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Learn ABCs with Winnie the Pooh – New App!

Pooh iPad app

Since 1926, kids have been following the adventures of Winnie the Pooh and friends throughout the Hundred Acre Wood – now, a wonderfully safe learning environment.  Children preschool through kindergarten can practice their ABCs with Pooh as their trusted guide in a new, interactive iOS app – Letters with Pooh, from Disney Learning.

Developed by Disney Publishing and leading educators, Letters with Pooh is filled with engaging activities aligned to Common Core and state standards for pre-k literacy and is designed to help kids identify and practice writing letters of the alphabet as well as learn sound/symbol relationships.  Learning is seamlessly integrated into game play and the storyline, allowing kids to explore beginning literacy skills before entering a conventional classroom setting.  Kids help Pooh on his quest for honey by catching falling letters, tracing letters and collecting letter balloons, bringing letter puzzles to life. Kids will also help the other Hundred Acre Wood residents in supplemental activities that reinforce the letters they traced and collected during Pooh’s honey-hunting adventure.

Disney Visa Holder 2013 Discount Available!

Disney Visa Holder 2013 Discount Available!Do you have a Disney Visa? If you do then there was a discount released specifically for you today, if you do NOT, don’t fear this offer will be released for the general public on October 10th.

Here are the details:

Disney Visa card holders can book a vacation for January 2-March 7th 2013 and receive up to 30% off  their room at Disney resorts.

Disney Visa holders can book this offer between October 4-7th and have first grabs at the available rooms.

Disney will release this same offer to the general public on October 10th so don’t fret if you aren’t a Disney Visa card holder.

This discount can be booked both with and without the dining plans.

Happy Saving!!!

Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. If you are interested in booking a Disney vacation email her at [email protected] or check her out at www.destinationmagic.com . Lesley offers Disney gift card booking incentives and free personalized Disney tote bags (which you have seen featured on Chip and Co) as well as dining reservations and personalized itinerary planning for FREE as a part of her service to you.

  • Sick of Waiting for 2013 Disney Discounts? Wait No More!!! (chipandco.com)
Disney Visa Holder 2013 Discount Available!

More Buses to Receive Cameras for Safety

More Buses to Receive Cameras for Safety

After testing cameras on a couple of buses, Walt Disney Transportation has decided to install four cameras in every bus in the fleet. For the safety of everyone aboard, three will be exterior, while one will be interior.

I recently saw one of the buses in the test run. It appears that at least one camera is focused on the load zones of the buses. I do hope this will cut down on some of the rowdiness at the bus stops.

How do you feel about cameras on buses? Do you think other modes of transportation, buses and monorails, need interior cameras?

Lisa writes here at Chip & Co. as well as her blog Adventures in Mousedom. As a local to Disney World, she offers a different insight into visiting the parks. If you’re super cool like Chip, you should check it out. Okay, even if you’re not super cool like Chip, you should check it out. Trust me. What could go wrong?

Photo courtesy of Jodi at Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
  • Disney World’s Transportation System is Making Some Minor Changes (chipandco.com)
  • Taking the buses for CRT (passporterboards.com)
More Buses to Receive Cameras for Safety

20 New Laser-Reflecting Levels for Hit Mobile Puzzler “Where’s My Perry?”

20 New Laser-Reflecting Levels for Hit Mobile Puzzler "Where's My Perry?"

Agent P has gained the power of reflective mirrors in the latest chapter of the hit mobile game Where’s My Perry?  In “A Platypus Never Forgets,” players can now deflect Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s lasers and Crazy-inators in an effort to help our semi-aquatic sleuth reach the Organization Without a Cool Acronym’s headquarters. The new chapter features 20 new levels, and players can test their secret agent skills even further by discovering the hidden gems and unlocking two bonus gnome-filled levels!

Where’s My Perry? is available for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App store at: http://ow.ly/e86Q8 and for Android on Google Play at http://ow.ly/e86Uc.

Have you caught the Where’s my Perry bug yet? My daughter LOVES this game and I have been known to play a level or 2 for her when it gets a little tough 😉

20 New Laser-Reflecting Levels for Hit Mobile Puzzler "Where's My Perry?"

Storybook Circus is Big Fun Under the Big Top for Fantasyland Guests

Storybook Circus is Big Fun Under the Big Top for Fantasyland Guests

Magic Kingdom guests blink back in amazement at the scene: not one, but two colorful Dumbos spinning through the sky above Storybook Circus.

To the delight of fans of the beloved Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction, a second Dumbo has taken its place alongside a Dumbo that opened in March. Storybook Circus is just one part of the multiyear, largest expansion of Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom history. More exciting new attractions in New Fantasyland come on stream soon.

Not only are two Dumbos, side by side, unprecedented for a Disney park anywhere in the world, they even fly in opposite directions: one clockwise, the other counterclockwise. A real circus act, if you will.

“Fly” is just the sensation guests get aboard the Dumbo-shaped vehicles of Dumbo, the Flying Elephant. Young and old alike delight in controlling the up-and-down movement of their vehicles with the simple maneuver of a lever.

Both Dumbos feature shiny new red and gold colors (inspired by ’50s- and ’60s-era tin toys), beautiful newly-created signature illustrations from Disney animators and a new water feature circling the base of both attractions – a first for Dumbo.

The two Dumbos are connected to a new “big top” area allowing guests to immerse themselves in circus lore in a series of fun, interactive experiences before a spin with their favorite circus elephant.

Guests receive a circus ticket pager that virtually holds their place and notifies them when it’s their turn to board either Dumbo. In the meantime, fun-filled games and experiences are theirs to enjoy – in air-conditioned comfort. Guests electing the FASTPASS option bypass the tent en route to their flight with Dumbo.

If You Want to Live in the Haunted Mansion Today is Your Lucky Day!

If You Want to Live in the Haunted Mansion Today is Your Lucky Day!

In Duluth, Ga., more than 2,000 miles from the original Haunted Mansion in Disneyland sits it’s twin. The best news yet is that it is for sale so if you want to live in the Haunted Mansion then here is your opportunity. Theme Park Connection, the theme-park memorabilia reseller is selling this 10,000 square foot home that was constructed to be the twin to the Haunted Mansion Ride at Disneyland.

The seven-bedroom, six bath house was built-in 1996 and the asking price is $873,000.

The current owner and designer Mark Hurt’s goal was to re-create the attractions exterior down to the smallest detail, making the Southern-style structure that looked like it came straight out of New Orleans right at home in the gated community in Georgia.

“He got permission from someone at Disney over at Disneyland to actually walk the attraction outside and measure it to get the exact detail of the house,” said Marc Pianko, owner of Theme Park Connection.

The details Hurt put into the house began with an original Haunted Mansion Gate sign along with the authentic green hand-welded iron railings. There are the four faux smoke stacks on the roof that exactly match the Disneyland Haunted Mansion; as opposed to the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom that is an older, gothic style. Though the owners say there is no sign the house is truly haunted, one can never be sure!

“Jake Saves Bucky” Available on Disney DVD October 16, 2012

"Jake Saves Bucky" Available on Disney DVD October 16, 2012

We love Jake and the Neverland Pirates at our house!  My three-year old son and I watch the cartoon on a daily basis and have several episodes on our DVR.  Each day on our way to school, we listen to Sharky and Bones sing Pirate Rock songs.  In fact, his 3rd birthday party was Jake themed, so to say we are excited about this DVD release is an understatement!!

Yo ho, let’s go! Set sail with Jake and his crew on a full-length, high-speed adventure on the high seas. According to the Never Land Pirate Code, Jake and his crew must race Bucky against the Jolly Roger and the sneaky Captain Hook. But if Bucky loses, he’ll belong to Hook forever. Of course, Hook uses every trick in the book and wins the race. But, Jake and his crew might have a way to get Bucky back. With the help of Peter Pan, the young pirates embark on an adventure across Never Land that includes getting past a fire-breathing dragon. With your help, Jake’s crew can save Bucky from the devious Captain Hook. In addition, enjoy four more exciting Jake and the Never Land Pirates episodes. Overflowing with music, swashbuckling action and seafaring fun, Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky proves that being a hero comes from teamwork, determination and friendship!

Available on Disney DVD October 16, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky” Combo Pack comes with more than 2 hours of DVD content, a digital copy and an official “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” blow-up sword. In addition, fans can sing along to all the fun, swashbuckling songs on a special Pirate-oke feature (a karaoke-like feature that allows viewers to sing along to a collection of the songs featured in the episodes) exclusive to the DVD!

Episodes included :
1 – Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Jake Saves Bucky (Full-length adventure)
2 – Peter’s Musical Pipes/The Never Night Star
3 – Captain Hook’s Hooks/Mr. Smee’s Pet
4 – Race-Around Rock!/Captain Hook is Missing!
5 – Captain Hook’s Lagoon/Undersea Bucky!

Suggested Retail Price for “Jake Saves Bucky” is $19.99 (U.S.)/$24.99 (Canada).

  • The Neverland Pirates Band Will Perform at Walt Disney World Resort August 3-12 (chipandco.com)
  • Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3, “Viva La Fiesta!” available on September 18th (chipandco.com)
"Jake Saves Bucky" Available on Disney DVD October 16, 2012

Counting Down the Days

Counting Down the Days

“How many more days until Disney?” Whether you are planning your first Disney vacation or your tenth, the wait until can feel like it goes on forever. Over the years I have come up with some tips and traditions for keeping the excitement going strong during your trip countdown.

  • Movie Nights: Movies are how many of us first fell in love with Disney. Watching Disney movies together is a wonderful way to keep the magic going during your countdown. This is also a great way to introduce characters that may not be as familiar to your family before you arrive at the parks. Family movie nights are much-loved tradition in my family during the days we are anxiously counting down the days until Disney. Go all out and really have fun with your movie nights. Planning on watching “Lady and the Tramp”? Have spaghetti and garlic bread with tiramisu for dessert. “The Three Caballeros”? Tacos and flan of course!
  • Countdown Chains: A countdown chain is a tried and true favorite way to mark off the days until your Disney vacation. There is something so satisfying about watching the chain get smaller and smaller as your vacation gets closer and closer. One way my family has added a twist to this is to write a special memory or something that we are looking forward to inside each ring. Reading them together makes tearing one-off every night even more special.

Finding the best viewing spot for IllumiNations

IllumiNations

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s fireworks spectacular, is more than just bursts of color in the nighttime sky. It, like other Walt Disney World attractions, not only entertains—and wows—but also tells a story.

Utilizing pyrotechnics, a revolving globe and laser projections all synced to a booming symphonic score, this 14-minute show integrates fire, earth and water (and wind on a breezy night) to celebrate our planet and its people. The story is “told” in three acts:

  • Act 1: Chaos —The Inferno Barge launches balls of fire 60 feet into the air depicting the dawn of time and the creation of Earth.
  • Act 2: Order —Earth Globe glides to the center of the lagoon, glowing with great people and achievements throughout time.
  • Act 3: Meaning —Earth Globe opens to reveal a torch; fireworks begin and laser lights fill the sky, propelling us into the future.

The stage is set in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon and is visible from pretty much any vantage point in the park. However, one of the best viewing spots is the patio of the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room. Located at the United Kingdom Pavilion, Rose & Crown sits right on the water and is designed in three different architectural styles—one reflecting pubs of the late 19th century, one modeled after pubs from the 17th century and one modeled after contemporary country pubs.

Finally….A New Website for Disney!

Finally....A New Website for Disney!

 

If you go to Disney.com you are in for a pleasant surprise ! You will finally see what many of us have been waiting for…a newly refurbished website!! The image above is a screen shot of the new site to give you an idea of some of the new changes. The Walt Disney Company has been working on this reboot for nearly a year now within their digital division and the primary aim of the site is to deliver a robust entertainment experience.

James Pitaro, Disney Interactive co-President, came to the Walt Disney Company from Yahoo in 2010 to help with the main focus Disney has moved to with the new site and delivery to multiple devices, including tablets and smartphones. Pitaro refers to the shift as the “digital gateway to Disney” and sites that the new change is not without risk.

Pitaro said, “The new Disney.com is a much cleaner and more elegant site and a significant change from the legacy site, and any time you make material changes to a Web experience that has a large audience, you have potential to unsettle some users…That said, we take a lot of pride in the new entertainment experience we’ve created and are confident that the multi-platform site will both further engage our current Guests and bring in new ones.”

Many changes have been improvements to the old site, such as load time with has drastically improved and a minimalist design that is meant to put guests first. The site now gets much more fresh content from many Disney units, including Marvel and Pixar, though ABC and ESPN divisions are not currently part of the new site.

 

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Finally....A New Website for Disney!

The Joy Luck Club is Coming to Blu-ray!

The Joy Luck Club is Coming to Blu-ray!

For the First Time on Blu-rayTM, with New Digital Restoration, Celebrate the Touching Drama Based on the Best-Selling Novel this Holiday Season

Available December 11, 2012

Four older women, all Chinese immigrants living in San Francisco, meet regularly to play mahjong, eat, and tell stories. Each of these women has an adult Chinese-American daughter. The film reveals the hidden pasts of the older women and explores cultural conflict and the relationships between mothers and daughters. The film is structured as a series of vignettes told from the perspectives of the different women.

Cast: Kieu Chinh (21, City of Angels) as Suyuan – The Mother Tsai Chin (Casino Royal, Memoirs of A Geisha) as Lindo – The Mother France Nuyen (Santa Barbara, South Pacific) as Ying-Ying – The Mother Lisa Lu (2012, The Last Mother) as An-Mei – The Mother Ming-Na (Mulan, TV’s “ER”) as June The Daughter (as Ming-Na Wen)

Stream the First Episode of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” Season 5 Free

Stream the First Episode of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Season 5 Free
Darth Maul and brother Savage Opress team up to take on the Jedi

You’ve waited for months and now the new season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars is finally here! The episode audiences were able to catch during Star Wars Celebration VI is now streaming FREE on StarWars.com.

As the Sith brothers Maul and Savage forcibly recruit pirates to their cause, they are pursued by Obi-Wan Kenobi.

See the season premiere of Star Wars: The Clone Wars here.

Catch NEW episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on its NEW TIME SLOT – Saturdays at 9:30 am/e on Cartoon Network!

Stream the First Episode of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Season 5 Free