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New Disney Channel Villains Movie “Descendants” Coming

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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disney descendants
disney descendants

Disney Descendants

 

“Descendants” plot revolves around the children of Disney heroes and villains. However it seems to be geared a bit more toward the villains, which I love.

Here is brief description of the movie:

In a present day kingdom, the teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney’s iconic Beauty and the Beast) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at redemption to the trouble-making children of Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters. These villainous descendants (Carlos, Mal, Evvie and Jay, respectively) are allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school alongside the offspring of iconic Disney heroes including Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Mulan. However, the evil teens face a dilemma. Should they follow in their parents’ footsteps and help all the villains regain power or embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?

So it seems like a good versus evil kind of theme.

Kenny Ortega, the Award winning director and choreographer of Disney’s High School Musical, TV movies, and feature film, returns to Disney Channel to direct Descendants.

Disney’s Descendants is scheduled to begin production next spring for a 2015 premiere on Disney Channel. The casting directors are Natalie Hart and Jason La Padura, C.S.A. (High School Musical TV movies and film, Camp Rock).

Will you watch it?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Your 2014 Vacation

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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electric bus 3
electric bus 3

electric bus 3

For those of us who have visited Disney Parks in the last few years, you know that it can be expensive and prices only go up every year. But don’t let that deter you from planning a 2014 trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. By using these saving techniques to lessen your trip expenses, you can make that trip happen and still experience the magic of Disney.

  • Buy souvenirs in advance – We’ve gone so many times over the years that we don’t really buy souvenirs, but we are big pin collectors, so 90% of our spending money goes towards buying Limited Edition pins while we’re at the parks. Of course, that’s not something that we can really buy in advance. But for most families, you’ll end up spending more money than you expect on stuffed animals and every other toy that your child just has to have. You can save money by buying these things in advance and just give them to your kids as a gift each morning when you’re at Disney. Disneystore.com often runs 40% off sales and you can easily find Disney related items at your local box stores, so start buying those gifts throughout the year so that you can save yourself from buying overpriced items at the parks.
  • Share meals – If you’re a bit eater, then you can probably ignore this one, but my husband and I share at least half our quick service meals when we’re at WDW. The portions are very large at Disney and you can easily share a meal with another adult or even your kids. This saves us at least $100 each trip by sharing some meals.
  • Buy Disney gift cards using Target Red Card or Kroger Fuel Rewards – For our most recent trip, we purchased $1500 in Disney gift cards from Target and used our Target Debit Red Card to save 5%. At the time, we also had an additional 5% off from Target Pharmacy Rewards, so we saved 10% (or $150) by buying the gift cards in advance of our trip. We used the gift cards to pay our room off in advance of our trip and then had the rest of the money applied to our room as a credit – and it was all done before we arrived, so we didn’t have to worry about adding 30 gift cards to pay for our room and food once we arrived. If you booked through a TA, be sure to ask them to do this for you! Another popular way to buy gift cards is to purchase them from stores like Kroger when they run 4x fuel rewards programs. You don’t get the money off the gift card cost, but you save $ on gas, which can be added to your Disney Fund as well.
  • Give up sodas for the week, take advantage of free cups of water – I’m still surprised at how few people know that you can get cups of ice water for free from any counter service restaurant/stand at Disney World. The only time we ever drink soft drinks while at WDW is when we happen to eat at our resort and use the Disney mug or if we order a kids meals and get a soft drink. There’s really no point in paying nearly $3 for one cup of soda, especially if you can’t get a refill. Plus, it gets hot in Florida, so ice water will help keep you hydrated.
  • Skip the parks on your arrival day – After our trip last week, we’ve decided that it will be in our best interests to avoid going to the parks on our arrival day, especially if we’re arriving on a weekend. If you’re flying, then it’s definitely a great idea to skip the parks and just chill the day you arrive. Even though our flight was only 1.5 hours to WDW, we found ourselves so exhausted by the time we left MK the day we arrived, even though we were only there a few hours. That next day was so tough on us. So, plan a day outside the parks – there is SO much to do outside of the parks that will help you relax and still enjoy the spirit of Disney. You’ll save yourself the cost of a park ticket for that day and if you have a large family, that’s a big cost savings.
  • Rent DVC points – We’ve personally never done this, but we are definitely doing it next year for our big December trip. Renting DVC points can help you save a ton of money if you want to stay in a deluxe resort but pay half the price. We always ‘splurge’ and stay on resort for our Christmas trips, but after this year, we’re no longer going to stay at POP or any other value resort. With just us two adults going, we found the values to just be way too crowded, the bus systems were horrible and it’s just loud – and POP is the only resort we’ve ever stayed at, so we were very loyal to Pop Century. But after visiting AKL 3 different times this trip just to experience the peacefulness there, we’ll definitely rent DVC points for the next big trip, especially since it doesn’t cost that much more than staying in a value resort.
  • Pay out of pocket for meals, ditch the dining plan – We’re not big fans of the dining plan. In fact, we’ve only gotten it once and that was because it was free. Yes, it was nice having the convenience, but since it was just the quick service dining plan, we ended up with way too much food to try and eat each day. We had the option of adding the dining plan for our recent trip since free dining wasn’t available for the first week of December, but we made a plan of all the places we typically eat and budgeted how much we usually spend on snacks and it came out to $100 less than what we’d pay on the dining plan. If you’re someone who does a lot of table service meals, then perhaps it’s a good idea for you, but for us, it’s just not worth having the convenience if we’re spending that much for food we won’t eat. And keep in mind, free dining isn’t really ‘free.’ We went the first week of December after changing from our week in November that had free dining – with our room-only discount and even if we had decided to pay out of pocket for the dining plan, our trip total was only $30 more for a less-crowded first week of December at Disney.
  • Bring Snacks to the Parks and Eat Breakfast in Room – We always have good intentions of bringing snacks to the park, but our love of Disney sweets wins in the long run. However, if you are on a tight budget, then it’s a good idea to pack your favorite snacks with you and bring them to the parks each day so that you can save the money for something else. We aren’t big breakfast eaters, so we always seem to eat breakfast in our room or skip it all together for an early lunch while at WDW. We like to buy the “Emerald Breakfast on the go!” packs before we leave for our trip and we can just throw them in our bag as we head to the parks.
  • Rent a vacation condo/townhome/house for large families – If you’re traveling with a large group, then you already know how expensive room costs can be, especially if everyone gets their own rooms. The cheapest option is to rent a condo/townhome or house off resort. The prices are VERY reasonable (usually $100/night or so) and can save you a ton of money. These homes are usually decorated with Disney themed items and offer nice pool amenities and full kitchens – another money saver if you want to cook dinner at your rental home before heading to the parks. We stay off resort 2-3 times each year and it’s the only reason why we’re able to afford to go more than once a year. Yes, you’ll pay for parking if you’re not an Annual Passholder like we are, but you’ll still only spend ~$100 for the week. And if you’re going in with family, then it makes it even cheaper once the costs are split, even if you have to rent a car.
  • Don’t rent a car, utilize Disney transportation – If you’re staying on resort, then you’re probably already aware of Disney’s Magical Express. Disney will pick you up at the airport and take you to your resort, thus saving you the time, hassle and money of renting a car. And once you get to your resort, you can just hop on a Disney bus to get to the parks and Downtown Disney. Taking Disney transportation will save you at least $200 on the cost of a rental car. Of course, if you drove to the parks instead of flying, then you’ve already saved a ton of money by driving!
  • Honorable Mention: Order groceries/food in advance – We’ve never done this, but ordering groceries so that they will be delivered to your resort is a popular option for many families. Companies like Garden Grocer will buy the grocery items you need and deliver them to your resort for a pretty reasonable fee. This is great if you have kids that need things like milk every day. You can also order items from places like Amazon and have them shipped directly to the resort – another cost-effective ways to order those non-perishable grocery items.

What are your tips for making a trip more affordable and cutting costs? Let me know in the comments below.

The Scary Side to Otherwise Tame Disney World Rides

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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P1060660

maelstrom

I love it when my students come back from a trip to Disney World.  Their memories are so fresh, so vibrant, so real!  I feel like a (teeny) bit of me has made the trek to the most magical place on Earth!

Five and Six year-old kids tend to speak about Disney trips in three major themed chunks; 1. the hotel (aka pool), 2. the most daring ride they braved, and 3. the characters they met.  Everything is magnified, as hand gestures bring life to memories.  I’m never surprised to hear that even the “bravest of the brave ones” were scared of rides that I would consider to be pretty tame.

I’m talking about  a 5 year old, who barely squeaked by the height requirement, yet hunkered down under that safety restraint, and stared the thrills and hills of rides like Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, and Tower of Terror, but was completely terrorized by the antics of 626 on Stitch’s Great Escape.  Bizarre as it may seem, I get it.

Today I am sharing 5 rides that are surprisingly terrifying for little ones.  Of course, this is by no means a “one size fits all” list.  Some kids know no terror.  Some kids would laugh in the face of these rides.  But, today I am sharing rides I’ve heard mentioned again and again by little ones!

Let’s look at it their way, how kids see it:  the scary side to otherwise tame rides!

1.  Stitches Great Escape

Do you remember ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter? I do!  That think freak me right out!  I remember shivering as the “alien” crept around the seats.  The feel of the breathing on my neck sent me into overload.  It’s funny that Stitches Great Escape is housed in the same place and is now sending waves of fear over little ones worldwide!  Knowing how scary it use to be has made me see the lighthearted side to the ever lovable 626.  But for kids, this ride is as terrifying as it gets.  As Stitch makes his escape into the audience, pouncing on seats, burping out chili dog breath, and spitting on innocent spectators!  When you say it like that, it makes sense…right?

What makes it scary:  This ride contains a period of little to no lighting.  Stitch gets up close and personal, creating a tense feeling for little ones who probably won’t understand that the seats are automated, but instead believe that 626 is running around the theater.  Also, there is a sequence of laser blasts with loud noises that might be considered frightening.  

2. The Great Movie Ride

I love the movies!  Don’t you.  The romance, the dancing, the action, the aliens.  Okay, so it might seem like I’m writing a themed post on aliens here, but I’m not.  I have always loved the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios.  I love seeing the mock sets and hearing the spiels and  I love the gangster/cowboy story line!   But if you think about it, that ride may seems like glitz and glam of Hollywood, but their are a few hidden terrors!    As you journey through the sets of the horror films , shoot outs,  aliens, and  snakes after snakes after snakes  in the Indiana Jones scene, and  finally capping it off with a visit from the Wicked Witch herself, it is no wonder that kids get scared!  What the heck, I’m an adult and I still avoid sitting in the middle of the vehicles for fear of that awful alien.  I hate that thing!

What makes it scary:  This ride contains several scary scenes including chills and thrills as well as the unsuspected  interaction with the gangster/cowboy.  There are some loud noises, special effects, and scary sights.

3. Dinosaur

I know the funniest story about this ride.  Back when Animal Kingdom first opened, some friends of mine went on a high school chorus trip to Disney World.  Apparently one of the guys screamed like mad when the Carnotaurus makes his big reveal.  Of course, this is when the photo is snapped.  Poor guy, his moment of shear terror forever ink jetted onto a keepsake photo.  That said, this ride is full of thrills and chills.  As you travel back in time on your Time Rover, you come face to face with a slew of prehistoric creatures.  The entire process is a bumpy ride in a race to grab a dinosaur for the rule breaking  Dr. Seeker.  The only problem is that guests are traveling dangerously close to the meteor that wiped out dinosaurs.  The bumpy ride, dinosaurs, and lack of lights sends you on a heartstopping adventure through the Cretaceous period.  It is a trip you won’t soon forget!

What makes it scary:  This ride is mostly dark with flashes of bright lights here and there.  There are loud noises, shocking twists and turns in your Time Rover, and of course, we can’t forget the Dinosaurs.  

4. The Maelstrom

What’s the best ride in all of World Showcase?  The Norway ride (as it is affectionately known).  The Maelstrom is pretty much the only attraction you’ll find a long wait for in EPCOT’s World Showcase (in fact the only ride with Fastpasses+ in the entire World Showcase).  This ride combines facts about Norway with Nordish legends like that of the trolls.  Your factual float takes a turn for the worst (or the “funnest”) as you come head to head with a troll who swears to send you over the falls.  Your ride ends with a short fall/drop  (like a baby, baby, baby, baby Splash Mountain fall).  Little ones might like the spill better that the trolls who cause it.  I know my nephew was a little thrown off by the 3 headed troll.

What makes it scary:  This ride contains some darkness and frightful sights (the trolls are the biggest).  Also, the drop might be frightening to some small children.

5.It’s Tough to be a Bug!

I’ve been writing for Chip and Company for just about a year.  If you’ve read any of my posts, you probably already know that I LOVE to people watch!  I love it!  And as an expert people watcher, I can say with certainty that I have seen my fair share of early “exit-ers” while sitting just outside of the Tree of Life’s It’s Tough to be a Bug.  This 3D attraction takes you beyond the picture and surrounds your senses with the smells, sights, and essence of being a bug!  The show is full of fun and laughs until the grasshopper army seeks out revenge on bug hating humans.  Spiders drop from the ceiling, wasps “sting” you, and you are bug sprayed.  This is unnerving even for adults (at least for those of us who don’t “do” bugs)!

What makes it scary:  This show contains periods of darkness, loud sounds, bugs,  and scary interactive elements (like sensors in your seat that make you feel like a wasp is stinging you, spiders that drop from the ceiling, as well as water and fog/smoke effects).  

I know it is hard to see the scary sides to these rides, but considering how a kid might see it might save you from tears and nightmares!  Check out the rider swap option if you have a child who might find these rides frightening.

Do you have any “tame” rides that frightened your little ones?  Share them in the comment section below!

The Scary Side to Otherwise Tame Disney World Rides

Enter ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Sweepstakes

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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ABC Family 25 days sweepstakes
ABC Family 25 days sweepstakes

ABC Family 25 days Sweepstakes

Wouldn’t we all like a trip to Disney for Christmas this year? You could win an amazing vacation worth almost $20,000. Enter the ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Sweepstakes for your chance to win!

The Grand Prize Winner will receive:

  • 5 day Magic Your Way Park Hoppper Tickets
  • $1,000 Disney Gift Card  (Only for the winner)
  • The services of 1 Disney VIP Tour Guide for 8 hours for 5 days

8  winners will be chosen for weekly prizes which includes:

  • A $500 Disney Gift Card and a Vera Bradley bag from the Disney Collection

So head on over check out the details and enter the contest. Hey you never know!

Good Luck!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Go Behind the Scenes of Disney’s “The Lone Ranger”

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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TheLoneRangerBlurayComboArt
TheLoneRangerBlurayComboArt

Long Ranger Movie Cover

If you haven’t read my review of The Lone Ranger yet, then be sure to give it a read to see why I thought this movie and the bonus content on the Blu-Ray/DVD is worth your time.

With this week’s release of The Lone Ranger, go behind the scenes of the film with set images and interviews with Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer! Find out what skills Armie picked up at ‘cowboy boot camp,’ what it was like putting on the mask for the first time and what it was like working alongside Johnny Depp! Where did the inspiration for Tonto’s makeup and headpiece come from? What kinds of masks and disguises does Johnny Depp wear to go out in public?  Find out the answers to these questions and more!

Film Clip: The Mask

 

Film Clip: End of the Line

 

Film Clip: Train Wreck

 

Film Clip: Arresting Tonto 

 

Behind the Scenes Slideshow

Disney Dining News: Tasty Dishes at Spice Road Table Coming to Morocco Pavilion at Epcot

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Spice road1
Spice road1

srt

Here is a sneak peek at a few of the delicious new tastes for Spice Road Table. This all new Disney Dining Table Service Restaurant will be opening its doors in early 2014 at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot World Showcase.

Spice Road Table will be a wonderful spot for a bite along the waterfront. Inspired by the outdoor cafés along the Mediterranean, the whitewashed façade of Spice Road Table is accented in icy shades of blue from the famous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen in Morocco’s Rif Mountains.

Spice Road table Shrimp
Spice Road table wine
Spice Road table

With 120 outdoor terrace seats, the inside will seat 60 with cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tilework, tapestries and art representing Morocco’s indigenous Berber tribes is showcased.

Keep an eye on Disney Parks Blog for updates.

Wishing you Faith, Trust,and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland to Close for Refurbishment

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

On January 6, 2014, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will shut down for an extended refurbishment. It will reopen in late 2014.

During this time, the 5 million gallons of water in the lagoon will be drained, allowing our teams to perform the refurbishment. The 5 million gallons of water from the lagoon will be treated by the Orange County Sanitation District before going into the local groundwater aquifer.

Draining and refilling a body of water this size is not easy. It took approximately 50 hours to fill the lagoon in January 2007, at a rate of approximately 12,000 gallons per hour.

When the attraction reopens in late 2014, guests will notice the colorful, more vibrant underwater rockwork and coral. When the attraction was being prepared for its 2007 opening, the rockwork and coral were “painted” with recycled glass, a new technique developed by Imagineers to enhance the undersea environment. More than 30 tons of recycled glass were used in the creation of the lagoon. Imagineers also created more than 40 unique colors for the lagoon area including, Yamber (a cross between yam and amber), Mango Mud, Aqua Jazz, Swamp (dark green and amber), Burning Coal, Phantom and Peritwinkle.

Check out Disney Parks Blog for more updates.

Wishing you Faith, Trust,and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Port Orleans: Riverside Vs. French Quarter – Which Is Right For Me?

By
Catie
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Walt Disney World has tons of amazing Resorts to choose from – there’s the family (and wallet) friendly Value Resorts, the amenity rich and opulent Deluxe Resorts – and then there’s my personal favorite, the Moderate Resorts – which combine great theming and amenities for the best of both worlds!

Of the Moderate Resorts, I love Port Orleans the most – the New Orleans theme is amazing, and it has a great atmosphere – and best of all – there are TWO resorts to pick from! Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter are the two Resort Hotels, located side by side, and both are great in their own ways. So you might be wondering – “What’s the difference?” and “How do I know which one to pick?” So let’s explore each one and find out what makes them great:

POR

Port Orleans Riverside: is the larger of the two Resorts, with a Mississippi bayou “Old South” theming, with the Sassagoula river winding through the Resort (it eventually leads to Downtown Disney!).

There are three styles of rooms available here – the Magnolia Bend rooms are located in plantation style mansions, and the Alligator Bayou rooms are more rustic, located in lodge type buildings. The third group of rooms are the “Royal Rooms” which are located within the Magnolia Bend buildings, but are themed to house “royalty” and have plenty of magic touches that your little Princes and Princesses will love

The Transportation options available here are bus and boat – with 4 bus stops within the Resort that service the Parks, and a boat launch that will take guests from both Port Orleans Resorts to the Downtown Disney area.

The Dining options here include Boatwrights– a sit down restaurant that serves up Cajun inspired dishes, Riverside Mill – the Resort’s food court style dining restaurant which offers a variety of options (including Southern dishes!), and the River Roost Lounge which is a full bar that offers light appetizers – and some downright amusing entertainment courtesy of Yee-Haw Bob – a singing, dancing, hilarious fixture at the Resort (he’s a must see!)

POFQ

Port Orleans French Quarter: is much smaller and quieter than its Bayou counterpart, with a Mardi Gras/New Orleans French Quarter theme that is evident through the giant carnival masks and cheerful brass music pumped through the Resort’s speakers.

The Rooms are all similarly themed, but with different view options – You can choose to stay where you’ll have a Garden or Water view of the Resort’s charming landscaping and décor

Transportation here is similar to that at Port Orleans Riverside, in that a bus will take you to most major destinations, and the boat launch will bring you directly to Downtown Disney. I personally love the boat ride at sunset down the Sassagoula River – it’s a great relaxing trip over to DTD (much better than the bus!)

Dine at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory where you can choose from a variety of food court type options with a Southern flair – like beignets, gumbo, and po’boy sandwiches. Grab a drink at Scat Cat’s Lounge where you can relax and enjoy their free entertainment

The atmospheres are pretty different between the two Resorts, but both provide plenty of that Disney Magic we have come to know and love. Personally, I love the charm and quaint settings offered at the French Quarter Resort – so that would be my top choice for lodging of the two. But I would love to know your opinion – which do YOU love – French Quarter or Riverside?

Breaking News: Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First Will Soon be at Hollywood Studios

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Sofia the First
Sofia the First

Sofia the First

It’s hard to believe that Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine, the fun character dining experience at Hollywood Studios, is already in its eighth year!

Starting January 26, 2014, two of Disney Junior’s biggest stars will be coming out to play, when Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First join the cast of Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Kids will get the chance to meet Doc and Sofia and dance along with them during a fun, new musical number right there in the restaurant!

Doc Mcstuffins

Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins will be joining current favorites, Handy Manny and Jake from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

With great character interactions and a tasty buffet, Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine offers something for every member of the family.

Check out Disney Parks Blog for updates.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney On Ice Rockin Even After

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney on Ice Merida
Disney on Ice Merida

FELD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ROCKIN' EVER AFTER LOGO

 

Christmas Holidays traditions with my kids and grand kids include decorating our tree, Christmas Eve dinner, family gatherings, black Friday, cyber Monday and Disney on Ice.

This year, the Disney on Ice show at the Staples Center is called Rockin’ Ever After.   The show boasts, Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel.  As these three princesses are family favorites, tickets were purchased early and plans set in place.   After a stressful hour drive in bumper to bumper traffic, we found parking half a block away for only $7.00 (a bargain).   Things were looking up.    Grand kids bundled, cell phones charged and tickets in hand we made our way inside and to our seats with ten minutes to spare.

The lights dimmed and the show started.  First to appear on the stage were none other than the hosts – Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  Donald and Goofy followed by the dancing, skaters were quick to join the hosts and begin the magical.  Pinocchio and the step sisters, Drizella and Anastasia entertained us with their skating antics.

Suddenly the music changed.  Next on stage were Ariel’s sisters, followed by Ariel, Eric, Sebastian and of course, Ursula who skated, twirled and sang movie favorites, including an “Under the Sea” segment that was spectacular.   Ariel’s beautiful dance while dangling from a rope was a show favorite.  My favorite was when Ariel was lifted into the air and appeared to be “flippin her fins”, while skating around the ice.

Next up we had ruffians and thugs on stage for the Rapunzel segment.  Rapunzel and Flynn along with Mother Gothel gave us more fan favorite songs including, “I see the light, and the always funny “I’ve got a dream” with the help of Big-Nose and Hook-Hand Thugs.

With a change in lighting and music, the clan from Brave skated onto the ice.  The triplets – Hamish, Hubert and Harris and the beautiful Merida kept us entertained and mesmerized with their antics and archery skills.

Last but by no means least, was the beautiful Belle.   Along with Gaston, the Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth Mrs. Potts and little chip came out to play.  We enjoyed, Belle singing and skating to “Bonjour” while reading a book.  Gaston and his buddies thumped around while singing “Gaston” and my personal favorite Beauty and the Beast song, “Be our guest” had my family and surrounding guests, singing and applauding.

The finale was perfect.  The princes and princesses came out in beautiful suits and dresses and the entire cast gave one final display of their amazing skating abilities.   Disney on Ice is a perfect show for Disney fans young and old.  Although, it has a strong princess theme, Mickey and his gang and the princes make this an event to be enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages.   “Disney on Ice, Rockin Ever After” will be visiting a venue near.   For the Southern California fans, you can get your tickets for Staples Center, Long Beach Arena, Citzen’s Arena and the Honda Center in Anaheim.

 

Don’t forget to call or email me when planning your next Amazing Magical Adventures.  I can help you find the best deals and take care of all your travel needs.  And the best part is my services are FREE.  Cell phone 661 – 733-1094 or email me at [email protected]

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Disney World Weather – Escape From The Cold To A Winter In Florida

By
Catie
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RAIN
RAIN

RAIN

“Whats the Weather Like at Walt Disney World?” Is one of the most commonly asked questions out there when it comes to planning a WDW vacation – and it’s something to take into consideration when figuring out when to go to Walt Disney World

Here’s a quick rundown of the average WDW weather conditions:

January/February: Expect temperatures to be in the 50-70 degree range, with an average rainfall of only around 2 inches per month

March/April/May: As spring comes around, the temperatures will rise, getting up to around 85 during the day and dropping to only 60 or so at night. Expect slightly more rain during these months as well

June/July/August/September: I would dub these months “the sticky wet season” – LOTS of rain and heat (generally there are rain showers most afternoons during the hottest part of the day – with an average of 7 inches of rain per month!), with the heat climbing up into the 90’s, and you will rarely see it drop below 70 during these summer months

October/November/December: The temperatures will taper off and be usually in the 70’s/low 80’s during these months, with much less rainfall too (the average is back to around 2 inches per month). This is my favorite time to head to WDW – I love the mild weather and holiday celebrations – it’s the perfect combo!

Obviously this is an average and not a perfect 100% accurate guide, but at least it gives you an idea of what you can expect when you travel to Disney World. For those of us in the Northern (aka snowy) region of the country, we may want to escape to WDW during the winter – where we will be greeted with mild, snow-free weather (it may not be warm enough to swim – but who cares? At least there’s no snow!)

Of course, crowds are another big factor when planning when to head to WDW, so take that and the weather into consideration when figuring out the best time for your family to visit the most Magical Place On Earth!

Personally? I take the “worst case scenario” approach – I assume that it WILL be crowded and that it WILL rain (so I always have my handy ponchos with me at the Parks!) – and while that may sound pessimistic/dreary to think that way – when it is NOT crowded and NOT rainy – I can be pleasantly surprised and enjoy my Disney Days that much more!

Weekly Orlando Discounts – Disney, Universal and More

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney & Orlando Digest – Week of December 15, 2013

Disney Discounts 

Walt Disney World® Resort

  • Play Stay and Dine…and Save up to $600 at the Walt Disney World® Resorts:  Here is a great offer for your next family vacation.  For most stays from January 5th through March 5th, 2014 when booked by December 31st, 2013 you can save $600.00 (based on a family of four) on a five night stay at selected Disney Resort hotels with the Play Stay and Dine promotion.  Take advantage of some huge saving by booking now.
  • Save Up To 35% on Stays at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels:  If you are planning a Winter-Spring vacation in 2014, now is the time to book. You can save up to 35% off select Disney Resorts from January 5-April 12, 2014. These savings are based on availability. This sale ends December 31, so book today!
  • Florida Resident Fall & Winter Rates:  Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through December 14, just in time for the holiday season.
  • Florida Resident Savings this Winter & Spring on Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels:  It’s the perfect time to enjoy a magical getaway. Florida Residents can enjoy even more magic with great rates at select Disney Resort hotels most nights January 4- 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.
  • Military Discount:  Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27th, 2014.  Thank you for serving our country.
  • Intro to Disney:  For first time guests or guests looking to save money, the Intro to Disney package is perfect. This package includes at least a 3-Night package with your Disney Resort, 2-Day tickets, and the Quick Service Dining Plan. You can add additional nights and days at the parks, for an extra cost. This price starts from $999 plus tax for a family of 3. This price is subject to change based on availability. This discount is available for most visits from January 5-February 12, 2014. Hurry, this discount ends on December 31, 2013.

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 5th 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.
  • Special Castaway Club Member Offer:  Castaway Club Members can receive a US $100 onboard credit when they book a 4- or 5-night Disney Magic® cruise departing from Miami from December 15 – December 18, 2013. You can use your credit for a variety of onboard activities and experiences, including spa treatments, shopping, adults-only dining and more.
  • 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

  • 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 30% on Universal Resorts:  Discounts begin at 3 nights at any of the three Universal Orlando® Resort deluxe hotels during the best days to vacation. Plus take advantage of $150 in hotel savings including discounts on food, drinks, spa treatments and more!  Vacation dates include:  December 15-December 19th, 2013.
  • 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 1st, 2014 through October 2nd, 2014 and November 30th, 2014 through December 11th, 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:  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.
  • Free Food:  Book your Sea World Package at a partner hotel and get the All Day Dining for FREE.  Add a day at Aquatica and eat there free, too!
  • Kids Free, PLUS 2nd Visit Free, through December 25th, 2014:  SeaWorld is the place for families this holiday season. And now, enjoy one free kid’s admission (ages 3-9) with each full-paid adult admission ticket.
  • Save $10 on Sea World Tickets:  Pre-order your Sea World tickets and save $10 off per ticket.  You can also print your Sea World tickets, so you do not have to wait in any lines once you arrive to the park.  Plus, even better, your 2nd day at Sea World is free!
  • 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!

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!

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