ABC Family Pledges Its Love To “Greek” Fans With The I Heart Greek Twitter Give-Back Giveaway!

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February 12, 2011

ABC Family’s “Greek” will kick-off its latest philanthropic endeavor, the I Heart Greek Twitter Give-Back event, on Monday, February 14^th. The event will give loyal fans of the hit series the opportunity to take home authentic “Greek” Kappa Tau, ZBZ and Omega Chi memorabilia by showing their dedication to both the series and their community. Combining volunteerism with the social media phenomenon Twitter, the network is asking fans to tweet about the various ways they give back. Each tweet will be considered a sweepstakes entry and winners of items will be selected at random. Fans can visit abcfamily.com/giveback for more information about how to participate in the I Heart Greek Twitter Give-Back Event.

The I Heart Greek campaign rewards “Greek’s” die-hard fans with authentic pieces from the set while simultaneously encouraging them to take an active role in society. The event will run for four weeks, starting Monday, Februrary 14, leading into “Greek’s” series finale on Monday, March 7. Each winning item will be accompanied by a “Certificate of Authenticity.” The giveaway schedule is as follows:

WEEK #1 (Monday, February 14): How Do You Give Back? – This week’s winners will receive Kappa Tau items including but not limited to Rusty’s “Pledge Educator” t-shirt, Cappie’s “Seat Cushion with Butt Imprint,” Kappa Tau lavalieres, a pledge educator book and whatever else Beaver lost in the couch cushions.

WEEK #2 (Monday, February 21): What’s the Nicest Thing You’ve Ever Done For Someone? – Winners will have the chance to let their inner ZBZ kitty purr with various ZBZ apparel, Casey’s “Housemom” apron, pink ZBZ wall letters from Casey and Ashleigh’s room, a ZBZ day planner and the sorority’s shiny pink Songfest Jackets.

WEEK #3 (Monday, February 28): Who Inspires You and Why? – Sponsored by Omega Chi, this week offers the Omega Chi voting box, Dale’s pledge paddle, Omega Chi’s presidential gavel and the fraternity’s “foot-brawl” championship award, complete with Kappa Tau graffiti (naturally).

WEEK #4 (Monday, March 7): How Do You Plan To Volunteer Next? – The sweepstakes concludes with the resounding “thwock” of a Cypress-Rhodes Titan thunder stick. Devoted fans can bring home “Cappie’s Butt” boxers, Rusty’s Cypress-Rhodes University ID, the “Alio’s” cereal box from Dale and Rusty’s freshman room, Fraternities and Sororities: A Beginner’s Guide and various street clothes worn by Cappie, Casey, Rebecca and the rest of the CRU gang.

In keeping with the theme of “giving-back,” ABC Family and the “Greek” production team donated show wardrobe to several charities, including Shelter Partnership, Phoenix House and John Muir Charter School. Additionally, several boxes of clothing were sent to underprivileged children in Fiji and Zambia.

Created by Patrick Sean Smith, “Greek” is executive produced in association with Piller/Segan. The cast includes Jacob Zachar (“Rusty”), Spencer Grammer (“Casey”), Scott Michael Foster (“Cappie”), Jake McDorman (“Evan”), Clark Duke (“Dale”), Dilshad Vadsaria (“Rebecca), Paul James (“Calvin”) and Amber Stevens (“Ashleigh”).

Part of the Disney-ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 98 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relevant stories about today’s relationships, all told with diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a mix of network defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas!” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.

Sara Rue And Barry Watson Cast In The ABC Family Original Movie “Always And Forever” (chipandco.com)

Snow White’s Scary Adventures: Save or Wave Goodbye?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 12, 2011

Snow White’s Scary Adventures: Save or Wave Goodbye?

Disney fans are generally excited about the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom, what with its increase in size and the addition of new attractions. There’s even been some rejoicing about changes to the original princess- and fairy-dusted plans.

But not all news about what’s next for Fantasyland at Walt Disney World has been magical. Along with the announcement for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a kiddie coaster, Disney slipped in the news that Snow White’s Scary Adventures will be closed. The classic dark ride, part of the park since 1971, will close some time during the Fantasyland expansion, probably in 2011 or 2012.

I’m not quite sure how I feel about the removal of Snow White’s Scary Adventures (SWSA). As a die-hard Disney fan, my heart is torn by two different sentiments.

There are classics that represent the best of Disney, reasons why people fall in love with Disney in the first place. Or as Walt Disney said, “I love the nostalgic myself. I hope we never lose some of the things of the past.”

Then there’s my craving for the new, the innovative, the immersive – a reaction again reflected in Walt’s: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

Snow White, a Disney Classic Film Turned Disneyland Original Attraction

Snow White’s Scary Adventures: Save or Wave Goodbye? — Snow White's Scary Adventures, Magic Mirror. Loren Javier.

My first instinct, then, is to lament the closing of SWSA as an end of a Disney era. The dark ride was a 1955 Disneyland original, something the Magic Kingdom brought over to honor Walt’s influence and imagination.

SWSA is based on Disney’s first feature-length animated film, certainly an accomplishment deserving a substantial presence in Disney parks. After all, the Walt Disney Company may have “started with a mouse,” but it was the success of “Disney’s Folly” that cemented Walt’s presence in Hollywood. And it’s Snow White, not the beloved dwarfs, who had the first film audience in tears. Shouldn’t she be the star of her own attraction?

Snow White’s Scary Adventures, a Dark Ride Turned Lighter

But I can’t quite convince myself I’m truly sad to see SWSA leave the Magic Kingdom. My consolation isn’t entirely because Seven Dwarfs Mine Train seems like a fun kiddie coaster. Or that its surrounding area promises to please Snow White fans.

The truth is, that while I’m sad to see the idea of SWSA leave, I’m not sad to see the ride in its current state come to an end. The first time I rode SWSA it was closer to Walt’s original vision. Snow White didn’t appear in the ride, and the focus was on the Queen/Wicked Witch. Guests took up Snow White’s point of view in an almost nightmarish version of the film’s narrative.

In that version, we became Snow White and experienced some of her heart-raising adventures. It was a dark ride, in all senses of the word, and much scarier. Especially for young children. But it was also true to Disney’s animated feature, which has its own terrifying moments. And I loved it.

Walt Disney World redesigned the ride in 1994. Among the many changes was the incorporation of Snow White into its scenes, with guests looking on at our heroine’s experiences. The redesign comforts and reassures young guests because they see Snow White.

In this more straightforward retelling, a great deal of immersiveness central to SWSA has been removed. It’s a safer ride for young guests, but one less interesting, less challenging. And I loved it a bit less.

Why Shouldn’t Snow White’s Scary Adventures be Scary?

More than that, though. SWSA’s redesign lost some of ride’s focus and appeal for many guests, including me. It lacks the clever narrative realized by Imagineering that I’ve come to expect from a Disney attraction.

But even the “new” version is still too scary for many young children, as Lisa Battista notes in Rides to Miss with Little Mr or Miss. Still, I can’t help thinking that a return to a darker, less young-child friendly concept of SWSA, one with updated technology, could be a good thing.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will act as a bridge between the “my first coaster” Goofy’s Barnstormer (to be renamed The Great Goofini). Couldn’t or shouldn’t SWSA be an entry-level ride to the mild scares of Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean? In the re-Imagineering of Fantasyland, isn’t there room for some thrills and chills beyond that of the coaster or thrill ride?

Snow White’s Scary Adventures: A Tale of Two Hearts

In examining my ambivalence to SWSA, I find myself mourning the future loss of the ride that is no longer what it was, nor is it what I want to it to be. I’m nostalgic for the attraction as I first experienced it, not as it is today.

So I’m looking forward to seeing the new Fantasyland even as it means the end of SWSA. Still, my heart tugs, ever so slightly, at the loss. Maybe I would rather have this version of SWSA at Walt Disney World than not have one at all?

Perhaps it’s a tale of my two hearts, then. I look forward to the Imagineers’ new ideas and experiencing Disney’s ability to continually re-invent its parks. But I can’t help wondering if the cost of such re-invention is some of that nostalgia Walt also valued so highly.

Photo credits: Josh McConnell, flickr, Creative Commons License (Entrance, apple, true love’s kiss); Loren Javier, flickr, Creative Commons License (Magic Mirror).

Disney Confidential: Fantasyland Expansion – Say Good-bye to Snow White! (chipandco.com)
What we know about the Disneyworld Fantasyland Expansion (chipandco.com)

Traveling to Disney: How Young is too Young?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 12, 2011

It is a question that is being asked quite a bit across the Internet, in forums, blog sites, even on the Walt Disney World Mom’s Panel. How young is to young to take your child to Disney World?

The answer to this question isn’t the same for everyone. For us, when we had our daughter, she was born seven weeks early, and weighed four pounds, two ounces. We decided early on that her first trip to Disney would be when she was older, and had “caught up” with the rest of the kids her age. As a result, Sophie was four when we went to Disney for the first time with her.

However, we have seen families with newborns at the Magic Kingdom, and if you are considering a trip to Disney with your young family, there is great news for you! Disney has considered all sorts of the possibilities for young families, and is very accommodating towards younger family members. Here are some of the tips that you should know if you are planning that trip:

At each of the theme parks there is a Baby Care Center, which is for families to take care of such things as diaper changes, nursing mothers, and other needs. The nice thing is that there is are rooms for Moms and their babies, and a room for Dads and their other kids to wait comfortably.
Another thing that is really nice to keep in mind is that Disney will supply a Pack ‘n’ Play in your room for children under age three, so if you have a family of five and one is a younger child, there is a place for them to sleep that doesn’t include between Mom and Dad.
A very important consideration to keep in mind is that all of you, but especially you and your baby, need to stay hydrated. Make sure that you have plenty of fluids for all of you to drink, especially during hot days.
When you have a baby, it’s important to keep in mind that the pace that you will visit the parks will vary significantly to the pace you set when you are all older. Remember that your visit with a baby should be much more relaxed, both for your sake and your baby’s!
One thing that Disney does to help new families enjoy the attractions is to have the rider swap capability. This program, which is available at select attractions, allows one of you to wait in line while the other waits with your child, and when they get off the ride, they can approach a cast member for a fast pass that the other parent can use to go right to the front of the line to enjoy the attraction.
Another thing to keep in mind is that all children under the age of three are admitted free to the parks, so if you are interested in taking a vacation with your family, you won’t have any costs for the vacation related to your baby!
Make sure you pack extra clothes and diapers, and be sure to take frequent breaks so that you all stay refreshed.

Whether or not to take a young child to Disney World is a decision that is different for every family. However, if you have considered it and have made the decision to make that trip, there are a wealth of resources available to you to help you plan that trip. One of the best that I have found is a book written by Lisa Battista, Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World With Preschoolers. This book has a wealth of information for parents with young children, so consider taking a look at it if you are planning that trip.

As always, remember that the point of your Disney World Vacation is to have a good time, so take time to plan the things that are most important for your family – regardless of their age – and that will make your vacation that much more special.

Mike is a writer for Chip & Company, and a Disney fan. His current obsession is planning his upcoming family vacation to Disney World in June! When he isn’t writing for C&C, you can also read him on his personal blog My Dreams of Disney. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Oldies But Goodies – What Should We Expect From A Walt Disney World Vacation? (chipandco.com)
First-Time Experiences at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Traveling to Disney: How Young is too Young?

Farewell, Mickey’s Toontown Fair

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 12, 2011

Farewell, Mickey's Toontown Fair

As of this Friday, February 11th, Mickey’s Toontown Fair will officially be closed for business. While Toontown originally opened as Mickey’s Birthdayland in 1988, celebrating the 60th birthday of our favorite mouse, it was renamed Mickey’s Starland first, then switched to Toontown as we know it in 1996.

Yet, now, after 15 years, Mickey’s Toontown Fair is now another part of Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland Expansion.

We know the Barnstormer will be renamed The Great Goofini, but essentially, the ride will still be the same. Everything else, however, is history.

Mickey and Minnie’s Country Houses are now a thing of the past. Their adorable country homes, including Minnie’s “working” microwave, painting room, and flower pots are gone. Mickey’s mouse checkers, Pluto’s dog bed, and Mouse-eared antenna tv will all be gone, probably stored in the Utilidors somewhere underneath the Magic Kingdom, along with other pieces of Disney past.

I think Mickey’s Toontown Fair may have been one of the most overlooked places in the Magic Kingdom, which is truly a shame. The details never cease to amaze me. For example, in Mickey’s house, his front table had a stack of mail, letters to him addressed from Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Ariel. There are several books between the two houses, all with great reads, including Famous Mice in History at Minnie’s house. Almost anything you can think of is mouse-shaped, from mailboxes to mirrors, keys to ping pong paddles.

Mickey’s Toontown Fair was a gem of Imagineering creativity and will truly be missed.

Jenn resides with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 bratty dogs in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She also hosts her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog, where she shares her experiences, tips, and ramblings about traveling the parks with a baby. In her non-Disney life, Jenn is often found running, practicing yoga, or playing the clarinet in the military.

New Fantasyland Expansion Update (chipandco.com)
Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0 (chipandco.com)

Training for your Walt Disney Marathon – 5k Complete, Now What?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 12, 2011

Congratulations!! You’ve run 3.1 miles! That’s a huge accomplishment already. It may seem absolutely insane to add 10 more miles (yes, 10 full miles), but that’s the goal – 13.1.

Don’t worry – it’s not impossible. The most important thing is to find a training program that you can follow and stick to, giving you a schedule for distance, times, etc… I knew with my schedule (keeping up with an infant) that finding 4 or more days a week to run would be nearly impossible. Luckily, runDisney’s running trainer, Jeff Galloway offers a program that only requires 3 run days per week. I quickly decided to follow his program for 1st time half marathoners – with a goal of crossing the finish line still standing.

To start a Half Marathon (or full marathon, if you so choose) training program, you need to be comfortable at 3-5 miles, depending on the program. The programs guide you to build gradually, to avoid injury, to accomplish your goal in a set number of weeks.

All of these programs can be edited if necessary. For example, I pushed to hard on a 10 mile run and, by doctors orders, required several weeks of rest. I altered the schedule, while keeping the integrity (3 days per week, long run 1 weekend followed by a shorter run the following weekend) and still ended up right on track for race day.

If you do come across an injury that requires a break from running, don’t stress. Find another cardio workout, such as swimming, water running, or using the elliptical, to use on run days, so you continue to build endurance.

In about 4 months of training, you can be ready for any of the Walt Disney World, or Disneyland, Half Marathons. Are you ready to sign up?

Jenn resides with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 bratty dogs in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She also hosts her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog (http://disneybabiesblog.blogspot.com) , where she shares her experiences, tips, and ramblings about traveling the parks with a baby. In her non-Disney life, Jenn is often found running, practicing yoga, or playing the clarinet in a military band.

Training for your Disney Marathon – Starting from Scratch (chipandco.com)
Inspired to Run, And Run, And Run at the Walt Disney World Marathon (chipandco.com)

Training for your Walt Disney Marathon - 5k Complete, Now What?

Take A Boat Ride With Us From Downtown Disney To Port Orleans Riverside

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 12, 2011