It All Started with an “M” and it Wasn’t “Mouse” but “Moms!”

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September 13, 2011

Love sharing your knowledge of Mickey’s California crib? Raced around every attraction at Walt Disney World Resort? If so, your dreams have come true! Disney Parks today announced the fifth annual Walt Disney World Moms Panel search. For the first time in the panel’s history, the call for new park-savvy panelists to lead the online trip-planning forum has expanded to include Disneyland and runDisney specialists. Disney fans from all over the world are encouraged to apply at www.disneyworldmoms.com/search2012today through September 16.

Entering its fifth year, the Moms Panel currently boasts 43 panelists whose expertise spans Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney and — coming in 2012 — Disneyland Resort offerings. Over the last five years, millions of guests have visited the site, accessing an index of 70,000 expertly answered questions about how to plan memorable Disney vacations. The Moms Panel offers guests vacation insights on a variety of platforms including exclusive “How-To” videos from panelists and celebrities, dedicated Facebook content, personal Disney Parks Blog posts and in-park meet-ups.

“We started the Moms Panel in 2008 with 12 panelists, a simple website, and the goal of helping first-time visitors plan their perfect Walt Disney World vacation,” said Leanne Jakubowski, who oversees the program. “We are very excited to expand our search to include new specialty areas. It is important that the Moms Panel is made up of real guests and represents a diverse spectrum of thoughts and perspectives so we can offer honest, heartfelt and useful information to help people make their time with us magical.”

“As a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, I have had the opportunity to not only share my personal Disney knowledge, but to truly touch the lives of others by helping them to create priceless family memories,” said Kim LaPaglia, a member of the inaugural panel. “I encourage parents, grandparents and guardians — anyone who shares a passion for planning Disney vacations — to apply.”

How to Apply

Disney Parks will accept applications for the 2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel from 9:00 a.m. EDT on September 12, 2011 until September 16, 11:59 p.m. EDT., or when 20,000 applications have been received. Those interested should visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/search2012 to enter. The first steps of the application process begin with a series of written questions and submissions. The final round of applicants will participate in a brief phone interview. Once the search is complete, the top candidates will be named to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel in January 2012. Panelists must be available to attend a training session at Walt Disney World Resort in December 2011.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get tips and insights for a Disney vacation from real moms, dads, grandparents and even an aunt who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. Guests can pose questions to the panelists, as well as gain access to other vacation-planning tools for booking a Disney vacation. Featuring just 12 members during its inaugural year in 2008, the panel now boasts 43 park-savvy panelists as a result of the popularity of the site and an ever-growing number of questions submitted by curious parents. For more information and to meet the panelists, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

Applications now open for Disney World Mom’s Panel (chipandco.com)
5 Tips for Moms at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

It All Started with an “M” and it Wasn’t “Mouse” but “Moms!”

Jessica Lange Meets Mickey Mouse at Disneyland

By

Chip

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September 13, 2011

When two-time Oscar-winning actress Jessica Lange visited Disneyland park with family recently, Mickey Mouse stopped by to meet her. Isn’t it fun when Hollywood legends get together?

Jessica’s distinguished motion picture career includes two films for Disney under the Touchstone Pictures banner; “A Thousand Acres” and “Country,” only the second film released by Touchstone, for which Jessica received her third Academy Award nomination.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Separate-ticket ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ Offers Trick-or-Treating In Disneyland Park on 10 Special Nights (chipandco.com)
Review: Mickey’s Soundsational Parade is a Blast! (chipandco.com)

Jessica Lange Meets Mickey Mouse at Disneyland

Advanced Dining Reservation Reminders via e-mail!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 13, 2011

Advanced Dining Reservation Reminders via e-mail!

Making online dining reservations has made the process of booking your ADR’s much more bearable, not to mention all the time you save waiting on hold for a cast member in the dining department!

Further improvements continue to be made to the online reservation system including email reminders that are being sent out 24 hours prior to your reservation time. The confirmation number, location, date/time and party size are all included in the message; along with a link to modify or cancel your reservation.

Do you think this update will be useful?

Disney free dining December 2011 (pixievacations.com)
Reservations Open for Lunch at Donald’s Dining Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (chipandco.com)

Advanced Dining Reservation Reminders via e-mail!

Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs Set for Sept. 20 Release

By

Chip

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September 13, 2011

They’re among the crown jewels of the Disney songbook: classics sung by princesses and princesses-to-be, from Cinderella to the Little Mermaid. Now, Walt Disney Records collects the best of those memorable melodies on Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs. The set includes hits from great Disney animated films going back decades, as well as a brand new song, “The Glow,” written and produced for the collection by Adam Watts and Andy Dodd (Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato) and sung by British teen sensation Shannon Saunders. Serving as the official Disney Princess anthem, “The Glow” will inspire young girls to believe in their dreams, overcome challenges and fulfill all their wishes. The 14-track album arrives at stores and online retailers Sept. 20.

Disney royalty represented in the set include Pocahontas, Cinderella, Snow White, Mulan, Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” Rapunzel from “Tangled” and Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.” The new song, “The Glow,” arrives at iTunes Sept. 13. “We were honored to write ‘The Glow’ and contribute to the amazing history of Disney princesses,” said co-writer/producer Adam Watts. “It was a fun challenge to create a song that reflects the unique qualities of a princess, and stand among such an incredible legacy of music.”

Little princesses from across the globe will watch seventeen-year-old Shannon Saunders perform “The Glow” on Oct. 2, as Rapunzel is welcomed into the Disney Princess court at a high-profile and star-studded celebration at Kensington Palace, London, UK. Last year, Shannon won the nationwide vote in her native England for Disney Channel UK’s “My Camp Rock 2” talent contest, inspired by the Disney Channel Original Movie “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.” Shannon also recorded “I See the Light,” the Oscar-nominated song from the Disney animated film “Tangled,” a track featured on the new princess collection.

Songs included on Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs are:

“Something There” (from “Beauty and the Beast”) “I See the Light” (from “Tangled”) “Down In New Orleans” (from “The Princess and the Frog”)”The Glow,” performed by Shannon Saunders”Where Do We Go From Here” (from “Pocahontas”)”I Wonder” (from “Sleeping Beauty”)”Part of Your World” (from “The Little Mermaid”) “Beauty and the Beast” (from “Beauty and the Beast”) “Almost There” (from “The Princess and the Frog”) “Everyday Princess” (from “The Princess and the Frog”)”When Will My Life Begin” (from “Tangled”) “Reflection” (from “Mulan”) “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (from “Cinderella”)”I’m Wishing” (from “Snow White”)

Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs will be available wherever music is sold on Sept. 20, 2011. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.

Favorite Disney Stories Come to Life in All-New Disney Princess: Enchanting Storybooks Video Game (chipandco.com)
Free Disney Princess Phone Call (chipandco.com)

Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Songs Set for Sept. 20 Release

Disney’s Prom Doesn’t Quite Make Curfew.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 13, 2011

Disney's Prom Doesn't Quite Make Curfew. — Prom, 2011

PROM (2011)
Stars: Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell
Director: Joe Nussbaum
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Genre: Drama, Family
Rating: PG

Grade: C+

Prom is the new teen drama from Disney that pretty much bears its plot in the movie’s title. I’m sure most of you can recall when you went to your senior prom. I actually had trouble remembering some of mine, but that’s a different story. Prom keeps it wholesome and innocent for the most part, which keeps with the Disney stamp of approval for families. The film features Aimee Teegarden (“Friday Night Lights” TV Series, NBC) as Nova, an overachiever who is the President of pretty much all of her school’s clubs, including the prom committee. Along with a few of her closest friends, Nova gets all of the prom decorations and props for their “starry night” theme ready to go. However, when tragedy strikes and the decorations are ruined, she is forced to work with Jesse (played by Thomas McDonell), who is the school’s long-haired, motorcycle-ridin’ “bad boy.” Nova and Jesse’s relationship, which begins as hatred and later graduates to a full-blown high-school romance, is the center storyline in Prom.

However, the film also follows many other couples and their lives which revolve around going to (or not going to) their senior prom. Prom is full of clichés and predictability. There is nothing surprising that comes out of this movie. The little charm that the movie does have comes mainly from its star Aimee Teegarden, as well as the nostalgia that a movie like this carries with it. Other big-screen Disney projects such as the High School Musical films are good for what they are, but at the same time they have very little nostalgic appeal as I assume most people did not attend a high school with choreographed dancing students in the hallways. Prom on the other hand does force you to recollect your high school years, and in particular your prom(s). Now, of course a lot of people that will be drawn to this movie have not even experienced their own prom yet, so I am probably speaking from a completely alien perspective. Aimee Teegarden is a true delight much like she was for five seasons on “Friday Night Lights.” She has a natural beauty and fits the role of the high-school popular kid perfectly in Prom. There were some scenes that were super-cheesy in the movie when it came to romance. I was in disbelief at times at how over-the-top and outrageous they made certain romantic moments in the film. From a parent’s perspective, there is nothing to worry about with Prom. I would say that any kid over the age of ten would probably enjoy this movie, and aside from a little kissing here and there, there was nothing that would make us adults cringe at the thought of our own daughters going to their actual prom, which is a day that we both cherish and dread all at the same time. If Prom had been a TV movie and aired on Disney Channel, I would have thought of that as a more appropriate outlet since most of the target audience for a movie like this is kids that are tuned in to the Disney Channel daily. Prom felt a bit out of its league on the big screen. In summary, I mildly enjoyed Prom mostly due to the pimple-popping memories that it induced, along with a charismatic Aimee Teegarden. But, even still, the movie is just way too cheesy, cliché and predictable for me to really recommend it to anyone that does not have a “teen” on the end of their age.

Save $5 on Disney Prom Blu-ray Combo Pack! (chipandco.com)
Head Back-to-School in Style! (chipandco.com)

Disney Food Confession – Chocolate & Caramel Rice Krispie Treat

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 13, 2011

Disney Food Confession – Chocolate & Caramel Rice Krispie Treat

Where to find it: Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s World Showcase Germany Pavilion

What is it? A huge rice krispie treat dipped in chocolate and then drizzled with caramel.

Why you want it: “Dipped in chocolate and then drizzled with caramel” sounds like the perfect afternoon treat for me. These rice krispie treats are huge compared to normal rice krispie treats; plenty to split with your friend or family member who ordered a different yummy treat to split from Karamell-Küche.

Caramels from Karamell Kuche (disneyonwheelsblog.com)
Giant Rice Krispie Treat Heads (disneyfoodblog.com)

Disney Food Confession – Chocolate & Caramel Rice Krispie Treat

Highlights from The Florida Project Event at Epcot

By

Chip

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September 13, 2011

This past weekend we held our annual Disney Trading event at Epcot. Titled “The Florida Project,” the theme was a salute the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. For three days, guests from around the world spent time making friends and trading pins or Vinylmation figures. We had guests from more than 36 different states and countries like Japan, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia! The event was held inside World ShowPlace pavilion, which was decorated to resemble a Preview Center from the early 1970s. If you were unable to attend this year, here is a brief look at some highlights.

Each year, I’m excited to how the Park Event Operations team will decorate World ShowPlace. Back in August, I gave you a sneak preview of their concepts for the event. I was beyond happy to see the Orange Bird come to life; the standing Orange Bird looked amazing (I wonder if he would fit in my office). The display team also hid several Orange Bird cutouts around the pavilion including one on an actual 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction vehicle.

I spoke with Julie Young, product developer for Disney Pins, about her experience at the event.

“We had a great time with our guests,” exclaimed Julie, who worked in special preview area for upcoming pins throughout the weekend. “I enjoyed having the opportunity to speak directly with fans. For most of the year, we spend our time in a backstage office location. We love seeing the excitement in our guests’ eyes at these events.”

Each year, the pin team hosts a presentation offering a glimpse into future development. This year, the presentation was hosted by Julie and fellow product developer Jeanne Lewis. The image above features only a handful of items shared including a new open edition alphabet series, a pin set coming to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, in October, a new Pin Trading Night collection coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and a create-your-own pin display kit.

On Sunday, Vinylmation was in focus with the second annual Vinylmation Showcase. This was a separate ticketed event that featured Vinylmation trading, sneak previews and more. I spoke with Donald Ferro, product developer for Vinylmation, about one of the most exciting things to be announced at the event.

“Since the beginning of August, Vinylmation fans have been asking ‘What is Project Z?’,” explained Donald. “I am thrilled we were finally able to answer that question by revealing a new Vinylmation series that celebrates classic Disney characters from Disney Theme Parks around the world.”

This new mystery series designed by Disney Design Group Artists Thomas Scott and Casey Jones is called “Park Starz” (hence Project “Z”), and it will be released in mid- to late October 2011. Here’s a hint to one of my favorite figures not pictured above – “If we can dream it, we can do it.”

Lastly, we announced the themes for next year’s trading events at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The details of these events are still being finalized, so please stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog, DisneyPins.com or Vinylmation.com.

Highlights from The Florida Project Event at Epcot by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Behind the scenes peek at the costumes in The Tempest

By

Chip

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September 13, 2011

Experience THE TEMPEST like never before through the art and costume design from the film. Nominated for an Academy Award® in Costume Design, designer Sandy Powell created masterpieces worn by Helen Mirren, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming, David Strathairn, Alfred Molina, Reeve Carney, Russell Brand, and more!

In celebration of the September 13th Blu-ray™ release of THE TEMPEST, peek behind the scenes with this slideshow of images of the cast, and original sketches of their costumes!

For a list of films costume designer Sandy Powell has been nominated/won for please visit: http://oscar.go.com/nominations/category/costume-design/history/the-tempest/687046

Cars 2 Coming to Bluray with Special Bonus (chipandco.com)
Winnie the Pooh Bluray Preorder Now Available (chipandco.com)

‘Castle: The Complete Third Season’ DVD Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 12, 2011

'Castle: The Complete Third Season' DVD Review

I have to say, I was really excited that I got a chance to review ABC’s ‘Castle: The Complete Third Season’, which goes on sale September 20, 2011. This currently ranks as one of my favorite shows on television right now, and I jumped at the chance to review it. ‘Castle’ stars fan favorite and geek fanboy, Nathan Fillion, as Richard Castle, a bestselling crime novelist and Stana Katic as Kate Beckett, a tough NYPD cop who Castle has based his newest book character off of. The show follows Castle and Beckett as they solve murder cases all over New York City, while they both balance their personal lives, and try to uncover the truth behind the murder of Beckett’s mother’s murder. The show also stars Molly C. Quinn, Susan Sullivan, Jon Huertas, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Seamus Dever. The show is mix of crime solving, comedy, and action, with that added dose of drama to liven things up. And it all works so well together.

Continue

Fantasy Character Revealed for Statue!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 12, 2011

Fantasy Character Revealed for Statue!

In March 2012 the Disney Fantasy hits the water and will take on her first cruisers!
Disney Cruise Line has announced the characters for the statue on the Fantasy and I personally couldn’t be more pleased with the choice!

The grander of the Fantasy will be commemorated with the sweetness of one of the most beloved characters: Dumbo, accompanied by of course; Timothy Mouse!

What do you think of the choice?

D23 Expo talks details of the Fantasy, newest Disney Cruise Line ship (chipandco.com)
Final Building Block Added to the Disney Fantasy (chipandco.com)

Good Eats – Best Cheeseburger at Pecos Bill

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 12, 2011

Good Eats – Best Cheeseburger at Pecos Bill

When Chip asked us to write about a good Disney dining experience or what we think is a “best” food at Walt Disney World, I started thinking of all the great steaks I have had at Le Cellier and the wonderful dessert at ‘Ohana, but then I decided not to write about those. One reason is that I have written about them before, but the other reason is that when it comes right down to it, I prefer a delicious burger to just about any other food.

When I was growing up my daddy would always say, “You can take Brenda to any restaurant, even the most fancy and expensive restaurant, and she’ll order a burger every time.” He was right…and some things never change!

I love the taste of a grilled burger topped with my favorite fixings and at Walt Disney World my favorite is a Quick Service restaurant in the Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café. This western-themed counter-service “joint” is appropriately located in Frontierland. It gets pretty crowded at main meal times but there is a lot of seating inside Pecos Bill.

My favorite burger here is the Deluxe 1/3lb Angus Cheeseburger. It is topped with bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce and served with french fries (you can get apple slices instead but…). Once you get your burger, and while the aroma tantalizes you, you can head over to the awesome “fixins” bar to add whatever you want: lettuce, tomatoes, sautéed onions, mushrooms, hot cheese, banana peppers, ketchup, pickles, etc.

The burger at Pecos Bill is well-done, which is just the way I like it. The buns are substantial, much like a French bread roll, so you can load it up. I think this Angus burger is amazing and eating at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café says “Welcome home!”

The Most Talked-About Treat at Disney Parks (chipandco.com)
New Eats and Treats at the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)

Good Eats – Best Cheeseburger at Pecos Bill

Yo Ho It’s Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

By

Chip

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September 12, 2011

A new soundtrack and DVD inspired by Disney Junior‘s #1 series Jake and the Never Land Pirates, are planned to set sail this September with Walt Disney Records’ album release of eighteen hook-filled songs from the series on September 20 and The Walt Disney Studios “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away!” DVD release featuring seven episodes from the series on September 27.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates is cable’s #1 series among Boys 2-5 and is on track to be Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series ever. It is the most co-viewed series among all Disney Junior and Nickelodeon series, with 47% of Moms watching with their preschooler. A music-filled interactive treasure hunt, the series introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney’s classic “Peter Pan.” Every episode features the animated Sharky and Bones characters as they pop up throughout to perform original pirate ditties, and each episode concludes with a live action music video featuring The Never Land Pirate Band.

About the Album Release:
Written and performed by Loren Hoskins and Kevin Hendrickson, a.k.a. Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band, the album features 18 swashbuckling tracks sure to thrill any young pirate. Also included are downloadable activities and games to plan the perfect pirate party, a Sing-Along version of the show’s theme song and a bonus track from a future episode. The deluxe edition includes a pirate bandana. The album arrives at stores and online retailers September 20.

The album features a variety of songs that kids and parents can enjoy together. Songs include the kooky, comical “Hot Lava,” “Aw Coconuts,” “Pirate Password,” and the arrrghhh-rated “Talk Like a Pirate.” Some songs refer to popular characters in the show, such as “What’s Cookin’ Smee,” “Captain Hook (Is A Cranky Crook),” “Tick Tock Croc” and “Bucky’s Shanty.” Others capture the island spirit of Never Land, such as “Castaway on Pirate Island,” “Shipwreck Shuffle” and “Never Sky,” as well as the “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” theme song. All songs can be heard in episodes of the show.

Portland, Oregon-based Hoskins and Hendrickson have been creating pirate rock music for kids of all ages for more than a decade. The duo produced four previous children’s albums and even led their own pirate band. The pirate rockers also provide the musical score for “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

The Jake and the Never Land Pirates soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on September 20. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit www.Disney.com/music, become a fan at www.Facebook.com/disneymusicor follow us at www.Twitter.com/disneymusic.

About the DVD Release:
On September 27, The Walt Disney Studios will be releasing Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away!, a DVD packed full with seven episodes from the series and two incredible bonus features including Yo Ho, You Want To Be A Pirate?, where Jake teaches viewers how to talk like a pirate, and Pirate Party With Pirate-oke, a collection of music videos performed by The Never Land Pirate Band that allow viewers to enjoy with or without the sing-along/karaoke-like feature.

Retailing for the suggested price of $19.99 in the U.S. and $24.99 in Canada, the Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away! DVD also comes packaged with a bonus 7-track CD sampler and a pirate eye patch.

Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away – Comes to DVD/CD Sept 27th 2011 (chipandco.com)
Passengers Stranded on Pirates of the Carribean Ride (chipandco.com)

Yo Ho It's Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

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Grade: C+

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