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Spider-Man to Make Appearances at Disneyland Paris

The Amazing Spider Man
The Amazing Spider Man

The Amazing Spider-Man

The next Marvel Superhero to make an appearance at a Disney Park is none other than Spider-Man. He is currently appearing at Disneyland Paris, as of a couple of days ago. You can meet him in the Blockbuster Cafe area.

Will you be visiting Spider-Man?

Source: Insidethemagic.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Fire at the Magic Kingdom

Fire at the Magic Kingdom
Fire at the Magic Kingdom

Fire at the Magic Kingdom

According to The Disney Blog there was a fire at the Magic Kingdom earlier today. It was in a small area that is being reconstructed.

The fire started in a generator between Main Street and Tommorwland. It was near the outdoor seating right outside of Cosmic Rays.

There are temporary walls up due to the construction but as you can see it can be seen.

TheDisneyBlog.com said a construction worker was in the area and tried to put out the fire with a bucket of water and then a fire extinguisher, but neither worked. The worker then went to get a second fire extinguisher, which did put out the flames.

The area was evacuated.

Thank god everyone is ok!

Photo Credit: Thedisneyblog.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Coming to Star Wars Weekends – Feel the Force Dining Event

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SWW

Coming to Star Wars Weekends, Disney World fans will be immersed in a galaxy far, far away. Guests can attend a special Feel the Force Dining Event that gives you VIP status for viewing for the Star Wars “Legends of the Force” motorcade plus a nightly dessert party (featuring the event’s popular Darth Vader cupcakes) and up-close viewing of the “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks spectacular.

The Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade viewing experience is at 11 a.m.-noon each day. Soft drinks, water and a snack will be provided. The dessert party is 9-10 p.m., with fireworks starting at approximately 9:45 p.m.

To keep it extra special, capacity is limited. Along with the VIP viewing for the motorcade and entry into the “Symphony in the Stars” Fireworks Dessert Party, you’ll receive a special souvenir Disney PhotoPass card that can be linked to your Disney account and include a series of Star Wars Weekends photos.

The Feel the Force Dining Event will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16-June 15, 2014.

Cost is $54 for adults, $32 for ages 3 to 11, including tax and gratuity. Walk-up sales will be available until Feel the Force Premium Package is sold out. To purchase the packages, go to disneyworld.com/spring or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Orlando Area Discounts for Universal, Sea World & More

Universal Globe
Universal Globe

Universal Globe

So much planning and preparation goes into your Walt Disney World vacation, but did you know that Orlando is one of the top vacation spots? There is so much to do on top of WDW and what’s even better, there are discounts beyond Walt Disney World.

Sea World Discounts

  • Eat for Free During Your Vacation: Book a Sea World Package at one of the partner hotels and get the All Day Dining Deal for FREE!
  • Kids Free at Sea World: Book your Sea World Package and kids play for free. You will receive one free child ticket (ages 3-9) for every paid adult.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

  • Cabana Bay Beach Resort Florida Resident Deal: Are you ready to experience the spectacular new Cabana Bay Beach Resort? It is opening this week! Florida Residents can be the 1st to experience this new hotel at special prices, just for you. Rates start from just $94 per night plus tax. This deal is good from April 25-June 5.
  • 4th Night and 3rd Day Free: Book a Universal Partner hotel for 3 nights with a 2 Day Base ticket and receive your 4th night and 3rd day at the parks for FREE!
  • Save up to $500 on your Universal Package: Stay at one of the Universal Hotels including Cabana Bay Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay Hotel with tickets and save up to $500 on your package. Now is the time to visit the movies at the Universal Orlando Resort.
  • Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation for 2014: Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket.  This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.
  • “Take 2” Transfer: If you do not want to rent a car during your Orlando vacation, take advantage of the new “Take 2” Transfer ticket for only $39 per person. This transfer includes transportation from a Disney Resort hotel to Universal Orlando Resort for a Universal Studios vacation. After your Universal vacation, the transportation takes you back to the Orlando International Airport.

Orlando Attraction Ticket Discounts

  • Kennedy Space Center Tickets: Pre-order your tickets to Kennedy Space Center and save money with special prices. Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis, US Astronaut Hall of Fame, and more; just an hour from Orlando. Click here to more details and to purchase tickets.

 

Book your family memories today with your favorite

Destinations in Florida/Destinations to Explore travel agent!

Don’t plan on traveling yourself, but know someone that will, don’t forget about our referral program.

At DIF we offer  personalized travel planning, lots of extras and fun just for you! Call me at 832-233-4468,check out my page, here, or email me at [email protected] and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free!

Disney Joins Forces with HSN to Sell Exclusive Maleficent Merchandise

HSN Disney Merchandise
HSN Disney Merchandise

HSN Disney Merchandise

HSN has a unique deal to sell exclusive merchandise from Maleficent, Cinderella, and The Hundred-Foot Journey. This new deal will be a 2 year and 3 film agreement, it is a first for both of them.

Be sure to tune into HSN on May 27 because that is the kick off date and it will start with with a 24-hour event for Maleficent. They will have Maleficent themed clothes, jewelry and home accessories.

“We’re not a network that just runs 30-second spots,” HSN Inc. chief marketing officer Bill Brand tells The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re about content-driven retail. That’s the beauty of our business model.”

HSN Disney Merchandise

Staring on May 7 the collection will available on HSN.com. After the 24-hour launch event later that month, HSN will air Countdown to Maleficent specials every night leading up to the film’s May 30 release.

HSN is planning a culinary event for the release of The Hundred-Foot Journey in August and next spring they will have shopping events geared toward Disney’s live-action Cinderella movie.

I am not an HSN viewer, but I will be in May. How about you?

Photo Credit: Hollywoodreporter.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Big Fastpass+ Changes coming next week to Walt Disney World

2014 04 25 07 49 00 chipandco on Instagram
2014 04 25 07 49 00 chipandco on Instagram

MB

I am sure you know, but 2 of the most requested changes for Fastpass+ would be the ability to get more Fastpasses and to have an option to park hop, well that will be happening on April 28th.

Here is how it will work, for now:

  • When you have used all of your 3 allowed fastpasses than you can go to an in-park kiosk and add one more. When you use up that one then you can get another one and so on.
  • You will have the ability to pick a fastpass for another park, after you have used your original 3.
  • You will also be able to use a repeat fastpass, as I call it. That means you can get another fastpass for an attraction that you already had a previous fastpass for earlier that day.

Keep in mind that once all of the fastpasses for a certain ride/attraction are gone than you will not be able to get a fastpass for that attraction. 

I know, going to a kiosk every time you want an additional fastpass is not fun because I have seen that line and it is worse than some of the rides. So Disney is working on updating the My Disney Experience App and site to allow you to use the added features online and on your own smartphone/tablet. However for now your only option is to use the kiosks in the park.

I know many of you are doing the happy dance right now!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

 

 

Disneyland Recycles Food Scraps into Food for the Animals

Disneyland Food Scraps recycling
Disneyland Food Scraps recycling

Disneyland Food Scraps Recycling

There is a new program that turns Disneyland Resort food scraps into animal feed.  This new program has contributed to a 50% decrease in waste sent to landfills by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Cast members at nearly 60 food and beverage locations throughout the Disneyland Resort collect food scraps in designated bins that are picked up by a third-party vendor, processed into animal feed and sent to local farms.

“We are proud to see the commitment of our cast members to collecting food scraps and reducing waste,” said Tony Garcia, environmental integration manager at the Disneyland Resort. “With their help, we are able to divert 7 tons of useful organic material per day from being sent to a landfill.”

That is so cool. I thought they would have done this sooner.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

“It’s a Small World” Movie to Hit the Big Screen

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So we knew this was coming right? I think  “It’s a Small World” is going to be a cute movie. Let’s all join hands and sing that iconic song.

So the word is that Disney is now planning a movie based on the “It’s A Small World” ride.

According to published reports, Jon Turtletaub, the producer and director behind the “National Treasure” films, will head the project.

Writer Jared Stern, who has worked on movies like “Bolt,” “Wreck-It Ralph” and “The Lego Movie 2” might be working up the script and helping Turtletaub produce the movie.

So far that is the info that has been released.

You may remember that the iconic ride recently celebrated it’s 50th anniversary not to long ago.

Fun fact: “It’s a Small World”opened in the Magic Kingdom in October 1971, and at Disneyland in 1966.

Is “It’s a Small World” a must do in the parks for you? Or would you rather skip it?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

 

 

 

10 things to put in your bag before heading to the Disney Theme Parks

school disney backpack
school disney backpack

school_disney_backpack

When you hit the Disney World Theme Parks, you want to be prepared.  If you are a parent, you can become a pack mule very quickly.  Pare it down a bit and take a look at this list.  You don’t need to bring a lot, just what is essential.

1.  Sunscreen – no matter the season, you should ALWAYS wear sunscreen in Florida.  Quickest way to ruin a vacation?  Sun poisoning.

2. Hand sanitizer – use often and liberally.  Second quickest way to ruin a vacation?  Getting the “funk”.

3.  Ponchos – Buy these ahead of time at WalMart.  They only cost a buck and while everyone else is running for cover or to buy a poncho, you can head to the front of the lines in your sporty ponchos!

4.  Water powders – Did you know that if you ask for a “cup of ice water” at any quick service spot, they will happily give it to you for free?  Pop a lemonade powder in it and VOILA – free drink.

5.  Bandaids – and Neosporin.  You can’t imagine all of the places that blisters can pop up.  And they hurt.

6.  Camera – or iPhone to take photos.

7.  Peppermints – Lots of times this can cure an uneasy stomach after a turbulent ride.  OR stick one in your mouth if you are expecting it may make you queasy.  It helps.

8.  Socks/Undergarments – There are many rides at Disney that soak you.  Wet socks = blisters and wet undies = well, ick.

9.  Snacks – Disney allows you to bring snacks in your bag.  Stash stuff that won’t melt or make a mess.  Peanut butter and crackers are our favorites.

10.  Park maps – Grab these when you go in and you will be set for the rest of the day!

What are some of the things you bring with you to Walt Disney World? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comment box below.

Cameron is a Disney Specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  Book your trip with her for free tips like these straight to your inbox every Tuesday.  Her services are always 100% FREE.  [email protected]

Skylanders Trap Team Announced by Activision

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Skylanders1181

Skylanders Consumer 2014 Game Reveal Event at Toys "R" Us Times Square

On October 5 in North America, Activision Publishing, Inc., will introduce the newest installment to the Skylanders franchise, which will reverse the magic of bringing toys to life,  incredibly letting kids pull characters out of the digital world into the physical world.

With Skylanders Trap Team, Portal Masters seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as them to fight for good. The game will include the Traptanium Portal, a new ring of magical energy that enables kids to not only bring their Skylanders to life, but also magically capture villains using the new Traps. Once they’ve defeated the villains, kids will be able to place a Trap into the new portal to capture them. They will also be able to hear the villains inside the Traps, an innovation that truly brings life to toys.

This exciting new play pattern also gives players the option to switch between playing as a Skylander hero or a villain at any time, creating fun and unique “tag team” gameplay. In addition, fans can even take their Traps and their Skylanders characters to their friends’ houses for fun, co-operative adventures across all console game systems.

“When we created Skylanders, we invented a new category of play and, in the process, disrupted two industries – videogames and toys. With each new Skylanders game, our commitment to continuous, disruptive innovation has led to surprising and delightful new ways for kids to play with toys and games,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. “With Skylanders Trap Team, we’re no longer just letting kids bring their toys to life inside the game anymore. This time, we’re letting them pull their toys out of the game as well. We are confident this installment of Skylanders will once again redefine what’s possible at the intersection of the physical and virtual worlds.”

“When Activision first introduced the Skylanders franchise in 2011, it promised to redefine play by merging the physical and digital worlds. The company delivered on that pledge with three blockbuster titles – all of which have been named to the annual Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List – and is now poised to do it again with the introduction of Skylanders Trap Team,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer Toys“R”Us, Inc. “With Skylanders Trap Team, Activision is reversing the magic of ‘toys-to-life,’ allowing kids to bring characters out of the digital world and into the physical world for the first time. We’re thrilled to continue as a marquee destination for Skylanders products, providing a comprehensive, global marketing and merchandising program, including our fully exclusive Legendary series of figures that will introduce Skylanders Trap Team to our enthusiastic customers this October.”

In Skylanders Trap Team, Kaos continues his ongoing quest to rule over Skylands. He has discovered the location of the legendary Cloudcracker Prison — a fortress built entirely out of the magical substance Traptanium and home to Skylands’ most nefarious baddies. In an attempt to build his own army of foes, Kaos blows up the prison, releasing the most wanted villains and blasting shards of Traptanium to Earth in the form of Traps. Now it’s up to Portal Masters to recapture all of the escaped villains using powerful Traptanium Traps and defeat Kaos before it’s too late! The new adventure delivers a diverse and dynamic story-driven gameplay experience, filled with adventure, combat, puzzles, mini-games, activities, platforming and drop-in/drop-out co-op play — all set within new compelling environments.

Skylanders Trap Team introduces Skylanders heroes known as Trap Masters, brand new Core Skylanders characters and reposed fan-favorite Skylanders characters. The game also features a variety of elementally aligned Traps with unique and interesting designs. With every addition to their Trap Team collection, Portal Masters unlock exciting gameplay possibilities within each level.

Fans can pre-order Skylanders Trap Team starting on April 23, with special offers available at select retail destinations worldwide. Skylanders Trap Team will be available on Xbox 360 and Xbox One video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo’s Wii system, Nintendo’s Wii U system, and a completely unique adventure available on the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system. The game will be available on October 5 in North America; October 2 in Australia/New Zealand; and October 10 in Europe.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

Doc McStuffins Mobile Clinic DVD Review

Doc McStuffins Mobile DVD art
Doc McStuffins Mobile DVD art

doc

 

Recently I had the pleasure of checking out Doc McStuffins: Mobile Clinic on DVD, well not me but my little Doc of the house. My daughter is a HUGE fan of the show and Disney was nice enough to send along a gift set with our review copy of Doc McStuffins – Mobile Clinic. Before I get into my review can I just say that Otoscope has to be my daughters favorite toy. She has so much fun playing with that especially right before bed. I will post a picture of the gift set Disney sent below.

Here is some info about this Disney Junior DVD release:

Doc McStuffins is back to save the day and this time, she is mobile! After building a mobile clinic with her dad, Doc is able to make house calls to help toys in need when she’s away from her own backyard clinic. The Doc Mobile comes equipped with everything she needs to fix toys good as new.

Released on Tuesday, March 18, the “Doc McStuffins: Mobile Clinic” DVD comes packaged with five song-filled episodes and includes a FREE “Doc McStuffins” reusable tote bag.

Doc McStuffins: Mobile Clinic DVD has 5 episodes on the disc which is perfect for the car. Here is what is on the disc.

  • 1 – Doc McStuffins Goes McMobile / Chip Off the Ol’ Box
  • 2 – Doc to The Rescue / Don’t Knock the Noggin
  • 3 – Out of The Box / Run Down Race Car
  • 4 – Rescue Rhonda, Ready For Takeoff / All Washed Up
  • 5 – Rest Your Rotors, Rhonda! / Keep on Truckin’

While not really new; these episodes play well together and fall under the Mobile Clinic umbrella. I would have liked to see a longer Doc McStuffins Goes McMobile episode and then 4 regular shows on the DVD. I mean we can’t have too much Doc at our house.  How about you?

It was pretty cool how they squeezed a little tote bag in the DVD which my youngest uses it to carry here otoscope around with her. For the price, this is not a bad buy for fans of the show. We have seen all the shows already as we watch Doc every night. The Disney Junior DVD’s usually stay in the car as they are quick, easy and make great travel DVD’s.

I would rate this the same as I did with Sofia the First I did last week. Check it out…

If you have a little Doc of the house I would run out and get your copy today, and don’t forget to pick up an otoscope too!

doc

Disney’s Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest For A Chance To Win $1 Million

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MillionDollarArm52c1c3a216828

MillionDollarArm52c1c3a216828

ENTER DISNEY’S MILLION DOLLAR ARM PITCHING CONTEST FOR  A CHANCE TO WIN $1 MILLION.

Can you throw a 100 mph strike?  Do you have a great arm?  Then don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to win $1 million dollars.

Disney is offering amateur baseball pitchers a chance to compete in the Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest.   Male and Female baseball pitchers who are legal US residents and 18 years old or older can try out for a chance to make it into the Qualifying Rounds of the Million dollar Arm Pitching Contest at one of the following locations:  Walt Disney World®Resort in Florida,  Disneyland® Resort in California or Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day at the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City.

The Dates and times for this incredible opportunity are listed below:

Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif.:  April 25 and 267 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida at Walt Disney World®:  April 25 and 267 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day at the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City: April 26 only, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Below is a description of the events that will be offered each day:

  • During the Qualifying Rounds, contestants will throw three pitches, each tracked by a radar gun, in an attempt to throw the fastest pitch.
  • All participants in the Qualifying Rounds will receive tickets for themselves and a guest to see an advance screening of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” at an AMC Theatres location later that evening.
  • The top three eligible pitchers with the fastest pitches from each Qualifying Round location will be selected as finalists and flown with his or her guest to compete for the $1 million in the final contest, which will take place at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” in Hollywood, Calif., on May 6, 2014. In the final contest, each eligible finalist will have three pitches to throw one 100 mph strike to become a potential winner of the $1 million grand prize.
  • The nine finalists and their guests will be VIPs at the world premiere of “Million Dollar Arm” in Hollywood, Calif., on May 6, 2014, along with stars, filmmakers, major league players, coaches, scouts and celebrities.

If a chance to win $1 million dollars isn’t enough of a dream come true, the nine finalists will also receive gifts, including a $500 gift package from Rawlings, a $250 gift certificate from Under Armour and tickets to the ESPY Awards. and   JB Bernstein himself will offer the fastest pitcher of the nine finalists – whether they win the $1 million or not – the opportunity to be discovered and sign a contract with his management companySeven Figures Management.

Special guest stars will be a part of the events.  In Orlando – Tom “Flash” Gordon (3-time MLB All Star, World Series Champion and 1998 Saves Champion) and in Anaheim –  7-foot center for the Orlando Magic, Nikola Vucevic, who was a first round draft pick out of USC. Vucevic will actually enter the contest to pitch.

Don’t miss your chance to qualify for a chance to win $1 million dollars.  Join me at DTD in California on Saturday for all the exciting action.

My name is Loretta and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. as well as a Travel Agent for Destinations in Florida. As the preferred Earmarked Travel Agency for Chip and Co, I would be happy to answer your questions or help plan your next Amazing Magical Adventures to the Disney Parks.   Email me at [email protected] for a free quote.