A First Timer’s Guide: Top Things You Need to Know About Disneyland

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February 28, 2016

Disneyland is the original Disney theme park. If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, you need to at least once in your life! There are some similarities to the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, but there are also elements that make this park unique. Here are some things that you need to know before your first trip:

No Gum-Gum is not sold anywhere in Disneyland. Walt Disney wanted Disneyland to be a clean theme park so he came up with the idea to not sell gum inside the park in an effort to keep the ground clean. You can bring in your own gum but you won’t find any for sale in the park.
Walt Disney’s Apartment-As Disneyland was being constructed, Walt Disney wanted a place to stay and watch the activity. He had a special apartment constructed above the Main Street Firehouse. It was a place where he could do quiet work or enjoy time with his family. Be sure to look up in the window as you pass by. A lantern in the window is kept lit as a tribute to Walt.
FastPass-Some rides and shows in Disneyland offer a FastPass which allows you to come back at a specific time and wait in a shorter line. FastPasses at Disneyland are paper tickets and you can only have one at a time (with the exception of show Fastpasses). Fastpasses can be retrieved from kiosks near the rides that offer them.
Rider Swap/Single Rider Lines-Disneyland is a great place for families but sometimes not everyone can go on a ride. When that is the case, be sure to take advantage of the rider swap pass. Ask a castmember at the entrance to the ride for a pass. Then one parent goes through the standby line while the other parent sits out with the child(ren) that can’t ride. When the first parent is done, the second parent can then take the rider swap pass and go through the fastpass line. Also, look for rides that have a single rider line. Those will help cut down on the time your party has to wait in lines!
Park Hopping-There are two theme parks at the Disneyland Resort-Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The entrances to each park are only about a football field’s length apart. This makes park hopping super easy! I highly recommend getting the park hopper option with your park tickets when visiting Disneyland.
Hidden Mickey’s-There are hidden Mickey’s everywhere in Disneyland. A hidden Mickey is a representation of Mickey Mouse that’s been inserted subtly into the design of a ride, attraction, or other location in the park. Looking for these can add some fun to exploring Disneyland and even waiting in lines. There are also guide books that help you search for the hidden Mickey’s throughout the park.
Hotels near Disneyland-There are three Disneyland Resort hotels near the park and many more Good Neighbor hotels. The three resort hotels are all within easy walking distance to the parks as well as the Downtown Disney District. There are also some great Good Neighbor hotels within easy walking distance to the resort. If you stay at a Good Neighbor hotel but can’t or don’t want to walk, most offer shuttles to Disneyland for free or a small fee.
Magic Morning/Extra Magic Hours-Guests staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels get the added perk of entering a park an hour before opening each morning with what’s called “extra magic hours”. The hours for Disneyland are on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The hours for Disney California Adventure are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Guests who don’t stay at a resort hotel but have a 3-day or more park ticket get one “magic morning”. It’s pretty much the same thing as an extra magic hour but it’s only good for Disneyland and not Disney California Adventure.
No Dining Plan-If you are a frequent guest of Walt Disney World, then you know about the dining plans that are offered there. Disneyland does not have a dining plan. The closest thing available is meal vouchers for character and/or premium character dining.
Celebrity Sightings-Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California, not far from Hollywood. And guess what? Celebrities love Disney as much as we do! Disneyland is a great place for celebrity sightings. An easy way to spot them is they’ll usually be with a Disney guide. Have you seen any celebrities at a Disney park?
Disneyland Dream Suite-Just as there’s a secret apartment above the Main Street Firehouse, there’s also a luxury hideaway in New Orleans Square. Originally built for Walt to entertain VIPs in the park, it was not completed before Walt passed away. From 1987 to 2007 the space housed the Disney Gallery. At the end of 2007 it became the Dream Suite-a beautiful apartment with a balcony overlooking the Rivers of America. The only way to get to stay in this amazing suite is to win a stay.
Disneyland Mobile App-Similar to Walt Disney World’s ‘My Disney Experience’ app is the Disneyland app. It’s free and contains so much information! From park hours and wait times to character locations and even restroom locations, you can find it all on this app! You can even purchase your park tickets through it.
Cats-Probably one of the most random facts about Disneyland is that there are feral cats living in the park. Kind of ironic that the home of the most famous mouse also houses cats that help keep the mice population at bay!

If you are a regular Disneyland guest, did I miss any tips for first timers? Let me know in the comments!

If you’d like help planning your first Disneyland vacation, or would like more information about the park, email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook. I’ll find the best promotion available for your trip and my services are FREE!

Disney Hires Writers for “It’s a Small World” Movie

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 28, 2016

This just in! Many news sources have been reporting today that Disney has named writers for an upcoming “It’s a Small World” film. Tim Rasmussen and Vince Di Meglio have signed onto the project.. The writers are reported to be writing a screenplay based on the world famous ride that opened in 1964, as well as based on a story by Jared Stern.

This will be the fourth Disney park attraction to inspired a movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and Tomorrowland being its predecessors. (An interesting side note, the movie “Tomorrowland”‘s opening scene takes place at the 1964 World’s Fair, where It’s a Small World debuted)

No release date or cast members have been announced for the film, but we can’t wait to hear more details. I am especially curious about what the tone of the film will be, will it perhaps be a fun family film? Or more of a coming of age tale? Will it incorporate the actual ride into the film and possibly have scenes from the parks? Will it have an adult character at its focus, or be more about children? One thing is for sure, we will be keeping our eyes out for more breaking news on this film!

PC: Instagram @jessiemcd_photography

Emily Tremaine Joins Freeform’s Guilt!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 28, 2016

Emily Tremaine (“Vinyl”) has been cast as one of the leads in Freeform’s new original series “Guilt,” a co-production of Sea to Sky Entertainment (the joint venture between Lionsgate Television and Thunderbird Films) and BV Family Productions. Tremaine will be playing Natalie Atwood, a Boston prosecutor who heads to London after her sister Grace is accused of murder. Natalie will be forced to question her sister’s innocence…and discover exactly how far she is willing to go to keep Grace out of jail.

The definition of guilt is being responsible for wrongdoing or a crime. In the murder of Molly Ryan, many are guilty in different ways, but only one is truly guilty of her murder. When Natalie’s sister Grace becomes the prime suspect in her roommate Molly’s murder and popular target for the press and in social media, Natalie leaves her life in Boston and heads to London to defend her. With the help of an ethically questionable ex-pat lawyer Stan Gutterie, Natalie starts to question how innocent her sister may really be as more ugly truths start to surface. In this one-hour soapy drama, the mystery will twist through all layers of London society – from a posh but depraved sex club and all the way up to the royal family itself.

“Guilt” is written, created and executive-produced by Kathryn Price (“The Game Plan”) and Nichole Millard (“The Game Plan”). Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer serve as writing executive producers, with Gary Fleder (“Kingdom,” “Scorpion”) and Larry Shaw (“Desperate Housewives”) as executive producer directors. Stephen McPherson serves as executive producer. “Guilt” is a co-production of Sea to Sky Entertainment (the joint venture between Lionsgate Television and Thunderbird Films) and BV Family Productions, in association with Freeform. Gary Fleder directed the pilot.

Stay tuned for more!

Breeze into a Magical Day with The 85th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Fan

By

Danielle

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February 28, 2016

Mickey Mouse floated onto the scene in 1928, and has become a staple in the hearts and imaginations of dreamers ever since. Celebrate the 85th anniversary of Mickey Mouse with the Disney Mickey Mouse #1 Fan Electric Fan, available from The Bradford Exchange.

Licensed by Disney, this Mickey Mouse tabletop fan is hand-welded of durable metal, then skillfully hand-painted in shiny glazes suitable for a star. The shiny black lacquer is dramatically offset by Mickey’s gleaming pearlized red bow tie. It features a quiet, yet powerful, dual-speed motor that’s easily controlled by a switch on the electric cord.

These will be sure to blow away fast, so order yours from the Bradford Exchange fast!

Disney Find – Unique Minnie Ears For Every Disney Lover

By

Danielle

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February 28, 2016

I am absolutely obsessed with Minnie Mouse Ear headbands! I probably get a new pair every other trip, but I also like having unique ones that I don’t see everyone else with. That’s why Etsy is such a fun place to look for ears, just like these unique creations from ChaosAndCouture.

Jennifer from Chaos and Couture is a mother of four with a passion for sewing and creating. She makes a wide variety of themes and characters with her Minnie Mouse ears, including a few pairs of LIGHT UP ears! All of them are handmade with beautiful fabrics, embellishments and lots of love. There’s even a Dole Whip themed pair, now how cool is that? I love that she uses unique fabrics to make some truly out of this world creations that are sure to stand out at the Disney Parks! She will also do special requests.

Check out some of her awesome creations below:

Rapunzel
Dole Whip
Disney Villains
Vintage Mickey (With fabric imported from Japan!)
Tiger Lily from Peter Pan
Minnie Mouse
Dumbo
Flower & Butterfly
Hawaiian
St. Patrick’s Day
Giraffe
“Love” (These are my favorite!)
Star Wars
Cinderella
Snow White
Princess Anna Coronation
Jasmine

Which pair of custom Minnie Mouse ears would you wear on your next trip?

New Disney World Seasonal Pricing and Tiered Ticket Breakdown

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 28, 2016

Disney has released the new 1 day ticket pricing today. Here is a breakdown of the pricing:

Peak Period

1 Day Magic Kingdom – Adult $132.06, Child $125.67
1 Day Epcot, Studios or Animal Kingdom – Adult $121.41, Child $115.02
1 Day Park Hopper – Adult $174.66, Child 168.27
1 Day with Water Park Fun and More – Adult $200.22, Child $193.83 (2 visits)
1 Day Park Hopper with Water Park and More – Adult $233.24, Child $226.85 (2 visits)

Peak period tickets have no blackout dates.

Regular Pricing and Blackout Dates

1 Day Magic Kingdom – Adult $117.15, Child $110.76
1 Day Epcot, Studios or Animal Kingdom – Adult $108.63, Child $102.24
1 Day Park Hopper – Adult $170.40, Child $164.01
1 Day with Water Park Fun and More – Adult $185.31, Child $178.92 (2 visits)
1 Day Park Hopper with Water Park and More – Adult $218.33, Child $211.94 (2 visits)

Regular tier tickets are blocked out from March 11 – 31; April 1 – 2; May 27 – 31; June 1 – 30; July 1 – 23; November 20 – 27; December 22 – 31 2016.

Value Pricing and Blackout Dates

1 Day Magic Kingdom – Adult $111.83, Child $105.44
1 Day Epcot, Studios or Animal Kingdom – Adult $103.31, Child $96.92
1 Day Park Hopper – Adult $165.08, Child $158.69
1 Day with Water Park Fun and More – Adult $179.99, Child $173.60 (2 visits)
1 Day Park Hopper with Water Park and More – Adult $213, Child $206.61 (2 visits)

Value tier tickets are blocked out from March 4 – 31; April 1 – 30; May 1 – 31; June 1 – 30; July 1 – 31; August 1 – 21; September 30; October 1 – 31; November 1 – 30; December 1 – 31 2016.

Water Park Tickets

Only two tiers apply to water parks – regular and value. Unused tickets expire on December 31 2017.

Regular Pricing and Blackout Dates

1 Day – Adult $63.90, Child $57.51
Passholder or DVC – Adult $59.64, Child $54.32

There are no blockout dates for Regular tier tickets.

Value Pricing and Blackout Dates

1 Day – Adult $58.58, Child $52.19
Passholder or DVC – Adult $54.32, Child $48.99

Value tier tickets are blocked out from May 28 – 31; June 1 – 30; July 1 – 31; August 1 – 28 2016.

Please note Tickets expire 14 days from first use. Unused tickets expire on December 31 2017.

Also with the new tiered pricing structure at the Walt Disney World Parks a new pricing system has been released for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Parks.

Water Park Regular Pricing and Blackout Dates

1 Day – Adult $63.90, Child $57.51
Passholder or DVC – Adult $59.64, Child $54.32

There are no blockout dates for Regular tier tickets.

Water Park Value Pricing and Blackout Dates

1 Day – Adult $58.58, Child $52.19
Passholder or DVC – Adult $54.32, Child $48.99

Value tier tickets are blocked out from May 28 – 31; June 1 – 30; July 1 – 31; August 1 – 28 2016.

Unused tickets expire on December 31 2017, and water park hopping is included in both tiers.

Jason Bateman & Ginnifer Goodwin talk with us about Disney’s Zootopia

By

Chip

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February 27, 2016

I had the pleasure to sit down and talk with Jason Bateman & Ginnifer Goodwin earlier this week and discuss their roles in the movie Disney’s Zootopia. Having seen the movie the night before I was excited to hear their take on the characters Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps.

Jason Bateman was pleasure to talk with, let me preface by saying I am a big fan of his. I have been following him since Silver Spoons. Arrested Development is one of my all time favorite shows. So getting a chance to meet up with him and talk about Zootopia was a real treat for me.

Both actors really played their parts well. It also seems as if these roles were created for them. Nick Wilde seem to take on the living embodiment of Jason Bateman, his character had many of the same mannerisms as Jason does and it was a delight to see Disney really bring that out on the big screen.

One of the questions I asked Jason was, had his girls seen the film yet, and if they liked seeing their daddy on the big screen? His oldest had seen the film already and gave the film high marks. This being one of the first leading roles in an animated film for Jason he is going wait till the youngest gets a little older before she sees it. Jason did stress that his oldest does not give away high marks so he really hard to earn it, but she really did love the film and loved her daddy’s part in it.

Everyone knows Ginnifer Goodwin is a HUGE Disney Addict. I actually asked her about that in our interview with her, one of the people in the interview with me asked Jason about his love of Disney and what kind of history does he have with the parks. Jason said he has been going to Disney since he moved to LA in the late 70’s. Like many people going to Disneyland it is an eye opening experience. So magical!

Being the first leading role in an animated film Jason talked about the recording process for his character. He talked about how challenging it is to record in a vacuum, especially when you don’t always have the interaction with the person in the scene with you. Many times the lines are already done and you have to work your lines in between. For many actors this is very challenging, especially from comedic actors who rely on physical comedy. Luckily Disney was able to take a lot of Jason’s body language and impart it into his character Nick Wilde.

It was such a pleasure to talk with Jason, how you see him in movies and in television is pretty much how he is in real life. Like I mentioned earlier Disney did a wonderful job bringing him to life in Zootopia. When you see the film see if you can pick that up too!

Next up we had the pleasure of talking with Ginnifer Goodwin via skype. Due to some previous obligations she was unable to come to Walt Disney World and meet with us. She was heartbroken being the Disney Addict she is, you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect couple of days in Florida.

During the interview Ginnifer was so humbled to play Judy Hopps in the animated Disney Movie Zootopia. Having played a few minor roles in Tinkerbell and Sofia the First this was a huge step up for the ABC’s Once Upon a time star.

One of the questions I asked her was if she has seen anyone wearing any Zootopia merchandise at the parks, or if she has seen her character at Disneyland? She was so excited to see Judy at Disneyland for an event a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see both Judy and Nick at an event in Disney’s Animal Kingdom the night before and the imagineers did an awesome job on their outfits (see above).

We then talked about if she is excited to see any Trick or Treaters coming to her house dressed up as Judy this Halloween? She was so funny as she didn’t think anyone would want to dress up as Judy, but having seen the film I imagine Judy is going to be one of the hottest costumes of the 2016 Halloween season!

Next I asked how she prepared for the role as Judy Hopps. She said most of the challenges came from just learning how to act with only her voice, more than it was about the character. She said it was just different… Working on “Legend of the Neverbeast” was kind of her boot camp. There’s something about not having your facial expression, and body language, a costume, props to which you can cling to express something.

Finally someone asked, “As a mom, what kind of message do you hope kids will take away from this movie?” She said there were so many lessons kids can learn. One of the overlying themes, the one that Judy articulates in the movie, anyone can be anything! She hopes her kids pick up on that when they’re old enough to see this film. I wholeheartedly agree with her, I hope my 2 girls can walk away with that valuable lesson.

It was so nice to meet and talk with Jason Bateman & Ginnifer Goodwin, both actors are so funny and are so humble to be involved with this wonderful Disney film. It was so nice of them to take some time out to talk with all of us at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Stay tuned to my official review in the next day or so!

First Disney World employee dies at 83

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Disney News

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February 27, 2016

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Phil Smith, who became an employee of Walt Disney World before it even existed has passed away at age 83, on Tuesday in Minneola, Florida due to complications of kidney disease and COPD.

Only a few years out of law school Smith as hired by Paul Helliwell of Disney’s law firm in Miami, and although not sure what Disney was actual all about he ended up helping guide the legal way for the development of the theme parks.

Smith also played a huge part in the creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, this is the government body that helps Disney control building codes, planning, and emergency services. Another one of his jobs was to always keep a watchful eye over all the going ons while the parks were being built.

A former Disney Attorney who worked under Smith, Syd Jackowitz, said her boss did have a humorous side:

“The company had “a fairly harsh form letter” it would send to people who sought permission to use Disney characters. But when one man sent a huge Donald Duck figure carved from a carrot, asking if he could sell similar creations at the Magic Kingdom, Smith didn’t have the heart to send him the standard response, Jackowitz said. He decided to have Disney send a letter that “recognized how beautiful his work was and that people should see it, but unfortunately, not in the Magic Kingdom,”

In the 1990’s Smith retired, at that time his title was “senior vice president of administration and support of Walt Disney World”. Everyone seemed to enjoy being around Smith, it was pretty hard to find another speaking negatively.

As we say goodbye to one of the first permanent employees of Walt Disney World we send our condolences to his family and friends!

Photo Credit: Smith Family

Disney World & Disneyland will begin a tiered ticket pricing system next month.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2016

As we have previously reported, there is going to be a price increase starting Sunday February 28, 2016. The prices will be increased at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. The new ticket price will coincide with the time of year you are visiting; the tickets will cost more during what Disney is referring to as peak season.

The new Star Wars experiences, plus all of the new attractions opening in both Disney World and Disneyland combined with the special attention that is paid to guests at the holiday seasons is what Disney is using as leverage for the price rise.

Each month of the year will be broken up into value, regular and peak days, a calendar will be available soon to view on Disney.com.

During the value season the one day tickets for Walt Disney World will remain the same, price will increase during the regular and peak. Also one-day park tickets at Walt Disney World which previously have never expired will now expire 1 year after they are bought.

Disneyland Resort’s one-day value ticket price will decrease slightly from the price now, however it will go up during regular and peak season.

You can do some saving by either going during the value days or buying multi-day parks tickets.

What do you think? Comment below!

Add a Little Extra Disney Magic to Your Every Day Wallet

By

Danielle

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February 27, 2016

Surround your currency in Disney celebration with handmade Disney inspired Wallets from SewLovedYou on Etsy! These gorgeous wallets have a faux leather accent for an extra touch of style!

These fabulous hand sewn wallets are made from cotton fabric and faux suede leather. They are durable, light weight and fun to use. They have an amazing 10 pockets to fit that cards, money, coupons, receipts, or even most phones. I love that they have a magnetic snap instead of a basic fold over design, to make sure all my goodies stay secured, and no fumbling with a million zippers when my hands are full with the kiddos! These fashionable beauties are completed with a removable key fob so it can be used as a clutch, or attached to your keys for a bit of extra coordination.

Want to see more? Check out all of their Disney wallet designs below!

So get ready to clutch your cash, cards, and carry essentials like a Disney Princess with these super sleek and versatile wallets!

Turkey Leg no longer sold in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 27, 2016

It has been announced that starting March 1st the delicious turkey leg will no longer be served at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Flame Tree Barbecue.

There has been some changes in the quick service and snack plan at the park and unfortunately this, along with churros, will no longer be served throughout the park.

You can still get the turkey legs, as well as the churros in other locations throughout Walt Disney World.

Whats do you think about this? Do you love those turkey legs? Comment below!

Step Out in Disney Style With These Retro Mickey and Minnie Inspired Sneakers

By

Danielle

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February 27, 2016

You’ll have a little extra Disney style in your step when you stroll out in these fun Mickey and Minnie Mouse inspired sneakers!

Since 1928, Mickey and his delightful leading lady Minnie have been capturing hearts everywhere. Now, you can walk in their shoes with this pair of retro Mickey and Minnie sneakers, available from The Bradford Exchange.

Disney Retro Mickey & Minnie Women’s Canvas Shoes

These eye-catching and comfortable Mickey and Minnie sneakers feature a stitched canvas upper and rubber soles that will have you ready for a stroll. Black and white retro images appear on either side of the shoes, including Mickey against a pin-striped red background and Minnie against her trademark polka dots. Plus, a simulated gem silhouette of Mickey’s face and ears decorates the right toe, while white midsoles, eyelets and lace add more delight. For the perfect finishing touch, a sculpted Mickey metallic charm dangles from the laces of this charming Mickey and Minnie apparel. These are sure to be popular so order now!