Magic Kingdom To Come Alive!

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July 27, 2012

Magic Kingdom To Come Alive!

According to Hudak on Hollywood, Director/actor Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”) is getting some pretty impressive help for his upcoming movie “Magic Kingdom.” As the title would suggest the film is based on the park at Disney World, and Crave caught the scoop on who is helping him.

Favreau said in an interview, “What we’ve been doing is writing a script, going up to Pixar Studios, meeting with the brain trust, coming back down, bringing on artists, story editors and putting it together as though it were an animated film so that by the time we actually film it, we’ll have a rock solid story.”

If that doesn’t sound like a genius move I don’t know what does. You can’t get more inside knowledge on the magic that is Disney than from the best part of Disney Animation. The method of seeking help from Pixar has paid off in a huge way in the past when Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”) and Michael Arndt (“Toy Story 3”) helped with “Tron: Legacy” prior to its release. Favreau has always been the type of guy to focus on story and character development, which is why the disappointment of “Iron Man 2” hit me so hard, but this news is restoring my faith in his filmmaking.

Pixar Teaming with Jon Favreau for Disney’s ‘Magic Kingdom’ (screenrant.com)
Your Preschooler won’t Remember their Disney Vacation… Or Will They??? (chipandco.com)

Can I really travel to Disney with a baby?!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 27, 2012

Can I really travel to Disney with a baby?! — John’s first haircut

Yes!!! Our best family memories have been made on our Disney trips! We took my son on his first Disney trip when he was 8 months old. I had been waiting for this moment and planning for the trip even before he was born! We even managed to snag an appointment for his first haircut at the Harmony Barbershop on Main St. USA.

However there is one important step you must take to make the most out of your vacation!

Plan, Plan, Plan: You can not go to Disney without a plan in place, especially if it is your first time visiting the happiest place on earth. First start by visiting insider websites, and focus on topics that will help you with planning. (Tip: use the search engine at the top of the page and type in a keyword or two, most likely great, informative articles will pop up to aide in your planning needs!) Anther great place to go for advice is the Disney World Mom’s Panel. In this forum you can search through questions that people have asked and already had replies to from the mom’s themselves, and you can also ask your own question. (Note: you may or may not receive a response due to a high number of question submissions.) I have had a few of my own questions answered and these “mom’s” are incredibly knowledgeable and they truly love helping others plan!

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Off the Beaten Path – The Horses of Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 27, 2012

I am a Disney Fanatic, This you know. What you don’t know is that I am also a big fan of horses. Because of this I have often gone out of my way to seek out a little horse fix while at Disney World. There are many ways to see horses at Disney World, may it be giant percherons pulling beautiful trolleys on Main Street USA or tiny white ponies pulling Cinderellas coach in the Christmas parade. If you care to see these creatures up close you need to head to Fort Wilderness.

I have been really lucky to spend many vacations at the Wilderness Lodge, a short walk from The Tri Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness.

On my last trip I decided to walk over to Fort Wilderness in the early hours of the morning. I happened upon the stable hands preparing the horses for their day of work. As a misty fog rose over the ranch, horses were being treated to a bath in front of the barn. I was able to stand back and take in the scene. This was free and very entertaining. A great way to enjoy your morning coffee.

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The Neverland Pirates Band Will Perform at Walt Disney World Resort August 3-12

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Chip

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July 27, 2012

Ahoy there! We have some exciting news for “Jake and The Neverland Pirates” fans today. Sharky and Bones from The Neverland Pirates Band will perform at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort August 3-12.

Sharky and Bones will perform songs from the hit Disney Channel series, such as “Roll Up the Map,” Castaway on Pirate Island” and “Talk Like a Pirate.” See them on the Waterside Stage at 2, 3 and 5 p.m., daily.

Top 5 Boat Rides at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney World Resort at Holidaytime Unwraps Festive Traditions (chipandco.com)

The Neverland Pirates Band Will Perform at Walt Disney World Resort August 3-12

Disney Family Movies “Play at the Next Level” Sweepstakes

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Chip

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July 27, 2012

To celebrate the Games of summer, Disney Family Movies’ “Play at the Next Level” is sending one lucky family on a dream vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort! Our winning family will fly to Orlando, Florida, and enjoy all the legendary parks the Resort offers— the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom— plus a “Play at the Next Level” experience at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Our MVP will even get a $1,000 Disney gift card. The “Play at the Next Level” Sweepstakes takes magic to the next level!

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A Closer Look at the San Diego Comic-Con ‘Frankenweenie’ Panel

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2012

For those who weren’t able to attend this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, they may have missed out on the Walt Disney Studios panel, which you can read a recap about here. The first film that Disney presented us with was ‘Frankenweenie’, a project Tim Burton has been wanting to make since he started with the company. The film is based on his live action short film of the same name, something he did early on in his career at Disney. It’s taken him almost thirty years to finally see this movie get made, and let me tell you, the wait will be worth it. Burton has pulled out all the stops for this one, and I am greatly looking forward to it. Hit the jump to read a recap of the footage we saw, and watch the Q&A with Tim Burton from the panel. ‘Frankenweenie’ will be released October 5, 2012.

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Kevin Costner Heading Back to Sports for Disney Drama ‘McFarland’

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2012

After crafting some of the greatest sports dramas in cinema history, Kevin Costner is heading back into athletic territory with Disney. However, rather returning to the baseball diamond, The Hollywood Reporter reports Costner is getting caught up with a different sport in a film that only the House of Mouse, responsible for melodramatic but fantastic gems like Remember the Titans and Miracle, can deliver. McFarland will tell the story of a coach living in the titular predominantly Hispanic California town back in the 1980’s where he builds a high school track team who must face adversity and various other obstacles to become champions.

Costner is playing the coach, and will act as the big name and anchor for the cast that will likely have a lot of unknown names otherwise. It’s a small film for Disney coming in around $17 million for the budget with Whale Rider and North Country director Niki Caro at the helm. Miracle producers Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray (who also worked on Invincible and Secretariat) are behind the film as well, and it sounds like the making of a film that Disney doesn’t make too often anymore. Getting Costner, who has sports drama in his blood, involved is a smart move as the actor seems to be back on the rise lately on the big screen

Kevin Costner in Talks to Star in Sports Drama MCFARLAND (collider.com)
Kevin Costner To Star in Disney’s Track-and-Field Drama MCFARLAND (geektyrant.com)

Kevin Costner Heading Back to Sports for Disney Drama 'McFarland'

Chase Launches New Disney’s Visa Debit Card

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2012

Chase today announced the launch of the new Disney’s Visa(R) Debit Card. The new card gives customers access to special Cardmember perks when visiting Walt Disney World(R) and the Disneyland(R) Resorts and when shopping at DisneyStore.com and Disney Store locations. Disney’s Visa(R) Debit Card is available now and has no annual fee.

“Disney’s Visa(R) Debit Card is perfect for fans of Disney who prefer to use a debit card for their everyday spending,” said Ryan McInerney, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. “With no annual fee, it provides access to Cardmember perks at Disney Theme Parks and Disney Store, and offers a choice of imaginative Disney card designs.”

Disney’s Visa(R) Debit Cardmembers will receive the following year-round perks, including:

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Disney guests sickened by mystery illness

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2012

The Orange County Health Department and Walt Disney World are trying to track down what caused dozens of people to become violently ill after taking one of Disney’s most expensive tours.

Health department officials said more than 30 guests have gotten sick with some kind of bad stomach bug in June and July.

The link: They were all on Disney’s Wild Africa Trek, a paid guest experience that includes a three-hour tour, ending with dinner at a safari-style camp.

The health department found out June 11 and immediately sent inspectors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to check out the food prep areas.

“Two of those inspections showed no problems, no health violations,” said Dain Weister, with the Orange County Health Department. “The inspection was satisfactory.”

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Tickets For D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Go On Sale Thursday, August 9, 2012

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Chip

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July 26, 2012

On Thursday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. PT, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will begin selling tickets for the next D23 Expo, which will open one year later and run from Aug. 9-11, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center. The largest Disney fan event in the world, the D23 Expo celebrates the entire world of Disney entertainment and brings together all parts of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including The Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Disney Consumer Products; Media Networks (including ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel, and Radio Disney) and Disney Interactive. D23 Expo 2013 marks the third Expo held in Anaheim, following Expos in 2009 and 2011.

More than 40,000 Disney fans from around the world gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2011 for the second D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. In anticipation of even bigger attendance, D23 Expo 2013 will feature: an overflow theater for the D23 Arena, which will accommodate more than 2,000 guests for live streaming of the popular Arena presentations; nearly double the size of presentation venue Stage 23 (formerly 1,000 seats); and an expanded show floor, to include Halls A, B, C and D, as well as a larger Collectors’ Forum to provide even more magical experiences for guests.

As in previous Expos, D23 Expo 2013 will showcase all of the latest stars in the Disney universe. In 2011, celebrity appearances included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, Michael Giacchino, Tony Baxter, Tom Bergeron, Regis Philbin, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin, Paige O’Hara, Anika Noni Rose, David Arquette, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin McKidd, Taylor Kitsch, Wilmer Valderrama, Melissa Joan Hart, Sean Astin, Chelsea Kane, and Kyle Massey, along with Disney executives and creative talent. They came together to bring special presentations, announcements, and performances to Disney fans throughout the three-day extravaganza.

D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards–a stirring biennial event that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new Fan Art Contest themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins; the 12,000 square-foot Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit featuring costumes, props, and set pieces from Disney’s rich history; plus amazing live events, celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks, and unique experiences that celebrate the past, present, and future of Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2013 will be available at a discounted price for a limited time. From August 9–December 31, 2012, tickets will be $47 for a one-day adult admission and $37 for children 3-12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be $40 for a one-day adult admission and $32 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit www.D23Expo.com.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy D23 Expo VIP Sorcerer Packages, extremelylimited tickets that are only available to members. These packages offer incredible, exclusive opportunities.

The SORCERER PACKAGE includes:

· Three-day admission ticket

· Reserved seating at all presentations in the D23 Arena and Stage 23

· Commemorative Sorcerer credential

· Pre-Expo tour of the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit

· Exclusive shopping time in the D23 Expo Dream Store and the Treasure Trove the day before the Expo is open to guests

· Exclusive tour of the D23 Expo show floor the day before the Expo is open to the public

· Private welcome reception

· Special entrance to the Expo each morning

· Hardbound Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives catalog

· Hardbound Disney Legends ceremony commemorative program

· A voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist

· Exclusive D23 Expo 2013 tote bag filled with gifts

· “Fond Farewell” reception on final day of Expo

· In addition, Sorcerer-level members have access to the Sorcerer Member Lounge

Sorcerer Package tickets will be available exclusively to both Gold- and Silver- level D23 Members at $1,500 per ticket. Members will also have the option to purchase up to two Sorcerer tickets. Additional details and benefit are highlighted at www.D23Expo.com.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo showfloor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge.

Visit www.D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

Tickets For D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Go On Sale Thursday, August 9, 2012

Your Preschooler won’t Remember their Disney Vacation… Or Will They???

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2012

There’s often the debate about whether or not parents should take their toddler or young child to Walt Disney World since the child may never remember the vacation. Well, as an adult, I can’t be the one to convince you that toddlers do remember their Disney vacations… so let’s ask the experts – PRESCHOOLERS! Here’s what they had to say about their vacation to Walt Disney World…

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Disney Quick Tips – Christmastime at the Resorts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 26, 2012

Disney Quick Tips - Christmastime at the Resorts

This is the last article in my Christmas in July series, so better get to planning your trips! If you would like to see my past articles click the link here. With all the things to see at the parks during the holiday season, many people forget at the resorts the atmosphere is just as magical. Many have special displays like gingerbread houses or giant Christmas trees. Here is a rundown of where to go when taking some time away from the parks.

SPECIAL DISPLAYS-The deluxe resorts have the most elaborate displays and are worth a trip on the monorail or bus to check out. Below are what the resorts have offered in the past but who knows if they may surprise us this year so check with your hotel concierge before you head out.

The Grand Floridian boasts a life-sized gingerbread house which they actually use as a Bake Shop. Visitors can purchase Christmas Delights and watch Gingerbread House Demonstrations. The Victorian charm of their decorations brings one back to a more elegant time.
The Contemporary Resort offers a 17 foot tall Gingerbread Christmas Tree and a huge lighted wreath (Mickey shaped of course), visible as you take the monorail through the resort. We did Chef Mickey’s for dinner here on Christmas Day.
Beach Club has a working gingerbread carousel with white chocolate horses and Yacht Club features a miniature train set running through a candy and sugar-coated landscape. The decor here is light, airy and most decidedly nautical.
The Boardwalk has a gingerbread and chocolate gazebo display and a gingerbread bake shop. Don’t miss the chocolate seaside amusement park display in the Lobby!
The Polynesian is decorated throughout and has small gingerbread displays in the Ceremonial House. They do a great job working with their tropical atmosphere so it doesn’t seem tacky.
Wilderness Lodge boasts homey decor and a cozy, rustic feel the Christmas traditionalist will love. There is a huge tree in the center lobby with plenty of pine cones. Fireplaces grace the main areas and make you want to curl up in front with a hot cocoa and a copy of The Night Before Christmas.

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