Wanted: Indiana Jones Adventure at Walt Disney World

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March 2, 2012

Wanted: Indiana Jones Adventure at Walt Disney World

I just returned from my first trip to Disneyland since I was a small child. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I had read during some of my pre-trip planning that some of the rides there better than at Walt Disney World. Admittedly, I was pleasantly surprised. The Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland is far superior to that at Walt Disney World. Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are better in my opinion as well. The ride that surprised me the most, though, was the Indiana Jones Adventure. This ride was amazing and we used several of our fastpasses on it. I think it’s time Walt Disney World built the same attraction.

Many people love this ride at Disneyland, but many Disney lovers have not experienced it because they only visit Walt Disney World. Take it from me, this would be a welcomed addition to WDW. I know that there are folks that would not want to change the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but how about putting it in another location? It could fit in a number of locations, although the queue would likely not be as cool – a tomb that seems to go on forever.

The Indiana Jones Adventure is a thrilling ride through Indiana Jones’ archeological finds — the lost Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The ride vehicle is a 12-passenger jeep that is a moving motion simulator capable of a wide range of different movements. Each ride is unique as the guests speed, bounce, stutter, stop on a dime and race through the temple in an attempt to avoid the wrath of the god Mara. It is 3 minutes, 15 seconds of exhilarating fun and laughter! We absolutely loved it.

How about it Disney? May we please get an Indiana Jones Adventure in Walt Disney World?

Some of our Favorite Hot Dogs at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
iPhone App Review: Where in Walt Disney World? (chipandco.com)

Wanted: Indiana Jones Adventure at Walt Disney World

App Review: “The Lion King: Timon’s Tale” for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2012

Disney Worldwide Publishing has released another app for the iOS platform. Coming on the heels of the Beauty and the Beast Storybook Deluxe app is The Lion King: Timon’s Tale, which is now available over at the iTunes Store.

In this interactive story, you follow the story of Simba – as seen through Timon’s eyes – from when he was a little lion cub all the way through regaining his kingdom from Scar and the hyenas. This is a good app, and has a lot of great interactions that your children will love to participate in.

Join in the fun as you see Rafiki present Simba to all of the animals at Pride Rock. Learn from Scar that there’s an elephant graveyard, and ditch the dodo!

But fun turns to terror when they realize that the elephant graveyard has hyenas!

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t seen the movie, so as you can expect, everything works out well for Simba. What is really great is all of the great interactions that you need to perform within the book. For example, at times during the book you’ll see a chalk mark appear. When that happens, you need to swipe your finger where the chalk mark is, and the characters in the book will perform the action. At other times there are places where you need to transform the landscape. An example of this was when Pride Rock was changed from ruined wasteland to the renewed land that it deserved.

As an app goes, this one is a good one. There are a couple of things that I’m not crazy about. For instance, some of the drawings seem a little rudimentary, and there are some parts of the book where words are added that really didn’t need to be there. As an example, when King Mufasa appears at the elephant graveyard to save Simba and Nala, the story had the line “Hello, Mufasa!” That seemed a little strange to me. However, there are some parts where you need to roar like Simba or Mufasa, and the book records your audio and plays back your “roar” to scare off the hyenas, as you see below.

Priced at $4.99, “The Lion King: Timon’s Tale” isn’t a bad app by any means, but it isn’t the best app I’ve reviewed. Whether you purchase this or not is probably dependent on how old your kids are. I would think kids in the 5-10 year old range will probably like the app.

Disney Releases “The Lion King: Timon’s Tale” and “Tangled” for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch(chipandco.com)

App Review: "The Lion King: Timon's Tale" for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

New Pac Man TV Show coming to Disney XD

By

Chip

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March 1, 2012

Namco Bandai Games Inc. announced yesterday that they have granted Disney XD the U.S. television rights to Pac Man. He will appear in a new animated action-comedy series tentatively entitled “Pac-Man — The Adventure Begins” that is expected to air in fall 2013.

Based on the game owned by Namco Bandai, the series will be presented in stereoscopic 3D. It is executive produced by Avi Arad (the “Spider-Man,” “Iron Man,” and “X-Men” films) and Rick Ungar (“Biker Mice from Mars,” “X-Men Evolution,” and “Legend of the Dragon”).

If you remember at the height of Pac Man Fever, he and his family (including Mrs. Pac-Man and Pac-Baby) starred in an animated series that ran for two seasons beginning in 1982

“‘Pac-Man is one of the world’s greatest icons,” said Arad. “He is funny and adventurous and will bring his tone and abilities to this beautifully executed animated series. For more than 30 years, Pac-Man has been a household name. Having this property on Disney XD is its rightful place to be.”

Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior Ratings for 2011 (chipandco.com)
Disney XD Premiering Lab Rats A Comedy About A Teenager And His Three Super-Human Siblings, On Monday, February 27 (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tips – Drink water and save money

By

Chip

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March 1, 2012

Here is a great money-saving tip that we use on all of our vacations.

Since we go to the Disney Parks a few times a year we purchased a Disney World Annual Pass and a Tables in Wonderland Card. Instead of buying the Disney Dining Plan every trip we opted to save 20% on our Tables Service meals, unfortunately there is no savings on our Quick Service meals. Which leads me to my Disney World Quick Tip for today.

Drink water and save money.

You can save a lot of money by asking for water and avoiding pop or other soft drinks. Over a course of a week the savings will add up! Keep in mind just about all Disney World Dining establishments will give you a free cup of water. If you prefer bottled water might I suggest using a service like Garden Grocer to bring you a case water that you can use throughout your trip. They can also bring you snacks, lunch meat, bread, etc. Some other ways to help save you money.

I will say I am not a huge fan of plain water. I usually like to add lemon or something else for flavor. I fell in love with the Mio Water Enhancers and bring those with us to add some flavor to our water. Over the course of the week we will save a TON of money just by drinking water and adding Mio. Not to mention I feel better too!

Try it out next time you’re at Disneyland or Disney World. If you’re not on the Disney Dining Plan and have to pay out-of-pocket for your soft drinks ask for water instead. Stash a Mio in your pocket or purse and get a tasty beverage and save some green while you’re at it.

Share with us your Disney World Quick Tips in the comment box below.

Disney World Quick Tips - Drink water and save money

ABC Family Premieres Alice in Wonderland to Celebrate March Madness starting March 3rd

By

Chip

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March 1, 2012

It’s March Madness as ABC Family airs the network television premiere of Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland,” starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter on Saturday, March 3rd at 8:30pm ET/PT and Sunday, March 4^th at 7:30pm ET/PT.

Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice for a fantastical adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Burton. Inviting and magical, “Alice In Wonderland” is an imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. Wonderland is a world beyond your imagination and unlike anything you’ve seen before. The extraordinary characters you’ve loved come to life richer and more colorful than ever. There’s the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), the White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) and more. A triumphant cinematic experience – “Alice In Wonderland” is an incredible feast for your eyes, ears and heart that will captivate audiences of all sizes.

Mad T Party Coming to Disney California Adventure Park in 2012 (chipandco.com)
Sorcerer Radio Interviews Alice Greczyn of ABC Family’s “The Lying Game” on WDW Tiki Room 2/10/12 (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)

ABC Family Premieres Alice in Wonderland to Celebrate March Madness starting March 3rd

Is There Really Free Wi-Fi At Walt Disney World?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 1, 2012

Is There Really Free Wi-Fi At Walt Disney World?

So many of us are wired all the time through computers at work, laptops, smart phones, tablets and iPods. Many of us depend on this technology on a daily basis- even while on vacation. We want to check our email from work to make sure we’re not missing out on anything. We want to check our stocks. We want to update our Facebook status and tweet where we are and what we are eating. Many of us want to update our blogs while on vacation- especially a Disney blog while on a Disney vacation!

So, what are we to do while we’re on vacation? Pay the price per day to “rent” the internet cable in the room? Visit the “business center” at the hotel and hope to get a vacant computer or pay the fee to use it? Well at Walt Disney World there are now more options for people who use a laptop, smart phone or tablet to connect with the world.

While I was at Disney World a few weeks ago, I brought my laptop with me for one purpose- to dump my pictures each night! I had no intentions of getting online, checking email or updating any statuses. On the 5th night of our vacation, I realized I had free Wi-Fi (wireless internet connection) in our room at Port Orleans French Quarter! I had no idea. Then I started paying closer attention on my iPhone to places that asked me if I wanted to “join” their Wi-Fi service. Through my own experiences and a few searches on the internet, this is what I have found to answer the question:

Is there really free Wi-Fi at Walt Disney World?

Most of the Moderate and Deluxe Resorts now have FREE Wi-Fi in various public areas, such as the lobby, bus stops and main pool deck. In addition, Disney now offers FREE Wi-Fi in guest rooms at select resort hotels where they have discontinued the “wired” internet option.

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club Resort & Villas
Boardwalk Inn & Villas
Contemporary Resort & Bay Lake Tower
Coronado Springs Resort
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Old Key West Resort
Polynesian Resort
Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Wilderness Lodge Resort
Yacht Club Resort & Villas

Disney is working on adding Wi-Fi to the other hotels on property, but no completion dates have been announced. The resorts who do not offer Wi-Fi still have wired internet as an option in their rooms for a fee of $9.95 for 24 hours.

Other areas on property that have free Wi-Fi available are:

Magic Kingdom, City Hall
Epcot, Futureworld at Innoventions East (I couldn’t tell at Innoventions West)
Epcot, Lotus Blossom Cafe, stronger signal in the back
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, near the Sorcerer’s Hat
Boardwalk, boat dock area
Downtown Disney: DisneyQuest, Wolfgang Pucks Express,Sosa Family Cigar Co., and House of Blues
Disney’s Wide World of Sports, All Star Cafe and gift shops

So bring your laptops, and other electronic devices with you! All you need now is a place to stay charged!

Some of our Favorite Hot Dogs at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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March 1, 2012

This year, the trend is designer hot dogs. Don’t believe me check out Sonic and all their delicious dogs! This trend is way beyond the old-fashioned frankfurter with a splash of mustard and ketchup.

Here are some of our favorite finds at Walt Disney World. Have you tried any of these meals in a bun?

At Fairfax Fare at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, check out the dog topped with mac ‘n cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil. Or the one with barbecued pork and slaw (a version is also served at Downtown Disney Marketplace). Maybe you’ll order the burrito dog with lettuce, tomato, cheddar, jalapeños and sour cream.

In Magic Kingdom Park, Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., serves the classic Chicago-style dog topped with tomato slices, dill pickle, relish and banana peppers. The popular eatery has its version of the ‘cue dog with pulled pork, slaw and barbecue sauce. And we still love their chili dog with a flourish of cheddar.

Over in Tomorrowland at the Lunching Pad, order a Philly cheese steak hot dog topped with beef, onions, peppers and cheese sauce. Or the taco dog with ground beef, lettuce, cheese, salsa and sour cream. (A similar version is over at Downtown Disney Marketplace snack locations.) Nearby, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe brings us a deluxe chili-cheese with crispy onion straws on top.

You can splash ‘n burn (calories) after downing the tropic dog at Blizzard Beach, with spicy banana peppers, tomatoes and onions, or the pretzel dog stuffed inside a chewy pretzel bun.

ESPN Club does the Italian hot dog with fried potatoes, sautéed onions, peppers and mustard, along with the classic chili dog.

YUM!

Source Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Marquee at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Tips for Choosing your Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)

Some of our Favorite Hot Dogs at Walt Disney World Resort

New Poster and Trailer For ‘The Avengers’ Lands

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 29, 2012

We’re just a little over two months away from Marvel’s epic crossover blockbuster, ‘The Avengers’, hits theaters. This is my most anticipated movie of the year, because for me, I never thought I’d ever see all these characters together on screen together in a movie like this. The fact that Marvel has pulled it off is so exciting for my inner geek, and I can’t wait to see it. To continue building up the anticipation for the film, Marvel has unveiled a new poster and a new trailer for the movie. And let me say, the new trailer makes me wish the movie was out now! It just keeps looking better and better. Hit the jump to check out both the poster and trailer, and let me know what you think in the comments below!

New Poster and Trailer For 'The Avengers' Lands

‘The Avengers’ stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Renner, and directed by Joss Whedon, is a five movie crossover event. This is going to be one of the biggest treats of the summer, and I can promise you I’ll be in line with my midnight show ticket as soon as they let me.

Marvel Hosts ‘Avengers’ Q&A on Twitter (chipandco.com)

New Poster and Trailer For 'The Avengers' Lands

WDW Pics iPhone App Available for Download

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 29, 2012

WDW Pics iPhone App Available for Download

Enjoy the Magic of Disney World everyday with pictures from Walt Disney World on your iPhone, iPad, or iTouch.

The WDW Pics app brings over 110 high quality photos to your device to use as backgrounds and wallpapers. Wallpapers from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios, Epcot and the Disney Resorts.

Photographers:
Tom Bricker
Cory Disbrow
Paul Gowder
Matt Pasant

iPhone screenshots

WDW Pics iPhone App Available for Download

iPad screenshots

WDW Pics iPhone App Available for Download

This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad
$0.99
Category: Photo & Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2012
Version: 2.4
Size: 1.3 MB
Language: English
Seller: PowWows.com
© PowWows.com
Rated 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later

REVIEW COMING SOON!

App link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wdw-pics/id376685083?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Disney Releases “The Lion King: Timon’s Tale” and “Tangled” for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch (chipandco.com)
iPhone App Review: Where in Walt Disney World? (chipandco.com)

WDW Pics iPhone App Available for Download

Disney World Quick Tips – Pack the Sunscreen!

By

Chip

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February 29, 2012

We have all seen it. Walking around the park you see a person in front of you a bright shade of red. Most times they are from the north and not used to the Florida sun which can be BRUTAL!

(Disclaimer – I am not making fun of northerners since I am from Pennsylvania myself)

Even in the winter the sun in Florida can be bad. One loop around Epcot can really add some color to your skin as there is not a lot of places to grab some shade unless you want to check out Club Cool!

My quick tip today is kinda an advertisement too. My family and I use Bullfrog sunscreen. I learned of this product when I moved from PA to Florida and would go out and surf all afternoon. Bullfrog is so great you put it on once and forget it..I almost never burned even after 8 hours of heavy surfing. Bullfrog puts on a protective layer of skin that keeps out the bad stuff but lets the good stuff in. Its almost magical..lol

One of the best things about Bullfrog at the parks is you put it on in your room before you head off to the parks and you are covered all day long. Depending on your skin type you can figure out the best SPF that works for you. SPF 36 seems to work the best and it is of course sweat proof for those hot summer days.

You can get the lotion which seems to last longer or the spray on mist. Most times I get 3-4 full body applications with the mist and 7-8 with the gel/lotion.

Whatever you decide do yourself and your skin a favor put on some sunscreen!

How to tour the Parks – Splitting up Epcot (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips – Ten FREE Things To Do At Disney World (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tips – Pack the Sunscreen!

Marvel Graphic Novels Now Available Through iBookStore

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 29, 2012

Fans of Marvel comics who have an iPhone or iPad should be very excited at this announcement. Marvel has announced today that over eighty of it’s most popular titles will now be available to purchase through Apple’s iBookStore. Some of my favorite comic runs, including ‘Civil War’, ‘The Dark Tower’, and ‘Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm’ can now be found in the palm of your hand, thanks to this new partnership between Apple and Marvel. I can say I’m definitely excited about this. How about you? Hit the jump for the full press release.

Marvel Digital Graphic Novels Now Available on Apple’s iBookstore

Marvel announced today that more than 80 of its most popular graphic novels, featuring the Avengers, Spider-Man, Wolverine and more of the world’s most popular super heroes, are now available on the iBookstore.

Marvel graphic novels such as Civil War, Avengers, Stephen King’s Dark Tower, Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm, and Astonishing X-Men can now be read on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, and customers can download a chapter from New Avengers Vol.1. for free.
“Marvel is taking the world of comics by storm and releasing a massive selection of our best and brightest graphic novels on the iBookstore,” said Peter Phillips, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Marvel Digital Media Group. “For the first time ever, fans will be able to easily find and enjoy all of their favorite heroes including The Avengers, Spider-Man and The X-Men on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch — one of the best digital platforms for reading comics and graphic novels.”

For the full selection of Marvel Graphic Novels now available on the iBookstore, launch the iBooks app on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or go to www.itunes.com/marvelgraphicnovels. The list of available Marvel graphic novels can be found at http://marvel.com/help/category/27.

Marvel Graphic Novels Now Available Through iBookStore

Disney’s ‘John Carter’ Movie Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 29, 2012

Disney's 'John Carter' Movie Review

For over a hundred years, Edgar Rice Burroughs’ eleven book ‘Barsoom’ series, which began with ‘A Princess of Mars’, has been an inspiration for many of our most well-known science fiction films, and has become a small staple of popular culture. Things like ‘Star Wars’, ‘Avatar’, ‘Flash Gordon’, ‘Buck Rogers’ as well as authors like Ray Bradbury and Arthur C. Clarke have all been inspired by Burroughs and his many characters and their adventures on the planet Barsoom, or as we know it as, Mars. But no character from the series has become more popular over time than John Carter, the hero of many of Burroughs’ ‘Barsoom’ novels. Hollywood has spent many years of attempting to bring John Carter and Barsoom to the big screen, and now Academy award-winning director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-e) and Walt Disney Pictures have worked together to finally give this series it’s due on the big screen. Stanton has managed to bring the incredible world Burroughs envisioned all those years ago to the big screen in a true pulp fiction style adventure that fans and newcomers alike will fall in love with. This is science fiction, as well as action and adventure, at its finest.

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