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Author Laura Schaefer Releases Children’s E-Book Guide to Walt Disney World

By
Chip
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Author Laura Schaefer Releases Children’s E-Book Guide to Walt Disney World

Laura Schaefer, author of The Teashop Girls (Simon & Schuster 2009) and The Secret Ingredient (Simon & Schuster 2011) has a new series of e-books for kids called Planet Explorers. Her first title, Planet Explorers Walt Disney World, is a guidebook to the parks for readers aged 8-12. With fun facts, tips, and active hyperlinks for kids who want to dig a little deeper into everything Disney, the e-books are designed to be read on smart phones, Kindles, Nooks, or iPads. They are competitively priced at $2.99 per copy at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com.

“I wanted to give kids an easy way to become Walt Disney World experts without having to carrying around an actual book,” explains Schaefer. “The Planet Explorers guides live right on a phone, which most ‘tweens would have with them during a day at the parks anyway.” More exciting, explains Schaefer, is the fact that e-book technology allows readers to jump from information about the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction to a website about notorious real-life pirates such as Blackbeard. “The e-book format is perfect for young readers,” she says. “A kid can quickly check out the height requirement for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and then read a little bit about classic Twilight Zone episodes while they wait in line. It’s all there, linked and ready to go. Writing Planet Explorers Walt Disney World was a blast.”

Schaefer’s family has been visiting WDW for decades. “I think my first trip to Magic Kingdom was in utero,” she explains. “We’re DVC members, and I visit Disney at least twice a year. My brother and sister-in-law, who live in Celebration, were also a big help as I was writing. They’re natural fact-checkers.”

Planet Explorers Walt Disney World is the first in a series of travel guidebooks for kids. Planet Explorers Chicago is also available online. Next up? Planet Explorers New York City, followed by Planet Explorers Disneyland. “I loved traveling as a kid,” says Schaefer. “I want to empower my readers to be part of planning vacations with their parents. That way, it’s more fun for the whole family.”

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Author Laura Schaefer Releases Children’s E-Book Guide to Walt Disney World

Around the “Disney” World – Canada

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Around the "Disney" World - Canada

When I think of Epcot’s World Showcase, there are a few things that spring to mind immediately:  The Voices of Liberty over at The American Adventure; eating dinner at Biergarten in Germany; and watching O Canada! in the Canada Pavilion.

Canada is a wonderful pavilion, full of a lot of things to see, do, eat, and experience; I could easily spend a couple of hours exploring all of the areas that Canada has to offer, so let’s take a look at the things that you can enjoy when you travel to Canada!

When it comes to Canada, people usually think of one of two things: eating at Le Cellier, or taking in the movie O Canada!  I’ll tell you what, O Canada! is probably my favorite show to see at Epcot.  I’ve never eaten at Le Cellier, but a lot of people have, and I have heard that it is incredible!  One year I will make a reservation to eat there, but until then, I’ll dream about it!

However, there is much more to discover at Canada.  For starters, you can enjoy the music of Off Kilter, a celtic rock band that plays in front of the pavilion.  We heard them a couple of years ago, and they were quite good!  Additionally, you can look for great Canadian souvenirs by heading over to the Northwest Mercantile, and you can check out the Victoria Gardens, which are modeled after the famous Butchart Gardens in British Columbia.

The Disney Imagineers have done a wonderful job capturing the beauty of Canada, in my opinion, so if you haven’t been to Canada lately, you might want to schedule some time to check it out when you are next at Epcot!

Around the "Disney" World - Canada

Time is running out..ABC Family Prize Pack Giveaway

By
Chip
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Time is running out..ABC Family Prize Pack Giveaway

It has been a busy month here in Chip and Co! I can’t remember when we have had so many Giveaways! I still have a whole box of things to giveaway and it looks like I will be extending out giveaways past the month of July!

Today’s giveaway is for a ABC Family Prize pack! Our good friends at ABC Family really came through for us and is giving us a whole bunch of books and DVD’s to giveaway to one lucky Chip and Co fan!

Here is what is in this prize pack:

Secret Life of the American Teenager Prize Pack:

  • One Secret Life of the American Teenager Complete First Season DVD
  • One Secret Life of the American Teenager Complete Second Season DVD
  • One Secret Life of the American Teenager Complete Third Season DVD
  • One The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens book
  • One Secret Life of the American Teenager Journal

As an added bonus:

This is the perfect way to get caught up on the Secret Life of the American Teenager so you can jump in on Monday Nights at 8pm! Check out this link to see all the great programming on ABC Family.

Before you enter you must:

  • You must be a fan of Chip and Co on Facebook. You can click here to Like us or you can use the box on the right side of this page.
  • You must be a fan of ABC Family on Facebook.

Once you met the requirements then you can enter:

  • Comment on any of our ABC Family articles located here.. You might be surprised on all the great shows and interviews we have done with our partner Sorcerer Radio. Check them out and leave a comment.
  • Comment on this Giveaway below. Tell us your favorite program on ABC Family.
  • Each comment counts as 1 entry. So the more you comment the better your chances to win.

Please note:

  • Spamming the same word or comment over and over does not count as an entry and I will disqualify you.

For additional entries share this article via:

  • Twitter, Facebook, Google +1, Etc (1 share = 1 entry)
  • Like Sorcerer Radio on Facebook. Then Comment on how you love Sorcerer Radio & Chip and Co on their page. Do we go together like Chip and Dale? Tell Aljon and all the other DJ’s how much you love this Dynamic Duo!

Contest ends Wednesday July 27th at 11am EST. I will pick one lucky person and notify them that they won on Facebook. That person will have 24 hours to respond back or I will pick another. So please use a valid way for me to contact you.

Good Luck

P.S. Always keep an eye out on our Facebook Page as you never know when I am going to giveaway something

Time is running out..ABC Family Prize Pack Giveaway

Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule August 2011

By
Chip
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Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule August 2011

Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disneyland Website.

Current

  • Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland) closed through 9/1/11 for refurbishment.
  • Magic Tower (Disneyland Hotel) under renovation through 9/8/11.
  • Never Land Pool (Disneyland Hotel) closed until summer 2012 for refurbishment. The new pool and Monorail slide are open and available for guests.

Upcoming

  • All towers at Disneyland Hotel under construction 7/18/11-8/26/11, Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Crews will replace rim lights along the perimeter of each tower’s roof line.
  • Haunted Mansion (Disneyland) closed 8/29/11-9/15/11 for installation of holiday decor.
  • Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland) closed 9/6/11-9/7/11 for refurbishment.
  • California Screamin’ (DCA) closed 9/6/11-10/14/11 for refurbishment.
  • Blue Bayou Restaurant (Disneyland) closed 9/7/11-11/23/11 for refurbishment.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland) closed 9/7/11-11/23/11 for refurbishment.
  • Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm (Disneyland) closed 9/12/11-9/15/11 for installation of Halloween decor.
  • Space Mountain (Disneyland) closed 9/12/11-9/15/11 for installation of Halloween decor.
  • Mark Twain Riverboat (Disneyland) not operating 9/26/11-9/28/11 due to refurbishment.

Source Mousesavers Newsletter

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Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule August 2011

Disney’s Cancels ESPN The Weekend

By
Chip
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Disney’s Cancels ESPN The Weekend

One thing that’s always struck me is our commitment to regularly reviewing the experiences we provide to our guests and challenging ourselves to bring new opportunities to life. Occasionally, this results in something coming to an end, as is the case with what I’m sharing today. In order to focus our efforts on ESPN’s growing year-round presence at Walt Disney World Resort, we have decided to no longer host ESPN The Weekend.

As you may know, the event was first created in 2004 in support of ESPN’s 25th anniversary and, along with ESPN Club, served as ESPN’s first significant presence here. While the event has continued for seven more successful years, our relationship with ESPN has evolved significantly and positively. This has resulted in new branding for the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, new opportunities for millions of athletes, coaches and fans, and hundreds of hours of ESPN programming, making our guests part of the show. In addition, the sports complex has become home to the ESPN Innovation Lab, which is the official development hub for ESPN’s 3D network.

Moving forward, our focus will be on creating events like the new ESPN RISE Girls Showcase and the ESPN RISE Games, which provide a stage for tens of thousands of athletes from around the country, and providing opportunities for guests to be part of events they’ve only before watched on television, such as the Home Depot College Football Awards and the Old Spice Classic.

We have just scratched the surface of what Walt Disney World and ESPN can do together and look forward to sharing information about new projects as they progress.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Disney’s Cancels ESPN The Weekend

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Disney’s Cancels ESPN The Weekend

Disney Interactive Media Group to Preview Upcoming Video Games at D23 Expo 2011

By
Chip
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Disney Interactive Media Group to Preview Upcoming Video Games at D23 Expo 2011

Guests to Preview Upcoming Video Games, Compete in Interactive Art Contests on Disney.com’s Create and Meet Legendary Video Game Designer Warren Spector, Creator of Disney Epic Mickey

Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) invites Disney fans and families to step into its pavilion at the D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—for hands-on fun with the latest interactive entertainment products for video game consoles, mobile devices and online, based on beloved Disney stories and characters. Every day of the D23 Expo, taking place August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center, will be packed with hours of game play, special guests, interactive art contests, giveaways and more!

Guests of the D23 Expo will be able to suit up, power up and team up as they enter Disney Universe, a multiplayer action-adventure video game set in a mix-up of Disney and Disney•Pixar inspired worlds that will be released this fall.

The Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension video game, inspired by the Disney Channel Original Movie, will be available for hands-on gameplay. Fans will be able to play as their favorite Phineas and Ferb characters as they journey through new dimensions to battle the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Guests can also immerse themselves in the recently released and critically acclaimed Cars 2: The Video Game. Inspired by the Disney•Pixar animated film, the game allows players to dive into the Cars 2 universe alongside some of their favorite Cars personalities in exotic locations spanning the globe.

The award-winning video game Disney Epic Mickey will be featured in the DIMG pavilion and the game’s creator, legendary game designer Warren Spector, will be on hand. Mr. Spector will be making special appearances at the booth on August 19 and 20 to meet guests and sign autographs.

Online gamers can play Disney’s latest social games, including this summer’s smash hit Gardens of Time and the popular online virtual world for kids Club Penguin. Guests who want Disney games on the go, can try out the latest mobile games, such as Cars 2 and Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, available for iPhone, iPad and Android.

For aspiring young Disney artists and animators, Disney.com’s Create will offer its newest collection of online creativity tools for making digital paintings, comic books, animated pets, photo mashups, music slideshows and animations. During the D23 Expo, the new Disney Epic Mickey Digital Painter will be featured in the booth and guests will be invited to participate in daily art contests judged by Warren Spector for the chance to win exclusive D23 DIMG prize packages.

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Disney Interactive Media Group to Preview Upcoming Video Games at D23 Expo 2011

Disney Food Confession – Seven Tiki Mai Tai

By
Chip
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Disney Food Confession - Seven Tiki Mai Tai

What is it? – Seven Tiki Mai Tai

Where can you get it? – The Hawaii marketplace at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 at Walt Disney World Resort

Why you want it? – Cool and refreshing on Hot Summers Days!

 

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule August 2011

By
Chip
-

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule August 2011

Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disney World Website.

Current

  • Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed Mondays only through 8/1/11 for refurbishment.
  • Magnolia Golf Course closed Tuesdays only through 8/2/11 for refurbishment.
  • Palm Golf Course closed Wednesdays only through 8/3/11 for refurbishment.
  • Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed Thursdays only through 8/4/11 for refurbishment.
  • Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management (Magic Kingdom) closed through 8/15/11.
  • Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) closed through 9/14/11 for refurbishment.
  • Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Magic Kingdom) closed through 9/30/11 for refurbishment.

Upcoming

  • Congress Park Leisure Pool (Saratogo Springs Resort) closed 8/1/11-9/2/11 for refurbishment.
  • Oak Train Golf Course closed 8/2/11 and 9/6/11-9/11/11 for refurbishment.
  • Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 8/8/11-8/14/11 and Thursdays only between 9/8/11-10/6/11 for refurbishment.
  • Voyage of The Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios) closed 8/13/11-9/3/11 for refurbishment.
  • Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed 8/15/11-8/21/11 and Mondays only between 9/12/11-10/3/11 for refurbishment.
  • It’s Tough to be a Bug! (Animal Kingdom) closed 8/15/11-9/30/11 for refurbishment.
  • Palm Golf Course closed 8/22/11-8/28/11 and Wednesdays only between 9/7/11-9/28/11 (except 9/21/11) for refurbishment.
  • Magnolia Golf Course closed 8/29/11-9/4/11 and Tuesdays only between 9/6/11-9/27/11 (except 9/13/11) for refurbishment.
  • The Lunching Pad (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/29/11-9/16/11 for refurbishment.
  • Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/30/11-9/14/11 for refurbishment.
  • Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure (Hollywood Studios) closed 9/4/11-9/24/11 for refurbishment.
  • Studio Backlot Tour (Hollywood Studios) closed 9/4/11-9/24/11 for refurbishment.
  • Magnolia Bend Leisure Pool (Port Orleans – Riverside Resort) closed 9/5/11-10/7/11 for refurbishment. All other pools will remain open.
  • Swiss Family Treehouse (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/8/11-11/17/11 for refurbishment.
  • Blizzard Beach closed 10/30/11-12/3/11 for annual refurbishment.
  • Typhoon Lagoon closed 12/4/11-3/17/12 for annual refurbishment.

Source Mousesavers Newsletter

Around The ‘Disney” World – France Pavilion

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Around The 'Disney" World - France Pavilion

Another of the truly lovely pavilions around the World Showcase is the France Pavilion. It’s not just lovely to look at, it has a lot of things to do from street entertainers, to fine restaurants, some fine little eating establishments aside from the two big restaurants, and lots and lots of shopping!!! In addition to the above amenities perhaps the best of the travelogue type movies in the World Showcase resides here at the Palais du Cinema called Impressions de France. Spectacularly photographed and accompanied by an amazing musical score (in an air conditioned SIT DOWN theater) it is simply an attraction not to be missed.

The two major restaurants are both fine table service establishments. Les Chefs de France is a large, somewhat noisy bustling type of restaurant. The food is excellent and the cast members are a delight. It is located right in the front of the pavilion and is worth your time. Make sure you visit for lunch Monday through Saturday and your table will likely get a visit from Remy from the Ratatouille film. Have your camera ready!!! The other sit down restaurant is around the back and upstairs. The Bistro de Paris is quite upscale (but still theme park casual) and more intimate and quiet than Les Chefs. The food is outstanding and the dining experience there is wonderfully romantic. This one is really worth your attention.

Your shopping experiences will take place in Les Halles, an intriguing and fun marketplace with some of the finest imports in the World Showcase. You can find dinnerware, fragrances, fine wines , cosmetics, etc. etc. If you are looking for a special fragrance for a friend try La Signature; this shop is the only place in the United States where you can find many special French fragrances.

If you time it correctly you will be able to see Serveur Amusante (check the showtime schedule) a fun group of jugglers and acrobats that performs some pretty amazing stunts directly in front of Les Chefs de France. They are fun and you can tell they love what they are doing just from their enthusiasm.

Around The 'Disney" World - France Pavilion

Another thing that grasps you as you approach and stroll around this pavilion is the beauty and detail right down to the model of the Eiffel Tower. It looks as though it’s off in the distance and full size but the Imagineers used “forced perspective” to make it appear that way. It’s really only 5 stories tall which is the maximum height of any structure in the World Showcase.

Around The 'Disney" World - France Pavilion

Around The 'Disney" World - France Pavilion

Around The 'Disney" World - France Pavilion

The World Showcase is absolutely one of my favorite things at Walt Disney World and the France Pavilion is just one more of those things that adds to the appeal. When you stop by make sure to allow enough time to really explore this truly lovely venue. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

 

 

 

Around The 'Disney" World - France Pavilion

Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For July 25th

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For July 25th

Yes folks it’s that time again – time for the Chip and Company Disney Week In Review where we bring you a roundup of some of the key news items from the Disney Company. As usual, we will also present a sampling of the views, opinions, and advice from our staff of enthusiastic, talented, and experienced writers (these folks are good). You can find out just how much news and opinion there is on our site by visiting us here. We would also like to ask you to visit our Facebook page and “like” us so that we can reach our goal of 5000 “likes” by the end of July. Now, let’s look at the news:

That’s about it for the news so let’s take a look at what our talented writers have to offer:

  • We have started a new series at Chip and Company to help introduce our fans to the different “lands” that make up the Walt Disney World Resort. Melissa’s Around The ‘Disney’ World – Germany Pavilion gives you an idea of where we are going with it.
  • Kelly helps us get the most out of our “on site” vacation when she gives us Disney World Quick Tips : You’re Paying For Your Resort, Now Enjoy it.
  • Have you missed our Disney Food Confession articles. Well, they’re back and Brenda shares hers with us. She also gives us a little extra too. Take a look at Disney Food Confession – Strawberry Shortcake with Recipe.

That’s it for now but you can count on us being back next week with yet another Week In Review. Until then you can find all of the latest Disney News and Views at our Chip and Company website. And once again I’ll ask that you stop by our Facebook page and “like” us so we can meet our 5000 “likes” goal by the end of the month. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

 

Construction Crews at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Celebrate “Topping Out”

By
Chip
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Construction Crews at Disney's Art of Animation Resort Celebrate "Topping Out"

The hundreds of people who are building Disney’s Art of Animation Resort from the ground up gathered to mark the project’s “topping out.”

The “topping out” is a special moment that typically occurs in the construction and engineering industry when the highest piece of structure, either steel or concrete, is placed on the building’s frame. The tradition dates back to the Vikings, who would place an evergreen tree on the top of a building to celebrate and bring good luck.

At the construction site for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a crane helped lift the traditional evergreen to the roof of a building that will soon be part of the Lion King wing of the resort hotel.

“The hundreds of people we have working on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are doing an amazing job helping us build a resort hotel that will really delight our guests,” said Gary Hoffmann, senior project manager for Walt Disney Imagineering. “The traditional topping out is an important milestone on a project that continues to run on schedule for an opening just ten months from now.”

In size and scope the construction of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a major project at Walt Disney World Resort, creating upwards of 800 construction jobs. Once open in 2012, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will also create 750 permanent resort hotel jobs.

Walt Disney World Resort features 25 uniquely themed, Disney owned-and-operated resort hotels with more than 26,000 guest rooms – something for every taste and budget.  Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will likewise be unique, with themed building exteriors and room interiors that bring to life The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.

Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King buildings will be entirely family suites, with 1,120 suites between them.  The Little Mermaid buildings will feature 864 rooms in the “value” room category.

The construction of family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is an innovative approach to a changing marketplace.  Today more and more multi-generational families are traveling together for various celebrations, including family reunions.  These families not only want to play together, they want to stay together, which has created tremendous demand for family suites.

The first wing of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Finding Nemo, is scheduled to open in May 2012.

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Construction Crews at Disney's Art of Animation Resort Celebrate "Topping Out"

Disney Executive Joins Board of Clean the World Foundation

By
Chip
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Disney Executive Joins Board of Clean the World Foundation

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Vice President of Lodging Mark Rucker has been named to the board of directors at Clean the World Foundation, an Orlando-based organization that recycles soap and shampoo and distributes them around the world to those living in poverty.

Each year, millions of children die from hygiene-related illnesses because essential items for proper hand washing are unobtainable. Clean the World aims to stop those needless deaths from occurring by distributing soap products and educational materials to impoverished countries worldwide and here domestically to local homeless shelters.

“At Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we are proud to partner with Clean the World and support their mission of helping save lives here in Central Florida and around the globe,” said Rucker. “I’m pleased to join the board of directors at Clean the World and support their mission to help prevent the spread of diseases that impact so many children.”

So far this year, resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort have donated more than 19,000 pounds of soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion.

Assisted by donations from Disney, Clean the World played an important role in aiding efforts to contain the cholera outbreak after last year’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Rucker says Disney’s support of Clean the World’s recycling efforts goes beyond the 24 resort hotels on Walt Disney World property. Resort hotels at Disneyland Resort in California are now hotel partners for the organization. Upon opening later this summer Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i, will also recycle hygiene products with Clean the World.

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Disney Executive Joins Board of Clean the World Foundation
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