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Restaurants that Need Updating – Epcot’s China Pavilion

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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China Pavilion, Epcot

The China Pavilion has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Epcot.  The Pavilion is a great visual representation of China, complete with a replica of the Temple of Heaven, ponds, bridges, and artwork representing the country of China.  Unfortunately, there is one thing completely lost in translation: the food.

From reputation alone, I have avoided the Nine Dragons.  Reviews call it “flavorless” and recommend stopping pretty much anywhere else.   If you have a good Chinese restaurant in your home town, you will most likely be disappointed by the food here.  Definitely not “wowed.”  My experience comes from lunch several years ago at the Lotus Blossom Cafe – the counter service option in the China Pavilion.

Similar to mall food, the options were limited, and the flavors were greasy and not tasty enough for the grease.  Though I’ve heard great things about the egg rolls, the meal that I had sticks out for one reason – I have no idea what I ate, I just remember thinking that it was not good.   Surrounded by so many other great pavilions with other counter service options, I would definitely recommend to stop and watch the Chinese Acrobats, but to continue walking when you’re hungry for a full meal.

Enjoy the stunning Pavilion, but for me – let’s update the food options!

The China Pavilion at Epcot
Image via Wikipedia
Related articles
Restaurants that Need Updating - Epcot's China Pavilion

New Disney Junior Toy Line at Star-Studded Event During 2012 American International Toy Fair

By
Chip
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New Disney Junior Toy Line at Star-Studded Event During 2012 American International Toy Fair

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) unveiled a colorful and playful assortment of more than 130 toys inspired by four series on Disney Junior.

Don’t forget Disney Junior will be launching a 24-hour channel for kids age 2-7  on March 23!

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were joined by special guests Sharon Osbourne and David Arquette, voices of Mama Hook and Skully on Jake and the Never Land Pirates, to treat the toy and entertainment industry audience to a light-hearted talent show previewing new toys and upcoming content inspired by Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Minnie’s Bow-Toons, and Doc McStuffins, a new animated series set to debut on Disney Junior next month about a six-year-old girl who heals toys and stuffed animals out of her backyard clinic.

The new Disney Junior toy line is packed with creativity to inspire hours of imaginative play based on popular play patterns with preschool-aged kids. The line features colorful play sets, figures and feature plush from Fisher Price; role play sets, accessories, plush and dolls from Just Play; interactive board games from Wonder Forge; children’s electronics from VTech; ride-ons from Kiddieland; and bikes and scooters from Huffy, among other products. Popularity for the breakout hit series Jake and the Never Land Pirates has created a pent-up demand for the series’ first toy line. While Mickey Mouse proves once again that he offers versatile appeal to a new generation of fans with both farm- and dance-themed toys. Minnie Mouse, the leading lady of Disney Junior, gives girls new ways to play with fashion, kitchen and travel-themed play sets and role play. And Doc McStuffins, the newest gal on the Disney Junior block, will inspire nurturing play through doctor-themed role play, dolls and accessories.

“Disney Junior has proven to be a favorite with preschoolers and their parents; consumer response has been so strong that it has generated tremendous demand for products and resulted in our most robust Disney preschool toy line ever,” said J.D. Edwards, senior vice president, media networks licensing for DCP.

Osbourne and Arquette were each presented with custom-made toys inspired by their characters while guests enjoyed a sneak preview of Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns, a primetime special premiering tonight at 7 p.m. EST/PST on Disney Channel. In this highly anticipated episode, Peter Pan makes his first-ever appearance on the series, returning to Pirate Island to enlist Jake, Izzy, Cubby and Skully in finding his lost shadow.

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Key toys from the new Disney Junior toy line include:

Jake and the Never Land Pirates— A breakout hit, Jake and the Never Land Pirates ranked as 2011’s #1 cable TV series for boys 2-5, a spot it continues to hold, generating strong consumer demand for a merchandise line that allows fans to take home their favorite characters. A brand new toy line releasing in June will feature plush, role play and accessories from Just Play and action-oriented play sets and figures from Fisher Price, including:

Jake’s Pirate Ship (MSRP $44.99, national retailers, June 2012)— Designed after Bucky, Jake’s ship featured in the series, this swashbuckling pirate ship rocks and rolls when pushed along a surface, with Skully smartly perched on the lookout. Kids can join Jake and his crew to live a pirate’s life through multiple pirate-themed phrases and songs. To really bring the adventure home, kids can fire water out of the cannon or stage a surprise croc attack.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – A viewer favorite, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse delivered last year’s #1 preschool telecast for kids 2-5 and inspired an imaginative toy line of space-themed play sets and figures. This year, Fisher Price has developed a new line featuring fun and interactive play sets, figures and vehicles inspired by the upcoming Mickey Mouse Clubhouse special, Mickey and Donald Have a Farm, premiering this fall. Mickey Mouse will also move like never before with a new feature plush. Key toys releasing in 2012 include:

Mickey’s Farm Play Set (MSRP $44.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012)— Kids can create their own fun farm stories with Mickey Mouse and his friends with this new play set that features realistic animal sounds and fun farm music. Character figures and animals can go for a spin on the dance floor, and a silly hand moves between the silo and windmill.

Master Moves Mickey (MSRP $69.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012)—Decked out in his freshest dance gear and ready to get down, Master Moves Mickey dances and interacts, showing off some never-before-seen break-dance moves, ending in a signature handstand. His moves are hotter and hipper than ever! Master Moves Mickey features original music tracks, funky beats and plenty of awesome humor to get the whole family up and dancing.

Minnie’s Bow-Toons —Based on a popular episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, this new series of shorts finds Minnie and her good friend Daisy Duck running Minnie’s Bow-Tique, a specialty shop which stocks only bows and bowties. Highlighting the themes of friendship, fashion and travel, DCP will introduce an adorable pink and polka-dotted line of Minnie Mouse toys including kitchen and fashion-themed role play from Just Play and dolls and accessories from Fisher Price.

Minnie’s Kitchen (MSRP $74.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) – This colorful, multi-level play set has everything girls need to cook up their own kitchen adventures. Featuring multiple ‘flipping’ functions to maximize the play experience and creativity in the kitchen, the set includes a sink that flips to a hidden cutting board and dish rack that flips to a hidden blender. Girls can cook up their own treats with a frying pan to flip a Minnie-shaped pancake and flipping recipe book for inspiring new ideas. The kitchen includes Minnie’s voice and realistic kitchen sounds.

Doc McStuffins – Debuting next month, this imaginative animated series features six-year-old Doc McStuffins, who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. Little girls can nurture their own toys with a fun new assortment of products from Just Play, including:

“Time for Your Check Up” Doc Doll with Lambie (MSRP $34.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) – Girls can bring home their new friend and sing along to the entire ‘check-up’ song with Doc as they nurture their own toys. Doc comes to life, speaking more than 10 phrases and can bring her friend Lambie to life with the touch of her stethoscope, which activates with lights and sounds.

Related articles
  • Disney Junior Orders New Episodes of “Minnie’s Bow-toons” (chipandco.com)
  • 24 Hour Disney Junior Set to Launch March 23rd (chipandco.com)
New Disney Junior Toy Line at Star-Studded Event During 2012 American International Toy Fair

LEGO Systems Unveils 2012 Collection at American International Toy Fair

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

LEGO Systems Unveils 2012 Collection at American International Toy Fair

-Every brick tells a story as children of all ages and interests will find a set or theme to inspire build and play adventures with new construction kits, preschool toys, board games and activity playsets-

At the American International Toy Fair in NYC LEGO unveils its largest collection of build and play toys ever–more than 200 new products for children of all ages and interests. Boys and girls will be inspired to build with open-ended LEGO® building sets or with themes such as city, dinosaurs, monsters, ninjas, heroes, and friendship.

“2012 marks our 80th year in business, and the classic LEGO brick continues to grow in popularity among children of all ages, thanks to our strong collection of evergreen themes, the best licensed properties on the market and brand extensions that help us to engage any interest or building ability,” said Soren Torp Laursen, president, LEGO Systems. “We have welcomed many new children into the LEGO play experience in the past year, and we know that our new collection—which brings many different play patterns into construction—will continue to excite them and will attract even more children who have yet to discover the creative joy of construction play.”

Preschool Building (ages 1 1/2+)
LEGO DUPLO® introduces youngsters to building and delivers so many ways to play. Highlights include new Read and Build ($12.99 each), a series of kits that blend early reading with construction play, encouraging youngsters to build along as their parents read to them. Creative Sorter ($19.99) and Creative Cakes ($24.99) turn ordinary storage solutions into part of the build-and-play fun. The collection of “My First” DUPLO sets – My First Fire Chief ($9.99), My First Build ($24.99), My First Farm ($24.99) and My First Gas Station ($29.99) – combine building and role play, while fostering creativity and imagination. Additions to the LEGO DUPLO brand Cars 2™ line and a new DUPLO brand Disney Princess collection let children recreate favorite scenes and role play with beloved characters from their favorite feature films ($12.99 – $39.99).

Classic LEGO Building (ages 4+)
Open-ended Bricks & More sets ($9.99-$29.99) offer a versatile assortment of LEGO bricks and elements to set imaginations in motion, with building instructions and visual inspiration to bring children’s ideas to life. CREATOR™ kits ($5.99 – $79.99) offer 3-models-in-1 box in themes such as vehicles, creatures, and buildings, allowing children to build, play, and then rebuild their creations. Experienced builders enjoy the challenge of TECHNIC® sets, such as the Quad Bike ($24.99) and Jet Plane ($49.99), which replicate the movement of real-life vehicles and machinery.

LEGO Themes (ages 5+)
Designed from the input of girls and their moms around the world, LEGO Friends delivers a new theme option for builders ages 5 and up. Every set includes at least one of five best Friends in the form of a new mini-doll figure to inspire role play and stories after the building is complete. Andrea’s Stage ($9.99) is the perfect place to practice performing arts before the Friends hang out at the City Park Cafe ($29.99). Mia, who loves animals, volunteers her time at the local Heartlake Vet Clinic ($39.99). Olivia’s House ($69.99) features interior details and a modular construction that allows for the home to be built in a variety of different styles.
Six LEGO DINO sets create a jungle world where a team of scientists are trying to keep the dinos from fleeing the jungle and invading the city. Builders help round up the loose dinos with the Raptor Chase ($29.99) or the T-Rex Hunter ($69.99), keeping them at bay and the city safe with the Dino Defense HQ ($99.99).

New LEGO MONSTER FIGHTERS launches in August, taking builders’ imaginations to a bone-chilling world of classic monsters trying to blot out the sun forever. Builders help the team of Monster Fighters in a collection of seven sets ($6.99-$99.99) to overtake the mummy, werewolf, swamp creature, vampire, ghosts and mad professor.

Action and adventure continues to build in LEGO CITY. Five Transportation sets ($19.99 each) encourage classic role play for City builders, while new Forest Fire and Forest Police themes ($5.99-$79.99) take rescue heroes beyond city limits to protect and serve. In August, builders can create heavy duty machinery to dig for gold in the new Mining theme ($11.99-$99.99).

One of the most successful LEGO themes ever, NINJAGO introduces a new chapter to a storyline that merges classic construction with social and virtual gaming experiences, anchored by 26 episodes of the NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu animated television series airing on Cartoon Network. Children can customize Spinners (13 to collect, $9.99 each) with Booster Packs ($4.99 each), or construct 11 new building sets ($6.99 – $119.99), such as Destiny’s Bounty ($79.99), an ancient shipwreck hiding powerful treasure.

Collectors will rejoice over 48 never-before-seen LEGO Minifigures sold separately ($2.99 each) in unmarked packaging via three new series releasing throughout the year.

Licensed Building Fun (Ages 2+)
LEGO DC Universe™ Super Heroes recreates famous comic heroes and villains. Available now, a collection of four BATMAN™ sets includes The Batcave ($69.99) featuring characters Bruce Wayne, Batman, Robin, Poison Ivy and Bane. Superman™ vs. Power Armor Lex ($19.99) creates a scene where Wonder Woman is captured by Lex Luthor.

Five LEGO MARVEL Super Heroes sets launching in May feature The Avengers in sets such as Wolverine’s™ Chopper Showdown ($19.99) and Hulk’s™ Helicarrier Breakout ($49.99).
New for 2012, epic characters and scenes take LEGO form in the new LEGO THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ collection, based on the three films in THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Six building sets launch in June ($12.99-$129.99). To coincide with the fall movie premiere, a collection of LEGO THE HOBBIT™ building sets launches late 2012.

Partnership with Disney continues in 2012 with eight new building sets inspired by the world-renowned CARS™ film franchise that children can use to recreate their favorite characters ($6.99-$49.99).
The popularity of LEGO STAR WARS™ continues to build with 20 new sets inspired by the Star Wars™ film saga and the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Highlights include new TIE Fighter™ ($54.99) and X-Wing Starfighter™ ($59.99) available now, and The Malevolence™ and Jabba’s Palace™ (both $119.99) in August.

The wacky hilarity of LEGO SpongeBob SquarePants™ returns with new building adventures from Bikini Bottom – The Flying Dutchman ($24.99) and Bikini Bottom Undersea Party ($49.99), both available now.
Constraction (Ages 6+)

The LEGO Hero Factory is producing new buildable, pose-able figures with powerful tools to tackle any challenge; product codes link to a new online game to deliver another level of immersive play ($8.99 – $34.99). Six buildable figures based on iconic characters also come to life – three from LEGO DC Universe Super Heroes and three from LEGO MARVEL Super Heroes ($14.99 each).
LEGO Games (ages 6+)

Building game nights to new heights, LEGO Games, the first collection of board games to build, play and change, grows. CITY Alarm ($19.99) encourages hours of family fun, and a brand new addition to the HEROICA adventure game genre, Ilrion ($19.99) can be played separately, or together with other HEROICA games to create a new and different adventure game challenge. Two additional games, launching in the fall, will be announced later in the year.

Related articles
LEGO Systems Unveils 2012 Collection at American International Toy Fair

Safety That Sticks: The Ultimate Convenience In Child Safety

By
Chip
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Safety That Sticks: The Ultimate Convenience In Child SafetyIf you have you ever lost your child, even for a moment, you know that it is every parent’s worst nightmare. And it happens to ninety percent of all parents. Now there’s finally a safety idea parents can stick with:

SafetyTat®, “The Tat That Brings Kids Back!”, inventor of children’s safety tattoos featuring a parent’s mobile telephone number to easily reconnect parent and child in the event they get separated, has just made a brilliant invention irresistibly convenient SafetyTat’s new line of children’s safety tattoos, Quick-Stick Write-on! Tattoos, are the ultimate convenience.

SafetyTat was recently named by Disney Internet Group’s iParenting Media as one of the Greatest Safety Products, selected based on its fun value, product quality, ease of use, play duration and educational nature and uniqueness, among other criteria. Hundreds of products were submitted for judging. All products underwent a thorough evaluation process that uses internationally recognized standard of quality assurance.

These revolutionary safety tattoos are applied without water; they can be used at a moment’s notice anytime parents are with their children in a crowded place. And, unlike many tattoos, they won’t rub off. Customizable on-the-spot, a parent simply “writes-on” their mobile telephone number directly onto the tattoo in the space provided, creating an easy way to reunite a parent and child should they get separated. Quick-Stick Write-on!

Tattoos come in kid-friendly designs for both boys and girls. And the best part about them – kids love to wear them. The secret behind this innovative tattoo is Tateck®, SafetyTat’s proprietary tattoo material. One-of-a-kind, Tateck is a micro-thin elastomer that is applied like a sticker to the skin – simply peel and stick. It is instantly waterproof and stays in place for up to two weeks even on the most active of children.

Tateck is medical-grade stretchable, flexible and breathable material that is opaque in color making it highly visible and “Tateck is simply amazing. We have worked tremendously hard over the past year to develop this material as the ultimate in convenience for Moms and Dads,” explains Michele Welsh, Founder of SafetyTat. “The best part is its vibrancy; it simply ‘pops’ with color and looks great on all skin tones.”

SafetyTat temporary tattoos are perfect for any crowded venue where a parent and child may get separated: shopping malls, airports, theme parks, water parks, field trips, traveling, stadium events, site-seeing, beaches, pools, etc. SafetyTat carries a full line of Quick-Stick Write-On! and Original Tattoos available at www.SafetyTat.com; starting at $7.99.

Safety That Sticks: The Ultimate Convenience In Child Safety

Top 5 Magic Kingdom Hidden Details

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Top 5 Magic Kingdom Hidden Details

Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World knows that Disney specializes in the details; and I’m always on the look-out for new details or hidden Disney magic that isn’t so easy to find! Today I’m sharing with you my favorie Magic Kingdom hidden details that I have discovered on my visits to the park. Enjoy!

5. Cinderella’s Wishing Well-Located on the path running around the castle near Tomorrowland, you will find a wishing well sitting just off the path facing the castle! You can tell by its details that this wishing well definitely belongs to Cinderella and it makes a great photo spot! Also, the money tossed in the well goes toward charity. Truly magical!

4. Pirate Chess Game-Hidden inside the queue for Pirates of the Caribbean, locked in a cell, be sure to look for two pirate skeletons playing chess! Not only is this fun to find; but chess pros will know that the game pieces are arranged into a deadlock. No wonder they died sitting at the board! How do you know how to find this hidden detail? When waiting in line, look through the prison bars and look down!

3. Cinderella Fountain-Tucked in a corner in Fantasyland, just behind Cinderella Castle, you will find a fountain featuring Cinderella herself! This sweet fountain is a big hit with little princesses; and those of a shorter stature will see that the pattern behind the fountain makes a crown behind her head when viewed at the right angle!

2. Disney’s Coat of Arms-On the front and back of Cinderella Castle, keep your eyes up to find a seal displaying the Disney Coat of Arms. What a great detail and homage to the man responsible for it all!

1. Gus and Jacque-When waiting for to take your picture with Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table, keep your eyes up! Perched above your head are two familiar friends looking over Cinderella, her loyal mice friends, Gus and Jacque!

Have you seen any of these hidden details during your visits to the Magic Kingdom?

Related Articles:

  • Hidden Gems: Cinderella Wishing Well (aglassslippervacation.com)
  • Teaching History Through the Parks: Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
  • Best Things I Love About Disney-Pirates of the Caribbean (chipandco.com)

 

Disney World Quick Tips – Traveling to Disney with Friends

By
Chip
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Disney World Quick Tips - Traveling to Disney with Friends

Our past couple of trips to Disney World have really been a lot of fun! My writer Melissa and her husband from Disney on Wheels have managed to vacation at the same time as us, even stayed in the room next door on our trip last September. They are our Disney buddies!

I know many people don’t like to travel to the parks with friends or family as things can get really stressful. Not to mention trying to book meals, coordinate parks, and dealing with little ones can really drive a wedge between you and your traveling companions.

While no two groups of people are alike I want to offer up some tips that help us when planning our trips with friends.

Plan your meals before you go – Sit down and write up where you want to eat and compare the 2 lists. Mel & I usually use Google Docs and share the spreadsheets. I can see where they want to go and vise versa. While we don’t plan every meal together, (I am sure our kids probably get on their nerves) we like to do about 75% of the meals together. Not to mention I am a Meatarian and Melissa is a Vegetarian.

Tip – If you are not a morning person (like me) limit the number of breakfasts and maybe go all Table Service Dinners together. I will say Kona Cafe has some great coffee to help perk you up if you have to do breakfast!

Pick parks you will visit alone – Don’t plan on being at the same park every day together. Unless you are besties and you don’t mind hanging out 24/7 it is probably better to have some alone time with your partner or family.

Don’t be afraid to say ‘Well see you later’ – Disney World can be stressful! Our trip this past September was insane their were wall to wall people and it was really hot too! There were many times we told our friends “You guys go on without us, were going to the baby care center and will catch up with you at dinner.” Afternoon naps/breaks are perfect for this.

Melissa and I did this before we met for the first time. I told her if they wanted to breakaway or if I was getting on their nerves just say you are gonna go on ahead for a while. I would rather someone do that then for them to get mad or upset over something at the parks.

Be patient – Unless you are hardcore Disney Vacationer you are gonna have to stop for restrooms, drinks, diaper changes, etc. When you have other people traveling with you there are gonna be bumps in the road. I know I take about 2,000 pictures every trip so if your traveling with me I’ll probably get on your nerves. But just try to be patient and know that the rides aren’t going anywhere. R-e-l-a-x.

Take extra care when traveling with people with special needs – As you probably guessed Melissa is in a wheel chair. That is where she gets the name Disney On Wheels. There were times when we ran into rides she couldn’t get on or took a little longer to get on them. It was nice to be able to help her get on Pirates for the first time in 11 years! You might be traveling with someone in a wheel chair, who is blind, deaf, etc. Be aware of their needs and do your research on Touring the Parks with people with special needs. If you use the search in the top right side of the page you can pretty much find thousands of Disney World traveling tips!

Melissa is working on a list of all the rides and attractions at Disney World that are accessible for people with a wheelchair. So keep an eye out for that. Also she will be offering up tips and tricks for each rides to make your visit much easier!

I hope these tips will help things go smoothly for you on your next trip to Disney World or Disneyland with Friends or Family. If I missed anything let me know in the comment box below.

P.S. – As I write this article we are planning our Feb 2013 with Andrew & Melissa!

 

Related articles
  • Is Disney World becoming too crowded? (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Quick Tips – Try something new (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips - Traveling to Disney with Friends

Chip & Company Week in Review, February 13, 2012

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Chip & Company Week in Review, February 13, 2012

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Chip & Company Week in Review.  There have been a lot of stories to read about, so here are the stories that caught our eye last week:

  • In a bit of Disney History, the reports are that Walt Disney is close to acquiring the script for “Saving Mr. Banks.” This story tells how Walt Disney finally was able to acquire the script from P.L. Travers for the making of Mary Poppins.
  • Starting this Wednesday, February 15th, the Magic Kingdom is introducing some new kids menu items.
  • Look out everyone, Perry the Platypus from Phineas and Ferb is kicking off Platypus Day this coming March 3rd!
  • Chip brings us a very special First Look: Disney’s Wreck-it Ralph!
  • The John Carter: Journey to Aulani Sweepstakes is under way.  Make sure you enter to win a trip to Disney’s newest Vacation Club resort!
  • Special thanks to Disneyland Resort for their $5 million dollar donation to CHOC Children’s hospital.  That donation was one of many that helped raise over $100 million dollars for the hospital project!
  • Sadly, Patricia Disney, the former wife of Roy E. Disney (the nephew of Walt Disney) passed away recently from Alzheimer’s Disease.  She was 77 years old.  Our condolences go out to the Disney family in their time of sorrow.
  • Chip and Company is proud to announce our new partnership with the folks over at the Garden Grocer, Florida’s #1 professional grocery delivery service!
  • Disney Baby has expanded their product line to include nursery, apparel, mealtime, and bathtime products.
  • Lastly, check out some of these fun facts for the 19th annual Flower and Garden Festival!

That’s our look at some of the news stories from last week, now let’s take a look at some of the incredible original articles that our writers produce each and every day!  Enjoy!

  • In the last of my iPad reviews, I wrote about the Disney Publishing App, Disney Princesses: A Royal Christmas!
  • Which is better, to have a table service reservation in the parks, or in the resorts?  Lisa weighs in with her opinions on this dilemma in part one and part two of this miniseries!
  • Lastly, Jodi takes on the daunting task of informing us of her Top 10 Rides to Avoid after eating!  That’s a great piece of advice to remember on your next trip!

That’s all we have for you this week.  I hope you have a terrific week, and remember to check out Chip & Company often for the latest in Disney News, Views, Giveaways, and more!  To keep up with the latest Disney news and views on the fly, check out the Chip & Company Facebook Page or follow Chip & Company via Twitter!  Also, head on over to the Disney for Seniors page and tell Ken you hope he’s feeling better!  Ken, get well soon my friend!

Related articles
  • Chip & Company Week in Review, February 6, 2012 (chipandco.com)
Chip & Company Week in Review, February 13, 2012

RIP Whitney Houston: A Look at Her Disney Legacy

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Yesterday, the world was shocked at the untimely death of Whitney Houston. The superstar musician and actress died at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills at the age of 48. Many will remember her for her starring roles in such films as ‘The Bodyguard’ with Kevin Costner, or her long and wonderful music career, but many forget the many contributions she brought to the Disney company in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Whitney starred alongside Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance in the 1996 movie ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, which was directed by Penny Marshall. She also went to go on and star in the ABC television remake of ‘Cinderella’, where she played Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother to Brandy’s Cinderella. She also produced both of the ‘The Princess Diaries’ films which starred Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, as well as the first two ‘Cheetah Girls’ films, which starred Disney star Raven-Symone. Disney has lost one of their best collaborators, and our hearts and prayers go out to Whitney’s family and friends during this very tragic and heartbreaking time. Hit the jump for a look at some of what she did for the company.

Continue

Disney Cruise Line for Kids: The Oceaneers Club and Lab

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney Cruise Line for Kids: The Oceaneers Club and Lab

My first cruise on the Disney Dream brought along other firsts as well: my first time cruising with 10-year old step-son and my step-son’s first time on the seas!

I must say that the experience far exceeded my expectations and I’m certain I can’t tell you how how much it surpassed everything my step-son had imagined!

We took a tour of the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab on embarkation day, as an adult and parent here is what impressed me the most:

The Security:

  • The bracelet system the club utilizes is genius. Each child receives a hospital style bracelet band that holds a small wrist-size transmitter with all their pertinent confirmation that you provide upon registration. The transmitter simply gets tapped on the keypad at the entry of the kids club and it automatically signs the child in. The kids get this process down in about 2 seconds. The transmitter and wristband are incredibly sturdy and can be worn 24/7, they are even waterproof. I recommend you leave the wristband on your child for the duration of your cruise because if you lose or damage the transmitter there is a $50 charge.
  • The check-in/out process: There are at least 4 people at both the Club and Lab desks at all times monitoring the check-in process. If your child is 10, you can elect if you’d like them to be able to check themselves in and out of the club or if you want an adult to do it (if you are traveling with other adult family members be sure to list all family members who are allowed to check your child in and out of the kids programs- if they aren’t on the list…it’s not happening!) In addition to your list of authorized family members, there is also a password (that you will provide at registration) that you must give each time you check the child out of the club. Worried about random adults just wandering around in the kids clubs? Disney has that taken care of too! There are blue landyards with a “pick up” tag on them that you must get before entering the club. This identifies you to the cast members as an adult looking to pick-up their child. If you don’t have one of those…you don’t get to be in the kids areas.

The Staff:

  • The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab staff are the best of the best. These folks work tirelessly to make sure our kids are having a good time. There are plenty of them to go around and supervise and they also participate in so many activities with the kids. There is always a friendly face to welcome your child in and greet them by name and don’t be surprised if your child prefers them over you.
  • Contact: If you are worried about your child not adjusting to the kids programs you have no worries. Each stateroom is equipped with 2 wave phones at no charge, these phones work everywhere onboard and can make and receive calls as well as text messages. If at anytime your child is uncomfortable or wants to leave the club a cast member will call and/or text both phones to let you know the child wants to be picked up.

The Stuff:

  • For some parents parting with their children is a traumatic experience, we make a million excuses…”He’s shy”, “I don’t want them playing video games all day”, “He doesn’t like strangers”…the list goes on and on. Disney has thought of all of this so you’re going to be hard pressed to find a reason your child CAN’T participate!
  • Although there are certain video game challenges (A WII Challenge and a Mario Cart Challenge) the gaming systems are not left on all day and are only turned on for the allotted amount of time for the planned event. So don’t worry about checking your child in only to find them in a vegetative state in front of a TV or game console when you pick them up.
  • There are various events going on throughout the day that appeal to each age group and interest. Among my son’s favorites were Super Sloppy Science (when we checked on him during this event he was wearing blue safety goggles and a white lab coat and was far too busy to be bothered by the likes of us!), Anyone Can Cook (inspired by Disney/Pixar’s Ratatouille) and the Magic Play-floor (think 70’s disco with today’s technology and Disney’s imagination)
  • Not sure what your child will be interested in and don’t want them to miss anything? The Personal Navigator you receive each day has a special section for the kids clubs activities, so you can simply find the events that interest your kids and see what times they are happening at. A highlighter comes in handy to mark those “don’t miss” events.

We still have yet to hear about all the adventures in the Oceaneer Club and Lab. Games, crafts, dance parties, Andy’s Room, Monster’s Inc playfloor, board games, video game challenges, trivia challenges, movies and more who can keep track?! I’m sure we’ll eventually hear all about what happened inside but onboard all we heard was “when can I go back?”

To book the perfect vacation for your entire family, contact [email protected] for your free Disney Cruise Line quote and for more information. Check out my blog to hear more about my trip on the Disney Dream!

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Eight Lands to Explore at the New Disney California Adventure Park This Summer

By
Chip
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Birdseye View of New Lands Coming to Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort

Today marks the 11th anniversary of Disney California Adventure park, and we’ve got some exciting news to share! When the expansion of the park is complete this summer, guests will have a total of eight themed lands to explore. With the addition of two new areas — Buena Vista Street and Cars Land — and slight changes to the names of some existing areas, the total number of themed lands will increase to eight and include:

  • “a bug’s land”
  • Buena Vista Street
  • Cars Land
  • Condor Flats
  • Grizzly Peak
  • Hollywood Land
  • Pacific Wharf
  • Paradise Pier

As you already know, each of these lands will be filled with even more to do and see at Disney California Adventure park, including Mad T Party and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. All of these new lands and experiences will cap off a five-year expansion which has included the addition of Toy Story Mania!, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, “World of Color,” Silly Symphony Swings, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Goofy’s Sky School, Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.

The new themed lands will be added to guide maps when the expansion is complete this summer.

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Top Five Off the Beaten Path Must – Dos at Disney World.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Top Five Off the Beaten Path Must - Dos at Disney World.
The walkway from the Poly to the Grand Floridian.

If you’ve spent any time in a Disney resort room, you’ve seen Stacy’s Must-Do list highlighting the top attractions at Walt Disney World. Well, no disrespect to Stacy, but there are some low-key activities that deserve just as much attention.

1. People Watching.  Quite simply, a Disney park is a buffet of humanity!  On any given day, it seems like people from every walk of life and from all corners of the globe are walking down Main Street. Grab a cold drink and a chair and watch the world go by while everyone else is rushing.

2. Resort hopping:  Spend an afternoon or even the entire day checking out how the other half vacations.  You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the amenities (minus the pool, of course), shopping, or restaurants. Even when I’m not staying there, I love to sit in the lobby of the Grand Floridian a few minutes and just soak up the atmosphere.

3.  Eating in a signature restaurant.  Don’t be afraid to try Disney’s signature restaurants, even if you have small children with you. Most, if not all, are appropriate for children.  My personal favorite is the Californian Grill on top of the Contemporary Resort, which is the perfect introduction for small children to the better restaurants on site.

4.  The walkway from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian.  Next time you go to the Magic Kingdom, stop by the Poly and walk to the Grand Floridian. Most guests who aren’t staying at these resorts don’t even know it exists, but it’s one of the prettiest spots in Disney World. The walk itself gives you hints of what’s to come, with glimpses of Space Mountain and  Cinderella Castle in the distance.

5.  Stay in the Magic Kingdom after closing.  No, I’m not suggesting you camp out on Tom Sawyer Island (Note to self:  Buy scuba gear and a tent.)  But did you know that you can stay in the park for about an hour after closing? Cast members won’t allow you on the rides, but shops stay open a full hour after closing (except after special parties), so you can slowly make your way out of the park and avoid the crowds. I like to find a bench and watch the castle turn colors for a while and then do a bit of last minute shopping. Try to be out within that hour–cast members want to go home too.  You’ll get some great pictures of  an almost-empty Main Street and you’ll be rewarded with an empty bus back to your resort.

What are your must do’s?

 

Earl of Sandwich Joins Downtown Disney District

By
Chip
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Earl of Sandwich Joins Downtown Disney District

Disneyland Resort today announced that Earl of Sandwich will open a new location at Downtown Disney in early summer 2012. The restaurant will offer guests a unique, casual-quick dining option while visiting Downtown Disney.“We pride ourselves in giving our guests a unique experience at Downtown Disney through different retail and food offerings,” said Tony Bruno, vice president of Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney. “This will be the only Earl of Sandwich in California and it is sure to be a favorite among our guests as it has been at Walt Disney World for nearly eight years.”

The new restaurant, which continues to have historical ties to the inventor of the sandwich, the Sandwich family, will be adjacent to AMC Theatres. Signature hot sandwiches will be available including The Original 1762, a sandwich of freshly roasted beef, sharp cheddar and creamy horseradish sauce all on freshly baked artisan bread. Soups, salads, wraps and desserts also are on the menu. Earl of Sandwich offers a vast array of hot and cold beverages including The Earl’s Grey Lemonade. Breakfast sandwiches and pastries will be available in the morning and a variety of catering options will be offered at this location.

“We are looking forward to the grand opening of our newest location at the Disneyland Resort,” stated Robert Earl, chairman of Earl of Sandwich.  “The success we’ve experienced at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and our other 15 locations has proven that the quality of our food and our dining experience will bring guests back time and time again.”

Earl of Sandwich joins approximately 50 retail, dining and entertainment venues that comprise Downtown Disney. Bridging the two theme parks and hotels, the 20-acre entertainment, dining and shopping district offers an eclectic experience that includes the World of Disney store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, ESPN Zone and House of Blues.

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Earl of Sandwich Joins Downtown Disney District
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