WDW Souvenir Spotter App Now Available

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May 14, 2015

Sugar Coded Apps, maker of Crochet Decoder and over 20 other popular iOS apps, released its newest creation just in time for those holiday trips to Disney World! WDW Souvenir Spotter is the brainchild of Sugar Coded Apps’ owner Eric Blanton’s own Disney World trips where he was constantly taking photos and using his notepad to try and remember the great items he had come across, where he saw them, and who he wanted to buy it for.

Designed for iPhone and iOS, WDW Souvenir Spotter offers a great way to keep all those cool merchandise finds organized in one central place. The app uses your device GPS to drop a pin in a custom map of all your spotting so you can come back to them later if you decide you can’t live without it! Shopping is big part of any trip to Walt Disney World and this app takes souvenir shopping to the next level.

With WDW Souvenir Spotter you can:

Add a photo of your find
Add the price, who it’s for, & other item details
Share your finds on social networks
View a custom maps of your finds for backtracking (GPS required)

WDW Souvenir Spotter also features two bonus guides featuring Freebies at the parks, shopping tips, & budget savers.

This app is a great way to:

To help keep a souvenir budget at WDW
Make sure you get what you really want
Help keep track of who you need to buy for
Share your great finds with other Disney fans & more

Device Requirements:

iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Requires iOS 7.0 or later
27.6 MB

Pricing and Availability:
WDW Souvenir Spotter 1.1 is $1.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Travel category.

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Top Mid-Day Break Spots at Epcot

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 14, 2015

I recently wrote about my favorite places to take a mid-day break at the Magic Kingdom. Moving through Disney World, here are my favorite spots at Epcot to slip away, enjoy some cool air, and not feel as if I am wasting precious time in the park.

The American Adventure: Located in Epcot’s World Showcase, this 29 minute show takes guests through a patriotic look at America’s past. Hosted by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, guests will see historical scenes depicting the Pilgrims’ arrival at Plymouth Rock, all the way to the invention of the telephone. The lobby of The American Adventure is a nice place to sit and relax while waiting for the show to start, or if you have a little one who needs some quiet time. The theatre is well air-conditioned, and the seats are comfy enough to catch a quick nap in. I would love to give more insight here on the actual show, but, well, I’ve always used this show for my mid-day nap break.

Gardens in the UK Pavilion: The World Showcase can get quite crowded, especially during certain times of the year such as Food and Wine Festival. However, the Gardens in the UK Pavilion are usually quieter and much less busy. This is get place to sit and enjoy the weather with a nice cocktail.

The Fountain of Nations: One of my favorite simple pleasures of the Disney Parks, the Fountain of Nations is a great piece of Imagineering, and features water from 29 different countries. Located in Future World, every 15 minutes the fountain displays a wonderful water, music, and light show. The breeze coming from the fountain is always a relief from the heat. I always like to catch the show at least once while I am visiting Epcot.

Impressions de France: Another show that I have never stayed awake for, Impressions de France is also located in the World Showcase. This 18 minute travelogue type film shows different images of France, set to music by French composers. The film really is a beautiful glimpse into France, but the air conditioned dark theatre always lulls me to sleep. Give your feet a break from racing around, enjoy a croissant, and be swept away to France!

The Seas with Nemo and Friends: This is a great mid-day break because you won’t feel like you are missing out on anything. This attraction is all indoors (more air conditioning!) and themed as an underwater exploration base. There is an aquarium where you can slow down and take your time watching the sea life. Turtle Talk with Crush is also located here, which is a fun interactive show for younger children.

Reflections of China: Sit back and relax as you take a 360 degree film tour through China. Check out sites such as The Great Wall of China, Shanghai, and Forbidden City. With a run time of only 13 minutes, this is great for quick break before jetting off to your next FastPass!

Epcot is so great because there is so much variety! You can race around a track on Test Track, Soar over the country on Soarin’, and travel the world in the World Showcase. There is so much to see and do, and before you get overwhelmed, take a quick mid-day break at one of these spots! Your feet will thank you, and you won’t feel as if you are wasting your time.

Where do you like to relax at Epcot? Share your favorite break spots with us in the comments!

Be sure to check out all 4 of my Mid Day Break Spot articles; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

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.

First Look at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 14, 2015

The LEGOLAND Florida Resort is more Bricktacular than we could have imagined! Take a first look at some of the great spaces within this new 152 room hotel located just steps (130 kid steps to be exact) away from the main gate of LEGOLAND Florida Park. Guests will be welcomed by a huge dragon over the entryway that actually breathes smoke! If you dare to get past the dragon and enter the lobby you will be captivated by a castle complete with Ogre and moat, right there in the lobby!

There are legos everywhere you turn and kids are encouraged to play and build with all of them! There is plenty to do to keep the kids busy while the grown-ups head over to check in. While checking in at the front desk you will feel as though you are being watched. Well, you are! By thousands of lego minifigures that line the back wall!

Across the lobby is Brick’s Family restaurant where family’s are welcome to enjoy a care-free buffet that serves local, fresh fare prepared by Executive Chef James Boheim.

Another great surprise is Skyline Lounge where adults can sit back and enjoy a cocktail while kids enjoy live entertainment. Don’t forget to head outside for a relaxing dip in the beautiful pool that overlooks Lake Eloise.

This hotel doesn’t miss a brick, the theming continues in every corner of the lobby and up into the disco elevator ( yes, I said DISCO elevator). Ride up to your room in style while dancing under a disco ball!

Just when you think you have seen it all, the legos come to life and suddenly you are being greeted by life size Lego Pirates, knights and princesses to name a few!

The themed rooms include Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure or Friends and they are decked out with interactive and fun activities to keep the kids happy including a separate sleeping area for kids only! They will have their own TV and lego sets to build with before climbing into their bunk-beds for an awesome night’s sleep! They will need their rest to tackle the incredible LEGOLAND Park the next day!

This new 5 story hotel does not disappoint. The more than 2 million Lego bricks throughout keep you entertained all day! Grab the kids and plan a trip to LEGOLAND Florida where everything is AWESOME! We have more exciting information and first look photos to share with you, so stay connected to Chip and Co for more updates coming soon!

Interested in booking a stay at LEGOLAND Florida Resort? Chip and Co. and World of Magic Travel are ready to help! For more information on pricing, packages, visiting the park and special offers contact me at [email protected]. I can’t wait to help you plan your awesome vacation!

Prepare to be Dazzled with this Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel Offer!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2015

One of the most exciting celebrations of the year is the Disneyland Diamond Anniversary Celebration. There are some great events going on and you won’t want to miss them!

Disney just released a fantastic offer to help you save while getting to experience the magical anniversary celebration. Book a 2 night/3 day Good Neighbor Hotel Package starting at $99 per person per day for a family of 4. The package includes 3-day, 1 park per day Disneyland Resort tickets. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights Aug. 30-Oct. 1, 2015 and Nov. 1-23, 2015. You must book by Nov. 20, 2015 in order to take advantage of this deal.

Disneyland is my second home and I’m so excited for all of the new shows/events that are premiering for the 60th anniversary! 2015 is a great year to visit the Disneyland Resort and this Good Neighbor Hotel package is a great way to save money while you’re there. Email me today for help with booking this wonderful offer!

Summertime Freeze to Open on Disney’s Castaway Cay

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2015

Summertime Freeze, the new Frozen-inspired frozen drink location, is receiving the finishing touches to open soon on Disney’s Castaway Cay. This perfect place to cool off will feature frozen drinks (some alcoholic) along with a photo-op area with everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf. Props and signage have been installed around the new structure and it is almost ready to open this summer.

Drink pricing has not been released yet, but, I was able to get a glimpse of the menu. The lineup includes:

Worth Melting For
Fresh Passion Fruit, Pina Colada and Blue Curacao (alcoholic)
In Summer
Zico Coconut Water, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lychees and Ginger
Let It Go
Strawberry, Mango Puree and Orange Juice
Olaf’s Flurry Freeze
Odwalla Bar Sweet and Salty Almond, Vanilla Yogurt, Orange Passion Juice, Tropical Citrus Vitamin Water
Frozen Heart
Orange Passion Juice, Tropical Puree, Zico Coconut Water and Blue Curacao (alcoholic)
Ice Palace
Fresh Banana, Pineapple Chunks, Mango Puree and Zico Coconut Water
Sven’s Carrot Delight
Core Power Vanilla, Coconut Cream, Orange Passion Juice and Bolthouse Carrot Juice
Yellow Snow
Odwalla Natural Lemonade, Tropical Puree and Zico Coconut Water
Warm Hugs
Llly Mocchacciono, Fresh Strawberry, Coconut Cream and Vanilla Ice Cream
Arendelle Winter
Llly Cappuccino, Coconut Cream and Salted Caramel

And…just remember. If you want to turn one of these non-alcoholic drink into the adult version, the Disney Cruise Line does allow you to bring your own alcohol aboard…so don’t forget your favorite rum!! All of these drinks sound super refreshing. Which would you pick to cool off?

While you are sipping on a delightfully, refreshing frozen drink, why not get your photo taken with Olaf– Castaway Cay’s permanent resident! Here you will find a Sven-inspired inner tube, photos from Olaf’s personal collection as he explored the island, a Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna sign advertising the Big Summer Blowout and shipping boxes and some no longer required winter sporting goods.

Are you traveling to Castaway Cay this summer? We’d love to see your photos! If you don’t have your trip planned, then now is the time! Email me at [email protected] to begin chatting about your next Disney Cruise. And, if you are on Facebook, “like” my page to keep up with the latest Disney news, promotions and updates, and join our You Might Be A Disney Addict Cruisers page to share ideas with fellow cruisers!

Tee Public Site Wide $14 Sale for May

By

Chip

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May 13, 2015

Now through Sunday May 17th 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, May 13th
End – Sunday, May 17th

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.

Top 10: Things to Experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2015

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a great place to catch some sun! Swim, build a sand castle, and even go snorkeling with sharks, stingrays and tropical fish in the coral reef. TL is one of the 2 Disney World Water Parks available with your Water Park Fun & More Ticket add-on.

Here is our Top 10 things to do at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon:

1. Bay Slides- Toddlers and little kids will enjoy these 2 slow speed slides. Parents can catch them at the bottom when they come out.

2. America’s Largest Wave Pool– A huge and ocean-like wave pool is the centerpiece of this tropical paradise. When you hear the big boom, look out! The 7ft swells come out all day long! Every 30 minutes, huge waves come one after another for about 10 minutes. Watch small children as these waves will knock them over! My kids love to jump over and surf the waves and ride them into the sand shore

3. Crush’n’Gusher Slides– Ride single, double, or TRIPLE! Choose from the Pineapple, Coconut, or Banana slide! These slides exit into a quiet, shallow pool where your kids can swim while they wait for you. The pool is guarded as well.

4. Shark Reef– After a 3 minute lesson on how to use a snorkel, you swim across the the 300,000 gallon salt water reef. You swim across the top of this huge 10 foot deep aquarium while looking down into the water at stingrays, tropical fish (Nemo and Dory!) and even hammerhead and leopard sharks.There are life jackets available for children too. This is great for kids 5 and up.

5. Gangplank Falls- 300-foot-long water slide aboard a 4-person inner tube. The whole family goes together under waterfalls, bridges, and through caves!

6. Keelhaul Falls- Slow single rider tube slide. My kids rode this and they are 6 & 7, they didn’t get their faces wet, and a lifeguard catches their tube at the bottom.

7. Mayday Falls- The most intense single-rider tube slide. This is the highest and longest tube slide. Teens and adults will enjoy this wild ride!

8. Mount Mayday- 214 feet hill at a 60-degree angle! There are 3 body slides on Mount Mayday for big kids, teens and adults. You won’t know what’s coming in the dark, 5-story drop!

9. RELAX!- TL has many white sand beaches scattered around the park. They have covered sand with pavillions where toddlers can play with their sand toys, and reclining lounge chairs by the wave pool for Mom to relax and catch some rays. You can bring sand toys into the park too!

10. Ketcha-Kiddie Creek- Grab an inner tube and float lazily down the creek that winds around the entire perimeter of the Park. It’s a leisurely way to get a glimpse of the whole park, travel from one side to the other, and relax while you wait for your family to go down their favorite slide.

Tell your World of Magic Travel Specialist you want the Waterparks & More Ticket Option when booking your reservation, so you can visit Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and DisneyQuest the Indoor Theme Park. I always visit the Water Parks with my family at Disney. It’s a great way to unwind and cool off!

A day at the water park is a great way to unwind from a long day at the Parks and work on your Florida tan! Email me for a free quote on your next *magical* vacation at [email protected]. I can answer any of your planning or vacation questions anytime on my Facebook Page too. There are great rates going on for summer vacation at select Disney World resorts! I hope to hear from you soon!

Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War Is Coming!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2015

marvel s captain america civil war re logo by mrsteiners d84h9ny

Marvel Studios has started production on Captain America: Civil War at their Pinewwood Studios in Georgia. The 3rd movie in the Captain America series comes out in theatres, May 6, 2016. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, the movie will also be filmed in Germany, Puerto Rico and Iceland.

Captain America: Civil War brings us all the regulars – Chris Evans as Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Anthony Mackie is Falcon, Paul Bettany as The Vision, Jeremy Renner back as Hawkeye, Don Cheadle is War Machine, Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier,and Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch. Also joining the impressive cast above will be Paul Rudd as Ant-Man.

Civil War also includes Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, Emily VanCamp as Agent 13, Frank Grillo as Crossbones, William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Martin Freeman.

Captain America: Civil War picks up at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron. Capt America leads a new team of Avengers in the neverending battle to keep the peace. An international involving the Avengers leads to problems betweent the heros and the governing body which causes a break in the relationship of the heroes as they battle a new villain. Under the brilliant direction of the Russo brothers, Captain America: Civil War has all the makings of another great hit for Marvel Studios.

With all the great Marvel movies coming our way, which one are you most excited about?

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Set to Open at Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2015

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, aviation themed, will be located between Paradiso 37 and the Boathouse Restaurant at the new Disney Springs. The new spot will have seating for 150. They will unique cocktails like a Hovito Mojito and small plates like “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels” with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue. Sounds good to me!

In true Disney fashion the design team is going above and beyond to make sure no detail is overlooked, like the propeller-based ceiling fans and diving bell “booth” to the “Rolling Boulder Meatballs” on the menu. Here is what you can expect to see. In the main room, you will see an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display.

Fans of the “Indiana Jones” films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy’s frequent pilot.

You can eat and drink outside if you choose to do so in Jocks’ old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and the appropriately named “Reggie;” and in nearby seating on the deck.

Did I mention this new spot will be Disney owned and operated!

Are you looking forward to this opening?

Photo Credit:Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Finds – Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2015

By

Chip

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May 12, 2015

2015 05 12 07 59 50 The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2015 Bob Sehlinger Liliane

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2015 is packed with useful tips, great advice, excellent discussion, and practical travel knowledge gleaned from years of Walt Disney World travel experience. It is one of the few guidebooks to Disney World that specifically addresses the needs of kids with, in some cases, research and input from kids. Authors Liliane Opsomer, Bob Sehlinger, and Len Testa will help you prepare for your vacation with ease.

You can pick up paperback for $14 and Amazon for $11. To pick yours up just click one of the links above.

The Walt Disney Archives Returns to D23 EXPO with “Disneyland: The Exhibit”

By

Chip

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May 12, 2015

The Walt Disney Archives today announced it will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Disneyland at D23 EXPO 2015 with an exhibit of more than 300 pieces from the park’s incredible history. “Walt Disney Archives Presents—Disneyland: The Exhibit” will be the largest display the Disney Archives has ever showcased at D23 EXPO. The event, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will take place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The 12,000-square-foot exhibit, which will be located on the Expo show floor for the first time, will include themed areas that honor the park’s history, attractions, parades, and entertainment over the past six decades, including the construction of Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey Mouse Club at Disneyland, Club 33, and collectible merchandise, as well as the park’s iconic lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, and Critter Country/Bear Country. Each area will contain items from Disneyland’s past, including attraction vehicles, costumes, props, and even Audio-Animatronics^® figures.

Among the more-than-300 items on exhibit, guests will be able to see Ticket No. 1, purchased by Roy O. Disney on July 18, 1955, the first day the park was open to the general public. Guests will see many pieces shown by the Archives for the first time, including early surveying equipment from the 1950s used in the construction of Disneyland, a prototype vehicle for the beloved Alice in Wonderland attraction, dancingmonkey costumes used in the nighttime spectacularFantasmic!, an early Autopia car, original artwork from Mickey Mouse Club Circus, the Abominable Snowman from the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which was replaced during the attraction’s recent enhancement, and an original pitch book full of colorful artwork that was used to sell Disneyland to prospective sponsors on the East Coast.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Through June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 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.

New Themes for Tokyo Disney Resort Development

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2015

Oriental Land Company has released some new details on the largest expansion at the Tokyo Disney Resort. They revealed that the theme for the eighth port in development at Tokyo DisneySea Park will be Scandinavia. A part of that will be “Frozen” themed.

There will also be 2 newly themed areas, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Alice in Wonderland” which will be located in Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland Park.

These new developments are a part of a 500 billion yen expansion, that was planned last year. Fantasyland will almost double in size!

These new magical enhancements are a result of a collaboration and partnership between Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Oriental Land Company.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria