Disney VoluntEARS Help Coalition for the Homeless Keep Cool During Hot Summer Months

By

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August 28, 2011

When more than 80 air conditioning units at the Coalition for the Homeless recently needed service this summer, Disney VoluntEARS were quick to lend a helping hand to ensure the Coalition kept cool for those who work and stay there.

Coalition for the Homeless is more than a shelter; it is a comprehensive program designed to help homeless individuals and families get back on track to self-sufficiency. They offer numerous support services including job skills training, licensed day care, children’s programs and housing placement.

About 30 Disney VoluntEARS from across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts cleaned and serviced each of the units at the Coalition’s Women’s and Residential Counseling Center (WRCC), donating more than 300 volunteer hours.

“When we were finished servicing the air conditioning units, the team of Cast Members that volunteered their time all asked what they could do to keep helping at Coalition for the Homeless,” said Roger Arnold, manager of engineering services at Walt Disney World Resort. “We really enjoyed the opportunity to donate our time and offered to continue lending a helping hand. The Coalition thanked us and promised they would make us a list of projects we could help with next.”

Arnold said VoluntEARS don’t need to be engineers or have any mechanical expertise to help with projects at Coalition for the Homeless. The only requirement is a willingness to help.

Many Cast Members brought their children along to help the volunteer effort. The Disney VoluntEARS worked side-by-side with volunteers from local contractors McQuay International and Fastec Services.

“We are very grateful to the Disney VoluntEARS who generously donated their time and skills over several weekends to repair the air handler units at WRCC,” said Coalition for the Homeless President/CEO Brent A. Trotter. “Not only did their work result in cool air for our residents and future utility efficiency, but it saved us tens of thousands in repair bills. I can’t thank them enough.”

Over the past several years, Coalition for the Homeless has been recognized as one of the top Disney’s Helping Kids Shine grant recipients. As part of this recognition, the Coalition continues to receive funding and ongoing comprehensive support from Disney, including board service, assistance in the maintenance and improvement of Coalition facilities – like the servicing of air conditioning units – as well as meals prepared by Disney chefs.

Disney World VoluntEARS Gives Students Back-to-School Support (chipandco.com)
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Disney VoluntEARS Help Coalition for the Homeless Keep Cool During Hot Summer Months

40-Year Cast Members Reflect on Opening Day Oct. 1, 1971

By

Chip

-

August 28, 2011

Phil Holmes, Vice President of Magic Kingdom (Hometown: Dearborn, Michigan) – He wore the costume and countenance of a grim Haunted Mansion greeter in Liberty Square when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Today, Phil Holmes is the park’s vice president, and he still recalls the wonder in those first guests’ voices when they entered the cobweb-laced house of spooks for a doom-buggy ride. “Forty years ago, the attraction’s special effects were things that people couldn’t figure out and didn’t think were possible . . . you could audibly hear people gasping in surprise,” he says.

Forrest Bahruth, Epcot Show Director (Hometown: Burbank, California)– A veteran singer, dancer and actor, Forrest Bahruth joined Walt Disney World Resort as choreographer of a three-day grand-opening entertainment spectacle for the Magic Kingdom debut. His role expanded when he began recruiting performers for the opening-day parade and training dancers and singers for the big event. “In those days, there were no rehearsal facilities,” recalls Bahruth, now an Epcot show director. “We had been rehearsing in parking lots, gyms, schools, church parking lots – wherever we could go. We traveled all over Central Florida getting performers for the parades.”

Charles Ridgway, former Director of Walt Disney World Public Relations and Disney Legend for four decades of service to “the Mouse” (Hometown: Chicago) – Before moving from California to head the Walt Disney World publicity staff, Charlie Ridgway worked for Walt Disney himself at Disneyland in Anaheim, where he hosted media interviews and set up photo shoots with Walt and Mickey. When the Magic Kingdom first opened, Ridgway says, there was still some tweaking and problem solving to do. The parking lot trams “didn’t have enough power to go up the hill to the Ticket and Transportation Center arrival area,” he recalls. “There was lots of construction yet to go, wires hanging, walls not finished.” And he remembers the Flag Retreat ceremony brought to the Magic Kingdom from Disneyland: each evening a flock of pigeons flew in a white cloud from Town Square to Cinderella Castle and back. “Walt liked to say at Disneyland, ‘If you have pigeons and balloons, you can’t go wrong.’ Park officials eventually ended the tradition out of concern for the birds and the environment.

Kevin Myers, Vice President of Resort Operations (Hometown: Laguna Hills, California)- On opening day, Kevin Myers was a custodial host at Adventureland Veranda restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Today, he oversees all Walt Disney World resort hotels and water park operations. “None of us realized just how much Orlando was going to change with the arrival of Disney and a lot of other businesses that would eventually call Central Florida home,” Myers says. “One of the huge memories I have from opening day was watching the rope drop on Main Street, U.S.A. and watching thousands of people stream into the various lands of the park and occupy this place for the very first time ever. You could imagine the fulfillment of Walt’s dream that he never got to see come to fruition.”

Donna Dudley, Senior Corporate and Crew Agent, Disney Cruise Line (Hometown: North Andover, Massachusetts just north of Boston) – When the Magic Kingdom turnstiles began to rotate Oct. 1, 1971, Donna Dudley was standing by in her yellow Evan Picone suit and black pumps to take tickets from the very first park guests. “It was amazing – such a celebration and so many guests. It was quite fun!” The fun was just beginning. Dudley worked a mix of Disney roles before traveling the globe as a Walt Disney Travel Company cast member. Now a senior agent with Disney Cruise line, Dudley and her team handle travel arrangements for 3,500 cruise ship leaders and crew members. “I feel very honored and fortunate for all the wonderful opportunities and memories . . .all my dreams have come true working for this amazing company of ours.”

Darlene Kennedy, Manager, Creative Costuming, Walt Disney World Resort – (Hometown: St. Cloud, Florida) Darlene Kennedy wore a red polyester pantsuit with a Coca Cola hat to serve guests at Tomorrowland Terrace on opening day in the Magic Kingdom. Kennedy was able to watch Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney, take part in the pageantry along Main Street, U.S.A. “We could see all the balloons going up and could hear some of the opening ceremony.” Since then, Kennedy spent many years in Disney Entertainment coordinating parades, shows and Disney character activities. “I just love the magic of the Disney characters and seeing the effect and impact they have on guests,” Kennedy says. “Over my years, I have had multiple families write to me year after year to say when they were coming and to send me pictures of their last visit with the characters.” Today Kennedy leads the team that creates the colorful costumes for theme-park shows and parades.

Mark Enman, Security Manager, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Hometown: Motley, Minnesota close to St. Cloud)- A “military brat” who later served in the U.S. Navy, Mark Enman thought a job in security at Walt Disney World Resort would be a perfect fit. Less than two months before the Magic Kingdom opened, Enman was on the job patrolling areas surrounding Magic Kingdom park. Just before opening day, Enman was dispatched to make a mail delivery to an office inside the Magic Kingdom. “I had never been inside the park before . . . . When I opened that gate (onto Main Street, U.S.A.) all the lights were on, the music was playing. I walked around the corner and there’s the castle all lit up. . . . That was my first glimpse of Magic Kingdom, and I was just in love with it,” he recalls. Since then, Enman has worked at every park and resort on Disney property and was on the opening team for Euro Disney (now Disneyland Paris.)

Steve Ainsworth, Food & Beverage Manager, Disney’s Polynesian Resort (Hometown: Flint, Michigan) – Steve Ainsworth was ready to graduate from Michigan State University 40 years ago when Disney recruiters showed up on campus. A job in Florida sounded exotic to Ainsworth and, by August 1971, he had joined the team assigned to open Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. “Everyone had a real great work ethic,” Ainsworth says of his first encounter with Disney culture. “And the spirit of Walt seemed to be everywhere.” He believes the thrill of being part of opening day strengthened his interest in a Disney career, and he feels “lucky to work with a company that has such a great business and such a powerful place in people’s hearts.”

Bobbi Ferrilli, Server, Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, Downtown Disney Marketplace -(Hometown: Philadelphia). Bobbi Ferrilli was an opening-day cocktail waitress at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. During one of her first days on the job, she found herself serving a beverage to Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney. “Roy talked a lot with his hands and, as I was serving him, his hand came up and knocked the glass. I spilled tea all over his lap.” After Ferrilli escaped the dining room for a cry, “Roy came to the back and said to me, ‘I shouldn’t talk with my hands. You dry your tears and come back here.’” The warm Disney family atmosphere convinced Ferrilli she had found her home. For the past 32 years, she has been a server at Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, where she sees many of the same guests return year after year. One night years ago, she ran into pop icon Michael Jackson in a Marketplace jewelry store. She also met her husband, Paul, when he took a vacation at Walt Disney World. Both had grown up in Philadelphia, and it turned out they had lived within two blocks of one another as children. The couple recently celebrated their 30^th wedding anniversary.

Scott Welder, Golf Superintendent, Walt Disney World Resort (Hometown: Rockledge, Florida)- On the Fourth of July 1971, Scott Welder was celebrating more than his country’s independence. He was hired that day as a Disney horticulture cast member to mow the grass on the new Palm and Magnolia golf courses in preparation for the debut of Walt Disney World. ”We’d find all kinds of surprises in that tall grass — everything from roots to rocks and critters,” Welder remembers. Welder now leads the maintenance of 45 holes on 310 acres between Disney’s Palm, Magnolia and Oak Trail golf courses. “Real golf turf is a living, breathing thing, so there are built-in challenges with keeping it perfect all the time, but I love what I do — I’ve found my niche,” says Welder, who has been present for each of the 40 annual PGA Golf Classics. His favorite thing about the golf courses is the abundance of protected and preserved wildlife that includes birds, mammals and reptiles.

Irene Masse, Accounting Associate, Reedy Creek Improvement District (Hometown: Winter Haven, Fla.) – Irene Masse was in Lake Wales, Fla., selling tickets and giving tours at Masterpiece Gardens when Walt Disney himself told her and other members of the attractions industry his plans for Walt Disney World. “I knew of Disneyland Park . . . but I didn’t comprehend what he had planned for here. Everyone was excited, absolutely amazed. I think a lot of people thought it would never come to pass.” When the Magic Kingdom opened, she jumped on board to sell tickets at the park’s main entrance. Eleven days later, she married Leo J. Masse. The couple’s children, grandchildren, and even a great-grandchild were born during her time with Disney. “My fondest Disney memory still has to be my first day at work . . . ,” she recalls. “When they called and I decided to go, I thought, ‘OK, this is the place for me.’”

Myles Jones, Ticket Associate, Walt Disney World Ticket Fulfillment Administration (Hometown: Dawson, Georgia) – He was a third-shift custodial cast member in the Magic Kingdom when it first opened, and Myles Jones thought the park was magical even after hours. “It was really exciting because I was coming to work at midnight. Magic Kingdom Park had all the energy from the guests (even) at midnight. It was amazing,” he recalls. A Vietnam vet who served with the U.S. Marine Corps, Jones moved from Custodial to Disney Admissions about 35 years ago and stayed. A father of five, Jones met his wife, Doreen, while she was on a Disney vacation from her London hometown.

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Park Showdown: Disneyland Park vs Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
The Most Talked-About Treat at Disney Parks (chipandco.com)

40-Year Cast Members Reflect on Opening Day Oct. 1, 1971

Family Fun Abounds Aboard Disney Dream

By

Chip

-

August 28, 2011

Aboard Disney Dream, there are times and places for all ages. Young children have their special area and activities. So do tweens, teens and adults.

But in keeping with a Disney heritage as time-honored as Disneyland, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship also is a family place, filled with experiences that parents and children can enjoy together. Live theatrical spectaculars, dynamic deck parties, enjoyable recreation and entertaining game shows – all served up with a Disney flavor – combine with sumptuous meals to make for memorable family cruise vacations.

Here are some of the “hotspots” for family fun aboard Disney Dream:

The Walt Disney Theatre
In a 1,340-seat show place inspired by richly adorned Art Deco theaters of a bygone era, guests gather in the evening for family-friendly live performances of original Disney productions.

The playbill is topped by “Disney’s Believe,” an original musical premiering on Disney Dream. More than 20 Disney characters have roles in a story about a father dedicated to his work as a botanist who discovers there is something far more important to tend to than his plants.

On other evenings, the schedule features a bevy of Disney “baddies” in the musical comedy “Villains Tonight!” and an awards-style show celebrating the musical heritage of Disney animated films entitled “The Golden Mickeys: A Timeless Tribute.”

Each Night, a New Themed Dining Experience
Dinnertime is family fun time aboard Disney Dream. While the venues and the menus change, guests discover their personal wait staff awaiting them each evening at restaurants which serve up a healthy portion of wonder and magic along with a four-course meal.

Depending upon dinner seating, families can have an evening of memory making featuring “dinner and a show” or “a show and dinner” as they combine the scrumptious fare of Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden and Royal Palace with dazzling original live productions at the Walt Disney Theatre.

D Lounge
Imagine a “family room” were everyone gathers for “game night” togethering. That’s the spirit of D Lounge, on Deck 4 midship. It’s a bright, informal place with mod-inspired modular furniture that’s cushy and comfortable, made for kicking back.

However, there are differences from the typical “family room.” For starters, this one is designed to accommodate about 350 fun-seeking guests at a time. In addition, the fun and games at D Lounge aren’t limited to the evening hours. Throughout the day, D Lounge hosts about 20 activities for specific ages and interests as well as whole families.

Here’s just some of the family fun in store:

• Pirate’s Life For Me – Families participate together and enjoy swashbuckling competition with others during this game show, complete with pirate props, rollicking music and “Yo ho, yo ho” fun.
• Family Fusion – Guests are live, on stage, in a quest test of their knowledge of their loved ones and how well they can work together as a family in a variety of mental and physical challenges.
• Anyone Can Cook – An interactive cooking program that serves up culinary confidence and flair. Families learn how to make favorite entrées from the ship’s dining rooms.
• Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life – Guests go behind the scenes of Walt Disney Animation Studios for an entertaining and enlightening overview of animation principles and techniques.
• Towel Folding – Guests are delighted and sometimes amazed by the critters crafted from bath towels in their staterooms. Now they can learn how to amaze friends and neighbors back home.

Buena Vista Theatre
Want to take the family to a movie tonight? Or this morning? Or this afternoon? Aboard Disney Dream, the 399-seat Buena Vista Theatre is THE place! In comfortable, posh, Art Deco surroundings, guests can sit back and enjoy first-run motion pictures – including films in Disney Digital 3-D… morning, afternoon and night.

The Upper Decks
Disney Dream has barely left the dock before the fun begins. “Sailing Away,” a “welcome aboard” show on embarkation day, is a time of clap-along, dance-along, sing-along fun for the family on Deck 11. The party is 45 minutes long and smiles wide as a cast that includes Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other Disney characters decked out in their seafaring finest lead the fun.

It’s also a familiarization for guests that the upper decks are the place for active outdoor family fun and parties. Here are some of the highlights:

Donald’s Pool for families and Mickey’s Pool for smaller sailors are conveniently located nearby one another midship so that families can all enjoy some water fun.
Daytime deck parties focus on sunshine and the splashing-good fun of the Dream’s family fresh-water pool. For nighttime family dance parties, rollaway decking covers the family and children’s pools with a spacious dance floor.
The only cruise line to feature fireworks at sea, Disney has added more pyrotechnics with Buccaneer Blast!, a show where the bursts of color are set to music. It’s presented on pirate-party night, between a kid-centric sing-along party, Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean, and a special-effects-laden dance party, Club Pirate.
Goofy’s Sports Deck on Deck 13 is an all ages, open-air activity center featuring a miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators and a basketball/volleyball court. There also are ping pong and foosball tables, while the deck is encircled by a walking track (perfect for a light – and scenic – cardiovascular workout).
Next to the aft funnel at a level equivalent to a Deck 16 is the entry for AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea. Aboard two-person rafts, guest go on a twisting, turning, up, down and over the side of the ship adventure before splashing down on Deck 12.

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D23 Expo talks details of the Fantasy, newest Disney Cruise Line ship (chipandco.com)
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New Baby Elephant Takes Center Stage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip

-

August 28, 2011

The elephant herd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom got just a little larger with the birth of a baby calf. Weighing 311 pounds, the male African elephant was welcomed into the group by his mother Vasha, 10 herd members and a team of animal care professionals assisting with the birth.

The 25-year-old mother delivered the herd’s sixth offspring after gaining more than 800 pounds during a 22-month gestation. This latest addition, which has yet to be named, is the second calf for Vasha, who gave birth to a female calf, Kianga, in 2004.

With support from the animal care team, the newborn, whose first tentative steps are becoming stronger and more confident, is now successfully nursing from his mother. Vasha has been getting to know the calf, gently touching the young animal with her trunk and keeping a watchful eye on him.

“The natural bonding between mother and calf is fascinating,” said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of Disney’s Animal, Science and Environment Programs. “The team is encouraged by the early interaction between mother and calf and will continue to monitor them closely for the next several weeks.”

The next critical milestone is for the calf to continue the bonding process with his mother who will teach him important lessons and protect him as he gradually acclimates to the rest of the savannah herd over the next several weeks. With 12 elephants, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has one of the largest African elephant herds in North America, including four males and eight females.

Vasha became pregnant through artificial insemination in October 2009 and received extensive pre-natal care throughout pregnancy. Since early August, animal care teams have provided round-the-clock monitoring, regular ultrasounds and daily hormone monitoring to more accurately predict the beginning of labor. In the past few years, Disney’s animal care teams have been able to narrow the birth window to within four days, which enables them to better prepare for the delivery. With this birth, the team had been on heightened baby-alert since Monday.

This is the sixth elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Others include:

Tufani, a male, born in 2003;
Kianga, a female, born in 2004;
Nadirah a female, born in 2005;
Tsavo, a male, born in 2008; and
Luna, a female born 2010.

Disney has been at the forefront of efforts to better understand and care for endangered elephants. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is part of a breeding program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that is focused on sustaining the elephant population in North America. AZA’s Elephant Species Survival Plan has called for a five-fold increase in African elephant reproduction efforts – using both natural and artificial breeding methods – in order to create a self-sustaining elephant population among North American zoos and wildlife centers.

Baby Elephant Facts

Depending on the calf, it could take several days for the calf to coordinate trunk movements. Initially, it may only be able to wave it in the air, suck on it or trip over it. Typically within a week the calf has gained enough control to begin picking up small objects and food.
Suckling up to 12 liters a day, baby elephants may depend on mother’s milk for up to three years, although they can be weaned at two years of age.
Calves learn how and what to eat by watching the older elephants.

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New Baby Elephant Takes Center Stage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Most Talked-About Treat at Disney Parks

By

Chip

-

August 27, 2011

If last week’s D23 crowd and blog posts are any indication, this adorable pretzel has to be one of the most coveted tastes at Walt Disney World Resort. You can only find them one place: in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom at Frontierland Pretzel Wagon between the Diamond Horseshoe and Pecos Bill Cafe (next to the turkey leg cart). Pair the twist with cheese and chocolate dipping sauces. Insiders tell us it’s still in “testing phase” at Walt Disney World Resort, but we bet it’s here to stay.

You also can find it at Disneyland park at Refreshment Corner, Bengal Barbecue, Frontierland Pretzel, Small World Pretzel and Tomorrowland Pretzel. At Disney California Adventure Park, they are sold at Bayside Brews, the Beer Truck and Hollywood Pretzel. Have you joined the Mickey pretzel craze and tried one yet?

Source Disney Parks Blog

The Most Talked-About Treat at Disney Parks

Buena Vista Street Ready to Take Shape at Disney California Adventure Park

By

Chip

-

August 27, 2011

We are reaching another major milestone in the ongoing expansion of Disney California Adventure park. On Monday, August 29, the Sunshine Plaza area will close to allow crews to start the transformation of the current park entry into Buena Vista Street, reminiscent of what Walt Disney encountered when he first arrived in California in the 1920s.

While the shops will close to make way for Buena Vista Street, guests will continue to enter the park through the new Pan-Pacific Auditorium-inspired turnstiles and follow a temporary walkway which will feature renderings of the future Disney California Adventure park and connect the turnstiles with the Condor Flats area. This area will be the temporary entrance and exit for guests during the transformation of the former main entrance stores to Buena Vista Street.

This entry and exit location will remain in place until Buena Vista Street opens in 2012. To see what’s in store when this area opens, take a look at the renderings below, which were shown this past weekend at the Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim.

The rendering above shows the west side of Buena Vista Street, including the restroom area in the top image.

The next rendering shows the east side of the street. In the center image you can see the new merchandise location, Elias & Co., rising above the other buildings.

Source Disney Parks Blog

New Turnstiles Open at Disney California Adventure Park (chipandco.com)
Phineas and Ferb are Rockin’ and Rollin’ at Disney California Adventure Park (chipandco.com)

Buena Vista Street Ready to Take Shape at Disney California Adventure Park

Pixar’s ‘Brave’ and ‘Monsters University’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 27, 2011

Pixar's 'Brave' and 'Monsters University'

Over the last twenty five years, Pixar has created fifteen different shorts, with two more on the horizon. Not only that, they have created twelve of the most critically acclaimed and widely loved movies over the past sixteen years. What better way to celebrate the twenty fifth birthday of Pixar than to take the stage at D23 Expo and present the next two movies they are making right now: ‘Brave‘ and ‘Monsters University’. And what a presentation it was!

As the ‘Brave’ Panel began, the director of the film, Mark Andrews and Producer Katherine Sarafian, both asked us not to talk about the specifics of the footage so that fans could enjoy it and be surprised when they see it. So while I won’t be going into specifics, I can say that the footage we were shown was absolutely breathtaking, even in an unfinished state. I was very impressed with the footage, because this is something that Pixar has never done before. The film is a fairytale of sorts, set in medieval Scotland, with their first female lead in the form Princess Merida. It’s also their first period piece, which they said had been hard for the animators, because they had to make sure every little piece of moss that was there was different and had its own story. We saw quite a bit of rough footage, but what I have to say is the tone of the movie is so fun and different for Pixar. You can tell they’re trying to so hard to make sure that this stands out from all their other movies. It really has a sweeping epic feel as well. The footage was funny, intense, and full of action, and I could tell this is going to be a very special film. I really can’t wait until June 22, 2012 to see it. That’s so long from now, but it’ll be worth the wait.

We were then shown a lot of concept art from Pixar’s new prequel, ‘Monsters University’. The film follows Mike and Sulley through college, where they’ve been rivals since kindergarten. Director Dan Scanlon took the stage and talked a bit about how the characters had to be a bit redesigned since they’re younger and in college. Sulley’s hair is now shaggier and less taken care of, whereas Mike now has a retainer. He told us that the Pixar animators have been traveling the country looking at different college campuses to make sure the look of the college is realistic, but sort of distorted since it’s set in the ‘Monsters, Inc.’ world. He also told us we would see the return of many familiar characters such as Randal, and some of the scarers from the first as well, as well as many new characters. Billy Crystal then took the stage and talked a bit about the movie. He said the script is really, really incredible and very funny. He said it’s been fun trying to get back in a college mindset since it’s been so long since he’s been there. This really looks to be one of Pixar’s best follow ups to date, but it’s still over two years away. We won’t be seeing it until June 2013, so we still have quite a while until we see any footage from it. I can’t wait until we do.

Pixar really brought their A game to D23, and really got me excited for what’s in store for the future of the company. They once again proved to be some of the best storytellers and one of the best production companies in the business. I really can’t wait to see these movies.

Pixar's 'Brave' and 'Monsters University'

Disney’s Tangled Gets Sequel – Tangled Ever After

By

Chip

-

August 27, 2011

Great News Tangled Fans! Disney will release a sequel to its 2010 animated film ‘Tangled’ entitled ‘Tangled Ever After.’ The short film will pick up where the last film left off and will feature the voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi again.

No official plot has been released yet but it appears Disney is milking this cash cow dry. I for one thought Tangled ended perfectly and don’t really feel the need to continue from where Rapunzel and Flynn left off. Unlike the movie Disney is heading the Mini Series route and not a full fledged movie or tv show.

It is aimed for a spring 2012 release on the Disney Channel.

Tell us what you think in the comment box below.

Disney's Tangled Gets Sequel - Tangled Ever After

Be a guest blogger on Chip and Co!

By

Chip

-

August 27, 2011

How would you like to be a guest blogger on Chip and Co? We are now accepting articles for the Chip Panel.

To be on the Chip Panel here is what we are looking for:

An original article from you in 1000 words or less.
Subject for all articles must be about Disney. Some suggested topics – Vacation Planning Tips and Tricks, Restaurant, Resort and Ride Reviews, Hidden Gems or things most people miss, Specialty Needs, etc
If you have a photo please include it in the article otherwise I will find one for you.
Disney Bloggers are preferred, please include a link to your site at the bottom of the article.

If you are interested email your article to Chip at [email protected]. Include a title to your article and author info in the email so we know who wrote it. I will accept Word, Open Office or Google Doc formats.

Once received we will look it over and if we can use it. If we do we will email you back to let you know when it will be posted. If you have more articles let us know you could be invited to join us here as a permanent writer for C&C!

This is a great opportunity to share with the world your love of Disney. Chip and Company articles are released on Twitter, Facebook, and a Daily Newsletter with access to a very large number of people on a daily basis. Not to mention we have a special category assigned to our Chip Panel located on the top of our home page. (See Links)

So won’t you join us and be apart of the Chip Panel..No long application is necessary and we welcome dads, moms, grandparents, teens, you name it 🙂

>>Chip

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Oldies But Goodies – Five Things Seniors Look For In A Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 27, 2011

Oldies But Goodies - Five Things Seniors Look For In A Resort

When traveling to Walt Disney World, you may be surprised to learn that we Oldies look for different things in a resort than a lot of other groups. Most of us have spent many, many (did I mention many) decades working very hard to get to this point in our lives and we expect to be well treated. Also, in most instances, we are willing to pay what it takes to have our expectations met. With Disney, you generally find the service you need but a lot of what you have learned to expect from your visit stems from your surroundings. Let’s take a look at what Seniors think is most important in a resort:

Relaxing Atmosphere: We go on vacation to relax. Certainly we love being in the parks but when that is through each day we do not want to come back to a resort where chaos reigns (provided by some guests of course). I love children as much as anyone but when you get to be our age you need peace and quiet to recharge for the next day.
Convenient Transportation: I’m a huge fan of the Walt Disney World transportation system. When you consider how many people they move every day of the year it works remarkably well. I love the Monorail but I think boat transportation is at least as good and there are a lot more options. I even like the bus system and would never even consider renting a car. I did it once and we spent $250 for transportation to and from the airport, the rest of the trip the car was parked.
Good Dining Options: This is where the Deluxe category has the advantage hands down. Oldies can only eat so much counter service food (although WDW has some excellent options here) and there are times when we leave a park early so the only option is to travel to another resort or head back to your own resort for a relaxing meal and a stroll. Good dining options are important!! We have stayed at quite a few resorts and have recently found that the Moderate category also has good table service options in several cases. For us, good food = good visit!!
Well Maintained Grounds: A leisurely stroll in a beautifully landscaped area can do as much to refresh a senior as a nap (although I have nothing against a good nap). Depending on your tastes, from tropical to the bayous of the south, Walt Disney World has a place that will meet your needs. Do some research and find the style that suits your style! One thing you can count on is that Disney does it right.
Pool Options: All Disney resorts have delightful pools but many of the main pools do not meet a senior’s needs in that they are often crowded with very active people. Many resorts not only have that main or feature pool but they also have some quiet pools scattered around the grounds. Oldies like quiet pools – it gives us a chance to cool off and prepare for the rest of the day/week!!

I’m not sure if everyone will agree but these are the things that are important to me as a Senior at Walt Disney World resorts. I believe a lot of Oldies look for similar things and enjoy them when they find them. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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Ask a Disney Question: Dining Options for People with Diabetes.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 27, 2011

Tom W. asks: Are there many dining options for Diabetics? Any specific restaurants that serve sugar free desserts?

Hi, Tom. Thanks for your question. One thing I like about doing “Ask a Disney Question” is that it really gets me thinking, especially when the topic is one that I don’t have a lot of personal experience in. This is one such topic and a useful one at that. There are plenty of dining and dessert options for diabetics at Disney World, particularly at table service restaurants. Dessert selection at counter service places is not the best, but regular dessert options at these places can be hit and miss as well. Most offer a sugar free brownie; we’ve heard reports that it “tastes great” and and that it “Could be used as a door stopper. A tasteless door stopper.” If you want to partake of this brownie of dubious reputation and don’t see it on the menu, just ask for it. You can also get all fruit bars at ice cream carts located throughout the parks.

If you’re using the dining plan, you’ll get a dessert with each meal. Obviously, this can pose something of a problem for people with diabetes. One way around this is to eat at a counter service restaurant that has fruit or sugar-free yogurt as a dessert option. You can find detailed information about what counts as a dessert alternative on the Disboards restaurants forum. I like Passporter’s restaurant forum as well. The chefs at table service restaurants usually have a house-made sugar free dessert option. Depending on the restaurant it can be as simple as a fruit sorbet to an elaborate dessert with presentation and taste worthy of the best restaurants anywhere. Here are a few places we’ve heard really good things about from people with diabetes:

Cosmic Rays serves rotisserie chicken, a nice change from nuggets and burgers and a great source of lean protein.
You can ask to have your Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe without the sugar coating and use a sugar free syrup.
The Wave, which takes a fresh, healthy approach to dining, rewards you for your healthy choices by serving decadent desserts. Their sugar free choices consistently get good reviews on Disney message boards. Try the sugar free trio with creme brulee.
Yachtsman Steakhouse has a sugar-free mango cheesecake with a chocolate sauce on the side that is the talk of many Disney message boards. The chocolate sauce that comes with it is reportedly to die for. I’ve also heard the chef occasionally makes a chocolate cake that is so good you can’t tell it’s not made with sugar.
Even the Wishes Dessert Party has sugar-free options. Make sure when you make the reservation that you let them know what your needs are. When you check-in, let the hostess know as well and she’ll provide you with information and assistance. All the items are clearly marked, so you’ll know which are sugar free and which are verboten.

I posted some questions on Disney message forums and here are some tips that visitors with diabetes shared:

Don’t stop testing just because you’re on vacation. It’s actually more important to test to see how your body is reacting to the sun and heat, changes in your diet, and possibly more walking than one is normally used to.
This is a big one: Make sure when you make your ADR that you request a sugar free dessert. Call again the day before to confirm and make note of it again when you check in.
One thing I heard a lot was to pack twice as many supplies as you think you’ll need. Put them in separate bags so that if one gets lost, you’ll still have what you need.
If you’re staying at a value resort, you can ask for a free refrigerator for your insulin and other supplies that need to be refrigerated.

Finally, AllEars has a page for people with Diabetes who are touring Disney. They also have menus for every restaurant at Disney World, so you’ll have an idea of what’s available. Keep in mind that these menus rarely list the sugar free dessert option.

Disney Dining Plan – A Vegetarians View (disneyonwheelsblog.com)
Top 5 Disneyworld Quick Service Meals Spots (couponingtodisney.com)

Ask a Disney Question: Dining Options for People with Diabetes.

Disney Moves Forward with ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Feature Film and Possible Spin-Off

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 27, 2011

Disney Moves Forward with 'Phineas and Ferb' Feature Film and Possible Spin-Off

Earlier this year, rumors were circulating that Phineas and Ferb may be making the jump from the small screen to the big screen for a full length movie. Now it looks as if those rumors were true.

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