Cast Members Perform Benefit Concerts for Performing Arts Center

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September 4, 2011

Hoping to hit a high note for charity’s sake, the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra – a volunteer ensemble of nearly 300 talented Walt Disney World Resort cast members – performed a series of six concerts in July and August benefiting the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

The concerts, “An American Revival – A Concert Celebrating the Voice of America!,” were held at Premier Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and featured classic pop, gospel and patriotic songs that celebrate the grand musical history of America.

“This year’s shows [are] a tribute to the voice of America,” said Clay Price, artistic director and founder of Encore!. “[Showcasing] the sounds and emotions that have musically shaped our nation. From Americana, Gospel, Jazz, Swing, Broadway, and even “The King” himself … something for everyone to enjoy.”

Founded in 2002, Encore! gives Walt Disney World cast members and their families the opportunity to showcase their talents and perform great music for worthy causes. The group is comprised of a 175-person choir, 65-piece symphony orchestra and 20-person dance troupe.

Since its inception, Encore! has donated the funds from its ticket sales to local charities, raising more than $150,000 to date. Beneficiaries are determined by group vote; Encore! selected the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as their 2011 beneficiary.

For more information, visit www.encorecentral.org.

2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel Accepting Applications Beginning Sept. 12 (chipandco.com)
Central Florida’s Children “Shine On” with $1.2 Million from Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)

Cast Members Perform Benefit Concerts for Performing Arts Center

Save $5 on Disney Prom Blu-ray Combo Pack!

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

Disney’s Prom Movie is now available on Bluray Combo pack and we have the hookup to get you $5 off your purchase.

At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.

Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.

Click here to print off your $5 off coupon.

Disney’s Prom Movie Review (chipandco.com)
Disney’s PROM on Blu-ray & DVD August 30th 2011 (chipandco.com)

Save $5 on Disney Prom Blu-ray Combo Pack!

2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel Accepting Applications Beginning Sept. 12

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

Let’s face it: With more than twenty Resort hotels, four Theme Parks, two Water Parks, shopping, dining, entertainment and more, planning a vacation to Walt Disney World® Resort can leave some guests feeling a bit overwhelmed.

That’s why in 2008, we created the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, an online forum of vacation advisors made up of everyday people who will answer questions, offer advice and address specific concerns of families in the process of planning a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort.

Five years later, the panel has become a vacation planning phenomenon and now the panelists help plan magical vacations for people who are not just heading to Walt Disney World Resort, but for folks wanting to take a Disney Cruise, an Adventures By Disney® excursion, visit our Disney beach resorts, Disneyland® Resort and more!

And that’s where you come in.

Are you the person who is so passionate about Disney vacations that you plan them, not just for your family, but for friends, coworkers – absolutely anyone who asks about all things Disney? We’ll soon be looking for the newest members of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. If you think you have the right stuff to be considered for a coveted spot on this very special website, we’d love to hear from you!

We will begin accepting applications after 9:00 am EST on September 12, 2011 until September 16, 11:59 pm EST.

We will be looking for:

Walt Disney World Moms Panelists
Disney Cruise Line Panelists
Disneyland Panelists
Adventures By Disney Panelists
runDisney Panelists
Disney Vacation Club Panelists

Participants must:

Be 18 years of age or older.
Have access to a computer and an Internet connection.
Be familiar with Walt Disney World® Resort and have visited at least once in the last 12 months.
Be fluent in the English language.
Complete at least twenty-five written responses per week.
Provide your opinions and feedback.
Submit an autobiography and personal photo and/or video to be posted online.
Be available to travel to Walt Disney World® Resort from December 9-13, 2011.
Be willing to participate for a minimum of 24 months.
Not be current employees/Cast Members of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries, must not be immediate family members of a current employee/Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries, and must not currently reside with a current employee/Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries. In addition, participants must not be employees, contractors, advisors or consultants for, must not hold more than a de minimis ownership interest in, and must not serve on the Board of Directors of, any entity (other than The Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries) which owns or operates any hotel, resort or theme park located in Orange, Osceola, Lake or Seminole Counties, Florida.
Not be currently employed in the travel or theme park industries, and not be an immediate family member of, or currently reside with, people currently employed in the travel or theme park industries.

For more information check out this link.

Walt Disney World Resort Welcomes the PRSA 2011 International Conference to Orlando (chipandco.com)
The Most Talked-About Treat at Disney Parks (chipandco.com)

2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel Accepting Applications Beginning Sept. 12

Disney Developing Epic Mickey 2?

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

In some pretty cool Disney Video Game news.. The latest rumor on the street is that Disney is developing Epic Mickey 2 for Wii, the PS3, and the 360!

According to an anonymous Dtoid reader, Epic Mickey 2 is currently being gauged by Disney via online marketing. There are a lot of specifics here, which is always nice. That doesn’t mean that the game is definitely going to happen, but it sure looks like the development of Epic Mickey 2 has gone well beyond the “purely theoretical” stages. There are several potential box arts here, as well as some of the titles being considered for the game (including Epic Mickey 2: Return of the Mad Doctor, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Epic Mickey 2: Mystery on Mean Street, and just Epic Mickey 2).

The game is reportedly planned for release on the Wii, the PS3, and the 360. Gameplay details include the option to play 2-player split screen with Mickey Mouse (back with his paint and thinner mechanics from the first game) or his older brother Oswald The Lucky Rabbit (who can “fly like a helicopter” and use electricity to “fight or friend” foes).

Having played the last Epic Mickey on the Wii I hope Disney is able to resolve some of the camera issues from last time. I can’t tell you how frustrated I got sometimes trying to fight that camera.

Are you looking forward to EM2? Tell us what you think in the comment box below.

Amazon: Buy Epic Mickey for $29.99 and get one of 10 listed Disney Wii Games for FREE! (couponingtodisney.com)
Nintendo Wii: Disney Is Working On Epic Mickey 2 (mynintendonews.com)

Wholly Guacamole and Disney present The Lion King $5 Rebate Offer

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

Grocery produce aisles are destination points for today’s health-conscious perimeter shoppers, but are rarely hunted for consumer promotions– until now.

Now appearing in produce aisles nationwide, Wholly Guacamole proudly presents “Family Movie Night” with Disney’s The Lion King Diamond Edition five dollar mail-in rebate offer. Focusing on “a night in” with family fun and healthy food, consumers are invited to “treat their family like royalty” with two classics: Disney’s loveable The Lion King and America’s top selling guacamole snack dip: Wholly Guacamole Classic flavor.

From September 1 – October 31, 2011, boxes of Wholly Guacamole Classic will sport the $5 The Lion King Diamond Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray Super Set rebate design. Consumers who purchase a box of Wholly Guacamole and The Lion King Super Set are eligible to receive the five dollar rebate, valid through November 30, 2011. For details, including the mail-in-rebate form, address and instructions to mail for redemption, visit eatwholly.com.

“In today’s economy, consumers are looking for value-added promotions and fun ways to enjoy family time,” states Tracey Altman, Vice President of Marketing at Wholly Guacamole. “To be able to partner with a great brand like Disney– especially on the much loved title The Lion King–is a great opportunity to reward our loyal consumers and celebrate family time”.

Consumer offers and rebates are familiar to cereals, chips and soda aisles but unexpected in the produce section. As the leading guacamole in the healthiest section of any grocery store, Wholly Guacamole strives to inspire, surprise and delight consumers. Wholly Guacamole is a brand of Texas-based Fresherized Foods, a global leader in food safety, quality and flavor innovation.

Walt Disney Studios Celebrates The Premiere Of The Lion King 3D (chipandco.com)
D23 Expo Attendees See Lion King 3D (chipandco.com)

Wholly Guacamole and Disney present The Lion King $5 Rebate Offer

Coming Soon! Rock Star Mickey Jams to a Store Near you!

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

Everyone’s favorite mouse is ready to rock the house!

Kids can jam along with Rock Star Mickey from Fisher-Price and Disney as he lights up the stage with his jammin’ guitar and rockin’ moves! Kids can learn how to rock along with Mickey in the “Rock Star 101” mode and show off their own moves as he takes to the stage with rock songs including “You Really Got Me.”

Mickey really gets things going as he sings with head bobs, kick-steps and finishes with his signature move — the Mickety-split where he plays the guitar with his nose! Mickey is hip, decked out from head to toe in rock star gear and cool shades, ready to give his fans the best show ever. Now, that’s one talented mouse!

Requires 4 AA batteries, included.

SRP: $54.99

Age: 2 years+

Availability: Sept. 6, 2011

Stay tuned to Chip and Co as we will be giving away a Rock Star Mickey in the next few weeks!

Constantine Maroulis Jams With Rock Star Mickey At D23 Expo (chipandco.com)
Rock Star Mickey Debuts at D23 Expo (chipandco.com)

Coming Soon! Rock Star Mickey Jams to a Store Near you!

Disney Unsure of Moving Forward With ‘Lone Ranger’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2011

Disney Unsure of Moving Forward With 'Lone Ranger'

Things are looking a bit grim for Gore Verbinski’s and Jerry Bruckheimer’s ‘Lone Ranger’ movie. Last month, Disney halted the production on the Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer starring project when the budget began moving over $250 million. All parties involved were told they had to get it down to $215 million or they wouldn’t do the film. After several weeks of tweaking the script and many of the main players taking a pay cut, they got the film down to the budget Disney wanted. But now it seems it may not be enough, because it seems Disney is unsure if they should move forward.

Deadline is reporting the story, which paints a very uncertain future for the film. The site says that Verbinski won’t go under $215 million because then the movie no longer becomes what he wanted, and Depp will only make the movie with Verbinski at the helm. But Disney really isn’t sure if they want to move forward. There are many rumors circulating that Disney has began looking for a new director to bring the budget down even further. If Disney were to find a new director, then they would be out their lead actor, Depp, who has done very well so far for the company with four ‘Pirates’ films and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. I’d really like to see what Verbinski, Depp, and Hammer have planned for the film, so I’m a little disheartened by the news. So I’m hoping it all plays out right and we still get their movie.

What do you guys think, should Disney move forward with the movie as is, or should they just pull the plug altogether on the project?

Adventures by Disney: New Destinations and Tours for 2012

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 3, 2011

Adventures by Disney: New Destinations and Tours for 2012

Adventures by Disney offers an unparalleled international family tour experience. You are guided through the most sought after international destinations by a trained tour guide, who walks you through all the history and culture your location has to offer.

Tour like a pro, without the worry and uncertainty that comes with International travel. Adventures by Disney takes care of everything including most of your meals, your luggage and your lodging.

There are three featured itineraries for 2012:

“Greek Odyssey”: Explore Athens, Santorini and Crete, highlights include storytelling at the Parthenon and sporting games at the home of hte modern Olympics (Panathinaiko Stadium). Stomp grapes (kids…adults drink the “grapes”) at a winery and then sail the Agean seas and learn from the locals about Tsatziki cheese making and Greek dancing.

“Pyramids, Pharaoh’s and Ancient Treasures”: Explore Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, the Nile and Sharm El Sheikh. Highlights include camelback tours of the Great Pyramids of Giza and a Nile river cruise to Luxor. See the Sphinx and learn about Tutankhamen’s tomb. Learn papyrus making, traditional cooking and hieroglyphic writing. Junior adventures will enjoy a scavenger hunt at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

“Esprit de France”: Explore Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley. Highlights include a drawing activity in Monet’s gardens, a visit to Chateau de Luce’ (the last known residence of Leonardo de Vinci) and enjoy a private dinner at the Louvre in Paris. Learn the art of brandy making, take a bike ride over the French countryside and spend the night in a Chateau. Visit Versailles, Mont Saint-Michael monastery, Omaha Beach and view the Bayeux Tapestry.

Upgraded itineraries include:

“Discovery Down Under”: This Australian adventure now includes a visit to Tasmania for a forest zipline experience, traditional cuisine at Kate’s Berry Farm and Meadowband Winery. You’ll also visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet the Tasmanian Devil!

“Grandiosos Galapagos”: Explore Darwin’s famous islands with seven nights aboard the Galapagos Explorer cruise ship. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and penguins and see giant tortoises.

“Cities of Knights and Lights”: Explore London and Paris, with a new trip to the British Countryside where you’ll play British lawn games and be treated like royalty at Windsor Castle.

Why Adventures by Disney? “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 clients can focus on discovering and exploring a new world and creating priceless vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

For more information about these and other destinations visit the Adventures by Disney website, or contact a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations.

2012 Walt Disney World Moms Panel Accepting Applications Beginning Sept. 12 (chipandco.com)

Adventures by Disney: New Destinations and Tours for 2012

SpiritHoods Expands Their Tribe in Celebration of the Brand-New Film Disney’s The Muppets

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

SpiritHoods, a manufacturer of unique animal-inspired faux fur accessories for men, women and children, and Disney Consumer Products will launch a new line inspired by The Muppets characters. The collection will be available this Fall for a limited time in conjunction with the release of Disney’s The Muppets in U.S. theaters on November 23, 2011.

The Muppets line will combine the distinctive and one-of-a-kind style of SpiritHoods with the classic features and personality of timeless Muppet characters including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and Gonzo in both kids and adult sizes. Miss Piggy’s design is a glamorous pink shawl, while the Kermit the Frog-inspired hood is bright green with big eyes and other classic Kermit characteristics. The collection ranges in price from $99 to $169 and will be available October 3rd in Fred Segal stores and on the SpiritHoods website.

“This is our first limited-edition collection and the SpiritHoods tribe is proud to be collaborating with such an iconic brand as The Muppets, their wild and varying characters lend themselves perfectly to our brand. There is definitely some good humor represented in this collection,” said SpiritHoods Co-Founder and Design Director Alexander Mendeluk. “Many members of the SpiritHoods tribe also grew up as Muppets fans and we’re looking forward to introducing our interpretation of these crazy characters.”

“The Muppets have long been beloved for their humor, pop-culture relevance and whimsy that appeals to fans of all ages,” said Soo Koo, Vice President of Fashion and Home Creative for Disney Consumer Products. “We liked SpiritHoods approach in using storytelling to develop design-driven lifestyle accessories that bring these favorite characters to life in a humorous way for both children and adults.”

The Muppets-themed SpiritHoods collection will also be making surprise appearances on guests during New York’s Fashion Night Out on September 8, 2011, so be on the lookout! With over 55 years of legacy, The Muppets are a classic American franchise with a fan base that spans the globe. Disney’s The Muppets film marks their return to the big screen for the first time in 12 years.

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All new Images from the Muppets Movie (chipandco.com)
Listen to the ‘Muppets: The Green Album’ for FREE! (chipandco.com)

September is Chock Full of Events at Disneyland Resort!

By

Chip

-

September 3, 2011

For those of you wondering if there are any fun signings or events taking place during the month of September, get ready to mark your calendars. Here is the official word from the Disneyland Merchandise Special Events team.

You may think you’re going Bonkers, but actually you’re right on target. The Disney Afternoon’s Bonkers D. Bobcat Vinylmation is set to make its debut September 2 at D Street with the help of Artist and Global Creativity and Innovation Director Chris Chapman. So don’t go nutty, go “bonkers!”

Taking place in Downtown Disney District on September 10 is the Harveys debut of the “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” seatbeltbag collection. Buckle up!

Up next is artisan Jim Shore. I know many of you are Disney Traditions and Jim Shore collectors – I know our family is. My mom has several Eeyore sculptures by Jim Shore, while my grandma favors anything with Pinocchio. Me? Well let’s just say mine is much more holiday focused and features a very well known reindeer. Jim will be on hand for a special appearance at the Disneyland Resort the weekend of September 17–18. For locations and times be sure to check out ArtofDisneyParks.com.

That same weekend, don’t forget Disney artists Brian Sandahl and Tim Wollweber will be haunting the Disneyana Shop with their array of Halloween and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” collectible merchandise. Joining them will be renowned doll artisan Linda Rick, who will be on hand to debut her new collection of Halloween-themed Disney and Precious Moments dolls.

You never know what else is “in store” so keep watching the Disney Parks Blog and www.ArtofDisneyParks.com so you don’t miss out.

September is Chock Full of Events at Disneyland Resort! by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A Tour Through New Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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September 3, 2011

One of my favorite moments at the recent D23 Expo was walking through the Carousel of Projects, an area full of displays, models and renderings of new projects coming soon to Disney Parks around the world. Inside, there were Cars Land ride vehicles, a model of Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theater at Disney California Adventure park, and much more. I have to say, it was a lot of fun to watch the reaction of expo attendees to all of the updated projects – especially to the model of New Fantasyland, which laid out just what this expanded area will look like when its complete.

The Carousel of Projects New Fantasyland display also featured a ton of previously unreleased renderings of the expansion, which Walt Disney Imagineering was happy to share with us. Check them out in the gallery below.

Which new attraction are you most looking forward to?

New Fantasyland will include an area dedicated to Beauty and The Beast, including Maurice’s Cottage (left) and Beast’s Castle (middle).

Once inside Maurice’s Cottage, guests can engage in a playful storytime with Belle and Lumiere.

Gaston’s Pub will be another highlight of this new area.

The interior of pub will be themed the one featured in the film – a hunting lodge full of antlers.

And of course, a portrait of Gaston will highlight the pub.

For more updates regarding New Fantasyland, check out the posts below:

A Tour Through New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

New Fantasyland Phased opening schedule revealed (yourhighwayinthesky.com)
Buena Vista Street Ready to Take Shape at Disney California Adventure Park (chipandco.com)

A Tour Through New Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom

All I really needed to know, I learned from Disney Cast Members.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 3, 2011

All I really needed to know, I learned from Disney Cast Members.

Do you remember that poem by Robert Fulgham “All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten”? Well as I was trying to fall asleep this idea seized my brain and I just had to write it out.

All I really needed to know I learned from Disney Cast Members. (Walt Disney World & Disneyland)

Do everything you can to make someones day magical!
If you know its someones birthday or anniversary you should ALWAYS tell them HAPPY BIRTHDAY or HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, people never get tired of you celebrating with them.
Even if you’re not in a good mood, you should fake it.
Fashion isn’t everything. (Just ask anybody who works at Epcot)
Always be extra nice to the people who “pay your salary”, even if they are cranky, mean, and don’t deserve it.
Even Princesses aren’t Perfect. (Even they need to wear wigs in order to keep their hair from frizzing in the humidity of Orlando.)
Make friends with total strangers and expect nothing in return.
Be culturally sensitive. A thumbs up gesture to a North American means something very different in other parts of the world.
Try something every day that scares you just a little bit (like Tower of Terror)
Act like every day is good enough to end with a parade and fireworks.
Some people are just cranky, its not necessarily your fault.
If you want to work your way up to being a CEO you should get ok with sweeping the streets.
Answer the question. Just because someone asked you that same question 10 minutes ago doesn’t mean you should get exasperated. The person who asked you now doesn’t even KNOW the person 10 minutes ago.
Everyday you go to work, try to make it one of the Happiest Places on Earth!
Don’t stare at people when their kids go into melt-down. It only makes them more angry.
Always be able to tell people where the bathrooms are. It makes you valuable.
Never think you’re too good or be too proud to clean up puke.
If you keep making that face it will stick that way is a good thing when that face is a smile.
Just because you’ve done something hundreds of times doesn’t mean you’re entitled to suck the fun out of it for everybody else.
Be child-like every day.
Smile when you see old couples holding hands and people dancing in the streets with their children.
If you don’t know the answer FIND SOMEONE WHO DOES.
Everybody needs to wait their turn.
Being sarcastic is not acceptable to someone you don’t know.
Never force a child to do something they’re uncomfortable with. (like riding Space Mountain for instance!)
Make any guests in your home feel 100% welcome and comfortable.
Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can get you a tour-guide that knows what the heck they’re doing and a room in on the Monorail loop.
Take pride in whatever you do (someone has to operate Country Bear Jamboree after all!)
When someone’s an excellent leader, follow them (Thanks Walt!)
Always, always, step away from the monorail doors when they’re closing.

What about you, what are some life- lessons you have learned from Disney Cast-Members?

Disney World Training 101: Package Delivery before you arrive (chipandco.com)
What level of Disney Addicts are your Chip and Co Writers? (chipandco.com)

All I really needed to know, I learned from Disney Cast Members.

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