New Clips of ‘Prom’

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April 22, 2011

New Clips of 'Prom'

At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.

Chip and Co Featured Partner – National Disney Travel Examiner

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2011

Chip and Co Featured Partner - National Disney Travel Examiner

I’ve always been a member of the Disney online fan community, as least as far back as I can remember. And that’s a pretty long time. I remember the days of dial-up and the heady excitement of joining the rec.arts.disneyparks Usenet group. (In fact, I think I still have my RADP pin somewhere.)

Well, now that I’ve dated myself entirely…

I’d been having a lot of fun in Disney online communities, talking about Disney with others who “stalk the Mouse” closely for fun and the occasional bit of cheese. Someone pointed out to me that my online writing life was much like my professional life, where I am interested in what is broadly called “Disney Studies”: film, theme parks, history, theory.

I thought about starting a blog to combine my working and personal interests. But being more of a writer than a tech person, and not quite sure how much time I could devote to a blog, I went in another direction. I applied for a gig writing about Disney travel for Examiner.com. Examiner concentrates on the technology, I focus on the writing and take pictures. Oh, yeah, and visit Disney…a lot. The column justifies my travel habit. Or so I tell myself.

As the National Disney Travel Examiner, I write mostly newsy stuff. As I’ve told Chip, I like to follow the bright, shiny news. But I also have some Disney Travel 101 stuff – reservations, amenities, discounts, review of resources, tips – for people who search for the basics online.

Chip and Co Featured Partner - National Disney Travel Examiner — Desserts at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

But my interests in Disney go beyond news of the day. When my schedule allows, I’ll also add some other content. I don’t quite consider myself a Disney foodie (yet) but I am a dedicated Disney snackie. Eat Disney dessert first! So I loved covering the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, and the trick-or-treats for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I’ll be back again for both events this year.

I’m also a Disney runner, one of the people who have happily found the party at “back of the pack,” with pictures and characters. So I try to keep on top of such Disney events. Really, I’m all for the active and interactive Disney vacations, so that’s the kind of stuff I follow in my column.

Finally, I have two series that speak to my special interests in theming and Cast Members. “Memories of the Magic Kingdom” provides an overview and occasional history piece on attractions at Magic Kingdom, a tribute of sorts to the 40^th anniversary. And my “Salute to Disney Cast Members” occasional series points out the people who make the magic happen. I plan to do more of these pieces in connection with “Destination D” in Walt Disney World in May and with Disneyland’s D23 Expo in August.

So far, being the National Disney Travel Examiner has been a fun gig. I’ve had the opportunity meet many members of the Disney writing community, and it was through my work with Examiner.com I got to know Chip and Co. It’s inspired me to pay more attention to the latest Disney news and try new things on my trips. And who knows, a blog could be next; I have too many pictures to share and different kinds of things I’d like to write.

So that’s me, the National Disney Travel Examiner, a much more impressive title than I deserve. I’m more of a Kungaloosh kind of person, the name of my Facebook page. Check them out if you’d like, or just visit to give me a Kungaloosh salute!

Celebrity Sighting: Pop singer Ke$ha at the Magic Kingdom

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Chip

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April 22, 2011

Pop singer “Ke$ha” poses April 21, 2011 with The White Rabbit from Disney’s animated film “Alice in Wonderland,” at the Magic Kingdom park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Ke$ha’s debut single, entitled “Tik Tok,” was a number one hit around the world. The Magic Kingdom is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2011

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Chip

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April 22, 2011

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

Current

Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool (Fort Wilderness) closed through 4/22/11 for refurbishment. The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool will be open during this time.
Star Tours (Hollywood Studios) closed through 5/19/11 for refurbishment.
Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) closed through 6/1/11 for refurbishment.
Paddock Leisure Pool (Saratoga Springs Resort) closed through 6/30/11 for refurbishment. It is being converted into a feature pool with a water slide.
Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management (Magic Kingdom) closed through 8/15/11.

Upcoming

Cabanas Leisure Pool (Coronado Springs Resort) closed 4/20/11-5/19/11 for refurbishment. All other pools, including the Dig Site feature pool will remain open.
Magnolia Bend Leisure Pool (Port Orleans Riverside Resort) closed 4/25/11-5/27/11 for refurbishment.
Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed 5/2/11-5/25/11 for refurbishment.
Playground (Port Orleans – French Quarter) closed 5/2/11-5/27/11 for refurbishment.
Wilderness Swimmin’ Pool (Fort Wilderness) closed 5/2/11-6/10/11 for refurbishment. The Meadow Swimmin’ Pool will be open during this time.
Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed 5/9/11-5/19/11 for refurbishment.
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 5/16/11-5/26/11 for refurbishment.
Magnolia Golf Course closed 5/31/11-6/10/11 for refurbishment.
Palm Golf Course closed 6/6/11-6/16/11 for refurbishment.
Oak Trail Golf Course closed 6/13/11-8/19/11 for refurbishment.
Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed Mondays only between 6/20/11-8/1/11 for refurbishment.
Palm Golf Course closed Wednesdays only between 6/22/11-8/3/11 for refurbishment.
Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed Thursdays only between 6/23/11-8/4/11 for refurbishment.
Magnolia Golf Course closed Tuesdays only between 6/28/11-8/2/11 for refurbishment.

Source Mousesavers Newsletter>

Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2011

Dreamworks: I Am Number Four on Blu-ray & DVD 5/24

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Chip

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April 22, 2011

Just in time for summer break comes the ultimate action-packed, thriller I AM NUMBER FOUR, on Blu-ray, DVD, Movie Download and On-Demand May 24^th. Starring sensation Dianna Agron (TV’s “Glee”) and heartthrobs Alex Pettyfer (Beastly) and Timothy Olyphant (TV’s “Justified”), I AM NUMBER FOUR will be available to own as either a 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), a 1-Disc Blu-ray, and/or 1-Disc DVD that comes packaged complete with never-before-seen bonus features, including deleted scenes, a special featurette, bloopers and more.

From mega-producer Michael Bay (Transformers franchise) and the director of Disturbia, D.J. Caruso, I AM NUMBER FOUR takes viewers on a suspense-filled ride that keeps them on the edge of their seat as they follow the extraordinary story of a young man who is hiding his true identity to evade a deadly enemy that seeks to destroy him.

BoBonus Features:

DVD:

“Becoming Number 6” Featurette
Bloopers

Blu-ray:

Everything on the DVD plus…

6 Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director D.J. Caruso
“Strangers in Paradise” (Extended)
“Sam’s Mom”
“Worth Mentioning”
“Power Prank”
“Trying to Connect”
“Extended Warsaw Basement”

Movie Download:

Everything on the DVD plus…

Deleted Scene: “Power Prank”

Dreamworks: I Am Number Four on Blu-ray & DVD 5/24

Character Dining at Walt Disney World, Part Two

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2011

Character Dining at Walt Disney World, Part Two — Mickey & Minnie with Sophie

In yesterday’s post, we looked at character dining at the Walt Disney World parks. Today we are going to look character dining at the resorts. There are a high number of resorts where you can get a great character dining experience, so let’s take a look at them separately.

1900 Park Fare – Located over at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 1900 Park Fare is a character haven all day long. You’ve got the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and the Wonderland Tea Party, featuring characters from Alice in Wonderland. Then you’ve got Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner, featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, and those other people the step-mom and step-sisters (Sophie did NOT like them, nor did I!)
Cape May Café – Cape May is located over at the Beach Club Resort over on Disney’s Boardwalk region. We ate here for breakfast for the first time last June, and absolutely LOVED it! The food was a great buffet, just like everywhere else, with Mickey waffles and all the rest, but we loved Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy all decked out in their beach garb. Check this restaurant out!
Chef Mickey’s – Located over at the Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s is one of the top of the line character dining restaurants on property. We have eaten here once for dinner, and it was okay. I have heard that breakfast is much better, so maybe we need to check out breakfast! No matter what time of day you eat, Chef Mickey’s is a buffet style setting.
Garden Grove – Located over at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort, we have never eaten at the Garden Grove – but I have heard a lot of people give it rave reviews. The food is served buffet style, but each day has a different theme, so check the website for more information on what day you want to make your reservation! Two Disney characters (the characters vary regularly) are present every night for dinner, and also for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.
Garden View Tea Room – for that perfect Mother/Daughter bonding moment, check out this venue over at the Grand Floridian. Serving afternoon tea, you are greeted by Princess Aurora.
‘Ohana – Located over at the Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana is a wonderful location to have a terrific character breakfast. We ate there in 2009 and absolutely loved seeing Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse and Pluto. Officially ‘Ohana only shows Lilo and Stitch as appearing, so having Mickey and Pluto there may have been good fortune for us. The food is served family style, which is good since ‘Ohana in Hawaiian translates to mean family. While ‘Ohana only offers character dining with breakfast, they also have an incredible dinner show (so I’ve heard, anyway, as I’ve never eaten there for dinner) so look into that as well!
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ — We ate at this location for Sophie’s birthday last June. I liked the atmosphere, but I thought that the food was just okay. It certainly fit the description of what you would expect — hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, baked beans. I liked the show, and I loved how much Mickey and Minnie interacted with Sophie! I’m not certain we would do it again soon, but I wouldn’t completely rule it out either.

This concludes our look at the Walt Disney World Character dining locations. I hope that you have enjoyed it! Which of the character locations are your favorites?

Say “I do” Where Dreams Come True

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2011

Everyone knows Disney is the place where dreams come true, but it’s also a place where you can say, “I do!”

Each Disney destination (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Aulani) offer a Fairytale wedding package fit for a Queen!

The three collection options at Walt Disney World (escape, wishes and couture) each have three ceremony options (magical, exotic and garden) that are fit for every wedding size and every budget.

The Escape Collection accommodates wedding celebrations with 18 or less guests and makes the decision making process effortless and worry-free.
For a magical escape say your vows in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, located on the grounds of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The beautiful white chapel offers a beautiful view of Cinderella Castle through its windows and the white sand beaches and immaculate grounds of the Grand Floridan are picture perfect photo locations! The exotic escape includes venues at the Canadian Terrace in Epcot, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge and the Polynesian Resort. In Canada your wedding will take place on the the elevated verandah with the beautiful Canadian Castle as your backdrop. If simply being outdoors isn’t the nature environment you dream of, the Sunrise Terrace at Wilderness Lodge features the rustic beauty of the untouched Wilderness. The Wilderness Lodge offers a very “outdoors-in” feeling from the fourth floor as you look out over the spectacular views. For a truly exotic feel, Sunset Pointe at the Polynesian Resort puts white sand under your feet and palm trees overhead, don’t forget the view of Cinderella’s Castle from across Bay lake! Your options for a wedding escape (Disney style) are complete with the garden escape. The garden escape offers two locations: Sea Breeze Pointe at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort or the Wedding Gazebo at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Both garden locations feature gazebos in picturesque settings on the Boardwalk.

The Wishes collection allows you the freedom to customize the wedding of your dreams, down to the last detail. Your Wedding Event Planner will assist you with all the details of your dream day, right down to the napkins. Magical locations includes the Magic Kingdom Park and the Wedding Pavilion. Echoing the escape collection the exotic options for the wishes collection include the Canadian Pavillion and give you alternate options around the World Showcase including China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco and the United Kingdom. The garden options for the wishes collection also include Sea Breeze Pointe (on the Boardwalk) and also offer a choice of either the croquet lawn (at the Boardwalk Resort) or the wedding gazebo at the Yacht and Beach Club.

The Couture Collection offers the ultimate in creative freedom and endless possibilities, customize every detail to make a magical wedding that’s a complete reflection of you. Don’t fret over the details! If you aren’t sure where to begin start with inspiration from David Tutera (critically acclaimed celebrity entertaining expert) who gives you the basics to customize four distinct styles of Couture: Enchanted Garden, Classic Elegance, Simply Chic or Cocktail Soiree. The Couture Collections creates the perfect backdrop for and includes every last detail including flowers, fabrics and lighting.

The enchanted collection features soft buttercream yellow linens, cascading ivy, pale delicate flowers and butterfly accents. The Enchanted Garden Package is perfect for the elegant dreamer.

Classic Elegance features gold pleated cloth, coordinating candelabras, custom designed floral arrangements, and breathtaking chandeliers . Oversized mirrors reflect the elegance that surrounds you.

For the more modern bride the Simply Chic collection offers a clean white canvas, modern table decorations including custom table runners detailed with your choice of water, floating candles and flowers all illuminated by white lanterns suspended overhead.

If you are less to test the boundaries of “traditional” A Cocktail Soiree will make your wedding “the” event. Drape the ballroom walls in fabric (the color is your choice of course!), modern lighting illuminates your oversized bar in the center of the room. Lounge with your guests while you sip martinis and signature cocktails in chic comfortable chairs and benches.

Disney will take care of every last detail, offering you options you never thought possible and the freedom to create the day you’ve always dreamed of from start to finish. In true Disney style, it doesn’t end there. You and your guests can extend the magic for a pre or post wedding stay while you and your spouse start your honeymoon at Walt Disney World or another fantastic Disney Destination.

This is just a sampling of what Disney Fairytale Weddings has to offer. Schedule an appointment with a Fairytale Wedding planner and see what Disney has to offer! To learn more about how to make your Fairytale Wedding a dream come true, and for package inclusions visit

Hop and Drop at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

By

Chip

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April 22, 2011

One of the more challenging holiday tasks for me growing up was finding my Easter basket; it was always hidden on Easter morning. Before I could enjoy a milk-chocolate bunny (ears first, of course), I had to find it hidden somewhere around my house. Somehow my sister always seemed to find her basket faster than me (don’t get me started about the Easter egg hunt!). For those guests who are visiting the Walt Disney World Resort this week, I found some Easter baskets (pun intended) that are perfect for the holiday. You may recall reading about the BFF Basket from the Disney Floral & Gifts team. The baskets I found are a little different, and they are offered at each of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Florida. I spoke with Bonnie Ezell, Area Manager Retail Sales for Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, about this tradition.

“We offer two kinds of Easter baskets,” explained Bonnie. “Each resort will have some pre-made baskets containing a variety of merchandise items. We will also have cast members available to make customized baskets based on guests’ requests.”

The retail for the pre-made baskets varies based on the items included (between $40-$65). The customized baskets start at $7.00 for the empty basket, grass, bow and wrap. Anything added to a custom basket is extra. I visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see these baskets in person. There, I met Robin Mascia, a Retail Guest Service Manager at the Resort, who shared with me a unique service at select Disney resorts called “Hop and Drop.”

“In addition to the pre-made and customized baskets, we offer something called ‘Hop and Drop,’” said Robin. “This means that Easter baskets will be delivered to guests’ resort rooms on Easter morning. It’s fun to help the Easter Bunny make some magic [on Easter] morning.”

Click here to keep reading more of this article from Disney Parks Blog

Let the Kids Run Around – Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 22, 2011

Before I had a child, I never thought about having playgrounds or play areas at the Magic Kingdom. With all of the rides and attractions, what more could kids need to keep them entertained? Then, I traveled to the parks with at 1 year old and realized – children just want to run around and sitting on another ride in Fantasyland just won’t cut it.

Luckily, the Imagineers considered this into their plans. Located sporadically around the Magic Kingdom are small play areas created for approximately 2-5 year olds to burn off their extra energy. The one pictures above, the Laughing Place, is located near the exit of Splash Mountain and is simpyl a house and area for children to run around and stay out of the way of the massive crowds, along with being sheltered out of the weather conditions.

The best areas were located in Mickey’s Toon Town Fair, both Donald’s Boat, which was a boat and splash area, and Toon Park, another area with slides and houses to run around were our favorites, but as that area is now gone, I don’t know if they’ll replace it with anything. My son loved running around Toon Park, so I hope they’ll give another play area for the toddlers.

The newest play area for young toddlers to run around is the interactive queue in front of the Winnie the Pooh ride in Fantasyland. Filled with interactive toys, such as musical squash bongos and other interactive toys, toddlers can run around and stay entertained while their parents wait in line. The new Haunted Mansion interactive queue has the large organ for play, but isn’t as much as play area as Winnie the Pooh. Speculation is expecting more interactive queues in Fantasyland, but nothing official has been announced.

Angelica from Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Meet & Greet Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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April 21, 2011

Angelica (a new character from Pirates of the Caribbean 4) is now greeting guests at the Magic Kingdom. This is her temporary meet-and-greet location, she will be at her new home on Friday!

Remember Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides comes out May 20th!

For more check out Jeff Lange’s website at : http://JeffLangeDVD.com or http://MouseSteps.com

Angelica from Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Meet & Greet Magic Kingdom

Chip and Co Featured Partner – My Dreams of Disney

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 21, 2011

The other day Chip, our fearless and generous leader, decided that all of us with blogs should write about them and he would post them on the Chip and Company website. So without further ado, I give you “My Dreams of Disney”!

I started writing My Dreams of Disney back in September 2010. The previous June my wife and I had taken my daughter Sophie and our niece Stephanie to Walt Disney World for Sophie’s birthday, and we had such an incredible time that I wanted to remember all of those great memories for years to come. The more I thought about it, the more I decided that starting a blog was the way to go! My Dreams of Disney was born.

I have been going to Walt Disney World since I was ten years old. My first trip to the Magic Kingdom was with my Grandma and Grandpa and my Mom and my sister, and I never forgot how cool it was to stand on Main Street, U.S.A. and look down the street at a world that I never knew before. I had read about this world, a world of simpler times, of lazy walks to the movie theater, but until that first trip, I had never imagined that I would live in that world.

Since I started writing My Dreams of Disney, the world of Walt Disney has opened up so many exciting possibilities. For starters, I sent an email to Chip because I had read that he needed writers, and he took me on to be one of the writers! Once that started, readership in my blog started increasing! Before I was added to the Chip & Company writer pool, I averaged about 73 page views per month. Since December, though, I am averaging 710 pageviews a month! Writing that number down astounds me.

In addition to writing for Chip & Company, I have also been writing for The Magical Blogorail on a monthly basis. That has opened up even new possibilities for me, all because I started a blog. It is amazing to me.

Walt Disney himself, of course, created the Magic that is Walt Disney World. Everything I’ve read about the man indicates that everything he did was done for the betterment of improving life for countless people. I think Mr. Disney would be extremely proud that the Magic he created was being spread day by day by the incredible Disney Community, starting with each of our blogs, continuing into the bigger blogs such as Chip & Company and The Magical Blogorail, and hopefully passing along some of that Magic on to our readers.

My Dreams of Disney is my repository of memories about Walt Disney World. The memories of past trips that we have taken, both when I was a kid being taken by my family, and now my memories of when I’m the Dad, taking my family on vacation and helping them to have memories that they will remember when they grow up. This site is a labor of love; a joyous, constant reminder that for us, Walt Disney World is that place that we can go to when we need to forget about the troubles of the world for a while; that place where we can wear Mickey Ears or Minnie Ears (or my Mickey Safari Hat); and most of all, that place where we can feel the stress, worry, and anxiety of the world roll off of our shoulders, and just remember that we are all kids at heart, as long as we choose to be. And that, my friends, is why I started this blog.

Why I started My Dreams of Disney (mydreamsofdisney.com)

Chip and Co Featured Partner - My Dreams of Disney

Disney Gives $120K to Support Needy Local Children

By

Chip

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April 21, 2011

Several organizations that provide essentials such as food and shelter for local families in need got an unexpected boost in support from Walt Disney World Resort this morning.

As part of a 40-day celebration across Central Florida to shine a spotlight on organizations that improve the lives of children, Mickey Mouse made a surprise visit to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to recognize and reward their efforts. The impromptu moment also set the stage for a special gift totaling $120,000 to benefit four local organizations that help the community’s most vulnerable families.

Recipients of Disney funding are:

Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida $60,000
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida $50,000
New Beginnings $5,000
HOPE Foundation $5,000

“We are so grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of Disney’s generosity,” said Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest of Central Florida. “We’ll focus this funding on helping our efforts to combat childhood hunger in Central Florida, which unfortunately is a huge problem. With Disney’s support, we are going to be able to provide hundreds of thousands of meals to kids in need.”

Between now and May 22, Disney will give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties. Additionally, prize patrols will recognize 15 students in the five-county area as Disney Dreamers and Doers Shining Stars for their outstanding character.

“As part of our 40th anniversary, Walt Disney World is celebrating its commitment to Central Florida by giving support to organizations and programs that make a positive impact on children in our community,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Walt Disney World Community Relations. “It’s an exciting time for some very deserving organizations that educate, develop and care for local youth.”

Walt Disney World’s philanthropic focus is on helping families meet basic needs, youth development and education.

Disney Helping Kids Shine grant recipients demonstrate alignment with Disney’s goal of improving children’s lives by focusing on one or more of the following areas: connecting with adults, character development, constructive use of free time and compassion.

Follow the 40-day “Shine On” journey across Central Florida and track the total giving at www.shineontoday.com, where prize patrol reports and pictures will be posted.

New Study Shows Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Makes Strong Economic Impact Across Florida (chipandco.com)

Disney Gives $120K to Support Needy Local Children

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