Disney DIY – Road Trip Kit!

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August 24, 2015

“Should I Drive or Fly to Walt Disney World?” is a question a lot of us probably ponder when we book a trip to Disney – as there are many pros and cons to both modes of transportation. Many of you with multiple children or who need to bring along a lot of gear may opt to make the drive instead of boarding a plane, and it’s a great choice for a lot of reasons – chief among them being it can be a HUGE money saver (flying isn’t cheap!). My family drove all the way from Upstate NY to Disney World for many trips – and it was a LONGGGG ride, so take my advice and make sure you’re prepared by making your very own “Disney Road Trip Kit!”. What should be in this kit, you ask? Well, here are some must haves:

Electronic Entertainment: Keeping the kids (and yourself!) entertained while in the car can be tricky – but luckily there are some amazing electronics out there that can help make this easy. Bring along your ipad or kindle or portable DVD player – and make sure you pre-load it with books/movies/games/music so that you’re good to go when it comes time for the trip

*Also, don’t forget to make sure the battery has a full charge –and remember the charger, and extra batteries too if needed. Headphones will come in handy too – make sure to bring enough pairs for everyone

NEW Stuff: A few months before your trip, start picking up new cheap toys at places like the dollar store or Target – stuff like coloring books (Disney ones if you can find them!), activity books, stickers, small toys, a book of road trip games (you can buy them on Amazon), crossword/word search books, etc – and set them aside (aka hide them!) so that when you pull them out in the car it’s a BRAND NEW activity for the kids to do. Don’t forget the crayons/pens/pencils too (I skip the markers as they tend to get everywhere…). This doesn’t have to be a huge expense, even just a few small things will go over really well when everyone is bored in the car (as they are NEW and therefore exciting to play with!)

Car Comfort Items: It is not easy to get comfortable for a nap in the car – and eventually we all get that desperate need to stretch our legs and walk around, but in the meantime – make sure you are as comfortable as possible during those long stretches of driving. Pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, an eye mask or sunglasses to block out the sun – all of these are imperative for getting as much comfort out of the car ride as possible!

BOOKS: I am a huge fan of reading in the car – I love to buy a few new novels before each trip, and they really help pass the time. Aside from novels, you could buy a Disney guide book to help you learn more about your vacation spot (helps you get excited about the destination too!), and for little kids you can get some Disney picture books, or you could bring along old photo albums or scrapbooks from previous Disney trips (or ones from when YOU were a kid!) and point out all the fun memories and things you can do once you arrive. I already mentioned coloring books and crayons, and along those same lines – a few pads of blank paper and some colored pencils would be a great thing to bring too – drawing is a great way to pass the time and helps stretch the imagination too!

Trivia: Check out this compilation of Disney Trivia, and then pick and choose some questions for a road trip trivia contest! Disney movies, Park trivia, Character knowledge – it’s all fair game, and you could even have a prize for the winner! Of course, it doesn’t HAVE to be Disney trivia – anything of interest will do, but it will certainly help pass some time and turning it into a contest is fun for the whole car!

Snacks and Drinks: One of the most important things to pack for a road trip is snacks! Driving (or riding shotgun) always seems to make me hungry – so I like to pack some easy to eat snacks – individual packages of trail mix, pretzels, fruit snacks, hard candies – these are all great for the car. I try to avoid anything that can easily melt (like chocolate!), and I like to pack a cooler of drinks too, and I make sure I put it somewhere in the car that is easily accessible (aka not under a bunch of suitcases…learned that one the hard way!). I also make sure I have plenty of bags on hand for garbage (it builds up quickly…) and that I make sure to empty it every time we stop

Keeping It Clean: Aside from garbage bags, I like to make sure I have plenty of Wet wipes/baby wipes (for those sticky hand situations), a tide stick or shout wipes (for fast food spills), clorox wipes (never know when or what you might need to disinfect), and Kleenex and paper towels too (just in case!). You might need some, all, or none of these – but if you DO need them, you’ll certainly be glad you had them on hand!

Deciding to drive to Walt Disney World can save you a lot of money in the long run, and while it may be a long ride, if you use the above tips to create your own Disney Road Trip Kit, you will make the trip easier on everyone and you may even have fun in the process!

I would love to hear from the Road Trip Veterans out there – what do YOU do to help make the drive more fun for everyone?

Discovery Cove Exclusive Fall Offer for Florida Residents

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 24, 2015

Just in time for Labor Day travel planning, Discovery Cove is offering Florida residents a special offer that continues through 2016.

Available now through December 2015, the all-inclusive offer provides Florida locals a reduced Dolphin Swim Experience package starting at $219 plus tax, and Day Resort package (sans dolphin swim) for $149 plus tax. Additionally, residents will receive unlimited admission to two sister parks in Orlando – SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, beginning on the date of their reservation through Jan. 31, 2016.

For an additional $49, guests can enhance their day by adding SeaVenture to their admission, an underwater walking tour featuring hands-on encounters with schools of fish, velvety rays, tropical sea life, and an eye-to-eye view of sharks through underwater panoramic viewing windows.

As part of the unlimited admission to the SeaWorld parks through the year end, guests can enjoy upcoming family-friendly events including:

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular – It’s an ocean of Halloween fun for the whole family at SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular. During this daytime event, families are immersed in an underwater “fantasea” including trick-or-treating, whimsical pumpkin fish, sea-themed arts and crafts and up-close animal encounters in a family-friendly event that could only come from SeaWorld. SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular® is included with park admission and runs weekends October 3-25, and Saturday, October 31.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration – In this celebration of the Christmas spirit, carols fill the air, a sparkling Sea Of Trees lights up the water and world-famous skaters dance on ice. With everything from Santa to Shamu, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where holiday memories are made. The event takes place select nights starting Nov. 21 – Dec. 31 and is included with park admission.

Reservations are subject to limited availability and must be booked by Dec. 31, 2015, to qualify. Proof of valid Florida residency is required. Some age restrictions apply. Prices do not include tax. Parking at SeaWorld and Aquatica not included.

It is good to be a Florida resident!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Necklace – “Laughter is Timeless, Imagination Has No Age and Dreams are Forever”

By

Chip

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August 24, 2015

2015 08 24 08 36 33 Amazon.com Disney Sterling Silver Circle Disc Laughter is Timeless Imaginatio

I found this set of Disney Necklaces online over the weekend and wanted to share them with you this week. All of the items are reasonably priced and are just beautiful.

Today I wanted to start with the “Laughter is Timeless, Imagination Has No Age and Dreams are Forever” Mickey Mouse Charm Pendant Necklace. This sterling silver circle design goes perfectly with the Mickey Mouse charm used to show everyone how much you really love Disney.

This necklace is only $50 and would be a great gift for an anniversary or for a special occasion. For more information and to see other photos just click here.

Stay tuned all week as I showcase the other Disney Necklaces in this collection. Remember it is never too early to start your Christmas shopping!

Save Money on Your Disney Vacation by Shopping at the Dollar Store

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 24, 2015

Did you know you can Save Money on Your Disney Vacation by Shopping at the Dollar Store? Yep, you read that right, the Dollar Store! There are so many useful items that you can pick up here before your trip to save yourself time, money, and stress later on.

Here are my top suggestions:

Small Toys, Puzzles, and Games: I think it’s great to stock up on small toys and games before your trip. Things like coloring books, mazes, or action figures can be a lifesaver on plane or car trips for bored children. These items also come in handy to keep children busy in the hotel room while you are still getting backpacks and other items together before you head out to the parks. If you are on a tight budget, you can purchase “souvenirs” before your trip at the dollar store and give these to your children throughout the day. This will help to avoid meltdowns at other gift shop you pass through.

Snacks Galore: Most dollar stores have a huge selection of candy and snacks. Choose snacks that won’t melt or spill in your luggage (pretzels, gold fish, sour patch kids, and skittles) and avoid mid-day hanger meltdowns later on.

Zip-lock Bags: I always bring a box of resalable bags with me to Disney. They come in handy for leftover snacks in the park, keeping my electronics dry on rides like Kali River Rapids, and are good for keeping pins and vinylmations all in one place in my bag.

Mesh Laundry Bags: These take up little to no space in your suitcase and are great to use in your hotel room so you can separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes without having massive piles all over the floor. You can use one for towels provided by the resort, and one for your own clothes. Or bring one for each family member. With this system, you’ll never have to guess, or worse, resort to the smell test, to decide if something has already been worn.

Glow Sticks: Before every nighttime parade, there will be Cast Members walking around selling glow sticks, glow necklaces, glow wands, glow crowns, glow swords, glow…you get the picture. Save yourself a ton of money and pick up some glow sticks at the dollar store before you leave home!

Toiletries: The dollar store usually has a pretty large selection of toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, loofas. Don’t forget to stock up on hand sanitizer too!

What are your favorite items to stock up on before your Disney vacation? Share your secrets in the comment box!

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

Transport to “Tomorrowland” available soon on Blu-ray Combo and Digital HD!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2015

Dreamers Wanted…Disney invites you to an incredible world of epic imagination where anything is possible. Buckle your seat belt, as the director of The Incredibles takes your family on an action-packed thrill ride. Tomorrowland transports you on an inspiring and magical journey of wonder and adventure to a place where if you can dream it, you can do it.

Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) October 13!

Join former boy genius Frank (George Clooney), optimistic, science-minded teen Casey (Britt Robertson), mysterious Athena (Raffey Cassidy) and the brilliant David Nix (Hugh Laurie) in a world of pure Disney imagination. Tomorrowland transports you on an inspiring and magical journey of wonder and adventure to a place where if you can dream it, you can do it.

I am so exited to get my copy of Tomorrowland! The film was inspired by my kids favorite place, the Tomorrowland section of the Magic Kingdom, a concept invented by Walt Disney himself. With Space Mountain and Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, and steel palm trees, you really feel like you have been transported to the future! Casey in the movie, played by Britt Robertson is a great actress. I loved her roles in Under the Dome and The Longest Ride. George Clooney doesn’t disappoint either!

I will definitely be adding this film to my Disney movies collection! Have you seen Tomorrowland? Will you be getting your copy October 13?

New Zealand has Disney Princess Money

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2015

This makes me want to move to New Zealand. How cool would it be to have Disney Princess money in your wallet that you can use outside of Disney!

Every year the New Zealand Mint makes their own commemorative coins. In years past they have made Pokeman, Doctor Who, and Star Wars to name a few. I think this is their best yet. Right now you can get Ariel, Aurora, Bella, and Cinderella. Jasmine and Snow White recently joined the crew. You can technically use them as actual money, but why would you they are adorable and not to mention they are only worth $1 but one of them will cost you $80. So using them as money does not make much cents!

Check out the rest of them:

I would love one of these, how about you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust

Maria

Hurry and Get Your Tickets for the Rockin’ Burger Block Party and Yelloween Masquerade at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2015

Tickets are selling out pretty quickly for the events at the popular, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Who does not love a good burger? I know I do! If you do check out the Rockin’ Burger Block Party in World ShowPlace. You can pick from more than 12 varieties of sliders. Does a coffee-crusted beef short rib burger topped with smoked Gouda, garlic potato string and sangria ketchup sound good? If not, maybe a spiced lamb burger topped with feta, pickled watermelon rind and za’atar aioli? Or a mixed grill burger topped with fried egg, bacon grease fries and nacho cheese sauce.

If you are more of a seafood person you can have a shrimp and scallop burger topped with spicy Thai slaw and cilantro-lime mayo. Maybe shrimp is not your thing, how about a grilled grouper patty topped with butter lettuce, vine-ripened tomato and lime aioli.

There is more than just burgers. There will also be spicy-sticky pig wings, veggie pot stickers, cheeseburger spring rolls. Mini-rolls, moonshine barbecued meatballs, chickpea and roasted corn fritters and Caribbean spiced seafood cakes.

We saved the best for last. My favorite, desserts! There will be cinnamon roll fireball bread pudding with cream cheese glaze, snickerdoodle-crusted apple custard crisp and Valrhona chocolate ganache brownies. I will take one of each.

There will also be a DJ so you can dance off a few of the pounds you just gained eating all that good food. Oh, and don’t forget to vote for the best burger while you are there.

Dates are September 25, October 8 and November 6 from 7-9 p.m., with hosts of ABC’s “The Chew” joining the fun on October 8. Cost is $99; $119 for reserved table on main floor, early admission at 6:45 p.m., and a specialty cocktail; or $199 for Nosh Pit seating with a private reserved table, early admission at 6:45 p.m., specialty cocktail and premium bar.

And for one night only, they are planning chic yellow and black costume for the elegant Yelloween Masquerade Party, a very special Party for the Senses from 7-9:30 p.m. Octpber 31 in celebration of Halloween. “Yelloween” is a reference to the night’s top pour – golden Champagne. Think elegant, and plan to eat, drink and party the night away with special entertainment. Cost is $169 plus tax general admission; $199 plus tax for a reserved table on the main floor with specialty cocktail toast, and $319 plus tax for a private reserved table, early entrance at 6:45 p.m., specialty cocktail toast, artisanal cheese station and more.

Admission to Epcot is required.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Walt Disney World Resort Donates Over $800,000 Worth of School Supplies to Students in Central Florida

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2015

For a lot of kids buying school supplies is fun, but it is not so much fun for the families that can’t afford to get what they need let alone what they want. Every year Disney VoluntEARS at the Walt Disney World Resort step up and help in a huge way! Thanks to the Back to School Supply Drive, needy students will get over $866,000 worth of school supplies, that includes over 60,000 backpacks.

The supplies will distributed by a local organization called A Gift For Teaching. They are a nonprofit organization that gives free school supplies to local area students that are in need.

Amazing Disney VoluntEARS Cast Members not only donated supplies themselves but they also spent many hours sorting pens, crayons, notebooks and other school items. They also answered phones during a telethon that was hosted by WKMG Local 6 to help raise more money for the nonprofit’s supply efforts.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Cause everyone needs a Disney Plush Tail

By

Chip

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August 23, 2015

If you ask me everyone needs a fun Disney Tail. While walking around in Disneyland last week I noticed a bunch of kids wearing these. I mean why not you’re in the most magical place on Earth! I asked a parent who was waiting in line where they got the tail and she said the Disney Store. So I made a note when I got home I was going to check these out. Well I did and I found them! They are all $19.95 and is perfect for adults and kids alike!

Here are the tails that are available:

Tigger Plush Tail

Sulley Plush Tail

Marie Plush Tail - The Aristocats

Marie Plush Tail – The Aristocats

Cheshire Cat Plush Tail

Tell me in the comment box which one you like the best!

Disney Villains Indoor & Outdoor Vinyls

By

Chip

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August 23, 2015

How many people remember the Disney Princess Vinyls we did a few weeks ago? They were so popular our designer friend DenileArts couldn’t resist making their counterparts the Disney Villains. On sale now for only $4 she has a bunch of designs to choose from:

To learn more and to order yours check out her store here or click any of the links above. Also be sure to check out her Princess line of Disney Vinyls too!

Happy Shopping

Top 11 Quick Service Meals at Walt Disney World Under $11

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2015

Visiting Disney World on a budget is actually easier than it seems at first. It just takes a little planning (okay, maybe a fair amount of planning) and some money saving tips!

One of the easiest ways to save money is on your food choices. Yes, dining at Walt Disney World can be expensive (Cinderella’s Royal Table is a wonderful experience but you do pay for it!) but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many great meals for under $11 at the quick services restaurants throughout the resort. And remember, a glass of ice water is always free – and will keep you more hydrated than a soda as well!

Here are some of my favorite quick service meals for under $11.

11. Angus Bacon Cheeseburger, Restaurantosaurus, Dinoland U.S.A., Animal Kingdom – This makes my list because of the topping bar. It can make this burger even more filling than it already is. I also just love the theming of Dinoland U.S.A.!

10. Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich, Liberty Inn, American Adventure, Epcot – I like the addition of the Bacon, Monteray Jack Cheese and Red Pepper Aioli to what is often just a plain grilled chicken sandwich. It is served with either grapes or french fries. Liberty Inn is also a nice big place and it’s usually pretty easy to find a seat – even during the busy times!

9. 1/2 Chicken Meal, Flame Tree BBQ, Discovery Island, Animal Kingdom – Flame Tree is a fan favorite at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and this meal is really filling (and yummy!). The chicken is served with baked beans and jalapeno cornbread.

8. Turkey, Monterey Jack and Chipotle Mayonnaise on Ciabatta, Sunshine Seasons, The Land Pavillion, Epcot – Sunshine Seasons tops my list for best food courts at Walt Disney World! There really is something for everyone and it’s all so good. My favorite is the Power Salad (Oak-fired Chicken, Quinoa, Almonds, and Honey Vinaigrette) but it’s over $11 and couldn’t be included on this list. This sandwich was my husbands favorite on our most recent trip. It is served with Potato Salad.

7. 1/2 Chicken Meal, Fairfax Fare, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Studios – Another chicken meal that I think is super filling! This meal comes with baked beans and coleslaw. It’s more than enough food for me to split with my 2 year old and perfect for lunch or dinner.

6. Nachos, la Cantina de San Angel, Mexico, Epcot – The nachos at la Cantina de San Angel are very filling. They are topped with Ground Beef, Nacho Cheese, Black Beans, Tomatoes, Jalapenos, and Sour Cream – add in a Margarita and it’s the perfect lunch!

5. Tonga Toast, Capt Cook’s, Polynesian Resort – Okay, so I’m sneaking in a breakfast item – which are traditionally less expensive than those found at lunch or dinner – but Tonga Toast is a favorite!

4. Southwest Chicken Salad, Pecos Bills, Frontierland, Magic Kingdom – I’ll never stop missing the Taco Salad at Pecos Bill’s but I do like this salad and it’s a healthy and light alternative to what can sometimes be heavy quick service meals!

3. 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom – I know, I know, ANOTHER chicken meal. But this one is my favorite! This is served with mashed potatoes and a seasonal veggie! For under $11 it’s a dinner (or lunch) you can’t beat!

2. African Stew, The Mara, Animal Kingdom Lodge – This is definitely a unique meal and very, very hearty! The stew includes with Beef, Turkey, Ham, Carrots, Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, and Raisins served over Basmati Rice – and it’s a nice amount of rice! A must try for something other than a tried and true burger!

1. The Original 1762, Earl of Sandwich, Downtown Disney – Since I had to pick one item to add to my list I went with the classic but there are so many awesome sandwiches and salads at Earl of Sandwich – and all of them are under $11! If you’re at Downtown Disney this should be a must try on your next Disney World trip!

Is your mouth watering yet? I know mine is! Do you have a favorite quick service meal that won’t break the bank? Share you picks with your fellow readers in the comments below!

If you love food be sure to check out Chip’s 100 Disney World foods to eat before you die challenge!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World on a budget? Let me help! I love sharing tips to stretch your dollars at Disney! I am a Travel Magician with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and Co and the Disney Addicts! Email me today at [email protected] to start planning your “Magical” vacation! –Alissa

Get Your Hands on the New Star Wars Themed Disney Visa Card

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2015

In case you have not heard, you can now get your hands on a Star Wars themed Disney Visa card.

The perks of having the card:

• Feel the power of the Force at the Star Wars Imperial Meet ‘N’ Greet at Walt Disney World® Resort starting early 2016 and the Disneyland® Resort starting Fall 2015

• Restock and refuel with Star Wars gear when you save 10% on select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com

• Take the Force with you wherever you go with three exclusive new Star Wars Credit Card designs.

Click here if you want to get your hands on one today!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria