Ask a Disney Question: Disneyland to Get Rid of Guest Assistance Cards?

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January 22, 2011

Ask a Disney Question: Disneyland to Get Rid of Guest Assistance Cards?

We recently got an email from Chuck, who heard a rumor that Disneyland is planning to phase out Guest Assistance Cards. I’m happy to report that this rumor is,in fact, false. While there may come a time in the future where GACs are not necessary on many attractions due to the way they are reconfigured, some variation will be available. For example, while most of us tend to think that individuals who need GACs use them due to mobility issues, the reality is in that people use GACs for a multitude of reasons that no amount of changing a queue could help, for example, individuals with Autism who may find it difficult to wait in long lines.

One of the things that has always impressed me about Disney as a company is how they have led the way in introducing accommodations beyond what is required by the federal government. Getting a GAC is easy, as it should be, and allows all guests to enjoy the parks.

Chuck, thanks for your question and for reading the site. I hope you enjoy your upcoming Disneyland vacation.

Got a Disney Question? Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question!

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat podcast and a travel agebt with Pixie Vacations. You can reach her at [email protected].

Disney Week in Review 1.15.10 (couponingtodisney.com)

Ask a Disney Question: Disneyland to Get Rid of Guest Assistance Cards?

Want to do Something New at Walt Disney World? Take a Tour!!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 22, 2011

Want to do Something New at Walt Disney World? Take a Tour!!

If you have experienced multiple Disney vacations, you know that, one the greatest things about it, is that there is always something new to see. And even if not “technically” new, there are so many things to see and do at Walt Disney World, that even those with many Disney World visits can’t say that they have “seen it all”.

One of the more interesting things to do at Walt Disney World, are the various tours that Disney offers. We have been fortunate to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom, and the Behind the Seeds tour at the Land Pavilion in Epcot in years past, and were thrilled to have the chance to take the Undiscovered Future World tour at Epcot, on our recent trip…and at this point I will say that we are hooked on doing Disney tours: they are a fascinating way to learn about “the World”!

If you have never had the opportunity to take any of the great tours at Walt Disney World, let me just say that the 3 that we have taken are well worth the cost. Having said that though, it is important to know that there IS a cost, and some of the tours are not cheap. And the cost for most is in addition to park admission (so be sure to ask when reserving to be prepared). But there is a huge variety in the Disney tours, as to subject, length, and cost, so there really is something for nearly everyone. And for those who travel to Disney regularly, taking a tour is a great way to learn some new things and make your visits even more fun!

So, if you want to take a tour on your next Disney World vacation, what do you need to know?

First, you will want to see what tours are available. The Disney World website offers a basic description of each, along with the cost, length, and age restrictions. (And a number of tours do have age restrictions on them: for those that go “behind stage”, you have to be old enough to be ok with what you will see….or potentially not see, if you get my drift…. 🙂 ) I also found Allears.net to be helpful for additional information, reviews, and details like the fact that some tours offer discounts to Disney Visa cardholders, Annual Passholders, DVC members and more. (Note that her prices are not current, however: for up-to-date pricing refer to the Disney World website, or ask when calling to reserve).

Some things to think about as you decide on a tour are the weather forecast (many are outside, and you might want to consider, for example, a forecast of temps in the 40s if you book a Segway Tour), time of day and day(s) of week offered, and again, age restrictions.

Once you know which one you want to do, call 1-407-WDW-TOUR to make your reservation. Note that you will be paying in advance, however there is typically a 48 hour advance notice for cancellations, in order to receive a full refund. Make note of what time you need to check in, and where: typically check-in will be 15 minutes or so before the tour starts. Inquire also about early admittance to the park, if your tour is at one of the parks, as many start before the park is officially open. Similar to early admittance for a character breakfast, you typically will enter at one designated turnstile, after giving the castmember your name.

And speaking of early admittance, be sure to allow plenty of time, if using Disney transportation, to get from your resort to the park. 🙂

What about the tour that we took? The Undiscovered Future World tour is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. We were asked to check in at Guest Relations (left of Spaceship Earth) by 8:45, so in order to make certain we were not late, we were at our bus stop at Saratoga Springs at 8.

Once we signed in, we were given headphones so that we could better hear our guide as we toured the park. I’m not a big headphones fan, but these were comfortable to wear, and really helpful, especially as we walked around outside. And when inside and not needed, we had the option to turn them off if we wished.

As to the Tour itself, well it was 4 hours long…and included lots of walking, as we visited nearly all of Future World. So comfortable shoes were definitely a must!

Whether you are looking for something new to do on your next Disney World visit, or simply just have a desire to learn all the Disney trivia you can, experiencing one of the many Walt Disney World tours is an experience that can’t be beat!

Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. Her favorite things at Disney World (in no particular order) are Soarin’, most of the food in World Showcase, Illuminations…and that special brand of Disney magic that you can’t find anywhere else.

Want to do Something New at Walt Disney World? Take a Tour!!

Brotherly Love!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 22, 2011

Brotherly Love!

I am sure you have gathered from reading my previous articles that I am an admirer and student of Walt Disney. From what I have read about his childhood, Walt and Roy Disney were always very close. From the time Walt was born, Roy (who was 8 years older) spent a lot of time with him. They were confidants, business partners, brothers and best friends. Throughout their lives they shared in devastating sorrows and celebrated larger-than-life accomplishments. When two people are that close, while being as different in personality as Walt and Roy were, problems can arise. Often, they fought over projects and plans and sometimes they didn’t talk to each other for a while.

That scenario sounds very familiar to me. I was a passionate girl and have not changed one bit since entering adulthood. My daddy, on the other hand, was a sensible and patient business-minded man. There were more than a few times I wanted to move ahead with an idea I was passionate about and he wanted to wait for “a better interest rate” or “a better car for the money”… I am sure you can understand what I mean. Our relationship was similar to Walt and Roy’s in that I was like Walt and daddy was like Roy.

If you really think about it, this would seem to be the best kind of relationship; the dreamer and the one that can thoughtfully and patiently bring it to fruition. Unfortunately, having a wish or idea in your mind and anything (or anyone) standing in your way makes for a lot of frustration and a trying relationship. Luckily with my dad and me, love always won out. And, with Walt and Roy the same was true.

As most of you know, Walt Disney died of lung cancer at the age of 65 on December 15, 1966. The greatest tribute of brotherly love came after Walt’s death. Acres and acres of land had been purchased in Florida with the dream of making a “Disneyworld” in parallel to the California park being called “Disneyland.” When Walt died, there was talk of just dropping the project altogether. Thankfully, Roy came out of retirement and took on the huge undertaking of making sure Walt’s dream was completed.

As we all know, Walt Disney World opened its doors on October 1, 1971. In his final tribute to his little brother, Roy had the park renamed to “Walt Disney World” so everyone would be reminded that it was Walt’s project and dream into which they were entering.

Roy dedicated the park to Walt on October 25^th, 1971. I think a lot about what it would have been like to have been there that day. On my recent Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom, I heard a very touching story about the love of one brother to another.

As you might suspect, there was a great deal of security around Roy O. Disney during opening day at Walt Disney World. Somehow, though, Roy managed to sneak away from the entire crowd and disappear for a while. It turned out that he snuck over to one of the boats at the Contemporary Resort. He got on the boat and asked the captain to please just drive. He was out on the lake for a while. Meanwhile, everyone was frantically searching for him and growing increasingly worried. A little while later, he told the boat captain to go ahead and return him to shore. With a solemn look and dewey skin, he turned to the captain and said, “This was all started from the wonderful dream of my brother, and he didn’t live to see it.” My eyes fill with tears even while I am typing this.

Once he arrived back at the park, Roy Disney stood facing the microphone ready to make his dedication speech to the crowd and suddenly he turned around for help. He quietly said, “Somebody go find Mickey for me. We don’t have Walt anymore, and Mickey is the nearest thing to Walt that we have left.” Mickey joined him at the podium and Roy promptly began his speech, with Mickey proudly at his side (as depicted in this display inside One Man’s Dream).

Brotherly Love!

After talking briefly about his brother and his dreams, and about being in business together, Roy read the bronze dedication plaque still displayed on Main Street, U.S.A:

“Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney… and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place… a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together.” — Roy O. Disney, October 25, 1971

After the opening of Walt Disney World, Roy planned to retire once again. In fact, he booked a cruise for him and his wife, Edna, which would be departing in February. Another note of irony in my strange and wonderful connection to all things Disney, is that Roy married a woman named Edna Francis – it just so happens that my mother’s first and middle names are Edna Francis. Roy intended to enjoy his retirement this time, just relaxing and spending time with his family. On December 20, 1971 (less than 2 months after the dedication), Roy Disney died of a massive brain hemorrhage.

Because of the love and dedication he had for his brother, Walt’s legacy will live forever. Without it, Walt Disney World would never have been built. As a testament to his faithfulness, you can find a heart-warming statue of Roy sitting with Minnie Mouse in the Town Square section of Main Street USA, not too far from the statue of his little brother and Mickey Mouse at the center of the park.

Brotherly Love!

If you look at Walt’s statue (which is in front of Cinderella’s Castle), you will notice that his hand is pointing in the direction of the other end of Main Street, where the statue of his brother sits. I think it is truly fitting that Walt is wearing his Mickey ring and pointing in such a way lest we forget who made his dream come true.

Brotherly Love!

I think about the dreams of my sisters throughout the years. I think of what a labor of love it would have been to try to accomplish one of their dreams if something had happened to them. I cannot imagine the blood, sweat and tears it took Roy to oversee such a huge and painstaking project, all the while dealing with the heartache of losing his brother. This bond is another special part of Walt Disney World that not every thinks about. I hope the next time you are in the Magic Kingdom, you will look for these statues and recognize the wonder in a brother’s love.

Disney Junior To Debut In February 2011 On Disney Channel

By

Chip

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January 21, 2011

In February 2011, Disney Channel will debut Disney Junior, a new multiplatform brand devoted to children ages 2-7 and their families, it was announced today by Carolina Lightcap, president, Disney Channels Worldwide. Disney Junior will invite parents and grandparents to join their children in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, both classic and new, while incorporating specific learning and developmental themes. Disney Junior will launch content across the daily television block on Disney Channel, an integrated website, VOD, mobile and paid download platforms.

Among the new series are “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” an animated adventure combining new and classic Disney characters Captain Hook and Smee (“Peter Pan”); a series of Disney Poetry Shorts which showcases poems for children set against classic Disney animation; two short form series, “Mickey Mousekersize” and “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps,” to encourage healthy lifestyles for preschoolers and families; “Babar and the Adventures of Badou,” an updated version of the classic “Babar,” that introduces King Babar’s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville; and “Tinga Tinga Tales,” a vibrant animated adventure inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania. Playhouse Disney hits “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso” and “Imagination Movers,” among others, will be part of Disney Junior.

Lightcap said: “Disney Junior differentiates itself by placing a focus on story and character, the hallmarks of Disney since its inception. We’ll take memories of the Disney experience, held by generations of parents and kids, and bring them to life on TV and beyond, with elements that encourage early childhood learning, wrapped in strong emotionally connected storytelling.” She continued, “We will showcase classic Disney characters in new ways, and we are equally committed to creating new original characters that we hope will become the classics of the future.”

Disney Junior will be available on basic cable in more than 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on 25 Disney Junior channels (currently Playhouse Disney channels) and free-to-air broadcast partners around the world. It will also be seen via video-on-demand and a broadband website, DisneyJunior.com. In 2012 Disney Junior will also debut as a basic cable and satellite channel in the U.S.

Premiering in conjunction with Disney Junior is the new animated series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” an interactive treasure hunt that follows the adventures of classic characters Captain Hook and Smee, along with a new crew of kid pirates led by the enthusiastic and courageous Jake. The series, which emphasizes teamwork, stars David Arquette as the voice of the lookout parrot, Skully, and features original pirate rock music performed by The Never Land Pirate Band. Many of the key creative professionals behind Disney’s #1 series for preschoolers, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” are at the helm of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Rob LaDuca executive-produces with Mark Seidenberg serving as producer/story editor, Kelly Ward as voice director and Howy Parkins directing the series.

As part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative, which encourages healthier lifestyles for kids and families, Disney Junior will premiere two new short-form series, “Mickey Mousekersize” and “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps.” Hosted by Mickey Mouse, “Mickey Mousekersize” focuses on the fun of exercising and encourages children at home to get up and move along with Mickey and pals. “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” features Oso and friends as they watch a live-action kid demonstrate three healthy steps to exercising and eating right. Sean Astin and Brad Garrett star as Oso and Buffo.

Also debuting with the launch of Disney Junior is a series of Disney Poetry Shorts, designed to bring fond memories of Disney classics to parents and create new ones for kids. The series of short-form animation showcases poems for children set to scenes and imagery from classic Disney films. It will introduce preschoolers to the beauty of a poem well read and combine it with extraordinary moments in Disney animation history.

Current Playhouse Disney hits including new episodes of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso,” “Imagination Movers,” “Chuggington” and “Jungle Junction,” as well as Disney’s vast array of classic and contemporary movies, including among others “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo,” will be showcased on Disney Junior.

Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Set for Spring Debut at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Jake And The Never Land Pirates Leading the Way for Disney Junior Launch on February 14 (chipandco.com)

Disney Junior To Debut In February 2011 On Disney Channel

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule at ESPN WWOS

By

Chip

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January 21, 2011

Fans attending Atlanta Braves spring training games next season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will get to see some of Major League Baseball’s premier franchises. The Braves’ 2011 spring schedule includes a collection of top clubs with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals visiting Champion Stadium.

After two weeks of workouts, the Braves play an 18-game home schedule that is highlighted by a March 8 visit by the New York Yankees, and a return to Disney by the Boston Red Sox on March 16. The Philadelphia Phillies, playoff regulars the past four seasons, visit March 27.

The 2011 edition of spring training at Disney, the first with new Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, begins with a Feb. 27 visit by the New York Mets, the first of four appearances by the Mets, which also includes dates on March 5, 12 and 19. The Florida Marlins, Gonzalez’s former team, comes to Disney on March 23, while a pair of Washington Nationals night games, March 17 and 28, round out the lineup of NL East rivals headed to Champion Stadium next spring.

One of MLB’s most popular teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, visit on back-to-back dates, March 9 and 10, while the Houston Astros are slated to visit the complex three times, Feb. 28, March 13 and 20.

The Detroit Tigers game March 3 leads into back-to-back games during ESPN The Weekend, featuring the Toronto Blue Jays, March 4, and Mets, March 5. The Tigers return for a night game March 25.

In true Disney fashion, each Braves game features loads of family-oriented fun, including in-game entertainment, Disney character appearances, and on-field fan experiences that combine to create a spring training experience fans can’t get anywhere else except at Disney. And in what has become a Disney tradition, kids will again have the opportunity to run the bases after every game.

Individual game tickets for the Braves’ home spring training season go on sale Saturday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster (800/745-3000 and ticketmaster.com) and at the sports complex box office. Prices range from $10-$20 (general admission lawn seats) to $30-$42 (lower reserved), based on premium options, such as the opponent (Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies and Cardinals), weekend games and night games.

Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at espnwwos.com/atlantabraves. The popular mini-packs will feature four separate four-game options in 2011 and are currently on sale, giving fans their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves’ 2011 spring training schedule.

Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Spring Training USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at springtrainingtours.com.

2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule

Game Date Opponent Time

Sunday, Feb. 27 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 28 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.

Thursday, March 3 Detroit Tigers *SS 1:05 p.m.

Friday, March 4 Toronto Blue Jays 1:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 5 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8 New York Yankees 1:05 p.m.

Wednesday, March 9 St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.

Thursday, March 10 St. Louis Cardinals 1:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 New York Mets 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 13 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16 Boston Red Sox 1:05 p.m.

Thursday, March 17 Washington Nationals 6:05 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 New York Mets *SS 1:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 20 Houston Astros 1:05 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23 Florida Marlins 1:05 p.m.

Friday, March 25 Detroit Tigers *SS 6:05 p.m.

Sunday, March 27 Philadelphia Phillies 1:05 p.m.

Monday, March 28 Washington Nationals 6:05 p.m.

*SS – denotes split squad
All times are Eastern and are subject to change
All games to be played at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Ticket Prices:

Seat Location Season Individual Game

Lower Level Reserved $495 $30-$42

Upper Level Reserved $360 $24-$34

Bleacher Level Reserved $360 $24-$34

General Admission Lawn $180 $10-$20

(Individual game tickets vary by game, day and opponent. There will be an additional charge of $3 for day-of-game purchases.)
Four-Game Mini-Plan A ($108): Includes tickets to: Tigers (3/3), Blue Jays (3/4), Mets (3/5) and Yankees (3/8) (Seats are located in select upper level reserved or bleacher reserved sections – on sale now)

Four-Game Mini-Plan B ($108): Includes tickets to: Cardinals (3/9 and 3/10), Mets (3/12) and Astros (3/13) (Seats are located in select upper level reserved or bleacher reserved sections – on sale now)

Four-Game Mini-Plan C ($112): Includes tickets to: Red Sox (3/16), Nationals (3/17), Mets (3/19) and Astros (3/20) (Seats are located in select upper level reserved or bleacher reserved sections – on sale now)

Four-Game Mini-Plan D ($110): Includes tickets to: Marlins (3/23), Tigers (3/25), Phillies (3/27) and Nationals (3/28) (Seats are located in select upper level reserved or bleacher reserved sections – on sale now)

Single-Game Tickets: Ticketmaster – 800/745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com or sports complex box office

Season and Group Tickets/Suites/Mini-Packs: Disney Sports Sales – 407/939-GAME (4263)

BAMBI Diamond Edition Comes to Bluray March 1st

By

Chip

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January 21, 2011

The Walt Disney Studios proudly announces the addition of BAMBI to its coveted, cutting-edge Blu-ray™ Diamond Collection line-up of Disney’s greatest animated-classics. Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, BAMBI Diamond Edition features the loveable and adorable wide-eyed fawn and his forest friends in Blu-ray high-definition on March 1, 2011.

The Diamond Edition debut of BAMBI, Walt’s fifth full-length animated classic, is an endearing tale about a young prince of the forest who learns valuable life-lessons about friendship, love, and the miracle of life. The movie is a must-own coming-of-age story that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has especially packaged with families in mind – providing the ultimate, interactive hi-def home entertainment experience with a newly enhanced digital restoration, enhanced picture and sound, games, activities and more.

The new BAMBI Diamond Edition will be available as a 2-Disc Disney Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) for the suggested retail price of $39.99 US/$46.99 Canada, a High Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $19.99 US/$39.99 Canada, and/or a Standard Definition Movie Download for the suggested retail price of $14.99 US/$24.99 Canada. Those who wish to own the standard definition DVD version of BAMBI will need to wait seven additional weeks – until April 19, 2011.

Disney’s new “Second Screen” technology, which is being introduced for the very first time on the BAMBI Diamond Edition release, will further transform the at-home movie watching experience by empowering viewers with the ability to engage with film content on multiple media platforms and bring them to life in their own hands at the touch of a button. By simply downloading the new Disney Second Screen App onto an internet-connected computer or iPad™* and synching it to the movie, consumers will instantly be able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with fun interactive elements like animated flipbooks, galleries, photos, trivia and more.

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Tangled Coming to Bluray/DVD March 2011 (chipandco.com)
Alice in Wonderland: 60th Anniversary on BLU-RAY & DVD 2/1! (chipandco.com)

BAMBI Diamond Edition Comes to Bluray March 1st

CARS 2: Meet Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell!

By

Chip

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January 21, 2011

Holley Shiftwell is a beautiful young British desk agent, turned spy-in-training who’s stationed in Tokyo. Well-educated and sharp, she knows every trick in the book —or rather, she relies on every trick in the spy manual. She’s armed with the latest state-of-the-art spy equipment imaginable, from hidden cameras and concealed weapons to a telescoping utility arm and a holographic pop-up display.

Holley is a highly motivated agent, but is fresh out of the academy, so her experience is based on lessons learned in school rather than real-life situations. When seasoned international spy Finn McMissile requires Holley’s technical expertise for his latest top-secret field operation, she finds herself pursuing a rendezvous with the most unlikely candidate—Mater, an innocent caught up in the intrigue, who is mesmerized by the beauty of his newest friend.

Finn McMissile is a master British spy. Though charming and eloquent, it’s his stealth maneuvering, intelligence and years in the field that enable him to thwart unexpected attacks from bad guys, making quick daredevil escapes.. Finn’s design is sleek and timeless, but he’s also prepared for any tricky situation with an arsenal of ultra-cool gadgets and weaponry, including front and rear grappling hooks, a missile launcher, deployable magnetic explosives and a holographic disguise emitter.

As a seasoned professional in the game of international espionage, Finn believes there is a conspiracy brewing during the World Grand Prix. His clandestine work surrounding the global exhibition race puts him on a collision course with Mater, whom he mistakes for an undercover American agent with a genius disguise.

Meet Lightning McQueen and his Crew in the All New Cars 2 (chipandco.com)

CARS 2: Meet Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell!

Liam Neeson Reprises Role as Qui-Gon Jinn in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 21, 2011

There is a strong tremor in the Force… er, internet. It is the return of Liam Neeson to the realm of Star Wars!

Neeson reprises his role voicing ‘Force Ghost’ Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn on Cartoon Network’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Jan. 28 and again on Feb. 11. In the clip link below the fallen Jedi Qui-Gon appears to his former student Obi-Wan in some strange cave where the powers of the Force converge.

I, like many other Star Wars fans are excited and suprised by this development. Last week on ‘The Force Cast Podcast’ Star Wars: The Clone Wars supervising director Dave Filoni teased about saga characters (possibly from the prequels) appearing in the series but Star Wars fans never would have guessed that the character of Qui-Gon, let alone the actor who played him, would ever return to the franchise. Neeson tells Entertainment Weekly that he wanted to return to Star Wars because he felt that “these characters resonate…even after all these years.” He adds, “Growing up, my heroes were cowboys; they were strong and mysterious, and it seemed like they always rode off into the sunset. For kids today, Star Wars has that same kind of magic. I really wanted to be a part of that.”

The character of Qui-Gon Jinn was one of my favorites and between him and Darth Maul really made ‘Episode’ I enjoyable. Having said that, all we need to see now is a resurrected Darth Maul return to seek vengeance against Obi-Wan for chopping him in half. Here’s to wishful thinking.

Liam Neeson to voice Qui-Gon Jinn in \’Star Wars: The Clone Wars\’ — CLICK TO VIEW THE PREVIEW VIDEO!

Aljon Go is our in-house Jedi and Star Wars aficionado. Between battling the Sith and visits to Disney World, he is also the co-host of the ‘WDW Tiki Room‘ radio show and station manager for Sorcerer Radio, the official Disney station of Chip & Company! E-mail: aljon@chipandco (dot) com. Follow Aljon on Twitter@JediMouseketeer!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Returns Tonight (1/7/11) (chipandco.com)

Liam Neeson Reprises Role as Qui-Gon Jinn in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'

Keys to the Kingdom: Clever Park Design

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 21, 2011