Home Blog Page 4945

Disney Store Repunzel Sweepstakes

Disney Store Repunzel Sweepstakes

The Disney Store is giving you a chance to win a Trip for 4 to the royal celebrations at Kennsington Palace in London England where they will crown the new Princess Rapunzel!

For full details and to enter just click here!

Good Luck

Disney Store Repunzel Sweepstakes

Listen to the ‘Muppets: The Green Album’ for FREE!

Listen to the 'Muppets: The Green Album' for FREE!

How would you like to listen to the all new Muppets Green Album before it even comes out in stores? How bout For Free? Well do I have the hookup for you!

For a limited time you can Hear ‘The Green Album’ In Its Entirety! or if you have a certain song you want to Hear Individual Tracks From The Album.

Here is the track listing:

  1. The Muppet Show Theme” (OK Go)
  2. The Rainbow Connection” (Weezer and Hayley Williams)
  3. Mahna Mahna” (The Fray)
  4. Movin’ Right Along” (Aklaline Trio)
  5. Our World” (My Morning Jacket)
  6. Halfway Down the Stairs” (Amy Lee)
  7. Mr. Bassman” (Sondre Lerche)
  8. Wishing Song” (The Airborne Toxic Event)
  9. Night Life” (Brandon Saller and Billy Martin)
  10. Bein’ Green” (Andrew Bird)
  11. I Hope That Somethin’ Better Comes Along” (Matt Nathanson)
  12. I’m Going to Go Back There Someday” (Rachael Yamagata)

Muppets: The Green Album will be available to buy on CD and MP3 on August 23rd.

About the Muppets Movie:

When Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.

  • ‘The Muppets’ Raise the Curtain November 23 (chipandco.com)
  • Muppets The Green Album Details and Track Listing (chipandco.com)
Listen to the 'Muppets: The Green Album' for FREE!

Reservations Open Today for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Events

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Ready, set, dial! If you’re hoping to snag tickets for a coveted event at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Tuesday is the opening day for reservations. To secure a spot at special culinary events and experiences, call (407) WDW-FEST (407-939-3378). Admission to Epcot is required for many of the events.

Foodies will love the First Bites Opening Reception on Sept. 29, a sneak peek at the food, beverages and entertainment for the festival. Me? I’m looking forward to sugary Sundays – Sweet Sundays in the mornings with a bounteous buffet, sparkling wines and notable chefs showing off signature desserts (like Cake Boss Buddy Valastro’s tiramisu on Oct. 9), and The Discovery of Chocolate on select Sunday afternoons with chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate with paired wines. Or, if you prefer your sweets at the end of the day, check out the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery, lots of sweets with IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth as the finale.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Fantastic cheese seminars, Sunday afternoon wine schools, special eats at the Italy, France and Mexico Pavilions, and over-the-top dinners hosted in Disney resort hotels, it’s a frenzy of delicious food and drink. Paring down is the hard part.

Of course there are plenty of complimentary events too, like this year’s HGTV Home Entertaining Seminars on weekends at the festival center. And we’re happy sipping and strolling around World Showcase at Epcot – go early on a weekday if you want to sidestep the crowds. Our strategy: share and try lots of tastes. We can’t wait to try the jerk-spiced chicken with mango chutney from the new Caribbean marketplace, or the new fried kasseri cheese with honey at the Greece marketplace. And to go back for the lobster and scallop pie at the Ireland marketplace.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

For a listing of events, go to Disneyworld.com/foodandwine. The festival runs Sept. 30-Nov. 13.

Do you have a favorite event you’d recommend?

Source Disney Parks Blog

Reservations Open Today for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Events

Reservations Open Today for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Events

Disney star Orlando Brown is arrested for drunk driving

Disney star Orlando Brown is arrested for drunk driving

According to the UK site Mail Online Disney’s ‘That so Raven Star’ Orlando Brown has been charged with drunk driving.

The 23-year-old, who is also a rapper, was taken intro custody by the Los Angeles Police Department West Traffic Division and booked at the Hollywood station.

He was released on his own recognizance at 7.42am on Saturday morning, which means he was bailed on the condition he attends court.

LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera had no further details about the circumstances of Brown’s arrest.

It had been claimed the star had been stopped behind the wheel with his pregnant girlfriend in the passenger seat and had been posted on $15,000 bail, but the star’s manager Reno Rankin said that was untrue.

He said: ‘There was no $15,000 bail, he was released on his own recognizance.

Click here to keep reading more.

 

Disney star Orlando Brown is arrested for drunk driving

Panasonic Named Exclusive Sponsor of D23 Expo

Panasonic Named Exclusive Sponsor of D23 Expo

Panasonic has become the exclusive consumer electronics sponsor of Disney’s D23 Expo 2011, held August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, which is adjacent to the iconic Disneyland Resort.

The agreement was announced today by Steven Clark, Head of D23, and Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Chief Technology Officer, Panasonic Corporation of North America.

“D23’s first signature event surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “We’re thrilled that Panasonic will be joining us for the festivities.”

This year’s D23 Expo brings together two 3D pioneers: Panasonic, the acknowledged leader in 3D for the home, which offers an extensive lineup of the finest 3D plasma and LCD displays plus award-winning 3D-capable Blu-ray™ disc players; and The Walt Disney Studios, an industry leader in the creation and distribution of digital 3D filmed entertainment.

“There is a great fit between our two brands,” said Panasonic’s Eisuke Tsuyuzaki. “The Walt Disney Studios makes incredible 3D entertainment, and there’s no better way to watch it in the home than on a Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D TV. The D23 Expo is the perfect venue for us to showcase our latest offerings to Disney’s enthusiastic and loyal fan base.”

The first D23 Expo attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans, bringing the entire world of Disney to one central location. During the D23 Expo, fans were treated to appearances by superstars; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for three full days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” on Twitter and Facebook.

  • Marvel Studios Makes Appearance at D23 Expo (chipandco.com)
Panasonic Named Exclusive Sponsor of D23 Expo

All New! Enchanted Tiki Room Full Show

All New! Enchanted Tiki Room Full Show

After months of closure and years of “Under New Management,” Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room has reopened at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando in a classic version, featuring sing-along songs and familiar characters, without Iago and Zazu.

Visit http://www.InsideTheMagic.net for much more from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room!

  • Tiki Room Reopening Slated for Aug. 15, 2011 (chipandco.com)
  • Enchanted Tiki Room’ Returns to Magic Kingdom August 2011 (chipandco.com)
All New! Enchanted Tiki Room Full Show

Around the “Disney” World – Streets of America

Around the "Disney" World - Streets of America

Streets of America, is a walkthrough area in Hollywood Studios.  Here you can literally walk down the streets of New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.  Characters can be found here often and there are great opportunities for some fun pictures as well! Play close attention to detail and you could find yourself spending more time then you’d expect walking through!

The annual Osborne Spectacle of Lights is held here during the holiday season (mid-November through early-January) where the “buildings” are decorated to the nines and its even been known to snow as crooners like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra can be heard singing holiday favorites!

You can also stop at the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area here! This is a great stop for playtime for kids and some more great photo ops!  There are also often snack carts found throughout the area as well as Herbie’s Drive-In which is open seasonally and features some counter service options!

 

Chip & Company Week in Review, August 15, 2011

Chip & Company Week in Review, August 15, 2011

I hope you all had a great week last week!  There were a lot of news reports on Chip & Company last week, so let’s take a look at some of the ones that you might have missed:

  • In our latest Fantasyland Expansion update, we learned about the innovative technology that the Walt Disney Imagineers are using in the construction and design of the expansion.
  • Are you a fan of the Starcatcher series of books for young adults?  If you are, then you’ll enjoy learning that Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson are at it again in the release of their new book, “The Bridge to Never Land”.
  • Do you love food as much as I do?  Well, if you love food, and want a great value, check out the deals you can get over at Disneyland Resort!
  • As the days continue to count down to D23, more details keep emerging.  Check out the latest news to come out about best-selling authors, exclusive giveaways, and interactive surprises!
  • Did you see the Disney movie Prom?  If you are looking to add it to your collection at home, you’ll enjoy knowing that the movie arrives in stores on August 30th.
  • One of our new writers, Danny (welcome aboard Danny!) writes about Disney discontinuing some aspects of the Grand Gathering Celebrations.
  • Did you see the medallion that they will be giving to finishers of the 2012 Walt Disney Half Marathon?  Marathon Weekend is January 5-8, 2012, and this is the 15th anniversary of the race!
  • Our friends at Character Central bring us information about the latest Disney Character News and Rumors for August.
  • Michele brought us news over $1 million dollars worth of black market tickets were confiscated recently.  Check out her piece on what to look for when buying tickets.
  • Lastly, Hong Kong Disney is celebrating it’s fifth anniversary this year, and to help celebrate the occasion, they are transforming the castle into “Tinker Bell Castle!”

That’s our look at some of the news stories from last week, now let’s take a look at some of the incredible original articles that our writers produce each and every day!  Enjoy!

  • In one of our Disney Food Confessions, Chip writes about his obsession with the Dessert Trio!
  • In our Around the “Disney” World series, this week we were looking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Brenda brought us her take on Animation Courtyard.
  • Do you hunt for Character autographs when you go to the parks?  If so, the DisneyDiva brings you her top five places to find those great autographs!

That’s all we have for you this week.  I hope you have a terrific week, and remember to check out Chip & Company often for the latest in Disney News, Views, Giveaways, and more!  Don’t forget to also check out the Chip & Company Facebook Page, as well as our new page Disney for Seniors and the group we created for those Disney Addicts like us!

  • Now available: The Bridge to Never Land by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson (chipandco.com)
  • Disney Presents Best-Selling Authors, Exclusive Giveaways, And Interactive Surprises At D23 Expo (chipandco.com)
Chip & Company Week in Review, August 15, 2011

Disney files construction permits for former Pleasure Island clubs

Hyperion Wharf Concept
Hyperion Wharf Concept Sketch

A notice of commencement form filed by Disney on August 4 announces that “improvements will be made to certain retail property” and specifically cites Mannequins, BET Soundstage, Adventurer’s Club, and the Comedy Warehouse.  The forms noted by the Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia provide only a broad description with little insight into the nature of the upcoming project.

The Notice of Commencement does, however, specify that whatever plans Disney has for Pleasure Island include the basic structures of the mentioned clubs.  No permits have been filed for demolition; instead the documents specify renovation and construction.

With Disney’s July 12 announcement that construction would be pausing for a re-evaluation of the master plan, the announcement of new construction is surprising, particularly so soon after the announced halt. Neither the permits nor the announcement of the Pleasure Island construction pause mention Hyperion Wharf, the shopping and dining area announced as the new plan for Pleasure Island in November 2009.

Hyperion Wharf was proposed as an area loosely themed to a turn-of-the-century wharf that offered an expansion of shopping and dining without any clearly defined entertainment options. The new construction filed for the area could be the next phase in Hyperion Wharf development, but fans of the former Pleasure Island will wait for further announcement from Disney regarding possible entertainment or further theming of the currently unused 1.5 miles of Downtown Disney.

Disney files construction permits for former Pleasure Island clubs

2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Special Festival Experiences

2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Special Festival ExperiencesFrom educational experiences to sumptuous tastings to specialty shopping, Festival Guests enjoy a variety of culinary experiences at little to no extra cost.

Most of these events, seminars and demonstrations can be found at the Festival Welcome Center at Epcot Theme Park, unless otherwise indicated.

New Offerings Included in Festival Admission

Cranberry Bog Display – NEW!: Before entering World Showcase, visit the Cranberry Bog Display, hosted by Ocean Spray® Craisins® dried cranberries. Learn about the history, harvesting process and health benefits as you sample this unique fruit.

Home Entertaining Seminar Hosted by HGTV – NEW!: In this new, 30-minute seminar, HGTV celebrity designers show you how to create the ultimate entertainment room. Learn about holiday table setting, herb and vegetable gardening, and kitchen/dining room designs. Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

 

  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, Vern Yip, “HGTV Design Star “and “HGTV Urban Oasis”
  • Oct. 7 – 9, Monica Pedersen, “Designed to Sell”
  • Oct. 14 – 16, Erin Loechner, “Design Happens”
  • Oct. 21 – 23, Taniya Nayak, “Designed to Sell”
  • Oct. 28 – 30, Kim Stoegbauer, “On-line Party Inspiration”
  • Nov. 4 – 6, Lisa LaPorta, “Designed to Sell”
  • Nov. 11 – 13, Emily Henderson, “Secrets from a Stylist” and Season 5 winner of “HGTV Design Star”

Additional Offerings Included in Festival Admission

Authors Without Borders: Renowned authors from the food and beverage industry discuss their craft. Times vary on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hosted by Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries.

Authentic Taste Seminars: Learn about the origins, properties and history of pure ingredients in lively, 30-minute presentations by subject experts. On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Hosted by Driscoll’s® Only The Finest Berries™.

Book Signings and Meet & Greets: Meet celebrated authors and personalities, and have them autograph your purchased book or merchandise. Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.

Bottle Signings: Meet the winemaker and have your purchased bottle of wine autographed—great for a souvenir or special occasion! Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.

Seasons of the Vine: View a “behind-the-scenes introduction” to wine growing. This 7-minute film runs continuously each day.

Shopping & Specialty Products

The Cellar: The wine shop offers hundreds of wines from the celebrated wineries showcased throughout the Festival, as well as spirits, beers and a unique collection of bottles.

Intermissions Café: Indulge in wine, cheese and light snacks at this venue hosted by Kobrand™.

The Stockpot Shop: Shop for commemorative items, such as the event poster, Festival cookbook and an extensive selection of cooking and entertaining products.

Tasteful Chapters: The official book-signing location for celebrity chefs and authors, our book shop also offers collectible Festival-themed mini Disney Gift Cards, which make it easy to pay for so much fun at the Festival!

Demonstrations & Seminars (Additional Fee Required)

Learn to create mouthwatering recipes or learn a little more about food and wine.

The following seminars and demonstrations are available at a fee, in addition to your Epcot Theme Park admission.

Culinary Demonstrations: Celebrated chefs and beverage professionals offer helpful tips and tasty samples at these 45-minute culinary demonstrations. At 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. $11 and $13 per person, tax included. For additional details about these seminars—including the scheduled wines and beverages—click here to view the information. Schedule is subject to change.

Mixology Seminars – NEW!: A mixologist demonstrates the art of preparing trendy and classic cocktails, then serves you the final product. Cheers! At 6:00 p.m. daily. $12 per person, tax included. For additional details about these seminars—including the scheduled wines and beverages—click here to view the information. Schedule is subject to change.

Scent Demonstration – NEW!: Join scent critic Chandler Burr for a unique double-culinary experience—a meal made entirely of scents! You’ll also get to taste one of the courses, prepared by a Disney chef. Sunday, Oct. 2 from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. $13 per person, tax included.

Wine/Beverage Seminars: Meet a featured winery principal or beverage expert, learn a handful of tips and sample the selected wines/beverages. At noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. $10 and $12 per person, tax included. For additional details about these seminars—including the scheduled wines and beverages—click here to view the information. Schedule is subject to change.

To secure a spot at any of the above events, book online or call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378. Reservations open for booking on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance.

2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Special Festival Experiences

Around The ‘Disney’ World – Hollywood Studios’ Echo Lake Area

Around The 'Disney' World - Hollywood Studios' Echo Lake Area

There are only a few ‘lands’ at Walt Disney World where you get the variety you get the Echo Lake area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This variety is in both attractions and dining venues. As far as attractions, we have a relatively new attraction in the American Idol Experience, an old solid standby in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, an attraction that is and has been in limbo for an extended period of time in Sounds Dangerous, and finally a long standing favorite that has just undergone a HUGE update and refurbishment in Star Tours II. As you can see there seems to one of everything at Echo Lake.

  • American Idol Experience – This one has seen a lot of success. It’s modeled after the huge television show and operates the same way except that auditions and voting for an ‘Idol’ don’t take place over a period of weeks but rather in one day. Auditions and initial voting are done in the morning with the finals later in the day. Check your times guide for the exact times for each phase.
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – This one has been around for a very long time and still draws large crowds for each show. The different scenes that take place during the show are loosely borrowed from the Indiana Jones series of films. They choose a number of folks from the audience to participate with the Cast Members so if you want to be chosen dress brightly and when they ask for volunteers be VERY enthusiastic.
  • Sounds Dangerous – You may or may not get to see this show during this visit because this C-Ticket attraction operates very seasonally (read that only when crowds are seasonally huge). I haven’t seen it for a number of years because we generally travel at slower times of the year. If it is operating give it a try especially if you are a Drew Carey fan, it’s entertaining but can be very loud and may scare the younger children.
  • Star Tours II: The Adventure Continues – I can’t wait to give this one a try in October. I rode it in 2009 before the upgrade and it was fun then but 3-D, assorted pilots, and different adventures WOW!! If you have motion issues ask the Cast Member to sit you in the front row because it’s less disturbing to your equilibrium. It shouldn’t be too difficult to get that front row seat because all of the hard core riders will be fighting for the back row.

There is also a lot of dining variety so I’ll be brief with each one but will give you an idea of what to expect:

  • Backlot Express – This counter service location is tucked between Indiana Jones and Stat Tours and you will rarely find large crowds here. They serve the basic burgers and dogs but also have some sandwiches and salads. The food is good and this is a good choice for a counter service meal.
  • 50’s Prime Time Cafe – This is one of our absolute favorites (eating there twice in October). The setting is a 50’s kitchen and the Cast Members act as your relatives. Play along and you will have a fun time but if you don’t want to play the Cast Members are excellent at sensing this and will not force the fun on you. The food is excellent and there is a lot of variety. The milk shakes are amazing. Just remember, eat all your vegetables and keep your elbows off the table. You have been warned!!!
  • Hollywood And Vine – We are not buffet fans but this one is actually quite good. It’s designed like an old Hollywood Cafeteria and the breakfast and lunch meals are character meals with the gang from Playhouse Disney. Dinner is not a character meal. There is a lot of variety and the menu does change on a fairly regular basis. There is an ice cream bar where you can make your own desserts and the children actually have their own buffet line.
  • Snack Shops – There are three locations in the Echo Lake area serving different items. Dinosaur Gertie’s (see the picture above) has ice cream treats, Peevy’s Polar Pipeline has cold beverages some of which are frozen, and Min & Bills serves ice cream type drinks and other light fare. Pick one depending upon what strikes your fancy.

Disney’s Hollywood  Studios is one of our favorite parks and the Echo Lake area is one of the most fun in the park. Take some time to enjoy it. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Photo By Disney

Around The 'Disney' World - Hollywood Studios' Echo Lake Area

Disney’s Lone Ranger gets the boot

Disney's Lone Ranger gets the boot

According to several sources on the internet production on Disney’s Lone Ranger has stopped. Some additional sources are saying that the movie has been cut completely.

The Lone Ranger from Gore Verbinski that would have starred Johnny Depp was Disney Big production for 2012. It appears the film was too expensive to the tune of 250 MILLION DOLLARS.

Here are the details from Deadline:

In a stunning development, Disney has shut down production on The Lone Ranger, the Gore Verbinski-directed period Western that was to star Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the title character. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and the script is by Justin Haythe.

I’m told this all just happened, and Disney pulled the plug because of the budget. I’ve heard the filmmakers were trying to reduce the film’s cost from $250 million (some even say $275 million) down to $232 million. But it wasn’t the $200 million that Disney wanted to spend. And between Depp, Bruckheimer, and Verbinski, the gross outlay on the film is substantial.

Click here to keep reading.

  • Hi-No Silver! Disney’s Lone Ranger Production Stopped (yourhighwayinthesky.com)
Disney's Lone Ranger gets the boot