The Best Thing I Love About Disney Is…Dinosaur

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September 11, 2010

The Best Thing I Love About Disney Is…Dinosaur

There are three things that make an attraction sing to me. First is the theme, second is the back story, and third is the ride itself. I’ll admit that we don’t visit the Animal Kingdom very often because overall, it doesn’t have the appeal the other three parks have but Dinosaur is an attraction that has all three of the requirements I have for an excellent attraction.

The theme is detailed and very appropriate for an institute whose mission is the study of Dinosaurs. The detail extends from the T-Rex that appears in the foliage as you approach the ride, an exact replica of the most complete and best preserved T-Rex found to date to the red, yellow , and white pipes you see as you approach the loading zone which have the chemical formulas for ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise respectively written on them (by the way, the ride is sponsored by McDonald’s). I know that condiments are not part of the whole world of dinosaurs but it reflects the detail involved in all parts of the theme.

The back story involves going back in time to rescue a particular dinosaur before the species becomes extinct and the story is reflected throughout the queue and in the “briefings” you receive before you begin your adventure. It’s all put together into a very neat package.

The ride itself is lots of fun even though it can be a bit rough at times (not overly so though). It includes being menaced by a T-Rex-ish dinosaur invented by the Imagineers to be extra scary and a rapid return through time to the present after successfully saving the threatened dinosaur. The mission is always successful much like saving Little Red at Kilimanjaro Safari, also at the Animal Kingdom. If you have never given Dinosaur a try go ahead, I think you’ll enjoy it!!

Ken

New Tron Legacy Sneak Peek Video

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

TRON: LEGACY is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winner Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer.

When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe—a universe created by Kevin himself that has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.

Presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and scored by Grammy Award®-winning electronic music duo Daft Punk, TRON: LEGACY hits U.S. theaters on Dec. 17, 2010 in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D.

Get on the grid at http://facebook.com/tron
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If I had to pick one Disney World Meal I would eat at…

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

Disneyworld has some of the best food you can find anywhere in the US. The only place I could imagine that would give them a run for their money is New York City. Disney has such diversity in the places and foods you can eat I began to wonder if I had just one meal to eat from Walt Disney World what would it be?

That question is a lot harder than it sounds. In my 50+ visits to Disneyworld I have barely scratched the surface on places and items to try at the Walt Disney Resort. Like most people I have my favorites I like to visit each time I am visting. I try to add a few new places each go around and I am slowly checking off a mental list of places I have eaten at. With new places like Cantina de San Angel, and Cat Cora’s Kozzina’s opening that makes my list even longer.

Please note I have not eaten at any of the Walt Disney World Signature restaurants in my many ventures, while I know they are probably the best places to eat, most places I have eaten at are Quick Service, Causal and Character meals. I think that rings true for most people 🙂

That being said here are the 3 Finalist in no paticular order:

Ohana’s Family Style Dinner – I just love the Asian Barbequed Pork Loin, Oak Grilled Turkey, Marinated Sirloin Steak, and the Marinated Shrimp Skewers. Combine that with the Sesame Wings, Fried Dumplings, and LoMein Noodles and you don’t have a dinner, you have a feast! The flavors are so sweet and the dipping sauces are sooo good!

Boma Flavors of Africa – This meal is fantastic! African food is so fresh and reminds me of a fusion of Indian and Asian cuisine. The ribs were to die for and the durban-spiced roasted chicken was excellent. The atmosphere was wonderful as well, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the coolest resorts at Disney in my opinion.

Le Cellier Steakhouse – If you are sensing a theme to my review then you are correct. There is no doubt that I am a meatatarian. Le Cellier atmosphere is so cozy and intimate. The steaks here are probably the best I have ever eaten. Even beating out Ruth Chris steakhouse. The soup and pretzel bread are delicious and if you are not careful you can easily fill up on those before they bring you out your main course.

…

I could go on and on telling you how great all the Disney resturants are. Like stated earler I have barely scratched the surface on all the places you can dine while at Walt Disney World. That being said I would have to say out of all the places I have dined at so far if I had to chose one place to eat it would have to be Ohana’s!

Just something about the Asian/Polynesian Flare they serve up here. The meat on skewers with all the other fixings is so delicatable and I could possibly eat here every week if I could. The peanut sauce is could drink by the gallon and the bread pudding for dessert is delicious! Congrats Ohana’s for being my top place to eat at Walt Disney World!

So if you had one place to eat at while visiting Walt Disney World where would it be any why?

Let us know in the comment section below.

Disneyland Resort Announces Fall Savings Packages

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

Disneyland Resort vacation values are as spectacular as the changing leaves this fall as travel agents and their clients can take advantage of two exciting offers beginning today at ‘The Happiest Place on Earth.’ The special offers come just in time to enjoy the seasonal attractions and décor of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Halloween season at Disneyland Resort runs September 17 through October 31.

$300 SAVINGS ON FOUR-DAY, FOUR-NIGHT VACATION PACKAGE

Clients can enjoy a $300 savings on a four-day, four-night Disneyland Resort Vacation Package at any Disneyland Resort Hotel if booked between now and December 1, 2010. Travel must take place between October 1 – December 16, 2010.

The offer is perfectly timed for clients to take advantage of the popular festivities taking place at Disneyland Resort during the Halloween season. Disney villains and their tricks will join the treats of other Disney characters decked out in whimsical Halloween costumes. Halloween Time also features favorite seasonal attractions such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

In addition, a dazzling array of playful characters, menacing villains, expressive music, performing fountains and astonishing special effects will captivate clients at Disney California Adventure Park in the new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color,” which will run nightly through Halloween Time.

The savings also include all of the magical extras that come with booking a vacation package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. These benefits include preferred seating to some of the popular shows and attractions, Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets, a Magic Morning admission into Disneyland one hour before the park opens to the general public and a ‘Key to the Magic’ card which allows clients to charge meals and merchandise to their resort hotel account.

For more information and to book, travel agents can call the Walt Disney Travel Company at (800) 854-3104 or book online at www.disneytravelagents.com

SPECIAL OFFERS ON DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTEL ROOMS ONLY

For clients seeking a hotel room-only offer, Disneyland Resort features great savings this fall at any three of its on-site deluxehotels, when booked between October 1 and December 1, 2010. Clients can take 30-percent off their room rate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 25-percent off at Disneyland Hotel, or 20-percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Resort hotel room only offers require a two-night minimum stay.

Booking early extends additional value to resort hotel only savings. Reserve before September 30 and savings jump to 40-percent off room rates at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 35-percent off at Disneyland Hotel, or 30-percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.**

Travel agents can book the hotel room-only offers through December 1, 2010. Travel must take place between October 1 – December 16, 2010. For more information and to book, travel agents can call (800) 854-3104 or book online at www.disneytravelagents.com

For general Disneyland Resort information, park hours and entertainment schedules, call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com. For general Disneyland Resort information, park hours and entertainment schedules, call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com

Disney Deluxe Dining Option Takes the Cake

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

Disney has a sweet dining system in place if you are planning your Walt Disney World vacation. You have an option to choose from several delicious Meal Plans when you book your Disney Magic Your Way Package. They really take the cake!!

Okay enough food jokes here is a breakdown of the available plans.

Quick Service Dining – Eat at select quick-service restaurants and receive 2 quick-service meals and 2 snacks per person per night of your package stay. You’ll also receive a mug you can refill as often as you like at any quick-service restaurant at your Disney Resort hotel.

Dining – This plan offers one table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack per person, per night of your package stay, at over 100 select restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort—including some restaurants that feature Disney Character Dining

Deluxe Dining – Included are 3 meals and 2 snacks per person, per night of your package stay, and the flexibility to enjoy any combination of select table-service and quick-service restaurants. Enjoy delectable dining at over 100 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Our last trip we opted for the Deluxe Dining Option. Our little one was under 3 so she either nibbled off our plate, or when we did the buffets she got her own. Since we got hooked on the Disney Dining Plan it has opened a world of opportunities to us. One thing we love is being able to eat at places we never could afford before like Ohana’s, 1900 Park Fare, and Boma’s. (if you paid out of pocket for those meals you are looking at over $100 easy)

One of our favorite things to do is after we eat at Ohana’s or Spirit of Aloha Show is walk around the Polynesian Resort. We walk down to the beach take some pictures, relax in a hammock, or just explore the various shops. But that is another blog entry entirely.

Quick Tip – All Disney Resorts are available to dine at, explore, and visit. Don’t just spend time at the parks check them out for a fun adventure! Each resort has its own theme and unique activities.

So why is the Deluxe so much better than the rest?

For some the Quick Service meals are good. Disney has so many choices and the quality of food they deliver is wonderful, but for us we love being able to sit down, get away from the rides and people and enjoy our meals. We like the option to experience cultural diverse foods. Not to mention we love to eat!

Quick Tip – 180 Days out Make your Advanced Dining Reservations or ADR’s that way you control when and where you want to eat. If you call Disney they can tell you about the restaurants, you can browse our site for reviews, or one my favorites options visit The Disney Food Blog for more information.

All 3 meal plans are great value since you can pay for everything at once, it is nice to be able to swipe your room card instead of having to carry around money or credit cards.

For us since we have gone Deluxe there is no going back. We will save pennies if we have to so we can afford the Deluxe option. I think it is just a better value and fair warning it will be a lot of food. If you don’t stuff yourself at every meal and drink plenty of water you will be fine.

Quick Tip – Snack credits are great to use when you spend 2 credits on some of the higher end meals that require 2 credits like Cinderella Royal Table.

Well I hope that helps when planning your next vacation. If you can afford the Deluxe Dining Option I would go for it. You can get real creative with your dining and theme your days and meals together. You can travel the food world without leaving the parks and resorts.

P.S – Are you as hungry as I am right now after seeing all those delicious Disney Desserts..?

Disney confirms reports of email virus

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

The Walt Disney Co. acknowledged Thursday that it has been hit by a spate of spammed emails containing a virus, which reportedly has hit other firms as well.

A Disney spokesman said the spams started flowing into company email boxes Thursday afternoon but did not affect business operations.

The entertainment-business site TheWrap.com reported that Disney, Coca-Cola Co and Google Inc. were all blasted by the spams, which include a PDF file featuring the phrase “Here You Have” in the subject line.

Disney Food Confession – Maracaibo Chocolate Mousse

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

What is it? Maracaibo Chocolate Mousse

Where can you get it? Resort Catering Dessert, Disneyland Resort

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!

Disney’s Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Review

By

Chip

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September 10, 2010

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, is part of the Norway Pavilion within Epcot’s World Showcase. Akershus provides a Disney Princess Storybook Dining experience in a medieval castle-themed restaurant. It is the only place in all of Disney World that you can meet almost all of your beloved Disney Princess in one location.

My family and I had the pleasure of dining here with our little princess on our last trip. We started out our day trying to get the little one awake as the seating times are pretty early considering the World Showcase is one of the last areas to open. Once we got to the park and they checked our name at the gate we make a mad dash to the Banquet Hall, as usual we are late again. No worries though, we check in and have a minimal wait. Mostly for little girls to have their pictures taken.

As we enter the restaurant Belle is waiting for us so my little one can meet her and have her picture taken. She loves Belle and is in shock she is actually getting to meet her. You can see she is nervous in the picture below.

Looking around I notice all the little girls dressed up as princesses. At this moment my wife and I wish we would have brought more than one Princess outfit on our trip. She was Mulan the night before at Cinderella’s Royal Table. She got a lot of compliments and many people said you don’t see Princess Mulan much. Check out the review I wrote over at the Disney Food Blog here.

As we make our ways to our seats our little DD spots all the other princesses walking around. There is Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose/Princess Aurora, Ariel, and Cinderella. Personally I think Disney should bring in Mulan and Jasmine everyday to complete out the set. We had a hard time getting both Jasmine & Mulan’s autograph while on our vacation.

Our meal was somewhat unique and different than all the other character breakfasts. They have a bar you can go and get cold items such as fruit, yogurt, and even cheese. All the hot items are brought to your table and you can ask for more of any item you like. It was a very good breakfast, unfortunatly it was mostly American food. I was hoping for something unique to Europe. For example Ohana has the yummy breakfast breads that are so delicious and the Uala Kahiki (Fried Potatoes) which i kinda over did it on. While it was good nothing like that stood out for me.

All the Princesses make their rounds to the table. Our DD has met some of them already and we had to remind Cinderella she saw her last night at dinner..Wink Wink. Also this was the second time our little one met Briar Rose. While it was not the same person, both times she met her Briar Rose was wonderful! She was so gentle and caring with our little one and we did not feel rushed to get a picture and autograph.

The overall experience was great. We had no complaints and no real issues. Our server was great and kept everything filled without having to ask! The food was good, and the atmosphere delightful.

I highly recommend if you have a little one get her dressed up and pop in for a visit. Be sure to have a Advance Dining Reservation as you will need it. I know for us we will be making a point to come here on every vacation, and so should you.

Have you eaten here before? How was it? Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

The Best Thing I Love About Disney Is…Test Track

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 10, 2010

Test Track is an absolute kick!! The theme is very well done with lots of very technical looking displays as you progress through the queue. It gives you the feeling that you are actually in a GM testing facility. This attraction gives you a feeling for how GM tests their vehicles even before you actually get to the ride portion. There is not a lot of back story but the overall presentation makes up for that. Once you get on the ride portion you go through actual tests (or as actual as they can be, it is Disney after all) of climbing, steering, braking, heat, cold etc. But the real fun comes as you exit the building in your ride vehicle for a spin around the Test Track building. You hit speeds of 65 mph and since the vehicle is wide open it feels a lot faster than that. It’s the fastest ride at Walt Disney World and just a whole bunch of fun.

A lot of attractions have on ride photos that you can purchase after your adventure is complete. Test Track is a little bit different in that as you are leaving there is a kiosk available where you can insert your Photopass card and get your ride photo on your card – FREE!! Now there’s a word you don’t hear very often at Walt Disney World. Give it a try you will love it.

Ken

Disney World Quick Tips – Which Planning Guide To Use

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 9, 2010

Everyone who plans trips to Walt Disney World has their opinion as to which travel guide is the best to use for planning their visit. Just as these folks have their opinion, this is my opinion and only my opinion. I actually us three guides and in reverse order of preference they are:

3. Birnbaum’s Official Guide To Walt Disney World As the title says, this is the official guide book, sanctioned and approved by Disney. It is beautifully done and as you might expect, follows the company line. But, with a company like Disney, that doesn’t make it a bad approach. It covers almost everything and is an excellent starting point for “newbies”.

2. Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa’s Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World 2011 This one is definitely in depth. It has lots of information covering every area of Walt Disney World and does have a bit of tongue in cheek humor that makes it a very entertaining read. One of the best features of this book is the numerous comments of people just like you and me who offer their opinions of Walt Disney World. Combined with the newly published Color Companion To Walt Disney World by the same authors it offers everything you might need to know for planning a trip to Walt Disney World. The Color Companion is done with a lively sense of humor and is a lot of fun to read.

1. Passporter’s Walt Disney World authored by Jennifer, Dave, and Allison Marx is my personal favorite. I get a new copy every year whether or not I am visiting Walt Disney World. It’s all done in color and is beautifully produced. It has absolutely everything you need to plan an amazing visit . It covers everything in detail and each attraction and restaurant is rated by Jennifer, Dave, and Walt Disney World Guests. Three features need to be mentioned 1-each Passporter comes with “pass pockets” that allow each portion of your trip to be kept separately from the early planning to each day of the visit, they have places to write down important information and keep receipts etc. 2-most guide books are outdated by the time they arrive from the printer. Passporter has a website that you can access to get the latest updates and print them out, and we all know how Disney is about changes. And 3-The Passporter Forums are an asset you can access to get any question answered by folks just like you.

Once again, these are my opinions and mine only. Have a great time planning and enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World.

Ken

Limited Edition Nightmare Before Christmas Vinylmations Available Sept. 10

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 9, 2010

Limited Edition Nightmare Before Christmas Vinylmations Available Sept. 10

I told myself I wouldn’t and couldn’t get sucked into the phenomena that is Vinylmation, but I couldn’t resist when my boyfriend bought me one of the keychains as a gift. Now, he and I always go to the stores in Disneyland and D-Street in Downtown Disney to see if there are any new editions to the Vinylmation collection.

I’m also a major “Nightmare Before Christmas” fan. I have adored this film ever since I was a little kid (not just recently when it started to become a huge fad). I sing along with the songs and probably annoy the heck out of the people watching the movie with me. I’m counting down the days to September 17th because Haunted Mansion Holiday reappears (as well as Disneyland’s seasonal pumpkin muffins…and it’s the day before my birthday) and I’m able to see Zero floating with his pile of bones in the first hallway. And whoever thinks that Jack and Sally aren’t a cute couple are crazy people.

Now, combine Vinylmation and Jack Skellington. Whoa!!!

A limited edition set of Vinylmation figures designed by Casey Jones will be available September 10th. D-Street at both Downtown Disney locations (CA and FL) will be opening at 8 A.M. so Vinylmation collectors can get their hands on these figures as soon as possible. D-Street at Downtown Disney in CA will be holding an autograph session with Jones from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M., and 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.

The Vinylmations will be available in both 3″ and 9″ sizes. Two Vinylmations in particular — Oogie Boogie and Santa Jack with an elf, in 3″ and 9″ sizes — will be SUPER limited. Both figures will have an edition size of 1,000.

Toy Story Vinylmations were recently released on August 27th.

So start saving up quickly and hunting for change under the couch cushions — the Vinylmations are calling to you!

P. S. I’m hoping someone will design Princess Vinylmations! I’d love to have a Belle one. (Hint hint!)

Photo courtesy of Disney.

Disney Food Confession – Potato Stack Au Gratin

By

Chip

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September 9, 2010

What is it? Potato Stack Au Gratin

Where can you get it? Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel

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!