Disney Family Fun sweepstakes offers chance to win a trip to Walt Disney World

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March 22, 2010

Disney FamilyFun.com is currently offering its Explore the World Sweepstakes, with the chance for one person to win a trip for four to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Prize Details: The prize features a 5-day 4-night vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort for the winner and up to 3 guests. The prize includes resort hotel accommodations for 4 nights, 5-Day Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option, a $500 Disney Gift Card good for Dining and a World of Recreation, airfare, and transportation between the Orlando International Airport and a Disney resort hotel using Disney’s Magical Express Service. (Approximate Retail Value: $4,928 USD)

Disney FamilyFun.com, the online complement to Disney Family Fun magazine, is a parenting and family website for households with children from toddler age to approximately 12 years. Both the website and magazine provides information on crafts and recipes, holiday, parties and celebrations, playtimes, travel and getaways, and other family activities.

Eligibility & Restrictions

Residents of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia and Canada, excluding Quebec, who are 18 years and older are eligible to enter this sweepstakes.
To be eligible, individuals must be, or become, a register member of Disney Family.com. Registration is free.
Travel and lodging is subject to certain restrictions, including availability and blackout dates.
Employees of Buena Vista Magazines and Family Fun, their parent, affiliate or subsidiary companies, and related promotional agencies, are not eligible to participate.

Be sure to check the full terms & conditions for this sweepstakes here.

Entry Method & Frequency: Enter once online after registering for Disney FamilyFun.com. One entry per person/email address.

Entry by March 31, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The winner will be notified via email on or about April 5, 2010, chosen by a random drawing.

Easter 2010 activities available at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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March 22, 2010

Wow another great article from Heather Leigh Carroll-Landon at the Examiner. Check out what is being offered during the 2010 Easter season at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance throughout the day near the entrance to the park. Plus, a variety of characters will be dressed in Easter attire on Sunday, April 4 during the daily parade. For more details check with Guest Services at Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Camp-Minnie Mickey

Returning to Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Good Times Gathering Spot. But this return is for a limited time only as it is a special place for the Easter season. The Good Times Gathering Spot will re-open from March 28 – April 10, 2010. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.

Guests can stop by and meet Thumper and Miss Bunny – do not forget the camera! Pocahontas will be there for storytelling, a DJ will spin some records for dancing and fun and so much more. But that is not all. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance on Easter Sunday (April 4, 2010) at 2:30 p.m.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The recreation department at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will host many hands on activities. Everything from bunny races, face painting, and scavenger hunts; cookie decorating and Easter basket making will be offered to guests of the resort. Not to mention the egg hunt on Easter morning and the meet and greet with Prince Charming and Cinderella. Plus the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance.

Like in years past, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will host religious services in the Fantasia Ballroom on Easter Sunday.

This is just a few things available click here to keep reading the rest of the list.

Photo Credit Disney Dan via Flickr

Disneyworld Fantasyland expansion is underway

By

Chip

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March 22, 2010

Here is an article from Heather Leigh Carroll-Landon from the Examiner talking about the changes that are underway at Fantasyland in the Walt Disneyworld Resort.

One of the largest refurbishment projects Walt Disney World has taken on is the expansion of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom Park. During this expansion rides will be updated and refurbished, new attractions added and some old ones will become only a memory. Phase one of the Fantasyland Expansion is underway and is scheduled be completed 2013.

Walt Disney World has filed it permits with Orange County, contracts have been awarded and some preparations have begun. Some construction walls are up in an effort to hide the work behind the scenes from guests.

Here is a refresher of what can be expected from the Fantasyland Expansion project:
· Princesses-in-waiting will be able to visit her favorite Princess in her castle, cottage or château. Guests can share a dance with Cinderella, celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s birthday or listen to Belle tell a story.
· Be Our Guest and enjoy dining in one of three enchanted rooms at the Beast’s castle.
· Fly with Dumbo on his new, twice the original size, ride.
· Journey under the sea with Ariel in her new interactive area.
· Meet Tinker Bell and the other fairies at the newly added Pixie Hollow.
· Mickey’s Toon Town Fair will be removed to make room for the expansion.
· The Barnstormer from Mickey’s Toon Town Fair is expected to be re-themed and placed in the Dumbo’s Circus area.

Click here to keep reading.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Late Night Review

By

Chip

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March 22, 2010

After our last excursion to Raleigh to see Disney’s Alice in Wonderland ending in a flop. I patiently waited out the week to make a second pilgrimage to see this Tim Burton film. The same crew from Chip and Co made their departure from Greensboro to Raleigh again. After a yummy dinner at Bahama Breeze and some interesting parking troubles we made it to the IMAX theater.

I was surprised at the number of people in line for a 10:50 Friday night showing. Unfortunately nobody was dressed up in costume. The closest thing to a Disney item was the Dooney & Bourke Disney purse Anne’ was carrying. The theater wasn’t to packed and I was perplexed at after the little IMAX intro there were no movie trailers. I am glad I didn’t have to look at a bunch of commercials either!

Note – I am not going to give away any of the movie so you don’t have to worry about spoiler alerts in the upcoming section.

Mia Wasikowska does a fantastic job as Alice. She is very soft spoken but really a great fit. Her struggle with believing in herself works well in the movie and ends with her overcoming her fears.

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter is by far the star of the movie. His character has so many levels and is very complex. Not just around for comedic relief he really adds a interesting story line to the overall plot. It was cool to see what exactly a hatter does too. FEZ!

The struggle between Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway makes up the overall plot of the movie. There are several funny scenes with both actresses. There is nothing like a warm pig belly 🙂

Crispin Glover is great as Stayne. I kinda wish he would have been more evil. Tim Burton had a chance to really make his character be truly unliked but went middle of the road. You felt sorry for him at the end for the fate that was dealt to him.

All the supporting characters were very funny and interesting. The Cheshire Cat, Tweedledee / Tweedledum, and Dormouse really add some interesting twists, and comedic relief to the movie. One of my favorite in both the original movie and this one is the Blue Caterpillar. Alan Rickman is smokin and there is no mistaking his voice. The first time he spoke my wife asked me isnt that Snape from Harry Potter 🙂

Seeing the movie in IMAX was by far one of the highlights for me. There weren’t a lot of parlor tricks or 3D gimmicks. It was very subtle and nicely done. I actually felt myself move out of the way of plants or trying to look around corners.

The girls thought the makeup was very cool and mentioned maybe getting some of the clothing they are selling at Hot Topic. I wish I would have picked up one of the Mad Hatter Mouse Ears that Jon & Anne’ purchased. Stay Tuned for a picture by picture unveiling.

I don’t think I would let children under the age of 10 to see it as it is quite dark. There isn’t any violence but I would image it would be quite scary for little ones.

A notable highlight is how they tie the original movie and this one together. Jon stated that is they way the books were. For me the movie reminded me of Hook. They way the character comes back to Wonderland only to find it in ruin. I don’t want to go any deeper to reveal the story.

Overall I would give the movie a 9 out of 10. The sights, sounds, and complexity of the characters were great. The story line really works and I can’t really think of one thing I didn’t like. From the minute the movie started till the moment it was over I was engulfed in this film. Not many directors can pull this off but I believe Burton achieved this with flying colors.

I am glad there is not going to be a long wait to own this movie on DVD or BluRay. I don’t own a bluray player but when this movie comes out I am thinking I might go and buy one just to see this movie in High Def.

Alice will be an instant classic and a great movie to add to my Disney library.

Check it out!!!!

Chris Evans offered role of Marvel’s Captain America

By

Chip

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March 22, 2010

Chris Evans is one step closer to the role of Captain America.

Sources said the actor, who donned superhero garb in two “Fantastic Four” movies, has been offered the role in the Marvel feature film.

Marvel has not confirmed the development, and Creative Artists Agency, which represents the actor, declined to comment.

Evans’ offer would encompass starring in up to three “America” movies plus “The Avengers” movies and appearances in several other Marvel movies. A possible complication is that Evans is committed to co-star in the Anna Faris romantic comedy “What’s Your Number?,” which, like “Captain America,” is scheduled to shoot this summer.

The role of Captain America and his alter ego, Steve Rogers, has been one of the most heavily scrutinized parts by the industry, the media and comic book fandom in recent memory.

Evans wasn’t in the initial round of actors being considered, which leaned toward newcomers. Michael Cassidy, Patrick Flueger, Scott Porter, Wilson Blethel and Mike Vogel, along with John Krasinski and Chace Crawford, were those testing and reading. Marvel also was interested in Garrett Hedlund.

Evans, who did not screen-test, already has a relationship with Marvel, having starred as Johnny Storm, the fire-covered superhero in the two “Fantastic Four” movies that Fox released in 2005 and 2007. There is some question as to whether fans would accept an actor who played a Marvel superhero just a few years ago, but given that the movies were not well embraced, with no one faulting the actors, Evans might have a clean slate with moviegoers as Captain America.

Joe Johnston (“The Wolfman”) is directing “America,” which shoots in England.

Evans has the DC Comics adaptation “The Losers” in the can and also appears in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the popular Oni Press graphic novel series.

Walt Disney’s Marvelous Mechanized Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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March 22, 2010

Once-in-a-lifetime event will celebrate Disney’s mechanical magic, from the shores of the Jungle Cruise to monorail beams, Pirate ships, and beyond.

This September 18th 2010, Ape Pen Publishing and the 1313 Club will host an event celebrating the incredible mechanical story of Disneyland—beginning with simple motorized figures and leading to the development of Audio-Animatronics. Unique in the world of themed entertainment for its design and production of hundreds of mechanical devices for the revolutionary theme park, Disney’s creative efforts led from simple animated humans and animals to ride systems, vehicles, special effects, and some of today’s most striking lifelike animatronic characters.

The event will illustrate Disney’s incredible mechanical achievements by spotlighting attractions, characters, and memorable devices created by the Disney Studios and, later, the MAPO arm of WED Imagineering. Using rare images, video, and authentic props and animatronics, guests will gain insight into the fascinating MAPO division as never before.

Disney Legends Xavier Atencio, Rolly Crump, Kathryn Beaumont, Alice Davis, Bob Gurr, Bill Farmer, Floyd Norman, and Garner Holt (& more!) will shed light on this little known but highly intriguing aspect of Disney history—plus performances by Disneyland entertainers and the World premiere of the world’s most advanced animatronic figure.
This once-in-a-lifetime evening will honor Disneyland as one of the world’s great storytelling environments, with special emphasis on its technological wonders. Combining history, entertainment, and lots of surprises, it’s an event not to be missed by any Disneyland Fan.
http://www.the1313club.com/Events.html

Special guest appearance: The Doom Buggies, Joseph ~ of windows to the sky, Kirk Wall, The Can Can Girls and many others to be announced in the up coming months.

Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 : On Stranger Tides Movie News

By

Chip

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March 22, 2010

Here is some funny yet interesting news on the casting for Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 : On Stranger Tides.

The examiner is reporting some of the more interesting characters that will be featured in the movie.

If you’re not a perfectly fit woman with real breasts then you aren’t going to make the cut as a cast member in Disney’s upcoming “”Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”

That rules out 80% of Hollywood since you’re immediately disqualified from the casting call if you have breast implants.

However, even real boobs won’t make the cut if every rule isn’t adhered to. Disney is seeking “beautiful female fit models. Must be 5ft7in-5ft8in, size 4 or 6, no bigger or smaller. Age 18-25. Must have a lean dancer body. Must have real breasts. Do not submit if you have implants.”

Click here for more.

Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 : On Stranger Tides Movie Trailer

As detailed in The Art of the Pirates of the Caribbean, the proposed story for the fourth film was for Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Barbossa to meet up in the newly founded New Orleans, before they sail to find the Fountain of Youth together. Johnny Depp signed on to return in September 2008, and Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio began writing under the guidance of producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The film is set for release in summer 2011.

Geoffrey Rush has confirmed that he will be returning as Barbossa. Keira Knightley has stated that she does not wish to continue playing Elizabeth Swann, as she wants to do different projects. Orlando Bloom has also stated that he will not return.

In June 2009, Bruckheimer stated Disney would prefer the fourth installment of Pirates be released before The Lone Ranger film, which he, Depp, Elliott and Rossio had been working on for release in Summer 2011. He also hoped Verbinski would return to direct after his BioShock adaptation had been put on hold.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2009, Bruckheimer stated he intends to begin filming in April and May 2010. Rob Marshall entered negotiations to direct in August 2009. Hollywood Elsewhere announced a possible steampunk flair in the fourth installment.

On September 11, 2009, at the D23 convention, the title was announced as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with Johnny Depp in full Jack Sparrow make-up.

In September 2009, Dick Cook, Chairman of Walt Disney Studio Entertainment, resigned after working for Disney for over 38 years. The circumstances of his resignation are unknown, but most speculate he resigned due to his conflicting business tactics with CEO Bob Iger. Iger sought out “new ways of doing business”, while Cook remained a traditionalist. After Cook’s resignation, Johnny Depp’s faith in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides has somewhat shaken, with Depp explaining that “Theres a fissure, a crack in my enthusiasm at the moment. It was all born in that office”. Depp also explained Cook was one of the few that accepted his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, claiming that “When things went a little sideways on the first Pirates movie and others at the studio were less than enthusiastic about my interpretation of the character, Dick was there from the first moment. He trusted me.”

Book Giveaway – Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 21, 2010

Book Giveaway - Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers

You know when you pick up a book and open it to the middle and learn something on that very page, it’s probably going to be a good one. This was my experience with Lisa Battista’s Beyond the Attrations: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers. Like most Disney nerds, I think I know a lot about Disney World, but I also know that I can something new. And while I’ve visited Disney World for years as an adult, I’ve only been taking small children to Disney World for the last few years. Lisa’s book, filled with tons of information specifically for younger children, gave me a lot of great ideas.

Beyond the Attractions includes the type of things you’d expect from a Disney travel guide, like descriptions of age-appropriate rides, but it’s more than that. Lisa’s perspective is different from many travel writers. Sure, she’ll tell you about It’s a Small World or describe a resort, but she’ll also tell you where to take your little one off site when he’s sick and provide you with a mom-certified packing list of things you just might not know you needed. She’s on the ground, in the trenches, with her kids, so she knows what it’s like to discover that you’ve run out of diapers in the middle of the Magic Kingdom or how difficult it can be to drag toddlers around a rainy park.

Most travel guides focus on taking older kids to Disney World. Beyond the Attractions recognizes that the needs of younger children are different and that your touring style will have to reflect that. At the end of the book, you’ll find useful appendices full of information that you might not have time to compile yourself or maybe didn’t even think of. At under 200 pages, Beyond the Attractions is small enough to throw in your carry-on luggage. It’s a keeper; I’ll be taking it on my next trip to the World.

I like this book so much that I want to spread the word around. I’ll send a copy to the first person who leaves us a comment saying they’d like one! UPDATE: We have another copy, so ask if you want it.

You can purchase Lisa’s book here and listen to Lisa discuss her book on the WDW Today podcast here

Disney Week in Review – March 14th – 21st

By

Chip

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March 21, 2010

Here is a collection of articles from around the interwebs that highlight the best News and Views for Disney this past week.

As I am waiting for my turkey bacon to cook in the oven I am tormented by AJ over at the Disney Food Blog and her “You Won’t Believe This!” Snack: Marble Cupcake. The snacks that are available at the Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios are some of the best at Walt Disney World. I only have 3 words to say about AJ and her post..Nom Nom Nom!

Disnology gives us a review of the Special Editions of Toy Story 1 and 2 on BluRay/DVD Combo pack. What bonus footage or features do you get with the Special Editions? Well your going to have to click the link to find out.

Disney4Dads talk about something I am going to have to try on my next trip to Disney World. The World Showcase Draft Beer Crawl. Maybe I can get my wife to crawl along doing mixed drinks and tequila shots 🙂

Our writer and my Disney partner in crime Chris blogged about Disney’s Second Best Kept Secret: Renting DVC Points. If you are looking to save money on your next Disney vacation you should give it a read.

Jamie at Only WDWorld blogs about Walt Disney World’s First Mountain : Space Mountain. Listen as he goes into the history of Space Mountain from its birth to present day.

Imaginerding shares with us a great article that talks about the history of St Patrick’s Day Fun Run. This came to us in a time long before there were Princess marathons, and my favorite Wine and Dine marathons.

Well that is just a few interesting stories from around the web this past week.

Don’t forget the Princess and the Frog BluRay/DVD Combo pack Giveaway is running between now and the end of the month. There is no purchase necessary to enter. Just stop by our Facebook page and shout “Kiss Me” on the homepage. It’s just that easy!

Have a good week!

Preview of Toy Story 3 from Disney Animation Academy at DCA

By

Chip

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March 21, 2010

Here is a preview of Toy Story 3 from Disney Animation Academy at DCA. Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 3′ opens on June 18th.

Disney Cruise Line Pelican Plunge has soft openings on Castaway Cay

By

Chip

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March 20, 2010

Recent Disney Cruise Line guests are reporting that they have ridden the Pelican Plunge water slide that was recently constructed on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private Bahamian island.

Pelican Plunge was originally advertised as opening in summer, but that was covered up and replaced with “Opening Soon”. Note that the cabanas and new children’s area still say “Summer.” Disney often does a soft opening for its theme park rides, and Pelican Plunge is receiving the same treatment. If you are taking a Disney Wonder or Magic cruise in the near future, you may be lucky enough to get a ride. However, there are no guarantees until after the official opening.

Click here to keep reading this article from the Examiner with lots more pictures too!

Photo from examiner.com

Disney World’s ‘Star Wars Weekends’ 2010 guest list announced

By

Chip

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March 20, 2010

Here is a great article from Debra Peterson at the Examiner:

The 2010 celebrity guest list for the annual “Star Wars Weekends,” held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, has been announced. The annual event begins May 21 – which is coincidentally the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back – and continues on four weekends, ending June 13th.

Here is the video of the Star Wars Weekends 2009 Parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 22, Opening Day

“Star Wars Weekends” 2010 guest list
Guests at this year’s event includes actors and designers involved with all 6 movies from the Star Wars saga and the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The celebrity hosts for each weekend will be Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi) and Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka, Clone Wars)

May 21-23: Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett, Attack of the Clones) and Dee Bradley Baker (Clone Wars)

May 28-30: Matthew Wood (Sound Editor/Designer, The Phantom Menance, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, and Clone Wars), Lorne Peterson (ILM Model Maker, all films) and Tom Kane (Voice actor for Yoda, Clone Wars)

June 4-6: Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Ray Park (Darth Maul) and Dave Filoni (Clone Wars)

June 11-13: Ray Park (Darth Maul), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and James Arnold Taylor (Voice actor for Obi-wan Kenobi, Clone Wars)

Entry to Star Wars Weekends is included with regular theme-park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and is open to Walt Disney World guests. Some events have limited availability.

Source

Photo from thedisneyblog.com