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Dooney & Bourke Co-Branded Product Sets Sail on Disney Cruise Line

DCLPursesSMALL
DCLPursesSMALL

Dooney & Bourke Co-Branded Product Sets Sail on Disney Cruise Line

Ahoy Disney Cruise Line fans, we have something new just for you!

Launching on Disney Wonder and Disney Magic is the new Dooney & Bourke collection created especially for Disney Cruise Line. This colorful collection features a few of your favorite Disney Cruise Line inspired characters on some of Dooney & Bourke’s most popular silhouettes.

This new collection can only be found on the Disney Cruise Line, so keep an eye out for them on your next Disney Cruise.

Source & Photo disneyparkblog.com

Experience More of Wonderland on BluRay & DVD June 1st

alicebluray
alicebluray

Experience More of Wonderland on BluRay & DVD June 1st

Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND ON DISNEY BLU-RAY & DVD — JUNE 1, 2010

With Worldwide Theatrical Box Office Earnings Approaching the $800 Million Mark, Tim Burton’s Take on the Classic Tales Wins Fans Everywhere

Following a record-breaking theatrical performance, Tim Burton’s epic fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Disney’s 4th biggest film of all time, takes its booming box-office success into the home with a Disney 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), 1-Disc Blu-ray and 1-Disc DVD on June 1, 2010, from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE).

The ALICE IN WONDERLAND Blu-ray Disc™ Combo Pack provides audiences with the chance to experience a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time in pristine 1080p picture and Dolby Digital 5.1 HD surround sound quality and has been especially packaged with family and fans in mind – with lots of exciting bonus features and an extra DVD and Digital Copy of the movie.

The Blu-ray Disc versions of the film include nine bonus features that take viewers deeper into the famous “Rabbit Hole” – exploring more of the world of Wonderland, its iconic characters and the making of the film. Features include the making of the Futterwacken Dance, a look inside the world of the Mad Hatter and Johnny Depp’s transformation, Tim Burton’s vision for the movie and its characters, the visual effects of growing and shrinking of Alice, costume designs, music, stunts and more.

The suggested retail prices for ALICE IN WONDERLAND are as follows: The 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) is $44.99 (US)/$51.99 (Canada); the 1-Disc Blu-ray is $39.99 (US) /$44.99 (Canada); and the Single Disc DVD is $29.99 (US)/$35.99 (Canada).

Film Synopsis:

Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice for a fantastical new adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Burton. Inviting and magical, ALICE IN WONDERLAND is an imaginative new twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. Alice (Mia Wasikowska), now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. Wonderland is a world beyond your imagination and unlike anything you’ve seen before. The extraordinary characters you’ve loved come to life richer and more colorful than ever. There’s the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), the White Queen (Anne Hathaway), the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), the White Rabbit (Michael Sheen) and more. A triumphant cinematic experience – ALICE IN WONDERLAND is an incredible feast for your eyes, ears and heart that will captivate audiences of all sizes.

The film’s opening weekend made ALICE IN WONDERLAND the highest-grossing non-sequel opening weekend in history, the biggest March opening of all time, the biggest 3D opening of all time and the biggest IMAX opening of all time.

Bonus Features:

DVD:

  • Finding Alice – It’s all things Alice. This featurette includes Tim Burton’s vision for the characters, differences from the book and Disney’s version of Alice and how she evolves as both a character and actor as she takes an adventure through Wonderland.
  • The Mad Hatter – Audiences are provided with a deeper look into the world of the Mad Hatter. Check out Johnny Depp’s early sketches, make-up, costumes and how they digitally enhanced his eyes.
  • Effecting Wonderland – A behind-the-scenes piece on the different technologies used to create some of the most beloved characters in the film – Stayne, Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Bandersnatch and the Red Queen.

BLU-RAY:

Everything on the DVD plus:

  • The Futterwacken Dance – Futterwhat? Check out the making of the timeless dance called the Futterwacken.
  • The Red Queen – The creation of the Red Queen from start to finish, including early Tim Burton sketches showcasing costume designs, make-up and digital effects.
  • Time-Lapse: Sculpting the Red Queen – A short time-lapse piece showing Helena Bonham Carter as she gets her make-up done. A three-hour process can be watched in just a few short minutes.
  • The White Queen – An interview with Anne Hathaway, who plays Wonderland’s good queen, about her character’s journey throughout the process of the film.
  • Scoring Wonderland – Composer Danny Elfman and Tim Burton discuss the music for the movie.
  • Stunts of Wonderland – A featurette highlighting some of the biggest stunts in the film.
  • Making the Proper Size – An inside look at the visual effects process of growing and shrinking Alice. See how filmmakers used different techniques to stay true to the storyline.
  • Cakes of Wonderland – Take a trip to “Cake Divas” where the creators of the EAT ME cakes provide viewers with details about how they made the smallest crumb to the largest cake in scale.
  • Tea Party Props – Tea cups, saucers, cakes and more. Prop master Doug Harlocker gives an overview of all the props used to bring the famous tea party scene together visually.

Disc Details:

BLU-RAY DVD
Street Date June 1, 1010 June 1, 2010
Direct Prebook April 6, 2010 April 6, 2010
Distributor Prebook April 20, 2010 April 20, 2010
Suggested Retail Price 3-Disc Combo Pack – $44.99 US/$51.99 Canada
1-Disc BD – $39.99 US/$44.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD $29.99/$35.99 Canada
Feature Run Time 109 minutes 109 minutes
Rated U.S.: PG, Bonus Materials Not Rated

Canada: PG (CF: G)

U.S.: PG, Bonus Materials Not Rated

Canada: PG (CF: G)

Aspect Ratio 1080p High Definition Widescreen (1:78:1) Widescreen (1:78:1); Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
Sound Digital Dolby 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 48kHz/24-hit Digital Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages Primary Language: English

Tracks: French and Spanish

Primary Language: English

Tracks: French and Spanish

Subtitles Spanish, French Spanish, French

About Disney Combo Packs:

To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney classics, in 2008 WDSHE pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc plus a DVD and in some cases a Digital Copy of the movie in a single package. Current 2010 Disney titles available as Combo Packs include Ponyo, Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Princess and the Frog.

About Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment:

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry, is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista product, which includes DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ and electronic distribution. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Studios.

Disneyland Resort wins top volunteer award

volunteers
volunteers

Disneyland Resort wins top volunteer award

Disneyland Resort, which sponsors an annual volunteer day and routinely sends out armies of “VoluntEARS” to help with charitable causes across Orange County, was honored with the Giving is Living Award at a luncheon Thursday.

The award was the top honor given by the Volunteer Center of Orange County during its 34th annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards at the Disneyland Hotel.

The luncheon also honored more than 350 people who dedicated hours and hours in the past year – from volunteering to help abused women find safety and independence to finding homes for lost and injured pets.

Click here to keep reading.

Whatever happened to…Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Whatever happened to...Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Whatever happened to The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.

Does anyone else remember this classic Disney Film from 1949? It hardly ever gets mentioned even though it was based off of 2 pieces of classic American Literature, “The Wind in the Willows” & “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

This was Walt Disney’s 11 Animated Masterpiece and featured two short films in one. It had the classic Technicolor look of other Disney movies from that era. Later Disney separated the story of Ichabod Crane from the companion Mr. Toad film and sold and marketed it separately starting in 1958.

Here is a video preview:

Also here is a Wikipedia breakdown of both films in case you have never seen or heard of them.

Whatever happened to...Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

The Wind in the Willows

The Adventures of Mr. Toad is based on Kenneth Grahame‘s The Wind in the Willows (narrated by Basil Rathbone). In this story, the charismatic J. Thaddeus Toad, Esq., is the happy-go-lucky, wealthy proprietor of Toad Hall. Toad believes in fun, adventure and travelling to “Nowhere in Particular”; He has built a great deal of debt from disregarding the financial responsibilities of his insatiable love for transportation vehicles, such as gypsy carts and (subsequently) the newfangled motor car. His friends Ratty (Water Rat), Moley (Mole) and Angus MacBadger, try to help him when his mania leads to the loss of the deed to Toad Hall, and a charge of car theft. Toad is thrown into prison due to the perjured testimony of Mr. Winkie the tavernkeeper. Later, Toad’s loyal horse Cyril Proudbottom pays a visit and assists him in escaping. Toad makes good his escape and manages to get back to Ratty’s home on Christmas Eve. There Toad, Ratty and Moley are informed by MacBadger that evil Winkie (who sold Toad the car), and several criminal weasels, have taken over Toad Hall. With his friends’ aid, Toad redeems his good name by recovering the deed to the estate from the very hands of its captors. Toad, touched by the loyalty and kindness of his friends, promises to reform; but is shown (at Ratty, Moley and MacBadger’s New Year celebrations) relapsing by recklessly flying a 1908 biplane along with Cyril at the end of the story.

Whatever happened to...Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, based on Washington Irving‘s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (narrated by Bing Crosby). The gangly and lanky Ichabod Crane is the new schoolmaster in Sleepy Hollow. His somewhat odd behavior makes him the ridicule of the rambunctious and robust town bully Brom Bones. Despite his odd appearance, Ichabod quickly proves to be a ladies’ man charming all the eligible local ladies. Finally, however, Ichabod discovers the local town beauty, Katrina Van Tassel. Katrina is the beautiful young daughter of Baltus Van Tassel, the wealthiest farmer in the area, and Brom’s intended. Katrina is a coquette by nature, but sees Ichabod as an opportunity to break from the monotony of Brom scaring away every other potential suitor. Ichabod has his eye on the Van Tassel wealth, and is infatuated by Katrina’s beauty and grace as well. After a number of comically unsuccessful efforts by Brom to dispose of Ichabod, including a scene at the Van Tassel’s Halloween party where he tries to switch his short overweight dance partner Tilda with Katrina, the situation changes when Brom decides to take advantage of Ichabod’s strong belief in superstitions. Brom musically tells the tale of the Headless Horseman to frighten the teacher. That Halloween night, Crane’s lonely ride home becomes exceedingly frightening because of his exposure to the possibility of encountering the ghost. The atmosphere of fear increases in intensity, until it breaks the tension at a false alarm, whereupon Ichabod and his horse laugh hysterically in relief. Immediately, the true  Headless Horseman appears, laughing maniacally, riding a large black horse that bears a strong resemblance to the one owned by Brom. Then follows a spectacular chase scene wherein the visually impressive Horseman pursues Ichabod with wild abandon, only to be deterred when Ichabod crosses a bridge near the local Dutch graveyard (the bridge being the point beyond which the horseman cannot go, according to the tale). The Horseman then hurls his own severed head (shown to actually be a fiery Jack-o-lantern), at Ichabod. The jack-o-lantern is seemingly hurled right at us, bursts into flames as it strikes, and everything is lost to darkness. The next morning, the only things found by the bridge are a shattered pumpkin and Ichabod’s hat. Brom shortly thereafter marries Katrina. It is later rumored that Ichabod married a rich, plump widow with many children (who all resemble Ichabod to an amazing degree), in the next county. But the simple, common denizens of Sleepy Hollow firmly deny this; they all know that Ichabod was spirited away on Halloween Night by the ghoulish Headless Horseman.

Even though these movies were before my time. I remember seeing the Legend of Sleepy Hollow when I was younger (Not sure if it was on a Disney Sunday night special or on VHS somewhere) and riding on Mr Toad’s ride at Walt Disney World. Which is no longer there and will be a topic in a later article.

This is a true Disney classic in a time when Walt Disney was struggling. He would later release Cinderella which would turn things around for him and start his decent on other animated films we know and love.

You can find this film everywhere even on some Tube releated sites (wink) or to purchase on DVD for your Disney Collection. When my little one gets a little older we are going to make this a Halloween tradition to watch this movie and the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

I hope that through these articles I am able to spark a distant memory of Disney when you were younger. Disney was apart of my life growing up and I like remembering bits and pieces of the past. They made me into the Disney Nerd I am today. See you next time!

Disneyland’s Food & Wine Festival is Underway

califoodandwine
califoodandwine
Disneyland's Food & Wine Festival is Underway
From April 16 to May 31, 2010, please your “palette” with a kaleidoscope of culinary experiences at the Fifth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival. For 46 days, Disney’s California Adventure® Park and select locations at the Disneyland® Resort will host “The Art of Flavor,” one of the most anticipated events of spring! Enjoy cooking demonstrations, seminars and recipes that reflect the Golden State’s regional and culinary diversity. It’s presented by Vanity Fair® Premium Napkins and Plates.

Many Festival favorites are returning, in addition to new events and activities…including the all-new Festival Showplace!

Signature Events**
Reserve your spot at these extraordinary celebrations that will amaze and delight food and wine aficionados or anyone who appreciates a great culinary experience.

Daily Schedule
Get up-to-date times and locations for all of the exciting activities and events at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival. Seminars & Demonstrations
Immerse yourself in the appetizing world of California’s storied history of fine food and wine at captivating culinary demonstrations, celebrity chef appearances and wine, beer and spirits seminars — all celebrating “The Art of Flavor”!

Places to Discover
In addition to our scheduled events, there’s plenty to do and see throughout the festival including special dining opportunities, art exhibits and wine tasting.

Festival Highlights

“Taste of California” Marketplace
The marketplace returns to Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival! Enjoy unique festival foods created especially for the Festival. Delicious tapas-sized tastings are available in the Festival Showplace, located in Stage 12 in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Expertly paired wines and beer are also available for purchase.

Star Lounge presented by Stella Artois
Experience the pouring ritual! Enjoy the featured Belgian beers and Festival wines by the glass, or indulge in a specially created cocktail.

Festival Gift Shop
Shop for specially designed Festival merchandise and logo items to commemorate your visit.

The “Wine Seller”
With hundreds of wines featured, you’re sure to find a new favorite. The Wine Seller offers full-bottle sales of selected wines available for purchase to enjoy at home. For your convenience, bottle purchases will be delivered to Package Pickup located outside the entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Showplace Stage
Attend seminars, demonstrations and events — including Sweet Sundays — at the Showplace Stage, located in the Festival Showplace.

Chef Showcase Stage
Experience delicious demonstrations or see some of your favorite celebrity chefs live and in-person at this culinary hub in Sunshine Plaza. Every day find new ways to create a culinary masterpiece with your own art of flavor.

So Much More!
Discover new wine regions and varietals at the Festival Wine Walks, shop for unique gifts, visit with artisans, or enjoy a delicious new menu item available only during the Festival. Celebrate “The Art of Flavor” at the Fifth Annual Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, April 16 – May 31, 2010!

Click here for more information.

Disney Deal Roundup

disney store
disney store

Disney Deal Roundup

There are a few Disney Deals going on right now at DisneyStore.com that we wanted to let everyone know about:

First is a swimwear deal on disneystore.com .   Kids swimwear is on discount with many Disney swimsuits (both boys and girls) going for only $15!  Check out the Summer Fun Shop on DisneyStore.com.

Next up, If you spend $89 or more be sure to put in the promo code SHIPTODAY.  This promo code will give you $5 shipping for the whole order!  Be sure to read all the rules.

Finally, we have free personalization on many of the Create-Your-Own items at DisneyStore.com.  Use the promo code PZME and as always, read up on those rules to make sure your order qualifies!

*Image Credit: http://www.disneystore.com/

Zac Efron of High School Musical Ditches Disney for Drugs

Zac Efron of High School Musical Ditches Disney for Drugs

The recovering teen heartthrob continues his career makeover, signing on to play a drug runner in a remake of the Swedish thriller Snabba Cash. Efron will also produce the flick (loosely translated as Easy Money) for Warner Bros.

The film follows three interconnected stories set in the world of drugs and organized crime. At the center of it all is a hustler turned money launderer (Efron) who hopes to get rich by smuggling cocaine for a mob boss.

If nothing else, it will make for interesting conversation at the High School reunion.

Photo James Devaney/Getty Images

Desert Glory inks marketing campaign with Radio Disney

Radio Disney Logo
Radio Disney Logo

Desert Glory inks marketing campaign with Radio Disney

San Antonio tomato grower Desert Glory Ltd. is teaming up with Radio Disney on a new marketing campaign that will offer consumers free digital music downloads with the purchase of NatureSweet Cherub bite-sized tomatoes.

Financial terms of the campaign were not disclosed.

Desert Glory grows and packages sweet Cherub tomatoes in a re-sealable fruit-bowl container under the brand name NatureSweet Tomatoes. Cherubs are twice as sweet as the average tomatoes and are being marketed as a healthy snack for children. Radio Disney reaches a nationwide audience of 22.2 million listeners, mostly children and tweens. Packages will carry a code that parents can use to download music. Radio Disney will promote NatureSweet on its stations and Web site (RadioDisney.com).

As part of this multi-faceted marketing campaign, Desert Glory will sponsor an interactive talent contest and events in 18 markets throughout the country to give away NatureSweet product samples. Some of these top markets include Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. The company will also support Radio Disney’s programming feature, “N.B.T.: Making It Big.” N.B.T. stands for Next Big Thing and Radio Disney is searching for the next kid singing sensation. Finalists could land a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

As part of the NatureSweet online talent contest, children aged 6 to 16 will be asked to submit videos showcasing their natural talents inspired by the Cherub tomatoes. Beginning April 18, participants will upload their video entries to the NatureSweet Cherubs Web site (www.cherubstomatoes.com) with a chance to win a trip for four to Los Angeles to attend Radio Disney’s Allstar Weekend for N.B.T. Visitors to the site can also vote on their favorite kid performers.

Guy Fieri chats about his favorite Orange County Eats

guy and knife
guy and knife

Guy Fieri chats about his favorite Orange County Eats

Talking to Food Network superstar Guy Fieri is equivalent to running a 100-yard dash. The conversation is an energizing sprint that leaves you breathless and thirsty when the chat is over.

During a break from filming a “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” episode in Kansas City, Fieri and I talked about his upcoming cooking demonstrations at Disney’s California Food & Wine festival. The 5th annual event kicks off Friday, and Fieri’s two-day appearance will certainly be a highlight of the foodie event, which runs April 16 through May 31.

In our short chat, Fieri talked about his favorite new Orange County eats and relished in debunking stories that he walks around in a food coma due to his so-called addiction to junk food.

“This is the one (story) that kills me,” he says. “I’m not a fried food fan.”

Maybe so. But the 210-pound chef with spiky blond hair does watch every bite he eats.  After all, he makes a living gobbling mouthwatering comfort foods prepared in dives across the country.

Read on to learn what he had to say about Orange County food fans, his recent Triple D stops in Orange County and  his new network TV game show gig.

Click here for the interview

Ask a Disney Question: Best Deluxe Resort in Disney World.

animal kingdom
animal kingdom

Ask a Disney Question: Best Deluxe Resort in Disney World.

This question comes from Kay, who asks “What resort do you think is the best for amenities and features?”

Kay, thanks for your question and for reading the blog.  I think the answer depends on what you’re looking for and your own personal taste.  If you want convenience, and particularly if you have young children who will be spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom,  you can’t beat the monorail resorts with easy access to the entire property.  If you’re going to the Food and Wine Festival, Yacht and Beach Club Resort and Villas and the Boardwalk Inn and Villas are ideal; you can walk or take a boat to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  If you’re looking for a lot of pool time, Yacht and Beach Club wins with Stormalong Bay, the most highly rated pool on property and the largest sand bottomed pool in the world. And if you’re looking for a resort with an exotic theme, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great choice.

Here’s a quick glance at what we’re hearing are guest favorites:

Best for adults traveling without children:  Boardwalk Inn:  Just a short walk to the nightlife on the Boardwalk and to Epcot, this resort is a fun choice for adults, especially if you’re taking advantage of extra magic hours at Epcot.

Runner up:  The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Towers.  For adults who want to be in the middle of everything, you can’t beat the Contemporary.  The pace can be a little frenetic during certain times of times of the day, so if sleeping in is a priority, try not to get a room directly above Chec Mickey’s.  Rent bikes, small watercraft, or play volleyball on the beach.

The best for families with young children:  The Polynesian. Easy access to the Magic Kingdom, a kids club right at the resort, and a beautifully themed pool.  Kids and adults alike love the “volcanic” stream which flows into the larger pool.  There’s also great kid-friendly dining right at the resort and you’re only a couple of monorail stops away from some of the best dining on property, including California Grill, Citrocos, Narcooses, and Victoria and Albert’s.  The conceierge level is the best in Disney World. 

Runner up:  Animal Kingdom Lodge. If it were in a  more convenient location, it would be my first choice.  I love the pool, which is beautifully landscaped and has (in Kidani Village) an  incredible water playground area.  I think it’s better than Stormalong Bay. Cast members conduct hourly activities for kids all day long.  There’s also a three-hour program ($70 per kid) which features a character from the Lion King  which teaches kids about African culture through food, games and crafts.  Guests can also take a private safari from the lodge ($55 for adults).   Plenty of public viewing areas for kids to see the animals on the savannah, so even if you’re not in a savannah view room, you can enjoy it.

Most Romantic:  Grand Floridian. There’s a reason why there are so many weddings here and why it’s a prime honeymoon destination.  The grounds are beautiful, the service is excellent, and even though it’s close to the Magic Kingdom, it tends to have fewer children, in my opinion, than the other monorail resorts.  The spa, located right at the resort, is a favorite spot for some grown up pampering.   Two pools, one in the middle of the property and one right on the Seven Seas Lagoon, are both beautifully landscaped.  If you’ll be spending a full day at the pool, consider renting a cabana with a fridge, comfy lounge chairs, and an attendant.

Runner up: The Polynesian. Watch the fireworks and stroll along the beach.  The exotic theme here makes it another favorite of honeymooners.  You can rent bikes, small watercraft, or surry bikes.

Most well-executed theme:  Animal Kingdom Lodge.   The attention to detail in this resort is incredible, right down to the restaurants which keep the theme going with the food.  AKL is worth a visit even if you don’t stay here.  Don’t miss out on some of the unique artifacts on display here. 

Runner up:    The Polynesian.  Great attention to detail.  The lobby can seem a bit small if you’re used to the grand lobbies you find in newer Disney properties, but you really will feel like you’re in a tropical paradise staying here. 

These are my top three personal favorties:

Number 3:  Grand Floridian.  It’s somewhat popular to bash the Grand on Disney message boards.  It’s one of those resorts that everyone thinks they know.  After all, you’re bound to pass it on your wat to the Magic Kingdom, so everyone has an opinion.  There’s an assumption that it’s frilly and stuffy.  And since it’s Disney’s flagship resort, people assume it’s snobby.    I don’t think these assumptions could be farther from the truth.  The Grand Floridan is a light, airy resort. I like it best during the warmer months when after a hot day in the parks the lobby, which is easily the prettiest on property, is so inviting you barely want to go to your room.   You’ll find the same friendly cast members here as elsewhere on property.  It’s just a lovely place to stay.  There is a child care center and four kids, activities on site which you can register for even if you’re not a guest:  The wonderland tea party, a cooking lesson, Perfectly Princess Tea Party (around $225 for one child and adult) and the Pirate Adventure.

Number 2:  The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Towers:  I love the Contemporary and BLT.   You can’t beat the location or the proximity to good restaurants:  There are three here in the resort, including California Grill, one of the best in Central  Florida.  One of my favorite things to do on property is walk from the resort to the Magic Kingdom.   Of course, you really can’t beat watching the fireworks from your balcony or one of the viewing areas.

Some criticize the lack of theming, but I actually think it’s the most Disney of all the resorts, with its modern architecture and the monorail running right through it.  When you think about it, the theme of the Contemporary reflects the optimism and excitement that Walt himself (although he passed away several years before it opened) and the Imagineers felt when it was being built.  It’s a little piece of Disney history frozen in time and to me, even if I’m not staying there, no trip is complete without at least a quick visit.

Number 1:  Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Okay, so I said this was all very subjective and I’m sure some readers will disagree with me, particularly since its considered a “lower” tier deluxe, but I love AKL, not just for the theming, but for the amenities and because it makes me feel like I’m cut off from the rest of Disney property in my own little oasis.  Sometimes I like to be in the middle of things, especially on shorter trips.  For those times, a resort like BLT is perfect.  But when I’m taking a longer trip, especially if it’s with my children, I want peace and quiet at night.  Coming back to the resort after a day in the parks is so relaxing.   The lights in the lobby are a little low and there’s some quiet music playing in the background.  It immediately slows you down from park commando mode to vacation mode.  I don’t know of another resort that does such a good job of this. 

So, what’s your favorite resort and why?

Have a Disney question?  Ask Chip and Co.  If we don’t know the answer we’ll make sure we find someone else who can.

Disney/ABC TV Group’s iPAD App Downloaded Over 212,000 Times Since Launch

Lost iPad 532x709
Lost iPad 532x709

Disney/ABC TV Group's iPAD App Downloaded Over 212,000 Times Since Launch

More Than 680,000 Episodes Started Via the ABC Player App Since its Debut, ABC is First Network to Offer Ad-supported Full Episodes on the iPad

Dedicated to expanding its network and channel brands across multiple platforms and connecting viewers with their favorite shows anytime and anywhere, Disney/ABC Television Group announces early results for its new ABC Player app for the Apple iPad.

Frequently cited as one of the top, “must-have” apps, the ABC Player app has been downloaded more than 212,000 times since the iPad’s April 3rd debut. In its first 12 days, more than 680,000 episodes of ABC series have been started via the app.

“Our new ABC Player iPad app continues our legacy of innovation in the digital space. Delivering an incredible viewing experience, the app makes it easier than ever for fans to keep up with their favorite ABC shows,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. “We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response we have received from our viewers and advertisers.”

To date the Top Five most viewed iPad episodes via the ABC Player app are:

* Modern Family (“Game Changer”)
* Lost (“The Package”)
* Lost (“Happily Ever After”)
* Grey’s Anatomy (“Sympathy for the Parents”)
* Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (“Episode 103”)

Extending the reach of ABC.com’s full episode player onto the iPad, the ABC Player app enables users to watch ad-supported episodes from approximately 20 popular ABC series through a wi-fi connection. The application also allows iPad users to purchase downloads of episodes via the iTunes store. Designed, built and launched in less than five weeks, the ABC Player iPad app brings the full experience of ABC.com’s Emmy Award-winning full episode player to a touch-screen, handheld device for the first time.

With the release of the ABC Player app, the Disney/ABC Television Group adds another first to their array of technical innovations, becoming the first network to offer ad-supported full episodes on the iPad. Other DATG firsts include:

* 1st to offer full episodes on iTunes (October 2005)
* 1st to stream ad-supported full episodes online (May 2006)
* 1st to offer full episodes on demand on a mobile platform (w/Sprint, May 2007)
* 1st to stream episodes online in true 720p HD (Fall 2007)
* 1st to offer expert and user commentary with full episodes online (Fall 2009)

The Disney/ABC Television Group is home to all of The Walt Disney Company’s (NYSE: DIS) worldwide entertainment and news television properties. The Group includes the ABC Television Network (including ABC Daytime, ABC Entertainment Group and ABC News divisions); the Disney Channels Worldwide global kids’ TV business, ABC Family and SOAPnet; as well as distribution and syndication divisions Disney/ABC Domestic Television and Disney Media Distribution. The Disney/ABC Television Group also manages the Radio Disney Network, general interest and non-fiction book imprint Hyperion, as well the Company’s equity interest in A&E Television Networks.

Final “LOST” Cast Photo, Entitled “FINAL FLIGHT,” to be Reveled in TV Guide

LOST logo
LOST logo

Final “LOST” Cast Photo, Entitled “FINAL FLIGHT,” to be Reveled in TV Guide
The final “Lost” cast shot, entitled “Final Flight,” will be exclusively revealed as a two-page spread in TV Guide magazine in their April 19th issue, hitting newsstands today. The image will be available for purchase as a limited edition print run of 300, numbered and signed by ABC chief photographer Bob D’ Amico. The exclusive print will include an ABC certificate of authenticity.
“Lost” fans can purchase the limited edition print by going to www.officialLostphotos.com, which is the sole home of all of the cast images from every season of “Lost” going back to the series premiere in 2004. The image will be available for order as a 16×20 print. The price of an unframed print will be $49.99.
For more information on “Lost,” visit ABC.com

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