Tips to Ensure a Magical Disney Cruise!

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July 16, 2015

Ahoy, mateys!!! If you are thinking of planning a Disney cruise, then you will want to read on. It’s the little things that make your trip truly magical and I’m here to help you make the most of your Disney cruise through fine attention to detail…

Before Getting Onboard:

Book your cruise early- the earlier you book, the lower the cost. A Disney Cruise Line Cast Member told me that cruise fares fluctuate on supply and demand, so if you know you want to take your cruise, I always recommend booking sooner rather than later to lock in that lower price. Your deposit, typically 20% of the cruise fare, is normally refundable up until the time your final payment is due. And, you can make payments along the way. Disney Visa holders can also enjoy the added perk of some on-board credit (if offered). As a travel agent, I’m able to help you find the best stateroom for your group and help come up with a payment plan. And….in no way will your fare increase by using a travel agent. Think of us as an extra resource to make your trip magical!
Know theterminology-
- Embarkation = get on the ship
- Debarkation = get off the ship
- Port = left side of the ship as you face forward
- Starboard = right side of the ship as you face forward
- Forward = the obvious, forward (or front of the ship)
- Aft = the rear of the ship
Building time to play in Walt Disney World- many of my clients enjoy spending time at sea AND spending time at the WDW theme parks. If you are going to do this, think about how you would like to structure your trip. Do you want to cruise first then hit the parks? Or vice versa? Personally, I like to do the parks first and then relax at sea!
Think about when you’d like to dine- Onboard, dinner is served at 6pm and 8:15pm, also known as Main and Second seating. Many families with kids think they want the Main seating and this fills up quick, so they feel like they are out of luck. Second seating is NOT a bad thing at all. It gives you extra time to get back on the ship after your port adventures, freshen up and relax a bit. If you are traveling with your kiddos and have the Second Seating, you can also take advantage of Dine and Play. The kids can order their meals right away and then counselors from the Oceaneer Club will pick them up and take them to play. This will let you, the parents, enjoy a dinner together and then hit the club, karaoke or lounge!
Book your Port Adventures- Once you make your final payment, you are able to start making reservations for your excursions. Adventures have a tendency to fill up quick, so if you know you definitely want to do something, I recommend booking in advance. Plus, it eliminates having to take time away from all the fun that is waiting for you on your Disney Cruise Line ship!
Pack your Pirate gear- during your sailing, there will be a Pirate Night featuring an amazing deck party. The Disney Cruise Line encourages you to dress up and immerse yourself in all of the fun! So bring along your best bandanas and pirate swag for a swashbuckling good time!
The mandatory muster drill- this is held the afternoon of embarkation, usually around 4:00pm. Everyone needs to attend this drill to learn the location of your lifeboat and other important safety information. The drill only takes about 30 minutes
There are not many clocks on board, so bring along a watch, especially to avoid any roaming charges while at sea.
If you are leaving from Port Canaveral, the terminal offers some things to entertain the kiddos, such as ship models to look at, cartoons playing with limited seating and a balcony for close up views of the ship. Disney characters usually make an appearance for photos and autographs, too!

While Onboard:

Know your dining rotation- throughout your cruise, you will be rotating through all of the dining rooms on your ship and your dedicated service team will follow you from location to location. The order of your rotation will be printed on your room key and if any changes need to be made, you can do this as soon as you get on board with the dining room staff
Schedule your kiddos- it’s best to reserve your kids spots in the nursery or kids program early. You can do this when you complete online check-in, in the port, or once you get on the ship. It’s also not a bad idea to bring along some activities for kids to entertain them while in the room. Another fun way to immerse the kids in all the fun is to give them a disposable camera so they can take photos as they go. It’s always so much fun to see the perspective through a child’s eyes and these help make for great memories.
Navigating Castaway Cay (pronounced “key)- the most important thing I stress to clients is to get off the ship as early as possible! Room service is not a bad idea for these port mornings so you can eat and head off to all the fun. You may want to bring along a little cash while on the island, just in case you see something really cool. There’s a real post office on the island and they only accept coins. Mail yourself (or a loved one or friend) a postcard and it will arrive with the Castaway Cay postmark (another great inexpensive souvenir or scrapbook idea!). And, don’t let the fun carry you away too much…you want to make sure you are back on the ship in time so you don’t miss the boat (literally!)
Theater Snacking- the theaters where movies and live shows take place sell munchies, at a premium. To help keep your costs down, go to the pool deck to the self-serve station and get free beverages. You can also find free cookies from the counter-service locations that you can bring along as well.
Stay in the Know- before you go, be sure to download the Navigator app for Apple or Android devices. You are able to use this app complimentary while onboard. Along with giving you the day’s activities, the app also features menus for various restaurants and some other helpful hints. You will receive a paper copy of the Navigator in your stateroom each evening. Take it with you wherever you go…it contains so much valuable information. If you misplace your copy, you can pick up a new one at Guest Services.

As you can see, the more you plan ahead the more prepared you will be to make the most of your Disney cruise. Another great way to be prepared is to seek expert help, such as myself, to ensure that no detail is overlooked. To begin planning your next Disney cruise, email me at [email protected] and be sure to follow me on Facebook to keep up with the latest Disney news, promotions and events. I can’t wait to help you and your family set sail on a magical voyage! Happy Sailing!

Universal Orlando’s 25th Anniversary Timeline “Photo” Sweepstakes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2015

Universal Orlando’s 25th Anniversary Timeline “Photo” Sweepstakes is an exciting way to celebrate the silver anniversary of the parks, and include the fans. Universal Orlando Resort is giving away 25 trips to visit the theme park, complete with park tickets, airfare, and your hotel stay.

Holy cow, tell me more! Ok calm down! It’s easy to enter too. Add your photos to the “timeline” and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of the vacation packages. You can add as many photos as you’d like, and receive up to one entry per day. Visit the link HERE to enter.

So now it’s time to find all of those photograph’s of your family enjoying Universal Orlando or Island’s of Adventure theme park from the last 25 years. Maybe you have an amazing shot of the fire-breathing dragon from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley that you would like to share? Well now is your chance!

I know I’m going to enter, and here’s some of my favorites from Halloween Horror Night’s. For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Night’s 25th event and vacation packages please check out my previous article by clicking HERE.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OR PHOTO SUBMISSION OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes starts at 12:01 pm EDT on 6/23/15 and ends 11:59 am EDT on 7/31/15 for online entry and 7/31/15 for postmarking mail-in entry. Open to legal residents of 50 U.S. & DC 18 or older. Subject to Official Rules. Void where prohibited.

My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. I’m a Universal Orlando Specialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise lines. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.

You can also visit my Facebook page, click here for more details, and updates on special offers to your favorite travel destinations. You will also find a ton of pictures from Walt Disney World, DisneyCruise Line, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida.

**Photographs personal photographs by Leigh Saleh**

Disney is working on a live action Aladdin Prequel called Genie

By

Chip

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July 15, 2015

Walt Disney Studios is flying back to the world of Aladdin with Genie‬ a live-action Aladdin prequel.

The new comedy would focus on the realm of the Genies and reveal how Aladdin’s Genie ended up enslaved in the lamp. Presently Genies is only in the early stages of development and is being written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. No director has signed on yet but I expect that news to be very soon.

Genie is just the first step in the Aladdin timeline with a long-term plan to have the movie lead into an Aladdin live-action remake movie.

New Walt Disney World Refurbishment Schedule Released for July

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2015

Disney has released a new updated refurbishment schedule for resorts and parks at Walt Disney World. Check here to see if your favorite rides will be closed for your next visit!

PARKS:

Magic Kingdom Park

Monorail: The Walt Disney World Monorail is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. Now through December 2015

Pirates of the Caribbean: June 8-September 25, 2015

Liberty Tree Tavern: July 6-November 19, 2015

Dream Along With Mickey July 21-August 19, 2015

Liberty Square Riverboat August 4-August 10, 2015

Walt Disney World Railroad October 12-November 20, 2015

Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour October 12- November 20, 2015

Epcot

Re-Imagination of Maelstrom Now- April 30, 2016

Living with the Land September 8- September 17, 2015

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Voyage of the Little Mermaid September 7-September 10, 2015

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

NONE

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

NONE

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

NONE

Walt Disney World Resorts

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Guest room renovation: Guest rooms will be refurbished now – August 22, 2015

It is possible that some noise could travel while work is in progress. Guests will not be accommodated in the affected areas.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contemporary Feature Pool September 8-10, 2015

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort July 5-October 12,2015

Fitness Center, Salon and Casitas Leisure Pool will be closed for maintenance. A temporary fitness center will be set up for guests in the Casitas area and guests can continue to visit the feature pool and the other 2 leisure pools.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa August 23-September 4, 2015

Gasparilla Island Grill will be closed, guests can grab breakfast at Beaches Pool Bar and Mizners will offer grab and go options during this time.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Now- Early 2016

Guests will observe general construction taking place and certain pathways and buildings may be unavailable. In addition, the East Pool will be closed for enhancement. Guests may use the Volcano main pool.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge October 2, 2015- 2017

Multiple resort refurbishments in various work areas. The Hidden Springs leisure pool, resort beach, playground, fire pit and nature trail will be unavailable.

Walt Disney World Swan Hotel Now- TBD

General renovation work scheduled between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily

Downtown Disney Area/ Disney Springs

Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive Now- March 2016

Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Downtown Disney and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.

Parking Lots- Entrance 2- Lots A-G Now- August 1, 2016

Loss of parking lot Entrance 2 to guest traffic and lots A-G in preparation for the construction of Town Center and the East Garage.

Fulton’s Crab House January 1-April 1, 2016

Planet Hollywood January 1-June 1, 2016

Check back with Chip and Co. regularly for updates to the closings and refurbishments at all of the Disney Parks and resorts!

Hollywood Studios is my Home

By

Chip

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July 15, 2015

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my home away from home. What better way to celebrate that love of Disney but with this fun Home Decal. This homemade item is made to order and ships from Florida. You can pick yours up for $4 with $1 shipping. Just click here to order yours today.

Don’t miss out other Disney Park Vinyls:

Magic Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Epcot (Coming Soon)
Animal Kingdom (Coming Soon)

Disneyland Halloween Party Dates Released

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2015

Halloween time at the Disneyland Resort is spook-tacular! The season begins on September 11, 2015. In addition to the usual popular seasonal attractions, Mickey’s Halloween Party will return and be expanded to 17 nights this year. This year, Mickey’s Halloween Party will include “Paint the Night” parade and “Halloween Screams” fireworks. Mickey’s Costume Party cavalcade will not be featured this year and the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will be presented only on non-party nights. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event and tickets go on sale July 22nd for Disneyland Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders, and DVC members. They go on sale to the general public on July 29th.

Here are the dates for Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park:

September: 25th, 28th, 30th

October: 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th, 31st

Halloween is a spectacular time at the Disneyland Resort and attending Mickey’s Halloween Party just adds to the magic! For help planning your next magical Disney vacation, contact me today.

Shanghai Disney will Include Some Amazing New Additions

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2015

Disney CEO, Robert Iger revealed some new details for the Shanghai Disneyland Resort. There will 6 themed lands coming to Shanghai Disneyland.

Shanghai Disney Resort is planned to be an amazing world-class family vacation destination. It will infuse the magic of Disney with beauty of China. The plans also include 2 hotels, and Disneytown, which will be an international shopping, dining and entertainment district, and Wishing Star Park’s beautiful gardens

“We are building something truly special here in Shanghai that not only showcases the best of Disney’s storytelling but also celebrates and incorporates China’s incredibly rich heritage to create a one-of-a-kind destination that will delight and entertain the people of China for generations to come,” Robert Iger said at the Shanghai Expo Centre. “We are taking everything we’ve learned from our six decades of exceeding expectations – along with our relentless innovation and famous creativity to create a truly magical place that is both authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese.”

Shanghai Disneyland will have the tallest, biggest and most interactive castle of any Disney theme park. There will be everything from live stage shows to thrill attractions. They hope to appeal to everyone, young and old. Of course, there will characters in each land.

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Looks amazing!

In Tomorrowland, you will get to see the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, a roller coaster type attraction where riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for one of the most amazing and thrilling adventures.

Here is more details on what is coming to Shanghai Disneyland:

Fantasyland: will be the largest land and home to the majestic Enchanted Storybook Castle that we’ve already featured here on the Blog. In this fairy-tale paradise, guests will float through familiar Disney stories on Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, hitch a rollicking ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and take flight over the skies of London on Peter Pan’s Flight. They may also explore the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh or follow Alice through a dazzling Wonderland maze.

Treasure Cove: will be the first pirate-themed land in a Disney park. As guests explore this pirate world, they will enter Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle of Sunken Treasure, an attraction that transforms a boat ride into a thrilling journey with cutting-edge innovations in robotics, animation, set design and multimedia. Adventurous spirits will be tempted to board a pirate ship, paddle through the scenic cove on Explorer Canoes and dine at Barbossa’s Bounty.
Adventure Isle will immerse guests in a newly discovered lost world, filled with hidden treasures and a chance to explore its mysteries. The mighty Roaring Mountain will tower over guests and beckon them on their journey. Guests can blaze their own trails at Camp Discovery, travel around the world on Soaring over the Horizon, or embark on the thrilling rafting adventure Roaring Rapids, straight through the heart of Adventure Isle. There they discover the underworld realm of a mysterious, fearsome creature.

Tomorrowland: will not only include the TRON Lightcycle Power Run but also offer the chance for guests to go to infinity and beyond on Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, a new space ranger adventure, or break the bonds of gravity on Jet Packs. The land will feature a massive, color-shifting canopy near the TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
Mickey Avenue will be the first main entry at a Disney park inspired by the colorful personalities of Mickey Mouse and his pals. In the neighborhoods of this welcoming, whimsical avenue, guests will share a hug and get a photo with some all-time favorite Disney characters. Avenue M Arcade, one of the many shops along the avenue, will feature the largest selection of gifts and collectibles inside the theme park.

Gardens of Imagination: will celebrate the wonders of nature and the joy of imagination, as guests leave everyday life behind to enjoy the seven whimsical gardens. Guests will take a spin on the Fantasia Carousel, soar on the back of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and enjoy the area’s iconic Disney entertainment, including Castle stage shows and “Ignite the Dream, a Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light.” From several places in this land, guests will enjoy “Mickey’s Storybook Express,” an exciting parade with its own musical soundtrack and colorful performers on the longest parade route in a Disney park.

Adventure Isle: will immerse guests in a newly discovered lost world, filled with hidden treasures and a chance to explore its mysteries. The mighty Roaring Mountain will tower over guests and beckon them on their journey. Guests can blaze their own trails at Camp Discovery, travel around the world on Soaring over the Horizon, or embark on the thrilling rafting adventure Roaring Rapids, straight through the heart of Adventure Isle. There they discover the underworld realm of a mysterious, fearsome creature.

Mickey Avenue: will be the first main entry at a Disney park inspired by the colorful personalities of Mickey Mouse and his pals. In the neighborhoods of this welcoming, whimsical avenue, guests will share a hug and get a photo with some all-time favorite Disney characters. Avenue M Arcade, one of the many shops along the avenue, will feature the largest selection of gifts and collectibles inside the theme park.

Grand Opening is said to be spring of 2016.

Check it out:

Photo Credit: Disney

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Eight New Disney Legends to be Honored During D23 Expo 2015 in Anaheim

By

Chip

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July 15, 2015

Star Wars creator George Lucas, composer Danny Elfman, All My Children star Susan Lucci, Disney Animator Andreas Deja and other beloved contributors to the Disney legacy will be named and honored as official Disney Legends during D23 EXPO 2015 at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The ceremony will be hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, and will include special musical performances.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 28-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, and the first Disney Legend was Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), who was honored in 1987. The three-day EXPO provides the opportunity for Disney fans to be a part of the memorable and prestigious event.

“The Disney Legend Award is our highest honor, and we are incredibly proud to recognize these eight talented individuals who have contributed so much to the world of entertainment and the Disney legacy,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “Their vision and dedication to their work have brought joy to audiences around the globe and earned them a place in Disney history.”

The 2015 Disney Legend Award honorees (listed alphabetically) are:

GEORGE BODENHEIMER, who retired from his role as Executive Chairman of ESPN in May 2014, enjoyed a remarkable 33-year career that began in the company’s mailroom in 1981. Working his way through the ranks, he became executive vice president of sales and marketing in 1996, before being named the network’s fifth president in 1998. He held that role until 2012, when he stepped down from day-to-day operations.

ANDREAS DEJA is a link to Disney’s past and one of the greatest animators of its modern era. Deja is known for his rich portraits of villainy, having animated Gaston for Beauty and the Beast, Jafar for Aladdin, and Scar for The Lion King. He has also brought life to heroes such as mighty Hercules, the precocious Lilo (Lilo & Stitch), regal King Triton (The Little Mermaid), wise Mama Odie (The Princess and the Frog), and loveable Tigger (Winnie the Pooh). In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Winsor McCay Award for his contributions to the art of animation.

EYVIND EARLE, one of the greatest of Disney artists, brought his unique style to a number of memorable projects but perhaps the purest realization of his vision remains the visual styling and backgrounds for the Disney classic Sleeping Beauty. Earle’s career with Disney began in 1951, working on background artwork forPeter Pan. He created the look of the 1953 animated short Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom, which won an Academy Award^® for Best Short Subject, Cartoons in 1954. His most noticeable contribution, however, remains his work on Sleeping Beauty. The film’s eye-catching look, in its design and backgrounds, are the perfect representation of his unique style.

DANNY ELFMAN provided the songs and score for The Nightmare Before Christmas, for which he also provided the singing voice of Jack Skellington. He also scored several Disney films including Alice in Wonderland, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Dick Tracy, Dead Presidents, Flubber, Good Will Hunting (Oscar^® Nomination: Best Score), A Civil Action, Instinct, Frankenweenie, and Oz the Great and Powerful. Elfman also wrote the theme for ABC’s Desperate Housewives and penned the music for the Mystic Manor attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland. His music is featured in Disneyland’s annual Haunted Mansion Holiday. His upcoming Disney projects include Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.

GEORGE LUCAS, whose Star Wars films made him one of the most successful filmmakers of all time, is also a longtime Disney fan who has left an indelible impression on Disney parks. His first project with Disney was Captain EO, the 1986 3-D spectacular starring Michael Jackson and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Star Tours and Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, as well as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril in Disneyland Paris, and two blockbuster Indiana Jones Adventure attractions at Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea round out Lucas’ timeless work in conjunction with Disney.

SUSAN LUCCI portrayed Erica Kane on ABC’s fabled soap opera All My Children for 41 years, a role that TV Guide deemed unequivocally the most famous character in the history of daytime television, earning Lucci 21 Daytime Emmy^® nominations to which she won the prestigious Emmy for Best Actress to an industry-wide standing ovation on her 19th nomination. Shortly thereafter, she received her Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, presented to her by Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. The iconic actress has also appeared on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and Hope & Faith, as well as Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven. Lucci currently stars in the international hit Lifetime series, Devious Maids, produced by ABC Studios, as the wealthy and effervescent socialite, Genevieve Delatour.

JULIE REIHM CASALETTO, who began her Disney career as a tour guide, became Disneyland’s first Ambassador in 1965—a role created to help Walt, who found it increasingly difficult to attend all the events to which he was invited. As Disneyland’s first Ambassador, she was chosen “as a personification of Disneyland’s world-famous spirit of friendliness and happiness.” She became the template upon which decades of Ambassadors would pattern themselves.

CARSON VAN OSTEN helped bring Disney characters to life in a variety of media, all around the world, for three decades. During Van Osten’s tenure, he oversaw creative content for motion picture tie-in advertising, many Disney publications, and also established some of the first licensing style guides for Disney Consumer Products. The talented artist designed logos for Mickey Mouse’s 50th and 60th birthdays, the Walt Disney Studios logo and water tower design, and the Disneyland Hotel clock tower “Mickey” logo in Paris.

Each honoree receives a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies the imagination, creativity, and magic they have brought to the Company. Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony at the end of the event, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at the Company’s Burbank headquarters.

Admission to the ceremony will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in the price of a ticket to D23 EXPO 2015.

Including this year’s honorees, a total of 257 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Regis Philbin, Annette Funicello, Peter Jennings, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Sir Tim Rice, Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Walters. With the inaugural D23 EXPO in 2009, thousands of Disney fans were able to enjoy the Legends Awards ceremony for the first time. Honorees that year included Robin Williams, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Harry Archinal, Don Iwerks, and Leota Toombs Thomas.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.

Simple Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2015

A magical vacation to Walt Disney World can be more affordable than you think. There are ways to save some money during the planning process and even while you are in the most magical place on Earth. One of the most important aspects of planning your trip is flexibility.

Prices at the Walt Disney World Resort vary throughout the year, and if you are flexible with your travel dates and even resort choices, you can save a significant amount of money. For example: a standard room at the All Star Music Resort ranges in price from $89-$176 per night depending on the time of year. Deluxe resorts like the Beach Club will vary from $356-$597 per night! That is a huge difference and those prices can be different from one week to the next! When thinking about the time of year you would like to visit, ask your travel agent what weeks offer the lowest resort prices. The agents at World of Magic Travel Services have the knowledge and experience to guide you to the best time of year and best resort to match your vacation dreams!

In addition to the varied resort prices, Disney releases many special offers throughout the year. From discounted rooms, free dining, military room discounts and more, these special offers can save you a LOT of money if your travel dates fall within the offer dates. Again, this is where flexibility comes in to play. Be willing to shift your dates and even resort choice when special offers are released and you can end up saving hundreds of dollars on your trip.

Now that you have planned the perfect time to visit and you have arrived on site, you can continue money saving strategies while in the resorts and parks.

Bring your own snacks and bottled water in your backpack. You are allowed to bring these items in to the park so stock up before you leave the hotel. As long as there is no glass or alcohol, you can bring your own drinks in to the park. There are plenty of grocery stores a short distance off property to go and stock up on small snack items. If you do not have a car, there are delivery services like Garden Grocer, who will deliver supplies right to your resort! I have even packed a small suitcase full of dried cereal and snacks on the plane to have during my stay! If you like the bag from above you can order it here.

If you have forgotten to pack your bottled water, but do not want to spend the money buying it in the parks, head to any quick service dining location on property and ask for a cup of ice water. They will give you a free cup!

If you have little ones, bring your own stroller or rent a stroller from an outside company. There are many Orlando area stroller rental companies that will deliver and pick-up the stroller right at your resort. It will save you some money from renting a stroller right from the parks.

If having a meal with Mickey or Cinderella is on your wish list, look at booking breakfast over dinner. The breakfast prices at the character meals like Royal Table and Chef Mickeys are significantly less than the dinner prices, and you will have the same character interactions that the dinner crowd will have! One of my family’s traditions is an early morning breakfast at Crystal Palace with Winnie-the-Pooh and friends. Having a reservation before park opening grants you admission to the park before the general public, which gives you an incredible experience of walking down Main Street without crowds! This is an amazing photo op so get your camera ready!

Buy Base Tickets instead of Park Hoppers. This is another way to knock a significant amount of money off of your trip. For a large family, this can save you hundreds of dollars! Schedule your time at the parks wisely and enjoy the one park per day. There is plenty to do in each park to fill up your day!

Budget ahead of time for souvenirs! With three kids I have had to set a budget before we leave so that I do not empty my wallet in every store we pass through. I often ask for Disney Gift Cards as gifts for my kids’ birthdays or holidays so that they have their own ‘money’ to spend while they are there! It helps a lot! Another tip I have used is telling the family that we will only buy souvenirs on the last day of our trip. That way, they are browsing all week and can narrow down what the ‘really’ want!

Use a FREE travel planner from World of Magic Travel Services! All of our services come at no additional cost to you. We take care of resorts, dining plans, fast passes and all of the magical extras that go in to making your trip a success!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is one of my favorite things to do! Contact me to start you planning and let me help you save some money on your trip! [email protected]

Check out the ‘Looking for Mickey Quest’ at Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2015

Starting July 16, while quest supplies last, you’ll be able to take part in the “Looking for Mickey Quest” at Disneyland Resort. Search for hidden Mickeys around the resort and get a surprise!

Two Ways to Play and How it Works!
Each park will have it’s own version of the “Looking for Mickey Quest”. You can purchase a Quest Guide from one of the parks and follow the clues to each location where the hidden Mickeys can be found. The locations, clues, hidden Mickeys and surprises for each Quest will vary. Once you arrive at the location, scratch off the answer to reveal if you have found the hidden Mickey. Return to the redemption location with your Quest Guide to pick up a surprise (even if some of your answers are wrong).

Disneyland Park
The Disneyland park “Looking for Mickey Quest” Guide can be purchased for $19.95, plus tax, at the following locations: Disneyana, Gag Factory, Pieces of Eight and Star Trader. This Quest Guide has 20 questions and comes with a specially themed lanyard. They’re limited to 2 per guest and will only be available while supplies last.

Disney California Adventure Park
The Disney California Adventure park “Looking for Mickey Quest” Guide can be purchased for $12.95, plus tax at the following locations: Elias & Co., Off the Page, Oswald’s, Radiator Springs Curios and Tees, Hats and Tattoos. This Quest Guide has 10 questions and comes with a specially themed lanyard. These are also limited to 2 per guest and will only be available while supplies last.

Return with your “Looking for Mickey Quest” Guide to the respective redemption location before July 31, 2015, to pick up your surprise. Note: The Quest Guide must be redeemed at the redemption location within that specific park. The surprise will vary depending on which park/quest you decide to do. Here are the redemption locations:

Disneyana in Disneyland park
Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park

This limited event looks like so much fun! I wish I was visiting the Disneyland Resort this month. If you get a chance to participate in one of the quests, please let me know what you think in the comments! Also, if you’d like help planning your next magical Disney vacation, contact me today!

Disneyland Employee is Accused of Attempting to Selling Tickets in Exchange for Sex with a Minor

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 14, 2015

Disneyland Employee selling tickets for sex

According to the OC Register this man pictured above, Darreck Michael Enciso, 27, of Adelanto, has been accused of attempting to sell Disneyland tickets to a minor in exchange for sex.

On July 1st he reportedly posted a Craigslist ad looking for a woman that would have sex with him in exchange for tickets to Disneyland. He was a Disneyland employee during the time this happened.

He did not know that he had began communicating with an undercover cop, who was posing as a 14 year old girl that wanted the tickets. He then arranged a meet up with the girl on July 9th to make good on the deal. He was arrested after he showed up to the meeting with condoms and the Disneyland tickets, according to the police. He has posted similar ads like this and the investigation is ongoing.

He is supposed to be arraigned on a felony attempted lewd act on a child, contacting a child with the intent to commit a specified sex crime, and meeting a minor with the intent to engage in lewd conduct, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

If he is convicted he faces up to four years in prison.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Mark Gutierrez at 714-347-8794 or HBPD detective Angela Bennett at 714-536-5960.

Child Drowns in The Art of Animation Pool at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 14, 2015

Sadly, a child drowned in The Art of Animation pool today according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. The child was found around 8:00 p.m. and was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to reports the child was an out-of-town visitor and got separated from his parents, they searched for the child, who was eventually found under the water.

We have conflicting information on the age of the child. The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that the child was 7 years old, and WESH is reporting he was only 3.

No other details are currently available.

Our condolences go out to the family.