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Win a pair of African Cats books: Sita the Cheetah & A Lion’s Pride!

Win a pair of African Cats books: Sita the Cheetah & A Lion’s Pride!

See African Cats, Save the Savanna!

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the Savanna.  Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons.   An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

As the April 22 opening of the awe-inspiring “African Cats” approaches, Disneynature is tapping into the true power of social media by building awareness of its “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” program. During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to AWF through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the African savanna. For more information about the movie and the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, check out Disney.com/AfricanCats.

We are giving away Two African Cats Books –  Sita the Cheetah and A Lion’s Pride (pictured above) to one lucky person!

Now on to the Giveaway details.

  • Head on over to the Chip and Company Facebook Page
  • On the left side of the page you will see a new item called ‘Suggest This’ (click that)
  • Follow Step 1 and become a Fan if you are not already.
  • Next Follow Step 2 and Suggest Chip and Co. to Your Friends (The service allows for 8 at a time)
  • For a Bonus Entry after you Followed Step 2  – Share Chip and Co to your Facebook Stream
  • For an additional Bonus Entry Retweet this article!
  • It is just that easy!

This program tracks how many people you share it to and how many accept your invites. Like all our contests the more you Share the better your chances are to WIN! So tell everyone on your Friends List where you find your Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways and More!

I will be counting each share and stream as an entry to our Giveaway! I will pick 1 winner on Thursday April 21st at 9am EST. The winner will have 24 hours to contact me back and supply me with their address so we can get these awesome books out to you!!!

If you have any questions or problems just shoot me an email at [email protected]

Good Luck

Contest is only good for those people who live in the continental US.

 

  • Disneynature’s AFRICAN CATS “The World I Knew” by Jordin Sparks (chipandco.com)
  • Disneynature’s plans to work with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to “Save the Savanna” have gone viral. (chipandco.com)
Win a pair of African Cats books: Sita the Cheetah & A Lion’s Pride!

Disney PROM: “Senior Pride” Video Yearbook

Disney PROM: "Senior Pride" Video Yearbook

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.

Disney PROM: "Senior Pride" Video Yearbook

Marvel Super Heroes: What The–?!: Earth Day Special

Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?!: Earth Day Special

Get ready for Earth Day 2011 this Friday, April 22, with a special Marvel Super Heroes: What The–?! promo for the all-new Disneynature motion picture release “African Cats” opening on Earth Day!

M.O.D.O.K.’s on safari in the African savanna and, per usual, his unbridled thoughtlessness can’t go unnoticed. Watch what happens when The Incredible Hulk, Black Panther and Zabu team up to teach the big-headed blowhard an Earth Day lesson he won’t soon forget!

  • Win a pair of African Cats books: Sita the Cheetah & A Lion’s Pride! (chipandco.com)
  • Disneynature’s AFRICAN CATS “The World I Knew” by Jordin Sparks (chipandco.com)
Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?!: Earth Day Special

NBA Digital and Disney’s Playdom Launch New Social Game “NBA Dynasty”

NBA Digital and Disney's Playdom Launch New Social Game "NBA Dynasty"

NBA Digital and Playdom today announced the launch of NBA Dynasty, a new social game on Facebook that will allow NBA fans to create and manage their ultimate dream team by choosing from more than 9,000 player seasons from 1946 to present. The new game marks the first for Playdom with a professional sports league.

Throughout the year, NBA Dynasty will provide fans with the opportunity to compete in games against NBA stars, NBA championship teams, and head-to-head with their friends for the all-time best record.

“With NBA Dynasty, we wanted to create a realistic coaching and managing experience while giving players the opportunity to build their ultimate fantasy team,” said Playdom’s Co-Chief Operating Officer, John Donham. “Players will finally find out if their childhood heroes can beat those of their friends.”

NBA Dynasty will feature more than 1,200 video clips of NBA highlights from the 2010-11 season. Individual video clips will play when an NBA player performs well in the social media game. Fans can directly affect the outcome of NBA Dynasty games by setting their starting line-up, calling time-outs, and substituting players in real time. By building the best fan base, NBA arena, and coaching reputation, fans can boost their franchise to dynasty status.

NBA Dynasty further emphasizes the NBA’s use of social media to enhance the game experience for fans around the world. The NBA is the No. 1 sports league in the U.S. on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, with the most fans, followers, and videos viewed, respectively.

“Social media takes sports gaming to new frontiers,” said Bryan Perez, senior vice president and general manager of NBA Digital. “The combination of our industry leading social audience with Playdom’s social gaming expertise will give fans an entertaining new way to engage with the NBA.”

NBA Dynasty can be accessed on www.nba.com and http://apps.facebook.com/nbadynasty.

NBA Digital is the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports. This robust offering includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband, NBA Mobile, NBADLEAGUE.com, and WNBA.com.

Playdom, the social games product group of Disney Interactive Media Group, produces a diverse portfolio of casual games for the rapidly-growing platform of social networks. Playdom’s hugely popular properties, including Gardens of Time, Deep Realms, ESPNU College Town, Sorority Life, Social City, and City of Wonder, support millions of daily users on Facebook, MySpace and international social networking sites.

NBA Digital and Disney's Playdom Launch New Social Game "NBA Dynasty"

Disney VoluntEARS Team with City of Orlando to Beautify Carver Shores Neighborhood

Disney VoluntEARS Team with City of Orlando to Beautify Carver Shores Neighborhood

Demonstrating their commitment to the environment, nearly 100 Disney VoluntEARS joined hundreds of Orlando neighbors Saturday morning to help beautify one of the city’s neighborhoods.

As an early celebration of Earth Day, the cleanup crews planted oak, magnolia and crape-myrtle trees along Carver Shores’ streets and removed debris including a bicycle, automobile tires and a few signs from Lake Fran. They also painted picnic benches, fences, water fountains and recreational amenities at the nearby Poppy Park.

The volunteers hope their efforts not only have an immediate impact on the neighborhood, but also contribute to the long-term preservation of habitat and wildlife.

“This year Disney VoluntEARS are literally digging in deeper by planting trees that will provide a lasting legacy for this neighborhood,” said Jackie Ogden, vice president of Disney’s Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives.

As a company with an enduring commitment to environmental conservation, we’re passionate about inspiring our cast members, guests and neighbors to help protect the environment.”

This is the first year that Disney VoluntEARS have collaborated with both Green-Up Orlando and Keep Orlando Beautiful as part of their Earth Day activities. The city of Orlando established Green-Up Orlando and Keep Orlando Beautiful to restore the urban tree canopy and reduce pollution and litter.

“Volunteers are the power force behind Keep Orlando Beautiful and Green-Up Orlando,” said Jody Goostree, Keep Orlando Beautiful coordinator. “We appreciate all our volunteers, including Disney VoluntEARS, to help us meet our goal to improve communities and the environment.  In just a few hours together we increased the city’s tree canopy, removed thousands of pounds of litter from Lake Fran and assisted neighbors in beautifying the Carver Shores neighborhood.”

As part of the environmental activities at Lake Fran, Orlando residents could also drop off used car parts including used batteries, oil, and tires for recycling or proper disposal.

Disney VoluntEARS Team with City of Orlando to Beautify Carver Shores Neighborhood

Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure $8 Off Coupon

Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure $8 Off Coupon

Save $8 On Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure Blu-ray™ Combo Pack!

Click the picture above to get your coupon while they last!

*Available and good in the U.S.A., its territories and Canada only. Limit two printed coupons per computer. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Coupon expires 4/26/11. While supplies last. See coupon for complete details. Redeemable at participating retailers.

 

Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure $8 Off Coupon

Registration Now Open: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort

Registration Now Open: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon, hosted by the City of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, will take runners on a 13.1-mile trek through the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks and pass by several City of Anaheim landmarks. The course will be filled with music, entertainment, Disney characters, runners in colorful Tinker Bell costumes and, of course, pixie dust, and will finish at Disneyland. Runners will receive a new Tinker Bell “wings’’ medal.

“We’re proud to be the home of the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend,’’ said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait. “It is events like this that give a city heart and character. I’m happy to welcome the thousands of runners and their friends and families to Anaheim.’’

As with the four current runDisney signature events, the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Jan. 27-29, 2012, will feature a variety of activities, including the Neverland Family Fun Run 5K. There will also be a health and fitness expo featuring the latest running merchandise, products, apparel and guest speakers – all tailored for women – creating a weekend of camaraderie and wellness, plus a pinch of Tinker Bell’s trademark sassiness and sense of adventure.

“ ‘Women runners’ and ‘half marathons’ are part of a growing and popular trend within the running world – and that’s evident by the rapid success of our Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World,’’ said Kathleen Duran, Disney Sports Endurance Manager. “This new Tinker Bell event at Disneyland embraces that trend and provides thousands of women another unique opportunity to spread their fairy wings and showcase women’s fitness, health and an active lifestyle in a relaxed, fun and family vacation environment.’’

Megyn Price, star of the hit CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement, attended the announcement along with Disney California Adventure and Guest Services Vice President Mary Niven and Mayor Tom Tait. Price was the first person to sign up to run the inaugural race.

“The idea of bringing my family to Disney and running a half marathon with thousands of other women was really appealing for me,” said Price. “Being active and healthy is important for women, so I think the whole weekend is going to be a fun and unique experience for me and my family.”

With the inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, Disneyland Resort will be hosting two of runDisney’s five signature events. Disneyland currently hosts the Disneyland Half Marathon during Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2-4 in 2011). In all, more than 10,000 runners are expected to participate in the inaugural Tinker Bell event, making it one of the nation’s largest endurance races geared toward women.

Registration for the first-ever Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is open. Registration is currently $120 for the half marathon ($130 after June 12, 2011, and $140 after Sept. 11, 2011)and $50 for the 5K event. A portion of the registration fees will be donated to the Anaheim Community Foundation. Runners can register for the Tinker Bell event and any other runDisney race online at rundisney.com.

Registration Now Open: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort

Disney Murals: Bring the Magic of Disney Home

Disney Murals: Bring the Magic of Disney Home

For anyone who can’t quite make it to London (who can?) maybe the next best thing is a touch of royal treatment at home. Imagine a mural on a child’s bedroom of a Disney Princess, personalized with your own  budding princess’s name!  More handy still, the murals all come in SmartStick, a repositionalble wall covering that allows you to reuse the mural on multiple surfaces for bedrooms or party rooms – or take it down when wedding fever dies down!

It is an inexpensive way for little girls to indulge their imaginations and surround themselves with their own magical kingdom.  There are numerous Disney scenes to choose from and you can personalize each of them with your little princess’s name if you like.

Click here to learn more.

Disney Murals: Bring the Magic of Disney Home

New Study Shows Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Makes Strong Economic Impact Across Florida

New Study Shows Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Makes Strong Economic Impact Across Florida

A new study released today shows the magic Disney makes for guests at its parks and resorts and on its cruise ships translates into a strong economic impact not only in Central Florida but across the state.

The $18.2 billion in annual economic activity generated locally by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts accounts for a staggering 2.5 percent of the gross domestic product for the entire state.

Of the 7.2 million Floridians in the workforce in 2009, more than one out of every 50 had a job that can be directly or indirectly tied to the operations of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Locally, 6 percent of all jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to Disney’s operations.

“As our business at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts keeps growing, the bottom line impact for Florida is the more than 160,000 jobs and $6 billion in compensation directly and indirectly associated with these jobs that help power our state’s economic engine,” said Al Weiss, president of worldwide operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The ripple effect created by our operations resonates throughout Florida as families across the state use their earnings to purchase goods and services from the diverse businesses both large and small that make Florida such an amazing place to live, work and play.”

The impact of Disney’s operations in Central Florida and across the state includes:

Jobs – Walt Disney World Resort directly employs more than 62,000 cast members. Statewide, the total number of jobs created indirectly and directly by the operations of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts tops 160,000.


• Compensation
– In Central Florida, cast members at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts earned a total of nearly $1.8 billion during FY2009. Across Florida, when direct and indirect jobs are taken into account, more than $6 billion in paychecks can be attributed directly or indirectly to Disney’s operations.


• Purchasing by Disney
– Each year Walt Disney Parks and Resorts purchases more than $2 billion worth of goods and services. Nearly $1 billion is paid to vendors with a presence in the state and approximately $500 million goes to vendors in Central Florida.


• Spending by Disney Guests
– Spending by Disney guests at businesses outside the resort area totaled nearly $1.7 billion in FY2009. This includes hotel and lodging expenditures; meals at local restaurants; retail purchases; and transportation expenditures.


• Taxes
– When taking the amount Disney pays in taxes and subtracting the cost of various government services used by guests and cast members, the net benefit to Florida and all localities is more than $400 million. In Central Florida, for example, Orange County sees a net benefit of more than $100 million and Osceola sees a net benefit of nearly $10 million.

The study was commissioned by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and conducted by the outside consulting firm Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics.

New Study Shows Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Makes Strong Economic Impact Across Florida

Chip and Co Featured Partner – Beyond the Attractions

Beyond the Attractions

My husband and I thought we knew everything there was to know about Walt Disney World – until we had our first son. All of a sudden everything was turned on its head – what were Baby Care Centers? Kids under three were free… really? How did Character Meet ‘n Greets work? Would we still be able to ride Space Mountain? We were also no longer sure that we would wait until our son was at least five years old until we brought him for his first Walt Disney World trip,

Inspiration struck suddenly on a Walt Disney World trip my husband and I took by ourselves when our son was one. We slowed down on that trip and looked at Walt Disney World from the perspective of young parents. We became even more amazed by the brilliance of the Walt Disney World Resort design – there is truly something for everyone from the youngest visitors to grandparents celebrating their Golden anniversary. We noticed all sorts of touches and distractions that fit seamlessly into the theming but offered opportunities for little ones to explore these hidden activities. Have you ever noticed the miniature train village in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion or the monkeys swinging up high near the entrance to Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom? By the time we left Walt Disney World, we made the decision to introduce our son to the magic of Disney World when he was two.

When we returned home, my research started in earnest. Before I knew it I had a book! Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers focuses on visiting Walt Disney World with children ages 2-5. The book has expanded over the years and includes information on planning, lodging, dining, best attractions for little ones and attractions to avoid, child care, safety, parades, maps, and more!

My website, Beyond the Attractions, contains more information about my book, reviews, and links to all my blog posts on Chip and Company and WDW Fan Zone. I hope you’ll share your thoughts on traveling to Walt Disney World with small children and your best Disney tips on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

Chip and Co Featured Partner – Beyond the Attractions

runDisney – New Race Clues

half marathon, marathon, run, race

Over the past several weeks, runDisney has been leaving clues on their facebook page about an upcoming new race, to be announced tomorrow, April 19th.  These clues have left many stumped, myself included, about what this new race may be.

Those over at Stitch Kingdom, though, seemed to have figured it out.  They have announced that runDisney will announce a new half marathon, to be hosted at the Disneyland Resort.  Calling this new race the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, this new race is expected to be Disneyland Resort’s counterpart to the WDW Princess Half Marathon, focusing on women.

There is also talks of their being a new version of the Coast to Coast challenge, possibly linking the Princess half with the Tinkerbell half marathons.

For official confirmation and more details, make sure to check back in to Chip and Co. tomorrow after the 10 a.m. EDT, as we will try to release the details as quickly as possible!

runDisney - New Race Clues

Disney Legend Charles Ridgway’s Disney Memoir Now An Ebook

Disney Legend Charles Ridgway's Disney Memoir Now An Ebook

Spinning Disney’s World: Memories of A Magic Kingdom Press Agent by Charles Ridgway has been released as an ebook by The Intrepid Traveler, which published the original hardcover edition of the book in 2007.

Spinning Disney’s World can be downloaded for $7.99 at Amazon’s Kindle Store. It is expected that the book will be available soon for other ebook platforms including Barnes & Noble Nook and the Sony Reader.

An official “Disney Legend,” Ridgway was a press agent for Walt Disney for 40 years, heading up public relations for Disney parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Today, on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, there’s a window in his honor. It says simply, “Ridgway Public Relations – No Event Too Small.”

For many years Disney parks used no paid advertising, relying on Ridgway’s publicity skills to spread the word. He shares his memories and the many creative ways he marketed Disney in Spinning Disney’s World.

He tells of rubbing elbows with various celebrities including Bob Hope, Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson and the NASA astronauts. He takes great delight in how he arranged for 50 Peking ducks to follow Donald Duck at his Fiftieth Birthday Parade. He saw the communication industry evolve from cranking out press releases on a typewriter to accessing the contents of his book via the Internet.

More recently, Ridgway has been traveling the globe as a travel writer and photographer. In December, he regaled more than 600 DISboard guests and DIS Unplugged Podcast crew with his stories during a four-day cruise to the Bahamas. He will also be among the special guests at D23’s Destination D: Walt Disney World 40th < http://d23.disney.go.com/expo/05141511_EE_WDWDestinationD40.html> event scheduled for May 14 and 15 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

For those who prefer the experience of holding a book, the hardcover edition Spinning Disney’s World can be ordered by clicking here. http://www.intrepidtraveler.com/store/disney-books.html

Disney Legend Charles Ridgway's Disney Memoir Now An Ebook