Disney Buys Web Game Platform Maker Rocket Pack

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March 7, 2011

The Walt Disney Co. has acquired a Finnish company as part of its renewed focus on social and mobile games.

Disney said Thursday it has bought Rocket Pack, a company based in Helsinki that gives developers tools to create games that work on Web browsers without the need to download anything.

Games using the platform also work on the browsers of portable devices like Apple Inc.’s iPad and iPhone.

Terms were not disclosed.

The move comes shortly after Disney bought Togetherville, a social network for children aged 6 to 10, last week.

Disney hopes to turn around its interactive division, which lost $234 million last fiscal year on $761 million in revenue, partly by veering away from console-based video games. The company expects the unit to be profitable in 2013.

Disney Looks Beyond Apps With HTML5 Game Maker Rocket Pack (nytimes.com)
Disney buys Finnish gaming company Rocket Pack (orlandosentinel.com)

Disney Buys Web Game Platform Maker Rocket Pack

Chip and Company Disney Week In Review for March 7th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 7, 2011

Time for another look back at the top Disney stories that we shared on Chip and Company over the last week. We take you from a Small World to Big Europe. From a long speech to a long walk. And from cartoons to charity.

All of this is only 11 clicks away:

Nordstrom and Disney Consumer Products celebrated the 45th anniversary of the beloved ‘It’s a Small World’ attraction at Disneyland park with a whimsical collection of stylish children’s apparel, accessories and footwear. The Collection is inspired by world-renowned Disney artist Mary Blair‘s original mid-century artwork created for the attraction.

The Chairman of WD Parks & Resorts, Tom Staggs, issued a written transcript of his speach to stockholders last week. We read it over, tried to make some sense of it, and gave this summary in plain english, along with a comment or two from yours truly.

The Disney Parks Blog announced the new Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It takes you into the deepest, most-remote reaches of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – a three-hour, expert-led adventure in groups of no more than 12. Check out the details here, and… there’s even a recipe!

Who likes Vinylmation? Silly question, I know! So for all those who love these little guys, there is now a new line based on the Disney Afternoon cartoons. Check out this link to see what is to come. My favorite: Darkwing Duck. “Let’s get… Dangerous!”

It’s always fun to see the evolution of an attraction. From renderings to construction to opening day – every step is Disney magic at its best. Be sure to check out the arrival of the Clamshells at DCA for the new Little Mermaid darkride.

A majority of Walt Disney World largest union coalition approved their contract after months of negotiations. After so many union disputes over the past few years, it’s nice to see one come to a good end. You can read the details here.

And now for a worthy cause: The Power of 10. They are a group of Disney fans who want to help share their passion for Disney with those who need it most: children with life threatening illnesses and their families. You can help! If you only make one click today, click here!

Le Cellier Steakhouse, one of the most popular EPCOT World Showcase restaurants, has a much-anticipated new chef and new dinner menu that debuted last week. It sounds good. It looks tasty. Can I take your reservation?

Disney has just unveiled some spectacular new images by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, who continues to lend her vision to the successful Disney Dream Portrait series that began just more than four years ago. They look good!

March 3rd marked the 16th anniversary of the opening of Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland park. You can see a video of the Opening Cerimonies with George Lucas and other celebrities here.

Guests can explore Europe this summer with incredible itineraries aboard The Disney Magic. Check out this link for the ports of call, and all of the fun things you can do once there.

But we would like to round out this weeks Review with a few Views. Say that 5 times fast! While you’re mustering up the courage to try that, here are 4 articles from our Views section:

Our resident ‘Old Guy’, or if you prefer the PC term: Senior, had a good article about Disney Fatigue. What is that you say? Read Oldies But Goodies – Fatigue Is Our Enemy and find out.

Movie Review: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is the highly acclaimed masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki that launched his animation career into global success. We gave you an inside look with this article.

Is a Disney Cruise just a Theme Park visit on water? Nope. Not according to Off To Neverland On Disney Cruise Line. Read and see the difference!

2011 Beyond the Attractions: Guice to WDW with Preschoolers is a new book available now. We reviewed it for you!

And there you have it: 15 suggestions to click your way to Disney happiness! But be sure to return next week for even more suggestions. Yes, we’re full of them!

Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For February 28th (chipandco.com)
Sorcerer Radio Update (week of 2/28) (chipandco.com)

Chip and Company Disney Week In Review for March 7th

Dreams Come True as 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Kicks Off at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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March 6, 2011

An unprecedented 110 “Dreamers” from across the country came together at The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom Park as Walt Disney World Resort rolled out the red carpet for the 4th annual Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine.

Disney’s Dreamers Academy is a four-day program aimed to motivate, empower and inspire high school students. This year’s class is the largest ever since the program began.

“There are turning points in your life and this might be one of them, right here, right now at Walt Disney World Resort,” nationally syndicated radio host Steve Harvey told the 2011 class of Dreamers. “My dream since I was 9-years-old was to be on TV. I didn’t get there until I turned 38 but I got there because I believed in my dream.”

The 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy participants were selected from a pool of almost 4,000 applicants. Many of the young people were picked for demonstrating a spirit of volunteerism at local community centers, schools and churches. Some have achieved academic excellence in spite of challenging family circumstances. Others have overcome physical challenges.

Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club told the students regardless of why they were selected, it’s most important for them to look at the future and not at the past.

“From this moment on, we want you to dream big,” said Lewis. “When you believe in something, have confidence in yourself and your dreams, you can find the confidence to make the impossible, possible. All you need to do is continue to have the faith that your dreams can come true.”

During their special weekend, the 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy will participate in more than 20 different hands-on workshops and seminars, exploring education and career fields that include:

Broadcasting: Dreamers will spend time with very special guests from ESPN: The Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including superstar athletes Chad OchoCinco, Cal Ripken Jr. and Alonzo Mourning.
Marine Biology: Dreamers will learn about the world of marine life at Disney’s 5.7 million gallon aquarium at The Seas with Nemo and Friends attraction, unveiling the beauty of life under the sea and how to care for it
Entertainment: Dreamers will experience the audition process for American Idol as Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke take them inside the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Language/International Studies: Dreamers will meet with representatives from the Walt Disney World International Studies program, as well as students from other countries working in the international pavilions at Epcot.
Dreamer Tierney Byrd of Michigan says she’s looking forward to visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom as one step toward realizing her dream. “I’m very excited to see and learn about the animals here because my dream is to study veterinary medicine and one day become a veterinarian. This whole weekend is such a neat experience because everyone here has a different dream.”

Three Central Florida teens are taking part in the 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy – 18-year-old Monica Abernathy from Windermere, 17-year-old Chante Rodgers from Orlando, and 14-year-old Alexis Sheppard from Orlando.

As the welcome session neared its end, camera flashes went off across the auditorium and the Dreamers rose to their feet as gospel singing legend Yolanda Adams took to the podium to welcome them. Adams says the judging process was tough.

“We used a lot of tissue when we read your applications. But we’re happy because we know today that each of you here has the potential to change the world forever.”

Dream On! 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Begins (chipandco.com)
The 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Highlight Video (chipandco.com)

Dreams Come True as 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Kicks Off at Walt Disney World Resort

Price Charming and Princess Aurora waltz royally during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

By

Chip

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March 6, 2011

: In a ballroom of flowers, Price Charming and Princess Aurora waltz royally during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. The festival, which runs 75 days March 2 – May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission.

Gene Duncan, photographer

Disney Experts Help Establish National Pool Safety Code

By

Chip

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March 6, 2011

Two Walt Disney World Resort cast members recognized as experts in water quality and aquatic safety have been tapped to join a national panel that will establish standards for constructing and operating swimming pools.

Amy Duck, a safety and health manager and Michael Beatty, a manager with engineering services, will help the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) build a Model Aquatic Health Code.

While many states have stringent safety requirements for swimming pool construction and maintenance, some states have little to no aquatic regulations at all. The new Model Aquatic Health Code will set new uniform guidelines nationwide for pool builders and recreational operators to follow.

With two of the world’s most popular water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and 144 recreational bodies of water across property, Walt Disney World Resort has a strong aquatic safety record on water quality and operations. Duck and Beatty have plenty of best practices to draw on and share.”We have a great deal of experience to share with the industry,” said Duck.

“We have so many different types of aquatic facilities, including resort pools and spas, aquatic playgrounds, and the activity pools throughout our water parks. That gives us a wide range of insights to bring to our colleagues.”

Duck says Walt Disney World Resort teams get involved in every detail of the construction of pools and spas, being very particular about where depth markers are placed and lifeguard chairs are positioned, and keeping the safety signage concise so it’s clear for guests to read.

Duck and Beatty will have the chance to share those points and more with their colleagues from across the country throughout the year. The CDC has set a goal of having the Model Aquatic Health Code in place by the end of 2011.

Both Duck and Beatty say the new Model Aquatic Health Code will be a sweeping change for the industry and help everyone who enjoys a swim stay a little safer.

Disney Experts Help Establish National Pool Safety Code

Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

By

Chip

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March 6, 2011

Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. The festival, which runs 75 days March 2 – May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission.

Gene Duncan, photographer

Epcot Topiaries Go To Infinity and Beyond (chipandco.com)
Step into Spring at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)

Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Star Wars in 3D Gets an Official Release Date

By

Chip

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March 6, 2011

Lucasfilm Ltd. announced today that the live-action Star Wars Saga will be converted to 3D! There are few movies that lend themselves more perfectly to 3D; from the Death Star trench run to the Tatooine Podrace, the Star Wars Saga has always delivered an entertainment experience that is completely immersive. Presented by Twentieth Century Fox and Lucasfilm Ltd., the cutting edge conversion will take that immersion to the next thrilling level, with Industrial Light & Magic supervising the project. Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is expected to be released theatrically in 2012. A release date has not yet been determined.

“Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right,” said John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor for Industrial Light & Magic. “It takes a critical and artistic eye along with an incredible attention to detail to be successful. It is not something that you can rush if you want to expect good results. For Star Wars we will take our time, applying everything we know both aesthetically and technically to bring audiences a fantastic new Star Wars experience.”

Star Wars in 3D Gets an Official Release Date

Coming Soon: Disney Short ‘The Ballad of Nessie’

By

Chip

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March 6, 2011

The Ballad of Nessie is a (tentatively) 2009 theatrical cartoon produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, written by Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Regina Conroy and directed by Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters. The two previously collaborated on the 2007 Goofy short How to Hook Up Your Home Theater.

The short’s plot is essentially a Disney adaptation of the origin of the Loch Ness Monster, named Nessie.^[1] The short has the same crew that worked on How To Hook Up Your Home Theater and will be traditionally-animated.

The short is apparently nearly complete in terms of production, but so far, it is currently unknown what film it will be played with. A book adaptation of the short will be published in May 2011, thus it is possible the short will accompany the theatrical release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides or Winnie the Pooh.

The short was shown as a world première at Anima 2011, the International Animation Film Festival of Brussels, on march 5th of 2011.

Coming Soon: Disney Short 'The Ballad of Nessie'

How Detailed Should Your Park Touring Plans Be?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 5, 2011

How Detailed Should Your Park Touring Plans Be?

Touring plans are a very personal thing and vary from group to group. Even if you don’t have a plan, that’s your plan – you don’t have a formal plan. People vary in their approach from the “wing its” to the “plan every moment of the day” types. Many people use spreadsheets to keep track of scheduled items like ADR’s and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments and some folks just carry a little card in their pockets with that type of information. If it works for you that’s all that counts.

There are a few precautions to take when planning and the most glaring thing I see is that people try to plan everything so that nothing will be missed. My friends – it can’t be done. I read a lot of Disney Q&A forums and when I see someone ask how long it takes to walk from this attraction to that attraction so that they can schedule to ride something like Toy Story Midway Mania and be through in time to walk to Indiana Jones for the next show I think to myself – you will be disappointed. Experienced Disney visitors know that things happen that can’t be planned for and if you schedule things too tightly your plan will likely fall apart.

At the other end of the spectrum are the folks mentioned above who plan nothing – I did that but JUST ONCE! You must at least have an idea of where things are in the park and what you might like to do before you start touring. If you don’t put together a plan ahead of time at least make the first thing you do is to pick up a park map and one of the show time sheets and get some idea about what you want to do that day. You won’t be sorry.

The more you visit Walt Disney World, the easier it becomes because you are familiar with the park layouts, the transportation system, and crowd impact. Then it’s just a matter of deciding what you want to do and going for it relying on your level of experience and of course, the park maps (for details you may need) and the showtime schedule. If you enjoy table service restaurants, don’t forget those ADR’s because without them it’s very likely you will be eating at the counter service locations. That’s not a bad thing but it’s nice to sit down and relax for a meal rather than standing in line with a tray. After all, we all stand in enough lines at Walt Disney World as it is. The simplest way of saying what I want you to take away from this is – Plan but don’t over plan!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

How Detailed Should Your Park Touring Plans Be?

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey’s

By

Chip

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March 5, 2011

On our most recent DisneyWorld vacation we had the opportunity to experience Chef Mickey’s not once but twice. We ate here for Breakfast and ventured in for Dinner as well. While the food is as different as night and day the experience was not. Like a cool breeze from an ice old AC unit on a hot summers day both meals were quite refreshing and extraordinary in their own individual way. Come with me as we journey to the Contemporary Resort and a little restaurant called Chef Mickey’s.

Chef Mickey’s is a buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner flavors—and your favorite Disney Characters!—at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All the Disney Elite are there. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy. They make their way around the dining room and stop at every table for autographs and photographs for you and your loved ones. The characters are dressed differently that you would see them in the parks which is very cool and as an added bonus you don’t have to wait in line to see them!

The star of the meals by far is the food.

Breakfast includes a premium fruit bar, cereal selections, American classics like pancakes, Mickey Mouse waffles, eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, and pastries.

Quick Tip – Eating a big breakfast on a Disney Meal plan will help keep you fueled throughout the day..we always grab a few bananas and apples to take with us to snack on during the day till dinner.

Dinner is a delectable affair with roasted chicken, carved beef, savory sides and kids’ favorites. The make your own sundae bar was a highlight for me and I am not even a big Ice Cream person.

Quick Tip – The same characters are there for both breakfast & dinner so no worries if you are not a big breakfast eater, you can still meat Mickey & Friends.

The Contemporary Resort is one of my favorite resorts it is so huge and very open. Chef Mickey’s takes up a lot of real estate on the main floor. Whenever you get off the tram you can hear a buzzing from the diners and the food service people alike. Depending on the time of day before you even step foot into the open air restaurant you can smell those delectable dishes.

Quick Tip – If you have little children there is a sitting area with a TV running the Disney Channel for your little ones. We had to use this area for a time out and to settle our little one down. It’s off to the left of the enterance.

If you have never been here before of if you are a regular like us this is one Disney Restaurant that will remain a fan favorite for generations. We have never had a bad meal here or bad service so be sure to make an Advanced Dining Reservation as you will need it, and don’t forget to bring your appetite!

Enjoy!

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey's

2011 Beyond the Attractions: Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers Giveaway

By

Chip

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March 5, 2011

Planning your trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers has never been easier.

Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers has all the information parents need to plan an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation with kids, ages 2-5. Written by a mom and Disney veteran who regularly visits Walt Disney World with her young family, this Walt Disney World travel guide is packed with child-focused information, tips, and insights from a parent’s perspective. Its focus on the unique needs of preschoolers and their parents sets Beyond the Attractions apart from other guides.

Author Lisa M. Battista includes all the up-to-date details on toddler- and preschooler-friendly attractions, recreation, lodging, and dining in Beyond the Attractions, but goes well beyond the shows, rides, resorts, and food to consider the logistical challenges that are part of traveling with small kids. Learn about family-friendly services at Walt Disney World such as stroller rentals, Baby Care Centers, and child-care options that will enhance your visit and the memories of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Find more preschooler-focused information in this guidebook including must-do attractions for toddlers and preschoolers; attraction elements that may scare small kids; best attractions for the little daredevils in your family; attractions the whole family can enjoy together; hidden activities when your kids need a break; ideas to keep the kids entertained while waiting in line; descriptions of each Walt Disney World resort; safety tips for your vacation; preschooler packing list and vacation planning timeline; maps showing the locations of preschooler-friendly attractions in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Save hours of research planning a Walt Disney World vacation that is perfect for your family with this easy-to-read, concise, yet complete Disney World travel guide.

Beyond the Attractions is now available for the Barnes and Noble Nook & on Paperback on Amazon.com

Magical Meals: A Guide to Affordable Dining at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Disney Magical Memories Sweepstakes – Win a trip to Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Races Around The World- an Intro to runDisney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 5, 2011

Races Around The World- an Intro to runDisney

Already in 2011, over 70,000 people have participated in runDisney events. But, what is runDisney and what are these events? RunDisney is the official “brand” for all of Disney’s endurance events.

Throughout the year, runDisney hosts many different endurance weekends and events.

Starting in January with the annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, you can find yourself, or loved ones, participating in:

Mickey’s Marathon Kids’ Fest
Buzz and Woody’s Best Friends 5k
Half Marathon
Marathon Relay (new in 2012)
Full Marathon
Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge

Or you can visit in February for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, a weekend of endurance events celebrating the women that prove that anything is possible. During February’s race weekend, the race options are:

Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races
Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5k
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

As a part of ESPN the Weekend, held annually in March, there are:

Disney Kids’ Races
Champion® 5k

Next, in May, comes the Expedition Everest Challenge, including:

Expedition Everest Challenge – a 5k that is designed for teams as a race and scavenger hunt, all in one.
Disney Kids’ Races

Disneyland hosts their own set of races in September, hosting:

Disneyland Half Marathon
Disneyland Family Fun Run 5k
Disneyland Kids’ Races

And, Walt Disney World finishes up the year in October with:

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay
Family Fun Run 5k
Disney Kids’ Races

Each weekend has their own perks, such as after parties at both the Expedition Everest Challenge and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. Most of the weekends offer special race tickets. Marathon Weekend offers all who complete the full marathon a single entry day into the parks on “Marathon Monday,” the day after the race.

Each finisher is awarded a medal and race shirt, designed for specific events. For more information on dates, registration, fees, check out runDisney’s official website.

Race Glossary:

Kids’ Fest Races – races designed for crawlers on up, starting with 100 meter dash (with parental help allowed!) through a 1 mile run for older kids.

5k – 3.1 miles

Half Marathon- 13.1 miles

Marathon – 26.2 Miles

Goofy’s Race and a Half – Half Marathon plus Full Marathon – 39.3 miles over 2 days

Relay– Race total divided by 2 (or more, depending on total distance)

Races Around The World- an Intro to runDisney

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