Secrets of Hollywood Studios

By

-

August 21, 2012

Secrets of Hollywood Studios

Shhhh don’t tell anyone. It’s just between you and me. I have been a passholder for a few years and a Cast Member a few years ago. So in that time I have learned a few insider secrets that I thought you would appreciate. In case you missed our fun facts from the Magic Kingdom you can check them out here.

On August 9, 2007, Meg Crofton, the president of Walt Disney World, announced that the park would be re-named as Disney World Hollywood Studios. Some of you may remember that Hollywood Studios used to be called MGM Studios.
Hollywood Studios is modeled after Hollywood of the 1930’s and 40’s. The park is represented by the big sorcerer’s hat from the movie Fantasia.

Hollywood Boulevard

As you enter Hollywood Studios you are on Hollywood Blvd. The street is lined with stores. I recommend stopping in every store because you will find something new in each one.
As you look down Hollywood studios you will see the infamous Mickey’s Sorcerers hat, behind that you will find a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Next to that is The Great Movie Ride which is a dark ride that takes you thru scenes from some classic and unforgettable movies.
Take time to watch the street performers. They are really funny and will constantly involve members of the crowd.

Continue

Join Raglan Road at Downtown Disney for the ‘Great Irish Hooley’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 21, 2012

Raglan Road Dancers

Central Florida’s first ‘Great Irish Hooley’ will be hosted by Downtown Disney’s, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant over Labor Day Weekend this year. A “hooley” is an Irish slang term for party or celebration and Raglan Road is planning quite a hooley. By combining a traditional Irish party and adding a modern twist, this Disney World event will bring fun for the entire family.

There will be Irish Dance workshops for all ages, Celtic style face painting and a special authentic menu created by Kevin Dundon, one of Ireland’s celebrity chefs. A special treat to have Kevin Dundon at the event as he has prepared meals for presidents, rock stars and movie stars and won many awards for his creations, including Ireland’s Chef of the Year in 2009.

“Dundon is one of a handful of Irish Chefs capable of measuring up to contemporaries in Britain, France and America. His creative, imaginative cuisine has its roots in logic, common sense, craft skills of the highest order and a focus on raw materials of the highest quality.” Ernie Whalley, Editor, Food & Wine Magazine.

The event will be accompanied by live music from several bands including “Full Set” who is celebrating the successful debut of their first album and will be touring the U.S. in the Fall. Other bands performing are “Elevation” (a U2 Tribute Band), “The Raglan Rogues”, “Danny Burns”, “Johnny ‘Snaggs’ Norton” and of course, “Creel” (Raglan Road’s house band).

The weekend’s event start Friday, August 31st at 5pm and last through Monday, September 3rd.

Disney World News: Fall 2012 Edition (chipandco.com)
Disney World Dining: Raglan Road (couponingtodisney.com)

Join Raglan Road at Downtown Disney for the 'Great Irish Hooley'

Doc McStuffins: Friendship is the best Medicine DVD Review

By

Chip

-

August 21, 2012

The Doc is in and coming to DVD Today! This past week my family and I had the chance to check out Doc McStuffins – Friendship is the best Medicine on DVD. My daughters have been a fan of the show already and really enjoy having something to watch in the car.

This show has been on our DVR box since it’s release on Disney Channel/Disney Junior. I don’t think a day goes by where we are not watching this show. This show is perfect for the little princesses out there and is wonderful to see a young lady of color in a featured role on the Disney Channel.

If you haven’t heard of this show or would like some information on the DVD keep reading…

Continue

Get to Know the Characters of ‘Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 20, 2012

Get to Know the Characters of 'Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two'

At Comic-Con this year, I got a chance to not talk to the creative minds involved in ‘Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’, which was an absolute blast. I learned so much of what was to come, and they really got me excited for the game. One of the most intriguing things of the game, of course, is the characters. What’s more interesting than getting to play as Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit? One of the coolest things about ‘Epic Mickey 2’, for me, is that for the first time ever, Oswald is going to have a voice. That’s right, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who has never spoken a line of dialog, will finally have a voice. This is definitely a huge thing, and I for one couldn’t be happier about it. But he and Mickey aren’t the only two characters in the game, and Disney interactive has unveiled an excellent new behind the scenes feature of the game that will let you get to know the characters.

Continue

‘Top Gun’ and ‘Crimson Tide’ Director Tony Scott Dead at 68

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 20, 2012

'Top Gun' and 'Crimson Tide' Director Tony Scott Dead at 68

This is one of the hardest pieces I’ve ever had to write. While many may not know the names of the people behind the cameras who make movies, one that audiences worldwide have always known and loved, was Tony Scott. He was best known for his great action films, such as ‘Top Gun’, ‘Crimson Tide’, ‘Beverly Hills Cop 2’, ‘Man on Fire’, and ‘Enemy of the State’, and the kinetic and exciting energy that he brought to these films in only a way he could. His sense of style and energy, while many tried to replicate it, could never be touched. I’ve been a long time fan of Scott’s, ‘Crimson Tide’ was a movie I saw early on in my life when my parents took me to see it in theaters. So it’s with a heavy heart and regret that I report to you that Tony Scott died yesterday at the age of 68, after jumping to his death off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, Ca.

Continue

Hocus Pocus Casts a Spell for the First Time Ever on Blu-ray September 4, 2012

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 20, 2012

Can you feel it? Autumn is just around the corner! I don’t know about you but for me, the start of autumn conjures up images of round red apples, streets littered with fall leaves, jack-o-lanterns galore, and of course Halloween! What better way to get into the autumn mood than to “fall” in love with a beloved Halloween favorite? This movie is sure to put a spell on you. Keep your caldron bubbling for its release on September 4th. It will be a magically good time!

Conjure up a caldron of laughs with Hocus Pocus, a fiendishly fun movie now on Blu-ray for the first time, featuring new digital restoration with enhanced picture and sound. Academy Award® nominee Bette Midler (Best Actress, 1991, For The Boys), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex In The City) and Kathy Najimy (The Wedding Planner) star in a wild and wacky comedy for the entire family.
When three 17th century Salem witches are accidentally summoned by modern-day pranksters, the 300-year-old trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth, but first they must outwit three kids and a talking cat. Get ready for a night of zany fun in this bewitching comedy classic – now even better on Blu-ray!

Continue

Keeping Your Senses While Experiencing the Magic

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 20, 2012

While vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s so easy to get lost in the magic. The fireworks, the scent of baked goods and chocolate piping from the Main Street Bakery, and making sure you are experiencing it all can sometimes cloud our senses.

However, just because it’s the “Happiest Place on Earth”, and a place where “Dreams Really Do Come True”, doesn’t mean that there isn’t going to be a little bit of trouble. With thousands of people in the parks every year, there’s bound to be some who are trying to mess with the magic. Stroller stealing, balloon lifting, and returning to your stroller to find that your camera has been stolen are very real at Walt Disney World.

Today I’d like to share with you some easy ways to keep your common sense about you while touring the Disney parks.

1. Identify your stroller. Perhaps tie a bright bandana or scarf around the handles. Or, make a cute tag with your child’s name on it. Your stroller is probably going to be moved while you’re experiencing your favorite Disney attractions. It’s very common to park outside of It’s a Small World and enjoy The Flight of Peter Pan, Cinderella’s Carousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and maybe even wander into Pinnochio Village Haus for a snack. When you return to look for your stroller, it will probably have been moved by either a cast member or another guest trying to get to theirs. Having something to make yours stand out is a great idea. One thing we love is when renting a stroller from Kingdom Stroller Rentals there is a nice little name tag at the bottom which is perfect!

Continue

Disney Princess-Inspired Prom Dress Collection Launching in Time for Prom Season in 2013

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 20, 2012

Disney Consumer Products has teamed up with Ashdon, Inc. to launch a new line of prom dresses that will be in a store near you in time for the 2013 prom season. The Disney Princess inspired dresses will feature taffeta, satins, tulles, and exquisite embroidery along with a variety of silhouettes and rich treatments. The dress line is aptly named the Disney Forever Enchanted collection and is debuting with its “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” themed designs, which are inspired from the 1937 Disney animated classic film.

“Launching our new Disney Forever Enchanted collection with a Snow White-inspired line seemed only fitting, since she was Disney’s first princess,” said Ashdon CEO, Nick Yeh. “The dresses are fun to wear yet elegant, and offer young women a way to realize their own fairytale inspired dreams.”

For every new prom season, Disney Forever Enchanted collection will roll out a new collection that is designed after a different Disney Princess, with the first being Snow White. In order to truly capture the essence of Snow White in the film, the collection has seven different design themes covering the gamut from sweet and innocent to intense and dramatic, using the color red from the poisoned apple to woodlands inspired prints. There are 75 different styles to choose from, the collection which will give customers enough options to fit most personalities and stylish trends.

“Drawing inspiration from the many elements comprising each Disney Princess story, Ashdon’s creative team has created a beautiful collection that offers young women a fresh perspective on these classic characters and stories,” said Robert Oberschelp, Director, Disney Consumer Products.

The Disney Forever Enchanted prom collection will be available in a variety of sizes with MSRP’s ranging from $350-$800 in retail stores across the U.S. and Canada.

Who wants to win a Disney Dooney & Bourkey Wristlet? (mydreamsofdisney.com)
Disney will introduce “Sofia the First,” premiering in fall 2012 on Disney Channel and Disney Junior (chipandco.com)

Disney Princess-Inspired Prom Dress Collection Launching in Time for Prom Season in 2013

Disney donates $150,000 to library in Celebration

By

Chip

-

August 20, 2012

Walt Disney World donated $150,000 to the Osceola Board of County Commissioners for its public library project in Celebration, giving residents of West Osceola access to a greater number of books, computers and other public resources.

The library, already under construction and expected to open early next year, will feature a collection of resources double the size of what’s currently available at the West Osceola Library near Celebration. It will also include a children’s area, meeting space for groups, dedicated area for teen-agers and three times as many public computers with wireless computer access.

“Disney offered a gift that will enrich Celebration and the surrounding communities for generations to come,” said David Barnett, library contract manager for Osceola County. “It is our hope that this library will be a wonderful place where the seeds of creative thought will be planted and nurtured for people of all ages, giving us a greater understanding of our yesterday, and enriching our hopes and ideas for tomorrow.”

The new 10,000-square-foot building is located near the intersection of Campus Street and Celebration Boulevard.

“At its root, Disney is a story-telling company. Most of the Disney movies our children and grandchildren love today were inspired by characters who were first brought to life in books,” said Betty Lowery, Walt Disney World manager of community relations who presented the donation. ”It’s natural that Disney supports the work of our public libraries.”

In 2006, the West Osceola branch of the library opened in a 2,000 square-foot storefront on Highway 192. Previous to that, residents of Celebration developed their own library in a space shared with the town’s elementary school and entirely staffed with local volunteers.

Disney donates $150,000 to library in Celebration

Menu Offerings at Be Our Guest Restaurant

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 20, 2012

Menu Offerings at Be Our Guest Restaurant — Artist rendering of the new Be Our Guest Restaurant coming to new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Did you know that you can start making your dining reservations for the new Be Our Guest Restaurant Today at 7am eastern standard time?! I don’t know about all of you but I can hardly wait! The restaurant officially opens November 19, 2012. I plan on dining there when my family vacations in December! Since we have to wait lets take a sneak peek at some of the menu offerings!

It is important to note that no character dining will be offered at this location, however I think it is safe to say that there will be many beautiful aspects of the three dining rooms that is sure to keep us entertained!

Lunch:

If you are dining here for lunch and are on the Disney dining plan, this location will only require one quick service entitlement! I think that is a great deal! Here is a sneak peak at the pre-opening menu thanks to our friends over at allears. There are a few options on this lunch menu that my husband and I are really looking forward to trying.

Continue

Mickey Mouse Stop Sign Placed in Burbank in Protest of Copyright Extensions

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 19, 2012

Denmark, a local street artist in Los Angeles, is trying to make waves against Disney for their continued lobbying efforts to secure Copyright Extensions for Mickey Mouse. Denmark created the modified stop signs which clearly resemble the classic Mickey Mouse with a message reading, “Copyright Extension needs to stop”.

“I recently did an installation in and around Los Angeles protesting Copyright Extension,” Denmark told street art blog Wooster Collective, “which is Disney’s very effective lobbying to keep Mickey Mouse, and works created thereafter, out of the public domain.”

The artist had placed these signs in Burbank, near the Disney Studios, intentionally hoping the execs from Disney would notice them on their way to and from the studio offices. It is presumed that even after this protest, Disney will not be changing their plans on the acquiring of Copyright Extensions.

So what do you think about this? Let us know in the comment box below.

Artist Denmark Protests Copyright Extension (woostercollective.com)
Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker Giveaway (chipandco.com)

Mickey Mouse Stop Sign Placed in Burbank in Protest of Copyright Extensions

‘Arachnophobia’ Crawls to Blu-ray September 4, 2012

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 19, 2012

Now here is a movie I didn’t think I’d see on blu-ray for quite some time, and man I’m glad to see it’s finally on it’s way! ‘Arachnophobia’, starring John Goodman and Jeff Daniels, is one of those rare cross genre films that absolute works on every level. It’s really funny, but it’s also pretty creepy, especially for me, because I hate spiders. The film follows Ross Jennings (Daniels), who has terrible arachnophobia. The irony of the situation turns out to be, he may be town’s only hope for survival when a new, and incredibly deadly, form of spider shows up and rocks their way of life. This is truly one of those films that is just so much fun to watch, because it really is funny, while also being downright at chilling at times. I can’t believe I’m actually getting this on blu-ray this year, and I’m so excited about it!

Continue

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles