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Exclusive Chapter Excerpt from Liz Braswell’s A Whole New World!

June 10, 2015

What if Aladdin had never found the lamp? This first book in the A Twisted Tale line will explore a dark and daring version of Disney’s Aladdin.
When Jafar steals the Genie’s lamp, he uses his first two wishes to become sultan and the most powerful sorcerer in the world.

Agrabah lives in fear, waiting for his third and final wish.To stop the power-mad ruler, Aladdin and the deposed princess Jasmine must unite the people of Agrabah in rebellion. But soon their fight for freedom threatens to tear the kingdom apart in a costly civil war.
What happens next? A Street Rat becomes a leader. A princess becomes a revolutionary. And readers will never look at the story of Aladdin in the same way again.

Liz Braswell explores all this and more in her new novel and we have an exclusive first look at the book below!

AWNW_TwistedTale_ExclusiveChapterExcerpt

(Click the link to read the exclusive chapter!)

About The Author!

After the sort of introverted childhood you would expect from a writer, Liz earned a degree in Egyptology at Brown University and then promptly spent the next ten years producing video games. Finally she caved into fate and wrote Snow and Rx under the name Tracy Lynn, followed by The Nine Lives of Chloe King series under her real name, because by then the assassins hunting her were all dead. She lives in Brooklyn with a husband, two children, a cat, a part-time dog, three fish and five coffee trees she insists will start producing beans any day. You can tweet her @LizBraswell.

Disney Finds – How many people remember DuckTales?

Chip

June 10, 2015

How many people remember the show Ducktales? I grew up on this show and I am sure many of you did too.

The world’s wealthiest duck brings his high-flying escapades home to DVD with DUCKTALES. Scrooge McDuck has a nose for business that leads him to the far corners of the world, but even this tycoon has his hands full when nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie join the fun. Joined by their loyal pals Launchpad McQuack, Gyro Gearloose, Mrs. Beakley, and Webby Vanderquack, the DUCKTALES gang never fails to deliver a wealth of adventure. Whether searching for the Fountain of Youth, traveling back in time to the days of King Arthur’s Round Table, or being accidentally launched into outer space — you can always bank on Scrooge and the boys to keep the thrills coming. Get ready for a fortune of fun with some of the most memorable DUCKTALES episodes ever on 3 discs. It’s a feather-raising quack-up that you and your family will treasure.

While reliving the olden days on Amazon I ran across the DVD’s of this show, I was surprised they were only $9!

I went ahead and ordered all 3 and going to see if my girls will love the show as much as I did. If you are reliving your youth, and are a Disney Addict like me you can order these DVD’s at the links above.

How many people remember this song:

Aquatica Hosts “Worlds Largest Swimming Lesson”

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 10, 2015

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark is hosting the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson which takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2015. They invite guests to participate and help set a world record and help save lives.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Big Surf Shores at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, with registration and amazing animal meet-and-greets. The lesson will take from 10 – 11 a.m. and each participant will receive a special certificate upon completion.

U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Ambrose “Rowdy” Gaines will also be onsite to lend a helping hand with the lesson.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of children ages 1-14. Research shows that if a child doesn’t learn to swim before the 3rd grade, they likely never will. The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is designed to draw attention to this issue, and encourage participation in swimming lesson programs. Tens of thousands of kids and adults at aquatic facilities around the world will unite for the sixth year in a row to set a new Guinness World Record at 10 a.m. EST. SeaWorld and Aquatica are proud to put on this incredible event to bring attention to water safety.

From high-speed water slides and exhilarating wave pools, to tranquil beaches and the remarkable animal habitats that are the hallmark of SeaWorld, Aquatica delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind waterpark is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 42 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Aquatica’s exclusive attractions promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures and through breathtaking animal exhibits.

Admission is required to participate in the swimming lesson at Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, and is included with admission for Pass Members. Those interested in participating must RSVP prior to the event by emailing [email protected].

Would you go?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Tee Public Site Wide $14 Sale for June

Chip

June 10, 2015

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

Here are the details:

Start – Wednesday, June 10th
End – Sunday, June 14th

Sale Details:

T-Shirts – $14
Tanks – $18
Kids Tees – $14
Hoodies – $35
Crew necks – $30

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

7 ways to Stay Sane on a Disney Vacation

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 10, 2015

After all the planning that goes into a Disney vacation, after all the days of waiting to arrive, after all the hours of dreaming of your Disney adventure, the actual trip itself can be quite stressful if you don’t have a plan to stay sane. Vacations should be fun, exciting, and relaxing. To ensure you don’t lose your cool on your Disney vacation, here are my 7 ways to Stay Sane on a Disney Vacation.

Have a Plan

While it is always fun to see where the day takes you, wander through the parks and take in all the sights, it can be a little hectic if you don’t have some sort of plan before hitting the parks.

I highly suggest making Advanced Dining Reservations and choosing your FastPass+ options before arriving at the parks. I have been in the situation where I am starving in the parks, have no reservations, and quick service just isn’t going to cut it. Learn from my mistakes. Plan your meal times with dining reservations (or plan on when you will break for meals at quick service) and avoid the hunger pains.

As well as planning your meals, pre-selecting your FastPass options can help your day run smoothly and ensure that you are able to ride all of your favorite attractions. Take advantage of these free services and save yourself some stress.

If you are more of a Type-A personality, like myself, consider planning your route through the park the night before (or weeks before if you are super excited). I like heading into the parks with a clear idea of where I’m going, what I’m doing, and what comes next. Along with planning your day, find out the times for the parades and fireworks in advance so that you aren’t rushing through Frontierland at the last moment to catch a glance of Wishes before it ends.

Remember, it is okay to deviate from the plan. While it is great to have anywhere from a rough mental sketch of your day, to a full out printed itinerary broken down into 30-minue intervals, vacations are all about making memories and enjoying yourself. Don’t hurry yourself away from the Dapper Dans or impromptu Peter Pan sighting because you have told yourself that at exactly 11:30am, you would be approaching the line for Splash Mountain. Let the memories happen as they come, and be flexible with your plan.

Set a Budget

Nothing puts a damper on your vacation like maxing out your credit card on your first day. Before leaving for your vacation, create a budget so you know how much you are willing to spend on souvenirs and extra items. If you know that you won’t be able to resist picking up 1 or 2 Pandora charms, or you can’t turn away from the latest Dooney and Bourke purse (I may be speaking of myself here), budget for those items. If they are in your budget, you will feel less guilty for buying them, and you won’t have to make sacrifices somewhere else later in your trip.

Before your trip, think about what souvenirs you know you want. For me, I always plan for a new pair of Ears, a couple of pins, a couple of vinylmations, a Dooney and Bourke purse, and a few Pandora charms. If I don’t find something that I want, that is just money saved that I can spend on something else, or bring home with me.

If you are travelling with kids, I suggest giving each child a gift card with a pre-determined amount loaded on to it. This way, the kids can decide for themselves what souvenirs they want to purchase, and they are in control of their own money. Of course, this works better for older children, but even if you are travelling with young children, set a limit for yourself and try to stick to it. Not buying a light up wand on the last day of your trip is not going to ruin their memories of the vacation. It’s okay to say no every now and then.

Dress Appropriately

Disney is not the place to show off the latest fashions or break in your new heels. You can walk miles each day during your vacation, so dress appropriately to save yourself a lot of misery. I suggest either sneakers, tennis shoes, or very comfortable sandals. Make sure that you have thoroughly broken in your shoes before your trip; multiple blisters can really be a bummer.

Also, please remember you are at a theme park, not a fashion show. Go with comfortable clothes that will breathe and move with you. Opt for shorts or capris, and cotton shirts or tank tops. Please remember that you will be surrounded by children, so keep leave the offensive shirts at home.

There is no better place to bust out all your Disney gear than the parks. Wear a different Disney shirt everyday if it makes you happy! Don’t feel shy or awkward for wearing matching family shirts either; tons of families do it and it can make for some really great pictures.

If you have dining reservations at a nicer restaurant, dress appropriately. I like to leave myself time to change at my resort into something a little nicer, and not sweaty from the day. For most restaurants on property, you can wear shorts and a tank top without issue, but do ask ahead of time if there is a dress code when you make your reservations.

Don’t Let the Weather Get You Down

Before you leave for your trip, accept that without a doubt, it will rain at some point, if not every day while you are there. Especially if you are headed to Florida. The afternoon rainstorms in Florida are almost a guarantee, but save your sanity, and don’t let the weather get you down.

Personally, I love when it rains at Disney World because the crowds almost completely clear out, and I am able to walk right onto almost any ride. Look at the rain as a tactical advantage and head over to Space Mountain, Rock n’ Rollercoaster, Dinosaur, or any other ride with typically high wait times. Most guests with race for the nearest gift shop during the rain to wait out the weather.

Before you plan to play in the rain, remember to pack your own ponchos. These items can be pretty expensive if you purchase them in the parks. To bring your own, it will take up very little space in your bag, will save you money, time, and the headache of waiting out the rain with every other unprepared guest.

Get Some Rest

Disney exhaustion is real, and nothing can drive you crazier than sleep deprivation. Take breaks throughout the day to keep your energy up. Even something as small as a 20 minute mid-day break can make all the difference.

When it comes to Extra Magic Hours, choose between morning and night hours. While some people can tackle the parks for 14 hour stretches, this extreme touring plan isn’t for everyone. I suggest choosing the specific days and hours you want to take advantage of, and forget the rest. Use some of that extra time not spent at the parks to sleep in or get to bed early. You will be more alert when you are in the parks, and your body and mind will thank you for the sleep.

I sometimes find it hard to sleep in an unfamiliar bed, with new noises surrounding me. It’s no fun to be up all night on vacation tossing and turning, only to be groggy and cranky the next day. I suggest bringing some home comforts with you to help ease your bed time ritual. Try ear plugs, or a white noise machine. At home, I always sleep with a fan on and I find a white noise machine helps to mimic this sound. If you are traveling with kids, make sure you pack any comfort items they may need such as a special blanket or stuffed animal.

Everyone is happier and able to have more fun when they are well rested, so remember to take breaks and get your sleep to save your sanity.

Stay Healthy

Thousands upon thousands of people walk through Disney Parks each year. Thousands and thousands of guests touch hand rails, lap bars, ride seats, and souvenirs. In short, there are potentially a lot of germs floating around. Save your sanity and do everything you can to stay healthy during your vacation.

Use hand sanitizer often and wash your hands before each meal. This is probably the easiest way to cut the germs and help yourself out. I also suggest taking a multi-vitamin each morning. Travelling can be stressful for your body and mind, and there is no better reason to make sure that you are getting all your required vitamins and minerals each day. It’s a quick action each morning before you leave your resort that can save you a nasty cold later on.

While you are in the parks, consider the healthier options every once in a while. It’s great to indulge in cupcakes, burgers, fries, cotton candy, and all the other treats that Disney offers, but your body still needs fruits, veggies, and protein. Opt for the Chicken Caesar Salad occasionally, use one of your snack credits for some fresh fruit, or order a side of veggies instead of fries now and then. These simple tips can make all the difference.

Have Fun

And finally, the single most important way to save your sanity is to have fun! Remember that you are at Disney – you have been saving for, planning, and dreaming about this vacation for a long time, so remember to enjoy it!

Let the little things go. It’s okay if you miss your FastPass time, it’s okay if you drop your ice cream, and it’s okay if you don’t get to every single attraction. Look at the bigger picture and think of all the fun you have had already, are having now, and will have the rest of the day.

Take some time to enjoy to the little things. If your children want to spend 10 minutes watching the ducks, let them! It’s all about making memories, and you never know, that one might end up being your favorite.

By having a plan and budget, dressing appropriately and planning for adverse weather, getting some rest and staying healthy, and having fun, you can be sure to save your sanity on your next Disney vacation.

How do you keep yourself sane on vacation? Do you have to hit Starbucks first thing in the morning to keep yourself going? Let us know your own tips and tricks in the comments.

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.

Top 5 Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 9, 2015

Just like Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort has Good Neighbor Hotels for guests to stay at. There are 30+ Good Neighbor Hotels in the Disneyland area and many are within walking distance to the parks. Since the Disneyland Resort hotels can get pretty expensive, it’s nice to have cheaper options when booking a stay. Here’s my top 5 Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel picks (in no particular order).

Best Western Park Place Inn and Mini Suites-this hotel is right across the street from the Disneyland Resort entrance and it’s an easy walk to and from the parks. This hotel features a heated outdoor pool, outdoor parking ($10/per day), and guest laundry (for a fee). Room amenities include: cable satellite TV, a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and free Wi-Fi. You’ll also enjoy a free continental breakfast every morning of your stay.
Candy Cane Inn-located just down the street from the Disneyland Resort, the Candy Cane Inn has been around for almost as long as Disneyland! Room amenities include: refrigerator, coffee maker, in-room safe, and complimentary high speed internet. You’ll also have access to an on-site spa and fitness center, free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast.
Desert Palms Hotel and Suites-this hotel is also located just down the street from the Disneyland Resort entrance and also offers views of the back of California Adventure. Rooms at this hotel have: microwave and refrigerator, 37 inch flat screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, ironing equipment, hair dryer and safety deposit box. This hotel also features a heated outdoor pool/whirlpool spa, fitness center, complimentary parking and complimentary hot breakfast buffet. The Desert Palms Hotel & Suites also offers kid’s amenities such as: Mickey & Minnie Scavenger Hunt, photo booth, video game arcade, and weekly kids crafts.
Howard Johnson Hotel-The Howard Johnson Hotel is just up the street from the Disneyland Resort entrance. This hotel offers: free WiFi, free parking, heated Garden Pool & 15 person hot tub spa, Castaway Cove (a pirate themed water park area), a game room, and Main Street Market. Main Street Market is a shop that offers anything from food options to pool toys to Disney souvenirs. Rooms can sleep up to 5 guests and are equipped with a refrigerator and coffee maker.
Anaheim Marriott Hotel-The Anaheim Marriot has a new look thanks to its $15 million renovation. This hotel is a little farther away than the others but the amenities more than make up for it! These amenities include: expansive marble bathrooms and premium bath amenities, mini refrigerators, irons and ironing boards, and brand new mattresses. On-site parking is available for $24 per day and shuttles to the parks are available through ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) for a fee.

The Anaheim Marriott Hotel is also the resort Chip will be staying for the D23 Expo! If you are still looking for a hotel we suggest staying at this awesome resort!

I’ve only had the opportunity to stay at a couple of these hotels, but I hope to be able to stay at the other three soon! If you’d like some help choosing or booking a Good Neighbor Hotel package, please email me today!

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney 2016 Experiences Now Available!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 9, 2015

Are you sailing to Europe on the Disney Cruise Line in summer of 2016? Then you don’t want to miss this! Available beginning today, add an Adventures by Disney pre-package to your itinerary in Copenhagen, Barcelona or London for select cruise departures. You can also add an Adventures by Disney experience on select 7- and 12-night European cruises to the Baltic or Mediterranean for more cultural immersion.

Pre-Cruise Highlights include:

Barcelona- private tours of the La Sagrada Familia basilica and Montserrat-a Benedictine monk retreat, dinner in the village of Pueblo Espanol with Flamenco dancer entertainment (4 days/3 nights- July/August/September 2016)
Copenhagen- visit the Little Mermaid statue, a private tour of Tivoli Gardens, roam the halls of Kronberg Castle and visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde. (4 days/3 nights- June/July 2016)
London- private city tour on a red double-decker bus, visit Westminster Abby, and take in all the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, including seeing the changing of the guards. (3 days/2 nights- May/June 2016)

All of these add-on packages sounds amazing and would add so much more magic to your European Disney Cruise. The hardest part is going to be choosing which one to experience first! For more information or to put together you perfect Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney package, email me at [email protected]. It’s a great big world out there full of destinations waiting to be explored….let me help you get there!

I’m 99% sure I am a Disney Princess

Chip

June 9, 2015

Are you a Disney Princess? How certain are you? 97%? 98%? How about 99%? Well our latest shirt design goes out to those who are 99% certain they are a Disney Princess.

Available now on the Chip and Co Tee Public store this design is on sale for $14 for the next 2 days! Available in a variety of colors and designs grab yours today!

HELLO KITTY IS COMING TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO!

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 9, 2015

I remember when I was growing up every little girl in my class just had to have Hello Kitty stuff from notebooks to my favorite a pink little backpack. Every chance I got I would visit the Sanrio store in our local mall for all of the new items.

Yes, even though I am going on 40 years old I am still a fan of Hello Kitty, Shhhhhh don’t tell my teenagers! You can imagine my excitement when I heard the news that Universal Orlando is opening an all new Hello Kitty store a little later this year.

This will be the first Sanrio store located at a theme park in North America. While Universal Orlando will be Sanrio’s first theme park location they are planning a second store to open in the future at Universal Studios Hollywood. Of course the store will offer specialty merchandise devoted to Hello Kitty such as stationery, home goods, apparel, accessories and collectibles. They will also have specialty items exclusive to Universal Orlando, and you will be able to custom design merchandise. How cool would it be to create your own custom souvenir version of Hello Kitty’s iconic bow? I know what I’m buying!

They will also feature other Sanrio products such as Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru, Purin and Keroppi.

Now I’ve saved the best for last! Have you ever wanted to MEET Hello Kitty? Well now you’ll have your chance to meet Hello Kitty herself!

For more information about planning a magical Universal Orlando vacation with an On-Site Hotel+ Ticket Packages contact me anytime. I would love to help you plan the best summer vacation ever! Just know that I plan on being the first in line to meet Hello Kitty!

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 provided by Universal Orlando**

First look at Frozen Ever After the new ride in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

Chip

June 9, 2015

We have a first look of the all new Frozen Ever After attraction that will be replacing Epcot’s Maelstrom ride hopefully sometime next year. The ride is a celebration of the Frozen characters and a chance for guests to experience the film in an all new way. While not offering any new songs there is however some new twist on existing melodies from movie composers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson Lopez.

Frozen Ever After takes place in summer at Arendelle’s Winter Festival, think the end of the Frozen movie. While waiting in line you will have an opportunity to see (not visit) Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and take in the wonders of Arendelle. On board you will be treated to Olaf & the reindeer Sven setting up the Winter Festival for you the guests.

First stop will be Troll Valley where you will hear the tale of how Anna & Kristoff met. After some fun in the Troll Valley you will be whisked away to sing ‘Let it Go‘ with Elsa in her Ice Palace. Who hasn’t heard that song a million times?

Next up we see the big scary snowman Marshmallow and all the mini snowman who were featured in the Disney Short Frozen Fever. There will be lots of singing and dancing and even a special fireworks celebration before you are swept off the ride with a farewell from Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven and Kristoff.

Disney is breaking out all the stops on this new ride featuring some new audio animatronics that will enable more lifelike animation, the same animatronics that was used in the 7 Dwarf Mine Train ride.

Overall Disney is hoping that the changes to the old Maelstrom ride will boost attendance in Epcot like Carsland did for Disney’s California adventure.

What do you think does the new Frozen Ride sound cool? Or should Disney have moved it to Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney Magic Outside the Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

June 9, 2015

The magical experiences around the Walt Disney World Resort aren’t limited to the 4 Theme Parks. Most people don’t realize how many recreational activities there are available in the area. You could take a Disney Vacation and have an amazing time without ever going into the Parks!

So you’re tired of the rides and the crowds? Get a little fresh air and make some magic with your family with these activites that are off the beaten path, but still IN Walt Disney World.

Bass Fishing Excursions

Guided fishing charters are a great way to spend a day outside the Parks. Up to 5 guests can fish off a pontoon boat, or 2 can take a tournament-style Nitro Bass boat out along the WDW Resort waterways. Guided catch-and-release excursions take guests out on the freshwater lakes on Disney property. You can show off your fishing skills by trying to see who can catch the largest bass! Poles, equipment, on-board refreshments and a one-year membership to BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) and 11 issues of Bassmaster Magazine are included! Moderate and Deluxe Resorts typically have boat docks and marinas.

Price:
7 a.m.: $270 for two-hour excursion; $455 for four-hour excursion
10 a.m.: $270 for two-hour excursion; $455 for four-hour excursion
1:30 p.m.: $235 (a single guest can take this excursion for only $170)

Reservations: 407-WDW-BASS

Golf

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Magnolia and Disney’s Palm Golf Courses are Disney’s award winning 18 hole courses on property. Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is a 9 hole course which is great for families. Walt Disney World Resort golf courses are equipped with everything you need to experience these professional quality courses. Two golf pro shops feature an impressive selection of merchandise, such as souvenirs, logo shirts, caps, towels. Premium TaylorMade golf clubs for men and women in both right– and left-handed models, as well as Adidas golf shoes, are available for rent. Golf instructional camps and clinics are available for both adults and juniors alike throughout the year, as well as personalized one on one lessons with our PGA qualified Director of Instruction.

Miniature Golf

Disney World has two great 18 hole mini golf courses: Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Fantasia Gardens emphasize skill over chance with a variety of sand traps, bunkers and water hazards. With the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in view, guests will love the photo ops during their round as they play through scenes based on Disney’s classic animated film Fantasia.

Guests can also join Santa and his elves year-round on their offseason retreat to the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf courses. The elves helped Santa build two distinctly different 18-hole experiences, a sand course named “Summer” and a snow course named “Winter.” The Summer course sets guests amid surfboards, sandcastles and ornaments hanging from palm trees while the Winter course takes golfers through giant peppermints and hockey sticks on their way to the North Hole.

Price: $12 for kids 3-9 and $14 for people 10+ (also something you can do if you purchase the Water Parks Fun and More park tickets)

Horseback Riding

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers beginner and intermediate riders miles of trails teeming with deer, ducks, armadillos and rabbits. Start your ride at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch and explore the woods of Fort Wilderness at your own pace. Trail rides (offered daily at 8:30 am, 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm for riders age 9+), pony rides and carriage rides.* Also available at the ranch: hay rides and wagon rides. *Also at Port Orleans Resort.

Available in October: haunted carriage rides.

Available in December: horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Prices: Trail rides – $46, pony rides – $5.00

Reservations: 407-824-2832

Wagon and Carriage Rides

Take a relaxing, old-fashioned wagon or carriage ride through the beautiful and serene woodlands at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground or along the scenic bank of the Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside carriage rides – $45

Water Sports

Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers one of my favorite vacation activities! Parasailing! Take a parasail ride up to 600 feet off the back of the boat above Bay Lake with a breathtaking view of Cinderella Castle and Magic Kingdom. Guests can also wakeboard, water ski or rent jet skis at Disney’s Contemporary Resort marina. Guests have to be 18 to rent, 16 to drive and any age to ride along. Parasailing has a minimum age of 6.

Price: $80 and up

Reservations: 407-939-0754

Surfing

Professional instructors teach classes that help anyone from novice to an experienced surfer improve during a 2.5-hour session using the world’s largest wave machine, which produces surf every 95 seconds. These take place daily at 7am at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in their wave pool, which is the largest in North America.

Price: $165/person

Reservations: 407-WDW-SURF

Scuba Diving (DiveQuest)

Guests can surround themselves with more than 65 species of marine life in a six million gallon indoor aquarium at The Seas in Epcot. Get within arms reach of tropical fish, beautiful sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Your family and friends can view every dive through any of the 56 giant acrylic windows at The Seas with Nemo & Friends.

All Guests must be SCUBA-certified and at least 10 years of age to participate. Guests ages 10 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying, participating parent or guardian.

The experience lasts 3 hours, and guests will spend about 40 minutes underwater in the huge Caribbean Coral Reef aquarium—which until 2005 was the largest saltwater tank in the world. Participants also get to see the massive backstage infrastructure required to filter and maintain a vast manmade ocean.

Price: $175/person

Reservations: 407-WDW-TOUR

Snorkeling

Get up-close and personal during an in-depth, behind-the-scenes experience with bottlenose dolphins or explore the The Seas with Nemo & Friends marine environment with the help of a Scuba Assisted Snorkel unit. Guests will learn how Disney trainers care for marine life day to day and view the ongoing research in backstage areas at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot.

Tennis

Available on a first-come, first-served basis, the tennis courts at Walt Disney World Resort are free for use at seven different Disney resorts. Guests can improve their game through professional programs and clinics offered by Orlando Tennis, partake in a friendly match on one of the clay courts at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, or hit balls around on the hard courts spread across Walt Disney World Resort. Courts are found at the following locations:

The tennis courts at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which are operated by Tennis Resorts, offers guests world-class tennis instruction, tournament play, and special camps for juniors and families.

Archery

Take a shot at Fort Wilderness Archery Experience at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground as guides lead you through a short training session on how to hold a compound bow and release an arrow into a range target.

Once you have visited the Walt Disney World Parks so many times like myself, you have to go in search of new and exciting adventures to make your vacation unforgettable! I would love to go Parasailing and see the WDW resort from the sky, or take my kids horseback riding through the tranquil woods of Fort Wilderness.

I can help you add these adventures on to your Disney trip too! Let me handle all the details and reservations for you, it comes complimentary when you book with me! I am an experienced Disney Park Specialist with World of Magic Travel and will help you create unforgettable memories on your next Walt Disney World vacation! Email me at [email protected] or follow me on Facebook!

Possible Opening Date for the New “Frozen” Attraction – Frozen Ever After

Anonymouse

June 8, 2015

Hiya guys and gals it is I Anonymouse your Gossip Queen! Let me get straight to the point, because I know this is a controversial topic for some of you. We may or may not have an opening date for the new “Frozen” attraction coming to Epcot Frozen Ever After. I say may or may not because we all know that nothing is official until the head mouse over at Disney announces it.

My sources tell me that the unofficial opening date will be May 1, 2016. So we have a little less than a year to enjoy all things Frozen! I know I can’t wait! <sarcasm> I am sure Disney is planning the new ride to open right before the summer rush, the marketing geniuses that they are!

Be sure to check out the latest sneak peak of Frozen Ever After here!

Let’s all be nice and share our thoughts in the comment box below?

Any who this all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.

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