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Marvel’s The Avengers Movie Poster by LEGO

Marvel's The Avengers Movie Poster by LEGO

Avengers and LEGO fans rejoice! Marvel has teamed up with LEGO to give you an awesome poster for “Marvel’s The Avengers“! Featuring Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, Hawkeye and Nick Fury in LEGO form, the poster pays homage to the most recent theatrical one-sheet.

Although Earth’s Mightiest Heroes won’t take over the big screen for another few weeks, you can buy your tickets now, and keep your eyes peeled to Marvel.com for all things Avengers!

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.

Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon from a screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.


In addition to “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including “Iron Man 3” on May 3, 2013; and “Thor 2” on November 15, 2013.

More on Marvel.com
  • Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ Monorail to Debut This Spring at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Marvel's The Avengers Movie Poster by LEGO

$5 off War Horse 4 Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack

$5 off War Horse 4 Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack

Great News! Now you can Print a $5 off coupon good on the new War Horse 4 Disc Blu-ray combo pack. You can find this movie in stores on April 3rd. Coupon expires April 8.

Stay tuned for our review sometime this week!

(Thanks Couponing to Disney)

 

  • $8 Off Lady and the Tramp on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack (chipandco.com)
  • Oscar Nominated WAR HORSE Gets a Blu-Ray Release Date (chipandco.com)
$5 off War Horse 4 Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack

Disney World Quick Tips: Planning For The HOT Florida Sun

Disney World Quick Tips: Planning For The HOT Florida Sun

If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, one thing you will *definitely* want to do is plan for the Orlando weather. Overall, I would describe the weather at WDW as hot, sticky, and wet. Oh, and unpredictable – the sun can be shining one minute, and spewing rain and lightning the next.

The “Rainiest” months in Orlando tend to be June-September, keeping in mind though that if it’s humid, it will probably rain at some point (regardless of what month it is). You will definitely want to pack ponchos, and make sure you carry them with you to the parks!

If you’re traveling during the months of April – August, expect it to be HOT – like we’re talking blazing heat in the 80’s or 90’s, with humidity so thick you can cut it with a knife. The rest of the time, the temperatures can range anywhere between the 50 and 70 degree range.

So, How can you prepare for the heat and sun? Well, here are some tips:

Make sure you pack:

  • Sunscreen – this may seem like an obvious item to pack, but I know I don’t always have it in the house if it’s not summer time, so I always make sure to get some for my trip to WDW – and I usually get a higher SPF than I would for home use – the Florida sun tends to be strong, so you may want to get a 45 or higher SPF sunscreen
  • Solarcaine – in case you are prone to sunburns, this will come in handy. Even if you religiously apply sunscreen every few hours, you may still get a sunburn (I know, it’s one of those seemingly impossible things that sometimes just happens)
  • A Hat, preferably one that covers your ears – the last place you want a sunburn is your scalp – trust me. Oh, and your ears, that’s a close second. A hat may not be glamorous, but it saves your head from being overexposed to the sun
  • Light colored, lightweight clothes – you don’t want to get to WDW only to discover you have packed your collection of thick black t shirts – those will only make you feel even hotter while you’re touring the Parks! I recommend lightweight cotton t shirts in light colors. I don’t recommend tank tops, as that leaves your shouders and back/chest exposed to the sun and open for potential sunburns (and a shoulder sunburn can really hurt!)
  • Sneakers and socks – wearing comfortable sneakers and cotton socks at the parks will help ensure your feet are less achy at the end of the day, and it also helps avoid the dreaded sandal sunburn (painful and also highly unattractive!)

While at the Parks:

  • USE the sunscreen – My personal rule of thumb is apply every 2 hours, or every hour if I am sweating a lot, it may seem annoying and tedious, but it’s something you can do while in line for a ride, and it will help you avoid sunburn (which NO ONE wants while on vacation!)
  • Stay hydrated – get a water bottle and fill it often, and remember that if it’s hot you are sweating, so you should be drinking even MORE water than normal
  • Take breaks – a LOT of them – grab a bench under a tree and relax for a few minutes every hour or so, take this time to grab a drink or reapply your sunscreen
  • Refuel – make sure you are eating every few hours, and as much as possible try and make smart snack/food choices (this one is particularly hard for me, as I LOVE all the delicious unhealthy Disney foods, but choices like fruit or salads or water instead of soda can really make a difference in helping you get the vitamins and energy you need to handle the heat!)
  • Shop – no, seriously, all the shops are air conditioned, so stop into a souviner store every so often, if only to bask in the cool air!
  • Be aware of your body – if you feel tired, or you start to feel sick, take a break! At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter if you got to ride every ride or see every show, do what you can handle doing, and then do the rest another day. One thing I like to use is to spend mornings at the Parks, and then once early afternoon hits, escape back to my Disney Resort for some lunch, pool time, and even possibly a nap! The afternoons tend to be the hottest time of day, so taking a break and doing something relaxing during this time can help avoid any meltdowns (literally!)

In case you couldn’t tell, I have had a lot of experience with sunburns, specifically Florida sunburns. I hope you all can learn from my experiences and avoid letting the sun get the best of you while you’re visiting Walt Disney World. As for the heat, it’s something you will have to adapt to and deal with, and doing things like staying hydrated and taking breaks often will help ensure that you stay healthy and happy while on vacation in the Happiest Place On Earth!

  • Disney World iPhone/iPad App Giveaway (chipandco.com)
  • Gettin’ Your Sweat On – Where To Workout at WDW (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips: Planning For The HOT Florida Sun

Ridley Pearson Hosts Exclusive Facebook Chat to Promote New Book Kingdom Keepers 5: Shell Game

Ridley Pearson Hosts Exclusive Facebook Chat to Promote New Book Kingdom Keepers 5: Shell Game

In conjunction with week-long Disney Reads-hosted “Never Land Week” celebration on Facebook and Twitter

Here are the details:

WHO: Ridley Pearson, author of the bestselling Kingdom Keepers series

WHAT: Exclusive Facebook event in support of the release of Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game, the latest installment in the New York Times best-selling middle grade series.

WHEN/WHERE:  Friday, April 6, 3:00 pm EST, on Disney Reads Facebook page

                 

ABOUT DISNEY READS NEVER LAND WEEK:

Join the week-long Peter Pan Facebook and Twitter celebration on Disney Reads.

Monday, April 2: Test you pixie power with Peter Pan trivia

Tuesday, April 3: Get transported to Never Land with Mary Blair’s iconic illustrations in Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s Peter Pan picture book

Wednesday, April 4: See the new Peter Pan app and enter to win a free download

Thursday, April 5: Find out more about Peter in the bestselling Starcatchers series by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

Friday, April 6: Exclusive live Facebook chat with Kingdom Keepers V: Shell Game author Ridley Pearson, and win a signed copy of his latest book.

  • Disney Classic Peter Pan Re-imagined on iPad and iPhone (chipandco.com)
  • First Look: Park-Inspired Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers Game (chipandco.com)
Ridley Pearson Hosts Exclusive Facebook Chat to Promote New Book Kingdom Keepers 5: Shell Game

5 Often Overlooked Quick Service Restaurants

5 Often Overlooked Quick Service Restaurants

Often overlooked these Quick Service restaurants are a hidden gem at the Walt Disney World Theme park!

There are two different types of dining at Disney World: table service and quick service. Table service restaurants are dining destinations that offer either buffets or served meals with appetizers, main courses, desserts, and service.

Meanwhile, quick service restaurants are set up like cafeterias offering quick, but tasty, menus where you pretty much serve yourself. However, quick service restaurants are not to be underestimated. Disney carries their use of theme, storyline, and design into these dining locations too; and some of the menus at counter service locations are incredibly delicious and a far cry from your standard theme park fare of simply burgers and fries!

1. Columbia Harbour House – This quick service location can be found in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom and it offers a great menu and setting. Columbia Harbour House has a New England, nautical theme set in the colonial period with dark woods, brass accents, anchors, and items from old ships decorating the walls. You will also find cupboards filled with dishes and fireplaces with odds and ends on the mantle and more in the dining areas, making you feel as if you stepped backed in time into real early America! Also, many don’t realize that this restaurant has a second floor. It’s rarely crowded there, dim and cool, and has windows overlooking the park and a great restroom. It’s a great place to escape the crowds! However, the seafood inspired menu here is the real star. At Columbia Harbor House, you can feast on a vegetarian sandwich, tuna, fried fish or shrimp, salads, and delicious Clam Chowder!

2. Sunshine Seasons – This quick service location can be found on the first floor of The Land pavilion at Epcot! Here you can dine right in the middle of all the action taking place in The Land with Soarin’ and Living with the Land right next door! The food at Sunshine Seasons is very unique in comparison to other quick service locations as some of it is actually grown inside The Land pavilion and it is the only place in Epcot’s Future World that serves breakfast! It’s also some of the best quick service food you can find in all of WDW, and a great place for those looking for a healthy meal. Sunshine Seasons offers different stations, each with their own menu.  Some of the selections offered here would be Sweet and Sour Chicken, Rotisserie Chicken, a Flatbread sandwich, Strawberry Shortcake, and Soarin’ inspired Creme Brulee! Also be sure to look above to see four hot air balloons representing each season hanging from the ceiling.

3. Captain Cook’s Snack Company – Located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Captain Cook’s is a favorite quick service location among many guests. The breakfast menu offers standard breakfast fare, along with the famous Polynesian Tonga Toast, banana stuffed French Toast. For lunch or dinner, try to choose between a pork sandwich, stir-fry noodles, turkey club, chicken caesar salad, and a variety of flatbreads. In addition to being open 24 hours, this is also the only other place, besides Aloha Isle in Adventureland, where you can get a Dole Whip!

4. Riverside’s Mill -Port Orleans Riverside’s food court is one of the best! Here there are different stations to choose from, whether you are in the mood for sandwiches, salads, pizza, meat, or burgers. What makes this dining destination great is the setting and the Create-Your-Own-Pasta bar. Here you get to choose your own ingredients and the servings are huge! The food court is located in what appears to be an old mill with a huge waterwheel just outside. The high ceilings and variety of seating make this place appear huge! Plus, there are plenty of windows to let in light and provide a view of the waterwheel and the Sassagoula River; and the wooden beams, and relaxed, country atmosphere  make it comfortable and charming!

5. Gasparilla Grill and Games – Located at the Grand Floridian, this quick service location offers a budget friendly, but yet tasty, menu for Grand Floridian guests or visitors and is open 24 hours. This dining location is both a mini food court and an arcade; but don’t let that stop you from giving it a shot. This Grand Floridian restaurant continues the resort’s light and airy decor, providing adults a pleasant place to eat and talk and kids a place to play! The menu here is also exceptional with a fabulous Caesar salad, the Grand Floridian Club Sandwich, stir fry, vegetarian lasagna, roast beef, and more!

So what is your favorite quick service restaurant at Walt Disney World? Did any of ours make your list?

 

  • Table Service in the Parks vs at the Resorts – Which is Better? Part 2 (chipandco.com)
  • Top 10 Romantic Walt Disney World Restaurants (chipandco.com)
5 Often Overlooked Quick Service Restaurants

Summer Savings at Walt Disney World

Summer Savings at Walt Disney World

There’s nothing like summer in Disney World…and now you can sweat it out to some savings! For stays most nights June 15 – Aug. 14, 2012:

  • Save 15% at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Save 20% at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Disney’s Fort Wildness Resort & Campground Cabins
  • Save 25% at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard views only), Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Book April 2nd to June 14th for travel dates June 15th to August 14th * The number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per adult charges apply if more than two adults per room. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. No group rates or other discounts apply.

Contact [email protected] for your free no obligation quote or for more information on this offer!

  • The Avengers Monorail Debuts At Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Summer Savings at Walt Disney World

Delicious Easter Fun at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

“Easter

This week hop on over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort for a delectable Easter egg display.

Each over-sized, 9- to 12-pound hollow chocolate egg is completely edible – decorated with fondant, sugar, royal icing and themed sculpted sugar pieces. The chocolate bunnies are all hand-painted with a rainbow of cocoa butters and adorned with whimsical designs. The decorative display will be presented as a collection for the first time in the resort lobby until April 9.

Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Easter Eggs on Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Unforgettable Disney Easter Memory at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
  • 10 Free or Cheap Things to do outside WDW Parks (chipandco.com)
Delicious Easter Fun at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney has released the dates for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year’s festival will be held from September 28, 2012 to November 11, 2012. So start making your plans now to attend this food and wine lovers paradise!

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Kalua Pork Slider, Hawaii Booth

The festival allows you to enjoy everything Epcot has to offer plus additional kiosks in the World Showcase that feature food and drinks from around the world. Last year’s festival included offerings from Belgium, New Zealand, and more. Each country in the World Showcase also has special offerings just for the festival. Last year my husband loved the Kalua Pork Slider from the Hawaii booth and the dessert trio from the Desserts & Champagne booth was amazing.

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Dessert Trio, Dessert & Champagne Booth

The Food & Wine Festival also has special cooking demonstrations and dining events, mixology classes and wine tastings, and live music from the yet to be named artists that will be a part of the Eat to the Beat concert series.

This is one Disney event I would definitely make plans to attend. Just make sure to come hungry.

Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney World Dining without Reservations

Disney World Dining without Reservations

If you subscribe to Chip and Co, you’ll hear a lot about dining reservations and dining planning.  For most guests, the rich variety and quality of food options available on property are an important part of their vacation, and dedicated planners take advantage of the 180 day reservation window to try to secure their restaurant of choice.

But what if you aren’t one of those planners?  What if your plans change?  What if you can’t get the Le Cellier reservation you wanted?  Is there any hope?

There is if you’re flexible.

Your party can get seated as a walk-up at most Disney dining if you’re willing to arrive just as the restaurant opens.  That may mean having your ‘big meal’ at lunch rather than dinner, or heading out to a resort restaurant a bit earlier than usual, but it will allow you to eat almost anywhere you desire.  My husband and I have walked into Le Cellier, Artist Point, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Rose & Crown and Sci-Fi Dine In because we arrived when they opened and put our names in for a seat.

There are no guarantees with walk-up seating, particularly during free dining where few tables are held open for walk-up guests, but more often than not, it’s a way to get that dining experience you’ve been craving without a 180 day ADR!

 

  • Is Disney World Character Dining Worth it or is it Overpriced? (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Tips (chipandco.com)
Disney World Dining without Reservations

The Avengers Monorail Debuts At Walt Disney World

The Avengers Monorail Debuts At Walt Disney World

The Avengers monorail debuted today at Walt Disney World, on the Magic Kingdom line! We have several different angles of the train, providing a detailed look at all the characters from both sides!

Thanks to Jeff Lange for the video.

Visit their websites at: http://JeffLangeDVD.com & http://MouseSteps.com

  • Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ Monorail to Debut This Spring at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
  • Buses Boats and Monorails – WDW Transportation App Review (chipandco.com)
The Avengers Monorail Debuts At Walt Disney World

Marathon Training – Fuel Your Run

Marathon Training - Fuel Your Run

Talking to a friend who has been sick for several days, she mentioned that her doctors told her the sickness probably hit her harder than it should have because she had been dehydrated from her running and exercise regiment.  This conversation reminded me of a woman I met in a yoga class who bragged that she never fueled before or during her half marathons because she “wouldn’t eat before noon.”  While I understand that strong desire to be thin, common sense and proper nutrition are more important to me.  I knew what she was saying was crazy, but I realize that many people don’t know that nutrition, especially for endurance sports, is incredibly important.

When I first started training for my first long race, a coworker and endurance athlete told me the simple rule: after an hour, you need nutrients – whether that be sports drinks, power gels, bars (heck, I know marathoners that eat sandwiches during the 26.2) – you need something to replace the calories you’re burning.

But, what about before the race?  I found this fantastic article from Active.com – The Pre-Race Meal.  It states:

The main purpose of the pre-race meal is to fill your liver with glycogen, especially if it precedes a morning race. Liver glycogen fuels your nervous system while you sleep, and as a result, your liver is roughly 50 percent glycogen-depleted when you wake up in the morning. Your muscles, inactive during the night, remain fully glycogen loaded from the previous day.

It follows up with tips for breakfast before race time as well as meal suggestions.  Sorry carb avoiders – not the best bet to fuel your run!

Another article, this one from Runners World.com, shares Hydration Tips for Runners.  There are dozens of different philosophies on this – what to drink/when to drink/how much.. but they all basically say the same thing.  You need water.  You need sugars/carbs.  You need them before, during, and after.  It’s important to figure out what types are best for you – some like Gu (chocolate gu tastes like frosting.. makes frosting hard to eat, but it’s fairly easy to swallow during the run).  Some prefer sports drinks and water only.  Either way, a combination is very important.

Recovering after your run is important, too.  Running Times has a Post-Run Recovery article that backs up the claim that chocolate milk is a great recovery tool.  Sugars + protein + deliciousness= good recovery tool for me!  Your body needs more hydration than you probably think after a run and protein helps repair muscle damage that occurs during the activity.  **Beware of popping pills after a run – with your body dehydrated and muscles inflamed, taking anti-inflammatory drugs can be dangerous.  My husband ended up in the ER a couple of years ago after a half marathon thanks to sickness caused from post-run motrin.  Wait 48 hours to be fully hydrated and back to normal before you take those pills!**

Marathon Training - Fuel Your Run

Touring Plans: Lines, Crowd Calendar, Touring Plans and more!

Touring Plans: Lines, Crowd Calendar, Touring Plans and more!

One of my biggest Disney secrets is the apps from the guys over at Touring Plans. We have been supporting their products for years and could not imagine a Disney vacation without them.

From the Crowd Calendar to Lines and even their new Touring Plans they make visiting Disney World and Disneyland a breeze. Head on over to their website and and check out all the goodies they have for you!

Touring Plans will save you time and money on your Disney Vacation.

  • Disney World Quick Tips – How to pick the least busiest park (chipandco.com)
  • Save 10% off Touring Plans Subscriptions (chipandco.com)
Touring Plans: Lines, Crowd Calendar, Touring Plans and more!