Man falls over rail at Disney’s Tower of Terror

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August 19, 2010

This article comes to us from KABC in Los Angeles .

A 19-year-old man was injured after falling over a rail at a ride in Disney’s California Adventure Park in Anaheim Wednesday night.

Police said the man was waiting in line to get on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride when he climbed over a railing and told his friends, “wouldn’t it be funny if I fell.” The man plunged about 20 to 25 feet. Officials said the man had been drinking alcohol before he fell.

The Anaheim Fire Department said it was dispatched to the park at around 10:30 p.m.

The man was transported to the UC Irvine Medical Center. Police said he did not break any bones. The man just suffered some abrasions and was released from the hospital early Thursday morning.

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Disney Family Clean as a Whistle Sweepstakes

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Chip

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August 19, 2010

Put the duster down and kick up your feet! One Grand Prize Winner will receive

Electrolux™ washer and dryer
One year of professional cleaning services

Brought to you by Arm & Hammer and Disney Family. Click the picture about to learn more and to enter.

28th Annual Night of Joy Sept. 10-11 in Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

2010 Christian music Artist of the Year Casting Crowns and past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day, mercyme and Chris Tomlin head a star-powered 16-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom.

Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Thousand Foot Krutch and Britt Nicole.
From 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. each night – after regular Magic Kingdom hours – the special-ticket event will feature live performances on several stages throughout the park. In addition, guests can experience some of the park’s most popular attractions during Night of Joy hours.
Musically, the acts add up to a lineup that runs the spectrum from Rock, Hip Hop and R&B … to Pop, Adult Contemporary and Gospel – continuing a tradition that has been a hallmark of Night of Joy since 1983 when the event began.
It’s also a lineup laden with accolades. Eleven of the artists have amassed a combined 90 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and six The Recording Academy Grammy Awards. Notable honors in 2010 include: Casting Crowns (Artist of the Year Dove), Tenth Avenue North (Song of the Year Dove – “By Your Side”), Sidewalk Prophets (New Artist of the Year Dove), Third Day (Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album Grammy – “Live Revelations”), David Crowder*Band (Praise & Worship Album of the Year Dove – “Church Music”), Smokie Norful (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year Dove – “Justified”), Group 1 Crew (Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year Dove – “Movin’”) and Red (Rock Album of the Year Dove – “Innocence and Instinct”).
Six artists are new to Night of Joy, bringing the event’s all-time talent list to 145 Christian music acts. The newbies: Tenth Avenue North, Group 1 Crew, Day of Fire, Sidewalk Prophets, Lecrae and Thousand Foot Krutch.

Night of Joy tickets and additional information about the event are available at www.nightofjoy.com.

S.A.T.E is coming to Orlando September 30th – October 1st

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

With the theme “Telling the Inherited Story,” the 2-day SATE conference examines the making of compelling places and guest experiences at theme parks and museums. SATE denotes Story, Architecture, Technology, Experience. Early bird registration for SATE is in force through Aug. 30.

Geurts’s branding panel will include Tina Skees, Corporate Director, Guest Experiences of Herschend Family Entertainment and Donny Weber of design/build firm The Weber Group, Inc. It is one of two architecture-related panels at SATE organized by Penny Peavler, Director of Brand Development and Marketing for The Weber Group.

“Where in the world is the future of hospitality design?” is the topic to be explored in the second panel, moderated by Peavler and including Fran Boettcher, AIA LEED AP of PBS&J, Jonathan F. Douglas AIA, Managing Principal with VOA Associates Inc. and Dave Eagleson, Vice President at Forrec Ltd.

“Commitment to sustainability is important for the future, not only in terms of materials and systems but also in terms of process, life cycle and integration of technology,” notes Peavler. “This could be everything from trip-planning, check-in and how the room works, to changing elements based on individual moods and expectations.”

SATE topics and speakers will also include:
– The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Members of the team that brought this new attraction to life at Universal Orlando® Resort discuss the process of keeping the integrity of the story intact while developing it into an immersive guest experience.
– Beyond All Boundaries: Presenters from The Hettema Group, a design and masterplanning company, talk about the creation of the award-winning new 4-D theatrical multimedia experience at the World War II Museum in New Orleans.
– Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Van Romans, president of FWMSH and former Disney executive and Chick Russell of Chick Russell Communications present the 21st Century transformation of the Museum.
– Walt Disney Imagineers share philosophies and approaches in “Keeping the Magic Fresh: Evolving the Legacy.”
Registration for SATE 2010 is now open.

ABC Family Invites You To Watch FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

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Chip

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August 18, 2010

Fans can relive every triumph, tragedy and touchdown from the very beginning when “Friday Night Lights” comes to ABC Family on weeknights beginning Tuesday, September 7^th (6:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT).

Expanding on the hit feature film and best-selling book “Friday Night Lights,” the award-winning show centers on life in Dillon, Texas, where high school football brings the community together—and the drama of small town life threatens to tear it apart. Coach Eric Taylor must lead his Dillon Panthers through the highs and lows of high school football, as well as the curve balls that life outside of the game throws at them. Through it all, the Panthers try to achieve greatness on and off the field.

“Friday Night Lights” stars Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Aimee Teegarden, Zach Gilford, Brad Leland, Taylor Kitsch, Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons, Gaius Charles and Scott Porter.

The series is executive-produced by Peter Berg (the film “Friday Night Lights,” “Hancock”), who also wrote and directed the pilot. Joining Berg as executive producers are Jason Katims (“Parenthood”), Brian Grazer (“Frost/Nixon,” “The Da Vinci Code”), David Nevins (“Arrested Development”) and Sarah Aubrey (“The Kingdom”). “Friday Night Lights” is a production of Universal Media Studios, Imagine Entertainment and Film 44.

Harmony Barber Shop, a Cut Above the Rest for Walt Disney World Resort Guests

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

Sit back in the good ol’ barber’s chair and get ready for a good old-fashioned haircut at Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. Located near the Emporium gift shop with a signature candy-striped pole outside, Harmony Barber Shop transports Walt Disney World guests to a simpler time … a time when barbershop quartets entertained with harmonic tunes and when getting a haircut (or two) was a real treat.

A step into Harmony Barber Shop is a step back in time. Hair tonics and talcum powders line the dark burgundy shelves. The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet strolls by daily, singing melodious tunes in perfect harmony and entertaining guests with their humorous banter.

“Guests are always surprised to find there’s a real barbershop here,” says Mary Volley, who works at Harmony Barber Shop. “They think it’s a display and take pictures, but once they see it they can’t get away … they end up wanting a haircut.”

Guests may be amazed to discover that some of the antiques in Harmony Barber Shop are still in service. A turn-of-the-century Western Electric phone box is still used to make phone calls. Also of note is the cash register the barbers use to ring up their sales. It dates from 1912.

Reservations for Harmony Barber Shop are recommended you can book them up to 180 days in advance by calling 407-939-3463. Payment or credit card guarantee is required at the time of booking, and there is a one-day $10 cancellation policy. (Baby’s First Haircut package is $19 plus tax.) Walk-ups are welcome if there are openings.

Harmony Barber Shop also offers haircuts with styling that includes colorful hair gels and pixie dust for girls and pirate dust for boys. Guests must arrive with clean, dry hair because no shampoo bowls are available. Haircuts for children up to age 9 are $15 plus tax and 10 and older are $18 plus tax. Those 17 and younger must have a parent present.

Guests also can choose styling with colored gel and confetti for $7.50 or styling with pixie or pirate dust for $5. Park admission is required for appointments at Harmony Barber Shop.

Photo credit by mrkathika via Flickr

Disney’s Wine and Dine Marathon.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 18, 2010

Have you ever run a marathon? Despite being very diligent about exercising, I hate to run. In fact, when I got out of the army, I distinctly remember being really happy about not having to run again unless if was after a the kids or a good sale. And a marathon? Well, the idea of doing any activity that might require me to grease myself up in order to avoid–well, I’m not sure what, but trust me, slathering yourself with Vaseline is unpleasant enough. But if you’re a Disney parks fan, it’s hard not to get caught up in the all the fun people seem to be having at Disney races, which exist for almost every ability level and happen several times a year. There’s the popular January full and half marathons, the Princess Marathon in the Spring, complete with tiaras and tutus, and a few other races thrown in there as well. But none pushed me over the edge until I heard the words “Wine and Dine Marathon.”

Regrettably, there is no wining or dining during the marathon itself. Nonetheless, I signed up with my good friend (a non-Disney person). The race is the first Saturday in October.

The Wine and Dine half marathon is at night, which is a nice idea; I love the parks then. It goes from ESPN’s World of Sports, through Animal Kingdom (at this point, those doing the relay switch off) and continues to Hollywood Studios and Epcot, where it ends in a party which will go on until the wee hours of the morning. That is, if you don’t have to run back to your resort and wash off the Vaseline.

Click on the image for a larger,

more intimidating picture. Yikes.

Disney is fairly strict about pace. You don’t have to run fast, but if you go over a sixteen minute mile, you’ll get the boot and are taken to the finish line where, presumably, you’ll get a wedgie or something. Seriously, though, it sounds embarrassing. I’m a little worried about it. I’m slow. And wedgies were my least favorite thing about middle school.

Running this summer has proven challenging. We’ve had lots of obligations and it’s been hotter than the sun, so I’m hoping to get a bit more motivated in the coming weeks. Wish me luck! And if you’ve run a Disney marathon, I’d love to hear about it.

Learning experiences at Disney World for Children

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 18, 2010

It’s That Time of Year Again

It’s that time of year again when the kids head back to school, the weather gets cooler, and of course, Disney pulls out some deep discounts. You wonder why Disney the most “kid friendly” place on earth offers great deals when the kids are in school. (I have wondered this for years) These discounts are so tempting – do you pull the kids out of school and head for the most magical place on earth? Well, here is an option that may allow you to do just that. Did you know that most school districts will approve an educational leave for a trip to see the Big Cheese? Yes, you read correctly. You can take the kids to see Mickey and get a discount too!!!

I bet you never thought of Mickey Mouse and Cinderella as educational. But, Walt Disney World has educational opportunities beyond belief – hands on learning that could never take place in a classroom. Let’s look at this in a more in depth perspective:

The Magic Kingdom: This is the world where make believe and storytelling comes to life. This where children can use their imagination to transform them into the story books that they have read prior to their arrival such as Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, Pinocchio, and Dumbo. I don’t think any classroom can allow a child to become a part of a story quite like a trip to Walt Disney World. Don’t forget the hall of presidents. This is an exhibit like none other. Where else can you see all of our presidents in one place?

Epcot: WOW!! The education prospects here are endless. Let’s start with a trip to The World Showcase. Can you imagine touring 11 countries in one day? It can be done here! You can visit and dine with natives of the countries, buy merchandise exclusive to the particular country, and see special shows related to each country. Now, tell me that’s not educational! Another part of Epcot is Future World. I think the name says it all. Here a child can see what concepts are out there for the future, whether it is a future automobile, a new way to grow plants, or exciting futuristic communicational devices.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Here children can learn the magic of movie making, the lights, the sounds, and the stunts. They can also learn how their favorite cartoons come to life through animation. This is the perfect place for an aspiring little actress or actor. Where else can you see the Hollywood lights without traveling to Hollywood?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Imagine a 500 acre animal sanctuary. This has got to be the most educational experience of all that Disney has to offer. Here children can learn about hundreds of different species of animals. How they are cared for and where they are native to. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also boasts two countries much like Epcot where you can have one on one experiences unique to each country. If you have a dinosaur fanatic you can also visit Dino Land to explore these enormous creatures of the past.

So, you may ask, if I have personally taken advantage of the deep discounts and taken my children to Walt Disney World during the school year? Well, I am for the first time this September. Not only taking my daughter who is in kindergarten, I am taking my two nieces who are 15 and 11. I have contacted the schools principals and am in the process of completing the paperwork. The paperwork in my district consists of a letter outlining what we will be doing each day and what role it will play in the educational experience. Also, ways that they can share their Disney experiences with their classmates. Yes, it will require some extra effort on your part. But, it will pay off in the end when you see your child light up at the sight of Mickey Mouse and his/her classmates when he/she shares the magical experience. Not to mention the little extra cash the discounts will leave in your pocket!

Natalie is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. She would be more than happy to guide you to deep Disney discounts and assist you with an educational leave for your children. You may contact her at [email protected], 304-784-5705, or find her on facebook – Natalie Pixie Vacations.

Disney Food Confession – Mmm Waffles

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

What is it? – Freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream paired with Godiva chocolate iced coffee

Where can you get it? The new Belgium tasting marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Throughout the 1.3 mile World Showcase promenade more than two dozen international kiosks showcasing savory samplings.

When can you get it? The annual festival overflows with global cuisine, celebrated chefs and special entertainment Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010.

Photo credit: 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!

Off with their heads! Furniture Company Sues Disney

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

According to TMZ a man claiming to be the creator of the “Chair Heart” used in the movie “Alice in Wonderland” is suing the Disney Corporation, claiming the company used his design in the flick and didn’t pay him a cent.

In his lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Arman Mkrtchyan is asking for a “decoration fee” of $50,000.
Mkrtchyan claims the “Alice” chairs are a dead ringer for his design … in fact, he claims he has a chair for every suit in the deck — including spades, clubs and diamonds.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Walt Disney World Quick Tip – Illuminations Viewing

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 18, 2010

It seems that people are always looking for the best Illuminations viewing spot and invariably , most seem to end up between the Friendship Docks on the Future World side of World Showcase Lagoon. They do this to avoid the crowd and the rush to the exit but by viewing from this spot they become part of both.

Over the years I have found that unless you have a prime dinner reservation at the Rose and Crown and want to take a chance on an outside table (even if you don’t they will allow you to stand outside during the show) you should look elsewhere. Our favorite spot is somewhere around the Italy Pavilion depending on wind direction (extremely important). Normally the crowds are non existent in this area and you can get right up to the fence for an unobstructed view. Be sure to look around for speakers, if you are too close the music is quite loud. Further, there are no islands in the water in this area to obstruct the view.

After the show enjoy a leisurely stroll around an almost deserted World Showcase to either the parking lot/bus area or the International Gateway if you are staying in the Boardwalk area. The people who stood opposite you on the other side of the lagoon to avoid the crowd (themselves) will be gone and you will have a very short wait for transportation. Enjoy the show!!!

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark Official Trailer

By

Chip

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August 17, 2010

Producers Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth,” “The Orphanage”) and Mark Johnson (“Chronicles of Narnia”) join forces to deliver “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” a tale of hair-raising, spine-chilling horror.

Sally Hurst (Bailee Madison), a lonely, withdrawn child, has just arrived in Rhode Island to live with her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes) at the 19th-century mansion they are restoring. While exploring the sprawling estate, the young girl discovers a hidden basement, undisturbed since the strange disappearance of the mansion’s builder a century ago. When Sally unwittingly lets loose a race of ancient, dark-dwelling creatures who conspire to drag her down into the mysterious house’s bottomless depths, she must convince Alex and Kim that it’s not a fantasy—before the evil lurking in the dark consumes them all.

Coming to theaters January 21, 2011

Become a fan on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DontBeAfraidOfThe…

Visit http://dontbeafraidofthedark-movie.com