Disneyworld Dates to Remember through October 2010

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June 4, 2010

With summer in full swing at Walt Disney World I wanted to give you a heads up on the upcoming dates when planning your Disney Vacation. For more information click on the links.

June 6–August 14, 2010
- Summer Nightastic! at all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

June 12–July 31, 2010
- Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot

Tickets on Sale Now! September 10 & 11, 2010
- Night of Joy is back at Magic Kingdom Park

Tickets on Sale Now! Select dates in September & October, 2010
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park

October 1–November 14, 2010
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Saturday, October 2, 2010
- Mickey’s Halloween Family Fun Run at Magic Kingdom Park

Saturday, October 2, 2010
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

When booking your Disney Vacation give the guys at Pixie Vacations, or Best Orlando Vacation Packages a call and have them price out your dream vacation.

New Disney Dream Construction Video

By

Chip

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June 4, 2010

On Tuesday, the final block of the Disney Dream was put into place at the Meyer Werft shipyard, marking a major milestone in construction, and rounding out the 80 total blocks that make up the ship. It is impressive to witness the ship taking shape, but did you ever wonder how it happens?

In the most simplistic terms, the process of building the Disney Dream is similar to playing with building blocks. Pre-fabricated complete hull sections are joined in block units and are then brought together to form the ship.

Sounds simple, right? Well, check out this video and hear from some of the experts at Disney Cruise Line and Meyer Werft on how the Disney Dream is really coming together.

With the steel construction process complete, efforts now shift to connecting maintenance systems and further building out the interior of the ship. Each day the Disney Dream gets closer and closer to its Maiden Voyage and a reality that I can’t wait to experience!

Behind The Scenes: Float Driving in the Main Street Electrical Parade

By

Chip

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June 4, 2010

This article comes to us from the Disney Parks Blog:

It’ll be like seeing an old friend when the Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Walt Disney World on Sunday. I grew up watching the illuminated floats and yes, even dreamed of being part of action and piloting one of those whirling turtles or bugs. Today, we’re showing how it’s done – how our float drivers bring characters to life:

The parade and other special events at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot begin June 6 and run through August 14. So, what are you looking forward to seeing during Summer Nightastic! at the Walt Disney World Resort?

Disney Vacation Checklist: Tips for Saving Money and Time at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 4, 2010

Are you getting ready to leave for your Disney vacation? If you are like most people, you have spent months planning your trip, trying to learn as much as you could about the parks and resorts. You may also be trying to save money too, as Disney can end up being very expensive if you are not careful in your planning. With this in mind, in the few days before you get ready to go, there are several things that you can and should do in order to make sure that you have a smooth, and affordable, Disney vacation.

Here are five important ones:

Check the weather forecast before you leave and make sure you pack for the weather. Believe it or not, Florida can get cold in the winter, rain is always a possibility, and tropical storms/hurricanes don’t necessarily avoid Disney World. Not packing appropriately may mean you will be buying those ponchos, scarves, hats and gloves at the parks, which will definitely put a dent in your wallet.
Go to the Disney World website and check the park hours. If you are staying on Disney property, you may want to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. Make sure you know when they are to make the most of your time while at Disney World.
You will also want to check which rides/attractions will be closed during your visit. Everyone in your family, especially kids, should be prepared ahead of time if a favorite attraction won’t be open. Plus, you won’t want to waste time walking over to rides that are closed!
Do you have a packing list? This is a great way to make sure that your costs stay as low as possible, because it will help insure that you don’t forget anything! You can be sure that you can buy whatever you forget at Disney….for a lot more money than you would have paid at home.
Lastly, if you have young children and a stroller is part of your park plans, consider bringing one from home. Or if you don’t want to do that, consider renting one from a stroller company in the Disney area. Both options will cost you a lot less than getting one at the parks.

After months of planning, you will want to make sure that your Disney vacation is the best it can be. Taking a little time as you get ready to leave, to do these things, can help you save money on your trip and make the most of your vacation time as well.

Disneyland Hong Kong Festival of the Lion King Videos

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

Very cool and rare set of videos from Allears.net from Disneyland Hong Kong Festival of the Lion King.

2010 Magic Your Way Premium Package

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

Discover all the delights of Walt Disney World Resort with this outstanding package that includes your Disney Resort hotel accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, 3 meals and 2 snacks per person per night of your package stay, plus unlimited use of select recreation including golf, tickets to the Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba and more!

Here’s everything that comes in this vacation package:

Accommodations
Choose from one of 5 categories of Walt Disney World Resort hotels:

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts – Relax in comfortable accommodations with home-like amenities.
Disney Deluxe Resorts – Experience the ultimate in Disney luxury, style and service.
Disney Moderate Resorts – Escape to enchanting, wonderfully themed locales.
Disney Value Resorts – Enjoy colorful, whimsical places that are big on fun and affordability.
Disney Campground – Enjoy nature and the great outdoors at these scenic campsites.

Customizable Magic Your Way Theme Park Ticket
First, choose the number of days (from 1 to 10) of your ticket, which provides admission to one of the 4 Disney theme parks each day. The more days you add to your ticket, the less you pay per day! All tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use and exclude activities and events separately priced.

Next, purchase these options to add more fun and flexibility to your ticket:

Park Hopper Option
Add the Park Hopper Option to come and go as you please through all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks on the same day for each day of your ticket.

Water Park Fun & More Option
The Water Park Fun & More Option offers a certain number of visits based on the length of your ticket. For each visit, you can choose one of the following:

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park
DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Green fees for a round of golf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, a 9-hole walking course. Reservations for tee times are required and subject to availability.

Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures, and are also subject to closure for rehabilitation. Age restrictions may apply for access to certain facilities.

No Expiration Option
With the No Expiration Option, your unused theme park days and Water Park Fun & More Option visits never expire. (Without this option, tickets must be used within 14 days of first use.)

Commemorative Luggage Tag
Each Guest on the Magic Your Way Vacation Package receives one souvenir Disney keepsake luggage tag.

Walt Disney Travel Company Package Benefits
When you purchase any Magic Your Way package, you receive the following Magical Extras:

Preferred Fireworks Viewing
Enjoy preferred fireworks viewing for Wishes at Magic Kingdom theme park and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot theme park. (Only valid with Magic Your Way Premium and Platinum packages. Valid theme park admission required. One viewing per theme park; advance reservations and voucher required; subject to availability; certain block-out dates apply.)
Walt Disney World Marina Discounts
Adds 30 minutes of watercraft fun when you rent a watercraft for 60 minutes. Valid for Sea Raycers by Sea Ray, Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and Pontoon boat rentals at participating Walt Disney World marina locations. (One voucher per room. Applicable for up to 5 Guests. Not valid all dates and restrictions apply.)
Disney’s Miniature Golf Experience
Valid for one round of Miniature Golf per room at either Disney’s Fantasia Gardens or Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Courses.
Planet Hollywood $15 USD Meal Voucher and Souvenir Keepsake
Valid for $15 USD worth of food and non-alcoholic beverages and a souvenir merchandise keepsake at Planet Hollywood Downtown Disney West Side. (Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One voucher per room. One keepsake per room. Voucher required for keepsake.) )
Arcade Game Card
Valid for 100 game play points in arcades located in Disney Resort hotels. (One card per room.)
Niki Bryan Spa Discount
15% off the regular price of any body treatment or water therapy at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. (Massage, facial and hand and foot treatments excluded. Age restrictions apply.)
Bass Fishing Discount
10% off the regular price of Guided Bass Fishing Excursions and Bass Nitro Fishing Excursions at select Walt Disney World marinas. Excursions include fishing equipment, rod, reel, shiners, artificial bait, non-alcoholic beverages and a 1-year membership to B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society).
Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Discount
10% off the regular price of all activities including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing trips at Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Center located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Subject to availability; restrictions apply.)

Premium Package Dining
With your Disney Premium Plan, for each night of your package, each Guest in your party (ages 3 and up) receives:

3 Meals
Choose from select Walt Disney World Resort table-service or quick-service restaurants for all 3 of your meals.

Each adult table-service meal includes:

1 appetizer, 1 entrée and 1 dessert (lunch and dinner only)
1 juice (breakfast only)
1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

Or

1 full buffet

Each child table-service meal includes:

1 appetizer, 1 entrée and 1 dessert (lunch and dinner only)
1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

Or

1 full buffet

Each quick-service meal includes:

1 entrée
1 dessert (lunch and dinner only)
1 juice (breakfast only)
1 single-serving, non-alcoholic beverage

2 Snacks

Examples of snacks are:

1 frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle, fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single-serving box), single-serving bag of snacks, single piece of whole fruit, 20-oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dasani water, 22-oz. fountain soft drink, 12-oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea, single-serving prepackaged milk or juice

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children’s Menu where available.

1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug Per Person
The Disney Premium Plan also includes a refillable Resort mug. Bring your Resort mug to any quick-service restaurant at your Disney Resort hotel and refill it as often as you like!

Dining Reservations
For reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. (Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.) Many of our table-service restaurants are quite popular and book quickly. Some may have limited or no availability when you call. We strongly suggest you make dining reservations in advance for the best options. Reservations are accepted at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants, Signature Restaurants, Character Dining locations and Dinner Shows up to 180 days prior to arrival. Guests participating in a Grand Gathering Experience may reserve 180 days in advance.

An accepted major credit card is required to guarantee reservations at certain locations. Reservations must be cancelled at least 48 hours (6 days for Grand Gathering Experiences) before the scheduled seating or a cancellation charge may be incurred (charge varies by location)

Special Dining Experiences
You can also enjoy special dining experiences that your family will remember for a lifetime, such as:

Character Dining Experiences

Or

Signature Dining Experiences (excluding Victoria & Albert’s)

Or

Private In-Room Dining at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Or

Disney Dinner Shows

Or

Grand Gathering Experiences (see below)

Disney Wine and Dine Plan
Add the Disney Wine and Dine Plan to a Magic Your Way package that includes table-service dining and save up to 20% on wine.* This Plan includes one wine entitlement per night, per room. Redeem one or 2 entitlements (as indicated on the select location’s designated wine list) for one bottle of wine. All wines on private in-room dining menus require 2 entitlements.

*Savings based on redeeming one entitlement for one bottle of wine at select restaurant locations.

Gratuity not included. Locations and designated wine list are subject to change. Wines are subject to availability. Must purchase this Plan for each night of your package stay.

Florida law permits the sale of alcohol products to persons 21 years of age or older only. Disney participates in Florida’s Responsible Vendor program and servers will verify age by requesting appropriate identification. Sale of this Plan is conditioned on your representation that you are 21 or older and purposed sale to a person under age 21 is deemed void and payment will be refunded.

Unlimited Use of Select Recreation
Enjoy unlimited use of select recreational activities including Disney’s 4 18-hole championship golf courses (greens fees, electric cart, range balls, rental golf shoes and rental golf clubs included), water sports, guided fishing excursions, horseback riding and more!

Some restrictions apply and advance reservations may be required.

Admission to the Cirque du Soleil Show La Nouba
Live it up at the spellbinding Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants an evening of truly spectacular entertainment.

One admission per person. Reservations are required and may be made up to 180 days in advance. Theatre is dark Sundays and Mondays and certain other days during the year. Call (407) 939-7600 for more information or to make reservations. (If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian’s permission to dial this number.)

Portrait session and print package from Disney’s PhotoPass Professional Portraits service

Enjoy one session with a Disney’s Photopass Portrait Photographer producing dozens of beautiful, professionally composed photos, and your choice of one print package.

Disney’s PhotoPass photo CD is not included. Disney’s PhotoPass Professional Portrait CD is not included, but may be purchased for $49.95 USD at the time of the sitting. Advance reservations for the portrait session are required and may be made by calling (407) 934-4004. (If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian’s permission to dial this number.)

Unlimited Admission to Select Disney Tours
Select tours include:

Magic Kingdom Park Tours

Disney’s Family Magic Tour
Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom
Disney’s “The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains”
Mickey’s Magical Milestones

Epcot Tours

Behind the Seeds (a special greenhouse tour)
Around the World at Epcot Tour
Simply Segway Experience at Epcot Tour
The UnDISCOVERed Future World
Gardens of the World
Yuletide Fantasy (seasonal)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Tours

Disney’s Backstage Safari Tour
Disney’s Wild by Design Tour

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney’s Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

Restrictions apply and tours are subject to availability and schedule. Theme park admission is required for theme park tours.

Unlimited Admission to Select Children’s Activity Centers
For parents who need a night out, kids (ages 4-12) get admission to Children’s Activity Centers at select Disney Resorts such as the Never Land Club at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where they can enjoy games and activities in a supervised setting. Dinner is included.

Certain restrictions apply. Hours vary by location.

Admission to Grand Gathering Experiences
If your party has 8 or more, you can join other Grand Gathering parties to enjoy some very special meals known as Grand Gathering Experiences! Trade your meals for the following:

International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception – Enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet including storytelling for the kids, followed by VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot theme park.
Safari Celebration Dinner Take a VIP journey across the rolling savannah. Then enjoy a family style, African-influenced feast and entertainment from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Good Morning Character Breakfast – Begin your Magic Kingdom day with a unique Disney Character Breakfast filled with surprises!

Gratuities are included. At least 8 persons in your party must attend the same experience. Each experience is operated on select days of the week. Experiences are subject to change and cancellation. Reservations for Grand Gathering experiences are required and can be made 3 to 180 days in advance. Experiences may be canceled by Guest up to 6 days prior to experience date without charge for the experience. Valid theme park ticket required.

What’s Not Included in Your Disney Premium Plan?

Gratuity , except for pizza delivery, Private In-Room Dining, Dinner Shows and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
Merchandise or photo-imaging products that may be offered at Character Dining experiences, except at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Enjoy Disney Resort Hotel Benefits
As a Guest at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, indulge in a variety of Disney Resort hotel benefits that can make your vacation more relaxing and carefree.

Certain of these benefits below are also available to Guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel and select Downtown Disney Resort Area hotels.

Complimentary Airport Pickup and Return
Disney’s Magical Express Service picks you up at Orlando International Airport and takes you to your Disney Resort hotel. In addition, the service lets you bypass baggage claim and have your bags delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.

Relax on Resort-Wide Transportation
Disney does the driving for you with its ComplimentaryTransportation. convenient monorail, ferry boats and motor coaches travel between Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks, the Downtown Disney area and other recreation spots throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

View Purchases on One Bill
Your Key to the World Card can act as your hotel room key, theme park ticket and charge card good all over Walt Disney World Resort. As you dine and shop, just charge meals, goods and services directly to your room! At the end of your vacation, view your vacation purchases on one consolidated statement.

Extra Time in the Theme Parks
The Extra Magic Hours benefit means that every day one of the theme parks either opens an hour early or stays open up to three hours after regular park closing so that you can enjoy select attractions when the weather may be cooler. Just present your Key to the World Card to select Disney Cast Members to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours benefit. (Valid theme park ticket required.)

Your Purchases Delivered to Your Resort
Shop at select Disney stores throughout Walt Disney World Resort and have your purchases delivered right to your resort so you can be free to play without lugging around packages, nor have to interrupt your day to return to the hotel to drop them off.

Toys”R”Us Stores Around the World Bring ‘Toy Story 3’ to Life

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

To celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release of “Toy Story 3,” Toys”R”Us® is helping kids worldwide reach “to infinity and beyond” by creating the ultimate “Toy Story 3” destination in all of its nearly 1,300 toy stores in 34 countries around the world. In the United States, kids can “Live the Adventure” in stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToyStory starting today when they visit dedicated “Toy Story 3” boutiques, filled with the largest assortment of “Toy Story”-inspired toys, including action figures, construction sets, role play accessories, musical instruments and electronic devices. At Toys”R”Us, kids can find everything they need to continue the movie adventure at home with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. Similar “Toy Story 3” boutiques will open in Toys”R”Us stores around the world, coinciding with the movie’s release in each respective country.

“For nearly 15 years, kids and kids at heart have imagined that the toys they find in Toys”R”Us stores can come alive and have their own adventures thanks to the magical storytelling of the “Toy Story” films,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “The powerful connection to toys evoked by the films match our brand perfectly, and to bring this playtime experience to a new generation of kids, Toys”R”Us stores are now showcasing a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” merchandise, including dozens of items that can only be found in our stores.”

“Since 1995, Toys”R”Us has consistently offered “Toy Story” fans a place to find items based on their favorite characters, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Hamm, Rex and MR. POTATO HEAD,” said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president of global toys for Disney Consumer Products. “With the introduction of new characters like Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Twitch, as well as the addition of LEGO® construction sets and characters based on Barbie® doll and Ken®, kids will find more “Toy Story 3” items than Andy can fit into his bedroom when they visit Toys”R”Us stores.”

Toys”R”Us Stores in the United States Invite Kids To “Live the Adventure”

To kick off the celebration, “Toy Story 3” has received a dedicated space at the front of every Toys”R”Us store in the United States. Inviting kids to “Live the Adventure” of the newest Disney∙Pixar film, each boutique features images of classic “Toy Story” characters, such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, Bullseye, Slinky Dog, the Aliens and more. Inside the boutiques, children will find an exciting assortment of interactive toys, games, trains, playsets, role play accessories, construction sets and everything else needed to help bring “Toy Story 3” to life. “Toy Story” fans should also note that Toys”R”Us stores nationwide will receive regular shipments of new “Toy Story 3” merchandise throughout the year.

The company’s international flagship store, Toys”R”Us Times Square, is also featuring a dedicated boutique near the store’s main entrance on 44th Street and Broadway to showcase “Toy Story 3” products. Visitors can find out what it is like to become a “living toy” with a life-size, walk-in “Toy Story 3“-branded action figure package. Kids can also soar over the three-story toy store on the indoor, 60-foot Ferris Wheel which features Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the Aliens.

In the week leading up to the film’s June 18 theatrical release in the United States, customers who purchase $25 worth of “Toy Story” merchandise from Sunday, June 13 to Saturday, June 19 will receive a complimentary “Toy Story 3” movie ticket, while supplies last. For more details, customers should check the company’s newspaper circulars. “Toy Story” fans will also be treated to additional special promotions at Toys”R”Us stores throughout the year.

“Toy Story” Travels To Babies”R”Us® Stores

As part of the “Toy Story” celebration, Babies”R”Us stores in the United States are now showcasing a carefully selected assortment of “Toy Story” merchandise geared toward younger children. Featured in “Toy Story” boutiques, the assortment focuses on room décor, with a large assortment of baby furniture, toddler beds, stepping stools and more featuring “Toy Story” characters. Additionally, the boutiques include “Toy Story” playthings for the tiniest tikes, such as the “Toy Story 3” Imaginext® line from Fisher-Price®.

Telling Toy Stories Online and On-The-Go

To help prepare kids and collectors for the theatrical arrival of “Toy Story 3,” Toysrus.com/ToyStory has become a playroom for all things “Toy Story.” Bringing together a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” toys, the site also features content that fans crave, including downloadable coloring sheets and wallpaper for iPod touch and computers. As an added bonus, shoppers can also find videos highlighting the unique features of the hottest “Toy Story 3” products.

And, since everyone knows the characters from “Toy Story” can’t be contained on the silver screen or the computer screen, they’ll even break loose on Toysrus.com when “Toy Story” Aliens begin to hide throughout the site from Sunday, June 13 through Sunday, June 27. Popping up throughout the site, visitors who find these fan-favorite, three-eyed characters will receive access to a variety of content including special deals on “Toy Story 3” items and previews of fun “Toy Story” animation clips featuring the gang. Everyone who clicks on and captures an Alien will be rewarded.

Additionally, kids and parents can take the adventure onto their mobile devices beginning later this month with a downloadable “Toy Story 3” Memory game available exclusively for iPod touch and iPhone. Offering a new spin on the classic card matching game, players will be challenged to test their memorization skills by flipping over “Toy Story“-themed cards in an attempt to find a matching picture underneath. Customers interested in downloading the game will find a link to it at Toysrus.com/ToyStory.

To Infinity and Beyond – Toy Story line to launch in Toys”R”Us Stores Around the World

As “Toy Story 3” opens in theaters internationally, Toys”R”Us stores around the world will also celebrate the film’s arrival with dedicated boutiques. These special shops in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and additional countries will offer exclusive products, including U-COMMAND Buzz Lightyear, which is available only at Toys”R”Us stores worldwide.

Andy’s Favorites – Exclusive Products

In addition to the broadest assortment of toys based on the movie, kids will find dozens of unique “Toy Story 3” items available exclusively at Toys”R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToyStory. Selected highlights of the differentiated “Toy Story 3” product line include:

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” U-COMMAND Buzz Lightyear from Thinkway®

It’s “Buzz Lightyear to the rescue” with this fully programmable action figure. Children just take control of Buzz by using an infrared remote control to make him speak, spin around, move forward and back, move his arms and activate his laser. With 10 program buttons that can create over 1,000 action combos and the ability to control Buzz using a joystick controller, kids will think Buzz actually left Andy’s house en route to their own home. This global exclusive can only be found at Toys”R”Us stores around the world. 7 “AA” Batteries required (4 included). Ages 6 years and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Interactive Buddies Woody and Jessie from Thinkway®

Sheriff Woody and his pal Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl are together again, and just like in the “Toy Story” movies, they banter and bicker with each other. With this Toys”R”Us exclusive, kids can choose between three different interactive modes to hear these pals speak individually or converse with each other, using their actual voices from the movies. Between Woody and Jessie, the duo can say over 100 phrases, including lines from “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3,” along with additional buddy interactions. 3 “AA” batteries and 3 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 4 years and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Buddy Packs from Mattel®

Designed with little hands in mind, these chunky “Toy Story 3” action figure sets each come with seven different characters. The Hero’s Gang set lets children easily collect Andy’s toys, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Hamm, Rex and Workout Barbie®. Kids who want to meet the new characters waiting for them in “Toy Story 3” can check out the Lotso’s Gang set which comes with Lotso, Stretch, Big Baby, Twitch, Chunk, Sparks and Ken®.

No batteries required. Ages 3 and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” GeoTrax™ Exploding Bridge RC Set from Fisher-Price®

Oh, no! A dastardly villain has booby trapped the bridge, and Buzz Lightyear’s train is headed for certain peril! Now it’s up to Woody and his trusty horse, Bullseye, to save the day in this constructible train set. Featuring a remote control train, a figure-8 loop of track, an “exploding” bridge that breaks away from the track, TNT, and three figures, kids will have plenty of pretend rescues with their favorite “Toy Story” characters. 6 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 2 to 7 years.

POP-O-MATIC® TROUBLE Game®: Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Edition from Hasbro® Games

The classic race-ahead, bump-back game takes on a “Toy Story” twist as players partner with their favorite characters. Kids can either play along with Buzz Lightyear (blue), Woody (yellow), Rex (green) or MR. POTATO HEAD (red) as they race around the board in an attempt to land at home base. As always, players use the POP-O-MATIC dice roller to determine their moves, but they better watch out because if an opponent lands on them, it’s back to the start of the board. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up.

Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Garbage Truck Getaway from LEGO Systems, Inc.

Kids can recreate a climactic scene from “Toy Story 3” with this 402-piece construction set containing enough pieces to build a garbage truck and dumpster. Once the four included Minifigure versions of Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Twitch dive into the dumpster, the truck can lift it and automatically toss the contents into the back of the truck. No batteries required. Ages 7 to 14 years.

7 pack Lotso

GeoTrax Exploding Bridge

Interactive Woody and Jessie in pacakge

LEGO Garbage Truck

Toy Story 3 Trouble

TRU Toy Story 1

TRU Toy Story 2

U Command Buzz

Disney Pic of the Day – Chris Hemsworth as THOR

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

These released concert art photos of Chris Hemsworth as Thor comes to us from Collider. For more information on the upcoming Marvel Movie Thor check out Collider here.

Disneyland’s Not Back to School Days Rally and Home Education Conference

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

September 8-11, 2010 at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California

Memories to last a lifetime are made at the Not Back to School Days Rally™ as families experience the combination of an exciting academic environment with an unforgettable vacation. This event has grown to a national scale, and your family will feel empowered as you share the Disneyland® Resort with thousands of home schoolers from all over the country. Together, we break the barriers of socialization as we stretch forth our hands to share the true magic of homeschooling – which is, that we can educate our children anywhere, anytime, and any place – even at the Disneyland® Resort!

Come, and show your children that they are part of something really, really big. Something so unique… so incredibly precious… that everyone who meets you and sees your example will want to know more. Experience workshops taught by Disney instructors, using theme park attractions, and the freedom to learn outside the confines of four walls.

The Not Back to School Days Rally™ is an affordable home education conference. Registration is competitively
priced to most state-sized conferences. Families who register can save up to 45% off Park Hopper™ theme park admission tickets, and we coordinate a wide assortment of fun activities with the specific combined purpose of providing academic enrichment while making new friends. We receive many testimonials from those who appreciate our efforts to meet these needs, and look forward to helping you create family traditions.

The 2010 rally is open to anyone interested in home education, and all home educators, in any capacity, and their family, extended family, inquisitive friends and neighbors. We want you to invite those who may be skeptical of homeschooling, as we strive to be able to overcome their socialization fears by attending this event as we have done for so many families in the past. It will change the way people view home education and make a positive impact in your home!

Click here to learn more.

Good Eats – Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

Sanaa Restaurant serves African cuisine with Indian flavors for lunch and dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village in Walt Disney World Resort. Just as its name — in Swahili — means “work of art,” Sanaa offers its Guests beautifully prepared food in an artistic atmosphere.

I love the fusion between African and Indian food here. If you are a fan like me of Indian Cuisine then this restaurant will be right up your alley. If you have never tried Indian food before then this would be the prefect location to try it for the very first time as you know Disney excellence in cooking.

Not only is the food good here the atmosphere is phenomenal! The restaurant overlooks a Savannah and you might get an audience of Giraffes, Zebras, or Ostriches for your meal. Very cool!

Come check it out you will be glad you did, and as always be sure make your Advanced Dining Reservation.

For more information on Sanaa, DIS Unplugged has the best Food Review I have read on the interwebs. Check it out.

Local Disney Stores Celebrate Toy Story 3 With Saturday Activities in June

By

Chip

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June 3, 2010

toy story 3 logo

I have some great news for those lucky enough to have a Disney Store in their hometown!

I wanted to make sure you guys are aware of the fun activities happening in June as part of the Toy Story 3 release. Local Disney Store locations will host weekend events every Saturday in June for families (perfect for moms and kids to get out of the house) including:

June 5^th, Toy Story 3 Craft Activity: Now kids can create their very own adventure for Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the whole Toy Story 3 gang with a 2-D playset they will put together in the store (while supplies last). Parents don’t forget to bring your camera because there will be plenty of great photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. This event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
June 12^th, Toy Story 3 Bingo: Forget the old B-I-N-G-O and bring kids in to play the new and exciting Toy Story 3 Bingo! Played just like traditional bingo, Toy Story 3 bingo features the favorite Toy Story characters. Kids who participate will have the chance to win fun prizes (while supplies last). Session 1 starts at 11:00 a.m. and Session 2 starts at 12:30 p.m.
June 19^th, Toy Story 3 Scavenger Hunt: Join Disney Store for a day of fun, excitement and a special surprise. Kids will start the scavenger hunt by receiving some secret clues to find a specific Toy Story character or product in the store. Once kids find the character, they will be challenged with answering questions about the character. When all of the answers are completed correctly, they will be able to decode a mystery message and receive a special surprise (while supplies last). This event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
June 26^th, Toy Story 3 Adventure: Help Woody rescue the toys from Sunnyside Daycare Center. Kids can win a free activity sheet or other prizes. Kids will be asked to complete four adventures/activities. Upon completion of all the activities, kids will receive a certificate and special surprise for participating (while supplies last). This event will be from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Please double check with your local Disney Store before heading out!

Thanks to Roxanne for the details!

Top Eats: Quick Service Dining in the Magic Kingdom.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 3, 2010

I’m going to just come right out and say it: I’m a bit hard to please when it comes to food. I like to cook and I like using good ingredients, so when I’m served bad food, I get a bit grumpy, particularly when I’m paying a lot for it. So when Chip asked me to write this, I paused for a minute. I want to give my honest opinion but I don’t want to sound like a food snob because, let’s be honest, the food police are pretty annoying. So I decided to shelve my inner snarkiness–you don’t want to see me around a plate of Figaro Fries–and focus on the good when it comes to Magic Kingdom quick service, because there’s a lot of good out there.

First thing’s first: There’s more to theme park food than burgers, fries and hot dogs and you know if anyone is going to do that right, it’s going to be Disney. Yes, you’ll find plenty of fast food, so much so that in a fog of hunger, you might miss some real highlights, but it’s out there. And second, you can eat quick service meals in the Magic Kingdom regardless of your dietary needs, be that vegetarian, gluten-free, or even kosher. Besides Epcot, the Magic Kingdom has perhaps the best selection for those with dietary restrictions. Here are five of my favorites that I think give you a good value in taste, quality and price.

5. Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe. This place is huge and often busy with something for everyone. Decent roasted chicken, wraps, salads and yes, burgers. Many people swear by the burgers at Pecos Bill, but my favorite Magic Kingdom burger can be found here. You can even request a kosher meal or a gluten free roll. Be sure to try the Chicken and Ribs combo as its one of Magic Kingdoms best deals!

4. Turkey Legs in Adventureland. You’ll smell it first, so you won’t need directions. It’s like a Siren’s Song to meat eaters. Okay, it’s all protein and a lot of fat, but for $7.59 you get enough for two people (or one teenage boy). You can even use your quick service dining plan credits here; you’ll also get dessert (usually a cookie) and a drink. This isn’t a diet meal, but it’s cheap and if you’re not into a lot of carbs and you want something fast and different, this is a good choice. Besides tasting really good, you’ll get a chance to get in touch with your inner Barbarian and embarrass your spouse while you walk around the park gnawing on a big piece of meat. On busy days when lunchtime lines are out the door, these carts rarely have more than a ten minute wait for service and also sell surprisingly good single serving pizzas. Check out this fun picture of a Gigantic Smoked Turkey Leg.

3. Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square, just across from the Haunted Mansion. One of those overlooked locations, there’s usually seating upstairs even on the busiest days. This is a great choice for vegetarians, who can sample the vegetarian chilli or the Lighthouse Sandwich. The fried fish is crispy and not overly fishy, although the less said about the tarter sauce the better.

2. Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Stir fries, noodle bowls, salads and kid-friendly nuggets and hot dogs, this is a great choice for something that’s both healthy and different, with plenty of good vegetarian choices as well. I give Disney credit: How many theme parks dare to serve tofu?! And manage to do it well enough that even meat eaters like it? Well, Disney has managed to do just that here. The joke among Disney fans is that it’s rarely open and when it is, it’s usually during the busiest times of the year, although I’ve also seen it open during the middle part of December when the parks weren’t all that busy. Definitely worth checking out. You know, if it happens to be open.

1. Main Street Bakery. Other than the long lines, this is my favorite lunch stop in the Magic Kingdom. The sandwich selection isn’t huge, but the quality is excellent with nice vegetarian options and gluten free rolls available. It’s also a good buy on if you’re on the meal plan. I generally am not crazy about the desserts that come with quick service meals, but since they’re included, I feel strangely compelled to take one even if I know I’m probably not going to eat it. At the Main Street Bakery, I actually eat it and more importantly, enjoy it.