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Category Archives: Reviews
CHIMPANZEE Crafts and Activities
DisneyNature, the first new Disney-branded film label from the Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years, will be adding a new reel to their portfolio this Friday. Their first three releases, earth, oceans and African Cats, are among the top four highest-grossing feature-length nature films of all time, and we should expect no less quality production with Chimpanzee. Filmed in the lush forests of Africa, Chimpanzee follows the touching story of an orphaned three-year-old chimp named Oscar and the surprise ally who changes his life forever.
The film swings into theaters on Earth Day, April 20th. See Chimpanzee, save chimpanzees! In effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, for every moviegoer who sees Chimpanzee during its opening week (April 20-26, 2012), DisneyNature will make a donatation to the Jane Goodall Institute through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. The film’s official website offers several other ways you can get involved and learn more about chimpanzees in the wild.
Free educational resources are available for download. The Chimpanzee Educator’s Guide includes 100 pages of lessons and activities for grades 2 through 6 and is aligned to National Science Education Standards. Topics include animal adaptations, habitats and ecosystems, animal behavior and tool use, animal communication, and ways to make a difference for wildlife worldwide.
Disney Family Fun also offers several crafts and activities kids can make to coincide with the primate theme. Why not get some monkey bread in the oven and make pipe cleaner monkeys while you wait for it to bake?
You will need:
- bumpy pipe cleaner
- regular pipe cleaner
- pom-poms
- hot glue or tacky glue
- googly eyes
What you’ll do:
- To make each one, cut a length of bumpy pipe cleaner (make sure your piece has two bumps) and bend it in half to form the monkey’s legs. Use hot glue or tacky glue to secure two 1-inch pom-poms together, sandwiching the legs and a 9-inch length of regular pipe cleaner (for the arms) between them.
- Glue a third pom-pom in place for a head. Attach googly eyes, small pom-poms for ears, and a tiny pom-pom nose. Add glue to one end of a 6-inch length of regular pipe cleaner and stick it to the back of the monkey for a tail.
- When the glue has dried, bend the arms and the tail into shape.
When you’ve made several, link their arms together to form a chain and dangle them from a shelf or door frame. It’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
Related articles
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom “Party for the Planet” Events Celebrates Release of Disneynature’s “Chimpanzee” (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
- Disneynature – See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzees (video) (jedimouseketeer.blogspot.com)
Warhorse Bluray Review
So I just watched Warhorse last night and let me just say it was a very intense movie! There is lots of emotion and action!Here is a little info about the film.
From Legendary Academy Award-winning motion picture director/producer Steven Spielberg, this critically acclaimed and Academy Award®-nominated epic adventure tells the story of the extraordinary journey of courage and friendship as seen through the eyes of one unforgettable horse named Joey, and his miraculous journey to find his way back home.
I will say I really liked the movie a lot but it left me wanting a bit more character development until I saw the Bonus Material.
I never paid much attention to “bonus” content before but seeing this caused me to like the movie even more.
The Bonus Features Disc contains:
- Film Making Journey (64 minutes)
- Editing and Scoring (9 minutes)
- The Sounds of War Horse (7 minutes)
- Through the Producer’s Lens (3 minutes)
A Film Making Journey tells the back story of “Warhorse”. It began as a novel by Michael Morpurgo and then a Stage Play in London. The story of a horse’s journey through World War II with beautiful scenery of the colorful English Country Side in stark contrast to the bleak No Man’s Land on the battlefield of France. Most of the movie was shot outdoors in England where the constantly changing weather affected the sky, clouds and the land enhanced the background scenes.
Steven Spielberg narrates the story of making “Warhorse”. Well worth the 64 minute investment.
Editing and Scoring: Editor Michael Kahn describes the process of scene selection with emphasis on the battle between the natural and mechanical during the transforming struggle that was The Great War. Kahn discusses the emotions felt during the creation of “War Horse” of Love, affection and understanding between “Joey” (the title character) and those humans who become a part of his story.
Scorer John Williams’ creative talents are on display along with scenes from the actual recording studio. You will come away from the second half of this short segment with a greater appreciation for the talents involved.
The Sounds of War Horse: No sounds from the actual location were used in the film which makes the story behind the creation of the sound effects all the more interesting.
Through the Producer’s Lens: Co-Producer and Photographer Kathleen Kennedy’s magnificent still shots are the back drop during her compact yet meaningful description of her impressions of the film. The fact that 8 million horses were killed during the Great War was not lost on her. The importance of conveying the horror of war, not just to humans, but to the horses was not lost.
In conclusion this movie is not just a World War I movie. It is an anti-war movie and the story of the journey of a horse from the horse’s viewpoint. Spielberg relates a message about the relationships between many humans and a very special horse. The bonus material is most helpful by helping the viewer understand his insight in understanding the historical connection of man and horse. The horse was man’s only mode of transportation for centuries. Great armies moved upon the horse. Nation’s fortunes were made or lost thanks to the relationship between the horse and man. The Bonus features describe in detail the difficulties of training, makeup,the tricks used and humane treatment considerations involved. All leave you with a greater appreciation of the making of “War Horse” and of the resulting phenomenal movie.
Thank you to Disney for letting me review this film.
Related articles
- War Horse on Bluray and DVD on April 3rd (chipandco.com)
- Oscar Nominated WAR HORSE Gets a Blu-Ray Release Date (chipandco.com)
The Disney Fantasy: Our first Impression
I count myself incredibly honored to have been among the chosen to take part on the Fantasy Inaugural Voyage.
This voyage, though far to brief, was incredible. I’ll admit I didn’t expect the Fantasy to be much different than the Dream. After all, they are sister ships and the time lapse between the building and release of the ships was very brief.
To detail the ship in its entirety would make for an extremely lengthy article and I know you all well enough to know your attention spans won’t last that long.
I’m assuming that the main questions on everyone’s minds revolve around the differences between the Dream and the Fantasy so here we go.
- The decor-obviously the ships are going to be decorated differently; just as the Magic and Wonder are. The Peacock theme on the Fantasy is very well done and is absolutely gorgeous. The colored chandelier in the atrium is beautiful and will take your breath away.
- The layout- The Dream and the Fantasy are set up practically identical, so if you’ve been on the Dream you won’t find the Fantasy hard to navigate.
- The adult clubs-While I truly enjoyed the theming of Evolution (on the Disney Dream) in my opinion The Tube (Disney Fantasy) has it beat hands down in theming. You truly feel transported to the Tube in London. There are even red phone booths, british flag leather booths as well as railings and leather hand straps to hang onto, just as if you were riding the Tube. The bar area is gorgeous and the lighting style is very modern and functional. The glass bulbs can have images illuminated on them, can change color, etc. The dance floor also lights up and can have images projected onto it. There seems to be a much move vast selection of seating especially in seating decor. You’ll find large ornate overstuffed velvet chairs fit for a king as well as super modern circular chairs in red lacquer, large oval booths to accommodate new friends and plush overstuffed couches and chairs. The play on red, black and white really gives a great contrast and the textiles give it a rich feeling that Evolution doesn’t really have. The Tube looks very expensive and well thought out and is immaculately themed. There are now mini remotes for audience participation; so it was fun to vote in the “Match Your Mate” competition it really made you feel like part of a game show audience.
- The Europa District-This cluster of adult areas has upgraded and changed each location as well as the overall layout. The new layout is much better and makes La Piazza a destination as opposed to a walk way as the District Lounge seems to be on the Dream. The adult areas feel a bit more distinguished and each one has its own identity and has to be found, unlike The District where you feel like everything is in one large hallway and you just pick which door; right or left. The transformation between bars is really quite amazing.
- Ooh La La makes you feel like you are in a French Boudoir, with velvet chaise lounges, fantastically ruffled chairs and ornate decor. Ooh La La feels much more European and French influenced than the Champagne bar on the other ship-Pink. I really can’t decide which I like better; I have to admit that the Pink elephant is pretty darn cute on the Disney Dream! Both places have a very different feel to them; while one is modern and bright the other is very French.
- O’ Gills Irish Pub seems a much better solution than 687-the sports bar on the Dream. This seemed to draw a much broader crowd but still serve the purpose of lots of beer and televisions; and let’s be serious….who doesn’t love to pretend they’re Irish?!
- The water features in the adult areas are the best addition to the Fantasy. Deck 12 now has a water feature that’s perfect to sit on the edge and dip your feet, or sit in the shallow water to stay cool in the hot sun. It seems to serve as a sort of watering hole for sun bathers and it’s nice to see folks chatting together during the day. The chair situation on the upper decks also seems to have improved. There seem to be more chairs, and there are also shady areas brought to you by Cabana-esque shelters to the sides of the decks. You’ll find many people here listening to music, writing or on their laptops. This is a perfect spot for folks who want o be outside but can’t take the heat (literally). The top on the “shelter” covers a large area so it’s not like having your own private cabana and I love the open feel of it and the fact that shade dwellers can now intermingle instead of sending a single member of your travel party to bed for an umbrella or place in the shade. This deck is a place everyone (sun worshiper or not) can enjoy together.
- Satellite Falls: I can’t even begin to describe this wonderful invention. This is yet another water feature for adults only (that means PEACE AND QUIET!). This water feature has a water curtain that falls down from around the circumference of the sphere above. You can sit on the edge, dip your feet, climb on it, stay under the water curtain or find a spot inside the water curtain. The tile work is beautiful, and its a great use of location. The concierge level sun deck (which has privacy and key card entry of course) shares this space but it has a very relaxed, almost quaint feel to it. Again you’ll find shady spots here as well as loungers in the sun.
The addition of “Aladdin” and the newest show “Wishes” are the other major changes as well as the changes and upgrades to Animator’s Palate. Overall the ship is beautiful beyond words and I can’t wait to cruise again and stay on for a full seven days to really experience all the Fantasy has to offer!
If you’d like to experience the Disney Fantasy, there are great rates for Guaranteed Rooms with Restrictions available for April sailings! Contact me for your free quote and to check availability! Michele@PixieVacations.com
Related articles
- Disney Fantasy: The Tube (thepracticalplanner.blogspot.com)
- Disney considers another gourmet lunch option on Fantasy (passporterboards.com)
Is Disney World Character Dining Worth it or is it Overpriced?
The 411 on Character Dining
Character dining meals at Walt Disney World are an opportunity for your child to meet some favorite Disney characters up close and personal. The characters are integrated into each meal’s theme. In some cases, the characters’ costuming is designed specifically for the meal’s character (pun intended) and other times the characters themselves are central to the location’s theming. Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch at the Polynesian Resort is an example of both. Lilo and Stitch are a natural fit for this South Pacific inspired resort. They are joined by their good friends Pluto and Mickey who rock some trendy Hawaiian shirts.
Most of the character meals are buffets or family style meals with the notable exception of Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table. As a general rule, you can count on meeting four or five Disney characters in about 75 minutes.
How does it all work? Once guests are settled, the Disney characters will stop at each table for a photo op, to sign autograph books, and for some good-natured antics. They may also lead a parade or a little activity such as napkin twirling.
Defining Value
Value is relative, especially at Walt Disney World. In the case of character dining, I look at four main factors: atmosphere (this includes characters and entertainment), food quality, quantity, and of course cost.
Atmosphere
It’s all about the characters. After all, that’s why you frantically began dialing at 6:55 a.m. (sans coffee) 180 days out to get hold of a coveted Advanced Dining Reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, isn’t it? There are two types of characters at the character meals – face characters like the princesses and costumed characters like Winnie the Pooh. For me, face characters have an advantage over their costumed friends. Face characters can speak and really engage their guests through conversation while costumed characters are limited to gestures as they do not have a voice. So, if you’re looking for the most value, I say go for character dining with face characters such as the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast or Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare or Princess Storybook Dining in the Norway Pavilion. You’re kids will get more than a quick picture, a hug, and an autograph. That being said, if your child is Handy Manny’s number #1 fan, there’s no doubt meeting him at Playhouse Disney’s Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine will b e a highlight of the trip, even if he doesn’t speak.
Let’s talk about venue next. Some are truly special such as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or Cinderella’s Royal Table while others are run-of-the mill. Yes, Playhouse Disney Play ‘n Dine, I’m talking about you. If your food tastes better in pretty surroundings, then book a princess meal which take place in some of the prettier character dining restaurants. Something that is hard to put a value on is taking photographs inside an empty theme park. For a photograph of your kids alone in front of Cinderella Castle, book a breakfast character dining experience before the park opens; you’ll be able to enter early and get those special pictures.
Food Quality
Most Disney World character meals are buffets and I would rate the overall food quality to be mediocre – you’re really paying for the character interaction. Though it may be just average, there is a lot of variety and the food is plentiful. These buffets have kid-centric stations that are sure to please little ones. One of my favorite character dining experiences from both an atmosphere and food quality perspective is Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort. To sum it up, if you weigh food quality heavily when judging value, then you’ll probably think character dining is overpriced.
Food Quantity
There’s no shortage of food at the buffets and family style meals. The problem is my family usually doesn’t eat our money’s worth. My kids are bouncing out of their seats waiting for their favorite character to stop by so it can be an exercise in futility to get them to eat their food. I’m so busy taking pictures and filling plates at the buffet that all-you-can eat often translates into all-you-have-the-chance-to-eat. This is compounded by long lines at some of the buffets since multiple groups are often seated around the same time. Where’s the best value? For my money, family style meals win out. The platters are brought directly to the table and mom and dad don’t spend a lot of time taking turns at the buffet filling plates.
Cost
If you’re paying out-of-pocket and compare restaurants based on price and food quality, you’ll pay more at most character dining. But really, you’re paying for your little ones to have a guaranteed opportunity to meet their favorite Disney friend one-on-one. Guests on the dining plan have the advantage of meeting characters for one table-service credit (with the exception of Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table), the same as other table-service restaurants. That’s a good deal.
What I don’t like is feeling obligated to purchase a photograph on top of the sometimes steep cost of the meal. At locations like Ohana’s a photographer will take your group’s picture before breakfast and then will give you the option to purchase it for about $30.
What’s the verdict?
As a mom, atmosphere (i.e., meeting the characters) is the most heavily weighted factor when I judge value. That means if my little guys have a favorite character or two, a couple of character meals are worth the money especially if the character is not so easy to find in the park. In fact, a character meal often means more time for the attractions since I don’t have to arrange our touring schedule to find and meet an elusive character.
What do you think? Is character dining worth the money?
Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe. You call follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/DisneyExplorer.
Related articles
- Disney World Quick Tips – Avoid Morning RUSH (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips – Get a free Autographed Postcard from the Disney Characters! (chipandco.com)
iPad App Review: Learn Chinese: Toy Story 3
I was recently given the opportunity to review an iPad app by Disney. This special app, called Learn Chinese: Toy Story 3, is part of their new Language Learning Read Along initiative, and is designed to help children — and adults, if they are so inclined — to learn how to read and speak Chinese with the help of your friends from Toy Story 3!
The folks at Disney deserve many kudos for this app — it is so incredibly detailed, it takes quite a while to get through all of it, and even after looking at all of the nooks and crannies, I still haven’t absorbed it all in, so don’t ask me to speak to you in Chinese, please!
The premise of the app is that you read the story first in English, and then you substitute some of the words for Chinese, then more of the words, and so on until all of the story is in Chinese. Take a look at these screen shots for more information.
All the words are in English.
1/4 of the words are in Chinese.
1/2 the words are in Chinese.
3/4 of the words are in Chinese.
All the words are in Chinese.
There are some other incredible features for this app. For example, do you see the little toy microphone to the left of these screen shots? If you tap that, it will open up the recording feature of the program, which will allow you to record your voice for practicing pronunciation of Chinese words — or, if you are learning English, English words. You can record the words as often as you want, and play back the recording to see how you compare with the narrator’s recording.
Tap the microphone -- I dare you!
See my recording!
Have you noticed that you can highlight the words? When you tap on it, it will briefly highlight and the narrator will pronounce the word. However, if you “flick” the word with your finger to the bottom of the screen, it will put the word at the bottom, but translated into Chinese (or if you are reading the word in Chinese, it will translate it to English). That is just one of the things that really documents how well designed this app is, and what a great job the folks at Disney did. Take a look at these two screenshots to see what I mean.
Just "flick" a word to the bottom of the screen!
See - "pictures" in Chinese is pronounced "zhao-pian"
I really can’t stress enough how incredibly well designed this app is. The cost of this app is $4.99, and for such a small fee, it really does pack a lot of learning into the app! My daughter Sophie has a book that talks about the Chinese language, and even shows how to write some common Chinese words, and she loves this app. If you are looking to get your children interested in a foreign language, this app may be just the ticket for you to make learning fun for your children. Give it some thought, you might just find yourself learning a new language!
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