests of honor, who talked a bit about the upcoming movie and also performed in their character voices (with Dee Bradley Baker giving his interpretation of what a Platy-bus might sound like). The awesome Disney fan site Stitch Kingdom (and I don't just say that because its webmaster happened to be next to me for most of the proceedings) has some photos and video from the event.

Much like Perry himself, however, the Platy-bus didn't stay in one place for too long: it's currently on the road, seeing the sights and making its way to California for two big events: Comic-Con in San Diego and Disney's own D23 Expo in Burbank. Disney doesn't have an official schedule for the Platy-bus's road trip, but you can follow it online on its official website, the official Disney Channel PR Twitter feed, and the official Phineas and Ferb Facebook page. Happy trails, Perry!