What is it? – A Delicious Hacienda Chicken Caesar Salad
Where can you get it? – Cocina Cucamonaga Mexican Grill, Disney’s California Adventure Park
Why you want it? – Crispy Chips & Fresh ingredients. Perfect for lunch in the Parks.
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) recently announced recipients of its 18th annual Thea Awards, and Disney Theme Parks and Resorts received four honors, including a lifetime achievement award for Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde.
The awards, which will be presented at a gala in March, recognize and honor excellence in the creation of extraordinary experiences, attractions, exhibits and places.
Rohde will receive the Buzz Price Thea Award, which recognizes a lifetime of distinguished achievements. Rohde, senior vice president and creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, has a Disney career spanning 30 years and most recently managed the creative development of Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, at Ko Olina O’ahu, Hawai’I, which opened in August. Rohde also led the team that conceptualized, designed and built Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, which opened at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, won an award for Outstanding Attraction Refresh. According to TEA, Disney successfully refreshed the attraction using new technology and Guest-interaction capabilities while remaining true to the fan-adored story of Star Wars.
The Magic, The Memories, and You!, the new projection show at Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom Park, was named Outstanding Show Spectacular. The awards committee said the show is impressive on many levels, including its technology, visual creativity, adept directorial pacing and stirring musical score, which combine to deliver a “unique, emotionally fulfilling experience for the audience.”
Lastly, TEA recognized Animation Magic in the Animator’s Palate restaurant aboard the Disney Fantasy with an award for Ingenious Use of Technology. The Disney Cruise Line ship, which will set sail on its inaugural cruise in March of next year, will feature a one-of-a-kind experience for diners in which they will see their own hand-drawn characters come to life and interact with animated Disney characters on a screen.
TEA is an international nonprofit alliance founded in 1991 and based in Burbank, Calif., that represents some 7,000 creative specialists, including architects, designers, technical specialists and scenic fabricators, who work in more than 650 firms in 40 different countries.
The Gang at the Muppets share with us a new set of Movie Posters spoofing on the Twilight Breaking Dawn Movie.
The Muppets Movie is in theaters November 23rd, 2011.
Cruise Critic, the influential cruise news and reviews Web site, today announced the 2011 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, which honor the top cruiselines, ships and ports.
This year’s award for “Best New Ship” went to Disney Cruise Line for its innovative new-build, Disney Dream, which also carried off the award for “Best Inside Cabins.” The line also received the “Best Standard Cabins” award. Carnival Cruise Lines was awarded “Best Value for Money” for its commitment to keeping onboard costs down, and received “Best Cruise Ship Bar” for its popular new venue, the Red Frog Pub. Royal Caribbean was confirmed as the family favorite, receiving the “Best for Families” award for the fourth consecutive year.
Celebrity Cruises received the most accolades with four awards, honoring its outstanding food and drink offerings, as well as its dedication to health-conscious options. The line was awarded “Best for Dining,” “Best Alternative Restaurant” (for Qsine), “Best for Wine-Lovers” and “Best for Healthy Cruising.”
New Orleans was honored with “Best U.S. Port of Call” for its vibrant atmosphere, easy access to the city and full range of activities, including family-friendly attractions, world-class museums, distinctive restaurants and fabulous nightlife.
Cruise Critic editors evaluated lines and ships in 25 categories by comparing like-for-like, taking into account the audience to which each line markets, in order to highlight the very best cruise lines and their particular strengths. The annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards complement the Cruisers’ Choice Awards, which are announced in the spring and highlight the cruise ships which receive the highest ratings from reviews posted on Cruise Critic.
“Cruise lines offer exceptional hospitality and some of the best vacation experiences in the world, so to choose just a handful of ships and lines to honor is really tough,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. “We aim to highlight those lines that deserve credit in specific areas — where we believe they truly excel — such as dining, accommodations or onboard activities. Some of the categories are chosen easily, and others are selected after much debate and consideration, but all are very well-deserved. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”
For more information on this year’s winners, as well as information on why each award was given to a particular line or ship, please go to: http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4659
| 2011 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards | ||
| Best New Ship | Disney Cruise Line — Disney Dream | |
| Best New River Ship | Uniworld Boutique River Cruises — River Antoinette | |
| Best for Luxury | Seabourn Cruise Line | |
| Best for First-Timers | Princess Cruises | |
| Best for Families | Royal Caribbean | |
| Best Itineraries | Azamara | |
| Best for Adventure | Lindblad | |
| Best River Cruise Line | Viking River Cruises | |
| Best Value for Money | Carnival Cruise Lines | |
| Best for Dining | Celebrity Cruises | |
| Best Alternative Restaurant | Celebrity Cruises — Qsine Restaurant | |
| Best Buffet | Norwegian Cruise Line | |
| Best for Entertainment | Royal Caribbean — Allure and Oasis | |
| Best for Healthy Cruising | Celebrity Cruises | |
| Best for Spa-Lovers | Seabourn — Sojourn and Quest | |
| Best for Solos | Norwegian Cruise Line | |
| Best Suites | Oceania Marina | |
| Best Inside Cabins | Disney Cruise Line — Disney Dream | |
| Best Standard Cabins | Disney Cruise Line | |
| Best Shore Excursions | Holland America | |
| Best for Enrichment | Crystal Cruises | |
| Best for Honeymoons | Princess Cruises | |
| Best for Wine-Lovers | Celebrity Cruises — Solstice-Class Ships | |
| Best Cruise Ship Bar | Carnival Cruise Lines — Red Frog Pub | |
| Best U.S. Port | New Orleans |
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.
Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
Notes:
A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, “Brave” uncovers a new tale in the mysterious Highlands of Scotland where the impetuous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom and inadvertently unleashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true bravery before it’s too late. Opens June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
What is it? Why all of your favorites of course. Mickey Mouse Waffle, Breakfast Pizza, Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, and Sweet Roll.
Where can you get it? Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Why you want it? This is the perfect start to a magic day at Walt Disney World!
Thanks to Angie L. for the submission!
Disney hooked us up with a copy of Disney Universe on the Nintendo Wii.
In Disney Universe, players can select from more than 40 classic and contemporary Disney character costumes, including Alice (“Alice in Wonderland”), Mike (“Monsters, Inc.”), TRON (“TRON: Legacy”) and Stitch (“Lilo & Stitch”) to explore six different worlds inspired by legendary Disney and Disney•Pixar films.
If you want to read my official review click here or if you want to read what Disney Universe is all about check out this article.
Now onto the Giveaway!!
For each place you follow or subscribe to our site that counts as 1 entry:
Let us know how you are following Chip and Co in the comment box below, if you already follow us be sure to let us know too and I will count that as an entry.
For additional entries:
Contest ends Wednesday Morning November 16th at 10am. I will pick one lucky person and notify them via Facebook that they won. They will have 24 hours to respond back or I will pick another. So please use a valid way for me to contact you.
Good Luck!
Gazillion Entertainment announced today an exciting cross- promotion between free-to-play massively multiplayer online kids game Marvel Super Hero Squad Online and THQ’s new uDraw game Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat. Players who purchase Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat will receive a code for a free trial subscription, extra gold to spend and exclusive in-game limited edition items within Marvel Super Hero Squad Online!
Starting today, Marvel fans can get a Pow! Bam! double dose of their favorite Marvel Super Heroes whenever they purchase Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat and enter the action packed world of Marvel Super Hero Squad Online! Using the special code hidden in Xbox 360® and Wii(TM) packaging, fans of all ages will get a free one week trial subscription, allowing them to earn free Gold through play, and a bonus 500 Silver coins that can be used for purchases of characters, card packs or headquarter items in the in-game store.
That’s not all though! Squaddies also earn a collectible in-game Xbox 360®uDraw GameTablet® or an in-game Wii(TM) uDraw GameTablet® that can be used in their squad’s HQ!
“The Marvel Super Hero Squad Universe is a cohesive one where each game gives players a different yet connected experience,” said Javon Frazier, Director of Games Marketing at Marvel Entertainment. “It’s always thrilling to see amazing games like Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat on uDraw and the free-to-play massively multiplayer online game Marvel Super Hero Squad Online work together so that more young fans can enjoy the rich stories of Marvel.”
Sign up at www.heroup.com to join the fun in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online and check out www.worldofuDraw.com for exciting news on Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat
A Happy Belated Veterans Day to all of the Active Duty, Retired, and Reserve military readers in our wonderful Disney community. I hope that you have already taken advantage of the military packages that have been available over the past few years, but just in case, I’m here to remind you.
Currently offered through September 30th, 2012, Disney’s Armed Forces Salute offers Eligible service members or spouse to purchase up to 6 tickets at 1 point in time – only 6 can be activated during one week, though 12 total can be purchased and activated from the beginning of this salute through the end. This is good for families like mine, who have used this salute since it started as a one year program and was eventually extended from 2011 to 2012.
The question would be – why you wouldn’t take advantage of this offer. For a 4 Day Park Hopper, or 4 Day with Water Parks and more for $138, you’re paying less for adults than someone without any discount is paying for a 3 year old. Personally, we use this discount to it’s full advantage, as we can not be guaranteed tha another discount like this will be available in upcoming years.
Without the Magic Your Way Package, you may not be available to receive Free Dining Promotions either, but know that with this Salute, you can receive fantastic resort savings, up to 40%. These discounts are much greater than the rates required to receive Free Dining. In fact, we’ve used this to splurge on Deluxe Resorts, but you can still receive savings at Value Resorts and sometimes even off property.
So, take some leave, book some flights, and head down to the World! We may never see deals like this again!
Dr. Anne Savage, Ph.D, has made significant strides in studying 1-pound primates and 7-ton pachyderms. Now, her efforts to blend education and conservation with innovative programs have earned her a nomination for the Indianapolis Prize, the most prestigious award for animal conservation.
”I am so deeply honored to be nominated for the prize and in the company of amazing conservationists who are leaders in helping to protect some of the world’s most endangered wildlife,” said Savage, senior conservation biologist at Walt Disney World Resort. “Having the contribution of my life’s work recognized by my peers is truly a humbling experience.”
Savage’s impressive body of work includes helping add cotton-top tamarins, tiny primates with long tails found in a remote area of northwest Colombia, to the endangered primate list. Sometimes called the “punk rock primates” of the world because of their wild manes of white hair that outline their black faces, cotton-top tamarins now have protections mandated from the federal government and cannot be hunted or captured.
The Indianapolis Prize nomination committee also called out Savage’s work in establishing Aug. 15 as the “Day of the Cotton-Top,” now a national holiday in Colombia, and creating the eco-mochila program in Los Limites. This effort employs more than 300 local Colombian women who crochet plastic bags into traditional tote bags, helping rid local forests of plastic-bag litter.
During her career, Savage has also helped identify and document two new elephant vocalizations… the “rev” which is short in duration and usually followed by a rumble, and the “croak” which is generally given when the trunk is used to manipulate an object. Savage has also studied the nesting cycles and migratory patterns of endangered sea turtles and helped develop a successful breeding program for the critically endangered Key Largo Woodrats.
No matter what the animal, Savage’s goal is always to increase awareness, interest and protection of the animals by engaging the public in fun activities to extend her conservation work.
“I’m just so thankful that I get to spend each and every day working to protect endangered species and helping others to realize that everyone …and anyone can truly make a difference for wildlife,” Savage said. ”All you need is passion, dedication and the will to make it happen.”
Six finalists of the Indianapolis Prize will be announced next spring and a winner will be selected in mid-2012.
More than 300 Disney VoluntEARS picked up nearly 2,000 pounds of trash and debris Saturday along four miles of Brevard County coastline as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer effort to improve the health of the ocean and waterways. Working alongside partners from the Ocean Conservancy, Keep Brevard Beautiful, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Canaveral Port Authority and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida, Disney VoluntEARS represented the largest group of participants in the community-wide clean up event.
“By cleaning up our coastal areas, Disney VoluntEARS are directly contributing to the conservation of wildlife and nature, which is an important part of Disney’s environmental commitment,” said Jackie Ogden, vice president of Animals, Science and Environment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “I’m proud of everyone who came out to help ensure that our state’s natural wonders will inspire and nurture future generations.”
With garbage bags and tally sheets in hand, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS teamed up to scour the shoreline in an effort to keep trash and debris out of local waterways, protect sea life and make the beaches more enjoyable for all. The majority of items picked up were cigarette butts, plastic wrappers and fishing line.
Disney’s involvement in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup spans 18 years; since 2003, Disney VoluntEARS have picked up more than 38,000 pounds (17.5 tons) of debris and trash at Florida Coastal Cleanup events.
“We truly appreciate the Disney VoluntEARS and their families coming to Brevard County each fall to help keep our beaches clean and beautiful,” said Pat Brown, executive director of Keep Brevard Beautiful. “It might seem small to pick up a few bottle caps here and plastic bags there, but when hundreds of people are focused on this, it means a world of difference to the people who visit our beaches and the animals who call it home.”
The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time and expertise toward positively impacting their communities. Support for environmental projects and animal-related organizations are a hallmark for Disney VoluntEARS and the company itself. Disney VoluntEARS often take part in coastal cleanups and support the Oakland Nature Preserve, the Nature Conservancy, and the City of Orlando Keep Orlando Beautiful and Green Up Orlando programs.
