Disneyland Resort Celebrates Halloween Time 2014, Sept. 12 through Oct. 31

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September 3, 2014

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is a one-of-a-kind celebration of chilling, family friendly fun. From Friday, Sept. 12, through Friday, Oct. 31, guests will explore their spooky Disney Side with special Halloween transformations of Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain; encounter Disney villains conjured by a magic cauldron; dance to the Mad T Party band and meet Mickey Mouse and his friends in Halloween costumes.

An additional Halloween Time highlight is the separate-ticket, after-hours Mickey’s Halloween Party, where adults and children show their Disney Side by dressing in costumes, trick-or-treating at Disneyland Park and enjoying an array of special entertainment, including the exclusive “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular.

New to Halloween Time at Disneyland this year are the latest twists at Haunted Mansion Holiday and additional entertainment experiences at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch, with more mysterious fun joining the Astounding Cauldron of Magic.

Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland is one of the guest favorites during Halloween Time. The unique Halloween-themed experience begins as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but suddenly launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.

Jack Skellington returns to Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and brings Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Transformed with a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Guests find new surprises within the Mansion every Halloween, including this year’s special gingerbread house, designed to resemble an “iron maiden” coffin with spikes (candy canes) and a hapless gingerbread zombie trapped inside. This is the 14th original gingerbread design since Haunted Mansion Holiday debuted in 2001. This one features opening and closing doors, lights and a very unhappy zombie struggling for his un-life.

In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy:

In Frontierland, guests discover an exciting, new magic show presented on the Halloween Carnival stage at Big Thunder Ranch. Nearby they also may conjure up a Disney Villain at the “Astounding Cauldron of Magic” sideshow tent at the Halloween Carnival.

Also at the Halloween Carnival in Big Thunder Ranch, guests encounter favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, pumpkin carvers showing their Disney Side with elaborate creations, Halloween décor and activities for youngsters.

Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland transforms to become the Pumpkin Festival, with hundreds of pumpkins on display, no two of them the same.

Guests age three and up show their Disney Side and live their pirate dreams as they learn the ways of the seven seas at The Pirates League. A part of the Halloween Carnival, The Pirates League offers a variety of pirate transformation options: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Captain Hook, Ghosted Pirate, Black Beard, Black Eyed Jack, and Empress, created especially for pirate princesses. For The Pirates League reservations call 714-781-STYLE / 714-781-7895.

Frontierland observes Dia de los Muertos with a traditional skeleton display that will remain through Sunday, Nov. 2.

In Disney California Adventure Park, Halloween Time offers frightful fun for guests of all ages, with favorite attractions such as The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, where a “supernatural” event happened on Halloween evening 1939, 75 years ago, forever haunting the building with spine-tingling fun. Also at Disney California Adventure, the nighttime Mad T Party in Hollywood Land gets some new Halloween spice. Tweedledee and Tweedledum welcome guests as the Mad Hatter offers some devilishly delicious All Hallows Eve fun featuring new Halloween music and a chilling new look for Mad T Party band.

Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event* for trick-or-treating families, expands to 14 special, spooky nights in Disneyland. Highlights of Mickey’s Halloween Party include:

“Villains Square.” Throughout the evening, the Disney villains arrive in Disneyland Town Square as the “Bad Apple Party Crashers,” riding a black horse-drawn carriage accompanied by thunder, fog and special lighting effects. Villains such as Cruella De Vil, the Queen of Hearts, Judge Frollo from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and Lady Tremaine from “Cinderella” appear for photos and character greetings, and guests are invited to “Party Like a Villain.”

The opportunity to play in Disneyland for three hours before the party starts

Trick or Treating – candy and healthy treats - in the ultimate Disney neighborhood

The “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington (presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party, weather permitting)

“Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade featuring some favorite characters, performed twice nightly and preceded by the new “Frozen” float with Elsa, Anna and Olaf from the blockbuster animated film

“Monsters U Dance Party” at Tomorrowland Terrace: Class time is over and the students of Monsters University join Halloween Time guests in a family-friendly frat party with the most popular students from Monsters U, Mike & Sulley.

The Cadaver Dans, a ghoulish quartet performing Halloween-themed tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft on the Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland

Photo locations with popular Disney and Pixar Pals, plus Disney Villains

Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

Complimentary parking for one standard-size vehicle

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party may be purchased online and, for the first time, on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party,as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for 14 nights: Friday, Sept. 26; Tuesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 3; Monday, Oct. 6; Wednesday, Oct. 8; Friday, Oct. 10; Tuesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 17; Monday, Oct. 20; Wednesday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 24; Monday, Oct. 27; Wednesday, Oct. 29; and Friday, Oct. 31. Online purchase is not available the day of the event.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $70 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Halloween Night, Friday, Oct. 31, are $77 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland Main Entrance.

For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.Disneyland.com/Halloween.

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The Harmony Barber Shop will Close for Refurbishment in 2015

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2014

According to wdwmagic.com The Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom will close in early 2015 for refurbishment.

It is reported to be closed as of February 2 and will be reopening on March 31 2015. No news on if it will reopen as a Supercuts. Just kidding. So please plan accordingly!

Has your little one got their first haircut here? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Cast a Spell with Interactive Wands at Diagon Alley

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2014

Diagon Alley Interactive Wands

I love the new Diagon Alley inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. They have a new ride, Knockturn Alley, Ollivanders, Butterbeer Ice Cream and interactive wands. My whole family loves the interactive wands. You can purchase these wands for around $50. The wands include a special map of all of Wizarding World of Harry Potter with all of the different interactive wand locations to create magic. You can spend a whole day just going from wand spot to wand spot.

One of our favorite spots for the interactive wands is in Knockturn Alley. This dark and super creepy area has a spell called the Skeleton Spell. For this spell, you stand at the window for Dystyl Phaelanges. You will see medical devices strewn about the base of the window and a skeletal chart forming the background of the window. Aspiring wizards and witches can stand in front of the Dystyl Phaelanges window and cast a spell to make that skeletal chart interactive! With a swish of your wand, the skeleton may be controlled by you; moving this way and that. You can dance, move your hands up and down and more.

Written By Allison Jones: Allison has either worked or played at Disney World for the past 35 years. She was a past Cast Member at Typhoon Lagoon and Tower of Terror. She continued her love of Disney by starting Destinations in Florida Travel. With over 60 agents, Destinations in Florida is considered the premier travel agency by guests, media, and the destinations themselves. Contact Allison at [email protected] if you would like her or her team to book your upcoming Disney & Orlando vacation.

ABC Family Scares Up Some Fun During it’s 16th Annual “13 Nights of Halloween” Holiday Programming Event, Airing October 19th – 31st

By

Chip

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September 3, 2014

ABC Family brings the thrills and chills with 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN, a celebration filled with scares as you countdown to Halloween. The popular programming event, now in its 16th year, starts Sunday, October 19th and concludes on Friday, October 31st. The fright fest features brand-new Halloween-themed episodes of “Melissa & Joey” and “Baby Daddy,” an all-new “Pretty Little Liars” fan appreciation special, plus the hilariously scary prank specials “Freak Out.” The stunt will also include the network television premieres of “Dark Shadows” and “ParaNorman,” and a ghoulish mix of Halloween-themed programming.

Following is a listing of chill-tastic programming taking place October 19th-31st during ABC Family’s 13 Nights of Halloween:

Night One – Sunday, October 19th

The 16th annual 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN launches an all-day scarefest, starting with the friendliest ghost, “Casper” (7:00 – 9:00 AM ET/PT). Then it’s a double dose of the kookiest, ookiest family on the block in “The Addams Family” (9:00 – 11:00 AM ET/PT) and “Addams Family Values” (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET/PT). Next Harry prepares for his final epic battle with “He Who Must Not Be Named” in the two-part finale of the blockbuster series “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1” (1:00 – 4:30 PM ET/PT) and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2” (4:30 – 7:30 PM ET/PT). Buzz, Woody and all your favorite toys must work together to track down their missing friend in “Disney’s™ Pixar’s Toy Story OF TERROR!” (7:30 – 8:00 PM ET/PT; encore at 10:00 PM ET/PT). Then meet us down on the Scare Floor for “Disney’s™ Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.” (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT). We wrap up our night with Jack Skellington and Halloweentown in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (10:30 PM – 12:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Two – Monday, October 20th

Christmas is the most haunting holiday of all in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (6:30 – 8:00 PM ET/PT). Then the world will be watching “The Hunger Games” (8:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). Finally, stop by “The Haunted Mansion” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT) where the spirited residents are “dying” to meet you.

Night Three – Tuesday, October 21st

It’s Halloween, Witches, and “A” is up to his or her usual tricks, as ABC Family presents the “Pretty Little Liars” fan-appreciation special, “We Love You to DeAth” (8:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT; encore at 12:00 AM ET/PT). Then stay tuned for “Freak Out” (9:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT; encore at1:00 AM ET/PT), the hilariously scary new hidden-camera prank special. Each special will feature an unsuspecting mark whose fears come to life before their eyes with elaborate hoaxes deviously tailored with help from the victim’s friends and family.

Night Four – Wednesday, October 22nd

A night of ‘sclaughing’ (screaming and laughing) starts with Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, “Beetlejuice” (6:00 – 8:00 PM ET/PT), followed by an all-new Halloween episode of “Melissa & Joey” titled “Witch Came First” (8:00 – 8:30 PM ET/PT; encore at 12:00 AM ET/PT). Mel is visited by her doctor (guest star Beth Broderick), who tells Mel she’s actually a witch and must help break a curse. Then it’s an all-new Halloween-themed “Baby Daddy” titled “Strip or Treat” (8:30 – 9:00 PM ET/PT; encore at 12:30 AM ET/PT) where Riley decides to pull a prank on everyone after all the jokes they’ve played on her over the years. Finally, scare up some laughs with an all-new “Freak Out” special (9:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT; encore at 1:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Five – Thursday, October 23rd

It’s a second chance to scare yourself silly, as we kick off the night with encore presentations of ”Freak Out” (5:30 – 6:30 PM ET/PT), “Melissa & Joey” (6:30 – 7:00 PM ET/PT) and “Baby Daddy” (7:00 – 7:30 PM ET/PT). Then meet the creepiest bride of them all in “Corpse Bride” (7:30 – 9:30 PM ET/PT), followed by “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (9:30 – 11:00 PM ET/PT) and Michael J. Fox’s hairy high school hijinks in “Teen Wolf” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Six – Friday, October 24th

It’s a Tim Burton movie marathon, starting with “Corpse Bride” (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT), followed by the creepiest Christmas ever in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (7:00 – 8:30 PM ET/PT) and then the network television premiere of Johnny Depp as “Barnabas Collins” in “Dark Shadows” (8:30 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). The evening wraps with an additional airing of “Beetlejuice” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Seven – Saturday, October 25th

Saturday is a full day of frightful fun! First, it’s Mel, the Adult Witch, in an encore presentation of “Melissa & Joey” (7:00 – 7:30 AM ET/PT). Then it’s a Tim Burton mini movie marathon. Gotham City is under attack by The Joker in “Batman” (7:30 – 10:30 AM ET/PT), then “Batman Returns” (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM ET/PT) to thwart The Penguin’s evil plans. It is followed by “Beetlejuice” (1:30 – 3:30 PM ET/PT) and “Dark Shadows” (3:30 – 6:00 PM ET/PT) and then a double dose of “The Addams Family” (6:00 – 8:00 PM ET/PT) with “Addams Family Values” (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT). Whatever you do, don’t drink the witches’ brew in “Hocus Pocus” (10:00 PM – 12:00 AM ET/PT). And cap off the night with “Corpse Bride” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Eight – Sunday, October 26th

Stay in bed all day and enjoy monster madness. Start with an encore presentation of Freak Out” (7:00 – 8:00 AM ET/PT), followed by “Coraline” (8:00 – 10:00 AM ET/PT), a little girl who discovers the life she dreamed of is more sinister than she thought. Then grab the Scooby snacks for “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET/PT). We dare you to take a tour through “The Haunted Mansion” (12:00 – 2:00 PM ET/PT), followed by “Corpse Bride” (2:00 – 4:00 PM ET/PT). “The Addams Family” (4:00 – 6:00 PM ET/PT) invites you to spend the evening with them and learn some “Addams Family Values” (6:00 – 8:00 PM ET/PT). Something wicked this way comes as the Sanderson sisters work their magic in “Hocus Pocus” (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET/PT). And finally, the network television premiere of “ParaNorman” (10:00 PM – 12:00 AM ET/PT), about a young boy who can talk to the supernatural.

Night Nine – Monday, October 27th

Double your fun with back-to-back encores of “Freak Out” (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT). Then it’s movie marathon madness with “ParaNorman” (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT), “Casper” (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT) and “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Ten – Tuesday, October 28th

Shaggy, Scooby and the gang face spooky specters in “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT), followed by “Casper” (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT) and a double helping of “Freak Out” encores (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). Then enter “The Haunted Mansion” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT) if you dare.

Night Eleven – Wednesday, October 29th

Check your pulse at the door of “The Haunted Mansion” (5:00 – 7:00 PM ET/PT). Then spend some time with everyone’s favorite frightening family, “The Addams Family” (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by “Addams Family Values” (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT). Finally, meet “ParaNorman” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT), a boy with a gift for talking to ghouls.

Night Twelve – Thursday, October 30th

Join Morticia, Gomez and the rest of “The Addams Family” (4:30 – 6:30 PM ET/PT) in “Addams Family Values” (6:30 – 8:30 PM ET/PT). It is followed by a Tim Burton double creature feature with “Dark Shadows” (8:30 – 11:00 PM ET/PT) and Beetlejuice” (12:00 – 2:00 AM ET/PT).

Night Thirteen – Friday, October 31st

A day of truly spine-tingling frights starts with encore presentations of “Melissa & Joey” (11:00 – 11:30 AM ET/PT), “Baby Daddy” (11:30 AM – 12:00 PM ET/PT) and “Freak Out” (12:00 – 2:00 PM ET/PT; encores at 12:00 AM ET/PT). Then…they’re heeeerrrreee! Back to back airings of otherworldly battles between some truly wicked spirits in Poltergeist (2:00 – 4:30 PM ET/PT), Dark Shadows” (4:30 – 7:00 PM ET/PT), Beetlejuice” (7:00 – 9:00 PM ET/PT) and “Casper” (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT).

Disney Announces The Return of “Frozen” in New Animated Short “Frozen Fever”

By

Chip

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September 3, 2014

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes the new animated short “Frozen Fever,” welcoming back to the big screen Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and, of course, the one-and-only Olaf.

Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, with an all-new original song by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, “Frozen Fever” marks the first project reuniting the Oscar®-winning original team from Disney’s “Frozen.”

The announcement was first made within the ABC Television Network special “The Story of Frozen: Making an Animated Classic,” which aired September 2. The special also featured the world television debut of a scene from the new action comedy adventure from Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Big Hero 6,” as well as a sneak peek at the upcoming season of the ABC series “Once Upon A Time.”

In “Frozen Fever,” it’s Anna’s birthday and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa’s icy powers may put more than just the party at risk.

The short debuts Spring 2015.

Top 5 Character Meals At WDW – Why You Should NOT Miss These!

By

Catie

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September 3, 2014

One of the best parts about visiting Walt Disney World is all the amazing characters that you can meet and greet! They are all over the place – around the Parks, at Character Spots, and then there’s my personal favorite way to mingle with them – character meals! Combining amazing Disney Food with character interaction is probably the most genius idea ever – and it’s become so popular that Disney has tons of character dining options to choose from! My family and I always plan a few different character meals for each trip, and having tried almost all of them, these are the ones I have deemed to be the BEST of the bunch:

Chef Mickey’s – Head over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Just a quick monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom!) for breakfast or dinner at Chef Mickey’s –featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto all dressed in chef outfits! I personally LOVE this spot, but I know that not everyone loves the food they offer here – but I think it’s great! It’s served up buffet style – breakfast offers omelets, eggs, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy, sausage and bacon, and assorted Danish and pastries. Dinner has options like oven roasted chicken and fish, a carving station with meats (beef, ham, turkey etc), Mickey shaped ravioli, vegetable sides, mashed potatoes, and an awesome dessert selection that includes a make you own ice cream sundae bar! The food may not be gourmet or fancy, but it tastes good and is kid-friendly, and even if you don’t love the food – you can’t say no to the awesome characters here – the fab five all in one place!

Tusker House – Animal Kingdom’s Africa is home to this unique buffet – where all three meals are served daily (although you’ll want to note that there are NO character appearances at dinner!), with appearances by Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie! There are a few different dining areas here, each decorated in the African theme that is carried out throughout the building – with high ceilings, dark wood, and bright colors – it’s a fun, welcoming place to eat! Breakfast features the traditional eggs/meats/potatoes/Danish and pancake/waffle options, but there are some different items here too – you’ll find bread pudding, bobotie (a quiche-like egg dish that is amazing!), mealie pap (a cream of wheat type dish), plaintains, and much more! Lunch offers various salads, basmati rice, carved meats and fish, assorted cold cuts and vegetarian dishes, and a dessert section (yum!). The great thing about this place is it is perfect for the adventurous and the not-so-adventurous alike – there are enough classic dishes to satisfy the picky eaters, and enough different items to make it worth a try for those who want to branch out and try something new!

Cinderella’s Royal Table – A princess lover’s dream – this character meal is actually served in Cinderella’s Castle! Cinderella greets you and poses for pictures downstairs, and once your name is called you are whisked upstairs to the royal dining room – where you get to mingle with the princesses while you eat! All three meals are served here, with items like steak and eggs and stuffed French toast in the morning, and gnocchi and pork sandwich for lunch, and items like prime rib and swordfish appear on the dinner menu. Everything is served with a “royal” flair, and kids (and adults too!) will really love it. This meal is a Signature Dining experience – which means its quite a bit more expensive than some other meals (and will cost you 2 disney dining plan credits instead of 1), but for some its definitely worth the chance to get to visit Cinderella’s Castle and dine with royalty! (Note – if you’re looking to dine with princesses but can’t swing the cost or can’t get an ADR at the Castle – then I recommend you check out Akershus in Epcot’s Norway)

Crystal Palace – This has to be one of my all-time favorite character meals – I have been coming here since I was a kid, and it is just as amazing as an adult too! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style here, and the options are seriously mouth-watering. Pooh’s breakfast lasagna (layers of cake, fruit, custard and more!), Mickey waffles, an omelet station, and so much more are available at breakfast, while lunch and dinner offer assorted salads, a carving station, pasta, vegetable and potato sides, and a large array of desserts too. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore are all in attendance here, and they circulate the dining room for pictures, hugs, and an hourly “friendship parade” where the kids can march around with the characters. And what better way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom than with a hug from Pooh?

1900 Park Fare – A short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom is Disney’s beautiful Grand Floridian Resort which is home to this buffet that serves up breakfast and dinner – with a different cast of characters at each meal! Breakfast features Mary Poppins, the Mad Hatter, and Alice and offers menu items like strawberry soup, cheese blintzes, fresh fruit, and carved ham. You’ll dine with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella and dinner – while you enjoy carved beef and a large salad bar, and even sushi! The location in the Grand Floridian is great – the Resort is so beautiful and if you have time before or after your meal you should take a stroll around the grounds and check out the shops

These are all popular meals – so I suggest you make your Advance Dining Reservations as close to the 180 mark as possible! These are some places where I personally have had the best character interaction and the best food (which is pretty much how I judge everything!) – but I would love to know what YOUR favorite character meals at WDW are!

‘Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy’ will be Coming to Tokyo Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2014

Everything “Frozen” has been huge, to say the least! I am sure you have heard about “Frozen Summer Fun” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well if you will be at Tokyo Disneyland, and you love “Frozen”, you may want to check out a new event called “Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy.”

“Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy” will start January 13 and end March 20, 2015 at Tokyo Disneyland Park. You will be given the chance to experience the world of ice and snow that can only be created by Elsa’s magical power.

The nighttime entertainment “Once Upon a Time” will be shown in a special version that shows new scenes based on the icy duo known as Elsa and Anna. In the daytime Anna and Elsa will make appearances and greet guests along the parade route to the music to the hit song “Let It Go”.

This special winter event will be only at Tokyo Disneyland.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Oswald Coming to California Adventure Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2014

Setting up residence inside Disney California Adventure Park; a familiar face will now call the park home. Beginning September 14th Disney’s classic character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit will be doing daily meet and greets on Buena Vista Street.

Mickey Mouse’s long lost brother is a perfect fit for the park too. In a park that celebrates Walt’s early years, Oswald is already featured a good bit in the park. It even has a themed gift shop called Oswald’s Service Station located at the very front of Buena Vista Street. Previously the only place you could meet Oswald was in the Cape Cod section of American Waterfront at Tokyo DisneySea after he made his international debut last spring. Oswald has had very few appearances in the U.S. and now Disney fans with plans to visit Disneyland Resort are ecstatic to finally have a place to meet him.

The Disney World Resort Donates to a Local NonProfit Group

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2014

The Disney World Resort has started donating mattresses and box springs to The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, which will recycle the materials, creating jobs for clients they serve.

They started with 50 mattresses and box springs from Disney’s All-Star Resort in August. This the project will expand to other Disney resorts later this year. When this project is done The Mustard Seed should get more 5,000 mattresses and box spring sets.

“Since receiving these donations from Walt Disney World Resort, we have been able to hire more employees and provide job training services to help those less skilled,” said Kathy Baldwin, executive director of The Mustard Seed of Central Florida. ”

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida hopes to rebuild the lives of families by providing furniture and clothing while also being environmentally responsible. For more than 25 years, the nonprofit has helped families climb out of crisis situations by collecting donated furniture and household items and granting them to pre-qualified families to help them reestablish a home.

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida’s Mattress Recycling Center provides a sustainable alternative to disposing of unneeded mattresses and box springs. Because these materials do not decompose, they place a burden on landfills. For every mattress or box spring deconstructed at The Mustard Seed, 23 cubic feet of landfill is saved and about 85 percent of the material is recycled.

With a strong commitment to minimizing its overall impact on the environment, Walt Disney World Resort encourages and inspires environmentally responsible behavior from its Cast Members, guests and business partners. Recycling is a big part of waste management at Walt Disney World Resort. In 2013, more than 125,000 tons of materials were recycled.

Don’t you love how Disney is always spreading the magic?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Native Southern California Runner Won the Disneyland Half Marathon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2014

Nick Arciniaga, originally from Fountain Valley, Calif., won the Disneyland Half Marathon in record fashion Sunday, finishing in 1:07:48. Arciniaga, 31, led the field of 16,056 registered runners virtually from wire to wire to win easily after placing 7th in the Boston Marathon earlier this year finishing as the second American in 2:11.47.

“I don’t get very many hometown wins since I don’t race around here very much but running at Disneyland is something that is pretty close to my heart,” said Arciniaga, who currently resides in Flagstaff, Ariz. “My aunt works here. I came here pretty much a couple times a year growing up so Disneyland is a huge place for me.”

Jennifer Berry, 33, of Denver, Colo., captured the women’s title at Disneyland, finishing with a time of 1:23:33, after winning the Disneyland 10K on Saturday.

“I was a little tired from yesterday,” said Berry. “I came in this morning just to do the best I can and today was good enough. I had some awesome competition out there and I’m really happy.”

Derrick Deaton who is a huge Disney fan from Indianapolis, Ind. always wanted to run a runDisney race. However, the idea was inconceivable five years ago because Derrick weighed 529 pounds. But now, Derrick, 31, runs a 5K six days a week after losing 346 pounds. His scale now registers at 183 pounds. Derrick finished the Disneyland Half Marathon just under 2:30. That is a lot of pounds to shed. What an inspiration!

Runners in the Disneyland Half Marathon traveled through Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort, the streets of Anaheim and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. All along the route, they were greeted by cheering fans, Disney characters, music and live entertainment. That sounds like quite the distance!

This year’s sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend included runners, ages 14 – 82, from all 50 states and 26 countries. There were 19,182 runners from California. In addition to the half marathon, other weekend events included the Disneyland 10K, Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K and the runDisney Kids Races.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Pet Products by Disney Tails Coming to Disney Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2014

Pets are a big part of many people’s lives and in turn pet products also mean big money, so I am surprised that Disney has not jumped on this bandwagon a bit sooner. Well, better late then never right? Disney has announced that they will have a line of pet products returning to Disney Parks in the spring of 2015, called Disney Tails.

Here is what Nicole Brann, merchandiser for souvenirs says about this line:

“We know our guests love their pets,” said Nicole. “Guests may remember the pet products that we carried at Disney Parks in the mid-2000s. I’m excited to reintroduce some of those popular items under this new product line called ‘Disney Tails.’ For the initial small assortment, we will only focus on dog products, including bowls, squeak toys and apparel. I hope these new items will be another fun way that guests and their pets can show their Disney Side at home.”

Here is some of the concept art for the new merchandise:

Cute right?

These items will be in select merchandise spots at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts next year.

Do you see anything you might like for your four-legged friend?

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Quick Tip: Relax on Tom Sawyer Island

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2014

Seasoned veterans of Walt Disney World can all attest to the fact that there is a lot of walking, and at times all the sounds, crowds, rides, and action can get overwhelming. It is okay, and highly recommended that you take a break during the day to rest your feet and mind. Magic Kingdom is the most popular park and is often the most stimulating, crowded, and busy. If you are in the mood to stay at the park, but need to sit down in a quiet place I suggest heading to Fronterland. Board the raft to Tom Sawyer Island. There is a covered porch with wooden rocking chairs that overlooks the water with a great view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Take a refreshing, cool drink with you and sit down for a while. Watch the Liberty Belle Riverboat pass by. Let your kids and family members explore the trails on the island as you rock quietly in the breeze in this delightful little spot.

Do you have a quiet spot in the parks that you enjoy? Tell us about it in the comments or on Facebook!