Happy Mother’s Day from BRAVE: See the New Spot

I hope you have marked your calendars!  BRAVE is coming June 22, 2012! But right now, sit back and take in this spot to honor Mother’s Day spot from the film!

 
 A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, “Brave” uncovers a new tale in the mysterious Highlands of Scotland where the headstrong Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom and inadvertently unleashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true bravery before it’s too late. Opens June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

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Boggie Creek Airboat Rides & Makinson Island: Touring the Natural Beauty of Florida #DisneyGlobalEvent

There were many, many wonderful things that we got to do on my recent trip to Orlando, Florida!  The other 19 bloggers and I that were there as part of the events surrounding the Premier of Chimpanzee kept saying, “Wow” with every adventure!  There was just something new to discover in Florida and a new way to do that at every turn!

Yes, I Held a Baby Gator!

Two of the most relaxing, scenic things we did was go on Boggie Creek Airboat Rides and a take a trip to Makinson Island! Before I even start typing about how beautiful, fun and amazing both of these experiences were, check out the slideshow below that encompasses both trips!

Yes, I know, I am spoiled rotten!  But I have to say, before this experience, I had not idea that Florida had so many unique and fun things to do!  Both of these natural adventures can be enjoyed by family with children of all ages!  This making them the perfect outing – even and educational one – for the whole family!

Our Guide Showed Us an Apple Snail Shell! Big, right?

Boggie Creek Airboat Rides offer a scenic trip into the Florida Everglades on a boat that glides over the water and takes you deep into Alligator land.  The best times to spot gators are in the mornings and in the evenings and we did get a good look at a mom who was resting in the water!  Once the alligator spotting was done, it was time to speed off and spin around to show how much fun an airboat ride can really be!  As the guide pointed out the eggs of the Apple Snail – they are a beautiful red and were attached to everything – and talked about the habits of gators, I had to pinch myself that I was lucky enough to get this wonderful opportunity to see something very special in Florida!

Just look at the beauty!

A few days later we set out on a boat ride to Makinson Island off Lake Toho (don’t make me spell out the whole native name)!  This 132-acre island offers approximately 3.5 miles of hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Accessible by boat only through Kissimmee Outdoor Adventures or Tom & Jerry’s Pro Guide Service. This… majestic… is the only way I can think to describe it… boat ride through the smooth waters of Florida appeases any person who appreciates the beauty of water and land.  And as you pass by coves with deep blue water and tall, green trees, you literally sit still and just drink it in.

Just drink in the beauty on the way to Makinson Island

We arrived at Makinson Island and headed out for our hike, which was really a leisurely stroll through well worn paths decorated with  native plants and trees.  And as we looked high up in the sky we saw – amazingly-  a baby Bald Eagle perched on a limb.  We stood – mesmerized by the true rarity of seeing a baby Bald Eagle and were in awe as he flew around, brown wings extended but stayed close to his nest.

A Butterfly on Makinson Island

We finally tore ourselves away and walked along hearing stories of boars who had cause such immense damage to the island and how hurricanes had wiped out so many trees.  We came upon a butterfly garden where tons of butterflies were fluttering and feeding and enjoying the sunny day.  Again, we were just flatfooted with the incredible nature that we were privileged enough to watch!

I truly enjoyed our time on Makinson Island and know that anyone would.  You can camp on the Island – please call to let them know –  (407-343-7173), hike all day, picnic and make a day or a few days out of it!

Me in one of the beautiful trees on Makinson Island

Next time you are headed to Orlando for your family vacation, take a day or two to enjoy a Boggie Creek Airboat Ride and take a trip to Makinson Island.  I bet you’ll agree with me that both adventures are not only worth it, but were beyond anything you could have imagined!

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Want MORE Florida Adventures?

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Oh, and by the way, don’t worry about getting from your Global Resort Home to these adventures.  Just call up a Pegasus Bus and enjoy a comfortable, relaxing ride with courteous drivers and clean, quiet buses!  It is the only way to travel to all of the wonderful Florida amenities!

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  Photos were used with permission. My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

I Ziplined ‘The Rattlesnake’ at Florida Ecosafaris & LOVED IT #DisneyGlobalEvent

Party Like a Rock Star!‘ I scream out as I walk off the platform, sat comfortably in my secure harness and let my fears and inhibitions turn into excitement and pure, unadulterated FUN on The NEW Rattlesnake Zipline Roller Coaster at Florida  Ecosafaris at Forever Florida!

As I endured the drops and turns of this truly amazing zipline roller coaster, I laughed and squealed with delight!  This this is F  U N!!  Not scary…  FUN!  It amazed me that there were no engines or mechanism to keep me going.  Just the brilliant design and peaceful thrill of being the only one on a roller coaster, hanging freely (harnessed, of course) and anticipating the anxiety but enjoying the complete adventure!  The Rattlesnake opened on April 6, 2012 and I can not wait to go back and ride it again!

You can also not be quite so adventurous and go on the wonderful Zipline Safari where you can zipline from platform to platform enjoying both the fun of ziplining and the amazing views of the property from each platform!

Check out our fun filled day in the slideshow below:

But Florida Ecosafaris has more to offer than the amazing Rattlesnake!  This 4,700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area puts nature first.  They leave untouched the  natural habits for animals.  And with its natural streams wetlands and dense forests that can be toured via Coach Safari, the whole family will enjoy its massive beauty.  Learn how conservation is number one when it comes to this unique and special adventure park and wildlife reserve!  I loved seeing the baby alligators basking on the rocks and the story of ‘The Bone Yard’.  Instead of burying or disposing of animals that pass, they lay them in the Bone Yard and let nature take its course.  That is how devoted they are the conservation and wild life on the land.

See the Baby Alligators?

The Coach Safari is perfect for the entire family and I am looking forward to taking my kids back!

Feel like a peaceful bike ride over the tall Cypress trees that decorate the land?  Then you can embark on the first ever Canopy Cycle Adventure in the USA!  I’ll be honest, I went back and forth between this one hour adventure that would take me 25 feet up in the air, show me nature in its truest form and give me a good, relaxing tour versus the Zipline tour!  So I am really looking forward to returning and trying this amazing adventure out!

The other adventure that I am dying to give a go at Florida Ecosafaries is the Horseback Safari!  I can not imagine the beauty and serene landscaping that would only be interrupted by the clipity clop of my horses feet.  You can even turn it into a several day event with your family and really ‘rough it’ in the natural habitat that is celebrated at Florever Florida!

But as I landed my feet on the platform at the end of The Rattlesnake, conquered my complete fear of anticipating in falling on the Panther Pounce and raced Jen from TheSuburbanMom.com down the Peregrine Plunge, I was glad that I got the amazing Zipline Adventure crossed off my ‘MUST DO’ list!

My family and I are planning a trip back to Florida later this year and revisiting Florida Ecosafaris at Forever Florida is defiantly a must! There is so much more to Florida and what it can offer as a family vacation and unique adventures that you would imagine!  Take some time to see how you can spend an entire day doing something that you can not do anywhere else!

Oh, and by the way, don’t worry about getting from your Global Resort Home to Florida Ecosafaris.  Just call up a Pegasus Bus and enjoy a comfortable, relaxing ride with courteous drivers and clean, quiet buses!  It is the only way to travel to all of the wonderful Florida amenities!

PegasusBus.com was amazing!

Check out this other great post about the days events at MamaLovesHerBargains.com! She took the scenic route :)

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  Photos were used with permission. My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS DOMESTIC DEBUT SETS ALL-TIME INDUSTRY RECORD

I don’t know about you but I am hoping out of my seat super excited to see Marvel’s The Avengers!!!  And now that I see how much EVERYONE loves it, I am itching to get there sooner!

Check out the press release on this record breaking film below and do not forget to enter to WIN your Prize Pack!

The Walt Disney Studios announced today that Marvel’s The Avengers posted an estimated $200.3 million in its domestic debut May 4-6, shattering previous records and positioning the film as the highest-grossing domestic debut of all time. The film’s cumulative global box office gross is an estimated $641.8 million over 12 days in release.

In just three days, Marvel’s the Avengers is the fastest movie to reach $200 million domestically. The domestic debut kicked off Friday, May 4 and marks the second highest single day take of all time at $80.5 million. Saturday’s box office gross of $69.7 million is the highest Saturday take of all time. Moviegoers gave Marvel’s The Avengers a rare and perfect A+ CinemaScore. 

Marvel’s The Avengers began opening internationally April 25 and crossed the $600 million mark globally May 6 after just 12 days in release.

International box office highlights include:

  • Opened May 3 in Russia with $17.9 million, the biggest Marvel opening weekend ever
  • Opened May 5 in China with $17.4 million
  • Biggest opening weekend of all time in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Central America, Bolivia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Philippines

Marvel’s The Avengers has now opened in all major markets except Israel, Poland, and Japan.

The film’s success comes a month after Marvel and Disney announced that a sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger will be released April 4, 2014. A sequel to last summer’s Thor is scheduled for release November 15, 2013, and the third installment of the hit Iron Man series, which has earned over $1.2 billion worldwide, will arrived in theaters May 3, 2013.

 Marvel’s The Avengers is the first Marvel Studios film to be marketed and distributed by The Walt Disney Studios.

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So Cute! Marvel’s The Avengers Target Spot

Marvel’s The Avengers hits theaters May 4, 2012 and I, personally, can not wait!  And I love all of the really cool things that are coming out of this movie!  But this clip is just plain cute!

See the Target Spot for Marvel’s The Avenger’s below and then mark your calendars for May 4, 2012!

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Dr. Jane Goodall to be Named Grand Marshall of Tournament of Roses Parade in 2013

I was so excited when I saw this press release about Dr. Jane Goodall is to be named the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade!  I so enjoyed being in the same room with her and being part of the press interviews for the wonderful movie, CHIMPANZEE!  I left that room inspired and carry that feeling still today!  I can’t wait to watch the parade and see Dr. Goodall – probably with a stuffed chimp in her arms – waving from the beautiful floats!

And remember, CHIMPANZEE is now in theaters and if you see it between now and May 3, 2012, a donation for every ticket sold will be given to the Jane Goodall Institute in an effort to save Chimpanzees!

Here is the entire press release on the news of the parade:

PASADENA, Calif. (April 25, 2012) – The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® revealed today that Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2013 Tournament of Roses festivities.  On New Year’s Day, in front of a world television audience, Dr. Goodall will ride in the 124th Rose Parade® presented by Honda and themed “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!.”  She will then toss the coin before the 99th Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO.  Dr. Goodall has been an inspiration to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses as the organization continues to seek ways to make the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game more sustainable by finding ways to evolve waste-management practices and inspire that change in those who participate in Tournament of Roses events.

“We selected our theme, ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ with Dr. Goodall in mind as Grand Marshal,” said Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby.  “The theme can be interpreted as a celebration of accomplishment, discovery and travel of course, but equally valid is its implicit call to action.  We think Dr. Goodall’s life story is a testament to the sense of adventure and openness to possibility that this phrase suggests:  As a young woman, she defied convention to follow her dreams, and she has committed herself to a life of global citizenship, inspiring children and adults alike along the way.  2013 will be the 53rd anniversary of her field study of the Gombe chimpanzees.  I can think of no one whose life has better exemplified our theme and message than Dr. Jane Goodall.  Dr. Goodall is now an international icon, but it is her passion for discovery and how she has used her celebrity for the betterment of the world that has drawn us to her.”

At the age of 26, Jane Goodall traveled from England to what is today Tanzania and bravely entered the little-known world of wild chimpanzees.  She was equipped with nothing more than a notebook and a pair of binoculars.  But with her unyielding patience and characteristic optimism, she won the trust of these initially shy creatures.  She managed to open a window into their sometimes strange and often familiar-seeming lives.  Her early findings—that chimpanzees make and use tools, eat meat, and engage in war-like activity—profoundly altered our understanding of what it means to be human.

Today, Dr. Goodall’s work revolves around inspiring action on behalf of endangered species, particularly chimpanzees, and encouraging people to do their part to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment.

The Jane Goodall Institute, which Dr. Goodall founded in 1977, works to protect the wild chimpanzees of Gombe National Park in Tanzania and other parts of Africa, but recognizes this cannot be accomplished without a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of local people who are critical to chimpanzee survival.

The Institute’s community-centered conservation program in Africa (TACARE) includes sustainable development projects that engage local people as true partners.  The program began around Gombe in 1994, but has since been replicated in other parts of the continent.

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, which Dr. Goodall started with a group of Tanzania students in 1991, is today the Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth program for young people from preschool through university with hundreds of thousands of members in more than 120 countries around the world.  Members of Roots & Shoots California groups attended the event and escorted Dr. Goodall to the podium.

“I am honored to be the Grand Marshal for the 2013 Tournament of Roses,” said Dr. Jane Goodall.  “New Year’s day symbolizes the opportunity to work toward new goals, experience new beginnings, and make a difference.  My dream for this New Year’s Day is for everyone to think of the places we can all go if we work together to make our world a better place.  Every journey starts with a step and I am pleased to see the Tournament of Roses continue to take steps toward not only celebrating beauty and imagination, but also a cleaner environment.”

“Each year, the Tournament of Roses invites its Grand Marshal to not only become a part of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, but also a part of its extended family,” said Bixby.

“We are hoping to learn from Dr. Goodall as we continue to look for ways to make our events more sustainable in the area of resource management to promote long-term behavioral change.”

Initiatives the Tournament of Roses is developing or continuing in 2012 include:

  • ·       With the assistance of Three Squares International Inc. (TSI), a Los Angeles-based, globally recognized environmental consulting firm, continue to develop greening strategies for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game and identify organizations to partner with and create sponsored recycling and greening efforts.  TSI specializes in developing comprehensive sustainability plans for corporate entities, government agencies and academic institutions.
  • ·       Work in collaboration with Rose Parade participants to continue to pursue alternative power sources that could help to reduce emissions.
  • ·       In collaboration with the City of Pasadena, further enhance recycling efforts and diversion of waste material at Tournament of Roses-sponsored events.
  • ·       Provide Rose Parade band participants with reusable water bottles at the end of the Parade route.
  • ·       Provide event participants and attendees with recycling tips for their visit to Pasadena on New Year’s Day.

These projects are just a few measures that the Tournament of Roses plans to put in place.  Additional greening strategies can be found on the Tournament of Roses website at http://www.tournamentofroses.com/TheRoseParade/AboutUs/GreeningStrategies.aspx.

For further information about Dr. Jane Goodall and the work of the Jane Goodall Institute, including Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, please visit www.janegoodall.org and www.rootsandshoots.org.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®

           The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO and various associated events.  The 124th Rose Parade presented by Honda, themed “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!,” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats,

high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands.  Following the parade, the 99th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO will kick off at 2:10 p.m. and feature an exciting match-up

between two of the top collegiate football teams in the nation.  For additional information on the Tournament of Roses, please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

About the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI)

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior started more than 50 years ago—research that transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals.  Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats.  It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, the global environmental and humanitarian program for youth of all ages, which has groups in more than 120 countries.  To learn more about JGI, please visit www.janegoodall.org.

Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute and Donate to the cause too!

Buy your tickets to See Chimpanzee and a Portion will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute!

Learn more about the amazing youth program Roots and Shoots! 

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Celebrate the Movie PEOPLE LIKE US with a Brother/ Sister Quiz + FREE Sprinkles Cupcakes May 2

May 2  is Brother and Sister day!  To honor that and the upcoming movie, PEOPLE LIKE US, below is a FREE quiz just for fun!

Also, don’t forget to visit Sprinkles Cupcakes tomorrow, May 2nd, when all ten locations across the country will give out a free cupcake to each customer who comes in between the hours of 12 noon and 2:00p.m. and says, “People Like Us.”  Any customer can vote online for the official PEOPLE LIKE US flavor and the winning cupcake will be announced the week of the film’s opening. Customers can also pick up punch cards in Sprinkles Cupcakes stores, redeemable on the selected PEOPLE LIKE US holidays for a free cupcake.

In a story inspired by true events, Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, is tasked with fulfilling his estranged father’s last wishes—delivering an inheritance to a sister he never knew he had. Starring Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde and Michelle Pfeiffer, PEOPLE LIKE US opens in theaters June 29.

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Cinderella Diamond Edition is Coming from Disney October 2, 2012

The press release has just come out and my girls are going to FLIP when they hear that Disney is opening the vault October 2, 2012 and releasing three seperate editions of the classic movie, Cinderella!

Cinderella Trilogy with Limited Edition Collectible Jewelry Box Packaging (Six-Disc Combo: Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy) - Preorder this wonderful collectors edition now and save $27 plus get free shipping on release date!

  Cinderella (Three-Disc Diamond Edition: Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy)
Save $13.50 on this one PLUS clip the $8.00 off at check out coupon and save $21.50 off of this set! 

Cinderella (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)

OR

Cinderella (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in DVD Packaging)

Save $8.00 on both with the preorder and get them shipped FREE!

See the entire press release below:

BURBANK, California, April 27, 2012 –– “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” and at the stroke of midnight, October 2, 2012, dreams around the globe really will come true when The Walt Disney Studios opens its prestigious vault to release one of Walt Disney’s most timeless and beloved masterpieces of all time, “Cinderella,” in the highly anticipated Blu-ray™ Diamond Edition Collection.

This enchanting classic comes alive in stunning fashion for in-home viewing for the very first time on Blu-ray high definition with enhanced picture and sound, once again being embraced by new and old generation alike and only available … as long as the spell lasts.

The “Cinderella: Diamond Edition,” with its spellbinding storyline, memorable music, unforgettable characters and spectacular animation, sparkles like never before with a wide-array of bonus features that extend the viewing experience for the whole family to enjoy including never-before-seen material, family-friendly interactive activities, games and more.

“Cinderella: Diamond Edition” will be offered for purchase in several distinct packages – a collector’s 6-Disc Jewelry Box Set (Cinderella Blu-ray + Cinderella 2: Dreams Come True Blu-ray/Cinderella  3: A Twist in Time on a single Blu-ray + Cinderella DVD + Cinderella 2 DVD +Cinderella 3 DVD + Cinderella Digital Copy Disc), a 3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy), a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD), and High-Definition Disney Digital.

“Cinderella” will join the company’s prestigious line-up of Blu-ray Diamond Collection titles this Fall which is currently comprised of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Bambi,” “Lady and the Tramp” and “The Lion King.”

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS:

To learn more and keep informed on this release:

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

Street Date:  October 2, 2012 (Direct Pre-book: 8/7; Distributor Pre-book: 8/21)

Suggested Retail Pricing = 6-Disc Jewelry Box Set = $89.99 (U.S.)
3-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $44.99 (U.S.)
2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack = $39.99 (U.S.)
High-Definition Digital = $19.50 (U.S.), $23.50 (Canada)
Feature Run Time: Approximately 75 minutes
Ratings:G
Aspect Ratio:Blu-ray Feature Film – 1.78:1, 1080p High Definition
DVD Feature Film – 1.78:1
Audio: Blu-ray Feature Film: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 1.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Original Theatrical Mix
DVD: Feature Film – 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
Languages/Subtitles:English, Spanish and French

About Cinderella:

Everyone orders Cinderella around: her cruel stepmother, her awful stepsisters — even the big clock in the church tower tells her when to start another day of drudgery. But they can’t stop her from dreaming, and Cinderella has faith that someday her wishes will come true. When an invitation to the royal ball arrives, Cinderella is sure her time has come — until her stepsisters, with the encouragement of Lady Tremaine, tear her gown to shreds. Just when Cinderella believes all is lost, her Fairy Godmother appears, and with a wave of her wand and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” transforms an ordinary pumpkin into a magnificent coach and Cinderella’s rags into a gorgeous gown, then sends her off to the Royal Ball. But Cinderella’s enchanted evening must end when the spell is broken at midnight. It will take the help of her daring animal mice friends and a perfect fit into a glass slipper to create the ultimate fairy tale ending.

About Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection:

Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection represents The Walt Disney Studios’ most prestigious and treasured animated classics. Diamond Edition titles boast the highest level of picture and sound; feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content; and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology.

About The Walt Disney Studios:

For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

# # #

  © 2012 Disney

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Global Resort Homes: Truly Relax on Your Florida Vacation #DisneyGlobalEvent

Several years ago my husband and I took our two little girls to Disney World in Orlando.   We did not have our third daughter yet so it was four people – albeit two small ones – in a hotel room with two beds.  It was OK but it was cramped, even with little kids, and my husband and I were stuck in the same room as our children and when they went to bed at 7, we had to too.

We were there for 7 nights and even though we tried to quietly play card games, sit outside and chat or even watch television, it always woke up the kids.  So we would lay there, staring at the ceiling, listening to our children sleep!

But now that I have had the distinct pleasure to spend five comfortable nights in a Global Resort Home, I will never hotel it again!

The Beautiful Global Resort Home We Stayed In

While in Orlando for the Red Carpet Premier of Chimpanzee, I got to stay in one of the Premier properties that Global Resort Homes offers in Kissimmee, FL and I have to tell you, this is how to truly relax on your Florida vacation.  Located just 1.5 miles from the Disney Parks, there is room for everyone and every thing.  These are not time shares nor is anyone going to come in and try to sell you a home or anything else for that matter!  In fact, unless you need something, you may not see anyone besides your neighbors the entire time you are there! These are homes that guests stay in for the perfect vacation!

Eight women, 11 suitcases, and 8 Oscar Plush toys shared the spacious six bedroom home at 2576 Archfield in Kissimme. The four large bathrooms designed for multiple people to be in them at the same time were never cramped.  And if you have ever shared a bathroom with another woman – much less four other women – you know how amazing that is!

A Spacious Kitchen makes Waking Up Peaceful and Comfortable

With one bedroom downstairs and five bedrooms up, including the master, the floor plan is perfect for parents that wants to be near their children but have the privacy of their own bedroom too!  It is also great for multiple families as there are three King bedrooms, a Queen bedroom and two twin bedrooms in this house and others like it.  Split the house with your family and friends and sit out back under the warm Florida moon, feet in the hot tub, chatting while your kids sleep peacefully inside!

Or come home in the middle of a busy day at Disney, let the kids nap while you relax reading my blog and then head back to the parks with everyone rested and ready to go!  Avoid being one of those couples with the screaming, tired children at six o’clock because they have been at Mickey’s for eight hours and are just all out of happiness!  The point of a vacation is to relax and have fun!

Walk into Comfort at the End of a Long Day of Having Fun

To help facilitate that relaxation further, most of the Global Resort Homes come with private pools and also hot tubs!  And the area is fully fenced to prevent mosquito attacks while you are trying to relax.  When you need a break from soaking and relaxing after a hard day of It’s A Small World After All, you can have a little friendly competition in the game rooms that are located in the garage of most of the homes!  Or gather around the spacious kitchen and living room area and talk about the day and the fun you’ll have the next day without bothering anyone in the house who might be sleeping.

But the best part of staying at a Global Resort Home instead of a cramped hotel room is that when you get ‘home’ from a long day, it really feels like you are home.  There is a fully functional kitchen, a full sized washer and dryer {so pack less because you can wash you clothes… saves on baggage fees!}, coffee makers, comfortable couches, two eating areas, pass through kitchens and so – SO – much more!

Relax in the Hot Tub Like Some of the Bloggers Did

And it all costs about the same as a hotel room!  Yes – about the SAME, if not LESS, than a hotel room!

Other perks come from the 24 hour concierge where you can rent – for super cheap – things like cribs, car seats, scooters, gas grills and more for the entire stay and save BIG on baggage fees and your back by not having to lug around heavy items!  Get groceries delivered, have a private chef prepare your meals, get an in home massage!  Book tickets to attractions, special events – Hot Air Balloon Ride anyone? – and even rent a car or call a shuttle.  All you have to do is ask!  They even have a Mobile Concierge that can give you directions to theme parks, dining and shopping tips and so much more!

The Room I Was in Sort Of Fits My Personality, Doesn't It?

I urge you to take some time when planning your Orlando vacation to check out Global Resort Homes first.  They have properties with everything from condominiums to town homes to large, premium homes.  Take it from someone who has done both the hotel and the home.  This is the best way to relax at the end of a hard day of taking a vacation!

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  Photos were used with permission. My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

Enter to WIN an AVENGER’S Prize Pack + New Clip #TheAvengersEvent

It’s Coming, It’s Coming!!

Marvel’s The Avenger’s Hits theaters May 4, 2012 and I can not WAIT!

Check out this new clip titled Black Widow Interrogation below:

 
Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring RobertDowney Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson,Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston,with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, directed by Joss Whedon, from a story by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon with screenplay by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “TheAvengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012.

EXCITED????   I am!

Now, you can enter to WIN an Avenger’s Prize Pack!  The pack includes:

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS t-shirt in adult  sizes of S, M, L, XL

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS set of 6 buttons

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS one pair of limited edition 3D glasses

Just click [continue reading] for easy Rafflecopter entry: [Read more...]

Marvel’s THE AVENGERS New Clips Released

Marvel’s The Avengers is COMING to Theaters May 4, 2012!  I don’t know about you but I am VERY excited!!  Check out some of the new pictures and featurette’s JUST released!

 
Loki Imprisoned
 

Captain & Thor Battle

“Like” MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Facebook and Follow MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Twitter

 MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS hits theaters everywhere on May 4th!

 Like A Day in Motherhood on Facebook  and Subscribe to A Day in Motherhood. Images borrowed from Disney.

Chimpanzee: The Director’s Interview #DisneyGlobalEvent

The directors of the film, Chimpanzee, Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield smiled graciously as they sat in front of a group of mommy bloggers and other media to share their experience filming this beautiful and touching film.  Expecting stock answers I was immediately impressed with their willingness to share their inside stories.

At the end of the movie, after the gorgeous scenery of the African Forest has faded, the incredible story of Oscar and his mother and then adoptive father has ended and the creative genius in the filming of this movie is realized, are clips of what it was really like to film a movie in the African Forest.  Bees stings, ant bites, rough terrain and more are showcased and are entertaining but also a snapshot into the respect that should be given to anyone who was involved in the making of this film.

As these clean cut, well spoken directors smiled out onto our group, there was no evidence of the peril they endured during the three and a half year filming period that this movie took.  During that time they followed the Chimpanzees as they traveled 8 to 10 miles a day tracking food through thick terrain that they could barely navigate through, with camera’s and gear, sometimes at night, and never knowing what was ahead.

During the 700 days that it took them to get the thousands of hours of film to make this amazing movie, they changes from directors of a Hollywood movie just there to film a baby Chimpanzee into men who felt they understood every action, emotion and facial expression of the Chimpanzee’s they had come to know.  They wanted to reach out and help baby Oscar when his mother was gone and rejoiced when the amazing and rare wild adoption happened.  Their respect and love for these amazing animals is apparent throughout this film.

Here are just a few questions and answers that I found most intriguing when talking to these dedicated directors:

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Question:  So, how nervous were you guys when Oscar’s mom was killed? 

MR. ALASTAIR:   Very.  I mean, more than nervous.  I mean, we actually rang up Disney and said, “Sorry, guys.  We spent most of your money, and you haven’t got a movie,” uh, and so, because, obviously, Disney movies have to have a happy ending, and –

MARK:  It wasn’t looking like one. 

MR. ALASTAIR: It was, I mean, to be honest, a three-year old, two-and-a-half year old chimp without its mum, is basically a death sentence.  There’s just no question.  And then for that adoption to happen… the scientists have been working with those chimpanzees for 30 years and never ever seen that to happen.  And so for that to happen was fantastic for Oscar, but, my goodness, you know, if we’d written the script exactly as we’d wanted, we wouldn’t have, in our wildest dreams, have that happen, and it’s just such a lovely story, because male chimpanzees are such macho guys.  I mean, they are.  Their brains are a third as big as ours, but they have three times as much muscle.  And when you meet them they are just…oh. 

And to see the intimate grooming — I mean, other than suckling, which, clearly, he couldn’t do, that guy did absolutely everything for Oscar.  And so it was — it was a dream come true for us as filmmakers.  Absolutely. 

Question {Mine!}:  How did making this movie and watching the relationship between the chimps — the adoptive father, the mother that passed, and Oscar struggling — how did it change you? 

MARK:  Well, the thing — what was really interesting is when we first went on the reconnaissance trip, we found ourselves, you know, in a — in a camp full of scientists, sitting around a meal table, discussing the day’s events, and it was like listening to a soap opera, wasn’t it? 

MR. ALASTAIR:  Yep.

MARK:  Everyone was saying, “You should’ve seen the way he looked at her today.  I’m sure he was thinking this.”  “He never did!”  “Well, you know what’ll happen tomorrow.  You know where that’ll lead.  Then no good’ll come of that.”  And they were talking about it like you would talk about a sitcom, and we just –

MR. ALASTAIR:  Yeah.  They’re bonkers.  

MARK:  These guys have been in the forest way too long, way too long.  You know.  Within a couple of months, we were doing exactly the same.  You can’t — you just get drawn into them.  You can’t help it.  You know, they are just so engaging.  As you rightly say, all of their relationships with each other, kind of mi — mirror the ones that we have, um, you know, the maternal bond, obviously, very strong.  Clearly, the paternal bond stronger than anyone had thought.  Um, being protective over that patch. 13:53

I mean, these are very human things.  And you kind of respond to them in a human way. 

ALASTAIR:  The group was about 35 to 40 strong.  And so we obviously only featured four key individuals, but the scientists would talk about all of the  — all the whole lot.  They knew them all every day, it was always changing, and as Mark said, it was a natural soap opera.  It was very engrossing. 

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There are really so many reasons to see this movie.  The large screen shows the scenery as it should and better than the small screen will be able to convey.  The story is endearing and true.  There was no script and no interruption of what nature truly created.  And when you see the movie in the first week it hits theaters, April 20 – April 26, 2012, a portion of your ticket proceeds will go to the Jane Goodall Institute and their effort to preserve these beautiful animals.

Take your family and make it an event!  You will see the hard work these dedicated directors put into this and appreciate it even more that you thought you would!

Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute and Donate to the cause too!

Buy your tickets to See Chimpanzee and a Portion will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute!

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

Dr. Jane Goodall Inspires & Motivates: An Interview #DisneyGlobalEvent

“How proud are you of this movie? [Chimpanzee}?"

"Well, I don't know if I can [say] I’m proud of it, because I didn’t make it, but I think it’s absolutely fantastic.  The crew, the film, sound, the effort that they made, the footage that they got, is stunning.  And the story that unfolded is magical.  And, you know, if Disney had planned it, they couldn’t have planned such an extraordinary story.  So, very amazing. [It] Will do a lot of good for chimpanzees.”  Dr. Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall is soft spoken but strong, passionate yet controlled and one of the most impressive people I have had the great fortune to be in the same room with.  I, personally, have admired her work for years… often wishing I had the passion that she has for something that needs our help so very badly.  And wishing I could create something like her amazing youth program, Roots and Shoots, that is doing work with the youth of today that will affect generations to come.

There is a certain comfort sitting across from this Chimpanzee expert and conservation pioneer.  Her stature is small but her message is huge, endearing and simple.  And as she answered questions and shared her knowledge, I grew more impressed and learned that one does not have to be boisterous, loud and attention seeking to command respect.  One just has to be confident and sure that what they are saying is, indeed, true.

As she captivated the audience of bloggers and other media in our interview session, she talked openly about misconceptions, conservation and the importance of knowing how each of our actions affect the envoronment.  Dr. Goodall also talked of the Jane Goodall Institute, how she got her start and found her calling with Chimpanzees and the rarity of the miracle in the movie Chimpanzee that transpired.

But the one thing that impressed me most during my brief time sitting just one row away from Jane Goodall is her apparent compassion and love for the animals that she devoted her life to learning about and saving.

“There’s a misconception that a scientist must be cold and objective to be a good scientist, and that’s absolutely not true. And I know from fact that you can, if you have your mind disciplined – you can watch something which makes your heart weep. You can have tears streaming down your face.  That does not stop you [from] making an objective account of what’s happened.  And quite honestly, that’s what has gone wrong with the planet. 

We’ve lost the wisdom of making a decision today based on, “How will this affect our people generations ahead?” Dr.Jane Goodall

It is virtually impossible to listen to someone with so much discipline and knowledge about something you and I may never come face to face with and not be affected.  From the tip of her thumb that is missing – the result of a Chimpanzee bite – to her calm demeanor and complete confidence in the ability to relay her experiences, her desire for the conservation of – not only her beloved Chimpanzees – but the entire planet, and her complete openness about anything, she is the epitome of a class act.  A scientist with a heart.  A woman with a love.  And a drive to make it known.

I have included other excerpts from her interview and hope that you take away what I did from it.  I could sit in a room and listen to her talk all day long.  But since she travels 340 days a year spreading her message and teaching her wisdom, I was honored to have the time I did.

*******************************************

WOMAN:  How rare is it for a male to adopt a chimpanzee? 

DR. GOODALL:  Well, we, normally, at Gumby, we’ve had brothers adopt their little infant sister or brother.  We had one 12-year old that’s like a human 15 or 16 adopt an unrelated infant.  And over all these 52 years, I’ve heard of one other story of an alpha male adopting an infant, so it’s very rare.  Very rare.

Mediator: [Do] you want to tell about the conservation program, Jane, the first week –

DR. GOODALL:  Yes.  Everybody who goes to see this film in its first week, the Jane Goodall Institute gets a percentage to the ticket sales, and all of that money is going to actually help us look after our little Oscars.  We put a sanctuary with over 150 orphan chimps whose mothers were killed in the bush meat trade.  And it’s very expensive, looking after them, and right now we’re struggling to get the funds to prepare the big island in the middle of the river. Which will make a safe place for the adults, for some of our orphans and our full-grown.  And they’re very smart.  They learn how to escape, and that’s dangerous for them, and it’s very dangerous for our staff.  So it’s a bit desperate.  We need to raise this money. 

WOMAN: How did you form this partnership with Disney?

DR. GOODALL:  We’ve been partners with Disney for ages, on and off.  I was — they first brought me into the Animal Kingdom when it opened, because Disney was getting real bad press.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals took out a whole page in the Sunday New York Times, which must’ve cost them a fortune, to say, “Disney is killing animals; boycott Disney.”  So the person who was organizing the whole animal part of it, I mean, the closures, and the moves, and that kind of thing, I had known him before, Nick Baranji, and he asked me if I would come and look at it.  And find out what was happening and stand out and speak out for Disney. Which of course I did because a lot of what’s going on here is absolutely first-rate, and so that’s how it all began. 

WOMAN: Where did your love for chimpanzees begin?  Where’d it start? 

DR. GOODALL:  Well, I wanted to go to Africa when I was ten, and that was because of “Tarzan.”  And don’t think that Tarzan had a chimp called Cheetah.  That’s an invention.  The book doesn’t have Tarzan having a chimp called Cheetah.  He doesn’t have a chimp at all.  And he’s not raised by chimps either, which people have a misconception.  Anyway.  That was when I decided I wanted to go to Africa and live with animals and write books about them.  And then I saved up money, got out to Kenya, met Louis Leakey, and he offered me chimps, so I had no dreams of going to study chimps. 

WOMAN:  Do you think that we’re moving in the right direction when it comes to being more aware about our environment?  Or is there still just so much work that –

DR. GOODALL: Well, first of all, I think many people are becoming a lot more aware, that’s for sure.  But the problem is, the awareness isn’t necessarily leading to behavior change.  And so, you know, people — well, most people admit that human activities have caused climate change.  I know there’s a whole movement which is fueled by money in from a certain part of the private sector to say that’s not true, but it is true, and I’ve been to those places, and I know.  And so there’s more awareness. 

But the reason I am so passionate about our youth program, Roots and Shoots, is because we have to raise a new generation to understand that, yes, we need money to live, but we wouldn’t live for moneyAnd we need all of — all of the adults to admit that we haven’t inherited this planet from our parents but borrowed it from our children.  We have to admit that’s wrong.  We’ve been stealing from our children.  We’re still stealing.  We have to get together, if we care about conservation of chimpanzees. 

We have to care about conservation of rain forests.  If we want to conserve a rain forest, we have to make sure the people living all around it have better lives than most of them have.  They are mostly living in great poverty, so we work with all of those people.  And then in turn, eventually, they are coming around to help us, to conserve the forests, and the chimps.  So you have to realize, everything is interrelated, and no one organization can do anything alone. 

That’s why working with Disney is greet.  Because Disney has a big outreach.  This film, hopefully, will go to millions, eventually, all around the world.  It will raise the profile of chimps.  And hopefully that will JGI to raise more money.  Because if we don’t raise more money, we shall fail in our mission. 

WOMAN: I think the average person doesn’t feel that they are that capable of making big change, so what do you think the — if there is one thing that we can tell the average person to do to change to help a cause like this, what would you suggest?

DR. GOODALL:  Well, the most important thing — I mean, I could say, please join JGI [Jane Goodall Institute].  And I do say that.  But that’s not the message.  The message is: just spend a little bit of time each day thinking about the consequences of the choices you make.  What you buy.  Where did it come from?  How was it made?  What do you eat?  Does it involve cruelty to animals?  What do you wear that does involve child-slave labor or sweat shops?  How many miles has it traveled?  How was the environment damaged? 

And when people start thinking like that, they begin making, first, small changes, and then usually, bigger changes.  And the difficulty is getting people to understand that what you do matters.  That what each one of us does every day is having an impact on the planet, and we have a choice.  What kind of impact do you want to make?  Don’t start thinking, oh, well, it doesn’t matter what I do, ’cause I’m one.  If you were one, it wouldn’t matter two hoots, but you’re not one. 

You’re a growing number of people, all around the world, and it’s when everybody starts thinking like this — and children are changing their parents and their grandparents.  So we’re moving in the right direction, but not fast enough.  So, an organization like Disney can help us to spread a message faster and further. 

**************************************

It is hard not wanting to get up and make serious changes to your own life immediately and I hope that is conveyed through her words that day.  Please take two hours out of your week April 20 -26, 2012 and take the family to see CHIMPANZEE!  You can Save Chimpanzees by Seeing Chimpanzee and help the Jane Goodall Institute realize her dream of preserving these amazing animals.

Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute and Donate to the cause too!

Buy your tickets to See Chimpanzee and a Portion will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute!

Learn more about the amazing youth program Roots and Shoots! 

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

The McClain Sisters: A Lesson in the Unity of Sisterhood + See the ‘Rise’ Video

Until three beautiful, intelligent girls sat down in front of me and started jubilantly answering any question that was thrown at them, I had not really heard of The McClain Sisters.  But when they got up to leave the interview, I felt like I knew them better than most.

Having just heard them sing ‘Rise’ – the song from the new movie, Chimpanzee – that morning at the Disney Worldwide Conservation Awards, I knew their talent.  And after 20 minutes of listening to them talk, joke and discuss things among them selves, I knew their strength of sisterhood too.

China (13) – you may know her as the star of Disney Channel’s ANT Farm – Lauryn (15) and Sierra (18) are sisters first, family members second, singers third and Christians through it all.  Their grounded spirit, enthusiasm and appreciation for being asked to write and sing, ‘Rise’ in Disneynature’s Chimpanzee opening April 20, 2012, was apparent and resonated with us all.  They credit their parents with keeping them in check and quickly pointed out that the beautiful song they wrote was a family affair.

As the three laughed and talked and shared their favorite things about working with each other, I started to miss my three girls.  I imagined them in 10 years when they were about the same age of these girls and hoped that they would think it was fantastic to share a room but not so great to share clothes!

When you go see Chimpanzee, make sure you pay attention when the song ‘Rise’ comes on at the end. The words are powerful, important and beautiful.  Three sisters, united together, used Oscar the Chimpanzee as their inspiration when they sat down with their family and produced a hit. I can not wait to hear more about The McClain Sisters and where they go next!

Here is the wonderful video of the song!

Below I have highlighted some of my favorite questions from the interview.  I’ve left it kind of choppy and with interrupted sentences to give you an idea of how much fun it was to listen to them talk!
 

 *************************************

WOMAN:  So, how did you find inspirations when you watched the movie to write the songs, and what were scenes that inspired you the most? 

SIERRA:  Uh, definitely the ones with Oscar.

SISTER: Yes.

SISTER: Yeah.

SIERRA: You know, when, hopefully, everybody saw the movie, but when he lost his mom.  And probably when — a lot of the battle scenes too because it’s a very inspirational record, and it’s uplifting, you know, and it’s spiritual and that was a big thing for the movie, you know, how they all had to stick together if they wanted to survive, you know, they had to be together, you know, and the lyrics was, “Together –

SISTER: Together we’ll rise.  Yeah.

SIERRA:  And together we’ll rise, you’re right, so –

SISTER: So it’s mostly about unity.  The unity in the movie was just really amazing, ’cause they couldn’t really do anything without each other, and they were never far away from each other, and that was really good.  But our main — our main point was Oscar.

WOMAN: Have you ever been in a situation where you really feel like you had to like, band together and fight as sisters?

SIERRA:  Oh, yes.  We definitely have.

SISTER:  Many times.

SIERRA: We definitely have.  Um.  You know.  Especially with China’s been kind of like a breakout Disney star and we’re all proud of her.

But you know it comes — there’s some ups and there’s some downs that have come with that.  So we’ve definitely had to have our sister moments.

SISTER:  Yes.

SIERRA: We sit in the room and –

SISTER: Just kind of talk.

SIERRA: Just talk, and, you know, we’ve definitely had those moments, yes.

WOMAN: How do you guys stay grounded?  Um, as sisters and as a family?

SIERRA: Our parents.

SISTER: Our parents.  Yeah.

SISTER: We have really good parents.

SISTER: From the very beginning, they always taught us to always stay humble and you know, always remember what you were taught and always have faith in what you believe in –

WOMAN: With your experience been with the song, “Rise,” and this whole chimpanzee experience, if there’s one key message that you’d like to portray to young children under the age of, you know, say, fifth grade and under, what would that be?

SIERRA: Well, I have three — two sisters and a brother, so I would definitely tell them to stick close and to love each other, and to always be there for each other, because you know our mom always taught us, my dad too, but my mom definitely taught us is that, you know, friends, they come and go sometimes, but your sisters are gonna be — always be there for you.  No matter what.

SISTER : [We have a] bunch of brothers.

SIERRA: Yeah.  My mom had two brothers.  And she was really close to her brothers, and she always taught us to be close, and that’s how we are still. So, definitely that.

SISTER: Just stay close, and always just remember to love each other, and have — have fun with each other, ’cause it’s really great to –

SIERRA: You gotta enjoy that time.  You know. They’re your siblings.  You do everything together.  So, you know –

SIERRA: And we’re Christians.  So –

SIERRA: We have that foundation as well.

SISTER: Yes.  That’s a big part of our parents and the Lord –

SIERRA: Yeah, how we live life and things like that, so — yeah –

WOMAN:  I guess I want to know like, what surprised you or what did you learn, or what is the most important thing you’ve learned, taking away this experience from the film? 

SISTER: We learned a lot.

SIERRA:  Well, of course, you know, we know it’s important to stick together, but, um, to see a different — a totally different species, you know –

SISTER: Sticking together?

SIERRA: Exactly, and working together to just obtain one goal, which, was, you know, most of the time, it was to survive in this movie, and I feel like we’re kinda this way.  You know, I really don’t know what I would do without those two, so, definitely, just to stick close, like I can’t even stress that enough.  You know.  Just to — you know, with your family, you know, it’s important to have that strong foundation, you know, with every family member.  So, me and my — we’re all like that.  And we kinda show it in the music, you know.  We write and we produce, and, you know, we sing, all together, so, definitely, just to stick close, and that unity part… is really big, for me.

SISTER: Same here.

SISTER: Everything she just said!

*****************************************

It was a true pleasure to meet such wonderful young ladies!  And the song ‘Rise’ is certainly a great showcase of their amazing talents!  Be sure to go see Chimpanzee opening week!  As part of the See Chimpanzee, Save Chimpanzee effort, Disneynature will donate a portion of every ticket sold to the Jane Goodall Institute!

Read my review of Chimpanzee – a Movie with Heart that opens April 20, 2012.

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

Save a Chimpanzee by Seeing a Fantastic Movie, CHIMPANZEE + More Red Carpet Premier Photos

Last week I was taken deep into the African forest and introduced to a family.  A family with a mother who loved her son.  A son who played, ate, learned and relied on his mother for absolutely everything in his life.

CHIMPANZEE is an amazing movie, a thrilling adventure and a heartwarming story told as only Disneynature could tell it.  Take your family and watch as Oscar, the beloved star, learns a hard lesson in life but on the brink of the inevitable is brought out of tragedy by the most unlikely ally.  You can read more of my review here.

This family movie is beyond worth the cost of admission.  In fact, in the first TWO weeks that it is in theaters, Disney will donate a portion of every ticket sold to the Jane Goodall Institute.

The Jane Goodall Institute, created by the formidable – but surprisingly soft spoken, Dr. Jane Goodall is an amazing organization whose sole goal is to save the Chimpanzees.  And after you see the film, you will see why these animals are so loved and need us so badly.

Each ticket sold between April 20 – May 3, 2012 will donate $0.20 to JGI.  That may not seem like a lot, but it can be a huge donation if we all take the two hours out our busy days to see a true, shot in the wild, story of a family working to survive in what can become a hostile environment.

For parents:  I want to make sure you know, as I did in my other review, that this IS a family friendly movie.  Rated G, the directors and produces are very careful to shield little eyes from anything scary.  There is no blood, no acts of violence and nothing that would make me cover my 2, 4 and 5 year old daughter’s eyes.  You can explain to your children ahead of time that they will see Chimpanzee’s chasing each other and that Oscar suffers a loss but that it is all OK in the end.  I really feel like children and adults of ALL ages will enjoy this film!

And because I am so passionate since seeing it about conserving our world for our children and teaching my children the same thing, I decided to forgo the free preview I could have gone to last night and spend my money on the actual tickets opening weekend so that I can make my donation to JGI.

The funds will help:

  • Protect their home—the tropical forest;
  • Educate the next generation; and
  • Care for orphaned chimpanzees.
Learn more about the organization and how you can be a part of See ‘Chimpanzee’, Save Chimpanzee!

Included in this post are more fantastic photos I took on the Red Carpet and at the Premier plus photos used with permission!  Thank you to Global Resort Homes and Disneynature for the amazing experience!

Follow Hashtag #DisneyGlobalEvent and #MeetOscar for all of the latest on the film and it’s happenings!

And stay tuned for the round table interviews we had with Dr. Jane Goodall!!, The McClain Sisters, the Directors- Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, and Dr. Beth Stevens, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Citizenship Environment & Conservation for the Walt Disney Company!

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**

Chimpanzee: A Family Movie with Heart – Movie Review #DisneyGlobalEvent

Get ready to fall deeply in love with a little Chimpanzee names Oscar.  Chimpanzee, the movie, opens in theaters April 20, 2012 and I recommend that everyone gather their kids and see this movie as soon as you can.  Preferably in the first week, however, as a portion of every ticket sold will go to the Jane Goodall Institute to help them realize their dreams of building a habitat for Chimpanzees where they are not threatened by predators.

I was honored to be at the Red Carpet Premier of Chimpanzee this past week – even standing behind the amazing Dr. Jane Goodall on the Red Carpet – and I could not have been more thrilled.  A little hesitant that a movie about wild animals would be savage and graphic at times, I was very impressed with Disney’s effort to keep the film truly G Rated.  In fact, I am taking my children to a preview tomorrow night and have no hesitations what so ever that my 5, 4 and 2 year old will love the film and not be scared!

Take yourself and your family deep into the African Forest and watch as Isha takes care of her young Chimpanzee, Oscar.  Laugh at his antics with his friends, his pathetic attempt to crack nuts and let the tears well up at his trials.   And then watch something truly amazing and extremely rare happen.   Something that stunned the directors, Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, and even Dr. Jane Goodall herself.

Not only is this an educational film about how Chimpanzees live in the wild but it is a heartwarming and endearing film that will leave you feeling enchanted and wanting more.  I literally could watch this film over and over again.

The scenery, the story telling and the music are in true Disney style.  Authentic, original and entertaining.  Plus they pull your heartstrings just the right amount.  Your children will want an Oscar and you will want to explore their world and learn more about them as a family!

In addition, when you learn how fragile their ecosystem is and how important it is that we preserve it, it will drive home the motivation to get your family thinking more about how what we buy and eat affects our world and not just our households.  A great conservation message for our young people who are truly our hope in preserving our planet!

Take time on April 20, 2012 to take the family to the movies!  Not only will you see a GREAT film, you will be donating to help all of the little Oscar’s and their families too!

Want more Chimpanzee?

See the NEW trailer and Enter to WIN a Chimpanzee Prize Pack! Ends April 19, 2012!

You can purchase the amazing Book, Chimpanzee: The Making of the Filmas well – a great educational gift for the family!

FOLLOW Disneynature on Facebook and hashtag #DisneyGlobalEvent for all of the latest on Chimpanzee!

**I traveled with a group of bloggers as a mostly compensated trip for these events.  My writings and opinions are mine.  Please see my Disclosure Page for more information. Affiliate links may be included in this post.**