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It’s a Small World Celebrates 50 Years next month with sing-a-long contest!

Vintage Its a Small World
Vintage Its a Small World

Vintage It's a Small World

I am sure you either heard of or have been on the iconic “It’s a Small World” ride. Once you have been on that ride that song will never leave your head, even more so if you have every been stuck on that ride for any length of time.

So you love the ride but you may not know the history of the ride. So take a little stroll down memory lane with me. It made it’s first appearance in 1964 at the World’s Fair. “It’s a Small World” is located in the Fantasyland section of every park. Have you ever wondered how many dolls are on that ride? There is over 300 adorable dolls. The incredible Mary Blair was behind the design of the ride. The characters were designed by Marc Davis, his wife Alice Davis designed the costumes for the dolls.

Can you believe that ride has been around for 50 years? That is longer than I have been around. To celebrate the anniversary Disney is hosting a contest. They created a site just for this event, smallworld50.com, it’s so cute! Head on over to the site and upload a video of yourself singing It’s a Small World”. Disney will donate $1 for every video uploaded for a total of $150,000 to UNICEF. In case that is not your thing, you can also make an adorable “It’s a Small World” doll to share with your friends. They will donate $1 for every virtual doll created as well, for a total of $100,00.

In case you are wondering the official anniversary date is April 10.

Don’t forget go over to smallworld50.com and upload your video or make a virtual doll. Have some virtual fun and donate to a worthy charity.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

First Breakaway Box installed on new slide at Aquatica Orlando

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image0031

Breakaway Falls

The first of three “Breakaway boxes” was installed at Ihu Breakaway Falls at Aquatica Orlando today. This slide, which will be the tallest, steepest with multiple breakway platforms in the Eastern US. This slide will open to the public on May 9th. This slide will offer for you and two friends to watch as one at a time the floor below of them giveaway and they drop to the water below.

Best part of this ride you ask? You will never know who will drop first! I am not sure what will be better: The anticipation of this slide opening, or the anticipation when your in the box itself! We will be at the opening of this slide for more coverage! 

For more information on Aquatica and Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, visit their Facebook page or use the hash tag #NothingTaller on Twitter and Instagram!

Rock Your Disney Side with a Discounted Rate for 24 Hr event

Did you make it 24 hours
Did you make it 24 hours

Did you make it 24 hours

Stay and Play for 24 hours? When Walt Disney World announced another 24 hour event  this year, Rock Your Disney Side we all dreamed of spending 24 hours in the Magic Kingdom. Who doesn’t want to watch the sun set AND rise over the Magic Kingdom? Chip has joined up with Destinations in Florida, to bring you a way to “rock a discounted rate”.  Spend 24 hours in the Magic Kingdom on Memorial Day weekend for less than you would expect.

Destinations in Florida – our preferred travel agency, here at Chip and Co. has reserved blocks of rooms at three different resorts with rates starting at $117.00 a night, not including tax and are good May 22nd – May 27th.

When you become a guest in our group you have access to the special discounted tickets on all pre-purchased tickets. Tickets must be a minimum 2 day pass, be paid in full at time of purchase and have to be ordered at least 10 days prior to check in. We have base tickets or you can add the Park Hopper to extend your play, plus you get a Bonus Admission ! Not only do you save, but you also get one visit to your choice of the following: DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex, or Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course for one round of golf. We can also add one of the Disney Dining Plans to these discounted rooms (paid in full upon booking)

The deadline for this event is April 22nd.

Request a quote for one of discounted rooms here and get ready to Rock Your Disney Side for 24 hours !

Chip is planning a meet up at the 24 hour event, join us here  and RSVP to hang out with fellow Disney Addicts during a once in a year event.

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

How to Survive Spring Break at the Most Magical Place on Earth

IMG 20130524 094113
IMG 20130524 094113

MK

Yes, its that time of the year again. People from around the country flock to the Most Magical Place on Earth to celebrate that time honored tradition of Spring Break. But with crowds at peak levels, it can get overwhelming. I am here to show you my tips on how to make the most of your Spring Break!

1. My biggest piece of advice: Take advantage of fast passes, as well as chose rides carefully. I would go far as to say to try and keep your fast passes to “E” ticket levels ( I.E. Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, and other “Thrill rides” for the older crowd) and “A” level ( I.E. Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s flight, and other rides that the younger set love).  With the new fast pass plus system, it can be a bit difficult, and by the time you make the reservations, your pickings might be slim.  But do not worry, I have tips on when to ride the rides as well.

2. When the fast passes are gone, do not worry. Riding the rides at certain times may help. I highly recommend the official My Disney Experience app. It tells you the ride wait times in real time.  Another tip is ride rides with long wait times during the day during extra magic hours, or when the crowds die down, which is usually during the mid to late afternoon when people eat lunch or take naps.

3. Sunscreen, poncho, water, gator-aid , and umbrellas are a must! The Florida weather can be unpredictable, but you can be prepared for it. When weather gets hot , it is important to stay hydrated. Water and gator-aid are a must. No one wants to get dehydrated.

As for the rain, that is what the umbrella and poncho are for. You would be surprised how many guests try and leave when it rains. In Florida, it can last only a few minutes and you will be back to rides in no time. Sunscreen is a must because nobody wants that infamous Florida Sun Burn and all the pain that it brings 🙁 Trust me….

4. Schedule breaks .  A vacation is meant to be fun, not overwhelming. Having breaks for naps and pool time are a way to keep everybody happy and ready for more fun in the parks.

5. Try and plan meals for off times, and try eating at some of the resorts. If you have ever been to Disney during peak season, you know this to be true. It seems like everybody gets hungry at the same time, and heads for the same quick service spot. I am here to tell you that it does not have to be that way. Eating during off times, you give yourself plenty of time to eat and relax. An added bonus, when everyone else is eating, you will be on the rides.

Eating at some of the resorts can also lesson your wait times for meals. All resorts have direct transportation and once you arrive, you can ask where their cafeteria or quick service outpost is located. Its the same price as you would pay at the parks,  but with more space and options.

6. Dine at the restaurants if you can afford it.  That way you can actually be guaranteed a seat, and will not be rushed when you eat.

7. Be patient and understanding.  If you have never been during peak time, you may be surprised how long things will take and how long the wait times are. We know, we are all on the same boat. No need to complain or snarky about it.

8.  If available, do the second parade. While everyone else is at the first one, use that time for rides.  Also, stay in the park a while after. While people are trying to get out, you not only can enjoy a few last minutes in the park, but it makes it a lot easier to get out.

9. Have fun! Don’t forget to always have fun. I mean it could be worse, you could be back home.

10. Finally don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Walking around in a packed park all day with flip flops might not be the best for your feet or back.

I hope these tips help you out, and make sure you comment on any other tips you have for Spring Break!

 

Luke Skywalker making his first ever appearance at Star Wars Weekends

Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill

If you are a Star Wars fan this will make your day, or possibly your year, maybe even your life. Are you ready for this? Are you sitting down?  Luke Skywalker himself will make his first ever appearance at Star Wars Weekends, this year at Hollywood Studios.

This will be Mark Hamill’s first ever appearance at this popular event. He will be one the celebrity guests to appear on Weekend IV, which is June 6-8, 2014. You can see him in the daily “Legends of the Force” Star Wars themed motorcade and in a featured talk show.

I am sure he will be very popular so be sure and arrive early.

May the force be with you!

In the meantime you can visit he event’s official website, DisneyTheForce.com.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Things to do outside the Parks: Touring the Resorts

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P1090697

Things to do outside the Parks: Touring the Resorts

When people visit Walt Disney World, the first thing they might do is make a plan for touring the parks. The parks are wonderful and filled with attractions, shows, restaurants, and so much more, but there is a lot to see outside of the parks. The resorts on Walt Disney World property are attractions in themselves and can provide endless hours of entertainment and activities. The resorts are also a great escape from the parks!

With so many places to start, you might be overwhelmed. While there are only four parks to choose from when you’re park hopping, there are over twenty different resorts to visit! Here are a few of my recommendations of where to start.

Things to do outside the Parks: Touring the Resorts

The Epcot Resorts

The Boardwalk Resort, Beach and Yacht Club, and Swan and Dolphin resorts all surround Crescent Lake. When visiting Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, why not take an afternoon break and check them out? You can walk on over or take a relaxing boat ride on the Friendship Boats. Once in the area, you can easily walk from resort to resort. They each have gorgeous lobbies, sparkling pools, and their own distinct themes. Is your stomach growling? Not a problem! There are a bunch of options ranging from Signature Dining at the Yachtsman Steakhouse to cookies and cupcakes at The Boardwalk Bakery.

The Magic Kingdom (or “Monorail”) Resorts

One of my favorite ways to escape a crowded Magic Kingdom for a few hours is hopping on the monorail and touring the resorts. This is a great idea — especially around meal times! The Magic Kingdom only has a handful of table service restaurants, so if you’re looking for something a little different, try one of the resorts surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian are just a short ride away, and these resorts have some of the best dining on all of Disney Property. Looking for a romantic meal with views you’ve never seen? Visit the California Grill at the Contemporary! Or maybe a luau, without the trip to Hawaii? Visit the Polynesian! The possibilities are endless.
Things to do outside the Parks: Touring the Resorts

Jaw-dropping Lobbies and Unique Views

Two resorts on property that are known for their jaw-dropping lobbies are the Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Wilderness Lodge. These resorts are simply breathtaking! They exude warmth, coziness, and comfort. The Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers something that no other resort has — a view of the Savannah! Stop by and get an up close and personal look with some of the animals you’ve seen at Animal Kingdom.

These are just a few of the amazing things you can expect from visiting different resorts around Walt Disney World. If you’ve got a couple of hours to burn on the start or end of a trip, or you want to take a break from the parks, visiting resorts is a great way to keep yourself busy. And don’t forget — it’s free!

Disney Infinity Muppets Toy Box

Muppets Toy Box
Muppets Toy Box

Muppets toy box

To celebrate the new Muppets movie in theaters this Friday, Disney Infinity players were asked to use Muppets-themed items like, Muppets Townspeople from the Toy Box Vault and the Electric Mayhem Bus Power Disc to make a new and fun experience.

The top Toy Box of the week is “The Muppet Show” featuring appearances by Kermit, Waldorf, Animal and more.

Checkout this week’s episode:

Winning submissions include:

1. The Muppet Show- As guest star you must help Kermit, take Waldorf/Statler to the VIP box, paint Miss Piggy and find Animal’s drum set.

2. Muppet Babies- Join The Muppets adventures! Find Animal Idol and save Piggy on the Death Star. (Hint: Escape through the trash chute!)

3. Chef’s Cuisines- The Swedish Chef has prepared quite a feast! You decide to race through his kitchen instead. Ready, set, BØRK BØRK BØRK!

4. RainbowConnection- Why are there so many songs about rainbows? Enjoy a race from Kermit’s swamp to the streets of Hollywood!

5. Most Wanted- Inspired by Muppets Most Wanted. Goal: Escape prison and get the real Constantine. Rules: Don’t change weapons and no flying.

How to download new Toy Boxes:

  • Select “Toy Box” from the Disney Infinity Main Menu
  • Select “Toy Box Share” and “Disney’s Toy Boxes.”
  • There will be a list of all the featured Toy Boxes for players to download.

When you’re ready to submit your Toy Box for consideration, follow these directions:

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U

  • Bring up the Pause Menu and select “Online/Multiplayer.”
  • Then select “Toy Box Share” > “Disney’s Toy Boxes” > “Submit to Disney.”
  • Follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to give your Toy Box an original name and description. Choose carefully – they will be shown to everybody if your Toy Box is featured.

 iPad, Windows Tablet, PC

  • Bring up the Pause Menu and select “Toy Box Share.”
  • Then select “Disney’s Toy Boxes” > “Submit to Disney.”
  • Follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to give your Toy Box an original name and description. Choose carefully – they will be shown to everybody if your Toy Box is featured

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

 

Registration is Now Open for Disney Fit Challenge at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Disney Fit challenge
Disney Fit challenge

Disney Fit challenge

You can now register for the Disney Fit Challenge. This is a 3 day competitive fitness event, it will run from Sept 26-28. This is the first event of it’s kind to be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Athletes will compete in various fitness challenges that test speed, strength, skill, endurance, balance and power.  The challenges are  based on age and skill level with more experienced athletes competing in movements such as muscle-ups and double-unders while recreational participants compete in movements that may include box jumps, kettle bell swings, push-ups, squats and broad jumps.

Participants with the highest scores in their division and age group from the first 2 days advance to the final day of competition.

A Health & Fitness Vendor Village will feature the latest fitness merchandise, products and apparel during the competition.

Disney Sports is working with I AM CrossFit. Which is one of the leading competitive fitness organizations in the Southeast.

You can can sign up on www.espnwwos.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Easter Egg Hunt Event Returns to Disneyland & Disney World

2014 03 22 15 31 15 Eggs istencial Event Returns to Disney Parks « Disney Parks Blog
2014 03 22 15 31 15 Eggs istencial Event Returns to Disney Parks « Disney Parks Blog

epcot

Back by Popular demand is Disney’s Egg Stravaganza 2014 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. From April 10 – 20, you’ll be able to search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters at Epcot, Disney California Adventure park and for the first time, Disneyland park!

Here is how it works!
Have fun exploring the parks hunting for ‘eggs’ that portray Disney characters! Record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $4.95, plus tax at the following parks and locations:

  • Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co., Oswald’s, Radiator Springs Curios, Rushin’ River Outfitters, Studio Store and Treasures in Paradise.
  • Disneyland park – Disney Showcase, Fairy Tale Treasures, Gag Factory, Pieces of Eight and Pooh Corner
  • Epcot – Heritage Manor (American Adventure Pavilion), Disney Traders, International Gateway, Pin Central and Port of Entry

There are a dozen reasons for you to love the event this year! There are a ton of new characters that have been added, but it’s up to you to find them.

When you are done return your map to a redemption location: Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park or Disney Traders in Epcot and participate in an ‘egg-scramble’ to pick up your surprise.

Purchase as many maps as you’d like—while supplies last—and play again and again! No discounts apply. You should also know that separate admission is required to enter Disney Theme Parks and the experience is subject to restrictions and change without notice.

dlegg

Disney Quick Tip – Take your time and REALLY pay attention!

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P1130172

Akershus

It’s hard when you are running to your next FastPass location to slow down and smell the roses, so to speak.  I can tell you firsthand that some of our favorite experiences at Disney happened when we slowed down, talked to each other, and let magic happen.  Here are three examples that you may enjoy:

Customer Service – this isn’t really something that you can dash past and miss, but if you don’t pay attention, you may not really appreciate the attention to detail that thousands of Cast Members are committed to.  Garbage laying around?  Nope.  Surly teenagers buckling you into rides?  Never.  The level of Customer Service is practically a brand in itself.  We are all very quick to point out when something is less than perfect.  How about on your next trip you notice and count how many lovely experiences you have with PEOPLE during one day of your visit.  Whether it’s Snow White or the retiree that has chosen to be a Cast Member as a retirement career – watch how they try to make your visit one you will never forget.  Once you focus on it, you will be truly amazed.  Take some time and talk to a few Cast Members rather than just rushing past them.  They are from all over the world and have amazing stories to tell.  I am willing to bet it will change your entire trip.

divine

DiVine in Animal Kingdom – you may not have ever seen her.  She is amazing and if you don’t slow down, you can easily miss her.  She has been in the park since 1998 and is a performer on stilts that is covered in leaves and vines and lurks in the trees.  She moves veeeryyy slowly and is very beautiful and elegant.  If you are rushing past, you definitely won’t see her.  Take. Your. Time.

Pluto

Flowers.  Have you ever really stopped to look around?  The landscaping at Disney is award-winning.  As the wife of a landscaper and sod farmer…I notice.  Big time.  Topiaries, flowers, beautiful landscape design.  Take a minute and admire what it takes to maintain a landscape of the magnitude that Disney maintains.  Have you ever thought about what happens after hours at Disney in order to keep everything in tip top shape?  Think about all of the dead flowers that are in your garden.  How many do you see in flowerbeds at Disney?  NONE!  The scope of what they are able to accomplish is staggering.  Take a moment and truly smell those roses!

Although these aren’t things that you need to go find, necessarily…they are all things that you could “miss” if you aren’t paying attention.  Take a moment or two and enjoy the atmosphere around you.  Everything is there to amaze your senses so use them all!  Look, touch, smell, and ENGAGE!

Book your Disney trip with Cameron Fisher – a Disney Travel Specialist with Destinations to Explore, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  Her services are always 100% free and she will guide you to get the most from your Disney experience! [email protected]

 

 

The Imagination Gala is Coming to Epcot

Imagination Gala
Imagination Gala

Imagination Gala

I must admit this is the first I have heard about this event. Later this year, September 5-7 2014, the Epcot World Showplace will host the Imagination Gala – A Magic Carpet Event.

This year’s Disney Trade Celebration will be passing out an Imagination Award, which will be given to the best in Disney Movies, Characters etc. The award is a golden Figment, how cute is that?

Here are the details of this years packages:

Pin Trading Showcase Package is $140 and will take place September 5 – 6, 2014 (9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Your Event Admission will Include:

  • Opportunity to pre-purchase select themed merchandise designed for the event
  • Pin Trading activities and games
  • Silent Auction of pre-production pins, artist proof pins and more
  • Opportunity to trade for specially designed pins produced for Imagination Gala – Pin Trading Showcase
  • Meet Disney Pin Merchandisers
  • Artist Signings with Disney Design Group Artists
  • One (1) $30 Disney Gift Card
  • Limited edition commemorative gifts

Vinylmation Showcase Package is $70 and will take place September 7, 2014 (9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

Your Event Admission will Include:

  • Opportunity to pre-purchase select themed merchandise designed for the event
  • Vinylmation Trading activities and Games
  • Silent Auction featuring a variety of Vinylmation items
  • Opportunity to trade for specially designed Vinylmation™ items produced for the Imagination Gala – Vinylmation Showcase
  • Meet the Disney Vinylmation Merchandiser
  • Artist Signings with Disney Design Group Artists
  • One (1) $15 Disney Gift Card
  • Limited edition commemorative gift

Just in case that was tempting enough for you, there will also be a special breakfast. You may have heard about the Purple Carpet Pin Breakfast and Violet Carpet Vinylmation Breakfast.

You can buy tickets and register for the event starting on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 1:0o p.m. EST at Disneyparksmerchandise.com

I can’t pass up a chance to share some Villainous merchandise. So before I leave you to go make your reservations, let me show you some of the pins and Vinylmations that will be featured at the event this year.

Maleficient Pin    Vinylmation

 

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

 

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

First look of Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida

Diagon
Diagon

Diagon

Universal Studios released information and pictures from the new Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida to the Chip and Co readers. This new and never been done attraction will allow guests to actually board the train at the new Potter expansion, Diagon Alley and allow them to actually ride the train to Hogsmeade, like the cast of Harry Potter! The ride will show the British countryside, as well as feature cast of the Potter film and even Dementors. This ride will change depending if you get on at the Hogsmeade or the Diagon Alley side. This attraction will also mark the first time that an attraction will link two separate parks. In order to experience the train ride guests must have admission to both parks. Look below to see some of the awesome screen shots provided by Universal to us well before the opening!

The ride will include:

  • Being transported from the Muggle world to the wizarding world as you pass through the brick wall at King’s Cross Station to arrive at Platform 9 ¾
  • Watching in amazement as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the station – its billowing steam and authentic whistle beckoning you to hop aboard
  • Sitting in one of the train’s cabins with your family and friends and actually riding the Hogwarts Express – just as your favorite characters did in the Harry Potter films
  • Looking outside your cabin window and enjoying a scenic, breathtaking journey through the British countryside as you encounter magical creatures, some of your favorite Harry Potter characters…and even Dementors…

For more information about the new expansion please visit Universal Orlando’s Website, and check back as well will be at the opening of this awesome project!

 

Buckbeak Hagrid at Hogsmeade Station Fred Weasley