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Disney Announces Top Ten “Most Wanted Holiday Toys”

October 29, 2011

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and Disney Store reveal their “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” list featuring toys inspired by favorite Disney characters and stories, making it easy for families to find that special plaything that will bring squeals of delight throughout the holiday season and beyond. This ultimate holiday toy assortment includes ten fun, entertaining and innovative new toys that tap into Disney’s rich storytelling heritage and offer lasting play value. Several playthings feature exciting technology that transforms playtime into a truly magical experience.

Many items on Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” list have already been recognized with awards and accolades from key media outlets and toy industry experts including Disney FamilyFun, National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, Parents and Time To Play. And for the first time, renowned animators from Walt Disney Animation Studios have collaborated with Disney Store to design an exclusive Disney Princess doll collection.

Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” list is inspired by top entertainment properties including Disney™Pixar’s Cars 2 – releasing Nov. 1 on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D, movie download and DVD, Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney Princess including Rapunzel from the hit Disney film Tangled, Disney Channel shows and classic characters, including the ever-lovable Mickey Mouse.

“Year after year, Disney toys are among the most popular items on holiday wish lists,” said Mary Beech, vice president of Disney Toys. “Kids love to bring home their favorite characters, and parents know that Disney toys are the ones that kids go back to over and over again, offering both a great play experience and exceptional value.”

Disney’s “Most Wanted Holiday Toys” are available this holiday season at mass retailers including Kmart, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart, Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com. With toys ranging from $19.99 to $149.50, there’s something magical for every budget.

See below for photos.

DISNEY’S “MOST WANTED HOLIDAY TOY” LIST

Disney Animators’ Collection Princess Toddler Dolls (Disney Store)
Disney AppMATes™ Mobile Application Toys (Spin Master)
Disney™Pixar Cars 2 Bomb Blastin’ Mater (Mattel)
Disney™Pixar Cars 2 Remote Control Vehicles (Disney Store)
Disney Princess 5-in-1 Wardrobe Set (Disney Store)
Disney Spotlight (First Act)
My First Disney Princess Singing & Storytelling Belle (JAKKS Pacific)
Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl Playset (LEGO)
Rock Star Mickey Interactive Plush & Role Play Guitar (Fisher Price)
Trivial Pursuit: Disney For All Edition (Hasbro)

Top Picks for Preschoolers

Rock Star Mickey (SRP $69.99, mass retailers, Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com) — Everyone’s favorite mouse is ready to rock! Mickey Mouse really gets things going as he sings, bobs his head, dances across the stage and finishes with his signature move — the mouska-split — where he plays the guitar with his nose. Kids can learn how to rock along with Mickey in the “You’re a Rock Star!” mode. Designated by Toys “R” Us as a hot toy for preschool-age kids, the interactive plush features three rock songs, including the classic “You Really Got Me.” Kids can rock out alongside Mickey with the Role Play Guitar (SRP $21.99) by pulling the whammy bar for cool guitar sound effects, pressing Mickey’s head for fun phrases, sliding his hand up and down to change the pitch of the melodies and pressing the strings to step-through notes. The guitar plays four songs.

Best Toys for Boys

Disney Appmates™ Mobile Application Toys (SRP $19.99 for 2-pack, mass retailers, Apple stores, Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com) —The new Disney Appmates feature miniature Disney™Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognized as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required. Simply download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes App Store, place your favorite Appmates toy character on the screen and play. Disney Appmates has been named a Time to Play People’s Play Award nominee and a “Best Toys” pick by Parents Magazine.

Cars 2 Remote Control Vehicles (SRP $29.50, exclusive assortment at Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com) — Take the Piston Cup champion for a spin with Disney Store’s exclusive edition Lightning McQueen remote control vehicle. Sporting his new Cars 2 look, Lightning has lots of great features including 15 phrases, lights and turbo speed function for greater high-speed thrills. Additional characters include Tow Mater and Finn McMissile.

Cars 2 Bomb Blastin’ Mater (SRP $69.99, mass retailers and DisneyStore.com) —Stealth, sleek and totally tricked out—it’s Mater like you’ve never seen him before. Reenact some of the most exciting scenes straight from Cars 2 with the ultimate Mater spy vehicle. He’s got lights and sounds, dynamic eye and mouth movement, booster rockets, and even a bomb tied to his hood. Bomb Blastin’ Mater moves around by himself and talks, including phrases voiced by actor Larry the Cable Guy.

Pirates of the Caribbean Black Pearl (SRP $99.99, mass retailers) —Davy Jones has come to take Jack Sparrow back to the Flying Dutchman, and his brackish crew is in no mood to surrender just yet! Recreate a battle against Davy Jones and his crew by building the Black Pearl with more than 800 pieces in this LEGO® set, available beginning in November. Includes six minifigures —Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Joshamee Gibbs, Davy Jones, Maccus and Bootstrap Bill.

Hot Toys for Girls

Disney Animators’ Collection Princess Toddler Dolls (SRP $24.50, exclusively at Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com) —These young renditions of your favorite Disney Princess characters were re-imagined by and created under the guidance of two of the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s most renowned animators, Glen Keane and Mark Henn. The collection has been named one of “The Year’s Best Toys” by Disney FamilyFun.

My First Disney Princess Singing & Story Telling Belle (SRP $79.99, mass retailers) —This soft-bodied, 20-inch Singing & Storytelling Belle reads aloud her favorite Beauty and the Beast short story and can use her microphone to sing her favorite songs. Belle recognizes and interacts with friends Chip, Mrs. Potts and Lumiére, a microphone and her storybook. Named a Time to Play People’s Play Award nominee, the Belle doll also includes a deluxe brush and can say more than 100 phrases.

Enchanting Disney Princess 5-in-1 Wardrobe Set (SRP $149.50, exclusively at Disney Store and www.DisneyStore.com) — This role play collection features five Disney Princess costumes, including Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, allowing girls to enter a world of Disney Princess fantasy everyday!

Best Choice for Tweens

Disney Spotlight (SRP $59.99 wired mic, $99.99 wireless mic, mass retailers) — Disney Spotlight bridges the gap between gaming and performing, providing a fun way for kids to connect with their favorite Disney music. By downloading the free Disney Spotlight app and connecting the mic to an iPad, kids can unlock Disney Channel hits or sing along to music from their own iTunes library. Kids can also purchase additional songs and create music videos to share with friends.

Fun for the Whole Family

Trivial Pursuit: Disney For All Edition (SRP $29.99, mass retailers) — Awarded with The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and created for the whole family, the game features three innovative question types: “Take 2 Trivia”– giving two chances to earn the wedge; “My Disney” — personal trivia sparked by favorite Disney moments or characters; and “Disney List” — work together to create lists or choose which don’t belong. With these questions players don’t have to be a Disney genius to play, and with the help of a “secret reveal” device players can see just how much their family loves Disney!

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Disney Introduces Appmates Mobile Application Toys – First Toy To Allow Kids To Use Apple iPad As Virtual Play Mat (chipandco.com)
Disney Store Offers Top Costume Choices for Halloween (chipandco.com)

Disney Announces Top Ten "Most Wanted Holiday Toys"

Good Luck Charlie: ‘It’s Christmas’ A Disney Channel Original Movie Premieres Friday, December 2

Chip

October 29, 2011

The cast of Disney Channel’s hit family sitcom “Good Luck Charlie”– Bridgit Mendler, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Bradley Steven Perry, Mia Talerico, Eric Allan Kramer and Jason Dolley — star in “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!,” a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). The story follows the Duncans as they scramble to reunite with each other in time for the holiday after they are separated en route to their family vacation in Palm Springs.

In “Good Luck Charlie It’s Christmas!,” it’s a holiday season the Duncans won’t soon forget. The adventure begins when the Duncans, who are en route to Palm Springs to celebrate the holidays with Amy’s parents, are separated after Teddy makes a snap decision to give up her seat on the flight for a free ticket. Unwilling to stand by and let her daughter travel alone, Amy also disembarks the plane only to discover the next flight to Palm Springs departs after Christmas. Meanwhile, the rest of the family arrive in Palm Springs, but things aren’t any easier as Bob tries to care for Charlie under the watchful eye of Amy’s mom Petunia; PJ learns the pros and cons of his grandparents’ pool and Gabe quickly realizes the downfalls of teaching grandpa Hank how to play his video game.

Leading up to the premiere, the cast of “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” will share inside scoops from the set, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. The hosted wraps begin airing Sunday, November 6 and continue every Sunday night up until the premiere.

Beginning Friday, November 4, kids and families can visit DisneyChannel.com and experience new games inspired by the movie, including “Christmas Fix It!,” where users can help spruce up grandma’s condo after Charlie has a bit too much fun playing with Christmas decorations, and “Vacation Vehicles,” where fans can travel with various vehicles to get the entire Duncan family together for the holidays.

Immediately following the movie is a special preview of the new comedy series “Austin & Ally,” which centers around the partnership between two polar opposites — Austin, an extroverted musician/singer, and Ally, a brilliant yet shy songwriter — and their two best friends, Trish and Dez.

The multiplatform premiere schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
“Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” exclusive preview available via Disney Channel On Demand, a video-on-demand service available to a variety of major affiliates including AT&T, Cablevision, Time Warner and Verizon customers.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
The premiere of “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel with simulcasts on Sprint TV and MobiTV.

Preview of “Austin & Ally” (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). In the pilot episode, unbeknownst to Ally, Austin and Dez “borrow” one of her songs, record it, create a video and post it on the Internet, after which it and Austin become an overnight sensation. When Trish convinces Ally to tell the world she wrote the song, Austin pleads with her to write another hit for him. Instead, the two combine their talents to create a true musical tour-de-force.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
“Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” is available on iTunes, Sony and Xbox Live.

Rounding out the cast is Debra Monk (“Damages,” “Grey’s Anatomy”) as Petunia and Michael Kagan (“Desperate Housewives”) as Hank.

Based on Disney Channel’s family sitcom “Good Luck Charlie,” “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” is executive-produced by Sheri Singer and television veterans Dan Staley, (“Cheers,” “Love & Money”), Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen (“Suddenly Susan” and “What I Like About You”). Baker and Vaupen are also the series creators. The movie was written by Geoff Rodkey (“R.V.,” “Daddy Day Care”) and directed by Emmy Award-nominee Arlene Sanford (“Ally McBeal,” “Boston Legal”). Bridgit Mendler co-wrote and performs the song “I’m Gonna Run to You,” which is featured in the movie.

Disney Channel Orders Third Season Of Hit Comedy Series Good Luck Charlie (chipandco.com)
Pixie Hollow Games Premieres Saturday November 19 on the Disney Channel (chipandco.com)

Good Luck Charlie: 'It's Christmas' A Disney Channel Original Movie Premieres Friday, December 2

Disney World Quick Tip: Packing Laundry Detergant

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 29, 2011

Disney World Quick Tip: Packing Laundry Detergant
When I am headed to Walt Disney World, I know I am going to do laundry. We like to change our clothes to go to dinner after a long day at the Parks and with jammies and maybe a pair or two of workout clothes it equals a lot of laundry! There is no way we can possible pack all of the clothes we need to take to Disney without doing laundry.

As I stroll through the the travel size isle at the store I always feel compelled to put some of the travel size laundry soap in my cart. But then I get to thinking I have a whole big jug at home and convince myself that it is a silly purchase! After all, I could buy a snack at Goofy’s Candy Co. with that money! So I went home and tried to find a way to pack my laundry detergent I have already purchased without it spilling everywhere!

I finally decided to try out a water bottle with a spout! It worked perfectly. I was able to pack a lot of detergent in a container that did not spill out on the way down. It was also easy to just open the spout and pour the needed amount in the laundry! A popcorn bag also works great to put fabric softener sheets in! It packs flat and keeps the dryer sheets still smelling fresh. Everything fits perfectly in a storage tote for easy travel to and from Walt Disney World!

Do you ever find creative ways to save money on everyday items? I would love to hear some of your creative solutions for packing things to take to Walt Disney World in the comments below!

Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Prize Pack Giveaway (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Things to Know When Visiting WDW at the Holidays (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tip: Packing Laundry Detergant

Production Has Begun On ‘Let It Shine’ a Disney Channel Original Movie

Chip

October 29, 2011

Production has begun in Atlanta, Georgia on the Disney Channel Original Movie “Let It Shine,” a modern day teenage Cyrano de Bergerac set in the world of gospel music and hip-hop. The movie is scheduled to premiere in summer 2012 on Disney Channel; its soundtrack will include 12 original songs by acclaimed music producers/songwriters/performers such as Rock Mafia (Selena Gomez and The Scene “Love You Like a Love Song”), Grammy-winner Toby Gad (Beyoncé “If I Were A Boy” and Fergie “Big Girls Don’t Cry”) and David Banner (“Dance the Night Away” featuring Denim from “Footloose” and “Get Like Me” featuring Chris Brown and Yung Joc).

The story follows 16-year-old Cyrus DeBarge, an aspiring musician who has a gift for rhyme yet lacks the self-confidence to take the stage and, through his rap song, tell his longtime crush Roxanne Andrews how he feels about her. After he and his flighty best friend, Kris McDuffy enter a songwriting contest, Kris is mistakenly named the winner for a song Cyrus wrote. Fearful of being thrust into the spotlight, Cyrus panics and allows Kris to take credit for his heartfelt lyrics and soon he’s standing by as Roxanne begins to fall for Kris.

Starring are Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) as Cyrus DeBarge, a gifted rapper full of self-doubt; Coco Jones (Radio Disney “N.B.T.”) as Roxanne Andrews, a fast-rising music star; Trevor Jackson (“Cold Case”) as Kris McDuffy, a thrilling dancer with a bigger than life personality; Brandon Mychal Smith (“So Random!”) as Lord of Da Bling, the intimidating champion rapper; Nicole Sullivan (“MADtv”) as Roxanne’s powerful music manger Lyla; Courtney B. Vance (“FlashForward”) as Cyrus’ preacher father, Jacob DeBarge, who opposes rap music; and Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”) as Cyrus’ mother, Gail.

“Let It Shine” is directed by two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “JONAS”), was written by Don D. Scott (“Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and Eric Daniel. The movie is choreographed by Danny Teeson (“American Idol”) and associate Brandon Shaw (“So You Think You Can Dance,” NAACP Image Awards). Songwriters include: Antonina Armato, David Banner, Andy Dodd, In-Q, J-Doe, Toby Gad, Adam Hicks, Tim James, Steven Jones, Jay L’Oreal, Rock Mafia, Justin Mobley, Tocarra Phillips, Lindy Robbins, Thomas Armato Sturges, Dapo Torimiro, Anna Vasilenko, Jon Vella, Lambert “Stereo” Waldrip and Adam Watts. “Let It Shine” is a production of G Wave Productions, LLC.

Disney Channel Star Mitchel Musso Arrested for DUI (chipandco.com)
Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs Set for Sept. 20 Release (chipandco.com)

Production Has Begun On 'Let It Shine' a Disney Channel Original Movie

Tables in Wonderland – Special Events for November 2011

Chip

October 29, 2011

Tables in Wonderland

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner – At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Thursday, November 17, 2011
6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner

Meet at The Wave… of American Flavor’s Main Podium

Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire

$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

The Wonders of Sustainable Seafood.

The Wave… of American Flavors is proud to partner with Fresh from Florida spokesperson, David Fennesey, in presenting an array of great seafood from Florida’s coastal waters. David represents Central Seafood and will host the dinner with Chef Frank Brough and Area Manager Stephen Shepherd. David, who has 40 years of seafood experience, is a graduate of New York University, an Air Force veteran, and a former Regional Director for National Fisheries Institute. David has served on President Gerald Ford’s committee on implementing a 200-mile limitation of American coastal waters. He is also liaison to the Mexican Government on developing a commercial fishery out of the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, a current member of Monterey Bay Aquarium, and President of SBI/Fresh from Florida.

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Florida Lobster Tempura-Dijon Remoulade

Mini Rock Shrimp Spring Rolls

Serrano Ham Flatbread, Aged Parmigiano, Cahaba Farms Micro Mizuna Mustard

Gruet, Blanc de Noirs Sparkling, New Mexico

Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room

Fish Course

Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut with Uncle Matt’s Citrus and Black Garlic Butter. Zellwood Corn and Lobster Cakes

Frankland Estate, Chardonnay, Isolation Ridge, Australia

Salad Course

Heirloom Tomato Tower with Winter Park Bleu Cheese and Purple Onions

Lapostelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

Entrée

N.Y. Strip Style Chateau Oscar carved tableside. Stokes Sweet Potato Cheesecake. King Farms locally sourced Roasted Squash.

Ross Estate, “Lights Out” Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

Dessert Trio

Strawberry – Champagne Sorbet

Vanilla Bean, Strawberry and Brown Sugar Shortcake

Strawberry – Basil Salad with a Pistachio Tuile

Mount Harrocks, Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. The event is limited to 40 Guests. The event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

Disney Dining Comparison: Tables in Wonderland vs. Disney Dining Plan (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney World’s Tables in Wonderland Dining Locations (chipandco.com)

Tables in Wonderland - Special Events for November 2011

Disney World’s Guest Assistance Card Details

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 29, 2011

Disney World's Guest Assistance Card Details

For anyone that is visiting Walt Disney World in a wheelchair or if you have another medical condition that requires accommodations, I highly recommend stopping by guest relations to pick up a Guest Assistance Card. This card will help alert Cast Members of your needs and can make your vacation a little easier.The type of card that is issued to you will depend on your needs. They are extremely useful if you have a disability that is hidden. This could include Autism, heat sensitivity, or crowd phobias.

When you arrive at guest relations all you need to do is explain your needs to the Cast Members. If you don’t want to disclose your exact medical condition you are not required to do so. You just need to explain the type of accommodations that you need. Also, make sure that the person requiring the Guest Assistance Card is present when you are requesting it.

If you have a disability that is not visible, I would recommend getting a note from your doctor. It is not required but it can be helpful. Again, you don’t have to disclose your medical condition. Your doctor can just explain what you need to make your vacation more magical. You should also get the Guest Assistance Card if you are using a stroller as a wheelchair so that you can take the stroller into queues when other strollers have to be parked. You can also get a stroller as a wheelchair tag that will help alert Cast Members.You only have to stop at Guest Relations at one park. Once you have the card it is good for all four parks and will be valid for the length of your stay. The type of accommodations that you receive will depend on the type of card that you are issued.

If you are using the Guest Assistance Card at an attraction that does not offer a FASTPASS line you will do one of two things. You will either enter through the standard queue or the Cast Members will take you to an alternate entrance on some attractions, this is usually the exit. One thing that I would like to stress is that a Guest Assistance Card is not a front of the line pass. There are some queues that wheelchairs cannot enter, like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and you must enter through alternative entrance but that does not mean shorter wait times. There have been times where I have waited longer than the posted wait times. What it does do is make your trip better and let Cast Members know how they can help.

Disney World's Guest Assistance Card Details

Disney World Quick Tip – Using a Stroller as a Wheelchair (chipandco.com)
Vacationing with Special Needs: ASD/ADHD (chipandco.com)

Disney Hires ‘Toy Story 3′ Writer Michael Arndt To Write the ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Movie

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 28, 2011

Disney Hires ‘Toy Story 3′ Writer Michael Arndt To Write the 'Phineas and Ferb' Movie

Fans of ‘Phineas and Ferb’, get ready to be very excited. Disney has hired Michael Arndt, the Academy Award winning writer of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ and nominated for his work on ‘Toy Story 3’ has been hired to write ‘Phineas and Ferb: The Movie’, the characters jump to the big screen. Hit the jump for more.

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The Final Muppets Parody Trailer

Chip

October 28, 2011

Today the final parody trailer for the film was released on youtube, and it sees the loveable Muppets take on films like Paranormal Activity 3, Puss in Boots, and the one we’ve all been waiting for: Twilight.

The film stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Rashida Jones, and Chris Cooper. The Muppets opens November 23rd.

Kermit Jumps All Over this Q & A for The Muppets (chipandco.com)

Disney’s Club Penguin Gets More Social with Debut of New Features

Chip

October 28, 2011

Disney’s Club Penguin (clubpenguin.com), the #1 virtual world for kids with more than 150 million registered players, today introduced new Chat and Friends tools. With these new tools, which will begin to roll out today and be available for all users in the coming weeks, Club Penguin has completely overhauled its in-world communications tools, and designed systems to create a safer and more social experience for kids online.

The new Chat system allows kids to communicate faster more efficiently by automatically completing words and phrases as they type. The patent-pending system was developed by a team of Disney computational linguists, producers and engineers, and represents one of the safest and most advanced Chat technologies for kids. It incorporates six years of learning from player behavior in Club Penguin, and includes a database of nearly 300,000 approved phrases in each of the virtual world’s four supported languages globally. Chat has become one of the most popular features in Club Penguin, and each day millions of kids exchange more than 56 million Chat messages.

The enhanced Friends functionality allows players to better organize, find, and visit their penguin friends. The new features change the way kids connect with one another in the virtual world by allowing them to choose best friends and add new friends by searching for specific penguin names. Each player is also now represented with a personalized penguin avatar in the friends list, rather than just their penguin names. Additionally, in the coming weeks, Club Penguin will launch a “jump” feature that allows kids to easily travel to the location of their penguin friends.

“We’ve added powerful social networking technologies to the biggest online world for kids, making it much easier for kids to find and connect with each other in Club Penguin,” said Lane Merrifield, co-founder of Club Penguin and executive vice president of Disney Online Studios. “The new Friends and Chat systems are the most significant enhancements we’ve ever made to Club Penguin and we’re just getting started.”

More details on the new Club Penguin features follow:

NEW CHAT SYSTEM MAKES COMMUNICATING EASIER, MORE EXPRESSIVE

CHAT SYSTEM THAT FILLS IN THE BLANKS—The new Chat utilizes a proprietary algorithm that enables players to type only part of a phrase or sentence and have the anticipated phrase automatically completed, word-by-word as the player types.
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PHRASES —Club Penguin worked with computational linguists to design this program as an easy and safe way for kids to communicate. The program currently encompasses nearly 300,000 approved phrases, which have been identified based on six years of Chat history in Club Penguin.
CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SAFETY — The new Chat evolves Club Penguin’s screening technology from one based on pre-approved and banned words to a system built on pre-approved phrases. Because every phrase used in the new Chat system has been previously screened and pre-approved, it’s designed to give kids the ability to easily communicate, but not share any personal information or abusive language.
MULTI-LINGUAL – The enhanced Chat functionality has been translated across four languages making it accessible to Club Penguin’s global audience. The new Chat is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

FRIENDS LIST BECOMES MORE PERSONALIZED

FULLY CUSTOMIZED PENGUIN AVATARS—Until now, the “Friends” lists in Club Penguin featured penguin names only. Now fully customized penguin avatars and backgrounds will represent each friend on players’ lists, and these customized penguins will appear transparent to denote that a friend is currently offline. Additionally, a cleaner user interface will allow players to more easily organize and locate friends.
TAG YOUR FAVORITE PENGUINS AS BEST FRIENDS—Friends who are communicated with most frequently, based on friends who you jump to play with, send a postcard to, visit their igloo, and stampbook with most frequently will appear at the top of the list. Penguins will also be able to tag fellow penguins as “best friends” so they appear on top of their lists. Once a penguin has exceeded 10 friends, they will be able to tag “best friends.”
BETTER TOOLS FOR LOCATING FRIENDS AT CLUB PENGUIN HOT SPOTS — A new and improved Friends interface will allow players to instantly locate where their friends are in world so they can easily meet up with them, regardless of which server they are using.
ADDING NEW FRIENDS HAS BEEN SIMPLIFIED—Players just need to enter another penguin’s name into the search box and send a friend request.
ELIMINATE PENGUINS FROM YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN—The Friends list now contains an icon that empowers kids to “turn off” players they don’t want to be contacted by or interact with in Club Penguin. These players can now be completely hidden from a player’s screen, which offers increased protection for players.

“JUMPING” TO LOCATIONS IN-WORLD

TRAVEL OR “JUMP” WITHIN THE WORLD IS MORE FUN AND IMMERSIVE—Images of penguins jumping into box will appear on screen to showcase their journey to meet up with friends in other locations.
“JUMP” TO FAMOUS PENGUINS —Club Penguin is making it easier to discover and visit the “Famous Penguins” of the island, such as Captain Rockhopper and Aunt Arctic. When the Famous Penguins visit the world, players will be alerted at random to their whereabouts so they will have the opportunity to “jump” to them to enjoy this unique experience.

Disney's Club Penguin Gets More Social with Debut of New Features

Disney Animal Programs Gives “Creatures of the Night” Special Treats for Halloween

Chip

October 28, 2011

As Halloween approaches, several creatures of the night are getting a series of treats from a team of medical experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Around this time each year, veterinary care specialists conduct annual wellness checks on a roost of endangered bats as part of Disney’s commitment to excellent animal care.

The bats, known as Malayan flying foxes, receive complete physical examinations, including blood analysis, vaccination and dental cleaning in front of thousands of Guests who view the procedures from a large, on-stage window into a state-of-the art veterinary hospital. With a wingspan close to six feet, the Malayan flying fox is one of the largest bats in the world and can be seen on exhibit along the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section of the theme park.

“Guests are always fascinated with the amount of care provided to our animals,” said veterinarian Dr. Mark Stetter, director of animal health for Disney’s Animal Programs. “During this time of year, when there’s an increased interest in bats, we have a perfect opportunity to dispel some of the myths about bats and explain the important role bats play in the eco-system.”

Malayan flying foxes are mammals that eat and rest in trees and roost at dawn. As fruit-eating animals, bats assist in pollination and seed dispersal for a great variety of plants that are useful for lumber, food, medicine and other products. Bats are also helpful around the neighborhood where they eat mosquitoes and other bugs.

In addition to receiving annual exams, the male bats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom voluntarily cooperate in their own medical care, making veterinary treatment much easier and safer. Through training, bats willingly allow themselves to be weighed, spread their wings for inspection, or open their mouths for dental evaluations. The intent is to help the animals become comfortable with husbandry practices that help monitor their well-being.

About Malayan Flying Fox

Flying foxes have long, sharp, curved claws on their toes, which allow them to hang effortlessly upside-down in trees. The skin between the fingers is smooth and strong while the rest of the bat’s body is covered with soft fur. As the name suggests, the head resembles that of a small fox because of the small ears, long snout and large eyes.

Unlike most other warm-blooded animals, bats maintain a warm body temperature only when active. While sleeping during the day, their body temperature drops to the temperature of the air around them. In warmer temperatures, bats cool themselves by fanning their wings, licking their chest and wings, and by panting. When flying, legs work in unison with the wings, somewhat like swimming through the air.

Bat Facts:

Bats are the only mammals that fly. Other mammals may glide through the air, but bats flap their wings and fly.
The life span of a bat is about 20 years.
Females of a colony give birth during a specific season, although the peak varies geographically. Most births occur in May and June.
Gestation takes about 180 days, and usually a single pup of around 133 grams is born. Twins are rare.
The young nurse for two to three months. The mothers carry their young for the first few days; then, the bats are left in the roost tree while the mothers forage for food.
Sexual maturity is attained in 18-24 months.
For the first few days, the mothers carry their young while they forage for food. Soon, though, the young bats are left behind during these hunts for food.

Celebrating Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Reveals New Details and Opening Day (chipandco.com)

Disney Animal Programs Gives “Creatures of the Night” Special Treats for Halloween

A Day in the Life of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 28, 2011

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Famously “NotAZoo,” at its 1998 opening, Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort broke the theme park mold. Imagineers considered many factors when designing this property. They focused first and foremost on the comfort and well-being of the animals and the safety of Guests. However, their primary goal, as with other Disney Parks, was to place the Guests in the action. In this case, that meant providing opportunities for Guests not only to observe but also to interact with creatures in their natural habitats.

Spend a day at Animal Kingdom and you’ll realize an interesting aspect of Disney Parks is that no piece stands alone. A ride is not merely a ride. A restaurant is not simply an eatery. Everything has a story! The stories of Animal Kingdom are based on the relationship of mankind to the world in which we live, with the intention of demonstrating harmony between human, animal and natural elements. Buildings and manmade structures are necessary, of course, but Park architecture is not allowed to overwhelm nature. Nowhere in the Park do feeding troughs, landscape barriers or fences detract from the Show.

The focal point, or wienie, of Animal Kingdom is its Tree of Life. The canopy of the Tree of Life rises 145 feet in the air and spreads 160 feet across. This natural-looking masterpiece is one of the World’s most exquisite architectural and artistic features. The story it tells expresses the mythologies of many cultures, where the tree is both “a source of life and an emblem of symbiosis.” The 325 extinct, contemporary and imaginary creatures, metaphorically, were not etched into its surface but grew out from it. According to legend, the Tree was the first thing on Discovery Island. The village came to the Tree whose water supports life for the Islanders and all of Animal Kingdom.

Tree of Life closeup

When Guests tunnel under the Tree’s roots, they virtually shrink to the size of an ant to enter a 430-seat theater for the 3-D Audio-Animatronic show, It’s Tough to be a Bug, hosted by A Bug’s Life’s Flick and Hopper. Parts of the show might startle toddlers, but bigger kids get a kick out of the special effects. While Guests are bug-size, Hopper is larger than life. Standing eight feet tall, Hopper is one of the most complex Audio-Animatronics ever made.

The newest of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom attractions is Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Adding a second wienie to the Park, this breathtaking piece of Himalayan Mountain Range combines the real world with the mythical. To the people of the mountainous regions of southwestern China, India, Nepal and Tibet, the Yeti is more than folklore. Although the creature is both mythical and real to them, the Yeti is not to be feared. He is the revered protector of the forest. Disney’s Yeti stands 18 feet tall and is the largest Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.

One of the most fascinating attractions at Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari, which takes Guests on a trek across the World’s own Serengeti, the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Guests, ever vigilant for potential poachers, board open-sided safari vehicles for an exciting expedition across rickety bridges and rocky outcroppings, and often experience up-close encounters with a few of the featured wildlife, including the giraffes, black rhinos, elephants and lions that freely roam the 100-acre savannah.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek

The “ultimate animal adventure” began back in January with the opening of the Wild Africa Trek. For Park admission plus $129.00 per person, Guests ages 8 and up get up close, into and over animal habitats deep in the Pangani Forest on this privately guided 3-hour expedition. A modified zip line dangles 10 feet above massive hippos. Rope bridges sway over the crocodile-filled Safi River. VIP safaris cross open savanna teeming with creatures native to the African plains. It’s an African excursion within the safe confines of Walt Disney World Resort.

Adapting film to stage, “Festival of the Lion King” is a perennial favorite live performance at Animal Kingdom’s Camp Minnie-Mickey. In keeping with the summer camp theme of this Park area, Guests gather in an assembly hall to sing songs and share stories. The four rolling stages on which fifty costumed performers combine dance, acrobatics, and elaborate staging are actually floats once used in a Disneyland parade.

Dinosaurs are anything but extinct at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. In DinoLand, USA, evidence of the massive reptilians covers every square inch of space from the dinosaur skeleton greeting Guests at the Land’s entrance to the knick-knacks filling Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama gift shop. A 40-foot long, 20-foot high Tyrannosaurus rex named Dino Sue, an exact replica of the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever unearthed, stands charge by the entrance of Dinosaur! Once you eek past Dino Sue, proceed through the queue and travel back in time. Strap into your Time Rover and hang on!

Write your own story when you spend a day in the life of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

*NOTE: We recommend arriving at Park opening and heading straight to Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris to pick up a Fastpass (or go ahead and ride before lines get long).

Celebrating Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Wild Africa Trek Experience (chipandco.com)

A Day in the Life of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Victorious: Time to Shine and Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut

Chip

October 28, 2011

Victorious™: Time to Shine and Victorious™: Hollywood Arts Debut are the first video games based on Nickelodeon’s hit live-action comedy television series, Victorious. Each game offers players the chance to interact and fully experience life in the elite, Hollywood Arts world as a new student in two completely unique and fun ways. Victorious: Time to Shine on Kinect™ for Xbox 360® lets players become the star of their own Hollywood Arts production, not only singing and dancing on stage, but also acting in their very own music video to hit songs from the show. In Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut for the Nintendo DS™, players will experience a full year as a new student at Hollywood Arts and take part in crazy adventures while becoming friends with Tori and all the stars from the show.

FEATURES:
Two Unique Experiences – In Victorious: Time to Shine for the Kinect, players create their own Hollywood Arts performance where they act, play an air instrument, sing, dance and star in a music video featuring hit songs from the series! Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut for the Nintendo DS allows players to dive into the show’s fun Hollywood Arts High School world, create their own character and experience classes and funny situations in the form of dynamic, replayable mini-games.

First of its Kind, Based on the Hit Live-Action Comedy Series – The video games are based on Nickelodeon’s hit show, Victorious, the number-one live action comedy series in its timeslot on all TV reaching over 14 million kids, 15 million tweens, and 11 million teens each quarter since it launched in April 2010.

Reach Hollywood Arts High Stardom – Players will feel as if they are a student at Hollywood Arts and the games include the voices of the Victorious cast, including Victoria Justice, who stars as Tori Vega.

Be the Next Superstar While Enjoying Hours of Gameplay – The games are loaded with mini-games, activities, hit songs from the show such as “Freak the Freak Out” and “Beggin’ On Your Knees”, and players can even wear the same outfits as Tori Vega and the cast!

Exciting Family-Friendly Competition – The perfect game for sleepover parties, family gatherings and more, Victorious: Time to Shine offers multiplayer gameplay so friends can either work together or compete to create the best music video ever! Full body motion tracking with the Kinect™ Sensor for both players makes the game even more fun and active for everyone involved!

Publisher: D3Publisher

Platforms: Kinect™ for Xbox 360® and Nintendo DS™

Developers:

Kinect™ for Xbox 360® version created by High Voltage Software
Nintendo DS version created by Behaviour Studios

Release Date: Holiday 2011

Suggested Retail Price: Kinect™ for Xbox 360® – $49.95, Nintendo DS – $29.95

ESRB Rating: “E” (Everyone – Comic Mischief and Mild Violence).

Victorious: Time to Shine and Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut

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