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Disney Starts Work on Live Action Cruella De Vil Movie

October 2, 2013

After making some Villain centered movies, Disney is setting its sights on another Villain, known as Cruella de Vil.

Aline Brosh McKenna has been hired to pen Cruella, which will bring the dog-fur-loving fashionista from 101 Dalmatians into a live-action feature to be produced by Andrew Gunn, who produced Sky High and Bedtime Stories for the studio. McKenna will also produce.

Cruella became a Disney icon in the 1961 animated movie. You might remember that Glenn Close played her in 1996’s 101 Dalmatians and the 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians. In fact, Close is in involved with Cruella, acting as an executive producer.

Cruella would be Disney’s latest live-action movie of one of its classic animated films. Disney is also making Cinderella.

I am so glad the Villains are now getting the attention they deserve. Yes I am a fan of the Villains, are you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Park Perks with a Disney Visa Card

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

Did you know that there are many perks to having a Disney Visa Card? While you can certainly charge your vacation to your Visa and reap the benefits of 6 months without interest, as well as credit on your Disney Dream Dollars Card, there are many perks to carrying your card throughout the parks! I know our family has enjoyed many of these perks while in the Disney parks. In fact, with these being exclusive to card members, it’s easy to take advantage of some of the special experiences Disney offers, and at a discount!

Exclusive Character Meet and Greet at EPCOT. At EPCOT, in Innoventions West, you can meet up with some of your favorite Disney characters. As you enter Innoventions West, just past the “Where’s the Fire” exhibit, you’ll see where you can meet with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and more. Only Disney Visa Card Holders can enter the meet and greet area. Plus, you receive a FREE 5×7 portrait! This meet and greet area is open from 1-7 pm daily.

10% off purchases of $50 or more of select merchandise. This discount is good at almost all retail locations on Walt Disney World property. When you are checking out tell the Cast Member that you have a Disney Visa, and when you use it they’ll give you 10% off. Remember to have all those fun goodies shipped to your resort room so you don’t have to carry them around!

10% off dining at select restaurants in Disney parks and resorts. Sometimes, you need to pay out of pocket for a table service meal at Disney. So, why not choose from this list, and receive 10% off? There are many options!

20% off select tours at Disney Parks. I think this is one of the BEST perks on this list. Taking a “behind the scenes” tour on your Disney vacation can add something extra special to it. Many guests are looking for “one new experience”, or they’re celebrating so they want to “do something special”. Disney tours are perfect for that! This includes Disney’s Family Magic Tour and Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom. Also, Backstage Safari and Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Dolphins in Depth at EPCOT. There are many others offered as well that are eligible for the discount.

If you are visiting the parks for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, or Food and Wine at EPCOT, there are discounts and special privileges available to Disney Visa Card holders. Tickets on certain nights of the Halloween Party are discounted. During EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival, visit the Chase Visa Lounge. This is found in the American Adventure Pavilion, on the third floor. You can recharge yourself-and your cell phone-here. As a Disney Visa card holder, you’ll enjoy complimentary soda, or you can purchase wine or beer. There are comfy couches where you can enjoy tv and just relaxing. It’s open 11-9 Mon-Thursday, and 11 am-10 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival.

So, are you convinced to sign up for a Disney Visa? As you use your Disney Visa, you gain Disney Dream Dollars. These are transferred to a rewards card, which you can use to make purchases at Disney Store, select theaters for movie tickets, or even toward your next Disney vacation. You can use your Disney Dream Dollars in the parks as well-toward souvenirs, food, and more!

Are you ready to reap the rewards and the magic a Disney Visa can add to your vacation? Contact me to see how I can help make your next Disney vacation full of celebrations and magic! Email me at [email protected]!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Alternatives at Walt Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

Your teenage daughter has told you that the only thing she wants to do on your Walt Disney World vacation is visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. You call to make the appointment and find out that the salon only allows guests who are between the ages of 3-12. Or there may be a time when you attempt to make a reservation during a busy day and they are completely booked. Never fear! There are some alternatives that could help prevent those Bibbidi Bobbidi Blues!

What about some glitz and glitter…

The Harmony Barber Shop located on Main Street, U.S.A. offers hair-cutting and glitter hairstyling that is super fun and inexpensive. Hairstyling with glitter and confetti gel is only $5! If you wish to add a haircut, the additional cost for ages up to 12 years is $15.00 and $19.00 for guests 13 years old and up. Although the results will not be exactly like the Bibbidi Bobbidi styles; cute looks including ponytails can be requested. You can even bring your own tiara to add to the style as you leave the shop. If you wish to bring one along, tiaras similar to the ones used at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be found on the Disney Store website. Walk-ins to the shop are welcome; however reservations are recommended. Make your reservations by calling (407) 939-7529.

If polished princess is what you are after…

Consider booking a special occasion style at Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. The spa offers updo hairstyles starting at $75 and up depending on the length of hair and look requested. This is a great option for teens or even a Sweet 16 surprise! Add on a manicure or an additional spa service for a truly memorable day. Remember to bring your own tiara and dress to complete the magical makeover. Contact the spa at (407) 934-4772 to discuss styling options and to get pricing details.

How about a pirate empress…

Set sail for The Pirates League at the Magic Kingdom. Guests 3 years of age and older are transformed into their choice of a first mate, empress or mermaid and enjoy some pampering by Captain Jack’s crew. Guests receiving makeovers are welcome to join the Adventureland Pirate Parade. The cost of this experience starts at $29.95 and goes up to $74.95, depending on the package you select. Please note that guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (407) 939-2739 to make your reservations.

Speaking of adults…

All three of these options work perfectly for adults who want a royal look for the day. If you have a special evening planned, or you simply want a fun hairstyle for your photo ops in the parks, leave it to the Disney stylists to make all of your wishes come true.

Have your own…

Both Ashley and Jackie shared with us some additional tips to try if you are looking to save some money. You can try an In-room DIY Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Makeover or if you are on a budget here are some great tips you can try to save a little more money.

Have you tried any of these options as an alternative to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Please share your experiences and any tips that you may have to help other guests.

Disney World with Kids: Trip Planning Timeline

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

No doubt about it – there are a lot of t’s to cross and i’s to dot when planning a Disney World vacation with kids. But, the process doesn’t have to leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed at times. Here’s a plan that takes you through the process from start to finish.

Up to a Year in Advance

Disney Travel Guide. Consider purchasing a Disney travel guide. The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World is my favorite.

Pick your Travel Dates. Seems simple but deciding when to visit Walt Disney World will influence almost every aspect of your vacation from crowd levels to onsite lodging costs to availability of Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) and even the cost of food.

If you’re staying onsite, resort rates are based on one of five vacation “seasons”. Also, rates are higher on most weekend nights. Absent promotions, the single most important thing you can do to save money on Walt Disney World Resort lodging is to visit in the off season. Visit Mousesavers for a list of the Walt Disney World resort seasons and rates.

On the other hand, there might be a special event that influences your travel dates such as Holidays Around the World, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, or Disney Hollywood Studio’s Star Wars Weekends.

Travel Agent or Go It Alone. It can be nice to get a helping hand in making your Walt Disney World travel arrangements and using an experienced Walt Disney World travel agent is worth considering. Reputable agents have access to the latest discounts and will not charge you for making Walt Disney World arrangements; they receive their commission from Disney. If you decide to make the arrangements yourself, not to worry. Disney World reservations agents are among the most helpful, friendly, and professional that I’ve encountered.

On-Site or Off-Site Lodging. With Value, Moderate, and Deluxe accommodations plus a Campground and Villa Resorts, Walt Disney World has lodging at every price point and with a theme to suit everyone. Besides the perks of staying on-site, one of the reasons I like to stay at a Walt Disney World owned and operated hotel is the theming and overall experience. As soon as I set foot inside the hotel, I feel as if I’m immersed in the Disney magic, complete with a superior level of service. If you need more space, think about renting a vacation home in the area or staying in one of Walt Disney World’s family suites or one, two, and three bedroom villas.

Package versus Room-Only. Magic Your Way packages bundle lodging, tickets, and an optional Disney World dining plan. Often, other perks are included. Room-only reservations are just that – a guaranteed reservation for your Walt Disney World Resort lodging. You’ll have to purchase tickets separately. As with anything, crunch the numbers and cancellation policies carefully before making a decision. Will you be purchasing your own tickets? Is a Disney Dining Plan a good match for your family and will you be using the extra perks included in a package?

If you purchase a package, you’ll need to decide the type of tickets to purchase. The base ticket allows you to visit a single park each day. If you think you’ll want to visit more than one theme park in a single day, consider purchasing the Park Hopper option. The Water Parks Fun and More option adds admission to water parks, golf, and more.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles. Decide on the best way to travel to the Walt Disney World Resort and be on the lookout for deals.

Six Months Out

Plan Your Days. Review the Disney Parks website which lists park hours, parade and firework times, and Extra Magic Hours. If you’re planning on eating at table-service restaurants or character dining inside the theme parks, deciding which days you’ll be visiting each park will be especially helpful if you do not have a Park Hopper ticket. Admission is required to eat at theme park restaurants Make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).

First-time guests may be surprised and frustrated to find they may not be able to walk up to a Walt Disney World resort restaurant and be seated, especially during the busier times of the year. Even during the off-season, some reservations are notoriously hard to secure, such as Epcot’s Le Cellier and Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Although I recommend making ADRs well in advance for all guests, it’s very important for families with small children.
Character dining is popular and with good reason, it’s an excellent chance for your little ones to meet their favorite characters. If there’s a character dining meal that will be the highlight of your child’s trip, book early. Also, by making your ADRs far in advance, you will have a greater the chance of getting a reservation at your preferred dining time. A hungry three-year old may not be exactly open to the idea of waiting until 8:30 to eat dinner.

Three Months Out

Pirate Cruise or Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Disney World has a wonderful assortment of recreation options available for adults and children alike. A campfire sing-a-long and movie may be the perfect end to a day at Disney World or maybe some catch and release fishing at Port Orleans Riverside is just the thing for your family. Look into any Disney recreation that fits your family’s budget and interests and make your reservation if necessary.

Magical Express. If you’re flying into the Orlando International Airport on a participating airline and staying at a Walt Disney World Resort owned and operated hotel, make a reservation for Disney’s Magical Express. You’ll have free transportation from the airport to your lodging and the best part is your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. No more waiting at baggage claim!

Two Months Out

Tickets. If you won’t be buying your theme park tickets directly from Walt Disney World, purchase your tickets from a reputable source, such as Undercover Tourist. Military and Department of Defense civilians can purchase discounted tickets from their base MWR office.

Rental Car Reservations. If you’re renting a car, keep your eyes open for a deal and make your reservation.
Stroller and Baby Gear Rentals. Don’t be surprised if smaller children who do not normally use a stroller at home need one during a long day touring. Each Walt Disney World theme park offers stroller rentals but they must be returned when you leave the park; I like to have a stroller to use throughout the entire resort. Local Orlando companies, such as Orlando Stroller Rentals, will deliver rented strollers to your hotel room. Baby’s Away and A Baby’s Best Friend offer rentals of other baby gear.

Magical Gifts. If Mickey or one of his helpers will be leaving a small gift for your children every day, start shopping for discounted or low-cost items.

Start Training. You’ll be surprised at how many miles you’ll cover during a typical day at the Walt Disney World Resort. Start getting in shape and spend some time together with daily walks. Your feet will thank you.

One Month Out

Attraction Planning. Plan a couple of Disney family nights and have everyone pick their top must-do attractions in each park. Visit the Walt Disney World website and download customizable maps or download the maps here. If you have young children and you’re not sure how they will react to certain attractions, visit You Tube and watch a video of the attraction. Gauge your child’s reaction update your itinerary. Touring plans, such as those at Touring Plans.com and Tour Guide Mike, can help maximize the number of attractions you experience each day. If you decide to use a touring plan, print them now.

Closet Check. Check your kids’ closets. Purchase necessary clothes and shoes.

Order child identification products.

Get your child proofing supplies together.

Arrange transportation from your house to the airport, if necessary.

Hang up your Disney count-down calendar.

Disney Rewards Card. If you have a Disney Rewards Visa, order your rewards card.

Three Weeks Out

Watch the mail for your Magical Express tags

Two Weeks Out

Packing List. Make a detailed packing list and purchase what’s missing.

Confirm all reservations

Grocery Delivery. Services such as Garden Grocer and WeGoShop will delivery groceries to your Orlando hotel room. Consider ordering water and snacks.

Autograph Book. Buy or make an autograph book for the Disney characters to sign.

1 Week Out

Prepare all documents (medical information, copies of reservations including ADRs, travel itinerary, plane reservations, etc.)

Ship supplies to lodging. If you have bulky baby items such as diapers and sippy cups, consider shipping them to your Walt Disney World resort. The bell stand will hold properly addressed items until you arrive. If you use a company such as, JetSetBabies or Babies Travel Lite, place your order a few weeks earlier.

Online Check-in. Use Disney’s online check-in service for your onsite hotel.
iPhone Apps. Download your favorite Walt Disney World wait time application.
Disney PhotoCD. Consider preordering your Disney PhotoPass CD.

Days Ahead

Pack
Charge camera and portable DVD batteries
Refill and pickup prescription medications

Arrival Day

Enjoy your magical vacation!!!!!

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe.

*Disclosure: If you purchase products via the Amazon links above, the author will benefit from a small referral fee.

Disney World Quick Tips – What to bring in that diaper bag

Chip

October 2, 2013

Before I start my list of Disney World Quick Tips here is a question I have to ask…Back Pack or Diaper Bag? While for the ladies a stylish bag may match your outfit your probably not going to get your spouse to carry it around for you. For us a backpack has tons of pockets for storage, and is gender neutral so everyone can help haul the load. So what do you use?

Here is the list of items we like to pack in our bag. Many of the items most parents already keep in their bag, others might surprise you.

Drinks – Around our house we use the No-Spill tumblers. When we travel to Disneyworld we bring a few of these with us. We fill the sippy cup up at every mealtime.
Change of clothes – We try to carry with us a full change of clothes including socks and underwear. You never know! If you put them in a ziplock bag that keeps gives you storage for soiled outfits, and it keeps the odor in. Parents know what I mean. Zip Lock bags are a life saver!
Snacks – We usually buy the variety boxes of cereal for snacks for our little ones. They are small, portable and great even for parents to munch on. No matter what you like be sure to pack some snacks.
Tissues and Baby Wipes – Even as the kiddies progress from Infant to Toddler flush-able baby wipes are a must! Walmart sells a convenient travel pack that fits nicely in a backpack.
Books – Before you leave for your trip buy some new books. Helps when your waiting in line for a ride or for food. The old books you have at home will not do, as I am sure you and your children have read them 1000 times.
Mini Disney Characters – Our little one loves these, they travel well, and come in every Disney flavor 🙂 Be sure to buy a new set before you go. The newness factor helps keep your little one busy while you wait.
Medicine – Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Band Aids, etc. Make your own little first aid kit to bring with you.
Hand Sanitizer – To keep those nasty germs away.
Toys – I mentioned the Disney Characters above but we try to also carry a few other things to play with. Play Doh is a great toy and lots of fun while sitting at the table, coloring book, travel games are just a few suggestions.
iPad/Tablet – Great for nap times in the room or while waiting in line. Be sure to download some fun Disney Games!
Pin Trading Lanyard – Just something we like to do while at the parks, cheaper than most toys at the gift shops and kids love to trade and hunt for their favorite characters.

The Baby Care Station has many of these items in case you forget them which can be a lifesaver.

What are some things you bring along with you when Traveling to Disney?

Let us know in the comment section below.

Fastpass+ Will be Offered for Disney World Parades and Fireworks

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

Starting September 30th to October 30th, Disney will be offering Fastpass+ for Wishes, Celebrate a Dream Come True and The Main Street Electrical Parade.

You can only use Fastpass+ during days when the Magic Kingdom does not close early for the Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party.

The FastPass+ viewing area for parades is located right in front of Cinderella Castle, in the Castle forecourt stage area. The fireworks viewing area will continue to be in the Rose Garden.

I am liking this idea but not sure how they are going to work this out. We will see!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

A Thank you to Brett from the Disney Addicts group for the picture!

Disney World Quick Tips – How to keep your stuff dry

Chip

October 2, 2013

There is nothing more refreshing than getting on a water ride on a hot day at Walt Disney World. While being soaked and walking around in wet clothes is not the greatest feeling it does cool you off. Now imagine you are enjoying your Disney vacation and like most people you have your cell phone in your pocket.

Forgetting its in there you head over to a ride like Splash Mountain and you get drenched not only does your clothes get soaked so does your cell phone. Now you have a couple hundred dollar paper weight.

Here is a little trick my family and I like to do to save from the headache of killing your cell phone by getting it wet.

Pack a few Ziplock bags.

When you know your going to get on a wet ride just pop your cell phone or camera in a ziplock baggie to keep it safe and dry. Ziplock bags take up little to no space in your pocket and can be used for many other things throughout the day.

Just a little trick we learned from experience. I killed my cell phone once at the parks and it cost me $50 even with the cell phone insurance just to get a new phone. All of that hassle and headache could have been fixed with a simple ziplock bag that costs a couple of pennies.

Hope that helps..

If you have a quick tip for keeping your stuff dry let us know in the comment section below.

Phineas and Ferb Mission Marvel Review

Chip

October 2, 2013

We had the pleasure of reviewing Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Mission Marvel DVD this past week. If you missed the show when it was on the Disney Channel recently then like me you will want to check this DVD out.

My biggest complaint with the Phineas and Ferb Episode is there wasn’t enough. I honestly believe they could have made this into a 90 minute movie easy. Luckily the DVD comes with some additional episodes to make it worth keeping in the car when you are driving around town.

First if you have no idea what the Mission Marvel Episode is all about here is some info:

After Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s latest “-inator” scheme accidentally removes the powers of some very well-known Marvel Super Heroes (Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk), the heroes enter the world of Danville and team up with Phineas and Ferb to relocate their powers, defeat the Marvel Super Villains (Red Skull, MODOK, Whiplash and Venom) – who have also shown up to steal Doofenshmirtz’s power-draining technology – and save Danville from ultimate destruction!

If that doesn’t get you excited here is are the All Star Voices that appear in the Episode:

Vincent Martella (“Everybody Hates Chris”) as Phineas Flynn; Ashley Tisdale (Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure) as Candace Flynn; Thomas Brodie-Sangster (“Game of Thrones”) as Ferb Fletcher; Caroline Rhea (“The Suite Life of Zach and Cody”) as Mom Linda Flynn-Fletcher; Richard O’Brien (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ever After: A Cinderella Story) as dad Lawrence Fletcher; Alyson Stoner (Step Up 3D, Camp Rock 1 & 2) as Isabella; Dee Bradley Baker (“American Dad!,” Star Wars:The Clone Wars”) as Perry the Platypus; Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (“Phineas and Ferb,” Rocko’s Modern Life) as Major Monogram; Dan Povenmire (“James Bond Jr.,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”) as Dr. Doofenshmirtz; Tyler Mann (“Modern Family” “Weeds”) as Carl; John Viener (Ted, “Family Guy”) as Norm; Maulik Pancholy (“30 Rock,” Hitch, 27 Dresses) as Baljeet; Bobby Gaylor (“The Bernie Mac Show,” “Phineas and Ferb”) as Buford; Jack McBrayer (Wreck It Ralph, Despicable Me) as Irving; Drake Bell (“Ultimate Spiderman,” High Fidelity) as Spider-Man; Adrian Pasdar (“Heroes,” “Ultimate Spider-Man”) as Iron Man; Travis Willingham (The Guardian, Secondhand Lions) as Thor; Fred Tatasciore (“Ultimate Spider-Man,” “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”) as Hulk; Liam O’Brien (“Marvel’s Avengers Assemble”, “Sofia the First”) as Red Skull; Charlie Adler (Aladdin, “Marvel’s Avengers Assemble”) as M.O.D.O.K.; Peter Stormare (Fargo, Armageddon) as Whiplash; Danny Trejo (Machete, Heat) as Venom; Chi McBride (I, Robot, Gone in Sixty Seconds) as Nick Fury & Stan Lee also guest stars as himself.

Ok now onto the bonus episodes in the box:

Episodes: 1 – “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel”
2 – “Fly on the Wall”
3 – “Sidetracked (Part 1 and 2)”
4 – “Primal Perry (Part 1 and 2)”
5 – “Backyard Hodge Podge”
6 – “Where’s Pinky”
7 – “Knot My Problem/Mind Share”

Ok you might be laughing at me right now but I really like Phineas and Ferb. It’s one of the few shows both of my girls will watch together that doesn’t make me go crazy. Not to mention meeting Dan & Swampy makes watching the show even cooler.

So I highly recommend this DVD for any Phineas & Ferb or Marvel fans as you get both. While they are really going for boys both of my girls did watch it and asked me who the Super Heroes were. Except for Spiderman everyone seems to know who he is.

Anywho I have this a good solid A- and very appreciatative to Disney for letting me check it out.

10 Ghoulishly Delightful Haunted Mansion Facts

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

When leaves fall off the trees and birds begin to scatter…

Then the air gets cool and shutters start to clatter…

Halloween fast approaches with a ghoulish delight…

And 999 happy haunts yearn to give you a fright.

So sit back….look alive….and read my 10 facts…

About Disney’s Haunted Mansion…

There’s no turning back!

10. Legend says that Walt Disney visited the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California to get ideas and concepts for The Haunted Mansion. The house was owned by Sarah Winchester, the eccentric widow of William Wirt Winchester, who made his fortune from the rifle manufacturing company bearing his family name. The construction of the Winchester mansion took place 24/7 for almost 38 years and resulted in stairs to nowhere, doors that lead to nothing and seemingly never-ending twists and turns. Sarah was told by a medium that her family was cursed and if construction ever halted on the home, she would be taken from this world. What an eerie place for some inspiration!

9. The Haunted Mansion’s doors creaked open in Disneyland on August 9, 1969, in Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971 and Tokyo Disneyland on April 15, 1983. Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland have Haunted Mansion-inspired rides that follow very different story lines.

8. Do you want to get to the Doom Buggies faster? At the Walt Disney World attraction, stand under the portrait of the girl with the parasol in the stretching room. The door that leads to the ride is always located under this portrait.

7. The Ghost Host that leads us on The Haunted Mansion tour was played by voice actor, Paul Frees. Frees had a long career with Disney and is remembered for his narration on television and in movies; most notably for his portrayal of Professor Ludwig Von Drake. You may have also heard him during your adventures with the Pirates of the Caribbean. Frees was the voice of the role of the Auctioneer and warns us all that, “Dead men tell no tales.”

6. When Disney Imagineers where searching for the face of the crystal ball, they did not have to look very far. One of their own, Leota Toombs was the perfect choice; not only in name, but her look was exactly what they needed to complete the seance room. It took two actresses to fill the role. Toombs was the face on the ride, while Eleanor Audley was the voice calling out to the spirits. Audley was already Disney royalty; having played Maleficent in Disney’s, “Sleeping Beauty.”

5. Take a close look at the dining table during the ballroom scene. You may notice an image of our favorite mouse amongst the dishes and bowls. There are several more Hidden Mickeys throughout the ride, so keep an eye out for some special appearances.

4. The attic-dwelling bride whose five husbands meet their untimely doom is aptly named Constance Hatchaway. Take a close look at Ms. Hatchaway’s neck in each of her wedding portraits to see what “pearls” her efforts may have afforded her. One additional necklace is added for each new victim…er, I mean husband.

3. Throughout the ride we see a raven that was based off of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous character. During the initial planning stages of the ride, it was rumored that the raven was going to play a major part with a featured speaking role as one of our guides. This plan, however was brushed aside in favor of offering the role to the eloquent Ghost Host.

2. As you ride past the singing busts in the graveyard scene, listen very closely for a familiar voice. Thurl Ravenscroft, the actor who brought us the famous Tony the Tiger and who sang the iconic song, “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” sings along in harmony with the graveyard quintet.

1. Speaking of the singing busts… Did you know they have names?
Rollo Rumkin, Uncle Theodore, Cousin Algernon, Ned Nub and Phineas P. Pock croon, “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” as guests take in the sights and sounds of the mansion’s graveyard scene.

Bonus Fact: After Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed at the Magic Kingdom in 1998, cast members wanted to remember the reckless amphibious driver. He can now be found resting in peace in the pet cemetery as you exit the mansion. Give him a big ol’ Toad Hall style wave the next time you walk past!

Do you have any fun facts or experiences about the Haunted Mansion that you would like to share? Do the Fall months get you in the mood to “hurry back” to the mansion?

Now You Can Take Disney Junior on the Go

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

Article DisneyJunior logo CMYK

Disney Interactive has just launched the new DisneyJunior.com a new way for preschoolers and their parents to get Disney Junior activities across all platforms and devices.

Designed first for tablets and smartphones, DisneyJunior.com provides a safe and elegant cross-platform experience that’s easy for preschoolers to navigate. Using the new kid-friendly interface, children can discover the worlds of Disney Junior’s hit shows, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and more through mobile and tablet-friendly games, activities and videos. Kids can even tap out a tune with the new xylophone feature!

Play favorite games like Doc’s Clinic and Jake’s Never Land Rescue, now optimized for tablet and mobile devices

Design your own Never Land Pirates and Toy Doctors using the avatar creation tools

Create custom scenes inspired by favorite shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sofia the First in new Sticker Book activities

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Jake’s Never Land Shapes and Patterns – A New App

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 2, 2013

Disney magic has done it again, they made my Ipad disappear for long periods of time. Since I downloaded the new Jake’s Never Land Shapes and Patterns, for Ipad and Iphone, my son has absconded with it every chance he gets.

You have three choices of game play..

Jake’s Shape Game – With three different areas of game play including Tracing Shapes with Brightly. This area is a lot of fun and teaches little ones how to draw the different shapes. After completing this you get gold doubloons and and unlike a new pirate outfit for another section of the game.

Pirate Patterns – You help Jake, Izzy and Cubby manevuer through Never Land by completing the pattern of shapes. This level was pretty good about making them think about the pattern, without being too hard.

Shadow Puppets – With Brightly shining onto Circle rock you have to use the shapes at the bottom of the screen to re-create the shadow puppet Jake has made. This is a lot of fun, and my kids loved trying to match it.

Twilight Treasure Hunt – It’s an interactive story through Never Land using all the skills from the Shapes Game. This is a lot of fun, and my kids played it over and over.

Pirate Puppets – Their all time favorite area! You can take a picture of yourself and load it into the game to use as part of your pirate puppet. Your kids choose boy or girl pirate and then you get to choose an outfit for your puppet. After that you get to record your voice saying a “pirate phrase” and choose a song to dance to. Press play and they get to watch themselves come to life as a pirate puppet. It is so much fun and there are a ton of combinations to do.

Once again Disney has created a fun and interactive app for the kids, but there was no doubt as much fun as Toy Story Theater was.. This will definitely be staying on the home screen of my Ipad. It was a little “young” for my 7 year old, but she enjoyed playing with the pirate puppet theater. My 3 year old ate it up and as stated before, keeps running off with the Ipad.

Right now you can get Jake’s Never Land Shapes and Patterns for 40% off at $2.99 for both Ipad and Iphone

Spend some time with Mickey & Minnie at Disneyland this Christmas

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

October 1, 2013

Are you craving some Disneyland Christmas Cheer in your life? Of course you are, what is better than spending some time with Mickey and Minnie during the holidays? I know it’s what all of us who love traveling look forward to each year. Then we start pricing out those dreams and we find that sometimes it’s a nightmare.

That’s why you read ChipandCo right? We know how to find the best pricing and value for all your Disney Vacations. Especially during those times of year that you might think is impossible. As ChipandCo’s favorite Disneyland Specialist and a huge fan of finding good value vacations for my guests, I’ve found us all some great vacations for this November and December to enjoy Disneyland Christmas.

You might be surprised to know that you can head to Disneyland this Christmas season starting under $1500 for a family of 4. That’s right, starting pricing is under $1500 for a family of 4. That includes Select Good Neighbor Hotels with a 3 day Park Hopper Pass and a Magic Morning, getting you all the Disneyland Christmas Cheer a family can handle.

Perhaps you want to make this a family vacation one that you will all remember and splurge a bit more to stay at Disneyland Hotel. We can get you into the Disneyland Hotel for a family of 4 with 3 Day Park Hoppers and Magic Mornings starting at $2200.

Please note these prices are for Mid-December and Mid-November time frames. Pricing is based on a 3 Night/4 Day stay during. Contact us today to get an accurate pricing quote for your own Disneyland Christmas Vacation.

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.

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