Disney Channel’s Phineas And Ferb To Bring Their Adventures To The NHL

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July 23, 2011

The National Hockey League (NHL) and Disney Consumer Products have revealed plans to co-brand merchandise featuring characters from Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Phineas and Ferb, in the 2011-12 NHL season. The NHL made the announcement today at the 2011 NHL Exchange licensed products and retail trade show inside the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

The Disney and the NHL collection will include apparel, headwear, house and home products and collectibles featuring characters from Phineas and Ferb wearing NHL and team-branded merchandise. NHL and Disney licensees will deliver the new products to retail stores throughout North America in fall 2011, just in time for the new school year and the 2011-12 NHL season.

“The Phineas and Ferb brand evokes creativity, youthfulness and high energy, not unlike the NHL brand,” said Jim Haskins, Group Vice President, Consumer Product Licensing. “The NHL is thrilled to be working with such a premier Disney property as nearly one third of NHL fans are between the ages of six and 17, and 65 percent of those fans watch the Disney Channel.”

“Just like the game of hockey, Phineas and Ferb is successful because it appeals to a diverse demographic—kids and grown-ups, boys and girls,” said Stephen Teglas, vice president and general manager of Fashion & Home North America at Disney Consumer Products. “We look forward to bringing the humor of the series to NHL fans with a fun campaign at arenas and through clever products that showcase our two brands. It also seems like the kind of adventure that Phineas and Ferb would imagine.”

Phineas and Ferb airs on Disney Channels and Disney XD channels in 169 countries and in 35 languages. In Canada, it airs on Family Channel, a premium, commercial-free network and member of the Astral family.

In this Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated music-filled, animated comedy series, ingenious Phineas Flynn and his resourceful stepbrother, Ferb Fletcher, happily set out to conquer boredom and make every day of their 104-day summer vacation count. Whether it’s creating a new invention or building the most amazing roller coaster the world has ever known, Phineas and Ferb innovate all summer long. The smart, sophisticated and good-natured comedy features high energy action and imaginative witty humor for kids and families. Throughout the escapades, they’re accompanied by Perry the Platypus, their seemingly mindless family pet who, unbeknownst to all, has a double life as suave secret Agent P, deftly battling the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz to save the world. Meanwhile, older sister Candace is aghast at her brothers’ bold antics and makes it her life’s work to tattle on them to Mom and Dad, though somehow she can never seem to catch them red-handed.

Disney’s “Phineas And Ferb” Unveil “Perry The Platy-Bus On Tour” In Times Square (chipandco.com)
NHL and Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Team Up (chipandco.com)

Disney Channel's Phineas And Ferb To Bring Their Adventures To The NHL

Disney Food Confession – Strawberry Shortcake with Recipe

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Disney Food Confession – Strawberry Shortcake with Recipe

Where is it? Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review – Fort Wilderness Campground, Walt Disney World

What is it? Delectably rich Strawberry Shortcake, loaded with strawberries and topped with creamy whipped topping.

Why you want it? It’s yummy deliciousness in a cold metal bowl. It’s been one of my favorite desserts since I was a child. What’s the best thing about it? They sing the “Strawberry Shortcake” song to let you know it’s comin’, and they’ll keep bringin’ ya more until you’re done!

Strawberry Shortcake
Yield: Approx. ½ Sheet Pan (17″ x 12″)

Yellow Pound Cake
Step 1
1 ¼ cup Cake Flour
1 ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
¼ ounce Baking Powder
Pinch Nutmeg
½ ounce Salt
½ cup Shortening
¼ cup Butter
8 ounces Milk

Step 2
6 Eggs
4 ounces Milk
½ ounce Vanilla
(Almond Extract can be substituted for vanilla)

1) Sift and blend all dry ingredients from Step 1 together. Add shortening, butter, milk, and mix 5-7 minutes at low speed.
2) Combine all ingredients from Step 2 together and blend lightly.
3) Add liquid mix from Step 2 to Step 1 in three parts, scraping down bowl between. Bake at 350 degrees until tester inserted into cake comes out clean.

Topping: Add whipped cream and Smucker’s Frozen Strawberries (thawed) to taste.

Snack Series: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake at Boardwalk Bakery (disneyfoodblog.com)

Disney Food Confession – Strawberry Shortcake with Recipe

Disney Baby – Magical Moments Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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July 23, 2011

Enter Disney Baby’s Magical Moments Sweepstakes on Facebook for your chance to win dozens of Disney Winnie the Pooh prizes for your baby. Click on the image above to see all the prizes!

Click here to enter.

Warning – You will get a popup from Fan Appz giving them permission to link your Facebook Account. After you click ok you can enter the contest.

Good Luck

Disney Family Fun Keep Kool Summer Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)
Disney Family – Summer Adventure Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)

Disney Food Confession – Bobotie

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Disney Food Confession - Bobotie — Image ©DisneyFoodBlog

Where to Find it: At Boma, over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

What is it: An authentic African dish consisting of a spiced, minced meat, which is usually pork or beef, and baked with an egg topping.

Why you’ve got to have it: Well, to be honest, I don’t really have any “got to have” dishes at Disney. However, listen to this, and maybe you will decide to try it. For those that don’t know, I absolutely detest eggs! I almost never get them unless my host offers them to me, and even then I only get a small portion. When I saw the Bobotie at Boma when we went, I really thought that the top coating was actually some sort of cornbread topping. The golden brown color, the thickness, the meat underneath, I really thought it was cornbread.So, as I grabbed a serving, and started eating it, it didn’t even occur to me — until I had eaten about half of it — that I wasn’t eating cornbread. I was eating eggs. But you know what? The dish tasted good. The only thing I wish it had was a little more spice to it, maybe a dash or two of Texas Pete — but then it probably wouldn’t be African cuisine.

Photo Credit: Special thanks to AJ at the Disney Food Blog for the photo!

Disney Food Confession: The Gigantic Smoked Turkey Leg (chipandco.com)
Disney Sites We Love – The Disney Food Blog (chipandco.com)

Ask a Disney Question – Honeymoon at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

This Ask a Disney Question article comes to us from Brooke:

I stumbled across your fantastic website thanks to Couponing to Disney. I recently got engaged and my fiance and I have decided to go to Disney World for our honeymoon.

I went to Disney when I was 5, but have no real memory of it. (I will turn 30 in less than a month *gasp*) 😉 My fiance went in his early teens. We feel that we want to experience Disney Wold as adults before we have kids.

Which brings me to my question(s)…I have no idea where to begin to plan. We are fortunate that his parents will be paying for the honeymoon, but we need to give them some ideas to help with the planning.

What do you suggest for (essentially) first timers to Disney World who are also celebrating their honeymoon? Places to stay, dining, rides? I’m so overwhelmed and don’t want to be. Isn’t Disney the happiest place on Earth? 🙂

I look forward to your response! Thanks in advance!

>>Brooke

Thanks Brooke for the question and being a fan of not only Chip and Co but also Couponing to Disney.

Honeymooning at Disney World is a topic that is near and dear to my heart as this is where I spent my honeymoon three short years ago! Planning any Disney vacation is something that can quickly become overwhelming, but toss in the need to truly celebrate this momentous occasion and you could easily become overwhelmed.

First of all let’s talk accommodations.

I highly recommend staying on property as you will have access to so many amenities such as extra magic hours, world class service, and the ability to easily escape the theme parks for a mid day break and a poolside cocktail!

There are three categories of hotels at Disney: Value, moderate, and deluxe. For honeymooners I suggest a deluxe resort. If money is an issue than a moderate such as Port Orleans or Caribbean Beach are options as well. On your honeymoon, you will want a bit of romance to go along with your stay. This is why my top resort picks for a honeymoon are Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The Wilderness Lodge is a beautifully themed resort that gives you the feeling of vacationing in the great northwest. The pools are wonderful, the restaurants are delicious, and the rooms are cozy. You can take advantage of the walking trail that leads to Fort Wilderness and enjoy the many activities that take place there as well such as the Hoop Dee Doo Revue Dinner Show and horseback riding.

The Grand Floridian is the crown jewel of Disney accommodations. You will spend your honeymoon in the lap of luxury with beautiful pools, exquisite dining, gorgeous rooms, plenty of cute shops, and a world class spa (read couples massage!)

World Class Dining

In terms of Dining, honeymooners should plan on utilizing at least two of Disney’s Signature Dining Restaurants. These are the cream of the crop when it comes to Disney dining, and the price tag reflects that. However, they offer supreme food and often have very romantic atmospheres. My number one pick is the California Grill. This restaurant sits atop the Contemporary resort and boasts lovely views of the Magic Kingdom. If you time your meal so you are eating at the time of the Wishes fireworks show, you can go out onto the deck and watch the show complete with piped in music. Another tip for the grill: Sunset is a spectacular time to dine here. Save your receipt and you can come up later to watch the fireworks and enjoy a little nightcap. My other picks for Signature dining include Artist Point and Jiko; the Cooking Place.

For regular dining that doesn’t fall into the signature category you may want to check out O’Hana at the Polynesian Resort. Arrive a little before your meal and enjoy sitting by the beach with a snack. Some other great choices are Via Napoli at Epcot, The 50s Prime Time Café for some fun while you dine at Hollywood Studios, and of course Chef Mickey’s because no honeymoon is complete without a picture of the happy couple with the mouse!

Now let’s discuss the rides!

Everyone needs to gauge for themselves what rides they want to do. If you are both thrill seekers than by all means conquer all the mountains (Space, Splash, Big Thunder, and Everest.) If you are more laid back stick to rides such as soarin’. The best advice I can give you is to have try anything that looks interesting because it just might be your favorite! Plan ahead and know where things are so you are not walking all over the park. Utilize the fast pass service on rides that offer it. My favorite rides for adults include all the mountains, rock n rollercoaster, Test Track, Soarin, and Kali River Rapids. Also, don’t miss Kilimanjaro Safari, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lights Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show, and The Jungle Cruise just for kicks at night!

Last but not least, take some time for activities outside of the theme parks.

Rent a watercraft, go canoeing, ride bikes on the boardwalk, play a round of golf, or explore Downtown Disney. Also, make sure to tell everyone you are celebrating and wear your honeymoon pins…you never know what extra magic will come your way!!! Congrats and have a great vacation!

Hope that helps

>>Jess

Disney cult food favorites – Magic Kingdom snacks (examiner.com)
Behind the Dreams (mydreamsofdisney.com)

Ask a Disney Question - Honeymoon at Walt Disney World

Disney Confidential: Coming Soon Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

By

Anonymouse

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July 23, 2011

Hey there guys and gals. Anonymouse here.

Not sure how I missed this news back on April 1st on Mouseplanet. Many people including myself believed it was a Aprils Fool Joke. While not as ~~dorky~~ creative as the one Chip did on the website I am glad to hear this is news/gossip and not a big joke.

Disney plans on releasing new interactive games throughout many of the Disney parks and resorts similar to Kim Possible in Epcot. Basically people would search around for clues that would come to life as they unscramble clues via RFID Cards that is isolated to that specific land or area. Scooby Doo where are you! Sorry wrong company.

This reminds me of a hobby our ~~loser~~ fearless leader likes to play. ~~Hide and Seek~~ Geocaching. I can’t tell you how many times Chip has caught me on the way to the bathroom to go into great detail on how totally ~~boring~~ awesome that sounds.

Disney trademarked Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom back in 2010, and word on the street is that development is underway. I have heard that the first land to receive this interactive game will be Adventureland, followed by Frontierland and so on and so on.

But where do you setup a kiosk or home base for this digital hide and seek you ask. The Main Street Firehouse of course. Last time I was in there hiding from My ~~Stalkers~~ My Fans the place seemed pretty bare. I thought maybe they were going out of business or having a fire sale.

Disney is really pushing these RFID hard and it wont be long till Disney will track your every movement cause everything you have on you will have RFID’s in or on them. Anyone else want some of this purple Kool-Aide?

Anywho that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now.

Got any good rumors? Please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page.

If you want to read more about the Rumor check out Disney At Work.

Choose the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail instead (chipandco.com)
Fairies Fly to Magic Kingdom Park July 28 (chipandco.com)

Disney Confidential: Coming Soon Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

The Art of the Disney Park Bag

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Have you ever wondered what you should pack for your day at Disney World? Maybe you have perfected it over the course of your trips to Disney? I like to think I have. It took awhile. Our first trip was a backpack, for two people, and now we are down to the minimal. It makes getting around the parks easier and hopefully you’ll appreciate these tips to prepare you for what to take.

The person who needs certain things:

Like I’ve said before, we are 30-somethings without kids, so when we go to Disney World, I have a bag I take with me, this carries our necessities for our trips in the park. I got a great deal on a name-brand fashion, cross-body swingpack. It’s basically waterproof and is the perfect size for our trips. It holds a camera, our sunglasses case, lip balm, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, a wallet or credit card holder for all tickets, our phones and depending on time of year, sunblock.
Now if you want to carry around a water bottle or extra socks/flip flops for those water ride days, I recommend throwing those items in a draw string backpack. If you are a poncho person, this is perfect location for them as well.
For those water ride days, or if it’s threatening rain, I recommend a couple of ziplock plastic bags in whatever bag you take. It’s great to have them to slide anything you don’t want ruined by water in: cell phone, watch, and wallet.
Other additions worth adding: MiO/drink mix packets to help with the water fountain water taste. I recommend a snack if you need to eat every few hours. Just pack a box of granola bars in your luggage and place one in your bag each day. That way you aren’t spending money on unnecessary products or wasted snack credits. And a cell charger! Since there aren’t many plugs at Disney, if you are a techy person, take one for when you need that emergency boost of power.

For the Mom:

While we don’t have kids, as of yet, I decided to reference a co-worker and a fellow Disney fan, whom has referenced herself as Psycho Disney Mom more than once. She recommends either a back pack, zipping tote or diaper bag that zips or closes securely.
Now it’s what goes in the bag that is important. In addition to the normal: snacks, changes of clothes and shoes, sunscreen, wet wash cloths in baggies for cooling and cleaning, baby wipes and a first aid kit. She recommends taking items that will entertain your kid(s). Items such a bubbles, sidewalk chalk, travel toys and books can help keep your kid entertained during those long waits during the busy months. Being prepared for your kid(s) is key. As she told me: “It’s easier to deal with kid drama in one place (your bag) than to have to walk to the nearest first-aid stand or snack stand.” All of this can help reduce kid, and mom, meltdowns!
And don’t forget the items mentioned from the first group, this helps the adults in your group from melting down as well.

Light travelers:

And if you are just a simpleton, make sure you keep track of your wallet and cell phone!

Celya G

Celya is the newest member of the Chip Panel. While not a Disney Blogger, she just enjoys Disney. She loves planning and reading about her favorite place to escape. She works in the sporting goods industry and loves to travel. You can follow her on twitter @mccullac talking about TV shows, sports or Disney World.

Ask a Disney Question – Park Carry-ons (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tip – Enjoy Snacks as Your Meal (chipandco.com)

Ask a Disney Question: Traditional Thanksgiving at Disney World?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Today’s Ask a Disney Question comes to us from Kmberly she asks:

We are planning on visiting WDW during the week of Thanksgiving. What are the options for finding a more traditional Thanksgiving meal?

Hi Kimberly! Many people don’t associate anything but the Giant Smoked Turkey LEG with Disney dining options, but there are actually quite a few options for restaurants to Give Thanks with your family in over some gobbler and steaming hot carbohydrates. Here are my top three suggestions:

1. Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom – Liberty Tree Tavern honestly has some of the best food I’ve ever eaten while at WDW. For lunch or dinner you can enjoy an entire Pilgrim’s Feast which includes traditional roast turkey and herb bread dressing, mashed potatoes and a garden vegetable at lunch or at dinner try the the All You Can Eat Family Style meal that has Tossed mixed Greens with Strawberry vinaigrette dressing Roasted Turkey Breast, Carved Beef and Pork Brisket with Mashed Potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herb bread stuffing and Mac and cheese and an apple crisp with Ice cream. It would be my number one pick if you can still get a table.

2. California Grille, Contemporary Resort – For a “high end” Thanksgiving meal consider going to California Grille on the top of the Contemporary. You can find cast-iron veal tenderloin, Grilled pork Tenderloin, or Oak-fired filet of beef <MY FAVORITE>.

3. Whispering Canyon Cafe, Wilderness Lodge Resort – While Whispering Canyon doesn’t have turkey it has many of the “traditional sides” that accompany Thanksgiving meals and a “down home” feel. Its a little more “chuck wagon” than it is “silver goblets and ironed tablecloths, but it is fun and the food absolutely tastes “home cooked”

Each year Disney World announces which restaurants will serve “Thanksgiving style” meals who may not normally serve those more traditional foods. I expect this year will be similar to last year. The below is who served Thanksgiving meals in 2010.

Parks:

MK: Liberty Tree Tavern (Lunch and Dinner) & Tony’s Town Square (L & D)
EPCOT: Biergarten (L&D), Coral Reef (L&D), Garden Grill (D), La Cellier Steakhouse (L&D), Rose and Crown Pub (L&D)
Hollywood Studios: Brown Derby (L&D), Hollywood and Vine (L&D), 50’s Prime Time Cafe (L&D)
AK: Tusker House (L&D)

Resorts:

AK-Lodge: Boma (D), Jiko (D), Sanaa (L&D)
Beach Club: Cape May (D)
Boardwalk: Flying Fish (D), Kouzinna (D)
Caribbean Beach: Shutters (D)
Contemporary: Californian Grill (D), Chef Mickey (D), The Wave (L&D)
Ft. Wilderness : Trails End (L&D)
Grand Floridian: Citricos (D), Grand Floridian ( L&D), Narcoosee’s (D)
Key West: Olivia’s (L&D)
Wilderness Lodge: Artist Point (D), Whispering Canyon (L &D)
Yacht Club: Captains Grille (L&D), Yachtsman (D)

Downtown Disney:

Fulton Crab House (L&D), Planet Hollywood (L&D), Portobello (L&D), Ragland Road (L&D), Wolfgang Puck (D)

Make sure you book ASAP!! Thanks for reading! Have a super happy Turkey Day!!

Kristin, The Disney Diva

Ask a Disney Question – Honeymoon at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Ask a Disney Question: Visiting WDW the First Two Weeks in November. (chipandco.com)

Ask a Disney Question: Traditional Thanksgiving at Disney World?

Mark Your Calendar! August 16th Reservations Open for Food & Wine Festival!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Mark Your Calendar! August 16th Reservations Open for Food & Wine Festival!

Sound the alarms! 7am on August 16th reservations will open for special events at the 16th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The festival runs September 30th to November 13th and offers something for every taste bud.
The Food and Wine Festival brings foodies from all over the world to interact with celebrity chefs, join tastings, enjoy seminars and more.

Certain special events are available at each festival and due to the popularity of each, reservations are necessary.

Here is a sneak peak at the events that will be open for reservations on August 16th:

First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)
“3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)
Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)
Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)
Kitchen Memories, formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)
Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5 and 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)
Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)
Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 223, 30, Nov. 6, 13)

Additional special events will include Italian and French pairings and lunches, as well as Mexican tequila events. To make reservations call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378).

For event details visit disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

If you haven’t made your reservation for Food and Wine Festival, Pixie Vacations has an exclusive promotion. Mention this offer when you book your Pixie Promo with Michele and receive a $25 Disney gift card!

HGTV Joins the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (chipandco.com)
Reservations Open Aug. 16 for Special Events for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (chipandco.com)

Mark Your Calendar! August 16th Reservations Open for Food & Wine Festival!

Choose the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail instead

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Choose the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail instead This week on my blog, Tips from the Disney Diva, I am running a series on tips specifically for people staying “off-property” (not in a Disney World resort). The Diva’s have stayed both on and off property many times and know you have to plan differently when you are parking your car at Magic Kingdom than when you are taking Disney Transportation.

One of the things I thought I’d save and share exclusively with my Chip and Co. readers is the value of choosing the RESORT Monorail instead of the EXPRESS Monorail when heading to and from the Ticket and Transportation Center and Magic Kingdom.

OH, the EXPRESS is fine and dandy when you’re NOT trying to get to MK for the Park Opening Ceremony (aka rope drop) or trying to get back to your car after Wishes! Fireworks. It’s true that the odds of having not one, but TWO fanny- packs shoved indiscriminately in your face is significantly lower at, say…10am or 5pm, but when the monorail-tire-rubber hits the ~~road~~ large concrete pillar thingy from 7:30am-9:00am and 10:30pm-12:00am, all bets are off.

Choose the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail instead For those of us that would like to lessen the time we are stuck having two children sit in our lap with some big fellas booty two inches from their faces, I would encourage you to consider boarding the RESORT MONORAIL instead.

In the morning when we board the RESORT Monorail loop my children point & laugh at the already sweating (at 8am) Disney guests standing in a (bordering-on-insane) line for the EXPRESS. We are stretched out in an often empty section until we get to the Polynesian. We normally pick up people at the Polynesian, but there are usually still enough places for people to sit. Then at the Grand Floridian things get tighter, but normally only for the sections in the middle. I have found that if you’re willing to walk the extra 15 steps to a section further away it is possible to not have a single person standing the entire ride. And of course, by the time things are getting uncomfortable from the Grand Floridians on-board you’re already at Magic Kingdom.

The evening is the reverse. The RESORT MONORAIL line is long, as it is for the EXPRESS, but realize that you are losing many people at the Contemporary and usually everybody has a place to sit, save a few dads, by the time you exit at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

It also seems to me that those willing to pay the big bucks to stay on the monorail loop are less likely to cram themselves in like sardines on the monorail. Of course, they have other options like boats, buses and walking to lessen the pressure to get on the Monorail.

Is it longer to ride the RESORT monorail? Perhaps by 5 minutes maximum, but 5 minutes more for fewer whiffs of man-sweat more than pay off for a Diva like myself! Try the RESORT monorail next time and let me know what you think!

Movie Review: Winnie the Pooh

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Movie Review: Winnie the Pooh

Today was a new first for my children – it was their first experience watching a movie in a movie theater. Winnie the Pooh was just the film for this momentous occasion. It was the perfect fit – with a running length of 69 minutes, I was reasonably sure our toddler son would be able to make it through the movie and our soon-to-be-kindergartener was still young enough at heart to enjoy the classic characters.

Now, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to see a movie myself but I suppose I still have to consider myself naïve for assuming they would skip the movie previews for a children’s movie. After a few movie trailers, the short, The Ballad of Nessie was shown. It was a super-cute, simple story that reminded kids not to hide their feelings. Sometimes a good cry is exactly what you need.

On to the Main Feature

Winnie the Pooh began with a peek into Christopher Robin’s true-to-life bedroom. Christopher Robin is a collector of many things, but especially his stuffed animals. And with that introduction, we stepped into the pages of a classic Winnie the Pooh storybook as we followed this lovable bear and the other inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Woods on their escapades.

Readers of the Winnie the Pooh Golden Books will notice a storyline similar to Pooh’s Grand Adventure. Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo, and Tigger get themselves into a mess of trouble simply by being themselves. It’s a tale of friendship and problem-solving that is told using the style of the traditional illustrations in the Winnie the Pooh stories.

My only minor gripe is that I thought there were a couple of unnecessary instances of cartoon “violence.” You know the kind – no one gets hurt and the kids laugh. Nevertheless, it seemed out of place to me. My husband on the other hand, didn’t even know what I was talking about when I asked if a couple of scenes bothered him so it’s a personal opinion.

Disney is to be commended for the light hand they used when creating this film based on the beloved Winnie the Pooh stories. There weren’t any fancy tricks to “modernize” this timeless treasure. They didn’t stray from the simple and sweet nature of the characters and of the storytelling. They paid respect to the beautiful illustrations in the books by recreating them on the movie screen.

My two boys were mesmerized throughout the film. Winnie the Pooh has been part of their childhood and it seems appropriate that this was the film that marked another first in their life.

Video: Winnie the Pooh – “Owl’s Cold” (chipandco.com)
2 New Winnie the Pooh Trailers based off of Harry Potter (chipandco.com)

Top 10 Irresistible Ice Cream Treats at the Disney Parks

By

Chip

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July 23, 2011

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month (so proclaimed by President Reagan in 1984)? And National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July which is today!

It’s the perfect opportunity to daydream about our favorite ice cream treats at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. And while we love the simple, choco-dipped Mickey Mouse ice cream bar from a street cart, or a double-dipped cone, these are the treats that go far, far beyond – decadent and worth every calorie.

Any list has to begin with the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. So, you need a few pals to share, but it’s only eight scoops, every topping imaginable and a whole can of whipped cream.
Hands-down favorite shake is the peanut butter and jelly shake at 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’ve been known to skip the meal and just sip a tall shake at the bar at the adjacent Tune-In Lounge.
At Epcot, we head to Fountainview Cafe for a classic hot fudge sundae – whipped cream and a cherry, served in an edible waffle bowl. Need we say more?
Scoops are an easy parade treat, but we go all out with the Original Banana Split at the Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom park: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream topped with hot fudge, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. Yum!
When we’re shopping (or taking an intended detour) to Downtown Disney Marketplace, we make a beeline for Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop and order The Haight AshBerry Very Berry Sundae with strawberry cheesecake ice cream smothered with sliced strawberries under a layer of vanilla ice cream with blueberry topping, whipped cream, chocolate-covered blueberries and a chocolate dipped waffle roll. Well, at least there’s fruit.
The old-fashioned root beer float (we used to call it a “black cow”) quenches our thirst on a hot summer afternoon at Camp Soft Serve at Camp Mickey-Minnie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The smooth vanilla soft serve ice cream melds with the kicky root beer and takes us back to childhood.
In Disneyland park, we always stop at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor for the Firehouse Dalmatian Mint Sundae – two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream served in a waffle cup and topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips and a cherry. Sometimes this is lunch!
At Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, we love playing at ESPN Zone then ordering the chocolate chip cookie sundae – a Nestle Toll House cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, caramel sauce and whipped cream. One more trip up the rock wall!
At PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, we eat light and then order the Splitsville Sundae with banana, three scoops of ice cream, caramel syrup (or you can choose chocolate), nuts or sprinkles. Plenty to share.
Our final pick, perhaps saving the best for last, is the Farmer’s Market Sundae at Catal at Downtown Disney District, an exquisite creation of balsamic ice cream with mint granita and mascarpone mousse. The sweet-tart ice cream, bracing granita and buttery mascarpone is a heavenly match.

We’re sure you have your own favorites – share them with us!

Source Disney Parks Blog

The Best Ice Cream at WDW – Downtown Disney’s Ghirardelli Soda Fountain (chipandco.com)
How to make your own Dole Whip’s (chipandco.com)

Top 10 Irresistible Ice Cream Treats at the Disney Parks

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