Do You Wanna Run a 5k?

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July 16, 2014

The day before registration opens to the general public for the Princess Half Marathon weekend, runDisney announced a change to their races. So, do you wanna run a 5k? The previous Princess 5k, has been re-themed along with the kids races and The Academy Award Winning animated feature will now be on both medals.

Along with the newly themed events, the weekend will also include The Princess Half Marathon, the Enchanted 10k and the of course, the Glass Slipper Challenge.

Registration for the Princess Half Marathon began on July 15th, at Noon Eastern.

We have teamed up Destinations in Florida to, once again, create a VIP package for our runners through Chip and Co. We are steadily working on events, contests and even more than last year. We have already contracted with Disney to bring you discounted rooms and park tickets!!

Want to keep up with all the latest news, VIPS perks, training and discounts? Join us at our Chip and Co. Run Disney Addicts Facebook Page

We also have discounted rooms for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler, Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World Marathon, and the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend

Email me ([email protected]) and I will add you to my Very Important Princess list. If you are VIP all it takes is the dates you are wanting, number of people in each room, and how many rooms and I will automatically send out the quote. These prices will be the LOWEST Disney offers on room/ticket packages and will not last long. Once you book with me, you are done ! All you have to do is train, cross the finish line and have a Royally Good Time !

Since we have worked out such a Princessly good deal with Disney, this offer is not valid with any other discount.

Around the Universe-Exciting New Happenings at Universal Orlando Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 16, 2014

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Orlando is also home to one of the most amazing theme parks in the United States-Universal Orlando Resort. And for any great movie fan, Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure are a “must do”! Especially if you have a Harry Potter fan in your family! Here at Chip and Co, we like to keep you up to date on all the Orlando attractions and events. Did you know that even avid Disney fans will add a two or three night stay at the Universal Orlando Resort? Today I’m sharing with you some of the exciting happenings at Universal Orlando Resort!

There are exciting new things happening every day at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida! Join us every week to read about what’s new “Around the Universe.” This week’s update features: Diagon Alley grand opening, new CityWalk eateries and more!

New! Diagon Alley is OPEN! July 8th marked the official grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Universal Orlando welcomed thousands of excited guests into the spectacularly themed land for the very first time with confetti, fireworks and a red carpet lined with dozens of cheering Diagon Alley team members. Here’s a video recap of Diagon Alley Grand Opening.

Fire-Breathing Dragon Wows Crowds: A 60-foot, fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon sits atop Gringotts Wizarding Bank and periodically thrills the crowds below with a burst of fire. Each time, the people in Diagon Alley jump from fright and then cheer in amazement. It’s something you just have to see! Here’s a slow motion video of the dragon breathing fire.

Follow #DiagonAlley News on Social Media: Whether you use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine or something else, keep an eye out for popular hashtags used by the many Muggles now exploring Diagon Alley. Some to watch are #MuggleMoments (this is an official hashtag announced by Universal Orlando), #DiagonAlley, #Potterwatch and #Gingotts. Also watch the official @UniversalOrlando accounts too.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

New! Velvet Sessions with Lou Gramm July 31, 2014: Velvet Bar hosts the city’s only rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party on the last Thursday of the month. Admission is $29 on-line or $35 at the door and includes FREE specialty drinks & finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30-8:30pm, plus FREE valet parking. Cash bars and live band from 8:00pm onward. Each “session” combines creative cocktails with live music from some of the hottest rock bands.

Reminder! Wantilan Luau – Saturday Nights Year-Round: Sit back and experience an evening of authentic Polynesian food and entertainment at the enchanting Wantilan Luau, a weekly Hawaiian dinner show featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet of Polynesian specialties, live Hawaiian music and traditional hula dancing. Hula and fire dancers delight the audience and entice a few to even learn the hula! Adults: $70 for Priority Seating or $63 for Regular Seating. Children (ages 3 – 9): $40 for Priority Seating or $35 for Regular Seating. Ages under 3 are complimentary. Price includes gratuity, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, and Mai Tais!

New! Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches Now Open: With a Bread Box sandwich, you’ll be transported back to your childhood kitchen or your favorite street corner deli. Here you’ll find that the combination of quality meats and vegetables, fresh bread, and simple preparation can transform a sandwich into something more.

Reminder! Hot Dog Hall of Fame Now Open: Hot Dog Hall of Fame officially opened July 3, 2014 at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, becoming the latest venue to debut as part of this year’s historic expansion to the entertainment complex. Hot Dog Hall of Fame, located across from Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, features stadium-style seating and iconic hot dog creations from across the nation, including the loaded Chicago dog and Milwaukee brat. Universal partnered with Steven Schussler, the global culinary concept creator behind the popular Rain Forest Cafe, to bring his Hot Dog Hall of Fame concept to CityWalk.

Carrie is a vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida. She loves planning every aspect of a total Orlando vacation! Are you ready to plan a Universal Orlando getaway? Or add a few nights at Universal Orlando Resort onto your Walt Disney World vacation? Contact Carrie at [email protected] to get your planning started!

Disney World and Disneyland Resort Introduce a New Resource Group Called ‘Salute’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2014

If you have ever seen the Flag Retreat at Disney World, you know what a touching ceremony it can be. Even for those of us that are not the emotional type. I love how Disney always remembers our soldiers, past and present!

Starting this month a new diversity resource group called SALUTE has been formed for Disneyland and Disney World. It is comprised of cast members that have connections to the Military. Cast members with military ties can provide an insight that can help make the cast/guest experience better.

SALUTE is another way that Disney shows their support for the Armed Services. This tradition started a long time ago with Walt Disney’s service in the Ambulance Corps during World War I and his brother Roy’s service as a petty officer in the Navy.

Disney has more resource groups on both coasts, there as follows:

CastABLE: Promoting respect, equality and an appreciation of people with disabilities.

COMPASS (Community of Pacific Islanders, Asians and Allies): Enhancing cast, guest and community relations through Asian and Pacific Islander cultural awareness and business practices.

FAMILIES: Focusing on family-related interests. (Walt Disney World Resort only.)

HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement): Promoting Hispanic/Latino heritage and cultural exchange.

PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Diversities in Everyone): Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender cast members by providing resources, learning opportunities and a supportive network.

PULSE (People United to Lead, Serve and Excel): Developing cultural, educational and professional opportunities for cast members of African heritage.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Has Filed a Permit for “The Rivers of Light” Show

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2014

‘The Rivers of Light” Show is expected to make it’s big debut at the Animal Kingdom in the spring of 2016. While we don’t know all of the details about this amazing new show yet, it seems as though permits have been filed for the show and it will have 2 very large areas to watch the show.

According to WDWMagic permits were filed for the following:

Asia Viewing Area and Area Control Building
Dinoland EER Completion and Dinoland Viewing Area
Discovery Island Light Bunkers Completion

What we do know about this show is that will include floating lanterns, live music, water screens and animal imagery. The show will take place on the stage of the Discovery River, which is between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. I think this show will make me a new fan of the Animal Kingdom.

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

First Look at the New Restaurant Coming to Disney’s Boardwalk

By

Danielle

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July 15, 2014

Coming to Disney’s Boardwalk in December is Trattoria al Forno, a new Italian restaurant. Disney has revealed a sneak peak at this new establishment replacing the beloved Kouzzina.

Slated to open December 2014 Trattoria al Forno will have an old word flair showcasing many techniques such as freshly made mozzarella by hand, Neapolitan style pizzas baked in wood burning ovens, and cavatelli. There will be beautifully carved meats from a Flywheel slicer, delicious olives and caponata’s (a type of eggplant dish), fresh vegetables and sea foods, and of course pastas.

Something very exciting is the seasonal risottos being offered. There will be a velvety risotto featuring seasonal fare always available. This will be a satisfying treat for locals and frequent visitors who can get a little bit of variety through out the year.

Disney promises to show us the diversity of Italian cuisine with this new place, featuring authentic ingredients from regions all across Italy. Some of the dishes highlighted are braised beef Bolognese with house-made cavatelli from Bologna, a semolina tagliatelli carbonara from Latium, pork chop alla Milanese named after the city of Milano. They also gave us a peak at some of the more traditional favorites being offered. My all time favorite chicken breast alla Parmagiana with tagliatelle pasta, as well as shrimp with garlic, capers and anchovy butter served with polenta, whole roasted fish with roasted vegetables, baked lasagna, grilled steak (great for those joining the table that might not be as into Italian), slow-cooked lamb shank with polenta, and eggplant rollatini a true classic.

No dinner at Disney is complete with out a satisfying dessert! Tiramisù, lemon panna cotta with an almond crunch and berries, gelatos, and the signature bomboloni (a fried dough dusted with sugars or other toppings) served with dark chocolate and vanilla gelato are the traditional delights being offered. Pair with a cappuccino for a happily ever after of a meal.

There will also be a selection of 100% Italian wines offered to pair with your meal. All of these will be from historic wine regions like Tuscany, Veneto and Piedmont. There will be over 6o wines offered by the bottle, and 25 from the glass. There will be everything from Chianti, to Fine Whites, and even sweet Moscato. For those not interested in wine but still looking to enjoy an adult beverage there will be signature cocktails, and Italian beers. Sodas and Italian coffees roasted just for Trattoria’s will also be offered.

I can’t wait to learn more to share with all of you. Reservations are expected to start being accepted in several weeks.

10 Reasons to Sail Disney Cruise Line on October 16th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2014

Disney Cruise Line offers the perfect combination of family fun, relaxation, and Disney magic while experiencing the Bahamas and Castaway Cay! Disney Cruise Line is perfect for any frequent Disney traveler, and offers something to do for everyone in your family. So why not set sail with your fellow Disney Addicts for the October 16th sailing to the Bahamas? Here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Sail Disney Cruise Line on October 16th:

The Disney Dream departs on Thursday, October 16th. That means the kids only have to miss two days of school!
The Disney Dream stops in Castaway Cay-Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.
Your fellow Disney Addicts will be enjoying themselves with their families aboard the Disney Dream.
Disney cruising is all-inclusive. All your meals, non alcoholic drinks, entertainment are included in your cruise fare.
Disney Cruise Line has the largest staterooms of all the cruise lines-plenty of room for everyone!
You can earn a $50 onboard credit when you book and make all payments on your trip with your Disney Visa!
Your favorite Disney characters will be onboard, too!
Disney Cruise Line offers rotational dining-dine in a different location onboard for every meal.
Disney Cruise Line has adult only pools and decks, as well as kids clubs to keep everyone busy.
A three night Disney Cruise is perfect for first timers!

With fares starting at just $2280 for a family of 4, you can be sailing away on Disney Cruise Line with your fellow Disney Addicts sooner than you think! Who’s ready for some Disney magic at sea?

Are you ready to book your Disney Cruise Line getaway with your fellow Disney Addicts? Contact Carrie TODAY and mention this article for an additional free gift when you book your Disney Cruise Line getaway with her. Email her at [email protected].

Disney Stars Perform “Do You Want To Build a Snowman” for Frozen Weekend!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2014

Twenty-six stars of Disney’s hit programming for kids and tweens perform a new interpretation of the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from Disney’s Academy Award-winning animated film “Frozen.” The new pop arrangement of the song will debut FRIDAY, JULY 18 on Radio Disney; its music video will premiere on the popular WATCH Disney Channel app for verified users on FRIDAY, JULY 18 and SUNDAY, JULY 20 on Disney Channel.

Steven Vincent, Vice President Music and Soundtracks, Disney Channel, said, “We have a remarkably talented group who, in their approach to this cover song, kept the heartfelt beauty of the original but transformed it into a duet as an ode to friendship.” He continued, “They were asked to sing live with no pre-recording, so the session became like a big party with a group of friends singing their hearts out and having fun together to deliver a project that ultimately encourages young viewers to express their feelings, to participate in interactive ways and to share their creativity and talents.”

A weekend of related programming events include: the affable snowman Olaf (the voice of Josh Gad) hosting the evening of new episodes (of “Dog With A Blog,” “Girl Meets World,” “Phineas and Ferb” and “Wander Over Yonder”) on FRIDAY, JULY 18 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT); and a Saturday Sing-Along to songs from the “Frozen” soundtrack (“Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Love is an Open Door,” “Let It Go,” “Reindeers Are Better Than People,” and “In Summer”), SATURDAY, JULY 19 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

Recorded and filmed at the Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood, Disney Channel’s “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” song and music video features lead vocals by: Sabrina Carpenter (“Girl Meets World”), Rowan Blanchard (“Girl Meets World“), Kelli Berglund (“Lab Rats”), Piper Curda (“I Didn’t Do It”), Jordan Fisher (“Teen Beach Movie”), Grace Phipps (“Teen Beach Movie”), Olivia Holt (“I Didn’t Do It”), Tyrel Jackson Williams (“Lab Rats”), Leigh-Allyn Baker (“The 7D,” “Good Luck Charlie”) and Kevin Chamberlin (“Jessie”), with featured harmonies by: Dylan Riley Snyder (“Kickin’ It”), Peyton Clark (“I Didn’t Do It”) and Jake Short (“Mighty Med”). They join a choir composed of (in alphabetical order): Karan Brar (“Jessie”), Joey Bragg (“Liv and Maddie”), Sarah Gilman (“I Didn’t Do It”), Leo Howard (“Kickin’ It”), Candice Huckeba (Radio Disney), Skai Jackson (“Jessie”), Peyton List (“Jessie”), Blake Michael (“Dog With A Blog”), Austin North (“I Didn’t Do It”), Bradley Steven Perry (“Mighty Med“), Morgan Tompkins (Radio Disney), Tenzing Norgay Trainor (“Liv and Maddie”) and Maddy Whitby (Radio Disney).

Princess Half Marathon Opens for Registration

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 15, 2014

Join thousands of princesses as they trade in their glass slippers for running shoes in a dream come true weekend. The annual Princess Half Marathon opens for registration today at Noon Eastern. This is an awesome event for all the princesses, their princes and family.

The weekend long event, running Feb. 19th – 22nd, allows for 3 runs, 4 medals and lots of magical good times. Kids are also eligible for their own medal after they compete in a number of different events.

Weekend Events Include:

Disney Princess Half Marathon – A 13.1 mile course to celebrate your inner princess

$170 by September 1, 2014
$185 between September 2 and October 21, 2014
$200 on or after October 22, 2014

Disney Enchanted 10k – 6.2 miles through Epcot for an truly Enchanted run

$105 by September 1, 2014
$120 between September 2 and October 21, 2014
$135 on or after October 22, 2014

Glass Slipper Challenge – Test yourself in this endurance run of 19.3 miles over two days

$295 by September 1, 2014
$320 between September 2 and October 21, 2014
$345 on or after October 22, 2014

Coast to Coast Medal – Earn a special edition of the Coast to Coast medal

Disney Princess 5k – A royal run with an opportunity for everyone to share in the magic

$60 per participant by November 25, 2014
$70 per participant on or after November 26, 2014

runDisney Kids Races – Kids 13 and under get treated like royalty in their own special races

Dashes

$15 per participant by November 25, 2014
$20 per participant on or after November 26, 2014

1 Mile Run

$30 per participant by November 25, 2014
$35 per participant on or after November 26, 2014

Race Expo – A one – stop shop for all your racing needs

Pasta in the Park Party – A buffet dinner fit for every princess (and prince) to get you started on your race weekend

$54 for Adults (ages 10 and up)
$30 for Children (ages 3 – 9)
Children Under 3 are free

Race Retreat R- Enjoy the “royal treatment” before and after your race

Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals – $120

Breakfast – Dine with the Princesses after the 5k to keep the fun going

$39 for Adults (ages 10 and up)
$26 for Children (ages 3 – 9)

We have teamed up Destinations in Florida to, once again, create a VIP package for our runners through Chip and Co. We are steadily working on events, contests and even more than last year. We have already contracted with Disney to bring you discounted rooms and park tickets!!

Want to keep up with all the latest news, VIPS perks, training and discounts? Join us at our Chip and Co. Run Disney Addicts Facebook Page

We also have discounted rooms for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler, Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Walt Disney World Marathon, and the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend

Email me ([email protected]) and I will add you to my Very Important Princess list. If you are VIP all it takes is the dates you are wanting, number of people in each room, and how many rooms and I will automatically send out the quote. These prices will be the LOWEST Disney offers on room/ticket packages and will not last long. Once you book with me, you are done ! All you have to do is train, cross the finish line and have a Royally Good Time !

Since we have worked out such a Princessly good deal with Disney, this offer is not valid with any other discount.

Halloween Time Returns to Disneyland!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 14, 2014

It’s 100 degrees or more in most places above the equator, so don’t get mad at me for talking about the crisp, cool, evenings of Fall already. We gotta talk about Disneyland Halloween Time! Plus for those of you who make your costumes, you have to decide and start sewing now right?

Halloween will officially return to Disneyland September 12th and will last until All Hallow’s Eve, also known as Halloween and for those sticklers, October 31st, 2014. During this years festivities Disney will be having festive evenings full of fun and mischief via Mickey’s Halloween Party, this is a separately ticketed event that you can attend in your favorite costume, and go trick or treating.

In addition to Mickey’s Halloween Party, the decorations, the costumes and the mischief, Disney will also be bringing back some of their most popular seasonal attractions including Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Disney Character Greetings and so much more!

How many Maleficent‘s will there be this year do you think? Is Jack Skellington still as popular as ever? Which Disney Character will be the most popular for dress up this year? All this and more can be answered when you attend one of these fantastic events for yourself. We’d also love for you to share your guesses in the comments below…

I think I may have to be Sorcerer Mickey this year. He’s always been my favorite of all the Mickey’s… Then I can perhaps have my son dress up as a mop and bucket? Well maybe he wouldn’t be too in to that…

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disney Cruises, Disneyland, Aulani, and other Destinations, he can be found either wishing he was at Disneyland or planning his and other’s Disney Vacations. Sometimes you can find him dreaming of which character he’ll be for Halloween too. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the ChipandCo Page.

Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue Movie Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 14, 2014

Walt Disney Pictures sequel Planes: Fire & Rescue will be out in theatres on July 18, 2014. Disney Toon Pictures provided the media with a preview of the movie recently during their media press event. As a fan of Dusty I was excited to see where they would take his character. The movie starts with Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook), who is now famous and at the top of his game as a world famous racer. Dusty is not equipped to race and ends up with engine trouble and the probability that he will never race again. Dusty and his crew, Skipper Riley (Stacey Keach), Sparky the forklift (Danny Mann) along with fellow forklifts, Dottie (Teri Hatcher and Maru (Curtis Armstrong) try to come up with a plan to fix his engine but because of his age, the parts are not available. On top of his engine trouble, there are other troubles brewing in PropWash Junction especially for old fire engine, Mayday (Hal Holbrook) . Dusty decides to help MayDay out and sets out to Piston Peak National Park to train with Blade Ranger (Ed Harris) the Fire and Rescue Helicopter and his crew and become a fire fighter. Blade’s team includes Super Scooper -Lil’ Dipper (Julie Bowen), Windlifter (Wes Studi) who is a heavy-lift helicopter, Cabbie (Dale Dye) who is an ex-military transport plane who are the air attack team. The smokejumpers – which are the all-terrain vehicles include Dynamite (Regina King), Pinecone (Corri English), Avalanche (Bryan Callen), Blackout (Danny Pardo) and Drip (Matt Jones) and provide lots of comic relief even in the middle of fighting fires and jumping out of planes. Also included in the movie are real life married couple (Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara) Harvie and Winnie as husband and wife RVs, Ol’ Jammer the tour bus (Barry Corbin), Helicopter Police Officer – Nick Loop n Lopez (Erik Estrada), Biplane “Leadbottom” (Cedric the Entertainer), and the beautiful luxury SUV “Cad Spinner (John Michael Higgins) along with Pulaski (Patrick Warburton) who is a structural firefighting truck and Ryker (Kevin Michael Richardson) a transportation management safety truck, Secretary of the Interior Jeep (Fred Willard) and a special appearance by Brad Paisley as Bubba the pick up truck round out the cast.

Dusty starts his training with Blade and the crew, but can’t seem to pass any of his tests, due to his know it all attitude. One night at a party, Dusty learns a bit about Blade and his crew of second chancers. But just as Dusty is starting to take things more serious, a lightening storm sets off fires in the park and it is up to Dusty, Blade and the crew to fight them together. During a fill up, Blade comes to Dusty’s rescue and ends up “injured” resulting in Dusty and Blade spending the night in a cave where Blade realizes that Dusty is more than just a cocky kid. Meanwhile the fires continue raging out of control and there is water shortage thanks to the movie’s villian, Fusel Lodge’s manager, Cad Spinner who has redirected the water supply to the Lodge. This results in the need to evacuate the park and has Dusty going the extra mile to save his friends. However, his engine trouble causes him to crash land. Of course as with all Disney movies, there is a happy ending and everything works out for all.

I love how Disney always has something new to grab at our heart strings and Planes: Fire & Rescue is no exception. This story of second chances and new beginnings will hit home for every single person. Who has not had to start all over in life. Planes: Fire & Rescue not only show us how possible it is, but gives up hope that our second chances will be even better.

Don’t miss Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue in theatres July 18th.

My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. Follow me on Facebook for promotions and news updates.

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Visiting Walt Disney World with Young Teens

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 14, 2014

Walt Disney World is a great vacation destination for all ages. There are attractions and resorts that cater to every generation. However, one of the most difficult age groups to plan a trip with is kids ages 11-14. Young tweens and teens are at a stage where they might still enjoy attractions and events aimed at a younger audience, but also want to dare to test their bravery on a roller coaster or Tower of Terror (a feat I have yet to attempt). These teens may or may not also be too embarrassed to participate in interactions or activities that parents hope their teens will still find entertaining and fun. This in-between stage can make planning a trip to WDW daunting, or stressful. It doesn’t have to be. I am here to tell you how to make the most out of a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth with your 11-14 year olds.

I have four kids, myself. My oldest two boys are 17, then a 14 year old daughter, and an 11 year old son. The two oldest teens have two things on their mind while at WDW: water parks and roller coasters. I can set them loose to enjoy themselves on their own with instructions to meet at certain times and places and know they are having a wonderful time. With my other two, it takes a lot more planning and coercing. Ever noticed how much a tween can complain? Ever heard of “teen drama?” Just be prepared. It will happen. All young teens have raging emotions that produce random, and often uncalled for outbursts of “extreme anguish.” Those can easily be solved with a Dole Whip, a ride on Space Mountain or Expedition Everest, or meeting Captain Jack Sparrow.

My daughter (14) likes Sofia the First. Yes, the Disney Jr. show for preschoolers. She sets it to record on our DVR and watches it everyday. She also loves Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Marvel, thrill rides, and nerdy stuff like Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth. She is as much a Disney Nut as I am, so she has no shame in loving Sofia as much as she loves Ariel, Belle, and 101 Dalmatians. However, she does not want to go into Disney Jr. Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios, or to a character breakfast with Pooh and Friends at Crystal Palace, or to the Perfectly Princess Tea at the Grand Floridian. Even though she likes younger characters, she doesn’t want to be in the middle of small children; she says “it is awkward.” Instead, she Disney Bounds as Sofia or Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates). She waves at them in the rainy-day parade brigade, or sports a pin or three on her lanyard of her favorite “younger” characters. I don’t force her to go on rides that she doesn’t feel comfortable with. If I want to go on it, she gets a snack and chases squirrels or uploads selfies on facebook and instagram while I am in line.

My son (11) is not as easy to please. He doesn’t like princesses. Or Disney Jr. Or boring educational stuff. Or “baby rides.” Or Tower of Terror. Or parades. Or singing. Yeah… he’s “difficult.” What does he like? He likes roller coasters, action stunt shows, Star Wars, and anything digital or computer-y. Hollywood Studios is his favorite park. He can ride Star Tours 100000 times and never get bored. He can watch Lights Motors Action over and over again and still feel anxious from an adrenaline rush. The new(er) Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game is his new favorite thing to do at Magic Kingdom. When we are at Animal Kingdom he will ride Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids all day and beg me to “please, mom, please don’t make me watch Lion King or Nemo. Please!!!”

Bottom line: If you want to have a magical, memorable vacation you have to be flexible and patient. Here are some go-to favorites that are sure to entertain many tweens during a trip to WDW:

Swimming pools, especially if they have a water slide
Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (tweens love anything that scores them some points!)
The Magic of Disney Animation in Hollywood Studios
Taking selfies with characters (it is the tween equivalent of an autograph book)
Disney Bounding is pretty popular (mostly for girls, but I have seen lots of young guys doing it too!)
Agent P World Showcase Adventure in Epcot and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive, digital games
Pin trading with cast members
DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney (separate admission required but is great on a rainy day)
Splitsville Luxury Lanes for some bowling & sushi
A meal at Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney
Fantasmic! (Especially if you purchase Glow with the Show Ears!)

Do you have tweens? What do you recommend for other families travelling with 11-14 year olds? I firmly believe Disney World is for all ages (young, old and in-beTWEEN)! Tell us how you plan to keep your tweens entertained and happy during your next trip!

Sign Up to be Notified As Soon As Disney’s 2015 Packages Are Available

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 14, 2014

Are you anxiously awaiting 2015 packages to book your next Disney vacation? Disney will soon release rates for 2015 vacation packages to both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California! If you would like to be one of the first to know, you can sign up here to be notified as soon as 2015 packages are available!

When 2015 rates are released, you can book your Disney World or Disneyland vacation with just a $200 deposit. The final balance is not due until 45 days prior to arrival so you have plenty of time to save up for your trip! However, you can always make payments towards your vacation at any time to decrease your remaining balance.

There are also a number of perks to booking your vacation with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. You will receive personalized services including help with dining reservations, itinerary planning, and the infamous discount watching to make sure you get the best deal possible on your next vacation. We watch for new discounts to save you money, even after you’ve booked your trip! Best of all, all of these services are free! Plus, you may even receive a free gift!

Don’t forget, be sure to sign up here to be among the first to know when Disney’s 2015 packages are available!

When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you planning a Disney vacation? Siera, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, would love to help you! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!