Haunted Mansion Inspired Dooney & Bourke Bag Coming to Disney Parks on Friday September 13th

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September 4, 2013

Today Disney shared a first look at a Haunted Mansion-inspired bag by Dooney & Bourke! Whether you are a high-fashion “happy haunt,” or a new Dooney & Bourke collector, it’s probably safe to say, there’s always room for one more bag!

The Disney Design Group artist Mark Seppala did a wonderful job capturing the essence of the attraction with this new bag. Don’t you love the subtle details on the bag, including the spooky grey and black color palette with red interior, the infamous wallpaper pattern, and even the hang tag with the attraction logo?

The bag will have a retail of $330.00 (plus tax), and will be released at the following merchandise locations starting September 13, 2013.

Walt Disney World Resort:

Tren-D and the World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace
Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park
MouseGear at Epcot
Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Summer Lace at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disneyland Resort:

Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District
Disney Clothiers at Disneyland park
Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park

The Disney Parks online store will also carry this bag later this fall.

Hurry back to pick up your Haunted Mansion bag by Dooney & Bourke before they all disappear.

MEAC/SWAC Challenge game brings thousands of fans to Orlando

By

Chip

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September 4, 2013

Nearly 25,000 fans attended the ninth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney at the Florida Citrus Bowl over the Labor Day weekend.

The match-up between teams from the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences was televised live on ESPN, with a victory for the Florida A&M Rattlers over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils.

For the past six years, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge has resulted in a positive economic impact on Central Florida by bringing thousands of fans to the region.

“We’re proud to build on our long history of supporting the African-American community by sponsoring the MEAC/SWAC Challenge,” said Belinda Frazier, manager of minority business development for Walt Disney World Resort. ”The MEAC/SWAC Challenge underscores the importance of diversity and education and shines a national spotlight on Central Florida, the Florida Citrus Bowl and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

The four-day event combined entertainment and education and culminated in a football game between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The celebration began Aug. 29 with the ESPN 101 high school career panel. Other activities included a pep rally at Downtown Disney and a performance by the FAMU and MVSU bands at Epcot. HBCU alumni who have made outstanding contributions in sports, business or philanthropy were honored on Saturday at the MEAC/SWAC Legends Reception.

“This was a one of a kind experience that our student-athletes will remember for a lifetime, said MVSU head coach Karl Morgan. “Disney’s commitment to the HBCUs will have a positive impact on these young men for years to come.”

The game also marked the return of the FAMU marching band.

“This was an outstanding opportunity provided to FAMU by Disney and ESPN,” said Dr. Larry Robinson, interim president of FAMU. “We have worked very hard to execute a safe and spirited return of the FAMU Marching ’100′.”

Epcot’s Fountain View Reopens with Starbucks Facelift

By

Chip

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September 4, 2013

Reopening today Sept. 4th, Fountain View has a new look and new offerings for Epcot guests – featuring Starbucks products. Popular Disney-made treats will be served alongside Starbucks favorites like coffee, espresso and Frappuccino-blended beverages, as well as breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

Fountain View is the second Starbucks location at Walt Disney World Resort. Like Main Street Bakery’s nostalgic design on Main Street, U.S.A at Magic Kingdom, Fountain View was designed to match the futuristic theme of Future World.

More locations are planned for Walt Disney World Resort as well as Disneyland Resort in California.

(Gene Duncan, photographer)

Child Falls off Balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2013

Unfortunately, last night September 2nd, 2013 a 6 year old child fell off the balcony at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas

Deputies say the child was trying to reach something, so she moved a small table to the balcony railing, and lost her balance and fell from the third floor balcony. She fell into the giraffe area of the savannah, but there were no animals there at the time.

Deputies say the father was in the shower at the time, and the mother saw the child fall, and tried to grab her but she couldn’t. The child was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital with only minor injuries. She has since been released from the hospital.

They are visiting from New York.

I am glad she is ok, just be careful and watch your children at all times!!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

5 Disney World Park Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2013

Did you know that you can see Disney characters in circus garb, draw a Disney character step by step, and even search for treasure? These, along with a few others, are some Disney World park experiences you don’t want to miss!

Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Located in the Storybook Circus area of the new Fantasyland Expansion, Pete’s Silly Sideshow is a character meet and greet experience. Here, you’ll find Goofy, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Daisy Duck dressed in their circus sideshow finest. This is a fabulously fun character meet and greet. And the best thing, it’s kind of hidden out of the way. So, the lines are relatively short, which allows for more time spent with your favorite characters. Also, since they are dressed in “non traditional” Disney character costumes, it makes for a unique and fun photo experience. As always, be sure to have your camera, autograph book, and pen ready!

A Pirates’ Adventure-Treasure of the Seven Seas. Located in Adventureland, you can embark on an adventure to solve the mystery by scanning your talisman at various props in gift shops and around Adventureland. You’re given a treasure map {which makes a fun FREE souvenir}, and you set off. This lasts as long or as short as you want it to. You can spend some time waiting out a FastPass in Adventureland, or maybe take a break from the attractions and enjoy a fun adventure. There are five adventures you can embark on, and after completing one, you can go back to choose another.

Disney’s Animation Academy. You can find Disney’s Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is located off of Animation Courtyard. The Cast Members admit you in groups of twenty or so. You are led into an animation room, where you will take a seat at your own animation desk, equipped with a stool, backlit drawing desk, drawing paper, and a pencil. An Imagineer is at the front of the room, ready to lead his or her class in drawing a Disney character. You never know who you’ll draw, as the Imagineer takes a “vote” from the audience. It lasts about half an hour, and you can exit and get in the queue for the next round. These make great souvenirs. Take a mailing tube or paper towel roll to carry around your drawings.

Kidcot Fun Stops. If you are touring World Showcase at EPCOT with children, be sure to check out the Kidcot Fun Stops. These are often located in gift shops, or at the exit of attractions. Residents from the country man these, so there are lots of opportunities for fun conversations and learning experiences. You can get a cardboard cut out {these change every so often, but lately it’s been a Duffy Bear}, to have the Cast Members from each country stamp and/or draw their flag. There are also other crafty type activities at each station-coloring sheets, etc.

Club Cool. Club Cool is also at EPCOT. This location is sponsored by Coca Cola. And, you can sample Coke from different countries. Kids, and adults, will love this experience! It can be fun to talk about the countries you are sampling. And, how our minds know what American Coke tastes like…but when Coke from from Germany comes out orange, you’ll likely realize that not all Coke looks like ours! This is located in the Innoventions West plaza of EPCOT, not far from Test Track.

Sure, the headliners like Toy Story Mania, Test Track, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, are a “must do” on your touring plan. But, if you take some time to discover some of these “hidden” attractions, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did!

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Primetime Special

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2013

Jake has to go on his biggest mission yet, when Never Land begins to disappear.

Disney Junior’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue, a primetime special premiering Sunday September 29 on Disney Channel 6:00 p.m. and Disney Junior 7:00 p.m.

Someone very magical is making her debut appearance, drumroll please, it’s Tinker Bell. Yay I love her!

Following the premiere of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue,” Disney Junior will debut the new animated short “Mama Hook Knows Best” (airing at 6:55 p.m.on Disney Channel and 7:55 p.m. on Disney Junior). Starring the voice of Sharon Osbourne as Captain Hook’s mother, this short follows Mama Hook as she offers words of advice to her son on being a good pirate. A breakout character since her debut episode in May 2012, Mama Hook has won the hearts of young viewers and their parents and also inspired the children’s book “Mama Hook Knows Best: A Pirate Parent’s Favorite Fables” which will eventually be released as a hardcover book and e-book by Disney Publishing on Tuesday, September 17.

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Never Land Rescue,” the magic of Never Land begins to disappear just as the ancient Forever Tree seems to be fading away. After a mysterious figure known as “The Guardian” arrives to explain that only the pirate who truly believes in himself can save Never Land from vanishing completely, Jake must go alone on this mission to save the Forever Tree, the source of magic throughout all of Never Land. Tinkerbell makes her debut as Jake’s guide on this excursion.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

ID Requirements to Buy Alcohol Changing at Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 3, 2013

ID requirements to buy alcohol at Disney World have changed (or are now being enforced). You must have an acceptable form of ID with you if you plan on purchasing alcoholic beverages on Disney property, doesn’t matter if you are 21 or 61 everyone must have their ID if they want to drink.

The following is a list of acceptable forms of ID:

U.S. Issued Driver’s License
U.S. Military ID
Passport – not a copy on the original will be accepted.
Copy of your passport only with a Government issued photo ID that states your birthday

If you don’t have any of these, be prepared to be denied!

I noticed that a Government issued State ID (non-drivers license) is not on the list, but from what I found out, that is also an acceptable form of ID. I am sure they know that not everyone drives. Just double check before you go to be sure.

Do you already bring your Wallet/ID with you in the parks, or have you always left it back in the room? Let us know in the comment box below.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disneyland Half Marathon Breaks 2 new Course Records

By

Chip

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September 2, 2013

Jimmy Grabow grabbed the Disneyland Half Marathon title again this morning, one year after setting a new course record for the 13.1-mile event. Grabow, from the aptly-named town of Runner Springs, Calif., finished yesterdays race in 1:07:41 — nearly seven minutes ahead of the next finisher, Ricardo Ramirez.

Stephanie Dinius, from Palo Alto, captured the women’s title with a record-setting time of 1:15:47. The previous record was held by one of the most decorated runDisney champions, Rachel Booth, 1:18:01, who set the previous mark in 2011.

Overall, the expanded weekend hosted more than 25,000 runners, including 8,000 participants in the new 10K and 5,000 who took on the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare. The multi-race Dumbo field, which combined running the 10K and half, featured celebrities Sean Astin, Joey Fatone, Alison Sweeney and Ali Vincent.

Disney to get rid of Fast Passes at Walt Disney World

By

Anonymouse

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September 2, 2013

Hey guys and gals your friendly neighborhood Disney Gossip Columnist Anonymouse here. I have some huge Gossip today coming out of Walt Disney World! Before you ask yes that title is correct. I have been talking to a friend of mine who is at Walt Disney World this week and there is talk that Disney is dropping the existing Fast Pass program for everyone not staying on Disney Property.

The short and skinny is all (legacy or paper) Fast Passes will be eliminated for everyone except resort guests with Key to the World Cards or linked Magic Bands. If you are staying on property you will be limited to 3 Fast Passes per day at only one park. If you are a local no Fast Passes for you unless you are staying the night or are in the Fast Pass+ service.

If you are a Park Hopper like me it looks like you are up the creek… but seriously with this news why would you want to get a park hopper if you can’t use Fast Pass at the next park? I bet we will see Park Hopper ticket option sales going down bit hopefully lines going down.

If you are a Cast Member or Annual Passholder and you are at the park for the day you will not be able to partake in the existing paper Fast Pass Program, you will have to use the Fast Pass+ system. Disney is looking for people staying on property to get their golden ticket. Disney Vacation Club members will be fine since they have their KTTW card already.

Overall Disney is really trying to push people to stay on property, and if you don’t not only do you not get to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours but also Fast Passes too. I also think this is a push to get people to use the My Magic+ system.

According to my source all of this is supposed to take place at the end of September 2013 but with everything I write take it with a grain of salt till Chip posts the official word.

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.

Orlando Theme Parks Mull Over Health Insurance for Part Timers

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2013

The Orlando areas big theme parks depend, for the most part, on part-time and seasonal workers. They are struggling with a decision as to whether or not to provide health insurance for those workers, with the upcoming to changes to the healthcare market.

Sea World is the latest major employer to tell its part-time and seasonal employees that their current insurance will be eliminated, starting in January.

The plan SeaWorld currently has for part-time and seasonal workers is an extremely limited benefit plan. It is often referred to as a “mini med” plan.

The mini-med type plans will no longer be allowed by the government’s Affordable Care Act. The law forbids insurance plans from imposing annual limits.

Businesses say these plans are an affordable way to provide basic health care coverage to part-time workers who otherwise cannot afford the premiums of a big insurance plan. However these plans do nothing to provide coverage in the event of catastrophic injuries or illness, Those are the times when a good comprehensive health insurance plan is very important.

Universal and Sea World, currently offer only a mini-med type plan to part-time employees. The employees pay about $18 a week for employee only coverage. The plan also has caps on services.

Part time and seasonal Cast Members at Disney World, are still waiting for an answer on their health insurance. A spokesman for Disney World, where some part-time workers are unionized, said only that the resort is still assessing its options under the Affordable Care Act.

Disney World only has a small number of Cast Members that are currently enrolled in the mini-med plans.

Universal has about 500 part-time workers are in its mini-med plan.

Universal and SeaWorld, say they will not save any money by dropping their mini-med plans, because they do not pay anything out of their own pocket they just negotiate group rates for workers who then pay for the coverage.

The SeaWorld plan, for instance, is 100 percent paid for by employees. The company says it just provides employees with “access” to the plan, which is offered by Cigna. Universal’s mini-med plan is offered through Florida Hospital.

It’s not known whether the theme parks will be offering their part-time workers comprehensive health insurance like some big companies do.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Orlando Discounts & Savings for September 2nd, 2013 and beyond

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 2, 2013

Here is this weeks Discounts & Savings for Disney World, Universal, Sea World and more. We will be releasing this Disney & Orlando Digest weekly so you can keep up with all the best deals and offers from our good friends at Destinations in Florida.

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 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.
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!

Disneyland® Resort

Stay and Save up to 20% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel: Now, you can save up to 20%* on rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel on most stays Sunday through Thursday nights from 08/25/2013 – 09/28/2013 Booking window: 07/30/2013 – 09/05/2013. Travel window: 08/25/2013 – 09/28/2013. Travel must be completed by Sept. 29, 2013 (one-night minimum stay). Turn your hotel stay into an unforgettable vacation! Upgrade to a two night or longer package – including Disneyland® Park Tickets – and enjoy a variety of magical extras that will make their stay more memorable than ever!

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‘i

5th Night Free PLUS US $100 Resort Credit Offer at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Five nights for the price of four, plus a US $100 one-time resort credit, at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa when they purchase a minimum 5-night stay (ocean views excluded) this fall. Book this offer by 09/03/2013, for stays most nights 08/26/2013 – 11/23/2013 or 12/01/2013 – 12/15/2013. To book mention offer code QPW.

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 Orlando $50 Weekday Ticket: Enjoy 1 visit to SeaWorld Orlando weekdays Monday thru Friday beginning August 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013. Advance purchase only. Not available at the park. Valid for 1 visit to SeaWorld Orlando on weekdays only. Ticket expires December 20, 2013.
Expedition Antarctica at SeaWorld®: Experience the Freeze! Package includes free Quick Queue (front-of-the-line) at SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, dining at the Expedition Café, a free photo and a third hotel night FREE!
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!

Are you ready to book one of these amazing Disney, Universal or Sea World discounts for your family vacation? Call Destinations in Florida at 877-918-8941 or request a price in the quote form on the right. Be sure you mention Chip & Co for extra perks, just for you!

Pixar Pulls Bob Peterson from “The Good Dinosaur”

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 1, 2013

This is the 4th time Pixar replaces a director mid-movie, this time they are taking Bob Peterson off ‘The Good Dinosaur.’ A replacement has not been named yet. Pixar executives decided to replace him this summer, according to the studio’s president, Ed Catmull.

All directors get really deep in their films,” Catmull said this week. “Sometimes you just need a different perspective to get the idea out. Sometimes directors … are so deeply embedded in their ideas it actually takes someone else to finish it up. I would go so far as to argue that a lot of live-action films would be better off with that same process.”

Peterson began at Pixar as an animator for, “Toy Story,” and co-directed the 2009 movie “Up,” came up the idea for “The Good Dinosaur,” which tells a story about earth, if dinosaurs never became extinct.

This comes down as Pixar is under a lot of pressure to build on its previous successes in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The studio has changed directors on three other films, Brad Bird replaced Jan Pinkava on the 2007 movie “Ratatouille,” Lasseter replaced Brad Lewis on 2011’s “Cars 2” and Andrews replaced Brenda Chapman on 2012’s “Brave.” All of those movies went on to do very well at box offices around world, and “Brave” and “Ratatouille” won Oscars for animated feature, but “Cars 2” did not.

Brian Peterson is still employed at Pixar. However he declined to comment for this story. He has another directing project in development, according to Jim Morris, general manager and executive vice president of production for Pixar. “Bob is still working at the studio, and we hope he will stay here for the rest of his natural life,” Morris said.

As it stands the release date for “The Good Dinosaur” is not changed and the movie is still going on its production schedule, according to Catmull. “We’ve been around long enough to know it will never be smooth,” Catmull said. “But getting this process smooth is not our goal; our goal is to make the movie great.”

Wishing you, Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine