Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Pours on the Whimsy at Walt Disney World Resort this March

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February 12, 2014

A fire-breathing dragon… a pirate ship with smoking cannons… a music box that’s a seashell… sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy hair… a mega-sized bagpipe.

Classic Disney fantasies soar to new heights with the all-new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade set to hit the streets of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort this March. The tribute to Fantasyland will highlight several new classic Disney and Pixar stories on a grand scale with nearly 100 performers and larger-than-life floats.

Disney Festival of Fantasy parade is the first of a new generation of parades for Disney Parks featuring never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairytales. Set to an all-new musical score, the dazzling parade floats will soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers donning dramatic costumes crafted at ten different design houses across the country.

“The parade celebrates and pays homage to what the Magic Kingdom is all about,” said Randy Wojcik, senior show director Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Creative Entertainment. “It has the most beautiful floats, enchanting characters, vibrant costumes that come to life; and the choreography is just glorious. Yet, it is also very kinetic, relevant and powerful on a scale never seen before at Walt Disney World.”

Seven unique units comprised of nine spectacular floats will march down Main Street, U.S.A to the beat of an original soundtrack inspired by favorite Disney films, composed by Mark Hammond, known for his work on World of Color at Disney California Adventure and the Flights of Fantasy parade at Hong Kong Disneyland. The parade has its own voice with a theme song customized for each float followed by a medley of songs woven throughout the cavalcade.

“It’s visually stunning, like mini Broadway shows rolling down the street,” said Wojcik.

Here’s the float-by-float lineup:

The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle accompanied by their respective princes, ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated feature, “Frozen.”

Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas showcases Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses weave throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.

Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends sit atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box that boasts an enchanting musical jubilee. There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired.

Peter Pan – Straight from Never Land come Peter Pan and Wendy soaring high aboard the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch shines over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell nestled among giant flowers, while Captain Hook takes center stage on a swinging anchor. “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.

Brave – Celtic couples and a vessel shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida perched high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers step to melodies of the Great Highlands in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.”

Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. This float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. This float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. There’s Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, plus the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather glide along the parade route.

Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade culminates with a 90-foot-long magical caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There’s Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Sporting zany new costumes Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that rounds out Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Here are some costumes from the parade. I hope you enjoy them. Let me know what you think in the comment box below.

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Disneyland Planning – Transportation Tips and Recommendations

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 11, 2014

Transportation to and from the Disneyland Resort and nearby airports can be a bit of a challenge in Southern California. Unlike the WDW complimentary Magical Express Bus, Disneyland Resort visitors will need to pay for transportation to and from the Resort. There are several options to chose from when arriving at one of our local airports.. Car rentals, Disneyland Resort Express, limos, taxis and shuttles are all available for a fee. Deciding on your transportation choices will depend on your family needs and preferences as well as your vacation budget. The following is a list of the current transportation methods available to our Disneyland Resort visitors.

Car rentals – many popular companies offer great deals. There are pros and cons to renting a car and driving in So. Cal. If you are planning to visit other So. California tourist spots, this is the best choice, however if you are planning your trip exclusively to the Disneyland Resorts, you may want to research the other choices due to parking fees and rush hour traffic (at all hours of the day sometimes).
The Disneyland Resort Express – is a Gray Line bus service offered to and from the Disneyland Resort and good neighbor hotels and the Los Angeles International (LAX) or John Wayne Airport (SNA) Buses run every day and is a privately owned transportation company.
Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle Services are both excellent choices to get to the Disneyland Resort and over 40 of the good neighbor hotels.
Metrolink, Amtrak and local bus services are also available. These services require a bit more planning and time as you will need to transfer to various stations depending on your airport and hotel location.

A few things to consider when making your decision on which transportation company to chose, will be cost, arrival and departure flight times and amount of time to get to the parks and the airports. With a car rental you have the flexibility to come and go as you please, however, you need to plan for traffic, parking fees, gas and pick up and return of your rental at the airport. The Disneyland Resort Express and the Shuttle services are excellent choices as you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while making your way to your Amazing Magical Adventures to the Resort without the worry of navigating our freeways and parking fees. However, you will have to be patient as there are several stops at various Disneyland and good neighbor hotels along the way which may make your trip a big longer than anticipated.

Next Disney Planning article – Where to stay during your visit to the Disneyland Resorts.

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

Battle Of The Resort Quick Service Disney Dining: Art Of Animation Vs. Pop Century

By

Catie

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February 11, 2014

When it comes to picking which Walt Disney World Resort to stay at, there are many factors that come into play. There’s location (proximity to the Parks is important!), transportation options, entertainment/amenities, price (probably one of the biggest things to consider, at least for my family!), and then there’s the most important of all for us Disney food obsessed folks: what dining options are available within the Resort.

We are a strictly Value Resort family – we love the décor, the atmosphere, and most of all the low price! So when it came to choosing which of the Value Resorts to stay on our last trip, I realized that it all came down to FOOD – that Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Art Of Animation Resort were both great places to stay, but it really came down to what we would want to eat at the end of a long day at the Parks

So I decided to compare the two – in an epic Battle of the Quick Service Dining Locations: Pop Century’s Everything Pop! Vs. Art Of Animation’s Landscape Of Flavors:

Layout/Décor: Both have similar layouts, with large open ordering areas that have several different hot food stations which whip up tons of fresh eats – you’ll find salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and grab-n-go options at both locations, and even when it’s meal time and the area is full of people, it never feels too crowded, as there’s plenty of space to move around. Both are brightly lit, and the decorations scattered around are in theme with the Resorts – Animated Film themed sections at Landscape of Flavors, and decade/retro themes over at Everything POP! Both Dining areas have the Resort gift shop attached, which I personally appreciate – I love checking out Disney merchandise whenever and wherever I can!

“Traditional” Food Court Fare: Like I mentioned above, both locations offer some of the same/similar meal options. For breakfast both offer the bounty platter, assorted eggs and an omelette station, create your own yogurt parfaits, French toast/pancakes/waffles, and bagels/bread for toast, danishes, etc. At lunch/dinner time there’s a create your own salad option, Soup and sandwiches, burgers/grilled chicken sandwich, a pizza/pasta station, and a dessert case featuring fresh cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, and more! The packaged food sections offer sandwiches and salads, snack packs, fruit bowls, yogurts, and more – while the drink coolers offer an assortment of soda, waters, juice, and a small beer/wine section too

So now that we know what to expect from each location, let’s get down to it and talk about the differences between the two dining spots:

Everything Pop Food Court: You’ll find biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, Empanadas and Spanish quiche on the breakfast menu here, and later in the day they offer up some delicious fresh flatbread pizzas (in varieties like Mediteranean and Margherita!), as well as “home cooked meals” like pot roast, rotisserie chicken, and pork loin. Supreme Nachos, chili, corn dogs, and chili cheese dogs are served up here too. The ice cream station offers up tons of great flavors, and the substantial sundaes are big enough to share!

Landscape Of Flavors Food Court: Disney is trying a lot of new and different things at the food court of their newest Resort, like the breakfast menu that includes a “World Flavors Breakfast Platter” (featuring Portugese Sausage and naan bread!), Chicken, steak and vegetarian breakfast sandwiches, French toast made from challah bread, and create your own smoothies and fruit salad. Lunch and dinner offers the standard fair, but also has some delicious cheesy pesto bread available (that you can buy for a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit!) as well as a whole Mongolian Grill station that serves sausage, steak, shrimp, and vegetarian platters with delicious sides like sauteed spinach, tomato roasted cauliflower, and freshly made naan bread. Instead of ice cream, they have a gelato station, offering many flavors (including seasonal ones like pumpkin and candy cane!) – and it was seriously yummy!

Claim to Fame: Everything POP: You can’t eat here without snagging a piece of their signature dessert – the Tie-Dye Cheesecake which combines moist red velvet cake with layers of brightly colored cheesecake, to create a colorfully irresistible dessert (seriously – I loved this, and I don’t even like cheesecake that much!)

Claim to Fame: Landscape Of Flavors: The stand out option here is definitely the Mongolian Grill station – and I think the Portugese Sausage platter is the real winner – we had it several times, and each time the sausage was hot and juicy, the naan fresh and soft, and the sides delectable! If you aren’t sure about the sausage, then try the chicken, shrimp, vegetarian, or beef platter options, or snag some sides or naan a la carte for a snack too!

So who’s the winner? Having stayed at both Resorts and eaten at both places, I personally enjoyed the food at Everything Pop! A bit more – I found the service to be faster, the meals a bit heartier, and the experience was just better overall. That being said, it is really a close call – Landscape of Flavors offers some truly unique items, and I loved getting to stay at Art of Animation and enjoy meals there, but the fact that everything is “make your own” and super fresh means that it will take a bit longer to prepare, so the lines tended to be longer, and people were more confused by the options available

But that’s just my opinion – I would love to know What YOU think – which do you prefer? Or does another Resort Quick service location top your list?

Let your taste buds soar at the New Epcot Outdoor Kitchens part of Flower & Garden Festival

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 11, 2014

As part of the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March 5th – May 18th, 2014) the New Outdoor Kitchens (formerly known as the Garden Marketplace) will have 11 tantalizing, mouth watering kitchens to indulge your taste buds.. Just like the Food & Wine Festival, the Outdoor Kitchens have a full selection of tasty dishes, desserts and drinks to please any palette.

Beginning with THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, where you get to enjoy the slow-cooked flavors of Pulled Pork sandwiches, Smoked Turkey Ribs and their NEW Bacon Cupcakes, you just can’t go wrong. Pair it off with one of their craft brews from across the country, and you’ll be set!

If you’re into eating all natural, organic, sustainable farm fresh food, then you’ll love the NEW Urban Farms Eats Outdoor Kitchen. You will enjoy dishes like Ghost Pepper-Dusted tilapia served with Winter Melon Salad and a Mango Chutney, also Land-Grown Eggplant Scallops with Romesco Sauce. On the menu you’ll also find Red and White variety of Vegan Wines as well as Gluten-Free Beers and the great thing about all the menu items above, is that everything was grown in Epcot inside The Living with the Land attraction, how about that?!

That is just a few of the tasty Outdoor Kitchens that the Flower & Garden Festival will have in store… Here’s a list of the other great Outdoor Kitchens that I just know you’ll can’t wait to sink your teeth into. Yum! 😉

Hanami (Japan Pavilion)
Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico Pavilion)
Florida Fresh (Germany Pavilion)
Pineapple Promenade (Canada Pavilion)
Fleur de Lys (France Pavilion)
Primavera Kitchen (Italy Pavilion)
Lotus House (China Pavilion)
Buttercup Cottage (United Kingdom Pavilion)
Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco Pavilion)

Not all the menus have been disclosed yet, but as soon as we get our hands on that delicious information, we will definitely pass it on to you.

So which venue are you most looking forward to attend in this years Flower & Garden Festival?

Disney and Google to Debut New Animated Short Film “Blank A Vinylmation Love Story”

By

Chip

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February 11, 2014

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Disney Interactive and Google are teaming up to launch “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story,” an original animated short film. The film will be available exclusively on Google Play, Google’s online store offering digital movies, books, music, apps, games and more. Viewers will also find a digital Valentine’s experience as well as additional video clips and the “Love Theme” song from the film.

Based on the popular Disney Parks Vinylmation collectible franchise, “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story” is a 38 minute stop-motion animated film that tells the story of Blank, an unpainted Vinylmation, on an epic adventure through an original new world to find his lost soul mate. Now through February 23, Guests can download “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story” for free exclusively on Google Play and can view the film online from their computer, Android phone/tablet or iPhone/iPad through the Google Play Movies & TV app (get the app for Androidor iOS).

To celebrate the premiere, Google is also inviting fans to share frames from the film with friends and family as digital Valentine’s greetings at BlankMovie.WithGoogle.com. After sharing a frame, guests can unlock a second special film, “Cranes in Love,” created especially for Google users.

Beginning on February 14, “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story” will also be screened for a limited time at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park in Orlando, Florida.

Click here to download “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story” on Google Play. Tickets to the El Capitan Theatre are available at ELCapitanTickets.com or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6.

The Cost of Nurseries on Disney Cruise Line Have Increased

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 11, 2014

Although the children’s activity centers are free aboard Disney Cruise Line for children ages three or older, there is a nominal fee for infants and toddlers to enjoy the nurseries on each of the ships.

Effective immediately, pricing for the shipboard nurseries on all four Disney Cruise Line ships has increased from $6 per hour to $9 per hour. The second child rate has increased from $5 per hour to $8 per hour.

However, please note that if you have pre-booked nursery services online at the previous rate, you will receive the rate at which you have previously booked.

Have you ever used one of the nurseries aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? How was your experience?

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!

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Continues This Weekend with Performances by Barenaked Ladies and Thomas Rhett

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 11, 2014

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration continues this weekend with live performances by alternative rockers Barenaked Ladies and country star Thomas Rhett. On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Grammy-nominated Barenaked Ladies, best known for their singles “One Week” and “The Old Apartment,” will perform live in concert at Universal Studio Florida. The next night, rising country star Thomas Rhett will take to the Music Plaza Stage to perform hits from his breakthrough album, “It Goes Like This”.

The “N’awlins”-inspired, family-friendly version of Mardi Gras runs select nights through May 31. Guests can catch colorful beads by the handful during the festive Mardi Gras parade, which will feature 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Guests can also visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.
Schedule of Events for the Weekend:

4 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens
7:45 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts
8:30 p.m. – Live Concert Begins

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Barenaked Ladies

Sunday, Feb. 16 – Thomas Rhett

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras

Sweetheart Savings – Weekly Round Up of Orlando Discounts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 11, 2014

Looking for a last minute Valentine’s Day Present for your sweetheart? Here are the weekly round up of deals to be had in Orlando and beyond; including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and more.

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World^® Resort

New! 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 14, 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

Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel: Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 10, 2014. Book by March 6, 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 in February.
New! 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 datesAulani Hawaii
Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast: For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free – including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe. This discount is good for most stays through April 7, 2014.
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.

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.

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Up to $300 to Spend During Your Cruise: Book select 2014 cruises by February 28, and Royal Caribbean Cruise will give you up to $300 to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Go snorkeling, dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.
Up to $400 to Spend During Your Cruise: Book select 2014 cruises in Europe by February 28, and we’ll give you up to $400* to spend during your vacation. Use it anyway you choose. Dive into a specialty dinner for two or discover pure bliss at the spa.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

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

Expedition Antarctica at SeaWorld®: Experience the Freeze! Package includes free Quick Queue (front-of-the-line) at SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, dining at the Expedition Café, a free photo and a third hotel night FREE!

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!

A Young Girl Gets Her Disney Wish

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2014

Ashlee Easton is a 7 year old girl who was recently diagnosed with cancer. She has always wanted to go to Disney World. A New York businessman read about her story and very generously offered to pay for the family to visit the most magical place on earth.

The little girl’s family was overwhelmed and shocked by the generosity of Bart McDade who sent them a little over $5,000 after reading her story.

Ashlee will be starting treatment shortly. She will take her magical vacation after her treatment ends.

I hope she doesn’t have a tough time and has a full recovery.”Ashlee’s mum Lisa, 40, said: “We are overwhelmed by Bart’s generosity, and everyone else who has donated to the school’s fund.“I’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.”

How awesome is this?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Non-character Meals Your Kids Will LOVE!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2014

Disney World Character Meals are terrific, but there are tons of wonderful dining options all around Disney that your kids will love. Here is the top 10 list of Non-Character Meals that I think you should check out:

1. T-Rex Cafe and Rainforest Cafe – I know, this is cheating listing two instead of one, but they are the same company brand so I think it’s ok. These restaurants are so much fun. T- Rex is at Downtown Disney. Rainforest Cafe also has one at Downtown Disney but there is also one at the Animal Kingdom. The restaurant is totally transformed into a prehistoric extravaganza or a tropical rainforest at scheduled intervals. T-Rex Cafe in particular is a must visit for our family. The gift shops that are a part of these restaurants are really cool to peruse while you wait for your table.

2. 50’s Prime Time Cafe – in Hollywood Studios – this restaurant is hilarious. Think Flo’s Diner from your childhood done Disney style. The waitstaff implores adults in particular to finish their vegetables and keep their elbows off the table! Waiters are also known to give everyone a nickname, make the kids set the table, and to tell everyone that they “aren’t cleaning up after you!” You even get to watch old time tv shows on the tv at your table. The atmosphere here is pure fun and the food is great – best fried chicken ever.

3. Whispering Canyon Cafe – at the Wilderness Lodge – bottomless milkshakes. Need I say more?

4. ‘Ohana – at the Polynesian Resort. Dinner does not have characters, but there is always an entertainer that plays ukelele and hands out leis. He or she also encourages the kids to play with hula hoops while the music is playing and join in the coconut races with brooms. Schedule this meal to coincide with Magic Kingdom fireworks – they dim the lights and pump in the fireworks music! Magic.

5. Beaches and Cream – at Disney’s Boardwalk. This one is a little unconventional but one of my favorite tips that I give clients. On the night that you arrive, skip a regular dinner and surprise them with the KITCHEN SINK for dinner instead. It is an ice cream masterpiece that costs $29 and will certainly feed your entire family. It’s a really fun surprise to do ice cream for dinner and it arrives at your table with tons of fanfare. I dare you! Your kids will never forget it. I promise.

6. Coral Reef – in Epcot. The food is great and the views of the fish tanks are spectacular. When you check in, ask the server if you can sit next to a tank, it’s a lovely atmosphere!

7. Teppan Edo – also in Epcot. This is a Japanese steakhouse style restaurant – you know, where they cook the food in front of you and make a volcano out of onions, spin an egg on a spatula, and send food flying through the air. Even if your kids may not be adventurous eaters, you should try it. You can ask them to bring the kids chicken nuggets!

8. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – at Hollywood Studios. My kids love this joint. You get to sit in a car (some tables aren’t so request one when you check in with the hostess) and watch old old sci-fi films on the big screen. It’s dark and cool in there – the movies are silent and not scary, but the vibe is very unique. We love it.

9. Liberty Tree Tavern – at Magic Kingdom. Reminds us of big dinners at Grandma’s house. All you can eat mac and cheese? Yes please. Make your reservation for the first dinner time of the day and your family may be chosen to open the restuarant by “ringing the bell”!

10. Last but not least – Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – this might not work for your kids, but mine love crab legs. It’s a fun treat to eat as many as you possibly can at the buffet. The buffet has tons for everyone to enjoy even if you don’t enjoy seafood.

New Disney World Dining at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2014

Disney World dining has expanded to an incredible new restaurant at Epcot called Spice Road Table. This new Disney World dining experience is located in Morocco and sits on the World Showcase Lagoon. You can dine indoors or a fresco on the patio. Both dining areas have spectacular views of the water and Epcot.

The menu features tapas from Greece, Spain, Morocco and more. I love this type menu where you can sample several entrees and share with your table. You can accompany your meal with a wide selection of wines, beers and even sangria. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, the Chocolate Pyramid is incredible!

I was pleasantly surprised by this brand new restaurant at Epcot. Join my family as we experience the new Disney World dining called Spice Road Table at Epcot.

Allison has either worked or played at Disney World for the past 35 years. She was a past Cast Member at Typhoon Lagoon and Tower of Terror. She continued her love of Disney by starting Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact Allison at [email protected] if you would like her or her team to book your upcoming Disney & Orlando vacation.

Just in time for the Winter Olympics – Disney Infinity Winter Resort Toy Box

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 10, 2014

Disney Interactive is releasing five new Disney Infinity “Winter Sports Challenge” Toy Boxes to coincide with the start of the world’s biggest sporting event of the year. The new Toy Boxes allow players to enjoy their own versions of the winter games, which were masterfully created by members of the Disney Infinity community. Fans used the Frozen power discs to transform their Toy Box environments into snowy terrains, ideal for bobsledding, ice skating, snowboarding, ice hockey and more.

Check out the trailer:

Winning “Winter Sports Challenge” submissions include:

Disney Games – Compete for the gold in Sled Races, Snowball Fights, Ice Hockey, Curling, Alpine Skiing, Ski Jumping and Biathlon!

Sochi Slaloms – Grab a board and hit the slopes. Try the beginner, intermediate or advanced course!

Disney On Ice – Make the best time snowboarding (minimum 10 checkpoints to the finish) and ice skating!

Extreme Racing- Race around this frosty winter stunt racetrack.

Winter Resort- Compete in awesome winter sports. When you’re done, pay a visit to the winter resort!

As a refresher, directions on how to download new user-generated Toy Box worlds, as well as how to submit Toy Box creations are below.

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

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