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Largest Ever Exhibition from Walt Disney Archives Opens July 6 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

By
Chip
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Largest Ever Exhibition from Walt Disney Archives Opens July 6 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES, which encompasses more than 500 historic artifacts from nearly nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum on July 6, continuing through April 2013.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library, D23 PRESENTS TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES is the largest exhibition ever curated by the Walt Disney Archives, at 12,000 square feet. From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain America, the exhibition features more than 500 artifacts, at least half of which have never been seen by the public— including models, props, costumes, set pieces, and artwork from throughout Disney history.

“Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney were longtime friends, two optimists who shared an unwavering belief in the essential goodness of the American way of life,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud to partner with the Reagan Library and the National Archives to showcase Disney’s rich entertainment legacy. This extraordinary exhibit will offer visitors an unprecedented look into Disney’s history and celebrate the connection between these two American originals.”

Among the extraordinary items to be featured are:

·      The original script, written by Walt Disney, for Mickey Mouse’s film debut in 1928’s Steamboat Willie;

·      A faithful recreation of Walt’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items;

·      Hand-drawn artwork and hand-sculpted models used in the production of some of the most beloved Disney animated film classics ever created, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Bambi and Sleeping Beauty;

·      Props from classic Disney live-action productions, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Shaggy Dog, Babes in Toyland Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and more;

·      Breathtaking props, costumes, and set pieces from recent Disney classics, including the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, TRON: Legacy, National Treasure and Captain America;

·      Intricately sculptured busts of all 44 U.S. Presidents that were created for Audio-Animatronics® figures seen in the The Hall of Presidents attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort;

·      A salute to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, showcasing theme park artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, memorabilia and authentic attraction vehicles  

The exhibition also pays tribute to the long personal friendship and professional collaboration between Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan, which began many years before President Reagan’s political career.

On July 17, 1955, Ronald Reagan was one of the co-hosts of ABC Network’s live coverage of the opening of Disneyland, and as governor of California, he frequently visited Disney’s first theme park. After leaving the Oval Office, one of his first public events was a return to Disneyland, where he officiated at the park’s January 1990 35th-anniversary celebration, proclaiming it “one of America’s national treasures.”

“Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan shared a passion for America, a belief in the human spirit, and an innate optimism that, in both men, galvanized the public,” said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. “President Reagan was a great admirer of Walt Disney, and we are tremendously proud to host this wonderful exhibition of Disney treasures, and to honor the bond between Walt and President Reagan.”

For exhibit hours and additional information, visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum online at www.reaganlibrary.com, or www.Disney.com/D23. Admission to the exhibition is included with the purchase of admission to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.  Through April 2013, when the exhibition is scheduled to end, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club also save $2 on every adult admission.

“At 12,000 square feet, this is the largest special exhibit the Reagan Library has ever put on,” said Duke Blackwood, director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. “It is a testament to the relationship between Walt Disney and our nation’s presidents, as well as the story of Disney, itself. The Reagan Library and National Archives are honored to host this extraordinary exhibit.”

The Ronald Reagan Library & Museum is located in Simi Valley, Calif., about 60 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles and approximately two hours north of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

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Largest Ever Exhibition from Walt Disney Archives Opens July 6 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Signature Restaurants – Are They Worth It? Part 1

By
Catie
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Signature Restaurants - Are They Worth It? Part 1

When it comes to planning your Walt Disney World vacation, there are so many things to think about, and one of the most important (in my opinion anyways!) is where to eat while you’re there. Chances are good you may want to have a special meal to commemorate your vacation, and that’s where WDW’s Signature Restaurants come into play. This group of restaurants are the cream of the crop, the finest food (and drinks!) available at Walt Disney World.

So the big question is, are they worth it? Are they worth the extra money/2 dining plan table service credits apiece? Are they really that much nicer than the other restaurants at WDW? Hopefully the information below and in parts 2 and 3 (coming soon!) will help you make that determination when it comes to planning your meals for your next WDW vacation!

Here we go:

Jiko – The Cooking Place – Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, this multi-cultural menu includes dishes like oak fired filet mignon, grilled wild gulf shrimp curry, and coconut bread pudding. They also have some amazing wine options, and the interior of the restaurant is uniquely decorated and the perfect setting for a celebratory dinner
Survey says? If you are looking for something different, this is your place! Wine lovers will also love it here, while the less adventurous eaters might want to pass on Jiko

Flying Fish Cafe – Take the trip to this restaurant, located at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, for some of the best (award-winning!) seafood at WDW. Start out with an assortment of artisinal cheeses, follow it up with their signature potato wrapped red snapper, and finish off the meal with their ‘trio of concession sweets’ – fancy name for desserts that look like popcorn and french fries but taste like dessert!
Survey says? Seafood lovers rejoice and make your ADR’s for Flying Fish Cafe! For those non seafood lovers out there (like myself!), they have some non seafood dishes on the menu. Are they as good as the seafood dishes? In my opinion, not really, and as a non seafood fan, I would probably skip eating here again, but for those who like seafood it’s a must-do for sure!

California Grill – A special elevator takes you up to the 14th floor of the Contemporary Resort where you step out into the lobby/lounge area of the California Grill, which features an extensive wine list, an open kitchen, and a large sushi selection as well as flatbreads, an oak fired filet mignon, and fish options. They have a few observation decks where you can get an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show, and the view from the restaurant is amazing.
Survey says? I ate here for the first time on my last trip, and maybe I was expecting too much, but overall I was disappointed in the California Grill. I wanted it to feel intimate and upscale, but mostly it felt loud, crowded (with lots of families and children), and like it was trying too hard. The food was good (but in my opinion not worth the money), the wine list was extensive, and the desserts were delicious (I am a sucker for desserts!). If you are a wine enthusiast who wants an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, then the California Grill is for you. Otherwise, you might be better off skipping it

Citricos – One of two Signature Restaurants at the Grand Floridian Resort, Citricos serves up European inspired dishes (think Tuscan and Spanish influenced!) like braised veal shank, pan seared grouper, and a trio of gelatos and tropical fruit crème brulee for dessert. The restaurant itself has an upscale but casual atmosphere – with comfortable chairs and an overall relaxed aura that is sure to make you feel comfortableSurvey says? If you are looking for a relaxing, delicious meal then this is the place for you. But if you’re looking to be impressed by a restaurant’s location or fanciness, then you may end up slightly disappointed (as Citricos isn’t as fancy as Victoria and Albert’s, and it can’t offer the views like California Grill can). Personally, I love it here, and would go back in a heartbeat. The food and service were some of the best I have had at WDW

Narcoossee’s – The second Signature dining experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian is found here, with many seafood dishes like lobster corn bisque, steamed whole lobster, and crispy whole snapper. Non seafood lovers can feast on chicken, gnocchi, or filet mignon, and after you’re stuffed full of delicious food, you can head out to the wraparound porch and get a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Survey says? If you’re looking for a great view of the fireworks with a chill, relaxed atmosphere and great seafood, then Narcoossee’s is the place for you

Artist Point – Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, this restaurant draws its inspiration from the Pacific Northwest, with choices like cedar plank roasted salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, and an amazing berry cobbler for dessert. It tends to be less crowded than other Signature Restaurants, and Wilderness Lodge is a beautiful resort and the perfect setting for a romantic-post dinner stroll.
Survey says? This place gets mixed reviews, but I think they have improved immensely over the last year, and it’s a great place for a delicious, quiet meal

If you think any of the above Signature Restaurants sound good to you, then I highly recommend you make your Advance Dining Reservations, or ADR’s, 180 days in advance so you don’t miss out on experiencing all that these eateries have to offer!

And stay tuned right here at Chip and Co for parts 2 and 3 of this series where I will review the rest of WDW’s Signature Restaurants in search of the answer to the question “Are they worth it?”

Signature Restaurants - Are They Worth It? Part 1

Orange Bird Returns to Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom

By
Chip
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Desktop Wallpaper Featuring Orange Bird, Returning Today to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort

Great news this morning!  D23 representatives announced the return of the historic Orange Bird character live in Adventureland before a small group of D23 members and on twitter.

In case you aren’t familiar, Orange Bird was a character who was developed specifically for Magic Kingdom Park in the 1970s. This cheerful bird originally greeted families at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland, where guests could also enjoy citrus drinks like the Citrus Swirl and buy Orange Bird gifts. At one time, the character even had his own record, which was released in 1971 to feature “The Orange Bird Song” – a tune penned by the Sherman Brothers (composers of the songs in “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book”).

Beginning today, Orange Bird will return to Sunshine Tree Terrace signage and quirky drink cups, and a new line of Orange Bird merchandise has already appeared on the shelves!

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

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Orange Bird Returns to Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom

‘Whisper of the Heart’ Comes to Blu-ray and DVD on May 22, 2012

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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'Whisper of the Heart' Comes to Blu-ray and DVD on May 22, 2012

This is one of the few Studio Ghibli films I’ve been waiting to see for some time has been ‘Whisper of the Heart’. Somehow, I’ve managed to never catch this one, so I’m very glad to see that Disney has announced today that it will be coming to blu-ray and DVD on May 22, 2012!  I’m a big fan of the Ghibli line of films that Disney has released over the years, so this is one I’ll definitely picking up on release day. I can’t wait. Have any of you seen it before? How does it rank in the Ghibli line? Let me know in the comments below! Hit the jump for the full press release.

Synopsis: “Whisper of the Heart” inspires like never before in Blu-ray! A new digital master reveals the true brilliance of this heartwarming  coming-of-age classic from Studio Ghibli, the studio that brought  you “Ponyo” and the Academy Award®-winning “Spirited Away” (Best Animated Feature Film, 2002).

A chance encounter with a mysterious cat sends Shizuku, a quiet schoolgirl, on a quest for her true talent. Challenged by Seiji, a boy determined to follow his dreams, and enchanted by The Baron, a magical cat figurine who helps her listen to the whispers of her heart, Shizuku embarks on curious adventures beyond the boundaries of her imagination.

Now in Blu-ray high definition for the first time ever, this beautiful tale based on the screenplay from legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki will delight and amaze families!

Cast:

  • Brittany Snow (“Harry’s Law”) as voice of Shizuku Tsukishima
  • Courtney Thorne-Smith (“According to Jim”) as voice of Shiho Tsukishima
  • Cary Elwes (“The Adventures of Tintin”) as voice of The Baron
  • David Gallagher (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) as voice of Seiji Amasawa

Director:  Yoshifumi Kondo

Producer:Hayao Miyazaki

Blu-ray Bonus Features:

  • 4 Masterpieces of Naohisa Inoue – Watch the evolution of four different scenes by master artist Naohisa Inoue
  • Original Japanese Storyboards
  • Behind the Microphone––With voice talent from the film
  • Original Japanese Trailers and TV Commercials

Street Date: May 22, 2012 

Rating: G in U.S. and G in Canada

Feature Run Time: Approx. 119 minutes

Suggested Retail Prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S. and $46.99 Canada

Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray: 1.85:1 1080P High Definition / DVD: 1.85:1/Widescreen – enhanced for 16×9 televisions

Sound: Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio / Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Original Production Audio English ESL & SDH and French subtitles
DVD: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Track/Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital Original Production Audio/English ESL & SDH Subtitles and French subtitles

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Visit Yoda in the Caribbean

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Visit Yoda in the Caribbean

Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away…

Just kidding…it wasn’t so much a galaxy far, far away as it was a little shop in the Eastern Carribean; St. Maarten to be exact where I found Yoda…well, not so much Yoda himself as “That Yoda Guy“.

So who is “That Yoda Guy” and what is he doing in the middle of the Caribbean? Nick Maley is “That Yoda Guy”, he’s known as that because he actually is one of the men who created Yoda for the Star Wars movies.

As a successful make-up and special effects artist, Nick has worked in 53 films including Star Wars, Superman and Highlander. The shop is located in St. Maarten (which is a stop on the Disney Cruise Line Eastern Caribbean itinerary) and is called, “That Yoda Guy”. Part shop and part museum this place in the middle of the Caribbean will transport you to “a galaxy far, far away”.

I was delighted to find unique merchandise for sale, including original pages from Star Wars scripts, autographed merchandise and amazing hand drawn pictures. The exhibit portion of the store was well worth the nominal fee to go through and was interesting, informative and amazing. I loved the wall of life casts-celebrity face molds that were used in the movies. The likeness is overwhelming, it’s amazing what they can do and you really think you’re looking at the celebrities themselves-except they are all white faces hanging on a wall.

Beyond the shop and exhibit, the owner, Nick Maley is a delight. This sweet man has an easy breezy Caribbean style with an out of this world talent. He’s combine them both into the perfect little place in St. Maarten. His wife Gloria, runs the shop with him and they are hoping to expand into the building next door as soon as possible. I can’t imagine the additional exhibits and information that could fit into the expanded portion but I will certainly be checking back whenever possible!

Nick has an inspirational message for kids who are young enough to dream and adults who have forgotten how. Nick encourages imagination, dreams and perseverance and makes you remember what it feels like to chase your dreams.

I’d like to go on the record and say I think he would be the perfect addition to Star Wars Weekends…he is an interesting man with a motivational message and a lifetime of experience to share. Spread the word, share his site, rally the troops, talk to the powers who may be…let’s bring That Yoda Guy to Disney World!

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Visit Yoda in the Caribbean

World Acrobatic Gymnastics Champs debut at ESPN Wide World of Sports

By
Chip
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World Acrobatic Gymnastics Champs debut at ESPN Wide World of Sports

The 2012 World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships are set for their North American debut today, when competitors from 23 countries flip, twist and dance their way to World titles and berths to the 2013 World Games.  The competition, which brings the 2010 World champions for men’s and women’s pairs and women’s group back to defend their titles, runs April 16-18 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s HP Field House, located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Later in the week, the 2012 World Age Group Competition will be held April 20-22 in conjunction with the World Championships.

Along with world titles, the gymnasts will also be vying for spots to the 2013 World Games, the multi-sport global competition for non-Olympic sports, in Cali, Colombia. The 2012 World Championships will include all acro disciplines: men’s, women’s and mixed pairs, as well as men’s and women’s groups.

The United States has brought a young, talented team that will compete in the women’s pair, women’s group and mixed pair events. The U.S. Team features:

  • Women’s pair – Beth Landeche, New Orleans, La., and Nicole Barrilleaux, Metairie, La., of Crescent City Gymnastics
  • Women’s group – Sienna Colbert, Riverside, Calif., Holli Morris, Beaumont, Calif., and Crystal Johnston, Riverside, Calif., of Empire Gymnastics
  • Mixed pair – Kelianne Stankus, Riverside, Calif., and Dylan Maurer, Colton, Calif., of Empire Gymnastics

In women’s pair, Kateryna Sytnikova and Anastasiya Melnychenko of Ukraine, the 2010 World champions, will attempt to defend their title against a strong crop of challengers, including Sviatlana Mikhnevich and Yana Yanusik of Belarus, who won this month’s Maia Acro World Cup in Portugal.

The reigning women’s group gold-medalists Aigul Shaikhutdinova, Ekaterina Stroynova and Ekaterina Loginova are also back for another round and have presented strong performances in recent competitions.

Great Britain’s Edward Upcott won the 2010 World men’s pair title with then partner Douglas Fordyce, and he hopes to repeat with his new partner, Adam Mcassey. China’s Tang Jian, Wang Lei, Zhou Yi and Wu Yeqiuyin enter the World Championships as the world’s top-ranked men’s group and will attempt to claim the top place on the podium.

Competition begins with two days of qualification rounds, which decides the team medalists and the athletes who advance to Wednesday’s finals.  In the finals competition, gold, silver and bronze medals will be up for grabs with live, web streaming coverage available on ESPN3.com, beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The complete schedule is (all times Eastern):

Qualification rounds

April 16
Session 1: 10 a.m. (Women’s Group Balance, Mixed Pair Dynamic)
Session 2: 2 p.m. (Women’s Pair Balance, Men’s Group Dynamic)
Session 3: 3:30 p.m. (Men’s Pair Dynamic)

Session 4: 6 p.m. (Women’s Group Dynamic, Mixed Pair Balance)
April 17

Session 5: 10 a.m. (Women’s Pair Dynamic, Men’s Group Balance)
Session 6: 11:30 a.m. (Men’s Pair Balance)

Session 7: 2 p.m. (Women’s Group Combined, Mixed Pair Combined)
Session 8: 4:45 p.m. (Women’s Pair Combined, Men’s Group Combined)
Session 9: 7 p.m. (Men’s Pair Combined)
Finals – April 18

Session 10: 4 p.m. Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Pairs, and Men’s and Women’s Group

Tickets for the event are available by visiting the ESPN Wide World of Sports Box Office.  Qualification tickets are available for $20, with tickets to the finals priced at $35.  An all-session (qualification and finals) package is available for $50.

Local organizations assisting with the event include the Central Florida Sports Commission, Cirque du Soleil/La Nouba and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

This is the first time the World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships has been held outside of Europe since its inception in 1974. The World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships, since they came under the FIG umbrella in 1999, have been held in Ghent, Belgium (1999); Wroclaw, Poland (2000, 2010); Riesa, Germany (2002); Lievin, France (2004); Coimbra, Portugal (2006); and Glasgow, Scotland (2008).

Acrobatic gymnastics combines the beauty of dance with the strength and agility of acrobatics. Routines are choreographed to music and consist of dance, tumbling, and partner skills. At the elite level, each pair or group performs a balance, dynamic and combined routine. Pyramids and partner holds characterize the balance routine, while synchronized tumbling and intricate flight elements define the dynamic exercise. An acrobatic gymnastics pair consists of a base and a top. A women’s group is comprised of a base, middle and top partner, while a men’s group has a base, two middle partners and one top partner.

Background information

  • About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 350 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries.  Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 270-acre facility features multiple competition venues, including Champion Stadium, the HP Field House, the Jostens Center, the Hess Sports Fields, a track & field facility, a tennis complex and a baseball/softball sportsplex. It is also home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group that develops ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom, as well as development of its new 3-D television channel.  In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, which can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex.  The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD and 3-D Production Center with direct links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles.
  • International Gymnastics Federation (FIG): The International Gymnastics Federation is the governing body for gymnastics worldwide. It is the oldest established international sports federation and has participated in the Olympic Games since their revival in 1896. The FIG governs seven disciplines: gymnastics for all, men’s artistic, women’s artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, aerobic and acrobatic. It counts 130 national affiliated federations and boasts a 25-person staff at its international seat in Lausanne, Switzerland, host city of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
  • USA Gymnastics. Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. Its mission is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. Its disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and group gymnastics. For more information, log on to www.usagym.org.

#

Team USA schedule

Monday, April 16

Mixed Group, dynamic: 10:42 a.m.

Women’s Group, balance: 12:05 p.m.

Women’s Pair, balance: 2:45 p.m.

Mixed Pair, balance: 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Group, dynamic: 8:10 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17

Women’s Pair, dynamic: 10:52 a.m.

Mixed Pair, combined: 3:50 p.m.

Women’s Group, combined: 4 p.m.

Women’s Pair, combined: 4:51 p.m.

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Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule May 2012

By
Chip
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Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule May 2012

If your heading to Disneyland soon be sure to check out the Refurb/Closure list below. Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disneyland website.

Current

  • Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor (Disneyland) closed through 4/25/12 for refurbishment.
  • Candy Palace (Disneyland) closed through 4/25/12 for refurbishment.
  • Penny Arcade (Disneyland) closed through 4/25/12 for refurbishment.
  • Ariel’s Grotto (DCA) closed through 5/3/12 for refurbishment.
  • Cove Bar (DCA) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
  • Goofy’s Sky School (DCA) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
  • Carnation Cafe (Disneyland) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
  • Pacific Wharf-Ghiradelli (DCA) closed through 6/1/12 for refurbishment.
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed through 6/14/12 for refurbishment.
  • Blue Ribbon Bakery (Disneyland) closed through 7/13/12 for refurbishment.

Upcoming

  • Ariel’s Grotto Restaurant (DCA) closed 4/30/12-5/3/12 for refurbishment.
  • Frontierland Shooting Exposition (Disneyland) closed 4/30/12-5/25/12 for refurbishment.
  • The Plaza Gardens (Disneyland) closed 4/30/12-Winter 2013 for the construction of Fantasy Faire.
  • Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland) closed 5/1/12-5/2/12 for refurbishment.
  • Enchanted Tiki Room (Disneyland) closed 5/7/12-5/10/12 for refurbishment.
  • Disney California Adventure will be closed 6/14/12 to make final preparations for the grand opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street.

 

Source Mousesavers Newsletter

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Family Magic Tour at Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Family Magic Tour at Walt Disney World

This February my family and I signed up to take the Family Magic Tour at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

We called 407-WDW-TOUR and signed up for four people. The cost is only $34.00 per person and let me tell you that it is totally worth every single penny!

This tour is ok for all ages and takes 1.5 to 2 hours and is a walking tour so make sure you wear comfy shoes and check the weather. Park admission is not included in the price so make sure you have tickets also.

So let me run down the experience for you, because I definitely think you will want to book this tour!

IMG_2321

You will check in at the Chamber of Commerce. When you come into the park the Chamber of Commerce is on the far left. When you go in they will check your reservation and give you this cute name tag.

image

 

We only had one other family with us, but I don’t think they get much bigger than three families in order to keep it manageable. There is free water and coffee for you to grab before you get started and make sure you go to the bathroom next door before you get started.

IMG_2335

Once everybody is there your tour guide will tell you about what you are looking for. Captain Hook has been up to no good in the Magic Kingdom and has been stealing some of the characters favorite things and hiding them all over the park. Mickey needs us to help retrieve the items and bring them back so he can get them to the characters.

 

 

There are clues that take you from item to item and they’re NOT easy. They really take some thought, but its fun to solve as a family. IMG_2336

IMG_2338

The clues take you all around the Magic Kingdom park, but it doesn’t have you crossing the park more than one time. You move sequentially through the park.

IMG_2341

Our tour guide was AMAZING!!! She’s great at getting the kids to play along! But all of you fuddy duddy IMG_2347parents who NEVER play along like you are supposed to (like the ones who wont participate in Monsters Laugh Floor or Turtle Talk with Crush… really what is your problem people?!?) you need to play along in order to get your kids to!

Its fun to because there are random people in the park who have clues and hints to get you further in your journey! You never IMG_2351know who is going to help you next.

As a part of the tour you also get to ride a ride to look for a clue. Your tour guide will have fast passes for everybody so you will go directly into the ride. Our ride was Winnie the Pooh. This would potentially save you some time during your trip! IMG_2370

AND, there’s a surprise Character Greeting with PETER PAN! Oh yeah! So no need to stand in line and waste all your time to meet him. You’ll get to play a game with him, get autographs aIMG_2382nd take photos!

 

 

You can even take a second and CROW with Peter! Pretty cool!

IMG_2385

Right after this we got to take a break as it was right around the one hour mark. We ate a little snack (we had brought one with us, one is not provided) and went to the bathroom.

 

 

As we continued on our hunt we suddenly heard someone talking to us about our quest. I turned around IMG_2392and it was PUSH THE TRASH CAN! I’m not going to lie, I squealed as I had never seen Push before!

Then we started playing a follow the leader game which was so fun! (Again, fuddy duddies… get with the program!)

IMG_2395

Finally we had collected all of the items Hook had stolen and thought our tour was about to end when our tour guide informed us that we were going to get to return the items to the Big Cheese himself.

We went into a secret entrance and waited for a few minutes. We decided to take a picture with all of the kids and our guide because we had really all bonded at that point.

IMG_2408IMG_2414

And then it was time! Our guide told Mickey and Minnie we had found all the items and we got to spend a good 10 minutes or so with them taking pictures, getting autographs and just going around all together! Talk about saving some time! Meeting Mickey, Minnie, Peter Pan, riding a ride, AND getting oriented to all of Magic Kingdom while having a great time as a family!

IMG_2424

I highly recommend this tour to ALL of you! I was absolutely amazing and so super fun! Absolutely worth the money PLUS some and I feel confident your family will LOVE IT! Call 407-WDW-TOUR to book your Family Magic Tour! You won’t regret it!

IMG_2442

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CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities

DisneyNature, the first new Disney-branded film label from the Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years, will be adding a new reel to their portfolio this Friday. Their first three releases, earth, oceans and African Cats, are among the top four highest-grossing feature-length nature films of all time, and we should expect no less quality production with Chimpanzee. Filmed in the lush forests of Africa, Chimpanzee follows the touching story of an orphaned three-year-old chimp named Oscar and the surprise ally who changes his life forever.

CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities

The film swings into theaters on Earth Day, April 20th. See Chimpanzee, save chimpanzees! In effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, for every moviegoer who sees Chimpanzee during its opening week (April 20-26, 2012), DisneyNature will make a donatation to the Jane Goodall Institute through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. The film’s official website offers several other ways you can get involved and learn more about chimpanzees in the wild.

Free educational resources are available for download. The Chimpanzee Educator’s Guide includes 100 pages of lessons and activities for grades 2 through 6 and is aligned to National Science Education Standards. Topics include animal adaptations, habitats and ecosystems, animal behavior and tool use, animal communication, and ways to make a difference for wildlife worldwide.

Disney Family Fun also offers several crafts and activities kids can make to coincide with the primate theme. Why not get some monkey bread in the oven and make pipe cleaner monkeys while you wait for it to bake?

CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities

You will need:

  • bumpy pipe cleaner
  • regular pipe cleaner
  • pom-poms
  • hot glue or tacky glue
  • googly eyes

What you’ll do:

CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities

  1.  To make each one, cut a length of bumpy pipe cleaner (make sure your piece has two bumps) and bend it in half to form the monkey’s legs. Use hot glue or tacky glue to secure two 1-inch pom-poms together, sandwiching the legs and a 9-inch length of regular pipe cleaner (for the arms) between them.
  2. Glue a third pom-pom in place for a head. Attach googly eyes, small pom-poms for ears, and a tiny pom-pom nose. Add glue to one end of a 6-inch length of regular pipe cleaner and stick it to the back of the monkey for a tail.
  3. When the glue has dried, bend the arms and the tail into shape.

When you’ve made several, link their arms together to form a chain and dangle them from a shelf or door frame. It’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys!

 

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CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities

‘Castle in the Sky’ Finally Comes to Blu-ray May 22, 2012

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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'Castle in the Sky' Finally Comes to Blu-ray May 22, 2012

One of my all time favorite animated movies is finally arriving on blu-ray this year, and I couldn’t be more excited! The movie comes from Studio Ghibli, the studio that brought us ‘Spirited Away’. I’ve been hoping this would get a blu-ray release sometime soon, because this is one movie I haven’t been able to get on DVD, so it has been a long time waiting for me to see it again. May 22 can’t get here soon enough! Hit the jump for the full press release.

Synopsis:  “Castle in the Sky,” a timeless story of courage and friendship, is now more thrilling than ever with the magic of Blu-ray! The pristine hand-drawn animation fromacclaimed Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, “Spirited Away”) and a new digital master––featuring the original Japanese score––make this epic adventure soar like never before!

Pazu, an engineer’s apprentice, finds a young girl, Sheeta, floating down from the sky, and discovers they are both searching for a legendary floating castle, Laputa. Together, they embark on a daring quest and encounter greedy pirates, secret agents and astounding obstacles that keep them from the truth––and from each other.

For the first time ever on Blu-ray, “Castle in the Sky” is a must-own for families!

Cast:

  • Anna Paquin (Academy Award®-winner, “The Piano”) as voice of Sheeta
  • James Van Der Beek (TV’s “Dawson’s Creek”) as voice of Pazu
  • Cloris Leachman (TV’s “Raising Hope”) as voice of Dola
  • Mark Hamill (“Star Wars” franchise) as voice of Muska

Director:  Hayao Miyazaki

Producer:  Isao Takahata

Bonus Features:

  • Disc introduction by John Lasseter
  • Original Japanese Storyboards
  • Behind the Studio

Explore the film’s fantastic world in these featurettes:

·       The World of Laputa

·       Creating “Castle in the Sky”

·       Character Sketches

·       Producer’s Perspective: Meeting Miyazaki

·       Scoring Miyazaki

·       Original Japanese Trailers

·       Behind the Microphone – with voice talent from the film

Street Date:   May 22, 2012

Rating:   G in U.S. and G in Canada Bonus materials not rated

Feature Run Time: Approx. 125 minutes

Suggested Retail Prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S. and $46.99 Canada

Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray:  1.85:1 1080p High Definition DVD: 1.85:1/Widescreen

Sound:

Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio French 2.0 Dolby Digital Language Track Japanese 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Original Production  English ESL & SDH and French Subtitles
DVD: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Track
French 2.0 Dolby Digital Language Track
Japanese 2.0 Dolby Digital Original Production Audio

English SDH and French Subtitles

 

 

 

'Castle in the Sky' Finally Comes to Blu-ray May 22, 2012

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2012 – Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Cosplayers… Oh My

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2012 - Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Cosplayers... Oh My

The third annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) takes place this weekend covering the latest and greatest from the worlds of comics, movies, television, toys, anime, manga and video games. Disney, Marvel and Star Wars cosplayers were very popular during day one’s festivities. Take a look!

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2012 - Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Cosplayers... Oh My

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2012 - Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Cosplayers... Oh My

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo 2012 - Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Cosplayers... Oh My

*All photos by JediMouseketeer.com

See more of the day one cosplayers Click HERE. C2E2 takes place April 13-15 2012 at the North Building at McCormick Place located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois.

Check back with JediMouseketeer.com for our live streaming video of the event! Follow us on Twitter @JediMouseketeer and Facebook for the latest updates!

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Top 5 Things to do in Line at Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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One thing that is inevitable on any Disney trip is waiting in line. With the busy summer season looming ahead I thought it would be a good idea to share my top Five things to do while waiting in line! If you have a toddler check out this helpful article Chip wrote a while back.

1. Bring trivia cards in a plastic bag and take turns quizzing each other. If you are really clever you can make Disney themed trivia cards ahead of time!

2.Use your smartphone to make dining reservations! You can access Disney’s Mobile dining reservation system from your smartphone. Sometimes I leave a dining slot open on my trip and will find a reservation while in line. You can simply specify the number of guests in your party and what meal you are looking to eat and available reservations will come up! You’d be surprised what can be available last minute! You can also check wait times with your Touring Plans App!

3. Talk to strangers – though not a good thing to teach lone kids and teens to do, but if you are there to supervise go ahead an strike up a conversation with your neighbor. You may leave the attraction with a new Disney buddy!

4. Find Hidden Mickeys – look up, down, and side to side. There are lots of hidden Mickey’s! You can purchase the book “Hidden Mickey’s” by Steven Barrett at many on property shops or you can order it ahead of time and study ahead of time!

5. Play I Spy – there is plenty to see in line at Disney so playing I spy will not only pass the time, but it will get you acquainted with lots of the little details that make Disney so amazing!

Of course you could always catch up on the latest in Disney News & Views here on Chip and Co

So what do you do while waiting in line? Let us know in the comment box below.

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  • Are you a Hidden Mickey hunter? (chipandco.com)
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Top 5 Things to do in Line at Disney World
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