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Double Dumbo Now in Flight Testing as Expansion Continues for the New Fantasyland Expansion

Double Dumbo Now in Flight Testing as Expansion Continues for the New Fantasyland Expansion

Magic Kingdom guests will blink back in amazement at the scene: not one, but two colorful Dumbos spinning through the sky above Storybook Circus as the expansion of the New Fantasyland continues.

To the delight of fans of the beloved Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction, a second Dumbo is in its soft-testing phase, with limited hours, taking its place alongside a Dumbo that opened in March. It’s part of the multiyear, largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.

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. Official opening is set for July.

The iconic attraction was inspired by “Dumbo,” the 1941 animated Disney feature film about a baby circus elephant born with huge ears. Dumbo and his mother suffer the taunts of other elephants and circus guests. But humiliation turns to triumph when Dumbo is surprised to discover, with the help of his faithful mouse friend, Timothy, that he can use the oversized ears to fly.

Marvel Entertainment and Susan G. Komen For The Cure Team Up For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Marvel Entertainment and Susan G. Komen For The Cure Team Up For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Marvel Entertainment goes pink this October, launching a month-long campaign in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with all new covers on select October titles and educational material on Marvel.com. Throughout the month of October, the world’s most popular super heroes—Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Wolverine and more—will be featured on all-new variant covers with special pink-colored costumes available exclusively at comic shops*. Additionally, all Marvel super hero comics in October will feature a special one-page advertorial educating readers about breast cancer, complimented by additional content on Marvel.com and through social media.

Marvel Entertainment and Susan G. Komen For The Cure Team Up For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

“Marvel is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen For the Cure to support their unparalleled efforts to raise awareness about the risk of breast cancer to both women and men,” said Dan Buckley, Publisher & President of the Print, Animation & Digital Divisions, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “We’re in a unique position to educate all our fans and increase awareness of the ways to fight—and reduce– this risk of this disease by utilizing our comics and online presence.”

Marvel Entertainment and Susan G. Komen For The Cure Team Up For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The following comic books, on-sale in October, will feature special Susan G. Komen variant covers:

  • ·         Avengers #31
  • ·         Captain America #18
  • ·         Captain Marvel #5
  • ·         Fantastic Four #611
  • ·         Invincible Iron Man #526
  • ·         Mighty Thor #21
  • ·         Uncanny X-Men #20
  • ·         Wolverine #315

“Komen is thrilled to partner with Marvel Entertainment in the fight against breast cancer this October,” said Dorothy Jones, VP, Marketing at Komen. “This partnership will allow us to share critical information with this important audience, empowering them to take positive action for their breast health and for the women they love.”

Stay tuned to Marvel.com for more news on this initiative from Marvel Entertainment

To learn more about the fight against breast cancer and how you can support Komen, please visit Komen.org

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Marvel Entertainment and Susan G. Komen For The Cure Team Up For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Ten Movies Your Family Should Watch Before Your Disney Vacation

Ten Movies Your Family Should Watch Before Your Disney Vacation

Every time we book a Walt Disney World Vacation, we “study” as a family. It’s the perfect excuse to begin a family movie night, if you haven’t already.

Let’s face it, it’s not always easy to find a movie the entire family will enjoy. You may find some movies are “too girly” for the guys, or “too cootie-fied” for the girls. Disney does a great job to make movies appealing to both genders, even the princess movies.

However, after a few trial and error runs, these seem to be our top ten favorite DVDs to watch leading up to check-in day. We call them “Countdown DVDs”.

  1. Alice in Wonderland Even though the story centers around Alice, I find that boys don’t seem to mind since the Queen of Hearts provides quite enough destruction to win over even the most skeptic little guys. If not, there’s always the comedy the Tweedles bring along.
  2. Mickey’s House of Mouse Villains I prefer this dvd for the Fab five. It’s quite entertaining and while it’s not the Playhouse Disney Mouse that most of the kids today know, they will be entertained and meet quite a few of the classic Disney villains. This would be terrific to end a countdown on if you are attending a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
  3. Lilo & Stitch I absolutely adore Stitch. In fact, I have one of my own, er, I mean my son reminds me of Stitch. With catchy tunes and memorable lines (Ohana means family…), this movie is a hit with both Princesses and Princes in our house.
  4. The Little Mermaid This one might not be quite as entertaining to anyone who is anti-princess, but there are plenty of danger and suspenseful moments to entertain them if they will give it a shot.
  5. Finding Nemo This movie teaches so much about love, trust, adventure and family. Bingo, I mean, Elmo, oh wait is it Fabio? Oh Nemo, that’s right. Nemo is delightfully entertaining for an entire family and really speaks to little ones about some difficult life lessons in ways that only Disney can.
  6. Pirates of the Caribbean This is the only live action movie on my list. I tossed around ideas of quite a few more, but for our family, Pirates of the Caribbean is solidly in the top ten countdown. Cap’t Jack is thoroughly amazing with his happenstance brilliance. The kids and the parents both enjoy the entire series.
  7. Toy Story There’s no doubt about it, Toy Story is a wonderful tale. We love all three movies and watch them often. It’s a staple for us with each trip. There’s just enough to appeal to both genders to make this movie hard for anyone to hate.
  8. Peter Pan While I don’t love this movie, I think it’s vital to watch it at least once as your arrival day draws near. The essence of Tinkerbell comes across so wonderfully while telling a beautiful story of three children full of adventure and discovery.
  9. The Lion King Following Simba’s journey through life is mesmerizing and eye-opening. While some of the younger viewers may not grasp the full meaning of the storyline, it will still be entertaining for them and their parents. Each time we watch Lion King, and Circle of Life at Epcot,  I still get teary eyed.
  10. Cinderella Yes, it’s a princess movie. As the last movie on our countdown, I find it to be kindred to Wishes Nightime Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom. The Prince Charmings in our household don’t quite agree, but alas, just knowing that this is the last sleep before walking right down the middle of Mainstreet USA and standing in awe of Cinderella Castle is enough to entice them to oblige me.

Honorable Mentions:

  1. Snow White
  2. Honey I Shrunk the Kids
  3. Sleeping Beauty
  4. Beauty and the Beast
  5. Song of the South

Wait a second, that’s not on DVD! If it was, I would most certainly purchase it. It’s the truth! It’s actual! Everything is satisfactual(-ly on YouTube.)
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While my short list will certainly help you brush up on some of the most popular characters for rides, meet-and-greets and shows, it isn’t comprehensive. Walt Disney World is huge! I recommend picking a few of your favorite childhood movies and group them with some from the last ten or so years to find your own Top Ten.

Do you have any Disney movies that are must-sees prior to a trip? Do you have any that you bring along with you to catch while relaxing in your room? What is your absolute favorite Disney film of all time?

Psssst: Mine is Beauty and the Beast.

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?

Ten Movies Your Family Should Watch Before Your Disney Vacation

Escaping the Rain at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

Until our trip last September, I had never visited the Walt Disney World parks in the rain. At least not anytime that I can remember. In the hot, muggy summer months odds are you are going to encounter the same problem. Luckily, rain showers in Florida don’t last too long so you can grab a bite to eat or see a show and by the time you are done the rain will have stopped. But in case you get stuck with the rain showers all day, here are list of things that we like to do to escape the rain in each park.

Magic Kingdom

Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure Debuts in Epcot

Agent P's World Showcase Adventure Debuts in Epcot

The Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is now open in Epcot.

I just came back from Disney World and was one of the lucky ones who got to test the Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure during it’s soft opening at Epcot. I walked up to the kiosk in Great Britian by the International Gateway. I noticed the Kim Possible information was all gone and the cart was “bare bones” without any signage at all. I approached the two cast members, who at closer look were wearing the new Agent P Adventure shirts and I inquired if they were recruiting today.

They informed me that Agent P needed help in France today and would I be interested?  Would I be interested !?!?  OF COURSE!!!!!

D23 Members Get Ready to Sip & Scream at Walt Disney World Resort!

D23 Members Get Ready to Sip & Scream at Walt Disney World Resort!

To celebrate Halloween and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, D23, The Official Disney Fan Club, is adding a chilling twist to its annual Sip & Stroll event at Walt Disney World Resort. This year’s theme is Sip & Scream, a ghoulishly delightful feast of the senses on October 2 and 3!

World ShowPlace in Epcot will be Scream Central as guests enjoy “tasteful” presentations highlighting this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and how Disney celebrates the most spook-tacular time of the year. Following the presentations there will be a pairing party, where guests will be able to sample some of the succulent new dishes highlighted at this year’s Festival, along with exquisite paired wines.

Disney World Quick Tips – What to do when it rains at WDW

Disney World Quick Tips - What to do when it rains at WDW

What should I do if it rains while at Walt Disney World?

This is a question I am asked quite often. My family usually travels to Disney in the summer months (as do most families who have school-aged children).

Unfortunately, there are two constants with Orlando’s summer weather pattern:

  1. It will be HOT
  2. It will rain. I have never had a trip to Disney World where it didn’t rain.

Did I let it ruin our fun? HECK NO!!!

Disney has begun production on “The 7D,” a Comedic Contemporary take on the timeless Seven Dwarfs

Disney has begun production on "The 7D," a Comedic Contemporary take on the timeless Seven Dwarfs

Accessing a classic fairytale and finding new ways to bring it to audiences, Disney Television Animation has begun production on the new animated series “The 7D,” a comedic take on the world of Seven Dwarfs, this time in a contemporary storybook world designed for viewers age 2-7 and their families. The series is slated to debut in 2014 on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks around the world. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.

The executive producer is Emmy Award-winning Tom Ruegger (“Animaniacs”). Alfred Gimeno (“Tiny Toon Adventures”) is the director and Sherri Stoner (“Pinky and the Brain”) is the story editor. The characters are designed by Noah Z. Jones (“Fish Hooks”).

Kanter said, “Our goal for Disney Junior is to engage kids with stories and characters that represent the very best of Disney storytelling. With ‘The 7D,’ we look to continue Walt Disney’s legacy of reinterpreting classic folk and fairy tales in ways that delight new audiences. We’re excited to re-imagine these familiar characters and put them in a new humorous setting that we think will entertain kids and parents alike.”

The series takes place in the whimsical world of Jollywood, where Queen Delightful relies on the 7D – Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc – to keep the kingdom in order. Standing in their way are two laughably evil villains, Grim and Hildy Gloom, who plot to take over the kingdom by stealing the magical jewels in the 7D’s mine. With seven very distinct personalities, the 7D always manage to save the day and send Grim and Hildy running back to their evil lair to try another day.

Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network’s biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S. bringing the total number of channels to 30 worldwide.

Photo Credit

 

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Disney has begun production on "The 7D," a Comedic Contemporary take on the timeless Seven Dwarfs

Disney Soccer Academy Offers Youth Chance to Learn from International Soccer Stars

Disney Soccer Academy Offers Youth Chance to Learn from International Soccer Stars

For the next two weeks, youth soccer players have a rare opportunity to learn from some of the world’s premier soccer stars at the second annual Disney Soccer Academy Superstar Edition. The first of two instructional camps is now underway at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla.More than 300 youth soccer players are attending the camps, which feature appearances and instruction by professional English Premier League players, including 2012 Great Britain Olympic Squad member Craig Bellamy (Liverpool FC), former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers FC), Ashley Williams (Swansea City FC), and Aaron Hughes (Fulham FC).

The training focuses on technical development and small-sided games with lessons from the pros as well as from licensed coaches from around the world. The first camp began Monday and runs through Thursday. A second four-day camp will run June 25-28.

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Disney Soccer Academy Offers Youth Chance to Learn from International Soccer Stars

Take Advantage of Childcare at Walt Disney World

Take Advantage of Childcare at Walt Disney World

For parents, a Disney World vacation with the kids is one of those quintessential American (or Canadian!) experiences.  What mom or dad hasn’t dreamed of taking their little one to the Magic Kingdom and taking that picture:  You know the one, where everyone is smiling and happy in front of the castle.  But sometimes in the middle of that dream, it’s nice for the parents to get away and have a little evening out. It can really recharge you. Here are some childcare options that we use:

Disney World Child Activity Centers: These drop-in childcare centers, which provide dinner and fun activities, are located in the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club and Beach Club, Grand Floridian, and the Swan and the Dolphin Resorts.   They’re open from 4:30 until midnight and are available for kids 3 to 12.   Depending on the time of day, your child will be given a menu and allowed to choose his dinner, something little kids love.  Personally, I think children on the younger and older range are a harder fit at these clubs, but it all depends on the child.  While you can keep your child at the center the entire time it’s open, I would probably not use it for more than five hours.

You’ll want to reserve ahead of time. You do not need to be a guest staying at a Disney World resort.  You’ll be charged a two-hour minimum. Dinner is included in the $11.50 per hour charge.   Call 407-WDW-DINE.  You’ll need a credit card to reserve, but your card will not be charged at that time.

Kids Nite Out: Without question, my favorite childcare service for in-room babysitting for children 6 weeks and up.   Sitters, all of whom receive extensive background checks, will come to your room and stay as long as you need. In my experience, the sitters know the resort very well.   This service is a great fit for parents who need different hours than the child activity center offers or for parents with more than two children, as the rates for in-room sitting are actually cheaper.  Rates are based on the number of children as follows:

  • 1 child – $16.00 per hour
  • 2 children – $18.50 per hour
  • 3 children – $21.00 per hour
  • 4 children – 23.50 per hour

The great thing about using an in-room sitter is not having to move your sleepy children back to the room. If you’re lucky, when you come back they’ll be snoozing away.   For more information, call 800-696-8105.

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Take Advantage of Childcare at Walt Disney World

Disney World’s Water Parks Dive Into Summer 2012 with New Entertainment, Eats, and Extra Magic Hours

Disney World's Water Parks Dive Into Summer 2012 with New Entertainment, Eats, and Extra Magic Hours

Summer 2012 brings a splash of fun for the whole family at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks, with new entertainment and dining options at Typhoon Lagoon and Extra Magic Hours at both parks.

New Entertainment

The relaxing atmosphere at Typhoon Lagoon is enhanced with new sounds of summer. For the first time, Calypso band “Tropicals” brings Caribbean steel drums to Typhoon Lagoon from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until July 15. The band can be found near the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area. Returning this year every day through September 8, characters Lilo and Stitch can be found just outside of the High N’ Dry sundries shop at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon; at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests can chill out with Goofy, who can be found roaming the water park.

Disneynature Chimpanzee Coming to DVD

Disneynature Chimpanzee Bluray

Meet Oscar, the young chimp whose playful curiosity and zest for discovery light up the African forest.

Experience the spectacular imagery and stunning high-definition visuals on Disney Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital & On-Demand August 21, 2012. Disneynature will donate a portion of first-week sales to the Jane Goodall Institute through the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” Conservation Program.

On August 21, 2012, Disneynature’s most unforgettable and heartwarming adventure yet, “Chimpanzee,” debuts as a Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), Digital and On-Demand viewing. The inspiring film follows the True-Life Adventure of Oscar, a young chimpanzee whose curiosity and zest for life showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom.

To celebrate the in-home debut of “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature is proud to continue the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” conservation program initiated with the film’s theatrical release. For every purchase of the movie through August 27, 2012, Disneynature will make a donation through the Disney Worldwide ConservationFund to the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to conserve chimpanzee habitat, educate the next generation, and provide care for orphaned chimpanzees.

The conservation program tied to the theatrical release will help protect 129,236 acres (202 square miles) of wild chimpanzee habitat through infrastructure investments in the expanded Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Republic of Congo (Congo); educate 60,000 schoolchildren about chimpanzee conservation; and provide food and medicine for nearly all of the orphaned chimpanzees at JGI’s Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary for at least the next year.

In addition to the remarkable story filmed in the depths of the African forest, the “Chimpanzee” Blu-ray Combo Pack is filled with spectacular bonus features, including in-depth behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the filmmakers’ amazing efforts to document the making of the film; a music video for the song “Rise,” written and performed by McClain Sisters; a feature on Disney’s conservation legacy; and much more.

Film Synopsis:
From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth,” “Oceans,” and “African Cats,” comes “Chimpanzee” — a remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. Journey deep into the African forest and meet Oscar, an adorable young chimp with an entertaining approach to life. The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps who love creating mayhem. His playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Stunning hi-definition images bring you up close and personal as Oscar and his family navigate the complex territory of the forest. It’s an inspiring and life-changing adventure that overflows with courage and charm. And it will capture your heart.

Bonus Features:

DVD:

  • “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees”—This feature details the “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees” conservation program and how for every copy of the film purchased until August 27, 2012, Disneynature will make a donation to JGI to protect chimpanzees today and tomorrow. The feature also includes an interview with Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace.
  • Disney’s Friends for Change—This feature highlights Disney’s Friends for Change, a program that showcases steps that kids and families can take to make a positive impact on the world and the people and animals that live there.
  • Disney’s Conservation Legacy—This feature provides a look at the conservation efforts that Disney sponsors around the world.

BLU-RAY:

  • Everything on the DVD, plus …
  • ON LOCATION: THE MAKING OF “CHIMPANZEE” is a series of exciting short features that delve further into the incredible lengths the filmmakers went to tell the story of Oscar and his chimpanzee family.

~30 Years in the Making—The story of the team of researchers who have been observing chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast for 30 years.
~The Heart of the “Chimpanzee”—A behind-the-scenes look at how and why the film was made.
~Piece of the Puzzle—A cameraman’s two-hour daily trek through the forest to get to the chimpanzees.
~Don’t Blame the Tool—An observation of the chimpanzees’ daily lives and how they use rocks as tools to prepare their food.
~Scar’s Army—An inside look at the struggles between the film’s two rival chimpanzee groups who share the same forest home.
~Camp Invaders—A featurette on all the creepy, crawly creatures found at the filmmakers’ forest camp.
~Forest of Bees—A feature detailing how the crew spent two days wading through a sea of bees that inhabited their filming location in order to capture 20 seconds of footage.

  • “Rise” Music Video—A music video featuring Hollywood Records recording artists McClain Sisters who wrote and performed the inspirational song that plays during the film’s end credits.
  • Behind the Scenes of “Rise”—An inside look at McClain Sisters music video shoot.

DIGITAL:

  • “See ‘Chimpanzee,’ Save Chimpanzees”
  • Disney’s Friends for Change
  • Disney’s Conservation Legacy
  • “Rise” Music Video
  • ON LOCATION: THE MAKING OF “CHIMPANZEE”
  • 30 Years in the Making
  • The Heart of the “Chimpanzee”

Disc Specifications:
Street Date: August 21, 2012
Direct Prebook: June 26, 2012
Distributor Prebook: July 10, 2012
Suggested Retail Prices: Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S. and $46.99 Canada
Digital and On-Demand = For additional information and pricing, consumers should contact their favorite digital retailer or television provider.
Feature Run Time: Approx. 78 Minutes
Rating: G (U.S. and Canada); Bonus Features not rated

Social Media:
“Like” the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Disneynature
Follow on Twitter www.Twitter.com/Disneynature
Website and Mobile Site: www.Disney.com/Chimpanzee

For fun “Chimpanzee” crafts and educational resources, check out CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities or visit Magical Mouse Schoolhouse, where Disney IS school!