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Major Victory for Environmentalists and The Walt Disney Company

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Major Victory for Environmentalists and The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is one of the world’s largest publishers of children’ books and with that means they use a lot of paper. Environmentalists have been working with Disney to help them sever ties with two of Asia’s most controversial pulp and paper manufacturers.

After several years of intense negotiation with the Rainforest Action Network (Ran), a San Francisco-based advocacy group, Disney has agreed to do everything it could to safeguard endangered forests and their ecosystems, which support the sorts of animals celebrated in Disney feature films and other arms of Disney.

“Disney is adding its voice to the growing chorus of companies demonstrating that there’s no need to sacrifice endangered forests in Indonesia or elsewhere for the paper we use every day,” Ran’s executive director Rebecca Tarbotton said in a statement.

Or, as another activist for the organization put it: “The Jungle Book will no longer be destroying the jungle.”

Mixed tropical hardwoods harvested in the Indonesian rainforest Disney will now avoid and they also will seek alternative resources things such as recycled paper and wood harvested in a more environmentally conscious way.

Disney will also sever ties with Asian Pulp and Paper (APP), the third largest paper manufacturer in the world, and with the Asian Pacific Resources International Holdings (April).  Both companies have reputations for exploiting the rainforest.

Disney said in a news release accompanying its new written policy that it would “work with non-governmental organizations to identify and prioritize regions with poor forest management and high rates of deforestation”.

 

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Major Victory for Environmentalists and The Walt Disney Company

Investigation Surrounding the Critical Injury Accident of a Disneyland Worker

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Investigation Surrounding the Critical Injury Accident of a Disneyland Worker

Sadly, a 68-year old machinist was critically injured while testing Disneyland’s Space Mountain in early October. Christopher Monday, has been identified as the worker and was critically injured and was taken to UCI Medical Center on October 3rd where he remains in critical condition after suffering back, chest and head injuries.

State officials are investigating the accident and the investigation could take up to six months and include employees and witness interviews.

“Preliminary information that we heard was that he was struck by the vehicle … how [is] still being determined,” Ortiz said.

Suzi Brown of Disneyland Resort said that the ride did not malfunction and that “it was cleared for normal operation.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our cast member and his family,”  Brown said. “On behalf of his fellow cast members, we offer our heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery.”

 

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Investigation Surrounding the Critical Injury Accident of a Disneyland Worker

Jake And The Neverland Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky DVD Review

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Jake And The Neverland Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky DVD Review

Jake And The Neverland Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky comes out on DVD + Digital Copy on October 16.  If you missed the premier on Disney Chanel in September, you don’t want to miss this DVD!   Recently, I was given a copy to review and I chose to watch it with my 3-year-old son, who is a huge Jake fan!  As I suspected, we weren’t disappointed.  We got our family room set up with pillows, drinks, popcorn and the inflatable “Jake sword” that came with the DVD.   We both enjoyed the entire movie and my son has since enjoyed watching the additional episodes on my iPhone!

The movie begins with the Neverland Pirate Code which says Jake must race his Pirate ship, Bucky, against Captain Hook’s ship, The Jolly Roger.  The catch is if Bucky loses, he belongs to Captain Hook… forever.   After Hook cheats his way through the race and wins, Jake and his friends find out there is a way they can get Bucky back.  Peter Pan joins in the fun and eventually helps Jake win Bucky back!

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Renting Disneyland Tickets???

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Renting Disneyland Tickets???

Should you or shouldn’t you try to “rent” tickets on your next trip to Disneyland to save some money???  It depends on who you ask.  Up to nine ticket agencies exist in the Disneyland area.   The way they work is that brokers will buy multimedia Disneyland passes from an authorized seller or Disney themselves.  The ticket agency will then rent out the five-day pass and pocket the profit.  For example, a five-day park hopper pass costs $290 (or $58 per day).  A ticket agent will “rent” the multiday pass to customers for anywhere between $80-$99 per day.

The crux of the issue is this.  CA Police say there is nothing illegal about ticket agencies renting out multiday passes by the day.  However Disney forbids ticket transfers – and clearly state on their tickets that they are “nontransferable” and must be used by the same person on all of the days.  If caught using a multiday ticket that you did not purchase your ticket will be confiscated.   Disney has tried to discourage these agencies – last year they stopped selling six and seven-day passes.  Disney cast members are also trained to spot reused tickets and ask questions or request identification and check to see if tickets have been altered.

Disneyland is planning to put a new technology into place that could resolve this issue for them – but have declined to elaborate on any more details.

This is not an issue in Florida at Walt Disney World.  In 1988 Florida outlawed the resale of multiday tickets after Disney officials claimed they lost $3 million dollars in ticket revenue the previous year.  No lobbying efforts are underway for a similar law in California yet.  Walt Disney World also uses biometrics (a fingerprint scanning system) to check multiday pass users.

What do you think?  Is renting tickets ok because it is not legal?  Is Disney being too strict?  Let us know!

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Renting Disneyland Tickets???

Top 10 Free or Cheap things to do outside of Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Top 10 Free or Cheap things to do outside of Disney World

Many people think that Disney World is just the 4 parks, but there are many things to do outside of the parks that do not cost a lot and some are even free !

Here is a list of a few of my recommendations of some free or cheap things to do outside of the parks, in no certain order.

1) Visiting the many Disney resorts. Disney has over 20 resorts and each of them has a different theme, You can make a day of just going around and checking out all the different resorts. They are all beautifully decorated and worth seeing. Keep in mind that all Disney resorts, just like the parks, sell different merchandise and some merchandise is only sold at certain resorts. Check out Chip’s Series Resort Hopping 101 here.

2) Riding the monorail. I know that most of us already know this so this tip is directed more to the first time visitor. The monorail loop circles The Magic Kingdom, The Polynesian Resort, The Contemporary Resort, The Grand Floridian Resort, and the Transportation and Ticket Center. I recommend getting off the monorail and the resort stops and taking a walk around. These resorts are some of Disney’s top resorts and of course that means they are some of the most expensive resorts, so for those of us who can not afford to stay there we can always go and dream.

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Walt Disney Co. Urges Court of Appeal to Overturn $319 Million ‘Millionaire’ Verdict

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Walt Disney Co. Urges Court of Appeal to Overturn $319 Million 'Millionaire' Verdict

The Walt Disney Company legal eagles showed up in full force on Wednesday seeking to overturn a $319 million dollar judgement over profits from the ABC hit TV show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire“.

The Disney lawyers contend that the 2010 jury verdict was caused because of an improper reading of a 1999 contract with the UK-based Celador (who gave ABC and Buena Vista of North America the rights to the program). Disney claims the jury improperly awarded Celador a share of revenue generated by ABC when they were only entitled to 50%.  They are seeking a new trial on the issue of contract interpretation.

Celador argues back that the jury was correct because they found that Disney had engaged in self-dealing transactions to keep ad revenue for ABC without sister company Buena Vista earning a profit which in turn they would have to share with Celador in accordance to the agreement.

Millionaire, hosted by Regis Philbin was a huge hit on ABC from 1999 to 2002, airing as often as 4 or 5 nights a week.  A syndicated version of the show still airs in many markets.

 

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Walt Disney Co. Urges Court of Appeal to Overturn $319 Million 'Millionaire' Verdict

Is This the New Turkey Leg at the Magic Kingdom?

By
Chip
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Is This the New Turkey Leg at the Magic Kingdom?

Just before soft opening, Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland has expanded its menu beyond those gooey cinnamon rolls (and cold milk) – they’ve added a hefty pork shank that may become just as popular as the ubiquitous turkey legs that theme park guests devour with glee.

The pork shank goes for $7.99.

Is This the New Turkey Leg at the Magic Kingdom?

Also on the menu at Gaston’s Tavern are chocolate croissants, fresh fruit and veggies, hummus and drinks, including Le Fou’s Brew, a frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow, topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam in a souvenir goblet.

What’s your pick for a new Magic Kingdom Park favorite: warm cinnamon rolls or pork shank?

Photo credit Inside the Magic

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Is This the New Turkey Leg at the Magic Kingdom?

Ambassadors Chosen to Share Walt Disney World Magic

By
Chip
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Ambassadors Chosen to Share Walt Disney World Magic

Continuing a 47-year tradition created by Walt Disney himself, Walt Disney World Resort has selected two Cast Members to serve in the revered and sought-after role of Ambassadors.

In a ceremony held today at Epcot, Tye Arnold and Rich Tamayo received their official ambassador pins as part of the announcement, which was greeted with a burst of confetti and the applause of friends, family and Cast Members. The pair will represent more than 64,000 Cast Members as they share the magic of Disney throughout the resort and the Central Florida community from Jan. 1, 2013 – Dec. 31, 2014.

“Today, we celebrate two amazing people who exemplify the talent and excellence of Walt Disney World,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France. “The role of Ambassador is special, not just because it represents our more than 64,000 Cast Members, but because it is a tradition that began with Walt Disney. And today, our Ambassadors share the magic of Disney with our guests, our Cast and our community.”

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‘People Like Us’ Blu-ray Review

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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'People Like Us' Blu-ray Review

‘People Like Us’ is a heartfelt drama that seems to touch everyone that watches it. I recently was sent a copy of this movie to review and I am so glad that I was chosen! I had never seen (or truthfully even heard of ‘People Like Us’) but when I saw in the press release that it was from the same studio that made ‘The Help’ and that it had some great actors, including Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), Olivia Wilde (Tron) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Dark Shadows), I was intrigued. This film unfortunately did not generate a lot of talk but it did get good reviews. My recommendation…if you have not seen ‘People Like Us’ and you like touching dramas then watch this movie.

As the Story Goes…

The storyline is inspired by true life events about Sam (Chris Pines) who is a smooth talking salesman that learns his father has died. Sam receives the news from his girlfriend Hannah (Olivia Wilde) which leaves him with mixed emotions since his father and him have always had a strained relationship. Regardless, Sam attends the funeral and reunites with his difficult mother, Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer) and finds out life changing news that he was not prepared to deal with at the time. His father left him $150,000 in his shaving kit, which comes none to soon for Sam, but there is a catch. The money comes with instructions to deliver the cash to an 11-year-old named Josh, who happens to be the son of Frankie (Elizabeth Banks), a half- sister he didn’t know about.

The movie is somewhat dark and gritty, definitely a “true to life” type film, and it may take a minute or two to hook you, but once it does you will want to watch and see what happens to these characters and you are cheering for them the whole time.

The acting in the movie was amazing, clearly with these well-known respected actors it was expected; but, from the main characters to the supporting roles there was not anyone ill cast, in my opinion.

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Disney and Barneys New York Reveal “Line Art” Drawing of Fashion Notables for Moving Art Short

By
Chip
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Disney and Barneys New York Reveal “Line Art” Drawing of Fashion Notables for Moving Art Short

Disney and Barneys New York have released new details about the list of fashion icons featured in the upcoming Electric Holiday moving art short. The moving art short will feature Disney characters in a fantasy Paris runway show attended by world renowned  designers, some of the industry’s most revered hair and make-up artists, well respected fashion journalists, photographers and editors, and trend-setting celebrities.

The ‘line art’ drawing depicts Suzy Menkes, Steven Meisel, Bryan Boy, Alber Elbaz and Carine Roitfeld as they have been reimagined through the magic of Disney and Barneys New York. Other fashion notables rumored to be included in the front row of the moving art short include Franca Sozzani, Emmanuelle Alt, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Glenda Bailey.

Disney and Barneys New York reveal part of the high fashion line up for the upcoming Electric Holiday moving art short. The Electric Holiday moving art will feature models inspired by Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse as well as other iconic Disney characters as they star in a fantasy Paris runway show, capturing the essence of the high-fashion world along with the electrically-charged colors and brilliant lights of the magical world of Disney. The ‘line art’ drawing depicts (from left to right): Suzy Menkes, Steven Meisel, Bryan Boy, Alber Elbaz, and Carine Roitfeld as they have been reimagined through the magic of Disney and Barneys New York.

(Photo credit: Disney)

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Disney and Barneys New York Reveal “Line Art” Drawing of Fashion Notables for Moving Art Short

Relaxing Evening Activities at Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Relaxing Evening Activities at Walt Disney World

Relax and Disney may not seem to go together. But, every vacation needs some down time. After all, isn’t that what vacations are meant for? I want to share with you some suggestions to incorporate relaxation into your Disney vacation.

Dinner and a movie. Many Disney resorts offer nightly movie viewing-even if you’re not a guest at that particular resort. One of our favorite places to catch a movie is on Disney’s Boardwalk on the beach. Consider getting a pizza {which is 2 QS credits} and settling down with a movie for the evening. Either outdoors at your resort or in your room, you can still catch some Disney magic while unwinding from the parks.

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Disney Confidential – Has Disney Opened a University?

By
Anonymouse
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Disney Confidential - Has Disney Opened a University?

Hey there guys and gals! Guess who???? Okay guess again… Give up? Okay it is MEEEEEEEEEEE…Anonymouse and I have heard some interesting news about another part of life that Disney is dipping their toe into the pond. The Walt Disney Company has done a great job of hooking us all into their world and I personally am thankful that they share their joy…but this time they may have gone too far.

It seems they have opened up a University now…are our children of today going to be one-track minded. Yes, they are little monsters but hopefully after a nap and all…and they will grow out of it, right??? Well, thankfully, the good news is the new University is not Disney themed, then what is the connection you ask??? Well, it is Monster themed…yes, Monster University is a REAL thing (that is if you believe everything you read on the Internet or from Chimp Chip). But, even if you are skeptical of the Internet and Chip (which is scary if you are not…) you know what you hear from Anonymouse is only the truth as she knows it..plus I went to the website and you can too!

Visit www.monstersuniversity.com/edu to learn all about Monsters University in time for the new Monster’s Inc. Prequel coming out next year, aptly titled, Monsters Inc. 2 – Monster’s University.

This very well done and creative website will have you wishing you could go to MU or at least to the movie and bonus, you can order Monster’s University swag and if you need a hole for one head or two, then they are the place to shop! Truthfully you can order the swag, but even though it says one head or two or two, four or six arms, etc. it does not let you order them that way only the normal people way…trust me I tried.

And for those of you that have little one’s that may seem like a good fit to Monster’s University…well, you can start learning about it now.

Anywho that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here.

Got any good gossip/rumors?  Please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page.

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Disney Confidential - Has Disney Opened a University?
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