Disney to shut down Disney Movies Online

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November 19, 2012

Disney Store shoppers can take advantage of Black Friday Specials earlier than ever by shopping online at DisneyStore.com/magicalfridaydeals.

Beginning Monday, November 19 and continuing throughout the week, Disney Store’s website will offer hundreds of items at Black Friday prices. New items will appear on sale each day leading up to the most magical shopping day of the year. On Magical Friday, November 23^rd, brick and mortar Disney Stores will offer additional deals and door-busters to guests who visit the specialty retailer’s more than 150 locations opening at midnight, nationwide.

“At Disney Store, we know our guests like to start shopping early and we’re pleased to deliver a streamlined, interactive online shopping experience, with more deals available earlier than ever before,” said Paul Gainer, Executive Vice President, Disney Store Retail. “On Magical Friday, whether guests shop with us in our over 200 brick and mortar stores or online at DisneyStore.com, they will find the highest quality products at incredible deals.”

Disney Store offers gifts at budget-friendly price points of $10, $15 and $20, and has the season’s hottest toys. Favorites include a great new assortment inspired by Disney’s newly released film, Wreck-It Ralph, and an assortment of new toys inspired by the release of the CinderellaDiamond Edition on Blu-Ray™. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winners of 2012 include Disney Store’s exclusive Cinderella “Happily Ever After” Carriage Set and the Cinderella Deluxe Doll Gift Set. DisneyStore.com is also the only destination where guests can buy Disney Parks and Resorts products, outside of the Theme Parks.

In addition to offering online deals the week of Thanksgiving, the newly-designed DisneyStore.com now boasts the Disney Magical Message video, a feature that allows gift-givers to record and send personalized video messages to loved ones. Gift recipients will receive an email notifying them of a special delivery, then once the gift arrives at their door, a card will provide them a site URL and a personal ID to view their “Disney Magical Message” video.

Disney’s Babble.com Helps Make Thanksgiving Prep Easy as Pie

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November 19, 2012

While prepping for the holidays can be quite stressful, I’d like to share some easy yet elegant recipes, crafts and holiday tips from Babble.com, Disney’s leading online parenting platform, that will help you enjoy your Thanksgiving without pulling your feathers out.

With these simple recipes for Thanksgiving super foods, like winter squash,brussel sprouts and of course turkey, you won’t waste any time worrying about your family’s nutrition. And there’s no need to worry about accommodating guests’ special dietary needs with delicious meatless main courses, vegetarian side dishes, and gluten-free pumpkin desserts.

Why you should Cheat on Disney

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November 19, 2012

I know most of you are in shock just reading the title of this article. Normally I would never condone cheating especially not on Disney. When most people hear Orlando they think of Disney World and rightly so, there is no place like Disney. However there are a couple of other theme parks here that can be fun also (I say here because I live in Orlando ).

Sea World in Orlando – I’m going to start with Sea World. When I first moved here I could not afford a Disney World annual pass so the only one I could afford was Sea World. I love Dolphins so my first stop would always be to feed the Dolphins. It’s so cute because they come right up to you and eat the fish right out of your hand and they do let you touch them. Sea World also has some amazing shows. I recommend night-time shows because a few of them are a little different at night. The Clyde and Seamore show is really funny, just watch out for the mime. They also have a large play area for kids with slides and rides, that was my daughters favorite part of the park when she was younger. Sea World also has Halloween and Christmas events that are included in your ticket price. We miss The Polar Express at Sea World. It is adorable how they incorporate the movie with the Polar Bears attraction.

Universal Studios – This park can be appealing to people who live thrill rides and movies. I am not a fan of thrill rides so I am not the biggest Universal fan. When they made The Wizarding World of Harry Potter than they got my attention. I am a big Harry Potter fan, yes I know I’m over the typical age of a Harry Potter fan but that’s ok I can live with that. I was lucky enough to get free tickets from a friend so I could not wait to go. It looks just like you are there in the movie. Hogwarts looks amazing inside and out. The ride is housed in the castle but you can just walk thru if you like. They have 3 d images of Ron, Hermione, and Harry that look like they are standing there talking to you. When you go up the stairs there are the famous talking paintings and yes they really do talk and come to life. That is the best part of the park. I was a little shocked by how small this area of the park is and how absolutely tiny the stores are. Other than that if you are a Harry Potter fan then this definitely a must see.

Chip’s Tips: The regular Butterbeer is way better than the frozen one !

There is so much to do here and a lot of it gets overshadowed by Disney. I am going to tell you a few my other non-Disney favorites.

Disney Channel’s FA-LA-LA-LIDAYS Set to Return Friday November 23rd

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November 19, 2012

Disney Channel, the #1 cable channel in Total Viewers, Kids 2-11, Kids 6-11 and Tweens, will present its second annual Fa-la-la-lidays programming event beginning Friday, November 23 with new holiday themed-episodes premiering SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2. This year’s event is highlighted by the season four premiere of “Phineas and Ferb” guest starring NHL superstar Luc Robitaille and a special New Years Eve-themed episode of the animated hit series, plus a music-filled crossover episode of “Jessie” and “Austin & Ally,” featuring a duet by Jessie (Debby Ryan) and Austin (Ross Lynch), and a Santa-themed episode of the popular comedy “Good Luck Charlie” that includes a duet by Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) and Spencer (Shane Harper) and guest stars Shirley Jones. New holiday-themed episodes of “Dog With A Blog” and “Shake It Up,” featuring Zendaya performing a new holiday song, will also be presented along with festive movies including “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause,” Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” and the Disney Channel premiere of “Secret of the Wings.”

Walt Disney Records’ Disney Channel Holiday Playlist, an album of holiday classics and original songs performed by stars from hit Disney Channel series and original movies, is now available wherever music is sold. Radio Disney will celebrate Fa-la-la-lidays with holiday-themed music featuring songs from Disney Channel Holiday Playlist beginning November 23 and Radio Disney stations in 31 markets will host events throughout November and December with holiday-themed interactive entertainment, music and prizes.

DisneyChannel.com will debut two new holiday games based on “Phineas and Ferb” and “Austin & Ally”/”Jessie” and a special holiday edition of the “Gravity Falls” fan-favorite “Mabel’s Sweater Creator,” plus a daily holiday “gift” including exclusive downloads and printable crafts. Full length holiday episodes of hit Disney Channel series will also be available.

Highlights from Disney Channel’s Fa-la-la-lidays (all times ET/PT) are:

20th Anniversary Disney World Marathon Weekend Marks the Occasion with Sold-Out Events

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November 19, 2012

More than 55,000 runners from throughout the United States and beyond will lace up their running shoes and head to Walt Disney World Resort for the sold-out Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, Jan. 10-13. Several celebrities including Drew Cary (‘The Price is Right,’) Sean Astin (‘Goonies’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings,’) and Alison Sweeney (‘The Biggest Loser,’) will join the celebration as runDisney marks the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon.

To mark two decades of the Walt Disney World Marathon, runners will enjoy several unique features, including a special 20th anniversary medal, course enhancements taking runners onto the track at Walt Disney World Speedway and through ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a Mile 20 spectacular featuring special entertainment and a new post-race party at Downtown Disney.

Marathon weekend features runDisney Kids’ Races, a Family Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. Thousands of runners will run Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which involves running the Half Marathon and the full Marathon – 39.3 miles! The Health and Fitness Expo runs throughout the weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and features the latest in running technology and fashion, as well as renowned running experts like Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney. For more information, visit rundisney.com.

Starbucks Locations Opening at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
What is Your “Disney Moment”? (chipandco.com)

20th Anniversary Disney World Marathon Weekend Marks the Occasion with Sold-Out Events

Save the Galaxy and Use the Force For Free – Star Wars: The Old Republic is Free-to-Play

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November 18, 2012

Save the Galaxy and Use the Force For Free - Star Wars: The Old Republic is Free-to-Play — Star Wars: The Old Republic – NOW Free-to-Play

BioWare™, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. and LucasArts has taken their critically-acclaimed, massively multiplayer online game Star Wars: The Old Republic is now Free-to-Play! Now players can experience the complete storylines of all eight, iconic Star Wars™ classes, all the way to level 50 without paying a monthly fee.

“There has never been a better time to start playing with us. We want to give our players the freedom to enjoy Star Wars: The Old Republic when and how they want,” said Matthew Bromberg, General Manager of BioWare Austin.

Along with the Free-to-Play launch team BioWare released Game Update 1.5: HK-51 Activated, which adds new areas to explore, a new Companion character and more, including:

Action-packed adventure to earn control of one of the galaxy’s most deadly Assassins, HK-51. Submerged beneath the icy surface of Belsavis lies a derelict ship and if you are brave enough to venture through the wreckage, you will embark on a mission that ultimately rewards you with a powerful new, yet familiar, ally: the ruthless Assassin Droid, HK-51.
Explore Section X, a previously untouched area of the prison world of Belsavis. The Dread Masters’ servants are searching for a powerful and ancient weapon. Fly to Section X and secure the target of their search to be richly rewarded.
Travel to Denova to take on Operation: Explosive Conflict – now with a Nightmare Mode! Teams who complete in this new mode can earn the final pieces of the Dread Guard gear set and a brand new mount that will be sure to cause tank envy!

ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager celebrates christmas

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November 18, 2012

AMY AND RICKY CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER AS A FAMILY AND KATHY GOES INTO LABOR ON THE SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE OF “THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER,” PREMIERING, MONDAY, NOVEMER 19

Everyone finds themselves celebrating Christmas at an abandoned toy warehouse when Kathy suddenly goes into labor. Meanwhile, Grace wishes for a Christmas miracle with Jack on an all-new holiday episode. An all-day marathon of “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” will air on Monday, November 19 from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM ET/PT, leading into the premiere of the new holiday episode that evening, starting at 8:00 PM ET/PT.

In the all-new holiday episode, “Hedy’s Happy Holiday House,” it’s Christmas Eve and Ricky and Amy are celebrating their first holiday together as a family. Ricky talks about an old tradition he had as a kid of sneaking into a toy shop with his fellow foster care friends every Christmas Eve. Ricky, Amy & John decide to continue the tradition and sneak their way into Hedy’s and are amazed by the holiday fun inside. Ethan, dressed as Santa to surprise John, brings a very pregnant Kathy with him to join in on the fun. Meanwhile, Grace stays by Jack’s side at the hospital hoping for a miracle while he’s still in a coma since the beating. But, everyone is in for a holiday surprise when Kathy suddenly goes into labor.

Christmas comes to town on an all new episode of The Secret Life of the American Teenager. I can already see the heart and the headache of this episode. Where as some people bond and spend their first holiday together others are going into labor and hoping their loved ones make it through the holiday alive. A great special that will tug at the heart strings I’m sure, who doesn’t love a little christmas drama! In the end I’m sure it works out for all and hopefully they can spend that special time of the year with each other because that is what christmas is all about, being with the people you care about and feeling your love for them radiate through the laughs and in some cases the tears. In the end christmas is a magical time even if you go into labor!

The series cast includes Shailene Woodley, Ken Baumann, Greg Finley, Daren Kagasoff, Megan Park, Francia Raisa, Michael Grant, Cierra Ramirez with Steve Schirripa. In “Hedy’s Happy Holiday House,” the guest stars include Anne Ramsay, Renee Olstead, Camille Winbush, Allen Evangelista, Amy Rider, Tricia O’Kelley, De’Vaughn Nixon, Marielle Jaffe, Coby Ryan McLaughlin, Tessie Santiago, Natalie Dreyfuss, Ryan Sypek, Luke Zimmerman with Alice Hirson; special guest stars include Mark Derwin, Josie Bissett and Molly Ringwald.
ABC Familyis distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart.

Official ABC Family “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” website: http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/secret-life-american-teenager

Stay tuned for more updates on The Secret Life of the American Teenager !

ABC Family’s Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas 2012 Schedule (chipandco.com)

ABC Family's The Secret Life of the American Teenager celebrates christmas

ABC Family begin production on new comedy pilot “Phys Ed”

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November 18, 2012

ABC Family begin production on new comedy pilot "Phys Ed"

“Phys Ed” is a half-hour multi-camera comedy about a high school’s star jock, Ed (Sypek), who returns to teach at his former alma mater only to find that, even though he’s changed, nothing else really has. Ed’s new colleagues include Janie (Johnson), a Government/Civics teacher at the school who was ignored by Ed in high school and now finds herself cautiously drawn to his affections; nerdy and needy chemistry teacher Matt (Levine), who quickly befriends Ed and provides him with the latest faculty gossip; popular English teacher Alan (Bala), who likes being the alpha male at school and feels an overpowering need to put Ed in his place, just as if they were still both in high school; and Wendy (Harris), a hot history teacher and cheerleading coach who is rumored to be having an affair with Alan.

The lovely world of high school returns in this new pilot for ABC Family. This show is seemingly aimed at the older crowd because of the plotline and ages of the charachters, although im sure many teens will enjoy it as well. I love the idea of going back to the high school you went to it’s irony at it’s finest. I also love the idea of going back and seeing how things really haven’t changed all that much, the same cliques still exist and the same food and cleaner smell still flows through the crowded halls. I can already see the main charachter recognizing fellow class mates that are no longer just another face in the crowd. I feel like this show will definitely remind you of those few adults we all know that still act like they’re in high school. Janie really seems like my favorite charachter already going from the ignored girl to teacher and possibly love intrest to the old high school jock. Gossip flows down the halls just as much as it did when Ed went to school that i can assure you of. When you go back is it really a good thing or just those 4 years played out again and again? I guess you’ll have to watch and see!

The pilot is written and executive-produced by David H. Steinberg (“American Pie 2”) and directed by Ted Wass (“Melissa & Joey”). It is produced by Prodco, Inc. Ryan Sypek is an ABC Family alum, having starred in the network’s first original scripted series “Wildfire.”
ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart.

Stay tuned for updates on ABC Family’s latest comedy Phys Ed !

ABC Family starts production on new drama pilot “The Fosters” (chipandco.com)

ABC Family begin production on new comedy pilot "Phys Ed"

Snow White Exhibit Opens At Disney Family Museum

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November 18, 2012

Snow White Exhibit Opens At Disney Family Museum

Snow White is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary and to help celebrate an exhibition of behind-the-scenes of Snow White opens up Thursday at The Walt Disney Family Museum.

The first feature-length animated film made, Snow White has been named the number one animated film by the AFI (American Film Institute). The film was seen by 20 million people in the first three months when it was released in the 1930s.

Many of the works in the exhibit have never been seen before and are now on display in a new gallery at the Walt Disney Family Museum. The exhibit features more than 200 works of art including conceptual drawings, early character studies, detailed story sketches, and animation drawings from the film. Also featured are delicate thumbnail layout watercolors, meticulously rendered pencil layouts, rare watercolor backgrounds, colorful cels, and vintage posters.

The exhibit runs through April 14th.

20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Begins March 6 – May 19, 2013

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November 18, 2012

The Fab Five are having a party, and everyone’s invited to join the fun during the 20^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. Colorful, whimsical topiaries of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck will welcome topiary Daisy to their Epcot front-entrance celebratory barbecue. The 14-foot-tall topiary Goofy will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms.

And that’s just the festival opener. New topiaries, gardens, children’s play areas and interactive gardening seminars will set the stage for 75 days of festival fun as Disney’s horticulture team revs up for its 20^th year of beautiful blooms and creative whimsy.

For the first year ever, Mike and Sully from DisneyŸPixar “Monsters Inc.” will join the festivities with their DisneyŸPixar “Monsters University” topiary on the walkway from Future World to the park’s World Showcase. A new DisneyŸPixar “Cars” playground– Radiator Springs–brings favorite movie characters to life in topiary on the Test Track Walkway. And 2013′s Fawn’s Butterfly House flits to life with hundreds of butterflies and eight fairy topiaries including Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence.

The opening weekend Flower Power Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre will present fan favorite Micky Dolenz (“I’m a Believer”) March 8-10. Other pop acts set to perform include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Guess Who, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.

More than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape. Daily hands-on gardening seminars, HGTV celebrity presentations, and other Festival Center events will offer innovative ideas, design tips and gardening know-how to park guests.

For more information about the 20^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Being a Fake Federal Agent Will Not Get You Free Admission Into Epcot… (chipandco.com)
Disney World Refurbishment Schedule December 2012 (chipandco.com)

20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Begins March 6 – May 19, 2013

Look for the new “Mickey Check” for healthier food options at Disney

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