Get Set for the Hair-Raising Antics in Disney’s Tangled Video Game

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August 2, 2010

Disney Interactive Studios announced “Disney Tangled: The Video Game,” a story-based adventure game inspired by the world and characters featured in the upcoming 3D animated Disney film “Tangled,” an action-packed comedy adventure for audiences of all ages. Featuring Rapunzel, a feisty teen with incredibly long magical hair, and Flynn Ryder, a charming rogue, the video game combines humor with an engaging adventure as players embark on a journey to fulfill one of Rapunzel’s lifelong dreams to see the lights she’s admired from her Tower window. “Disney Tangled: The Video Game” will be released for the Wii(TM) system and Nintendo DS(TM) family of hand-held systems, as well as Windows/PC this holiday season.

“Disney Tangled: The Video Game is an exciting and fun experience for every member of the family,” said Craig Relyea, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “It allows fans of all ages to assume the role of the adventurous Rapunzel or the swashbuckling Flynn while experiencing the thrills and humor of the unlikely duo’s exploits.”

Mandy Moore and Zach Levi, who voice the lead characters in the big screen “Tangled,” will lend their talents to the video game as well. Disney Interactive Studios is also working closely with the film’s producers to mirror the magic and fun of the movie, while providing a compelling and unique gameplay experience.

In “Disney Tangled: The Video Game,” players explore the world of the film and engage with its characters as they travel with Rapunzel and Flynn on an adventure-filled escapade jam-packed with challenges. As Rapunzel, players can use her hair to swing, climb, and rejuvenate. As Flynn, they can scale walls, engage in sword play, and use “Flynntuition,” to discover treasure along the way. There is also a creative play feature in Rapunzel’s Tower where players can paint murals and more.

Ensuring a family friendly experience, the Wii features multiple ways to play, including co-op, split screen and up to four players, all in captivating 3D environments. The DS version introduces “Tangled” to gamers on the go with a storybook 2D adventure that includes familiar locations from the movie and a variety of fun and intuitive puzzles and mini games.

“Disney Tangled: The Video Game” will be available holiday 2010. The title is not yet rated by the ESRB.

D23′s Destination D: Disneyland ’55 at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

This year is the 55th anniversary of Disneyland Resort, and D23 is celebrating this milestone year with the premiere of Destination D: Disneyland ’55, a brand-new, two-day event that illuminates the fascinating history behind Disney’s flagship park.

Destination D: Disneyland ’55 will take D23 Members on a mesmerizing journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The event will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that give fans an inside view of this fascinating era in Disney history and let them meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future Destination D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s amazing creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, Destination D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 Expo.

Event highlights include our Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary presentation, reuniting original Mouseketeers Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (formerly Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien, and Mary Geoff (formerly Espinosa) for a delightful trip back in time to the dawning of the television era with the club that was, like D23, “made for you and me.”

Destination D will also mark the debut of the Disney Legends Celebration, a heartfelt tribute to those who have made a lasting contribution to the Disney legacy. All Destination D attendees and Disney Legends will be invited to attend E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks, a concert of memorable tunes through the years at the Disneyland Resort with some very special guests, including Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

All guests will also receive a limited-edition set of colorful, vintage Disneyland postcards from the Walt Disney Archives Collection. It’s a reproduction of actual postcards sold when Disneyland opened in 1955 — it’s just a coincidence that the complete set features 23 images!

There will also be a selection of limited edition merchandise available for purchase at the event.

Shown below is the current lineup for Destination D: Disneyland ’55 (times to be announced later this summer; panels and talent subject to change):

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

Mickey Mouse Club 55th Anniversary
Join original Mouseketeers including Sharon Baird, Doreen Tracey, Bobby Burgess, Karen Pendleton, Sherry Van Meter (Alberoni), Tommy Cole, Cubby O’Brien and Mary Geoff (Espinosa) for a magical walk down memory lane as they recall their favorite behind-the-scenes stories from the classic Disneyland attraction Mickey Mouse Club Circus.

Weird Disney
From the startling visuals of the 1930’s Fanchon & Marco “Mickey Mouse Idea” vaudeville shows to Disneyland’s “Kap the Kaiser Aluminum Pig” and the “Crane Bathroom of Tomorrow,” Disney’s history has included some pretty offbeat stuff. Join Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney historian Paul Anderson as they act as your tour guides on a fun-filled, irreverent and often-surprising road trip through the wonderfully weird and wacky side of Disney.

From Quirky to Collectible: The Wonderful World of Disneyland Merchandise
Curiouser and curiouser! From a Mark Twain Riverboat AM radio to a Matterhorn bank, we will present a treasure trove of timeless trinkets and unique souvenirs. Merchandise mavens Stacia Martin and Paul Anderson and Disney Archivist Rob Klein will take you to a collector’s Cloud Nine, including the “Top 5 Rarest Pieces of Disneyana” and the “Top 5 Strangest Items of Disneyland Memorabilia.” You won’t believe what they have found!

The 1964 New York World’s Fair and the Development of Audio-Animatronics® CharactersWith so many incredible Disney achievements over the years, it’s hard to pick one as most impressive. But one milestone — Disney’s contribution to the 1964 New York World’s Fair — arguably stands far and above any other for its impact on Disneyland, the dawning of Walt Disney World and now, the Disney theme park experience around the world. Hosted by historian Paul Anderson, this is a fascinating and remarkable story of how 50 years ago Walt and his Imagineers broke the barriers of technology and pioneered an entirely new chapter in the history of entertainment, and in doing so, drastically changed the course of Disney theme park history.

Imagineering the Magic of Disney
Disney Legend Marty Sklar hosts a prestigious panel of some of Disney’s most creative minds made up of Imagineering Legends and current Imagineers. Join us as Bob Gurr, Blaine Gibson, Dave Durham, Kathy Mangum, Kevin Rafferty and other Imagineers share their memories and favorite moments about creating iconic attractions at the world’s most popular theme parks.

E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks
As part of this year’s inaugural Disney Legends Celebration, D23 Members are invited to join some Disney Legends for a colorful concert of music from the past and present of Disneyland Resort. Highlighting the concert will be Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who — along with his brother Robert — has contributed a multitude of songs to the Disney parks legacy, including “it’s a small world,” “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and many more. Performing will be a host of special guests, including John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Johnny and the Sprites), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), Wilson Cruz (Rent, My So-Called Life), members of the Disney Employee Choir and many more, all paying tribute to some of the most enduring tunes in the Disney canon.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

Disneyland Through the Eye of Television
Archivist Rob Klein presents this unique look at the history of Disneyland as it was first seen by the general public — on television. This vibrant presentation includes Walt’s first announcement of Disneyland, highlights from the original Disneyland television anthology series showing progress on the park and classic anniversary specials, as well as rarely seen promotional spots for Disneyland from the ’60s and ’70s for the Matterhorn, Main Street Electrical Parade, “New” Tomorrowland 1967 and much more!

Disney Undiscovered
No creative idea, no matter how marvelously imagined, is guaranteed to make it from the sketchbooks of Disney Imagineers to the parks. 2010’s D23 Member gift, Disney Undiscovered, pays tribute to Disney’s enduring creative spirit by celebrating the work of some of Disney’s greatest dreamers and artists, whose feats of creative daring — even if never completed — will stand the test of time as masterpieces of the imagination. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the further fascinating details about these rare, never-produced park attractions and the Imagineers who dreamed them up.

Disneyland: The Happiest Place in Pop Culture
A humorous and informative journey through 55 years of popular culture as reflected in the original Magic Kingdom. Featuring rarely seen photos and film clips, the presentation, hosted by Disney authority Tim O’Day, will take you down memory lane, narrowly escaping bad fashions, bad hair and park entertainment, and events and attractions that definitely belong in Memoryland.

Disneyland: The Way We Were
Remember the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, TWA Rocket to the Moon, The Frito Kid, or America Sings? Join Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith as we explore some vintage images of Disneyland: first some rare color photographs taken during the park’s construction, then a look at some beloved, gone-but-not-forgotten attractions, shops and restaurants. Throughout this presentation, Dave will reminisce about early visits to Disneyland, taking the audience back to some classic moments in the park’s rich history.

A Word from the President
Disneyland President George Kalogridis shares a very special presentation with D23.

The Wonderful World of Vintage Disneyland — In Color!
Media Preservationist Ed Hobelman and Imagineer Tony Baxter share a trove of archival treasures and screen rarely seen color footage of Disneyland from the 1950s and 1960s.

Disneyland, U.S.A. Screening and Panel
A big-screen presentation of the classic 1956 People and Places featurette, Disneyland, U.S.A., followed by a panel featuring members of the film’s restoration team, Disney Imagineers and Disney Legends who experienced the park first-hand during those early years, including Tony Baxter, Ed Hobelman, Dave Smith and Geri Bumpass. Hosted by Tim O’Day.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. There are a limited number of tickets available. The room will be cleared during several breaks; during these breaks seats may not be saved. Meals are not included with the price of the ticket. This is a separate event from D23’s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when purchasing tickets. Credentials may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. Panels are subject to change. Talent is subject to availability. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

Click here for more information

Image credit D23.com

Members of D23 Give Galactic Goodbye to Star Tours

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

Late in the night as Disneyland was closing it’s gates for the evening, D23 Members and their guests were all smiles (and a few tears) as they got ready for one last ride on Star Tours, the Disneyland favorite that opened in 1987. The final flight to Endor went off without a hitch. Well, maybe one. It seems someone was still getting used to his programming!

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will return to Disneyland in 2011. You can read more about what’s coming to the Disneyland Resort here.

Head of D23, Steven Clark, and Tony Baxter suit up to greet guests on their final flight to Endor.

Click here to check out more pictures from the event.

Photos from Disney & D23.com

Zeke and Luther Back for a 3rd Season on Disney XD

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

Disney XD has ordered a third season of the hit comedy series “Zeke and Luther.” The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. New episodes of the buddy comedy about two best friends determined to achieve epic skateboarding status will begin production fall 2010 in and around southern California. Starring are popular teen actors Hutch Dano, Adam Hicks, Ryan Newman and Daniel Curtis Lee.

In making the announcement, Marsh said: “We have great comedic talent on camera and behind the scenes, and we join its growing fan base in looking forward to a third season of the unique and relatable storytelling that has made ‘Zeke and Luther’ so popular, especially among boys.”

Returning are creators and executive producers Matt Dearborn and Tom Burkhard, the team behind the Emmy Award-nominated and BAFTA-winning Disney Channel series, “Even Stevens.”

Set in the mythical Northern California beach community of Pacific Terrace, the series follows the comedic adventures of best friends Zeke and Luther and their quest to become the world’s best skateboarders, while also navigating the ups and downs of teenage life. Quick to challenge the boys’ claim to being the best sidewalk surfers in the neighborhood is their friend and foe with a larger-than-life attitude, Kojo. Another thorn in their side is Zeke’s business-savvy little sister, Ginger, who finds her brother’s skateboarding dreams childish.

“Zeke and Luther” premiered in June 2009 on Disney XD in the U.S., and can be seen on Disney Channel’s worldwide. Starring are: Hutch Dano (The Disney Channel Original Movie “Den Brother” and the feature film “Ramona and Beezus”) as Zeke, Adam Hicks (“JONAS L.A.”) as Luther, Daniel Curtis Lee (“Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”) as Kojo and Ryan Newman (“Hannah Montana”) as Ginger. “Zeke and Luther” is produced by Turtle Rock Productions, Inc. and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

“Zeke and Luther” is the #1 live-action original series on Disney XD this year across all key kid and boy demos.

Engineering the Magic at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

With a model of a roller coaster in tow, a team of Disney engineers have some magic in store this summer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Walt Disney World Clubhouse.

On a mission to make learning fun, mechanical engineer Lee Wilson has spent five years designing “cool experiments” that teach kids about real-life applications for science, math and technology. Wilson, with his colleagues, visits local schools and camps year-around to share knowledge and inspire students to become the innovators of tomorrow. Their lessons always include props that resemble rides and attractions from Disney Parks. Crowd pleasers include working replicas of an animatronic Tiki Bird, roller coaster and a hovercraft.

“It’s electric to see them getting excited about math and science,” says Wilson, who takes great delight in working with his team to win over young audiences.

Boys & Girls Club service director Jose Bastias believes the Walt Disney World engineers made an impression on the approximately 120 kids who participated in their presentation.

“It was an amazing sight,” said Bastias. “They all had their hands up because they had a million questions.”

For many children in the audience, it was also a glimpse at a world beyond what they know.

“A program like this opens their eyes to see different things,” said Bastias, who points out this introduction to engineering may inspire the kids to consider careers in math, science or technology.

Tangled Display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Video

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

Toy Story 3 has been taken out of the display area and removed to make way for “Tangled” (the story of Rapunzel). Video taken by Denise from Mousesteps.com – you can find photos here. The music played in the room was from a variety of films.

Disney Food Confession – Char-Grilled Lamb Burger

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

Where is it? Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s BoardWalk

What is it? Lamb Burger dressed with olives and feta, with a side of crisp sweet potato fries.

Why you want it? Delicious Greek Cuisine from one of the World’s Top Chefs.

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!

Product Review: Disney Parks: The Secrets, Stories and Magic Behind the Scenes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2010

Product Review: Disney Parks: The Secrets, Stories and Magic Behind the Scenes

In May I received an email from the people behind the video series Disney Parks asking me if I’d like to review their latest videos. Of course, I said yes! I’d seen parts of them on television and always taped them. My kids love them and they’re fun to watch when you’re missing Disney, as I often do. Since I wasn’t blogging at the time and because I had a lot of obligations in the last few months, I didn’t review them right away because I couldn’t give it the time it deserved, but since things have slowed down a bit, I’ve had a chance to watch all of them and I can’t recommend them enough.

I loved this series, which includes six DVDs showing secrets and highlights from the parks. My sons especially loved the one on Animal Kingdom, which they watched every single day for a two week period. I found myself humming the tune all day long (if you’ve seen the video, you know it; it’s kind of catchy). The writers had access to Disney Imagineers, executives, and cast members, so you’re really getting the story behind the attractions. The interviews alone are worth the price of the video. The video quality is excellent as is the sound.

I’d recommend this to first-timers to get a general idea of what’s available in the parks. Sure, you can read a guidebook. They’re indispensible. But having that visual to go along with it is really useful and fun. Even if you’ve been to the parks a lot, I think this series is worthwhile for the stories. It’s also nice to reminisce between trips. I know that sometimes at the end of a hard day, I like to pop one of these videos in the DVD player and just relax. Finally, my kids really liked them. I mean, that’s kind of an understatement. It was their video of choice all summer, which says a lot I think, given that they don’t get a lot of television so they have to choose carefully when they do. Although they’ve been to the parks a lot, the little ones don’t really understand the whole picture, but after watching the videos, they really seemed to get it better. At one point, my younger son pointed to something in the store and said “Animal Kingdom!” and like any good Disney-obsessed mom, I thought to myself “Good. The indoctrination is working.” Seriously, I’m counting on that one to push me around the parks in my old age.

I’ve seen these videos discussed a lot in online Disney forums and from what I can tell, you can get them the cheapest from Amazon. Some of the videos contain footage that you may likely have seen on the Travel Channel, but some of it is new and it’s all commercial free. I also like having it all in one place.

Disclaimer: Other than the free videos, I haven’t received anything from the company, so my opinion is completely unbiased. I could have said I didn’t like them and I would still have the videos in my hot little hands!! If you’ve seen the videos and want to share your opinions or if you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section.

More Pictures & video of Disney Hawaii Resort – Aulani Resort & Spa

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

I got an email from viewer Joel who lives on O’ahu and has been following the construction over at the Aulani resort since Disney originally announced the project. Joel took some video of the Aulani property back in 2008 before there was anything on the island and follows up with some construction pictures from a few weeks ago.

Thanks Joel for checking us out all the way from Hawaii, and thanks for the video and pictures.

Here is the video from the empty lot back before construction began.

Here are just some of the photos from Joel Flickr account.

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Go here to check out the rest of his collection over the course of construction of the Aulani Resort.

If you want to send us any pictures of video of any Disney property email them to [email protected]. I will gladly make an article out of them and share them with our viewers. Were here to spread the Disney Magic any way we can and I love viewer emails!

Thanks Again Joel!

Here is some link love for Joel at Coconut Wireless

Joel/Coconut Wireless
Host of Meandering Mouse Club TV and Trapped in Paradise vidcasts
www.frikitikiproductions.com
Guest Host on In The Loop podcast
www.coastercrew.net/intheloop.php
His blog
thetikioutpost.com

Disney Back to School Special. $25 – $100 Gift Card Offer

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 2, 2010

Disney Back to School Special.

Book your Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Vacation with Lisa at Pixie Vacations before the school bell rings on Friday Aug. 6, at 2:05 PM and get a $25 – $100 Disney Gift Card.
New bookings only.

$1,500 Package = $25 Disney Gift Card
$2,500 Package = $50 Disney Gift Card
$3,500 Package = $75 Disney Gift Card
$4,500 Package = $100 Disney Gift Card

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 678-815-1584
Get a Free Quote

The Disney Savings Plan from Pixie Vacations

By

Chip

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August 2, 2010

Great News from our friends at Pixie Vacations! Pixie Vacations has setup a Disney Savings Plan for anyone that would like to join and start saving for their next Disney trip.

How it works:

You would save for your Disney trip, just like normal with your local bank, cookie jar, or under your mattress. Pixie Vacations will help you determine what resort, tickets, and dining meets your needs and budget. They will get you a free vacation quote so you know exactly how much you need to save. Pixie Vacations will then let you know what your weekly or monthly savings needs to be for your Disney vacation. Pixie Vacations will book the lowest possible Disney vacation package rate to maximize your savings and will monitor your reservation for new Disney specials that might come out that can be applied.

If you would like Disney Dining Reservations (ADRs) Pixie Vacations can book those reservations for you also.

Pixie Vacations will send you Disney tips, advice, and free saving tools to encourage you to save and help you along with your Disney vacation goals.
There is no cost for this and the rate for your Disney Vacation would be the same or less than if you booked directly with Disney.

If you would like to join the savings plan, please contact Pixie Vacations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email them.

Lisa & Steve

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 678-815-1584
http://www.PixieVacations.com

Via Napoli Review Contest

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 1, 2010

The first person to write a review of the New Via Napoli, Restaurant in Epcot’s Italy will win a personalized monogrammed Disney Beach Tote from Pixie Vacations. You must include photos of the restaurant, you eating there, and photos of the food items you ordered in your review. If it was great or horrible, please tell us.

The first person to Email their full and complete review with photos to [email protected] will win and their review will be posted at http://planthemagic.blogspot.com/ and on Chip and Company’s website.