Walt Disney World Quick Bites – California Grill, ESPN Club and More

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May 14, 2010

Get ready for World Cup! ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk and ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill will be open for all of the games beginning June 11. ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk will start serving at 10:30 a.m. for all early soccer game days June 11-29 and July 2 and 3. ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill will be offering a limited breakfast menu for the 7 a.m. game and lunch for the 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. games. Then, from June 26-July 10, ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill will offer a buffet with guaranteed seating to view the game. And on July 11, they’ll create a special viewing area. For reservations, call WDW-DINE beginning May 27.

Have you tried the Chackalaka? With the flavor of dark fruits, we’re told that this delicious South African wine is only served in two restaurant outside of South Africa: Sanaa and Jiko – The Cooking Place, both at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Sanaa has three other exclusives on its menu: The First Lady, a cabernet sauvignon from South Africa; Maude Pinot Gris from New Zealand, and Rudera Robusto, a chenin blanc from South Africa. Cheers!

Speaking of Jiko, there’s a new chef in the kitchen. Chef Dennis Thompson makes the move from California Grill to the kitchens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Thompson has been with Disney for nine years, and describes his culinary style as “American with classical European influences.” He’ll stretch his creativity with Jiko’s cuisine and wine that celebrate the flavors of Africa. But we hope he keeps the Swahili curry shrimp with artichokes and coconut rice on the menu.

No more PB&J pizza at Chef Mickey’s – guest peanut allergies necessitated the demise. But they’ll still make you one if you ask! New on the buffet are kid-friendly, healthful Baked Potato Puffs, crispy on the outside with a drizzle of olive oil, but soft in the center. Other new tastes include turkey hash and a veggie quiche in puff pastry. Early feedback is thumbs up for both.

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Disney Souvenir Shopping with Kids

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 14, 2010

The Daily Disney, part of the Orlando Sentinel, has some thoughts on souvenir shopping with kids. Says Kristin Ford, author the website’s A Mom and the Mouse column,

When they’re little, it seems easier because parents set the limits in simple terms. They can allow the child a choice among a few items and then say the spending is done.

The question then is whether that approach is appropriate when kids are a little older — say, in elementary school. There are certainly more questions, debates and pleading at that age, and it’s time to introduce the concept of a budget. The traditional approach is to give each child a set amount of money and the freedom to spend however the child chooses.

This article got me thinking. I’ve been pretty lucky so far. My seven-year old is the type of kid who rarely asks for anything and up until now the twins weren’t old enough to care, but I’m thinking that on our next trip in December, the twins are going to start asking and then, I’m going to need a plan. What about you? Do you have a strategy or do you just figure it’s a vacation, why not splurge? Leave a comment and let us know.

You can read the rest of Kristin’s column here.

Must Have – Limited Edition Mickey Mouse Club Ear Hat

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Chip

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May 14, 2010

The Limited Edition Mickey Mouse Club Ear Hat is finally here. A true “must have” for any Disney collector, it’s on store shelves now.

For those who didn’t hear about it the first time around, this limited edition ear hat actually replicates the shape, logo and fabrication of the original Mickey Mouse Club ear hat that was featured on the show in 1955. It even comes with a limited edition woven label inside the hat, as well as a matching hangtag and comes complete in a collectible vintage hat box with velvet lining. It’s pretty cool. So, if you’re visiting the Resort, be sure to check it out. They may not be around for long.

Tip: This treasure of a find is limited to 1,955 hats and retails for $89.95, plus tax. Look for it on store shelves at select locations throughout the Disneyland Resort, including World of Disney store.

Will you be one of the 1,955 who can call this special ear hat your own?

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Disney’s Escape to a New You Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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May 14, 2010

You juggle work, the house, the kids…

You deserve a vacation to Canyon Ranch to focus on you. You’ll learn how to find greater balance in life through fitness, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle while getting pampered at the same time.

Grand Prize: A luxurious vacation for the winner and a friend to Canyon Ranch includes:

Three fresh, gourmet meals daily and healthy snacks all day
$390 per person allowance towards spa and wellness services
Hiking and biking tours
Health and fitness assessment review by a nurse educator
Airfare for you and a girlfriend to Tucson

Click here to enter.

Disneyland & Disneyworld Star Tours set to close early

By

Chip

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May 14, 2010

On May 13, Disney Parks announced it will close Disneyland’s Star Tours attraction earlier than expected at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks. The Star Tours rides will re-open sometime in 2011 as a “reimagined” ride.

Disneyland’s last day for Star Tours, which is located in the Tomorrowland part of the theme park, will be July 27, 2010. The last day for the Walt Disney World version of the attraction, which is housed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be Sept. 8, 2010.

The closing of Star Tours was expected. At last year’s D23 Expo, Disney CFO Jay Rasulo, then Chair of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, confirmed that the attraction would be close October 2010 to make way for an updated version of the attraction.

Watch this video, from the Orange County Register, to see Disney’s original announcement of Star Tours’ “re-imagining” plans.

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Will Disney stall ‘Iron Man 3?’

By

Chip

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May 14, 2010

Here is an article from the Examiner talking about Disney waiting to make a 3rd Iron Man Movie. I can totally understand Disney’s thinking here, they are basically throwing money away on their property to Paramount Pictures. I think Disney needs to go ahead and buy out Paramount 🙂

Now that “Iron Man 2″ has become a big hit it looks like “Iron Man 3″ would be right around the corner right? Jon Favearu has stated he envisioned Iron Man as a trilogy of films, Robert Downey, Jr. has confirmed he’s signed on to one more film, and there is obvious money to be made. So why has it come up recently that the third film may be in trouble? Well, it looks like Disney may be the one to put a stop to the winning franchise. More specifically it looks like all the money “Iron Man 2″ made woke up Disney to how much they were losing by not being more forceful in controlling their property, and now they want it back.

The way Paramount puts is: “Under the terms of Marvel Studios’ agreement with Paramount Pictures, Paramount will distribute ‘Iron Man 2’ plus the next three Marvel films, and any potential ‘Iron Man 3’ film.” Notice how that statement includes the word potential, meaning “Iron Man 3″ wasn’t a for sure deal when Disney bought Marvel. Disney said up-front when they bought the company that while they intended to bring all those properties back to the Disney banner, they would respect the current deals Marvel had signed before the purchase. Looks like that’s come to an end, as Disney wants “Iron Man 3″ to be distributed under their own banner.

Click here to keep reading.

Ask a Disney Question: Can I buy an annual pass just for the water parks?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2010

This question comes from Susan, who asks:

Can you buy annual passes to the water parks without buying annual passes to the parks? We are traveling in early June and our Annual park passes will expire a few days before we leave WDW. I thought those last few days would be a great time to try out the water parks. I was not sure if you had to have the park passes to be able to buy the water park passes. It’s $45 for a day and $99 for an annual water park pass so I figured why not buy the annual water park pass if possible.

Susan thanks for your question and for reading Chip and Co. This is a great money-saving idea. You can buy a separate water park pass for $106.45 for adults (ages 10 and up), and $85.73 for children (ages 3-9), which allows you to hop between water parks. Prices include taxes. If you want to add DisneyQuest to this pass, you’ll pay $137.39 for adults and $105.44 for children. You don’t need to be a regular annual pass holder to purchase these passes.

Hope this helps and have a wonderful vacation!

Have a Disney question? We have answers. Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Rayovac Powers Your Disney Vacation – Magic Wand Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Unlock your imagination and celebrate the chance to win a celebration vacation for four to Disney World® or Disneyland® by entering the Magic Wand Sweepstakes.

In addition to the Grand Prize, there’s also the chance to win a lifetime supply of Rayovac batteries or a Disney Gift Card from Rayovac.

Enter the sweepstakes from now until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on July 31, 2010 at www.rayovac.com/disneyvacation
(eligibility to enter the sweepstakes subject to the official rules found on the Rayovac website).

10 Questions for Chef Brian Piasecki, California Grill at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Following in the footsteps of illustrious Disney chefs, Brian Piasecki took the helm in the kitchen at California Grill in January 2009. We asked him what’s ahead for the 15th anniversary of the award-winning restaurant (and also what he keeps in his own fridge and his favorite Disney attraction).

As a chef, what do you love most about the California Grill?

The passion, creativity and ability to stay updated with fresh, seasonal and inspiring ingredients throughout the year. It is an amazing place filled with energy and an electricity of people and families coming together for a wonderful experience. I know their expectations are high when they walk in the door, so that really keeps me motivated and driven.

How have you tweaked the menu?

Over the last year the menu has gone through many transformations. I have been focused on using local products when possible; sustainability in the produce and seafood I select, and using alternative lean, red meats that are low in fat and high in protein such as ostrich and bison. I have also been very focused on a return to the basics in the kitchen direction, ensuring that all products are handled and prepared with the upmost care and attention to detail. We have been focused on expanding the sushi selections and introducing new and different product such as Hiramsa fish and fresh wasabi root.

What will never leave the menu?

There are several extremely popular menu items that have become staples such as the goat cheese ravioli with sun-dried tomato nectar and the grilled pork tenderloin with zinfandel glaze, button mushrooms and goat cheese polenta. And there are the menu categories that will never go away such as the flatbreads and sushi.

Any ideas for 2010 you can share?

I continue to work with our seafood suppliers to introduce a new sushi menu that will incorporate all 100 percent sustainable fish selections. I am also working on the possibility of starting very specific themed menus for popular foods when they come in season, like heirloom tomatoes. Wouldn’t it be great to come to dinner at the California Grill in the middle of tomato season and be presented with a five-course menu that has tomatoes as the main ingredient in each course? Then think about the possibilities: fresh Florida-grown Zellwood corn, wild mushrooms, heirloom squash . . . there are some very exciting possibilities! \

Describe your culinary inspirations.

For me, inspiration comes in many forms – it may be a twist on an old favorite, or using a product new to the market, or using something that is local, organic or sustainable. Sometimes fun twists on classic flavors or familiar foods combined with the freshest and “just in season” items drive my plate combinations and profiles. I strive to bring familiar foods to the table in a simple, yet natural way so that the flavors shine – if it’s salmon, it has to be an amazing piece of wild, fresh, rich salmon – the best we can source and make that the true star on the plate.

What was your most memorable meal anywhere in the world?

My most memorable meal was at a very small restaurant in South Africa, Rust en Vrede. I was able to go into the kitchen and cook for the first part of the dinner with Executive Chef David Higgs, who also had an amazing passion for fresh and local ingredients and a strong focus on detail and flavors. It is the restaurant at the Rust en Vrede winery, so we dined with the winemaker and experienced every aspect of the estate. Dinner was seven courses, all local items from the market, house-cured bacon – with great conversation about food, trends, diners and what’s next for the world of food.

Name 3 things that are always in your fridge at home.

Half and half, eggs and Tony Packos sweet hots pickles and peppers

What is your favorite dish to make at home?

I don’t cook at home as much as I would like since I am in the restaurant most nights, but I do love being in the kitchen with my kids [ages 11, 13 and 15]. They love to cook and they love to watch me cook, so any time we get to be together to make a big Sunday breakfast, a batch of brownies or a roast pork dinner is very special for me.

What food would you never give up?

Chocolate!

What’s your favorite Disney attraction?

It’s a toss-up between Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I am a huge coaster fan and adrenaline junkie.

Disney says Go Go Power Rangers…No Seriously Go..

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Having seen people at Walt Disney World make fun of and laugh at the Power Rangers I can honestly say this is GREAT news. They never really fit into the whole Disney family, especially with the fighting and violence.

Here is the official news story from the NY Times:

The media investor Haim Saban said Wednesday that he had bought back the rights to his biggest franchise, “Power Rangers,” from the Walt Disney Company and had licensed the show to Nickelodeon, the children’s cable channel owned by Viacom.

Executives at Saban and Viacom said in interviews that they intended to reinvigorate the nearly 20-year-old franchise, a one-time sensation among children that features costumed teenagers saving the world, The New York Times’s Brian Stelter and Brooks Barnes reported.

“Power Rangers” is the first acquisition by Mr. Saban’s new brands and licensing division. Mr. Saban, who made most of his fortune in children’s entertainment and now owns a big stake in Univision, announced last week that his Saban Capital Group would invest $500 million in Saban Brands, a new company dedicated to acquiring entertainment and consumer brands and exploiting them through retail, television and film channels.

“The list is very, very long for things we’re going to do” with the franchise, Mr. Saban said.

“Power Rangers” was most prominent in the mid-1990s, when it was shown on Fox, but it has remained in production ever since, and an 18th season is in development now. That season will have its debut on Nickelodeon in the first quarter of 2011, the channel said. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the multiyear deal.

Click here to keep reading.

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Golden Gate Cocktail

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

This drink was created especially for the 15th anniversary of California Grill at Walt Disney World Resort. The award-winning restaurant at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened to rave reviews on May 15, 1995.

1 1/4 ounces Remy Martin VSOP Cognac
3/4 ounce Amaretto Disaronno
1/2 ounce cranberry juice
Orange slice, for garnishShake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.
Squeeze the slice or orange into the drink.

For more info on the 15th anniversary of California Grill click here.

Why Fort Wilderness is better than the other resorts for the Disney Dad.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2010

disneys fort wilderness resort and campground

First of all I have to admit this is a very biased article but for good reason. It is the only place I stay at in WALT DISNEY WORLD. Being that we have a 37’ Pace Arrow motor home, it is of course our preferred choice of lodgings anywhere the road takes us, but in Florida it’s the ONLY place to stay. First of all, this place is the epitome of the RVer’s dream campground. There are sites dedicated for tents, pop-ups, travel trailers, and cabins for rent, as well as premium (enlarged) sites for regular RV’s and of course those MILLION DOLLAR PREVOST(ugh ugh ugh) buses we all love to gawk at.

Among the many amenities of Fort Wilderness Campground are things like laundry facilities, outdoor movies, plentiful bathroom/shower facilities, gorgeous pools and spas, on-site restaurants, horse ranch, fishing and the like but all with a touch of Disney flair. Another aspect of Fort Wilderness is its close proximity to Magic Kingdom. Bay Lake is the only thing separating you from the Mecca of all Disney parks which is just a short ferry ride away. In fact the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks (WISHES) are perfectly visible from the white sand beach at the Fort Wilderness side of Bay Lake, not to mention the nightly electric light parade of boats on the water just after the show.

As you walk around the campground you will notice touches of Disney everywhere. From the beautiful landscaping to the immaculate facilities, the Disney model of perfection is fully enforced here. The foot paths and jogging trails are impeccable. The sports and recreation facilities – state of the art. And the arcades are stocked with all the latest and greatest. In fact, on our third trip to WDW, we had unanimously voted to omit the beach and off site trips we had planned at the mere site of the WHOA! sign which signifies the entrance of the campground. Instead, we all agreed to spend our two weeks staying put and getting the most out of Fort Wilderness.

Another aspect of the campground is its encouraged use of Golf Carts. The carts can be rented at a slightly above modest cost per day and must be reserved well in advance as the 300 carts on hand get gobbled up quickly. The golf cart adds a whole other aspect of camping due to the fun in just riding around and visiting with new friends, or just gawking at the gorgeous RV’s and custom carts of the other guests. Some of the carts can cost more than my first two cars combined (see the Custom Carts section of disney4dads.com for examples) fact there are certain paths and parking lots dedicated to carts alone. Also, at over 700 acres, without a cart you would be forced to take the bus system or just foot it in general to get around (as if).

FYI – this is how I convinced my wife to let us buy one of our own.

The last aspect of the campground I have to point out is that is never closes. When you leave one of the theme parks and head back to your hotel room typically the day is over. Not at Fort Wilderness. After you have washed all the ooey gooey Disneyness off of the kids you can tuck them in their sleeping vessel (tent, camper, RV or rented cabin), so you and the misses can fire up the provided charcoal grill (no fires allowed) and sit under the stars to relax the night away with the libation of your choice. What Dad do you know that doesn’t like barbeque? If you’re the adventurous types you can all head to the 80° pool for a midnight swim or just hop on the cart and enjoy a nice ride. If you’re back in time I would recommend catching a movie under the stars with Chip and Dale.

Finally you can save a boatload of cash and time in line by bringing in your own groceries for meals and doing the cooking at your site. Would you rather stand in line at the steak restaurant with the grumpy kids or smell your own dry rubbed sirloin sizzling on the charcoal and drinking an ice cold beer while the kids are off at the playground getting out the remaining yet never ending energy they always seem to be missing when it’s time to clean up. Well having said that I feel a tremendous urge to check the calendar to see how many days are left until our next Fort Wilderness stay.

See ya real soon! Jerry

Jerry is the Founder of Disney 4 Dads, when he isn’t busy grilling out and doing other manly things he is sharing the Disney Magic from a Disney Dad’s perspective.