Walt Disney World Speedway Presents The Fittipaldi Cup

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May 25, 2014

Race car fans, the ultimate exotic car experience is coming to the Walt Disney World Speedway on June 13. The event will be hosted by racer Christian Fittipaldi.

The Fittipaldi Cup is a once in a lifetime type of experience. It gives participants a chance to drive amazing cars like, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches and some classic, and awesome, muscle cars like the Chevy Camaro and high powered go-karts, in timed and scored events as they race and compete for the Fittipaldi Cup trophy. I will take a Camaro please!

The event includes two 6-lap driving experiences. Racers will also have the chance to talk shop, so to speak, with Fittipaldi.

Along with this experience you will also get a souvenir photo plaque, and lunch.

The Fittipaldi Cup experience is $999 per person. To make reservations or for more info call 855-822-0149.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at a Disney World Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 25, 2014

Trying to figure out whether to stay on or off Disney property can be an agonizing decision. Staying at a Disney World Resort offers many perks and is why my family chooses to stay on property. The top 10 reasons to stay at a Disney World Resort can help make your family’s decision easier.

As you may have heard with real estate: location, location, location matters. What better location to be at during your vacation that on Disney property? Being absolutely immersed in the Disney magic only adds to the total experience. The convenience of being close to everything Disney and in the heart of it all is well worth staying on property.
Concerned about how to get from the Orlando International Airport to your resort room at Disney? Book Magical Express. This free service bus takes you and your family from the airport to your resort and back to the airport when you are leaving. You don’t even have to worry about any checked luggage as Disney takes care of moving it for you.
Once you are at a Disney resort, you won’t need to rent a car. Disney provides several modes of transportation to move around their property. Whether by bus, boat, or monorail, you can get to any place around Disney at no extra charge.
Staying on property will give your family the ability to utilize Extra Magic Hours (EMH) at either earlier morning hours or later closing hours depending on the scheduled park. The extra time to enjoy the parks often results in less people meaning lower wait times for attractions.
Amenities offered at the Disney resorts can be great ways to add value to your vacation. Every resort has dining options on site, great swimming pools, gift shops that include various sundry items, Disney theming, and more.
When shopping at Disney parks, many store locations offer delivery of purchased items back to your resort for free. With this perk, you can feel free to purchase the items your family fell in love with, but not have to worry about lugging the items around the park, breaking, or losing them.
While no one knows when the next free dining packages will be offered, free dining is only an option when you choose to stay on property at certain Disney resorts. Even if there is no free dining, to purchase one of the dining packages you must be staying at a Disney resort. Dining packages may not be right for every family, but they do offer the worry-free option of having your meals prepaid.
Since the coming of FastPass+, booking to stay at a Disney resort will allow you to book FastPass+ at 60 days out instead of the 30 days for people who are not staying on property. The extra days that you can book your favorite attractions will increase the likelihood that you can get the attractions at the times you wanted.
Disney Cast Members make a big difference by enhancing your stay with their availability 24/7. Too many times to count do the Cast Members go above and beyond creating magical moments for guests.
Magic Bands are included for every member of your party when you choose to stay at a Disney resort. Sure you could purchase them if you stay off site, but who doesn’t want the magic to start a little early? The Magic Bands are mailed directly to you prior to your arrival.

For my family, there is no comparison or question about choosing to stay on-site at a Disney World resort. What did your family choose? Did I miss any reasons to stay at a Disney resort? Comment below to let us know!

Disney’s Planes: Fire & Rescue Characters Join Smokey Bear in New Wildfire Prevention PSAs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2014

In an effort to educate Americans about how to prevent accidental wildfires, Disney is joining the Ad Council, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) to launch a new series of public service advertisements featuring scenes and characters from Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue.”

According to the U.S. Forest Service, over the past 13 years, an annual average of 6.7 million acres have been burned by wildfire. The most common sources of human-caused wildfires are campfires left unattended, debris burning on windy days, careless discarding of smoking materials and BBQ coals, and operating equipment without spark arrestors. Nine out of ten wildfires nationwide are caused by humans, yet many can be prevented by taking simple steps to properly put out a campfire.

“When we decided to make ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue,’ our team of filmmakers made several research trips to meet the brave men and women whose job it is to fight wildfires,” says Bobs Gannaway, “Planes: Fire & Rescue” director. “Those research trips changed us and forever impressed upon us the importance of wildfire prevention. To have our character, Dusty, take part in the legendary Smokey Bear’s campaign to prevent wildfires and encourage safe outdoor fire practices is one of the highest honors we could have.”

This was created pro bono by Disney, the new English and Spanish television, out of home, digital and radio PSAs feature leading characters from the film, including air racer-turned-fire-fighting plane Dusty, spirited air tanker Dipper, veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and loving tourists Harvey and Winnie. The PSAs encourage audiences to be “Smokey’s Wingman” and do their part in preventing wildfires. The ads teach audiences the proper steps of extinguishing a campfire: drown the fire, stir it, drown it again and feel that the fire is out cold.

“We are excited to have characters of ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ serve as ambassadors of Smokey’s wildfire prevention message,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “In teaching people campfire safety tips, these PSAs will further the message of wildfire prevention to a broad audience.”

The PSAs encourage audiences to visit www.SmokeyBear.com for more safety tips and information on Smokey Bear and the Wildfire Prevention campaign. The website also features an interactive real-time wildfire map and a gallery of historic Smokey Bear ads over the last seven decades.

It was announced last week, the campaign has also created new PSAs to celebrate Smokey’s 70th birthday, which is August 9th. First introduced in 1944, Smokey Bear has become the recognized symbol of wildfire prevention across America. Smokey Bear’s message, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” is known by seven out of ten adults. The Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running PSA campaign in our nation’s history.

The PSAs have been distributed to more than 33,000 outlets nationwide and, per the Ad Council’s model, all of the PSAs will air in advertising time and space donated by the media industry. Since 1980, media outlets have donated more than $1.4 billion in time and space for the campaign.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Richard Petty and Pixar Join Forces for the Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along Cars at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2014

Petty Holdings, LLC and Pixar Animation Studios are bringing to life 2 characters from the hit movie “Cars” – Aiken Axler and Sage VanDerSpin at Walt Disney World Resort. Petty Holdings first began their relationship with Pixar when Richard Petty became the voice of “The King” in the original “Cars” movie.

The two full-size custom character cars, created by “Cars” creative director Jay Ward, will enter the line-up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World® Speedway near Orlando, Fla. beginning Saturday, June 14. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars will be used in the new Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along program. For just $59, the Junior Ride-Along program gives children ages 6 to 13 (and at least 48 inches tall) the chance to experience real-life racing excitement as they ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three thrilling laps in a specially equipped Piston Cup race car.

“We’re thrilled to have Sage and Aiken join the Richard Petty Driving Experience team and know they’ll provide a truly magical element to our popular Junior Ride-Along program,” said Chris Kirby, Petty Holdings director of marketing. “Jay did an amazing job bringing these two characters to life in the form of two full-sized, high-performance, 600HP race cars.”

According to their official biographies, #80 VanDerSpin races for Team “Gask-its” and is the youngest winner of the Junior Piston Cup Pro Series. Axler is the #28 Nitroade racer who captured the Vitoline Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season of Cup competition. Both will be sporting their team colors and sponsors, along with their larger-than-life personalities, thanks to a specialty window wrap.

“The window wrap makes it possible to see the character eyes from the exterior, which really brings them to life, but doesn’t interfere with the view of the track,” added Kirby. “Once passengers are inside the car, the track can be clearly seen so they can fully enjoy the experience of racing around the track.”

Ward has also been named guardian of the ”Cars” franchise due to his in-depth knowledge and love of cars. Ward’s position allows him to have a hand in developing consumer products, interactive games, theme parks, marketing and ancillary projects involving “Cars,” – which led to his role in developing the VanDerSpin and Axler Piston Cars. Since joining Pixar in 1998, Ward has worked in the art department on a number of other Pixar movies including “Ratatouille,” “Monster’s Inc.” and “Brave.”

Both cars feature custom racing seats designed by The Joie of Seating – a premier fabricator of custom-fitted aluminum racing seats, owned and operated by two-time NASCAR Nationwide series champion Randy LaJoie. Specifically designed to ensure the safety and security of smaller bodies, these full containment racing seats feature built-in shoulder and head protection and a five-point safety harness with the same design used by NASCAR drivers.

Junior Ride-Alongs do not require reservations and are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Find out more information about program offerings, dates and times by visiting Drivepetty.com or call 800-237-3889.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 5 Tips for Making the Most of Star Wars Weekends

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 24, 2014

Are you planning on traveling to a galaxy far, far away for Star Wars™ Weekends? Star Wars™ fans will love these themed weekend events held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from May 16, 2024 – June 15, 2014. Featuring your favorite Star Wars™ celebrities, creatures, and members of the Empire, you’ll enjoy special experiences, a celebrity motorcade, and an impressive fireworks show.

As you can imagine, these weekends are hugely popular; here are some tips to help make your experience out-of-this-world!

Check out the Schedule – When it comes to knowing what’s offered at Star Wars™ Weekends, don’t underestimate the power of planning. Many websites (including Chip & Co.) include the weekend schedules of events and information about the special offerings available. This gives you a good idea of the things you might be interested in doing and helps you figure out the best use of time and Fastpass+ reservations.

Make Fastpass+ reservations – Did you know that you can make Fastpass+ reservations for special Star Wars™ Weekends events such as presentations, autograph signings, and more? These book up quickly, so booking them ahead of time really helps. You can always make Fastpass+ for your favorite rides and attractions as normal. For example, on my recent visit to Star Wars™ Weekends, I booked Star Tours, Toy Story Mania and a special event. *Note: You can only book Fastpass+ for autographs on the day of the event at park opening.

Dine with the characters of Star Wars – New to this year’s Star Wars™ Weekends are two character dining experiences. These include the Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood & Vine and Star Wars™ Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine In. These are popular dining experiences, so make sure to book your ADR!

Get to the motorcade early – And I mean early. This is an extraordinarily popular with a small pathway from the park entrance to the Star Wars Weekends™ Event Stage. The sidewalks get very packed and premium seating can be difficult, which means getting there early can be a huge help. Luckily, there’s a giant television screen at the stage with up-close images from the motorcade, so you get a chance to see your favorite Star Wars™ stars. You can also get premium seating by booking Fastpass+ or by purchasing a premium Star Wars™ Weekends package.

Head to a special experience/show — Perhaps the coolest part of Star Wars™ Weekends are the special experiences and shows. Some of the most popular include: Stars of the Saga (a talk show featuring the weekly Star Wars™ celebrities), Visit to the Maul starring Ray Park (a martial arts and stunt demonstration by stunt actor Ray Park who portrayed Darth Maul), and An Ewok’s Tale – My Short Story starring Warwick Davis (a presentation by Warwick Davis who portrayed Wicket the Ewok). Because of their popularity, you’ll want to get Fastpass+ or arrive for standby early. These are definitely worth the wait!

Whether you’re planning on dining with Boba Fett or acting as the rebel spy on Star Tours, you’ll feel like you’re on a galactic journey during Star Wars™ Weekends. The most important tip of all? May the force be with…always!

Have you been to Star Wars™ Weekends? What are your tips for making the experience even more magical?

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.

Disney’s Maleficent releases new Featurette and Movie Clips

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2014

Disney’s Maleficent releases new Featurette and Movie Clips for all to enjoy. MALEFICENT which premieres in theatres on May 30th is the story of Disney’s most iconic villain. The movie shares the untold story of how betrayal turned Maleficent’s pure heart into stone and made her the evil villain she has become famous as. Maleficent puts an irrevocable curse on the human king’s newborn “Aurora” because of her revenge and need to protect and defend the moors where she rules. But as Aurora grows, she is caught up in the battle between the forest and the human kingdoms. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may be the answer to peace in the lands and takes matters into her own hands, actions that will change both human and forest kingdoms forever.

Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as Aurora, Maleficent will keep you at the edge of your seats, even if you already know the story of Sleeping Beauty. Also starring Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville. “Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Michael Vieira, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. Maleficent rated PG will be in theatres on May 30, 2014.

Enjoy the movie clips and Featurette preview of Disney’s Maleficent.

In the movie clip – Maleficent – The Fairy Godmother , Aurora and Maleficent meet at the moors.

In the clouds, gives us an impressive look at Angelina spreading her wings and flying around through the moors.

The featurette “On the Battlefield” shows a behind the scenes look at how the battle is staged.

Don’t miss Maleficent in theatres in just one week.

My name is Loretta Garcia. I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co., and a Travel Agent with Destinations in Florida. We are the preferred agency for Chip and the Disney Addicts. I am available to help you plan your next Amazing Magical Adventures to your favorite Destinations. Email me at [email protected] and start packing!

Electric Addition to WDW Tomorrowland makes Charging Phones a Breeze

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2014

Charging Station Screen — Charging Station Instruction Screen #1

Have you ever been capturing endless photos of “The World” only to find that you have blown through your phone’s battery and don’t have the time or patience to carry around your charger and wait for it to charge? As a Personal Shopper, I am constantly snapping gorgeous merchandise photos only to end up with a dead battery 45 minutes into my photo shoot. Earlier this week I was photographing items at The Emporium on Main Street when my phone indicated 20% battery left – and I had just started! Frustrated, I searched through the store thinking they must sell (ungodly expensive) battery packs or something to rejuice my phone. A lovely cast member stepped in and offered me a much better solution – Free charging stations around Tomorrowland! I ran over to check them out and wanted to share my findings with all of you!

There are currently two free charging station locations within Tomorrowland – one at Cosmic Ray’s Cafe and the other at the Tommorowland Light and Power Co. (aka the arcade at the base of Space Mountain). I have included exterior shots of both buildings in the gallery so you can better see where these locations are (and which doors to enter through).

Once you approach the Charging Station you simply swipe your credit card, which works as your key to lock and retrieve your phone, and follow the on screen instructions. There are options to charge iPhone4/4s, iPhone5/5s, and Micro USBs for Android Devices. Once you swipe your card and select your phone type, a specific door will open for a small phone compartment loaded up with a charger specifically for your phone. After shutting the door the compartment will turn red, indicating that the unit is in use. Take a couple spins on the People Mover or Space Mountain and when you are ready to get your phone back you can just swipe your card and your specific compartment will open!

One tip – if using an iPhone, be sure to swipe into Airplane Mode – your phone will charge twice as fast because it won’t be connected to data/cell service. Additionally, should you find that all the lockers are full, there are other “traditional” options. The most popular option is the Rapunzel Bathroom Area within Fantasyland (close to the Haunted Mansion) which features power supplying “tree stumps”. Another great spot is within the Tommorowland Light and Power Co. where they have two seating areas with plugs toward the back.

Have you ever run out of cell phone juice while exploring the parks, and if so what did you do? Will you utilize these charging stations? Do you know about other charging options within the Magic Kingdom? Let me know!

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Disney Channel Renews Jessie for a Fourth Season!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2014

Jessie fans rejoice! The show will soon be back for an all new season! The news came this morning with a Disney representative saying, “Jessie and the Ross kids will return next year for a fourth season of Disney Channel comedy Jessie.”

You can expect to see the new season of the show by early next year and production on the fourth season will start in a few short months! I’m extremely excited as I grew up with Debby Ryan on my TV and wouldn’t want it any other way! How excited are you about this renewal?
Be sure to also catch the new wedding storyline later on this year on the Disney Channel! Wedding bells are ringing for Jessie!

Who Wants to Get Closer To Maleficent at the Disney Parks?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2014

With the much anticipated release of Disney’s latest live-action film “Maleficent” having been released into theaters everywhere, we all want to see more of the star of this film, the downright evil one herself, Maleficent.

So walk on through the original Sleeping Beauty Castle that Walt built and get closer to Maleficent, at least 5 times during the walkthrough show. Enter the Castle gates through Fantasyland and in through the arched doorway. Be careful as you enter as you never know when Maleficent will be around the next corner.

In 2008, the story walkthrough went through it’s latest re-imagination. That was when Maleficent became more prominent in the story. In one of the scenes where she is with her Goons required the Imagineers to crane a piece of glass over 10 feet tall in through the Castle’s roof.

Maleficent isn’t only in the Disneyland Sleep Beauty Castle, She also lives in the dungeon of the Disneyland Paris Sleeping Beauty Castle in her dragon form. She’s located within the Dragon Den below the castle.

Now that the movie is out, go give it a view at a theatre near you, and then plan a trip to Disneyland Anaheim or Disneyland Paris with your favorite Disneyland Expert Travel Agent! (that’s me right?)

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. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the ChipandCo Page.

Top 5 Ways to Experience Disney World Like a VIP

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2014

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Tired of the crowds and long lines? Ever wish you can experience Walt Disney World like a VIP? You can! I’ve got five ways for how you can experience some special treatment at WDW; but let’s just keep this between us, okay?

5. Go When Crowds are Low-Many Disney regulars will tell you that the best, and sometimes only, time to visit Walt Disney World is when the crowd levels are low, such as mid-January to Spring Break, post-Spring Break to June, and after school starts to about the second week of December. During these times, the lines are almost non-existent, you find yourself with more time and less stress, and it’s a great feeling not to shuffle through crowds. You really do feel like a VIP! However, many families don’t have the flexibility of being able to travel at the low attendance times; and if you’re one of them, you can still experience what it’s like to have a non-crowded, almost private park! How? For one, I suggest arriving before rope drop at the parks. The parks usually don’t get crowded until an hour or two after opening; and the first hours of the day offer extra experiences and little to no waits. You can also tour the parks at night during one of the fireworks displays and parades. Lines and crowds are fewer because guests are all on Main Street or on the curb waiting for the show! Lastly, if you’re a Disney Resort guest, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours! These are reserved only for Disney Resorts guests and let you get in the parks earlier or stay later.

4. Stay Late-Many Disney guests tend to leave the parks after the fireworks or Illuminations or Fantasmic. Don’t be one of them! Disney will actually let you on an attraction up until the last minute before closing! With this little secret, you may get the chance to be the only one on your favorite ride! So don’t run for the bus, hang back and enjoy the park as it empties to do some shopping and riding, just like a VIP!

3. Stay at a DVC Villa-Many of Deluxe Disney Resorts have a wing for Disney Vacation Club rooms. These rooms come in a variety of sizes, ranging from one room studios to three-bedroom rooms with full kitchens! Not a Disney Vacation Club member? No problem! Disney will let you stay at a villa if they’re not full, or you can even rent points from other DVC owners (just make sure you’re careful about who you rent from!) Staying at a DVC Villa not only gives you the Deluxe experience, but also lets you feel like you’re at home or in a suite like a VIP with your own kitchen, amenities, extra rooms, and more all in a special section of the resort, but with all of the bonuses that Deluxe Disney guests always enjoy! I suggest renting from David’s Vacation Club Rentals!

2. Early Morning Dining Reservation-This is one of my favorite Disney secrets! If you want to experience what it’s like to have the Magic Kingdom all to yourself, book a breakfast reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table or the Crystal Palace before the park opens, the earlier the better. There is a special turnstile at the Magic Kingdom entrance for guests who have these early reservations; and once you’re inside, you find that Main Street U.S.A. is completely empty and all to yourself! It’s truly magical to walk towards the castle without any crowds or strollers in your way; and it’s especially magical to snap those rare perfect shots of Cinderella Castle and the Partners Statue before checking in at your restaurant. If you do finish your meal before park opening, head out into the park! The lands are roped off until the park opens, so you can’t get any early rides, but you can be first to enter the land, and possibly attraction, of your choice!

1. Take a Tour-To really feel like a VIP, and to experience the parks in a special, exclusive way, take one of WDW’s many tours! Most of the tours offer behind-the-scenes experiences to see how Disney makes the magic; and some even give you special rides on some of Disney’s classic attractions! It’s awesome and you really feel like a celebrity. You may even get a special souvenir to commemorate your trip too, but you didn’t hear that from me… One of my favorites is Keys to the Kingdom Tour at the Magic Kingdom. It’s affordable and even gives you a glimpse of the famed Utilidors, the tunnels and workspaces under the park that only Cast Members get to see!

Have you ever taken a Disney Tour? Which one was your favorite? Would you like to experience WDW like a celebrity or VIP?

Top 5 Ways to Experience Disney World Like a VIP

Top 10 Things to do at Star Wars Weekends

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 23, 2014

There can be a lot to take in at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends and after the fun filled weekend I just had I have narrowed down the must do’s to a top 10 list. If you are going to any of the four remaining Star Wars Weekends then this list is for you, let’s begin:

10. Do at least 1 character meet and greet

This is one of the things you should do early in the morning when the lines are shorter. I would pick one Star Wars character you want to get a picture with because you will love being able to look back on it fondly and often.

9. Dance with DJ Lobot

In the evening when DJ Lobot comes out to the Hat Stage it is fun to grab a couple of friends and do a little dancing. Think you can’t dance? Well most of the people out there are not really dancing with skill so just get out there and let loose.

8. Ride Star Tours

This may seem obvious since it is Star Wars Weekends but there is something special about the atmosphere on the ride during this time of year. Ride it several times it is amazing to ride it with fellow Star Wars fanatics.

7. Watch the Parade

The parade is worth watching at least one time because there are the new Star Wars Rebels characters debuting this year and they do a fabulous job. In addition it is just a really fun time that brings the galaxy together. Try to get a spot towards the start of the parade route and unless you want to see the show at the hat stay put because you can see the celebrities a second time as they return to the backstage area.

6. See the Stormtrooper Opening

It is entertaining and is always current with our culture. This year there are some fun social media jokes.

5. Visit Darth’s Mall and the Ackbar Snackbar

The line can be long but be patient and once you get inside take a look around at all the fun merchandise. Make sure to go through the exclusives and collectibles line there are some cool things back there. The snackbar is awesome as well and you can get a cool drink in a Stormtrooper mug with a light up death star ice cube.

4. Watch the 3 Main Shows

I highly recommend all three of the main shows. The Stars of the Saga is amazingly entertaining and worth seeing especially the stromtrooper pre show. The rebels show is awesome because you get to see clips of the new show and getting to meet the new voice over cast is very special. James Arnold Taylor’s show is always inspiring and watching him share his talents with the audience is amazing.

3. View the fireworks

The fireworks are a definite must say. I recommend not watching from close to the hat though. Try and be further back so you can get a full view of the sky.

2. Instagram and tweet using #SWWFINALE

This is a key hashtag to use because you could see the pictures you instagram and tweet on the big screen at the end of the night before the fireworks.

1. Get A Map and Save It

Even if you are not a scrapbooker these maps have augmented reality capability and they are very cool. I would grab a few and save them.

If you are going to Star Wars Weekends I will be there too so give me shout on Twitter or Instagram @icecoldpenguin I would love to say hi.

May the Force Be With You

Plenty of Delicious Disney Dining Options at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 22, 2014

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At Disneyland you will find all kinds of food. Anything from quick service snacks to high end gourmet meals.

“We offer innovative cuisine from our award-winning chefs that match our guests’ desire for elegant dining,” said Gary Maggetti, director of food and beverage integration at the Disneyland Resort. “But you can still find the Disneyland classics, from the Café Orléans Monte Cristo to Plaza Inn’s fried chicken.”

At the hotels, top award winners are Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel. A stellar wine program has elevated the quality of dining service throughout the Resort, with trained sommeliers in restaurants including Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55 and Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park.

A Healthy Approach:
Even though most people do not eat salad on vacation. It’s nice to know that you can stay on your diet and maybe have a little indulgence later on if you like. Disney is also very good at catering to people with food allergies and special diets.

If you are looking for healthy choices, look for the Mickey Check. That makes it easy to identify healthier food options in all of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Foods that get the Mickey Check must meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines that limit calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar.

You can also find the Mickey Check on some Disney-licensed food products sold at retail locations, on some recipes at Disney.com and Family.com, and on menus at quick-service restaurants at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

Theme Park Food
At Disney California Adventure, Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge is designed to be one of the premier dining locations at the Disneyland Resort.

Also on Buena Vista Street are three spots for quick bites:

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe with Starbucks coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches

Mortimer’s Market with whole and cut fruits, bottled water, juices and soft drinks

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream.

The new Cars Land has three spots for guest to fuel up:

Flo’s V8 Cafe with an on-stage rotisserie and house-made pies

Cozy Cone Motel with tasty cone-theme treats from churro bites to chili “cone” queso

Fillmore’s Taste-In with whole and cut fruits, bottled water, juices and soft drinks.

At Disney California Adventure:

You can get a sandwich or sweets at Pacific Wharf Café.
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill has tacos with steak, pork, grilled chicken or fish.
Asian creations are served at Lucky Fortune Cookery, with beef, chicken or tofu with vegetables, rice and your choice of four sauces.

The dining pavilion in Paradise Pier provides plenty of seating and two restaurants.

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta offers something for everyone, from hearty pasta dishes to delicious salads and flatbread pizzas with flavors from traditional cheese to Portobello mushroom and spinach with pesto.

Next door, Paradise Garden Grill offers a Mediterranean spin with chicken, beef, vegetable and tofu skewers served with a choice of sauce, including Moroccan chili tomato and tandoori-spiced yogurt. Refreshing Greek salads and a kid’s menu also are available

Corn Dog Castle serves a popular beach snack in two flavors, original and hot link. Bayside Brews offers domestic and specialty beers on tap for guests 21 years of age and older, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and warm, salted pretzels

Dine al fresco at Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery, with a menu of pastas, grilled sandwiches and California wines by the glass. At dinner, the menu adds balsamic-braised short ribs, herb-roasted chicken breast and braised lamb shank.

Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto is one of this park’s most-requested reservations for breakfast and lunch with Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty greeting guests at every table. (Dinner does not include Disney characters.)

In Disneyland Park,

Grab a quick bite from Starbucks coffee

Sweet treats from Market House on Main Street, U.S.A.

Cheddar cheese and broccoli soup and grilled salmon salad from the Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square

Sandwiches and sweets from the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A.

Easy-to-eat skewer snacks at The Bengal Barbecue

The legendary Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland

Mickey-shaped beignets and funnel cake from the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square.

Hot pizza from Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port.

A grilled vegetable sandwich from Tomorrowland Terrace.

If you are looking for a relaxing meal, try the Carnation Café on Main Street, U.S.A. They have generous salads and the legendary loaded baked potato soup, along with Walt’s favorite meatloaf and fried chicken.

Barbecued ribs and chicken can be found at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecuein Frontierland (barbecued tofu and veggie skewers, too).

The Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square:is one of the most-requested reservations and offers diners specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya and filet mignon.

Casual, family-friendly eats are on the menu at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., and River Belle Terrace in New Orleans Square, where Walt himself enjoyed breakfast on Sundays.

For authentic Mexican, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland dishes up taco and burrito platters. Out-of-the-way Hungry Bear, nestled in the shady trees in Critter Country, is a favorite for Disney fans who recommend the burgers and the view on the riverfront.

Dining With Characters:

For a leisurely way to enjoy a delicious meal and time with Disney characters as they stop by each table for photos and autographs, make reservations for a Character Dining Experience.These include: Disneyland: Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., daily Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park.

At Disney California Adventure: Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto, with Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella at breakfast and lunch.

At the hotels: Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet, while Goofy and his pals entertain at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel for daily brunch and dinner. At Paradise Pier, Mickey Mouse and friends entertain at the Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends in Disney’s PCH Grill.

Priority Seating is recommended, by calling Disney Dining, 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463)

Downtown Disney District:

Diverse flavors offer a variety of choices for any palate in the Downtown Disney District, from spicy pasta jambalaya and andouille-crusted mahi mahi at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen to Irish salmon and braised Angus short ribs at Catal Restaurant.

ESPN Zone, which has 175 TV screens, including the ones in the restrooms. You get plenty of energy for the restaurant’s interactive ESPN Zone Sports Arena. Nearby, House of Blues has diners digging in to baby back ribs and pan-seared voodoo shrimp. For California-inspired cuisine, take a seat at La Brea Bakery, and try a grilled panini or homemade soup.

If you want Mexican:

It’s Tortilla Jo’s handmade tortillas

Italian:

Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria and adjacent Napolini for thin-crust pizzas, pastas, soups and sandwiches.

Kids love the tropical storms, waterfalls, aquarium and live parrots at Rainforest Cafe, where guests enjoy choosing from more than 50 varied items on the menu.
The Downtown Disney Starbucks location brings one of the coffee company’s most engaging experiences to guests with technology and content designed specifically for this store, including an interactive touch screen and 10-foot video installation. In addition to its regular beverage and food selection, the store offers some of the rarest coffees available.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine