Woman’s World Magazine Disney Gift Card Giveaway

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September 11, 2013

Would you like to win a Disney Gift Card?

Of course you would, who wouldn’t!!? We could always use a new Disney toy, or maybe use it when you Book your next Disney World Vacation!

Here is your chance to win one. Woman’s World Magazine/Aquaears is having a Disney Gift card giveaway. They will pick 2 winners, who will receive a $750.00 Disney gift card. You can enter once a day.

Enter here!

The contest is open to U.S. residents only. You can enter through October 7, 2013.

Please note this is not our contest so all questions should be directed at Woman’s World Magazine, not in the comment box below.

Good luck!!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Would You Like to be a Part of the Disney Parks Moms Panel

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 11, 2013

Moms Panel Logo

Well the time has come again. Disney parks are on the search for the new 2014 Disney Parks Moms Panel.

Are you a Disney expert? Or a Disney Addict? Do your friends and family always ask 101 questions when planning their Disney trip? Do you love spreading the magic? If this sounds like you, then you may be just what the Moms Panel needs.

The panel started in 2008 and it took off like lightning. It is now a phenomenon!! The panelists will answer various questions based on their own experience or knowledge. The panel isn’t just for Disney World, it is for Disneyland, Disney Vero Beach Resort, Disney Cruise Line etc.

Don’t let the title fool you, Dads can apply too!

Be sure to check out the Requirements.

I have never applied but I hear it can be quite the process. So apply now, you never know!

You can apply until 11:59 p.m. ET September 13, 2013.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Goldie Hawn and Gordon Ramsey guest star on Phineas and Ferb!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 11, 2013

GOLDIE HAWN AND GORDON RAMSAY GUEST STAR IN AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF “PHINEAS AND FERB,” FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 ON DISNEY CHANNEL

“Thanks But No Thanks” – After learning about Monty and Vanessa’s secret relationship, Carl bribes Monty into helping him get some much-needed acknowledgement from Monogram. Meanwhile, Candace is ecstatic when she discovers that her neighbor Peggy McGee has witnessed all of Phineas and Ferb’s summer antics and is happy to tell Mom about them, in a new episode of “Phineas and Ferb,” airing FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (9:30-9:45 P.M. ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

The Incredible Goldie Hawn and fierce Gordon Ramsay guest star on this all new episode!

Who’s really excited about this announcement!

Check it out on Sept 13th!

Disney World to replace Paper Tickets

By

Anonymouse

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September 10, 2013

Hey there guys and gals your friendly neighborhood Disney Gossip Columnist @Anonymouse here. After the Huge Gossip from last week about Fast Passes, it seems more changes are under way at Walt Disney World.

This week, the Gossip on the street is Disney is looking to remove all paper tickets from the parks. How can they do that you ask? Disney is encouraging guests to convert previous paper tickets to RF-enabled cards. If you remember earlier Disney upgraded Annual Passes to RFID enable cards.

The exact reason for the upgrade is unknown but I bet it has to do with the new touch points (see above). Those nifty little RFID turn styles at the Disney Parks are pretty cool but not as cool as the hand held devices you see the Cast Members holding.

As soon as this becomes Official News guests who have the old paper tickets can go to any Vacation Planning Ticket Booth and be upgraded to RF-enabled tickets just like they did with the annual passes, for free.

I did this earlier this year with my AP and it took just a few minutes. The cast member was very friendly an answered my many questions.

So next time you are at Disney World or if you ordered your tickets from an online ticket provide like Undercover Tourists just take your ticket to the Ticket Booth and get you a new one.

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.

Top 10 Things to Buy in the Disney Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 10, 2013

Recently, I shared with you the Top 7 Things to Buy BEFORE Traveling to Walt Disney World. But, there’s something about buying items in the Disney Parks that is part of every Disney vacation. We always like to get souvenirs that will last-Christmas ornaments, picture frames, etc. But there’s also that moment of instant gratification..you have to have it right then, so later on you can proudly say, “I got this at Disney World.” So, today I want to share with you 10 Things to Buy IN the Disney Parks.

Lanyards and Pins. Pin trading is something our kids always look forward to. They each have two lanyards, and they separate their pins on them-trading pins, and pins to keep. So cute. Anyway, part of their souvenir money is set aside for pins in the parks, and occasionally a new lanyard medal. By purchasing these items in the parks, early in your trip, it gives your kids something to start off their trip with. Plus, you can easily buy new medals to commemorate the year, or their current favorite character.
Vinylmation. Another fun collector’s item, Vinylmation can be found at several stores in Disney World. When we visit our local Disney Store, we don’t buy Vinylmation for our kids…it’s a “park only” option for them. They always look forward to adding to their collection during our trips.
Jewelry. I love to add to my Pandora charm collection. World of Disney carries charms that will fit on my bracelet. In fact, I think I have almost all of them that they sell. Anyway, I look forward to adding to my collection each trip. Plus, it’s a bracelet I wear often, and I feel like I get good use out of that “souvenir” when I can wear it and show it off. Don’t forget, the pearls you can get in Japan can be turned into jewelry.
A Dated Item. This could be a coffee mug, magnet, a picture frame, or Christmas ornament. I like to get a frame, and then put our picture in front of the castle in it. After a few years, it’s fun to look back at the pictures and see how we’ve changed, yet our photo spot hasn’t.
Mouse Ears. We all know there are just a few places on Disney Property where you can find those famous mouse ears. Or, in my daughter’s case, Princess Minnie ears. Whether you add them to a collection, or proudly display your one an only pair from a trip of a lifetime, these are a classic and not to be missed item to bring home with you.
Food. Food is where it’s at when touring the parks. Mickey ice cream bars, pretzels & caramel corn from Germany in EPCOT, Mickey shaped rice krispie treats, and anything sweet from Goofy’s Candy Company are items you just can’t get anywhere else.
The Shop Specials. In many shops, if you spend a certain amount of money, you can get a specified item with your purchase for a small additional amount. These items change seasonally, or sometimes by shop. Duffle bags, beach towels, watches, are amongst some of the items you can get with your purchase.
Autograph Books. Sure, Pinterest is full of DIY autograph books. And, all those ideas are super cute. But, there’s something special about buying your book from a Disney shop. If you travel year after year, perhaps you have a collection of them! Or, like our family, it sort of turns into a special memento. We used the same books for three trips….and it’s so fun to look back on those signatures!
Disney Scrapbooking Kits. Disney puts out “park only” scrapbook paper and kits. Often, it’s specific to that time of year, or to the season. If you want to keep those memories precious, you’ll want to get some of these!
Household Goods. Some of our favorite dishes are our bright colored Mickey patio dishes, cups, and serving items. Dish towels, cookie cutters, and pizza plates also grace our kitchen. These are such great reminders of our vacation, and we use them a lot!

So, what are your top things to buy at the Disney parks? Do you come home with a “must have” item?

Have a magical day!

Packing a cooler for Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 10, 2013

Yes, a Disney World Vacation can be expensive, but Disney does a great job of allowing families of all sizes and budgets to have a great time! There are all sorts of ways to cut down costs at the Parks, but maybe the most beneficial to your wallet is having the ability to pack your own cooler!

That’s right, Walt Disney World actually allows you to bring a cooler into the Parks, which is something not all theme parks allow you to do. This is a HUGE money saver, especially when a coke will run you close to $3.00.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing your cooler for Walt Disney World:

Your cooler must be soft sided and smaller than 24″ X 15″ X 18″ which happens to be the size of a locker at Walt Disney World.
No alcoholic beverages are permitted into the Parks at any time!
No glass containers are allowed inside the Parks, with the exception of baby food jars.
Coolers with wheels are not permitted into the Parks.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not allow anyone to bring in coolers of any kind, except for medical purposes, for the safety of the animals. Animal Kingdom also does not allow juice boxes or drinks with lids into the park for the same reason.
Upon entering the Parks, you must get your cooler inspected at the bag check locations.

Also, keep in mind when you are packing a cooler to take to Walt Disney World that there is no place to heat anything up. Everything that you pack should be okay to serve cold, chilled, or room temperature. Remember that Florida can get very hot, even inside a cooler, so try to pack items that wont spoil in the Florida sun.

Pack anything your family would enjoy, from snacks to a full blown afternoon picnic and save your family a little extra souvenir money and maybe make a memory or two!

Do you bring a cooler? If so what are some of the things you like to bring with you?

Disney For Adults – FAQ

By

Catie

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September 10, 2013

Whenever I tell someone I am headed to Walt Disney World on my next vacation, I always get the same response – something along the lines of a weird look and a comment like “Again?” or “I thought Disney was just for kids”. I just smile and explain to them that we love it there and leave it at that. I do get a lot of questions about Disney for Adults, so I thought it might be helpful to go over some of the most common ones:

“I thought WDW was just for kids?” – This could not be more wrong! WDW is perfect for those of ALL ages, the young, old, and young at heart! They really do have something everyone can enjoy, no matter what your interests – thrill rides, shows/attractions, live entertainment, food and drinks, water parks, and much, much more! It’s a great place to go to rediscover your youth, or to enjoy being an adult! There is plenty for adults to do at WDW, which brings me to the next question…

“What are some “Adult” WDW Activities?” – Where to begin…hmm. Well, there are spas for pampering, golf courses (lots of them!), five star restaurants, behind the scenes tours, wine tastings, watersports and boat rentals, bike rentals and walking/jogging/nature trails, horseback riding, night clubs and bars, tons of great shopping, a movie theater, bowling alley, a chance to “Drink Around The World”, and much, much more

“Why should I go to WDW?” – For me, it’s that “Disney Magic” – that intangible thing that can’t really be described except to say that I feel happy and “at home” when I am there, it’s a fun place to be, and if you have never been, I highly recommend it! If you are a Disney newbie, then you should go for the fact that there is SO MUCH to do, you can spend a week there and never do the same ride or eat in the same restaurant twice, you can spend time exploring and trying new things – after all, isn’t that the point of a vacation anyway?

“When Should I go?” – Being in an all-adult party traveling to WDW certainly has its advantages – a BIG one being you don’t have to wait for a school break or summer vacation to head off on vacation, and Disney does some amazing events during these “off peak” times – like the Food and Wine Festival and the annual Flower and Garden Festival. I recommend heading there in the fall (September-ish), or in the early part of the year – January or February can be a bit lighter, crowds wise

“Where Should I stay?” – There are plenty of amazing WDW Resorts to choose from, and they come in three price categories too – Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The Value are very family friendly and are the least expensive, and are great for those on a budget, but for those adult only parties, I would say you might prefer the slightly more upscale décor and amenities offered at the Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. They offer sit down restaurants and bars/lounges, multiple modes of transportation (not just buses – boats/monorails too!), and beautifully decorated rooms. My personal choice for adult travelers is Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – it’s a Moderate resort that is smaller than most, and has a great romantic atmosphere

“What’s The Food Like?” – Many people assume that WDW food is like most other theme park food – burgers/chicken fingers/mac and cheese…kid’s stuff. While it’s true they do offer those things, they really have so much more than that. You can get it all here – from sushi to steak and everything in between. Everything is always made fresh and using only the best ingredients. And you don’t have to go to a sit down restaurant to find the good stuff either – counter service locations all around WDW offer salads, sandwiches, sushi, pasta, Asian, Roasted chicken, BBQ, and much more. The prices are not too high, and many meals are big enough to split between two people. Oh, and did I mention the food is also super delicious?

I think WDW is even better as an adult than it was when I was a kid – I enjoy it more and have more appreciation for it – but I would love to know what YOU think – have you ever been on an “adults only” WDW trip? Would you try it sometime?

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Returns Sept. 10 with 23 Nights of Halloween Fun in Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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September 10, 2013

Halloween’s happiest haunts will reappear for 23 “spook-tacular” nights of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.

From Sept. 10 through Nov. 1, the after-hours special ticket event will immerse guests in the Halloween spirit. The bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular will illuminate the sky in bursts of orange and green fireworks. In “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” the Headless Horseman parades a gang of ghostly characters down Main Street, U.S.A. for a haunted, but happy, Halloween season.

New features this year include the debut of Jack Skellington and Sally (from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”), along with “Monsters, Inc.” scarers Mike and Sulley hosting their own Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball.

The night of ever so slightly frightful fun begins at 7 p.m. and runs until midnight, with guests encouraged to don their favorite Halloween costumes and partake in trick-or-treating around the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Party dates in 2013 are:

Sept. 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, and 29
Oct. 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, and 31
Nov. 1

To purchase advance tickets, guests can visit disneyworld.com/halloween, call 407-W-DISNEY, our use our friends at Destinations in Florida.

Weekly Discounts for Disney & Orlando

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 10, 2013

Disney Discounts

Walt Disney World® Resort

Free Dining Plan Offer at the Walt Disney World® Resort: Now through Sept. 15, 2013, get a FREE Disney Dining Plan when you purchase a non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Offer valid for arrivals most nights Sep. 29 – Oct. 2, Oct. 18 – Nov. 2, Nov. 11-23 and Dec. 12-22, 2013. Must book this Disney World discount by September 15, 2013.
Save Up To 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels This Fall: Book your room only or package reservation and save up to 30% off Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels for stays most nights Sept. 29 – Nov 22, 2013, and Nov 30 – Dec. 23, 2013. You can book a room only or upgrade to a package with tickets. You can even add one of the Disney Dining Plans for additional savings. The booking window is Aug. 1 – Sept. 15, 2013, for travel Sept. 29 – Nov. 9, 2013 and Aug. 1 – Nov. 3, 2013 for travel Nov. 10 – Nov. 22, 2013 and Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, 2013. Hurry, this Disney World discount ends soon.
Florida Resident Weekend Rates: Florida Residents can re-live their summer fun this fall with great rates on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays Aug. 16 – Sept. 26, 2013. Booking Window: July 25 – Sept. 26, 2013 Travel Window: Aug. 16 – Sept. 26, 2013.
Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels most nights from Sept. 29 2013 through Sept. 27 2014 time-frame. Service members can also get up to six 4-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option for just $169.00, Four-Day Water Park and More Tickets for $169.00 or Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets plus the Water Park and More Option for $198.00 at their base ticket sales office.

Disney Cruise Line®

Special Castaway Club Member Offer: Disney Cruise Line® Castaway Club Members can receive a US $100 onboard credit when they book a 4- or 5-night Disney Magic® cruise departing from Miami Nov. 1 – Dec. 18, 2013 (excluding Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, 2013). They can use their credit for a variety of onboard activities and experiences, including spa treatments, shopping, adults-only dining and more!

Universal Orlando Resort Discounts

Save up to 30% on Universal Resorts: Discounts begin at 3 nights at any of the three Universal Orlando® Resort deluxe hotels during the best days to vacation. Plus take advantage of $150 in hotel savings including discounts on food, drinks, spa treatments and more! Vacation dates include: 08/18 – 10/3 11/11 – 12/19, 2013.
Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation: Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket. This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.

Sea World Discounts

Add a day at SeaWorld Orlando for just $10: Add a second day at SeaWorld Orlando for just $10 more within 7 days of your first visit.
SeaWorld + Aquatica Add Aquatica for just $40: Enjoy unlimited access to the sights and splashes of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ during your vacation.
Free Food: Book your Sea World Package at a partner hotel and get the All Day Dining for FREE. Add a day at Aquatica and eat there free, too!
Kids Free, PLUS 2nd Visit Free, through 12/25: SeaWorld is the place for families this holiday season. And now, enjoy one free kid’s admission (ages 3-9) with each full-paid adult admission ticket.
Save $10 on Sea World Tickets: Pre-order your Sea World tickets and save $10 off per ticket. You can also print your Sea World tickets, so you do not have to wait in any lines once you arrive to the park. Plus, even better, your 2nd day at Sea World is free!
5 Incredible Parks, 1 Ticket, Orlando’s Best Vacation Value: See more for less! This package features the Orlando FlexTicket, offering unlimited admissions to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Wet’n Wild during your stay. Perfect for your Orlando vacation. Stay at least 5 nights and enjoy the best of Orlando! Plus, free transportation and other great benefits available when you choose an Official Hotel of SeaWorld. Package requires a 10-day advance purchase. Stay a minimum of 5 nights and as an added value, your 5th night is FREE!

To Book Call 877-918-8941 or Request a Price Online. Be sure you mention Chip & Co!

Mickey Check Meals at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 9, 2013

Kid’s and Parents have a new best friend in Disneyland (Disney World too). Mickey Check Meals! Are you tired of the same old chicken nuggets, burgers, hot dogs and other food choices you have to feed your children? I personally remember a Disneyland vacation that my son mentioned he ate strawberries at EVERY meal we had during the whole trip. It was the only item of color on his plate the entire week. Probably why it stood out so much for him.

The Mickey Check Meals now makes it easier than ever to help your kids find colorful, delicious and healthier food options. To become a Mickey Check Item (and earning the above icon), the foods must meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines for sugar, saturated fat, sodium and of course calories. The Disney Chefs have had a lot of fun with the challenge of introducing their young guests to some great new tastes. And for the kids it’s just awesome!

Throughout Disneyland Resort restaurants you can find some of these Mickey Check Meals:

Tortilla Jo’s in Downtown Disney offers Garden Vegetable Burrito
Wine Country Trattoria in California Adventure offers kids Fresh Fish Of The Day
Ariel’s Grotto, located in California Adventure, is now offering Glazed Chicken on a Sugar Cane Skewer with Wild Rice
Blue Bayou Restaurant, just inside Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland, offers kids Seared Salmon with Spaghetti
Storyteller’s Cafe in Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is offering Pasta with Turkey Meatballs
Carnation Cafe in Disneyland updated the old tired Mac and Cheese by serving it with broccoli and fresh fruit
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria in Downtown Disney offers kids a Risotto with sweet peas
Carthay Circle Restaurant in California Adventure is offering Mini Chicken Tacos with Black Beans and Rice
Napa Rose in California Adventure has an offer of Grilled Prime Beef Tenderloin with Multigrain Rice

I’m telling you after reading through some of these items, I’m hungry. I also want to be a kid again. Risotto with Sweet Peas? Beef Tenderloin? Wow Disney Chefs have hit it out of the park with the offerings. I know my son will enjoy most of these items and I look forward to seeing some more color on his plate the next time we visit Disneyland.

If you’ve had a chance to experience any of the Mickey Check Meals, please let us know what and where you experienced it, as well as your review of the food. We all want to know how it tastes!

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.

Top 5 Things to do in the Morning at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 9, 2013

While many people are early risers with young children in their families who visit Walt Disney World, you may never have realized all the great things there are to do in the earlier morning hours!

1. Extra Magic Hours – Most obviously you can take part in the early park opening for Disney World Resort Hotel guests! Extra Magic Hours change daily, weekly, monthly, all the time! Check the calendar on the website before you leave for your trip and grab a times guide. Extra Magic Hours are a great way to get through large parts of parks that are busy once regular park hours begin.

2. Rope Drop – Another great park event is the Rope Drop Ceremony! Get to the parks early to experience some Disney Magic.

3. Schedule a Tour! Some of the best things at Disney are what goes on behind the scenes. While they might not be for everyone, many people like myself like looking behind the Magical Disney curtain. Next time you are at the parks you should try one, I promise after one you will be hooked. I love the Behind the Seeds Tour the best. My writer Erin likes to highlight many of these Disney World Tours in her articles. Check them out here.

4. Character Dining experiences – They book up fast but the earlier you get in, the better! Not only do you get early entry to the park if you schedule a character breakfast before park opening (and the opportunity for some empty-park pics on your way in) but you also get to eat, meet, and greet without missing any park time! If you schedule your ADR before the park opens you can get some great empty park photos too.

5. Resort Extras – For example If you are staying at Wilderness Lodge– sign up to be the flag family! You won’t regret it! Same goes for Sunrise Safaris at Animal Kingdom Lodge! If there are exclusive events/experiences available only to hotel guests, experience them in full!

What are some of the things you like to do in the morning? Let us know in the comment box below.

New Glow With the Show Mickey Ears Let Guests Shine at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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September 9, 2013

Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort will light the night thanks to new Glow with the Show Ear hats that will magically change colors in sync with fireworks, shows and each other at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Fun interactive versions of the famous Mickey Ear hats will debut on Oct. 15 during the 15th anniversary of Fantasmic!, the nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

These magical Ear hats glow in myriad colors, commanded with the latest technology to complement the imagery and beat of the fireworks and spectaculars. When not activated by these experiences, more surprises are in store for participants as the magical ears glow with other ears and settings around the Vacation Kingdom.

“Technology allows the Ear hats to dance and play along with each musical and illuminated sequence. They truly bring the show’s environment out of the lagoon and the sky, and into the audience in an amazing and dazzling new way, making our guests truly Glow With the Show,” said Dara Trujillo, manager of merchandise marketing, communication, synergy and integration, Walt Disney World Resort.

And beginning Oct. 19, guests will be able to experience the Wishes fireworks extravaganza at Magic Kingdom with the new Glow with the Show Ear hats. And during the holiday season guests can don their hats and “glow” with Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and at Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks display and Celebrate the Magic, the nighttime projection show at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.

Each set of Glow with the Show Ear hats is available for $25 at select locations throughout the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For more than 55 years, the classic, black Mickey Mouse Ear hat has been a Disney Parks favorite and signature souvenir item. Across the decades, there have been more than 200 different ear hats including limited and novelty editions. The new Glow with the Show Ear hats made their debut at Disney California Adventure in 2012 at World of Color.