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Disney Legends and Luminaries Celebrate Theme Park Favorites at D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind

March 29, 2014

D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort. D23 will bring the best of Disney together to celebrate favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images along with some vintage video clips. There will also be a full day of presentations about the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.

The New York World’s Fair was where It’s a Small World and the Carousel of Progress made their debut.

Presenters and panelists include:

Marty Sklar
Bob Gurr
Alice Davis
Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline
Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley.
More to be announced later

During the event weekend, guests will be able to explore an exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels.

Highlights of D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind:

Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event

Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be

Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions

That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets will be available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time.

Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

runDisney New Packet Pick Up Procedures

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 28, 2014

Recently runDisney announced some changed to their packet pick up for race events. In previous events you could designate someone to pick up your race day packet as long as they had the proper documentation. The new policy put a stop to this and stated that only the runner could pick up their packet. There seems to a big problem with people buying bibs in runDisney events that get sold out and then selling them after market for a large profit, Disney wanted to put a stop to this. This caused a major uproar throughout the runDisney community for a number reasons, the main one travel. They were including runDisney events that had already opened for registration, were booked or even sold out. Which means there were quite a few people who had already booked their flights and it not include coming in a day early for packet pick up, instead they were having a friend or family member retrieve them. I personally was able to pick up a client’s race day packet since her plane did not land in enough time to retrieve her bib for the following morning. According to the runDisney blog today..

“We recently updated the Packet Pick-Up Policy for all runDisney events. In listening to your feedback after runDisney.com was updated, we understand it has caused travel concerns for some of our upcoming events that were already on sale or sold out.

To help you plan for these upcoming events and address your concerns around travel, we have delayed the implementation of the new policy for events that are already publicly on-sale.”

The original Packet Pick-Up Policy will remain in effect for all runDisney events that have already opened for registration which includes

Expedition Everest Challenge
Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler Weekend
Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Starting on March 25th with the opening registration of the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort in November the new Packet Pick-Up Policy will take affect. The policy will remain in effect for all future runDisney events.

Previously runDisney did not have (a published) race day packet pick up area. Rumor is with this new policy they will be having one, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Don’t forget to check out our Chip and Co Run Disney Addicts Page for all the latest updates, news, running tips and our next event.

Email me (or call me at 832-233-4468) and I would love to help you plan your trip to make sure you are at future events in time for the packet pic up ! At Destinations in Florida, as an Earmark agency we make it our job to make your vacation worry free. Contact me today and I can get started as your free personal travel assistant.

Taking Guests’ Vacations to an All-New Level With New Website, Mobile App, FastPass+ and Magicbands

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 28, 2014

MyMagic+ is reshaping the Walt Disney World Resort vacation experience in ways that will make it more customized, more magical and easier than ever for guests to create lasting memories with their families and friends.

Guests will be able to design the Disney vacation they want – personalizing everything from at-home planning to in-park experiences to capturing memories to share and relive. MyMagic+ takes renowned Disney guest service to a new level — more customized, more seamless and aimed at delivering the best Disney World experience ever.

“MyMagic+ is a fantastic new way for our guests to experience even more of the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation,” said Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vision is simple: To be the most trusted provider of shared family travel and leisure experiences throughout the world. And with MyMagic+ we are taking that experience to a new level.”

As the “test and adjust” phase continues to ensure every aspect is ready for guests, three major components will help define MyMagic+:

MyDisneyExperience.com

The already-popular new web site MyDisneyExperience.com and free mobile app provide Walt Disney World vacationers the ease of one-stop shopping for every aspect of their vacation. They can plan as much or as little as they wish – right from their home computer, tablet or smartphone. In creating their own personal guide to the magic, guests access their most valued experiences and get assistance along every step of the way to make those must-do’s a reality. There is even the option of making changes on the go.

My Disney Experience features for guests include:

Complete information about Walt Disney World Resort attractions, experiences, dining and resort hotels becomes easier than ever to access.
Interactive maps, videos, itinerary tools and more, all in one easy place.
The ability to lock in some of their must-do experiences in advance through FastPass+. Make show, ride, fireworks or parade viewing or Disney Character Greeting reservations in advance or on the day of their visit. With no worries about experiencing favorite attractions and shows, everyone can relax and focus on their time together.
Find restaurants of every flavor (more than 80 to choose from) and make dining reservations direct from their mobile app or MyDisneyExperience.com
Connect with family and friends to coordinate plans and share photos.
Access all Walt Disney World Resort details from a smart phone, tablet or other portable device. Now, guests can take their Disney vacation with them and have the plans they created at home – along with interactive maps, character moments, dining reservations and wait times – at their fingertips as real-time info.

Disney FastPass+

For the first time, Disney-bound guests can reserve their special slice of Disney magic right from home. With a simple click of the mouse on MyDisneyExperience.com guests will be able to select up to three FastPass+ experiences at one park per day.
The menu of choices is bigger and better than ever. In fact, more than double the number of experiences will be available as FastPass+ choices. Depending on the park selected, guests can secure not only their spot on Space Mountain, Soarin’, Expedition Everest or Toy Story Midway Mania! and many other choices, but the date and time as well. And for the first time, by using FastPass+ guests will also be able to reserve Disney Character Greetings, fireworks and parade viewing areas, shows and spectaculars.
Not sure where to start? Disney will recommend FastPicks, a set of three FastPass+ selections to get guests started.
Selections can be changed at any time until they are redeemed. When an experience is unavailable, an alert on the My Disney Experience mobile app will notify the guest.
Access to FastPass+ is included in theme park admission for all Walt Disney World guests.

MagicBand

MagicBand, an innovative and colorful wristband, is an all-in-one device that effortlessly connects guests to all the vacation choices they made online with My Disney Experience.
It’s a room key, theme park ticket and optional payment system rolled into one. With just the touch of their MagicBand, guests can enter the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and water parks (ticket required), enter their Disney Resort hotel room, purchase food and merchandise and experience Disney Character Greetings.
The MagicBand also provides FastPass+ access so guests can walk right onto their favorite attraction or other experience during the time they pre-selected. MagicBand technology also connects the guest to Disney’s PhotoPass+.
MagicBands consist of hypoallergenic material that is flexible, durable, waterproof and comfortable to wear. Easily scaled to fit any user, it has ridges that help air circulate between the band and the wrist.
Extensive measures are in place to protect the privacy of guests and the security of the personal information they choose to share. MagicBands store no personal information – each contains only a randomly assigned code that securely links to an encrypted database and associates the guest’s MagicBand or card with the Disney experiences they’ve selected.
MagicBands can be disabled remotely if lost or stolen.
MagicBands are mailed to families well ahead of their departure date or waiting for them at their Disney Resort hotel. Mom, dad and the kids can each choose the color of their individual wristband right at home, with seven colors to choose from: pink, blue, green, red, gray, orange, yellow. Bands can be personalized with the family member’s name etched inside it.

Questions about MagicBands? Need dining options? How about great suggestions for how to spend your time in the parks and get the most out of your Disney trip? Carrie is always ready to walk alongside of you to create a magical vacation for you and your family. She is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida-an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and the preferred agency of Chip and Co. Contact her at [email protected] to get your magical Disney trip booked and planned!

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for Your Next Cruise

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 28, 2014

Are you planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation? If so, you’ll want to be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before your Disney Cruise Line vacation! This handy app will keep you up to date with all the entertainment and activities happening throughout your magical cruise vacation! You can now use this app if you are sailing on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Magic. The app will be available for the Disney Wonder sometime soon, too.

You can download the free Disney Cruise Line Navigator app in the Apple App Store if you have an iOS device or in the Google Play Store if you have an Android device anytime before your cruise. Once you arrive on-board the ship and connect to the WiFi (which happens to be complimentary for this app), you will be able to enjoy your vacation more than ever before!

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app includes up-to-date information about:

Character experiences
Deck Parties
Dining
Entertainment
Live shows
Nightclubs and lounges
Ports of call
Spa services
Shopping
Youth clubs

With the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, you will be able to see what’s happening every minute of every day, save your favorite activities in a convenient list, and even explore the ship!

Have you heard about the Chip and Co Land and Sea package this fall? We will be at the Walt Disney World Resort October 11-16, 2014 and then on a 3-night Bahamian Cruise October 16-19, 2014! You can enjoy exclusive events just for our fans. Plus, we have discounted rates that you won’t find anywhere else! Contact me for details!

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

Top 5 Reasons Theme Park Fans Will Love Kings Bowl Orlando

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 28, 2014

Recently the awesome folks at Kings Bowl Orlando contacted me about coming in for a visit, and I have posted a disclaimer about this at the bottom of this post. Kings Bowl Orlando is a retro-style bowling alley, full-service lounge and restaurant, swanky bar and entertainment center all rolled into one 30,000 square foot building! Here are your top 5 reasons theme park fans will love Kings Bowling Orlando.

5. Appreciation for sights and sound! The focus is on classic, retro-inspired décor. From the moment you step inside Kings Orlando, you are greeted by a hip, retro-inspired vibe that makes you enjoy navigating between a friendly evening at the lanes, great food in the restaurant, and so much more. From the start, Kings set out to create a unique and memorable entertainment experience by emphasizing world-class food, cold beer, creative cocktails, cutting edge technology, and great music. The first Kings opened its doors in 2003 in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay, with a goal to focus on recapturing and rekindling the fun and escape of bowling which had faded since its heyday. The 1950’s and 1960’s are considered to be the golden age of bowling and Kings’ award-winning design and décor captures this nostalgic feeling, while adding modern twists.

Modern music comes from the 150 speakers and a state-of- the-art sound system that is placed perfectly – so that you won’t hear the people in the bar singing karaoke – and they won’t hear the music coming from other areas. Check out this sound system!

4. Theme park enthusiasts appreciate a wide variety of things to do in one place – and Kings has you covered. Let’s start with the obvious – the bowling! There are no less than 22 ten-pin ultramodern bowling lanes.

You can book parties and birthday celebrations inside the jaw-dropping private bowling and meeting spaces that are complimented by over 60 huge HDTV’s and enormous HD projector screens. The King Pin room is amazing and completely private (once you pull the curtain closed of course!)

Shuffleboard! This isn’t my grandma’s shuffleboard. This version is actually a regulation shuffleboard table. It is totally indoors, and the board is covered in sawdust. It reminded me of a grown up sandbox. Very fun!

Karaoke! There’s no video, but I may have belted out a song or two since we visited on a Thursday. Kings also has Western Wednesdays, as well as DJ’s and dancing on the weekends.

Billiards! This is just one of the four full-size tables that they have at Kings.

Outdoor bocce ball court! This is one of only a few in Central Florida – which explains why I had never heard of the game before. The guys in our group had a blast playing this game. The court can be converted to a putting green as well, and Kings has putting contests on Father’s Day each year.

Ping Pong! Now if all of this isn’t enough – I got the inside scoop on what’s coming soon to Kings Orlando. They are actually installing an area similar to the Blazing Paddles Ping Pong Palace that they have in Fenway Park. Think theater curtains and full size ping-pong tables. You will be free to send tiny white balls flying at high speeds without having to worry about the whole bending-over-to-pick-them-up part. They’ll have people walking around with special nets for that, and of course, a giant picture of Forrest Gump in all of his Ping Pong glory.

3. Proximity to theme parks! At just 15 minutes from Disney and 7 minutes from Universal and Sea World – Kings is a great place to spend an evening in Orlando if you are staying near the theme parks, but are ready for a different atmosphere. The brand new Madame Tussaud’s wax museum will be nearby as well, and the 430 foot tall Orlando Eye will be so close that Kings already has plans to put signage on their roof. That way when you look out from your air conditioned ferris wheel car you’ll know you can come in to Kings and get a discount on some bowling!

2. Great cocktails and desserts! Most theme park fans would agree that fun, creative drinks and desserts are central to any entertainment experience, and Kings has an extensive menu, as well as two separate bars. I really enjoyed sampling the Strawberry Pop Rocktini (rimmed with actual Strawberry Pop Rocks!) and the famous Gummi Bear Martini.

Crowd favorites also include the Fizzy Lifting Drink which includes dry ice for a cool, smoky effect. If you’re in the mood to share, go for the Big Baller. Priced at $150 – this drink is made for 4 or more and includes Grey Goose, white grape juice, strawberry puree with fresh strawberries and is topped with Veuve Champagne. The remaining champagne is served as a toast. Thirsty for beer on tap? Kings is equipped with tap tables. Just pre-order your beer (programmed into the digital tap) and then pour yourself a fresh glass. The tap keeps track of your usage so your server can bill you at the end of your meal. (By the way, you must be 21 or over to enter the premises after 8pm Sunday Night through Thursday Night and after 6pm on Friday & Saturday Nights. All persons must present a valid legal ID for proof of age.)

Drinks without alcohol still offer up a healthy dose of nostalgia. Wicked Awesome Milkshakes come in your choice of several flavors or you may choose to go with an old fashioned fountain soda such as a Roy Rogers, Shirley Temple, or a chocolate Coke! Desserts include triple chocolate cake with hazelnuts and creme anglaise, as well as sundaes that are all sized for sharing. My friend cheated on his normally vegan diet – and ordered a Peanut Butter Cup Sundae made with vanilla ice cream, warm peanut butter sauce, chocolate sauce, and mini peanut butter cups. Totally irresistible!

1. Food is it’s own theme park! The staff at Kings leave nothing to be desired and all of our servers were wonderful. Kings’ menu is extensive and features all kinds of fare from burgers and wings to steak, seafood and barbecue ribs.The executive chef at Kings Orlando was trained by Jasper White – who attended the James Beard Cooking School. James Beard was anointed the “Dean of American cookery” by the New York Times in 1954. All of the food is made from scratch. Even the pickles are pickled “in house”. Robert Morris, Marketing and Operations Manager said proudly, “This is not bowling alley food.”. He was so right. The Steakhouse Burger was literally the best burger I have ever had. Even if you don’t love to bowl, almost everyone can appreciate this wonderful food!

Calamari

Hummus and Veggie Plate

Steakhouse Burger

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I hope you enjoyed this list of top 5 reasons that theme park fans will love Kings Bowling Orlando, and here is a bonus! Just like most Theme Park enthusiasts, Kings mascot, Woody, enjoys a great roller-coaster. Check him out in this hilarious video! http://youtu.be/GZhN7zvrX78

*Disclaimer: My party and I were treated to free food, bowling and games at the offering of Kings Bowling Orlando. We chose to tip our servers from our own pockets for their exceptional service. Opinions expressed in this post are still mine and have not been edited or influenced by Kings Bowling Orlando in any way. I only endorse products or services that I believe are worthy of such endorsement.

Disney Infinity: Phineas and Ferb Toy Box

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 28, 2014

This was unveiled back at the 2014 American International Toy Fair a month ago, the Disney Infinity Phineas and Ferb Toy Box Pack will now be for sale nationwide starting April 1 for around $29.99.

Also, the third wave of Power Discs will also be in stores on the same day in blind packs of two for a suggested retail price of $4.99.

The new Toy Box Pack features the popular Phineas and Agent P characters from the Disney Channel series “Phineas and Ferb.” Players will be able to embark on secret spy missions and defeat enemies with Agent P’s flying fedora or Phineas’ baseball blaster and tuck n’ roll moves. Both character figures are accompanied by their own unique Adventures. In the Phineas Adventure, players are set into a giant pinball machine and challenged to create a play field where they can destroy waves of oncoming robots. In the Agent P adventure, players can participate in a top-down adventure with side-scrolling elements that pay homage to old school arcade games.

Check out the trailer:

The Phineas and Ferb Toy Box Pack will also include two new power discs to give players’ Toy Boxes a makeover. The “Tri-State Area Terrain” Texture Set and the “Danville Sky” Sky Theme will provide players with well-known location backgrounds from the show, including the Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated building and a small waterslide park invented in one of the cartoon’s episodes.

A new wave of Power Discs will also be available on April 1. The Circular Power Discs grant characters special power ups that can be used in both Play Set and Toy Box modes. Hexagonal Power Discs unlock special gadgets, vehicles and themes to allow for even more customization opportunities within Toy Box mode. Players can stack up to two Circular Power Discs or up to three Hexagonal Power Discs to optimize all the add-ons.

New Power Discs

Circular Discs:

Chernabog’s Strength – A representation of pure evil from Fantasia, you can summon the demonic power of this villain to do 3% more damage

Rapunzel‘s Healing – The magic of Rapunzel’s hair does more than make blonde locks continue to grow. Her golden hair has healing properties that can give a character 40% more health

Violet’s Force Field – The quiet daughter of The Incredibles can not only turn invisible, she can generate a force field that can reduce damage by 3%

Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat – The infamous and iconic hat from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice allows characters to gain experience at a 2% faster rate

Hexagonal Discs:

Cruella DeVille’s car – Jump in to the villain’s car from 101 Dalmations to chase after friends and foes

Disney Parks Parking Tram – This vehicle can bring back fond memories of a trip to the Disney Parks. It provides the great comedic value of driving around a parking lot tram, especially when challenging fancy racecars

Calico Helicopter – The cunning and merciless villain from Bolt is always surrounded by cats and its master strategist. Take control of Dr. Calico’s helicopter which is fully equipped with rockets to rain fire from above

Phillippe – The loyal horse from Beauty and the Beast is the trusty companion and only mode of transportation for Belle and her father Maurice. The horse is loyal, but has been known to get spooked easily

Tantor – Tantor often seems to be timid and even cowardly. However, the gentle elephant has a deep bond with his friends and is often inspired to acts of bravery

Dragon Firework Cannon – The cannon from Mulan originated in ancient China and precedes modern guns as one of the first projectile-launching weapons

Wall-E’s Fire Extinguisher – A rare toy inspired by a classic scene from WALL-E, it allows characters to use the propulsion from a fire extinguisher to hover in the air

Wall-E’s Collection – Transform the Toy Box in to the desolate wasteland that the Earth has become due to consumerism and neglect

Buy ‘N’ Large Atmosphere – The Sky Theme becomes a swirling dustbowl filled with empty buildings that are mere husks of their former glory. The most notable thing in the barren horizon are the numerous Buy ‘N’ Large signs

Toy Story Mania Blaster – The toy originates from the Toy Story Midway Mania ride in Disney Parks. Unlike the Goo Guns from the Toy Story Play Set, this is a weapon designed to damage opponents

Angus the Horse – The beautiful black Clydesdale from Brave is fiercely loyal to Merida. Although he can be stubborn at times, his strong bond to his owner allows him to be coaxed into almost anything

Tri-State Area Terrain – A simple and subtle texture, along with a few gadgets, that is reminiscent of summertime when Phineas and Ferb create their incredible inventions

Danville Sky – Turn the Sky Theme into the backdrop of Phineas and Ferb’s Tri-State Area. One of their greatest projects, a giant roller coaster, can be seen off in the distance. In addition, you can spot the iconic building of Doofenshmirtz Evil Incorporated, the lair of Agent P’s nemesis

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Week full of EGG-tra activites for Easter week at the Swan and Dolphin

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 28, 2014

The Swan and Dolphin Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort announced special activities for the week of Easter this year. That week will be Peeptastic, due to all the amazing marshmallow peep treats that will be included in the celebration!

You will receive special treats at check in, and from the Easter bunny himself who will be hopping around the resort. There will also be special desserts that feature the peeps at the different restaurants.

The Easter Bunny will also be making appearances at the resort so kids can get his autograph, grab a picture with him, and talk about all the yummy treats at the resort. Also for the first time, the resort will showcase multiple 3 foot, 50 pound white chocolate Easter themed sculptures. Daily activities will also be presented each day to help get in the Easter spirit. Included with this is a glow in the dark Easter egg hunt.

For guests, the Swan and Dolphin will put together a Easter basket for you and have the Easter Bunny deliver it to your room!!! I do want to give you a little insight to a secret that I heard. The Swan and Dolphin will also reveal a BIG surprise on April 19th!

For more information on the celebration visit the website here! Jason will be out to the Swan and Dolphin to check out the amazing festivities when they open in April!

New Disney Cruise Line Itineraries for Summer 2015 Just Released

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 27, 2014

Disney Cruise Line has just announced their summer 2015 itineraries and have added some exciting new destinations including Northern Europe! For the very first time, Disney Cruise Line will journey to the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Plus, Disney Cruise Line is returning to the Baltic with all-new itineraries which include sailings from Copenhagen, Denmark to St. Petersburg, Russia. Don’t worry, Disney Cruise Line will still hit all of the favorites such as the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mediterranean among others.

Norwegian Fjords Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line is offering 7- and 9-night sailings departing from Copenhagen. On these sailings, you will be immersed in both the splendor and charm of Norway where you can explore exciting new ports that are full of Viking history. Disney Cruise Line will also have an 11-night sailing that will allow you to explore the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.

NEW 7-night Norwegian Fjords

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway
Departure Date: June 6

NEW 9-night Norwegian Fjords

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger, Molde, Olden and Bergen, Norway
Departure Date: June 20

NEW 11-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger Norway; Akureyri and Reykjavik (overnight), Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Dover, England
Departure Date: June 29

Northern Europe Itineraries

The Disney Magic will be sailing through the Baltic waters to take guests to experience richly diverse cultures in national capitals like Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen and St. Petersburg, also known as the cultural capital of Russia. These sailings will depart from both Copenhagen, Denmark and Dover, which is just a quick jaunt from London, England.

NEW 7-night Northern Europe

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden
Departure Dates: May 30, June 13

12-night Northern Europe

Ports: Dover, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany (July 10 cruise only); Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia
Departure Dates: July 10 and 22

The Disney Magic will also return to the Mediterranean in August, traveling to popular European destinations on 5- and 7-night sailings departing out of Barcelona, Spain. The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season with 7-night cruises departing from Vancouver, Canada. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will continue to sail during the summer to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida, which all include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

If you are a Platinum or Gold Castaway Club Member, you can book these itineraries beginning at 8 a.m. ET on March 26, 2014. These sailings will be available to all Guests beginning on March 27, 2014. Contact me today to start planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation!

Review of the Gaylord Palms by Walt Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 27, 2014

I had the privilege of being able to stay this past weekend at the Gaylord Palms located on the edge of the Walt Disney World Resort property. I wanted to share my stay with you all and show you exactly what all this resort has to offer! First off this hotel has 9 floors of rooms (1,291 rooms to be exact) 115 suites, and over 100 meeting rooms that total over 400,000 square feet of meeting space alone. Combine this with restaurants, a full service spa, a huge outdoor water playground and more. In my opinion, this hotel has something for everyone.

Room:

My room was amazing at this resort. The first thing I noticed about this room was the massive size, and the patio that opened up to my balcony looking over the atrium of the hotel. The room had a nice sized tub/shower, a double sink with a lighted mirror to speed up getting ready in the morning for families, a huge flat screen TV, nice closet space, and a refrigerator for all my snacks and drinks. The two queen beds were comfortable to sleep on and the ceiling fan really made me feel like I was at home! I spent a lot of time sitting on the balcony at the beginning and the end of my day to get ready and chill out after a fun filled day!

Atrium:

The enclosed atrium was what made me fall in love with this resort! This resort has two themed atrium’s. Saint Augustine had a fort, an alligator pool, a steakhouse, the Fountain of Youth, shopping, and more! The second atrium was themed for Key West. This atrium included more shopping, rooms, meeting space, and a crystal clear pond that had a huge sailboat in it that acted as seating for a restaurant. It was also nice to see so much tropical plants, trees, and waterfalls in this atrium, I remember walking around the place amazed at just how beautiful it was and how relaxed it made me feel.

Spa:

I didn’t get a chance to try out the spa, however I did go get a sneak peek of the place and the services that they have to offer. When I say this spa is full service I am not kidding. Not only do they have typical massages but you can also get a hair cut, manicures and pedicures, facials, couples services, and more! Make sure you go check out the shop in the spa as well to get some awesome hair and body products as well as something to help you relax when you get back home from vacation.

Pool:

The pool is where I spent most of my time while I was at the resort. This outdoor pool area is huge! There are two main pools here. The first pool is a family pool that has a zero entry way, basketball nets installed in the middle for some games, a outdoor stage with a huge TV and sound system to play music and show events for the day, and a nice outdoor bar that has snacks, food, and of course your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For the kids there was an awesome water play area that had multiple slides, water cannons, and a huge bucket of water on top that dumped thousands of gallons of water every few minutes! Secluded away from the family play area is the adult only themed area. This area (18 and up) has a nice lap sized pool and 2 large whirlpools that can hold a ton of people in them! If you stay all day at the pool, also check out the cabanas that you can rent! They have nice chairs, TVs installed in them, and a waitress to bring you food and drinks as you need it.

Food:

While I was there I decided to try out Wreckers Sports Bar. This restaurant had a awesome relaxed feel to it. There were traditional seats as well as rows of seats that faced the massive 2 story TV on the wall! The food here was really good as well! I had smothered tater tots for an appetizer, ribs for an entree, and cheesecake for dessert. Everything I put in my mouth was amazing here, and the beer was also nice and cold!

Overall:

After spending two nights in this hotel, I did not want to leave. I have not seen a more beautiful resort around Disney. The atrium alone was enough to make me want to come back! I also have to comment on the hospitality here. After check in, I went out to explore the hotel. When I returned to my room I had a “welcome” gift from the PR department of dried fruits, nuts, sparking water, juices, and bottled spring water. I spoke to many people there who were celebrating something and they had nice things waiting for them as well. They seem to go above and beyond here which is something that you don’t see much anymore. This hotel also hosts one of my favorite Christmas events, ICE! For more on the event click here. Also if you want to see more pictures and learn more about the Gaylord Palms, check out their website here.

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Why Stay On-Property at the Walt Disney World Resort

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 27, 2014

Deciding where to stay for your Walt Disney World vacation can be a big decision. There are so many choices, but the biggest choice may be whether or not to stay on-property. Sure, Disney World Resorts often come with a higher price tag, but I think you will find Disney has done their part to make sure the higher cost is worth it for families. Let’s take a look at some of the best reasons to stay on-property.

Transportation – For me, this is the biggest reason to stay on Disney property. No matter which on-property resort you choose, finding transportation to the parks will not be a problem. All Disney resorts offer complimentary bus transportation to practically anywhere on Disney property you would want to go. The buses operate on a fairly regular schedule, so you usually won’t have to wait very long for a bus to take you to your desired Disney location. Some of the moderate and deluxe Disney resorts offer transportation to certain locations via ferry boat as well. If you prefer a more futuristic approach to transportation, consider staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Contemporary resorts. Each of these deluxe resorts features monorail transportation to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Extra Magic Hours – Guests staying at Disney resorts get the added benefit of extra time in the parks. During Extra Magic Hours, Disney resort guests will be able to experience select attractions. Among attractions featured for Extra Magic Hours are favorites such as Splash Mountain, Tower of Terror, Soarin’, and Expedition Everest. Morning Extra Magic Hours allow guests to visit attractions one hour before the park opens to the public. Evening Extra Magic Hours allow resort guests to enjoy the parks for an extra 2 hours after closing.

Theme – The unique themes found at each Disney resort are another great reason to stay on-property. Staying at a Disney resort can allow you to be transported to an African safari, a Polynesian island, or even to the world of your favorite Disney animated film! Imagine waking up to see a giraffe right outside your window at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! If you’re traveling with little princesses, what better place to stay than the Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside! Disney’s great resort themes are not limited to the moderate and deluxe resorts. At the new Art of Animation resort, guests are transported to the world of Nemo and friends. You can ever hear them talking underwater in the Big Blue Pool!

Customer Service – I have always been impressed with Disney’s superior level of customer service. They will do just about anything to help make your stay as magical as possible. If you have an early morning breakfast reservation at the parks, just let them know and they will gladly schedule a bus to come pick you up. Looking for a certain character in the parks? The Disney cast members at your resort will track down your favorite character and let you know where you can meet them. One of my favorite services they offer is purchase delivery. If you make a purchase at one of the parks, they will actually deliver it to your hotel room so you aren’t stuck carrying shopping bags around the parks all day!

Once you try staying at a Disney resort on-property, I’m confident you will agree with me that there is just no other way to visit Disney! The added benefits of complimentary transportation, Extra Magic Hours, magical resort themes, and fabulous customer service make staying at a Disney resort a must for any Walt Disney World vacation.

Where do your prefer to stay for your Walt Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!

Disney at the Exchange to Open on Select Military Installations

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 27, 2014

It was announced this week that AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) would be partnering with Disney to bring “Disney at the Exchange” to military installations worldwide. While it won’t bring the wide assortment of merchandise JC Penny currently offers at their in-store Disney shop at select locations, Disney at the Exchange serves to bring greater tax free purchase ability to service members (active duty and retired) and their families who currently don’t have easy access to the brand.

AAFES post and base exchanges are located on military installations and can only be accessed by military ID card holders. AAFES serves as an additional government benefit for service members and their families and provides tax free shopping for goods and services.

AAFES won’t have the ability to sell official park merchandise. They instead will focus on official programming merchandise and licensed Disney products, including Star Wars and Marvel.

As a military family ourselves, and currently stationed at US Army Garrison Tower Barracks in Grafenwöhr, Germany, we have missed having ready access to popular Disney products. We purchase items from the Disney Store at least monthly, and the shipping costs we pay add up quickly.

This marks the second partnership in which Disney has come together with AAFES to reach the military community. It can take weeks, or even months, for first run movies to reach overseas military movie theaters. In this special partnership, Disney allows overseas AAFES movie theaters to show Disney movies the day they open stateside or when they open in that installation’s host nation, whichever comes first. Additionally, Disney has continued to offer substantial discounts on Disney Parks hotel stays and park tickets, military discount fares on select Disney cruises, and a corporate wide veteran hiring preference through their Heros Work Here program.

11 Disney at the Exchange locations are planned to be open by the end of this week. Most other AFFES locations will see their locations open by the end of May.

Aulani Promotion Extended! No Excuses Now

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

March 27, 2014

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa has extended their Resort Credit offer through June 16th, 2014. Now is a great time to visit Hawaii and take in all the great new enhancements at this Oahu Paradise.

Disney is offering up to a $500 resort credit on most nights between April 23rd and June 16th. Stay a minimum 4 nights in a 1 or 2 Bedroom Villa to qualify for the $500 Resort Credit. If staying in a Deluxe Studio or standard hotel room you’ll be qualified for up to $400 in Resort Credit.

While Aulani offers many of the amenities for free, the resort credit can be used towards excursions around the island or at Aulani itself. You can use the credit toward meals, toward snorkeling equipment rental or other water craft rental items. Or treat your kids to a visit to one of the few extra cost items at Aunty’s Beach House, such as “Fish Are Friends” or have them join in the fun during any of the Science Projects, including making their own Stitch’s Space Goo.

To book your next family vacation in an Aulani room or villa, Contact Daniel for a free quote or click the link on the right side of the ChipandCo page!

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about 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.

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