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Walt Disney Imagineer Earns Junior Achievement Top Volunteer Award

By
Chip
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Walt Disney Imagineer Earns Junior Achievement Top Volunteer Award

Junior Achievement of Central Florida chose Jack Blitch, vice president and general manager of Walt Disney Imagineering-Florida, from 171,000 U.S. volunteers as winner of the organization’s highest award for volunteerism, the Gold Leadership Award.

“The local business community has been extremely supportive of JA’s goal of inspiring local students to succeed in the new global economy,” said Craig Polejes, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida. “Jack Blitch is a remarkable example of that spirit of generosity. In a very real way, he helps Central Florida JA students develop financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work-readiness skills, contribute to the community and participate in the revitalization of the economy.”

The Gold Leadership Award honors volunteer excellence and recognizes participation and leadership in supporting and expanding JA’s impact on students, resources and/or operational excellence and sustainability.

“I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of all the Junior Achievement volunteers worldwide,” Blitch said. “They share my passion for bringing free enterprise into the classrooms and helping our children become future leaders.”

Blitch received his award during the recent Junior Achievement USA “Day on the Hill” event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The event gives local JA leaders the opportunity to meet with congressional leaders and staff to discuss the organization’s leadership in empowering young people to own their economic success in the global marketplace.

In 2000, Blitch served on the JA of Osceola board, and he has been a member of the JA of Central Florida board since 2003. Last year, he gave a presentation on innovation at the JA-USA National Leadership Conference in Boston.

Blitch has been an integral part in helping found the JA Academy, a new magnet leadership program slated to debut at Oak Ridge High School in Orange County in the fall of 2012. He has also raised money and recruited new companies to participate in Bowl-A-Thon, JA’s largest fundraiser.

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Walt Disney Imagineer Earns Junior Achievement Top Volunteer Award

Disney Cast Members Raise Funds, Heart Rate for Great Cause

By
Chip
-

Disney Cast Members Raise Funds, Heart Rate for Great Cause

More than 1,100 Cast Members from Walt Disney World Resort awoke before sunrise on a recent Saturday for the Orlando Start! Heart Walk. They laced up their walking shoes to show support for the American Heart Association and help raise more than $47,000 for research and education to help fight heart disease and stroke.

“My goal is to get healthier and complete a marathon this year,” said Kendall Bercaw, a resort operations assistant at Walt Disney World Resort. She joined 16,000 others who took to the streets of downtown Orlando as a way to jump start her own healthy objectives.

“The Greater Orlando Heart Walk was my opportunity to take the first step, get fit alongside some of my closest friends and raise money for an important health concern not only in Central Florida, but the entire country,” Bercaw said.

At Walt Disney World Resort, some Cast Members prepared for the Orlando Start! Heart Walk by joining a weekly Cast walking club, while others burned calories at the company’s on-site fitness centers.

As a co-chair of this year’s event, Meg Crofton, President, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations – U.S. and France, helped kick off the festivities and told the crowd she understood from her own experience that entire families are affected by heart disease and walking is a great way to be healthy.

“As a teenager, I had the privilege of helping my father walk back to full health after a massive heart attack,” Crofton said. “Thank you, everyone. You are stepping out for your own heart health, and you are stepping out for the research, the education and the technologies that are improving the heart health of our Central Florida community.”

According to the American Heart Association, as little as 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity a week can lower the overall risk of heart disease by 14 percent.

As a thank-you for participating in this annual event, Disney VoluntEARS received a Duffy Bear plush, which smiled from the arms of walkers and peeked out of backpacks throughout the three-mile trek.

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Disney Cast Members Raise Funds, Heart Rate for Great Cause

Fun things to do OUTSIDE of the Disney World Parks

By
Catie
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Fun things to do OUTSIDE of the Disney World Parks

Walt Disney World has four theme parks to offer guests which are all amazing and special in their own ways. But it doesn’t stop there. The vision extends beyond the parks in so many ways, and there are tons of activities you can do that don’t require a park admission, like:

  • Watersports– Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at the Contempotary Resort has waterskiing, parasailing and wakeboarding, and you can rent all kinds of boats from canoes to jetskis to motorboats at many of the resorts. And if all that isn’t enough, you can go on a bass fishing trip with a professional Disney fishing guide who will have you reeling them in in no time.
  • Resort hopping – After a morning at one of the parks, I love to hop on a monorail/boat/bus to different resorts to take in the scenery and atmosphere there. The Polynesian is a great place to soak in that tropical feeling while enjoying a delicious Dole Whip, and Port Orleans French Quarter and the Grand Floridian are both great places for a romantic stroll with your better half. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place to animal watch, and to grab some lunch or dinner.
  • Food – While the Parks have some great eats, I would argue that as a whole, the food is better outside the parks. The resorts as well as Downtown Disney have some incredible restaurants with a huge variety of foods, there is a place for everyone, from the more formal Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, to the more mellow House of Blues in Downtown Disney (where the live music is almost as good as their chicken wings!). If you’re looking to be entertained while dining, then try a dinner show (think wild west fun at Fort Wilderness or a hula theme over at the Polynesian), or a character meal, where the food is usually endless and the characters come right to your table. I highly recommend venturing away from the parks for meals, as I have found the quality and taste higher and there are often fewer crowds to contend with.
  • Downtown Disney – This area is an open market type of setup full of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. From an exclusive to Disney Cirque Du Soleil show, to a Lego store, to a Ghiradelli dessert shoppe serving up amazing sundaes, to an authentic Irish Pub, to a……well you get my point, there’s a lot to see and do! Downtown Disney is a place where you can spend a whole day (or even longer for me, since I love to shop and they have some of the best stores, including the huge World of Disney)
  • Nature at its Finest – you can head over to Disney’s campground, Fort Wilderness, to partake in horseback riding, bike riding, canoe and pedal boat rentals, or just a nice walk along their many nature trails. It is truly a place to escape to, its quiet and open, green, and best of all its not crowded! I definitely recommend coming here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
  • The Boardwalk – The resort is reminiscent of the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 20’s and 30’s, and Disney’s Boardwalk Resort really comes alive at night, when the waterfront promenade lights up and becomes its own little mini park. It’s a great place to grab dinner, then take a stroll and check out the street performers and midway games, before checking out Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar where you can relax and grab a drink. The Boardwalk is truly magical, especially at night.
  • Relax by the pool – every Disney resort has at least one large pool (most have more than one), with plenty of lounge chairs and most have a bar nearby. If the Parks aren’t your thing, then maybe you’re more of a lounge by the pool with an umbrella drink person….or maybe you just want to cool off with a splash after a long day of touring…either way, you better pack your swimsuit!
  • Spa treatments – aromatherapy massages, pedicures, you name it, Disney can do it at one of their three world class full service  If you need some pampering during your busy WDW vacation, be sure to make an appointment!
  • Golf – Work on your game at one of Walt Disney World’s 5 golf courses (4 are PGA approved, and there’s also one nine hole course). If your skills aren’t exactly ready for a full 18 holes, don’t worry – they also offer golf lessons

 You could probably spend your whole vacation at WDW doing things outside the theme parks and have an amazing time. Pair some of the above activities with the Parks and you will discover why it’s the Happiest Place On Earth!

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Fun things to do OUTSIDE of the Disney World Parks

Technology Enables More Moms to be Household CEOs

By
Chip
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Technology Enables More Moms to be Household CEOs

Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) announced today results from the second installment of its “M.O.M. – Mom on a Mission” research study, started in 2010, that illustrate how women are utilizing technology and the Internet to make being a mom easier. The study revealed that more moms are taking on the role of Household CEO and using technology products to help get the job done.

Mom’s use of computers, mobile phones and tablet computers continues to grow as she finds them even more essential to stay connected with family and friends and manage household activities. 96% of the moms surveyed said they owned or used a computer, up 9% from 2010; and 91% use a mobile device, up 11% from 2010, with 44% using a smartphone. 7% of moms surveyed owned a tablet, up 133% from 2010.

“Today’s moms are adopting emerging technologies at an impressive rate to help manage their families’ busy lives and use as entertainment platforms with their kids,” said Dave Dickman, SVP of digital media sales for DIMG. “For digital marketers who are trying to reach moms, we believe this second wave will help them better understand the shifting behavior.”

Mobile Phone is Mom’s Lifeline to Family and Friends

Mom’s mobile phone use has increased significantly, particularly to communicate with her family. She is texting, visiting social networks and searching for coupons far more than last year. The moms who were surveyed said they conducted the following activities on their mobile phones at least once a week:

Text with spouse/partner: 63%, up 17% (from 2010)

Talk to child: 53%

Visit social networks: 45%, up 32%

Take pictures of family: 44%, up 13%

Browse websites: 43%, up 39%

Use mobile search engine: 40%, up 38%

Manage calendar: 40%, up 18%

Play games with her child on mobile phone: 30%, up 25%

Look for discounts/coupons: 25%, up 213%

Smartphone Mom Uses Her Device Almost 4 Hours a Day!

44% of the moms surveyed with mobile phones own smartphones. On average, moms with smartphones spend 3.9 hours per day using the device for a host of activities ranging from email and texting to visiting social networks and talking. The study also showed that mom uses her smartphone to have fun with her child. Playing games, taking pictures and videos and watching videos with her child are some of her favorite activities.

Mom’s Tablet Makes Her Feel Like Super Mom!

For those surveyed who own tablet PCs, in addition to emailing and visiting social networks, mom is managing her schedule, reading news, doing her banking, couponing and meal planning on her tablet. More than half the moms with tablets said the device is helping them be more efficient in getting things done and managing their life and family.

Another surprising finding was that mom is using her tablet to play with her child, especially to play games. 48% of moms who own a tablet and 39% of moms who own a smartphone, said the number one activity they engage in with their children on their respective devices is playing a game.

Mom’s Use of the Internet Continues to Increase

Mom leverages her multiple technology devices to access the Internet and get more done. According to the survey, she performs the following household-related activities online:

Online Banking/Investing: 62%, up 9% (from 2010)

Look up directions: 61%

Find recipes/plan meals: 59%, up 9%

Find/print coupons: 58%, up 21%

Shop for her family: 54%, up 15%

Research products: 42%

Look for family travel ideas: 37%

Look for family activities and crafts: 36%

M.O.M. – Mom on a Mission Study

Disney Online’s M.O.M. – Mom on a Mission study was conducted in June 2011 by Ipsos OTX MediaCT, with the objective of gaining insights to understand today’s mom, her roles, and how technology and the Internet affect her life. The study was conducted in two phases: consumer immersion blogs and online quantitative study. In Phase One, eight moms interacted in an online, secure blogging environment by uploading images, video and text for one week. In Phase Two, an online quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 3,300 females, ages 21-54, who were either currently pregnant or had one child in their household between the ages of 0-14 years.

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Disney Introduces Appmates Mobile Application Toys – First Toy To Allow Kids To Use Apple iPad As Virtual Play Mat

By
Chip
-

Disney Introduces Appmates Mobile Application Toys – First Toy To Allow Kids To Use Apple iPad As Virtual Play Mat

In an industry first, Disney introduced today Disney AppMATes™ Mobile Application Toys, a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet’s screen as a virtual play mat. Developed in collaboration between Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and Disney Mobile and featuring patent-pending technology, the Appmates toy line features 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.

“We have cracked the technology code in changing the way kids play with their toys,” said Sunny Lauridsen, director of digital toys for DCP. “Kids will always use toys to play out their favorite Disney stories, but Disney Appmates now allows them to include technology which has become a way of life for them through a beautifully rich app.”

The magic begins when kids place their vehicle on the iPad and begin to explore the world of Cars. Available for download in early to mid-October Cars 2 Appmates app is a free app created by Disney exclusively for use with Appmates toys. By guiding the Appmates vehicle on the screen, the iPad becomes a virtual play mat where kids can experience the world of Radiator Springs.

“We believe iPad is becoming a critical canvas for the next generation of storytelling, and with Appmates we’re bringing Disney characters to life in a way never previously imagined,” said Bart Decrem, general manager of Disney Mobile.

Cars 2 Appmates features include:

Exploration — Drive around the world of Radiator Springs to discover landscapes and hidden secrets by simply placing the Cars toy character on the screen and turning it in any direction. Drive through mud and up ramps, visit friends at Flo’s V8 Café or check out your Car’s reflection, showing off your latest gear and gadgets.

Directed Game Play — Perform missions unique to each character. Completed missions — like helping bring a tow hook back to Mater — gain hubcaps, the virtual currency. Collect enough hubcaps to personalize each car with special features like a unique horn sound, customized tire tracks, and cool gear like a rocket launcher or spy vision goggles.

Racing — Rev up the action by racing against World Grand Prix opponents and your Radiator Springs friends. Five racetracks are available at launch. Race around Willy’s Butte, jump off Carburetor Mesa and roar through downtown Radiator Springs earning hubcaps in day or night races.
Each toy unlocks different features and content within the app specific to the character, allowing kids to come back over and over to enjoy an imaginative, open-ended play experience using the Appmates toys. Fans can download and test the app by simply using their fingers to drive a virtual car through the world, but the play experience is optimized to come to life with the Appmates toy vehicles.

Created in collaboration with Spin Master, Disney Appmates toys launch Oct. 1 at national retailers, Apple Store, Apple Store online, Disney Store and DisneyStore.com with vehicle two-packs (SRP $19.99) featuring four characters including Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Finn McMissile, and Holley Shiftwell. Two additional characters — Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki — will launch in November and be available exclusively through Apple Store and Apple Store online.

With dominant market share, the Apple iPad has become the leading tablet and a shared family device. Just in time for the holiday season, DCP will also introduce an expanded line of ‘appcessory’ products to engage and inspire creativity with kids using the iPad. Products include a durable and protective iPad case featuring a Disney·Pixar Cars design (SRP $49.99); Disney Pix Camera that allows kids to take their own pictures and connect them back to the iPad to personalize photos and create albums (SRP $79.99); and Disney Spotlight mic that gives kids a fun way to sing along — karaoke style — with their favorite Disney music (SRP $59.99 wired mic, $99.99 wireless mic).

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‘The Poor Chef’ Replaces Cat at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

By
Chip
-

'The Poor Chef' Charles Mattocks Coming to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Chef Cat Cora’s appearance at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is canceled and in her place is Charles Mattocks, known as “The Poor Chef” whose familiar line is, “What can you cook for $7?”

Nephew of legendary reggae singer Bob Marley, his affordable, healthful creations with an island flair have been showcased on “The Dr. Oz Show.” The Emmy-nominated actor’s most recent production is “The Diabetic You,” aimed at education and inspiring diabetics. And he’s also a proponent of teaching children to eat and shop for healthful foods.

Mattocks will be on stage at the Kitchen Memories event from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 28. To book the event, go to Disneyworld.com/foodandwine. Epcot theme park admission is required. You also can call 407-WDW-FEST.

Source Disney Parks Blog

‘The Poor Chef’ Replaces Cat at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

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Rapunzel Has Arrived in London For Her Royal Celebration at Kensington Palace on October 2nd; Rapunzel’s Hair Cascades Off the Salt Tower

By
Chip
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Rapunzel Has Arrived in London For Her Royal Celebration at Kensington Palace on October 2nd; Rapunzel's Hair Cascades Off the Salt Tower

Today Rapunzel’s hair was spotted flowing off the Salt Tower at The Tower of London. The future princess has arrived to do some sightseeing around London before she is officially welcomed as the 10th Disney Princesscharacter at a high profile, star-studded celebration, that will take place in front of a global audience on October 2, 2011 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Rapunzel will be visiting famous London landmarks every day this week (9/26-9/30) and taking pictures along her journey.

For her celebration, little princesses from across the globe will watch Rapunzel be welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Snow White and Tiana. As an official member of the Disney Princess court, she will be celebrated and recognized as such across Disney, and will be included in all Disney Princess products featuring multiple characters, in addition to her own merchandise line. Plus, across all Disney Parks, Rapunzel will for the first time wear her royal tiara, stolen from the kingdom by Flynn Rider in the Tangled film.

Rapunzel Has Arrived in London For Her Royal Celebration at Kensington Palace on October 2nd; Rapunzel's Hair Cascades Off the Salt Tower

Food & Wine Weekends Premieres at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

By
Chip
-

Food & Wine Weekends Premieres at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

This October, Waldorf Astoria® Orlando premieres Food & Wine Weekends, a celebration of fine wine and the culinary arts. This is the perfect complement to Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival for the serious epicurean. Come for an evening or enjoy a weekend experience.

Orlando Food & Wine Weekends events will be held at Waldorf Astoria Orlando, which is conveniently located less than one mile from Epcot, and accessible inside the gates of the Walt Disney World Resort.

  • “Grand Pairings” Wine Dinners
  • Bull & Bear Prix-Fixe Chef’s Tasting Menu
  • Ashton Cigars “Grand Pairings” Wine & Cigar Dinner
  • Trick or Treating for Adults
  • Up Late at Sir Harry’s – A Food & Wine Culinary After-Glow
  • Steak and Eggs Breakfast at Bull & Bear®
  • Waldorf Astoria Chocolate Shop
  • Friday Night Flights Wine Tasting Experiences
  • Live Entertainment
  • Astoria After Dark kids program

 

These exclusive events are scheduled Friday evenings at Bull & Bear restaurant. Diners will enjoy an extravagant prix-fixe meal paired with wines from select wineries. Wine representatives will be on hand to discuss these special pairings. 7pm, $200 per person (tax and gratuity included)

  • Friday Sept. 30 – featuring Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – View Menu
  • Friday Oct. 7 – featuring Robert Mondavi Winery – View Menu
  • Friday Oct. 14 – featuring Ferrari Carano Winery – View Menu

Due to limited seating, reservations are required. To request a reservation, please submit the reservation form on this page or call 407-597-5409.

 

A companion Orlando Food & Wine Weekends package includes*:

  • Deluxe guest room
  • $25 gift card to use at the “sampling” booths in World Showcase, home to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (one per stay and per family)
  • Complimentary scheduled transportation to Epcot® (and other Disney® theme parks)
  • 2pm late check-out on Sunday afternoon
  • 10% discount for the “Grand Pairings” Wine Dinners at Bull & Bear, excluding cigar dinner.

In addition, an opportunity to participate in special events and experiences**

Click here to learn more.

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Food & Wine Weekends Premieres at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Disney Short-Form Videos Now Available on Roku

By
Chip
-

Disney Short-Form Videos Now Available on Roku

Roku, Inc., the leading streaming platform today announced the addition of Disney to the Roku Channel Store. Now, all Roku customers can enjoy hundreds of short-form video clips from Disney.com including music videos, movie trailers and more. Fans of all ages will enjoy the collection of Disney videos that feature favorite Disney characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Lightning McQueen and singing sensations including the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez and AllStar Weekend.

“We’re delighted to be the first player to stream this collection of Disney videos to consumers’ TVs,” said Roku Founder and CEO Anthony Wood. “Disney is synonymous with family-friendly entertainment and now Roku families can stream their Disney favorites for on-demand viewing on their TVs.”

“We are excited to extend our extensive library of short-form videos from Disney.com onto Roku for more families to enjoy,” said Kyle Laughlin, vice president, product development, Disney Interactive Media Group. “We look forward to working with Roku to roll out more content and new features in the months to come.”

With its launch in May 2008 as the original Netflix streaming player, Roku became the first streaming platform to take hold with mainstream American consumers. In 2009, Roku added the Roku Channel Store, the first true application store for the TV with an open software development platform for streaming entertainment to the TV. Since then, Roku is the partner of choice for content owners who want to reach TV viewers directly. The simplicity of the Roku platform sets it apart–allowing developers to quickly deploy content with a variety of monetization options.

With more than 300 entertainment channels, Roku players deliver the best collection of streaming entertainment, including movies and TV shows from Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video and Crackle; live and on-demand sports from NHL, MLS and UFC and more; music from Pandora, MOG, Rdio and TuneIn Radio; photos and videos from Facebook, Flickr and Vimeo; casual games including Angry Birds; plus news and entertainment from around the world.

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Marvel’s Captain America Coming to DVD & Bluray October 25th

By
Chip
-

Marvel's Captain America Coming to DVD & Bluray October 25th

Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures introduce the latest addition to the incomparable Marvel Super Hero team with CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger, ready for action on high definition Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD October 25, 2011. Called “the best superhero movie ever” (Brian Erdy, CBS-TV), the thrill-packed adventure is a blockbuster hit with audiences worldwide, earning over $350 million at the Global Box Office. When a terrifying force threatens everyone across the globe, the world’s greatest soldier wages war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull.

Loaded with fantastic action, stunning visual effects and an awe-inspiring hero imbued with courage, humanity and an unbreakable spirit, CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger transports viewers into a world of daring exploits and excitement. Starring Chris Evans in the title role, the film features an outstanding ensemble cast including Academy Award®-winner Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving as Marvel’s Ultimate Villain, Red Skull, Dominic Cooper, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke and Stanley Tucci.

The CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger three-disc set includes the film on Blu-ray in high-definition 3D and in high definition 2D, as well as on standard definition DVD with a digital copy. The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack includes a high definition presentation of the film, plus a standard definition presentation with a digital copy. Both sets boast over an hour of behind-the-scenes bonus material including an original Marvel short film, an exclusive sneak peek into the ultimate Super Hero team, Marvel’s The Avengers, six featurettes that go behind-the-scenes of the filmmaking process, deleted scenes and much more.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger Blu-ray and DVD specs

The CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger Blu-ray Discs(TM) are presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The DVD in the sets is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Surround and English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The digital copy is presented with an English Audio track.

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Breakdown:

Blu-ray

Feature film with commentary by director Joe Johnston, director of photography Shelly Johnson and editor Jeff Ford

Marvel One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer

Featurettes:

Outfitting a Hero

Howling Commandos

Heightened Technology

The Transformation

Behind the Skull

Captain America Origins

The Assembly Begins

Deleted Scenes with commentary by director Joe Johnston, director of photography Shelly Johnson and editor Jeff Ford

Trailers

DVD

Feature film

Digital Copy

The three-disc set includes all of the above, plus the feature film on Blu-ray 3D.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger will also be available as a single-disc DVD presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, French 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround and English Audio Description and English, French and Spanish subtitles. The disc includes feature commentary, the featurettes “Outfitting a Hero” and “The Assembly Begins” and trailers.

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Funjet Vacations Announces “Funjet to a Fairy Tale Adventure” Contest

By
Chip
-

Funjet Vacations Announces "Funjet to a Fairy Tale Adventure" Contest

Funjet Vacations announced today it will host a photo contest specifically targeted to fans who love Walt Disney World® Resort. Participants are encouraged to post their photos displaying their love for Walt Disney World® Resort. Then, three winning families will enjoy an all-expense-paid trip for four to Walt Disney World® Resort this November. One of those families will have the rare opportunity to spend a night in Cinderella Castle on 11-11-11!

“Walt Disney World® Resort is one of the most popular family destinations and we are excited to give three families a chance to experience this truly unique, money-can’t-buy opportunity,” said Gina Esch, Senior Manager of Marketing & Public Relations for Funjet Vacations. “The fact that this fairy tale contest will take place over 11-11-11 makes it that much more magical!”

From September 20 – October 4th, 2011, the Funjet website and Facebook page will feature photo submission forms for interested contestants to enter photos displaying their love for Walt Disney World® Resort. Random winners will be awarded daily prizes and featured on the main contest pages. After the photo submission ends on October 4th, people will have one week to vote for their favorites. The two top vote-getters along with a ‘Funjet Favorite’ will be awarded the Walt Disney World® Resort trips and become eligible for a night in Cinderella Castle!

The trips to Walt Disney World® Resort are scheduled for November 9-12th, with winning families to be notified by email. On Nov. 11, families will take part in a special scavenger hunt at the theme park. Throughout the day, participants must answer trivia questions and take pictures with specified landmarks before meeting up with Funjet representatives at a specific time. The family with the most answered questions in the allotted time will be granted with the extraordinary opportunity to stay in Cinderella Castle!

Stay tuned for more details on how you and your family could be granted this magical castle stay!

For more information about Funjet Vacations and the “Funjet to a Fairy Tale Adventure” promotion, visit www.Funjet.com/fairytale

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Disney FamilyFun Magazine Announces 20th Annual Toy of the Year Award Winners

By
Chip
-

Disney FamilyFun Magazine Announces 20th Annual Toy of the Year Award Winners

The editors at Disney FamilyFun magazine today announced their 20th annual Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Award winners, which were narrowed down from a pool of more than 300 entries after extensive evaluation by parent and child testers across the country.  Published in FamilyFun’s  November issue, on stands October 18th, the top 30 toys of the holiday season were selected as T.O.Y. Award winners for their innovation, durability, play value, safety – and, of course, fun factor.  While notable toy manufacturers like Mattel, LEGO, LeapFrog, and Razor made the list, hidden gems from independent, smaller companies are also winners — a hallmark of the FamilyFunawards.

“After compiling all of the feedback from our family testers, it was clear which toys were a hit and are destined to be hot holiday picks this coming season — toys that both kids and parents will love,” said Ann Hallock, Creative Director at FamilyFun.  “The trend for tablet-like toys, and toys with downloadable apps such as LeapPad Explorer, was in full force this year. On the flip side, family games, such as Perplexus Epic and Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy, Busy Airport Game, continued to be a big hit as families look for low-cost, low-tech ways to have fun together,” she adds.

Top 10 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award Winners for 2011:

  1. Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set – A classic is taken to new heights — off the floor and onto the wall!  Kids will love having their cars perform stunts on a vertical surface.  Mattel; $30; Ages 4 to 10
  2. Meon Deluxe Animation Studio – Budding artists will enjoy exploring the possibilities this innovative art set offers.  Once kids have made an illuminated creation with the glowing strands, they can play one of five games.  Skyrocket Toys ; $35; Ages 5 and up
  3. Perplexus Rookie and Perplexus Epic – Two versions of this toy — one for older kids and one for younger — challenge players to navigate a metal ball through a round, 360 degree maze of obstacles.  PlaSmart; $20 Ages 4 to 8, $30 Ages 8 and up
  4. Alien Mothership 7065 – This building set is truly out of this world! Space-lovers will delight in constructing an extraterrestrial transport, complete with spooky sound effects.  LEGO; $60; Ages 8 and up
  5. Whipple Deluxe Pastry Set – With this sweet craft kit, kids can create confections — play food, necklaces, a jewelry box shaped like a cake — that look good enough to eat. (Just don’t be tempted!) International Playthings; $35; Ages 7 and up
  6. Bogo – A modern day pogo stick, Bogo offers an exceptional bounce that’s higher and smoother than young jumpers have ever experienced.  Razor; $90; Ages 6 and up
  7. LeapPad Explorer – With this kid-friendly tablet, little ones will enjoy emulating their parents while having fun testing out the device’s art studio, e-books, games, and video functions.  LeapFrog; $100; Ages 4 to 9
  8. Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy, Busy Airport – Favorite characters are ready to visit far-flung lands in this cleverly-designed game, which has players flying round the world and collecting souvenirs.  Wonder Forge; $20; Ages 3 to 7
  9. Pirate Ship – Those itching to hit the high seas can get their fix by building and coloring a kid-size cardboard model ship.  Land ho! Box Creations; $40; Ages 3 to 8
  10. Head Shotz Twin Battle Pack – Finally, a toy that kids are supposed to wreck! This R/C set pits two robots with interchangeable battle arms against one another. Silverlit; $40; Ages 5 and up

 

Launching on Android devices this October is FamilyFun’s ToyHopper App, making it easier than ever for busy parents to find the perfect gift, including this year’s T.O.Y. Award winners and hundreds of other toys, books, DVDs, and video games.  Sponsored by LEGO Games and available on the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and now, Android, each item listed in ToyHopper has been family-tested and hand-picked by FamilyFun editors and can be sorted into shopping lists, shared with friends, and filtered by age, price, type, or theme.

 

To view all 2011 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award winners, check out the November issue of Disney FamilyFun magazine on the iPad and on newsstands.  To learn more about FamilyFun, visit FamilyFun.com and Facebook.com/DisneyFamilyFun, or follow @FamilyFun on Twitter.

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