Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are Back For a Limited Time, Includes a New Timon and Pumbaa Bonus FeatureAvailable March 6, 2012 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital
Hilarity reigns in the motion picture comedy-adventure that takes you waaay back to the beginning before Simba’s tale began…now more fabulous than ever for the first time in a 2-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack!
From their uniquely hysterical perspective, Timon and his windy pal Pumbaa—the greatest unsung heroes of the savanna—reveal where they came from, how they helped Simba save the Serengeti and what really happened behind the scenes of The Lion King’s biggest events.
This essential chapter of The Lion King trilogy features your favorite characters voiced by the original cast (Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Ernie Sabella plus Julie Kavner and Jerry Stiller) and music by Elton John and Tim Rice. You’ll feel the love for every outrageously funny moment.
Cast:
Nathan Lane (Broadway’s “The Producers”) as voice of Timon
Ernie Sabella (The Lion King) as voice of Pumbaa
Julie Kavner (TV’s “The Simpsons”) as voice of Mom
Jerry Stiller (TV’s “The King of Queens”) as voice of Uncle Max
Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as voice of Simba
Robert Guillaume (TV’s “Benson”) as voice of Rafiki
Moira Kelly (The Lion King) as voice ofNala
Whoopi Goldberg (voice in Snow Buddies) as voice of Shenzi
Cheech Marin (Cars) as voice of Banzai
Jim Cummings (Winnie The Pooh) as voice of Ed
Director:
Bradley Raymond
(Tinker Bell and Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue)
Bonus Features:
Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari
This new animated bonus feature shows Timon & Pumbaa watching home movies of their animal friends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Deleted Scenes
Director Bradley Raymond and Producer George Mendoza explain why these segments did not make the final film.
1. Opening Concept #1
2. Opening Concept #2
3. Old Fearless Buzz
4. Timon talks to Dad
5. Timon, Dad & Mom
6. Intro to “Scurry, Flinch, Sniff”
7. Timon & Pumbaa look for Oasis
Timon: Behind the Legend
Hosted by Peter Graves, this mock-umentary traces Timon’s childhood. There are interviews with Timon’s mom, Uncle Max & Pumbaa, plus snapshots show him growing up.
Before the Beginning: The Making of Lion King 1 1?2
Director Bradley Raymond and Producer George Mendoza walk viewers through the film… from before the beginning. Brad and George are silhouetted against their own film with a remote, just like Timon and Pumbaa.
“Grazing in the Grass”
Music video performed by Raven.
Digital Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari
Timon: Behind The Legend
Street Date: March 6, 2012
Rating: G in U.S. and G in Canada
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature Run Time: Approximately 76 minutes
Suggested Retail Prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Standard Definition Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray: 1.66: 1/1080p High Definition
DVD: 1.66:1/Widescreen
Sound: Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French and Spanish, 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: 5.1 Dolby Digital English, French andSpanish
Languages: English
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
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In honor of DFB grand launch, we have a discount option for DFB readers (as always!). You can get the new mini-guide for $2 off the regular purchase price for the next 7 days — just use code ADVENTURE at the check-out! And don’t forget to keep your transaction number— it may provide a discount on upcoming Disney Food Blog products (hint, hint)!
This guide consists of one-day, two-day, and one-week themed dining and attraction strategies that you can mix and match to fit YOUR vacation style! They’re an easy and fun way to make sure your visit to Walt Disney World is 100% unique, and take a lot of the planning right off of your to-do list!
And our Dining Adventures all fit into a fun theme! Here are just a few examples of the dozens of different Dining Adventures that you’ll find within the The Disney Food Blog Dining Adventures, Start Point: Magic Kingdom Area e-Book:
“Totally Tomorrowland” Dining Adventure you’ll make a visit to the Lunching Pad in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, take a ride on Epcot’s futuristic Mission:Space, and go on a tour through the technologically advanced hydroponic gardens of The Land!
“Cinema Craze” Dining Adventure, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Hollywood’s most famous by dining at the Hollywood Brown Derby or check out some monster movies from the seat of a convertible at Sci-Fi Dine-In; ride Star Tours and other movie-themed attractions; and head to Downtown Disney to try out the new AMC Dine-In Movie Theater for dinner!
“Hidden Mickey” Dining Adventure, we’ll give you clues to find some of our favorite Disney World Hidden Mickeys — and, by taking this Adventure, you’ll only eat in restaurants where you can find them!
All This in a Very Convenient Package
We’ve made this mini-guide a PDF, which means it’s instantly downloadable for your convenience. Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or ipad!
And, as always, this mini-guide is under a 30-day, Money-Back Guarantee to help you better plan a rewarding experience, or your money back — we all know that your vacation time (and budget) are limited and we want you to get the most out of your visit!
Once again, celebrate the grand launch with us by getting $2 off the purchase price for the e-Book!Order your copy now to enjoy these savings. To secure the discount, use code ADVENTURE at the check-out.
Marvel has announced a new line of prose novels of some of their most popular comic book series, starting with the company’s biggest event of the last decade, ‘Civil War’. The events of the series forever changed the Marvel universe, splitting it in half and pitting hero against hero, leading to one hero revealing his secret identity to the world, and the shocking death of another. This is my all time favorite comic miniseries, so I’m excited to see what Marvel will do with this new adaption. It’ll be interesting to see what other stories they decide to tell as well if this one sells well. Hit the jump for the full press release.
Cigna sponsors and runs with members of Achilles Freedom Team at 2012 Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Achilles enables people with disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics
As the last American troops leave Iraq in time for the holidays, many will need help transitioning back to civilian life, restoring their confidence and building their future. Because running and physical activity have proven to improve physical and emotional health — helping wounded veterans and others with disabilities return to normal lives — Cigna is proud to sponsor and run with members of the Achilles Freedom Team during the Walt Disney World(R) Marathon from January 5-8, 2012.
The Cigna Foundation made it possible for members of Achilles International to take part in the 13.1 mile Walt Disney World(R) HalfMarathon in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Jan. 7, 2012. Cigna Chief Executive Officer David M. Cordani and Cigna employees will serve as guides, running side-by-side with the wounded veterans and other athletes with disabilities to help them complete the course.
Here is a look at the six runners from the Achilles Freedom Team who will run the Walt Disney World(R) HalfMarathon. The wounded veterans include:
LCpl Matias Ferreira, 22, is originally from Atlanta and now lives in Rockville, Maryland. Ferreira is a Marine who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan in January 2011.
GySgt Barbie Brown, 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer while deployed in Afghanistan in February 2011 and has run during radiation and chemotherapy treatments. She recently underwent a double mastectomy. Brown, a Marine, is from Scranton, Pennsylvania and lives now in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
Lt Cameron Kerr, 24, originally from Stowe, Massachusetts, now lives in Falls Church, Virginia. Kerr lost his leg while serving in Afghanistan in 2010 with the U.S. Army.
SSgt Michael Fradera, Ret., 34, of Lakeland, Florida, is an Army veteran who lost both legs in combat near Baghdad in 2007.
Other members of Achilles who will run the Walt Disney World(R) HalfMarathon include:
Matt Turner, 46, of Queens, New York, is visually impaired.
Bruce Stoddard, 52, of Denver lost his vision in a car accident five years ago
“We are inspired by this team of extraordinary people and honored to work with them. Their stories demonstrate the potential of immense inner strength in each individual. We hope our support of the Achilles runners will help them continue to live life to the fullest,” Cordani said.
The Walt Disney World Marathon, presented by Cigna, is one of six signature races that are a part of the runDisney series taking place throughout the year at the Walt Disney World(R) Resort and Disneyland(R) Resort.
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Hearts and happiness abound with your favorite dancer Angelina Ballerina™ and her mouseling friends in the all new Angelina Ballerina™: Sweet Valentine, leaping onto DVD, Digital Download and On Demand January 3, 2012 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.
In these five heart-filled episodes, the mouselings discover a secret admirer, pursue the perfect role and celebrate love, friendship and more!
Love and friendship take center stage in these sweet stories. Angelina uncovers the mystery of her secret admirer with some help from her friends. Angelina and Alice help Marco realize the true importance of helping his friends. The students celebrate Ms. Mimi, and although it may have been for the wrong reason, they do it with a lot of heart! And when Angelina and her girlfriends try to make a girls’ club, they realize a friendship club is much sweeter. Spread the love with dancing, skating, singing and best friends forever!
I love Disney Christmas decorations but the geek in me has to have something else, Star Wars.
We have our regular tree but it doesn’t have many decorations on it other than lights and shatter proof ornaments. You see I live with gremlins, otherwise known as cats, and they see my pretty Disney Christmas ornaments as toys. So to keep my sanity and my keepsakes unbroken, they have to stay in the box.
But I do have one tree that I love and my cats know better than to mess with it, my Star Wars tree. Its a small silver tree that sits on my desk and reminds my husband daily why he married me. The Millennium Falcon and Death Star keep me company as I write my posts for Chip and Company and Disney on Wheels.
I also have a Santa Yoda that I picked up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in November. I love Yoda but you but him in a Santa Hat and this fangirls heart melts.
I could only get one of the gremlins to pose for a picture. Anna Cat and I hope you have fun celebrating this year. Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!!
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Jodi Whisenhunt (center) with Steve and Vickie Barrett
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to chat with hidden Mickeys expert, author Steven M. Barrett. Steve and his family first fell under Mickey’s spell after visiting Walt Disney World Resort in 1980. Visiting twice yearly until relocating to the Orlando area in 1998, then hitting the Parks as often as possible, Steve gained so much expertise about the Resort that he found himself escorting visiting friends and relatives and offering better touring advice than any available guidebook.
I’m sure you’re familiar with Steve’s work. He has published 10 annual editions of his first book, The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation, retiring it with the 2011 version, and is best known for his field guides to spotting hidden Mickeys: Hidden Mickeys, A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets; Hidden Mickeys, A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort’s Best Kept Secrets; and Hidden Mickeys, A Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line’s Best Kept Secrets. Keep those in mind if you are still shopping for last minute Christmas gifts!
Welcome to Chip & Company, Steve, and thank you so much for joining us!
JW: What was it about Walt Disney World that first hooked you back in 1980?
Steve: I’d been to theme parks before, but Walt Disney World (WDW) was different! I was blown away by the sheer scope of the entertainment options and the amazing details of WDW’s construction. Just as Walt wanted, I was transported far away from the regular world “outside,” and I’d never experienced such stress relief before. Now I live not far from WDW, and I still feel that pleasant stress relief every time I visit!
JW: You enjoyed Walt Disney World so much that you vacationed there twice a year. Was your family as enamored with the Resort as you? Did anyone ever say, “Disney World again? Can’t we go somewhere else?”
Steve: My wife and son were amused by my sudden passion for visiting WDW. Thankfully, they enjoyed our WDW trips almost as much as I did, although they often ran out of steam before I did each day. I don’t recall my family ever asking me to vacation somewhere else, and I don’t remember family complaints after any of our WDW visits (other than being tired)!
JW: I imagine when that job opportunity arose in 1998, you did not hesitate to accept, huh? I don’t think my family would hesitate either! Are you still employed by that company, or are you now a Cast Member/employee of the Walt Disney Company?
Steve: I jumped at the chance to move to the Orlando area, and I haven’t once regretted that decision! I’ve changed jobs one time here in Florida, to allow more time to work on my Disney books and website. I don’t work for Disney.
The guy on the right 🙂
JW: Part of the fun of visiting Disney Parks is searching for hidden Mickeys. Would you please take a moment to explain to our readers what a hidden Mickey is?
Steve: A hidden Mickey (HM) is a partial or complete image of Mickey Mouse that is purposefully hidden by Disney Imagineers and artists in the designs of Disney attractions, shops, etc., or anywhere on Disney property. Other Disney characters can be hidden as well.
JW: A Magical Mouse Schoolhousereader, Amy, asked: What is the difference between hidden Mickeys and décor Mickeys? Are all of them intentionally hidden, or are some just part of the design?
Steve: Hidden Mickeys are designed to blend into their surroundings, so that they’re usually difficult to spot. Décor (decorative) Mickeys are not designed to be hidden but instead are easily visible to everyone as part of Disney’s theming. However, sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish a Mickey image as hidden or décor. You can often sense that a certain hidden Mickey image is purposeful; these are the images I like best. Some images may not be purposeful. For example, many collections of circles (pumpkins, bubbles, oranges, grapes, etc.) can be found on Disney property. Some of these circles may come together at times to form proportional and properly positioned classic (three-circle) Mickeys. I may accept some of these images as hidden Mickeys even though they might not be intentional, or I may ask folks to vote on the images on my website.
JW: At what point did you think to record all the hidden Mickey locations in a book?
Steve: As part of my Disney research in the 1990s, I collected Hidden Mickey sightings as described by Cast Members, the (now defunct) Disney Magazine, and other sources. My publisher asked if I could arrange the hidden Mickeys in a touring plan format for a book, so that the guest could explore the Magic Kingdom (or any other Park or area) for hidden Mickeys in an efficient manner, with minimal waits in line. The hidden Mickeys books are written in a scavenger hunt format, with the hidden Mickeys arranged for efficiency.
JW: Did you have to get permission from Disney to expose the hidden Mickey locations?
Steve: No, Disney doesn’t require me to ask for their permission to describe hidden Mickeys and their locations. Disney stocks the hidden Mickeys books on property, so Disney implicitly has accepted my approach to the hidden Mickeys game.
JW: I consider you an expert in the realm of hidden Mickey knowledge. Does Disney? Do they contact you to let you know about new ones, or do you just have to discover them on your own?
Steve: Disney doesn’t contact me about hidden Mickeys, so I must find them on my own. However, so many folks find hidden Mickeys and write to me about them that I don’t have to rely on my own searches as much anymore.
JW: A fan, Mel, asked: Are there new hidden Mickeys added on a regular basis? If so, are they just added to new attractions or to existing ones too?
Steve: New hidden Mickeys are added on a regular basis. When any new area is built or an attraction refurbished, new hidden Mickeys are likely to appear. Imagineers and artists know about hidden Mickeys and are encouraged to place new HM images during the ongoing construction at Disney. Sometimes, a new HM will appear (and be accepted by the area Imagineer manager) at an existing location. Hidden Mickeys are often a topic of discussion during Disney planning sessions for new and refurbished attractions and other areas.
JW: Since new ones do show up periodically, how frequently do you update your Hidden Mickeys books?
Steve: Over the years, I’ve become aware that hidden Mickeys appear and are lost at a fairly steady pace. Because of this predictable volume of new and lost HMs, it’s worthwhile to publish new editions of the WDW and DL books every two years. Sometimes, if changes occur more rapidly, my publisher can make small changes or additions to books as new batches of the current edition are reprinted during the year.
JW: Your books are pretty comprehensive! Do you think any HMs elude you?
Steve: Because of the many hidden Mickey hunters that write to me, I believe that few HMs elude me. I only include hidden Mickeys in the books (and, in general, on the website) that Guests can spot during their usual touring. I don’t include behind the scenes HMs in the books. A few hidden Mickeys probably exist that I can’t spot while on certain attractions. For example, Cast Members say that a Hidden Mickey is on the forehead of the first carnotaurus you encounter while riding DINOSAUR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, I’ve not yet been able to spot or photograph this HM while on the ride. Maybe you can see it if the ride breaks down! So I don’t include it in the book.
JW: Afan, Amy, asked: Are there any hidden Mickeys on the Sorcerer’s hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Are there any on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom?
Steve: The only hidden Mickeys I’m aware of in either location are inside Cinderella Castle Suite, one each on the rear wall and the right wall bathroom murals. An image in the Castle Suite fireplace doesn’t look like a hidden Mickey to me (this image is typically called “wishful thinking”).
JW: My teenage son, Kyle, would like to know: What do you think is the best-hidden Mickey at Walt Disney World? Which one, in your opinion, is the hardest to spot?
Steve: My best answer is my current favorite hidden Mickey at WDW: the Steamboat Willie Mickey image behind the fern in the left side mural at Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot’s Land Pavilion. It’s almost a hologram-type effect, and some folks can’t see it. It took my wife almost a year before she finally spotted this Mickey; she saw it (“Eureka!”) in a close-up photo on my computer screen!
JW: Tell Vickie I can’t find it either! But I did find this photo of Hidden Mickey cucumbers served at the Garden Grill.
JW: A reader, Michelle, asked: How are you supposed to find hidden Mickey’s when you are on the rides? I can’t seem to find them that fast. Do you have any tips?
Steve: It depends on the ride. The Great Movie Ride vehicle moves at a pace at which you can spot the great HMs in this attraction. On Test Track, you have to know beforehand exactly where to look to find the HMs. Before I enter an attraction, I memorize as many HM locations as I can to optimize my chances. Still, I had to ride Test Track many times before I spotted the Hidden Mickeys I was verifying. On any attraction, you must know when and where to cast your eyes to locate the HMs. In my books and website, I use the most accurate and specific descriptions possible to help Guests find the little gems!
JW: I live in Texas, so I don’t get to visit the Parks very often. To help us feel like we’re onsite, sometimes my kids and I find unofficial hidden Mickeys around our home. Do you find yourself spotting them when you’re not on Disney property (like Mickey-shaped clouds or bubbles stuck together or garage bolts in such close proximity that they resemble Mickey—yeah, some of ours are wishful thinking too)?
Steve: Yes, I see Mickeys all around me, and I subconsciously look for Mickey images all the time, wherever I happen to be. I have a section on my website, the “Questionable Hidden Mickeys – Other” section, in which I post convincing images that folks find outside of Disney property. Mickey is everywhere!
JW: Before we close, do you have any special advice to offer our readers regarding visiting Disney Parks or discovering hidden Mickeys?
Steve: Plan ahead and don’t wait in any long lines (more than 20 minutes) unless you don’t have a choice. Drink plenty of water and take breaks when your body tells you to! Don’t expect to do everything. Stay alert wherever you are on Disney property. Admire the amazing Disney details and chat periodically with Cast Members. In fact, ask Cast Members about hidden Mickeys in their areas, although keep in mind that not all Cast Members (especially newer ones) are interested in or informed about hidden Mickeys. I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true!
With the holidays in full swing and the Parks decked to the hilt, I had one more question to ask Steve.
JW: Where should we look for hidden Mickeys in the Christmas decorations?
Steve: During the Christmas holiday season, hidden Mickeys (and decor Mickeys) appear in the gingerbread displays at the various Disney resorts, in the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and in decorations and some Christmas trees around the parks. Also look for the hidden Mickey on the nutcracker figure who walks around Epcot’s Germany Pavilion.
Steve, thank you so much for spending some time with us! I know I’m now ready to hit the Parks with a new passion!
You can find more information about hidden Mickeys, Steve, and his books at HiddenMickeysGuy.com.
A previous version of this interview originally appeared at Magical Mouse Schoolhouse.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Walt Disney World! Decorations, music, special events and tons of festivities have been part of the celebration at the Disney parks for over a month now, but many will be having their first chance to enjoy the season Disney-style over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. If you will be traveling to Disney World for your Christmas or New Year’s vacation, here are 10 quick tips that you should know that will help you make your visit as magical as possible.
Start with a simple thing: check the weather forecast before you leave home. Florida can get surprisingly cold in the winter and has in fact been experiencing below-normal temperatures for most of this past month. Many folks are caught by surprise at this. If you don’t bring warm clothes from home, you may be forced to pay Disney park prices for sweaters, scarves and gloves…..and that is going to be a major budget-buster.
While the beginning of December typically features lower crowds than other times of the year, as Christmas approaches, the crowd levels increase…to the point where the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week of the entire year. If you plan to be at Disney World during this week, then keep this in mind, ESPECIALLY if you are not staying on Disney property: go EARLY to make sure you get into the park of your choice. And have a plan to visit your most important must-dos (especially those that are very popular) first thing. Later in the day, the wait times for the major attractions will be an hour or more, and spending your time waiting in lines is not fun at all. Which brings me to….
Make very good use of FastPasses. Expect the big attractions to have all Fast-Passes gone for the day by lunch so plan accordingly. Getting to the parks early will help you get the FastPasses you want for later in the day…and avoid those hour-plus wait times.
Check the schedule of events and activities before getting to the parks so you don’t miss seeing what you want to see! There is a lot going on, but Disney provides you with a schedule for everything for that week, so take a look at it each evening for the next day, and plan your time around those events that are important. Don’t wait till you get to the parks…or you may end up missing out! Make sure you note when Holiday events are ending as well, especially if you will be there in early January and are hoping to see something specific. Decorations start coming down right after New Years….so be prepared if there is something specific you want to see.
Be sure to make ADRs. At no week during the entire year is this more important. Not doing so will make your choices for restaurants and times extremely limited. I can’t stress this enough, having seen many folks scrambling to find a table service restaurant for dinner at the last minute……and unable to do so.
Visit the Disney resorts to see decorations. They are amazing, fun, creative…and FREE!
TheOsborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights are unbelievable and you won’t want to miss seeing them. But the crowds can be very heavy early in the evening, so if possible, try to go during Fantasmic or at the very end of the evening when there are fewer people. It is much more enjoyable when it is not wall to wall people. Note that the last night for the Osborne Lights is January 3.
Don’t miss the Holiday Storytellers at Epcot’s Holidays Around the World. It is a great way to celebrate the season by learning about the customs and traditions of countries all around the world! The last day for the Storytellers is December 30.
Try to get some evening PhotoPass pictures, as the lights and decorations will provide you photo memories unlike any you get at the rest of the year.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, set low expectations for what you HAVE to see and do. You will probably not get to everything on your list, and that’s ok. This is, in many ways, the best time of the year to go with the flow, and take the time to enjoy the many OTHER things that Disney offers during the Holiday season. Focus on the Holiday Magic that is only there during this time of the year, share the season with your family, have patience and a sense of humor…..and enjoy the experience!
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In the video, Show Director John Phelan shows off some of the hidden features you can look for in this year’s lights, including 50 Hidden Mickeys! John also reveals the story behind the mysterious purple cat that has become a tradition to hide in a different spot each year.
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This morning I was looking at an old article I wrote as a Christmas Guide for people buying for the nerd in their life. The first rule of buying for nerds and geeks is that you have to know what kind of nerd you’re dealing with. Video game nerds, comic nerds, movie geeks, Star Wars, Star Trek, manga, anime, toys, board games, history… there’s a lot. See, nerd or geek really just means someone who has an obsessive amount of knowledge about a particular subject. You may even be a geek without knowing it. Even you, guy who makes fun of people who dress up for comic conventions. All that knowledge of sports statistics that you can and will spout to anyone stuck in a room with you? NERD.
There’s a whole wide world full of different types of geeks.
That got me to thinking. If there’s one thing that I’m even more obsessive about than comics, it’s Disney. Yep, the odds are if you love Disney enough to read Chip and Co, you’re a nerd too. Some of you nerds may be at WDW right now. Or maybe you’re going soon or planning a trip for next year. In the spirit of Christmas, you might want to buy presents for those other Disney lovers in your life who won’t be there in the Holiday season.
Here are some suggestions.
Pins! – It’s really ingenious of Disney to start the pin craze. It seems like a cheap souvenir at first. But then you see another one you want, and another. Then you start staring down cast members like gunslingers, eying those lanyards for cast exclusives. It gets expensive eventually, but fortunately I’ve been sober 7 years. The point is, people really like pins. They’re a no-brainer for gift giving.
Hot Chocolate – I’m talking about the ones with Buzz Lightyear, Princess Aurora and Stitch on the label. It seems silly to say it, but the pre-packaged Hot Chocolate at WDW is a decent gift. It tastes great, comes in packs of 3 and turns different colors.
T-shirts – I have this thing about t-shirts. I can’t leave a vacation without a t-shirt. Unfortunately Disney does nothing to help this addiction. I always find at least 2 that I want. You’re sure to find one for someone you love as well.
Soundtracks – I listen to Disney stations like Sorcerer Radio and MouseWorld Radio all the time. Part of the reason is that I’ve never indulged myself on the Disney Soundtracks. Illuminations, Tapestry of Dreams, Wishes, etc. This is the gift that keeps on giving for someone who loves Walt Disney World
Zebra Domes! Someone mentioned the zebra domes they sell at Animal Kingdom Lodge the other day. I just really want someone to bring me some zebra domes. Or fudge. Ghiradelli maybe?
Safari gifts – Speaking of AK Lodge, stop by the Zawadi Marketplace for loads of unique African-themed gifts. I found a great elephant statue for my Mom’s birthday on my last trip.
Picture Frames – People really like giving picture frames, so why not go for the gorgeous ones you find at WDW?
Crystal Figurines – This is where it gets more expensive. We’ve all seen the glass cutting shops at Downtown Disney, Mexico Pavillion, Main Street USA, etc. These make beautiful gifts for a woman in your life.
Ninja Sword! – You can buy Chinese swords in EPCOT. It’s awesome. I want the ivory handle sword from Highlander with the dragon inlay. Dudes will think this is the greatest Christmas gift ever. (Not recommended for clumsy people.) There’s also all kinds of other cool gifts in China.
Art of Disney – Just about anything from Art of Disney is the gift to end all gifts from WDW. Posters with Walt and Mickey are great. However, if you’ve got a lot of disposable cash, the paintings are amazing.
This guest article was written by Adam Relayson from Rebel Comix he is one of members of my elite group of guest writers called the Chip Panel. Be sure to stop by his website or facebook page and say hi!
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‘Tis the season to be jolly and Club Penguin is inviting all penguins to partake in a cool celebration. This week, Disney’s Club Penguin (clubpenguin.com)—the #1 virtual world for kids—kicks off its Holiday Party with exciting enhancements to the in-world experience. The island will have a festive holiday feel and Santa’s Sleigh will fly across the sky. Players will also be able to participate in fun holiday activities including baking cookies and holiday-themed games like the “Sled Challenge.” There will also be opportunities for players to receive a present each day by clicking on the doors of a large advent-style calendar that will count down to the holiday. The event is happening now until December 25. Penguins are invited to put on their Santa hats and join the party.
Some highlights of the 2011 Club Penguin Holiday Party include:
Club Penguin Becomes Winter Wonderland: The island will be fully transformed into a holiday oasis of yuletide cheer. The sky dims to early morning, snow falls on mountaintops, and Santa’s sleigh flies across the sky.
Countdown Calendar and Gifts Daily: There will be a large advent-style calendar counting down to the holiday beginning December 14. More lights turn on as the days go by and users can click on the doors to receive a gift each day.
Make Holiday Cookies at The Bakery: Users on the “members” side of the bakery will be able to create cookies, wear an apron, and do a special dance to serve cookies to customers on the non-member side of the room.
Santa Sled Room:Players can compete in the “Sled Challenge” three times to claim three different Holiday Ornament outfits.
Coins for Change: There will be locations throughout the world where players will be able to donate their virtual coins as part of the Coins for Change event, which kicks off December 15 and runs through December 27. Coins for Change empowers Club Penguin users to donate virtual coins they earn playing games online to real world causes that matter to them. This year, kids will be challenged to fill the island lighthouse with donated coins, and if this goal is reached, Club Penguin has committed to doubling its overall cash donation to $2 million
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Getting from Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World and back used to be quite a bit more complicated than it is today. It was also considerably more expensive than it currently is if you use what I feel is the best available option, Disney’s Magical Express (DME). DME is free, and not just free but incredibly simple to use. Best of all, it almost always works seamlessly if you follow the instructions. Here is the basic sequence of events you follow in using DME:
When you or your Disney Specialist Travel Agent make your reservations you just include your flight information, both arrival and departure. This sets the DME wheels in motion. If you are like me, you make flight reservations way in advance and flight numbers and times can change. If this happens you just call DME at exactly 45 days prior to your arrival (no earlier) and inform of the changes. They will make the adjustments before mailing your paperwork.
When you get your paperwork you will receive 1 yellow luggage tag for each person on your reservation. If you need more just call DME and they will get them to you but do it early. The tags are for your checked baggage.
Put the tags on your checked luggage before you go to the airport and check in as usual. Remember, you will be paying fees for the luggage unless you fly Southwest or are a Gold or Platinum Delta Skymiles member. There may be other exceptions that I am not aware of.
That’s it for the arrival trip, your luggage will be picked up and delivered to your resort room normally within 2-4 hours after you land. You do not have to be in the room when it is delivered. There is an exception if your plane arrives before 5:00 AM or after 10:00 PM. In this case you can either pick up your own luggage and take it on the motor coach with you or let Disney take care of it the next day (or later that day if you arrive early). All you have to do is proceed to the DME pick up area on Level 1 Side B.
The day before you check out you will receive a packet with DME instructions including the motor coach pick up time (about 3 hours before your flight time) and the phone number to call to pre pay your baggage charges. On check out day just bring your luggage to the DME counter at your resort and check it with them for your return flight. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your home airport.
Some things to remember on checkout day, you must check your baggage no less than three hours prior to your flight time. You can check you luggage with DME up to twelve hours (but no more) prior to flight time. The DME counter is only open certain hours and that information will be in your packet.
Here are a couple of important phone numbers: Disney’s Magical Express is 866-599-0951 and Baggage pre pay service is 407-284-1231. You can review DME details by going to their Website. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
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