New Concept for Disney World Beauty and the Beast Restaurant

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April 25, 2010

It seems that there will be a magical transformation to occur at the upcoming Beauty and the Beast Inspired Restaurant that is apart of the Fantasyland Expansion.

Not unlike its magical transformation of a frog into a princess or a beast into a prince, the Disney wizards plan to conduct a daily metamorphosis of its planned 552-seat Be Our Guest restaurant from a casual, quick-service lunch spot into an elegant, full-service dinner experience. The multi-purpose establishment will be themed to the film, Beauty and the Beast, and will be located in the Beast’s Castle, part of the Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The new Fantasyland attractions are scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013.

Disney will test the quick-change, dual-purpose restaurant concept with the expanded Cantina de San Angel, now under construction at the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

We are looking forward to both restaurants. If you have been visiting the site for any length of time you will know that San Angel Inn is one of my favorite restaurants. I would love to be there for the grand opening but I will just have to settle for pictures and video as we get ever closer to that date.

What do you think about this new Dining Experience? Let us know in the comment section below.

Source

New Retro Inspired Tees Have Landed at Disney Parks

By

Chip

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April 25, 2010

If you’ve been to the park lately then you’ve probably seen some of the attraction t-shirts currently available in our stores, including the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. As we gear up for our 55th anniversary, our Product Development team headed to the vault to pay tribute to some of the attractions seen throughout the years. Just this week we added the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Flying Saucers to the list of available attraction tees.

Associate Product Developer Summer Bloomfield is the driving force behind these retro-inspired attraction tees. She let me know that Disney enthusiasts can plan on seeing many more in the future, at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. When asked about her inspiration to create the tees, Summer said: “Everyone has their favorite attraction, that one thing they have to do when they’re here. For years, a lot of this artwork has been seen in a 2D or flat art format, and now we can bring it to you on a whole different level. It’s a great opportunity to pay tribute to some of our most popular attractions and fan favorites.” Summer assures us that we’ll most likely see new retro-inspired attraction shirts next year, representing Disneyland and Magic Kingdom park, respectively, which means you may find a t-shirt on one coast that you may not find on the other.

Wondering where you can snag a tee for yourself? These attraction tees can be found at D Street at the Downtown Disney District as well as inside Disneyland park.

Click here to keep reading this article from Disney Park Blog.

“World’s Fastest Painter” Creates Mickey Mouse Art.

By

Chip

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April 25, 2010

The recent grand opening of D-Street at Downtown Disney in Florida included some surprises…like a speed painter creating his interpretation of Mickey Mouse. It took artist Rock Demarco only minutes to paint Mickey but here it is in 60 seconds.
Demarco, who is known as the world’s fastest painter, was also commissioned to design some Vinylmation figures at the D-Street event.

Ask A Disney Question: How Often Does DCL Change Their Menus?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 25, 2010

This question comes from Natalie, who asks: “Does the Disney Wonder food menus change often? If so, how often and do you know how I can find out what has changed before I go?

The frequency that Disney Cruise Lines (DCL) changes menus is a thorny issue for frequent cruisers, who complain that the menu doesn’t change often enough. There’s no set time that restaurants change their menus, but figure every two to three years. For example, the most recent signature restaurant to change, Palo, changed just a few months ago so expect it to remain the same for some time. I called DCL and while the cast member was helpful, she couldn’t offer much help in the way of predicting any menu changes in the near future. My best advice would be to read the DCL board at Disboards where you will generally hear about any DCL changes right way or to call DCL right before your trip.

Good luck and thanks for your question and for reading the site!

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

Photo copyright Disney.

Disney Week in Review – April 18th – April 25th

By

Chip

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April 25, 2010

Welcome to the Disney Week in Review. I hope you have a great week. Thanks so much for making Chip and Co part of your day.

In case you missed these top articles from our website this week, here is the recap.

Demi Lovato took over Radio Disney on Friday check out her interview video here.
Speaking of Musical Artists Justin Bieber was on the Juno awards this past week performing Baby, check it out here!

Now onto the best Disney Articles from around the interwebs this past week.

AJ over at the Disney Food Blog is in Walt Disney World right now and like many people I been following along with her, checking out her pictures and just living vicariously through her. She has a Disneyland trip scheduled next week which is going to be fun to see through her Disney Food Eyes 🙂 Check out her article Reporting Live From Disney World, and be sure to follow her on Facebook & Twitter! Have fun AJ 🙂

Speaking of Disney World I posted some interesting Tips and Tricks for an Enjoyable DisneyWorld Vacation. So if you are planning a trip soon you might want to check them out. Be sure to share your tips and tricks in the comment section too!

Jamie over at Only WDWorld gives us a peek inside a Walt Disney World quick service dining restaurant called Cooke’s Of Dublin. Located next door to Raglan Road in Downtown Disney this is one place you won’t want to miss. As an added bonus it is covered under the Disney Meal Plan..sweet!
Progress City USA gives us a interesting review of The Great Mouse Detective. It is now out on DVD and I would have to agree it is one of the most underrated gems in the Disney animated canon.

Nancy at the Affordable Mouse shared with us this week the Must Sees at Disney World: Animal Kingdom I look forward to reading more of her series! Be sure to let her know some of your Must Sees in her comment section!
Another great series I am looking forward to reading is from WDW News Today. It is called Windows of the World – Part I by Chuck Mirarchi. Chuck shares with us the story behind the windows on Main Street USA.

Well that about does it this week sorry its kinda short. There are so many great articles out there that I loved this past week but as with everyone we always get busy with life, family, and coming up with PodCast ideas..haha

Speaking of Podcasting Chris and I are in the process of making a weekly Disney News and Views Podcast. I have had several emails asking me what it will be about and many people have expressed interest on being on the show.

So stay tuned for our first ever podcast coming soon. It will be available here and on iTunes. I am going to try to work something up for our Droid users like myself out there too.

Don’t forget to vote for the Disneyland / Disneyworld Dining Face-Off, and the Pook-a-Looz Giveaway is still under way.

Have an awesome week!

>>Chip

Pixar’s Toy Story 3 Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear Commercial

By

Chip

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April 24, 2010

Earlier this week, a vintage toy commercial from 1983 surfaced on YouTube. At first glance, it seems convincingly legit. However, the product being hawked is the Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, one of the new toys joining the gang in Toy Story 3. The people over at Pixar Planet were able to confirm that it was in fact just another example of what the brilliant minds at Pixar are capable of coming up with. Hit the jump to check out the commercial in its entirety:

Source

Weekly Question Round-Up April 18-24.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 24, 2010

We love getting your questions at Chip and Co. Not only do they help us get to know our readers better, they really make us think and a lot of times, we learn something new.

If you have any questions or have ideas for a future topic, please fill out the form here. We answer every question, sometimes via email and other times on the site.

A little housekeeping note: If you haven’t heard from us in a week, write us back. Sometimes things get lost in the great interwebs.

And now, here’s a recap of last week’s questions from the site:

Beverly wants to know if there are any discounts or coupons available for Disney dining.
Donna is going on a cruise with her family and wants to know what discounts are available for Disney Cruise Lines.
Chelsea wants to know if Disney will build a park in Beijing China.

Thanks So Much and Keep those Questions coming

Chris

Marvel Movie News – GhostRider 2, SpiderWoman, Iron Man 2, and More

By

Chip

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April 24, 2010

Marvel logo

Just a collection of Marvel Movie news from around the interwebs.

Nicolas Cage May Be Replaced in “Ghost Rider 2”

All Marvel’s superheroes will one day revert back to Marvel, but for now, Sony Pictures is scrambling to get as many “Spider-Man” and “Ghost Rider” installments into theaters as possible.

“Spider-Man 4” was set to be released during the summer of next year. Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire dropped out, forcing the studio to reboot the franchise or face losing the character to Marvel.

Sony is now having a similar issue with “Ghost Rider,” since the deal requires for the studio to be in production on a sequel by November 14th. The plan has been to bring Nicolas Cage back, but now it looks like the actor may be too busy.

Click here to keep reading.

Vanessa Hudgens as Marvel’s Spider-Woman?

The report comes by way of MTV UK, which claims that Hudgens is the current frontrunner in a pool of actresses being considered for Spider-Woman. Check out the quote from MTV UK’s “movie insider” source:

“The idea is for this to be a fun, comedic movie and Vanessa is perfect for the title role..Spider Woman is strong and sexy but in this case hilarious.Vanessa is apparently very interested in the idea,”

Click here to keep reading.

Gwyneth Paltrow at Photo Call For Paramount Pictures & Marvel Entertainment’s “Iron Man 2”

Gwyneth Paltrow donned a simple but elegant gray dress for the Iron Man 2 photocall. The film hits theaters April 30th, and Gwyneth will be reprising her role as Pepper Pots, a love interest for Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).

Although Paltrow is a red carpet staple, Iron Man is definitely one of her best known movies from recent years. She originally shot to fame for her role in the movie Se7en.

Click here to keep reading.

Marvel Studios to produce smaller films

With a Marvel triple-threat ready to hit theaters over the next two years — we’re talking Thor, Captain America, and The Avengers — and what looks to be a solid franchise in the form of Iron Man 2 releasing next month, it seems like the comic movie studio can’t do wrong with its big-budget ventures. Which is why it comes as a surprise to some that the next big thing Marvel wants to tackle is actually several, smaller films.

According to the guys over at CHUD, who first scored the news, Marvel is currently seeking directors and writers to adapt their lesser-known characters for the big screen. That means that names like Ka-Zar, Dazzler, and Dr. Strange are all being considered for their own films, albeit on a much smaller scale with Marvel hoping to budget in the range of $20 – 40 million each. Considering that Marvel’s latest endeavor, Iron Man 2, is estimated to have cost a cool $200 million, that’s quite a change of pace and it could have very positive ramifications.

Click here to keep reading.

Paperless Disney Tickets – There is an iPhone app for that

By

Chip

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April 24, 2010

An Apple fan over at Disneyandmore.com has discovered how plans from Steve Jobs, Apple founder and Disney’s largest stockholder, may revolutionize the Walt Disney World experience.

The patent for a new app, Concert Ticket +, came to light earlier this week, and it includes a section specifically related to theme parks. The app is centered around a new iTunes-based Web service for tickets, allowing smartphone users to go paperless. Once tickets are sent to a phone, the owner can use the device to enter the Disney parks.

Plus, iTicket users could be offered a variety of benefits on their smartphones. The possibilities include discounts on related merchandise, prepaid refreshments, special ride tickets or other related content and maps.

The patent also states, “Other benefits which may be associated with the electronic theme park ticket may include photos of the user on certain rides, as well as certain entertainment which may become available while the user waits in line.”

Vocal Disney fans have posted 85 comments this week about the viability of going paperless at the parks on a forum at wdwmagic.com. They are divided on whether the technology would enhance the experience or slow down the crowds with malfunctions and user errors.

Click here to keep reading this article from Kristin Ford over at the Daily Disney.

World Cheerleading Event Tumbles into Disney

By

Chip

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April 24, 2010

Every cheerleading squad probably thinks it’s the best in the world. Well, this weekend at Walt Disney World, they get their chance to prove it.

Cheerleading squads literally from around the world are arriving at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney for the 2010 International Cheer Union World Championships, which is akin to the Olympics of cheerleading. Squads from China, Finland, Mexico, Thailand, etc., as well as squads from across the U.S., are jumping, bouncing, screaming and tumbling for the chance to be crowned World Champion this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s a huge deal. China, for instance, is expected to bring a delegation of 300 members.

In all, there are expected to be more than 2,000 cheerleaders making up more than 150 squads from 45 or more countries. Teams will compete in various groups, plus there’ll be a competition between each country’s national teams for the world titles.

The competition is fierce, but the event also serves as a great opportunity for the mingling of various cultures in an Olympic village type of setting. Friendships are forged, cultural artifacts are exchanged and memories are created.

The event is open to the public. To purchase tickets, go to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex box office.

Source & Photo disneyparkblog.com

Disneyland / Disneyworld Dining Faceoff – San Angel Inn vs Blue Bayou

By

Chip

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April 24, 2010

Welcome to next installment of DisneyLand vs DisneyWorld Dining Face-off. Here Disney restaurants will fight it out to determine which one is the best. Who will decide which restaurant is better? You do! After you hear about each restaurant it will be up to you to decide which Disney Dining Experience is better.

If you have dined at both restaurants GREAT, but it is not necessary, there will be a photo gallery below.

So lets get started.

Round 1 – San Angel Inn

Food Type: Mexican

Meal Type: Lunch/Dinner

Location: DisneyWorld – Epcot World Showcase

Specialty Food Items:

Lunch – Sope Tradicional, Carne Asada Tampiquena, and Pollo a las Rajas
Dinner – Mahi-Mahi a la Veracruzana, Filete Motuleno, Mole Poblano
Desserts – Flan de Vainilla, Capirotada de Chocolate Blanco, Arroz con Leche

Full Menu can be found here.

Comments: Truly authentic Mexican Cuisine. Most people comment about the view of the temple and the intimate and romantic setting. See below for pictures from our most recent trip.

VS.

Round 2 – Blue Bayou Restaurant

Food Type: Cajun/Creole

Meal Type: Lunch/Dinner

Location: Disneyland – New Orleans Square

Specialty Food Items:

Lunch – Isa-Crusces Crab Cakes, Buccaneer’s Beef Short Ribs, and Monte Cristo
Dinner – Gulf-Stream Jumbo Shrimp Remoulade, Five-Pepper Roast New York, Filet Mignon
Desserts – Blue Bayou Chocolate Mint Doubloons, Cookie Boat, Pirate Punch

Full Menu can be found here.

Comments: Offering Cajun/Creole fair inside the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride. Very romantic atmosphere and highlight seems to be the Monte Cristo Sandwich.

Round 3 – Vote & Comment

Here are photos from both restaurants. The San Angel Inn photos are from my most recent trip to Walt Disney World. The Blue Bayou photos are from a few great photographers at Flickr.

P1060051 wm

P1060047 wm

P1060045 wm

mahi

jumbalaya

salad

monte

Share with us about your Disney Dining experiences in the comment section below, and don’t forget to vote!

[poll id=”20″]

Photos from flickr.com/restaurant info wdwinfo.com

Tina Fey sighting at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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April 23, 2010

Today, the Disney Park Blog caught up with Emmy Award-winning actress, writer & producer Tina Fey as she enjoyed one of those amazing milkshakes at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant. Tina was visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park while on vacation with her family at the Walt Disney World Resort. As you know, she’s the star of the feature film “Date Night” and executive producer, head writer and star of the NBC series “30 Rock.”

Source & Photo disneyparkblog.com