Disney Puts The Brakes On Henry Selick’s Stop-Motion Animated Feature

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August 19, 2012

More and more celebrities are signing up to be a part of the 20th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Alison Sweeney, host of the popular reality show “The Biggest Loser,” and ESPN personality Colin Cowherd signed up weeks ago.

But recently Drew Carey, Gilles Marini, Sean Astin, Kit Hoover, Jenna Morasca and Ethan Zohn threw their names in the hat, too. Astin and Carey are taking on the 26.2-mile full marathon, while the other celebs are sticking to the 13.1-mile half marathon during the historic race weekend, January 10-13, at Walt Disney World Resort.

Most of them are eager to run here because they already know what it’s like to run in a runDisney event. Carey, the comedian and host of “The Price is Right,” ran in the Disneyland Half Marathon last year. Astin, the lead actor in the movie “Rudy,” ran in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon earlier this year. And reality TV stars Morasca and Zohn (“Survivor” and “The Amazing Race”) ran in the Walt Disney World Half Marathon earlier this year and the Princess Half Marathon last year.

Cowherd, Sweeney, Marini (“Sex and the City: The Movie” and “Dancing with the Stars”), and Hoover (“Access Hollywood” co-host) are the runDisney newbies. Hoover and Sweeney have run other half marathons, but this will be the maiden voyage for Marini and Cowherd, both of whom have never run a half marathon previously.

Cowherd, in particular, is apparently not the least bit nervous about biting off a half marathon. In fact, he’s been having a lot of fun with it. Check out the video below, which appeared on the runDisney Facebook page and on Twitter, and you’ll see what I mean.

By the way, you can run with these celebs. The weekend races are filling up, but you can still register at runDisney.com.

Registration Now Open for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (chipandco.com)
Biggest Loser Alison Sweeney Enters 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon (chipandco.com)

20th Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is Going Hollywood

Minnie Mouse Inspires Designers for London Fashion Week

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August 19, 2012

“Minnie Mouse Must Haves” is hitting the runways, this September, at London Fashion Week. Several well-known international designers, including Giles, Michael van der Ham, Richard Nicoll, Piers Atkinson, Bunney, Husam el Odeh in collaboration with Luke Hersheson, Katie Hillier, Lulu Guinness, Tatty Devine and Terry de Havilland, will showcase “Inspired by Minnie Mouse” with their creations using her famous red polka dots and trademark bows as inspiration. After showcasing “Inspired by Minnie Mouse” in September it will launch the line “Minnie Mouse Must Haves” and be available in several different venues, and potentially retail stores.

“Minnie Mouse and her unique style continue to inspire fans across the world. We’re thrilled to collaborate with such visionaries to create these one-off designs. Surpassing trends, Minnie Mouse’s iconic silhouette, signature bows and polka dots always remain in style which is why she is as relevant today as the day she first appeared on the fashion scene”, said Marc Low, vice president of Fashion and Home for the Walt Disney Company EMEA.

Disney fans around the world will have an opportunity to bid on the one-off designs and accessories after London Fashion Week through the program, eBay for Charity, via an exclusive auction. The proceeds from the auction will be donated byDisney to BFC/Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation, a program that nurtures relationships between the arts and have a reputation for fashion innovation.

As well, Disney will be working with bloggers and beauty brands to promote the new brand with Minnie Mouse’s fashion savvy.

Build a Bear: New Minnie Mouse Inspired Line + Coupons (couponingtodisney.com)
Wild Pete’s Silly Sideshow – Character Meet and Greet (pics.chipandco.com)

Minnie Mouse Inspires Designers for London Fashion Week

‘Cold Creek Manor’ Coming to Blu-ray September 4, 2012

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August 18, 2012

‘Cold Creek Manor’ was one of the first R rated films I saw in theaters with my group of friends. So for me, this movie gives me some great memories, and I couldn’t be happier to find out the movie is coming out on blu-ray September 4. The film stars Dennis Quaid, Sharon Stone, Stephen Dorff, and Kristen Stewart, and revolves around a family who, while trying to escape the life of the city, move to a small town and decide to by a rather run down house to make it a fix me upper. But when the original owner of the house shows up, they find that their dream house may not be exactly what they expected, and their new house may hold more dark secrets than they ever expected. It’s a great suspense thriller, and I’m definitely looking forward to finally adding this one to my collection.

Robert Downey, Jr. Suffers Minor Injury on ‘Iron Man 3’ Set; Production Delayed

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August 18, 2012

Actors getting hurt on set is nothing new, but it’s always nerve-racking for fans. You never know what could possibly go wrong during a stunt on set, so it’s not surprising to find out when it could happen. So fans may get worried when they hear that Robert Downey, Jr. suffered an injury on set while performing a stunt for ‘Iron Man 3’. The good news is, it’s a minor injury and nothing life threatening. The slightly bad news, it’s caused a minor delay in the production of the film. Hit the jump for the official statement from Marvel regarding the situation.

Disney Researchers Add Virtual Touch to the Real World

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August 18, 2012

Disney Researchers Add Virtual Touch to the Real World

From the minds at Disney Research Pittsburgh comes the latest innovation that could bring a whole new immersible reality to the Disney Parks.

“Revel” which stands for reverse electrovibration was debuted by Disney Research Pittsburgh at the 2012 Siggraph computer graphics and interactive techniques conference in Los Angeles. The technology uses reverse electrovibration to alter the sense of touch on objects without requiring the user to wear special gloves. By sending a weak electrical signal through the user’s body, it creates an electrostatic field around the skin. When the person then interacts with an object that is connected to the same ground as the signal generator (which can be anything from a tablet, to a map or poster or other object) an electrostatic force mimics the sensation of the texture programmed.

While it is still about a decade away from becoming a reality in the parks – imagine being able to go up to a Disney Parks map and touch the top of Mount Everest and it feels cold or touch a painting of a lake and it feels wet. Believe it or not “Feelavision” is not too far off!

Using Electrical Charge to Make the World Feel Different [Video] (gizmodo.com)
Using Electrical Charge to Make the World Feel Different (gizmodo.co.uk)

Disney Researchers Add Virtual Touch to the Real World

Night of Joy Musical Line-Up Announced

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August 18, 2012

I can’t believe Night of Joy 2012 is less than a month away. This is our 30th year of hosting the top Contemporary Christian and Gospel artists at Walt Disney World Resort, and this year’s lineup is one of the most exciting in our history. Magic Kingdom Park is getting ready, and so are our artists.

Hot off the press are the concert schedules for each night. Here’s how they shake out. Of course, times, stages and performers are always subject to change.

Friday, September 7 – Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

7:45 p.m. – NEEDTOBREATHE
9:50 p.m. – Chris Tomlin
11:55 p.m. – Casting Crowns

Galaxy Stage

7:30 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
8:50 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
10:25 p.m. – Red
12:10 a.m. – Brandon Heath

Rockettower Plaza Stage

8:15 p.m. – Disciple
9:40 p.m. – Disciple
11:20 p.m. – Royal Tailor

Saturday, September 8 – Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

7:35 p.m. – Gospel Music Association Winner Theresa Bailey
7:55 p.m. – Lecrae
9:55 p.m. – Third Day
11:55 p.m. – MercyMe

Galaxy Stage

7:30 p.m. – Kutless
8:50 p.m. – Kutless
10:25 p.m. – Thousand Foot Krutch
12:10 a.m. – Yolanda Adams

Rockettower Plaza Stage

8:15 p.m. – Chris August
9:40 p.m. – Chris August
11:20 p.m. – Dara Maclean

Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists perform at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom Park attractions also are available for guests. In addition, there are special benefits for groups of 10 or more. Additional information about individual and group tickets is available at www.nightofjoy.com.

Free Wifi for Magic Kingdom Guests (chipandco.com)
Secrets of the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tips and Tricks: Dark Ride Etiquette Part Two

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August 18, 2012

Peter Pan Flight

For first time visitors to Disney Parks, dark ride etiquette may seem confusing. Some rides allow photos with no external lighting, while others are somewhat vague. That’s just the tip of the iceberg concerning Dark Ride Etiquette.

Here is my part 2 of Top 5Dark Ride Do’s, the sequel to my Don’ts.

Peter Pan’s Flight. With the technology of new DSLR cameras, some striking photos can be captured on this ride without the flash. Timing has to be spot on, but most photographers know that is part of the fun. So, do whip out those crazy expensive cameras, do turn the flash off and do make insane attempts to capture Wendy on the boat.
Great Movie Ride. This is a perfect ride for show interaction. Get involved with the Gangster. Heckle him. See what happens.
Soarin’. In most cases, on this ride, you can leave your cell phone’s ringer on. You’re underground and not likely to pick up signal. However, if by some chance you do have your phone out while you’re over California, hang on to it, and hang on to it tight. Those mountain climbers would likely have better signal than you would at that moment and they may need to make a call. If you drop your phone down to them, you may never see it (in one piece) again.
Livin’ with the Land.This ride is an amazing foreground for discussion. As a home learning family, we’ve found many agriculture discussions can begin with this attraction. Try to keep the noise to a minimum so others around you can hear the overhead speakers, but do discuss this ride, and talk to those around you, point out things that others might not see and watch for the Hidden Mickeys!
Stroller Derby. It’s not an advertised attraction, but after closing out a park, you will understand what the term means. Families with young children attempt to leave the park all at once while pushing strollers, ahem, quite aggressively in some instances. I have found this is the absolute perfect time to carry your children if you must leave with the crowd. If they’re small enough to be in your arms, they’re probably safer. So go ahead and pick those little ones up, hold them tight and join the derby. If you’d rather wait until the derby is over, you can usually meander out of the park at your own pace.

What has been your experiences with these “do’s”? Do you have any other etiquette tips to share?

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’s the worst that could happen?

Proper Park Etiquette – What NOT to do at Disney World! (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Flying Rides at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Tips for a Great Trip to Disney World (wired.com)

Disney World Quick Tips and Tricks: Dark Ride Etiquette Part Two

Disney World News: Fall 2012 Edition

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August 18, 2012

Announced Today: “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality” Debuts at Downtown Disney This Fall

Starting this fall, Walt Disney World Resort guests will become the stars of “Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality.” The virtual experience will allow guests to play with animated characters from Disney’s Emmy Award-winning animated series “Phineas and Ferb.” The fun happens at Downtown Disney West Side, next to Bongos Cuban Café Sept.1 – Dec. 1, from 2-9:30 p.m. daily.

How it works: As many three guests are invited to stand inside the virtual experience set, and out of 20 randomly pre-determined animation segments, Phineas and Ferb, Agent P or even Dr. Doofenshmirtz will magically appear to play and dance alongside them. It all happens in a virtual (on-screen) 30-second experience. But the fun doesn’t end there! Guests may visit a special website to download and share with family and friends a complimentary souvenir photo of their starring role. To complement this limited time engagement, special Phineas and Ferb merchandise will be available at a nearby merchandise stand.

For more Phineas and Ferb fun at the Walt Disney World Resort, guests may go undercover with Agent P—the alter ego of Perry the Platypus—on a fun-filled quest around World Showcase at Epcot or meet and greet Phineas and Ferb at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

New Signature Images Released of Fantasyland Expansion in Magic Kingdom Park

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August 18, 2012

We sure have a treat today for those of you who just can’t get enough of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. New signature images have just been released that I think sure put the “fantasy” into New Fantasyland. This first signature image shows a view of New Fantasyland in detail from the very top turret of Cinderella’s Castle. The landscape stretches from Maurice’s Cottage on the left, all the way to the colorful Storybook Circus on the right.

Avengers Prize Pack Giveaway

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August 18, 2012

In celebration of Disney Family Movies “Play at the Next Level” Sweepstakes this weeks Giveaway we want to offer you an Avengers Prize Pack, which includes an official Avengers logo T-shirt, an official Avengers Frisbee, and an official Avengers pin set, all from the smash hit flick of the summer, The Avengers!

To enter:

I am going to take a break this week from making you use our Rafflecopter form and have a COMMENT PARTY on the Chip and Co site. Comment on this article and tell us your favorite Avenger, or comment on any article here on the website this week to be entered in the drawing. So the more you comment the more your chances are of winning!

Check out some our new writers here on Chip and Co or even old seasoned ones too. Let them know you love their work or even offer up suggestions or tips to help us improve our Disney Trip Planning.

You can use the arrows you see on the side of the page to navigate to previous articles on the site. Makes for easy commenting!

You have between now and 11:59pm Saturday August 18th 2012 to enter.

Please note spamming the same word or comment over and over does not count as an entry. Keep your comments unique and relevant to their respective articles.

Bonus entries:

Share this post using any of the buttons at the top of this page.
Tweet or Facebook Share this post as often as you like each share counts as bonus entries!

Also stay tuned to Twitter as our man Johnathan will be hosting #DisneyTrivia for bonus entries!!

Good Luck

P.S. – Don’t forget there is still time to enter the Disney Family Movies “Play at the Next Level” Sweepstakes!

Joss Whedon Signs With Marvel Through 2015; Will Do ‘Avengers 2′, a TV Show, and More (chipandco.com)
Disney Family Movies “Play at the Next Level” Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)

Disney Cruise Line Deals

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August 17, 2012

It’s “Back to School” season, but school supplies aren’t the only things you can save on this September. Disney Cruise Line is offering special rates on each of its four ships for sailings in September. That’s a whole lot of savings and everyone knows the first week of school is all fluff anyway!

Let’s start with the two newest ships: The Disney Dream and The Disney Fantasy and their popular itineraries:

Disney Dream: 4-night Bahamian cruises starting at $660 per person*
Disney Fantasy: 7-night Caribbean cruises starting at $990 per person*

These ships have so much to offer: