How to Save money on Disney World park tickets

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January 19, 2015

Today’s Disney World Quick Tip goes out to all those money savers. That would be about 99% of the people who are visiting our website. I wanted to share with you a way to get discounted Disney World Parks Tickets. In the past I have used 2 big name companies for tickets. Maple Leaf Tickets and Undercover Tourists. Both Companies are great but today’s quick tip just focuses on Undercover Tourists.

I have been a follower of Mousesavers for years. Each month they deliver great deals for all things Disney. In the newsletter there is usually a link to Undercover Tourists with an additional discount below their advertised price. Don’t ask me how they do it but I am grateful that they do. Oh and while I would love to share this link with you right now unfortunately I am not able to.

So click the link here and subscribe to the newsletter, and come next month when the email hits your inbox just click the link and get your discounted tickets! It’s just that easy!

If you have used this discount let us know in the comment box below!

Please note: the prices available through the link in the newsletter are not available to the general public and are not accessible through Undercover Tourist’s public web site. When you’ve used the private link, you will see a “welcome MouseSavers” message that is not displayed on the public version of the page. Once you have visited the private link, the discounted version may continue to display even if you go to Undercover Tourist’s public site, depending on your browser and cookie settings. To make sure you are getting the discount, use the MouseSavers Newsletter private link each time you visit Undercover Tourists.

New Peter Pan’s Flight Interactive Queue debuts at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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January 19, 2015

2015 01 19 09 40 31 New expanded Peter Pan ride queue at Disneys Magic Kingdom YouTube

Having seen the video for the New Peter Pan’s Flight Interactive Queue at Walt Disney World I was pretty impressed. It is nice to get inside especially on hot Florida summer days and adding this new queue looks like it will help with the really long lines for Peter Pan’s Flight. Ok not really but it won’t feel like an eternity now.

Disney states that guests will soon be able to watch Tinker Bell fly around and interact with Wendy, John and Michael’s toys. They’ll also see their own shadows come alive on the wall in the children’s nursery and get a sprinkle of pixie dust before they head off into Never Land with Peter Pan.

Here is a video I found online of all the fun things you can do.

Also I was able to find a video of before you get to all the fun and games.

What do you think? Do you like the new line queue for Peter Pan’s Flight? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney Finds – Mickey Mouse Pendant and more

By

Chip

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January 19, 2015

2015 01 19 08 42 05 Amazon.com Disney Mickey Mouse Pendant Pendant Necklaces Jewelry

How beautiful is this Mickey Mouse Pendant? In today’s Disney Find I was checking out some Disney Jewelry and ran across this item. It is very cute and looks like it could be worn by adults or children alike. Cost is only $12.99 and looks like it would go perfectly with…

These Mickey Mouse Shaped Hoop Earrings. The earrings are on sale for $16.99 and look adorable. Perfect for the Disney Lover in your life.

In case you missed my posts earlier this month I did a roundup of Disney Necklaces and Disney Earrings from the Disney Store I loved which I may or may not have ordered for my girlfriends birthday.

As always to learn more click the links above.

Nick Arciniaga Conquers the Galaxy with First-Ever Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend Victory at Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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January 19, 2015

The “Force’’ was obviously with Nick Arciniaga at Disneyland Resort. The Fountain Valley, Calif. native blasted along an intergalactic journey Sunday to win the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon presented by Sierra Nevada Corporation at Disneyland Resort, his second runDisney victory here in the past five months.

Arciniaga, 31, who now lives in Flagstaff, AZ, won the Disneyland Half Marathon in August before breaking the finishing line tape first again Sunday, this time greeted at the finish by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters. Jason Ryf of Oshkosh, WI was second (1:10:56) and Jacob Abrego of Corpus Christi, TX was third (1:14:49).

“It was pretty big for me,’’ Arciniaga said of the victory which he accomplished with a time of 1:08:13. “It’s a hometown race for me so I like coming back to Southern California and having my local fans and my family come out and cheer me on, so coming out here and being able to win is something that’s always pretty special to me.’’

Jennifer Berry, 34, of Denver also seemingly runs at warp speed at Disney, streaking across the finish line Sunday as the female winner after doing the same thing last year at the Disneyland Half Marathon and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. This time she set a personal record (1:22:34) and easily beat out second-place finisher Carla McAlister of San Clemente, Ca. (1:25:32) and third-place finisher Kellie Nickerson of Albuquerque, NM (1:27:03).

“It’s been a big Disney year for me,’’ Berry said. “When I won the Disneyland Half Marathon and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, I figured I’d come out and try to round out a third (win).’’

Arciniaga and Berry outran a galaxy of more than 12,200 runners in the new 13.1-mile intergalactic journey through Disneyland and Anaheim area streets where a variety of Disney entertainment, including Star Wars characters, cheered on runners at every mile.

“I came here once a year as a kid so it was pretty exciting to run through the park,’’ Arciniaga said. “Running backstage is still pretty new to me and running through all the lands that I knew was pretty exciting.’’

The Star Wars race weekend kicked off with the Star Wars Wookiee Welcome Party, a private event that featured character meet-and-greets, entertainment, a dessert reception and an opportunity to ride select attractions, such as Space Mountain and Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, Astro Orbitor, and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.

In addition, there were several family-friendly events throughout the race weekend, including a three-day Health and Fitness Expo with the latest in fitness apparel, running gear and high tech gadgets, plus speakers such as runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutrition consultant Tara Gidus.

The Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend was the second runDIsney race weekend of 2015 and the first this year at Disneyland Resort. The new event offered runners a variety of race experiences for all levels, from Padawans to Jedi Masters – the runDisney Kids Races, the Star Wars 5K, the Star Wars 10K and the Star Wars Half Marathon. And for an ultimate test for Star Wars rebels, there was the Star Wars Rebel Challenge – a two-race challenge that combined the Star Wars 10K on Saturday with the Star Wars Half Marathon on Sunday. Jedi runners who finished the 19.3-mile challenge earned a special Star Wars Rebel Challenge finisher medal in addition to medals for the 10K and half marathon.

What Size Cooler Can You Take In The Disney Parks?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 19, 2015

2015 01 18 12 22 03 Amazon.com Disney Polka Dot Bottle Bag Minnie Diaper Tote Bags Baby

Bringing food with you in the parks is not only allowed it is also a great way to save money at the Disney Parks.

Did you know coolers are permitted in the Disney parks, with or without wheels – as long as they are not full-sized? It sure can be handy to have one! You will want your cooler to be smaller than 24″ length x 15″ width x 18″ height. To give you an idea of approximately how big that is – think of the large locker size. Coolers will be inspected for glass and alcoholic beverages which are not permitted. Keep in mind that no storage area for coolers is provided, so be ready to keep it with you, or leave it with someone in your party, at all times.

It’s great to know that at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, you are also permitted to bring a single cooler for personal use. Coaches may also bring a single cooler for team use. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex reserves the right to limit cooler number and size based on potential obstruction for other Guests and safety. Cooler use is restricted in indoor venues. Coolers are not allowed at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during certain separately ticketed events including but not limited to Atlanta Braves Spring Training and the Old Spice Classic. Alcoholic beverages or glass containers are not permitted.

Park rules and regulations are subject to change without notice. If you have any questions, please visit any guest relations location. Now get out there – and keep cool!

If you like the Minnie Bag above check it out here.

Marriott Anaheim Has A New Look Just in time for D23

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2015

D23 is coming to Anaheim, August 14-16, 2015 and the Anaheim Marriott Hotel has a new look with the completion of its $15 million renovation, which included changes in the lobby, guestrooms and the new nFuse Bar & Kitchen unveiled during their VIP Grand Opening Party, January 15, 2015 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Along with a chance to enjoy nFuse’s handmade cocktails, VIP guests and media will also be treated to a live performance by singer-songwriter David Ryan Harris, rub elbows with the cast members of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” try out a digital graffiti installation where they’ll be able to virtually paint the wall and upload the creation to Facebook and of course the popular photo booth.

Anaheim Marriott General Manager John Kalinski comments “This renovation is one of the biggest and best in our hotel’s history and we look forward to showcasing it to all of our guests.”

The hotel’s lobby, elevators and guestroom corridors have all received an upgrade to ensure a consistent, high-level atmosphere that begins as soon as guests get out of their car. Stepping into their rooms, guests immediately have a sense of warmth with the use of lighter paints and carpeting to help increase the overall brightness. Tech-savvy travelers will appreciate the easy access to power outlets to charge phones and tablets as well as new work desk, artwork, and lighting for those working vacations. New mattresses ensure that guests get a restful night’s sleep after attending a conference or spending the day at the theme parks.

The creation of the nFuse Bar & Kitchen, a comfortably modern bar, social lounge and restaurant for business or social gatherings was designed and inspired by Marriott Hotels’ Great Room concept. nFuse offers a variety of unique seating options and spaces that welcomes individuals and large groups alike. Looking for more intimate conversations, guests can grab a seat in the stylishly appointed social lounge with diverse musical playlists and interesting video imagery. nFuse Bar & Kitchen menus are designed for sharing, celebrating California cuisine while drawing inspiration from around the globe. Love the California sunshine and warm weather? nFuse guests can get a daily dose of vitamin D or sit by the firepit at night on the hotel’s dining deck.

nFuse Bar and Kitchen features top shelf wines and spirits, perfectly aged bourbons and twenty-four beers on tap including a wide variety of premier California craft microbrews. Its expert mixology team can also handcraft a cocktail from house made infused syrups, freshly squeezed juices and artfully prepared with the best local and seasonal produce.

The Anaheim Marriott is located in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District at 700 West Convention Way and is adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center and only three blocks from Disneyland®.

I have my room reserved and am counting down to D23. Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for Chipandco. Join me at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel to welcome, Chip, Michelle and many of our DAs to Southern California for D23, August 14 to 16, 2015.

Corner King Room

Bar AnaheimMarriott Great Room 1

Restaurant Perspective 5

Deluxe Double DBDB

For more information, please visit the Marriott Anaheim website and social pages below.

Website at http://www.anaheimmarriott.com

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AnaheimMarriott

Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/AnaheimMarriott

Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/AnaheimMarriott.

Top 5 Counter Service Meals at Walt Disney World

By

Catie

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January 18, 2015

Ok, so you’ve just spent a long morning touring atWalt Disney World, and it’s after noon, and you realize – hey, its lunchtime, and I am STARVING! Well, Disney has you covered – there are a TON of great places to grab a quick bite, and they all offer up delicious freshly prepared meals that will help you fuel up and get ready to head back out there! When I am in the Parks, there are certain meals I tend to gravitate towards – so much so that I will even purposely seek them out and plan my days around them! So here they are – My Top 5 Counter Service Meals at Walt Disney World:

1. The Ribs/Chicken combo platter at Flame Tree BBQ – Animal Kingdom is home to this spot that serves up barbeque classics like St. Louis ribs, baked beans, cornbread, smoked chicken, beef, and turkey. The true standout here is the chicken and ribs combo – ¼ rack smoked ribs and ¼ rotisserie chicken served up with coleslaw and baked beans. The meats are smoked on site and are juicy and flavorful, and the sides pair with it perfectly! You can grab some BBQ sauce from the condiment station for dipping, or just dig right in as is – either way, it’s a delicious choice

2. The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf at Wolfgang Puck Express – If you’ve spent the day shopping your heart out at Downtown Disney and are desperate for a break and a meal, then I highly suggest you head over to Wolfgang Puck Express for a more “upscale” counter service dining experience! With items like Rotisserie chicken, spaghetti Bolognese, assorted pizzas and a large selection of salads and sandwiches – you’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy here! The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is served on a bed of mashed potatoes and it’s drizzled with a port wine sauce and topped with crispy onion straws. The combination of flavors from the different elements – the moist meat with the salty bacon crust, the creamy potatoes with a sweet sauce and the onions – it all makes for one amazing meal

3. Oak Grilled Rotisserie Chicken at Sunshine Seasons – You can smell (and see!) the chickens roasting as soon as you walk into the food court style restaurant in Epcot – they are roasted throughout the day and the meal is served with black beans and yellow rice. The chicken itself is moist and full of flavor, and the mild spice of the rice is the perfect accompaniment. The chicken is great here – but I recommend saving room for dessert too – strawberry shortcake is the winner here, layers of moist shortcake and fresh whipped cream and berries – yum! Other options here are plentiful – Asian dishes, sandwiches/salad/soup, cheesecake, cookies and key lime pie for dessert – and they serve a hot breakfast too!

4. Tacos from La Cantina De San Angel – Choose from “Carne or Pollo” (beef or chicken) filled tacos served on freshly made corn tortillas with fresh chips on the side (my mouth is literally watering just thinking about it now). You must pair the tacos with a delicious margarita (it’s the law) – available in frozen or on the rocks varieties. Not in the mood for tacos? How about nachos, or cheese empanadas, or guacamole and chips – it’s all available here in Epcot’s Mexico – and it’s all worth trying

5. Hot dog and French Fries from Casey’s Corner – This meal won’t win any awards for being fancy, but its classic and delicious, and really hits the spot after a long day of fun in the Park. A plump hot dog and fresh hot fries will satisfy almost any picky kid (or adult!) and you can spice it up with their chili cheese dog or BBQ slaw dog options too. Or maybe some corn dog nuggets? And they can all be dipped in the available “plastic cheese” (aka nacho/liquid cheese) – which is a huge plus. If you’re lucky enough to be able to grab a table outside the restaurant you’ll enjoy people watching and maybe even get to see the parade go by on Main Street!

I have to make sure that the runner-up is mentioned to – pretty much anything from the Earl Of Sandwich in Downtown Disney will make for a delicious meal – I am partial to the holiday sandwich (stuffed with turkey and stuffing!), but there are tons of options available – roast beef, ham, buffalo chicken – and they are all made on rolls baked fresh daily

I would love to know your thoughts – as clearly these are only my opinions (and clearly I also have a strong preference for Disney Meat?) – so what are YOUR top Counter Service Meal Choices at WDW?

Disney Finds – Magic Kingdom Board Game

By

Chip

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January 18, 2015

How many people remember or were able to pick up today’s Disney Find?

Disney Magic Kingdom Game

In this children’s game from 2004, players try to be the first to visit five locations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park. Players are given five random attraction cards at the beginning of the game and keep them secret until the attraction has been visited. The first player to visit each of their five attractions and return to the park’s entrance wins.

I was looking around online and did locate some new and used copies on Amazon. A new one will run you $120 but used ones start around $25. For more details click here.

Garden Rocks Concert Series to Rock Out at 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 18, 2015

There will be 11 pop bands with hits spanning over several decades that will play the Garden Rocks Concert Series at the 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 4-May 17, 2015. The Garden Rocks Concert Series debuts in 2015 to span a broader range of decades and popular artists.

Pablo Cruise and Little River Band will rock Epcot audiences for the first time. Jon Secada, Taylor Dayne and En Vogue, fan favorites who’ve played the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, will make their Flower & Garden Festival debuts. And 1990s chart toppers Gin Blossoms, also new to this spring festival, kick off the concert series March 6-8.

Guests can dance each festival weekend to classic tunes at the park’s America Gardens Theatre. An eclectic mix of festival fan favorites includes the Village People, who debuted at the festival in 2013 and, with a nod to the 1960s, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will rock the house May 15-17.

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and are included with Epcot admission.

Here is this year’s lineup:

March 6-8: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy” (New to this festival)

March 13-15: NEW! Pablo Cruise “Love Will Find a Way”

March 20-22: En Vogue “Free Your Mind” (New to this festival)

March 27-29: Starship “We Built This City”

April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”

April 10-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”

April 17-19: Jon Secada “Just Another Day” (New to this festival)

April 24-26: The Guess Who “These Eyes”

May 1-3: Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart” (New to this festival)

May 8-10: NEW! Little River Band “Lady”

May 15-17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VI

(Subject to change without notice)

I see a few acts that I want to see. How about you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. Wouldn’t you love to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival? I would love to help you plan an amazing Disney vacation. Feel free to contact me at [email protected], for your FREE no obligation quote.

Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks are back at Disneyland!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 17, 2015

The “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks is coming back to Disneyland for a limited time! Full of all my favorite classic Disney songs but with an all new program, I can’t wait to grab my favorite spot on Main Street and watch the sky light up over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

The “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show which started in 1958 was last enjoyed by my family in 2004. Also performed at Disneyland Paris, and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, this is one performance you don’t want to miss. “Fantasy in the Sky” is the perfect fireworks show to start off this year’s celebrations. Have you made plans to visit Disneyland this year. I will be there weekly to make sure I don’t miss one exciting event.

Check the fireworks out below.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chipandco.com. Meet me at Disneyland this year and let’s celebrate the 60th Anniversary, like true Disney Addicts.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are now on Sale

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 17, 2015

Disney Vacation Club will start initial sales for its newest resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Current Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to purchase beginning Jan. 12, and general sales will begin Feb. 9. When the first phase opens, scheduled for April 1, the resort will introduce unique Disney accommodations, including Bora Bora Bungalows and connecting Deluxe Studios.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming families to this enchanting new resort, located just a quick monorail ride from Magic Kingdom Park,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “At Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, both the young and young at heart will enjoy a truly unique, enhanced and memorable vacation getaway, one that combines completely new Disney elements with the iconic and beloved experiences found only at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.”

The 20 Bora Bora Bungalows on the Seven Seas Lagoon will sleep up to eight guests each in a two-bedroom, home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific. The Bungalows have two full bathrooms, a kitchen, washer and dryer, and large dining and living room spaces for gatherings. Décor combines modern style with the tropical and enchanting look and feel of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that guests love.

The new Disney Vacation Club bungalows are the first of their kind on any Disney property. The 20 bungalows will sleep up to eight Guests each in a home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific.

Private decks will feature a plunge pool where Members and guests can view fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, complete with the soundtrack that can be heard through an individual sound system. They will also have front-row seats to the Electrical Water Pageant, a playful nighttime water parade in the Seven Seas Lagoon.

The new resort also includes 360 Deluxe Studio Villas, the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort. These villas sleep up to five guests each and feature a kitchenette, enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort, and two separate bathroom areas, one a full bathroom with a tub/shower and another one with a shower and sink. A pull-down armoire bed showcases painted artwork from the popular Disney film, Lilo & Stitch.

These look BEAUTIFUL! Check out the video below.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

I am an Independent Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel Services. The Polynesian is an amazing resort. Wouldn’t you love to stay there and have a great view of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks at night, from the comfort of your own room? I would love to help you plan a magical getaway. Feel free to contact me at [email protected], for your FREE no obligation quote.

Disney’s “Into the Woods” coming to Bluray & DVD!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 17, 2015

Disney’s “Into the Woods” is coming to Bluray & DVD as early as March 24, 2015. The film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony-winning musical was just released Christmas Day. Earning over $46 million during its opening weekend, “Into the Woods” brings to the screen the story of a baker and his wife who along with several of our favorite fairy-tale characters, must go “Into the Woods”

The film’s stars include Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Billy Magnussen, MacKenzie Mauzy, Lilla Crawford, James Corden, and has been nominated for several academy awards. Will you be adding “Into the Woods” to your movie collection? I know I will! Loretta Garcia, Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co invites you to visit our website for all the news and updates from our favorite disney parks.