ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Expands Relationship with HP

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July 30, 2010

Walt Disney World Resort today announced an expansion to its long-term business relationship with HP, which now includes naming rights for the 165,000-square-foot fieldhouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Beginning today, the fieldhouse will be renamed with the HP brand and will feature several new high-tech elements designed to enhance the sports experience for the nearly 1.5 million athletes, coaches and fans who visit the complex each year. HP also becomes the official imaging, printing and PC partner for ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the leading multi-sports venue in the nation.

The centerpiece of the soon to be renamed fieldhouse will be the HP creation zone where athletes, coaches and fans can download, design and enhance commemorative photos and images of their events, then immediately produce and print them onsite. The HP creation zone will also include a retail area featuring a variety of imaging-related products and options for youth athletes and consumers, such as creating life-size posters of action photos, custom wallpaper coverings for the home and other photo keepsakes/memorabilia.

“HP’s innovative technologies further differentiate the athlete experience at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in ways that no other youth sports venue can match,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “The HP technological enhancements in the complex are just the latest in a growing number of technology-driven projects that are at the core of our growth strategy, which centers around continually elevating the sports experience for our athletes, coaches and fans.”

There will also be an HP internet “café” capability inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Grill featuring HP TouchSmart PCs. Individual stations will offer online access to a variety of sites, including ESPN.com, ESPNRISE.com, ESPNWWOS.com, Disney.com, Disneyworld.com and others.

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Welcome Center, an onsite concierge facility, will offer kiosks that also feature HP TouchSmart PCs. The kiosks, which will also be located at additional locations throughout the complex, will enable athletes and fans to access and print a wide range of sports event information, including field assignments and schedule updates, as well as general Disney information and resources, such as dining reservations and vacation planning tools for theme parks, resorts and water parks.

“The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex continues HP’s decades-long collaboration with Disney to captivate audiences through technology innovation and digital entertainment,” said Michael Mendenhall, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at HP. “The HP fieldhouse will deliver the ultimate sports environment, combining state-of-the-art athletic facilities with a rich, interactive technology experience to extend the spirit and passion of sports beyond the field of play.”

The fieldhouse accommodates virtually any indoor sport, including basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts, team handball, roller hockey, cheerleading and dance, trampoline and tumbling, indoor tennis, etc., in addition to concerts and conventions. Opened in 1997, the venue has a seating capacity of 5,500 and room for six full-size collegiate basketball courts.

HP’s presence at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex extends the company’s long-standing relationship with Disney, which began in 1940 when HP worked with Walt Disney to enhance the acoustics in movie theaters before the release of Disney’s “Fantasia” movie. Currently, HP sponsors the MISSION: Space attraction at Epcot and is one of the sponsors of the Disneyland Dream Home at Disneyland Park. Disney is one of HP’s largest customers and utilizes thousands of HP business PCs, servers and printers, in addition to technology services, business intelligence software and storage.

The expansion of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’s relationship with HP comes on the heels of the complex’s most comprehensive redesign since it opened in 1997. In February 2010, the complex, which was already the leading multi-sport venue in the world, was re-imagined with the ESPN brand, bringing the signature elements of ESPN to the complex to create a one-of-a-kind sports experience that lets athletes, coaches and fans feel as if they’ve reached the big time with ESPN.

$25 – $100 Disney Gift Card Giveaway to Facebook Fans

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 30, 2010

Add WDW Vacations as a Friend on Facebook and you will be automatically entered into the August Giveaway.

Tell your friends to join their Facebook page!
If they get 2,000 fans total by Aug. 31 they will give one of the fans a $25 Disney Gift Card.
If 2,500 fans join they will giveaway a $50 Disney Gift Card
3,000 fans and they giveaway a $75 Disney Gift Card.
Over 3,500 fans and they will giveaway a $100 Disney Gift Card.

If you are already a fan you are already entered.

http://www.facebook.com/WDWVacations

WDWVacations on Facebook has the latest Disney Discounts, News and Disney Tips brought to you by Pixie Vacations.

Disney Food Confession – French Toast with Fresh Berries and Mascarpone Cream

By

Chip

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July 30, 2010

Where is it? Tony’s Town Square Restaurant – Magic Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort

What is it? French Toast with Fresh Berries and drizzled with Mascarpone Cream

Why you want it? Well it is no longer available as Tony’s only serves lunch and dinner but this place of pure deliciousness was a slice of heaven.

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!

By Popular Demand, ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended Indefinitely

By

Chip

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July 30, 2010

With its glittery galaxy of 23 illuminated floats, 80 performers, and trademark synthesizer music sweetened with Disney theme songs, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” has been leaving Magic Kingdom guests aglow all summer.

Now, the cherished entertainment spectacular is being extended by popular demand, Walt Disney World announced today.

“The return of Disney’s ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ to the Magic Kingdom has been an overwhelming success,” said Magic Kingdom Vice President Phil Holmes. “Guests begin cheering as soon as they hear the opening fanfare and see those fantastic floats covered in lights. The parade is a magical part of a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, so we’re thrilled to be announcing we’re leaving the lights on.”

Fronted by a new lead float starring Tinker Bell, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” officially bowed at Magic Kingdom June 6, 2010.

Beloved by generations, the parade anchors Disney’s multi-park “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment extravaganza of attractions and events. Once “Summer Nightastic!” draws to a close on Aug. 14 as previously announced, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” will continue an open-ended run.

The iconic pageant of illuminated floats dates to 1972 when it first debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and became an instant hit.

Prior to its current run in Florida, the parade last performed at Walt Disney World Resort from 1999 into 2001. This summer, Magic Kingdom guests have been treated to all-new elements that continue in the encore phase of the run:

Tinker Bell leads the eye-filling procession, waving from the basket of a balloon floating gracefully above a magical garden shimmering in fairy light.
Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade, and Snow White joins the Seven Dwarfs on a diamond mine float.
There are new lighting effects, and the parade’s highly recognizable musical theme is brightened by new technology.

Beloved floats like the Honor America finale display – featuring the American flag and giant American eagle – are among parade favorites, along with popular characters such as Alice, Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

Especially Good News for Florida Residents

The extension will enable Florida Resident Seasonal and Weekday Select Passholders to experience the parade on their passes. And with the ability to sign on for a new monthly payment program, Florida Resident Passholders can enjoy the parade and so much more Disney theme park magic for as little as $16 a month, after an initial down payment. The payment program is available only online and complete information is available at www.disneyworld.com/payments.

New Disney’s Tangled Poster and Featurette

By

Chip

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July 30, 2010

Here is the new Movie poster for Disney Rapunzel Tangled. With the movie only 4 months away excitement is building for this feature film. I know my little one is excited to see it, both movies we went to see (Despicable Me & Toy Story 3) there was the same movie trailer in it, and both times my little one leaned over to me and said I want to see that one Daddy.

Here is a featurette that was released online that talks more about the movie.

Don’t forget Tangled is opening in 3D and 2D theaters on November 24.

Pixar 25 Years of Animation exhibit opening video at Oakland Museum of California

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

This article and video come to us from Don Sanchez KGO-TV in San Francisco.

Ever wonder how the geniuses at Pixar created “Toy Story,” “Cars” or “Ratatouille?” Now you can get a behind the scenes look with the opening of “Pixar: 25 Years of Animation” Saturday at the Oakland Museum of California.The images are unmistakable, memorable. The artistry of Pixar, the studio that redefined and revolutionized animation.

The exhibit holds more than 600 works that point to collaboration in every frame.

“One artist will make something, another will look at it, the director, the production designer, we’re constantly reviewing our work and changing it and making sure it fits the story and fits the film,” Pixar U Archive Director Elyse Klaidman said.

At Pixar their values have always been on strong characters, story and a convincing world.

“Before anyone touches a computer at Pixar all of the characters, the story and the world of Pixar is done by hand by artists doing drawing, paintings, and sculptures,” Executive Director Lori Fogarty said.

The exhibit began five years ago at MoMA in New York. She convinced Pixar executives that the works should come to the Bay Area after a world tour.

“It was a combination of these things not only being great works of art, but also telling really important stories for Pixar,” senior curator Rene De Guzman said.

Having the exhibition in Pixar’s backyard means the artists and creators will be able to interact with museum goers.

The showstopper is the Pixar zoetrope. When it spins and the lights flicker, it creates the illusion of motion, the secret of motion pictures.

As impressive as all of this is, Pixar has more than a million artifacts in storage, opening up the possibility for more exhibitions. This one runs into next January.

Source

Photo Credit Pixar

Canoe Races of the World Crowns 2010 Champion

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

Hundreds of Disney Cast Members arrived at the Magic Kingdom before sunrise this month to participate in Canoe Races of the World, also known as C.R.O.W., a spirited Disney tradition that involves friendly competition and strength behind the oars. The beloved annual Cast Member event dates back to 1963 at Disneyland, 1973 at Walt Disney World Resort and is now at Disney Parks worldwide.

Of the 79 participating teams, Shut Up and Let Me Row… HEY! from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, was crowned the 2010 C.R.O.W. grand champion on July 23. The title is a first for the co-ed recreational team, who competed against five other finalists in the grand championship round, held pre-dawn on the Rivers of America.

“We were thrilled that we won our division, and all of us were in shock when they announced us as the C.R.O.W. Grand Champions,” said team captain Kari Harlow. She credits strong communication and unity among the team members to keeping them in sync on the river, which ultimately led to their victory. A sense of humor helped too.

“Our team loves to laugh, so we stayed positive throughout the competition, even in stressful situations. C.R.O.W. is a stellar event and we loved being a part of it,” said Harlow.

You Can’t Beat the Fun of the Electrical Parade – Now Extended!

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade marches through the Magic Kingdom, twinkling with approximately half a million lights. One of many guest favorites is the iconic “Pete’s Dragon” float (pictured). The beloved parade returned to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort on June 6, 2010 and, by popular demand, has now been extended on an open-ended run.

Check out Disney’s Video Coverage of the Main Street Electrical Parade below:

Photo & Video Credit Disney

Relaxation and Indulgences in Store Just for Adults on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

On the Disney Dream, while children are having the time of their lives in the elaborately themed youth areas, adults can look forward to incomparable indulgences and relaxation with exclusive areas and offerings designed exclusively for them. With a spectacular nighttime entertainment district, exquisite dining, a deluxe spa and a tranquil private pool, the Disney Dream provides adults with endless ways to unwind, rejuvenate and pamper themselves.

Escape…
The District is an extraordinary adult-exclusive nighttime entertainment area on the Disney Dream. Featuring sophisticated bars and lounges, this playground for grownups transports adult guests to a world all their own.

Guests visiting The District will encounter an array of experiences that stimulate all the senses – with each venue presenting its own unique design, look, feel, sounds and palate-pleasing delights. All venues in The District are interconnected and convey a sense of discovery as guests move throughout the areas.

The District is located on Deck 4 aft and is open exclusively to guests age 18 and older. Sensational venues include:

District Lounge – sophisticated, yet relaxed area featuring live piano music and entertainment
687 – warm, welcoming and casual – a modern interpretation of a traditional pub
Pink – an elegant and upscale cocktail lounge serving champagne and top-shelf libations
Skyline – a chic, metropolitan “sky bar” with ever-changing views of stunning city skylines
Evolution – inspired by the evolution of the butterfly, a dynamic, contemporary night club

Relax…
Senses Spa & Salon provides tranquility, pampering and relaxation in an ocean-view environment of more than 16,000 square feet. Located in the forward section of the ship and spanning two decks, the spa features a design that is soothing – using a color palate of natural green, blue and soft brown hues, organic tropical motifs and lush woods to impart a calming effect.

17 private treatment rooms – offering a menu of luxurious spa treatments and services such as massages, body wraps and facials.
Rainforest – offering the benefits of steam, heat and hydrotherapy combined with the power of aromatherapy to relax the mind and body. Specialized areas include a steam bath, steam room, tiled sauna and aromatic rain showers. Guests can relish the Rainforest’s calming ocean views while reclining in heated mosaic tile relaxation chairs, or lounge outside in one of two whirlpool hot tubs on the private teak deck.
Two lavish spa villas – for the ultimate indulgence, the villas feature an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal whirlpool hot tub, shower and a plush, double lounge chair.
Ocean-view gym – a nearly 2,500-square-foot gym with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and complimentary group classes such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics, stretching and spinning.
Additional Senses Spa & Salon offerings include manicures, pedicures, hair salon services, a barber shop and teeth whitening at the Smile Spa.

Adults can soak up the sun and bask in warm tropical breezes at the Quiet Cove Pool, a multi-level pool with varying depths.

Also located in the adults-only area on Deck 11 is Cove Café. With a warm, comfortable design, Cove Café is a peaceful retreat where adults can sit back, sip a gourmet coffee, read a magazine or book, watch the national news or use the café’s WiFi-enabled laptop to surf the internet.

Indulge…
Sweeping ocean views, rich décor and epicurean excellence create the setting for a romantic escape aboard the Disney Dream in a redesigned version of Disney Cruise Line’s signature specialty restaurant, Palo. Named after the colorful poles that line the canals of Venice, Disney Cruise Line’s signature restaurant invites adults to indulge in a menu of delectable Northern Italian cuisine, an extensive wine list and superior service.

For an entirely new Palo experience on the Disney Dream, guests may dine al fresco on Palo’s private outdoor teak deck, with picturesque views and warm ocean breezes further tantalizing the senses.

In an exquisite, top-deck restaurant with incredible ocean views, Disney Cruise Line debuts Remy – its first-ever premier dining option. With French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs, Remy melds classic and contemporary styles in a sophisticated new dining concept exclusively for adults on the Disney Dream.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant just outside Reims, France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort, collaborate to create a menu featuring superior products and seasonal ingredients.

Polished touches at Remy include a tableside trolley for serving international cheeses, decanting stations for wines, and post-prandial coffee service including French press and grand crème. A private Chef’s Table dining room provides a glimpse into the kitchen and offers a special multi-course menu.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

Hakuna Matata – Lion King will be Coming To BluRay

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

Great news for those Lion King Fans out there Disney’s Lion King is coming to Disney Diamond Edition BluRay in the Fall of 2011. Check out the video below for more.

Photo Credit Disney

Disney Store Celebrates East Coast Grand Opening in Garden City NY

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

Disney Store celebrated the first east coast opening of its newly-designed store today with a grand opening event at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, New York. Disney·Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear made a special appearance to welcome guests, and members of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens were there to “unlock the imagination” and enjoy a special tour of the new high-tech, interactive store. As special guests, the Boys and Girls Club kids were treated to a private reading of a Disney Digital Book brought to life by the 12-foot wide curved screen in the 360-degree Disney Store Theatre. Disney Store provided each child with a Toy Story backpack to kick off the back-to-school season and Disney Publishing Worldwide provided a free subscription to Disney Digital Books.

“We have already experienced an overwhelmingly positive response from guests visiting our newly designed Montebello, CA location, and will build upon that success with the opening of our Roosevelt Field store,” said Molly Adams, vice president/general manger, Disney Store North America. “The magical experiences and interactive features of the new store design set the stage for us to truly showcase the storytelling details of our exclusive product assortment and we are so excited to share it for the first time with our east coasts guests.”

“Disney Store has had a presence in Roosevelt Field for more than 20 years,” said Dan Ojeda, store manager for Roosevelt Field Disney Store. “We are excited to share this moment with the community and hope they will visit us often to create special memories with their family and share many magical moments with us.”

With the successful worldwide launch of the new design in June at The Shops in Montebello in Montebello, CA, and the Disney Store in Madrid, Spain, Disney Store positioned itself as a premier immersive retail destination. Initial data has shown that guests are extending their visit in the newly-designed stores for up to 30 minutes as they enjoy the Disney Princess castle with magic mirror, Disney·Pixar CARS-branded RIDEMAKERZ custom car building experience, view content in the Disney Store Theatre, and engage with the many magical elements throughout the store.

[See below for more photos from the event]

This fall, Disney Store will open a newly-designed store at Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. In 2010, Disney Store plans to reveal the new design at several locations throughout the United States including The Shops at Mission Viejo in Mission Viejo, CA; North State Street in Chicago, IL, (Block 37 Complex; Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, NJ; NorthPark Center in Dallas, TX; Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, CA; International Plaza in Tampa, FL; Fashion Valley in San Diego, CA; Disney Store on Stockton Street in San Francisco, CA; and a two-story Disney Store in Times Square in November.

With each new store opening in 2010, Disney Store will donate 10 percent of the first day’s sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the United States.

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Epcot 2010 Food & Wine Festival – Serving Beer?

By

Chip

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July 29, 2010

BEERS ON TAP: Refreshing beers, lagers and ales will be poured during the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

International samplings will dot World Showcase along with lively entertainment, seminars and celebrated culinary experts. Dates for the Festival: Oct. 1- Nov. 14, 2010.