Would You Fly on a “Frozen” Plane?

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October 18, 2015

WestJet, WestJet Vacations and The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd., Parks & Resorts, have made magic again, unveiling a second custom-painted, Disney-themed aircraft featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, the highest-grossing animated film of all time.

Like the #MagicPlane featuring Sorcerer Mickey, the images on the #DisneyFrozenThemedPlane tell an enchanting story. The tail of the aircraft features Anna and Elsa celebrating sisterhood and the magic of snow. Moving along the aircraft from back to front, the magic travels to warmer climes where Olaf can be found enjoying a summer day on the beach. The theme carries through to the interior of the aircraft with images on the overhead bins, bulkheads, lavatory mirrors and headrests.

“This aircraft takes the relationship between WestJet and Disney to a completely new level of cool,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. “Two years ago, we launched the #MagicPlane, our first Disney-themed aircraft, and no matter where it flies throughout our network, it is the most-anticipated and most-photographed aircraft in WestJet history. Today, we are proud to team up with our great friends at Disney to create a sequel like no other.”

“To see our vision come to life is so exciting, as we collaborated on this project for over a year. Only a very small group of us (WestJetters and Disney Artists and Cast Members) knew and we had to keep our secret under wraps… or should I say, on ice,” said Marlie Morrison, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd., Parks & Resorts. “It’s a truly unique and unforgettable design that Disney Fans and WestJet guests alike will enjoy for years to come.”

Check it out:

Fun facts about the #DisneyFrozenThemedPlane:

The aircraft was painted in Fort Worth, Texas.
The paint team included team members from Canada, the United States and Germany. They watched Frozen to get them into the spirit before work began.
The job took 21 days of 12-hour rotations involving a constant crew of six painters working 24/7.
The crew used 643.5 litres of paint consisting of 23 colours — five for the umbrella alone.
Sparkles were added to the paint in sections to add shimmer and shine as the aircraft moves.
An airbrush artist was brought in to work on details around the sun, water and castle.
The inside of the aircraft has decals and headrest covers that mimic the cold-to-warm (back-to-front) theme on the outside of the aircraft.
There are 54 separate overhead bin doors on the aircraft and each has a unique Frozen decal.
Several dozen bagels were consumed during the painting of this aircraft (there weren’t any doughnut stores nearby). The crew drank more than 100 litres of sweet tea.

Thoughts?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer To Debut Tomorrow During Halftime On ESPN’s “Monday Night Football”

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Chip

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October 18, 2015

Lucasfilm announced today that the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens will debut on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” on Monday, October 19, during halftime of the NFL game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia. The game starts at 5:15 p.m. PDT/8:15 p.m. EDT. The Spanish language version of the trailer will air on ESPN Deportes simultaneously.

To commence the countdown for the trailer launch, today Lucasfilm released the Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster worldwide. Following the trailer launch, tickets to the highly anticipated cinematic event will be on sale everywhere movie tickets are sold.

In conjunction with the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer debut, the Walt Disney Company is providing unprecedented company-wide on-air and social support (#TheForceAwakens) as well as tying in events and special activities for the day of the trailer release.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in U.S. theaters on December 18.

Disney Finds – Fun Disney Charms under $3!

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Chip

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October 18, 2015

Looking for fun Disney Charms? Then look no further. Etsy designer HokeyDonut has some fun Disney charms in a bunch of different styles and sizes. I really like the ones pictured above, but that isn’t all they have! Here are some of the other charm designs to check out:

and many more. HokeyDonut has a bunch of Disney and non Disney designs you might want to check out. I was thinking about buying these Pink Dalek ones for my Fiance the Disney Fashionista. Cost for these charms run around $2.50! Not bad huh? Just click any of the links above to see more.

Happy Shopping

5 Tips on Tipping your Mousekeeping

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2015

While this post will focus on Mousekeeping at the Disney resorts, it can apply to all resort stays and the housekeeping services provided wherever you are staying! Housekeeping at all Disney Resort properties is affectionately called “Mousekeeping“. They work tirelessly to keep the magic alive for your family after you leave the parks and return back to your room. Coming back to a freshly cleaned room is something that many visitors take for granted and we tend to forget about the person responsible for ‘magically’ creating a clean, calm space for you to relax in!

Take a few moments on your next trip, whether it is to a Disney resort or elsewhere and tip the housekeepers that work so hard to clean up after you! Here are some tips to help guide you through the process:

1. Tip everyday. Leaving a tip every day instead of at the end of your trip ensures that the person cleaning that day is the one who will be rewarded. The same staff does not work every single day so leave something daily!

2. The recommended amount for tipping is $1-$2 dollars per day per person staying in the room. We are a family of 5 so I do leave at least $5 per day for my mousekeeper. This is just a good rule of thumb but feel free to leave more if you feel the service is exceptional!

3. Remember that having a mousekeeper leave a special ‘towel animal‘ is not a required duty of the staff. Disney guests have come to expect these services instead of appreciating the surprise if you are lucky enough to get one! I have returned to my room many times at Walt Disney World to find different towel animals, pillow arrangements and usually some kind of ‘scene’ created with my kids’ toys and souvenirs! This is just an added bonus to the already beautifully cleaned room!

4. If you do have a problem, and feel that housekeeping has not been done properly, contact the front desk and calmly explain the issue. I am sure that any hotel will be happy to fix whatever problem has occurred!

5. Don’t get mad at Mousekeeping when you get the Disney Eviction Notice. All vacations much come to an end. If you see your Mousekeeping make sure to thank them as you are leaving. If they have gone above and beyond their duties let the front desk know. While they appreciate the money telling a Manager or Cast Member on your way out goes a long way too!

Here’s what TripAdvisor recommends to travelers in America:

Hotel housekeeping/maid service: $2-3 per night up to $5, more in high-end hotels. Also more if there are more than 3 people in a room or suite. Leave the tip on your pillow or in a similar obvious place with a note that says thank you. Leave the tip each day when you leave the room, rather than at the end of your stay, because your room might get cleaned by different people each day, depending on staff schedules. If you have additional items delivered to your room, such as extra pillows, hangers, luggage racks, tip the person who brings them $2 or $3.

Tipping housekeeping is an ongoing debate for many people. It is a very personal decision on your trip to tip or not to tip. Just remember that they are people who are working hard to clean up after you so please take moment and a dollar or 2 to recognize the service. It is really not a lot, but it is certainly appreciated by them!

So do you tip while on vacation? How much do you usually leave?

The Walt Disney Company is Hiring an Intern to Counter Cyber Attacks

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Disney News

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October 17, 2015

The Walt Disney Company is on the hunt for an intelligence and counter-terrorism intern. This position would be in Burbank, California. Who ever gets this position will be a part of Disney’s “Counter Threat” intelligence support team. The purpose of this position is to counter cyber attacks and terror threats.

The Counter Threat Intelligence Support Team will provide”strategic intelligence, threat assessments, vulnerability mitigation strategies and in-depth analytical products covering existing and developing threats that include counter terrorism, physical threats, cyber-attacks and all reputational risks to TWDC, its affiliated business units, facilities, guests and employees,” according to the the corporate website.

If you are wondering what the requirements are for the job, there are as follows: The ability to write and do research, knowledge of MS Office, an interest in international relations apart from a sense of teamwork.”

Remember Disney is a huge company. Their parks and resorts see millions of visitors every year, not to mention all of the cast members that they employ. That is a huge amount of personal information, and people, that they have to keep safe and secure. I know we all hate price hikes and you may not see improvements in the parks constantly, but think of what they are doing behind the scenes as well.

Disney Interactive Introduced a New Disney Dream Treats App

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2015

Disney Interactive has announced the launch of Disney Dream Treats on mobile devices. It is a new match-three puzzle game for mobile devices that takes players on a tour of restaurants in Disney Parks around the world. In the game players will help Mickey, Minnie, Ariel, Belle, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and more of your favorite characters welcome guests to famous Disney restaurants through more than 100 levels of puzzle matching.

Before you start the game you can create an avatar by selecting your gender and adding a picture of your face (either taking a selfie or uploading a picture from their camera roll). After creating an avatar, users must select their starting location from three options: Disneyland, Walt Disney World or Disneyland Paris.

To help serve your guests faster you can unleash magical character combo boosters and power-ups like Belle’s “Rose” or Mickey’s “Fireworks.” As you go through through the game, you will get to visit numerous Disney restaurants and character dining experiences featured at Disney Parks and Resorts.

You will have a limited number of moves to complete each stage, and you will get up to three stars on each level, depending on your high score. If you don’t complete a stage before running out of moves, you lose a life. These recharge automatically over time, or can be bought. You can also ask your Facebook friends for free lives.

For additional social features, you can create separate in-game avatars using their friends’ pictures, with these avatars appearing alongside their own avatar in stages (you can spend premium currency on new outfits for their avatars). In addition, as players clear certain stages, they’ll receive Disney souvenirs, which place avatars in scenes with Disney and Disney Pixar characters. These souvenir images can be shared to social media or saved to the camera roll. Players can also compare their scores with those of their Facebook friends on level-specific leaderboards.

Disney Dream Treats is for download in the Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows App Store and Amazon Appstore.

This game looks so cute. I can’t wait try it!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Save 5% on Disney Vacations by using your Target Red Card

By

Chip

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October 17, 2015

The Target RedCard! When you use your Target RedCard you will receive 5% off your total purchase including “entertainment cards”, and they carry Disney Gift Cards. I have only seen $50.00 ones, but I know that some stores do carry different denominations.

Target has two types of RedCards, the debit card or the credit card. The debit card version attaches to your bank account and will come out of you bank account approximately 2 days after using it, the credit card is a regular credit card with finance charges. I have personally used both, done this myself and suggest it to all my clients to save them a little extra (more to spend in the parks). On a $5000 package that’s $250.00 extra off just by using the Target RedCard.

Target also has a prescription program, once you have 5 prescriptions filled you will receive a 5% off shopping pass that you can use on top off the 5% off with the RedCard. On that same $5000 package that is an additional $237.50 off, so the savings really add up.

Have you used a Target RedCard to save some money? How much were you able to save, let us know.

P.S. There is a new way to manage all of those $25, $50 or $100 DisneyGift Cards that you purchase from Target and other wholesale stores. Disney has recognized the need for an easier way to pay for your vacation with gift cards. Available now via the Disney Gift Card website, you can combine all of your small amount gift cards in to one large gift card. Click here to learn more!

ABC Family’s ShadowHunters Gets a Premiere Date!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2015

ABC Family announced this week at New York Comic Con two major dates for their highly anticipated saga series “Shadowhunters.” Showrunner Ed Decter announced to a packed room that the series will premiere on Tuesday, January 12th, 2016, at 9:00 – 10:00 p.m., ET/PT. He also announced that in anticipation of the January 12th premiere, ABC Family will be airing “Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters” on Sunday, December 6th at 9:30 p.m., ET/PT. ABC Family is becoming Freeform in January 2016.

Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, “Shadowhunters” follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters – human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother, Jocelyn, is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.
“Shadowhunters” is produced by Constantin Film and executive produced by Ed Decter and McG. McG will also direct the first episode. The series stars Katherine McNamara as Clary Fray, Dominic Sherwood as Jace Wayland, Alberto Rosende as Simon, Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle Lightwood, Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood, Isaiah Mustafa as Luke Garroway, and Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane.

“Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters” will give fans of The Mortal Instruments book series a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the making of the television show, which will include the cast talking about how they landed their roles and a glimpse into how the cast got into fighting shape. And for viewers who are new to the Shadow World, the cast explains what “Shadowhunters” is all about. “Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters” will include interviews with “Shadowhunters” cast members Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Harry Shum, Jr., Alberto Rosende, Matthew Daddario, Emeraude Toubia and Isaiah Mustafa, as well as showrunner Ed Decter and executive producer McG. “Beyond the Shadows: The Making of Shadowhunters” is produced by Big Door, Inc. and Jen X Productions, Inc., with Jennifer Erwin as executive producer and Max Yoffe as co-executive producers.

Part of the Disney|ABC Television Group, ABC Family (to be renamed Freeform in January 2016)

Stay tuned for more!

“Twenty Eight & Main” is a New Men’s Shop Coming to Disney Springs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2015

The upscale Twenty Eight & Main is a new men’s apparel and accessory line coming to the Marketplace Co-Op, in the Trophy Room at Disney Springs. It will be open November 6th. They will have the usual shirts, hats, mugs, all the way to messenger bags.

If you can’t make it to check this stuff out, than you can find it on the Shop Disney Parks App.

Check it out:

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Store Sketchbook Ornament Collection

By

Chip

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October 17, 2015

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! Wow it’s only October and all of the local stores are already stocking Christmas supplies. I was browsing the Disney Store and ran across this new Disney Sketchbook Ornament Collection. They have some very cool designs and there were a few ornaments we might be picking up just as soon as I get paid.

While I would love to show you all 81 designs here are just a few of my favorites:

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Sketchbook Ornament - Plane Crazy

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Sketchbook Ornament – Plane Crazy

Alice in Wonderland Sketchbook Ornament

Tigger Sketchbook Ornament

Snow White Sketchbook Ornament

Mary Poppins Sketchbook Ornament

Pinocchio and Geppetto Sketchbook Ornament

Mowgli and Baloo Sketchbook Ornament

Jasmine Sketchbook Ornament - Turquoise

Jasmine Sketchbook Ornament – Turquoise

Pocahontas Sketchbook Ornament

Dumbo and Timothy Sketchbook Ornament

Rapunzel Musical Sketchbook Ornament

Remember you can get Free Shipping when you spend $75 or more at Disney Store with Promo Code: SHIPMAGIC. Shop Now!

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Returns to Disney XD!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2015

Disney XD has ordered a sophomore season of its popular animated series “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.” It was announced today by Dan Buckley (Marvel’s President, TV, Publishing and Brand Management) and Joe Quesada (Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer), at New York Comic-Con. The second season will continue the thrilling space adventure that follows the ragtag group of misfits that fans have come to love as they fight to protect the galaxy. “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” season two is currently in production and slated to premiere in 2017.

“We’re pleased to give fans a new season of ‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy,’ taking them deeper into the Guardians’ universe,” said Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD. “The team at Marvel Animation continues to deliver great stories that capture the tone and spirit of the feature film and provide entirely new chapters to the Guardians of the Galaxy story.”

“We are thrilled at the positive response to ‘Guardians’ from fans of all ages, and we are looking forward to bringing them more adventures with these dynamic characters,” said Dan Buckley, Marvel’s President – TV, Publishing & Brand Management. “There are so many possibilities with the Guardians franchise, and season two will take viewers even deeper into this rich universe.”

Launch to date, “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy” has delivered 4.4 million unique Total Viewers including 1.9 million Kids 2-11.*

In the exciting second season, the Guardians of the Galaxy and The Avengers team up to stop evil alien mad scientist, The High Evolutionary! After an epic battle, The Guardians discover an ancient weapon with mysterious powers. Now, with every alien baddie in the galaxy trying to get their hands, paws and tentacles on this weapon, The Guardians must unlock its secrets before it destroys them and everything they’ve sworn to protect.

Disney XD is currently airing all-new episodes of season one on Saturday nights throughout the month of October featuring the “Hunt for the Cosmic Seed” story arc.

Stay tuned for more Guardians!

A First Timer’s Guide: Top 10 Reasons To Stay At A Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 17, 2015

Time and time again I am asked if it is worth it to stay on Disney Property or AKA, at a Disney Resort! My answer is always the same, ABSOLUTELY! Now, before you formulate an opinion let me tell you this… I have stayed on and off property! I have saved receipts and compared everything down to the wire! My family finds that for us, staying on Disney property is the way to go. Let’s take a quick look at my top 10 reasons to stay at a Disney Resort!

The All-Inclusive Package: This is a huge selling point for me! By staying at a Disney Resort, I can make a vacation package that takes care of my tickets, dining and guest room! I pay for everything in advance and only need spending money for souvenirs and tips! It is perfect! 🙂 If you are lucky enough, you can land one of these plans for free during promotional times! If you stay off-site, you can not purchase a Disney Dining Plan.
Dining Reservations: When you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort you can make your dining reservations 180 days prior to your arrival plus 10 additional days. This means that on your 180th day you can make dining reservations for up to 10 days of your vacation! That is a HUGE benefit when it comes to landing some of the very popular dining locations!
Extra Magic Hours: All Disney Resort guests are entitled to Extra Magic Hours. Be sure to check park hours in advance for the listings! Theme parks will open an hour early or stay open up to three hours late for guests.
MagicBands: When you purchase a Walt Disney World vacation package you receive complimentary MagicBands! These come in an array of colors and are your key to the world! These bands will be how you will enter the park, pay for dining credits, make purchases, enter your resort guest room and much more! They are even waterproof! There is no need to take them off when swimming or even on water rides! 🙂
FastPass+ Reservations: Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort allows you to make FastPass+ reservations for your favorite attractions or experiences 60 days prior to your arrival. Off-site guests can make their reservations at 30 days prior to arrival. Having that early booking window allows you to land those popular attractions like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and even a meet and greet with Anna and Elsa!
Disney’s Magical Express: Complimentary airport transfers are included with a Walt Disney Resort vacation package. The Magical Express will pick you up at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and whisk you away to your Disney World paradise! Upon completion of your vacation, Disney’s Magical Express will pick you up and take back to Orlando International Airport for your flight home! The Magical Express will arrive at your Disney Resort approximately 3 hours prior to your flight.
Complimentary Luggage Service: If you are flying on a participating airline, you will affix yellow luggage tags to all your check – in luggage before arriving to the airport, the day of your departure to Disney World. When you arrive you will not retrieve your luggage, you will go directly to The Magical Express. Disney Cast Members will be delivering your luggage approximately 3 – 5 hours after your arrival. On the day you are scheduled to fly home, give Bell Services a quick call and they will assist you with your luggage to the airline check – in at your resort. Here you will be able to check – in your luggage for the airport and store any carry – on luggage. Then you can spend the rest of the day playing before your flight home!
Complimentary Merchandise Delivery Service: This is awesome for the shopper in your family! When you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to ask a cast member to have your purchase delivered to your resort! Fill out a quick form and your merchandise will be on its way. Continue to play without carrying around your packages!
Theme Park Transportation: You will be provided with frequent transportation to and from Disney World theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. This makes it convenient to leave for a midday break or even a swim at the pool! You will not need to schedule shuttle services or wait for a selected time to return to your hotel.
Staying In The Magic: Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort gives you the opportunity to be immersed in Disney “magic” 24/7. Resort themes, Disney food, Disney Service, all the way to the intricate details of a Disney Resort are amazing! There is no place in the world like a Disney Resort! The attention to detail in indescribable! You will not be disappointed! Be ready! There is magic in every corner you turn!

Now your job is to sit back, relax and create memories! These are just a few of the things my family loves about staying at a Walt Disney Resort! I am sure you will find Disney service to be outstanding! Everything they include is what makes Disney stand out from the rest! Enjoy!

Be sure to check out A First Timer’s Guide series! Your guide to the Disney Dining Plans is here.

You can also read about the Top 15 Things You Need To Know About Walt Disney World here and for our holiday fans, check out the Top 10 Things You Must Know About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party here! Be sure to check out the entire series!

My name is Jen Perkins. I am a travel agent with World of Magic Travel Services. I’m a Disney Destination Specialist. I am also a writer for Chip and Co. and Disney Addicts and author to The First Timer’s Guide series. I love sharing tips on Disney World to help you enjoy your vacation! If you would like to chat or find out more tips for planning, feel free to ask! You can contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you and help you plan your next “magical” vacation!

You can also visit my facebook page here for more details on Disney World, updates on promotions, articles and upcoming events all related to Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and much more! You will also find an array of photos of many of these amazing places that will help you with resort choices, dining and much more!