Why Choose a Disneyland Resort Hotel?

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October 6, 2013

Starting planning a Disneyland Vacation almost always starts with a conversation of where to stay. Do we chose to stay at a less expensive Good Neighbor Hotel, or should we take in the whole experience and stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel? Well let me tell you why you should almost always choose a Disneyland Resort Hotel.

No matter which Disneyland Resort Hotel you choose, Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier Hotel, you’ll receive all the following benefits of staying “on-property”.

Extra Magic Hours every day of your Disneyland Resort Hotel stay. This means that you can enter Disneyland or Californian Adventure an hour before park opens to the public, plus you can go through the secret special entrance from the backside of Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Currently Extra Magic Hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for Disneyland Park. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for California Adventure.

In addition you’ll be right next door to the two parks. Just stroll through Downtown Disney from Paradise Pier or Disneyland Hotel and enjoy your day at the parks. If you’re staying at Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, head out the back side and right into California Adventure.

The magic really shines when you are in your room. In the morning you can enjoy a special wake up call from a Disney Character. What’s better than waking up with a call from Mickey? In select rooms at the different hotels you can also be lulled to sleep by the music of “A dream is a wish your heart makes”.

Also with your stay you can use your Room key to charge most of your meals, merchandise and more back to your room. This is a great way to just pay one bill at the end of your trip. You also have the option of buying merchandise throughout the parks and having it delivered back to your hotel. I’ll admit I use this a lot as I always buy way more stuff than I should.

There are so many other reasons to stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel that I can’t possibly cover them all here, but I’ll be happy to provide you more information, just send me off an email and I’ll fill you in on the benefits as well as price out a great vacation for you.

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disneyland, Aulani, and other Destinations, he can be found either wishing he was at Disneyland or planning his and other’s Disney Vacations. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the ChipandCo Page.

MagicBands at the Disney Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 6, 2013

Disney is still in testing phase with the My Magic+, including the popular new feature called MagicBands. Our agents have been lucky enough to be testing these bands for several months. I personally have tested these bands for about a month and LOVE them! Just like anything new, there are still some glitches. However, Disney has been exceptional at Guest Services and Guest Relations figuring out the glitches and compensating guests for their time. As you know the My Magic+ experiences includes My Disney Experience (MDE), FastPass+ reservations, and the MagicBands.

Everyone seems very curious about how the MagicBands work, so I spent a morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to show you how they work in this week’s video. for Chip & Co Before I arrived to the parks, I hopped on the My Disney Experience app and added FastPass+ experiences. Once I arrived to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I used the MagicBands to get admission into the park. I also used the MagicBands to purchase a digital download of my picture from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and then used my MagicBands to pay for lunch. Both the cost of the digital download and lunch go right onto my room account. I will pay these incidentals with my express check out at the end of my vacation.

Come with me as I take you through the MagicBands experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The MagicBands are super simple to use. They are actually quite comfortable, too. As a Florida girl, I rarely wear bracelets or watches, because it gets so hot in Florida. These bands are raised up, so air can go through them. This helps them stay cooler in the hot weather. My kids (ages 7 & 9) also loved them. It was fun for them to use the MagicBands around the parks and it was easier than worrying about losing your tickets or carrying around money.

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. Call us at 877-918-8941 or request a quote in the box on the right. Be sure you mention Chip & Co for an extra free gift!

Disney World Resort Monorail to Operate on Reduced Hours

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 6, 2013

Starting on October 6 2013, the resort Monorail will not be in operation from 11am to 6pm. This is due to construction at the Grand Floridian. Guests will be able to use the extra bus and boat service from the monorail resorts.

Disney has not yet confirmed a completion date, but it is said that the reduced hours will last for 2 weeks.

The Epcot and Express lines are not affected by the work.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Guest Assistance Card Program Update

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 6, 2013

We have been reporting about the changes coming on Oct. 9 to the Disability Assistance program. Many of us are not happy with this, but here are a few more details about the new program.

They are modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program, which gives access to attractions for guests with disabilities. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. They are hoping it will help control abuse with the current program that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will replace the Guest Assistance Card. Guests will be able to request a Disability Access Service Card at Guest Relations, and they will receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. So essentially this will be a Fastpass.

Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and they will continue to provide assistance to your unique circumstances.

Meg Crofton, president Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France, recently shared a letter of reassurance and continuing commitment to organizations representing the autism and disabled communities. Here is her letter.

Click here for additional information about the new program.

I do use the the GAC and I am not to happy about this change. I try to look at things from both sides and I do see where they needed to change the program but perhaps not this drastically. I will be in the parks in a few days so I will get to experience the new system. I will give it a chance and see how it goes, I don’t really have much of a choice anyway!

Have you used the new system yet? If so how did it go?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Winner

By

Chip

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October 6, 2013

More than 11,000 runners placed their reservations at the Hollywood Tower Hotel for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler late Saturday night, but it was Garrett Drogosch, 22 of Windermere, Fla., who checked in first with a time of 54:09, beating last year’s inaugural winning time by almost four minutes. Mindy Sullivan, 29 of Woodbridge, Va., was the first woman to cross the finish line (1:02:10).

Runners began their spooky journey at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before running through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, including a trip around the warning track of Champion Stadium, the Atlanta Braves’ spring training home. Runners then returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, racing past the “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” set and around Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat before finishing near the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction.

After the race, runners and guests celebrated at the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash, which featured live music, Disney villain character appearances and exclusive access to attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours and Toy Story Mania.

Other weekend events included the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run, runDisney Kids’ Races and a health and fitness expo at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler benefited Autism Speaks, a foundation dedicated to raising public awareness and to funding research into the cause, prevention, treatments and cure for autism.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler was the second nighttime race in the runDisney series, joining the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, Nov. 8-9, during the final weekend of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival.

I Feel the Need……The Need for Speed

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 6, 2013

Aaron Paul with Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) in DreamWorks Pictures “Need for Speed”.

It is based on the most successful racing video game franchise ever, DreamWorks Pictures’ “Need for Speed” captures the thrills of the game in a real-world setting. An exciting return to the great car-culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, when authenticity brought a new level of intensity to the action, “Need for Speed” taps into what makes the American myth of the open road so enticing.

The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time, one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul) who with his team skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side, reluctantly partners with wealthy, arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save the business, a disastrous, unsanctioned race results in Dino framing Tobey for manslaughter.

Two years later and fresh out of prison, Tobey is set on revenge with plans to take down Dino in the high-stakes De Leon race—the Super Bowl of underground racing. To get there in time, Tobey must run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet, dodging cops coast-to-coast and dealing with fallout from a dangerous bounty Dino put on his car. With his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia as allies, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney World Offers Full Time Jobs to Some Part Time Cast Members

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2013

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Disney World offered 427 part-time Cast Members to switch to full-time status because those employees have worked enough hours during this past year to qualify as full-timers under the Affordable Care Act.

However the Service Trades Council said they are hesitant to accept the offer because it could mean elevating some employees over more-senior part-timers who have been waiting for full-time positions.

The 427 part-time workers in which Disney would make full-time represent only a small part of the huge resort’s part-time Cast Members.

Disney’s part-time Cast Members generally don’t work more than 25 hours a week, but they can pick up extra shifts. So some have been able to work more than 1,500 hours during the past year, which would define full time employment under The Affordable Care Act.

The union leaders say the trouble is that there are other part-time workers who have been with Disney for longer who have been waiting for full-time positions to open up. But those Cast Members may not necessarily have worked as many hours in the past year for many different reasons, including the fact that many part-time Disney workers have second jobs.

Ed Chambers, president of the Service Trades Council, said Disney management has characterized their offer as a “one-time deal” for the specific employees who worked more than 1,500 hours.

Worker hours aren’t the only issue Disney is dealing with because of health-care reform. The resort currently offers its part-time Cast Members only a very limited health insurance plan that will become illegal next year under Obamacare.

Regardless of how you feel about the health care issue, this is still a good thing.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney World Moderate Resorts – The Best of Both Worlds

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2013

When you are deciding where to call “home” on your Walt Disney World vacation, there are so many factors to consider. For many travelers, the top two factors they are trying to consider are cost and location. Disney’s Moderate Resorts really can give you the best of both worlds. If you’ve never stayed at a Moderate tier resort at Walt Disney World, you are really missing out! Today, I want to share with you how Disney’s Moderate Resorts can be great choices for your next trip.

Cost. Disney has catered its resorts to almost every budget. The moderate resorts at Walt Disney World fall right into the middle category. They’re slightly more than Disney’s Value Resorts, and less than Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. During most Disney promotions, the Moderate Resorts can be an excellent value for families. If it’s a Free Dining promotion, Disney’s Basic Dining Plan is included, and they also often qualify for Room Only Discounts.

Theming. The Moderate Resorts all seem to have a “locale” theme to them. Caribbean Beach puts you right along the Caribbean, without going too far from home. With the Port Orleans Resorts {Riverside and French Quarter}, you feel as if you are walking along the lively streets of New Orleans or along the quaint mansions of Louisiana. With Coronado Springs, you can’t help but feel deep in the Southwest Mayan region of the world. And, let’s not forget about the Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins! The theming of these is nice, because it’s not overly “cutesy” or too fancy. The theming is right on. Yet, they have themed rooms for guests who want that Disney theme feel to their stay. The Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are themed after Princess Tiana her self. Do you have a pirate lover in your family? Check out the Pirate Themed rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort.

Location to the Parks. While the Moderate Resort guests rely upon Disney’s bus transportation service, they are situated in the middle of Disney property. It is a pretty quick bus ride to all the Disney parks from each of the Moderates. You can’t walk to any parks, or take the monorail, from the moderate resorts. However, the boat from Downtown Disney to the Port Orleans resorts is really awesome!

Overall, Disney’s Moderate Resorts are excellent! Thankfully, Port Orleans Riverside has rooms that accommodate families of five, and the Fort Wilderness Cabins can sleep up to 6! For many large families, the moderate resorts are excellent options. They all have unique dining options. Some have both quick service and table service options {like Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs}. Port Orleans, French Quarter, only has a counter service dining option. The pools are all great, with Coronado Springs having the best pool of all of them, in my opinion.

Can I suggest a Moderate Disney Resort to you? I’m sure there is one that is perfect for your family! I’d love to help you plan your next Disney vacation. Contact me for a free quote, planning questions, or anything you need. You can reach me at [email protected] or 937.209.9473.

Have a MAGICAL DAY!

Stay Play and Dine For Disney Visa Card Holders

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2013

Disney Visa has also released Stay, Play and Dine for all their card holders. It is a reduced rate on all three components of the package (resort, dining, and park tickets). You must have tickets for the length of the stay to be eligible (staying 4 days/3 nights must have 4 day ticket..etc)

For Most Stays January 5-March 5 2014
3 Night Minimum Stay Required

Must be booked my Dec. 31st, 2013

Excluded: ALL OF ART OF ANIMATION, Grand Floridian Villas and Campsites

This offer will be open to the general public on Tuesday October 8th. In most cases this tends to be the better deal than the room only, until you get into the Deluxe category, then it go either way.

Let me help you plan your Walt Disney World Vacation with the Stay Play and Dine. If you don’t have a Disney Visa feel free to contact me with all your information and I will send you a quote as soon as they are released on Tuesday !

At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and kids get the first Mickey Mouse Ice Cream on me. Call me at 832-233-4468 or check out my page, here and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free !

Disney Channel October is bullying prevention month!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2013

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Disney Channel will present new Disney Friends for Change interstitial featuring stars of its hit series throughout National Bullying Prevention Month, October 1-31. The messages will rotate multiple times per day and feature G Hannelius, Blake Michael and Francesca Capaldi of “Dog With A Blog,” Bridgit Mendler, Jason Dolley and Bradley Steven Perry of “Good Luck Charlie” and Dove Cameron, Joey Bragg and Tenzing Norgay Trainor of “Liv and Maddie.”

A new installment of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning short-form series “Make Your Mark” will spotlight a 16 year-old West Jordan, Utah, student who counteracted bullying by developing an idea to spread kindness at his school. Geared towards kids and tweens, “Make Your Mark” is a Disney Channel short form program which spotlights kids expressing themselves and making positive changes in their world.

Kids and families are invited to visit Disney.com/Friends for helpful tips and more information about how to prevent bullying. The Anti-Bullying interstitials and “Make Your Mark” short form program can also be found at DisneyChannel.com beginning October 4.

Plus don’t forget to tune into Monstober all month long!

Tour the Expedition Everest Attraction with a Walt Disney Imagineer

By

Chip

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October 5, 2013

Next week, Disney is continuing “Limited Time Magic” experiences in the parks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with daily tours of the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain Attraction through the eyes of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Each morning, from October 7-11, 2013, a group of lucky guests will venture inside the Tibetan-style stone structure at the foot of the towering Mt. Everest replica, explore a museum dedicated to the study of the Yeti (the mysterious snow monster said to inhabit the Himalayas) and visit other areas of the attraction. And during each walking tour, participants will hear inside stories from the Walt Disney Imagineers who brought the Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain Attraction to life.

There will be only one tour per day – beginning at 8 a.m. – with 10 guests in each group. You may enter here for a chance to attend only one of the five tours being offered from October 7-11, 2013. Also, here are the rules for the drawing for the Expedition Everest Attraction Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Also, please remember the following for each drawing.

All participants who sign up for the events must be U.S. residents who have reached the age of majority in their primary state of residence.
Each entry is valid for one participant only; winners will not be permitted to bring a guest.
Park admission will be provided as part of the event.
Selected participants will be assigned a tour date and time. There will be no changes or substitutions allowed.
Tour opportunities are non-transferrable and have no cash value.
Confirmation will be for the accepted registered winner only.
Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.
Tours are subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Subject to complete Official Rules.

Disney Infinity will soon be Welcoming Jack Skellington

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 5, 2013

One of the most celebrated characters to be added into Disney Infinity, Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” will be available for purchase at GameStop starting on Saturday, October 5.

Just in time for Halloween, fans can play as Jack Skellington and be the “Scare Master,” throw explosive jack-o-lanterns at other characters and build their very own “Halloween Town” in the Toy Box mode.

Check out the trailer:

To bring this to life, we have new images and a gameplay trailer to showcase how The Pumpkin King adds his own charm to the game. The Jack Skellington figure is available for an MSRP of $13.99, exclusively at GameStop starting on October 5 and at all participating retailers starting October 29.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine