Major Expansion Coming to Disney California Adventure Park

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June 9, 2010

Multi-Year Plan Continues With Little Mermaid in 2011; 12-Acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Newly Designed Front Entrance in 2012

The premiere of the ground-breaking, signature nighttime spectacular “World of Color” marks the next big step in the significant multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The expansion brings new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney California Adventure park.

“World of Color” uses powerful water fountains, kaleidoscopic colors, compelling music, fire, lasers, special effects and larger-than-life digital projection to bring Disney and Disney•Pixar animation to life in a whole new way in Disney California Adventure park. A one-of-a-kind “stage” – nearly an acre of superstructure and innovative technology – has been built in the Paradise Bay lagoon to present this enchanting, exciting and moving nighttime spectacular. A new, terraced park offers prime waterside viewing and provides a site for live entertainment, music festivals and outdoor film premieres.

“World of Color is a must-see experience that will entertain and delight our guests in a whole new way, while solidifying the Disneyland Resort as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis.

The expansion continues in Disney California Adventure park in 2011 with an amazing attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and in 2012 with the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land, featuring the world of Radiator Springs and its three new attractions. Extensive landscaping, new stores and restaurants will create an even richer environment throughout the park.
As expansion continues, Walt Disney Imagineers will bring more of Walt Disney into the park, celebrating the hope and optimism of California that attracted Walt to this land of opportunity in the 1920s. Guests entering the new Buena Vista Street, set for completion in 2012, will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer.

Multi-day, World-Class Tourist Destination

The expansion builds upon the transformation of the original Disneyland park into a multi-day destination resort that began in 2001 with the creation of the Disneyland Resort and the opening of Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney district and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Since then, the Disneyland Resort has continued to grow with the addition of popular attractions and shows such as Toy Story Mania!, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror. In 2009, the resort completed a major expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which included the first West Coast destination for Disney Vacation Club. In addition, the signature Disneyland Hotel is undergoing a major refurbishment that is expected to be completed in 2011.

According to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Anaheim is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country, enjoying some of the highest hotel occupancy rates in the nation and attracting millions of visitors each year who spend billions of dollars in the area.

Coming Soon to Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure is already home to some of the Disneyland Resort’s most popular attractions and shows, including: Toy Story Mania!, Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’ and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Major family attractions and continued park enhancements are on the horizon for 2011 and beyond, including an all-new Buena Vista Street, envisioned as the 1920s and 30s Los Angeles experienced by a young dreamer named Walt Disney. The Carthay Circle Theatre, a re-creation of the great California movie palace where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” had its premiere, anchors the newly designed plaza. This new park landmark celebrates the legacy of Disney family entertainment. From this plaza, guests set out to experience all the thrills, excitement and wonder of California – past, present, and future.

The Red Car Trolley, based on Los Angeles’ historic Pacific Electric Red Car Line, will transport guests from Buena Vista Street, down Hollywood Boulevard, to the footsteps of the famed Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Expansion plans include the first-ever ride based on Disney’s classic animated movie “The Little Mermaid.” The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will take guests “under the sea” to experience magnificent scenes and magical songs from the movie.

Cars Land, an all-new 12-acre addition to Disney California Adventure, re-creates the town of Radiator Springs as inspired by the Disney•Pixar film “Cars.” Cars Land will feature three immersive family rides showcasing characters and scenes from the movie, including one of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park: Radiator Springs Racers, a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through the town and desert valleys of Radiator Springs.

Additional landscaping, façade and graphics enhancements, restaurant and retail innovations, and an extensive menu of entertainment, holiday celebrations and unique special events further create new, compelling and memorable experiences for guests visiting Disney California Adventure.

Blue Sky Cellar

The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar, located in the former Seasons of the Vine Theater in the Golden State region of the park, features models and Imagineering concepts – giving park guests a look at exciting new projects as well as a sneak peek at what lies ahead. Inspiring new concepts for Disney California Adventure will appear in this space through periodic updates. For more information, visit www.DisneyCaliforniaAdventure.com

About the Disneyland Resort: Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; three hotels with approximately 2,400 rooms and the 310,000-square-foot retail, restaurant and entertainment Downtown Disney District. With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest single-site employer and a $3.6 billion annual contributor to the local economy. In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth guest since opening on July 17, 1955.

Driving to Walt Disney World: Five Tips for Making it a Magical Trip

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2010

Driving to Walt Disney World: Five Tips for Making it a Magical Trip

One of the biggest discussions for many people when planning a vacation to Disney World…especially if you are trying to save money….is the one about how you are going to get there. You know, it’s the “are we driving or flying” conversation. Obviously, many folks don’t have an option, but if you do, you may very well have considered driving…or maybe you even have driven in the past. If you’re trying to have an Affordable Disney Vacation, then driving may be the best and most economical solution for you.

But will you and everyone in your family go crazy on a drive to Disney World? Can you survive with your sanity intact? Sure you can!

I live in Maryland, about 14 hours of straight-through driving down I-95, from my house to Orlando. I know this because we have driven to Disney World on more than one vacation. Like anything else related to planning a Disney vacation successfully, planning a long drive will also require some planning to insure that everyone enjoys it. Because you can all enjoy it.

Here are a few tips that may help make it a magical journey for your family:

Personally, I’m a big fan of breaking the trip up into manageable parts. I know that not everyone likes doing it that way, and honestly, I think it’s a matter of preference. I grew up taking “road trips” every summer, so I love the idea of stopping, exploring, and seeing new things and places along the way. Now I readily admit that this can add time and cost to your trip, so weigh the adventure aspect against the money and time.
If you have the luxury of time at least, consider getting off the main roads from time to time and enjoy the local scenery. Taking even these brief breaks can recharge everyone’s battery, and allow the driver to relax a bit. Better yet, pack a picnic lunch or dinner, and stop for a relaxed break where the kids (and grownups) can stretch their legs and let off a little steam.
Games for the kids are a must. You can do this several ways: you can purchase some simple “car games” that will be entertaining but not take up a lot of room, or you can opt for the traditional games that we all grew up with: looking for license plates from other states, “I Spy” etc. Don’t discount how much fun these can be either: we probably logged many hours….and laughs….over the years just playing I Spy. You would be amazed how quickly time flies! If you opt to buy some new games for your children, keep them “new” to preserve the desirability factor, and introduce one at a time. Maybe each time you get to a new state, or something like that.
I think many/most folks have access to car or portable dvd players so this is the perfect time to make use of them. Bring along some favorite movies or shows to pass the time. Again, having some new ones just for the trip would be even better: if you don’t want to buy, then rent them. Clearly, anything Disney is appropriate here. Bringing out dvds of the Disney parks can build the excitement as well as help everyone decide on what they want to see and do once you get to Disney World.
This last tip is one of our favorites, and is, in fact, one that we still use today to drive to the beach: audio books. This can be a fascinating way to spend the time no matter your age, and honestly no matter if you have read the book or not. Listening to someone read and “act out” the story can really pull you into a great book…and before you know it, you’ve traveled several hundred miles.

Driving to Disney World does not have to be something to be dreaded: in fact, it can be a great deal of fun! The key is to do some planning, be flexible, and use some imagination. Before you know it, you’ll be driving under the welcome sign….and you just may wonder where the time went so fast!

Ask a Disney Question: Is there a dining plan for Disneyland?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2010

This question comes from Christina, who asks: “Is there a Disney Dining Plan for Disneyland. I hear you guys talk about Disneyworld all the time what about Disneyland?

Christina, thanks for reading and for your question. I’ll answer your second question first: We mainly talk about Disney World because it’s the resort we go to the most often, but we’re hoping to rectify that in the future and put out more Disneyland information.

There isn’t technically a dining plan at Disneyland, at least not like the one that’s offered at Disney World. The way it works is that you pre-pay for your meals and are given vouchers. Depending on the number of days, you’ll be given a voucher for specific meals (character and breakfast). The number of table service meals isn’t equal to the number of days you’re there, as it is in WDW. The other vouchers are equal to $5, $10, and $15. If you don’t spend the entire amount of your voucher, you won’t get your change back, so you have to work to get just the right amount or lose money.

You won’t find a lot of information on this plan, mainly because most people don’t use it. If you want to pay for your meals ahead of time, something that I prefer to do just to avoid “sticker shock” during my trip, consider buying gift cards. Not only will you get your change back, you can use them at Downtown Disney, where there are a lot of good restaurants.

Hope this helps!

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

Toy Story: The Discovery Video

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

This is a very cute Pixar video of from the toys in Toy Story 3!
With Andy’s going to college. The toys are nervous. In the meantime, they discover Google.

Pixar’s Toy Story 3 Facebook Comment Party Giveaway!

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

With the Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 coming out June 18th we wanted to do something fun to celebrate its release in theaters. When I was at Target last week at the Toy Story 3 Explosion I purchased three talking Toy Story 3 Characters as one of our June Giveaways. They remind me of Pook a Looz but they can talk. Stay tuned for videos 🙂

Rules of the contest:

Like Chip and Co’s Facebook Page if you haven’t do so already.
Comment Comment Comment! – Comment like crazy on all three photos on our Facebook Page. Comment about Disney Food, How much you love the Toy Story Movies, when your next Disney trip is..Whatever you want!
The only rule is no Double Posting – So after you comment you have to wait for another person to make a comment before you can again. That is to keep things fair from people spamming.
Like the Photos. After your done commenting be sure to click like for a bonus entry!

I will gather up all comments per photo and in one week and pick one lucky person per doll as the winner. Remember the more you comment the better your chances are.

Contest ends Midnight June 13th and I will announce the winner Monday Morning on Facebook. I will contact each winner individually to get their mailing address.

If you have any question post them in the comment section below.

Good Luck & Have Fun!

French Open Champ Rafael Nadal Celebrates at Disneyland Paris

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

What a great surprise…tennis superstar Rafael Nadal went from the red clay at Roland Garros to the red carpet at Disneyland Paris after winning his fifth French Open – and today, we’re sharing images of the celebration. Nadal was joined by the heroes of Disneyland Paris’ New Generation Festival as he showed the trophy to Guests in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The tennis champion then met with fans and signed autographs before riding some of his favorite attractions at the park – Pirates of the Caribbean and “its a small world.” Nadal said he’s already looking forward to his next visit.

Circle Of Life – Matisyahu – The Disney Reggae Club Video

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

The official re-mix from Matisyahu for “Circle Of Life” from Disney’s the Lion King featured in The Disney Reggae Club.

Pixar’s Toy Story 3 – “Great Escape” Featurette

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

You can now buy your movie tickets directly on Facebook to see “Toy Story 3” at http://DisneyTicketsTogether.com

The creators of the beloved Toy Story films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives?

Toy Story 3 will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters on June 18th, 2010.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Ohana Breakfast Bread Recipe

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

All this talk of food today has made me hungry..To follow up on the Disney Food Confession – Pineapple Breakfast Bread article. I wanted to share with you the recipe I found for the Ohana’s Breakfast bread.

(Yes that is a line of Breakfast Bread in the picture)

‘OHANA BREAKFAST BREAD

Ohana Breakfast Bread
1 3/4 cups water
1 ea. egg yolk
2 TBSP shortening
4 1/2 cups high gluton flour
1/2 TBSP salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 TBSP instant yeast

Coconut Mixture
1 cup crushed pineapple
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup sugar
2 TBSP corn starch

Pineapple/Coconut Procedure
1. Combine Pineapple and cocnut in bowl.
2. Combine sugar and cornstarch in seperate bowl and mix well.
3. Add sugar and cornstarch mixture into pineapple and cocnut mixture and mix well.
4. Refrigerate for one (1) hour.

Bread Procedure
1. Combine all ingredients in order of recipe in a mixing bowl, and mix with dough hook until dough picks up on hook and the sides of the mixing bowl is clean.
2. Let dough rise until it doubles in size.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface until it is 2 inches thick.
4. Next, spread pineapple/coconut mixture over the top of dough.
5. Fold dough into itself and place in a greased 9×13 cake pan.
6. Cut dough into pieces with a pizza cutter and spread out cut pieces evenly in cake pan.
7. Let dough rise in warm oven (110 degrees F) – about half way up the pan.
8. Bake at 325 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let bread cool, cut and serve.

Has anyone tried to make this..How was it? Let us know in the comment section below.

Top Eats – What’s your Top Hollywood Studios Casual Dining Restaurants?

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

I often get asked whats my favorite meal at Walt Disney World Resort. After receiving that question I then ask What kinda of meal are you referring to..Casual, Character, Quick Service… As I have a list for just about every category at Walt Disney World..

Today I discuss Hollywood Studios Casual Dining Restaurants:

How do I define a Disneyworld Casual Dining Meal? I look at it as something more that just walking up and ordering your food and eating. Most times I look at a Casual Meal as maybe a buffet or where you actually can sit down and enjoy the meal or the atmosphere of the restaurant.

I am not saying that Quick Service counters don’t have atmosphere I am just saying that a Casual Service Meal is a step up in quality of food.

Here is my Top 3 Hollywood Studios Casual Dining Restaurants..

3. Hollywood & Vine – I love coming here for Breaskfast! When we plan our Disney Vacations we make sure to visit the Magic Kingdom Last and usually pick Hollywood Studios as our starting point for our vacation. While Starring Rolls is great for breakfast later in the week I usually pick Hollywood & Vine so my little one can see the Little Einsteins! Most times it is very quiet in there since I like to pick a meal just before the rope drops. Just a good breakfast buffet with all your Disney Favorites.

2. 50’s Prime Time Café -I love the atmosphere in there. The old 50’s look and feel is great. Serving up some of the best classic American Meals. If you come in here hungry you will leave happy and satisfied. The waitresses here are very friendly and attentive(wink wink). Be sure to ask for a TV Table when you get there so you can enjoy a classic TV show with your meal!

1. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater – One of my favorite places to eat at Walt Disney World! I love watching the old B Movie trailers on the big screen. Sitting in the old convertibles and sipping on a milkshake while you wait on your delicious meal is a perfect Disney moment. I love the HUGE cheeseburgers here and for me its one of the best in all of Walt Disney World. Be sure to make your Advanced Dining Reservation early as this place is ALWAYS packed.

What’s your Top Hollywood Studios Casual Dining Restaurant? Let us know in the comment section below.

Maintaining the Disneyland Railroad

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

Another great article & video from The OC Register’s Around Disney Column:

Every night in the Roundhouse at the Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Railroad’s maintenance crew gives its steam engines and passenger cars a detailed inspection to keep them in top running shape.

By watching the way they do their jobs you can tell its more than just a job, its a passion.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the night shift in the Roundhouse and took my video camera with me.

Click here to keep reading this informative article.

Photo by Thomas Hawk via Flickr

Street party added to Disney California Adventure’s summer nights

By

Chip

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June 8, 2010

This article comes to us from The OC Register’s Around Disney Column.

“Glow Fest” will feature dancing, music and lighting effects as part of a street-scene party that will play in the Sun Plaza beginning at 6 p.m. then move to the Hollywood Pictures Backlot after sunset and continue until the park’s closing.

“Glow Fest” begins Friday.

Disney officials said the live entertainment is meant to complement the World of Color show and provide park visitors something to do at night while waiting to see the show — or after seeing the show.

“It allows them (park visitors) to plan their day so they’re spending their day experiencing our attractions and our great shows and not camping out waiting for the night-time event,” said Mary Niven, Vice President of Disney California Adventure & Guest Services.

The back-lot portion of “Glow Fest” will see the area redressed with large plasma video screens, colored lighting and special projections on the side of the Hyperion Theater wall. Visitors will be able to dance in front of cameras and see their images projected onto the building.

Small bars will be set up in the middle of the street selling a variety of newly created themed drinks.

The summertime hours for Disney California Adventure are scheduled to be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 11 to Aug. 29, except June 16 and 17 (because of Grad Nights, when the park will close at 6 p.m. and “World of Color” and “Glow Fest” will not play); “Glow Fest” runs during this summertime period. The hours are subject to change.

Click here to keep reading.