Face Painting at Walt Disney World

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May 26, 2012

Face Painting at Walt Disney World

Face painting at Walt Disney World can be a lot of fun! I love seeing the kids walking around all dolled up, you can tell they are feeling fine! Face painting is also a great cheaper alternative to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Pirates League.

Face painting at Walt Disney World is actually an outsourced service. The company that does the painting does almost all of the faces at every theme park in Orlando, so you know they have to be good (especially since Disney hires them)! The price ranges from about $8.00-$20.00 depending on what design you or your child chooses. My daughter always seems to choose the mid range designs and we have never spent more than $12.00. What is great here is that they have both boy and girl designs so you can get your little ones all dolled up in the same location. That makes it easier than running back and forth between the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Pirates League!

The artists that work inside the face painting booths are great! I personally have never seen a bad design walk out from under the tents! They are able to crank the designs out so quickly, it is not going to take much time out of your day at all! Something else I really liked about the face painting option was that the artist asked me if it was okay to put the lipstick on my daughter. Now I have absolutely no problem with her wearing full on makeup, in fact she has a very full container of makeup in her room, but I know some parents are against little ones looking so grown up! So you are able to opt out of the lips if its something you normally try to avoid.

Now I know what you are thinking, Jackie — it is almost summer. You mean to tell me you are encouraging me to get my childs face painted in the midst of the Florida heat? But get this! The paint that they use is more like dry stage makeup so it almost dries to the touch instantly. Now while I would discourage heavy face rubbing, my daughter has touched and bumped hers without smearing.

And here is the best part- Be sure to save your receipt stub because throughout the day you can come back for touch ups!

Who knew right!? I love to take my daughter back to the tent where we had hers done right before we go to dinner and have them touch it up. They also add lots more glitter and make her feel super snazzy! I’m telling you these artists are first class!

If you are wondering where you should get the face painting done, no worries! You can find a face painting tent in every park and at Downtown Disney! But if you are asking me where I would recommend I would suggest the tent by Ghiradelli at Downtown Disney. Normally the manager can be found hanging out down there and he is really nice! If you are lucky he might even paint your child – and he is the best! The people that work the booths are really nice and work if its hot or cold, so remember to treat them well and give them a tip if you see fit! They will and can gladly accept them!

Have you had your kids face painted in the park? If so head over to our facebook page – HERE – and upload a picture! We would love to see what your child picked out!

30 Things To Do At Disney World: Peter Pan’s Flight (mydreamsofdisney.com)
A Relaxing Evening at Walt Disney World – Tambu Lounge (chipandco.com)

The Jungle Book app for iPad and iPod Touch

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 26, 2012

The classic tale of The Jungle Book gets a modern twist with Disney Publishing’s newest Disney Classics app – “The Jungle Book”! A new generation of Disney fans, along with parents, can experience the story of the 1967 animated film in this fresh new app combining engaging storytelling with unique interactive elements, rich illustrations, music, and other surprises.

“The Jungle Book” app, available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, tells the story of a boy named Mowgli and his jungle friends as they face the dangerous tiger Shere Khan and the unknown world of the humans. Features include: reading modes for all ages, coloring pages and interactive puzzles, memory games, “The Bare Necessities” sing-along, and much more!

Geared towards kids ages 3-7, “The Jungle Book” is available for $3.99 on the App Store.

-Disney Diva

The Disney Diva writes Tips from the Disney Diva, a blog designed to help people planning their Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or other Disney destination vacation and making them the best they can be.

Disney Classic Peter Pan Re-imagined on iPad and iPhone (chipandco.com)
Disney releases “Avengers Origins: Hulk” and “Avengers Origins: Assemble!” for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch (chipandco.com)

The Jungle Book app for iPad and iPod Touch

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament Coming to Epcot June 1st – July 8th

By

Chip

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May 26, 2012

From June 1-July 8, Epcot will serve as the setting for Brave – The Highland Games Tournament, a kid-focused offering that will include games like Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery. There will also be a kids’ playground with free enhanced wireless – which is great for us parents who can’t share cute photos of their kids on Twitter and Facebook fast enough!

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament will take place on the Rose Walk (right where Future World blends into World Showcase), from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily. Park admission is required.

Brush fire on I-drive sending smoke toward Epcot (chipandco.com)
Disney To Do List: How to Have the Total WDW Experience at Epcot (aglassslippervacation.com)

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament Coming to Epcot June 1st - July 8th

Passporter 2012 Guidebook Giveaway

By

Chip

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May 26, 2012

Design magical vacations with this FULL COLOR travel guide and planning system for everyone’s favorite playground … fully updated for 2012! Fourteen built-in organizer pockets keep plans, maps, and memories all in one place, and the full-color travel guide includes everything you need to plan the perfect vacation. All Disney parks and resort hotels are described in depth, with ratings, floor plans, and maps. Comprehensive information for planning, traveling, and dining is also included, along with an entire section devoted to extra-special Disney magic. Design your vacation with the help of six planning worksheets, write your itinerary on the front of each organizer pocket before you go, store guidemaps, brochures, tickets, and receipts inside the pockets while you’re there, and record expenses and memories to review and share when you return. This is the ultimate traveling companion for Walt Disney World!

Click here for a free sneak peek of PassPorter’s Walt Disney World 2012!

This weeks giveaway is sponsored by our writer and friend Brenda at Ideally Disney. We are giving away 1 copy of the Passporter 2012 WDW Guidebook. (Spiral Edition)

To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The contest ends Saturday May 26th at 11:59pm. On Monday I will pick one lucky winner and notify them via Email or Facebook that they won. Be sure to use a valid way for me to contact you. You have 24 hours to respond or I will pick another winner so be watching your emails and Facebook Monday Morning!!!

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Star Wars Visual Effects Supervisor Bill George to Appear at Star Wars Celebration VI

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2012

Visual Effects Supervisor Bill George has a rich history in the Star Wars galaxy, and will be appearing at a Celebration for the first time this coming August in Orlando.

Starting in Star Wars designing spacecraft for Return of the Jedi, George was Production Art Director for the Ewok television movies, and a matte painter for Episode I The Phantom Menace. Most recently he journeyed in the galaxy far, far away as the Visual Effects Supervisor for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Since joining Industrial Light & Magic in 1981, George has worked as model shop supervisor, art director, matte painter, commercial director, and visual effects supervisor. Other highlights of his career include miniature construction and design on Blade Runner, art direction and design for five of the Star Trek films, and overseeing model construction on Ghostbusters 2 and Alive.

In 1988, he received an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for his work on Innerspace. In 2002, director Steven Spielberg entrusted George to update the beloved character E.T. using digital character animation for the 20th Anniversary Edition of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. George went on to earn nominations by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the British Academy and the Visual Effects Society for work on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as well as an additional VES nomination for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Recent projects include Visual Effects Supervisor credits on Twilight, I Am Number Four, and G.I.Joe: Relatiation.

Don’t miss Bill George at Celebration VI!

RELATED ARTICLE

Read Sorcerer Radio DJ Eric Allen’s interview with Bill George for Sorcerer Radio HERE.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars CG Supervisor Joel Aron to Appear at Star Wars Celebration VI (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
Ian McDiarmid to Make Rare Convention Appearance at Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando (chipandco.com)

Star Wars Visual Effects Supervisor Bill George to Appear at Star Wars Celebration VI

‘Ghosts of the Abyss’ Coming to Blu-ray in 2D and 3D September 11, 2012

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2012

I’ve always been interested in the Titanic, and what happened that fateful day April 15, 2012. One of my favorite documentaries in recent memory has been Jame Cameron’s ‘Ghosts of the Abyss’. It’s a breathtaking and beautiful journey down to the grave of the Titanic, something that hasn’t been seen since the night it sank. It’s really an incredible little documentary, and I’m pleased to see that Disney will be releasing a blu-ray in 2D and 3D, including the extended version of the film, on September 11, 2012. I can’t wait to sit down and watch this one in high def, and I really look forward to adding it to my blu-ray collection. How about you?

Hit the jump for the full press release.

The Real Story Behind Titanic Unveils In An All-New Digitally Restored Version for the Very First Time on Disney Blu-ray 3D™ & Blu-ray 2D

Walt Disney Pictures Presents

“ Ghosts of the Abyss”

In Association with WALDEN MEDIA an EARTHSHIP PRODUCTION

Available for Purchase at Retail Stores Nationwide, September 11, 2012

For the first time on Disney Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray 2D, see the real story behind Titanic and watch this groundbreaking cinematic achievement in a beautiful new digital restoration!

Academy Award®-winning Director and master storyteller, James Cameron journey’s back to the site of his greatest inspiration – the legendary wreck of the titanic. With a team of the world’s foremost historic and marine experts and friend Bill Paxton, he embarks on an unscripted adventure back to the final grave where nearly 1,500 souls lost their lives almost a century ago. Using state-of-the-art technology developed expressly for this expedition, Cameron and his crew are able to explore virtually all of the wreckage, inside and out, as never-before. With the most advanced 3D photography, moviegoers will experience the ship as if they are part of crew, right inside the dive subs. In this unprecedented motion picture event, made especially for IMAX 3D theatres and specially outfitted 35MM 3D theaters across the country, Cameron and his team bring audiences to sights not seen since the sinking 90 years ago and explore why the landmark vessel – more than any shipwreck – continues to intrigue and fascinate the public.

Talent/Cast: Academy Award®-winning Director James Cameron (Best Director, Best Picture and Best Film

Editing, Titanic, 1997), Bill Paxton (TV’s “Big Love,” Titanic, Apollo 13),

Director/Producer: James Cameron

Producers: Chuck Comisky, Gig Rackauskas & Janace Tashjian

Release Date: September 11, 2012

Release Formats & 3-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray 3D Disc + Blu-ray 2D Disc + DVD) = $44.99 U.S. (original & extended versions)

Suggested Retail Price: 3D Digital =$25.00 U.S. (original version)

Hi-Def Digital = $15.50 U.S. (extended version)

Bonus Feature: Reflections from the Deep

Rating: Rated – G in the U.S. (bonus material not rated)

Feature Run Time: Approximately 60 minutes (original theatrical version, 90 minutes (extended version)

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HDMA, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 2.0 Dolby Digital

Languages/Subtitles: English & Spanish, French

Disney to Release 30 Iconic Films on Blu-ray (chipandco.com)
Disney Announces 30 Movies For Blu-ray Release This Year (chipandco.com)

'Ghosts of the Abyss' Coming to Blu-ray in 2D and 3D September 11, 2012

10 Tips for Staying Cool at Disney World This Summer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2012

With the arrival of summer, vacation season begins and many families will be visiting Walt Disney World. While a Disney vacation is a special one, visiting central Florida in the hottest part of summer will require some planning if you want this to be a magical vacation…and not a miserable one. So let’s talk about some ways to stay cool if you will be traveling to Disney World this summer.

Keeping in mind that everyone’s definition of “hot” differs, let me give you a frame of reference if you have never been to Disney World in the summer. I am a warm-weather lover. In fact, I am actually a hot-weather lover. Summer is by far my favorite time of the year, and I am happiest when temperatures are well into the 80s. So if I say that it is too hot for me….well you get the picture, right?

I love Disney World at any time of the year, but being at the parks when the heat index is close to 100 is too hot for me.

So then, in order to keep our cool, here are some of our family’s favorite heat-coping strategies:

Do not stay at the parks from open to close. Really. It is just too much. Nothing makes me sadder than seeing little ones with beet red faces and sweat pouring off of them, sitting in their strollers crying, as their family waits in yet another line in the Magic Kingdom. Don’t do it. Plan for a break back at your room every day. Whether it’s to go to the pool or take a nap (and we’ve done both) everyone will really be much happier if you do this, when you return to the parks in the evening.
Consider which are the outside attractions and which are indoors and air-conditioned, and plan accordingly. As in, do the outside ones first thing when it is coolest…or later in the evening after sunset. Plan to be in as much air conditioning as possible after 11 a.m. Keep in mind that those air-conditioned places are good for naps too….
Think about the rides/attractions that are wet and will cool you off, and plan for those as well. By that I mean that when it is hottest and you really want to go on Splash Mountain to cool off…so will everyone else. Plan your Fastpasses accordingly.
Have access to lots of water to drink. Bring water bottles with you and refill if needed. We have often frozen them overnight, and then put them in the backpack frozen the next morning. It’s also a great way to cool off the back of the person carrying the backpack.
Mister fans are great. Save some money by getting some at home to bring with you. And remember to bring extra batteries.
Really think about touring the parks with the weather in mind. For example, World Showcase is just not the place to be in the heat of the day. As much as I love that area, it is just miserable walking in the sun around the lagoon, because there is not much shade. World Showcase is an evening place for us in the summer. Animal Kingdom is another park where I would very carefully think about how long I wanted to be there during the heat of the day. Seriously, even the animals know to take it easy in the afternoon there….so you will truly see more of them if you go early or go late.
Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. Really. You will get a lot more done when crowds are lower first thing (because most people do not want to do this), and will be in perfect shape to have lunch and then leave for your break (see #1) just as everyone is arriving for the day.
Prepare to use lots of sunscreen. Bring it from home because it is much cheaper than buying it at the parks.
Know where the First Aid Stations are in each park in case someone gets overheated and needs assistance, and keep an eye out for where you can go inside to cool off quickly if needed: gift shops, food court, Hall of Presidents etc.
Remember that Florida has pools everywhere for a reason.

Take it from this hot-weather loving person: your enjoyment of Disney World in the summer will be in direct proportion to how much you plan in advance for keeping cool. These are just a few things we have done to cope with the heat and there are of course many more tips for handling the heat.

What are your favorites?

Thanks Nancy from The Affordable Mouse

Disney World Quick Tips – Summer Survival Guide (chipandco.com)
Fun Ways To Get Wet At Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

10 Tips for Staying Cool at Disney World This Summer

Fire Spreading at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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May 25, 2012

What has started as a controlled 5 acre brush fire has gotten out of control fast. The 15-acre fire is burning near International and World Center drives, but is creeping toward Interstate 4. I-4 East Bound is now closed Eastbound traffic is being diverted onto U.S. 192. The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority are suspending tolls on northbound S.R. 417 and eastbound S.R. 528 (Beachline).

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Click here for video.

For more check out cfnews13 & Bay News 9

Thanks to our friend Lisa Ruiz from Disney Ala Carte for sharing these pictures with us.

Disney to Raise Walt Disney World Ticket Prices (chipandco.com)

Brush fire on I-drive sending smoke toward Epcot

By

Chip

-

May 25, 2012

Guests are starting to worry as smoke from a brushfire is sending smoke towards Epcot and Downtown Disney. According to CFNews13:

A 5-acre brush fire has closed eastbound Interstate 4 in South Orange County. The road is closed from Osceola Parkway to State Road 536. The fire is burning near International and World Center drives.

Thansk to our friend Lisa Ruiz from Disney Ala Carte for sharing these pictures with us.

As we get more details we will pass them on.

Brush fire on I-drive sending smoke toward Epcot

Making the Most of Counter Service – EPCOT

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2012

I think that EPCOT is an excellent park to get some variety in your meals while on the Quick Service Dining Plan. Where else can you have foods from around the world, for meals AND snacks? No where else but EPCOT. You can for sure skip the chicken nuggets and burgers while at EPCOT, because here you’ll find:

Boulangerie Patisserie – In France, you can have a ham and cheese croissant, quiches, and even some sweet treats.

La Cantina de San Angel – My kids LOVE having nachos or tacos anytime they can. We make sure we hit La Cantina de San Angel for at least one meal at EPCOT. I even like to splurge on a margarita!

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe – Looking for an “elegant” entree for lunch? How about a smoked salmon sandwich in Norway? On our upcoming trip, I really want to try their Ham and Apple Sandwich. Anyone tried this? Their only kids selection for this restaurant is a PB&J sandwich. However, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t get your children something else in another “country”, or share part of your sandwich with them. Knowing my kids, they’ll want to cash in a snack credit for a cinnamon roll here, or some Cinnamon Sweet Bread.

Liberty Inn – Of course, we Americans like our bacon cheeseburgers. That, among wedge salads and chicken tenders, are what you’ll find at the Liberty Inn. If you time it right, you can enjoy the Fife and Drum Corps before, after, or while eating here. I have to say, the Grilled Chicken Flatbread at Liberty Inn is VERY good.

Lotus Blossom Cafe – Hit Japan for some of the country’s classics-pot stickers, sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls, and orange chicken. Even the kids selection here is Sweet and Sour Chicken. What a perfect way to introduce your kids to some Japanese food!

Sommerfest – Germany is known for its beer and bratwurst. Why not hit up Sommerfest for some German goodies? My personal favorite snack is a German pretzel. I ALWAYS cash in a snack credit for one of these. For some, a Disney vacation isn’t complete without a Dole Whip. For me, it’s a German pretzel in EPCOT.

Tangierine Cafe – Couscous anyone? Enjoy some couscous, or the Mediterranean version of sliders–pitas filled with chicken, falafel, and lamb. I have to say, I’ve not tried this counter service location. What are your opinions of it?

Electric Umbrella – Located in Future World, you can get your classic American foods here. Burgers, chicken tenders, salads all will keep you going during your day at EPCOT. You’ll for sure have a break from the heat in this spacious, air conditioned restaurant. If I’m not mistaken, this is one of the counter service venues that offers refills on drinks. You fill the cup yourself, and can refill it to go.

Sunshine Seasons – In The Land, you’ll find this just on the other side of the entrance to Soarin’. Have a fast pass for Soarin’? Stop here to eat while waiting to use the Fastpass. Half a rotisserie chicken, paninis, cashew chicken, fish, and pork chops are amongst the variety at Sunshine Seasons.

There you go! Do you see the wonderful variety you can have on the Quick Service Dining Plan at EPCOT? What are your favorites?

Magically Yours,

Carrie of My Favorite Finds

5 Often Overlooked Quick Service Restaurants (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Epcot Hidden Details (chipandco.com)

Making the Most of Counter Service - EPCOT

Character Breakfast at Cape May Cafe

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 25, 2012

It was so exciting try a different Character Meal during my February trip to Walt Disney World. My daughter and our two good friends, Les and Lisa had a “girls’ breakfast” at Cape May and really enjoyed it.

Cape May Cafe is at the Beach Club Resort on Walt Disney World property. We had a car so we just parked in the guest parking lot, but if you were staying on property you would want to take a bus to either Hollywood Studios or Epcot for your reservation and be sure to plan that into your travel time. Once we got to the host station, we received our buzzer and had a seat in the lovely Beach Club lobby for just a few minutes. We probably waited for less than 5 minutes before our buzzer went off.

The restaurant is much larger than I thought it was going to be, and could accommodate many guests. The dining rooms sport a classic 30’s beach theme and there is a buffet that will blow your mind. It’s also one of the most affordable Character Meals out there at $25.00 for adults and $12.99 for children, and a great way to see the some of the “Fab 5” ( Minnie, Goofy, and Donald).

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More Than 300 Veterans Participate in Disney Career Expo as Part of Heroes Work Here Program

By

Chip

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May 25, 2012

Hundreds of military heroes returning to civilian life learned valuable interviewing tips and resume writing techniques from Cast Members at Walt Disney World Resort.

Today’s career expo attracted more than 300 new veterans to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and was part of the Heroes Work Here initiative. Veterans also had the opportunity to attend a special networking session and hear from Disney executives who served in the U.S. Armed Services about transitioning military skill sets into the private sector.

Heroes Work Here reflects The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years. It also includes support of organizations that assist veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life, and the launch of a national public awareness campaign to encourage employers across the U.S. to hire veterans.

In the days just before the expo at Walt Disney World Resort, similar expos in Burbank, Calif., and New York City also attracted hundreds of new veterans and helped them develop job-seeking skills.

With more than one million service members projected to leave the military between 2011 and 2016, the need to support military families with initiatives like Heroes Work Here is growing. New Veterans have proven to be an excellent match when they transition from military service to a career with Disney.

“The military and our company are a close cultural fit. We both believe in honor, integrity, commitment, respect and courage,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations U.S. and France. “We believe in teamwork, and we understand that we can accomplish great things together. And we know that, together, we represent an ideal that people around the world love and respect.”

Crofton welcomed veterans to the career expo, reminding attendees The Walt Disney Company was founded by two World War I veterans-Walt Disney and Roy Disney- and love for country and support for the U.S. Armed Forces is a long-standing Disney tradition.

This year approximately 250 veterans have been hired to join various divisions of The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, ESPN and Disney Consumer Products.

All those who served in the U.S. military are invited to learn more about Disney’s veteran hiring initiative and explore career opportunities at Disney by visiting http://disneycareers.com/en/working-here/heroes-work-here/.

Disney Announces Heroes Work Here – a Initiative To Hire, Train and Support Military Veterans (chipandco.com)
Disney to Raise Walt Disney World Ticket Prices (chipandco.com)

More Than 300 Veterans Participate in Disney Career Expo as Part of Heroes Work Here Program

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