Discounts for Southern California Residents on the Disney Cruise Line!

By

-

September 7, 2011

Discounts for Southern California Residents on the Disney Cruise Line!

Southern California residents save 25% on standard rates for 7-Night Mexican Riviera cruises on the Disney Wonder.

Three sail dates remain:
November 6, 2011
November 27, 2011
December 11, 2011

Terms and Conditions:
This offer is only available to Southern California residents within zipcodes 90000-93599.
Offer applies to stateroom categories 9A-9D
The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts
Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions

*NOTE: To receive this rate, guests must fax proof of residency in zip codes 90000-93599 to 407-566-7739 within 48 hours of booking.

Book with PixieMichele and receive a $25 onboard credit! Make sure to mention you saw this on Chip and Co.
[email protected] for your free quote!

Special Rates for California Residents! (chipandco.com)
D23 Expo talks details of the Fantasy, newest Disney Cruise Line ship (chipandco.com)

Discounts for Southern California Residents on the Disney Cruise Line!

Wednesday with Walt: Walt’s Barn

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 7, 2011

Wednesday with Walt: Walt's Barn

I took a road trip to my nearest Disney Outlet Store (which is an hour away) last Friday to do some much needed shopping. I ran into another Walt Disney lover. We talked for a while about our favorite person and about all the things we love at Walt Disney World and, during that conversation, I found out something very interesting. Walt’s barn has been preserved for the public to visit. Maybe you already knew this, but I was thrilled to find out about it.

As we all know, Walt Disney really loved trains. You might remember my article that talked about the train he built at his home in Holmby Hills. It was 1950 and Walt built the Carolwood Pacific Railroad right in his backyard. He named it Carolwood after the street on which he lived, Carolwood Drive. He also had a barn built on the property of his home railroad where he monitored and remotely-controlled the switches on the track.

Walt’s barn also served as his workshop, as well as a place to entertain his friends with the soda machine of which he was so proud. Many of Walt’s best ideas came to mind while working in his barn, and the barn itself has been referred to by some as “the birthplace of Imagineering.”

When the Disney family’s Holmby Hills home was sold, the new owners discovered asbestos and so they planned to demolish the home and build a new one on the property. Thank goodness Diane Disney Miller realized the importance of her father’s barn and thus wanted to preserve it. She asked the new owner if she could have it and he agreed. So, she began the process of saving it before escrow would close by contacting Michael and Sharon Broggie, the founders of The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. They began planning what they would do with the barn.

The Broggies hired a contractor to dismantle the barn and housed it in Griffith Park, which you might remember as the park Walt used to take his daughters to on “Daddy’s Day” and watch them on the carousel — thus sparking the idea of a place where parents and children could have fun together — Disneyland!

With the help of a large number of volunteers, the barn was reconstructed and about 80% of what stands today was part of the original barn. In addition, Bill Evans (who landscaped most of the original Disneyland as well as the Disney family’s Carolwood backyard) donated his expertise to landscape the area around the barn’s new home “to match its original location in Holmby Hills.”

The barn opened in Griffith Park on July 19, 1999. Diane Disney Miller dedicated the barn as a new place to learn more about her father. At the opening ceremony Diane said, “Our heart and heritage is here, in this place.” It has been thoughtfully located in a beautifully-landscaped area of the park where one can enjoy the view of it while having lunch at one of the available picnic tables.

Wednesday with Walt: Walt's Barn — Courtesy of The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society

The barn is said to be small but full of many interesting items, nostalgic memories and wonderful stories. Items on display include an extensive collection of Disney and steam-train-related memorabilia including: Walt’s workbenches, hand-built by Walt Disney himself; the track switchboard Walt used to control the electronic track switches throughout the Carolwood railway;one of Walt’s porkpie-style hats; and an extensive display of memorabilia relating to the Disneyland Monorail, including a working 1960s-era monorail toy.

Walt’s Barn is open to visitors on the 3rd Sunday of each month between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. While visiting you can learn some interesting facts about Walt, the railroad and Disneyland. You can also purchase some unique merchandise.

I have added this park to my Disney bucket list and I hope you will too. If you have visited the barn I would love to hear about it, so please post your personal story here and thanks!

Stranded at Walt Disney World and Loving It (chipandco.com)
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Coming to Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Review: Rock out with Rock Star Mickey

By

Chip

-

September 7, 2011

I had the opportunity this past weekend to check out Fisher Price‘s Rock Star Mickey! Having played with the Dance Star Mickey last year I was pretty excited to check out this years HOT Christmas Item.

My little one and I gently removed Mickey from the box, flipped his switch from demo to on and had some fun! Check out this video I posted from my U Stream.

We really enjoyed Rocking out with Mickey and I can still hear the Mickey Song in my head right now.

One thing I love with the Rock Star Mickey is the price tag. According to Disney and Fisher Price the retail price of RSM will be $50ish unlike Dance Star Mickey which was over $99.99.

I think in the lowering of price Rock Star Mickey is a good thing but this years model doesn’t do as much as Dance Star Mickey did. But for Mickey fans that is ok.

Only bad thing I have to say about RSM was the repetition. You really only get 4 songs and his moves does get old. Maybe I just had a short attention span… Squirrel!

Anyway if you are interested in this item for Christmas I would get one before they start selling out in stores. Overall I give Rock Star Mickey 7 Power Chords out of 10.

Special Thank You goes out to Amber at Fisher Price for allowing us to review Rock Star Mickey free of charge. For more details check out the articles below.

Stay tuned to Chip and Co later today as I will be giving away a Rock Star Mickey!

Rock Star Mickey Debuts at D23 Expo (chipandco.com)
Coming Soon! Rock Star Mickey Jams to a Store Near you! (chipandco.com)
Constantine Maroulis Jams With Rock Star Mickey At D23 Expo (chipandco.com)

The Preservation and Restoration of Disney’s Classic Dumbo

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 7, 2011

Walt Disney Animation is releasing another classic film from the vault. A 70th anniversary edition of Dumbo will be released on Blu-ray this September. But this will not be the Dumbo you remember from your childhood.

Disney has completed a beautiful restoration of the film. During the restoration process the biggest question they asked themselves is what was the artist’s original intent? With that thought in mind they restored the film to look they way they feel it was meant to be.

During this 7 month project, Disney took the original negative and scanned 275,352 frames of film, that equals about 3.2 miles of film. By using the original, they were able to digitally capture the film as Walt Disney’s original artists intended. They were also able to remove any fingerprints, shimmers, rings, or scratches that they found. This gave them a sharper image and made the colors look truer to what the artists had originally wanted.

Disney also restored the sound for the film. Unfortunately most of Disney’s original soundtracks were destroyed leaving only 35 mm magnetic masters. But they were able to locate an original print of Dumbo with the help of UCLA that had the original soundtrack and were able to digitize it to use in the mix. On the Blu-ray release you will be able to hear the soundtrack cleaned up for 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. Or if you would rather hear the pops and clicks of the original, there is an option to watch the film in the original mono.

Also included in the Blu-ray release of Dumbo is the Disney View Feature. Older films have a different aspect ratio than the televisions that are in most homes. This is why you have the black bars on either side of some films. Disney began hearing some complaints from consumers about this so they came up with an idea to but a wallpaper on both sides of the picture. They brought in artists to paint backgrounds that were representative of the sequences of the film. In Dumbo, these paintings represent different circus themes. This is also an optional feature so if you would rather watch them film without them you can.

Many hours of research went into the restoration of Dumbo. You can see an elephant fly, the way Walt Disney’s artists intended, on Blu-ray September 20th, 2011.

Sneak Peek: Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
Disney’s Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition Coming to Bluray/DVD/Download

The Preservation and Restoration of Disney's Classic Dumbo

Highlights from Disneyland Half Marathon 2011

By

Chip

-

September 6, 2011

Highlights from the 6th Annual Disneyland Half Marathon on September 4, 2011. Soundbites from winners as well as Drew Carey who ran this year’s race.

2011 Results

Disneyland Half Marathon
Military Results
Running Club Results

Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Medal Unveiled (chipandco.com)
Celebs, Promotions and New Medals on runDisney’s Horizon (chipandco.com)

Highlights from Disneyland Half Marathon 2011

Pixar’s 40 Year Old 3D Computer Graphics

By

Chip

-

September 6, 2011

In 1972 Ed Catmull (founder of Pixar) and his colleagues created the world’s first 3D rendered movie, an animated version of Ed’s left hand. This is the film that they produced. It includes some “making of” footage (around 1:30) and some other early experiments. Read more at nerdplusart.com/?p=1106.

40 Year Old 3D Computer Graphics (Pixar, 1972) from Robby Ingebretsen on Vimeo.

Around the “Disney” World – Pixar Place (chipandco.com)

Pixar's 40 Year Old 3D Computer Graphics

Aulani Discounts for Disney Visa Cardholders

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 6, 2011

If you are a Disney Visa Cardholder, check your mail for a special offer!

Disney Visa cardholders save up to 25% on a 4-night stay (please ask about offers for other lengths of stay).

Booking Window:

September 1, 2011 through October 15, 2011

Travel Most Nights:

October 30, 2011 through November 12, 2011
November 27, 2011 through December 24, 2011
January 4, 2012 through January 12, 2012
January 16, 2012 through January 31, 2012

For more information about what the newest Disney destination has to offer, ask a travel agent specializing in Disney travel.

Book with PixieMichele and receive a $25 Disney gift card when you mention this article!

Aulani Prepares to Welcome its First Guests (chipandco.com)
Grand Opening of Disney’s Aulani Resort (chipandco.com)

Aulani Discounts for Disney Visa Cardholders

Disney Food Confession – Disneyland Cinnamon Roll

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 6, 2011

Disney Food Confession – Disneyland Cinnamon Roll

Disney cinnamon roll, found at Disneyland’s Blue Ribbon Bakery.

Where to find it: At Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park

What it is: A fresh-baked, soft but not soggy extra-large cinnamon roll.

Why you want it: This cinnamon roll is as big as your kids’ eyes – which widen when they see it – and nearly as big as your head. For a truly decadent treat, ask for extra frosting and to have it heated. Oozy warm breakfast goodness, drool-worthy at any time of the day. You can, and should, share. But you won’t want to.

Note: The Blue Ribbon Bakery will close in January 2012. The Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe will replace it. The Café will be located at the old Plaza Pavilion building, which used to hold the Annual Passport Processing Center. Jolly Holiday promises to serve “practically perfect pastries and more.”

Restaurants to Expand at Disneyland Park on Main Street U.S.A (chipandco.com)
Favorite Breakfast Spots (disneyonwheelsblog.com)

Disney Food Confession – Disneyland Cinnamon Roll

Final Building Block Added to the Disney Fantasy

By

Chip

-

September 6, 2011

This weekend Disney celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the Disney Fantasy. The final building block for their newest ship was placed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. What does this mean? It means the exterior portion of the ship is now complete and work will now focus on the interior portions of the ship. Check it out.

And the interior of this ship is going to be incredible with a new nightclub district, a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and an unbelievable new show for Animator’s Palate called Animation Magic. Click here for Disney’s blog post detailing the differences between the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

While the cranes at Meyer Werft put the final block into place we captured this fun time-lapse video.

We’ve got more updates coming in the next few weeks and months – so keep an eye on Chip and Coand the Disney Cruise Line Facebook page. What elements of the Disney Fantasy do you want to hear more about?

Source Disney Parks Blog

D23 Expo talks details of the Fantasy, newest Disney Cruise Line ship (chipandco.com)
Disney Dream Mouse Chat Fan Cruise Sept. 2012 (chipandco.com)

Final Building Block Added to the Disney Fantasy

Passengers Stranded on Pirates of the Carribean Ride

By

Chip

-

September 6, 2011

Yo ho yo ho a Pirates life for me!

Visitors to Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom park told FOX 35 News that they were stranded on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride for more than an hour.

Passengers who were riding the Pirates of the Caribbean water ride late Sunday evening tell us the incident happened around 10:30 p.m. They said the ride stopped running, and they were told to remain on the ride for almost two hours before they were allowed to exit.

Disney officials said attempts were made to automatically restart the ride, and when that didn’t work, staff had to manually bring the ride back into operation. Disney also says that there were no serious injuries.

Park officials have offered an apology to all park goers who were affected and we’ll work on a case by case basis to try to make up for the inconvenience. Disney says there have not been any major mechanical issues with the ride in the past.

If you were on the ride when this event occurred, contact us with your story at [email protected].

Click here for more.

Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations, Fantasyland Construction Update including from Dumbo – Photos and Video (jefflangedvd.com)
Disney World Event Calendar: September and October 2011 (chipandco.com)

Passengers Stranded on Pirates of the Carribean Ride

Adventures by Disney Brings History to Life with New Privately Guided Itineraries in 2012

By

Chip

-

September 5, 2011

Adventures by Disney, the leader in guided family travel, announces the addition of two new destinations to its repertoire of immersive family vacations – Greece: “Greek Odyssey” and Northern France: “Esprit de France” – available to travelers in 2012. The adventure continues in Egypt with “Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures,” an unforgettable expedition. New for 2012, Adventures by Disney will feature distinct enhancements to its Australia, London and Paris and Galapagos Islands departures – details, dates and rates are available at www.AdventuresbyDisney.com .

Over the last six years, Adventures by Disney has developed a collection of exhilarating tours with one goal in mind: help families experience the most sought-after and culturally stimulating destinations in the world. Led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides and authentic local experts, families unlock the wonders and stories of the world through unparalleled excursions and engaging activities designed for all ages and activity levels such as pizza-making at a farm in Italy, spending the night at a German castle and playing the role of an art detective at the Louvre. With the smallest details planned in advance, it’s easy for parents to relax and immerse themselves in the most valuable experience of all – quality time with their family.

“Through our dedication to storytelling and exclusive hands-on experiences, families can get a glimpse of the history and beauty synonymous with Greece, France, Egypt and every vacation destination on our roster,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “We are in the business of creating unforgettable, VIP hassle-free itineraries so guests can focus on discovering and exploring a new world and creating priceless vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

Adventures by Disney presents three featured adventures for 2012:

“Greek Odyssey” Athens, Santorini and Crete – the adventure starts in Athens where Greek mythology comes to life through moonlight storytelling at the Parthenon and sporting games at the home of the modern Olympics, Panathinaiko Stadium. Discovery continues on the volcanic island of Santorini where kids go feet-first into Greek grape stomping while adults enjoy a wine tasting at Volcan winery. After sailing the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, families travel to Crete and are immersed in mountain culture with local expert-led lessons in Tsatziki cheese making and Greek dancing.

“Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures” Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, the Nile and Sharm El Sheikh – uncover an ancient world of pyramids, mummies and man-made marvels as this expedition kicks off with a camelback tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza and a Nile River cruise to Luxor. Families will be in awe of the architectural wonder of the Sphinx and experience the secrets of Tutankhamen’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings with a Junior Adventurer scavenger hunt at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Activities like papyrus making, traditional cooking, and hieroglyphic writing give guests a first-hand view of life in ancient Egypt.

“Esprit de France” Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley – perfect for families looking to experience the arts, this itinerary features a drawing activity in Monet’s Gardens, a visit to Château du Clos Luce, the last known residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and a private dinner at the Louvre in Paris. A true taste of the French countryside, adventurers learn of the art of brandy-making on the Normandy Cider Route; enjoy a picturesque country bike ride and spend the night in an authentic Château. Guests continue the adventure with visits to Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel monastery, Omaha Beach and a viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Adventures by Disney unveils three enhanced itineraries for 2012:

“Discovery Down Under” Australia and Tasmania – the action-packed Australian adventure will now include a visit to the island of Tasmania featuring a Eucalyptus forest zipline experience, an introduction to traditional cuisine at Kate’s Berry Farm and Meadowbank Winery as well as a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet the infamous Tasmanian Devil.

“Grandiosos Galapagos” Galapagos Islands – Now families can spend more time discovering the flora and fauna of Darwin’s famous islands with seven nights aboard the Galapagos Explorer cruise ship. Guests will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with sea lions and penguins and come face to face with giant tortoises.

“Cities of Knights and Lights” London and Paris – Adventures by Disney’s classic European itinerary now features an exquisite trip to the British Countryside where guests can play British lawn games and receive royal treatment on a privately-guided tour of Windsor Castle.

From VIP experiences and world-class accommodations to add-on excursions, Adventures by Disney has a quest to suit any traveler. For more information on Adventures by Disney, visit www.AdventuresbyDisney.com .

Adventures by Disney: New Destinations and Tours for 2012 (chipandco.com)
Adventures by Disney Teases New Travel Packages (video) (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)

Adventures by Disney Brings History to Life with New Privately Guided Itineraries in 2012

Miss America Contestants Visit Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

-

September 5, 2011

Look who stopped by Magic Kingdom Park last week. All 53 contestants for the title of Miss America 2012 – and current Miss America Teresa Scanlan – continued a Walt Disney World Resort tradition of walking down Main Street, U.S.A., and making some magical memories.

Representing fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, the women were greeted by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Belle, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto. After group photos at Cinderella Castle, the women broke up into smaller groups to see the rest of Magic Kingdom Park and later in the day, visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios to ride the new 3-D “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.” Here’s a look at some of the fun.

The 53 Miss America 2012 contestants also recorded interviews that are scheduled to appear in the pageant’s live telecast on ABC, Saturday, January 14.

As the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation’s leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The 53 Miss America 2012 contestants are in the Orlando area to attend the annual Miss America Outstanding Teen Competition.

Miss America Contestants Visit Walt Disney World Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

D23′s Sip & Stroll at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
40-Year Cast Members Reflect on Opening Day Oct. 1, 1971 (chipandco.com)

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

2011 Results

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles