Dwight Howard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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May 7, 2011

NBA basketball superstar Dwight Howard, All-Star center for the Orlando Magic, stopped by Disney’s Hollywood Studios today and had the chance to visit everyone’s favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca. Dwight, who just captured his third consecutive “NBA Defensive Player of the Year” award (he’s the first player in NBA history to win the award three straight years) and finished second in the NBA MVP vote this season, was all smiles as he visited with one of the very few film stars who can say they stand as tall as the popular athlete.

Posing with Chewbacca and wearing a pair of R2-D2 inspired Mouse Ears, Dwight looked right at home in front of the soon-to-open “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” attraction. “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” (as well as the 2011 edition of Star Wars Weekends) opens at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20.

As Dwight was leaving Chewbacca, he even did his best impression of the Wookiee’s unique “voice” (which Chewie seemed to especially like!). Let us know if you, or someone you know, has a knack at Chewbacca’s famous voice, or any others from the famed Star Wars saga.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Souvenirs for the Budget Conscious

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 7, 2011

Disney Vacation Souvenirs for the Budget Conscious Anyone who has ever tried to plan a Disney vacation on a budget probably knows this scenario: you spent weeks, maybe months looking at every aspect of your trip to see where you can save money. You have compared accommodation options, looked at Disney promotions to see what is the best deal for you, planned your meals with the precision of a general going into battle, scoured the internet looking for the lowest airfare, and maybe even purchased discounted Disney park tickets.

In short, you have exhausted every possible option to help you have an affordable Disney vacation.

And then you arrive at the Magic Kingdom and your little princess erupts into tears because she wants that pixie-dust encrusted Cinderella ball gown that costs “HOW much?”

Whoops. There goes the budget. 🙂

This doesn’t have to happen though, if you plan for this part of your trip just as you do with all the other pieces. Here are 3 quick things to think about in advance that can help you avoid the meltdowns while still providing magical mementos for your little ones.

Junior Should Have His Own Souvenir Budget

I am a big fan of setting a daily spending budget…even for kids. On our first trip, our daughter was seven, and we set aside some money each day that was “hers” to spend as she wished. It was not a great deal, but we found that having her own money to use, meant that when she used it up, she was done for the day. There was no complaining, whining, or begging. Once it was gone, it was gone. She knew the guidelines and knew there was no point in complaining if she went over budget.

Shop for Souvenirs While Still Home…and Bring Them With You

Consider bringing some “souvenirs” with you, or have a box shipped to your hotel. You can use these bargains from home as gifts for your children at Disney World. Many families have found that kids love to get a surprise from Mickey when they wake up every morning, and these little surprises can minimize the need to beg for things in the parks. Some families actually get quite elaborate with the daily “gift” by including some pixie dust and a note from Tinkerbell (or whoever your child loves). The excitement of starting the day off with something new and special can really reduce the daily begging for something else.

Make the Most of Those Autographs

With just a little pre-trip planning, you can turn your kids’ character autographs into a prized souvenir. Character autographs are hugely popular at the Disney theme parks, and there probably is no more affordable souvenir. But make it more exiting and fun by bringing something other than a book, like a tee shirt, or hat and give the character a sharpie to sign with. Your child will have an instant souvenir that will be cherished for years.

The key to planning an affordable Disney vacation is that “P” word: planning. That word is just as important when it comes to keeping your souvenir budget under control as it is with every other part of your trip. When it comes to Disney vacations, planning = Magic.

‘Tinka’ and ‘Deuce’ Spotted At Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 7, 2011

'Tinka' and 'Deuce' Spotted At Disneyland I spent all day hunting around for Johnny Depp at Disneyland, but never came across him. (Big sad face!!!!) Apparently John Stamos and George Lopez were also in the park. (EVEN BIGGER SAD FACE. I loved Uncle Jesse.) I DID, however, run into Disney Channel stars Caroline Sunshine and Adam Irigoyan from “Shake It Up!”

‘Deuce’ and ‘Tinka’ were having fun in the park on Friday, May 6. We came across them at the exit of Thunder Mountain. How exciting! They were very nice and were chatting with some very excited kids. They kindly obliged to take a photo with us, and boarded the ride soon after.

Here’s our photographic evidence! Chip LOVES proof. (“Pictures or it didn’t happen!”)

Blackbeard Comes Aboard at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park May 20

By

Chip

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May 6, 2011

On February 11, actor Ian McShane appeared on a soundstage in Los Angeles for a very special “head shot” – one that will soon be featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Captain Blackbeard will make his appearance on the ghostly waterfall in the grotto scenes of the park attractions beginning May 20, coinciding with the release of the new film, “Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides,” in which McShane plays a starring role.

Walt Disney Imagineering writer Michael Sprout (who wrote the script for Bill Nighy as Davy Jones several years ago) was on hand to direct the special shoot with Ian McShane. Michael said, “He came in wearing his complete Blackbeard costume, including the sword, saying it helped him stay in character!”

Look for Blackbeard soon in this classic attraction, and the return of Davy Jones later this year.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Blackbeard Comes Aboard at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park May 20

Go Behind the Magic at Aulani with Samantha Brown

By

Chip

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May 6, 2011

Disney Vacation Club recently sent Samantha Brown with a camera crew to the island of O‘ahu to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i.

The online show, scheduled to air May 17-21, explores this highly anticipated resort and reveals special Disney Vacation Club offers available exclusively through the webcast. And just in case spectacular settings, celebrity star power and sneak peeks at a place that won’t open until August aren’t enough to pique your interest, the producers tell me viewers will get a Disney character lithograph just for watching.

To register to see the broadcast, visit www.dvcwebevent.com.

Source Disney Parks Blog

DVD Review: ‘Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ Volume 1 and 2

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 6, 2011

DVD Review: 'Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes' Volume 1 and 2

Iron Man is my favorite superhero of all time. Brilliant, fearless and flawed. A perfect example of the “Marvel Way” of creating characters and storytelling. That said, The Avengers is my supergroup of choice. Not only do those characters have deep rooted issues but they are are all individuals forgoing the route of the X-men and The Fantastic Four that have team uniforms. They are strong willed individuals who come together to fight for the common good while at times having a fair amount of friction in between their egos. They mimic life “in the office”. Some of them get along ok, while others… well, you know where I’m going with that one. The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes Volume 1 and 2 capture the essence of my favorite band of heroes. Great animation, voice acting, sound design and excellent writing make this series perfect for the entire family.

It’s not just kids stuff… The animation has got attitude. Gone are the days of the cheesy “Amazing Friends” style of the 1980s. Animators chose a slightly exaggerated comic look and married elements of Japanese anime for a very edgy feel. Supervising producer Joshua Fine wanted to make a bridge the Marvel film characters with the comic book Marvel Universe. I believe he and his staff did a brilliant job in doing just that. Iconic characters had their signature looks and secondary characters who make brief appearances in the series are easily recognizable. This makes this series extremely accessable to all fans – those who are hardcore fans of the books and those who know of the characters strictly from the feature films.

Who are The Avengers? They are Earth’s mightiest heroes, formed to fight the foes no single hero could withstand. The Avengers are the most prestigious and powerful super-hero team in the world, an ever-shifting assemblage of super-beings, adventurers and crime fighters devoted to protecting the planet from menaces beyond the scope of conventional authorities. – Marvel Universe Wiki

The voice acting is equally as good. Veteran voice actors include Rick D. Wasserman (Planet Hulk, Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, “House M.D.”) as Thor, Brian Bloom (The A Team, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2) as Captain America, Fred Tatasciore (Tron: Evolution, Hulk Vs., “Wolverine and the X-Men”) as The Hulk, Wally Wingert (“The Family Guy,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”) as Ant Man, and Phil Lamarr (“Mad TV,” “Futurama”) as Jarvis. I especially like the job Eric Loomis did voicing Iron Man/Tony Stark channeling Robert Downey Jr.’s inflections and cocky attitude from the recent blockbusters.

DVD Review: 'Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes' Volume 1 and 2

Being a bit of an audiophile myself, I must give props to the sound designers. Mike Draghi and his team did an outstanding job with the sound effects with perfect mixes of explosions, gun fire and those famous Iron Man repulsor beams. Coupled with those sound effects is the original music by Guy Michelmore adding the perfect vibe and further enhancing the story.

Speaking of story, veteran comic book writer Christopher Yost, represented the source material well. The origin episodes of each of the principal Avengers were well done. Entertaining, quick and to the point. Other live action series could do well to follow this example. They crammed a lot into every episode with perfect pacing. I really appreciated how each story has a few layers of depth as well as story arcs that span over several episodes. I never thought the series watered story lines down too much for a younger audience. I eagerly looked forward to each new episode and look forward to the next release.

Congratulations to Marvel Animation, Joshua Fine and the team who put The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes series together. These DVDs make great primer if you’re looking to get the rest of your family introduced into the Marvel Universe and all of its connective tissue. The well told stories and killer animation have made me a “true believer” in your series and look forward to the next season! Excelsior!

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes Volume 1 and 2 is in stores NOW. The series returns to Disney XD with all-new episodes beginning Sunday, May 15! Don’t forget you can download all the episodes aired so far right now on iTunes. More on Marvel.com!

Suggested Retail Price: Volume 1 – Single Disc DVD = $19.99 U.S.
Suggested Retail Price: Volume 2 – Single Disc DVD = $19.99 U.S.
Rated: TV-Y7 (*Bonus materials not rated)
Run Time: Volume 1 – Approximately 154 minutes (seven 22-minute episodes)
Run Time: Volume 2 – Approximately 132 minutes (six 22-minute episodes)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 (16×9 widescreen)
Sound: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound
Languages: English & Spanish

THOR: God of Thunder Videogame Behind the Scenes Video

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 6, 2011

THOR: God of Thunder Videogame Behind the Scenes Video

Ready for THOR’s release Friday 5/6/11? Get hyped up with the latest tie-in videogame from Sega America! It’s available on all platforms and is in stores NOW! Take a peek behind the making of the videogame THOR: God of Thunder!

Continue

Disney‘s Irresistible Talking Puppies Are Back!

By

Chip

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May 6, 2011

The quintet of irresistible talking puppies, Disney‘s lovable ―Buddies,‖ are back for a ghoulish good time in a fantastic all-new Halloween-themed adventure,Spooky Buddies. The studio‘s most popular live-action, direct-to-video franchise makes its highly anticipated return, premiering on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Movie Download — September 20 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. To learn more about this title, consumers are invited to visit www.disney.com/spookybuddies.

Overflowing with trick-or-treat action, the ‗Buddies‘ films are favorites of families and kids of all ages. Spooky Buddies continues the overwhelmingly popular franchise that features the adorable talking puppies, with action, laughs and fast-paced adventure. In this latest movie caper, the lovable canine clan find themselves in a mysterious mansion, with no less than the fate of the world hanging in the balance as they must stop a dastardly warlock from his plans for world destruction.

Packed with fun, excitement and a bag full of bonus features, Spooky Buddies is a spooktacular feature-length movie that treats audiences to a celebration of friendship and teamwork for the whole family.

Spooky Buddies stars the voices of Diedrich Bader (TV‘s ―The Drew Carey Show‖), Ryan Stiles (TV‘s ―The Drew Carey Show‖), Debra Jo Rupp (TV‘s ―That 70‘s Show‖), Tim Conway (TV‘s―SpongeBob SquarePants,‖ ―The Carol Burnett Show‖), Frankie Jonas (TV‘s ―Jonas‖), G. Hannelius (TV‘s ―Good Luck Charlie‖), Ty Panitz (Santa Buddies, How to Eat Fried Worms), Charles Henry Wyson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), and Nico Ghisi (Santa Buddies). It also features the acting talents of Harland Williams (The Whole Nine Yards, Dumb and Dumber), Rance Howard (Night Club, The Dilemma), Jennifer Elise Cox (TV‘s ―Pretty the Series,‖ The Brady Bunch Movie), Pat Finn (I Love You, Beth Cooper), Michael Teigen (Santa Buddies), Elisa Donovan (Clueless), Sierra McCormick (Ramona and Beezus), Skyler Gisondo (Santa Buddies, Space Buddies), Sage Ryan (Piranha), Jake Johnson (TV‘s ―Little Monk‖), and Tucker Albrizzi (Bridesmaids). Director Robert Vince and Producer Anna McRoberts partner for their sixth ―Buddies‖ film.

In Spooky Buddies, the lovable ―Buddies‖ — talking pups B-Dawg, Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud, and Rosebud — embark on a spine-tingling journey across town to a shadowy mansion shrouded in legendary secrets. In a race against the mysterious Howlloween Hound, the Buddies and some new friends — Pip, Zelda, Rodney and Skip — must stop Warwick the Warlock to save the world from his dastardly deeds. Their brave exploits in this trick-or-treat adventure highlight the importance of friendship, courage and teamwork.

Bonus Features for Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Downloads

DIGS: Rosebud Edition — Leo Howard of Disney Channel‘s Leo Little‘s Big Show interviews Rosebud, the only female pup in the Buddies litter, as she invites viewers into her dream home for an exciting tour. Highlights include the creative use of the color pink throughout her décor, her blush-colored car – the perfect vehicle for the ultimate blond driver – and her fabulous closet holding luxurious garments, and some costumes that fans may recognize from past adventures.
All-New Music Video “Monster Mash” — A fun new Hip hop cover of this Halloween classic introduces the popular song to a new generation of trick-or-treaters with a high-energy new routine performed by Davis Cleveland, Adam Irigoyen, and Kenton Duty from the cast of Disney‘s Shake It Up.

Disc Specifications:

STREET DATE: 9/20/11
Suggested retail prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada; 1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada;
High Definition Movie Download = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada; Standard Definition Movie Download = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Feature Run Time: Approx. run time 88 minutes
Rated: G (bonus material not rated)

Technical specifications may only apply to feature

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16X9 televisions)
Sound: DVD: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound Blu-ray: 5.1 DTS HD
Languages: English, French and Spanish audio; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles

“Like” the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Disney-Buddies/184471588267367

Follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/disneypictures

View exciting trailers, video clips and more at http://www.youtube.com/disneymovies

Disney’s Spooky Buddies Coming to Bluray September 20th (chipandco.com)
Disney’s Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition Coming to Bluray/DVD/Download (chipandco.com)

Disney‘s Irresistible Talking Puppies Are Back!

X-Men: First Class Trailer Analysis

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 6, 2011

Now that Marvel Studios has unleashed THOR to the masses it’s time to take a look at their next release X-Men: First Class. After looking at this trailer several times and freeze framing certain images I’m more psyched than ever about this origin film. Instead of me pointing out all the nuances of the preview enjoy this breakdown by the guys at IGN.

For more info on the movie check out x-menfirstclassmovie.com.

THOR in Theaters TODAY!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 6, 2011

THOR in Theaters TODAY!

Blockbuster movie season begins tomorrow with the latest release Marvel Studios – THOR! The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders. It’s one of my favorite stories in the Marvel Universe and I look forward to seeing how they treat his origin as well as how they weave in the Avengers supergroup angle! Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for Easter Eggs (like the one below) as well as the post-credit clip that leads into the next Marvel film… don’t worry. I won’t spoil it for you!

THOR in Theaters TODAY!

“LAND OF ENCHANTMENT….JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY”. Thor made his first MARVEL appearance in 1962 in issue #83 of Journey Into Mystery

Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of superhero: THOR. This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. Kenneth Branagh directs this fantasy epic which stars Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the ancient Norse god, Tom Hiddleston as his evil brother Loki, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, a young woman who befriends Thor on Earth, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Thor’s father and king of Asgard. Expect to see agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., previously seen in ”Iron Man” to make an appearance, further forshadowing the coming of The Avengers!

THOR thunders into theaters on May 6th, 2011. Visit thor.marvel.com for more details!

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Premiere Set Up for Saturday

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 6, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Premiere Set Up for Saturday

I was finally able to return home…err, to Disneyland, this week. I knew the Pirates premiere was going to happen this Saturday, but I was surprised to see the set up already done (for the most part). Then again, I wouldn’t want to procrastinate on something like this.

As you’ll see in the photos below, the seating has been constructed, extending over Rivers of America. A giant screen is being set up on Tom Sawyer’s Island. These photos were taken a few days ago, so I’m sure more has been added to the set up.

Disneyland will be closing at 5PM for the premiere. California Adventure will be extending their operating hours to 11PM, and adding an additional World of Color showing. “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” opens in theaters May 20.

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Premiere Set Up for Saturday

New Details for Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend May 13-15

By

Chip

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May 6, 2011

Classic cars will meet their match as star racecar Lightning McQueen, pal Mater and master British spy Finn McMissile from Disney-Pixar’s upcoming animated motion picture “Cars 2” race into town during Car Masters Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort May 13-15, 2011. Car lovers will delight in a weekend devoted to all things cars, with activities from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Downtown Disney West Side:

Muscle cars will line the Downtown Disney promenade alongside the largest life-sized, radio-controlled replica cars ever built–which bring their big-screen “car-acter” counterparts to life for fans to meet face to face.
Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” Franchise Guardian and resident car expert, Jay Ward, has been tapped to judge the Classic Car show which takes place on Saturday and Sunday.
NASCAR fans can get a peek at Richard Petty’s racecar on display inside RIDEMAKERZ at Downtown Disney.
The family-friendly weekend will feature special Disney-Pixar “Cars 2” merchandise –including new RIDEMAKERZ models — and bonus entertainment.
The 2006 Disney-Pixar “Cars” film returns to the big screen with a limited engagement viewing at AMC Pleasure Island 24 Theatres throughout the weekend. Moviegoers can even catch a glimpse of the new movie trailer from “Cars 2,” which gets the “green flag” on June 24, 2011, presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX 3D® in select theaters.

State Farm brings Disney-Pixar’s “Cars 2” adventure directly to fans with the “Agents on a Mission” tour, showcasing cars modeled after their big-screen likenesses. Guests can check out the cars and take part in a variety of “Cars 2”-themed activities, including a video kiosk, e-photo opportunities, games and giveaways. They can also enter the “Agents on a Mission” sweepstakes, which features 18,000 prizes, including a new car.

Don’t Miss Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend (chipandco.com)
Register to Attend a Pixar Speaker Session at Epcot May 14-15 (chipandco.com)

New Details for Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend May 13-15

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