Knicks Amar’e Stoudemire Creates His Own “Big Apple” at Walt Disney World Resort

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August 24, 2010

New York Knicks free-agent signee Amar’e Stoudemire spent Monday having fun with his family at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. Stoudemire took time out to work with Disney cast members to create several Mickey Mouse-style candy apples in the Knicks’ orange and blue team colors, and also tossed a basketball around with Mickey Mouse.

Stoudemire grew up in Orlando and competed in the AAU National Basketball Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort when he was a teenager. More recently, Stoudemire sponsored an AAU team that has regularly competes in the AAU National Basketball Championships at Disney.

More on Changes to the Fantasyland Expansion.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2010

More on Changes to the Fantasyland Expansion.

Cinderella’s Chateau is rumored to be on the chopping block.

Copyright Disney World.

Before you proceed any further, I just want to caution that what follows is mainly the product of the internet gossip mill, so take it all with a huge grain of salt.

You may have been following the news of the Fantasyland expansion over in the Magic Kingdom, but if you haven’t been, it essentially involves turning one large area in the northern part of the park into Princess Central. There are also plans to take out Mickey’s Toontown Fair and replace it with a Pixie Hollow meet and greet, two Dumbo rides, and re-themed Goofy’s Barnstormer. In the last weeks however, Disney publicly stated that some of that will change, clearly due to fears that the original plans appealed mainly to a very small demographic. Disney hasn’t specifically said what those changes are yet, but the most credible rumor up until now is that Pixie Hollow is out.

Sorry ladies. It’s not you, it’s us.

Just recently however, the rumor mill started churning from some pretty credible sources that the Sleeping Beauty’s cottage and Cinderella’s castle, both souped up meet and greets with entertainment and audience participation, are being replaced with plans for a Snow White themed roller coaster. Think something slightly less adventurous than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Is this credible? Well, many Disney fans would love it, which may be why the rumor is so popular. When the initial Fantasyland Expansion plans came out at last year’s D23 Expo, it was rumored that Goofy’s Barnstormer would be re-themed along those lines and from what I could tell, it was one of the most well-received elements of the expansion. So maybe. But so far there’s nothing official out of Disney.

The other rumor is that the area that Toontown currently occupies will be getting the full circus treatment, something I personally don’t get given that most kids have never seen Dumbo and seem to care very little about circuses. The Little Mermaid ride will definitely stay (we know there have been permits pulled, for example) as will the Beauty and the Beast elements.

Artists rendering of the Little Mermaid attraction.

Copyright Disney World.

Again, all of this is just speculation. All we know for certain is that some elements of the expansion are being replaced. Personally, I can’t imagine a better addition to the expansion than an E-ticket attraction representing Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White.

The Halloween Boootique is now open at DisneyStore.com offering new and exclusive Disney Costumes

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

Dress Up In Dreams – Find Exclusive Disney Costumes in Our Halloween Shop at DisneyStore.com. Shop Now!

Also FREE Shipping on your shipment of $50 or more sitewide at DisneyStore.com with Promo Code: SHIPFIFTY.

Click the link for more information and to start shopping.

Marvel X-Men: First Class Casting Update

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

Take your seats, True Believers, because things have continued to get more exciting for the cast of “X-Men: First Class.”

The film, set to debut June 3, 2011, will follow the formative years of the X-Men and the relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, a.k.a. Magneto.

Deadline Hollywood had news earlier this week that January Jones, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress who plays Betty Draper on AMC’s “Mad Men,” will play Emma Frost. Jones will undoubtedly bring a chilly air to the telepathic villainess-turned-X-Man also known as the White Queen!

Also reported was Rose Byrne, set to play Moira MacTaggert, Xavier’s longtime love interest in the X-Men comics. Byrne, who stars in the TV series “Damages” also seen in “28 Days Later,” “Sunshine” and “Knowing,” will undoubtedly make things interesting for the young Professor X, played by James McAvoy.

The demonic Azazel will be brought to the silver screen by British actor Jason Flemyng. Having previously worked with “First Class” director Matthew Vaughan on “Layer Cake,” “Stardust” and in a brief cameo in “Kick-Ass,” the two have clearly developed a rapport that will continue here!

Mystery surrounds Oliver Platt’s Man in Black-in fact, we can’t even tell if he’ll help or hurt our merry band of mutants! Given Platt’s stellar performances in “Frost/Nixon” and Showtime’s “Huff,” though, you can bet he’ll wow audiences no matter how malicious or heroic his character!

The young Zoe Kravitz joins the cast as Angel Salvadore, a character who first appeared in Grant Morrison’s run on NEW X-MEN. Kravitz may not have many credits to her name just yet, but she’s sure to make an impression on moviegoers and comics fans alike with her turn as this interesting mutant!

And on an even younger front, Bill Milner and Morgan Lily will portray Young Magneto and Young Raven, but as to just who the latter is we can’t say!

The latest cast members will join James McAvoy (Charles Xavier), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Caleb Landry Jones (Banshee), Edi Gathegi (Darwin), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Lucas Till (Alex Summers) and Kevin Bacon, who will play an as-yet-unrevealed villain that will menace the young mutants.

Keep your eyes on Marvel.com for the latest news on “X-Men: First Class” as we prepare for its release on June 3, 2011!

Source

‘Disney Family Movies’ Offers Special Free Preview Sept 2nd – 6th

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

The subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, “Disney Family Movies,” has partnered with content providers Comcast, Charter, Cox, AT&T U-verse, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS and Avail TVN Affiliates to offer customers a free preview of the service from Thursday, September 2 through Monday, September 6.

“Disney Family Movies” provides the ultimate in family entertainment from one of the world’s largest film libraries, giving customers unlimited access to a selection of classic and contemporary films and animated shorts from The Walt Disney Studios. The one-of-a-kind movie service is entertainment the whole family can enjoy together from beloved hits to new popular favorites. Each title remains in rotation for about a month, with new movies added weekly.

Hosted by Phylicia Rashad, the “Disney Family Movies” free preview will offer a variety of classic and contemporary Disney films including the timeless animated classic “Pocahontas,” the zany adventure “Muppet Treasure Island,” the hit Disney-Pixar comedy “A Bug’s Life,” and the Disney-Pixar animated short “Monster Truck Mater,” which features the voice of Larry the Cable Guy.

To subscribe to “Disney Family Movies,” contact your local content provider or log onto DisneyFamilyMovies.com or the Disney Family Movies page on Facebook.com for additional information.

About Disney-ABC Domestic Television

Disney-ABC Domestic Television (DADT) oversees content distribution for The Walt Disney Company within the United States and Canada. The division provides top tier motion pictures and television programming to a wide spectrum of traditional and new media platforms including pay television, basic cable, broadcast television, video-on-demand, subscription video-on-demand, electronic sell-through, mobile and broadband. Disney-ABC Domestic Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Disney Adds Enchancements to 2011 WDW and Disneyland Vacation Packages

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

Travel agents can now book 2011 vacation packages to the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort for their clients through Walt Disney Travel Company. These packages, for travel from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011, feature plenty of new and exciting elements for a magical family celebration.

At Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way packages feature “Magical Extras”+ that will help clients explore Disney beyond the theme parks. These packages are for arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

New and enhanced benefits include discounts to an array of activities for the whole family, such as:

A 15% discount on the regular hourly rate at a Children’s Activity Center at a select Disney Resort hotel.
A Walt Disney World marina discount giving guests 15% off the regular price of any boat rental and 15% off the regular price of select Guided Bass Fishing Excursions at participating marina locations.
A 15% discount on select services of 50 minutes or greater at Niki Bryan Spa locations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

To begin the magic at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., clients may receive one “welcome” call per package from a Disney Character when the travel agent books a package online. Also, every Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package includes the chance to interact with some classic Disney Characters in Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness*, one hour before Mickey’s Toontown opens to the public.

In addition, those who buy a Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket will receive one Magic Morning early admission* into Disneyland Park before the park opens to the public, as well as the Park Hopper benefit of same-day entry into both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks. As an added convenience, clients will receive preferred seating** at select attractions at Disney California Adventure Park. Lastly, each guest will receive one exclusive collectible pin, lanyard and luggage tag.

Other reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2011:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park will re-open the newly re-imagined 3-D digital Star Tours attraction. The experience is set in the time between the two Star Wars™ trilogies and features familiar characters and locations.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure Park will also feature a new show: Disney Channel Rocks. The show will celebrate Disney Channel original movies, including the High School Musical series, Camp Rock, StarStruck and more.
Disneyland Park will feature the new Mickey’s Soundsational Parade.
Opening in Disney California Adventure Park in 2011 will be Goofy’s Sky School and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, where guests will dive into the magnificent scenes and magical songs from the movie.
Disney California Adventure Park will continue to host viewings of the highly acclaimed World of Color after-dark water spectacular.

Disney Builds Better Futures through Support of Education

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

Thousands of local students will start school with supplies provided by Disney Cast Members. Giving students classroom essentials is just one of many ways that Walt Disney World Resort actively supports education as part of its commitment toward building a better future for Central Florida’s children. Disney’s involvement in grade-school level education can be seen in charitable giving, classroom support and student recognition. Examples include:

In May 2010, public school districts and early learning coalitions in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties received a combined total of $290,000 in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to enhance student performance from preschool through grade school.
In 2009, Disney VoluntEARS helped Central Florida public schools by giving 10,028 hours toward activities ranging from serving on Parent/Teacher Association boards to assisting teachers in the classroom.
Disney VoluntEARS gave $25,650 to Orange County public schools in 2009 through Disney’s Ears to You grants.
In February 2010, nearly 6,000 Walt Disney World Cast Members and Imagineers raised approximately $250,000 in the Disney Bowl-A-Thon to benefit Junior Achievement; a non-profit that teaches children financial skills and awareness. Walt Disney World Resort has been involved with Junior Achievement for more than 16 years and has raised more than $3.45 million for the organization. Disney VoluntEARS also teach Junior Achievement curriculum for grades K-12 in schools across Central Florida.
In 2009, Disney continued to be the primary sponsor of the A Gift For Music program with a $100,000 donation. A Gift For Music provides free music lessons to students who normally could not afford them.
To date, more than 11,500 exceptional Central Florida students have been recognized as Disney Dreamers and Doers.

Disney’s Attention to Detail Improves Bottom-Line

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

With the international tour group season winding down, Walt Disney World Resort is on pace to exceed last year’s record for guest visitation from Brazil.

A big part of the success with international tour groups from Latin America – and Brazil in particular – has been the 54 “Super Greeters” stationed throughout Walt Disney World Resort this summer.

This year’s 29 “Super Greeters” from Brazil – now on their way home to South America after a summer of working with guests – were all alumni of the Walt Disney World Resort college program who were already well-trained in delivering an exceptional guest experience. The remaining 25 “Super Greeters” are current Cast Members who speak fluent Portuguese or Spanish.

As cultural representatives, a “Super Greeter” assists international tour groups in their common language with tips for visiting Disney Parks and Resorts and engages in conversation to share their culture with guests from all over the world. Besides delivering an amazing guest experience that leads to tour groups coming back to Walt Disney World Resort, “Super Greeters” help deliver record-breaking business results.

“Our legendary guest service at Walt Disney World Resort has a direct and positive impact on our business,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot and Walt Disney World Resort’s executive champion for the Super Greeter program. “The innovative approach we take to welcoming guests with Super Greeters from Brazil will play an important part in making this year one of our best ever for Brazilian guest attendance.”

Cast Members serving as “Super Greeters” assisted international tour groups and sharing facts about their culture with guests at all four of theme parks, Downtown Disney, and several resort hotels, including Disney’s All-Star Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Disney Food Confession – Charred Nebraska Corn Chowder

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

Where is it? Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

What is it? Charred Nebraska Corn Chowder With Roasted Chicken, Bacon Bits and Cilantro.

Why you want it? Some of the reviews I have read about this great looking chowder sum up this meal in one word – delicious!

Photo Credit: by Disney

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Good Eats – Storytellers Café, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

Classic children’s books come to life at this inviting restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that celebrates the age-old tradition of storytelling. Storytellers Café features a daily Character Breakfast hosted by Chip ‘n Dale.

Character Breakfast

Join the lively Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast for an unforgettable experience filled with music and lots of interactive fun featuring some of your favorite woodland friends. You may order from the menu or select your favorites from the Farmer’s Market buffet that serves up Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles, fresh fruit and made to order omelets.

Menu

Serving delicious foods morning ’til night, many dishes have a California inspiration, like Sonoma Valley Braised Chicken and Lemon Prawns. The lunch menu offers a variety of salads, soups and sandwiches. For dinner, select from buffet selections or order menu specialties from fresh pastas to juicy steaks.

Atmosphere

Around the room, discover details like the 7 hand-painted murals, each depicting classic California stories like Mark Twain’s “The Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County” and Scott O’Dell’s “Island of the Blue Dolphins.” On chilly days, warm yourself by the roaring fire.

Toy Story Trilogy Coming to Bluray/DVD November 2nd

By

Chip

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August 23, 2010

toy story 3 logo disney pixar june 18 2010

Coming your way November 2nd 2010 Pixar presents Toy Story 3 on Bluray & DVD. For those hardcore fans out there Amazon has a 10 Disc Collectors Edition package for you.

Cost is $69.99 and preorder is available now.

Click here to learn more.

Watch Melissa & Joey – FREE on ABC Family!

By

Chip

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August 22, 2010

Did you miss the series premiere of the new ABC Family original comedy Melissa & Joey? Have no fear. ABC Family has you covered. Check out the first two episodes of our newest show on the ABC Family player and as an added bonus download the premiere episode on iTunes for FREE!

Already seen the premiere? Let us know what you thought.

Watch the first two episodes of Melissa & Joey on the ABC Family player.

Download the premiere episode FREE on iTunes.

Catch an ALL NEW episode of Melissa & Joey Tuesdays at 8/7c.