Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Download The “My Disney Experience” App

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January 27, 2014

Disney is always coming up with new ways to enhance their guests’ experience at the Parks, and one of the more recent enhancements is a smartphone app called “My Disney Experience”. Now, there are a LOT of Disney apps out there, but this one is officially released by the Walt Disney Company, and it really is a very useful phone application to have. Why should you use it? Here are the top 5 reasons:

1. It Helps You Plan – For those of you who love planning out the details of your Disney trips – then this app is definitely for you! You can link your resort reservation information, dining information, ticket and fastpass+ information and have it all in one place. The app provides notifications and reminders that can help you get ready for your trip, too!

2. Easy To Use – Some apps are not the most user friendly, but luckily My Disney Experience is not one of them! The menu button on the top left allows you to easily see your options, with easy to understand categories like “Wait times”, “Characters”, and “Park Hours”. You can easily update your profile, check out Park Maps, and make last minute dining reservations from the app too

3. Switch Between The Computer And App With Ease – Sometimes, it’s hard to update information on a smartphone – especially if you are typing a lot, or trying to add multiple family members or profile information, which is where the “mydisneyexperience.com” website comes in. Same login information, same ability to update profile/fastpass/dining information, and the best part? It is an almost automatic feed between the computer and app. They simultaneously save the changes you make, so you can go from computer to app in a flash!

4. Enhances The Magic – Some people aren’t a fan of doing a lot of planning for their trips and like to “go with the flow”. I am all for being spontaneous and flying by the seat of my pants – but when it comes to Disney, I find that doing at least some pre-trip planning helps make the trip a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone – so using the app allows us to go on more rides, see more attractions, and enjoy more of the Disney Fun!

5. It’s Free – Yeah, this may be kind of a silly reason, but let’s face it – it matters! I don’t love paying for apps, and I seriously think twice about apps that are not free, so if you’re like me – you will appreciate this reason for sure

I used the app on my iPhone when I was in WDW last month – and I would have to say we got the most use out of the “attraction wait times” section – it really helped us plan our day while at the Parks. I also liked that you could view and change your Dining reservations and your Fastpass+ selections, and since all of the Resorts will soon be utilizing the Magic Bands system, I think more and more people will be giving this app a try!

The My Disney Experience app makes planning your WDW vacation easier, less stressful, and more fun! I highly recommend you give it a try – and if you have – I would love to know what you think of it!

MyMagic+ News for Annual Passholders

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 27, 2014

Finally MyMagic+ is now being tested for Annual Passholders. This will be happening over the next couple of months.

Disney is selecting a certain number of Passholders at random to select and customize their very own Magicband. They will have the ability to schedule 3 Fastpasses in advance, for one park per day. They will be able to select 7 days of Fastpass+ selections for a 60 day period. Those participating in the test will be able to make their FastPass+ selections by using the My Disney Experience app or at a FastPass+ kiosk in the park.

Annual Passholders will also be given a discount card to go along with their Magicband to get the Passholders discounts. The card will be gold or black. The gold card means parking is included in your pass. The black card means that parking is not included in your pass.

Keep in mind this testing is very limited right now.

If you are an annual passholder and link you AP to the My Disney Experience you will get a Magic Band as long as you are staying on Disney Property. Chip told me the grey Magic Band in the image above is his and he is a Annual Passholder, so while this is cool if you have an AP and stayed at a resort this isn’t huge news.

What do you think? Speaking as a Passholder, I think it’s about time!

Traveling to the Disney Parks from the United Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 27, 2014

You’ve made your decision. It’s time to escape from the UK, escape the near constant cold and rain – if only to avoid having your heating on all Summer. If you’ve stumbled across this, then obviously Disney World has crossed your mind. But you’ve been looking online and you can’t find much about booking from the UK. Worry not, tortured soul, we are here to help. If you’re planning your Disney Vacation (yes,Vacation. We’re going to America, we gotta use the lingo) then you have a few options available to you.

It all depends what you’re looking for – do you want a hassle free holiday, with someone else taking care of everything? Or do you want to save some cash? Either way, you’re covered.

Using a Travel Agent: This will probably be the first port-of-call for most travelers, especially if it’s your first time headed to Disney World. There’s so much to take in that it’s just easier to let someone else deal with it for you – but I have the usual advice to give. Shop around, visit all the travel agencies you can. Prices for the same dates can vary as much as £600! That’s a lot of Disney Dollars to spend on your holiday. A great option is an American travel agency such as Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and the preferred agency of Chip and Co. This is great resource for traveling to the states. Carrie Hurst, one of their vacation specialists, would be happy to help you! You can contact her via email at [email protected]. Using an Earmarked Company is the best way to go. Their travel agent services are free, as they are paid by Disney. They will help you decide on the best resort for your family, give you personalized itinerary planning help, and so much more!

Here in the UK the big travel companies usually put their holidays up at least 18 months in advance, if not more. Normally they expect you to have it paid off three months before your flight, so if you’re planning on using My Disney Experience, you’ll only be able to link a Travel Agent booking to your account three months before your holiday, around the same time that Dining Reservations open up. So don’t panic when you go home and it doesn’t recognize your booking number.

Disney: You can book directly through Disney online! You can book a package holiday, and without the extra commission tagged on by the Agents, even though you’re flying on one of their planes! It’s not always cheaper, but it should at least match the cheapest offer from any UK based Agency.

Mix & Match: If you don’t want the stress of dealing with it all yourself, you can always book your flights and hotel through the agency, and go to the Disney Site for your tickets. This is what we do, and it saved us somewhere around £700 this year. Speaking of tickets…

The Ultimate Ticket: This beauty is a UK exclusive, and has 7-day, 14-day and 21-day options. It get’s you into all four Disney Parks AND allows you to park hop – visiting more than one park each day. And gets you into both Water Parks. AND DisneyQuest. When it comes to tickets, this is THE choice. The best way to do Disney.

Most of the major travel agents offer it, but again at inflated prices. Whilst you might get a good deal booking through one, the best place to buy it is through Disney itself.

And so, there we go. There are your options folks, time to start thinking about which is best for you. But there’s a lot more to travelling to the USA than written here, but we’ll get to that. Until next time.

This article comes to us from our newest writer Douglas. Douglas lives in the UK and will be joining us as our overseas Disney Blogger. He will be helping us with Tips and Tricks for planning WDW vacations from a Brits point of view.

“The Fifth Estate” Movie Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 27, 2014

I really didn’t know what The Fifth Estate was about when it arrived at my house to review, but I quickly became familiar with the storyline once I read the back of the Blu-Ray cover. I’m not one to watch the news often, but I definitely remembered Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks making headlines. The Fifth Estate stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Assange and Daniel Bruhl as Daniel Berg. Based on true events, this political thriller takes you behind the scenes of the scandal that made headlines. The Fifth Estate follows Assange’s goal to expose fraud and corruption using the Internet. I’m not someone who usually likes political thrillers/drama, but it was an interesting movie and kept my attention since it was based on a true story.

Below you will find my review of the bonus features found on The Fifth Estate Blu-Ray.

The Submission Platform: Visual Effects – This bonus content was interesting in how they created the movie to depict the platform that Julian created where people could submit information safely and discreetly. The creators had to film multiple passes of Benedict sitting at many different desks doing different things and in different positions and then duplicate these in order to make it seemed like Benedict was sitting at 100 different desks in all directions for the making of the film. To me, this part seemed very Matrix-like if you remember those movies.

In Camera: Graphics – When a movie is centered around communications between people via a computer, it can be a bit difficult to show the computer-based communication between them and maintain interest in what is going on. The creators did a great job of using multiple text colors to represent who was saying what so that you weren’t confused the entire movie. The part that I found very interesting was that they used computers and operating systems that were actually found during the time period so that it really depicted reality 4 years ago – great attention to detail in my opinion.

Scoring Secrets: Being a musician, I always love watching the behind the scenes info on how the soundtrack of the movie was created. I would have never guessed that all of the music was original and that composer Carter Burwell drew inspiration from electronic music found in other countries. The music also made me think of The Matrix once again.

The Fifth Estate releases to Blu-Ray and DVD Tuesday, January 28th.

The Lion King Now Playable in Disney’s Hidden Worlds

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 27, 2014

For a limited time, Disney’s Hidden Worlds, the hidden object adventure game for Facebook and mobile devices, has just been updated with an iconic scene from the animated classic “The Lion King” for a limited time.

Be on the lookout, many more beloved Disney animated films are coming to Disney Hidden Worlds soon! Dive into the magical moments of Disney Hidden Worlds.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

What’s New Around the Mouse – Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios News Roundup

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 27, 2014

Spice Road Table

There are new things popping up every day at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Join us every week to read about “What’s New” in Disney news and at Universal Orlando! Most of these items have been released on Chip and Co so in case you missed it we are serving them up nice, hot and fresh for you.

What’s New This Week?

New! FastPass+ Test Expanding to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot: As part of the ongoing
testing process for MyMagic+ , the test will expand to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This testing
builds on the success of the current tests in progress at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and Magic Kingdom
park. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Thursday, Jan. 23 at Epcot,
the FastPass+ test allows Guests (including those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel) visiting
any of the theme parks the ability to make three FastPass+ selections for the current day at that theme
park using FastPass+ kiosks. Disney’s FASTPASS Service (using paper FASTPASS tickets) will not be
available throughout the duration of this test at any of our theme parks.

New! Spice Road Table Now Open in Morocco Pavilion at Epcot: Last week, we reported
Spice Road Table was in soft opening stages and now it’s officially open! With fantastic views of World
Showcase Lagoon and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from almost every angle of the restaurant,
pretty Spice Road Table officially opened Jan 20, 2014, an authentic taste of the Mediterranean at the
Morocco Pavilion in Epcot. Along with the new eatery, there’s live entertainment from Mo Rockin’ Band,
henna tattoos, a “juice” bar and a shop stocked with great Mediterranean flavors to carry home (from olives
to spicy harissa and mint tea). It’s a lively spot, not to mention it’s gorgeous and the small plates
(tapas style) foods are great!

Reminder! Monorail Service Unavailable: Beginning January 21, monorail service on the Magic
Kingdom Resort and Express beams will be temporarily unavailable on weekdays during nonpeak times,
between 11:30am and 7:00pm, to accommodate planned maintenance. During this temporary adjustment
watercraft and additional buses will be available. The Epcot line is not affected.

New! The Smokehouse Now Open on Downtown Disney West Side: The Smokehouse is now open.
This new quick service restaurant serves up barbeque and smoked favorites outside the House of Blues on
the Downtown Disney West Side. Reservations are not required and prices range from $6.99 to $12.99. At
this time, Disney Dining plan is not yet accepted. Quick service entitlements will be accepted in the future.

New! D23 Destination D Announced for Walt Disney World July 26th & 27th: Destination D: Attraction
Rewind is the name of this year’s big event, taking place July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World. The event
will give guests the opportunity to visit — or revisit — beloved Disney attractions of the past, featuring
Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries. Attractions included in the celebration will be
Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rare concept art
and images, vintage video, and stories. There will also be several presentations dedicated to the 1964–65
New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

D23 Fanniversary Celebrations Announced: For the third year in a row, D23 will hit the road, visiting
cities across the U.S. to commemorate dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark
anniversaries this year. Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, D23?s Disney Fanniversary
Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and other
cities in fall 2014. Fanniversary 2014 will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated
and liveaction films, characters, TV series, and more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald
Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood
Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special
admission prices and surprises created for D23 Members in attendance.

New! Super Bowling Spectacular 2014: Come out for the Big Game and support a great cause!  Clean
the World’s (an Orlandobased nonprofit that saves lives around the world with recycled hotel soap)  is
hosting it’s 2nd annual Super Bowling Spectacular on Sunday, February 2, starting at 5:30pm at Splitsville
Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney® West Side.  It is the place to be for the Big Game! Tickets can be
purchased in advance at www.cleantheworld.org/bowl.  Cost: $85 per person includes 3 hours of food and
drink. (Bowling will not be available for this price). Everyone in the party must be 21 or over with valid
photo ID.

Highlights:
• Complimentary appetizers and buffet from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
• Open bar from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
• Three full bars serving premium brands
• 40 flatscreen TVs all showing the game
• Free parking

New! Aladdin and Jasmine Temporary Greeting Location Update: Now Feb.13, Aladdin and Jasmine
will be meeting Guests at the entrance to Adventureland (just before the bridge). This is a slight change as
we previously reported they were meeting at the Veranda Porch. When the refurbishment of the Agrabah
Bazaar completes next month, they will return to their usual location.

New! Winter Summerland Winter Course Closed for Refurb: Beginning Monday, January 20, the
Winter course at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be closed due to refurbishment. The
course will remain closed until further notice. The Summer course will still be available for Guests to play form 10:00am-11:00pm daily.

Reminder! New characters coming to Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine on Jan. 26, 2014: Starting Jan. 26, 2014, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First will join the cast of Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Guests will get the chance to meet Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First and dance along with them during a fun, new musical number right there in the restaurant!

New 2014 Promotion Begins Disney Family Time Resolutions: Disney launched disney.com/resolutions where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January. On disney.com/resolutions, they are also awarding a vacationaday from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!

New! Merchandise Events:

Jan 23-26 – Refresh your skincare routine with Guerlain’s ultra effective in-depth treatments from Orchidée Impériale Skin Care. Infused with orchid extracts, Orchidée Impériale helps promote skin renewal, youthfulness and luminosity. Come experience the benefits of the orchid at La Signature Shoppe in Epcot.
Jan 23-26 – Guests who purchase $100 or more of Guerlain products will receive a complimentary product sample.
Jan 24 – Vinylmation Combo Pack Figure: the Indiana Jones series launched on January 10 at the D Street locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, and on the Disney Parks online store. This series was designed by Thomas Scott, lead Vinylmation artist with Disney Design Group, and features characters from the Indiana Jones film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Disney artist Maria Clapsis designed the combo pack figure which will be released on January 24.
Keep an eye out for special Dinsey Pin and Vinylmation releases this month in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Closures and Refurbishments – Don’t forget to check out month Refurb Schedule!

Magic Kingdom

Casey’s Corner 01/06/14 -02/15/14
Splash Mountain 01/06/14 -03/21/14
Splashdown Photos 1/6/14 -3/21/14
Aladdin and Jasmine will be greeting Guests at the entrance to Adventureland (just before thebridge).
Liberty Square Riverboat 01/21/14 -01/30/14
Barnstormer 2/3/14 -2/5/14
Tomorrowland Transit Authority 2/10/14 -3/27/14
Pinocchio’s Village Haus 2/17/14 -3/30/14
The Plaza Restaurant 2/17/14 -3/07/14

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Backlot Tour 1/5/14 -3/1/14

Epcot

None

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Festival of the Lion King 1/6/14 tbd
Camp MinnieMickey 1/6/14 permanent closure

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Closed for annual refurbishment 01/06/14 -03/17/14

Resorts

Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
▪ Grand Slam Quiet Pool Deck 2/11/14 -2/13/14

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
▪ Kiddie Pool Wet Deck Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open 1/21/14 -2/14/14

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
▪ Villas Quiet Pool & Spa 2/3/14 -3/7/14

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
▪ Pool slides pools remain open 01/27/14 -02/07/14

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
▪ Bay Lake Tower Kiddie Pool Wet Deck Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open. 1/13/14 –
2/7/14
▪ Monorail Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended
on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be
available. 1/21/14 -3/21/14

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
▪ Victoria & Albert’s 1/19/14 -1/29/14
▪ Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished
starting in early January and scheduled to complete in August. Guest buildings will be taken out of
inventory and will not be occupied by Guests while work is being performed.
▪ Monorail Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available. 1/21/14 -3/21/14

Disney’s Old Key West
▪ Sandcastle Pool 1/13/14 -1/31/14
▪ Goods to Go 1/20/14 -1/30/14
▪ Gurging Suitcase 2/5/14 -2/28/14

Disney’s Polynesian Resort
▪ Volcano Pool Slide 1/13/14 -1/31/14
▪ The Never Land Club 1/24/14 -4/11/14
▪ Beach & Sunset Point Access to the east portion of the beach, near the Transportation and Ticket
Center, and Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. However, all other
amenities will not be affected. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been
taken off the market during the renovation period.
▪ Monorail Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended
on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be
available. 1/21/14 -3/21/14

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
▪ Doubloon Lagoon Pool transportation will be provided for Guests to swim at Ol’ Man Island Pool at
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside 01/13/14 -02/28/14

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
▪ Congress Park Pool 01/22/14 -01/23/14
▪ Paddock Pool 02/1/14 -02/13/14

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
▪ Yacht Club Quiet Pool 1/21/14 -2/7/14
▪ Beach Club Quiet Pool 2/3/14 -2/4/14

Downtown Disney® Area
▪ Cap’n Jack’s Marina Closed
▪ Parking Lots H,I,J,K Closed
▪ Fuego closed
▪ Wetzels Pretzels closed 10/20/13
▪ Team Mickey Athletic Club 1/27/14 -6/13/14

Disney Golf Courses / Miniature Golf
▪ Winter course at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be closed due to refurbishment.

Disneyland Resort in California

New! Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup at Disneyland Park: If you’re looking for a
place to have a rootin’ tootin’ good time with some of your favorite Disney friends – then listen up,
partner! Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup in Frontierland at Disneyland park is the place to
find Disney characters and more! You can even watch trick ropers and meet some of our famous Disneyland
Resort horses. Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup is open Fridays through Sundays, so stop
on by!

New! Merchandise Events
▪ January 25 – 26: Rounding out our artist showcases at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney
District is M. Andonia who will appear from 1 – 4 p.m. each day.
▪ January 25 – 26: Meet artist Bob Elias from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Disneyana in Disneyland park, as he
signs some of the newest pieces in his collection.

Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to download the latest renovations and closures at Disneyland.

Universal Orlando Resort

Reminder! Harry Potter Celebration Event This Weekend: Join Harry Potter™ fans from around the
world for interactive experiences, exciting demonstrations, and more during A Celebration of Harry Potter™
at Universal Orlando® Resort, January 24 – 26, 2014. Come and celebrate all of Harry Potter’s adventures
with interactive experiences, exciting demonstrations, and more. The celebration kicks off with a Harry
Potter™ Tribute on Friday – a special evening event featuring select cast members and awardwinning artist,
Kazu Kibuishi, who recently reimagined the Harry Potter book covers.
Other special activities over the weekend include:
▪ A wand masterclass hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter,
featuring Wand Combat choreographer Paul Harris and a special guest
▪ Q&A sessions with members of the Harry Potter cast
▪ Panel discussions that cannot be missed with MinaLima creators of the graphics seen in the movies
▪ Pottermore – an exclusive behindthescenes look at Pottermore.com the free interactive website from
J.K. Rowling (Saturday & Sunday)
▪ Plus, guests can explore the oneofakind Harry Potter Expo with interactive activities for fans including
a vignette of movie props from Harry Potter: The Exhibition and The Sorting Hat™ experience.
▪ And More

New! Universal Releases New Trailer for Diagon Alley: Another new trailer has been released and is
building excitement for Diagon Alley, which will open in 2014 at Universal Orlando Resort. Watch here.

Mardi Gras Dates and Concerts Announced: It’s the most spectacular celebration of the Big Easy spirit
outside of New Orleans itself Mardi Gras at Universal Studios®. Bring the whole family for a party filled with
music and fun as only Universal Orlando® Resort can throw. Feb 8 May 21, 2014. This year’s concerts
include Robin Thicke (Feb 22) and The Wanted, May 10, plus 18 other concerts:
▪ FEB 8 DAUGHTRY
▪ FEB 15 BARENAKED LADIES
▪ FEB 16 THOMAS RHETT
▪ FEB 22 ROBIN THICKE
▪ MAR 1 COLLECTIVE SOUL
▪ MAR 8 PRINCE ROYCE
▪ MAR 14 CODY SIMPSON
▪ MAR 15 FOREIGNER
▪ MAR 21 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAR 22 GAVIN DEGRAW
▪ MAR 28 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAR 29 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ APR 5 SKILLET
▪ APR 12 LYNYRD SKYNYRD
▪ APR 19 KOOL & THE GANG
▪ MAY 3 NELLY
▪ MAY 10 THE WANTED
▪ MAY 17 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAY 24 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAY 31 TO BE ANNOUNCED

New! Comedian Ralphie May Performs at Hard Rock Live Orlando Jan 24: The comedian Ralpie May
will be performed at Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando Resort on January 24, 2014. Tickets are $35 for
reserved seating. Reserved balcony tables are available for purchase through the Hard Rock Live box office
at 4073515483.

Kids Eat Free at Loews: The program has been extended to include dates of January 5 – March 13, 2014,
with a minimum of a 3night stay at our onsite deluxe Loews hotels, kids can enjoy meals at our resorts!
• Valid for breakfast, lunch & dinner (during restaurant hours of operation)
• One FREE kids meal with purchase of EACH adult entrée
• Children up to 9 years old
• Valid for kids menu and buffets only
• Beverage included (select drinks only)
• Gratuity included on the kids meal only

Telemundo’s hit Sunday night reality show, “La Voz Kids” will be taping at Universal Orlando®Resort: January 18–22 at 1:30PM & 5:00PM. Come see a wide variety of young talented singers competing to be the next music star and be part of the audience.

Closures and Refurbishments

▪ Dudley DoRight’s Ripsaw Falls®: 1/6 2/1
▪ Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue™: 1/5 1/31
▪ Disaster!SM A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring YOU: 1/13 1/19
▪ TWISTER…Ride It Out®: 1/20 2/1

To book your family’s magical vacation please contact Gretchen, an agent with Destinations in Florida, at [email protected] or 818-519-0777.

All new Disney’s “Maleficent” Trailer Featuring New Lana Del Rey Song

By

Chip

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January 27, 2014

A never-before-heard Lana Del Rey rendition of “Once Upon a Dream” was unveiled as part of a 90-second sneak peek of Disney’s “Maleficent” during the 56^th Annual Grammy Awards® on Sunday, January 26. “Maleficent” releases in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2014.

Award-winning, American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has recorded a unique reimagining of the renowned fairy-tale tune from Disney’s classic animated film “Sleeping Beauty,” which will feature in the end credits of the upcoming Disney film.

Lana Del Rey’s “Once Upon a Dream” is free for a limited time, only on Google Play, Google’s online store offering digital music, movies, books, games and more. The song was made available as a free download today and will be available exclusively on Google Play through Monday, February 3^rd.

“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in theaters on May 30, 2014.

For more information, check out Disney.com/Maleficent, like them on Facebook: Facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent and use the official hashtag #Maleficent.

Enter to Win the ESPN Wide World of Sports “Play in the Magic” Sweepstakes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 26, 2014

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Logo

ESPN Wide World of Sports is launching a ‘Play in the Magic’ sweepstakes on January 24, 2014 and win a trip for your team! This contest has pretty good prizes. You can even win some instant prizes.

SWEEPSTAKES GRAND PRIZE is a four-night/five-day trip for one winner and up to fourteen (14) guests to Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida – prize package includes round-trip airfare, accommodations, meals, photography, park tickets, and more!Check the official rules for some more cool prizes.

The idea behind the contest is that the winner can take their sports team to Disney World and be entered into a sports competition of their choosing.

The contest will run through April 23. Enter by visiting PlayInTheMagicSweeps.com .

You can get a bonus entry by being a fan of the ESPN WWoS Facebook page.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

House of Blues Opens New Smokhouse at Downtown Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 26, 2014

I think Downtown Disney just keeps getting better. The House of Blues has recently opened their new Smokehouse. It’s a quick-service window where you can grab some yummy food on the go and continue your shopping.

The menu is simple:

Smoked beef brisket sandwich
Pulled pork or chicken sandwich
Smoked turkey leg
St. Louis half-rack of ribs
All-beef hot dog.

I hear the Cole Slaw and Baked Beans are really good.

If you want to grab a seat you can, just outside of Crossroads at House of Blues. There is also outdoor cocktail bar, you can order from the bar and Smokehouse. If you go at night servers will wait on you.

The Smokehouse opens at 11:30 a.m. daily and closes around 10 p.m. Prices range from $6.99 to $12.99

F.Y.I. It is not on the Dining Plan

Keep an eye on Disney Parks Blog for updates.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Earn Cash With New Chip and Co. Referral Program

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 26, 2014

Chip has done it again! He has teamed up with Destinations in Florida for an all new referral program. Here is your chance to earn some extra cash without a lot of work. One of my favorite ways ! With our Referral Rewards program you refer your friends, co-workers, Facebook friends, Twitter friends, Pinterest friends, and even family to one of the best travel agencies in the world. They receive exceptional service, perks and services (valued at over $500) and receive a Thank You Gift !

Here’s the Need To Know:

1. Sign up to be a participant in the form here

2. Refer friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances to our agency

3. You then receive $10 after they travel

Our Referral Rewards program does add up! One of our favorite guests has received enough Referral Reward dollars to actually pay for a week long vacation to Disney World. He is now saving up for his second trip on a Disney Cruise. This is an easy way to make money, by referring your friends and family that already travel to us. Sign up today!

Additional Perks:

Besides receiving a $10 referral fee for thinking of our agency. You also are entered to win monthly prizes. This month we will be giving away (2) tickets to a Disney Water Park. Sign up below for our Referral Rewards 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!

Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Delayed Further

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2014

What was once the wildest ride in the wilderness hasn’t been in operation since January 9th, 2013. After a series of delay’s, we’ve learned that there is yet another. Projected re-opening of Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland will be near the end of March 2014.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was originally to re-open in “Fall 2013”, then “Winter 2014”, and now it’s pushed back. Of course opening dates are rumors as Disney doesn’t release specific dates.

With so many rumors flying around regarding the delays, it’s hard to really know what’s keeping this ride closed for over a year, but I can say for certain it is for safety reasons. There have been reports of the train leaving the tracks during tests, reports of cracked foundations and more. All these rumors of possible reasons for the delay all point to ensuring we are safe when traveling in a runaway train.

Of course we all want it to re-open. Have you checked out the cool refurbishment of the line queue as well? They are adding in an interactive queue with a background story and more. When this ride finally re-opens we are all in for a new Wildest Ride In The Wilderness!

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Disneyland and ride the refurbished Big Thunder Mountain, then now’s the time to start planning. Contact me directly or use the quote form on the right to work with any of the great agents from Destinations In Florida, a EarMarked Disney Agency and ChipandCo’s preferred Travel Agency!

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.

Girl Meets World Gets Full Season Order on Disney Channel

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 25, 2014

I am sure Disney Channel isn’t doubting the popularity of its upcoming show Girl Meets World, which is the sequel to Boy Meets World.

The News was released today that Disney has picked up additional episodes of Girl Meets World for a full season. Girl meets world picks up where Boy Meets World left off. The Original stars of the show Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel will be back in their original roles as Cory and Topanga Matthews. Except now they are parents to Riley.

Girl Meets World will focus on Riley. Production on the pilot began this spring. The series is scheduled for a 2014 season.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine