Toyko Disney Resort – Jasmine’s Flying Carpets to open 2011

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March 18, 2010

Tokyo DisneySea announced that they will be adding Jasmine’s Flying Carpets in 2011. The ride will be part of the park’s 10th anniversary in 2011 and will go in the Arabian Coast section of the park, in front of the Magic Lamp theater.

Guests will be able to raise and lower their own individual carpet and also be able to tilt the carpets as well. From the details, it appears the ride will be very similar to Aladdin’s Flying Carpets (Magic Kingdom) and Flying Carpets Over Argabah (Walt Disney Studios Paris). Jasmine’s Flying Carpets will take the place of the current fountain and will is set to open in Summer of 2011.

Marvel Comics LCD & LED Television Now on Sale at the Marvel Shop

By

Chip

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March 18, 2010

These brand new, officially licensed Marvel Comics LCD & LED HDTVs are the ultimate comic fan’s television. Featuring your favorite Marvel superhero embellished on the bottom two corners of the TV casing, these televisions are offered in 22″, 32″, 42″ and 55″ HD LCD screen sizes as well as 40″ and 46″ LED HDTV’s. Not only are these TVs the finest LCD & LED televisions on the market, but when powered on, an image of your favorite Marvel character will appear on the screen for approximately 8 seconds! These Marvel Comics LCD & LED HDTVs are perfect for watching your favorite DVD’s, high-definition television, or playing video games, making them the ultimate TV or computer monitor!

These televisions are sold directly by RTC23. To see the full selection and to purchase, click here!

Thanks to Grant for letting us know about these sweet TV’s!

Photo from shop.marvel.com

Disney World Resort Review: Pop Century

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 18, 2010

This past May I went to Disney World with my best friend on a girls only weekend. It was a spur of the moment trip and it needed to be cheap, so I booked a room at Pop Century. Now, I’ll be honest: There are truly no “cheap” Disney resorts, but there are those that are less expensive than others and Pop, which falls into the value resort category, is one of them. Low season value rates start at around $89 a night, but you can find lower rates by using the ever so elusive pin codes (special discount codes that Disney mails out to certain customers who sign up with through the official Disney website), annual pass holder discounts, or various other discounts available to the general public. Sites like Mousesavers regularly post discounts, so if you’re looking for a bargain, check there first. Disboards has a great sub-forum on their resort board where posters regularly discounts rates. It’s definintely worth a look. You can also check with a travel agent. They don’t charge you more but have access to discounts that can save you money. Bottom line, it doesn’t hurt to look both on your own and with an agent. Our room cost $130 a night, including tax. By the way, taxes in Florida are high–plan on 12.5 percent being tacked onto your room rate.

I have to admit: I was a little wary about Pop. Although I’d seen good reviews on Disney travel websites like Passporter and Disboards, I’d also seen plenty of reviews from disappointed guests. Disney’s value resorts seem to inspire a lot of fear in first-timers and with good reason: If your only experience with a value accommodation in Orlando is off Disney property, you’ve probably encountered some scary places. In fact, the idea of staying at a “value” hotel anywhere probably inspires at least some trepidation. Most of the complaints are that the resort was crowded, had transportation issues, and that the rooms were too small. For me, there was also this little issue of the decor: I thought it was ugly.

If you’re looking for subtlety in theming or a romantic setting, you’ll want to keep on looking: Pop is intentionally kitschey. It’s a throwback to the roadside motels of the 1940s and 50s, only a bigger, technicolor version. If you’re looking for a clean, safe place to stay that gives you all the benefits of staying on Disney property without spending a lot of money, Pop might just be the place for you. So, here are the basics:

Transportation:

Keep in mind that this was a moderately busy weekend in May, so obviously resort check-in and the lines for the buses may be slower during the summer or holidays, but we didn’t wait at all for the Magical Express bus from the airport to the resort. The bus was about half-full and it stopped at one other resort before we reached Pop and that drop-off was pretty quick. I’d heard some bad stories about the buses from Pop to the parks and back, but we didn’t encounter any problems. The bus to Disney Hollywood Studios took about 15 minutes on Saturday morning during Extra Magic Hours; buses to the Magic Kingdom took about a half hour or so. The longest I waited for a bus the entire weekend was maybe fifteen minutes.

One downside, however, is that the bus stops at Pop are not covered. Not a big deal when it’s not raining or during the cooler months of the year, but downright unpleasant even on a not-so-sunny morning in May. A surprising oversight, given that other resorts have covered stops.

Verdict: Overall, transportation wasn’t a problem in the least. A pleasant surprise.

Check-in and Public Areas:

Check-in was very fast and super-friendly. In fact, it was probably more efficient than the Grand Floridian, with a cheerful manager greeting guests and directing them to several cast members when a spot opened up. Our plane arrived in Orlando at 9:00; we were in the Magic Kingdom by 11:20, about the same amount of time it took to get from the airport to the Grand Floridian and the Magic Kingdom last year (although in fairness to the staff at the Grand Floridian, some of that delay we experienced can be attributed to us oogling the beautiful hotel).

The lobby is clean and bright. One thing that surprised me was how much I enjoyed the “theming” of the lobby. It’s filled with memorobilia from the 50s through the 90s and it was fun to look around while we waited. Pop is a very kid-friendly resort and there are several little areas where kids can amuse themselves while their parents are checking in. There is a combination gift shop (selling just about everything you’ll ever need) and a food court which gets pretty good reviews, just past the lobby, as well as a game room for older kids.

While deluxe and moderate Disney resorts seem to be “themed” for grown-ups, Pop is a resort designed for kids. You can see that in the resort’s pools, decor, and in the families who go there. Pop is full of kids. It wasn’t any louder than other Disney resorts, but it did have a different energy than a place like the Grand Floridian or Boardwalk, both of which lend themselves to a more quiet, relaxing getaway than the value resorts.

Outside, Pop is decorated with huge icons of the decades from the 50s through the 90s. Our building, the 1970s had 8-Track tape stairwells with funny “songs” and different phrases from the 70s; for some reason, every time we saw the life-sized “hot pants” sign on our building, we cracked up. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that funny. But Pop is cute. The inexplicably famous tie-dyed cheesecake sold in the food court? Okay, that was disgusting. But to each his or her own.

Verdict: Pop is a happy, retro nod to the roadside hotels you’re probably too young to remember.

The Room:

The rooms at Pop Century are on the small side. Think slightly smaller than your average room at say, a Holiday Inn or Marriott. The rooms, which are accessed from the outside, have two double beds, a small table and two chairs, and a television. There is one sink and a very small vanity. The bathroom, which includes a toilet and a tub/shower combo, is small enough make it slightly awkward going in and out. Still, it’s very clean and cute and, when compared to the theming of the public areas, not over the top. I didn’t have any issues with noise, although I tend to sleep like a rock after a day in the parks, so I probably can’t give an entirely honest assessment of the noise level, but my best friend said she only heard one thing during the night. The lighting was good, the linens clean, and the beds comfortable.

One caveat: The rooms are small enough that if you’re staying there with more than one child, you might want to consider renting two adjoining rooms. I can’t imagine a family of four staying in one room at Pop for a week, although people do it all the time.

Verdict: I loved Pop and was really pleased with my stay there. I’d recommend it to anyone.

What is Vinylmation, Jr.?

By

Chip

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March 18, 2010

There seems to be something interesting and secretive going on around the Vinylmation site..

Visit www.Vinylmation.com and click on the “What is Vinylmation, Jr.?” banner.

Not sure what is going on but I think we will find out more tomorrow March 19th..

Source

Disneyland Trip Report from the OC Register

By

Chip

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March 18, 2010

Lots of exciting news going on out at Disneyland in California. Good thing for us the OC Register is there!

Here are a few highlights of things going on out at the original house of mouse.

The ‘it’s a small world’ ride has a new marquee from its sponsor, Sylvania, which is owned by Siemens. According to the company’s press release, the lighting brand is “creating ways to see the world in a new light,” beginning with the sign. Appropriately lighting up in the evening, the sign is the attraction’s first illuminated marquee.

The sponsorship is part of a 12-year agreement between the Walt Disney Co. and Siemens, which also sponsors Spaceship Earth in Epcot.

also…

For a limited time, the Disneyland Resort is selling handmade Cheshire Cat marshmallow candies. The candies are advertised for sale at Main Street’s Candy Palace in Disneyland, but the treats also can be found at Marceline’s Confectionery in Downtown Disney and the Greetings from California shop in Disney’s California Adventure. The Cheshire Tails cost $4.95. The Cheshire Cat tails are similar to the Tigger Tails, which are already sold around the resort.

Lots of construction going on too! For the complete article click here.

Photo from ocregister.com

Disneyland Resort Offers Spring Value With ‘Two More Days & Nights Free’

By

Chip

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March 18, 2010

Disneyland Resort Offers Spring/Summer Value With ‘Two More Days & Nights Free’ When You Buy a 3-Day/Night Vacation Package.

Vacationers can also save with ‘room only’ offer at an on-site Disneyland Resort Hotel

Disneyland Resort in Southern California has the perfect solution for shaking off the winter blues: irresistible vacation savings and a lineup of exciting family entertainment at the place “Where Dreams Come True.”

This May through September, vacationers can receive two extra nights of hotel accommodations and two more days of theme park adventures for free when they purchase a three-night, three-day Disneyland Resort vacation package. This special vacation package provides guests five days and nights of Disneyland Resort experiences, for the price of three.

For those who already have theme park admission tickets, the Disneyland Resort is rolling out a second offer that features great savings at any of its three on-site resort hotels. Guests can take 40 percent off their room rate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; save 35 percent at the Disneyland Hotel; or get 30 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These hotel room offers require a two-night minimum stay. Resort hotel benefits include Disney character wake up calls, easy access to character dining locations, and a Key to the Magic card – which allows guests to charge meals and merchandise to their hotel account. In addition, clients staying at any one of the Disneyland Resort hotels are within an easy walk to both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District, an exciting shopping, dining and entertainment zone.

Booking for either vacation offer begins March 16 and runs through Sept. 1, 2010. Travel must occur between May 1 and Sept. 26, 2010. The “Two More Days & Nights Free Vacation Package” when you buy three days/nights is valid at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels and at participating Anaheim-area Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels, allowing a wide range of hotel accommodations and prices to fit every budget. Vacations may be booked through travel agents, at www.disneyland.com, or by calling the Walt Disney Travel Company at 800/854-3104.

Along with all the fun and entertainment of the Disneyland Resort attractions, a spring or summer visit offers some special highlights. Spring marks the return of Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival to Disney’s California Adventure park and other Resort locations. The return of the “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment lineup to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure theme parks will be highlighted by the all-new “World of Color” nighttime spectacular.

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival

Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival will create culinary experiences for guests of every palate – April 16 through May 31 – at Disney’s California Adventure park and select locations across the Disneyland Resort. Chefs, winemakers and brewmasters will celebrate The Art of Flavor at this year’s tantalizing festival, which features entertaining culinary demonstrations, outstanding wine and spirits seminars, and delicious food, wine and beer. Some events, including culinary demonstrations, are included with admission to Disney’s California Adventure park. Signature events are separately ticketed and require reservations. For details, visit www.disneyland.com/foodandwine.

* Guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend; valid ID required. Space is limited. Admission to Disney’s California Adventure Park is required for events held within the Park and is not included in the event price. Information is subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.

“Summer Nightastic!” Returns

Beginning June 11, “Summer Nightastic!” returns to the Disneyland Resort, featuring exciting evening events that will electrify the night. “Summer Nightastic!” runs through Aug. 29 at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure theme parks.

Headlining the entertainment is the new nighttime water spectacular – “World of Color” – at Disney’s California Adventure park. Surpassing all previous water productions, “World of Color” brings Disney animation to life with powerful fountains that are the stars of the show, forming the world’s largest projected water screen. In the making since 2005, “World of Color” combines hundreds of magnificent fountains, LED-produced dazzling colors, and an all-new kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects to take water-infused entertainment to a new level of artistry.

Located in Paradise Bay, Disney’s newest production features an unprecedented infrastructure of water effects, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images. This technical wizardry, combined with classic, animated Disney and Disney-Pixar film sequences, creates an emotional experience for guests as jaw-dropping effects sweep across the lagoon and soar into the sky.

Meanwhile, at Disneyland park, “Fantasmic!” ignites the night with thrills, life-like creatures including a fire-breathing dragon, and spine-tingling adventures for Sorcerer Mickey. Also, in the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, “Magical” sparks to life with a dazzling fireworks spectacular in which colorful choreographed pyrotechnics burst and soar to a soundtrack of celebratory Disney songs. “Magical,” which premiered in summer 2009, features both Tinker Bell and Dumbo in flight over the castle.

Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Package Benefits

Booking a package through the Walt Disney Travel Company comes with magical extras, including preferred seating** to some of the most popular shows and attractions in Disney’s California Adventure park, a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket that makes it easy to experience the best of both theme parks, and one Magic Morning admission*** into Disneyland one hour before it opens to the general public. In addition, each person included in the package receives a collectible Disney pin, lanyard and luggage tag.

To book a Disneyland Resort vacation package, visit www.disneyland.com, call 800/854-3104 or visit your local travel agent. For general Disneyland Resort information, park hours and entertainment

schedules, call 714/781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com. The summer vacation offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Resort Hotel Disclaimer

Offer is valid for bookings from 3/16/10 through 9/1/10 and for arrivals from 5/1/10 through 9/26/10 with travel being completed by 10/1/10. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets at a participating Hotel for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child (age 3-9)), two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days added to the tickets. Offer applied once per package/reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with other lengths of stay. The Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 10/13/10, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offer subject to availability; advance reservations required. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Good Neighbor Hotel Disclaimer

Offer is valid for bookings 3/16/10 through 9/1/10 and for arrivals from 5/1/10 through 9/26/10 with travel being completed by 10/1/10. Blockout Dates vary and other restrictions apply. Upon the purchase of a 3-night package, with 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets at a participating hotel for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child (age 3-9)), two (2) consecutive free nights will be added to the hotel stay and two (2) days added to the tickets. Offer applied once per package/reservation and not valid for previously booked rooms. Check for offers associated with other lengths of stay. The Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 10/13/10, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. Offer subject to availability; advance reservations required. Not valid with any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

**Preferred seating and show capacity is limited and subject to availability. Valid only during dates of vacation package. Show times vary.

***Early entry allows admission into selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the Park opens to the public on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have a valid Admission Ticket to the Park. To maximize your early entry experience, it is strongly recommended that you arrive at least one hour and fifteen minutes prior to regular Park opening. Applicable days and times of operation, and all other elements including, without limitation, operation of attractions, entertainment, and services may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and other restrictions.

“Toy Story 3” is a triumph, puts exhibitors at ShoWest in tears

By

Chip

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March 17, 2010

Jim Hill Media got a chance to see Pixar’s Toy Story 3 and shares with us his take on the film:

So what happens in this eagerly awaited sequel?,” you ask. … Well, now comes the tricky part.You see, though Unkrich (while he was standing on stage with “TS3” producer Darla K. Anderson) did ask those of us in attendance to tweet, Facebook, however we wanted to spread the word about what we thought of Pixar’s latest production … Lee also asked all those who saw today’s work-in-progress screening of “Toy Story 3” to not reveal any key plot points. And given what a brilliant job the folks at Pixar did with this motion picture, I feel genuinely obliged to honor Ukrich’s request.

So what can I tell you about “Toy Story 3” without revealing any significant surprises? … Er … Um … Well, for starters, you should bring Kleenex. Lots & lots of Kleenex. Because I can guarantee you that you’re going to spend a good portion of the last 30 minutes of this film in tears.

Click here to keep reading.

Marvel Iron Man 2: AC/DC Sweepstakes! and Message from Brian Johnson

By

Chip

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March 17, 2010

Check out this special message from AC/DC’s Brian Johnson. Marvel and AC/DC fans: Win a once in a lifetime trip to see the legendary band in Las Vegas!

For official rules and entry form, click here:

Toy Story 3 Welcomes Sparks

By

Chip

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March 17, 2010

Sparks will fly – literally – during electrifying playtimes with your new robot friend Sparks! This retro-inspired toy has flashing red LED eyes and a blaster cavity that actually spits out real sparks when he’s rolled along on his sturdy rubber wheels. Sparks also sports telescoping arms with working pincers, and an elevator action that raises his entire body to new heights. Sparking action completely child-safe. Requires two AA batteries (not included).

The First Pixar Toy Story 3 Products are Becoming Available

By

Chip

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March 17, 2010

It seems Amazon is already starting to list their Toy Story 3 products for preorder! So far they only have a few items but I am sure as we get closer to June we will see more. Right now you can’t go into Walmart or Target without seeing some classic Toy Story item.

Here are the few items I was able to find for pre-order:

Toy Story 3 Soundtrack

Toy Story 3 Read-Along Storybook and CD

Toy Story 3 The Video Game – Nintendo DS

Toy Story 3 (Read-Aloud Storybook)

Toy Story 3 The Video Game – Nintendo Wii

Art of Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 The Video Game – PS3

Toy Story 3 The Video Game – XBox 360

Disneyland’s World of Color tentatively set to debut June 11th

By

Chip

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March 17, 2010

Early reports are coming in that Disneyland Cast Members have been informed that the new California Adventure lagoon show currently undergoing testing is tentatively scheduled to debut on June 11th.

Before you jump and book a weekend outing to the resort, this is only tentative and subject to change. Also be aware that even if it does open that weekend; things will be quite hectic. Disney will naturally save one showing for a private media event, just as they did with the new Dragon in Fantasmic last summer. History shows that every new debut of an attraction at either park is always swamped with people.

Either way, we now have a target date for World of Color. If you’re planning to hit the resort anytime this summer and want to see the newest show Disney cooked up, the latter half of June would be a good time. The resort is always extremely busy in July, and by June the Rivers of America will be back to full functionality including Fantasmic.

Source

Photo flickr.com

Disney Mobile Diamond Phones, Can you say Cha Ching?

By

Chip

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March 16, 2010

The fifth model in the DM series, the new DM005SH sparkles with 22 pieces of diamonds scattered all over its clamshell lid. Part of the design also includes a combination of three diamonds arranged to form the head of the Mickey Mouse. It is offered in three colors of romantic names “Sunrise Pink”, “Midnight Blue” and “Stardust White”.

However, it is not all only about the glamorous design that this phone is about. It has 8 million pixel camera, a CCD sensor, and is equipped with a 3.4 inch AVS LCD with an external screen sporting a hidden LED display. And in fact, compared with the previous models this model boasts improved lens from 3.2 million to 8 million pixels.

Last but not the least, Disney Mobile Japan offers you the chance to customize the battery cover by getting both the motif that you will choose from among 90 Disney motifs that they offer and your name printed.

Source