Walt Disney World Donates $5.7 Million Donation to Florida United Way

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April 11, 2012

Walt Disney World, through a corporate matching gift from The Walt Disney Company Foundation and a hefty donation from Cast Members, announced a $5.7 million contribution to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) to the surprise of an audience of community leaders, volunteers and nonprofit organizations at a special ”All-Star” celebration on April 4 at the Amway Center.

The event, hosted by HFUW, recognized top donors to the 2011-2012 LIVE UNITED campaign and included participation from hundreds of employees representing 85 companies. Disney’s donation led the million dollar champions and helped HFUW exceed its fundraising goal as it netted an impressive $19,365,723 to help struggling Central Floridians.

“For more than 40 years, Walt Disney World’s presence has been a driving catalyst behind the vitality of the Central Florida region,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President and CEO of HFUW. “From the outside, one might think that was more than enough. But to also step forward with an incredible contribution of $5.7 million representing individual giving and a corporate match, truly makes a powerful statement about Disney’s values and its commitment to the communities where its Cast Members live and work.”

Randy Garfield, executive vice president of Worldwide Sales & Travel Operations for Disney Destinations and president of Walt Disney Travel Company and Heart of Florida United Way board member, took center court to share the great news about Disney’s gift. It was the first time United Way staffers, volunteers and community leaders heard the final campaign totals.

“As the largest employer in Central Florida, we are proud to lead the way in supporting the Heart of Florida United Way,” said Garfield. “Disney shares United Way’s commitment to providing help and hope to our Central Florida friends and neighbors in need and we know these contributions will make a difference in the lives of many.”

Walt Disney World’s contribution helped the United Way surpass its campaign goal of $17.75 million by 9.1 percent. It also topped the 2010-2011 campaign sum of $17.4 million. By virtue of its tremendous outpouring of support from Cast Members, Walt Disney World also earned the United Way’s Chairman’s Award distinction, which celebrates the campaign’s top-performing donor organization.

To celebrate Cast Member’s charitable giving this year, The Walt Disney Company Foundation matched all eligible Cast Member contributions.

The Heart of Florida United Way is the largest supporter of health and human service agencies in Central Florida. The agencies serve residents of Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Nearly 100 local health and human service programs are operated, administered and promoted through United Way.

Last year, Cast Members donated more than $3.3 million to HFUW, making the Walt Disney World Resort its top giving organization in Central Florida. United Way strives to improve lives by improving education, helping people achieve financial stability and promoting healthy living.

Disney Movie Rewards – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 3 Night Stay (chipandco.com)
NEW! Disney PhotoPass+ arriving to Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)

Walt Disney World Donates $5.7 Million Donation to Florida United Way

Disney World is Not Just for Kids

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 11, 2012

Let’s take the kids to Disney World! Or better yet, let’s not ! You don’t ALWAYS need the kids to have a great time in Disney. The parks offer plenty for adults who’d prefer to party or just plain relax.

When my husband and I first went to Disney World, it was as honeymooners without kids.

Then, starting in 1998, we made our trips with our two little ones every year (or more than once per year). We enjoy our family vacations to Disney very much, watching the magic through our children’s eyes, but we’ve also learned that adult time in Disney can be just as magical for us – sometimes even more so!

Use Disney’s Child Care Centers

If you are on a trip to Disney but want a night out adults only Disney has amazing child care centers located at many of the deluxe resort hotels that you can take advantage of during your vacation! And you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to use its child care center!

We hesitated many years before giving them a try, but once we did, we didn’t look back.

We first used one of the centers when we wanted to enjoy a romantic dinner alone. Upon returning to pick up our kids, they begged us to let them stay longer, so we left them there for an additional hour while we relaxed with a drink at the hotel bar.

Another time, we left the kids at the Neverland Club at the Polynesian and enjoyed four hours of adult time at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

We thought by then the kids would have had enough of the Neverland Club, but when we picked them up they pleaded with us to drop them off there again the next day.

We now make sure on family vacations to schedule at least one date night for the two of us. Our date nights might include a night at the park enjoying the rides together (we’ve hit Magic Kingdom on our own for a few hours once and it was WONDERFUL; we felt like honeymooners again!).

We’ve also scheduled romantic dinners at Jiko or at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, evenings at the Food and Wine Festival, or just a few hours strolling through the World Showcase without having to worry about pushing strollers or standing in lines for characters.

Once, we even stayed to watch Illuminations – just the two of us.

What a perfect Disney date!

Or Better Yet, Plan an Adult Getaway!

This past November, my husband Tim and I headed down to Disney World for our first-ever adults only getaway. We booked 3 nights/4 days at the Boardwalk, met another couple down there, and had an incredible time!

At first, I felt guilty leaving the kids behind while we went to Disney, but we’d do it again in a heartbeat!

We were there during the last weekend of the Food and Wine Festival. They had just put up the Christmas decorations, and it was the perfect time to visit.

We loved staying at the BoardWalk and staying out late with our friends – just sitting, talking, and enjoying the atmosphere with an adult beverage. We loved walking over to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival, then strolling over to Hollywood Studios for the Osborne Lights.

Single Rider Lines!

Since it was just the two of us, we were able to use single rider lines. This allowed us to skip to the head of the line for popular rides like Test Track and Rockin’ Roller Coaster and ride them several times in one day.

Relax!

We slept in (try doing that with the kids along!), shopped around, enjoyed long romantic dinners, and treasured the ‘us’ time that every marriage needs and deserves.

So, the next time you plan your Disney vacation, don’t think of it as only a family affair, but rather take some time to also enjoy it as a couple. You won’t regret it! What would your ideal “Disney date” be?

Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations, contact her for your next Disney vacation at [email protected] or check her out at www.destinationmagic.com. She is currently offering generous booking incentives (Disney gift cards and Disney on board credits for Disney Cruiseline) as well as $200 per person Disney gift cards for all Adventures by Disney Vacations!

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Top 5 Epcot Traditions

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 11, 2012

Top 5 Epcot Traditions

If you have been bitten by the Disney bug, then chances are you try to visit Walt Disney World as often as you can. If so, then you probably have some traditions that you must embrace each time you visit to make your trip complete. I have some Epcot traditions that I would like to share with you, and they just might be some of your traditions too

5. Shop at MouseGear-Next to the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney, this massive store, in my opinion, offers the best variety of Disney souvenirs! One of my traditions is to save my souvenir budget until I drop by this store because I can see a variety of merchandise all in one place. Plus, the chilly blast of A/C when you walk inside helps too!

4. Club Cool-This Future World spot sells Coca-Cola merchandise and features soda fountains distributing different soft drink flavors from around the world. What’s even cooler is that you can sample these international drinks for free! Even though I visit here often, it’s still a tradition to drop in to sample a few of favorites and quench my thirst without cracking open my wallet!

3. Funnel Cake at the American Adventure-When trekking through Epcot’s World Showcase, one of my traditions is to stop at the American Adventure’s Funnel Cake Stand and satisfy my sweet tooth with a warm, sugary Funnel Cake!

2. Shopping at Germany-One of my favorite things to do at the World Showcase is to shop; and one of my traditions is to stop at the Germany pavilion to do a little browsing! This pavilion has sports gear, toys, Christmas decor, cuckoo clocks, steins, and more. Plus, the square is charming and like walking into an old storybook.

1. Le Cellier-This is my family’s favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World, so naturally it’s a tradition to eat here when we visit Epcot. We usually eat here for lunch if we get the reservation, as it equals only one credit on the Disney Dining Plan; and it’s tradition for us to partake of the incredible pretzel bread, Cheddar Cheese Soup, and the Filet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto. Believe me, after eating this steak, you will be ruined for life!

Now it’s your turn! I want to hear your own Magic Kingdom traditions so be sure to leave a comment and share them with us!

Top 5 Places to Find Unique Merchandise at Disney World (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Epcot Hidden Details (chipandco.com)

Man dies at Disneyland in possible suicide

By

Chip

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April 10, 2012

According to the OC Register a 23-year-old man fell to his death from the top floor of Disneyland Parking Structure last week.

The man was identified as Christopher Tran from Santa Ana, California. He was found by an Anaheim police officer at around 9:30 a.m. on last Monday near the corner of the Mickey & Friends parking structure at 1313 S. Disneyland Drive.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We are investigating it as an apparent suicide,” Dunn said, adding that it appears no one saw him jump from the six-story parking structure.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Photo credit TravelPod

Source

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Dr Pepper Unveils Limited-Edition “Marvel’s the Avengers” Cans, Game and Commercial

By

Chip

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April 10, 2012

Dr Pepper and Marvel are assembling the greatest collection of collectible cans featuring the latest Super Hero adventure, “Marvel’s The Avengers.” The cans feature members of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – each in a specific pose. When the eight cans are assembled side-by-side, fans can see the full power of the “Marvel’s The Avengers” team linked together to fight the battles that we never could.

“Dr Pepper and ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ fans both crave epic adventure,” said Dave Fleming, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. “Dr Pepper is teaming up with Marvel to provide a one-of-a-kind ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ experience – something fans can’t get anywhere else.”

Through limited-edition Dr Pepper “Marvel’s The Avengers” collectible can series, a custom online game and a new commercial, Dr Pepper is giving fans across the country the opportunity to experience the long awaited and super-powered “Marvel’s The Avengers” saga.

The new Dr Pepper commercial dramatizes the potential for anyone to be a hero. The light-hearted spot features a group of one-of-a-kind people assembling to impress comic book legend Stan Lee.

For those who can’t wait to take down Loki and his evil army, Dr Pepper has also released “Skrulls Takedown,” a free online game on DrPepper.com inspired by the numerous classic battles featured in Marvel comic books over the last forty years between the alien shapeshifters and the Avengers. For those looking to become one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, this addictive game allows fans to emulate their favorite Avengers member, just as they appear in the New Avengers comic book and fight for justice as Thor, Iron Man, Captain America or The Hulk. Fans can share their high scores and challenge friends to join in on the action via Twitter and Facebook.

Limited-edition Dr Pepper “Marvel’s The Avengers” collectible cans are now available at retailers nationwide. For more information on the limited-edition Dr Pepper “Marvel’s The Avengers” cans, the “Skrulls Takedown” online game and the new commercial, visit DrPepper.com and Facebook.com/DrPepper. “Marvel’s The Avengers” opens nationwide on May 4.

‘The Avengers’ World Premiere to Stream Live From Hollywood (chipandco.com)
Marvel’s The Avengers Movie Poster by LEGO (chipandco.com)

Dr Pepper Unveils Limited-Edition “Marvel’s the Avengers” Cans, Game and Commercial

THE RIVER: The Complete First Season – Available April 10, 2012

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 10, 2012

THE RIVER: The Complete First Season - Available April 10, 2012

THE RIVER: The Complete First Season

From Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, and the director of “Paranormal Activity” Oren Peli, a truly harrowing and hair-raising series comes to DVD. “The River: The Complete First Season” tells the tale of famed wildlife explorer and TV personality Dr. Emmet Cole who went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned.

Now, six months after he vanished, a brave crew of family, old friends and new acquaintances embark on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him in the deepest and darkest depths of South America. The DVD is filled with exclusive bonus features, including deleted scenes that draw audiences further into this heart-pounding adventure.

Release Date: May 22, 2012 Distributor Prebook: April 10, 2012

Rating: TV14 LV Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 US; $35.99 Canada

Running Time: 344 minutes (8 episodes)

Pre-order “THE RIVER: The Complete First Season” today!

Disney To Screen The River in Theaters (chipandco.com)

THE RIVER: The Complete First Season - Available April 10, 2012

New Burger Restaurant Coming to Downtown Disney?

By

Anonymouse

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April 10, 2012

New Burger Restaurant Coming to Downtown Disney?

Here there guys and gals Anonymouse here.

This tidbit is making the rounds on the Disney forums and will make self-proclaimed meatarian ~~Chump~~ Chip happy. Rumor has it that Burger 21 will be opening up a location at Downtown Disney.

Personally I really hope this rumor turns out to be true. The restaurant looks like it would be a good fit at Downtown Disney, the menu looks yummy (that Tiramisu shake on their website has me drooling) , and lets be honest, there aren’t that many good places to grab a good burger at Walt Disney World right now. Haha

What do you think? Do you want to see another Burger Joint at Disney? Let me know in the comment box below.

Anywho that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here.

Got any good gossip/rumors? Please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page

Splitsville is coming to Downtown Disney (chipandco.com)
Soon DVC Members will be able to Purchase Tables in Wonderland Cards (chipandco.com)
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New Burger Restaurant Coming to Downtown Disney?

Disney Channel orders new comedy “Bits and Pieces”

By

Chip

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April 10, 2012

Disney Channel has ordered the comedy pilot “Bits & Pieces,” a unique re-imagining of the traditional multicamera family comedy. The series will showcase the bits and pieces of a family’s funniest moments using quick, dynamic storylines that unfold through a series of short comedic vignettes.

“Bits & Pieces” is executive-produced by Andy Fickman (“The Game Plan,” “Race to Witch Mountain”) and Betsy Sullenger (“You Again”) and written by John D. Beck & Ron Hart (“Shake It Up,” “According to Jim”). Production begins in June in consideration for a Disney Channel series to premiere in 2013.

In the story, the family tree gets a whole lot bigger when high school basketball coach Pete marries the school psychologist Jodie, much to the chagrin of their four kids. Willful teenager Alanna recounts all the family moments through comedic vignettes, while her awkward brother Sticky and their new step siblings Crystal and Brody help fill in the bits and pieces as they begin their journey together as a new family.

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Disney Channel orders new comedy "Bits and Pieces"

Disney Movie Rewards – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 3 Night Stay

By

Chip

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April 10, 2012

Enjoy a magical 3-night stay at the new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Surround your family in the enchantment and fun of your favorite Disney stories throughout your entire Disney vacation. From the magically themed suites and rooms to the spectacular courtyards, you’ll feel just like a character inside some of the most popular and beloved Disney stories from Disney and Disney/Pixar animated films. This new resort will immerse you in one of four wonderful “worlds” and take you on a journey into the story of each film.

The first three sections to open are inspired by Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo (Phase 1) followed by Cars and then Disney’s The Lion King. All offer family suites that sleep up to six and provide just the right amount of extra room to spread out in comfort. The fourth section, based on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, will offer standard rooms accommodating up to four Guests.

All that for only 22000 Reward Points!

Click here to learn more.

Disney Adds Art of Animation Resort to Free Dining Offer (chipandco.com)
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Disney Movie Rewards - Disney's Art of Animation Resort 3 Night Stay

Tom Hanks in Talks to Play Walt Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 10, 2012

According to Variety, Tom Hanks is in talks to play Walt Disney in the movie “Saving Mr. Banks”. Emma Thompson is reportedly in negotiations to play Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers. John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) is set to direct.

The film will be based on the true story of how Walt Disney spent 14 years convincing the author to let him adapt her book into a movie. I fell in love with the idea of this movie when I first heard about it. I am huge Mary Poppins fan and I am looking forward to seeing Walt portrayed on the big screen.

Angelina Jolie joins the cast in Walt Disney Studios’ Maleficent (chipandco.com)

Share Magical Memories Sweepstakes and win a Sony Camcorder

By

Chip

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April 9, 2012

Beginning this week, Disney is partnering with Sony Electronics to help guests celebrate memories in a very exciting way. Guests can now submit a written entry on www.disney.com/memories about a special someone in their life who has helped create a special memory (about anything – not just Disney vacations). Five grand-prize winners will receive a vacation for themselves and three guests, plus a vacation for their memory makers and his or her own three guests to the Walt Disney World Resort. The winning families will also receive a Sony HDR-PJ260V projector camcorder to document their fun at Disney Parks.

Disney fans can also enter daily on the site or text “SONY” to DISNEY (347639) on their mobile devices, for a chance to win prizes such as a $200 Disney gift card and a Sony HDR-PJ260V camcorder.

What memory will you submit?

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‘The Avengers’ World Premiere to Stream Live From Hollywood

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 9, 2012

Not everyone can be a part of the upcoming movie premiere of Marvel’s film, ‘The Avengers’, which takes place this Wednesday, April 11, at 6:00 PM PT/ 9:00 PM ET. But just because you can’t be there, doesn’t mean you can’t experience the red carpet treatment! Marvel has teamed up with Harley-Davidson to bring people across the globe a chance to be a part of this premiere. I know I’ll definitely be watching, how about you? Hit the jump from the full press release, and know that on the day of the event, you can watch the stream live from this article!

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS WORLD PREMIERE TO STREAM LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD ONMARVEL.COM, THE NEW LIVESTREAM AND YOU TUBE LIVE

Marvel.com proudly invites one and all to experience the World Premiere of the Marvel Studios’ film MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS, LIVE from Hollywood! On April 11, 2012 at 6:00 PM PT/9:00 PM ET, click over to Marvel.com and watch as the stars arrive at the legendary El Capitan Theatre!

Sponsored by Harley-Davidson, this LIVE event will get you up close and personal with MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS like nothing else can!

Experience this landmark motion picture event on the New Livestream which offers an innovative platform that combines live video with real-time photos, text and video clip updates at http://new.livestream.com/marveluniverse/avengersredcarpet.

Or watch it just about anywhere via YouTube Live at http://YouTube.com/Marvel.

Hear directly from the biggest names in the biz. Scheduled to appear are: Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Clark Gregg (Agent Phil Coulson), Stellan Skarsgård (Erik Selvig), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Joss Whedon (Director) and more!

Want to share the MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS excitement? You can watch the stream from right here!

While you watch the stream, be sure to follow @Avengers on Twitter and like MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Facebook at Facebook.com/Avengers. During the event, chat with Marvel staff as well as fellow Avengers fans on the New Livestream and Marvel.com.

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS opens in U.S. theaters, May 4!

Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS–the super hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel super heroes Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

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'The Avengers' World Premiere to Stream Live From Hollywood

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