‘Revenge: The Complete First Season’ DVD Review

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September 2, 2012

In a day in age where day time soap operas sadly seem to be a fading fad, fans must find a way to get their dose of backstabbing, betrayal, and drama. Thankfully for them, ABC has created ‘Revenge’, a show that will fall right into line with those day time soaps they love. But it isn’t just soap fans who will be won over by ‘Revenge’. As it turns out, this slick thriller of a show managed to win me over. With its intricate mystery, fun thrills, and very well written stories, this show managed to really win me over. I’m not one for prime time soaps, but this one really works for me. I resisted for a while, but when I received the first season to review, I sat down to watch it and was instantly drawn into this world of, well, quite simply, revenge. This is easily one of the better shows of the new season, and it’s clear to see why it’s such a hit. Fans of the show will be happy to know that, just like the show, this DVD set of ‘The Complete First Season’ doesn’t disappoint.

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Toy Story Showtime! App Review

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2012

Toy Story Showtime! is an interactive storybook app designed to help early readers pick-up on essential reading concepts. The story begins with all of your favorite Toy Story characters preparing for a Talent Show. Buzz is on a mission to impress Jessie. On each ‘page’ of the story, Buzz is coming up with a new act that ends up in a mis-hap. Will he ever figure out how to impress Jessie? The entire story takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, depending on how long your child plays with the interactive features within the story.

My 4-year-old daughter loves this app! She took to it right away. In fact, I let her try it out first and watched her explore it before trying it out myself. She was able to discover a majority of the interactive features on her own! As the narrator reads, each word is highlighted so that your child can follow along. My daughters eyes were tracking each word, from left-to-right.

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Coming Soon…the Not-So-Scary Street Jam at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2012

After the Headless Horseman passes and before the famed “Boo-To-You Parade” comes a new “pre-parade” in which Disney guests can take part. For all the princesses, ghosts and goblins that are waiting to view the parade from Main Street, U.S.A. there will be an extra special Not-So-Scary Street Jam!

You can even learn the dance steps now and practice for the new line dance. See the video below to get the groovy steps which features the song, “Calling All the Monsters” by China Anne McClain.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Offers Happy Haunts for 23 Nights at Disney World (chipandco.com)
Tickets On Sale for Mickey’s Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Party Events (chipandco.com)

Coming Soon...the Not-So-Scary Street Jam at Magic Kingdom

Disney World Quick Tips – Parade do’s and don’ts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2012

We love the Disney World parades. Singing along, waving to the characters and of course snapping a few pictures here and there make for a great break in busy park day.

Do you stake out a parade spot or do you just wing as its coming by, like a right place, right time type of thing? We do both, and it depends on the day! Some days we are wrapped up on many others things like, rides, shows maybe a character dinner and the parade can come and go and we are blissfully unaware. Other days I like to plan parade time! I mean lets face it you can get lucky as a parade is passing by and grab a spot and watch all the fun, but most times the parade route is lined with people and if you didn’t get there early well then no good parade viewing for you!

So that point brought up, lets talk about “staking out a parade spot”! Now I know this is a touchy subject for many Disney fans but really common sense should…(I said should) win out here!

1.) Grab a spot early~ I have always tried about 30 minutes before hand to grab a spot.

2.) Check the parade route~ Out of the way places tend to be less crowded, yes watching the parade go down Main Street is awesome, but having a better view and room to move ( in Liberty Square closer to Frontierland) can be just as great!

3.) Get drinks and snacks before you get comfortable in your spot~ Now I know what your thinking, “we can all sit down and send dad/mom for snacks” while the latter is true it will make it easier for everyone if you grab something before hand! Then the designated “snack grabber” doesn’t have to fight their way to and from the spot.

4.) Picture Taking~ Jumping in front of someone to get a picture of your favorite character is just not nice, ask before hand or better yet, see #1

5.) Dont assume…anything! Like “oh little so and so step right here in front of these people with NO kids” biggest um “fight” I ever saw at Disney followed that statement, and it quickly wasnt the happiest place on earth for long for all involved in that . Another one we saw “excuse me, excuse me” as an adult is pushing their child through a crowd to the curb and says “just sit there, I’ll be right back here”… Wait, What!! We had this happen by us once and the child was traumatized sitting with a bunch of strangers and mom & dad no where in sight. Poor kid~ If you have little one’s and you want up front or want them up front…then please by all means see #1

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Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play House Opens at Tokyo Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2012

Tokyo Disneyland’s newest attraction, Goofy’s Paint n Play House, opened this week!

When in the house, you can use a “Toontown Splat Master” – a paint shooting applicator to redecorate Goofy’s room. By pushing a button, turning a handle or puling a string you can make different colors of what seems like real paint fly out. Different theme options are available like “beach” or “jungle,” to help with your remodeling.

Easter Wonderland in Tokyo Disneyland (mahalarp.com)
Photo Diary: Tokyo Disneyland (travellingjapanese.wordpress.com)

Goofy’s Paint ‘n’ Play House Opens at Tokyo Disneyland

Disney Receives Gold Autism Award

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Chip

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September 2, 2012

Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts was awarded the Gold Autism Award earlier this month by The United Kingdom Autism Foundation for its efforts supporting and accommodating autistic guests.

The Gold Autism Award, accepted by Greg Hale, Chief Safety Officer and Vice President of Worldwide Standards and Auditing, was presented by Ivan Corea, father of an autistic child, Charin Corea. The award recognizes Disney’s initiatives to help guests with disabilities navigate the Walt Disney World Resort properties in an easy and effortless way.

Charin has inspired an entire autism movement in the United Kingdom. His parents initiated 2002 as Autism Awareness Year and they founded Autism Sunday which is now a massive international event celebrated in many countries including the United States. The inspiration behind all of this is Charin, a teenager with autism spectrum disorder and a communication disorder, who has inspired world leaders to speak up for people with autism and Asperger syndrome.

“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they are at the park. I want them to feel they are in another world,” said Corea quoting Walt Disney. “Disney World does just that, and makes it possible for (my son) Charin and other guests to truly enjoy their time in the parks because of its excellent attention and service.”

Raising awareness about autism and the needs of those who suffer from this condition is the main goal of the UK Autism Foundation.

Disney works to accommodate guests with disabilities by appropriately training Cast Members, making the latest technology available to guests and constantly reviewing policies and procedures that govern park operations. In addition, guests with disabilities can plan their park experience by reviewing a copy of the Guide for Guests with Disabilities.

“Part of Disney’s heritage is to have no one feel excluded,” said Hale. “Our goal here is to make experiences accessible to any guest that enters the parks.”

To learn more about Disney services for guests with disabilities please visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guests-with-disabilities/

United Way Campaign Gets Help from Disney World Cast Members (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Trains at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)

Blu-Ray Review: Once Upon A Time

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2012

Once Upon A Time, there was a Blu-Ray release of the first season of a series that captured the heart and soul of a Disney Generation. Once Upon A Time, Season One, on Blu-Ray, is a collection that you are going to want to own! There are so many incredible details to this, I scarcely know where to begin. For starters, the first season is 22 episodes long, which encompasses five Blu-Ray disks worth of incredible storylines, plot twists, and character development! What is great is that you can sit down, put in disk one, and watch each and every episode without commercial interruptions, pause it when you need to, and you don’t need to wait each week for the next episode!

One interesting thing that they have on the Blu-Rays is a feature called SmartPlay. If you utilize this, you create a profile, start watching, and when you stop, the system remembers where you were, and starts back at that spot when you pick it back up again.

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Walt Disney Buyout Of Eurodisney A Possibility

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2012

Walt Disney Buyout Of Eurodisney A Possibility

It is being reported that Walt Disney could be considering a buyout of the struggling “Disneyland Paris“.

Disney currently is a 40% shareholder of the Euro Disney park which is run by the French company Euro Disney SCA. Disney said in an official statement: “Walt Disney is encouraged by the resort’s continued financial resilience and remain deeply committed to the future growth and long-term success of this invaluable asset to the Walt Disney Company”.

Euro Disney has posted net losses in the past two years despite record ticket sales. News of the potential buyout has caused the Euro Disney stock to jump up this past week.

Exclusive: Walt Disney Co considers buyout of struggling Disneyland Paris (business.time.com)
Disney considers buyout of Disneyland Paris (wdwinfo.com)

Walt Disney Buyout Of Eurodisney A Possibility

Become President of the Swan & Dolphin Resort and win a free stay

By

Chip

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September 1, 2012

On November 6th, 2012 America will elect the next President of the United States and the Swan & Dolphin Resort will elect someone to stay in the lavishly appointed Presidential Suite.

That someone could be YOU!

To become one of the candidates, simply sign up to receive an occasional newsletter from theWalt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and you are automatically entered into our drawing.

It’s that easy! No campaign trail, no speeches, no debates!

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5 Things to Do When Not in WDW to get your Disney Fix!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2012

5 Things to Do When Not in WDW to get your Disney Fix!

Are you like me? Not quite a Disney Addict, but start going through withdrawal a few months after that last trip. What to do? I am a lover of all things Disney. My first trip to Disney World was as an adult with my husband. All subsequent trips have included my children. I love the family time we spend there! If I could I would live in Cinderella’s Castle and stroll up and down Main Street USA on a daily basis. But since I don’t have the means to do that, here are a few things I do to keep the Disney Crazy at bay. Some of these I’ve only “heard” from other people and have never tried myself of course. Don’t judge, cause I know there are more of you out there worse off than I!

Admit it, you’ve done this too. Book an imaginary trip to Disney on Disney’s website. You pick your hotel, dining plan and maybe even look into some dining reservations. Then you realize Disney does not accept Monopoly money and you close out your computer. Or maybe you sit and think, “Wow, that’s not a bad deal” and you convince your family that you MUST go back to Disney even though you said you would wait 2 years. You only need REAL help if you order and WATCH the planning DVD with no plans to go to Disney.
Go to the Disney Store. This is a small help if you are just having “one of those days”. The smell, the music, the twinkling floor tiles. Not sure what it is, but I feel better afterward. I watch the vintage Mickey shorts on the TV, sniff the Disney air fresheners, talk myself out of another Mickey Mouse coffee cup. The usual. Or so I hear.
Immerse yourself in Disney. Have your Travel Mugs from the Dining Plan? Drink out of them and close your eyes and pretend you are at your resort. Not working? Got your Mickey PJ’s on and have a Disney Film Festival on a Saturday morning. I hope if you are a true Disney fan, your iPod holds some Disney Music. Turn it on and get your day going!
Cook like Disney. OK, I’ve really never done this. However there are recipes out there for Tonga Toast and Dole Whip Floats. If you don’t already have a Mickey Waffle Maker…trying not to judge, but why? Whip up some Disney Magic in your kitchen for breakfast!
Get Crafty! Craft stores and Department stores have Disney Craft kits galore! Pick up a few and sit down with the kids for some family fun. Is it the same as riding Splash Mountain? Nope, but maybe you can get enough of a Disney fix to keep you going.

Sadly, none of these will permanently keep away the wish to go to Disney World every few months. Unfortunately, my kids do need to go to college, and eat, and they insist on needing bigger clothes. These are my crazy, fun ways to get my Disney fix. What are yours? Please share…I need more ideas before I get out the Disney Visa!

The Five Senses at Walt Disney World (wdwhints.com)
Disney Quick Tips – How to interact with a Disney Addict (chipandco.com)

5 Things to Do When Not in WDW to get your Disney Fix!

Taking the Plunge…RunDisney!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2012

If you decided to read on, perhaps you’ve been intrigued by the hype surrounding RunDisney. Maybe you’ve seen ads, emails, photos, and videos promoting RunDisney events and in the back of your mind, you’ve always said, “maybe one day!”. Maybe you’ve thought that for like about 5 seconds before you come to your senses and start listing of an arsenal of reasons why you (of all people) have no business running, period. Today I am here to help you stop that negative self talk and redirect your negative thoughts into positive realities.

About a year ago, I did just that! I put that negative talk to the side and committed to running the Princess Half Marathon. With 13.1 miles staring me in the face, my first step was to sign up. I knew that once I committed my money, my dedication would follow. That was seriously the best choice I could have made. I was that girl who always joked when I saw people running on the side of the road; “the only way I would be able to run is if someone chased after me with a knife!”. But, then I learned a little something about myself (that I think is true for everyone)… what is to be is up to me! In terms of training and running, I pushed myself like never before. It was hard! I am not going to kid you. But, it was SO worth it. Not only for the satisfaction of completing a RunDisney event, but more so, for just showing myself that I can take on a challenge and succeed. I am officially addicted to RunDisney! Running is all about putting one foot in front of the other. That is how I thought of the process; each action was a next step! I think you (insert your name here…yes, especially YOU) should take the plunge and RUN…Disney!

If you have been thinking about signing up for a race, take a look at my list of 5 pro’s to signing up for a RunDisney event! These will help you combat all those cons I know you’ve cooked up!

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United Way Campaign Gets Help from Disney World Cast Members

By

Chip

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September 1, 2012

As the largest corporate contributor to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), Walt Disney World Resort often gets attention for its generous charitable giving–our Cast Members donate nearly $3 million annually to the organization and we serve as the host and sponsor of the annual Chef’s Gala event.

What is lesser known but just as important is that Walt Disney World Resort also annually makes a valuable annual in-kind contribution to HFUW by loaning Cast Members to assist the agency for three months with its annual fundraising campaign.

This year Disney has selected Sean McNally, Retail Guest Services Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports and Heather Switzer, Labor Operations, to join a team of loaned executives from various local companies that in turn help more than 450 local businesses implement their United Way workplace campaigns.

“I am very excited to represent Disney and to have the opportunity to work with Heart of Florida United Way to help make a difference for the Central Florida community,” said McNally. “Having this opportunity to work with fellow leaders from around Central Florida will make me a more aware and well-rounded leader for my organization.”

Since 1992, Disney has loaned a total of 81 Cast Members to serve in this capacity at HFUW. Walt Disney World begins its annual Heart of Florida United Way campaign on October 1.

Cast Members ‘Encore’ Perform Finding Wonderland Show for Charity (chipandco.com)
How to eat more for less money at Disney World (chipandco.com)

United Way Campaign Gets Help from Disney World Cast Members

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