How about we kick off this week with a look at what’s to come at Epcot? This summer, we’ll be offering great tunes at the park from some of the world’s best tribute bands during the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. It all happens at the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase beginning in June, and this year, we’re featuring a lineup of bands playing tribute to tunes from U2, The Bee Gees, Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi and others. Here’s the schedule:
Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles, 6/12-18/11
Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees, 6/19-25/11
Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute, 6/26-7/2/11
Little Queen – The Music of Heart, 7/3-9/11
Frontiers – A Tribute to Journey, 7/10-16/11
Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson, 7/17-23/11
2U – A Tribute to U2, 7/24-30/11
Epcot concert times are 5:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. However, on July 4, the times will be 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. And of course, entertainment is subject to change without notice. So, who are you looking forward to hearing this summer?
My name is Brenda Kenworthy. I am a working wife and mom of 3 with a passion for Disney; specifically, Walt Disney the man and Walt Disney World, the happiest place on earth.
I have been a Disney fan since my visits to WDW as a teenager. I have visited 16 times now and it is definitely the vacation destination of choice for my family.
Why did I want to start a blog?
I have gained a lot of knowledge over the years about the parks, and about Walt Disney the man, the husband, the creator, the visionary and the Christian. He has been one of the greatest examples in my life. Walt hoped for a better world; a world where everyone could live together in harmony and brotherhood. I have the same dream for our world. I also have a passion for writing so I am hoping to write in a way that inspires others to reach for the stars as well.
The site includes lots of random Disney thoughts as well as posts on life in general. I love sharing the Disney magic with anyone who will listen and hope to build relationships with other Disney lovers.
What can you expect to see posted?
I think a happy life is achieved through many different aspects: good values, good family relationships, good friendships, good health and a good daily dose of Disney in your life. Above all, faith in something greater than ourselves is absolutely essential in my mind.
On my blog, I post things I have found useful in all of these areas. Whether it is lessons I have learned, neat things I have discovered, or passing on life-enriching opportunities, savings, or products. After all, how could I try to help others increase the happiness in their lives if I don’t share what I have with them? Walt said, “There is great comfort and inspiration in this feeling of close human relationships”. I take his example very seriously.
I named my blog Ideally Disney because that describes the perfect world as I see it. I hope that every visitor will feel right at home and I encourage you all to share your thoughts with me; thoughts on Disney, life as we know it, and life as it could be. You can click on this link to say hello. You can also visit and “Like” my Facebook page (Ideally Disney) or “Follow” me on Twitter (bootsietx). It’s always wonderful to meet new Disney friends! Have a magical day!
“AFRICAN CATS” POSTS STRONG ADVANCE SALES IN SUPPORT OF AFRICAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION INITIATIVE
With more than $1.7 Million in Advance Sales, Disneynature Already Set to Save More Than 9,500 Acres… and Still Counting
“African Cats” Motion Picture Opens on Earth Day, April 22, 2011
“African Cats” is still more than two weeks from opening on Earth Day, but moviegoers have already bought $1.7 million in tickets to see the movie during its opening week (April 22-28) and save the African savanna in the process. Thanks to the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, Disneynature’s pledge to make a contribution in honor of everyone who sees the film opening week already translates to more than 9,500 acres of land within Kenya’s Amboseli Wildlife Corridor—and that number continues to rise.
“We are very impressed with the passion people are showing for ‘African Cats’—advance ticket sales for this film have surpassed both ‘Earth’ and ‘Oceans’ at this stage of the game, which shows how excited moviegoers are for both the movie and the ‘Save the Savanna’ initiative,” said Alan Bergman, president, The Walt Disney Studios. “The Amboseli Corridor is an essential passage utilized by so many animals in the African savanna. The advance ticket sales so far will allow Disneynature with African Wildlife Foundation’s assistance to conserve more than 9,500 acres of this passage—which equates to 19 Disney’s Animal Kingdoms, or nearly two-thirds the size of Manhattan—and we still have two weeks till opening day.”
“The ‘See “African Cats,” Save the Savanna’ program transforms the movie going experience into tangible on-the-ground conservation action. The commitment of Disneynature combined with the passion of moviegoers will raise critical funds to conserve the land that the magnificent species featured in ‘African Cats’ call home,” said Dr. Patrick Bergin, CEO, African Wildlife Foundation. “Through this amazing collaboration, we celebrate our 50th Anniversary together with Disneynature and all the people who are helping establish the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor.”
“See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” continues Disneynature’s conservation efforts, which began with its first release, “Earth” (2009), for which three million trees were planted in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. The program in support of “Oceans” (2010) helped establish 40,000 acres of marine protected areas in The Bahamas, which contain miles of vital coral reef.
“SEE ‘AFRICAN CATS,’ SAVE THE SAVANNA” During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to ensure the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. The AWF will be working to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by a variety of wildlife.
The film, which will be released in theaters worldwide, opens in North America on April 22, 2011. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are already available in the United States by calling 1-888-DISNEY6. Tickets are also available online at www.disney.com/africancats.
There are also a number of innovative online efforts underway that allow moviegoers to pledge their commitment to the film and in doing so, support the cause.
ABOUT THE MOVIE An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. For more information about the movie and the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, check out Disney.com/AfricanCats.
ABOUT AWF Founded in 1961, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is a conservation organization focused solely on the African continent. AWF’s programs and conservation strategies are based on sound science and designed to protect both the wild lands and wildlife of Africa and ensure a more sustainable future for Africa’s people. Since its inception AWF has protected endangered species and land, promoted partnerships with the private sector for conservation tourism to benefit local African communities as a means to improve livelihoods, and trained hundreds of African nationals in conservation—all to ensure the survival of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife heritage. AWF is a non-profit organization currently operating in 14 countries across the continent. AWF is a registered 501(c)(3) in the United States. Visit www.awf.org.
ABOUT DISNEYNATURE Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years, was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife subjects and stories with theatrical audiences. “Earth” (opening Earth Day 2009) was the first film to premiere domestically under the new label, and garnered a record-breaking opening weekend for a nature documentary. Its “Buy a Ticket, Plant a Tree” initiative led to the planting of three million trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Hitting theaters on April 22, 2010, “Oceans” was the third highest grossing feature-length nature film in history. Its “See ‘Oceans,’ Save Oceans” initiative helped establish 40,000 acres of marine protected area in The Bahamas, preserving essential coral reefs. Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1949 and 1960, which earned eight Academy Awards®. For more information about Disneynature, check out disneynature.com like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Disneynature, and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature. For more information about the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, please visit Disney.com/conservation.
ABOUT DISNEY WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION FUND The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has advanced Disney’s legacy of conservation to inspire people and partnerships to protect the world’s wildlife. To date, the DWCF has granted more than $14 million in 110 countries. DWCF is a Disney initiative to support conservation and animal welfare and is not a US 501(c)(3) public charity. More information about DWCF’s efforts for wildlife, wild places and the people linked to their survival, is available at www.disney.com/conservation.
The Beast’s Castle rises above the Fantasyland skyline, we have views from it from a variety of areas including Dumbo and the Astro Orbiter! You can see the rock work and more as well. Watch as a turret is lifted to the castle!
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is offering those wishing to witness the royal wedding in a grand setting, but unable to make the trip to London, a chance to experience the next best thing. The Orlando hotel will be broadcasting the event live on large screens in the lobby of the Dolphin, allowing guests to gather and enjoy this once-in-a-generation moment together.
On display in the lobby will be a replica of the 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring Prince William gave to Kate Middleton and a royal tiara, both constructed entirely from sugar by the hotel’s executive pastry chef and two-time world pastry champion Laurent Branlard.
To round out the experience, guests will be able to enjoy complimentary English-style breakfast items as they watch the event.
When:
5:00am, April 29
Ceremony begins at 6:00am (11:00am in London)
Where:
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Dolphin Lobby
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830
Who:
The event is free and open to hotel guests and the public
Reservations: Stay the night and get some extra rest before the festivities start. Rates start at $199 per night. Call 1-800-227-1500 or visit www.swandolphin.com
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500 or www.swandolphin.com
Great news everyone! Chip and Company has partnered with one of the best Disney Guidebooks and Forums on the planet!! I am excited to announce that Passporter is our official Disney Forum and Premier Disney Planning Guide.
To enter today’s giveaway of the Disney 500 Tips paperback is tell us a Tip you have learned either from the Chip and Co site or from visiting Disney yourself. For example one of the biggest tips I tell new people heading to the parks is wear comfortable shoes. Walking around in Flip Flops all day is not good for you and you will get tired alot sooner than if you wore walking shoes.
It is just that easy. I will pick one person from all that entries tonight at midnight to win this awesome Disney 500 Tips paperback guidebook!
Remember the more you post and share the better your chances are to win. So post, tweet, and share as often as you like!
I will post the winners name in Facebook so be sure to use a valid name and a way to contact me below. Bonus entries will go out to anyone who Tweets, or Shares this Giveaway on Facebook (Like or Share Buttons)
Good Luck Everyone!
P.S. – If you didn’t want to wait to win you could always purchase the Passporter Guidebooks at the links above!
Related articles
Disney Planning 101: Which guidebook or online subscription is right for you? (chipandco.com)
Crunch Pak, the industry leader in fresh sliced apples, is collaborating with Disney Consumer Products (DCP) to introduce a line of fresh sliced apple products featuring popular Disney characters such as Phineas and Ferb.
Previously branded Disney Garden and featuring Disney·Pixar Toy Story characters, the new line is co-branded by Crunch Pak and Disney for the first time.
Crunch Pak and Disney-branded produce products feature packaging changes including an update to the recognizable stylized green leaf bearing the Disney logo; placement of nutritional information on the front of packaging; and the addition of the Disney Magic of Healthy Living logo.
Last month, DCP announced its commitment to helping families eat healthier foods by expanding its produce offering to make Disney-branded produce widely available and offer more product variety.
“Crunch Pak’s fresh experience coupled with the power and equity of the Disney brand and characters will deliver excitement at the store level for our growing category,” Freytag said.
Crunch Pak is continuing to produce its FOODLES™ line. Packaged in the shape of Mickey Mouse and featuring Mickey and friends characters, FOODLES™ feature an assortment of healthy snack food options including apples, grapes, cheese and pretzels.
Crunch Pak and Disney-branded produce products are available to retail customers nationwide. For more information visit www.crunchpak.com.
Disney has been a lifelong love for me. I ran the parks like they were my own personal playground for years. On a regular basis during my college years and the years following, I traveled to Orlando for mostly 1-2 day trips and new how to run Park Commando and not miss a thing. But, in December of 2009, everything changed. My son was born.
I originally assumed that once I had a baby, I would take a break from the parks for a few years. Why go when they can’t remember, right? And, what a hassle that would be, to take a baby to Walt Disney World. Everywhere I looked online, people suggested to just skip the trip and wait. But, that just wasn’t good enough for me. I regularly visit family in Florida and it’s just too hard to stay away. So, along with one of my closest college friends and her daughter, a mere 6 months older than my son, we planned a trip to Walt Disney World.
I started searching and googling left and right for travel tips and I couldn’t find any. That’s when I called my friend and got her on board in starting the Disney Babies Blog. I knew very little about blogging, but read several on a regular basis (that list has increased exponentially). And, I didn’t know anything about traveling with a 6 month old, but I was about to learn and decided to share my experiences.
Disney Babies Blog is about many things – everything from travel tip, advice, and suggestions,Walt Disney World restaurant reviews (Foodie Fridays!), to my own personal experiences with a baby. At 16 months, my son has already spent 7 days Park Hopping at the Walt Disney World Resort, and my co-blogger’s 22 month old daughter has spent 10.
I love my blog, as it as an outlet for my love of Disney and all the magical experiences that I am sharing with my son. I hope you enjoy reading the blog and connecting with me, here at Chip and Company, on twitter @Disneybabiesblg, or at my blog’s facebook page!
Just a few days ago, I was lucky enough to receive a few samples of GoGosqueeZ, the first squeezable, re-sealable, 100 perfect fruit, applesauce snack in the US. This year, at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, being held now through May 15th, GoGosqueeZ,is proud to sponsor, festival-goers during certain weekends will be offered samples of this creative and healthy treat.
GoGo squeeZis basically applesauce in a pouch. I was lucky enough to receive 3 flavors – Apple Cinnamon, Apple Banana, and Apple Strawberry, only 3 of the 5 flavors that contain no refined sugar and are Kosher certified. Re-sealable pouches with straws, these are toddler and kid friendly – they require no refrigeration, no spoon or bowl.
I came home from work to find a Fed Ex box in my door. My 16 month old son was sick and hadn’t eaten much all day. But, once I opened the box to find the GoGosqueeZ, I quickly opened up the Apple Banana and handed it to him. He ate the entire thing very quickly, and having not eaten much all day, he quickly moved on to eating the Apple Cinnamon one as well. I tasted both, and, they tasted exactly as their description, like a high quality apple sauce. Not only was my sick son finally eating, he was eating 100% fruit – and he had fun eating!
In past trips, I’ve brought regular little tubs of applesauce with spoons onto planes (and even had them tested going through airport security!), but always avoided feeding them because of the mess. Now, I’ll definitely be stocking up on these for plane trips and of course, trips to Disney!
For more information about GoGosqueeZ, find them on their facebook page or stop by their exhibit at the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival!
**GoGoSqueeZ supplied me with samples, but the opinions are all my own!**
Great news everyone! Chip and Company has partnered with one of the best Disney Guidebooks and Forums on the planet!! I am excited to announce that Passporter is our official Disney Forum and Premier Disney Planning Guide.
To enter today’s giveaway of the Free-Book paperback all you have to do is tell us if you have every received anything FREE from Disney? I remember on our last trip my daughter had her nose plastered against the glass at Main St Bakery and one of the ladies gave her this marshmallow covered in chocolate and sprinkles and totally made her day. I want to her your stories about FREE things your received!
It is just that easy. I will pick one person from all that entries tonight at midnight to win this awesome Free-Book paperback guidebook!
Remember the more you post and share the better your chances are to win. So post, tweet, and share as often as you like!
I will post the winners name in Facebook so be sure to use a valid name and a way to contact me below. Bonus entries will go out to anyone who Tweets, or Shares this Giveaway on Facebook (Like or Share Buttons)
Good Luck Everyone!
P.S. – If you didn’t want to wait to win you could always purchase the Passporter Guidebooks at the links above!
Related articles
Disney Planning 101: Which guidebook or online subscription is right for you? (chipandco.com)
Just in time for Easter, Disney has hooked us up with 2 Bambi Easter Baskets to Giveaway on Chip and Company!
This cool Easter-themed basket contains
BAMBI Diamond Edition 2-Disk Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray & DVD)
one large size and one mini- sized Bambi plush character plush
playful pal Thumper plush
Bambi collectable Lunch Box
Bambi-themed flower seeds (to sprout a spring garden)
. . . all in a single basket themed with Easter eggs and more!
Celebrating the season AND the limited time Blu-ray BAMBI Diamond Edition release, this colorful basket contains items with a value of over $75 (SRP).
Remember you can pick up Bambi Diamond Edition pack in stores or just about anywhere online!
The new BAMBI Diamond Edition 2-Disc Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) is available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, itfeatures the loveable and adorable wide-eyed fawn and his forest friendsin Blu-ray high-definition.
The Diamond Edition debut of BAMBI, Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic, is an endearing tale about a young prince of the forest who learns valuable life-lessons about friendship, love, and the miracle of life. The movie is a must-own coming-of-age story that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has especially packaged with families in mind – providing theultimate, interactive hi-def home entertainment experience with a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.
Our writer Anne’s had a chance to review Bambi on Bluray – Review: Bambi on Bluray – The Rebirth of the Little Prince so be sure to check it out!
On the left side of the page you will see a new item called ‘Suggest This’ (click that)
Follow Step 1 and become a Fan if you are not already.
Next Follow Step 2 and Suggest Chip and Co. to Your Friends (The service allows for 8 at a time)
For a Bonus Entry after you Followed Step 2 – Share Chip and Co to your Facebook Steam
It is just that easy!
This program tracks how many people you share it to and how many accept your invites. Like all our contests the more you Share the better your chances are to WIN! So tell everyone on your Friends List where you find your Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways and More!
I will be counting each share and stream as an entry to our Giveaway! I will pick 2 winners on Friday April 15th at 9am EST. The 2 winners will have 24 hours to contact me back and supply me with their address so we can get these Easter Baskets out to you ASAP!!!
If you have any questions or problems just shoot me an email at [email protected]
Good Luck
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Learn How To Draw Bambi & Thumper! (chipandco.com)
Disneyland Resort today announced that fashion boutique Apricot Lane will join Downtown Disney in early June 2011.
“We always look to add unique locations that provide our guests a shopping experience unlike anywhere else – Apricot Lane certainly fits that mold,” said Tony Bruno, vice president of Disneyland Resort hotels and Downtown Disney. “Our guests are going to love the fashion collection Apricot Lane has to offer.”
Apricot Lane, an International Council of Shopping Centers “Hot Concept” award winner, carries an impressive collection of branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, and accessories to create the most current looks at an affordable price. Brands carried include trend-setting lines such as Miss Me, Free People, Vintage Havana, Chaser and Good Works Make a Difference.
“Many of the designer labels found in Apricot Lane are worn by celebrities and seen in the pages of current fashion magazines,” said Founder and CEO Ken Petersen. “We are excited to give Disneyland Resort guests a place where they can replicate those looks.”
Since opening in 2007, Apricot Lane has grown to include nearly 75 franchises in 25 states across the country. The company doubled its size in 2010 alone and continuously appears in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise List. With new items arriving almost daily, Apricot Lane is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind outfits and unique gift items for women of all ages. The store carries a limited number of each item to ensure customers have a sense of individuality when making a purchase.
Apricot Lane joins approximately 50 retail, dining and entertainment venues that comprise Downtown Disney. Also coming to Downtown Disney in June is Sanuk, a footwear shop offering flip flops, surf sandals and other beach footwear, such as their signature yoga mat flip-flops. Earlier this month Blink, a denim-focused pop-up concept, owned by Wet Seal, opened to guests.
About Apricot Lane Apricot Lane is part of the popular Country Visions, Inc. franchise, and specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind items and brand names known for their quality and fashionable style trends. For more information visit www.apricotlaneusa.com. Fashions and accessories available for photo shoots and style sections upon request.
