Elena of Avalor soundtrack releases tomorrow!

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July 21, 2016

Elena of Avalor sountrack will be available starting July 22^nd, there will be 7 songs which will be featured on the much anticipated animated series on the Disney channel “Elena of Avalor”. The series will premiere on the Disney Channel on July 22^nd at 7:00pm- 8:00pm EDT. The theme song “Elena od Avalor” is performed by Gaby Moreno and the song “My time”, which is Elena’s anthem is performed by Princess Elena herself (voiced by Aimee Carrero)

In addition to singing the theme song, Gaby Moreno will also voice a guest role in the series. Born in Guatemala, Moreno performs her music, which ranges from blues to jazz to soul to R&B, in both English and Spanish. In addition to winning the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2013, Moreno was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music in 2010 for co-writing the theme song to “Parks and Recreation.”

The songwriting team for “Elena of Avalor” consists of series creator/executive producer Craig Gerber, songwriter/music director John Kavanaugh (who are also the Emmy Award-winning songwriting team behind Disney’s “Sofia the First”), Emmy Award-nominated composer Tony Morales (“Hatfields & McCoys”) and acclaimed touring musician and Latin music instructor Rene Camacho who serves as Latin music consultant.

Elena of Avalor track listing:

“Elena of Avalor”
“Ready to Rule”
“Festival of Love”
“Sister Time”
“The Magic Within You”
“My Time” (Bonus Track)
“My Time” (Instrumental)

Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

SeaWorld Orlando Introduces New Summer Soak Party

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 21, 2016

This summer you can beat the heat like never before at SeaWorld Orlando‘s all new Summer Soak Party. Beginning July 22, guests can take a break from the hot summer sun to splash and dance the day away under playful sprinklers and rain curtains. DJ’s, dancers, and ice-cold culinary surprises delight guests at this summertime celebration Party Zone.

The Summer Soak Party will take place daily from July 22nd through August 14th at SeaWorld’s Bayside Stadium from 12 to 6 p.m. and weekends from August 15th through Labor Day.

Exclusive Party Zone Offers

$1 Cotton Candy
$1 Popcorn
$2 Bottled Water
$3 Bottled Beer
$3 Shamu® Ice Cream Bars
$10 Shamu® Bubble Blower
$10 Shamu® Misting Fan

Some other summer deals include free 12oz beer daily for pass members of Mako Red Ale through August 31. Guests present their pass at Terrace Bar, Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen or Spice Mill for this daily offer. Guests can also get some Christmas in July by booking reservations to Santa’s Fireside Feast, a holiday dinner with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves, at a 30% discount starting July 21 through July 25.

Don’t forget about Summer of Mako either! This event happening now through August 7th encourages families to explore, be inspired, and take action to protect our oceans. Whether you want to meet animal experts, dive deeper into an ocean of interactive games, or experience Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest coaster, Mako.

You can also beat the Central Florida heat this summer at Aquatica®, SeaWorld’s Waterpark®. Now through August 6, Aquatica will offer another way to cool off, Island Nights presented by Coca-Cola®. Taking place every Friday and Saturday night, guests can enjoy an evening celebration of summer with a special Island Nights soundtrack, extended park hours, a daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to park close, an evening menu sizzlin’ with flavor at Waterstone Grill and an evening kick-off party with a DJ and dancers. Event included with park admission to Aquatica.

To learn more about SeaWorld’s ticket offers this summer visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

Make a stop by the Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 21, 2016

Did you know that in Disney World they pump irresistible scents into the streets to tempt their guests to enter certain stores?

The Main Street Bakery located on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom is one of the locations that does this, and it has been serving guests delectable treats for years. In 2013 Starbucks took over yet they continued serving those irresistible baked goods.

This delicious menu changes from season to season and here is what you can find there this summer:

Specialty Mickey Cupcakes in vanilla or chocolate, perfect for guests who love icing
Giant Brownies with and without walnuts
Marshmallow Dream Bars and S’mores Bars
Chocolate Chip Cookies and Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles
Banana Nut Bread, Chocolate Marble Pound Cake, Iced Lemon Pound Cake, and Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake
Blueberry Yogurt Muffins with Honey
Petite Vanilla Bean Scones and Blueberry Scones
Butter, Almond, and Chocolate Croissants
Apple Fritters
Chocolate Chunk and Vermont Maple Walnut Muffins
A variety of breakfast egg sandwiches
Coffee Cakes and Cake Pops

Not only do they have incredible desserts, but some of these snacks you can grab on-the-go when heading down Main Street for a quick breakfast. They also have large selection of coffees and teas to go along with your snack.

Be sure to check out the Main Street Bakery next time you go to the Magic Kingdom!

Whimsical Disney Character Aprons to Cook up Some fun

By

Danielle

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July 20, 2016

I love cooking big meals to share with family and friends. I can’t think of a better way to show off my Disney Side in the kitchen than with these beautiful Disney Character Aprons from Etsy designer VioletPhoenixDesignz!

There are so many sassy inspirations of our favorite Disney princesses, heroes, and villains to choose from. The waist ties are long and can be tied in a cute bow in the back or wrapped around your waist and then tied in front. This apron can also be tied around the neck or to achieve the criss-cross strap look you will need to tie and/or pin the neck straps to the waist straps.

Check out some of my favorites below:

Who will be your Disney inspiration in the kitchen?

Happy Shopping!

Marvel Unveils New Details On Tribute Statue Celebrating 75 Years of Captain America

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2016

In 1941 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon created the iconic Super Hero Captain America. Since his inception Cap has gone through numerous evolutions, but remains as one of the world’s most influential and inspiring Super Heroes. In starting a new phase of the year-long celebration of 75 years of Captain America, Marvel Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media have unveiled a slate of heroic activations taking place at San Diego Comic-Con and beyond to honor the First Avenger, along with a wide range of celebratory merchandise.

Headlining the Captain America 75th anniversary celebration, Marvel has collaborated with high-end collectibles maker Comicave Studios to create a one-of-a-kind Captain America statue that will be displayed at the Marvel booth #2329 at Comic-Con International on July 20. Comicave Studios worked closely with Marvel artists in New York and a Brooklyn-based sculptor to design the bronze tribute, standing at over 13 feet and weighing 1 ton. The statue will continue to stand tall on the show floor throughout San Diego Comic-Con for photo ops with fans, and 1/12-scale bronze replicas of the statue will be available for purchase. Plus, a custom comic book was created by Marvel Publishing writers and artists to integrate the statue into new storytelling. This one-of-a-kind comic will be available in limited quantities at San Diego Comic-Con and future Captain America events.

Following SDCC, the commemorative statue will journey via truck across the country to Brooklyn, NY – the hometown of Steve Rogers – for a limited engagement in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Fans can follow the truck along its cross-country route through photos on social media sites like Marvel and StyledByMarvel Instagram. The statue will be on display in the Children’s Corner of Prospect Park for a two-week temporary installation, kicking off with a dedication ceremony and community event on August 10 from 1 – 3pm. In the evening, a special viewing of the recent blockbuster film, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, will take place in Prospect Park as part of the culmination of the Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams’ “A Summer Movie Under the Stars” program, which will be airing four Captain America-focused movies every Wednesday from July 20th to August 10th.

“To the rest of America and the world, he’s Captain America; to us, he’ll always be Steve Rogers, ‘just a kid from Brooklyn,’” said Borough President Adams. “Brooklyn is proud to be the base of celebrations for Cap’s 75^th anniversary, which will be capped by a larger-than-life statue traveling around our borough — befitting of this larger-than-life character. Prospect Park is the place to be this summer to enjoy the Captain America!”

After the half-month stop in Prospect Park, the Captain America statue will move to the plaza outside Barclays Center on Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues for September, during which several Marvel fan activations take place. From late October through the remainder of the year, the statue will adorn the soon-to-be-opened Bed Bath & Beyond® in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Fans of all ages will enjoy a specially re-designed statue base, for heightened interactivity and photo opportunities with Captain America, as well as see and shop for a variety of unique Marvel items, including limited quantities of scaled replicas of the bronze statue itself.

“Since 1941 Captain America has remained one of the most influential Super Heroes in comic book history,” said Paul Gitter, senior vice president, licensing, Marvel at Disney Consumer Products. “He has evolved as a character throughout the years, but remains constant as a moral compass within the Marvel Universe and leader of the Avengers. The tribute statue and other activations are the perfect way to honor 75 years of this iconic Super Hero and to celebrate the borough of Brooklyn in New York City.”

Also joining the 75^th celebration at San Diego Comic-Con are Marvel’s leading merchandise partners including Hasbro, Funko, and Jakks Pacific who will be commemorating “Cap” through new collectibles. As previously announced, Comicave Studios will also be offering different scales of replicas of the bronze statue itself at San Diego Comic-Con. Additional licensees including Mad Engine, Mighty Fine, Freeze, C-Life, Her Universe, What’s Your Passion, Nick Graham, Café Press, Jay Franco, Kiddesigns, HJC Helmets and more will all feature new Captain America merchandise at major retailers this Fall. These collections will highlight Captain America’s iconic shield and cover categories including apparel and accessories for kids, women and men, home goods, electronics, and toys. There will even be new Brooklyn-themed artwork available for a range of apparel and accessories.

ABC’s Hottest Shows Are Coming Out On DVD This Summer!!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2016

Disney and ABC Studios have announced that the latest seasons of their hottest shows are coming to Blu-ray and DVD this summer!

Once Upon a Time: The Complete Fifth Season – Available August 16th

Darkness and Light. One conceals; the other reveals, but each is infinitely seductive. Prepare for the ultimate battle between these opposing, unpredictable forces in ABC’s Once Upon a Time: The Complete Fifth Season.

Treat yourself to all 23 riveting episodes of Season 5. Plus, indulge your senses with never-before-seen bonus features as you share the romance, relive the magic and unlock the secrets of Once Upon a Time.

Bonus Features: MERIDA IN STORYBROOKE – In Pixar’s “Brave” Merida proves her strength and independence to the world and she makes no exceptions when she comes to life in “Once Upon A Time.” We’ll explore Merida’s journey further by going behind the scenes and meeting Amy Manson, the Scottish actress who perfectly personifies an independent spirit. Amy will take us through her process for stepping into the role and share with us the similarities between her character and herself as a young girl growing up in Scotland. We will explore the explosive mash-up of Merida, Mulan and Ruby and find out why they are perfectly suited to helping each other through some tough times. Learn why Merida is the perfect feisty fit for the Fairy Tale world as well as why they chose to match her with these particularly strong women.

TALES FROM THE UNDERWORLD: A KNIGHT WITH CRUELLA – Set in the Underworld and featuring Cruella and an all-new ONCE character portrayed by a special, surprise actor (“Buffy’s” James Marsters). Cruella has been left behind in the Underworld at the end of the season, and we didn’t exactly learn her fate… until now. Also included, deleted scenes, Once celebrates one hundred, cast & creators commentaries, and the fairest bloopers of them all (Exclusive to Blu-ray)

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard; Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan; Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David Nolan; Emilie de Ravin as Belle French/Lacey; Colin O’Donoghue as Captain Hook/Killian Jones; Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina Mills; Jared Gilmore as Peter Pan/Henry Mills; Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold; Rebecca Mader as Zelena/Wicked Witch of the West; and Sean Maguire as Robin Hood.

Castle:The Complete Eight Season – Available August 23rd

It’s a whole new world for TV’s hottest couple as Beckett finds herself in the Captain’s chair while Castle makes the leap from author to full-blown Private Investigator. Experience every riveting moment of pulse-pounding action, white-knuckle thrills and sizzling romance with ABC’s Castle: The Complete Eighth Season.

The season begins with a bang as a call from a mysterious stranger puts Beckett on the run and sets off an explosive chain of events. The action gets even more exciting – and a little crazy – when Castle’s daughter, Alexis, joins her father to solve the case of a lifetime. Fresh faces and unforgettable characters from the past join the precinct in a year full of devastating twists and turns. Get on the beat with Castle and Beckett, and go even deeper into their world with exclusive bonus features available only on DVD!

Bonus Features: “COOL BOYS” AUDIO COMMENTARY – Featuring Nathan Fillion and Adam Baldwin

“HEARTBREAKER” AUDIO COMMENTARY – Featuring Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever and writer Barry O’Brien

THE GREAT ESCAPE – The cast of Castle are put to the test in an escape room to see if they have honed their detective skills after all these years on Castle. Can they work together to identify suspects, solve the mystery and escape the room? Also included: Boopers and Deleted Scenes.
Starring: Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle; Stana Katic as Kate Beckett; Seamus Dever as Kevin Ryan; Jon Huertas as Javier Esposito; Tamala Jones as Lanie Parish; Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle; Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers; and Toks Olagundoye as Haley Shipton.

Scandal: The Complete Fifth Season – Available August 23rd

The Oval Office is up for grabs, and none of the players are playing nice, including Olivia Pope, who now realizes she can never be content as a wifely First Lady. Domestic bliss pales in comparison with holding the reins of the highest office in the land, so when faced with a chance to wield unrivaled influence at any cost, will she continue to wear the white hat… or prove that she is, indeed, her father’s daughter? Prepare for a battle royale as Olivia, the White House politicians and the O.P.A. “gladiators” play an anything-goes game of blackmail, murder and seduction in a bid for that all-consuming, all-corrupting commodity: Power. Succumb to all 22 intoxicating episodes, spiced with exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features. Relive every drop of scintillating drama as you raise a glass to Scandal: The Complete Fifth Season.

Bonus Features: EXTENDED EPISODE “I See You” – An extended version of an episode chosen by Shonda Rhimes OUTTAKES – Some things cannot be “fixed”
Starring: Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope; Guillermo Diaz as Huck; Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan; Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins; Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant; Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene; Bellamy Young as Mellie Grant; Joshua Malina as David Rosen; Scott Foley as Jake Ballard; Portia de Rossi as Elizabeth North; and Cornelius Smith, Jr. as Marcus Walker

Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Twelfth Season – Available August 30th

Sometimes the life you need to save is your own – especially after a shattering loss, when the bonds of friendship and love at Grey Sloan Memorial are tested like never before. Immerse yourself in the emotion and pulse-pounding romance of Grey’s Anatomy’s exhilarating twelfth season with this 24-episode collection, and dive even deeper into the thrillingly addictive series – with never-before-seen bonus features available only on DVD!
Bonus Features: DELETED SCENES – Back from the dead, these scenes have a new life on DVD IN STITCHES (Bloopers) – Check out the cast cutting up in and out of the OR

Starring: Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey; Justin Chambers as Alex Karev; Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey; James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber; Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres; Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt; Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins; Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery; Sarah Drew as April Kepner; Caterina Scorsone as Amelia Shepherd; Camilla Luddington as Josephine “Jo” Wilson; Jerrika Hinton as Stephanie Edwards; Kelly McCreary as Margaret “Maggie” Pierce; and Jason George as Ben Warren.

From Storybrooke, to the Oval office, to P.I. shenanigans, to Grey Sloan Memorial hospital, the summer is the time to catch up on and watch awesome extra bonus material of all your favorite ABC shows!

First Look: All new Ducktales Concept Art

By

Chip

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July 20, 2016

Disney has released new concept art for their upcoming series Ducktales that is coming to Disney XD next year!

Scrooge McDuck, grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and Donald Duck will, of course, star in the new series, which will be executive-produced by Annie Award nominee Matt Youngberg. Rounding out the creative team are story editor and co-producer Francisco Angones and art director Sean Jimenez.

The image was created by the production’s art team, led by Youngberg and Jimenez, and will appear on the back of DuckTales Cinestory Volume 1 comic—a collectible edition featuring a retelling of the first five episodes of the original DuckTales television show. The comic is being released first at San Diego Comic-Con today, and it becomes available in comic book stores nationwide beginning Tuesday, September 27.

DuckTales is set to debut on Disney XD in 2017.

Source

TeePublic Site Wide Sale for July!

By

Chip

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July 20, 2016

Great news the Tee Public Side Wide sale is on now!

Now through Sunday July 24th our friends at Tee Public are having their $14 Tee Shirt Sale! All Tee Shirts on the Chip and Co Store are included in this sale or you can check out some of the hot designs from some of the other Disney Designers.

July TeePublic Sale:

Wed, July 20th – Sun, July 24th

Deal Details:

T-Shirts – $14
Mens V-Neck – $18
Tanks – $18
Zip Up Hoodie – $38
Hoodies – $35
Crew necks – $30
BaseBall Tees – $17
LongSleeve Tees – $15
Scoop Neck – $21
Infant Onsie – $15
Kids Tees – $14
Prints and Canvas 25% Off

Just click here to check out all of the fun Disney or non Disney designs, or click here to check out some of our Disney Addict inspired designs.

A look inside AbracadaBar at Disney’s Boardwalk

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2016

Disney released a first look inside, as well as more details about the new lounge AbracadaBar that will be located at Disney’s Boardwalk. Here is what they had to say:

When it comes to describing this new location, “magic” is key. As the story goes, this little lounge was a former stomping ground for the famous magicians, boardwalk illusionists, and lovely magician’s assistants of the Golden Age. After a show, prestidigitators would gather to “conjure” up new cocktails, swap magic tips and tricks, and stay up all night attempting to “out-charm” each other with their extraordinary illusions. According to BoardWalk lore, it was on just such an evening that every single magician in the lounge vanished into thin air, and was never seen again …

Now, after sitting vacant for nearly seventy years, the secret magician’s lounge is now back in the spotlight and making its world debut as “AbracadaBar.”

Once inside, guests will get a special peek at the sophisticated social club of some of the most famous illusionists of the 20th century. While it’s rumored that the magicians who frequented the lounge vanished without a trace decades ago, their magic still remains strongly intact, and can be seen, heard, and savored in the bar’s signature cocktails. From its enchanted magic show posters and mystifying mirrors, to vintage props and tricks left behind years ago, AbracadaBar promises to be just as surprising and magical as its name suggests.

While the finishing touches are being made, AbracadaBar isn’t open yet, but we’ll be sure to let you know when they are!

Are you looking forward to the new opening?

If you’re unsure of where to begin planning your Disney Parks vacation, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Contact me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my facebook page here.

Photos from inside AbracadaBar: Disney

Parents of 2 year old who was attacked by alligator at Disney World not suing Disney

By

Disney News

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July 20, 2016

The parents of a 2 year old boy who was attacked by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort in Walt Disney World last month have released a statement today citing they will not be suing Disney in the accidental death of their son Lane.

“Melissa and I are broken. We will forever struggle to comprehend why this happened to our sweet baby, Lane. As each day passes, the pain gets worse, but we truly appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and warm sentiments we have received from around the world.

“We know that we can never have Lane back, and therefore, we intend to keep his spirit alive through the Lane Thomas Foundation. It is our hope that through the foundation we will be able to share with others the unimaginable love Lane etched in our hearts. In addition to the foundation, we will solely be focused on the future health of our family and will not be pursuing a lawsuit against Disney. For now, we continue to ask for privacy as we focus on our family.”

Disney has taken steps since the incident to block off all beaches with fencing and signage warning people of the potential danger.

This statement was released by Disney immediately after the attack.

“We are installing signage and temporary barriers at our resort beach locations and are working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches,” Jacquee Wahler, vice president of Walt Disney World Resort.

WDW News Today reports rocks are also being installed to prevent wild life from coming up on the beaches.

Photo credit Orange County Sheriffs Office

Living With the Land in Epcot is now a Tier 2 Attraction

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 20, 2016

According to Kenny the Pirate, Living with the Land in Future World at Epcot is now categorized as a Tier 2 attraction rather than Tier 1. Guests are currently able to choose one attraction from Tier 1 and two attractions from Tier 2 when making their FastPass+ selections at Epcot.

The following is the current list of Tier 1 attractions at Epcot:

Frozen Ever After
Soarin’
Test Track
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

The following is the current list of Tier 2 attractions at Epcot:

The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Epcot Character Spot
Living With the Land
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Spaceship Earth
Mission: Space
Disney & Pixar Shirt Film Festival

FastPass+ selections can be made beginning 60 days in advance for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and 30 days in advance for those who stay off Disney property.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney Destination vacation. It costs nothing extra to book your vacation through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as MickeyTravels and it could help you save both time and money!

Is staying off site better than staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel?

By

Catie

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July 20, 2016

I am normally a huge advocate for staying on property at a Disney Resort Hotel when I visit Walt Disney World – it’s way more convenient and closer to the Magic – but truth be told, sometimes those conveniences/perks of staying on site aren’t exactly free…and now that I have a family of my own, I am seriously considering staying off property (GASP! Shocking, I know…)

Read on to discover some of the perks of staying somewhere other than a Disney World-owned Hotel:

More Space: There are a TON of Hotels and Resorts near Walt Disney World, and many of them offer a wide variety of room sizes/styles – from standard rooms, to suites, multi-bedroom apartments, villas – there are so many options to choose from! For example check out this special the Disney Springs Resort hotels are running. In addition to hotels, there are TONS of vacation houses, condos, and townhomes in the Orlando area that are available for rental through sites like airbnb.com and homeaway.com. Whether you’re traveling to Florida alone or with your kids and husband, or your friends or extended family – there are places of every shape and size out there for you to stay in – many with separate bedrooms/bathrooms so you can have some privacy and a chance to relax (after all, you are on vacation!)

Dining/Diet Flexibility: Walt Disney World offers some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted – and I have been lucky enough to dine in many of their restaurants (and am working on trying out the rest!), and would eat there all the time if I could afford to! The prices overall are not awful, and the service is always amazing, but if you stay off site, you can really save a lot of money on food. If you stay at a place with a kitchen, you can head over to a nearby grocery store (there are plenty in the area!) for whatever you want to cook up – at a much lower cost than buying a similar meal in the Walt Disney Parks or Resorts. You can also do what Chip does and use Garden Grocer. And if you are on a special diet for whatever reason, having your own kitchen and the ability to prepare your own meals would come in VERY handy. Even just purchasing some snack items/drinks at the store to bring along to the Parks can save you and your family a bunch of money (not to mention having snacks on hand can help fend off meltdowns – always a plus in my book!)

COST: This is for real the biggest perk to me – if I can save money on my lodging budget, that means I can allocate those funds elsewhere – more souvenirs, more character meals – or even another day or two at the Parks! Once you step offsite, the prices of hotels/Resorts/rental properties drops dramatically – and there are deals up for grabs every day on sites like Travelocity.com, or hotels.com – you just have to look for them! There are a bunch of hotels within walking distance of Disney, and a bunch more that offer free shuttles to the Disney Parks. Of course, there are places that are too far for walking or don’t offer shuttles, so the best thing to do in that case is rent a car – and even when you factor in the rental cost, gas, and parking at the Parks, you still can have a decent savings over the cost of a WDW Resort. Not to mention – having a car makes it easy to run to the store for more food/diapers/snacks, and it gives you the option of checking out places other than Disney World while in the area.

Bottom line is – if you want the comforts of home while you’re on vacation like privacy, multiple bathrooms, a kitchen/the ability to cook, space to hang out/relax – you just won’t get these on WDW Property without paying an arm and a leg, and staying off property gives you the chance to have all this and more at a much lower price

I have stayed on property at WDW many times – so I know firsthand what I would be missing out on by staying off property: the Magical Express service, Extra Magic Hours, and yes we would lose out on some of that Disney Magic too – but for someone on a tight budget whose kid might be a bit too young to fully appreciate what staying “on property” entails the first time he visits Disney, I have to say, off property is looking more appealing by the day for my family!

What about you – have you stayed off property, or are you strictly a WDW Resort family?

Let us know your experiences in the comment box below.