Discover Nature with Disneynature Explore App

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April 2, 2014

Nature enthusiasts can now explore the outdoors from the comfort of their own home with Disneynature Explore. It’s a new augmented reality app available from the Apple App Store, and best of all it’s free.

It’s release coincides with Earth Month and the release of Disneynature’s latest theatrical movie, Bears, Disneynature Explore combines an augmented reality experience with fun animal-behavior game play.

When the app’s augmented reality features are used, 3D animals will appear in the live camera view of the device, taking kids on adventures in their own backyards or neighborhoods. In the activities kids will be able to catch salmon like a brown bear and follow tracks to find her bear cub, hunt a warthog with a lion, view the world from the eyes of a monarch butterfly, fish for termites like a chimpanzee and more.

Disneynature Explore features five animal adventures, each with four unique challenges.

Through player sound recognition, kids will be able to interact directly with the animals they see on their screens. Kids can take photos of each adventure and then add them to their Disneynature Journal.

Disneynature Explore features:

Exciting 3D animal animation, sound effects and player sound recognition

Target colors and objects in the view of the mobile device to explore the environment

Disneynature Journal to store pictures of each adventure and track progress

Disneynature video clips of real animals featured in the app, including the brown bears from Disneynature BEARS in theaters on April 18th

Photo missions to extend a family’s engagement with nature

A parents’ page that includes suggestions for outdoor play

Virtual Disneynature pins awarded throughout gameplay

Spanish language option

No in-app purchases or third-party advertising

Disneynature Explore requires iOS7 or higher and is compatible with iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPod 5, iPad 2 and iPhone 4 and above only. You can download it here http://appstore.com/disneynatureexplore.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Check out these Easter Savings for your next Disney Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 2, 2014

Easter is right around the corner, and what’s better than spending the holiday with Mickey and Minnie and the rest of the gang? We have rounded up our weekly discounts to make stuffing that basket with a trip to Walt Disney World just a little bit easier for the “Easter Bunny” to manage.

Walt Disney World^® Resort

Free Tickets & Great Prices on Memorial Weekend: Are you ready to spend 24 hours at the Magic Kingdom Park? Take advantage of special group prices, making our rates the lowest you will find over this popular holiday weekend. Plus, book at least a 2 Day ticket and you get a free ticket to visit the Disney Water Parks or DisneyQuest. You can only book this deal with Destinations in Florida.
Affordable Package with Room & Dining: One of the most expensive parts of a Disney vacation are the tickets! Save money and enjoy all of the other fun at the Disney with a Ticketless Package. Book this new package with your hotel and one of the Disney Dining Plans, without the addition of tickets.
Save up to 35% off Disney Resorts: Planning a summer vacation to Disney World? Now is the time to book your trip with savings up to 35% off the Disney Resort hotels. These discounts run June 15-August 28. Hurry, these discounts will sell out quickly!
Free Day to Play at the Disney Theme Parks: Buy 6 or more tickets for your family or friends with the 4-Day, 5-Day, 6-Day, 7-Day, 8-Day, or 9-Day tickets and you will get an extra day free. Imagine another day to ride Splash Mountain or another day to get pictures with Mickey Mouse! If you are visiting together, order your tickets together to save money! Must book by June 14.
Free Memory Maker to Cherish Your Disney World Moments: Imagine capturing your favorite pictures from your Disney World vacation! You can do that with Disney’s Memory Maker. Book a package from August 15-September 30 for at least 3 nights with 2-Day tickets and get the new Memory Maker free. Prices start from just $899 plus tax for a family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort.
Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels: Savings apply for stays most nights March 31, 2014 – April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014. Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE! Visit Destinations in Florida for more details.
Florida Resident Rates: Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through May 29, 2014. Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks. Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27^th, 2014. Thank you for serving our country.

Disneyland® Resort

New! Save Up to 20% Off Your Hotel: Visit Sunday through Thursday nights from April 20-June 8, 2014 and save up to 20% off your hotel. Hurry, this discount ends by May 8, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line®

Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military: Take advantage of special deals from $135 per person per night plus tax/port charges for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military. Special cruises are available for select dates this spring.
Last Minute Restricted Deals: If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.
Canadian Resident Deal: If you are a Canadian Resident, you can enjoy 20% off select rates on the May 24, 2014 Alaska sailing departing from Vancouver, Canada. Take advantage of this special deal, just for you!

Aulani Hawaii

Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit: Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation. Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.

Book your family memories today with Destinations in Florida!

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!

“Once Upon A Time in Wonderland” Cancelled by ABC

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2014

Sadly, ABC has cancelled Once Upon A Time in Wonderland. The finale will air Thursday at 8/7c.

A promo after the last episode did say that next week’s episode will be the series finale. The series was originally supposed to be a miniseries intended to bridge the gap between seasons of the original series. The producers said they were open to second season but the ratings just didn’t cut it.

Shark Tank will take over that time slot for one week. Then repeats of Grey’s Anatomy will air.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Art Of Animation: Exploring Disney’s Newest Resort

By

Catie

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April 1, 2014

I love exploring all the different Disney Resorts – they all offer something special and unique, and WDW’s newest Value Resort – The Art of Animation Resort – is no different. It is beautiful – and I was lucky enough to get to stay there recently, which means that I can now share all the reasons why it’s a great place to stay!

The Lowdown: The Resort opened in phases beginning in May of 2012 and the final Resort sections were opened in September of 2012. The resort contains almost 2,000 family suite type rooms, as well as 864 standard rooms. This is something new for Disney- having a Resort made up mostly of family suites is something they haven’t done before – but it definitely makes sense to create this type of Resort as it will entice even more families to come and stay on WDW property. The cost of the standard rooms ranges from $100-$200 per night while the family suites range from $175-$440 per night (the cost is dependent upon the time of year you are visiting). The theming of the Resort is based on the Art of Disney Animation, and features sections themed after 4 Disney movies: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King

The Décor: The Resort celebrates Disney Animation and the intense work it takes animators to create, draw, and make a character really come to life. The lobby is full of amazing sketches and colors, and the 4 movies that the Resort is themed after are all featured in the entryway as well as in the Landscape of Flavors food court area. The Lion King, Cars, The Little Mermaid, and Finding Nemo all have their own area of the Resort – and the theming is carried out through the play areas, pools, rooms, bathrooms, beds…you basically feel like you really are “Under The Sea” with Ariel, or hanging out in Radiator Springs with Tow Mator and Lightning McQueen!

The Rooms: The Little Mermaid section of rooms are all ‘standard’ – meaning they contain 1 king or 2 double beds with a sitting area and bathroom. The majority of the Resort is family suites, which each have 2 bathrooms, a master bedroom, and a living space which contains a pull out couch as well as a table that converts to a bed. They sleep up to 6 guests, and they also have a mini kitchenette with a microwave, sink, coffee maker, and small refrigerator. These suites really are great for a family with a few kids who wants to have some extra space and privacy, and the kitchenette would allow you to even eat meals in your room which can be a huge money saver

Bring Your Swimsuit: The Art Of Animation Resort has 3 pools, one in the Little Mermaid section, one in the Cars section, and the main pool “The Big Blue Pool” is Finding Nemo themed, and it also features a pool bar aptly named the “Drop Off Pool Bar”. The Big Blue Pool tends to be the most crowded, but it is arguably the best – you can hear Nemo and friends talk to you underwater, and there’s also wet and dry play areas to enjoy

Don’t Forget Your Appetite: This newest Value Resort offers similar dining options to the other Resorts in its category, but with a twist – the Landscape Of Flavors Food Court offers some dishes we haven’t seen at Disney before – and boy are they delicious! From make your own smoothies and a gelato station, to the tandoor ovens that bake delicious Mongolian fare like fresh naan, roasted chicken and sausage – they really are trying some new things here, and I have to say – I love it! The standard burgers/pizza/pasta/sandwiches are available here too, as well as a create your own salad option, and pre-packaged items for on the go meals too. Personally I loved everything I tried here – from the chicken sausage breakfast burger, to the Mongolian sausage platter, to the cheesy pesto bread – it was all freshly made and delicious

There is plenty to love about Disney’s newest Resort – from the food to the rooms and theme – oh and did I mention it’s also a great value? I highly encourage you to consider staying at the Art Of Animation Resort on your next Disney trip – you’ll be glad you did!

Tables in Wonderland Members Flip For This Cirque du Soleil Offer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2014

OK I’ll admit it. I’ve lived in Orlando all of my life and have never seen La Nouba by Cirque de Soleil. It’s pretty scandalous for me to share this “embarrassing secret” with my Disney friends…but it’s true. I sent my parents for their anniversary once – but could never justify the cost of going just for myself. I have to tell you though, this brand new deal has me considering my investment once again, and I am excited to share it with you today. Disney just released an email to all Tables in Wonderland Members to let us know we can enjoy discounted tickets to La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney West Side starting at just $49, plus tax! Now that’s a deal to flip for!

Discounts are available April 1-May 10 and May 27- June 28, 2014 for performances on Tuesdays-Saturdays. Category 3 seating will run you just $49 plus tax, with Category 2 being just a bit more at $69 plus tax. You can call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328) or get your tickets online up to 30 days in advance of show date.

Here is the fine print:

– Advance purchase recommended

– Tickets and seating are subject to availability

Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to show times

Tables in Wonderland Members may purchase tickets for themselves and up to (5) Guests

– Savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same Category Ticket

– Tickets are available for pickup at the La Nouba Box Office Will Call window

Offer is not valid for previously purchased tickets, gift certificates, or with any other discounts

Must show current, valid Tables in Wonderland card to receive discount, when tickets are picked up at La Nouba Box Office Will Call window.

So what do you think? Will you be taking advantage of this awesome deal? Who knows? I just might see you there!

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Tables in Wonderland Event

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2014

Epcot Flower and Garden Logo

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is known for it’s beautiful flowers and topiaries. Well it is more than just the plants and flowers. The festival has outdoor kitchens, live bands, and some unique merchandise. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday nights during the Flower & Garden festival you can enjoy some live music from the 60’s and 70’s during the Flower Power Concert Series.

Tables in Wonderland will celebrate the Flower & Garden Festival on April 19th! The evening will begin at Epcot’s World ShowPlace Events Pavilion, where there will be tasty food samplings. After dinner you will get reserved seating at the Flower Power Concert Series featuring The Grass Roots, best known for their song “Midnight Confessions”!

Timeline

5:30pm – Outdoor Kitchen themed Buffet Dinner at East Hall, World ShowPlace Events Pavilion

7:15pm – Move to America Gardens Theatre

8:00 pm – Reserved seats for The Grass Roots show at the Flower Power Concert Series

Menu

Station 1

Florida Fresh – Watermelon Salad with pickled Onions, BW Farm Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

Florida Fresh – Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro

Station 2

Buttercup Cottage- Field Greens with Plant City Strawberries, Toasted Almonds and Farmstead Stilton

Urban Farm EATS- Land-Grown Eggplant “Scallop” with Romesco Sauce and Spaghetti Squash

Station 3

The Smokehouse: Barbeque and Brews – Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw

The Smokehouse: Barbeque and Brews – Smoked Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeño Corn Bread

Station 4

The Smokehouse: Barbeque and Brews – “Piggylicous” Bacon Cupcake with Maple Frosting and Pretzel Crunch featuring Nueske’s® Applewood Smoked Bacon

Florida Fresh – Florida Kumquat Pie

Buttercup Cottage – Fresh Baked Lemon Scones with Berry Preserves and Crème Fraîche

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available around the room, featuring select Festival Beverages

For reservations, visit www.disneyurl.com/TIWAprilSpecialEvent for self-booking and instant confirmation. The website will be up and running on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 10:00am.

Guest Policies

The event is limited to 240 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.
You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Four Seasons at Disney Holds Upcoming Career Fair

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2014

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will host a career fair in preparation for its August 2014 opening. Interview opportunities will be available for front desk, recreation, spa, pool, restaurant/culinary, security, engineering and more. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is seeking passionate, energetic, service-driven employees who enjoy exceeding guests’ expectations.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is a world-renowned company dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Opening this August 2014, lakeside Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located just five miles from the Magic Kingdom® Park and four miles from Epcot. Accommodations include 444 guest rooms, including 68 suites. In addition to its five restaurants, the Resort will include a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course; an 18-treatment-room Spa; a five acre (two hectare) water park complete with lazy river, two water slides, and an interactive splash pad; an adult-only pool; three Har-tru tennis courts; and much more.

Monday, April 28, 2014 and Tuesday, April 29, 2014
8:30 am to 5:30 pm each day

On Monday, April 28, 2014 the Career Fair will focus on the following positions:

Cooks
Bartenders
Restaurant Servers
Pool Servers
Restaurant Assistant Servers
Restaurant Hosts/Hostesses
In-Room Dining Servers
Banquet Servers
Banquet Set-Up Staff
Purchasing/Receiving Staff

On Tuesday, April 29, 2014 the Career Fair will focus on the following positions:

Call Center Specialists
Front Desk Agents
Concierge Staff
Bell Staff
Door Staff
Recreation/Pool Attendants
Children’s Program Attendants
Spa Therapists
Spa Attendants
Salon Attendants
Fitness/Yoga Instructors
Pool Attendants
Engineering Staff
Security Staff
Note: Applicants should attend the career fair only on the day for which position/department they are interested in interviewing for. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will not be accepting applications for general housekeeping, transportation, valet or laundry positions.

The fair will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, North Concourse (facing Universal Boulevard) at 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32819. Parking is available; note the Convention Center charges USD 9.00 per car.

No appointments are required or are being accepted; applicants will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis upon arrival at the Career Fair. Applicants are encouraged to have a minimum of 18 months’ hospitality experience and to bring with them a current resume and a list of work-related references. Following the career fair, follow-up interviews will be extended to a pool of selected candidates. Telephone inquiries pertaining to the career fair are not being accepted by the Resort. If an interested applicant cannot attend the Career Fair, jobs that are not filled will be posted online at www.jobs.fourseasons.com. Applicants are encouraged to follow the Resort’s social media platforms for postings related to the Career Fair: Facebook and Twitter @FSOrlando.

For 17 years in a row, Four Seasons has been named by its employees to FORTUNE magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. It is one of only 13 organizations to have the distinction of being recognized every year since the list’s inception in 1998. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified by its employees – people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service.

In total, after the approximately 500 people to be hired through the job fair and taking into consideration management transfers and employees sourced from local staffing agencies, Four Seasons Resort Orlando will employ more than 900 team members.

Disney World to cancel Wishes for new Nighttime show

By

Chip

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April 1, 2014

Reports are coming in that this spring Disney World is going to be cancelling Wishes Nighttime Spectacular.

“Wishes” tells a richly emotional tale about making a wish come true, using classic Disney songs and character voices accompanied by meticulously choreographed fireworks. Presented most nights, “Wishes” is several times larger than “Fantasy in the Sky,” the previous fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, and roughly five minutes longer.

Replacing Wishes will be all all new fireworks show featuring the Muppets, and will be hosted by Sam Eagle. This new show is a salute to all nations but mostly America and will be sponsored by Glock.

The date of the change over is supposed to take place to coincide with the Grand Opening of the Seven Dwarf Mine Train this spring.

Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details…

I am glad to see the change. Wishes has to be Disney’s least favorite Fireworks Presentation according to some Disney Addicts. I want to hear what you think about the change. Are you glad to see Wishes go? Let us know in the comment box below.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Opening Week Discounts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 1, 2014

Universal Studios newest resort Cabana Bay Beach Resort opened on March 31st and what better way to celebrate than by saving money on your reservations.

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.

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.

Orlando Attraction Ticket Discounts

Kids Eat Free Card: Save money on over 100 different restaurants in Orlando from the quick serve restaurants like McDonald’s to sit down restaurants like Nascar Cafe at Universal CityWalk. Purchase the Kids Eat Free Card and receive a free child’s meal with any adult meal at select restaurants. Click here for more details and to purchase this special card.
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 Destinations in Florida

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!

Anyone see Mariah Carrey at WDW? Neither did I but her bewbs were there. She released that on her Instagram

Chip & Co Disneyland Resort Pros Give You Their Best Tips for Your Next Disneyland Vacation

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 31, 2014

As spring approaches, you may be starting to plan your summer trip to Disneyland Resort. To help you, Chip & Co brings you two of its Disneyland Resort pros, Loretta and Katherine, to give you a list of their favorite places not to be missed.

What’s your favorite character meal?

(Loretta) – Ariel’s Grotto or Goofy’s Kitchen

(Katherine) – Goofy’s Kitchen, hands down for the characters, but I think Storytellers Café has slightly better food.

What’s your favorite table service meal?

(Loretta) – Carthay Circle

(Katherine) – Napa Rose, but Carthay Circle is a very close second

What’s your favorite quick service meal?

(Loretta) – Boudin Bakery

(Katherine) – The French Market

What is your favorite on-park hotel?

(Loretta) – Disneyland Hotel

(Katherine) – Disneyland Hotel

What is your favorite off-park hotel?

(Loretta) – Fairfield Inn – Mariott

(Katherine) – The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton

Do you prefer to stay on or off-park?

(Loretta) – On park, for sure.

(Katherine) – I agree. I love never having to leave the magic while on vacation.

Where is the best place for breakfast?

(Loretta) – Boudin bakery

(Katherine) – Steakhouse 55 or Tangaora Terrace. Both are at the Disneyland Hotel.

Best Place for dinner?

(Loretta) – Carthay Circle

(Katherine) – For just an ordinary dinner, nothing too fancy, I love Café Orleans or Big Thunder Ranch BBQ.

Best dessert?

(Loretta) – Personally, Mickey bar, but also the Ghirardelli sundaes. Another one would be over by Pooh’s meet and greet – the gift shop has a tiny corner full of treats.

(Katherine) – I could eat my weight in Matterhorn Macaroons. We also love stopping at the Jazz Kitchen Express in Downtown Disney on our way back to the hotel each night for their beignets.

Best Downtown Disney restaurant?

(Loretta) – Naples / Rainforest Cafe

(Katherine) – La Brea Bakery for sit down, Earl of Sandwich for quick service.

What is your favorite activity for kids?

(Loretta) – Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, Jedi Training Academy

(Katherine) – Studio Disney 365 and Wilderness Explorer Camp

What is your favorite splurge?

(Loretta) – Mickey Ice Cream Bar and Sour dough Bread bowl

(Katherine) – Dessert tray that comes with the Fantasmic premium viewing package.

Loretta’s best tip or trick:

Stop to enjoy the view – don’t rush through all the attractions – enjoy all the magic of Walt that can be seen or felt in the park.

Katherine’s best tip or trick:

You’re only going to be as happy as the youngest in your party. If you’re bringing a baby or toddler, make sure you plan for a nap, or at least a long, steady break in the park for them to rest. Riding the Disneyland Railroad for a while or finding a quiet corner in the Animator’s Courtyard in the Disney Animation Building are two great places for an improvised nap.

What do you think of their choices? Let us know and share your tips!

Remember, our friends over at Destinations in Florida can help you with all of your Disneyland Resort travel needs. Contact them for a free quote.

“Family Game Night” will Feature Celebrities and Their Families

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 31, 2014

“Family Game Night” is returning for a 5th season. For the first time they will have celebrities and their families to join the fun. Celebrity contestants will play games based on classic Hasbro brands. The money they win will be donated to the charity of their choice.

“Family Game Night” is hosted by Todd Newton. It is a one-hour game show in which families of varying sizes are picked from the audience to compete for a chance to win cash and prizes. The flagship series has been showing families playing together since the 2010 launch of the Hub Network.

Production for the 5th season is supposed to begin in June with an air date set for the summer of 2014. The series will return with the classic, action-packed life-sized Hasbro games like, Jenga, Monopoly, and Yahtzee.

Every family that participates on “Family Game Night” plays in the Community Chest round. One lucky family with the combination that opens the chest advances to the final Monopoly Crazy Cash round and has a chance to win cash and a new car.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration Includes a Sea of Surprises

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

March 31, 2014

Since I grew up here in Orlando – I can remember visiting SeaWorld many times as a child. As an adult I was able to spend lots of summer days there with my boys while they were growing up, due to the fact that annual passes have always been pretty affordable.

It was a great way to spend time together, have fun, and as a bonus we learned lots of interesting things we may never have known about various forms of sea life. To this day my older son still has his collection of plush penguins, and his YouTube user name even reflects his appreciation for these flightless aquatic birds. SeaWorld Orlando really made an impression on my children, just as it has on me. I had not had a chance to go back for many years however, so I was really excited to attend SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration media event here in Orlando on behalf of Chip and Company. The park was still recognizable to me in many ways, but there is just so much more to see and do than there used to be. Sea World’s 50th Celebration Sea of Surprises is a great example of this. The party is going to last for 18-months and really seems to have breathed new life into the park. If you are planning on visiting any time soon – here’s what you will have to look forward to:

As you enter and exit the park in Orlando, be sure to take a moment to check out the gorgeous new paint job on the iconic lighthouse.

SeaWorld is known for amazing animal shows and each park around the country will have something new for the 50th celebration. Even park pathways will come to life with spontaneous entertainment at unexpected moments, including performers with sea-inspired costumes and props, a splash mob, or even a bubble brigade (like this one!) that welcomed us in to the park. (Surprise!)

(

SeaWorld guests are often greeted by an animal ambassador, many of whom were orphaned or injured in the wild and given a second chance thanks to the SeaWorld Rescue Team. Sometimes domesticated animals need a new home too. During my visit, this miniature horse, who was just recently rescued, was getting acquainted with sights and sounds of the guests.

During SeaWorld’s 50th you will have the chance to take part new interactive experiences, shows and pathway performances. There will also be more up-close animal encounters throughout the park.

A new nighttime Shamu Show is debuting at all three SeaWorld parks this year. It began on March 8 at SeaWorld San Antonio, March 21 at SeaWorld San Diego, and on June 21st we will see that new show at SeaWorld Orlando. In addition to the new iconic Shamu show, the parks have new entertainment elements including a 50th Celebration theme for the ski show at SeaWorld San Antonio and a new Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation show at SeaWorld Orlando.

There will be more surprise encounters with animal ambassadors throughout the day. A pair of Magellanic penguins, a lemur, or even a parade of flamingos could surprise guests at any moment at all three SeaWorld locations.

The SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” will roam the SeaWorld parks on a daily basis giving away prizes and special gifts. You will know them by their bright tie-dye style outfits. Guests could receive exclusive access to rides or behind-the-scenes experiences, celebration t-shirts or Shamu-themed merchandise, reserved show seating and more.

SewWorld is excited to share the wonder of close-up encounters with animal friends. They also show us how they care for our natural world at the all-new SEA Garden! SeaWorld commissioned environmental art group Washed Ashore for a collection of larger-than-life sea-themed sculptures – many weighing more than half a ton. The materials used to create these pieces come from the billions of pounds of garbage – mostly plastics – that wind up the ocean. These works of art are really fascinating. I could have gazed at them for hours.

As part of its continuing commitment to new technology that enhances the guest experience, SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration will also include new ways for fans to connect to the parks and each other though digital devices. The parks will be launching a variety of enhancements, from interactive apps that provide fun new ways to experience the park – to new games and video content.

All of this and more will just be additions to many fantastic shows, attractions, and new things to do at SeaWorld!

I hope you get a chance to check out SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration and the Sea of Surprises, and that you will enjoy the festivities as much as I did. Let us know about all your favorite experiences and animal encounters in this beautiful iconic park!