Upcoming Disney’s Blockbuster “Lightspeed” Space Adventure

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May 26, 2010

Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer, the team that has brought you Prince of Persia, Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure are now developing a space adventure, called “Lightspeed.”

The story focuses on a young pilot who makes the Earth Interstellar Racing Team and must take his ship on a journey across the galaxy on the brink of war.

Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii (Deja Vu) wrote the script, which was bought by Disney for a whopping $3.5 million. Bruckheimer envisions the project as a live-action and potentially 3D pic.

Source Variety.com

Glendale OKs major Walt Disney Co expansion

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

This article comes to us from the LA Times:

The Glendale City Council this week gave its blessing to a proposed 338,000-square-foot expansion of Walt Disney Co.’s creative campus.

The plans call for a six-story office building walled largely in glass, landscaping with palm trees and a park-like area for outdoor activities.

The 338,000-square-foot project includes a six-story office building, a five-story wing and a six-story parking garage, to be added onto the company’s creative campus in the San Fernando Road corridor.

“It’s a beautiful project,” Councilwoman Laura Friedman, chairwoman of the Glendale Redevelopment Agency, said during a public hearing on the development. “It’s going to look terrific and certainly improve the area aesthetically.”

The expansion will include the main six-story building, a five-story wing with a basement and a six-story parking garage with solar panels.

Disney representatives said they expected to break ground in September.

Click here for more.

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green Keeps on Growing!

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

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What a difference a year can make. For the planet and for kids!

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is celebrating its one year anniversary with the premiere of all-new content.

Starting May 30, new on-air messages will begin airing on Disney Channel and Disney XD. They feature nearly forty Disney stars including the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, as well as young environmental heroes. The spots will also be featured on Radio Disney and the recently redesigned program website, www.Disney.com/projectgreen.

A Program With Purpose

The aim of this ambitious movement is to empower children to take charge when it comes to the environment, whether it’s their own piece of the planet or a big picture approach.

“With Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green, kids are discovering that helping the planet is easy and fun when they work together and have the right tools,” said Jennifer Anopolsky, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “In just one year, participation has exceeded our wildest expectations and we’re building on that momentum by extending Friends for Change to kids in other parts of the world and enhancing the program with fresh new content, local community events, and more grant money that will empower kids with even more ways to get involved.”

Twelve months after the launch of Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green, kids have made nearly two million personal promises to change their daily routines, from unplugging electrical devices when not in use, to taking shorter showers.

Kids can also go global with their votes on where to allocate Disney grant money. As a result, one million dollars in grants from Disney are now supporting 25 critical environmental projects around the world.

With the new videos and web content debuting May 30, young people will learn even more ways to recycle, save water, help habitats and reduce energy consumption. They will also have the opportunity to again vote on how another $1 million in grants will support worthy environmental causes throughout the year.

Kids Making A Difference

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is setting the pace for environmental initiative. With nearly two million promises, kids have pledged to:

— Cut 70,000 tons of carbon emissions annually

— Reduce/recycle 2.4 million pounds of trash annually

— Save 120 million gallons of water per month

Kids are also learning about the power of their vote. Thanks to their input, Disney has donated more than one million dollars to 25 environmental projects in 15 countries, including:

— $50,000 to the National Resource Council to help fund a forest restoration project in Costa Rica.

— $25,000 to the African Wildlife Foundation to help protect elephant habitats in Zambia.

Kids can turn their own local environmental project into a reality. Disney’s Friends for Change grants, in collaboration with Youth Service America, provide seed money to help get them started. The next call for grant applications opens June 7. To date, these grants have positively influenced nearly 8,000 kids. See http://www.youthserviceamerica.org/grants/programs/friends-for-change for more information.

Kids can also help raise money through iTunes downloads of Disney’s Friends for Change anthems Send It On and Make A Wave. At last count, nearly $700,000, representing 100-percent of download proceeds, have been contributed to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. (www.Disney.com/conservation)

Full Speed Ahead

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is set expand locally and globally in the coming year:

— Local events in cities across the country will inspire kids through hands-on experiences including tree-planting and clean-ups. The first event kicks off June 6th, World Oceans Day, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

— Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green launched last month in Latin America. Kids have already made more than 200,000 promises! European markets are next in line.

About Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is a multi-platform initiative that empowers kids to help the planet. Through the program, kids learn practical ways to help the environment, get their friends involved, track their collective impact and have the opportunity to help Disney decide how to divide $1 million in annual donations to various environmental causes. Kids can join for free at www.Disney.com/projectgreen.

Disney Legend Art Linkletter Dead at 97

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Actor and Disney legend Art Linkletter has passed away today at the age of 97. A personal friend of Walt Disney’s, Linkletter is famous in Disney circles as being the master of ceremonies for the nationally-televised opening of Disneyland Park on July 17, 1955.

When Disney could not afford to pay Linkletter for his services, an agreement was reached that would allow Linkletter to instead receive the profit from all cameras and film sold in the park for its first 10 years of operation. This agreement led to what would become the highest-paying television host gig in history, a record that still stands to this day.

Source

2 New Shops to open at Disneyland Resort – Treats & Sweets

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Great News from the Disney Parks Blog:

Have you heard the news? This week we are opening two new shops at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re looking for delectable treats to satisfy your sweet tooth or you have an eye for the perfect wardrobe accessory, one of our new destinations is surely going to appeal to you.

Plans for the two new shops are well under way and the talented teams at the Disneyland Resort are fully immersed in the hustle and bustle of last minute touches to these exciting new shops. On May 26, the place to be is…Geppetto’s Sweet Shoppe in Fantasyland, especially if you’re craving something particularly sweet. Some of the most delectable treats you’ll ever taste, including peanut brittle, toffee and more will be at your fingertips.

But if it’s jewelry, handbags and trendy ‘must have’s’ that you crave, then the crown jewel in your fashion collection will definitely be found at Jewel of Orleans. Set to open May 28, this new shopping destination will offer stylish accessories from designers like Tarina Tarantino, Classic Hardware as well as handbags by such notable fashion houses such as Steve Madden and Dooney & Bourke, among other designers as well.

Click here to keep reading.

Alice in Wonderland “Tag Your State” Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

We are running a new sweepstakes on Chip and Co’s Facebook Page. It’s the Tag Your State for Alice in Wonderland on BluRay/DVD contest.

We will be giving away a copy next week of the Alice in Wonderland on Bluray/DVD Combo Pack through our Facebook page.

All you have to do is:

Like our Page
Click on the Map
Tag your Home State
Share with your friends and family

It’s just easy!

What are you waiting for go enter now!

Disney in Retail – T-Shirts Galore

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

My family and I were in Old Navy a few days ago using a coupon we got in the mail for $5 off. Not really needing anything just checking things out and while I was browsing the clothes back in the kids department I ran across a most interesting discovery!

It seems Disney has made an arrangements with Old Navy to sell their Toy Story, Iron Man, Marvel, Disney, etc.

Here are some really cool Disney t-shirts that are for sale at Old Navy right now.

Had to get this one for my little Princess 🙂

Glow in the dark Buzz

80’s Minnie

Iron Man 2 for the Big Kids

They had a bunch of these X-Men white shirts

Old school Spiderman/Dr Oct there.

What do you think of these shirts? Let us know in the comment section below.

Floridians Can Enjoy Summer Nightastic! Fun and Save With Special Florida Resident Play Pass

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Floridians Can Enjoy Summer Nightastic! Fun and Save With Special Florida Resident Play Pass

Floridians can enjoy the fun of Summer Nightastic! with a special “Play Pass” available only to residents of the Sunshine State.

The Florida Resident Play Pass comes in 3-Day and 4-Day versions that offer savings compared to generally available tickets and an enhanced expiration feature not generally available. Here are the details:

The Florida Resident 3-Day Play Pass ($134 plus tax ages 10-up, $114 plus tax ages 3-9) and Florida Resident 4-Day Play Pass ($164 plus tax ages 10-up, $139 plus tax ages 3-9) provide admission to one theme park a day.
Florida Resident guests have 180 days from first use to experience the designated number of days on the ticket (generally available tickets expire in 14 days unless a non-expiration option is purchased).
Florida Resident guests can add the Park Hopper option and / or the Water Park Fun & More Option for 50 percent savings ($26 each). The Water Park Fun & More Option provides a number of visits to water parks and more equal to the number of theme park days on the ticket.

Proof of Florida residency is required to purchase this special ticket – as well as other offers available to Florida Residents. Information about other special offers for residents is available at www.disneyworld.com/floridians.

Pixar’s Iron Man Revealed

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

IGN Shares with us some really cool Iron Man Variant Covers:

For months many have wondered when we’d see Disney and Marvel start to work together. While we’ve seen Marvel merch start to show up at Disney theme parks, an announcement from Marvel Comics today elevates the collaboration and corporate synergy one step further. Pixar is taking a stab at the Golden Avenger.

For months Marvel has been unveiling a flood of Iron Man variant covers. Decorating just about every major release for the past couple months, Marvel has called upon a wide, wide variety of comic book artists to do “alternate universe” takes on Iron Man. Dubbed “Iron Man by Design 2.0” variants, these ideas range from Gladiator Iron Man to iconic, stylish takes on the current iteration of the character. Marvel’s latest variants do the same, but summon two of Pixar’s concept artists, Ronnie del Carmen and Bill Presing, for the task. Del Carmen has worked as Story Supervisor, Storyboard Artist and Character Designer on such films as Finding Nemo and Wall-E. Presing has contributed to Up and Ratatouille as a Storyboard Artist.

For the complete article with more pictures check out IGN here.

Is Renting a Vacation Home at Disney the Right Choice for You?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 26, 2010

Is Renting a Vacation Home at Disney the Right Choice for You?

I got into an interesting discussion with a friend recently, who is planning a Disney World vacation with extended family. We were talking about the various options for where to stay: official Disney resort, off-property hotel, or vacation home or condo. It was kind of interesting, as they all have pros and cons, and when it comes to deciding the best option, especially if you are trying to have as affordable a Disney vacation as possible….as she was….then the picture isn’t always black and white. As she was leaning towards renting a home, I’m going to focus this post on the pros and cons of vacation home rental at Disney, and then would like to hear from you.

In the interest of full disclosure here, we have not stayed in a vacation home when visiting Disney World, but I know plenty of people who have, and every one has been very pleased with the experience. And I always find this interesting, as I personally would miss that “Disney emersion” that you get when staying at a Disney resort, but for these folks it was no problem. In fact, as one told me, “it’s kind of nice to get away from it for a bit.” ……OK. I do get that.

Beyond that part though, the case for renting a vacation home at Disney World can definitely be made, as there are several great reasons for doing it.

If you are traveling with more than the typical size family of parents and a couple of kids, it will more than likely be cheaper than renting multiple hotel rooms, or even a Disney villa. Probably a lot cheaper in fact, because having this “home away from home” means that
You can do some cooking/preparing meals, to save money on food costs. Now, personally, I kind of really hate to do much cooking when I’m on vacation because, well, I’m on vacation. But even so, the ability to have a decent breakfast before going to the parks is pretty nice. And if you want to have a relaxing day and not rush off to the parks right away….or even <gasp> take a day off and not go to the parks at all one day…how nice would it be to just hang out at your house, eat in, and just chill? Vacation homes in Florida typically come with a private pool, so you can just unwind at your own pool, frosted beverage of choice in hand. I must say, that scenario sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it? Which leads me to
The relaxation factor. And this is the one that I find most intriguing, because “relaxing at Disney” sounds like an oxymoron….but honestly, having a vacation home makes it easier to do than staying on Disney property or even at a non-Disney hotel. It’s just you. And I think for many people, that is the single biggest attraction: the ability to get away from the crowds and the noise and the “go go go” feeling, and just chill a bit in between. It makes for happier, more relaxed families, and that makes for happier vacations.

So what would be the downside? Well, if it matters to you, not having that Disney feeling 24/7 for starters. And second, I think would be the transportation issue. You will need a car, and need to factor that into your plans: cost of car, gas, and parking at the parks, as well as time involved going to and from the parks. It won’t be as convenient perhaps as just hopping on the monorail to go back to your hotel for a swim, so you would need to keep that in mind. Clearly there would be others as well, like not being eligible for things like the Disney Dining Plan, so again that needs to be factored in.

But all in all, as I discussed with my friend, especially if you have a large group or family, renting a vacation home or condo at Disney World can be a very affordable option. I believe her plans are to do just that, so I will be interested in how her experience works out.

In the meantime, I am curious: Have you ever rented a vacation home or condo at Disney World? What was your experience like, both good and bad? Would you do it again? Please let me know in the comments below, or email me at [email protected]. I will share results in a future blog post!

This article was featured in this months Disney Blog Carnival! Check out more exciting Disney News & Views from other Disney Bloggers.

Kouzzina by Cat Cora offers delicious Vegan Fare

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

This article comes from Pam Brandon at the Disney Parks Blog:

We eat just about anything. But when we’re dining with a vegetarian or vegan, we’ve found a perfect Walt Disney World dining spot: Kouzzina by Cat Cora.

Vegans (vegetarians who eat no animal or dairy products at all) find plenty of delicious tastes on the menu, from roast pepper-chickpea soup to smashed garlic friend potatoes, sautéed brussel sprouts with capers and lemon and salt-roasted beets with skordalia (garlicky mashed potatoes served cold). You don’t even have to ask for Chef Dee Foundoukis to make something special, it’s all right on the menu.

But let’s back up to what we love at Kouzzina. We daydream about the Fisherman’s Stew with crunchy fennel, shrimp, mussels, clams, firm white fish and a light tomato broth. And when it’s hard to choose from the Mediterranean-inspired menu we go for the new “Kouzzina Trio” with a lamb slider and ample portions of the cinnamon-stewed chicken and pastitsio (a classic Greek creation with pasta, ground beef and béchamel sauce).

Sometimes we just make a meal of the starters, like the grape leaf filled with goat cheese and grilled, crisp calamari and lemon, spanakopita (spinach pie), and a trio of spreads – harissa yogurt, kalamta fig and chickpea hummus – with grilled pita.

Click here to keep reading and for more yummy food photos.

Lego + Disney?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 26, 2010

Lego + Disney? Yes please! New Prince of Persia and Toy Story 3 Lego sets available from DisneyStore.com? I’m there!!!! You could be too if you click on THIS LINK! It’s Disney Legos, how could you NOT click on that link?