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Disney Guest Assistance Card Changes

October 26, 2013

As you know Disney made some changes recently to the Disney Guest Assistance Card. This card is now called the Guest Disability Card. With this new name, came a lot of new changes. Since all of the changes were super confusing, I decided I needed to head over to Guest Relations at Epcot to talk with the Cast Members. I wanted to learn how our guest experience would change with the Disney Guest Assistance Card changes. I took it a step further and tested it out with my family, including my mother-in-law. She had an electric scooter, so we could test Disney’s changes.

I hope this explains more about the Disney Guest Assistance Card changes. I know every family is a little bit different. If you have any other questions, please email me at allison @ destinationsinflorida.com or call our team at Destinations in Florida at 877-918-8941. Be sure you mention Chip sent you!

Allison has either worked or played at Disney World for the past 35 years. She was a past Cast Member at Typhoon Lagoon and Tower of Terror. She continued her love of Disney by starting Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact Allison at [email protected] if you would like her or her team to book your upcoming Disney & Orlando vacation.

Disney Event Highlights for November & December 2013

Chip

October 26, 2013

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Tempts Guests Through Nov. 11 with Great Tastes, Rockin’ Bands and Celeb Chefs

Disney guests are flocking to the 18^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival for inspired new sips and noshes, live concert performances and celebrity chef demonstrations. The popular fall festival continues through Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

This year’s Scotland Marketplace is new on the festival’s global tasting tour with a vegetarian version of the traditional Scottish haggis, as well as Scottish salmon and a Glenfiddich whisky flight. More than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces surround the World Showcase Promenade, and many dishes feature a beverage “perfect pairing” suggested by Walt Disney World sommeliers.

At the Festival Center, Disney guests can catch culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs like Paula DaSilva, Erika Davis and Ingrid Hoffmann. Daily wine tastings and mixology seminars offer new sips and tips to guests. And the iconic Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, filled with more than 300,000 floating cranberries, is back for a third year.

Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts keep on rockin’ through Nov. 11 with a stellar lineup that includes two first-time festival acts:

Nov. 1 NEW! Spin Doctors “Two Princes”
Nov. 2-3 NEW! Christopher Cross “Sailing”
Nov. 4-5 Hanson “Get the Girl Back”
Nov. 6-8 Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away”
Nov. 9-11 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”

Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

The final Party for the Senses (Nov. 2) grand tasting event and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations. Information and reservations for select programs is at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Set for Nov. 8-9

runDisney will serve up miles of fun during Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Nov. 8 – 9, 2013. More than 14,000 registered runners will take on this unique nighttime 13.1-mile course starting at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, running through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and finishing at Epcot. After crossing the finish line, runners can join family and friends for a special ticketed post-race party inside Epcot until 4 a.m. The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, music and the opportunity to ride various attractions such as the newly reimagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’.

New this year is the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Friday, Nov. 8 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and Disney characters. In addition to the half marathon, Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend features Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, runDisney Kids’ Races at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 – 9, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. For more information, visit http://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon

Dazzling Displays of Art Highlight Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney Nov. 8-10, 2013

For its 38^th year, Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels is transforming Downtown Disney into an art lovers’ paradise Nov. 8-10, 2013. The prestigious open-air fine arts festival features more than 300 artists creating and showcasing their unique works in painting, photography, sculpture, chalk, glass and more. Exhibits feature more than 130 award-winning artists, nearly 20 up-and-coming Emerging Masters, the Disney Artist Village, live performance artists and more.

A crowd favorite, the Disney Artist Village will return with one of the largest displays of official Disney art available for purchase and will include meet and greets with the more than 25 artists behind those masterpieces. Located between Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues on Downtown Disney West Side, the Disney Artist Village tent will feature Disney character art created by masters from various Disney disciplines including Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group. Disney Artists also will perform live shows as they create new works of art onstage and will host interactive chats about art and what it can be. Both the art chats and live performances will take place at Waterside Stage in the Marketplace.

New this year, “Mixers and Masters” will highlight artistic cocktails throughout Downtown Disney. Select dining locations will feature specialty drinks for sipping and strolling including the Pinkberry Martini from Wolfgang Puck Café, Blue Nile from Rainforest Café and Huckleberry Lemonade at Splitsville. Guests can learn what goes into making an artfully delicious cocktail during daily presentations on Waterside Stage. “The Art of Mixology” will feature 10-minute demonstrations with experts three times a day.

Guests also can become part of the festival with interactive fun. Various activities presented by Michaels will be available, including “Make It Take It” crafts, coloring Disney-inspired masterpieces and the “Michaels Master Mural” where guests can help create a mosaic-like mural. Children are invited to creatively chalk sections of the Marketplace for the Children’s Chalk Art display; help build a giant LEGO masterpiece and create an interactive LEGO mural.

Other activities will include:

• Live entertainment by performers from La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil

• House of Blues 15^th year celebration of its Folk Art Festival with more than 30 accomplished artists

• Special artist appearances at Hoypoloi and Pop Gallery

• Live entertainment at various venues, including House of Blues, Bongos Cuban Café, Raglan Road, and Splitsville

The event takes place from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission and self-parking are complimentary at Downtown Disney; valet parking is available during the event from 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. via Entrance 4 at Downtown Disney West Side. For more information about Festival of the Masters, including exhibit times and parking information, please visit DisneyFestivaloftheMasters.com.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Celebrates the Holidays at Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have 19 magical nights from November 8-December 20. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World Resort guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2013:

Nov. 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22 Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20

Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows featuring Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. The fun continues with a holiday “Celebrate the Magic” castle projection show and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks spectacular. Guests can enjoy new experiences and attractions at New Fantasyland.

NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Glow With the Show Ears Brighten The Holiday Season At Walt Disney World Resort

During the holiday season guests of the Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a dazzling addition to festive favorites with Glow with the Show Ear hats.

Beginning in November with the premiere of Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom, the Glow With the Show Ear hats will place guests in the middle of the magic. With every dancing light, musical note and vibrant explosion in the sky, the Glow ears will illuminate, change colors and patterns to synchronize with every spectacular moment during these yuletide shows.

The new Glow With the Show Ear hats debuted at Walt Disney World Resort during the 15^th

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ Trailer Released

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

With Thor: The Dark World coming out in just over two weeks, it’s time for Marvel to start marketing their next film in their cinematic universe, which is Captain America: The Winter Soldier. To get the ball rolling, Marvel Studios has released the first trailer, as well as the first poster, for the new film.

The movie, which is set for release on April 4, 2013, finds Steve Rogers still acclimating to his new life working for S.H.I.E.L.D., while also being a man out of time. The film is said to be the film that will also directly link us to The Avengers: Age of Ultron, which is very exciting news. Are you excited for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1941, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is produced by Kevin Feige, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp and Hayley Atwell, with Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is presented by Marvel Studios. The executive producers are Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Alan Fine and Stan Lee.The film releases April 4, 2014, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Marvel Studios Developing New Set of TV Shows (chipandco.com)
‘Iron Man 3′ Blu-ray Review (chipandco.com)
Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man’ Moves Up From November to July 2015. (chipandco.com)

Top 10 Ways To Save Money On Your Disney Vacation

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

Traveling to Walt Disney World can be quite expensive, so finding ways to save money on vacation is very important. Here are our top 10 ways to save money on your Disney vacation.

10. Ask for a cup of water – Instead of purchasing a soft drink or bottled water to go with your meals, ask for a free cup of ice water. In order to comply with Florida law, Disney will happily provide you with free ice water. Want something with more flavor? Bring some Mio or other type of water enhancer with you into the parks. You can easily turn your free cup of ice water into a tasty beverage for less than the cost of one soft drink at Disney!

9. Eat two meals – Breakfasts at Disney are usually quite filling. Because of this, you might not get hungry enough for lunch until late in the afternoon. Eating a late lunch and evening snack or an afternoon snack and an early dinner can be a great way to save a little bit of money on dining without leaving you hungry.

8. Split meals – If you do not purchase a dining plan for your vacation, splitting meals is another great way to save on dining costs. Many of the quick service entrees at Disney are rather large and can be split between two people. Unfortunately, table service meals at Disney cannot be split; however, splitting quick service meals has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of dining.

7. Stay at a value resort – If you’re like me, you probably don’t spend a lot of time in your hotel room when visiting Disney. While the value resorts may not be as fancy as the moderate or deluxe resorts, they do provide nice accommodations at a much lower cost. If you do not spend much time at your resort, it may make more sense financially to stay at a value resort.

6. Use Disney transportation – If you plan on staying on Disney property throughout your vacation, be sure to take advantage of Disney’s free transportation. Disney’s Magical Express provides free transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport. Once you arrive at Walt Disney World, there are buses, monorails, and ferries to take you anywhere on property you would like to go. Utilizing Disney’s free transportation is a great (and free) alternative to getting a rental car.

5. Purchase Disney gift cards at Sam’s Club – Disney gift cards can be used to pay for your entire Disney vacation. If you have a membership to Sam’s Club, you may have noticed they often sell Disney gift cards in stores. These gift cards are usually sold for a few dollars less than the value of the card. Purchasing these discounted gift cards to pay for your entire vacation can help save a little bit of money. Don’t have a Sam’s membership? We’ve got another way to save on Disney gift cards below!

4. Disney Visa – If you have a Disney Visa card, you can save on your vacation just by putting purchases on your card. At select locations across Walt Disney World, you can receive 10% off of purchases of $50 or more. You can also save 10% at select WDW dining locations. In addition, your Disney Visa can save you 20% on select guided tours including the Keys To The Kingdom Tour.

3. Purchase Disney gift cards at Target – If you have a Target RedCard, you can save 5% on purchases made using your card. This includes saving 5% on purchases of Disney gift cards. Want to save even more? If you have Target Pharmacy Rewards and have filled 5 qualifying prescriptions, Target will send you a certificate for an additional 5% discount. So, if you purchase gift cards to pay for your entire vacation using these two discounts, you can essentially save 10% on your Disney vacation!

2. Rent DVC points -Did you know you can use Disney Vacation Club points even if you’re not a member? You can actually rent DVC points from members. This will allow you and your family to enjoy deluxe accommodations at a much lower price. For more information regarding DVC rentals, check out this great article.

1. Travel during the off-season – Resort prices at Disney are often lower during Disney’s less crowded times of year. January, February, September, and October are great times of the year to visit Walt Disney World. The crowds are often low, along with the prices. So, not only will you save on your vacation, but you will also get to experience more of Walt Disney World due to the low crowds!

How do you save money on your Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

Disney Quick Tip – Study the Disney World Park Maps

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

While it may be tempting to wing it or to just get the park map for a souvenir, I would highly recommend to study the Disney World Park Maps. When you study the park map, it can help you in the following ways:

Learn where the parade route is so you know where to sit/stand to see it
Know what attractions have fast passes (for those still getting paper fast passes)
Identify the closest restrooms
Figure out where the nearest food location is including the price range
Get an idea of what attractions and/or shows you want to try out
Where the character greetings locations are
Know height restrictions for the attractions in the park
Learn additional tips and information

If you also pick up a Times Guide, you will find character greeting, dining, show and attraction times.

If you want a customized Walt Disney World park map, you can order one online here. Just make sure you order it in plenty of time, so you receive it prior to leaving for your vacation.

Disney park maps are chocked full of valuable information to make your park experience simply magical! How far in advance do you look over the park map? What else do you use the park map to learn?

Marvel Creativity Studio Stylus and App

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

Disney Consumer Products and Marvel today announced the launch of the Marvel Creativity Studio Stylus and App, created by eKids, exclusively for iPad. The app delivers a creative space for kids to learn to draw, color and animate their favorite Marvel Super Heroes and villains from Avengers Assemble, The Ultimate Spider-Man and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., while the stylus adds special and enhanced play value.

“The Marvel Creativity Studio is an innovative way for fans of all ages to learn how to draw some of Marvel’s most popular Super Heroes while allowing them to use their imagination to feel like they’re part of the action,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global franchise licensing and commercialization at Disney Consumer Products. “Leveraging the comic drawing history of the Marvel brand with the innovation that eKids brings to the table – or in this case, tablet – this product delivers a fun experience with endless play value.”

App and Stylus features include:

• Professionally illustrated coloring pages, where you can add your own flare with tons of drawing tools and an extensive color pallet

• Use of the stylus to unlock special tools including the ” Reveal” tool to flawlessly color the page like a pro

• An interactive grid system that includes specialty drawing aids such as side-by-side drawing canvas, trace lines and unique “Drawing Scope” – allowing artists of all levels to successfully learn how to draw these characters

• Build and animate action scenes with character stickers, sound effects, speech bubbles and backgrounds

• Create your own custom stickers and add them to animated scenes

The Stylus, which includes unlimited access to all content and future updates – is available at mass retailers. A deluxe version with a limited edition zippered carry case is available exclusively at Apple Retail Stores and from the Apple Online Store; both retail for $34.99. The Marvel Creativity Studio app is FREE and may be found at www.appstore.com/MarvelCreativityStudio.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Infinity Halloween Challenge

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

Disney Interactive is releasing the winners of the “Disney Infinity Halloween Challenge” for the spookiest Toy Box creations.

As a refresher, directions on how to submit your Toy Box creations, as well as how to download new user-generated Toy Box worlds are below my signature for your reference. Thanks so much and let me know if you have any questions.

When you’re ready to submit your Toy Box for consideration, follow these directions:

Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U

Bring up the Pause Menu and select “Online/Multiplayer.”

Then select “Toy Box Share” > “Disney’s Toy Boxes” > “Submit to Disney.”

Follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to give your Toy Box an original name and description. Choose carefully – they will be shown to everybody if your Toy Box is featured.

iPad

Bring up the Pause Menu and select “Toy Box Share.”

Then select “Disney’s Toy Boxes” > “Submit to Disney.”

Follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to give your Toy Box an original name and description. Choose carefully – they will be shown to everybody if your Toy Box is featured

How to download new Toy Boxes:

Select “Toy Box” from the Disney Infinity Main Menu

Select “Toy Box Share” and “Disney’s Toy Boxes.”

There will be a list of all the featured Toy Boxes for players to download.

Players will be able to come back every week for new Toy Boxes. Players should also let us know what they want to see because Disney Infinity developers will soon begin creating content based on player suggestions.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Celebrate Halloween Week at The Happy Haunted Horseshoe for Limited Time Magic

Chip

October 25, 2013

During Halloween week, Disney is offering some ghostly “Limited Time Magic” surprises at The Happy Haunted Horseshoe at the Walt Disney World Resort that’ll include daytime performances by the Cadaver Dans as well as special themed cupcakes and treats.

Beginning Monday, The Happy Haunted Horseshoe will feature ghostly entertainers dead-set on delighting you with spooky tricks and treats inside the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon at Frontierland.

Each day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., you’ll be able to join hostess Miss Betty Blue as she calls forth the harmonies of the Cadaver Dans, Dearly Departed Stan the piano player and morbid magician Abner Cadaver. There will also be snacks and Halloween cupcakes at The Happy Haunted Horseshoe to enjoy during the entertainment.

This “Limited Time Magic” opportunity is only happening October 28 – November 1 at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Festival of the Masters in Downtown Disney November 2013

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

Are you ready for the 2013 Festival of the Masters in Downtown Disney Orlando? It’s that time again where the beautiful lakeside setting of Downtown Disney will become the canvas for more than 150 artisans to display original creations. Held November 8th-10th in 2013, The Festival of the Masters is truly an art lover’s paradise!

Sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, and digital art are just some of the art genres that will be showcased at this year’s event. Street painters from the Central Florida Chalk Artists Association will decorate approximately 6,000 square feet of sidewalk with unique drawings. Kids will also enjoy the live music, face painting and interactive kid’s zones.

More to enjoy includes hands-on activities for guests of all ages and interests, live musical performances, and unique shopping opportunities—from fine art to Disney collectibles.

Whether you seek a colorful day browsing amid Disney magic or a want to own a spectacular piece for your personal collection, you’ll discover a variety of delightful experiences at this very special event!

Artistic cocktails will bring something new this year during “Mixers and Masters,” with dining locations featuring specialty drinks that you can enjoy while strolling along enjoying the festival. Look for feather banners to indicate which restaurants will be participating. Cocktails will have various prices and will be sold separately. Three times a day you can stop by “The Art of Mixology” at the Waterside Stage. Here experts will show what goes into making an artfully delicious cocktail during each 10-minute demo.

Festival hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day of the festival. Admission and parking are complimentary, unless you choose to pay $15 to valet park. Tables in Wonderland members enjoy free valet with the purchase of a qualifying meal. This world-renowned show is a highly anticipated annual event for Guests, artists, collectors and art lovers alike! It is a lively festival offers fun for the entire family.

Experience Two Disney Vacations in One

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 25, 2013

Are you ready for a new magical Disney World Experience? Disney has just released a new package that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, land and sea.

It’s all the Magic of Disney Cruise Line. All the Enchantment of Walt Disney World Resort. And all of your dreams come true!

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

Booking Window:

Book through December 31, 2013

Additional Details:

Offer valid for most Disney Magic 3-Night sailings category 11B Stateroom Jan. 17 to Feb. 7, 2014 and for most nights Jan. 17 to Feb 10, 2014 at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort in a standard room
The number of staterooms and rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Cruise fare excludes Government Taxes and Fees of approximately $63 per person (subject to change), Gratuities and Port Adventures.
Theme Park tickets must be used within 14 Days from first use.
No group rates or other discounts apply.
Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Packages start at $789 a person for a family of four (price based on 2 adults and 2 children ages 3-9).

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!

Jingle Cruise for the Holidays at Disneyland & Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 24, 2013

This Adventureland attraction will receive its first ever holiday makeover this year. Beginning in early November, Jungle Cruise at both Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park will transform into Jingle Cruise but only for the holiday season!

In this new seasonal storyline of the attraction, the Skippers have grown homesick for the holidays, so they’ve added holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise queue and boathouse with decorations that have been mailed to them from home (plus a few they’ve created themselves). The Skippers have also added a slew of new jokes to their tours that are the perfect way to get guests in the holiday spirit. Additionally, Jungle Cruise boats have been renamed with the holidays in mind, and if guests listen carefully, they may hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background.

Jingle Cruise will begin launches in early November at both parks.

Be sure to keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates!

What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixe Dust

Sunshine

Staying on Disney World Property….Yes or No?

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 24, 2013

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If you are anything like me, you’ve been to Disney World too many times to count! I’ve been in the heat of the summer, I’ve fought the spring break crowds, I’ve seen Goofy Santa make his way down Main Street USA. Over the course of my trips, I’ve been very purposeful about where I stay. I like to collect blogger data (aka pictures, story ideas, and any insider scoop I can). I’ve stayed on and off property and today, I’m here to share my observations. I’m breaking down my thoughts on the eternal question….do I stay on property? Let’s compare a few points on both on property and off property resorts. Today I’m giving you my tips to make your trip P.A.R.K. perfection! On property? Off property? Let’s figure this thing out!

Proximity

When it comes to the theme parks, proximity is HUGE! The ability to hop on a bus, boat, or monorail (or your own car for that matter) and be “home” in the blink of an eye is huge! So, let’s makes some comparisons…

On Property

There are a wide variety of resorts to choose from. You have the power to select a resort that is as close as on the monorail loop to as far away as the Downtown Disney area. Of course, you’ll have to pay for that convenience, but in this point we are comparing proximity. You can’t get any closer than the monorail loop. That’s a fact.

Off Property

While there are a few hotels that are technically on (or near enough to be on) Disney property, that aren’t official Disney Resorts. Of course, there are the variety of other hotel options and rentals that aren’t anywhere near property. I’ve stayed in non-official resorts like Disney Good Neighbor Resort hotels and I’ve stayed in a rental house that required a trip through 2 toll roads--that was not awesome! Think of all the time you are spending driving back and forth and all the money you’re spending on parking, gas, tipping, renting a car, or whatever…you can forget a midday break!

THE WINNER…

On Property takes the win here! All on property hotels are within minutes of the theme parks. The ability to hop on Disney transportation and be back at your home resort is the winning factor for me. Even when compared to “good neighbor” hotels, I’d still pick the Disney resorts for the ease of return to your hotel. Either way, you just can’t beat the hop, skip, and a jump of an on property resort!

Amenities & Services

Amenities are important. Whether I’m selecting a hotel for a girls weekend get-away at the beach, a family trip to Hawaii, or a return trip to Disney World, I think about amenities. I’m all about “free” and I’m always looking for ways to squeeze every last morsel of “included” out of my stay. So, let’s make some comparisons…

On Property

Disney knows how to do amenities! From transportation (on property to pickup and drop off at the airport) to complimentary wi-fi, Disney Resorts have got you covered. If you would rather drive your own vehicle to the parks, have no fear! Parking at the resort and at the theme parks is complimentary with your Key to the World Card or Parking Permit. Walt Disney World Resort guests are also offered free merchandise drop off, a service that literally takes the weight of the World off your shoulders–don’t bog yourself down with your theme park purchases, instead have them sent straight to your hotel room (LOVE it!).

Off Property

There are about a billion non-Disney resort options. These hotels have a variety of amenities at affordable rates. I will say that many of the amenities that I’d take advantage of the most, are the ones that I haven’t been able to enjoy. For example, two years ago I stayed off property for the princess half marathon. I was excited to stay relatively close to Disney property for a fairly reduced price…only to realize that the “complimentary” shuttle to the parks was actually a forced tip ride with a driver that scared the daylights out of my entire family. Yikes!

THE WINNER…

With the exception of free continental breakfast, Disney Resorts make the typical hotel amenity quiver in their boots. Again, Disney gets my vote! I know that the price of a competitor hotel may outweigh the amenities, but for me, I’d rather pay extra to enjoy some Disney extras!

Rates

For me, money is important. While I would love to be able to spend to my heart’s content, that just isn’t an option. I want the most bang for my buck. Does that come in the form of an on or off property resort. Let’s make some comparisons…

On Property

Disney keeps it classy. Value, moderate, or deluxe hotel, Disney goes above and beyond! While the cost does add up, staying on property gives you a whole new appreciation! The good news is that there are often deals and incentives for planning a stay on Disney property (room discounts and of course, FREE dining). When those specials role around, you can’t talk me out of booking!

Off Property

In an effort to keep up with Disney, many area hotels and rentals will offer competitive rates! You might just be able to save a pretty penny if you do a little bit of research. Of course, choosing an off property hotel may mean a little inconvenience, but if that doesn’t bother you, then this may be the winning point for you!

THE WINNER…

I’m going to call this one a tie. While I can say that most off property hotels are cheaper, you can get a good deal on Disney resorts. All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled (thank you Chipandco.com!) for special offers; these special offers can help you pinch your pennies and have a magical on property stay too!

Keeping it Magical

I’m all about atmosphere! I want to feel like I am on vacation! I want to be taken into another world and this is ESPECIALLY true of my Disney trips. I’m a theme park kind of girl. Honestly, I typically only spend time at my hotel sleeping, not enjoying the resort. One day I will layout by the pool, enjoy the arcade, and take a paddle boat ride…but that day is not today. I am all about using up every last minute of my ticket in the parks! Let’s make some comparisons….

On Property

Disney doesn’t overlook any details. Each hotel has its own assortment of amusements! There are pools themed beyond compare, outdoor movies, musical talent, play areas, and a variety of recreation choices. Disney keeps the magic going beyond the theme park gates! Set the mood for magic in your “home away from home.”

Off Property

I’ve stayed in few different off property hotels, condos, and rentals and I have never seen anything that compares to the magic that Disney creates. There are a variety of pool offerings, play areas, and probably game rooms to enhance your stay.

THE WINNER…

I’m saying that on property takes the win again! There’s an old saying that I’ve retooled for the Disney traveler. When in Disney…be magical!

I’d call staying on resort the official winner of this little comparison. I’m sure that you are not at all shocked. This isn’t to say that an off property isn’t a good fit for you. You might find a really great resort that is close to the parks, that is affordable, offers a ton of amenities, and has a magical touch to add to your trip…if you do, that’s great! So what are your thoughts? Where do you love to stay? On property or off property? Shout out your winner in the comment section below!

As always, thank for reading and commenting!

See ya real soon,

Ashley

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