Arrest made in Disney World Vacation Scam

By

-

January 8, 2014

Instead of a magic maker, I guess we can call people like this a dream killer.

Lisa Andres, 40, was arrested Monday on a separate charge of stealing $11,000. It is alleged that she scammed $11,000 from people with the hopes of taking their dream vacation to Disney World.

Jennifer Zale claims that she is a victim of Andres. She said she arrived at Disney World to find that there was nothing booked for her.

“We didn’t get to stay where we were supposed to stay,” said Zale. “We didn’t have any passes. We had no meal plan or anything. We had to buy our entire vacation all over again.”

“We gave her $5,000,” Pam said. “We had to spend another $5,000 to redo what we paid for.”

All of the victims said they met Lisa Andres at Flip N Twist Gymnastics in Fairfield.

“You not only feel upset, but you feel really stupid,” said Butler County resident Jennifer Dendler, who claims she was a victim of Andres. “I consider myself a somewhat intelligent person and when you find things out like this, you wonder, ‘What did I not see? What did I not do?’”

The Butler County Prosecutor’s Office might have as many as 35 fraud cases that they are currently investigating in this matter.

If you have had any interaction with Lisa Andres please let the authorities know.

A bond was set at $5,000 for Andres. She is due back in court on Jan. 14 at 1 p.m.

Be very careful everyone! Investigate and if it seems to go to be true it probably is!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Exclusive Discounts and Offers from D23

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 8, 2014

D23 Logo Stack Lg

Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can save hundreds of dollars on shopping, entertainment, and their next Disney adventure when they present a D23 Membership Card or use special member-only online codes.

D23 is proud to offer savings with partners from around The Walt Disney Company, including:

10% off all purchases of more than $50 made at Disney Store locations or on DisneyStore.com through March 31.

D23 Members-only ticket prices for Newsies on Broadway.

Savings on tickets to see The Wind Rises and Lady and the Tramp at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.

Special rates on all Disney magazines.

A member-exclusive discount on tickets to experience D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

Also included in the more than three dozen special offers for D23 Members are terrific savings on hotels, restaurants, and stores in and around Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, including:

Discounted rates at Howard Johnson Anaheim, Carousel Inn & Suites, and the Anabella Hotel located near Disneyland Resort; as well as at Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, and B Resort located near Walt Disney World Resort.

10% savings on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre and on merchandise at CURL® by Sammy Duvall at Walt Disney World Resort.

Savings on sweet purchases made at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, either online or in its two Disney Park shops, as well as at the El Capitan Theatre.

10% off purchases at all RIDEMAKERZ® and Apricot Lane locations.

Dining discounts in and around Disneyland Resort including House of Blues Anaheim, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal, Uva Bar, Naples, Tortilla Joe’s, Earl of Sandwich, ESPN Zone, The Pizza Press, and Tangerine Grill

In addition, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing offers online and around the country.

Amazing attractions around the country, including:

The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

The Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo.

The Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C.

Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif.

Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, Calif.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

10% off SuperShuttle bookings

Online shopping discounts:

H20+

Brookstone.com

The ABC TV Store

Jelly Belly

ACME Archives

Van Eaton Galleries

Sprint, and more

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Gluten Free & Food Allergy Foods at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 8, 2014

Guests visiting Walt Disney World gluten free or with food allergies will be surprised at the treasure trove of food options available to them while visiting the parks and resorts. Known for their terrific food allergy and gluten free accommodations, Disney is well equipped at providing safe and tasty food options. In a recent article, we discussed the top 10 best restaurants for food allergies on property, and in this article we’ll cover specific food finds for gluten free & food allergy diners.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 gluten free and food allergy foods at Disney World.

10. Sushi: This is one of those food finds that offers guests with various special dietary needs a chance to indulge. Gluten free diners will be very happy that most locations on property can also accommodate gluten free sushi, including providing gluten free soy sauce! Some of the best locations include: California Grill (where they even have a special diets sushi menu), Kona Cafe, Splitsville, and Kimonos. My favorites are the Fantasty Roll at Splitsville, the California Luau Roll at Kona Cafe, and the Sashimi at California Grill.

9. Sundaes: Did you know that you can get gluten free and dairy free sundaes at Disney? Sundaes at the Plaza include lots of toppings, and you can even get a banana split. Beaches n’ Cream offers their version of a sundae complete with peanut butter sauce. Looking for a gluten free and dairy free brownie sundae? Head over to 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Their version is outstanding with a house-made allergy friendly brownie. Most locations carry both Tofutti and Rice Dream non-dairy ice cream for guests needing special dietary options.

8. Cupcakes: Looking for the perfect cupcake that’s free of many of the top common allergens? Then you must head to Babycakes NYC in Downtown Disney. This kiosk can be found in the Pollo Campero and Bodie’s All American building and has a dedicated bakery that provides a variety of baked goods that are free of gluten, dairy, egg, and soy. They are best known for their cupcakes — including the chocolate brownie cupcake with mint frosting (my personal favorite!). You can also get their 4-pack of mini cupcakes at a variety of locations on property including:

The Beach Club Marketplace at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
The Boardwalk Bakery at Disney’s Boardwalk
The Gardens Kiosk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The End Zone at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

7. Dole Whips: Nothing is more iconic in Disney than a Dole Whip. Guests who are gluten free can easily indulge in this frozen delight. The pineapple and orange flavors recently became dairy free & vegan this past year, making them a long sought after treat. However, guests with dairy allergies should avoid these, as they are served in a facility with the vanilla flavored Dole Whip, which still contains dairy.

6. Fried Chicken: Fried chicken? For a food allergy and gluten free? Yes, Disney can provide this at 50’s Prime Time Cafe. With advance notice, they can whip up this delicious treat along with dairy free mashed potatoes and even gluten free gravy. This dish takes up to 45 minutes to prepare and requires special ingredients, so make sure to contact the Walt Disney World Special Diets Department if you wish to enjoy this entree on your next visit. And you’ll definitely want to. It’s just like mom makes!

5. Chicken Tenders: Sticking with the fried chicken theme, guests who want a quick fried chicken fix should head to their favorite quick service locations for the allergy friendly chicken tenders served on property. These tenders come from the same vendor and are utilized at many QS locations. Some locations don’t have a dedicated fryer, which means they will be baked and not fried, while others have perfected the deep fried deliciousness in those dedicated fryers. Columbia Harbour House is a hands down favorite for allergy chicken tenders. They have frying down to an art!

4. French Fries: French fries are a must. Especially when you normally can’t get them out safely. While some locations do use soy based oils to fry, most utilize canola oil. Be sure to check with a manager to make sure they are prepared in a dedicated fryer and indulge with a big dollop of ketchup or mayonnaise, or my personal favorite the curry mango mayonnaise at Kona Cafe.

3. Beignets: Speaking of deep fried deliciousness, this is hands down one of my favorite gluten free and dairy free indulgences on property. Found at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, guests who are gluten free and have food allergies will be overjoyed by these little puffs of sweetness. Utilizing a dedicated fryer, these beignets are available for any guest who inquires and has a few extra minutes to spare. And why wouldn’t you for something deep fried, smothered in powdered sugar and food allergy friendly?

2. Popcorn: This is a hands down must-do for guests who are gluten free and dairy free. It’s a Disney tradition, and there’s nothing quite like visiting Main Street U.S.A. and grabbing a hot popcorn. Guests who taste this would swear it’s loaded with butter, but it’s not. That’s coconut oil and some other flavorings replicating that buttery deliciousness. Be sure to grab some while watching the parade or fireworks.

1. Waffles: Perhaps the most exciting thing on Disney property are the allergy friendly Mickey waffles. Yes, folks Mickey waffles. These adorable waffles are made to be as allergy friendly as possible and even are made with multiple batters to accommodate special dietary needs. They are also made in dedicated waffle makers. And let’s be honest, everything taste better Mickey shaped! Visit Disney’s Art of Animation and you’ll be treated to mini Nemo waffles using the same allergy friendly waffle batter. How cute!

So there you have it. A list of some of the best gluten free and food allergy food finds. Did any of them surprise you?

What are your favorite food items at Disney that are gluten free and food allergy friendly?

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.

Disney Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral Bring Economic Boost

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 8, 2014

Three of Disney Cruise Line’s ships now have a new home in Port Canaveral for the first time in the history of the cruise line. The Disney Magic returns to Port Canaveral to join the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy through middle of May. This not only gives guests more options but it also gives Central Florida a big economic boost.

According to a study by Martin Associates, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based firm that conducts economic research for many of the nation’s ports and cruise lines, the addition of a third ship in Brevard for the first part of 2014 creates about 1,000 new jobs in the region and boosts the local economy by an additional $100 million.

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have already found a home in Port Canaveral. They generate more than 4,000 jobs in Central Florida and contributes more than $450 million to the local economy. With the Disney Wonder currently sailing from Miami, this marks the first time the entire Disney fleet of four ships is sailing from Florida ports. A similar schedule is planned for the early part of 2015.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Watch ABC Family Online!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 8, 2014

logo abc family

Watch ABC Family

Dedicated to expanding its network and channel brands and content across multiple platforms and devices, Disney/ABC Television Group announced today that the new “WATCH ABC Family” authenticated service will launch on Monday, January 6, 2014. Similar to DATG’s WATCH ABC and suite of WATCH DISNEY services, the new WATCH ABC Family offering will allow viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on demand access to such popular series as “Pretty Little Liars,” “Switched at Birth,” “The Fosters,” “Baby Daddy” and “Melissa & Joey” at home and on the go via a wide array of devices.

At launch, the WATCH ABC Family app will be available on iOS and Kindle Fire devices, as well as select Android tablets, including Samsung Galaxy devices. Select Android phones, as well as Blackberry and Windows 8 devices, will be able to access the WATCH ABC Family service later this month. Viewers can also access WATCH ABC Family online at WATCHABCFamily.com.

Also, in support of DATG’s growing authenticated WATCH initiative, the availability of free streaming episodes from ABC and ABC Family will change beginning January 6th. To watch the most current episodes of ABC and ABC Family shows the day after they air, viewers will log in to the WATCH ABC and WATCH ABC Family apps, WATCHABC.com, WATCHABCFamily.com and hulu.com with their subscription TV account usernames and passwords.

Following an advantaged viewing window for subscription TV customers, on demand episodes will be unlocked for all WATCH ABC users eight days after their initial broadcast. On demand episodes of ABC Family series will only be available to verified customers of participating subscription TV providers.

Currently Disney/ABC Television Group has agreements in place for its authenticated WATCH products with a variety of Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs), including Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent Communications, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber and AT&T U-verse. Customers of the majority of these providers will be able to authenticate both WATCH ABC and WATCH ABC Family starting January 6.

“We are excited to continue to expand the breadth of our authenticated services with the launch of WATCH ABC Family,” said Albert Cheng, executive vice president and chief product offficer, Digital Media, Disney/ABC Television Group. “Our portfolio of WATCH offerings, which have quickly become the industry standard for authenticated services, were designed in collaboration with our distribution partners to ensure that these products would add value for them and strengthen the MVPD ecosystem while still meeting the ever-evolving needs of our audience.”

The launch of WATCH ABC Family follows the successful rollout of WATCH ABC earlier this year and the three authenticated WATCH Disney services — WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD and WATCH Disney Junior — in June 2012.

The WATCH ABC app offers on demand episode viewing to verified users of participating pay TV providers across the country, and is the first and only linear broadcasting service to provide authenticated viewers with live access to their favorite ABC shows and local market programming at home and on the go. Live streaming is currently available in ABC’s eight Owned Station markets – New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno. Plans are in place for the WATCH ABC service to roll out to Hearst Television-owned ABC markets in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more!

Florida Resident “Discover Disney” Tickets Now Available

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 8, 2014

Magic Kingdom at night walt disney world 1753477 1119 1024 400x366

Finally the “Discover Disney” Florida Resident discounted tickets are now available. This year they have a couple of different options.

First is the cheaper option (my favorite):

You can get a 3 day Discover Disney ticket for $129.00 (plus tax), or a 4 day ticket for $149.00 (plus tax)

You can visit one theme park per day. Valid at any one of the 4 Disney World theme parks from January 4 to April 11 and April 20 to June 6, 2014.

There are blockout dates:

Magic Kingdom park only:

February 15 to February 16, 2014

April 20 to April 25, 2014

May 24 to May 25, 2014.

The next option is a more expensive. You can get a 3 Day Ticket for $179.00 (plus tax) or a 4 Day Ticket for $199.00 (plus tax)

This one expires 6 months after first use or by December 17, 2014, whichever comes first.

There are blockout dates:

April 12 – April 25, 2014

June 7 – August 14, 2014

You can only visit one theme park per day with this ticket as well.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disneyland Resort Is Offering Special Prices For So. Cal. Residents

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2014

Disneyland Resorts just released their newest promotions which include special prices for So. Cal. Residents. It is no secret to my friends and family that I love Disneyland. It is my very favorite place and I visit as often as I can. The magic starts when I see the sign on the freeway for the Disneyland exit. As I take the curve and pull into the parking structure, a wave of happiness starts to cover me. Getting on the tram, I know I am on my way to a full filled and incredible day.

Now you can enjoy some of the magic with two or even three full days of amazing magical adventures at the parks – all at special prices. You have the choice of one park per day tickets or park hoppers, to fit every budget.

With the park hoppers you can visit Car’s Land and California Screamin in the morning and hop over to Space Mountain and the Pirates of the Caribbean in the afternoon. See Fantasmic, World of Color and the Fireworks. And don’t forget the Aladdin Show at the Hyperion Theatre. The one day per park tickets give you the chance to visit each park for the day and see and do all your favorite rides and attractions. You can use your tickets any way you want. Is Disneyland your favorite? Want to spend your two or three days at California Adventures, not a problem. You chose which park you want to visit. (Blackout dates apply).

Disneyland Resort has so much to do and see. The rides, shows and dining are one of a kind experiences. Have you ever taken a tour? Stopped to enjoy a nice dinner? Spend an hour or two just shopping? Or do you visit the parks open to close and try to cram as much as possible into a day? With a 2 or 3 day pass you can enjoy the parks and not worry if a ride is closed or whether to chose Mickey and the Magical Map show or the Parade. You can dance the evening away at the Mad Tea Party or ride Tower of Terror over and over again. Enjoy yourself without the worry of missing out on your favorite ride, because you can come back and ride the next visit.

Tickets are valid from January 6 through June 6, 2014 (blackout dates are March 31 to April 20, 2014) and are priced as follows:

2 day one park per day $129
2 day park hopper $159
3 day one park per day $164
3 day park hopper $194

*special offer buy 3-day tickets online and get one Magic Morning** early entry to Disneyland Park. One full extra hour of play before the park opens to the general public. Magic Morning** offer not valid on tickets purchased at the Disneyland Resort Ticket Booths. The best part is you can also use your tickets in a row or spread them out throughout the dates above.

Add a night or two at one of the resort or good neighbor hotels and take advantage of the promotional hotel package deals.

The Disneyland Resort is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your friends and family. Take advantage of this special So. Cal. Residents promotion today and start planning your amazing magical adventures at the Disneyland Resort.

Contact me at [email protected] today to book your vacations to the Disney Parks and your favorite vacation destinations!

Tricks to nabbing good airfare to Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2014

This morning I got a notification from Disney regarding a Destination in Florida client. It seems that their flight information had changed and since they booked those flights through Disney, they were notifying him. On his return flight home, his layover went from one hour to THREE. Wow, that’s a kick in the teeth, isn’t it? I mean on the way home – when you are tired and just want to get home and get back to normal…a three hour unplanned layover? That’s the pits.

His recourse? Nada. Nope, not without a $200 change fee per ticket in addition to any fare increases. He booked with a regular credit card that didn’t cover delays in travel. Most don’t, unless you have a Platinum business traveler card. Would this have happened if he had booked flights on his own through the internet? Perhaps. Might he have had better luck adjusting his flight directly with the airlines had he not booked airfare through Disney? Maybe.

Although it’s convenient to have Disney book your flights for you, it might not always be the best way to go…I suggest you check it both ways and compare. Special internet fares are not always available through Disney.

Here is what I tell clients when they ask if I can book airfare through Disney:

I can book airfare for you through Disney but you may find a better deal on your own by watching the discount carrier airfare sales online. The best carriers for sales are typically Southwest, AirTran, and JetBlue. The cheapest day of the week to fly is Tuesday.
Remember that the best day to buy tickets is also on a Tuesday. I will even get more detailed than that – shop on Tuesday around 3 pm.

Why? Typically, when an airline launches a sale it happens late in the day on Monday. When other airlines get wind of this, they immediately begin lowering their prices to compete. All airlines that decide to participate in this process will have finished by early Tuesday afternoon – so 3pm is a safe bet. You should have the most options available by this time. Please note, these fares are almost always yanked on Thursday and if you buy on the weekend you will be paying more than you should.

Here are a few sites to help you get started:

Kayak – helps you compare airfare on different airlines at different airports.
Airfare Watchdog – track your airfare to see if it changes!
Southwest Airlines – my favorite carrier for their great baggage policy as well as price guarantee. If you find your exact flight for less than you originally booked it, Southwest will offer a credit to your account in the amount of the difference.

Keep in mind, this is a guide not a set formula. Good luck snagging that coveted airfare. I still remember when I could wait for that $49 airfare from Baltimore to Orlando and plan my trip around the airfare. Boy, those days are gone aren’t they?!

Want weekly tips like these delivered directly to your inbox? Contact Cameron – Disney Specialist with Destinations to Explore, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Her services are always completely FREE! [email protected]

Camp Minnie – Mickey and Festival of the Lion King Closed

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2014

Sunday was the last day you could go to Camp Minnie – Mickey at the Animal Kingdom. It was also the last day you could see Festival of the Lion King. Don’t worry, Festival of the Lion King is not going away forever, it is just going on a short vacation. A new theater is being built in the Africa section of the park and that will be the Festival of the Lion King‘s new home. That should be done later this year.

Camp Mickey and Minnie have moved to Discovery Island already. It is said that Avatarland will be taking over the Camp Minnie – Mickey site, however Disney has not made an official announcement yet.

Are you going to miss the ol’ Camp Minnie-Mickey area? Or are you ready for something new?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

‘Bolt’ Director Chris Williams to Co-Direct Marvel’s ‘Big Hero 6’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2014

When Disney purchased Marvel Studios, one of the first thoughts was if Walt Disney Animation would get the chance to make an animated Marvel film. It didn’t seem like a huge stretch, and it was something I really wanted to see. Thankfully, both companies have answered my geek pleas, but from the unlikeliest of comics. Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Animation have teamed up to bring the Marvel’s superhero team Big Hero 6, to the big screen in ‘Big Hero 6′.

At the moment, there isn’t much known about the film, but we’ve just learned that Chris Williams, who directed Walt Disney Animations’ film ‘Bolt’, will help direct the film with Don Hall, who was previously announced the direct. Looking at Williams’ previous film, which is one of of my favorite Disney films from the last few years, it’s easy to gather the film will probably feature quite a bit of action and humor, much like ‘Bolt’ did. It’s a perfect matching, and I’m very excited to see what his influence brings to the film.

‘Big Hero 6’ is currently set for release on November 7, 2014. Are you excited for ‘Big Hero 6’? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

Beginners Guide to Disney Pin Trading

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2014

You see them everywhere at Disney: Disney Pins of all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, designs, and patterns. They commemorate events, parks, hotels, rides and attractions, characters and holidays. They come in sets and individually, and can range from inexpensive little fun ones to very expensive collectors’ sets. They are, of course, Disney pins…and if you haven’t yet gotten involved in pin trading, be warned: it is very fun…and more than a little addictive.

Pin collecting can all be a little overwhelming at first though, so if all those brightly colored little pieces of metal are calling your name, here are a few things to know so that you can have fun with pin trading…but not spend a fortune in the process.

First of all, pin collecting can give some wonderful and fairly inexpensive souvenirs(if you don’t get carried away), and if you decide to do some trading, it is a great activity for kids! But, it doesn’t have to involve trading if you don’t want to trade! For our family of 3 adults, it is more of a collection thing now: we typically choose 2-3 per trip that are especially meaningful, and we hold on to them…no trading them away!

But if you want to trade, jump right in and have fun! Pin trading is especially popular with children and I always love seeing kids bravely ask cast members to trade a pin with them….and then be delighted when they do!

Now you do want to be careful if you are on a budget, because yes, this CAN be an expensive hobby if you are not careful! While the cost of pins can start as low as maybe $6-8 each, they can go up to $20+ for some very elaborate limited editions. And Disney sells pin sets too, so if you like that idea, you can spend even more.

So if this all sounds like a fun and rewarding hobby and activity, well it is! To get started then, keep in mind the following:

If you have kids, arrive at Disney with a dozen or so cheap pins for your kids to trade with. You can find some on eBay, at DisneyStore.com, and even Amazon. The idea here is to trade these for others your kids will like more.
Set a limit of so many per day, or per trip, or a cost limit…and then stick to it. It is easy once you start looking at them, to get carried away!
It is easier, in my opinion, to do this if you are collecting with a theme in mind…..which can be just about anything. Maybe the resorts, or characters, or villains, or princesses. You name it, Disney’s got a pin for it. For us, we tend to now buy our pins around dated events, as they are a great reminder of when we went and when we got the pin: such as New Years Eve 2005.
Make a conscious decision: collect for fun, collect to trade, or collect seriously. If you have kids who are going to trade everything away, you won’t spend a lot on them, or especially care about what they look like. But if you want to make this a serious collection, you can buy only Limited Editions, for example, to increase the value of your collection. If this appeals to you, there are some great books out there that can give you more information.
Think about how you are going to keep them when you get home! Don’t go to all this trouble to buy all these pins and just keep them in a shoebox! Some people frame the lanyards and pins. Some put their pins in a shadow box. We were given the suggestion, to create binders with foam sheets in between to protect the pins, and that is what we do. And I have to say, it is fun to go back and look at the binders years later and relive the fun we had collecting them!
Check out the “Official Disney Pin Trading Site, a great site filled with all kinds of helpful information for anyone who is interested in pin collecting and trading at the Disney Parks. It even provides some “pin trading etiquette”. For example:

IS IT TRUE DISNEY CAST MEMBERS HAVE TO TRADE THEIR PINS?
Yes. Cast Members at our Theme Parks and Resorts have to trade their pins displayed on their Company issued lanyards. Guests can make up to two (2) trades per “lanyard,” per Cast Member, per day. When trading with Cast Members, Guests should offer a pin that is not already displayed on the Cast Member’s lanyard.

WHY ARE SOME CAST MEMBERS WEARING GREEN/TEAL LANYARDS?
Disney Pin Trading is fun for people of all ages. However, kids, ages 3-12, get an extra trading treat. Look for Kids Only lanyards – Disneyland® Resort uses “teal” lanyards and Walt Disney World® Resort uses “green” lanyards. This means that Kids are the only Guests allowed to trade from these special lanyards. Kids can also trade from Cast Members wearing blue lanyards.

(Information courtesy Official Disney Pin Trading)

Pin collecting and trading can be a fun and rewarding hobby and a relatively inexpensive one if you are careful. Have a great time finding your favorites, and watching your collection grow!

The classic article comes to us from Nancy of The Affordable Mouse.

Orlando Discounts for the Week of January 6th for Disney, Universal & More

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

January 7, 2014

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World^® Resort

NEW! 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. Add more Character to your vacation, with this advance Card member booking offer. Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way® Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE! (Minimum 4-day Magic Your Way® Ticket required.) Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Florida Resident Rates: Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through April 8, 2014. For example, save up to 37% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts from January 4- January 18 and March 14- March 29, 2014. Book December 2, 2013 – April 8, 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 from January 5^th through April 10, 2014. Book through January 28, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line®

Two Disney Vacations in One for Less than $800: Combine the magic of a cruise and all of the wonder of Disney World into one amazing deal! Packages are a 3 night’s stay at a value resort plus a 3 night cruise. Sailings are from January 17, 2014 through February 7, 2014. Book now to be part of this great adventure.
Special Rates for Cruises from Port Canaveral: You can escape on your own carefree, tropical getaway with Disney Cruise Line® and save 20% off prevailing rates on select 3- and 4-Night Bahamian Cruises sailing from Port Canaveral in January 2014. All voyages include a visit to Nassau and an unforgettable day at Disney’s private island paradise, Disney’s Castaway Cay, with its sparkling turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Available sail dates: 3-Night Bahamian Sailings on the Disney Magic®: January 10 and January 31, 2014 and 4-Night Bahamian Sailings on the Disney Dream®: January 12 and January 26, 2014.
Canadian Resident Offer: Canadian residents save 20% off prevailing rates on 3 and 4 night Bahamian sailings aboard the Disney Magic® for most sailings from January 10 – February 28, 2014 (excluding January 17, 20, February 14, 17, 2014) for categories 4A – 11B.

Aulani 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. Book this offer by January 15, 2014, for stays most nights January 5 – April 7, 2014.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

Save up to 25% at Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Discounts begin at 4 nights at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening early 2014. Travel back to the 1950’s and 60’s for endless family fun at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. With its ideal location and fun retro atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy everything Universal Orlando^® Resort has to offer. The value and moderate accommodations feature family suites (sleeping up to 6) with kitchenettes, and standard rooms (sleeping up to 4). Rates valid for travel September 1^st, 2014 through October 2^nd, 2014 and November 30^th, 2014 through December 11^th, 2014.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: This new resort is opening in early 2014 with an incredible preview discount. This resort is inspired by iconic beach resorts of the 1950’s and 60’s. For a limited time, the whole family can experience Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s new family suites with rates starting at $104 per night for a seven-night stay to $134 per night for a three-night stay. Offering up to 47% savings off regular prices, this introductory offer is available now for purchase for stays from March 31 to June 14, 2014. Package is available for purchase now through January 31, 2014.
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.

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!
SeaWorld + Aquatica Add Aquatica for just $40: Enjoy unlimited access to the sights and splashes of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ during your vacation.
5 Incredible Parks, 1 Ticket, Orlando’s Best Vacation Value: See more for less! This package features the Orlando FlexTicket, offering unlimited admissions to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Wet ’n Wild during your stay. Perfect for your Orlando vacation. Stay at least 5 nights and enjoy the best of Orlando! Plus, free transportation and other great benefits available when you choose an Official Hotel of SeaWorld. Package requires a 10-day advance purchase. Stay a minimum of 5 nights and as an added value, your 5th night is FREE!

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

Discount Cruise Out of Ft. Lauderdale: Extend your Orlando vacation with a relaxing cruise on one of the newest ships called the Allure of the Seas. Less than 3 hours from Orlando, you can set sail with those fun loving DreamWorks Characters on the world famous Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Sail for 7 Nights to the Caribbean in an Interior Stateroom from $749 per person plus taxes/port charges or $949 per person plus taxes/port charges in a Balcony. Select cruises this January-February 2014.

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!