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Sneak Peek at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Sneak Peek at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Opening this February at Walt Disney World is the all new game Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.

In this role-playing game, guests become Merlin’s apprentice sorcerers and embark on a quest to stop more than 20 Disney villains – including Hades and Cruella De Vil – from stealing one of the four shattered pieces of Merlin’s crystal ball. Armed with spells in the form of special cards, guests search for the magic symbols that lead them to villains’ hiding places in Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Once there, apprentices use magic keys to reveal a villain’s hideout and use spell cards to stop them in their tracks.

According to the game’s developers, the cards really are the secret weapons of the game. There will be 70 different spell cards available and guests will receive five complimentary cards when they play. Each card features a different Disney character that offers a spell unique to him or her. Guests can use more than one card simultaneously, casting multiple spells at a villain at one time.

Some of the cards you may encounter include:

  • Lumière’s Candle Blast – This card shows Belle’s favorite candlestick spurred on by his loyal ally, Cogsworth.
  • Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – This card shows Mr. Toad’s car careening through the underbrush.
  • Prince Naveen’s Army of Frogs – This card shows Tiana’s prince enchanting his amphibian army to action.
  • Rafiki’s Wisdom Stick – This card shows Simba’s counselor ready to imbue some knowledge on the enemy’s forehead.
  • The Woozles’ Woozle Nightmare – This card shows a Woozle dreaming of his most delightful vision: A gang of other Woozles ready to bang some noggins.

We do have some additional details for guests who want to collect or trade these cards. The 70 cards are divided into nine different spell classes, such as Princess cards, Hero cards or Warrior cards. In addition, all cards are marked with one of three designations – a star symbol, which indicates a rare card; a moon symbol, which signifies an uncommon card; and a planet symbol, which indicates a common card.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will debut in late February and is included in the cost of theme park admission.

  • Sorcerers To Begin Invading Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
  • Sorcerers Invade the Magic Kingdom in Early 2012 (chipandco.com)
Sneak Peek at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Passporter’s 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook Giveaway

Passporter's 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of Passporter’s 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook? For me this Guidebook is a must have if you are planning a Disney World Vacation. Our good friends at Magical Mouse School House is hooking us up with a copy to Giveaway on the Chip and Company site!

To enter just use the Rafflecopter form below. Try to do everything on the checklist. You can tweet and share this post on your Facebook wall as many times as you like! The more you share the more entries you receive!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends on 12:01am on Saturday February 4th. I will pick a winner that morning and notify them via Rafflecopter that they won. The winner has 24 hours to respond or I will pick another.

  • Family Traditions at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Passporter's 2012 Walt Disney World Guidebook Giveaway

The Top 10 Disney Movies – #5

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around.  We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1!  Now back to the countdown with our #5 animated Disney film of all-time:

The Top 10 Disney Movies - #5
Monsters Inc, 2001

#5 –  MONSTERS INC. (2001)
Stars: John Goodman, Billy Crystal

Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman
Rating: PG

By 2001, Disney/Pixar already had six years of pitch-perfect animated storyboards under their belt featuring the Toy Story franchise and A Bug’s Life (1998).  But, this was the year that it all got kicked up a notch with their instant-classic, Monsters Inc.  Did your kids (or you) ever get scared at the thought of monsters under the bed or in the closet?  Did you ever hear that the “boogie man” was going to get you?  Well, the genius minds over at Pixar thought up the brilliant faux world of “Monstropolis,” where these monsters are actually more afraid of humans, in particular young children, than we ever were of them.  It acts as not only a triumphant and hilarious Disney film, but also a lesson for kids that they don’t have to be afraid.  Somehow they got the animation even better as this was their most crisp and colorful yet.  Disney once again implored celebrities to voice the main characters, led by John Goodman and Billy Crystal.  With the announcement of a “pre-quel” that is being released in 2013 (Monsters University), this movie franchise will prove to be so-good-it’s-scary.

Watch the Trailer

Check back tomorrow night for our #4 entry, and check us out on facebook.

Star Wars Fans Work together to Create Star Wars: Episode IV Uncut

Star Wars Fans Work together to Create Star Wars: Episode IV Uncut

In 2009, Casey Pugh asked thousands of Internet users to remake “Star Wars: A New Hope” into a fan film, 15 seconds at a time. Contributors were allowed to recreate scenes from Star Wars however they wanted. Within just a few months SWU grew into a wild success. The creativity that poured into the project was unimaginable.

SWU has been featured in documentaries, news features and conferences around the world for its unique appeal. In 2010 we won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media.

Finally, the crowd-sourced project has been stitched together and put online for your streaming pleasure. The “Director’s Cut” is a feature-length film that contains hand-picked scenes from the entire StarWarsUncut.com collection.

So grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the Awesomeness!

Star Wars Fans Work together to Create Star Wars: Episode IV Uncut

Spring Issue of D23 Magazine Pays Tribute to Legacy and Influence of Disney Animated Films

Spring Issue of D23 Magazine Pays Tribute to Legacy and Influence of Disney Animated Films

Coming to news stands and mailboxes next month D23 Magazine will be paying Tribute to Legacy and Influence of Disney Animated Films from the past 75 years!

Available nationwide on February 14, this special issue of Disney twenty-three magazine is an extraordinary treasure trove of fascinating stories, insights and details of Disney animation’s heritage. From pre-production to music composition, every facet of making classic Disney animated features is explored—including the transcriptions from Walt’s story meetings with his animation team as they developed such classics as Fantasia, Pinocchio and Cinderella.

Plus, especially for Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, this all-new issue also features an inventive, breathtaking cover that incorporates a removable replica animation cel from Snow White.

“It’s often been said that animation is the heart and soul of Disney, so we knew we needed to do something truly spectacular with our magazine in this milestone year,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “Whether you’re interested in the first Golden Age of Disney animation or you’re looking forward to the next beloved classic, there’s something in this issue for every Disney fan.”

Fittingly, the magazine’s first story examines the legacy of Walt Disney himself and the vision he set forth even before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hit the screen. FiIm historian and Academy-Award® winner John Canemaker looks at how Disney animated films have continuously raised the bar for three quarters of a century, since audiences were first enchanted by the “fairest of them all.”  Also included in the Spring issue are:

  • The Six Older Men: A revealing look at the rarely seen talented artists and illustrators who helped train Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men”;
  • Ralph’s Wrecking Crew: An early glimpse at the process of producing Wreck-It Ralph, the next feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios;
  • Ballyhoo and Buzz: A colorful look at some of Disney’s off-the-wall stunts for marketing new movies before the advent of broadcast and digital media;
  • Striking the Right Chords: An exploration of the memorable music written for animated features, with insight from film historian Leonard Maltin;
  • Still Soaring: A touching interview with talented artist Tyrus Wong, now 101 years old, who helped create the extraordinary look of Bambi;
  • A Work of Art: An introduction to Disney’s Animation Research Library, home to 65 million individual pieces of original animation art.

There’s even more to discover—including spectacular photography and artwork—in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three, which will be delivered directly to all Gold-level D23 Members beginning inearly February with the limited-edition Snow White reproduction cel as their collectible gift.

Disney twenty-three magazine is available at retail locations across the country for $15.95, and can also be purchased online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are treated to each issue delivered directly to their mailbox, accompanied by a special collectible gift.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members ahost of exclusive benefits, including a bi-weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; and exclusive, member-only special events.

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.Disney.com/D23, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.

  • The Top 10 Disney Movies – #10 (chipandco.com)
  • Disney Twenty-Three Magazine Goes Behind The Scenes With The Muppets (chipandco.com)
Spring Issue of D23 Magazine Pays Tribute to Legacy and Influence of Disney Animated Films

Photos: Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns Premiere Event

Photos: Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns Premiere Event

Cast and crew of Disney Junior’s #1 series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” celebrated the series’ first-ever primetime special “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns,” at a premiere screening event on Saturday, January 28 at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. The primetime special debuts on Disney Channel Monday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Photo Credit DISNEY JUNIOR/RICK ROWELL

  • Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns On DVD & Digital Download April 3rd (chipandco.com)
  • Peter Pan Returns to Neverland in All New ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ Premiere (chipandco.com)
Photos: Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns Premiere Event

John Carter Pre-screening event exclusive for Walt Disney World Passholders

John Carter Pre-screening event exclusive for Walt Disney World Passholders

If you are a Disney World Passholder and will be at Disney World March 3rd or 4th you should check out this exclusive event!

Passholders! We are excited to offer you an exclusive opportunity to view the newest movie from Walt Disney Pictures – John Carter! Please review the event details below and register to confirm your attendance. The event is open to Disney Passholders only. Space is limited, so act now!

Movie Description: Transplanted to Mars, a Civil War vet discovers a lush planet inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter a princess who is in desperate need of a savior.

Movie Pre-screening Overview

  • Pre-screening event exclusive for Walt Disney World® Passholders.
  • Two-day event, three shows per day.
  • Reservations available online only.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday March 3 or Sunday March 4, 2012
  • Venue: Premier Theatre, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Near Pixar Meet ‘n Greet and Cars Meet ‘n Greet).
  • Show Times: 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
  • Sign up:  Each Passholder who wishes to attend will need to register in advance using this online sign-up tool between February 1 and February 22, 2012.
  • Availability: Space is limited for each screening; registration will automatically close when registration reaches capacity.
  • Note: This is a 3-D large screen presentation. Rated PG-13 (may be too intense for younger viewers).

The Day of the Event

  • Valid Passholder ID is required.
  • Valid Theme Park Admission is required.
  • Due to limited availability, sign-up is required.
  • Please arrive at the Premier Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios no earlier than 60 minutes and no later than 15 minutes prior to your movie screening.
  • Each Guest must present a valid Passholder ID and printed voucher to be admitted. Guests over the age of 18 will also need to present a valid Government issued Photo ID.
  • Entertainment and Events are subject to change without notice.
  • No refreshments will be served.
  • Annual Passholders receive free 2012 Calendar (chipandco.com)
  • Florida Residents Enjoy Monday to Friday Fun and Savings with Weekday Select Pass (chipandco.com)
John Carter Pre-screening event exclusive for Walt Disney World Passholders

Disney World Quick Tips – How to pick the least busiest park

Disney World Quick Tips - How to pick the least busiest park

In this digital age with Websites and Apps from Touring Plans to long articles like Easy WDW with their Extended Crowd Calendar. Everyone seems to know which park will have the least amount of people for that day. Let me say that after a little trial and error last week I have determined which park will be the least busiest at any given day at Walt Disney World!

None of them!

According to all the websites, apps, magic eight balls they all said last week was going to be completely dead at Walt Disney World. But let me just tell you it was not! It wasn’t Christmas busy but everyday the big rides at all 4 parks were at 60-90 minute waits.

So before you just give up going let me offer you a few tips on how to pick the best park and make your trip a bit more enjoyable as your banging elbows with that Brazilian Tour Group.

Tip #1 – If a park was open late the night before most times it will be less busy the next day. Most people won’t go back to the same park the next day if they were there till midnight the night before.

Tip #2 – Take advantage of Morning Magic Hours! I have noticed that most people come walking in the park around 10-11am. Which means if you are there for Extra Morning Magic Hours that you will most times have the run of the park for an hour or two before the crowds show up.

Tip #3 – Use Touring Plans Lines App – If we are in a park that seems packed what I will do is whip out the Touring Plans Line App and check the Big 4 Rides. Which are Soarin, Dinosaur, Tower or Terror, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Most times if those lines are over 90 minutes that park will be way to crowded for my tastes. Ok before you ask me about Toy Story Midway Mania, Peter Pan and Expedition Everest keep in mind those rides are always going to be slammed no matter how busy the park attendance.

If you follow those 3 tips you can pretty much avoid most crowds at Disney World. Unfortunately with the invention of Crowd Calendars and Disney Free Dining you can pretty much expect crowds at all parks 365 days a year.

 

  • Disney World Quick Tips – How to get those empty park photos (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t Visit Walt Disney World Through A Viewfinder (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips - How to pick the least busiest park

Kellie Nickerson Wins Disneyland’s Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Kellie Nickerson Wins Disneyland's Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Special congrats goes out to Kellie Nickerson and all those who competed in the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

Kellie Nickerson looking apropos in her fairy wings and green tutu flew away from the field to capture the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

Nickerson, who hails from Albuquerque, N.M., captured her first win at Disney in 1:27:52, finishing ahead of Southern Californians Sharon Wilkinson of Winnetka (1:28:18) and Stacy Schafer from Carlsbad (1:28:54).

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by the city of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, led runners on a 13.1-mile trek through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as by several city of Anaheim landmarks. The first year event featured music, entertainment, Disney characters and costumed runners donning fairy wings and pixie dust. Finishers received a commemorative Tinker Bell “wings” medal.

TV sitcom star Megyn Price (Rules of Engagement) and “Goonies,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Rudy” movie star Sean Astin were among the 12,000-plus registered runners to take part in Sunday morning’s race.

The weekend of events, all geared toward health, fitness and active lifestyles for women, featured a variety of races including The Never Land 5K on Friday night, kids’ races on Saturday and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on Sunday. There was also a health and fitness expo featuring the latest running merchandise, products, apparel and guest speakers – all tailored for women – creating a weekend of camaraderie and wellness, plus a pinch of Tinker Bell’s trademark sassiness and sense of adventure.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is the second women-focused event weekend in the runDisney series.  Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place at Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 24 – 26.  Both event weekends are among the largest women-specific events in the country.

  • Almost full! Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend February 24-26, 2012 (chipandco.com)
  • D23 Adds More New Discounts for Members (chipandco.com)
Kellie Nickerson Wins Disneyland's Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Chip & Company Week in Review, January 30, 2012

Chip & Company Week in Review, January 30, 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:

  • As we discussed a couple of weeks ago, the itineraries for the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder for 2013 have now been released!
  • For you D23 members out there, you will enjoy knowing that they have released more discounts for their members!
  • Disney recently announced that their cast members will now be able to grow beards, whereas before this was not allowed.  What do you think of this change?
  • A new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse video is being released!  Look for “I ❤ Minnie” on February 7th!
  • Jane By Design, volume 1, is coming to DVD on March 20th, to mark your calendars!
  • Aljon recently did a review of “Timmy Time: Timmy Needs a Bath.”  According to Aljon, it’s good clean fun for the Kids!
  • The Muppets will be coming to DVD and BluRay on March 20th, 2012!  I’ll be marking my calendar for that release date!
  • Mel shares with us information on how to charge to your “Key to the World” card.
  • Will you be boarding your dogs at Best Friends Pet Care between now and February 4th?  If so, your friends will be in for an ice cream and cookie treat!
  • Lastly, here are the Tables in Wonderland special events for February, 2012!

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!

  • Amanda had another of her famous posts of photos submitted by Chip and Company fans!  Check out Andrea’s picture of Star Wars Weekends!
  • Chris shares with us the cruising secret no one wants you to know!
  • Lastly, Catie shares with us her top 5 adult restaurants to eat at!

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!

 

  • The Week That Was, January 29th, 2012 (mydreamsofdisney.com)
Chip & Company Week in Review, January 30, 2012

Marvel Hosting ‘Avengers’ Q&A on Twitter

Marvel Hosting 'Avengers' Q&A on Twitter

Looking forward to this summer’s highly anticipated film ‘The Avengers’? Having any burning question for the director and the cast? Then Tuesday, January 31, 2012 will definitely be a day you’ll be looking forward to. Marvel Studios will be hosting a half hour Q&A segment via the @Avengers twitter handle and #Avengers hashtag starting at 11 a.m. PST. Director Joss Whedon, as well as Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg will be on hand to answer questions for fans. Those participating in the event will get a chance to see a ten second look at next weekends Superbowl spot on NBC, as well as win some Avengers themed prize packs by answering trivia questions.  This is definitely something I’m very excited about and I’ll definitely be taking part in on.

‘The Avengers’ will be hitting theaters on May 4, 2012.

  • Marvel Studios Presents “The Avengers” Exclusive Footage at New York Comic Con (chipandco.com)
  • ‘The Avengers’ Trailer to Arrive on Tuesday (chipandco.com)
  • Marvel Announces AVENGERS VS X-MEN – The Biggest Comic Book Event In History Begins In April 2012 (chipandco.com)
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Thomas and Friends: Curious Cargo DVD Review.

Thomas and Friends: Curious Cargo DVD Review.

Thomas the Friend’s Curious Cargo is Thomas’ wildest ride yet. Settle in and watch as Thomas and his friends deliver furry friends to the Sodor Wildlife Center. In these three episodes, Thomas learns how to overcome the challenges of transporting a very tall giraffe, Percy learns the importance of being gentle with animals, and Belle and Toby discover why it’s so important to listen to others.  All good lessons presented in a fun way that you can reinforce after you watch the video with your child.

Thomas the Tank Engine has been around for 65 years and yet the stories never fail to convey the importance of friendship and hard work. This episode is no exception.  My four-year old twins laughed at Thomas silly predicament and loved the fact that the trains’ mouths moved in these episodes.   The animation is top-notch and the stores are entertaining yet easy for a young child to follow. Unlike a lot of cartoons aimed at children, there’s never any violence or inappropriate humor in these videos, something I appreciate as a parent.

My kids are huge animal lovers and they also love Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, so this video was the perfect combination. If you have a little boy or girl at home who likes Thomas, this is a great addition to your video collection.

  • Coming to DVD Thomas and Friends: Curious Cargo. (chipandco.com)
Thomas and Friends: Curious Cargo DVD Review.