Disney Store “Unlocks Imagination” at Santa Monica Place Grand Opening

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August 6, 2010

Disney Store continued the worldwide roll-out of its newly-designed stores with a grand opening event at Southern California’s Santa Monica Place. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, celebrity guests and mom bloggers helped officially open the third newly designed Disney Store in the United States. Guests lined up to receive their free Disney Store-branded Mickey ears, build their very own custom car in the Disney·Pixar CARS-branded RIDEMAKERZ experience, and wave their wand in the Disney Princess Castle’s magic mirror to activate an enchanting storytelling moment featuring their favorite princess. In the Disney Store Theatre guests were treated to a special eight minute preview of Walt Disney’s Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue, releasing on Disney Blu-ray and DVD September 21st. Adding to the excitement was a group of L.A.’s top mom bloggers blogging live from Disney Store and sharing the magic with their readers.

“Santa Monica is a terrific location for Disney Store with an eclectic vibe attracting local families and tourists,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide. “As we roll out our new Disney Store design which centers on providing the best 30 minutes of a child’s day through unique in-store attractions, it makes for the perfect family destination at the new Santa Monica Place where a fun Disney experience awaits everyone with each visit.”

As Disney Store was building the design prototype over the last two years and planning to unveil the innovative new store to the world, Santa Monica Place was renovating the retail complex into a contemporary, outdoor luxury shopping destination. The new Disney Store is one of 20 newly designed locations that will open across major markets in the U.S. and Europe in 2010 and is part of a plan to open more than 300 newly designed stores over the next five to seven years. In addition to Santa Monica and the already opened Montebello location, the next California location will open at San Diego’s Fashion Valley mall this in September. In Europe, Disney Store has already opened three newly designed stores in Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Aligning with the new magical store design, DisneyStore.com launched its new look and feel today. Infusing the site with more storytelling moments and imagination-filled elements, guests will enjoy a 24-hour a day magical online shopping experience. Inside of every newly-designed Disney Store location, guests can see what’s available at DisneyStore.com by browsing “Destination Disney,” an interactive kiosk with touch screen. Destination Disney gives users the ability to navigate a 3-D view of all Disney Store and DisneyStore.com products and discover the latest Disney Store news via video clips, articles, and social media feeds.

Other Disney Store locations opening this year with the innovative new design include Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; The Shops at Mission Viejo in Mission Viejo, CA; North State Street in Chicago, IL; Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, NJ; NorthPark Center in Dallas, TX; International Plaza in Tampa, FL; Fashion Valley in San Diego, CA; and a two-story Disney Store in Times Square in November.

With each new store opening in 2010, Disney Store will donate 10 percent of the first day’s sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the United States.

To find a Disney Store, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates, become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.

For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us

About Disney Store
The Disney Store retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan. Disney Store is an affiliate of Disney Consumer Products, the business segment that extends the Disney brand to merchandise. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive product lines that support and promote Disney’s key entertainment initiatives and characters. Disney Store opened its first store in Glendale, California and, in doing so, originated the themed retail business model. There are currently more than 200 Disney Store locations in North America; more than 40 Disney Store locations in Japan; and more than 100 Disney Store locations in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, in addition to an online store, disneystore.co.uk. Each Disney Store location offers a magical shopping experience that can only be delivered by Disney (NYSE: DIS), one of the world’s largest and most successful entertainment companies.

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Media Contacts:

Shawn Turner
Disney Store North America
(818) 544-0848
[email protected]

Sara Leeper
MS&L
(323) 866-6017
[email protected]

Save 35% off Disney’s Hilton Head Island and Vero Beach Resorts with your Disney Visa

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 6, 2010

Travel Dates: August 23 – November 24, 2010
Booking Window: Now – November 24, 2010

Disney Rewards Visa Cardmembers can escape to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina, or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida, and save 35% off stays most nights August 23, 2010 through November 24, 2010, in a variety of accommodations from deluxe studios up to two-bedroom villas.

Your family can enjoy a huge array of Resort amenities and activities, including beaches and swimming pools, sumptuous dining, nearby golfing and so much more. And new as of September 2010, enjoy an assortment of services at The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Each destination offers spacious accommodations with modern amenities and conveniences. Enjoy a great beach getaway with all the quality, service and magic that only Disney can provide!

To book this special Disney World vacation package, please contact our sponsor PixieVacations

The number of rooms available may be limited, and a minimum stay requirement may be in place for Friday or Saturday check-ins.
Deposit must be paid at time of booking with your Disney VISA card or Disney VISA debit card.

Epcot Via Napoli Grand Opening Ceremony Video

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

This video is of Jeff Lange at the Grand Opening of Via Napoli, this is the opening ceremony with Epcot VP Dan Cockerell, Patina Group CEO Nick Valenti, Disney Ambassador Clay Shoemaker, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Spa & Fitness Options at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

Spa

In Hawai`i, massage is honored as an ancient healing tradition that engages the spirit, mind and senses. Feel tensions melt away under the skillful touch of our fine massage practitioners. Or feel years younger with one of our many refreshing treatments.

Fitness Center

Stay fit in our 2000-square-foot, state-of-the-art health club. Soak up some moisture in the sauna and steam rooms, or even treat your body to one of our yoga or tai chi classes. This is just a taste of what we offer for your health and wellness.

Rapunzel & Special Agent Oso Arrive in Target Stores

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

My wife and I were at Target earlier this week and as I always do I follow my little one around the toy department. With Droid phone in hand I always try to take pictures of the any new or interesting Disney Products. This week was a unexpected treat as I found 2 new Disney Consumer Products I wasn’t expecting to be out.

Rapunzel from Walt Disney Pictures “Tangled” was the first thing to catch my eye.

There were several types of Dolls available. All with different prices.

I looked around to see if I could see any Flynn dolls but there are none available yet. Also they seem to be selling, unless they didnt receive a full stock shipment there were room like they sold some. I couldnt find a store associate to ask but when I go back again in a week I will compare.

Next up we finally found some Special Agent Oso toys! Our little one loves Oso and watches it every chance she can.

All of Oso’s friends are here. I tried looking for a stuffed Oso bear but I was unsuccessful. Not sure if that is something they are going to release. Just thought it would a great idea since he is a stuffed animal. As you can see the prices were not bad for some really cool toys!

Here are all the pictures I took for your viewing pleasure. This was a Super Target with a big toy department so check your local store to see if they are arriving in your neck of the woods.

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I hope you enjoyed this Disney Products Sneak Peak. Let me know what you think about these new Disney Toys in the comment section below.

Disney Food Confession – PIZZA!

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

Where is it? Via Napoli – A new casual pizzeria in the Italy pavilion at Epcot

What does it offer? Napoli features a selection of classical Neapolitan pizzas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and a traditional margherita.

Why you want it? The pizzas are made with caputo flour imported from Southern Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, handmade mozzarella and water from a local spring just like in Italy’s Campania region – 10-inch, 20-inch or 1/2 meter to share.

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!

ABC Family’s HUGE & Hayley Hasselhoff Partner With Seventeen Magazine

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

ABC Family’s Huge will feature Seventeen Magazine’s Body Peace Treaty in next week’s episode airing on Monday, August 9^th at 9/8c. A few of the characters talk about and sign the treaty themselves. The Seventeen Body Peace Project mission is to open a dialogue so girls and young women can recognize damaging thought patterns and make peace with their body image. The project launched in 2007 with best-selling author and Queen of Self Esteem, Jessica Weiner. The goal is to have girls go online and sign “The Seventeen Body Peace Treaty,” a truce that they’ll be making between their bodies and minds.

As part of the partnership, Seventeen Magazine will feature Hayley Hasselhoff, who plays Amber in Huge, in a four page fashion story in the September issue (on stands Tuesday, Sept. 10) Additionally, Jess Weiner will be creating a “Live Huge” version of the Body Peace Treaty (to be posted online in support of Monday’s episode).

Here is what Hayley had to say about the scene in next week’s show:

“The scene was very close to my heart because it is beautiful to see that not only did the show Huge realize it was very important to love yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin– but also that Seventeen magazine is promoting this idea, and they have so many wonderful stars who support the Body Peace Treaty. The words of wisdom in the magazine really made an impact on me.”

For more information about Huge, please visit the official website: http://www.abcfamily.com/Huge.

Good Eats – Via Napoli: A new casual pizzeria in the Italy pavilion at Epcot

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

Via Napoli, a new casual pizzeria in the Italy pavilion at Epcot, features a selection of classical Neapolitan pizzas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and a traditional margherita.

Nick Valenti, CEO of The Patina Restaurant Group, which also runs the Tutto Italia restaurant the Italy pavilion at Epcot, created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy.

The menu also boasts a wealth of culinary delights from appetizers like arancini (fried balls of rice with mozzarella and beef ragou) to entrees/salads such as Manzo (filet of beef) with greens. And don’t forget dessert with everything from hot, crisp zeppole di Catarina, ricotta cheese fritters with chocolate sauce and whipped cream to the over-the-top coppa di brutti ma buoni, a vanilla gelato with Amarena cherries and “ugly but good” cookies.

Disneyworld Quick Tips – Hollywood Studios & Toy Story Mania

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

Today’s quick tip is kind of a hybrid tip/tour plan in one. Hollywood Studios has some great rides like Rock ‘n‘ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Tower of Terror. I think both of those rides handle lines and people beautifully. While they are targeted at an older they probably don’t see quite the numbers as Toy Story Mania does.

Every time I have been at Hollywood Studios Toy Story Mania fast passes have run out before lunch time. I am not sure if its the length or popularity of the ride. Whatever the reason today’s Quick Tip is:

Get to Toy Story Mania as soon as you get to the park!

Ride it as soon as you get there, then after you ride it Fastpass it for later.Then go ride Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster. Come lunch time and you see the sign below you will be thanking me.

Photo credit mousebeat.com

Disney Dream Cruise

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 6, 2010

Disney Dream. Launching in 2011.

Created with all the imagination of Disney dream makers, our newest ship features spectacular innovations that will make dreams come true in brand-new ways.

Legendary Disney service, unique personal touches and elegant details all come together on this incredible vessel to create spaces and experiences designed to delight kids, teens, adults and families in enchantingly different ways.

Thrill to the first water coaster at sea, the AquaDuck! A wild, watery ride, this 765-foot-long, winding slide propels you up, down, around, through the forward funnel, splashing down four decks and even over the edge of the ship!

Kids’ imaginations will be inspired as never before in enhanced spaces like the new Disney’s Oceaneer Club, where they are completely transported to dream destinations like Pixie Hollow and Andy’s Room (inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story films).

Tweens get Edge, their own club in the forward funnel. Teens enjoy an entirely reimagined onboard experience with Vibe, an exclusive indoor escape and outdoor lounge.

Adults can savor new indulgences in two restaurants reserved just for them. Palo enjoys a brand-new look, al fresco dining and more. The all-new Remy offers fine French cuisine in an intimate setting. Through the night, The District beckons with five distinct clubs offering their own kind of fun.

Families enjoy exclusive Disney entertainment and spaces created for everyone to enjoy together, including original Broadway-style shows, a family lounge, the all-new Goofy’s Sports Deck with a crazy nine-hole miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators and more.

Set to launch in January 2011, there’s new magic happening every day for Disney Dream™.

Contact Pixie Vacations for a free quote today!
Phone: 678-815-1584

New Pizzeria Via Napoli Unveiled at Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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August 6, 2010

Patina Restaurant Group has opened a new casual pizzeria, called Via Napoli, adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, its restaurant in the Italy pavilion in Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This becomes the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in the park.

Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and overseeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New York which was awarded the coveted certification of “La Vera Pizza Napoletana.” While in Naples, Valenti spent time studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven temperatures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon. At Da Ettore, he discovered the art of pagnotiello, a folded round of pizza dough filled with mozzarella, ham and mushrooms.

“I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan pizza,” Valenti says. “It’s a perfect food, something beloved by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft and charred crust. I look forward to bringing it to Walt Disney World, where it should be a welcome addition to guests visiting Epcot.”

Via Napoli features a selection of classical Neapolitan pizzas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and a traditional margherita. Famed Pizzaiolo Charlie Restivo serves as executive chef at Via Napoli, where he crafts the pies using simple and delicious Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo flour, handmade fresh mozzarella, Parma Cotto, crumbled sausage and water calibrated specifically to the pH found in Naples.

“We’re excited to be working with the Patina Restaurant Group once again on this significant expansion project,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. “Via Napoli will certainly enhance the guest experience and the architectural landscape of World Showcase just in time for our 15th annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival.”

A unique feature at Via Napoli is the wood-burning ovens, which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Each oven is sculpted with the “face of the volcano” — reflecting the gods whose mythology surrounds each volcano’s history.

The architecture and design of the new pizzeria is based on a mix of traditional Italian styles, with the Florentine architect Stefano Nardini (of Magris & Partners) working in conjunction with Rick Swisher Architect to build it.

Save up to 40% on Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 6, 2010

Contact: Pixie Vacations to Book Today!
Click for a Free Quote
Phone: 678-815-1584

Contact Pixie Vacations to book today!

Click for a Free Quote
Phone: 678-815-1584