Top 10 Places to Eat at Disneyland Gluten Free

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February 4, 2014

Like Disney World, Disneyland is well equipped for gluten free diners. From casual fare to fine dining, there are a variety of choices when dining at Disneyland. Here is a list of the top 10 places to eat with gluten free at Disneyland.

10. Jolly Holiday Bakery: This restaurant, located in Disneyland, on Main Street U.S.A. offers gluten free buns for guests looking for a sandwich with gluten free house made chips. There are several different options, including the Waldorf Chicken which is sure to be a hit. They even have some soup and dessert options. Sadly, the famous Matterhorn Macaroon is not gluten free, but you won’t miss it with the other choices available!

9. Carnation Cafe: Another Main Street U.S.A. staple is Carnation Cafe. This location serves breakfast and dinner with a variety of options, including Walt’s chili which is naturally gluten free! Who wouldn’t want to sit outside on Main Street U.S.A. enjoying a big ole’ bowl of the red stuff that Walt himself might have enjoyed in the same spot in 1955? Looking for a gluten free and vegan option? Check out the chef’s vegan burger which has a house-made vegan chipotle mayonnaise.

8. PCH Grill: Located in Paradise Pier Hotel, this restaurant serves up a Surf’s Up Breakfast with Mickey and Friends that includes gluten free pancakes and bagels! Kowabunga! Dinner is equally righteous with tons of offerings that include gluten free pasta and pizza, as well as steak and ribs. You’ll totally want to hang 10 at this restaurant!

7. Goofy’s Kitchen: Who says Mickey is the only one who can have a rockin’ character meal? Located at the Disneyland Hotel, you’ll find not only brunch but also dinner options. Both meals are buffets but that doesn’t mean you won’t have safe choices. Like PCH Grill, you’ll be able to score gluten free pancakes and waffles – even gluten free pizza.

6. Cocina Cucamonga: Looking for some authentic Mexican food? Cocina Cucamonga has got you covered with a ton of gluten free options. Located in Disney’s California Adventure, you’ll be able to enjoy carne asada, fire grilled citrus chicken and a variety of authentic sides.

5. Rancho Del Zocalo: In Disneyland and looking for authentic Mexican cuisine? Head over to Rancho Del Zocalo. This is another classic Disneyland restaurant and not to be missed. Choices range from fire citrus grilled chicken, chicken quesadillas, cheese enchiladas with carne asada to vegetables tacos with lots of other offerings to tempt your taste buds. If you’re a vegetarian diner, you’ll get a lot of great options here as well.

4. Blue Bayou: Talk about a classic Disneyland restaurant with amazing atmosphere. Much like San Angel Inn at Disney World, Blue Bayou is set inside an attraction area. And what could be better than enjoying a meal with Pirates of the Caribbean atmosphere. Watch ride vehicles from POTC float by as you dine on Tesoro Island Chicken, Royal Street Seafood Jambalaya, and Pan-seared Salmon. There are lots of gluten free options at this restaurant, and don’t forget to wash it all down with a Mint Julep!

3. Steakhouse 55: Located in the Disneyland Hotel, this signature restaurant offers breakfast and dinner options. You’ll want to score some gluten free pancakes for breakfast, and make sure not to miss out on the decadent dinner options. This is a steakhouse, so you’ll want to try their signature steaks. Not a steak fan? There are tons of seafood options here too.

2. Carthay Circle: Looking for the glamour of old Hollywood? Look no further than Carthay Circle — Disney’s California Adventure’s newest signature restaurant. As a recreation of the original Hollywood theatre (which was demolished in 1969), this location is breathtaking and has spectacular views of the park. Equally spectacular are the menu offerings for gluten free diners. Offering gluten free bread and a variety of gluten free dishes, this restaurant has a lot to offer a gluten free diner. And don’t forget to order a classic cocktail. It’s a must do in this glamorous location!

1. Storyteller’s Cafe: Located in Disney’s Grand California, this signature dining location is impressive for all diners — gluten free or not. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Storyteller’s combines classic dishes with a modern twist. Buffet and a la carte options are available for breakfast and dinner, giving guests a variety of ways to experience the restaurant offerings. You won’t want to miss the gluten free pancakes and waffles at breakfast or the decadent dinner options. Lobster club salad anyone?

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at the Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.

Disney World Quick Tip – Save the Shows for the Heat of the Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 4, 2014

So, you are hot…you’re tired…and you didn’t take my advice to TAKE THE NAP. Now it’s 4:00 in the afternoon It’s too late to head back to the hotel but you simply cannot do one more ride or take one more step. Know what you need? A show!

The hottest part of the day in Florida isn’t necessarily noon. It is very hot late in the day. That’s why if you insist on not “taking the nap” (even for adults), you should build some shows into your plans and save them for the heat of the day.

Think the shows are boring? Think again. They are theatrical productions the likes of which you would find on Broadway. The Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom is my absolute favorite, it gives me goosebumps every time.

Here are some shows that will give you a break, let you escape from the heat and give those dogs a chance to stop barkin’.

Hollywood Studios

Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show

The American Idol Experience

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Animal Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King

Flights of Wonder

Magic Kingdom:

The Hall of Presidents – not exactly a live show but you can sit down and take a break.

The Enchanted Tiki Room – also not live actors

Country Bear Jamboree – also not live actors

Epcot:

Impromptu performances happen all day long in the World Showcase

Living with the Land – not a show, but a narrated leisurely boatride

Jeweled Dragon Acrobats – located in China

Mo’ Rockin’ – located in the World Showcase

Enjoy tips like these weekly when you book your Disney vacation with Cameron Fisher, a Disney Travel Specialist with Destinations to Explore. Contact Cameron at [email protected]

Walt Disney World Resort Gets Top Honors at United Safety Council Awards

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 4, 2014

Earning recognition for their outstanding commitment to safety, four Walt Disney World Resort teams and an individual Cast Member recently received top Safety Achievement awards from the United Safety Council (USC) for exceptional work in the past year.

The awards were earned for leadership involvement, Cast Member engagement, safety committees, safety walks, and for Cast Members who go the extra mile for safety – all of which are part of Disney’s longstanding safety culture.

“At Walt Disney World Resort, safety is part of our DNA,” said Alicia Sweeney, Director of Safety Services at Walt Disney World Resort. “Our Cast Members play a vital role in upholding this tradition. It is an honor to be recognized for the efforts our teams put in year-round to ensure a safe and memorable experience for our guests and Cast Members.”

The USC 2013 Safety Achievement Award recipients include:

Tony’s Town Square (Magic Kingdom) Gold Award
Epcot Food & Beverage team Silver Award
The Land (Epcot) Agricultural Sciences team Bronze Award
Magic Kingdom Attractions Honorable Mention

In addition, Cast Member Jennifer Johnson was honored with the Safety Leadership Award for her outstanding performance at Magic Kingdom, where she oversees safety services for all of the park’s food and beverage locations.

The United Safety Council is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes safe practices across the nation. Each year, it recognizes exceptional achievements in safety made by individuals and companies through its annual awards program.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Enter Disney Infinity’s “Rapunzel Saves the Day Sweepstakes”

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 4, 2014

Rapunzel is letting down her long hair and using her frying pan to save the day in Disney Infinity! Disney Interactive is giving away Disney Infinity’s first princess in the Rapunzel Saves the Day Sweepstakes.

For the entire month of February, you can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a grand prize of a video game console, Disney Infinity Starter Pack and Rapunzel character figure. A different game system will be given away every week!

No Purchase Necessary. Check out the rules and enter here.

Wishing you Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Josh Gad Surprises “Frozen” Fans at Sing Along

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 4, 2014

“Frozen” audiences were invited to join the act, literally this past weekend as more than 2000 theaters nationwide introduced an all-new sing-a-long version of Disney’s Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning big-screen adventure.

Josh Gad, who you may know as Olaf, surprised audiences at the Sing-A-Long Screening this Sunday at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood.

How cool would that be?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

6 More Weeks of Winter – More Time for Spring Savings

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 4, 2014

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World^® Resort

Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels: Savings apply for stays most nights March 14, 2014 – April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014. Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE! Visit Destinations in Florida for more details.
New Dates! Florida Resident Rates: Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through May 29, 2014. Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks. Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27^th, 2014. Thank you for serving our country.

Disneyland® Resort

Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel: Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 10, 2014. Book by March 6, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line®

Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals from $135 per person per night plus tax/port charges for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military. Special cruises are available for select dates in February.

Aulani Hawaii

Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast: For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free – including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe. This discount is good for most stays through April 7, 2014.
Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit: Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation. Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.

Sea World Discounts

Expedition Antarctica at SeaWorld®: Experience the Freeze! Package includes free Quick Queue (front-of-the-line) at SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, dining at the Expedition Café, a free photo and a third hotel night FREE!

Orlando Attraction Ticket Discounts

Kids Eat Free Card: Save money on over 100 different restaurants in Orlando from the quick serve restaurants like McDonald’s to sit down restaurants like Nascar Cafe at Universal CityWalk. Purchase the Kids Eat Free Card and receive a free child’s meal with any adult meal at select restaurants. Click here for more details and to purchase this special card.
Kennedy Space Center Tickets: Pre-order your tickets to Kennedy Space Center and save money with special prices. Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis, US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and more; just an hour from Orlando. Click here to more details and to purchase tickets.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

4th Night and 3rd Day Free: Book a Universal Partner hotel for 3 nights with a 2 Day Base ticket and receive your 4th night and 3rd day at the parks for FREE!
Save up to $500 on your Universal Package: Stay at one of the Universal Hotels including Cabana Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay Hotel with tickets and save up to $500 on your package. Now is the time to visit the movies at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation for 2014: Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket. This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.
New! “Take 2” Transfer: If you do not want to rent a car during your Orlando vacation, take advantage of the new “Take 2” Transfer ticket for only $39 per person. This transfer includes transportation from a Disney Resort hotel to Universal Orlando Resort for a Universal Studios vacation. After your Universal vacation, the transportation takes you back to the Orlando International Airport.

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Up to $300 to Spend During Your Cruise: Book select 2014 cruises by February 28, and Royal Caribbean Cruise will give you up to $300 to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Go snorkeling, dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.
Up to $400 to Spend During Your Cruise: Book select 2014 cruises in Europe by February 28, and we’ll give you up to $400* to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.

Book your family memories today with Destinations in Florida!

Don’t plan on traveling yourself, but know someone that will, don’t forget about our referral program.

At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and fun just for you! Call me at 832-233-4468,check out my page, here, or email me at [email protected] and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free!

Disney Dining on a dime at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 3, 2014

You consulted a travel planner to save you every possible penny when it came to your Disneyland Resort stay, but now you’re looking to save a few bucks on food. Luckily, you have many more options than the chef’s counter at Napa Rose when it comes to finding exceptional and scrumptious eats at the park.

If you’re staying at one of the hotels on the resort or a Good Neighbor Hotel, Downtown Disney is a great place to stop for breakfast before heading into the parks. Earl of Sandwich offers several options including breakfast sandwiches, muffins, oatmeal, parfaits, and coffee. Another great option is Jazz Kitchen Express. Options here include: breakfast burritos and sandwiches, as well as my daughters’ personal favorite, the Cinnamon “French Toast” Dippers. These are simply beignets sprinkled with cinnamon cut into sticks to dip into maple syrup. Meals at both of these restaurants can be purchased for less than $10 per person.

Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich at Jazz Kitchen Express

If you find yourself in Disneyland around lunch time, my two personal favorite places for a quick and cheap mid-day meal are Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland and Village Haus Restaurant in Fantasyland. At Bengal Barbecue, I always order the Chieftain Chicken and Outback Vegetable Skewers. These two items plus a regular sized fountain drink will set you back $11. For you hearty eaters, my husband loves the Chicken Sausage in a Pretzel Roll at Village Haus. The sausage itself is ¼ pound and comes with your choice of fries or fruit. If you include a regular size fountain drink, this meal can also be purchased for under $11.

Chicken Sausage in a Pretzel Roll at Village Haus

Disney California Adventure (DCA) also offers several lunch options. My family’s personal favorite place to head to is the Cozy Cone Motel in the new Carsland to grab either a Chili Cone Queso or Chicken Verde Cone. They’re big, delicious, in a cone(!), and under $7. Since lunch is so cheap, grab an order of Churro bites or some dill pickle flavored popcorn to share as well.

Dinner can often be the most difficult meal to remain cost efficient while at the park, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Blue Bayou is a very popular restaurant inside Disneyland, but it’s also very expensive. Instead, try Café Orleans. This Cajun-Creole inspired restaurant offers several dinners around $15 per plate, including the famous Monte Cristo Sandwich. Make sure to add a Pommes Frites appetizer for only $6. These are so good, you may want to order a basket for yourself.

On the other side of the resort, DCA offers the newly built Carthay Circle. Like Blue Bayou, it’s also very expensive. If you want to try what this fabulous restaurant has to offer, but can’t fit it in your budget, try the Carthay Circle Lounge instead. You can’t go wrong with the Vietnamese Twice Cooked Beef Tacos or the Lobster Pan Thai Imperial Rolls. Each costs about $16. There is even a children’s menu with options for less than $10. With your savings, be sure to splurge on one of their amazing signature drinks.

At the end of the day, if you have enough cash in your wallet and room in your belly, be sure to grab my personal favorite dessert in the entire resort, a Matterhorn Macaroon at Holy Jolly Bakery on Main Street in Disneyland. At only $2 a piece, you could even grab a couple extra to snack on before you crawl in to bed.

Matterhorn Macaroon

This yummy article was written by Katherine Richmond!

Share Some Homemade “Disney DIY” Love This Valentine’s Day

By

Catie

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February 3, 2014

It’s almost that time again – time to order those flowers, buy those chocolates, and declare your love – because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! I know many people don’t like the holiday, but I just love it! The decorations, the hearts, the “I Love You’s”, the Disney, the Pink and red….etc. And yes, I did just include Disney in my list of things to love about Valentine’s Day – not only because I love Disney so much, but because there are so many great Disney love stories out there – Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Ariel and Prince Eric, Carl and Ellie from Up – I could go on, but I won’t.

My point is – there are plenty of ways to add a little Disney Magic to your Valentine’s Day celebration. For example, you could try these DIY Valentine’s Disney Crafts:

What could be cuter than making your own Disney Valentines to hand out to all your friends?

I’m partial to these Muppet Valentines

But these Cars Themed Valentines are great too, and a perfect project for kids!

Check out more great Disney Valentine’s Themed Printables here and get creative this valentine’s day!

….Of course, some people don’t need help being creative – like my husband who likes to hand-make cards for me (I would scoff and call him a show off, but I really love the cards he makes!)

I love doing crafts and making cards/décor for any and every holiday, but personally I think the way to a man’s heart (or mine for that matter!) is through their stomach – and nothing says “I Love You” like this beautiful chocolate layer cake served at Le Cellier in Epcot

Chocolate Canadian Club Cake (recipe courtesy of Magical Recipes)

Ingredients

Cake

1 chocolate cake (your favorite recipe)

24 ounces Chocolate Mousse Batch (recipe below)

6 ounces Ganache (recipe below)

8 ounces Whiskey Syrup (recipe below)

Ganache

1 pound Chocolate disks

1/2 quart Heavy cream

Chocolate Mousse

9. 4 1/2 ounces powdered sugar

1/2 quart whipping cream — whipped

7 fluid ounces egg yolk — pasteurized

12 ounces chocolate coins (or other high quality chopped chocolate)

Whiskey Syrup

3/4 quart Water

1/2 pound Sugar

6 ounces Canadian Club Whiskey

Instructions

Cake

Cut your round cake into 3 layers.

Take each layer and drizzle whiskey syrup over each, covering generously.

After whiskey syrup soaks in, cover each layer with chocolate mousse, and stack all layers together.

Cover completed cake with mousse and decorate with Ganache for icing using a pastry bag with a star tip.

Ganache

Heat Cream – do not scald.

Remove from heat and stir in Chocolate Coins until smooth.

Chocolate Mousse

Whip eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.

Carefully melt the chocolate over double-boiler steam bath stirring often.

When steps 1 and 2 are complete, fold the melted chocolate into the egg and sugar mixture. Then fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.

Place in the cooler to chill, then portion and serve.

Whiskey Syrup

Combine Water and Sugar in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil; stir until all Sugar is dissolved.

Remove from heat, add the Whiskey.

Wow that makes my mouth water just reading the recipe! But if you aren’t sure you’re ready to tackle a layer cake, or if you want something your kids can help with, then might I suggest these adorable Lady and the Tramp themed Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcakes?

No matter which card or cake you choose to make – the love will surely shine through and your Valentine will love it! Check out more Disney Recipes and stay tuned right here at Chip and Co for more Disney DIY!

“Chip ‘n Dale” Live Action Movie Coming Soon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 3, 2014

Disney has decided to revive “Chip ‘n Dale” after Robert Rugan pitched them his vision. He is an award winning commercials director. He will be writing a new take on take on “Chip ‘n Dale” in what is said to be a live-action/CG mix.

A bit of history about the duo, Chip ‘n’ Dale first appeared in a 1943 animated short starring Pluto. They went on to appear in 22 more animated shorts. Then they re-appeared in 1989 as the stars of their very own show, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers. You may remember Chip was the smart one of the duo and Dale was more of the goofy funny one. The new feature will take inspiration from the “Rescue Rangers”.

Live-action/CG hybrids are usually pretty successful. Are you looking forward to seeing “Chip ‘n Dale” again?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

A closer look at the phrase ‘I’m going to Disney World!’ at the Super Bowl

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 3, 2014

Let’s take a closer look at the phrase ‘I’m going to Disney World!’ at the Super Bowl. The format for the commercials have pretty much remained unchanged. After a series of highlights set to “When You Wish upon a Star” from Pinocchio, the camera cuts to a player in all his glory of a Super Bowl win and a narrator asks the question, “_______, you’ve just won the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?” The player looks into the camera and answers with the famous phrase. “I’m going to Disney World!” or “I’m going to Disneyland!” Soon after, there is a commercial with an image of fireworks exploding over Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, or Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. The version of the commercial you see will depends on the area of the country that you live in.

So where did it all begin? Since 1987, the phrases have been used as part of Disney’s “What’s Next?” campaign. Phil Simms kicked off the tradition after the New York Giants beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI. As much as we would like to believe that Simms was a true fan of Disney, it is said that this is not necessarily the case. Jane Eisner, the wife of Disney CEO Michael Eisner was supposedly the one who came up with the idea. Both Phil Simms and Broncos quarterback John Elway agreed to utter the famous line in exchange for $75,000 if they were victorious. The Giants won that year, and Phil Simms would be the first to go down in “I’m going to Disney World!” history.

The commercial has aired after every Super Bowl since 1987, except for one. In 2005, the commercial did not air, and no one is really sure why. Some have speculated that the NFL was still reeling from Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004, and may have been concerned about the use of advertising relying on anything appearing to be spontaneous. Another thought is that Disney may have felt that the campaign had lost some of it’s effectiveness after 19 years. The truth is still a mystery.

Another mystery is that there seems to be no formula for who gets to utter the phrase. If you are a quarterback or a Super Bowl MVP, your odds increase, though coaches, running backs and wide receivers have also been chosen to say it. The same year Simms began the tradition in football, Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers (basketball) and Frank Viola of the Minnesota Twins (baseball) also uttered the phrases, though their performances didn’t have the same iconic hold.

Check out our list of Super Bowl and non Super Bowl folks who have had the honors:

Super Bowl participants:

Super Bowl XXI, 1987: Phil Simms, New York Giants
Super Bowl XXII, 1988: Doug Williams, Washington Redskins
Super Bowl XXIII, 1989: Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl XXIV, 1990: Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl XXV, 1991: Ottis Anderson, New York Giants
Super Bowl XXVI, 1992: Mark Rypien, Washington Redskins
Super Bowl XXVII, 1993: Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XXVIII, 1994: Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XXIX, 1995: Jerry Rice and Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl XXX, 1996: Emitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XXXI, 1997: Desmond Howard, Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl XXXII, 1998: John Elway, Denver Broncos
Super Bowl XXXIII, 1999: Terrell Davis and John Elway, Denver Broncos
Super Bowl XXXIV, 2000: Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams
Super Bowl XXXV, 2001: Trent Dilfer, Baltimore Ravens
Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Super Bowl XXXVII, 2003: Jon Gruden and Brad Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004: Tom Brady New England Patriots
Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005: No commercial
Super Bowl XL, 2006: Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl XLI, 2007: Tony Dungy and Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl XLII, 2008: Eli Manning, New York Giants
Super Bowl XLIII, 2009: Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl XLIV, 2010: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Super Bowl XLV, 2011: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl XLVI, 2012: Eli Manning, New York Giants
Super Bowl XLVII, 2013: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Non-Super Bowl participants:

Dennis Conner, sailing, America’s Cup, 1987
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Laker, NBA Finals, 1987
Frank Viola, Minnesota Twins, World Series, 1987
Gretchen Carlson, Miss America, 1988
Orel Hershiser, Los Angeles Dodgers, World Series, 1988
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Finals, 1988
Al MacInnis, Calgary Flames, Stanley Cup Finals, 1989
Joe Dumars, Detroit Pistons, NBA Finals, 1989
Jim Thompson, Temple University, college graduation, 1990
Matt Kaldenberg, Simpson College, college graduation, 1990
Phyllis Kaldenberg, Simpson College, college graduation, 1990
Laura McEwen, Simpson College, college graduation, 1990
Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, NBA Finals, 1991
Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens, Stanley Cup Finals, 1993
Jeff Gordon, NASCAR, 1994 Brickyard 400, 1994
Nancy Kerrigan, U.S. figure skater, Winter Olympics, 1994
Santa Claus, Christmas, 1997
Mark McGwire, St. Louis Cardinals, MLB home run record, 1998
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, FIFA Women’s World Cup, 1999
Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants, MLB home run record, 2001
Scot Spiezio, Anaheim Angels, World Series 2002
Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz; Boston Red Sox, World Series, 2004
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat, NBA Finals, 2006
Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks, Stanley Cup Finals, 2007
David Cook, Season 7 “American Idol” winner, 2008
Kris Allen, Season 8 “American Idol” winner, 2009
Bruce Springsteen, The Boss, Super Bowl XLIII halftime, 2009
Lee DeWyze, Season 9 “American Idol” winner, 2010
Scotty McCreery, Season 10 “American Idol” winner, 2011

Linebacker Malcolm Smith Celebrates the Seattle Seahawks Victory in Super Bowl XLVIII – He’s “Going to Disney World!”

By

Chip

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February 3, 2014

Amid a mid-winter blizzard – of confetti – linebacker Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks continued a magical tradition Sunday night following his team’s 43-8 rout of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII here.

Rising from the frenzied, on-field hoopla moments after his team captured the National Football League championship, Smith beamed into the cameras and shouted those five words that for decades have become synonymous with Super Bowl victory celebrations: “I’m Going to Disney World!”

Smith, named the Most Valuable Player, was a game standout, intercepting Denver quarterback Peyton Manning for a 69-yard touchdown and recovering a fumble among several huge plays. Smith also added nine tackles as Seattle’s stifling defense dominated the game. For the Seahawks, the decisive win was their first Lombardi Trophy in two Super Bowl appearances.

Smith’s pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and iconic Super Bowl commercials, was captured within seconds of the final gun.

On Monday, Smith is scheduled for a hero’s welcome parade at Magic Kingdom park down Main Street, U.S.A., in front of cheering park guests and Seahawks fans.

This latest commercial is the 47th of a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “I’m Going to Disney World” commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion.

Smith set another mark Sunday night. He becomes the first defensive player ever to star in the Disney commercial.

This year’s commercial marks a “Frozen” first. Idina Menzel, who voiced Elsa in Disney’s Academy Award®-nominated animated feature film “Frozen,” sings the traditional “When You Wish Upon a Star” to accompany the iconic ad. Menzel, who performs the Academy Award®-nominated hit song “Let It Go” in the film and the all-new hit “Frozen” soundtrack, becomes the first contemporary artist to perform “When You Wish Upon a Star” in the Disney Parks Super Bowl ad. She recorded the vocal track in New York City on Jan. 26, 2014 and it was paired with the orchestral track recorded the previous week at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios.

Smith joins an all-star lineup of heroes from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m Going to Disney World” commercials.

Win a trip to Walt Disney World for 4 from The Wendy Williams Show!

By

Chip

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February 3, 2014

Show your Disney Side!

Each week in February you could win a Disney Parks vacation from The Wendy Williams Show!

Watch for the Magical Word of the Day and visit www.WendysMagicalWatchandWin.com to enter for your chance to win a family vacation for 4 to Walt Disney World® Resort.