Home Where Walt Disney was Born to be Preserved

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December 5, 2013

The house where Walt Disney and his brother Roy were born, in Chicago, is being preserved. It was sold to a California Couple who says they are going to make it an historic landmark.

The home is located in the Hermosa neighborhood, at 2156 N. Tripp Ave. They plan to turn the home into a historical site, museum and community resource “with the mission of enhancing and exploring childhood creativity.”

The home was built by Disney’s father in 1893. They lived there until Walt was around 4 years old.

On Disney’s birthday Thursday, the new owners will join a team of preservationists and celebrators at the home to launch a campaign with hopes of raising $500,000 to help fund renovations.

It is said donors will receive some great prizes ranging from a one-night stay in the home to their name inscribed in a leather-bound book that will be featured in the house.

Wishing you Faith,Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo credit

Disney Channel JanNEWary!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 5, 2013

Set high atop snow-capped mountains in the adrenaline-fueled world of competitive snowboarding, the Disney Channel Original Movie “Cloud 9” tells the inspiring story of two snowboarders who must overcome self-doubt to learn that achieving their dreams is possible

Executive-produced by Ashley Tisdale, and starring Luke Benward (“Ravenswood,” “Good Luck Charlie”) and Dove Cameron (“Liv and Maddie”), “Cloud 9” premieres FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

The evening of the movie’s premiere – part of Disney Channel’s annual “JaNEWary” programming event – will include a new episode of the hit series, “Liv and Maddie,” the premiere of Disney Channel’s comedy series, “I Didn’t Do It,” and a first-look at the upcoming game show, “Disney’s Win, Lose or Draw.”

“Cloud 9” follows two unlikely friends, Kayla Morgan, a prima donna snowboarder who was just dropped from her competition team, and Will Cloud, a former snowboarding champion who is struggling after a career-ending wipeout. The two meet when Kayla is forced to work at the local dog grooming shop owned by Will’s mother. Determined to become a better boarder, Kayla finds an unexpected mentor in Will, who she realizes can help take her to the next level. So in exchange for help fixing up the dog grooming shop, Will reluctantly accepts Kayla’s pleas to train her and introduces her to a regimen that tests her true commitment to the sport. As the two grow closer, Kayla’s efforts convince Will that he, too, has the power to regain his championship status and that nothing is impossible.

Beginning Monday, December 16, viewers can drop in on the virtual slopes by visiting disneychannel.com/cloud9. The site will feature a host of activities, including the game “Fire and Ice.”

In addition to Benward and Cameron, the movie stars Mike C. Manning (“Hawaii Five-O,” “Crash & Bernstein”) as Nick Swift, Kiersey Clemons (“Austin & Ally,” “Good Luck Charlie”) as Skye Sailor and Jeffrey Nordling (“Body of Proof,” “24”) as Sebastian Swift.

The multi-platform schedule is as follows:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2

“Kayla’s Downhill Escape” launches on disneychannel.com/cloud9.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

“Cloud 9” playlist available on iTunes.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

“Cloud 9” available on Disney Channel SVOD and available to verified WATCH Disney Channel users.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

The digital audio single “Cloud 9,”performed by Dove Cameron and Luke Benward, is available from Walt Disney Records at online retail including iTunes andAmazon.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17

Premiere of “Cloud 9” on Disney Channel.

Fan favorite Olivia Holt (Disney XD’s “Kickin’ It” and Radio Disney Music Award winner) moves to new series role and a new reverse storytelling approach for Disney Channel in “I Didn’t Do It,” a comedy that tells of the hilarious twists and turns in the lives of five teenagers – ultra-competitive fraternal twins and their three best friends. Each episode begins at the end of a predicament, just after an adventure has gone absurdly haywire, just as twins Lindy and Logan and their friends Jasmine, Garrett and Delia somehow try to explain — with flashback scenes — exactly what happened. “I Didn’t Do It” series premiere is part of Disney Channel’s “JaNEWary” programming event FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 (9:40 p.m., ET/PT), immediately following the premiere of the Disney Channel Original Movie “Cloud 9.” Beginning January 26, the series will join Disney Channel’s Sunday night family comedy block (8:30 p.m., ET/PT).

Stay tuned for more!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Chef completes 2,000 pound chocolate Christmas scene

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 5, 2013

Chocolate Christmas Sculpture Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Hotel

It’s that time of year when holiday decorations are going up, and for the only two-time world pastry champion that means one thing – chocolate! In order to give guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin a special treat for the holidays, Laurent Branlard – the hotel’s, executive pastry chef – just completed a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker that is part of an entire Christmas scene constructed out of nearly 2,000 lbs. of chocolate.

The nutcracker took approximately 80 hours to complete and is vibrantly colored with reds, blues, and golds. Still, it is 100 percent edible.

The nutcracker joins a Christmas scene, which will be displayed in the lobby of the hotel through December, that includes a life-sized Santa Claus, fireplace with stockings, Christmas tree, and toy train.

Branlard is renowned for intricate chocolate and sugar sculptures and this piece marks one his largest and most difficult ones to date.

Just in case any chocolate lovers are thinking of taking on the challenge of consuming this enormous sweet, they should consider that the entire scene is more than 4 million calories! (Please note that the sculpture is not available for tasting.)

For more details about all the holiday excitement at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

More photos and information will be provided next week when Jason goes to the Swan and Dolphin to experience all the Christmas decorations, events, and a dinner at Shula’s Steakhouse! Make sure you check back for more info and pictures!

Is Costa Rica getting a new Disney Theme Park?

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Anonymouse

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December 5, 2013

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Hey guys and gals Anonymouse here. I have a quick bit of Disney Gossip today coming all the way from Costa Rica…

According to many Latin and Central America news sites the Mayor of Liberia, Luis Gerardo Diaz confirmed that the Disney corporation is taking steps to build one of their theme parks in the Llano Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The land is about 7,000 acres and would be located south of the airport.

According to Diaz, Disney has already purchased the land and are in the process of obtaining permits and other licenses. Building is expected to begin in early 2014.

As of this writing no official statement confirming they are building in Costa Rica has come from Disney and honestly I don’t expect there to be one, for as many websites claiming Disney is coming to Costa Rica there are a bunch more stating they are not. I understand Disney likes to keep things hush hush but something this big you think Disney would be the ones releasing the news not some local news outlets. Not to mention Shanghai Disneyland is not even complete yet.

Take this Disney Gossip with a grain of salt.

I want to hear what you think. Do you think Disney needs to build another park? Is Central America a good place to build? What about all the Brazilian Tour groups, will they still come to America or go to the new location?

Let me know what you think in the comment box below.

Top 10 Rides at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 5, 2013

We’re the type people that like to ride as many rides as we can when we’re in the Walt Disney World theme parks. We’ve rode every ride in the parks, so we have our favorites by now and know which ones we’ll never ride again as well. Below is my Top 10 list of rides at Walt Disney World and they’re not all thrill rides – I’m sure a couple will come as a surprise.

Soarin‘ – Most people love this ride, but I can see how those with severe motion sickness may not find it appealing (I get motion sick easily, but this doesn’t bother me). This ride truly epitomizes the goals that Disney has to immerse you in an experience by stimulating your senses. It’s also a really clever marketing too as well – every time I smell oranges or a pine scent, I immediately think of Soarin’ and long to go back to Disney World.

Tower of Terror – I vividly remember saying to my friend who took me on my first visit to WDW “Why did I let you convince me to ride this?” I was absolutely terrified the moment the ‘elevator’ started moving. BUT, this is now in the Top 3 favorite rides list for me. I will ride it over and over if I can and have done that many trips before. Sure, you drop at some point in the ride, but it’s totally random and you go back up as well, so it’s not like you’re just making a huge freefall like some other carnival or amusement park rides. It’s a thrill for sure and the element of surprise is what makes it so great. But I get that it won’t be for everyone, especially some kids.

Winnie The Pooh – I’m sure some will argue with me on this one, but this is one of my favorite rides at WDW! I love the way you get to ‘bounce’ with Tigger and ‘float’ through the rain waters at the end of the ride. When I made my first trip to Magic Kingdom several years ago, I was amazed at the technology that could make a ride car move like that, so maybe that’s why it’s still my favorite. And of course, it always makes me smile. The interactive que is pretty awesome as well, so this is a very family-friendly ride that will keep your kids entertained while you wait to board your ride vehicle.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – This ride had to grow on me, as I didn’t care for it the first few trips we made to WDW, but now I love it, especially at night. It’s not the fastest coaster by any means, but is a moderate thrill ride that is really a lot of fun and has nice scenery to enjoy along the way. Just a word of warning though, brace yourself as the ride is pulling back into the station. 99% of those who ride it don’t seem to brace themselves, so you’ll be in for a good case of whiplash if you don’t brace for that first sudden stop in the station.

Splash Mountain – I love the varying drops in the ride, the music, the characters, just everything about the ride. Of course, if you’re not a fan of big drops, then you should avoid this ride, but it’s really not that bad. This is the perfect ride to cool down on a warm day and half of this 20 min ride is located indoors, so you stay even cooler.

Expedition Everest – This is another one of those rides that not everyone can handle, especially those with motion sickness or those who just can’t ride coasters. I personally think this is the best coaster at WDW, but I know some will argue with that. There really isn’t a bad place to sit on the ride either since it goes forwards and backwards, so you don’t have to worry about not getting a good seat. We like to alternate riding in the front and back row to get the best of both worlds.

Kilimanjaro Safari – This ride really is hit or miss with the number of animals you will see on your safari, so for some it just doesn’t seem like that great of a ride. The best times to ride are first thing in the morning or before park closing when the animals are most active. It’s amazing how close the animals get to the vehicles and some really don’t care that there is a vehicle there. I remember waiting for 5 mins one time while a rhino stood in the middle of the road before deciding it should move on. So be sure to have your camera’s ready to snap those photos if you happen to catch one of the beautiful animals next to your vehicle!

Journey of the Little Mermaid – This is the newest ride in MagicKingdom and we love it. Is it worth more than a 30 min wait? I don’t think so, but I’m also not a kid, so that’s just my opinion. It is very well designed with vibrant colors, great music to sing along with and the scenery outside of the ride is gorgeous, especially at night.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – I remember how scared I was the first time I watched the ‘limo’ take off to start the ride. Now it’s my favorite part of the ride. The music is right in your ears, so you’ll find yourself singing along with Aerosmith and totally forgetting that you were ever scared to ride. I just wish the ride wasn’t as shaky as it can be. We’ve yet to find that one car that provides a smoother ride unfortunately. We usually request to ride in the front car, but if you get stuck in the back, then it’s pretty cool to see the rest of the coaster in front of you as you’re making those loops in the ride.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – This hidden gem is one of my favorite rides in Epcot and there’s never a wait to ride, so that makes it even better. The scenery inside the Mexico pavilion is amazing and you get to float past the beautifully re-created Mayan ruins. And of course, our favorite duck will keep you entertained throughout the ride. This ride will remind you a lot of ‘It’s a Small World’, but without the repetitive song getting stuck in your head.

Honorable Mention:

Mad Tea Party – A Disney classic for sure and it is our ‘happy’ ride each trip. For whatever reason, once you start spinning you also start laughing – I’ve yet to figure that one out, but it happens every time and not just to us it seems. I’ve also gotten quite a few laughs while watching my husband try to get out of the teacup and proceed to exit the ride. He ran into a trashcan once, so now I just hold onto him tightly to make sure he doesn’t run into anything or fall. So, if you could use some laughter in your day, go ride the teacups!

So there you have it, my Top 10 rides at WDW. Did I miss any that are your favorites or include some that you think are overrated? Comment below to share your favorites!

D23 Celebrates “23 Days of Christmas”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 4, 2013

Just in time for the holidays, D23 has brought back “23 Days of Disney Christmas,” an amazing collection of work contributed by artists from nearly every corner of The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Television Animation, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ Disney Design Group, Disney Consumer Products, and more.

Each day, starting December 3, D23.com will unveil a new piece of art that celebrates the holidays. The theme for 2013 is “The Ultimate Gift”—and D23 asked Disney artists what their favorite characters would most want for the holiday. The results are just as creative as the talents behind them, and 23 lucky D23 Members now have the chance win a lithograph of the work.

Disney Television Animation character designer Tara Billinger, who works on the new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, crafted a colorful holiday scene with the “fab six” (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, and Goofy—with a “hidden Oswald” thrown in) carting their sleigh through the snow, ready to unwrap some holiday delights. Disney Consumer Products principal artist Steven Thompson presents a delightful illustration of Beast giving Belle her “ultimate gift”: a library card!

Other participating creative talents from around the world of Disney include producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast), Disney Master Artist Dave Pacheco, Wander Over Yonder executive producer/creator Craig McCracken, Monsters University production designer Ricky Nierva, Disney Consumer Products lead artist Anthony Whitfield, Disney Television Animation’s Andy Suriano (Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts), Cris Bernabe-Sanchez of Disney Corporate Creative Resources, Monsters University character design art director Jason Deamer, and Gravity Falls storyboard artist Sabrina Cotugno—along with more than a dozen other Disney talents.

To add to the fun, D23 has launched the “23 Days of Disney Christmas Sweepstakes,” in which members of the Official Disney Fan Club can enter for a chance to win a lithograph of one of the pieces of artwork. D23 Members legally residing in and physically located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia may enter the sweepstakes beginning today through 10:00 AM (PT), December 26 at D23.com. Winners will be chosen at random and will receive one (1) lithograph. Only one (1) entry allowed per D23 member. There are only twenty-three (23) prizes available to be won. For complete rules, prize details, and eligibility please visit D23.com. No purchase required.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Doc McStuffins Possibly Coming to Hollywood Studios

By

Anonymouse

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December 4, 2013

Hiya fellow Disney Addicts! It is I Anonymouse! I have some more Disney World Gossip for you today. Chiperoo will never admit it but he is a HUGE fan of Doc McStuffins. Sure he says the kids like to watch it but we know the truth. Don’t tell anyone but I think Lambie is the cutest!

Anyway back to the gossip. I have been hearing some buzz about Doc Mcstuffins possibly coming to Hollywood Studios in the early part of next year. She will probably replace another character, most likely Agent Oso. Remember this is gossip so don’t go making any plans to see her just yet.

In case you are interested a little birdy told me that she may also be appearing in the Christmas Day Parade.

Does this make you want to sign the Doc McStuffins song? Everyone sing!

I feel better, so much better.

Thank you Doc for taking all the ouches away!

I didn’t feel so good til, you fixed me like I knew that you would…

And I feel better, so much better, now…

Anywho that is all the Disney gossip I have right now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page.

Disney Quick Tip – Take A Picture Of Where You Parked

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 4, 2013

Our Disney Quick Tip goes out to all those people who forgot where they parked at the Disney Theme Parks.

There are many things you should take pictures of while on your Disney vacation. Obviously, you’ll want to take photos of attractions, parades, fireworks, and your family. However, there are also some other important items you will definitely want to photograph, one of the most important being where you parked.

The parking lots at Disney are huge, so it’s easy to forget where you parked after a long fun-filled day at the parks. When you arrive in the morning, be sure to take a picture of your row number and the sign indicating in which character’s section you parked. When it’s time to leave the park, you can pull up your photos and quickly remember where you parked. No one will be left wondering ‘Did we park in Peter Pan or Ursula?’

You can also try an app called Carrr Matey and drop anchor before you go. Just make sure you have enough battery to find your car again.

Add Some Points to your Disney Movie Rewards Account

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 4, 2013

Everyday through December 25th, you can add 5 points to your Disney Movie Rewards account. Just visit the Countdown to Christmas Pinterest Board everyday at 12 pm EST to get today’s code then enter it into your account on DisneyMovieRewards.com.

A big thank you to Couponing to Disney!

Disney World is Adding New Fun to 2014 with Fantasyland Coaster and Parade Spectacular

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 4, 2013

Heigh, Ho, Heigh, Ho – its off to another magical year we go for Walt Disney World Resort guests in 2014.

New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom adds its crowning centerpiece in spring 2014 with the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, completing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Also this spring, New Fantasyland inspires an all-new parade set to roll down Main Street, U.S.A.

Meantime, 2014 sees the official roll-out of MyMagic+ taking the Disney guest experience to an exciting new level. Downtown Disney continues its magical re-imagining into Disney Springs. New for 2014 will be an exotic — and aromatic — addition to the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot. And to make smiles even wider, the call will go out to all Disney guests to “Show Your Disney Side.”

These highlights and more add up to a merry menu of magic for guests in 2014:

Nothing sleepy about it! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will crown New Fantasyland with family coaster fun.
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street U.S.A.
Fit2Run, the Marketplace Co-Op, new Starbucks and more kick off the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opens a luxury resort hotel within the Golden Oak community.
The Orlando City Soccer Club makes ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex its home for 2014 regular season games.
New races welcome runDisney enthusiasts and first-time runners alike.
New 2014 itineraries for Disney Cruise Line will include an expanded collection of European sailings.

Here’s a closer look around:

The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in spring 2014 when the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes New Fantasyland guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the 1937 Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the fun starts as guests cross a stone bridge and walk through a beautiful forest with the Dwarfs’ cottage in the distance, leading to the entrance to the attraction — and immersion into the endearing story of the radiant and kindhearted Snow White and her forest friends led by the lovable Dwarfs.

After passing through an interactive pre-show area with fun activities themed to mining, guests will proceed to the mine train. Just like the iconic movie, surprises are in store! The family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and there’s a cast of animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.

New Fantasyland also inspires a new daytime parade, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, scheduled to march into Magic Kingdom in spring 2014. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A. through fantastic and innovative parade floats, vibrant costumes and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a new parade theme song. There will be no shortage of fantasy, either, according to the float-makers. Ariel and friends will grace a larger-than-life music box showcasing a colorful musical party “Under the Sea” while Scottish dancers and a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida. Other floats celebrate Disney Princesses; Peter Pan and Wendy soar above a pirate galleon; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear on a longship in search of another “Best Day. Ever.”

Downtown Disney in 2014 continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. The excitement has already begun! Newly opened in Downtown Disney West Side: Fit2Run serving both recreational runners and athletes. In 2014, Starbucks will add two locations: a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Also in 2014: new retail — from women’s accessories to electronics, sportswear to girl’s fashions, home design accents to salon products — will open as the Marketplace Co Op (replacing Team Disney). With a planned completion in 2016, Disney Springs expects to double the number of venues, to more than 150.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts plans a 2014 opening for a luxury resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views to the Magic Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot spa, fitness center, three pools and a “lazy river” sports and recreational area, as well as meeting and event space, and a business center. This first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.

As anticipation for the 2014 World Cup builds around the world, soccer fans vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to more professional soccer options at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2014. In addition to the Disney Pro Soccer Classic and the Disney Soccer Academy, which both feature pro soccer players, the Orlando City Soccer Club will play its 2014 regular-season home games at Disney in the spring. The team will play its 14-game home schedule inside a soon-to-be expanded soccer venue at the sports complex, providing fans with a more intimate viewing experience than ever before. The Orlando City Soccer Club recently became an official MLS soccer franchise.

RunDisney is expanding two of its most popular race weekends in 2014. There will be a 10K race added to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The new 10K races mean there will also be new “challenges” – the Dopey Challenge during Marathon Weekend (running the 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon) and the Glass Slipper Challenge during Princess Weekend (5K, 10K and half marathon). Both of these new “challenges” come with a special new medal awarded to anyone who completes the challenge.

In 2014, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded collection of European cruises highlighting the Greek Isles. Plus, DCL will depart for the first time from homeports in Venice, Italy and San Juan, Puerto Rico. From May to August, the re-imagined Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, offering a rich array of itineraries, cruise lengths and ports of call. New for the season, the Magic will homeport in Venice and will call on the Greek Isles and Sicily for the very first time. In fall 2014, Disney Magic will sail out of San Juan for four Southern Caribbean cruises. Disney’s first cruise ship now boasts all-new experiences and re-imagined spaces including AquaDunk, a body slide dropping three decks, and Marvel’s Avengers Academy transporting kids 3-12 into magical worlds of brave superheroes. In summer 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Alaska; a special nine-nighter calls at Sitka, Alaska – a first for DCL. Joined by Disney Magic in January, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. to the Bahamas including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Parks is encouraging guests to let their inner selves come out to play during “Show Your Disney Side” in 2014. Disney Side is the exact flip of the everyday, work-centric lives we lead – the more fun-loving, adventurous side that washes over anyone who sets foot inside a Disney Park. In Disney advertising and marketing, Disney Parks will make the call for all guests to “let out the fun” and show their Disney side in 2014. The program got off to a magical start in the fall of 2013 when all-stars in the social media realm showed their Disney side to the delight of millions of followers.

Epcot guests are being treated to an exciting addition to the Morocco pavilion. Inspired by the whitewashed, outdoor cafes found along the Mediterranean, Spice Road Table offers a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks – along with scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon in front of the Morocco pavilion. A collection of shops arranged “souk” style stretches along the front of the building. There is even a henna tattoo artist on hand to create temporary body art from traditional and modern designs. The space is finished in cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art representing Morocco’s indigenous Beber tribes.

There is so much more to round out the fun in 2014 for Walt Disney World Resort guests including returning favorites runDisney events led by the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Star Wars Weekends, Car Masters Weekend, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and much more. Another guest favorite, the hugely popular Festival of the Lion King show, relocates by mid-summer to an all-new theater in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

With so many new and exciting happenings in 2014 now is definitely the time to book your next magical vacation! To book or learn more information contact Kari with Destinations in Florida at 214-598-7756 or by emailing [email protected].

What will your family experience in 2014??

WestJet is Making the Skies a Little More Magical

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 3, 2013

WestJet Vacations and Disney Parks & Resorts unveiled the most beautiful and magical airplane I have ever seen. It is a custom-painted Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 series aircraft. It features Sorcerer Mickey

This plane will soar into the skies for the first time on December 3, 2013. It will fly from Calgary to Orlando, Florida. After the initial flight, the Magic Plane will fly throughout WestJet’s domestic, trans-border and international network.

“We are very proud of our work with Disney and everything we’ve done together over the years to enrich the lives of our guests,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “With the Magic Plane, we are soaring to new heights, offering guests of all ages the chance to share the skies with one of the world’s most beloved and iconic figures. We also look forward to having fun with our guests on the ground as they see the Magic Plane flying over their communities and at airports across our expanding network.”

Check out a few more shots of the Magic Plane:

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Here are some fun facts about the Magic Plane:

The two sides of the aircraft are mirror images of each other in all aspects but one. We’ll leave it to our guests to decide what that is!

There are a total of 36 different paint colours on the aircraft.

It took a team of 26 people 24 days working around the clock to paint the Magic Plane.

The painting crew consumed more than 150 doughnuts over the 24 days.

The painting crew consisted of people from four countries, five states, two provinces and 12 cities.

The cookies that will be served on board are a special treat in the shape of Disney characters.

Over the next five years, the Magic Plane will fly more than 400,000 guests a total of nearly eight million kilometres.

On board the Magic Plane’s inaugural flight on December 3 will be 16 members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada from various cities across the country. Along with club chaperones and WestJet volunteers, the group will travel to Orlando for three days of fun at Walt Disney World Resort, “pay-it-forward” charity activities, teambuilding and leadership training.

WestJet serves Orlando, home of Walt Disney World Resort, with a total of 39 flights per week during peak winter months from Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Hamilton, London, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Moncton and St. John’s, Nfld.

WestJet Vacations offers a lot of vacation packages to the Walt Disney World Resort. Stay, Play, and Dine and save when you book a five- to 15-night vacation package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels that includes Magic Your Way tickets and a Disney dining plan. Offer is valid for bookings made by February 22, 2014, for travel between January 5 and April 12, 2014.

I don’t fly but if Idid I would be on that plane in a second.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Key to the World Card Discontinued at All Star Resorts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 3, 2013

Remember last month when we talked about Disney getting rid of the Keys to the World Cards at the Pop Century Resort? The next phase in the Magic Band roll-out is underway. The discontinuation of the Key to the World card has now expanded to the All Star Resorts. All Star Sports was the first to transition to Magicbands only. Next to make the change will be All Star Music on Dec 4, and then All Star Movies on Dec 6 2013.

All guests checking in from this point on will receive a MagicBand. You can still ask for a Key to the World Card but it will not have a working magnetic strip so it can’t be used in the regular, or legacy, fastpass machines. However it can be used instead of or in addition to the Magicband.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine