Club Penguin Goes Mobile with “Puffle Launch”

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September 15, 2011

Club Penguin (clubpenguin.com), the #1 virtual world for kids, announced that its first iOS game, Puffle Launch, is now available on the App Store. Puffle Launch features fast paced gameplay in which players blast pet Puffles through a series of challenging levels. Originally debuting as a game within Club Penguin in March 2010, Puffle Launch became an instant hit, and is now played by more than 150,000 kids each day in the virtual world.

Puffles are the penguins’ pets in Club Penguin, and have become a phenomenon of their own. In fact, a new Puffle is adopted every second in the virtual world, with more than 20 million Puffles already adopted in 2011. In the Puffle Launch App, the Puffles take to the skies to seek revenge when a cranky crab steals all the snacks.

“Kids are going mobile and have been asking for Club Penguin to go there with them. Disney pioneered virtual worlds and social gaming for kids, and now we want to enable kids to connect with their friends and our worlds on the go,” said Lane Merrifield, Co-founder and executive vice president of Disney Online Studios. “This is only the beginning for Club Penguin on mobile and we have some really exciting plans that will unfold over the next year.”

Key Puffle Launch features:

Take on 24 high speed levels – Get back all the Puffle O’s, dodge obstacles, discover surprises, and find a fiery prize at the end of every level.
Challenge boss levels – Battle the cranky crab and his mechanical claw, and counter his moves with some of your own.
Easy to use touch controls – Use your skills to blast through the skies, conquering each level.
Unlock new modes – Take on Time Trial Mode, Turbo Mode, and replay all the levels in Slo-Mo.
Earn virtual coins to transfer – Collect Puffle O’s and earn virtual coins to transfer to clubpenguin.com.

In addition to the success of its virtual world, the Club Penguin has extended its franchise with several offline offerings, including a successful line of products in 10 major categories. These products are available in more than 25 countries, and include books, toys and games, as well as the #1 selling Disney property ever on the Nintendo DS.

The Puffle Launch App is available for $0.99 from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

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Club Penguin Goes Mobile with “Puffle Launch”

Disney/Pixar’s “Cars 2” Ranks #1 at the Domestic Box Office Among This Year’s Animated Titles

By

Chip

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September 15, 2011

Disney/Pixar's "Cars 2" Ranks #1 at the Domestic Box Office Among This Year's Animated Titles — Cars 2, 2011

The Walt Disney Studios announced today that the Disney/Pixar animated feature film “Cars 2,” which opened on June 24, 2011, has earned $189 million domestically, ranking first among this year’s animated features. The film has earned $548 million to date at the domestic and international box office, making it the 16th highest-grossing animated film in global cinematic history.

Additionally, on September 7, The Hollywood Post Alliance nominated “Cars 2” in two categories: Outstanding Editing-Feature Film (Stephen Schaffer, A.C.E./ Pixar Animation Studios) and Outstanding Sound-Feature Film (Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Michael Silvers/Skywalker Sound).

“This is the real fast and furious,” said Rolling Stone magazine’s Peter Travers in his June 23, 2011, review. “And it’s even better than before. The sequel is a tire-burning burst of action and fun with a beating heart under its hood. You can bet ‘Cars 2’ will rev your engines.”

John Lasseter directed “Cars 2,” a follow-up to his 2006 two-time Oscar®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning “Cars.” “Cars 2” is co-directed by Brad Lewis, producer of the Oscar®-winning film “Ratatouille,” and produced by Denise Ream (associate producer, “Up”).

A culturally diverse, comedic spy-thriller set in cities around the world, including Paris, London and Toyko, “Cars 2” has surpassed the worldwide box-office totals of other Disney/Pixar hits such as “Monsters, Inc.” and “WALL-E.”

“Cars 2” is the 12th feature-length animated film from Pixar Animation Studios (its first 11 have earned $6.5 billion at the global box office). Pixar, winner of 29 Academy Awards® and seven Golden Globes®, celebrated its 25th anniversary last month.

An all-star cast voiced “Cars 2,” including Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, John Turturro, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, and Joe Mantegna.

USPS Pixar Stamps Unveiled at D23 Expo (chipandco.com)
Disney/Pixar Kicks It Into High Gear with Cars 2 (chipandco.com)

Good Eats – Cheese Plate at California Grille

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2011

Good Eats - Cheese Plate at California Grille

Dear California Grill Cheese Plate:

I love you!

Love, The Disney Diva.

You already know I’m obsessed with Walt Disney World food. This “Favorite Thing” is one of the reasons why.

Last June my husband and I took a “grown ups only” trip to Disney World for our 10th anniversary where we enjoyed our first meal at California Grill on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort. On impulse (okay, perhaps it was the wine) I decided to order a cheese plate off the menu.

And then, my dear Disney fanatics, I fell in love.

The plate includes five imported cheeses for $20.00. That doesn’t sound much different than the cheese plate in the France Pavilion, but California Grill takes it one step further, pairing it with fruits, nuts, and breads that bring out the unique flavors of the cheeses.

If the opportunity presents itself for you to try this, don’t pass it up. Your taste buds will thank you. And you’ll fall in love, too!

Good Eats – Best Cheeseburger at Pecos Bill (chipandco.com)
Disney Food Confession – Dragon Roll (chipandco.com)

Good Eats - Cheese Plate at California Grille

Last Minute Tips before you leave for Walt Disney World!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 15, 2011

The time is near, you’ve been counting down the days until your next Walt Disney World vacation for what feels like years! You’ve made all your reservations, your ADRs, and everything else related to your visit. Is there anything else you need to worry about? Here are some tips that may help you out!

Don’t forget to stop your mail delivery, or have someone pick up your mail for you. The last thing you want is to not be able to enjoy your vacation because you are worried about your mailbox being disturbed. Just go to the United States Postal Service website to schedule your mail stop.
Have you checked the weather forecast for what the weather will be like at the parks when you are there? If not, you might want to do so, and then just make sure that the clothing you have packed is appropriate for the weather.
Are you driving or flying? If you are driving, make sure that you have appropriate snacks, games, movies, and whatever else you need to keep yourselves occupied while in the car. If you are flying, you may be able to take care of part of your flight business online. I can’t remember, it’s been six years since I flew anywhere, but look into it.
When we are leaving for Disney World, one thing that I always make sure we have plenty of for the car is Disney music! I’ve got several playlists, and we are always changing them out in the car, so don’t forget that!
If you have small children, one thing you might want to do is make sure that you either bring a stroller, rent a stroller, or something, depending on whether your kids need it or not.
Also, bring some snacks with you that you can share when you are standing in line as a way to keep your energy up!
One more last tip that I am sure you won’t have any trouble remembering is this: Remember to have fun! The whole trip is part of the vacation, from the moment you wake up early that morning until the moment you get home, so enjoy the journey as much as you do the destination!

Have a great and safe trip to Walt Disney World? What tips would you also include in our list? Just post them as comments!

5 Tips for Moms at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Transportation: Tips & Reminders for Disney Bus Passengers (aglassslippervacation.com)

Last Minute Tips before you leave for Walt Disney World!

Treats, Not Tricks, at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

By

Chip

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September 14, 2011

If you’re looking for a safe, fun and just-spooky-enough place to take your little monsters trick-or-treating this Halloween season, check out Mickey’s Halloween Party. Adults and children alike are invited to dress up and trick-or-treat in the ultimate neighborhood – Disneyland park! In addition to exclusives like Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular and Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade, Mickey’s Halloween Party guests can enjoy treats from multiple treat stops throughout the park.

“Mickey’s Hide and Go Treat Trails” are located throughout Disneyland park and feature dozens of treat stops, including new locations near Pirates of the Caribbean, The Golden Horseshoe, Village Haus and Pixie Hollow.

This year, trick-or-treaters will bag nearly half a million pounds of candy and healthy treats total – including apple slices, carrots, raisins and fruit snacks – during the 10 nights of Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Tickets are on sale now, so get yours here!

Source Disney Parks Blog

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Halloween Time 2011 Sept. 16 Through Oct. 31 (chipandco.com)
Separate-ticket ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ Offers Trick-or-Treating In Disneyland Park on 10 Special Nights (chipandco.com)

Treats, Not Tricks, at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

Review: Body of Proof: The Complete First Season

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 14, 2011

I had the chance to view Body of Proof: The Complete First Series on DVD this week. I didn’t get to watch it on ABC when it originally aired so I was excited to check it out.

Here is the official synopsis for the series:
Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) was second to none – a brilliant neurosurgeon in a class all her own – but when her lifesaving gift is destroyed in a career-ending car accident, she reinvents herself as a medical examiner. Armed with keen instincts and vast medical knowledge, Dr. Hunt uses the victim’s bodies to tell the story of their lives and untimely death. The first season of this hit new series allows fans to relive the twists and turns of each case as Hunt seeks justice for every victim while also embarking on a journey of personal redemption.

I have to admit that after the first couple of episodes I wasn’t sure if this show was for me. Dr.Hunt was slightly annoying at the beginning. But by the third episode the series really starts to hit its stride. The characters really find their groove and I really love the supporting cast.

While it is yet another medical procedural drama, it has its own unique elements and it really almost feels real with the amount of work that has gone into the medical details. And while it is a serious show, I love how they are able to inject some humor into some intense situations with the supporting characters of Curtis and Ethan.

The Blu-ray also has several bonus features.

“Examining the Proof” – This feature goes behind the scenes of the show with interviews with the cast and crew. It was cool hearing from the actual medical professionals that work on the drama and how they contribute to the shows authenticity.
“If Looks Could Kill” – Takes you behind the scenes with costume designer Roberta Haze to learn how she creates the looks for the show. She was a really interesting person and it was cool to see her process.
“Body of Goof” – The first season’s blooper reel. There is a really good impersonation of Christopher Walken thrown in there.
You can also check out a preview of season 2.

Body of Proof: The Complete First Season will be available on Blu-ray on September 20, 2011.

If you would like more information on the Blu-ray release of Body of Proof, or the show in general, you can visit the shows website or Facebook page.

Review: Body of Proof: The Complete First Season

What’s On the Menu At Laniwai?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 14, 2011

What's On the Menu At Laniwai?

Disney has opened the doors to the first phase of construction on Aulani, the newest Disney Destination that’s offering you a tropical escape in Hawaii.

Aside from the gorgeous architecture, breathtaking landscape, prime location on Ko ‘Olina and multiple excursions offerings, Aulani boasts an 18,000 square foot spa named Laniwai. Laniwai has a wide variety of treatments ranging from “minnie me treatments” (for ages 12 and under), Painted Sky Salon (a teen’s only portion of the spa) and a full menu of signature spa treatments.If you prefer to be pampered as a family, suites are available for the whole gang!

The prices may be a tad bit higher than that of spas at other local hotels, but I’m sure the service and experience are far superior.

There’s something for everyone at Laniwa, including Kula Wai-an outdoor hydrotherapy garden with private vitality pools, co-ed mineral baths, reflexology path, six different “rain” showers, whirlpool spas and more: all this pampering can be yours for $45 a day! Access to the spa is also complimentary with any spa treatment and is for use by those 18 or older (or 14 and older with an adult).

The official brochure will give you more details about the spa treatments and the “menu” lists the prices.

D23 Members Save on a Hawaiian Holiday! (chipandco.com)
Grand Opening of Disney’s Aulani Resort (chipandco.com)

Disney and Four Seasons Finalize Deal Construction begins on $360 Million Hotel

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 14, 2011

As if we weren’t already busy enough obsessing over the Fantasyland expansion…now news has come out that the $360 million luxury resort will begin construction in December.

The process started in 2008, when Disney approached the Four Seasons about putting a resort on Disney property. Why would Disney do this? Clearly they are proud of their own brand of hotels and offer perks to those staying at those resorts, so why reach out to Four Seasons? The answer can be summed up in two words, “Golden Oak”. This property is near the Golden Oak subdivision, and having a luxury hotel such as the Four Seasons will entice buyers (hopefully!).

The state of the economy stalled progress but now everyone is ready to move forward and break ground.

The Four Seasons will be a 444-room hotel, with up to 40 time-share units and 90 private residences. A restaurant on the roof of the hotel will offer views of the Magic Kingdom and a “lazy river” is in the plans as far as pools and water features go.

Expected to open in 2014 this Four Seasons is expected to be a mix of business travelers (its usual crowd) and “leisure travelers” (that’s fancy talk for “WDW peeps”).

Early Buyers Prepare to Move in to Golden Oak Homes (chipandco.com)
Four Seasons Hotel at Disney World won’t open until 2014 (chipandco.com)

Disney and Four Seasons Finalize Deal Construction begins on $360 Million Hotel

Disney – Phineas and Ferb Where’s the Bunny Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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September 14, 2011

Hello there Agent C. Your missing is to Get codes from boxes of Nestle Nesquick chocolate powder, or send away for a free code by mail, for your chance to win a trip to Disney World in Florida from Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Where’s the Bunny Sweepstakes.

Click here to learn more and to enter.

Review: Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across The 2nd Dimension (chipandco.com)
Phineas & Ferb: Across the Second Dimension – The Final Trailer (chipandco.com)

Walt Disney World’s Tables in Wonderland Dining Locations

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 14, 2011

The Walt Disney World Tables in Wonderland program is a great way to enjoy some additional dining discounts if you are an Annual Passholder or Florida Resident. For Annual Passholders, the cost of the card is $75, and it entitles you to 20% off of your meal cost (including alcoholic beverages) for the cardholder and up to nine guests! The card is valid for 13 months from your date of purchase! However, an automatic 18% gratuity is added onto your bill, regardless of how many people are in your party. When we went to Disney this past June, we purchased the card because we had a total party of nine people, and this allowed us to maximize our dining savings. We had decided against the Disney Dining Plan because we didn’t want table service reservations for each night, so this was a great option for us.

The Tables in Wonderland card can be used at a lot of different locations throughout Walt Disney World! Here is a comprehensive list for you to keep handy in your smart phones (don’t worry, if you are like me and don’t have a smart phone, you will still be okay because you will get a little booklet with the latest dining locations when you purchase the card).

At the Magic Kingdom:

At Epcot:

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

At Downtown Disney:

Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant
Fulton’s Crab House
Paradiso 37
Portobello
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Bongo’s Cuban Cafe
House of Blues (except for Sunday Brunch)
Planet Hollywood
Wolfgang Puck Cafe

In addition to all of that, the card can also be used at all of the resorts (each resort has at least one option where the card is valid) and also at the Swan and Dolphin hotels. In general, you will find that the TiW card is a great alternative to those that don’t want to do the Disney Dining Plan, but still want to have some table service meals. When you are using the card, make sure that you mention when you check in that you have the Tables in Wonderland card.

For our last trip, I mentioned that we used the card — we ended up saving well in excess of $200 off of our dining costs (we had four table service meals), and that is in addition to recouping the $75 we spent for the card.

I hope that this list helps you to find some new, interesting ways to explore the Walt Disney World restaurants, while still getting some savings. At the very least, you can use this list to help find out which unknown restaurant is the next on your list to try out! Just click on the links to read more about them!

Get the Most Out of Your Disney Dining Experience from the Disney Food Blog (chipandco.com)
Top Eats: Disney World Casual Dining Meals. (chipandco.com)

Walt Disney World's Tables in Wonderland Dining Locations

Wednesday with Walt: Our Collective Tribute

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 14, 2011

Wednesday with Walt: Our Collective Tribute

Today is a different kind of “Wednesday with Walt” than my previous posts. Today is a day to acknowledge what an impact Walt Disney and his works have made in the lives of Disney fans like us. I can personally attest to the fact that I have experienced several important realizations about life while on my vacations to Walt Disney World. My life has been enriched in many ways because Walt was alive. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned:

There is no sweeter site than the look on a child’s face when he or she first sees Mickey Mouse or their favorite Disney character for the first time.
The magic isn’t only in the scenes, sounds, and smells of Walt Disney World – but it’s in the love that lives inside the heart of the one who cared enough to take you there.
It is possible for people from all over the world to become a community in a matter of minutes. I have learned this when getting soaked on Kali River Rapids with a family from Japan, and from going on an African safari with some hilarious Canadians. When you are sharing joy and laughter, it doesn’t even matter what language you speak – we are the same!
Passion is a good thing. Spur of the moment decisions may not be the best kind to make in everyday life, but acting in the moment at Walt Disney World is a must.
Rainy days are laced with sunshine. Riding Expedition Everest in pouring rain, while you and your family laugh hysterically at how silly you all look in your orange ponchos, is a memory that cannot be replaced.
Disney vacations create little memory stores that seep out through the years. These bind the family forever.
There is no greater love on earth than family. Spending my days at Disney with my family have been the most wonderful days of my life.

I have also discovered that optimism, hope for a better world, and caring for my fellow man is something that is very important to my daily life. When I think about Walt Disney, the humanitarian, it makes me feel like this world has a chance. Although he is no longer here, his work continues to affect the lives of millions of people every day.

Today, I want to hear from you about how Walt Disney and his work (movies, parks, quotes, etc.) have impacted your life. Please post your comments and, don’t hold back, it’s a tribute to the wonderful man he was. Thanks!

It All Started with an “M” and it Wasn’t “Mouse” but “Moms!” (chipandco.com)
5 Tips for Moms at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Wednesday with Walt: Our Collective Tribute

Dumbo 70th Anniversary Printable Recipes

By

Chip

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September 14, 2011

In anticipation of Disney’s September 20th release of DUMBO as a 2-Disc Blu-ray Hi-Def & DVD Combo Pack in celebration of the 70th Anniversary, we present fun recipes your whole family will enjoy! These kid-friendly recipes feature fun afternoon snacks that you will just have to share! Bon Appetite!

The Preservation and Restoration of Disney’s Classic Dumbo (chipandco.com)
Fantasy Character Revealed for Statue! (chipandco.com)

Dumbo 70th Anniversary Printable Recipes

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