Disney Quick Tips – Search For Hidden Mickeys

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January 10, 2014

One of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World is to search for hidden Mickeys. When the imagineers design new spaces at Disney, whether it be a new attraction, restaurant, or anything else, they almost always add in some special Disney magic in the form of hidden Mickeys. In many cases, these hidden Mickeys will consist of three circles forming the classic Mickey shape; however, sometimes hidden Mickeys can be found as profiles of Mickey’s face.

So just where can you look for these fun hidden details? Hidden Mickeys can be found just about anywhere! Some of the best places to look include carpet and wallpaper at the resorts, in the queues of attractions, and even in the pavement at the parks. The hidden Mickey pictured above was found in the carpet of Fantasia Market at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If you’re interested in searching for more hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World, be sure to check out Steven M. Barret’s Hidden Mickeys book.

Have you found any great hidden Mickeys? Let us know your favorite one in the comments below!

Ringling Brothers Circus presents Big Cat Care Clinic

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 10, 2014

Ringling Brothers Circus presented a Big Cat Care Clinic to 60 4th and 5th graders today from Lake Eola Charter School here in Orlando at the Amway Center. The clinic, which is presented by the big cat trainer Alexander Lacey, explains to the kids how Ringling takes care of the lions and tigers on tour with the show. Lacey showed the children how he trains, maintains, and cares for the animals with positive reinforcement, care, and love. After speaking with Lacey, I can tell he genuinely loves what he does.

Lacey is a native of England who grew up working in his parent’s zoo. The Lacey family has raised more than 11 generations of lions and nine generations of tigers and continues to develop methods to maintain the integrity of the various bloodlines within the cats’ lineages. Alexander Lacey has earned numerous awards and accolades, including “Best of the Best” at the Circus Festival in Monte Carlo, Silver Clown award in Monaco, and the Chapiteau de Crystal Award in France.

After the presentation of how Lacey trains the cats, he spent some time with the kids to answer questions. Lacey said that most of the questions are the same from town to town but sometimes a question throws him off guard. The questions ranged from “How many animals do you have?” and “Do you ever get nervous?” to “Do the people on the trapeze fly over the lions in the show?” Once the Q and A session was over, Ringling gave each child a stuffed tiger to remember this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Information about the show from Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey:

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® is proud to present LEGENDS! The brand new show plays the Amway Center in Orlando January 9-12, 2014. Experience unimaginable family fun as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and the mysterious: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS!

FREE with ticket an hour before show time is the interactive All Access Pre-show. Families can become part of the circus on the arena floor such as learning juggling and balancing skills, meeting performers and the famous Ringling Bros. Clowns, whose side-splitting spoofs, absurd antics and comical parody are guaranteed to keep audiences roaring with laughter before the show even starts! Families will also be amazed as they watch up close one of Ringling Bros. majestic Asian elephant’s paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, which is given to one lucky audience member.

New this year to Ringling Bros. is the exclusive RINGMASTER’S ZONE! This once-in-a-lifetime family experience will grant exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes look at The Greatest Show On Earth! During this rare opportunity, families will be treated like a circus star, gain access to behind the scenes, meet the most revered circus stars in The Greatest Show On Earth, like the Ringmaster! Plus, get a special family photo on the Ringling Red Carpet with a circus star to commemorate this unforgettable experience! Tickets are limited to only 100 per show and can be combined with any seat level experience.

To see my exclusive interview with Lacey, click HERE

Ringling will be in town until Jan 12th! Come out and enjoy the show!!!

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Your favorite Disney Junior shows have been renewed!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 10, 2014

Disney Junior, the multiplatform brand for kids age 2-7 and their parents/caregivers has ordered new seasons of its animated series “Sofia the First,” “Doc McStuffins” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

Disney Junior is TV’s #1 preschool-dedicated network in the Nielsen demographic, Kids 2-5. The record-breaking “Sofia the First,” which follows the adventures of Disney’s first little girl princess, and the acclaimed Emmy-nominated “Doc McStuffins,” which centers around a six-year-old girl who runs a clinic for her stuffed animals and toys, have each been picked up for a third season, while the Emmy-nominated and Annie Award-winning “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” featuring a crew of kid pirates alongside classic Disney characters Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, has received an order for a fourth season. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.

Kanter said, “‘Sofia the First,’ ‘Doc McStuffins’ and ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates‘ do what Disney does best — tell great stories with humor and heart. We’ve seen these series connect with our audience around the world and across platforms in meaningful ways, and we have many more stories to tell. We look forward to developing new narratives that will put our charismatic princess Sofia, aspiring doctor Doc, and inspiring hero Jake into exciting new situations and locales.”

All three series have resonated with viewers across multiple generations, ranking among the Top 10 cable TV series for 2013 in Kids 2-5 and earning parent approval by also ranking in the top 10 preschooler cable TV series in Total Viewers and Women 18-49, in the U.S. Globally, the series can be seen in over 30 different languages in over 160 countries. They are also featured in the popular Disney Junior Appisode app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch and are among the most viewed episodes on WATCH Disney Junior for web and mobile devices.

“Sofia the First,” “Doc McStuffins” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” have been embraced across all Disney businesses, including Disney Parks & Resorts, which prominently features all three characters as part of the popular “Disney Junior Live on Stage!” attraction at Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Disney Consumer Products has robust product lines inspired by each of the series, including award-winning toys, apparel, room décor and party supplies. Combined, the three series have over 900 book titles, including the New York Times best seller “Sofia the First,” which was released as an e-book and in the accompanying “Sofia the First: Story Theater” app, which has been ranked #1 Kids iPad app on the App Store in 43 countries worldwide. They are also featured in multiple soundtracks and DVD releases from Disney Studios and in Disney Junior magazine from Disney Publishing.

Stay tuned for more!

Disney’s Fastpass+ and Magicbands Coming Soon to All Disney World Resorts

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 10, 2014

Starting in a few days,on January 14 the legacy Fastpass will be history. Guests that are not staying in a Disney World Resort will be able to make same day FastPass+ reservations for the Magic Kingdom by using the Magicband/Fastpass+ kiosks in the park.

You may remember the Animal Kingdom FastPass+ test, if you want to make any changes you can only do it at one of the kiosks in the park, not the My Disney Experience App.

Disney World Resort guests will still be able to use the My Disney Experience app to make your FastPass+ selections ahead of time at all four of the parks. If you are not staying in Disney World Resort you will still be able to use legacy Fastpass at Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and same-day FastPass+ at the Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

So remember from January 14 2013, paper legacy Fastpass will not be available at the Magic Kingdom to either onsite or offsite guests.

You probably know by now that Disney World is slowly moving toward completely getting rid of the Key to the World. So no KTTWC means no paper, or Legacy, Fastpasses. The only exception to this rule would be if you purchased your park tickets from an another company and not Disney World directly.

If you don’t want a Magicband and you request a Key to the World Card you will be given an RFID capable card but it will not function in the Legacy Fastpass machine.

Annual Passes and old room only KTTWC’s will still work in the paper Fastpass machines, as long as the machines are around.

It is being said they want to fully eliminate the old Legacy paper machines by Spring Break 2014.

Here’s the schedule for the full rollout dates for MagicBand only:

January 6 – Art of Animation Resort

January 7 – Port Orleans Resort

January 8 – Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resort

January 9 – Old Key West Resort and Saratoga Spring Resort

January 10 – Wilderness Lodge

January 13 – Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

January 14 – Animal Kingdom Lodge

January 15 – BoardWalk Inn

January 16 – Contemporary Resort

January 17 – Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Polynesian Resort

January 20 – Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

So I know this can be a bit confusing so here is breakdown for you:

Hollywood Studios: Fastpass+ with Tiers and paper, or legacy Fastpass machines.

Epcot: Fastpass+ with Tiers and paper Fastpass machines, with tiers.

Animal Kingdom is Fastpass+ only with no Tiers. No paper Fastpass for anyone. Guests staying offsite must make Fastpass+ reservations at kiosks in the park.

Magic Kingdom is Fastpass+ for 3 attractions only and paper Fastpass machines, until January 14th.

Magician Mickey, Barnstormer and Dumbo are still not connected to the paper Fastpass system, so they are Free Fastpasses.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Disney Dream Portrait Series Featuring Merida by Annie Leibovitz

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 10, 2014

It must have been fate, because the first character from a Pixar film to be recreated, is Brave‘s very own curly haired Merida.

This is a part of the Disney Dream Portrait series, created by Annie Leibovitz,. It features Jessica Chastain, who is playing the role of Merida in the portrait. It is called“Where your destiny awaits.”

You can find this amazing portrait in the upcoming February issue of O – The Oprah Magazine. For past images check here.

Check out Disney Parks Blog for updates.

This Saturday Kicks off New Wild Days Event at SeaWorld Orlando

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 10, 2014

Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for Breakfast or Dinner This Weekend

Don’t forget that this weekend Jack Hanna kicks off Wild Days, an all-new event at SeaWorld Orlando connecting guests even deeper to animals and the wonderful world we share. Wild Days takes place weekends starting this Saturday, January 11 through January 26, 2014, and is included with park admission or Fun Card.

Reminder about special offer: During event days only, buy one Fun Card and get one FREE at the gate with any recyclable can or bottle from a Coca-Cola beverage product.

Special dining opportunities: Join “Jungle Jack” Hanna for breakfast or dinner during a can’t-miss VIP dining experience that is sure to delight all animal lovers. Recognized around the world for his boundless enthusiasm for animals and conservation, Jack Hanna helps us share in his wondrous connection to wildlife and the world we share. Guests will receive one complimentary family photo and special reserved seats to one of his shows at SeaWorld Orlando.

Book Breakfast with Jack now: http://bit.ly/1a1yrw1

Book Dinner with Jack now: http://bit.ly/1cPIroQ

For more information about Wild Days, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com and join the conversation using #SeaWorldWildDays.

Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World for a Dance Team, Family Reunion, Girl Scout Troop, and More

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 10, 2014

For a group needing 10 or more resort rooms, Disney will set up a special group rate for you. This is a discounted resort rate, and then you can purchase discounted park tickets as well. A perfect example of this is the Chip and Co and Destinations in Florida Land/Sea Package. You can choose from Pop Century,Port Orleans Riverside, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort at a deeply discounted rate and then add on discounted tickets and a Disney Dining Plan. You can even add the Disney Dining plan onto reservations individually. For example, during your large family reunion, Aunt Sally’s family wants the Disney Dining Plan, but Uncle Tom’s only wants Quick Service. No problem! Each reservation can be customized, while still taking advantage of the discounted resort room and tickets.

Park tickets are discounted, and include the Water Parks Fun and More Option as well. This entitles you to a visit to any Disney WaterPark, miniature golf course, DisneyQuest, and more. You can choose from Base Tickets or Park Hopper tickets. Disney also offers the exclusive “After 2PM” or “After 4PM” entry tickets for groups. If you are visiting the Disney Parks for a cheerleading competition or a conference, and can’t get to the parks until later in the day, then these tickets are perfect for you!

Looking for something extra special during your large group gathering? Disney will help you set up a special catered event or behind the scenes tours of the parks, too. The best thing, is that Disneyland and Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa also will set up large group rates as well.

So, what are you waiting for? Do you have a dance team, girl scout troop, or maybe even a perfect excuse for a large family reunion? The Disney Parks are the perfect way to get some magical memories with all the people you love the most!

Contact me today to find out how you can coordinate a large group gathering at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa. I’m always ready to help you-and all those you want to travel with-create magical memories that are perfect for YOU! Email me at [email protected] today!

Lawrence Kasdan Penned ‘Star Wars: Boba Fett’ Spin-Off On the Way

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 9, 2014

Last week, John Campea of AMC movie talk hosted a 24 Hour Movie Talk marathon in order to make money for the Red Cross to help aide the Philippines. It was a lot of fun to watch, and the whole show managed to raise a whopping $25,000 from film fans around the world to help with the typhoon relief efforts there. It was a great event, and one I’m proud to say I watched and even donated to. But somewhere near the middle mark of the marathon, some new ‘Star Wars’ related spin-off news slipped off by one of the show’s hosts, Jon Schnepp.

There have been rumors for months now that one of the new ‘Star Wars’ spin-off films would be a Boba Fett film. The film has been kicked around for quite a while, with director Joe Johnston really pushing the idea for it to happen. Now, we know the film is actually happening, and we even know who has written the script. Around the 3 minute mark of the video below, the AMC Movie Talk crew are asked a question about the future of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, and its spin-off films. As they begin to discuss the new plans for the series, Schnepp lets it slip that he knows for a fact that one of the two announced spin-off films is in fact a Boba Fett film, and it’s been written by Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘The Empire’s Strike Back’, as well as helping with the script for ‘Episode VII’ right now. Schnepp spent time working at Cartoon Network for sometime, the same channel where ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ was airing for the last six years, so he would certainly know people working at Lucasfilm, and would have an idea of what the company is doing. Check out the video below:

For me, this is very exciting news! I’ve always hoped to see Boba Fett get his chance to have the limelight in his own film. He’s a character just oozing to get more screen time, and I can’t wait to see how the film turns out. The only thing I can hope now is that Lucasfilm gets Joe Johnston to direct the film, because he’s been courting the idea for quite some time. Are you excited about Boba Fett taking a starring role in his own film? Is there any other characters you would like to see in their own films? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

How to Decorate your Door: Disney Cruise Line Door Policy

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 9, 2014

A few months ago, Disney updated the Disney Cruise Line door policy for passengers on board Disney Cruise Lines wishing to decorate their stateroom doors.

Disney Cruise Line now requires all passengers to refrain from using any type of adhesive (including removable gel adhesives) or over-the-door hanging organizers on their cabin doors. Passengers are only permitted to use magnetic decorations now. According to Disney, these adhesives can cause damage to the appearance and overall condition of the doors.

Disney’s Media Relations Manager, Jacqueline Lorenzetti, reported that any passengers found with a nonmagnetic decoration will be reminded of the policy. If the decorations are not removed, the cabin occupant faces a $100 fee to cover the cost of repairs for damage to the door.

Letters containing this message are available to guests in every cabin. Magnetic door decorations are also available for purchase on-board in merchandise areas and at guest services.

Disney’s official statement reads:

“As you may be aware, it is important to us to keep our facilities looking their best for all our guests. As part of our commitment to this area of focus, we ask that you do not affix anything to your stateroom door utilizing tape or any adhesive, including removable gel adhesives. We have found that these adhesives damage the finish on our stateroom doors; therefore we ask that you limit door decoration to those of the magnetic variety.

Concurrently, we ask that guests not use over-the-door hanging organizers as they have been found to scratch and/or disfigure stateroom doors and trim.”

What do you think of the new policy on Disney Cruise Line door decorations? Do you decorate your cabin door?

Don’t forget that we are hosting a Chip and Co Land and Sea package next fall! We will be at Walt Disney World 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!

Would you like to plan a Disney Cruise or Disney World vacation or join us in October for our Chip and Co Cruise? Contact Siera today at [email protected] or 734-771-1290. Be sure to let her know Chip and Co. sent you!

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 or Disney World vacation? Siera, a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, would love to help you! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

“Muppets Most Wanted” New Trailer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 9, 2014

Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit the Frog and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted” is directed by James Bobin and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Bobin wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller, who is also executive producer with John G. Scotti. Featuring music from Academy Award-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie.

Remember “Muppets Most Wanted” hits theaters March 21, 2014.

Check out the video:

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna Brings Runners to Central Florida

By

Chip

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January 9, 2014

One of Central Florida’s largest sporting events, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna is underway, drawing runners from around the globe to Central Florida.

Each January, Central Florida becomes the center of the globe for thousands of runners who participate in the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Runners come from more than 60 countries and all 50 states, making the event arguably the largest sporting event in Central Florida and on par with some of the area’s largest conventions.

This year, the race weekend has expanded to five days and includes a 10K, along with the Family Fun Run 5K, the Disney Half Marathon, the Disney Marathon and Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. That creates the opportunity for an unparalleled proposition in the running industry: The Dopey Challenge – running all four timed events in successive days (48.6 miles) for the chance to earn an unprecedented six medals.

With more than 50,000 runners registered, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend ranks among the most popular destination races, reflecting a growing trend in sports tourism. As more athletes combine vacation fun with the adventure and challenge of an endurance sport, the weekend has grown from approximately 5,500 runners in 1994 to more than100,000 athletes and spectators expected this year.

From children’s races to the full marathon, each activity features uniquely Disney elements such as race courses through Disney theme parks, signature Disney characters and entertainment, first-class event management and exclusive race medals for marathon participants. All these elements, combined with a flat running course led Runners’ World Magazine to rank Walt Disney World Resort races among the top ten for beginners.

Is a new DVC resort in the plans for the old River Country area?

By

Anonymouse

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January 9, 2014

Hiya Disney Friends! It’s me, Anonymouse, and I have some Disney Vacation Club Gossip that has just resurfaced. A few years ago, it was rumored that DVC would build a resort in the now defunct River Country area. It was eventually scrapped in favor of building the DVC Resorts along the monorail.

With the growth and popularity of DVC, my sources say these plans may be back on the drawing board. As you know, DVC is currently building their final monorail property at the Polynesian Resort. Once this resort is complete, all Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World will have a DVC Resort associated with them. Could this mean we will see another stand alone DVC Resort? Perhaps at River Country? Only time will tell…

What do you think about a new DVC Resort being built on the site of the old River Country? Please leave your comments in the comments section below.

Anywho, that’s all the Disney Gossip I have for now. While Chippy has been away, the Disneygossip been pouring in. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my facebook page. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here.