Guest Assistance Card to Become Disabled Assistance Service

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September 19, 2013

There has been a lot of talk about the Guest Assistance Card. We posted a couple articles about some things we had heard floating around and it seems as though these changes are now slowly becoming a reality.

You may have heard already, but these changes were needed because of the abuse that was all over the news. I don’t like when people abuse anything. Especially because then it makes it harder for those of us that really do need this card.

For now, as far as I know, these changes will be taking place at Disneyland. I am pretty sure Disney World will soon follow. I think Disney’s system will probably closely resemble the Disneyland model, with the exception of the use of Magicbands which Disneyland does not have. It has been reported that the current GAC system will cease to exist as of Oct. 9, 2013. I know that date seems really close but remember we have been hearing about changes coming for a few months now.

The new system will be called Disabled Assistance Service.

The way it is now in Disneyland and California Adventure is, if you have a GAC you get a return pass, which works pretty much like a traditional fast pass.

Now with the DAS service it will go like this:

There will be Guest Relations kiosks set up all throughout the parks.
You tell the CM what ride you want to go on and they will check the current wait time on their iPad and then the CM will write out a return time on your DAS card. It is said they will subtract some travel time.
You can do whatever you want within that time. Just like with a traditional Fastpass.
Don’t forget, you must return within the time frame on the card, again just like a traditional Fastpass.

The way the GAC works now is you can enter through the Fastpass line to basically whatever ride you choose at whatever time you choose. I know there are different stamps for the GAC pertaining to different access for different disabilities. I hear that will also be no more. There will be just one DAS card for everyone who needs it. They will also encourage you to get a wheelchair( if your disability is physical) instead of giving you the assistance. I know this because they have done this to me personally. To me that is inappropriate because as long as I can walk I will!

Currently the GAC is good for the length of your stay or if you are a passholder you can get it for 2 months at a time. As I have reported that has now changed. It is now good 2 weeks. I was told that this will continue down until you get it for one day and then no more. They are doing this to get all of the current GAC’s out of circulation. With the new DAS system the card will only be good for one day. However if you are staying for longer than that and you can prove it they may give it you for your length of stay.

Also your picture will be on the front of the card so they can verify that it is you that is in fact using the card and you are not passing it off to all of your family and friends.

It has also been rumored that DCA is making changes to their queue lines to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs.

From what I have heard Disney World will also be associating a picture with the new GAC, or whatever they decide to call it. I was told that it will work with the new Magicbands. So if you are an annual passholder this will, or at least it should be, permanently associated with your Magicband. The CM I spoke to did not know how long the new card would be good for annual passholders but it should be a permanent thing in my opinion. Most of us who have disabilities will have them for life, unfortunately, so why make us have to constantly go back and ‘renew” something for a condition that is not going to change.

I know there a lot of questions as to how this will work for individual with Autism, well nothing has been said about that. I would imagine that Disney would not leave anyone out with the new rule change.

It has been said that Disney will allow CM’s to make a judgment as to who needs what service the most. Well let me say that Disney is smarter than that, they know that CM’s are not doctors and there is no way they can tell what is wrong with someone by just looking at them. I do not look disabled in any way. If you saw me you would never believe it but trust me I have many issues going on that are not seen. They are known as ‘Invisible Disabilities” and many of us have them.

I do hope this change is for the better but I have my doubts. Stay tuned because as soon as we know the latest so will you!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Quick Tips – Don’t Force Your Kids to Keep Going

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 19, 2013

I spent a week at Disney this past May, and witnessed 4 different children vomit. Far from MAGICAL if you ask me. Was it caused by a stomach virus? Possibly. Too much sun? Perhaps. Food poisoning? No clue. But sometimes, a child (or adult for that matter) becomes sick due to being pushed to the max. The Sun, the heat, over-stimulation, food & calories being consumed that our bodies may not be used to, more walking than usual, and staying up late are all things that can throw our bodies out of whack – especially a child’s.

The Disney Quick Tip Here?

Don’t Force Your Kids to Keep Going. Don’t push them to the limit. When they start to show signs of needing a break – tired, cranky, crying, hungry – take that break! You don’t necessarily have to leave the parks and go back to your resort, but at least pull your child into some shade or air conditioning, give them a snack or a drink of water!

We all know Disney is fun and exciting, but it also can wipe you and your children out! So if there’s any doubt when you think Just one more ride… don’t push them. Yes, you paid a pretty penny for this trip, and you want to reap all that it’s worth… but it’s not worth it when someone gets sick due to being dragged all over the parks.

Speaking of pretty penny, one of those children I saw get sick, had just been to the Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique. She was all dolled up in her brand new princess dress, hair done up with pixie dust, make-up, nails… the priciest package for sure!! She exits, proceeds to bend over and… (I’ll spare you the details)… but her dress was now covered in nastiness. Poor little girl. It was after 8 PM, she was likely tired after a big day in the parks, but the reservation had been made! It’s a hard decision for parents to make… but slow down and enjoy the magic… part of that magic is you. Give your kids the break they need, even if it means missing an attraction on your agenda.

Florida residents save up to 35% at select Disney World hotels

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 19, 2013

The Walt Disney World Resort has just released a great new discount for Florida residents! Florida residents have yet another reason to not only play, but also to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort this fall. Florida residents save up to 35% at select Disney World hotels.

There are great events happening at the Walt Disney World Resort over the next few months including Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Candlelight Processional, and more you won’t want to miss!

Discounted accommodations are available to Florida residents at select resorts for stays most nights beginning September 27, 2013, which happens to be just in time for the 18^th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party held in Magic Kingdom theme park.

This special offer is available for stays up until December 24, 2013 so Florida residents can also enjoy extra savings for holiday events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Which event are you most looking forward to this year at the Walt Disney World Resort?

Contact Siera, a Disney travel specialist, to plan your Walt Disney World getaway today! It’s not too late for you to still be part of the magic this year!

When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you thinking about a Disney vacation? Siera, a Disney travel specialist, would love to help you plan a magical trip. Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Disney Parks 2014 Promotion ‘Show your Disney Side’ and 24 hour details

By

Anonymouse

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September 19, 2013

Hiya peeps. It’s is I, Anonymouse! You probably knew that already. I have some really incredible gossip for my fellow Disney Addicts. You are going to love this!! Good ole Chiperoo just won’t leave me alone. He always wants more and more Disney Gossip. He is such a pain. Shhh don’t tell him I said that.

Before I go any further let’s remember these are rumors and nothing has been confirmed yet. However let me toot my own horn for a minute and say that I am usually right! Ok not usually but I am pretty close. 😉

First up we have Disney Parks 2014 Promotion. A little birdie, possibly the one from Cinderella, told me next year’s promotion will be called, “Show Your Disney Side“. I know odd title right? The campaign is said to be something like this: Show your Disney Side, everyone has one. Come out and play and bring out the fun in your family. At the place where dreams come true.

Sounds pretty good, I think. It’s something different and exciting! I mean it’s no Year of a Million Dreams…

If you were at the Disney Travel Agents Ear Marked Conference this week you probably know the full details, unfortunately I was not and I had to rely on my little birdies to tell me just a little info. Full details will be coming out very soon though.

Next up…

On to my favorite news of the year! Disney is said to be bringing back the extremely popular Disney 24 hour event! I know you are screaming right now aren’t you? I did! You remember this years event was called Monstrous Summer All Nighter. They had cool shirts like the one above, yummy treats, an all night dance party, and even Chip made an appearance. I wasn’t there but I heard Chip even busted a move. I did follow along on the Official Chip and Co Instragram.

I think it is going to be the same day, or around the same day as last year (May 23rd the Friday before Memorial Day). I also overheard that it may be Maleficent themed, since the movie comes out around the same time (May 30th). I love Maleficent, so I am hoping this is true. Either way you can’t go wrong with 24 hours at Disney.

Well ladies and gentlemen that is all the excitement I can handle for today. I bid you adieu!

Any who, that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here.

Got any good gossip/rumors? Please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page.

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Review

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 19, 2013

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters is perfect for some father and son bonding time. Produced by Hasbro Studios, this Deluxe Blu-Ray and DVD Combo Pack will be hitting stores on October 8, 2013. Remember the “old school” Transformers? They’re back-Optimus Prime and , the Autobots, Decepticons, and two new Predacons come together in this action packed animated film.

This Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack is great for a “guys night in” for fathers and sons, or even at a after school get together. Some of the scenes are pretty intense, so it’s best for older children-around age 10 and up. In this film, Unicron is resurrected, and he has taken over the lifeless body of Megatron. His goal is to seek vengeance on the Autobots and ultimately destroy Cybertron. The Bonus Features also show a “Behind the Scenes”

The animation in Transformers Prime-Beast Hunters is fabulous. The faded colors of long ago are brought back to life with up to date technology and redesign. This is the epilogue to Transformers Prime, which can be found on The Hub Network. Not only do my boys LOVE Transformers, it also helps that my husband was a huge fan-growing up watching Transformers. This film is an easy way to bring the guys in your family together for some fun.

Pick up a copy at your local retailers on October 8, 2013. Stash it away for a stocking stuffer!

Celebrity Spotting at the Disney Store Halloween Bootique

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 18, 2013

Halloween is fast approaching. So the Disney Store recently had a small event for celebrities and their little ones. Here are some photos from the event. Aren’t the little ones adorable?

Pictured above is: Jackson Oliver Fox, on the left, age eight, dressed as Thor, and James Nenninger, dressed as Hulk, pose at Disney Store’s Halloween BOOtique Party on September 16, 2013, in Glendale, CA. Jackson is the son of actress Beth Litteford, The Daily Show and Dog with a Blog and James is the son of actress Angel Parker appearing on the Disney XD sitcom Lab Rats.

Actress Constance Marie Lopez poses with her daughter Luna who is dressed in a Sofia the First costume.

Angel Parker, right, and her son James Nenninger, dressed as Captain America.

(Left to Right) Mia Talerico, Charlie Duncan in Emmy-nominated Goodluck Charlie, wears a Rapunzel costume and McKenna Grace, Crash & Bernstein, tries on an Elsa costume from Disney’s Frozen, coming this November.

Hal Sparks (Disney XD’s Lab Rats) strikes a pose with Minnie Mouse at Disney Store’s Halloween BOOtique Party.

Here are some of the little ones enjoying a Sofia the First Halloween story.

We would love it if you would share some of your MNSSHP pictures, go over and “like” our Disney in Pictures Facebook page.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

The Disney Royal Treatment – A Look at Port Orleans Riverside

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 18, 2013

Port Orleans Riverside is perhaps the most popular moderate level resort at Walt Disney World. Recently, I got to stay here for five wonderful nights and I am here to report that this resort is a wonderful and affordable option for families looking for a bit of luxury and good dose of pixie dust without spending an arm and a leg.

Check in at this resort resembles a ferry port where one might board a river cruise. I had not checked in on line and was happy that there was no wait for me to get my room keys and assignment. I had reserved a standard guest room and was incredibly excited to have been upgraded to a royal guest room!

The royal guest rooms are located in the Magnolia bend section of Port Orleans Riverside. This section is also known as “the mansions” as the building resemble the stately southern mansions of the turn of the century with broad sweeping stair cases, columns, and stately shutters. My building was “Oak Manner” which had easy access to the main building and to the quiet pool. ‘Ol Man Island, the feature pool, was a tiny bit of a walk, but certainly not inconvenient.

The Royal Guest Rooms will cost more than a standard room, but it is a magical upgrade. The story of the rooms is that Princess Tiana had a party and invited all the princesses. Throughout the room you can see several items left as gifts by the generous princesses. Looking for the items each princess left was like a mini in room scavenger hunt and it was so fun!

The room is beautifully appointed with royal quality bolsters and comforters. The fridge was in and working which was great for keeping water (and cupcakes!) cool.

Perhaps the coolest thing of all though, were the headboards that play a mini fireworks display! This was so beautiful and made for a great way to start each morning and end each night! I loved it!

This resort is big, but charming. There is a wonderful arcade, the feature pool and bar area are wonderful and the pool games are well organized and fun. The food court offers a ton of different options including a make your own pasta station! Perhaps the most fun of all though was the nightly entertainment in the river roost lounge with Yee Ha Bob! He played the piano, sang, told jokes, and entertained! He is a gem at this resort and well worth the price of admission…which is free!

Another thing I really liked were the amount of activities available to do at the resort; horse drawn carriage rides, fishing, boating, ferry to downtown Disney, and plenty more.

I strongly recommend this resort for anyone who wants a bit of luxury without the cost of a deluxe. This is also the only moderate, with the exception of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, that can accommodate a family of five.

If you are planning your next trip try Port Orleans!

Disney Quick Tips – Wear shoes that are already broken in!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 18, 2013

The average guest visiting Disney can easily walk up to 10 miles a day! Don’t believe me? Snap on a pedometer and see how far you go in a day.

This amount of walking can bring on some uncomfortable problems – especially for those that are not used to walking this far (i.e – your kids!).

Here are some suggestions to keep your family comfortable and blister-free on your upcoming trip:

1. Wear old shoes. Comfortable old shoes, that is. A trip to Disney is NOT the time to break in new tennies, crocs, or sandals.

2. Do not wear flip flops. I don’t care how much of a beach bum you are…by the time you hit mile 2, those flip flops are going to be KILLING your feet.

3. Bring bandaids and moleskin in your backpack. Moleskin is a product you can buy at WalMart that is used by hikers, runners, and walkers everywhere. It is soft and cloth like on one side and adhesive on the other. It is useful for blisters that have not yet fully formed, are popping up, or have ripped open.

4. Pick a shoe with an arch and use athletic socks.

5. Give your feet a break every so often…heck, those benches are there for a reason!

6. Do not let this be the first time that crocs have been worn by you or your kids. Some people swear by them and can walk all day long in them. Make sure that you are one of those people! Mickey crocs are adorable and your kids will love them…just make sure you give them time to try them out before your trip.

In case of any sort of medical crisis, you can find refuge at any First Aid station in the parks. There is one in each and every park.

HAPPY FEET = HAPPY VACATION!!

Want more vacation tips like these on a weekly basis right to your inbox? Contact Cameron Fisher to book your Disney vacation! Her services are always 100% free and she has tons of tricks and tips to share. [email protected]

New boats on Pirates of the Caribbean are getting guests wet

By

Chip

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September 18, 2013

We all love Pirates of the Caribbean. The sights, the smells, the red head. What we don’t like is getting wet, well I don’t especially when I am carrying around an expensive camera, cell phone, maybe my tablet pc.

In years past I have ridden Pirates of the Caribbean hundreds of times and never gotten wet. Unfortunately now that statement is no longer true.

It is being reported by many Chip and Co fans that you will now get wet on Pirates due to the new boats they have in operation. Now I am not talking Splash Mountain wet but like the picture above you will get some water on you. The closer to the front of the boat the wetter you can become.

While yes this is a water ride, normally you never gotten wet. But we just wanted to give you a heads up, if you are like me stash your electronics in a bag or ask to be seated towards the rear of the boat.

Have you rode Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World recently? Did you get wet? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney Publishing is Bringing Magic to Your Android

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 18, 2013

DPW Logo HR 2010

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) announced today that storytelling apps from The Walt Disney Company’s most beloved franchises are now available for the first time for Android devices on Google Play.

“This launch is a natural next step for us given the rising popularity of Android tablets and smartphones among families around the world,” said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “We are excited to bring the magic of Disney storytelling to life on Google Play and add it to our growing portfolio of apps for smartphones and tablets that inspire and entertain families in the way only Disney can.”

Owners of Android smartphones and tablets can now enjoy interactive storytelling from Disney, including digital storybook, activity, and creativity apps that invite families to read, play, and create with characters they know and love. Launching with eight apps that achieved a Top 10 Ranking in the “New Paid Apps” category on Google Play, They will release new apps in waves each month.

Disney Publishing apps now available for the first time on Google Play are:

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Paint & Play – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint and Play is a magical 3D coloring book that lets kids bring Mickey’s Clubhouse world to life. Kids will paint everything they see, including Mickey and Minnie!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Wildlife Count Along – Kids are invited to join Mickey and the gang on a globe-trotting trip to Mickey Beach to take pictures while counting animals and learning about wildlife habitats.

Minnie Bow Maker – Based on Disney Junior’s popular animated television series, “Minnie Bow-Toons,” Minnie Bow Maker offers Minnie a bow for every situation, and kids and families can help her choose the material, color, shape, pattern, and style of bow and then watch their creation take shape!

Disney Princess: Story Theater – Kids are invited to create their own animated movie starring their favorite princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle, and some of their very best friends. Kids can choose their setting, characters, props, and actions, then record their voice to bring their magical tale to life.

For more information, visit DisneyBookApps.com. To download apps from Disney Publishing Worldwide for Android, visit Google Play.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Princess Fairytale Hall Opens in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

By

Chip

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September 18, 2013

Great news the grand opening of the Princess Fairytale Hall is finally here!

The new character greeting location for Cinderella and Rapunzel (as well as their princess friends) officially opened its doors earlier this morning. According to the hall’s storyline, Princess Fairytale Hall is a gift from the King to Cinderella, and acts as a place where she and other princesses can greet subjects. Here, guests can choose to meet either Cinderella and a visiting princess, or Rapunzel and a visiting princess. (The easiest way to tell which princesses will appear at the hall on the day of your vacation is to check the My Disney Experience app or pick up a Times Guide on the way into the park.)

If you’re looking for a FASTPASS for Princess Fairytale Hall, head to the distribution center near Peter Pan’s Flight. FastPass+ is also now an option for this location.

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Test Bus Route from Animal Kingdom to Downtown Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 18, 2013

Do you remember back in July where I shared Disney testing a Disney Magical Express Pickup location at Downtown Disney? On the heels of that test bus route, Disney is now testing a bus route between Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney to add a little extra magic, and convenience to your Disney World Resort visit.

Direct service from Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Downtown Disney West Side is now happening daily. The buses run from 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.*, each day.

This latest test was actually started after some guests shared their feedback with Disney asking for direct bus transportation from Disney Parks to Downtown Disney. Since Animal Kingdom has an earlier closing time, it seemed like a good fit.

The experimental bus route between Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney is currently running until October 31, 2013.

*Operating hours subject to change.

How do you feel about this possible new bus route?

Check out Disney Parks Blog for more info.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine