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Walt Disney World Quick Tips – Slow down and pay attention

Disney Parks
Disney Parks Rendering

When you visit Walt Disney World Resort, slow down and pay attention. It’s impossible to see and do everything in one Park visit anyway, so try not to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of doing it all that you overlook what makes the place so magical.

It’s tempting to take touring plans in hand and race from one attraction to the next or to watch your watch closely and time each curtain call. Gotta catch that bus, make the dinner reservation, sprint back for your Fast Pass slot.

Don’t be so rushed you forget to notice the details.

Look up!
• See the man seated on the hen on the Nine Dragons Restaurant roof at Epcot’s China Pavilion? He is Prince Min, a 3rd-century emperor who was hanged for his cruelty. His image serves as a warning to other tyrants. The animals behind him prevent his escape.

Look down!
• See the celebrity signatures and handprints in the courtyard of Mann’s Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Minnie Mouse’s prints are dated 5/1/89, the Park’s opening day. Kermit the Frog added his impression later that same year.

Kermit the Frog
Kermit leaves prints at Mann's Chinese Theater

Listen!
• See the regular old garbage bin in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland? Try to toss your trash and he may just thank you! “Push” moves around a bit and can be hard to find, but at Walt Disney World, even refuse is pixie dusted.

Watch out!
• See that towering vine in Animal Kingdom’s Asia? It’s none other than the graceful and gorgeous wandering foliage, DiVine. I filmed her at a recent visit, and people stopped to ask what I was recording. They hadn’t noticed her at all!

Animal Kingdom DiVine
Animal Kingdom's DiVine

So next time you visit the World, slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the magic!

Walt Disney World Quick Tips - Slow down and pay attention

Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season on DVD September 13th

Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season on DVD September 13th

Includes all 22 episodes in the popular medical drama’s seventh season which features an exclusive extended version of the one-of-a-kind ‘Music Event’ episode, plus “The Making of the Music Event” created especially for the DVD. This DVD gives fans exactly what they’ve loved for seven seasons – watching the compelling ensemble deal with life-or-death consequences, while they find comfort, friendship and, at times, love in one another. Through it all everyone involved discovers that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white — real life only comes in shades of “grey.”

Release Format: 6-Disc DVD Set

Suggested Retail Price: $45.99 US/$54.99 Canada

DVD Bonus Features include:

  • Extended Music Event Episode: “Song Beneath The Song” Fans of this episode can now enjoy even more with an extended version of the episode
  • “The Music Event: Behind the Scenes” – Viewers are taken behind the scenes for a fascinating look at what it took to make this very unique episode of the show. From pitching the idea to the studio, to selecting the right music for the story through the rehearsals, shooting and editing
  • “Dissecting Grey’s Anatomy: Unaired Scenes”
  • “In Stitches: Season Seven Outtakes”
  • “Seattle: Grace: Messages of Hope” Webisodes
Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season on DVD September 13th

Disney Confidential: Wishes will be ending soon

Disney Confidential: Wishes will be ending soon

Hey there guys and gals Anonymouse here!

Okay, you know how I love gossip and will usually just throw something out with little more than a caveat that it’s just a rumor? Well today I want to tell you about something that’s bound to bring a tear to the eyes of even the most cold-hearted among you (and you know who you are). It might even make you angry.  It’s the rumor that Wishes will be ending within a month or so.

I know, I know!  Now don’t get all upset.  I actually doesn’t like fireworks (they wear on my delicate nerves) but I know how everyone else pretty much just LOVES Wishes and thinks it’s the be all end all, and so I feel bad spreading this vile rumor even though I am most often found on Splash Mountain, or eating (duh) or even in the bathrooom (possibly hiding) during Wishes.   Anonymouse has empathy, and I’m feeling it for you, lovers of Wishes.

Anyway, here’s what I’ve heard.  That a big load of fireworks were ordered and that cast members are telling people that Wishes is going to be replaced by another show.

That’s it.  Sorry it wasn’t more juicy but I felt compelled to report on it since it’s all over the place.

I’ll keep you posted if we hear something concrete.

That is all the time I have for today. See you kiddies next time.

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

Disney Confidential: Wishes will be ending soon

Disney Quick Tips – Disney Movie Rewards

Disney Quick Tips - Disney Movie Rewards

I think I can speak for most Disney fans when I say Disney is not just a place or a company it is a way of life.  One aspect of the Disney culture is Disney films and most Disney fangirls (or boys) like me can’t wait to get their hands on the next Disney classic as they come to blu ray… or snag the DVDs before they are locked in the vault for whatever random amount of time it is before they are re-released! Even though I know I am buying into the commericialization I just CAN’T help myself!!

When Disney Movie Rewards was first introduced in 2006, the label on your DVDs said that you could redeem your magic codes on the Disney Movie Rewards website for only a limited time but the program took off and now you can redeem DVDs, Blu Rays, and movie ticket stubs!

The program is SUPER easy and FREE!

To sign up, go to the Disney Movie Rewards website, and create an account.  Then, grab any magic codes from your collection of Disney movies and put them in one at a time.  Usually you earn 75-125 depending on the movie and format, however there are lots of promotions that earn you free reward points as well as extra points for getting certain movies when they first come out.  It is a super easy to use website with videos, straight forward instructions, and lots of extras! There are free printables available and for some movies you have redeemed codes for you can even stream them straight from the site! Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook since they post free points sometimes there!

I have earned over 8,000 points using DMR, which I have redeemed for: 2 Walt Disney Classics Collection Sculptures (a piglet one and a dumbo one), a Wall-E flash drive, Kodak prints/cards/photobook, 2 Reusable shopping bags, a Ratatouille herb seedkit, and just this weekend my very own Pluto Hug n Go Pillow (think Disney meets Pillow Pals)! All for free just for purchasing and going to movies that I would have went to anyway!!

I am sure there are a lot of people out there with free Disney merchandise hiding in their DVD and Blu Ray purchases without even realizing it! So open up those movie cases, grab those magic codes, and head on over to the website to get started!

Disney Quick Tips - Disney Movie Rewards

Disney Versus: Live Action Studios

Disney Versus: Live Action Studios

It’s been a long, hard, war for the Disney Studios. They’ve had to fight against rival cartoon studios in the early days, and upstart
animation studios in recent years. But looking back into the world of live action, we must acknowledge that it was Disney who was the upstart!

Many asked if Walt Disney was serious when he decided to make live action films. And this skeptical talk only intensified over Disney’s choice of material. Animal documentaries? English period pieces? Sappy comedies?

No one would have picked Disney as the winner in live action films! As a matter of fact, Walt Disney did have trouble getting both the financing and the distribution for these earliest efforts. No one would take ‘The Cartoon King’ seriously.

And then one of his True Life Adventures won an Academy Award.

The competition was stunned! Walt wasn’t surprised and so soldiered on with even more unconventional content. Next, fully live action period pieces like Treasure Island and The Swiss Family Robinson became instant hits and are now enduring classics.

Next came the comedies. The Absent Minded Professor. Herbie the Love Bug. The Parent Trap. And many others. These films drew much criticism because of their hokey humor and sentimental messages. But did this mean a defeat for Disney? Not at all! All of these movies did good box office, and again, are still watched by millions today.

Would Disney be able to keep the momentum going? Again, Walt Disney died sometime during this period, and the live action division of his company suffered along with the cartoon and animation divisions.

The 1970’s and 1980’s yielded more of the same from the Disney live action division. A few notable films stand out, such as The Black Hole and Tron, but neither made a big enough impact at the time of their releases. But with the addition of Touchstone Pictures to the fold, Disney was free to get down and dirty with the competition! Films like Down And Out in Beverly Hills set a new tone for the studio, a tone that resonated with a whole new generation of moviegoers.

Disney was back in the battle! And back to win.

There are many live action films that likely come to your mind from the 1990’s and beyond. And although Disney can’t claim to be the all around best studio in the category of live action movies, they don’t have to apologize either. Far from it actually. For with the release of The Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Disney did what many other studios have never done: They grossed over 1 billion dollars with just one movie! (And if you’re still with me on the Triple Threat angle, they also grossed over 1 billion dollars with just one animated movie the same year, via Pixar.)

So in conclusion, Disney is the Triple Threat of the entertainment business. From endearing cartoon characters to enduring animation classics to blockbuster live action films, Disney stands in a class all its own.

Send up the white flag. Disney has won the war!

Top 5 Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World

Top 5 Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World

One of the biggest problems guests encounter visiting Walt Disney World is the heat! Extreme heat and humidity can really limit your day at the parks, as well as put a drain on your wallet as you are constantly buying Mickey Premium Bars and drinks to cool down. Heat can also make waiting in line and walking through the parks a real chore, especially when traveling with kids.

Therefore, to provide some relief from the central Florida heat, here are my Top 5 Ways to Beat the Heat at Walt Disney World.

1. Resort Hop-This is one of my favorite things to do at Disney World and a great activity to do during the heat of the day. After visiting Epcot or the Magic Kingdom in the morning, hop aboard a monorail and visit the deluxe resorts. You can explore some of the best resorts Disney has to offer, get some great pics, enjoy their breathtaking views, and even do a little shopping all in the shade and away from the sun!

2. Swim/Water Park-Disney offers some of the best resort pools and water parks anywhere! Many Disney pros recommend visiting the theme parks early in the morning and then coming back in the evening; and during the summer, we agree! So if you head back to your resort, visit a pool to cool off or hop aboard a bus to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. This is a great way to pack as much Disney fun in a day without letting the heat dominate your schedule.

3. Shopping/Downtown Disney-Who doesn’t like souvenir shopping at Disney World? When it’s hot outside, head into the variety of air-conditioned Disney shops located throughout the Disney parks and resorts! If you planning on doing some serious shopping, head to Downtown Disney’s Marketplace to visit a myriad of shops selling all kinds of merchandise. It’s a definite a must-see for anyone on vacation to Disney and what a better time than during the heat?

4. Epcot’s Future World-Future World at Epcot offers air-conditioned, indoor pavilions that you can experience at your own pace. For example, inside of the Land, you can ride Soarin’ and Living with the Land, along with the Circle of Life show, and all indoors! You can also have a snack or a meal at Sunshine Seasons, one of the best quick service locations on property. The Seas with Nemo and Friends begins with a ride in a clam shell through Nemo’s world into a huge area where you can see fish, dolphins, manatees, and more in a variety of tanks and exhibits. This pavilion is dark and cool and both kids and adults enjoy it. You can also visit and talk with Crush from Pixar’s Finding Nemo here at Turtle Talk with Crush! Finally, check out Club Cool at Future World, a pavilion housing Coca-Cola merchandise and soda fountains offering different sodas from around the world! The best thing is that you can sample these soft drinks as much as you want and it’s all free! This is definitely a great place to cool off!

5. The Magic of Disney Animation-Located at Hollywood Studios, The Magic of Disney Animation has a lot to offer indoors and out of the sun. There’s a really entertaining film/show that explains the animation process starring a Disney animator and Mushu from Mulan. Afterwards, you get a glimpse of some art work for upcoming Disney films before being led in a huge area where you can play interactive games and get some great pictures with several Disney characters! For parents, there’s also places to sit and relax. There’s also an art class here where young and old can learn to draw a Disney character. This is a really fun experience and you get to take your picture home. The exit of the Art of Animation is an Art of Disney store where can take home some great Disney art work yourself.

So what do you think? What is your favorite way to keep cool at Disney World?

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Top 5 Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World

Disney World ESSENCE Music Festival July 1-3

Take Virtual In-Park Disney Photos at the ESSENCE Music Festival

Attention Disney fans in the New Orleans area: cast members will bring a touch of the Walt Disney World Resort to town July 1-3 in honor of the 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival.

Disney will be onsite at this annual event, which features African-American music, cultural celebrations and empowerment seminars, at a Let the Memories Begin booth from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Visits to the booth are complimentary and family-friendly entertainment will be available, including a Disney dance party, Disney trivia and elaborately themed photo booths that let you take virtual in-park Disney photos on the spot. Guests also can stop by the booth and pick up a ticket for a meet-and-greet with Princess Tiana.

Take Virtual In-Park Disney Photos at the ESSENCE Music Festival

Disney and ESSENCE have previously partnered on the 2011 Disney Dreamer’s Academy, a major annual event at the Walt Disney World Resort that celebrates the achievements of deserving high school students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, compassion, courage and demonstrate the desire to help others and overcome obstacles. Disney’s Dreamer’s Academy inspires these students to dream big, discover a world of possibilities and get a jumpstart on making those dreams come true.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Disney World ESSENCE Music Festival July 1-3

Disney World ESSENCE Music Festival July 1-3

THE MUPPETS: “Being Green” (Trailer/Spoof)

THE MUPPETS: "Being Green" (Trailer/Spoof)

Hi ho! Kermit the Frog here!
I sure hope you enjoy this “Being Green” trailer…and our other parody trailers—“Green With Envy” “Fuzzy Pack”. Now, after much ado—and Miss Piggy’s insistence that she get final cut—we’re finally ready for the world premiere of the official trailer for our upcoming movie, “The Muppets”. You can watch it everywhere on Monday June 20th at 8am Pacific Time. Be sure not to miss it! – Amphibiously yours, Kermit The Frog

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.

THE MUPPETS: "Being Green" (Trailer/Spoof)

Special Rates on 14-Night Westbound Transatlantic!

Special Rates on 14-Night Westbound Transatlantic!

Set sail September 10, 2011 (14-Night Westbound Transatlantic) on the Disney Magic.

Staterooms with restrictions available for these great rates:

Inside Stateroom with Restrictions $799 Per Person

Oceanview Stateroom with Restrictions $1,099 Per Person

Verandah Stateroom with Restrictions $1,499 Per Person

Restrictions Include:

When booking this restricted-fare category stateroom, please note the following:
* You are reserving a stateroom within the selected stateroom type: Inside, Oceanview or Verandah.
* Disney Cruise Line will assign your specific stateroom at a later time, based on availability.
* Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
* Sail date and stateroom category changes are not permitted.
* The stateroom offer cannot be combined with any other discounted or promotional offer.
* Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.

For other restrictions or for more information contact [email protected]

Learn more about staterooms with restrictions

Special Rates on 14-Night Westbound Transatlantic!

“JOHN CARTER” Teaser

"JOHN CARTER" Teaser

JOHN CARTER

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.

“Like” JOHN CARTER on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/johncartermovie
Follow JOHN CARTER on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/johncarter

*Images and information courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.

"JOHN CARTER" Teaser

Disney Channel Original Movies “Lemonade Mouth 2” And “Shake It Up” In Development

Disney Channel Original Movies "Lemonade Mouth 2" And "Shake It Up" In Development

Disney Channel announced at Licensing International Expo 2011 that Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) “Lemonade Mouth 2,” the sequel to the hugely popular movie, is currently in development, along with a DCOM based on the hit buddy comedy series “Shake It Up.”

The music-filled kid, tween and family movie “Lemonade Mouth” is a dynamic story in which music intersects with themes of communication, personal development and empowerment. Central to the core storyline are five teenagers who are profoundly changed when a music teacher motivates them to throw “what-ifs” out the window, pursue their true passion, form a band and, ultimately, seize the opportunity to express their unique selves – despite lack of support from the school administration. After premiering in April as the year-to-date’s No. 1 cable movie in Total Viewers and No. 1 television movie with Tweens 9-14, in its 16th telecast, ”Lemonade Mouth” is still going strong, again ranking No. 1 for the day among Kids 6-14 and Tweens 9-14.”

“Lemonade Mouth 2″ will reunite fans with Olivia, Wen, Stella, Mohini and Charlie, and feature all-new music.

The hit buddy comedy series set in the world of a tween dance show, “Shake It Up, Chicago!,” has generated development plans for a DCOM debut. The comedy series features two high-spirited characters, best friends CeCe Jones and Raquel “Rocky” Blue, whose dreams of becoming professional dancers are realized when they become background dancers on the most popular teen dance show, “Shake It Up, Chicago!,” a gig they land thanks to their longtime and well-connected friend, Deuce. Between learning a wide range of new dance styles, navigating the backstage antics at the show (especially with their rivals Tinka and Gunther) and their newfound social status at school, the girls experience new and fun adventures, some that test their friendship.

Shake It Up” is TV’s No. 1 series with Kids 6-11 (1.8 million/7.3 rating) and Tweens 9-14 (1.6 million/6.7 rating), and through its first 17 original airings, is pacing as the No. 1 cable series of all time with Tweens 9-14, 2011 to date. [Source: NTI, 12/27/10-6/12/11, US ratings, based on trackage data with minimum 6 telecasts.]

Disney Channel has presented more than 80 movie titles in its DCOM franchise since 1997. From the first movie, “Under Wraps,” to 2007′s record-breaking “High School Musical 2″ and “Camp Rock,” the DCOM franchise has connected with the millions and millions of kids and tweens who watch them every night. In the U.S., across all basic cable, DCOMs dominate the ratings, having produced basic cable’s
No. 1 original movie telecast among tweens for nine consecutive years and the No. 1 movie in Total Viewers for four consecutive years, an indication of strong co-viewing by kids, parents and families.

The highly anticipated DCOM “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension,” based on hit animated TV series “Phineas and Ferb,” is set to premiere FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 on Disney Channel, SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 on Disney XD and also on the ABC Television Network (date TBD).

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Disney Channel Original Movies "Lemonade Mouth 2" And "Shake It Up" In Development

Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t Let Your Ego Ruin Your Vacation

Disney World Quick Tips - Don't Let Your Ego Ruin Your Vacation

Hi everyone!! You may or may not have noticed that I have been among the missing for the past several weeks and the cause of that absence is my main focus for writing this article. Suffice it to say I went from being extremely healthy to desperately ill in a very short period of time and am now in a fairly long recovery period (hey – at least I can call it a recovery). The illness has given me a new perspective on physical limitations and their potential effect on a vacation to Walt Disney World and what effect they may or may not have on our upcoming October visit.

A lot of folks in their mid sixties have huge egos when it comes to their physical prowess and abilities (GUILTY!!!). In the past I have had no issues with the theme park death marches every day on a visit to Walt Disney World vacation but my recent illness may have a significant effect on that and my stamina may still be limited come vacation time. Things may change in the next four months but in the event I am still somewhat limited come vacation time there is a rental scooter in my future. That is something I never thought I would do but we will be traveling with friends on this trip and I refuse to let my ego impact this vacation. The minimal cost of a scooter will make the trip go as planned so that my issues don’t impact my wife and friends. O.K. I’m off the soapbox!!!

The point I’m trying to make is that no one will think any less of you when you do the smart thing and take advantage of all of the assistance available at one of the most “disabled friendly” places on earth. Your companions will probably thank you for your consideration. There are always those folks out there who might think someone using assistance is faking it, especially if you look perfectly healthy as I do. Who cares what they think, your aim is to have a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World regardless of limitations. Believe me – if I can overcome my gigantic ego out of respect for my fellow travelers (not to mention how much easier it will be on this old body) you can too. Don’t forget, your willingness to take advantage of the assistance available will not only make your visit better for your companions but it will allow you to enjoy your visit in the style to which you have become accustomed. Everybody Benefits!!! WIN-WIN-WIN!!!

I am thrilled to be at a point where I can resume writing for Chip and Company and even though my contributions may be a bit limited at first, I should be back at full speed in just a few weeks. Thanks for taking the time to read my stuff! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Disney World Quick Tips - Don't Let Your Ego Ruin Your Vacation
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