Via Napoli Opens Next Month at Epcot

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July 8, 2010

Pizzeria at Epcot’s Italy Pavilion
Pastas, wood-fired pizzas, scoops of sweet gelato – here’s a first look at the menu for the new Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria at the Epcot Italy Pavilion. Opening next month the 300-seat restaurant expands dining choices (our favorite Tutto Italia stays). Created by the Patina Restaurant Group’s CEO Nick Valenti, the menu is based on his travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and overseeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New York. Valenti spent time in Naples studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven temperatures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon. A feature at Via Napoli is its wood-burning ovens, cleverly named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli.

Appetizers: Sicilian eggplant with olives and raisins; salad of lettuce, fagiolini (string beans), fennel and tomatoes; arancini (fried saffron risotto balls) with meat ragù, mozzarella and pomodoro sauce; corn-crusted fried calamari; and minestrone with basil pesto. Or share a plate of arancini, mozzarella, calamari, portobella mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini and carciofi (artichokes).

Main course salads: Manzo (filet of beef) with greens, red onion, gorgonzola, apple and cucumber with a red wine-mustard vinaigrette; chopped salad with lemon chicken, greens, cantaloupe, cucumber, red pepper, green beans, onions, almonds and pasta crisps with honey-citrus vinaigrette; calamari with arugula, carrots and fennel with orange vinaigrette.

Pastas: candele (long, tube-shaped pasta) with sausage ragù; linguine with seafood; malfadine (ribbon pasta) with guanciale (unsmoked Italian bacon) and pomodoro sauce; lasagna verde.

Piatti alla Parmigiana: (dishes topped with Parmesan and mozzarella gratinée): veal, chicken and eggplant.

Wood-fired pizzas: 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: a dozen choices, from a simple pizza Margherita with tomato, mozzarella and basil to carciofi with artichoke, potato, pecorino cheese, prosciutto and cantaloupe.

Sweets: tiramisù, zeppole di ricotta (ricotta cheese-fried dough, whipped cream and chocolate sauce); apple cake with almond sorbetti; gelatie; and vanilla gelato with almond cookies and amarena cherries.

Phineas & Ferb meet and greet at the newly designed Disney Store

By

Chip

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July 8, 2010

WHO: Phineas, Ferb and Agent P are coming to meet and greet fans and celebrate the opening of newly

designed Disney Store at The Shops at Montebello.

WHAT: The Phineas & Ferb meet and greet will take place in Center Court of the mall to ensure as many fans as possible have an opportunity to meet the characters. Guests should arrive early as characters are scheduled to appear for a limited time only. This is one of the first times the Phineas & Ferb characters will be available to meet fans so don’t forget to bring your camera for this unique photo opportunity! For more details visit the events page at facebook.com/DisneyStore or go to http://bit.ly/d9CuN0.

*The characters will not be signing autographs and photos are limited to one per family. Characters are subject to change without notice.

WHEN: Saturday, July 10, 2010 from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.:

11:30 a.m. Phineas and Ferb will appear together at Center Court to take photos with fans
12:00 p.m. Agent P will appear in Center Court to take photos with fans
Characters will then alternate every 30 minutes

WHERE: The Shops at Montebello in Center Court

Disney Store

Shops at Montebello

2134 Montebello Twn Ctr., Space #AU16

Montebello, CA

(323) 720-1055

Disney California Adventure to remake Mulholland Madness with Goofy theme

By

Chip

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July 8, 2010

This article comes to us from the LA Times:

Goofy’s Sky School will add a new look to an old ride when the re-themed roller coaster replaces the unimaginative Mulholland Madness that earned Disney California Adventure its on-the-cheap reputation.

Making its debut in 2011, the complete makeover will mark the third ride in three years that Disney California Adventure has retooled in an effort to add more classic Disney characters to the under-performing Anaheim theme park.

The “Disneyfication” strategy has worked wonders on Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Silly Symphony Swings, which now blend seamlessly with the surrounding 1920s and ’30s seaside amusement park motif and Victorian and Craftsman architecture of the re-imagined Paradise Pier.

The Goofy overlay removes the giant foldout map of Southern California that always seemed like a futile attempt to hide the fact that Mulholland Madness was nothing more than an off-the-shelf wild mouse ride found at any freeway entertainment center. Gone too is the Magic Mountain-esque, slapdash, Caltrans maintenance-yard theme involving little more than a plastering of roadwork signs.

Inspired by the 1940 cartoon short “Goofy’s Glider,” the ride’s new flying academy back story follows the clumsy anthropomorphic dog’s attempts to teach a group of novice pilots how to fly. Naturally, things go awry.

Click here to keep reading.

D23’s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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July 8, 2010

The Hunt is on!

Get ready for the most incredible scavenger hunt in Disney history as D23 hosts the Great Disney Scavenger Hunt at the Disneyland Resort! Teams will take off across the Resort in search of the answers to some challenging — but fun! — questions. Think you know your way around Disneyland? This will be the ultimate test as you and your team race against the clock to gather as many points as possible. The top 10 teams will win fantastic prizes, including goodies and collectibles from our friends at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Records, the Walt Disney Collectors Society, Walt Disney Publishing and the Walt Disney Archives.

Get a good night’s sleep because registration starts at 7 a.m. in the Exposition Hall of the Disneyland Hotel. And at 8:45 a.m., it’s off you go… You and your team will scour the entire Disneyland Resort — from Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resort Hotels to Disney California Adventure and, of course, Disneyland — for answers to our quizzical queries.

You’ll have just over five hours to gather as many answers as possible before returning to the Exposition Hall for judging. And don’t be late — points are taken off for every precious minute! Comfortable shoes and attire are recommended!

Once we’re done tallying the totals, we’ll announce the winners — and the top teams can collect their bounties! Think you’re up to the challenge? We can’t wait to find out!

DATE
Sunday, September 26, 2010

LOCATION
Exposition Hall, Disneyland Hotel
Anaheim, California

TICKETS
On Sale Monday, July 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. PST. Check back here for link to order tickets.

COST
$50 per team for D23 Members (up to four people); $75 per team for non-members (up to four people).

SCHEDULE
Registration begins at 7 a.m.; Hunt kicks off at 8:45 a.m.

Rules:

Park admission for the Hunt is NOT included. Teams are responsible for their own entry into the parks. Special convention-rate tickets will be available for purchase.
The Hunt will take place in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and throughout the Disneyland Resort Hotels.
The person who registers his or her team for the Hunt will be considered by D23 to be the Team Leader.
Each team must consist of no fewer than two (2) players and no more than four (4) players.
Each member of the team must fill out a waiver before registering at the event.
The Team Leader will be responsible for checking the team in. The entire team does not need to stand in line. However, the entire team must be present at the start of the Hunt in order to participate.
Inside the registration packet will be a “runner’s bib” (similar to what runners wear in a marathon) with the team number and safety pins with which to attach the number. ALL team members must wear their bibs on the front of their shirts at all times.
Team members must be together at ALL times. (In the case of bathroom breaks, team members may wait outside the restroom.)
No running at any point. Any team seen running by D23 Scavenger Hunt representatives or Disneyland Security may be disqualified.
No cheating, obviously.
No impeding the success of other teams (e.g., trying to cover or remove answers to clues).
No asking Disney cast members for help.
D23 Scavenger Hunt representatives in the Resort may, at any time, check a team to make sure it has the appropriate number of members. Teams that do not remain together will be disqualified with no appeals.
All teams must have at least one digital camera to document certain moments on the Hunt. The team is responsible for having a working camera. Should a camera not function properly, it is the responsibility of the team to correct the problem.
Any questions or issues will be decided by a panel of D23 judges at the Hunt. These decisions will be binding and final.
All written answers must be legible. No points will be awarded if judges are not able to read the answer.
In the event of a tie, there will be a lightning round of questions between one representative from each of the tying teams. The round will be overseen by one of the D23 judges. All decisions are binding and final.

NOTE: Contestants may book for a team of two to four people. No solo teams permitted. The person who registers for the Hunt will be designated the Team Leader. Only the person who registers needs to be a D23 Member in order to utilize the D23 Member rate. You must secure your spot in advance to participate; if space remains, additional spots will be filled the morning of the event at a higher price. Park entry is not included with the price of the Scavenger Hunt and will be required if teams wish to answer questions inside Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure. There are a limited number of team slots available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets in order to secure the special D23 Member price.

Click here for more information.

Plan Now for Magical Disney Dining in December

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 8, 2010

Plan Now for Magical Disney Dining in December

While summer is in full swing here in the US, if you will be visiting Disney World over the Christmas holidays, I have an important question for you? What are your dining plans? Have you made those Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) yet?

When making your dining plans….and yes, you should make dining plans….you need to realize that, if you are visiting during the week between Christmas and New Years, you will be at Walt Disney World during the busiest time of the year. There will be more people than you have probably ever seen.

Now if your plans to visit Disney are to go before Dec. 24, there will be less people. In fact, historically from the week after Thanksgiving until the week or so before Christmas, crowds are usually lighter, and so it can be a delightful way to experience all that the holidays have to offer at Disney World. But at the same time, many Disney veterans travel during these weeks, and these folks typically have made dining plans far in advance of their trip.

So either way, make your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) before you get to Disney World. And if you are going during Christmas week….Make. Them. Now.

I can’t stress this enough. The 180-190 day window to book ADRs opened for Christmas week a couple of weeks ago. The popular times and restaurants fill quickly, especially on the big days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. We have visited during this week several times, and it always makes me sad to see the many folks who are turned away from restaurants because they did not make plans in advance. Understandably, they are frustrated and unhappy about it. So if table service is something you want to do, don’t delay on this.

If for whatever reason, you can’t get ADRs for any of the restaurants you want, don’t worry though, as there are still some good options. Consider some of the lovely and lesser-known restaurants at the hotels: many are wonderful, and it is a great way to see some of the fantastic Holiday decorations at the resorts. They are a little off-the-beaten path, but it can be nice sometimes, during all the hustle and bustle, to have a little peace and quiet.

Also consider eating meals at “off” times. Try having your main, table service meal for lunch instead of dinner. Or eat early…lunch at 11, dinner at 4…or late…lunch at 2, dinner at 8. You may find crowds to be a little lighter during these times.

Taking the time now to plan your dining at Disney World for your December vacation will insure that you eat where and when you want and minimize the frustration in the process.

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.

Sign-up for a chance to win Disney theme park tickets

By

Chip

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July 7, 2010

Attractions Magazine is giving away a chance to win Free Disney Parks Tickets! Check out the details from their website below!

We’re giving away five one-day tickets to the Walt Disney World theme park of your choice this summer. To be eligible to win, all you have to do is be signed up for our weekly e-mail newsletter. It’s free to sign-up – Click Here!

Each ticket is good for one day at one Disney World theme park. The tickets expire on Aug. 27, 2010 and cannot be sold. An e-mail address will be chosen for the tickets on July 21. The winner will be notified by e-mail. If they can’t use the tickets by the expiration date or don’t respond within two days, another person will be chosen.

To sign up, visit attractionsmagazine.com/newslettersignup and fill out the form. You’ll then receive a confirmation e-mail. Click on the link in that e-mail and you’ll start receiving our free e-mail newsletter once each week and you’ll be all set for your chance to win.

Frequently Asked Questions According to Disneyland Park Operations

By

Chip

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July 7, 2010

This article comes to us from Disney Parks Blog:

Disneyland Resort guests are full of questions. We talked with cast members who work day in and day out with our guests and asked, “What are some of the most frequently asked questions you hear in the Parks?” Well, here they are in descending order:

Does [insert name of attraction] have FASTPASS Service?
Where’s the best place to see the parade?
What are the park hours?
Where’s Mickey Mouse?
Where’s the nearest restroom?

General manager of park operations, Matt Gray, receives tons of questions every day, and his personal favorite is “How do I get to Fantasyland,” to which he always answers, “Make a wish.”

To help answer some of these questions, you can find park hours and the list of attractions that have the FASTPASS Service on disneyland.com. There are also several FAQs on disneyland.com.

So, what do you think are the best places to see the parade at Disneyland park? Do you have a favorite place to see Mickey Mouse?

ESPN Deportes has the Winners of Safari Mundial

By

Chip

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July 7, 2010

Ten lucky winners will travel to Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida to experience ESPN 3D viewing event of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. ESPN Deportes announced today the winners of the ‘Safari Mundial’ consumer promotion. Ten lucky soccer fans were chosen at random to receive a five-day VIP experience at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, including a special viewing event at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex of ESPN 3D’s telecast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.

“We are very excited to announce the winners of the Safari Mundial”, said Michelle Bella, vice president, sales and consumer marketing, ESPN Deportes. “The contest was created to give fans the opportunity to experience the exciting conclusion of the World Cup in a unique and unforgettable place, and we could not have chosen a better place than the Walt Disney World® Resort.”

The ten winners selected are: R. Ascencio (Buena Park, CA), T. Velasco (Bakersfield, CA), R. Richter (Weston, FL), A. Sandoval (Pasadena, CA), A. Ortiz Alonso (Rohnert Park, CA), R. Adolfo Torres (Houston, TX), R. Olmos (Oceanside, CA), J. Kahler (Dornsife, PA), M. Rivera (Miami, FL), and S. Chin (Sunnyvale, CA).

This amazing safari and soccer adventure will be taking place July 8 – July 12, 2010. The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare for the winners, plus three guests, five days and four nights stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Park Hopper® Passes which provide entry into all four of the Walt Disney World theme parks. During their stay, winners will also enjoy a welcome reception, meet and greet with Disney characters and famous talent, a sunrise safari brunch, as well as many other exciting activities that have been planned.

Along with all this great excitement, the winners will have the opportunity to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup final on July 11, 2010 at the special viewing event of ESPN 3D’s telecast at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

To enter the Safari Mundial contest online or via mobile, consumers had to be registered to ESPNdeportes.com’s free subscription and submit a sweepstakes entry form during the month of May. The ten winners were randomly selected on weekly drawings.

Great Rates on Fall Bahamian Cruises starting at only $399

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 7, 2010

Consistently rated by Disney Cruise Line® Guests as their favorite port of call, Castaway Cay is the ultimate private island paradise in the Bahamas designed with one-of-a-kind areas and activities for every member of the family.

3-Night Bahamian Cruises

* Starting at $399* per person, double occupancy
* Available most sail dates Sept. 9 – Dec. 16, 2010

4-Night Bahamian Cruises

* Starting at $499* per person, double occupancy
* Available most sail dates Sept. 26 – Nov. 14 and Nov. 28 – Dec. 5, 2010.

*Rate valid for Category 11 stateroom. Government Taxes and Fees and excursions are not included. Rates in U.S. dollars. Subject to availability. See Disney Cruise Line website for applicable Terms and Conditions.

Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

Contact PixieVacations.com to book this special before it is gone.

Who Doesn’t Love Free from Disney?

By

Chip

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July 7, 2010

My ears perk up whenever I hear the word “Free.” I’m first in line when I hear, “free gift” or “free shipping” which is why my smart shopping sensor went off when I heard our eCommerce Manager, Bekky, mention “free shipping” as she walked past my office.

You can believe that I popped out of my office chair and followed her through the hallway to hear all about the free shipping offer she was talking about. Turns out, when your shop at DisneyParks.com/Store July 7 – July 13, you receive free shipping on your entire order, just for purchasing Disney Theme Parks Authentic Merchandise!

Buying Vinylmation? It ships for free! Shopping for Dooney & Bourke Disney Park Bags? They ship for free! You can see where I’m going with this – any Disney Parks Authentic Merchandise gets you free shipping – it’s as simple as that. All you have to do is enter promotion code: PARKSFREE at check-out, and free shipping is automatically applied to your order!

I’ve passed the “free” word on to you – so make sure you pass this great deal onto your friends!

Source Disney Parks Blog

Federal jury awards $269.2 million in damages in “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” suit

By

Chip

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July 7, 2010

After three days of deliberations, a federal jury in Riverside awarded the creator of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” nearly $269.2 million in damages from the once-popular prime-time game show.

The decision strikes at the heart of the “vertical integration” argument that has buttressed the wave of consolidation that has swept Hollywood over the last 20 years, in which media giants contend that it is economically advantageous to control both the production and distribution of TV programming.

Creator Celador International sued The Walt Disney Co. in 2004, claiming that it had been denied its fair share of profits from the show, which aired on the entertainment giant’s ABC network for three years beginning in the summer of 1999 and continues to appear on local TV stations. Celador argued that a series of “sweetheart deals” struck between a clutch of Disney-owned companies kept the show in the red, even as it became ABC’s first No. 1 show in more than a decade.

Celador asked the jury to award damages of up to $395 million in broadcast licensing fees, based on what one expert said would be the fair market value of the show. The U.K.-based company also claimed that it was owed $10 million in revenue from the sale of “Millionaire”-inspired games and other merchandise.

The jury arrived at a figure that was slightly less — $260 million in licensing fees and $9.2 million in money owed from the sale of merchandise. Disney issued a statement, saying it plans to challenge the award.

“We believe this verdict is fundamentally wrong and will aggressively seek to have it reversed,” Disney said in the statement.

Click here to keep reading this article from LA Times.

Sure to be a Home Run

By

Chip

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July 7, 2010

As many of you may know, the Major League Baseball All Star Game 2010 is just around the corner. I know I’m counting down the days. Are you? While we will have an array of baseball inspired merchandise “in store” for you, I think you’ll agree with me that some of these “must have” items are sure to be considered a home run.

Mickey Mouse Baseball Team Inspired Sculptures
Collectible Pins
Adult and Kids Tees
Plush

These items and more will be available at select locations throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Special Scoop: Baseball and Disney enthusiasts will be grinning from “ear to ear” with the special item shown below. There are very limited quantities available. You may have seen them in a few locations today, but you’ll probably see more in stores next week. Please note: These ear hats are not available for purchase online.

Major League Baseball Ear Hats