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A Disney Short “Get a Horse” Nominated for an Oscar

November 12, 2013

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that 10 animated short films will advance in the voting process for the 86th Academy Awards. Fifty-six pictures had originally qualified in the category.

The 10 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:

Feral, Daniel Sousa, director, and Dan Golden, music and sound design (Daniel Sousa)

Get a Horse! Lauren MacMullan, director, and Dorothy McKim, producer (Walt Disney Feature Animation)

Gloria Victoria, Theodore Ushev, director (National Film Board of Canada)

Hollow Land, Uri Kranot and Michelle Kranot, directors (Dansk Tegnefilm, Les Films de l’Arlequin and the National Film Board of Canada)

The Missing Scarf, Eoin Duffy, director, and Jamie Hogan, producer (Belly Creative Inc.)

Mr. Hublot, Laurent Witz, director, and Alexandre Espigares, co-director (Zeilt Productions) Possessions, Shuhei Morita, director (Sunrise Inc.)

Requiem for Romance, Jonathan Ng, director (Kungfu Romance Productions Inc.)

Room on the Broom, Max Lang and Jan Lachauer, directors (Magic Light Pictures)

Subconscious Password, Chris Landreth, director (National Film Board of Canada with the participation of Seneca College Animation Arts Centre and Copperheart Entertainment).

Short Films and Feature Animation Branch members will now select three to five nominees from among the 10 titles on the shortlist. Branch screenings will be held in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco in December.

The 86th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Just Released – New Poster for Maleficent

Chip

November 12, 2013

From Disney comes Maleficent —the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone.

Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

Watch for the trailer tomorrow at 9am EST.

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

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

Like Maleficent on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent

Follow Disney on Twitter: @DisneyPictures

Instagram: http://instagram.com/disneystudios

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/disneystudios/maleficent/

Tumblr: http://disney.tumblr.com/

10 Mistakes People Make When Planning Their Disney World Vacation

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 12, 2013

Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation takes some thought, some work, and most of all some time. However, there are times when mistakes can be made, and in some cases, you learn the hard way. You want every part of your trip to be absolutely magical and wonderful. So, today I’m going to share with you 10 Mistakes People Make When Planning Their Disney World Vacation. Hopefully, you’ll be able to avoid these mistakes, or even chime in with some friendly and helpful advice for others!

Mistake #1: Staying off site at a Good Neighbor Hotel. First, don’t get me wrong. Good Neighbor hotels can be wonderful for many people. However, these can add unplanned costs to your trip. You may need to rent a car, their transportation is often scheduled whereas Disney’s runs continuously, and some have nightly parking fees, and you ‘ll need to pay a parking fee at the theme parks. Staying on Walt Disney World property is one of the best moves you can make when planning your trip.

Mistake #2: Not making Advance Dining Reservations. Even if you don’t get your reservations made at the 180 day mark, try to make some for your trip. You’d be surprised what becomes available the closer you get to your travel time. Could you imagine, with all the popular restaurants and the crowds, what a mess the Disney parks would be if they didn’t take reservations? ADRs can be a huge timesaver as well. The time you spend going from restaurant to restaurant trying to get a walk up table could be well spent sitting down and enjoying a nice meal.

Mistake #3: Not utilizing FastPass and FastPass+. With all the fun and fuss surrounding FastPass+ recently, you’ll want to utilize these options when in the parks. FastPass+ can easily be changed at kiosks in the parks, but it’s a good idea to add some FastPass+ to your Magic Bands prior to your arrival. MagicBands and FastPass Plus are part of Disney’s very near future for guests, so you might as well utilize them.

Mistake #4: Entering the parks without a plan. Disney makes maps very readily available on their website, and if you are working with a travel agent, they should provide you with park maps prior to your visit. Take some time to look at them, and be aware of what attractions are in which areas of the parks. If you want to do Goofy’s Barnstormer, and Pirates of the Caribbean in one day, that’s doable. But don’t go from Storybook Circus ALL the way over to the other side of the park to Adventureland without enjoying the attractions in between. Our family will often do Tomorrowland, Storybook Circus, and Fantasyland at the front of our day. After some lunch or a resort pool break, we’ll come back and enjoy Adventureland and Frontierland in the evening. Our last activity is usually the Main Street Electrical Parade and/or Wishes. With a good spot on Main Street USA, you can enjoy both of these and then make a quick exit of the park.

Mistake #5: Arrive at the parks after 10 am. If you arrive at your first, and possibly only, park of the day after 10 am, you’ll be in for long lines, crowds, and the possibility of missing out on that all important mid day break at the pool. The earlier you can get to the parks, the better off you will be. Even if it’s for just two or three days of your stay.

Mistake #6: Not using a Disney Travel Agent. I know a lot of people who don’t use travel agents-particularly Disney travel agents-and I used to be one of them. After 5 vacations of planning my own, I finally turned it over to one and I’m so glad I did. They are someone to bounce ideas off of, get itinerary suggestions, watch for dining reservation times, and not to mention the discounts we all love and wait for! In fact, I just heard from a friend the other day who booked through a large commercial travel agency, and she didn’t get Free Dining. She got their agency discount they offer for Disney vacations, but it was nowhere near the money she would’ve saved had she sought the help of a Disney Travel agent.

Mistake #7: Not utilizing Extra Magic Hours. Another great perk of staying on Walt Disney World property is taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours. The late night hours are our family’s favorite. Staying at Magic Kingdom, well past bedtime, is so much fun! Seriously, our kids love it. And so do we! This is a great idea, especially if you’ve taken advantage of the all important midday hotel/pool/shopping at Downtown Disney break. Getting into the parks early, like at Animal Kingdom at 8 am, can be awesome as well. You can easily tour Animal Kingdom and be done by early afternoon if you get there for morning Extra Magic Hours.

Mistake #8: Renting a stroller directly from the Disney parks. As a visitor to the Disney parks many times, the strollers can be annoying for others. They’re bulky, they don’t steer well where there are parade tracks, and for what you get they’re expensive. Consider Kingdom Strollers, or another outside stroller rental company. They’ll bring the stroller directly to and pick it up from your resort for you. They rent name brand strollrs-such as City Mini and BOB-which are way more comfortable than the hard plastic ones at the parks.

Mistake #9: Realize that you can’t do it all in one trip. I’ve been 5 times, and I still have yet to see the Nemo show at Animal Kingdom, enjoy Fantasia Mini Golf, and yet to enjoy breakfast at O’hana. Disney parks aren’t the size of your local Six Flags or Knott’s Berry Farms. They’re huge! Not to mention the fun to be had off site, like at Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk area. Narrow down your top attractions or restaurants before you go. That will allow you to have time to do other things, yet feel good that you accomplished and visited the attractions on your “must do” list.

Mistake #10: Asking everyone and their brother for Disney travel advice. I think that asking for Disney advice is like asking for potty training advice. You get too many opinions, and before you know it, you are just as confused as you were when you started. Ask a few trusted friends, sites like here on Chip and Co, or even again a Disney travel agent. It’ll keep you focused, and then your brain isn’t swimming with everyone else’s thoughts and opinions.

I’m always ready to help you plan your next Disney vacation, to offer advice, and even save you some time and money. Let me know how I can help you! Email me at [email protected] or find me on Facebook!

New merchandise location is coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in spring 2014

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 12, 2013

There is a new merchandise location is coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace in spring 2014. The Merchandise Co Op will occupy the space that is currently Team Mickey located next to TrenD. The shop with shops within it will showcase new and innovative Disney retail concepts. I caught up with Tom Sheldon, manager of retail design and development for Disney Theme Park Merchandise, to learn more.

“Think about your favorite marketplaces from across the US,” said Tom. “These unique shopping experiences in major cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York all have something in common – they are compelling and distinct, allow visitors to connect to the environment, and foster a sense of discovery. This is our goal with the Marketplace Co Op.”

They plan on keeping the original ceiling elements, especially the skylight. The expansive space inside the current location will accommodate several shops.

At inauguration, The Marketplace Co Op’s six new spaces will be:

Beautifully Disney – A beauty destination for women featuring make-up, fragrance and beauty accessories.

Cherry Tree Lane – Accessories for the sophisticated woman with a passion for scarves, shoes, bags and jewelry.

D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.

The Trophy Room- Vintage inspired, lifestyle sports apparel and collectibles.

Centerpiece – Home product for Guests that want a splash of Disney in their room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware.

Zoey and Pickles – A girls’ destination containing the latest trends and glamour for the up and coming fashionista.

Work on the new Marketplace Co Op will begin in early 2014. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more info.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Alaska Airlines Debuts Disneyland Plane

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 11, 2013

Adorned with the familiar images of Disney-Pixar’s animated Cars characters Mater, Lightning McQueen, Guido and Luigi, the colorful Boeing 737-800 named “Adventure of Disneyland Resort” celebrates Alaska’s partnership with Walt Disney’s original theme park.

It is the fifth Disney-themed airplane born out of the successful partnership between Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort.

“Our Disney planes generate a lot of excitement among our passengers young and old wherever they fly,” said Jeff Butler, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of customer service-airports and cargo, and board member of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our strong partnership than to launch this flying invitation to visit Disneyland Resort’s newest attraction and Mater’s home in Cars Land.”

At a special airport event, Mater himself made a satellite appearance from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, providing travelers with updates on the arrival of the plane as it neared Seattle. After the ceremony, the aircraft officially joined the Alaska fleet on a flight to Orange County, Calif., and will then fly throughout the carrier’s 65-city network.

“Adventure of Disneyland Resort is a great example of taking beloved, iconic Disney-Pixar characters and bringing them to life in new and unexpected ways,” said Sharon Siskie, Disney Destinations’ vice president of travel industry sales. “It’s been our great privilege to be part of this collaborative effort with Alaska Airlines, and we’re delighted that today’s inaugural flight will create some very powerful memories for special guests from Make-A-Wish.”

Joining passengers flying on Flight 500 were four Make-A-Wish children from Washington and Alaska, ages 3 to 7, and their families, who will spend the next several days at the Disneyland Resort. During their visit, they will be treated to special activities and enjoy overnight accommodations at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at the Resort.

“Since our inception, we’ve granted life-affirming wishes to more than 5,300 children in Alaska and Washington and it’s only because of the partnerships that we have with companies like Alaska Airlines and Disney,” said Barry McConnell, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington.

Since granting its first wish in 1986, Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington has granted 2,257 Disney wishes and sent 1,051 children and their families on wish trips via Alaska Airlines. Disney helps Make-A-Wish America grant more than 5,000 wishes annually, making a trip to a Disney Park the most frequent wish requested by Make-A-Wish children.

Alaska Airlines has supported Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington since 1986 and provides air transportation for about 225 Wish kids and their families to travel each year. Alaska invites members of its Mileage Plan to donate frequent-flier miles to Make-A-Wish through the Charity Miles program. To donate miles, visit www.alaskaair.com and click on the “Mileage Plan” and “Charity Miles” links.

The Adventure of Disneyland Resort aircraft received its new livery at Aviation Technical Services in Everett, Wash. A team of specialists from Associated Painters Inc. accomplished the complicated painting process, including a sponge-type application to re-create Mater’s rust-colored finish.

Adventure of Disneyland Resort trivia:

A 34-member crew worked around the clock for 29 days at Associated Painters Inc. to paint the plane.
Painters painstakingly airbrushed the aircraft with 70 unique colors and applied more than 10,000 square feet of vinyl graphics to create the lifelike characters, including the headlights, tire rims and eyes.

More than 72,000 linear feet of masking tape was used during the painting of the Adventure of Disneyland Resort.
Mater’s rustic-looking muffler, which is located on the tail of the jet, will naturally change color over time due to the plane’s normal exhaust stains.

The 129-foot-long Boeing 737-800 has a wingspan of 117 feet and a cruising speed of 530 mph.
The plane accommodates 157 passengers and six crew members.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Tips For The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights in Hollywood Studios

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 11, 2013

From November 8th – January 5th, the Streets Of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will come alive with millions of glittering Christmas lights as part of The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights. This, in my opinion, is the highlight of visiting Walt Disney World at Christmastime! Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit to this brilliant Christmas light show:

The lights will turn on each night at dusk (usually around 6 p.m.). If you arrive early, you might be able to see the flipping of the light switch – a short ceremony which features some Disney characters.
About every 10 minutes, the lights will begin to dance to special holiday music. This is definitely something to see, so you’ll want to be sure to stick around long enough to see the lights dance.
Because no Christmas celebration would be complete without snow, The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights also features snow on the Streets Of America! It won’t snow the entire time you’re there, but every now and then you might see some extra Disney magic falling from the sky.
New to the festivities this year are the Glow With The Show ear hats. These special hats are designed to glow in sync with the dancing lights.
The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights can get quite crowded, especially right after the lights turn on. To experience the lights with fewer crowds, visit during a showing of Fantasmic or close to park closing.
One of the great things about Disney is they don’t kick you out of the park right at closing. The Osborne Lights will stay on for about an hour after park closing, so stick around to see them with minimal crowds. This is also a great time to photograph the lights!
While you take in all the beautiful Christmas lights, be sure to keep an eye out for some hidden items left be the imagineers. They have been known to hide numerous hidden Mickeys throughout the display. You can also find a hidden Halloween cat which was accidentally sent to Disney by the Osborne family. The imagineers put the cat in a different area of the display every year.

Have you visited The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios? Let us know your tips for veiwing this fantastic display of Christmas lights in the comments below!

Disney’s The Jungle Book Coming to Blu-ray and DVD on February 11, 2014

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 11, 2013

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for the Blu-ray version of Disney’s The Jungle Book to be released next year! It was one of our family’s favorite movies growing up and we still find ourselves quoting lines from the movie often. We say “now don’t start that again” in our bad British accents every time we have a back and forth ‘I don’t know’ conversation about what we want to eat or do that day. If you’re totally left in the dark on what that line is all about, then be sure to pick up your copy when it’s released! I can’t wait to check out all the new bonus features included with the upcoming Diamond Edition release, including the bonus alternate ending. Disney does a wonderful job bringing to animation the classic Rudyard Kipling novel and features the beloved characters of Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera and all your other favorites. This is definitely a timeless classic that every Disney fan should add to their collection.

Be sure to read the full press release below for additional product details:

Make Mowgli and His Jungle Family A Part of Yours When Disney’s The Jungle Book Diamond Edition Swings onto Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital on February 11, 2014

Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray with glorious digital high definition, Disney’s Jumpin’ Jungle Classic has never looked so lush or sounded so good! Beloved characters, swinging music and new behind-the-scenes bonus features make this Diamond Edition Blu-ray a must-have for every family’s classic collection!

Meet the most unforgettable characters and embark on a thrilling adventure with Mowgli as he journeys deep into the jungle and learns “The Bare Necessities” of life from happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear. Meet Bagheera, the wise old panther, and crazy King Louie, the orangutan. But watch out for the cunning tiger Shere Khan and Kaa, the ssssneakiest snake in the jungle!

Explore your family’s wild side as you venture into The Jungle Book for extraordinary adventures and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the true meaning of friendship.

All-New Blu-ray Bonus Features:

Introductions by Diane Disney Miller and Richard M. Sherman
Alternate Ending – Mowgli and The Hunter
@DisneyAnimation: Sparking Creativity
Music, Memories & Mowgli: A Conversation with Richard M. Sherman, Diane
Disney Miller and Floyd Norman
Disney Intermission – Bear-E-Oke hosted by Baloo
Bear-E-Oke Sing A Long
I Wanna Be Like You – Hangin’ Out At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

DVD Bonus Features: All the Classic bonus features included in the original DVD release

Packaging: 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (BD + DVD + Digital Copy), DVD and Digital

Feature Run Time: 78-minutes

Rated: G in U.S. & Canada (Bonus materials are not rated)

Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1 formatted for 16×9 TV screens

Sound: Blu-ray: 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (English); Original Theatrical Mix (English); Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (French and Spanish)
DVD: Original Theatrical Mix (English); Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (English, French and Spanish)

Languages: English, French and Spanish

Little Mermaid II and Ariel’s Beginning Available on Blu Ray Combo Pack

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 11, 2013

The Little Mermaid II Ariels Beginning 2 Movie Collection1

Ariel, one of Disney’s most popular princesses, is back inLittle Mermaid II Return to the Sea and Ariel’s Beginning both in a Blu Ray Combo Pack on November 12th, 2013. This time, it’s Ariel’s daughter Melody who is the main star in this sweet movie about being a “part of the world” above. Little does Melody know, it’s possible for both her undersea and the above sea world to live together in harmony. As all children, Melody is curious about her parents-particularly her mother’s previous life as a mermaid. Just as Ariel wanted so badly to be a part of the human world, now Melody wants to be part of the Merworld. Also, after watching The Little Mermaid so many times over and over again, my daughter really enjoyed seeing Ariel from a different perspective. Of course, Ariel’s trusted sidekick Sebastian is there to help Melody in her times of trouble.

In Ariel’s Beginning, viewers get a sneak peek at how Ariel’s life was before she found Prince Eric and her adventures of love began. Ariel’s mother, Athena, is kidnapped by pirates, and in his unrest over this, King Triton bans music from the undersea world. For Ariel and her sisters, this is devastating! But of course, Ariel teams up with her sisters and her loyal sidekicks Sebastian and Flounder to bring back music to Triton’s kingdom. If you are a true Little Mermaid fan, then you’ll want to watch Ariel’s Beginning to see how it truly all began. Our daughter really enjoyed this perspective of the Little Mermaid. It’s kind of nice to see Disney’s creativity in this. I will say, it was a little predictable in part, and the cinematography isn’t as great as the original Little Mermaid. However, the story line is wonderful, and it is a nice story change from the original Little Mermaid.

What we really liked about these stories is how they all tie together nicely. I appreciated how Sebastian and Flounder were still in both of these. I also liked the irony of Melody wanting to be part of the Merworld, just as Ariel wanted to be part of the human world in the original film. Since our children watch movies in our car while we are on road trips and running errands, the bonus features come in handy sometimes. My daughter really enjoyed the Storybook feature, ready Jodi Benson herself, on the Little Mermaid II Blu Ray. And, on the Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning DVD, the Mermaid Discovery Vanity Game is fun as well.

You’ll want to pick up Disney’s Little Mermaid II Return to the Sea and Ariel’s Beginning on a Blu Ray Combo Pack at your local retailer. No Little Mermaid fan should be without it!

I give it a B+

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival to feature Kermit and Miss Piggy Topiaries

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 11, 2013

Kermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 5 to May 18, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort. With flamboyance to spare, a floral Miss Piggy will join Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display.

Nearly 100 topiaries will animate the landscape during the 75 days when Epcot transforms to a rainbow-hued wonderland of sweeping gardens and exhibits. Back for a second year: outdoor food-and-beverage marketplaces exclusive to this festival that feature sweet and savory bites worthy of indulgence. After debuting at the 2013 festival, the marketplaces will return with new menu items such as Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes and a Barbecued Chicken Leg at the Smokehouse Barbecue marketplace. Floral-flavored lemonades will feature rose and violet notes, and specialty cocktails, wines and beers will offer menu-pairing possibilities. Last year’s top menu picks such as the Watermelon Salad with local baby arugula, feta cheese, pickled red onions and balsamic reduction will be back for an encore at the Florida Fresh marketplace.

More Festival News . . .

Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck topiaries will appear in a new Epcot front entrance garden vignette celebrating spring with a butterfly hunt adventure. The topiaries will have a new computer-generated look while telling an entertaining story. Goofy’s butterfly net will prove useless as topiary butterflies light on the back of his floral garb. A topiary bee buzzes on an exasperated Donald’s head. The garden will feature a real waterfall and pond with water lilies.

A new Timon topiary will join Pumbaa near the park’s Outpost location between China and Germany. Meanwhile, Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Croc return for a second year to the United Kingdom showcase. Dozens of additional character topiaries, including Mickey Mouse, will surprise guests beyond the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth.

The Flower Power Concert Series welcomes two new acts in 2014: Gary Lewis and the Playboys (“This Diamond Ring”) March 14-16, and The Alan Parsons Live Project (“Eye in the Sky”) May 16-18. During opening weekend, the series kicks off at America Gardens Theatre with fan-favorite band The Guess Who (“American Woman”) March 7-9. Other pop acts set to perform include Chubby Checker & the Wildcats, The Village People and Paul Revere & The Raiders. (Entertainment is subject to change).

Florida agriculture will be in the spotlight at a large World Showcase garden exhibiting fresh Florida crops to include citrus, sugar cane, berries and vegetables.

For the second year, illuminated gardens will cast a festive glow across the park when the sun sets each evening.
Back by demand, the Disney-Pixar “Cars” garden and playground will bring favorite movie characters to life. Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House will be aflutter with hundreds of the winged beauties and fairy topiaries of Tinker Bell and Periwinkle.
At the Festival Center in the park’s Future World, twice-daily interactive gardening workshops will set the stage for outdoor do-it-yourself inspiration, and gardening guest speakers will appear daily. Fridays through Sundays, HGTV design celebrities will host home, garden and design seminars.

As they sample from marketplace menus, guests can wander among multiple themed gardens and children’s play areas. Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers,” herb gardens and beds of multi-colored blooms will add to the floral splendor of the park’s landscape. Disney’s garden gurus estimate 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat. Several special weekend happenings, including the popular Art in the Garden Weekend, will be scheduled.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Magic Kingdom to Honor Veterans with Special Flag Retreat

Chip

November 11, 2013

Our Nation’s heroes to be honored during Veterans Salute at Magic Kingdom Park, an enhanced flag retreat that is part of Disney Park’s Limited Time Magic. From Nov. 11-15, 2013 a daily ceremony featuring a specially selected Veteran of the Day flag bearer and Honorary Color Guard will occur at 5 p.m. in Town Square at Magic Kingdom Park.The Main Street Philharmonic and Voices of Liberty will add to the festivities by performing patriotic tunes throughout the celebration.

Limited Time Magic features 52 weeks of special entertainment, surprises and delights at Disney Parks throughout 2013. To learn more about Limited Time Magic, visit limitedtimemagic.com.

(Ali Nasser, photographer)

New Disney Discounts Now Available and Be the 1st to Book the New Cabana Bay at Universal Studios

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 11, 2013

Are you ready to experience the largest pool in Orlando? How about a resort with a bowling alley inside the resort? How about all of this at a value price? The newest Universal Studios hotel called Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be opening Spring 2014. This amazing resort is kicking off a promotion to save up to 25% off. Be one of the first people to experience this new and amazing hotel at Universal Orlando Resort!

Besides this amazing deal, there are some new Disney discounts. Disney Cruise kicked off a new deals for Canadian Residents and Disneyland kicked off a winter deal saving you up to 25% off the Disneyland Resort hotels. Check out these new Disney discounts and some old favorites at Disney World, Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Aulani, Universal Orlando, and Sea World. Call our agents at Destinations in Florida to book your family vacation today!

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World® Resort

Save Up To 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels This Fall: Book your room only or package reservation and save up to 30% off Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels for stays most nights Sept. 29 – Nov 22, 2013, and Nov 30 – Dec. 23, 2013. You can book a room only or upgrade to a package with tickets. You can even add one of the Disney Dining Plans for additional savings on this Disney discount. The booking window is Aug. 1 – Nov. 3, 2013 for travel Nov. 10 – Nov. 22, 2013 and Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, 2013
Play Stay and Dine…and Save Up To $600 at the Walt Disney World® Resort: Discounts on room, tickets and dining plan. Must have tickets for length of stay to get that portion discounted (staying 4 days/3 nights must have 4 day ticket, etc) For most stays from January 5-March 5 2014 3 Night Minimum Stay Required. Offer excludes campsites and 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort or The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For this Disney discount, you must book by December 31.
Save Up To 35% on Stays at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: For stays most nights from January 5 – March 5, 2014 and March 14 – April 12, 2014: Values 20% off, Moderates 25% off, Deluxe 35% off, Deluxe Villas 35% off. Excludes 3-bedroom villas and campsites and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort The Little Mermaid rooms or The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Must book by December 31.
Florida Resident Fall & Winter Rates: Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays through December 14, just in time for the holiday season.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels most nights from Sept. 29 2013 through Sept. 27 2014 time-frame.

Disneyland® Resort

New! Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel: Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights from Jan. 5 – April 10, 2014. Check for offers for other days. Book through Jan. 28, 2014.

Disney Cruise Line®

New! Disney Cruise Line Canadian Resident Offer: Canadian residents save 20% off prevailing rates (as quoted on the Disney Cruise Line® website) on 3 and 4 night Bahamian sailings aboard the Disney Magic for most sailings from Jan. 10 – Feb. 28, 2014 (excluding Jan. 17, 20, Feb. 14, 17, 2014) for categories 4A – 11B.
Florida Residents Cruise from $100 pp/pn: This week book your Disney Cruise vacation on the newly enhanced Disney Magic® or the new Disney Dream® for as little as $100 per person per night plus tax and port charges in a Category 5A stateroom. This Disney deal is limited to only 50 staterooms per sailing. Cruise dates including November 3, 11, and 17 for the Disney Dream® and November 10 and 15 for the Disney Magic®. Call us at 877-918-8941 to book. Be sure you mention Chip & Co!
Two Disney Vacations in One for $789 Per Person: It’s all the magic of Disney Cruise Line® and all of the enchantment of Disney World. Package components include: 3-Night Disney Magic® sailings from January 17 – February 7, 3-Night resort stay at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (other resorts are bookable but will affect the price per person), 3-day Park Hopper® Theme Park Ticket, transfers between Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Cruise Line® terminal. Book through December 31, 2013.
Special Castaway Club Member Offer: Disney Cruise Line® 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 Nov. 1 – Dec. 18, 2013 (excluding Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, 2013). They can use their credit for a variety of onboard activities and experiences, including spa treatments, shopping, adults-only dining and more!
Special Rates for Cruises from Miami: Be among the first to experience the newly re-imagined Disney Magic® with new spaces and surprises to delight kids, adults and families! 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruises: Starting from $99 per person, per day / $495 total, based on double occupancy for Category IGT, Inside Stateroom with Restrictions, on most sail dates Oct. 27 – Nov. 15, 2013. Must book through October 31, 2013.

Aulani

Get 4 nights for the price of 3 plus breakfast daily for 2: 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. Disney deals promotion includes breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe. Book this offer by Jan. 15, 2014, for stays most nights Jan. 5 – April 7, 2014.

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

New! Save up to 25% off the new Cabana Bay Beach Resort (opening spring 2014): 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 9/1 – 10/2/14 and 11/30 – 12/11/14.
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 from 11/11 – 12/19, 2013.
3rd Night & Day FREE: Limited time vacation offer. Stay at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel you’ll receive your 3rd Night & 3rd Day FREE. This also includes the free Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme park opens and free scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando. Purchase10/10 – 12/15/13. Valid for travel 11/1 – 12/22/13. U.S. and Canadian Residents only.
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

Add a day at SeaWorld Orlando for just $10: Add a second day at SeaWorld Orlando for just $10 more within 7 days of your first visit.
SeaWorld Orlando $50 Weekday Ticket: Enjoy 1 visit to SeaWorld Orlando weekdays Monday thru Friday beginning August 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013. Advance purchase only. Not available at the park. Valid for 1 visit to SeaWorld Orlando on weekdays only. Ticket expires December 20, 2013.
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 12/25: 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!

If you are ready to create cherished family moments, call the travel experts at Destinations in Florida. Call 877-918-8941 or request a price online. Be sure you mention Chip & Co,

Could the Disney Dining Plan be Phased out

Anonymouse

November 10, 2013

Hiya boys and girls. I know you missed me. It is I Anonymouse! Wipe those tears because I am back, with some gossip that I am sure most, if not all, of you will not like. Don’t kill the messenger ladies and gentlemen!

Word around Walt Disney World is that Disney is phasing out the Disney Dining Plan in 2014. Before you get your panties in a bunch, let me clarify they may be phasing out the Free Dining Plan. Needless to say free dining has been Disney’s most popular promotion ever. My sources tell me that the Stay, Play, and Dine promotion will replace the free dining promotion. I know everyone goes crazy for free dining so I am sure there will be a lot of pissed of people if this happens, especially Chiperoo have you seen how much he eats?

Let us remember that Disney is still the most magical place ever, even without free dining. I think Disney does a great job of making magical vacations affordable for most people. Take it from someone who has visited Disney with a very low budget, it can be done with some careful planning and research. After all didn’t Walt Disney say “If you can dream you can do it”.

Nothing official has been announced yet. Also keep in mind that this rumor has been floating around for a while now, so it may just be a matter of time. Let me know what you think in the comment box below.

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.

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