One of my favorite stores in all of the parks is MouseGear at Epcot. It’s the first place I go when I enter the park and I have to stop there again before we leave the park…you can never be too sure you didn’t miss something!
I love that everything you love in the Disney merchandise realm is right there for you, although it’s not always easy to locate. It’s easy to end up wandering around the same few sections and not seeing everything you intended to.
Since the store opened in 1999 it’s been a prime shopping spot for the Epcot park, in the last month the store’s two-year remodeling project has been finished.
A team of individuals: “global retail design, operations, planning, product development, facility asset management, sourcing and Disney Imagineering” worked together to improve MouseGear. What do all those fancy titles mean for you, the shopper? Here are some of the ways your shopping experience has been improved:
The merchandise fixtures have been lowered-this makes it feel like the store is more open.
The registers have relocated-Remember the line of registers that were all forced up against one wall and crammed into a tiny space? You would stand there and not know which line you were in, who was next, etc. That problem has been solved. The registers have been relocated to strategic points throughout the store which makes the checkout process a lot less hectic.
Color coded labels-Remember how you could wander aimlessly? Now your wandering can have a destination. The “department” signs are color coded for their merchandise category and the carpeting makes a pathway!
Can’t find help?-Problem solved. The Cast Members are sporting newly designed costumes, (which of course are color coordinated to the new decor!) and easy to spot. Maybe not so easy to spot is the hidden Mickey that has been installed in the costume, do you know where it is?
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We just received a fresh batch of images from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering depicting attractions and experiences planned for New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. While specific details are yet-to-be-announced, we couldn’t wait to share them with you.
The Be Our Guest Restaurant will welcome “Beauty and the Beast” fans in royal style inside Beast’s Castle.
The Enchanted Tales with Belle experience will allow guests to enjoy a re-telling of “the tale as old as time.”
The new Barnstormer will feature Goofy as the Great Goofini, a true daredevil pilot in the skies.
Which of these New Fantasyland experiences are you most looking forward to?
Source Disney Parks Blog
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2 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
4 eggs
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced green peppers
1/4 cup diced red peppers
2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
Cracked black pepper to taste
Kosher salt to taste
½ cup Meatloaf Glaze (recipe below)
METHOD:
Dice peppers and onions and set aside for later use. Combine meats and seasonings. Add vegetables. Place meat mixture in oiled loaf pan. Bake at 350º F oven for 1 hour (internal temp 155º).
Brush meatloaf with meatloaf glaze. Bake another 10 minutes. Let meatloaf set 10 minutes, cut loaf and serve.
MEATLOAF GLAZE
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup ketchup
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tsp Dijon mustard
½ Tsp worcestershire sauce
METHOD:
Combine all ingredients until mixture is smooth and drizzle on top.
Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh.” Featuring the timeless charm, wit and whimsy of the original short films, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. “Ever have one of those days where you just can’t win, Eeyore?” asks Pooh. Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some honey. Inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books in Disney’s classic, hand-drawn art style, “Winnie the Pooh” hits theaters in the U.S. on July 15, 2011.
When you look at Walt Disney World’s parks, hotels, and restaurants, there is one thing that really sets them apart from other parks, hotels, and restaurants that you might find in your hometown (or even at other theme parks). That one thing is theming. Disney is so good at transporting you to a different time, place, and environment, and if there’s one place in Disney World that I really think they excel with a theme, it’s Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom.
As soon as you walk over the bridge from the hub into Adventureland, you hear the music. The tropical beating drums and soothing sounds are both calming and exciting! You’re ready for an adventure!
The attractions in Adventureland are perfect for guests of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to the classics like The Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean or up for a spin on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. The Swiss Family Tree House offers beautiful views of Adventureland (and Cinderella’s Castle!) Another classic, the Enchanted Tiki Room, is currently being refurbished, but it’s a great place to rest your feet and and enjoy a show.
Adventureland is also the home of one of Walt Disney World’s most coveted treats — the Dole Whip. It is the perfect snack on a hot Florida afternoon. If you’ve never stopped by Aloha Isle for your Dole Whip, make it a must-do on your next trip!
Shops in Adventureland have great gifts, souveniers, and clothing. Unlike a lot of other stores around Disney World, these shops have unique offerings and are open to the outdoors, which makes them convenient for browsing. Stroll through the stores and you’ll see that the merchandise definitely fits the “land.”
Next time you’re in Adventureland, take a moment to immerse yourself in the theme. If you let yourself get into it, you might just forget you’re in Central Florida!
From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes “John Carter”—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.
Did you know?
· Edgar Rice Burroughs was born in Chicago and is best known for writing and creating Tarzan—still one of the most successful and iconic fictional creations of all time. “John Carter” is based on Burroughs’ first novel, “A Princess of Mars.”
· Academy Award®–winning director/writer Andrew Stanton directed and co-wrote the screenplay for “WALL•E,” which earned the Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award® for Best Animated Feature of 2008. He was Oscar® nominated for the screenplay. He made his directorial debut with “Finding Nemo,” garnering an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of 2003. He was one of the four screenwriters to receive an Oscar nomination in 1996 for his contribution to “Toy Story,” and went on to receive credit as a screenwriter on subsequent Pixar films “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo” and “WALL•E.”
· The award-winning below-the-line team includes Production Designer Nathan Crowley, Oscar®- nominated for both “Dark Knight” and “The Prestige,” and Costume Designer Mayes Rubeo, whose work is showcased in “Avatar” and “Apocalypto.”
· Michael Chabon, who won the Pulitzer Prize in Literature for his novel “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,” is a co-writer on the screenplay.
· Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino has received numerous accolades for his work on previous Disney•Pixar films “Up” (Oscar® winner, Best Original Score; BAFTA winner, Best Music; Golden Globe® winner, Best Original Score for a Motion Picture; GRAMMY® Award winner, Best Score Soundtrack Album), “Ratatouille” (GRAMMY Award winner, Best Score Soundtrack Album; Annie Award winner, Best Music in an Animated Feature Production; Oscar nomination, Best Original Score) and “The Incredibles” (Annie Award winner, Best Music in an Animated Feature Production; GRAMMY nomination, Best Score Soundtrack Album).
Planning a Disney vacation can be difficult. Add a baby in the mix (that will be us in Sept) and you have easily just doubled the amount of work. My wife and I are big fans of Jeep baby accessories. We have a few now but would love to have all the items listed below.
Here are a few products to consider when packing for that expensive Disney World Vacation.
If you’re looking for the latest in baby gear for the new mommy and even the new daddy in your life, look no further!
JEEP’s has an amazing family of products, which make the perfect for helping out and indulging any new parents – from essentials to fashionable must-haves – JEEP has you covered!
Jogging Stoller (Above) – For moms on the go who cherish physical activity, give them the gift of exercise on the go with the Jeep jogging stroller. Moms will be able to enjoy favorite workout routines while spending time with baby!
Travel Accessories – JEEP’s line of accessories are perfect for a new mom’s everyday activities.
Sleepy toddler? Keep their neck safe with the adorable Travel Buddy Neck Support Pillow ($9.99), or comfortable while you grocery shop with the Shopping Cart & High Chair Cover ($24.99) voted #1 on Amazon.com.
For wishing wells and baskets we have some to keep those essential pacifiers in reach – the JEEP Pacifier Pouch ($4.99). Or your purse and diaper bags in arms reach with JEEP Stroller Hooks ($6.99).
Traveling Deluxe Changing Pad makes diaper fixes easy and quick! ($9.99) .
All these and more must need products are available on Amazon.com, Target.com, Walmart.com Buy Buy Baby and other local retailers.
And last but not least, we can’t forget about dad!
JEEP Diaper Bags – These sizable bags available as a shoulder bag, is perfect for the new Dad with their masculine and outdoor, rugged look. With lots of pockets, dad can have everything in one place. Cost $20 and available at Walmart and Target.com
Good luck planning and packing for that Disney Vacation. Make sure to do a To-Do List so that you don’t forget anything.
Have Fun!
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A strong commitment to corporate citizenship is as much a part of The Walt Disney Company’s heritage as the family entertainment that has delighted and captivated audiences for decades. Disney opens a new chapter in that level of commitment at the D23 Expo on Friday, August 19, 2011 in the Anaheim Convention Center Main Hall. A special announcement will be part of a storytelling event featuring two of America’s best-known and most popular writers, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, and David Arquette, star of Disney Junior’s No. 1 series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
Disney Publishing Worldwide authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have enthralled readers since 2004 with their re-imagining of Peter Pan’s adventures, Peter and the Starcatchers, the best-selling and award-winning prequel trilogy. Visitors are invited to hear from the authors, listen to a family reading event led by Disney Junior’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates star David Arquette, participate in the big announcement and receive a free book.
By nurturing young readers we help support creativity and imagination, an important part of our citizenship mission at Disney,” Leslie Goodman, senior vice president, Disney Corporate Citizenship, says. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Disney Publishing Worldwide to bring this special event to the D23 Expo while at the same time encouraging visitors to take part in our daily pavilion activities that show how we can all make a lasting, positive change in the world.”
At this year’s D23 Disney Corporate Citizenship pavilion, visitors will see how they can take action through Disney Friends for Change, an initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world. Visitors can participate as an “honorary” Disney VoluntEAR in a different community service project each day, including preparing child comfort kits for kids in need, assembling care packages for military families, and planting seedlings for the environment.
Visitors can also become “honorary” D23 Green Team members by taking part in a scavenger hunt that will lead them through the Expo in a quest to boost their environmental I.Q. Not only will they find out what Disney is doing to help protect the planet for future generations, they’ll be in the running for prizes and a fun Friends for Change photo as well!
Disney XD has ordered “Lab Rats,” a live-action comedy about a teenager, Leo, who discovers three teen super-humans with bionic powers in the basement of his home, which he shares with his mom, Tasha, and inventor stepdad, Donald Davenport. The bionic trio soon convince Leo to take them along to high school so they too can experience normal life. The multi-camera series, a companion to Disney XD’s hit series “Kickin’ It,” will begin production in Hollywood in September for a 2012 premiere on Disney XD. ?
Starring are Tyrel Jackson Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) as Leo, Billy Unger (“You Again”) as Chase, Spencer Boldman (“I’m in the Band”) as Adam, Kelli Berglund (“Hip Hop Harry”) as Bree and Hal Sparks (E!’s “Talk Soup”) as Davenport.
After inadvertently accessing a high tech wall panel that sends him plummeting into a secret underground lab, Leo discovers three teen super-humans – Adam the strong one, Bree the fast one and Chase the smart one. The three, eager to leave their confines, convince Leo to take them along to school, where they try to be normal teens while managing their bionic strengths. Along the way, they help Leo build confidence in himself, and figure out a way to keep their bionic abilities and dangerous missions a secret from the world.
The series was created by Chris Peterson and Bryan Moore (“That ’70s Show”) who, with Mark Brazill (“That ’70s Show,” “3rd Rock from the Sun”), will serve as executive producers. “Lab Rats” is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc.
Congrats goes out to Jiko for making Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Restaurants in the US!
Jiko — The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has been named to Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Top 100 best in wine and fine dining in the country. The entire list, coast to coast, of this year’s best wine restaurants is in the August 2011 issue, which is now available on newsstands. Jiko – The Cooking Place fuses the bold flavors of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine.
The Jiko wine list features one of the largest selections of South African vintages in North America. The list has won multiple awards, including the Orlando Sentinel’s Foodie Best Wine List Award and the Wine Spectator Excellence Award for Most Outstanding Wine List.
We know about “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” we can’t wait to see Dumbo take flight in his new circus tent, the Beast’s Castle is visible…but what other little treasures are lurking behind the walls of the Fantasyland expansion?
You may recall a tiny stand near the old Ariel’s Grotta called “Scuttles Landing”, a tiny little place to grab a snack. It seems that Scuttle will be getting more (much deserved) attention in the Fantasyland expansion and will play host to a scavenger hunt. Here is what Disney has to say about the new adventure, “While approaching Ariel’s Grotto to meet The Little Mermaid, join Scuttle for this fun, interactive game! Search the seaside entrance way to find the seagull’s treasures from the Human World, like a dinglehopper or a bulbous snarfblatt. Scuttle will be on hand to help with the hunt.”
The new interactive queue’s are a great idea (i’d much rather play in the Haunted Mansion graveyard than go on the ride!) and I think imagineering is right on track with the crazy scuttle!
I wonder what other little surprises await over the wall in the new Fantasyland?!
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The Walt Disney Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Films are proud to present the #1 worldwide box office success of 2011 – making over $1 billion globally – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, in stunning high definition Blu-ray™, eye popping Blu-ray 3D™ (a first for the legendary franchise) and Movie Download on October 18, 2011.
Setting sail on an ocean full of hi-def adventures, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will debut in a Limited Edition 5-Disc Combo Pack (1-Disc Blu-ray 3D + 2-Disc Blu-ray + 1-Disc DVD + 1-Disc Digital Copy), a 2-Disc Combo Pack (1-Disc Blu-ray + 1-Disc DVD), and for the ultimate fan a 15-Disc Four Movie Collection. Additionally the movie will be available in 3D and High-Definition Movie Download.
The Limited Edition 5-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack includes hours of bonus materials offering fans a deeper dive inside Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides including immersive Disney Second Screen technology, exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, Fountain of Youth mythology, an extensive look at mermaids, bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, and much more.
In addition, the Pirates of the Caribbean 15-Disc Four Movie Collection offers fans more adventures than ever before. The Collection is packaged in an authentic replica Pirate’s Chest, and includes a collectible map and an iconic skull disc case that holds the Blu-ray™ discs and digital copies of ALL four Pirates of the Caribbean movies, along with the Blu-ray 3D™ disc and DVD of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, directed by Rob Marshall (Nine, Chicago), and written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, National Treasure 2, Mask of Zorro), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is the latest addition to the incredibly successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise that has for years entertained audiences of all ages with its thrilling adventures, hi-tech special effects and unique storylines.
Back as Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp (Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Alice in Wonderland) returns leading a sensational cast of talents that includes Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech), Ian McShane (HBO’s “Deadwood”) and more.
The visually stunning film shot in high-definition 3D invites viewers to embark on an adventure-filled ride with Captain Jack Sparrow as he searches for the breathtaking Fountain of Youth. Along the turbulent trip, fans are forced to re-think their knowledge of fairytale creatures when they are introduced to a group of alluring yet precarious mermaids, traverse isolated islands and fight international enemies.
Details:
2-Disc Combo Pack (1-Disc Blu-ray™ + 1-Disc DVD)
SRP = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
· Disney Second Screen
· Bloopers of the Caribbean
· Audio Commentary by director Rob Marshall
· LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales
Limited Edition 5-Disc Combo Pack (1-Disc Blu-ray 3D™ + 2-Disc Blu-ray + 1-Disc DVD + 1-Disc Digital Copy)
SRP = $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada
All of the above features plus…
· Legends of On Stranger Tides
· In Search of the Fountain
· Last Sail/First Voyage
· Under the Scene: Bringing Mermaids to Life
· Deleted and Extended Scenes with Intros by director Rob Marshall
Limited Edition 15-Disc Four Movie Collection
SRP = $169.99 U.S./$189.99 Canada
· Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2-Disc Blu-ray+1-Disc Digital Copy )
· Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2-Disc Blu-ray+1-Disc Digital Copy )
· Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2-Disc Blu-ray+1-Disc Digital Copy)
· Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (1-Disc Blu-ray 3D +2-Disc Blu-ray+Digital Copy+1-Disc DVD)
· 1-Disc Blu-ray bonus disc that includes all-new never-before-seen short film “Wedlocked”
· Authentic replica Pirate’s Chest, a collectible map and an iconic skull disc case.
· And much more…
High Definition Movie Download
SRP = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
· Bloopers of the Caribbean
· Deleted and Extended Scenes with Intros by director Rob Marshall
· LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales
15-Disc Four Movie Collection = $169.99 U.S./$189.99 Canada
High Definition Movie Download = $39.99 U.S./46.99 Canada
3D Movie Download = $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada
Feature Run Time: 136 minutes
Rating: U.S. = PG-13 (Not Recommended for Young Children & Frightening Scenes)
Canada = PG (Not Recommended for Young Children & Frightening Scenes)
**Bonus Material Not Rated
Presentation: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = 1080p High Definition 2.40:1
DVD = Widescreen 2.40:1 – Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
Audio/Language: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HD MA (48kHz/24-bit), English 2.0 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 DVS Dolby Digital, French, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital (3D Blu-ray), French, Spanish 7.1 DTS0HD HR (Blu-ray)
DVD = English, French, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray = English SDH, French, Spanish
