From the time Star Tours debuted at Disneyland Park in 1987 and at Walt Disney World Resort in 1989 until the attraction went dark for “reimagining” in fall 2010, guests embarked on a journey to the Moon of Endor and beyond, with a trainee pilot named REX at the controls of 40-passenger Starspeeder 3000 spacecraft.
Now the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida (scheduled to reopen May 20) and at Disneyland Park in California (scheduled to reopen June 3) puts a whole new twist on virtual space travel with Starspeeder 1000 craft — predating the Starspeeder 3000 because the new show depicts an earlier chapter of the Star Wars saga than the original Star Tours did. But fear not: Techno-wizards are equipping passengers on the 1000 with the ability to experience the new adventure in eye-popping 3D — wherever that adventure may take them.
The destination is not necessarily what guests expect — unless they expect the unexpected — as C-3PO, a new pilot (by accident) takes the controls for a journey to the “metropolitan” planet Coruscant or to Tatooine an arid planet on the “Outer Rim,” or to some other planet within Star Wars’ mythical universe. Even the outcome of the adventure may change from one “launch” to the next.
Imagine a weekend of runs where every mile is filled with Disney fun at the 2012 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA on January 5-8, 2012. Join us for a weekend of races that are magical as they are memorable, from Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo to running through all four Theme Parks in the Marathon and all-new Marathon Relay. Complete with medals of Mickey Mouse and his friends, you’d be, well, goofy to miss it!
Disney Cruise Line has released special rates for U.S. Military Personnel:
7-Night Eastern Caribbean
Sail Date:4/23/2011
Call Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for pricing and availability
7-Night Alaskan Cruise
Sail Dates: 5/10/2011 & 5/17/2011
Call Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for pricing and availability
10 & 11-Night Mediterranean Cruises
5/28/2011 (Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah starting at $115 per person, per night, based on double occupancy)
6/8/2011-Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom starting at $110 per person, per night, based on double occupancy
6/18/2011-Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom starting at $110 per person, per night, based on double occupancy
14-Night Transatlantic Eastbound Cruise
Sail Date: 5/14/2011-Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom starting at $50 per person, per night, based on double occupancy
According to several internet sources including TheForce.Net it is rumored that “The Notorious” George Lucas may be attending the reopening of Star Tours II during the kick-off week Star Wars Weekends. According to reports here’s what has been posted:
“I have a friend who is a coordinator at Hollywood studios that was told all vacation plans on opening day needed to be canceled… because all hands on deck needed for Georges arrival.”
Lucas’ involvement in the reopening has not been confirmed by Lucasfilm at this time.
Thanks to TheForce.Net for the heads up!
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue reopens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 20, 2011 and at Disneyland in California, on June 3, 2011.
A lot of iPad magazine news today…Meredith Corp. just announced it is introducing the first iPad editions for Better Homes and Gardens, Parents and Fitness magazines.
Disney FamilyFun magazine (5.5 Million readers) also just announced that it is the *first* outlet to adopt a new digital publishing system on the iPad, developed by leading developers Texterity and The Wonderfactory.
The new digital platform is expected to revolutionize the magazine industry, making digital publishing on the iPad a heck of a lot easier and accessible (think high-end Blogspot or WordPress for magazines).
Below are more details:
The new Texterity publishing system is a smart business decision at this time in the industry — a scalable, yet affordable solution that will grow with editorial, consumer, and advertising needs. It delivers cutting-edge interactive features and design in a feature-packed, engaging format.
Texterity and The Wonderfactory have taken the high end design and interactive functionality of the best customized solutions and have made it affordable for all magazines — raising the bar, but not the cost.
Other magazines, including travel guides and major consumer magazines, are expected to follow suit in 2011 and will begin migrating to this design following the FamilyFun launch.
Recognizing the importance of the digital space for reaching moms, several brands have already signed on as advertisers in FamilyFun’s new mobile magazine app. Nissan will use this platform to introduce the all-new 2011 Nissan Quest.
The new publishing system has all the mom-friendly tools and engaging multimedia features that lets the FamilyFun editors bring high-tech utility to the high-touch world of moms. FamilyFun’s content is brought to life through interactive slideshows, videos of recipes and family activities, 360-degree views of craft projects, bookmarking features, and social media sharing tools.
This month, schools across Central Florida are receiving a special casting call from Walt Disney World Resort. The search is on for students who have what it takes to become a Disney Dreamer and Doer.
For the past 28 years, Walt Disney World Resort has collaborated with local school districts to identify and recognize more than 11,500 students who demonstrate excellence in their schools and communities.
The Disney Dreamers and Doers program is one way for schools in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Lake and Seminole counties to honor students who serve as role models to others. Nominations will be accepted from now through April 15.
Nancy Gidusko, director of Walt Disney World Community Relations, says several enhancements will debut this year, such as broadening the program’s criteria to go beyond volunteer and academic efforts.
“Students across Central Florida are demonstrating excellence in a variety of ways – they are engaged in mentoring, active in safety initiatives, serve as role models for siblings and family members, help teachers after school, take steps to be healthy, achieve good grades in spite of difficult circumstances and more,” said Gidusko. “We are pleased to broaden the criteria to include the many ways students are engaged in making their world, and our world, a better place.”
Also, for the first time, students will be able to nominate themselves as Disney Dreamers and Doers.
“We really want to encourage students to personally express the pride they feel for their positive actions,” said Gidusko. “We ask that students self-nominate and select any teacher to champion their application.”
From the applications, each school will select one student as their 2011 Dreamer and Doer. Approximately 200 students will be chosen as 2011 Disney Dreamers and Doers from elementary, middle and high schools in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties.
Once the 2011 Disney Dreamers and Doers are selected, a panel of judges will review and choose the best of the best for additional recognition with the Shining Star Award. Fifteen students total will become Shining Stars; three in each of the five counties: one from the elementary school level, one from middle school and one from high school.
Disney will surprise and recognize those students chosen as Shining Stars at schools across the five-county area this May.
Related articles
Dream On! 2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Begins (chipandco.com)
2011 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Students Take “Deep Dives” In Quest to Scale Higher Peaks in Career Interests and Lives (chipandco.com)
Some really cool Cars 2 Posters have released from Disney. Click on the images to see them in Full Size. You can also save them and print them out for you Cars 2 fan at the house!
CARS 2 races into theatres in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D on June 24th.
Hey there, guys and gals, Anonymouse here. If that title alone doesn’t make you chuckle then you haven’t been drinking enough. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!
With Miley Cyrus out Disney is looking in the Bullpen for the next Disney Star. Debby Ryan, come on down, you’re the next contestant on “The Price is Right”!
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting this news story I thought I would share with you.
The actress, who plays country girl Bailey Pickett on the Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Deck, has been tapped to star in a new Disney series called Jessie. She’ll play a teen from rural Texas who moves to New York and becomes an au pair to a wealthy family with four children. The series will be previewed at Disney’s upfront presentation Wednesday in New York, where Ryan will be in attendance.
The series, which premieres in the fall, will once again team Ryan with Suite Life producer Pam Eels (Suite Life on Deck, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Family Matters). Disney will position the show, from It’s a Laugh Prods., as a companion to the already popular Good Luck Charlie.
So, does Debby Ryan have the gumption to be the next Disney Diva? Tell us what you think in the comment box below.
Well, that is all the time I have for today. I hope everyone has a safe and festive holiday. As they say in Ireland, Beannacht Lá Fhéile Pádraig.
Got any good rumors? Please email me at [email protected] on my Facebook Page.
When we took our toddler to Disney World, I figured it wouldn’t be “that bad”. I thought we could handle anything that she did and learn from the experience. I was right about one thing, we definitely learned a thing or 2 about taking a 2 year old to Disney World. Prepare for anything!!!
Our daughter had meltdowns, didn’t want to wait in line, she was hungry, she was hot, she was tired, and so on and so forth. I came up with a few survival tips for those with toddlers who can be hard to please.
TIPS
1. Pack a few little snacks to bring in your purse or their diaper bag. It is better to bring your own little snacks for your toddler than spending $4 on a snack that normally costs $1.
2. Plan nap time! Yes! Go back to your resort for a while to take naps, or just cool off and rest up. Walking around the Disney parks can be exhausting even to a little one in a stroller. If they won’t take a nap, go check out your resort and maybe have a swim!
3. Bring a small battery operated fan. Maybe even get one of the squirt bottles with one attached to stay cool on a really hot day. If you get too hot, take a moment to check out a shop or if in Magic Kingdom, go to Mickey’s Philharmagic to get cool.
4. Use fast pass whenever available! It will save you wait time for less meltdowns! We waited in line for 90 minutes for Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the ride was fun, the wait was not!!
5. Plan out your dining when you can! It will help if you keep a consistent amount of time in between meals! This way you can keep ahead of when your little one will be hungry.
6. If your toddler is scared of characters or you aren’t sure how they will react to them, book a character meal and see how they react! This way you won’t be waiting in line for an extended amount of time only to be disappointed.
7. Plan for anything! When our son was 3 years old he got sick on my hubby’s shoulders at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! He was dressed in costume. That being said, his costume, my hubby’s head, and my hubby’s shirt was covered in throw up. Thankfully I had an extra outfit for Gavin in his stroller, Jason wasn’t so lucky. We had to purchase a new shirt. It was a terrible experience, but now that we look back on it, it was funny!! Like I said, anything can happen!!
8. Have fun!!! What is a Disney vacation without fun!?!?! You have to let loose and go with the flow. Make it fun for everyone including your toddler and things will be fabulous!! If you overstress yourself, it won’t be as much fun, so relax and enjoy!!
Angelica and family live in Evansville, IN, as a mother of 2 she knows how important memories can be! She works as a Pixie Vacations agent planning trips to Disney Destinations! Her affinity with the Disney brand started at a young age and has carried on into adulthood. Her Blog “Pixie Dust and Mouse Ears” is her newest undertaking, it is informative, fun, and even has giveaways!
I have no idea how this happened!! I have been writing for Chip and Company for 8 months and a lot of the articles I have written were “Best Things I Love…” articles. In reviewing my archive I realized that there was no “Best Thing” article about one of my all time favorite attractions – Pirates of the Caribbean. Forgive me Captain Jack!!!!
One thing about my affection for this attraction that surprises quite a few people, as big a fan of Walt Disney World as I am, I prefer the Disneyland Resort version (you’re welcome Jessica). It’s the initial ride through the Bayou (both restaurant and swamp) that really sets up the ride. Enough of the controversy let’s get to the attraction.
This is a truly special attraction and initially it was not supposed to be at Walt Disney World because of the long pirate history of north central Florida. The Disney folks felt at first that the locals especially, wouldn’t really see the novelty in it. I’m thrilled that they relented and gave us our own version of a fun subterranean attraction (nice and cool in the summer including the queue). The audio animatronics may be a bit older than most but the detail in this attraction is incredible. For example, as you exit the town scene and go under the bridge take a close look at the legs of the pirate sitting there, you can see every individual hair on his legs. That’s the type of detail that is there throughout the attraction.
A lot of folks were not thrilled with the refurbishment that added Captains Sparrow and Barbosa but it was probably inevitable with the success of the movie franchise. It adds personality to the whole attraction and they did a wonderful job on the figures. I normally don’t approve of changes to my favorites but this one and the Haunted Mansion 2007 refurbishment were well done. I’m excited about seeing the new interactive Haunted Mansion queue that opened March 14th.
Pirates of the Caribbean is an old stalwart attraction that I never fail to enjoy at least 2 or 3 times on each day I spend in the Magic Kingdom. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
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‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – Sneak Peek’ Coming Soon to Disneyland Park (chipandco.com)
Disney foodies know there are plenty of desserts and snacks that can provide that sugar rush. But not only does Walt Disney World (WDW) offer inventive desserts, ice-cream concoctions that defy gravity, and the famous Dole Whip, it’s home to candy that would make Willy Wonka proud.
Disney candy connoisseurs can find tasty selections throughout WDW. And while I’ll generally argue for sampling one of everything, there is a limit to the size of one’s stomach (and waistband). So here, in alphabetical order, are my five best spots for candy seekers.
Candy Cauldron, Downtown Disney West Side: As with other stores, Candy Cauldron also offers the opportunity to try baked goodies and other treats dipped in a variety of candy substances, for the variety in texture and taste and, in some cases, the illusion that there are health benefits in combining candy with other food.
So if you crave a combination of candy with a healthy fruit – say in the form of a caramel apple – I highly recommend Candy Cauldron. Although you’ll find specialty apples throughout WDW, the Cast Members there are particularly friendly and the made-to-order apples just taste better with your own creative input. For an added sugar rush, I like to sample Candy Cauldron’s chocolate offerings.
Goofy’s Candy Co., Downtown Disney Marketplace: Although Goofy’s Candy Co. has several spots throughout the parks, providing mix-and-match fill-your-bag fun, I’m most drawn to the Downtown Disney Marketplace location. At Goofy’s look for bulk-candy favorites – jelly beans, gummies, hard candies, sour candies, M&Ms etc. – as well as powdered candy, cookies, dipped treats and cotton candy. There’s even a selection of sugar-free candy.
At Goofy’s Candy Co. not only can you create a custom bag of candy goodness or stock up on pre-packaged treats, but you can also make custom delights much like at the Candy Cauldron. Here, combine your love of sugar and salt by ordering a own chocolate-dipped pretzel rods sprinkled with a variety of toppings. (Or try the make-your-own crisped rice treats, apples or dunked marshmallows.) After all, there’s nothing like custom-made candy to make your mouth water.
Not only does the stand-alone Goofy’s Candy Co. store have more candy options, it also includes Goofy’s Glaciers with Build-a-Cup slushies, a coffee drink bar for a sugar-and-caffeine rush, and a small room where kids’ birthday parties can be thrown.
Note: Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Co. offer and similar items. It might be worth a taste test for comparison!
Karamell-Küche, Germany Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase:
Epcot's Karamell-Kuche serves caramel treats.
For fans of freshly made Werther’s caramel, there’s no better place to visit than Germany’s Karamell-Küche,which literally means “caramel kitchen.” From caramel popcorn to caramel cookies or chocolate dipped strawberries drizzled in….well, you get the point.
While it’s hard to bypass the cookies and cupcakes, Karamell-Küche also the place to visit for a fresh piece of unadulterated caramel or a stick-to-the-roof-of-your mouth turtle or a double-decker hunk of caramel and chocolate fudge. Each piece is big enough, and rich enough, for sharing. Don’t forget to bring home some of their hard candies to tide you over until your next Disney trip.
Main Street Confectionary, Magic Kingdom: There’s just something about the smells floating out into Main Street, U.S.A. that turn my feet toward the Confectionary in search of a little sugary goodness. If you like candies that melt in your mouth, especially those with a chocolate-y flavor, visit the shop to pick up a perennial favorite, fudge.
The fudge tastes as good as it smells, and several flavors area available, including chocolate, vanilla, mint, turtle and s’mores. Or if you’re looking something I associate specifically with Disney, try the English Toffee bars. The rich-flavored treats are made on property and covered in chocolate and nuts.
The Confectionary is also the Disney place to stop and watch rice crispy treats being made, cotton candy spun, and specialty apples decorated.
Mitsukoshi, Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase:
A diverse selection of candy at Japan in Epcot's World Showcase.
While most Epcot pavilions offer a sweet array of candy for those attempting to complete an international candy tour, take the time to stop at the Mitsukoshi Department Store. There, you can stock up on Botan Rice candy (jelly candies in edible rice wrappers), gummy candies, fruit chews, and hard candies.
A favorite of mine? Meiji Panky Chocolate, or bread crumbs mixed with chocolate that creates a crunchy texture, with that base then covered in texture.
In four of the above candy locations, by the way, you can see candy or other Disney sweet treats being made. Japan, the fifth location, does offer a candy art demonstration by Miyuki, who sculpts intricate candy animals several times a week just outside the store.
Of course, this is just a starter list. I’m a fan of seeking out the best candy in Epcot, and have nibbled around the World Showcase more than once. And I’m always on the lookout for Disney cult foods.
So if you have a favorite candy snack, let me and Chip & Co. know in the comments below!
I’ll say this once again, the World Showcase is magnificent in its scope and splendor even if you just look at the buildings. I think my fellow Oldies will agree with that. In Part 1 I addressed the large numbers of entertainment opportunities available as you stroll through. There are also a lot of entertainment opportunities that I, like a lot of other folks, call attractions which are ALL Senior friendly. These are as follows:
Mexico – The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (formerly El Rio del Tiempo – The river of time) A charming little adventure starring Donald, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles.
Norway – Maelstrom. An imaginative trip through Norway of the past and present. There is a short film at the end of the ride.
China – Reflections of China. One of those spectacular Circlevision 360 films that captures the scope and grandeur of China. If the last time you saw this was prior to 2003, give it another try, it’s much improved.
The American Adventure – The American Adventure Show. If you feel like puffing out your chest and being a proud American then this stage show is for you. It’s lots of fun!!!
France – Impressions de France. This is as good as a film promoting a country gets. The photography is amazing and the soundtrack is perfect.
Canada – O Canada! Another Circlevision beauty that has been updated from the old film. It’s well worth another view if you haven’t seen it recently.
Another huge opportunity for young and old alike in the World Showcase are the unlimited shopping opportunities:
Every pavilion has multiple shopping opportunities so rather than trying to enumerate them I’ll just tell you that somewhere in the World Showcase each and every one of you will be able to find something you just can’t live without. You’ll have to trust me on this one but bring your wallet. I know a lot of us Oldies are sometimes hesitant to go into shops because we don’t want to deal with pushy sales people. You will not find that in these shops, there are plenty of folks available to answer your questions but they will not jump on you the minute you walk in the door.
One area of the World Showcase lots of folks tend to miss, old and young alike once again, are the little things that the Imagineers have spent hours and hours and even weeks and months putting into place. I just wanted to add a couple of pictures of some of my favorites to give you and idea of what you will find when you take the time to look. The first is one you will see if you look off to the right as you cross the International Gateway Bridge as you head towards the France pavilion:
Once you get across the bridge and approach the France pavilion you will see this if you look over to the right:
That’s just one pavilion my friends and there are more things like this at each and every one of them. One of the ways to find these things is to not rush through World Showcase. Take your time, look around, and appreciate what you see. I hope, my fellow seniors, that I have been able to give you something to look forward to at the World Showcase on your next visit and trust that you will enjoy what you find. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
