Disney Quick Tip – Make a Park Plan

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September 1, 2013

A Disney World Vacation can be overwhelming with all the options from dining to what park to go to and what rides to hit. How can you make the most of your Disney trip? Make a park plan before you go!

Whether you are a zealous planner or detest it entirely, there are several sites and apps to help you on your park planning journey. On the Disney website, you can create your own custom park maps by clicking here. You can select only the rides that you want to go on, so your maps are custom to your park plan. These maps also make great keepsake items!

Crowd calendars can be lifesavers if you are trying to figure out which park to go to and on what day. You can get crowd calendars at easywdw.com or touringplans.com to help you maximize the time you spend on rides versus waiting in line. Touringplans.com also has a cool feature to optimize your touring plans to decrease ride wait time. They also have some pre-made touring plans for various demographic groups such as families with tweens.

For dining, sites like disneydining.com or even Chip and Co have great dining reviews and snack ideas that can be incorporated into your park plan. You don’t want to miss out on all the culinary options that Disney has, especially during Food and Wine Festival!

There are many ways to create anything from a quick, painless park plan outline to an intricate, highly detailed park plan before you go. Created park plans can be saved in a binder or in an app like TripIt, MouseTrips, or My Disney Experience. Some items can be done spontaneously on your trip, but other popular attractions and dining options require a little pre-planning to ensure you get the Mouse-cation you were dreaming of.

When in doubt, I plan it out! Let’s hear how you make your park plans!

Make sure to stop by our Guide to Disney World section for all the best in Ride, Restaurant, and Resort Reviews.

Limited Time Magic Fall Trolley Show Begins at Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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September 1, 2013

For more than 10 years, the Trolley Show has been a favorite at Magic Kingdom Park. And next week, as part of Limited Time Magic at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney launches a new Fall Trolley Show. You’ll be able to join the young citizens of Main Street, U.S.A., as they celebrate the magic that can happen when it’s autumn.

Disney’s new show begins on Monday, September 1. Let us know what you think.

You can find updates on Disney’s latest extra sprinkle of pixie dust on Twitter using hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic and on the LimitedTimeMagic.com web page.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Bluray Review

By

Chip

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September 1, 2013

Out now on Bluray/DVD is My Little Pony Equestria Girls from our friends at Shout Factory. They were nice enough to send us a copy to check out last week and I can say this movie has been running in our house every since.

My oldest daughter Zoe is 7 and grew up my My Little Pony. She has all the toys and from the first generation forward. With the release of Equestria Girls also comes a new product line too. While in Target I saw the new ponies that go with the movie but haven’t had a chance to pick them up yet.

Here a little info about the movie:

My Little Pony Equestria Girls, the full-length feature introducing an exciting dimension to the incredibly popular My Little Pony brand, is coming to Blu-ray and DVD in the US and Canada on August 6th from Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. The DVD, which includes outstanding bonus features, is priced at $16.99 SRP and the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo at $24.97 SRP. My Little Pony: Equestria Girls is now available at Amazon.com, Target.com and Walmart.com.

When Twilight Sparkle’s crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, she pursues the thief, Sunset Shimmer, into an alternate world where she finds herself turned into…a teenage girl! To regain her crown and return to Equestria, Twilight must learn how to fit into this strange, new world and defeat Sunset Shimmer in a competition to become crowned Princess of the Fall Formal at Canterlot High. Luckily, she will have the assistance of Spike and five teenage girls who remind her of a certain group of ponies back home.

For more information on My Little Pony: Equestria Girls, please visit www.mlpeg.com.

The movie was good and the songs even better according to my 7 year old. While at first she wasn’t too keen on the ponies becoming girls (sorta) but has warmed up to their new look. Even with their new look the whole gang still had their sassy, fun, and shy personalities.

The storyline was good and held her attention for the full 72 mins. We especially loved the end and you will too if you use the Power of Friendship 😉

We haven’t gotten into much of the bonus content yet but the Bluray is loaded with tons of Pony Magic:

Through the looking glass of Equestria Girls
Karoke Songs
Printable Movie Poster
Ponify yourself
Digital Copy

The Digital Copy has already been downloaded on our iPad so she can take the movie on the go!

Overall if your kids love My Little Pony they are going to love this movie too. We give it a good solid A-.

Crash and Bernstein back on Disney XD !

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2013

Disney XD logo

DISNEY XD’S COMEDY-FILLED “CRASH & BERNSTEIN” RETURNS FOR A SECOND SEASON ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 7

Season One Culminates with a Special One-Hour Episode and the Launch of Online Fan Voting for “Pick Crash’s Nose” Beginning Monday, September 9

The unpredictable humor and thrilling adventures of “Crash & Bernstein” return when the second season premieres MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 (7:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Funnier than ever, the new season continues the journey of brothers Wyatt Bernstein and his wild and unstoppable puppet Crash as they create a new hangout haven and take on relatable everyday challenges.

Season one culminates on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 (8:30 p.m., ET/PT) with a special one-hour episode, “Crash on the Run,” where Wyatt saves Crash from a Build-a-Bestie doll recall but the boys soon find themselves on the run when a Bestie recall agent, Mr. Green, is dispatched to capture and destroy Crash. Emmy and Tony Award winning actress Andrea Martin (“Pippin”) and John Farley (“The Waterboy”) guest star as Mother Green and Mr. Green, respectively.

On Monday, September 9, fan voting kicks off for “Pick Crash’s Nose” at DisneyXD.com/Crash, where viewers can vote for their favorite nose through Sunday, September 15. The winning nose will be revealed on Monday, October 7 during the season two premiere episode, “The Nosejob Job,” where Wyatt, Crash and Pesto try to find a place to hang out when the girls take over the house. They discover a cool vacant lot, but must challenge a group of geeky high school boys to claim the hangout for themselves.

In celebration of the season two premiere, DisneyXD.com will launch the new game “Crash & Bernstein: Cluck n’ Chuck,” where fans play as Crash and Wyatt and take on the neighborhood in a battle that has players strategically catapulting rubber chickens at their target while avoiding a collision with obstacles designed to alter the chicken’s trajectory. The game is playable on both a computer and mobile devices.

Sat tuned for more!

Changes Are Rolling in for Stroller Rental Companies at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2013

There are some changes that are going to be made as of September 1st at Disney World. The changes effect what stroller rental companies can pick up and drop off at Bell Services at any Walt Disney World Resort.

Once the changes go into effect only companies that Disney has approved will be able to pick up and drop off strollers and a few other things like, cribs, playpens, high chairs, car seats, etc. at bell services.

If you decide to rent from a non-approved vendor then you will have to make arrangements to meet them directly so you can pick up whatever equipment you have rented, because CM’s will not be allowed to store these items for you.

The approved vendors are:

Kingdom Strollers

Magic Strollers

Orlando Stroller Rentals

As with many rules there are some exceptions, formula, baby Food, diapers etc. will still be able to be dropped off, no matter the vendor.

So what it boils down to is you can only rent baby equipment/furniture from the above Disney approved companies, unless you can meet them somewhere. If you are getting baby food, diapers or any non furniture baby need, than you can continue to get that from any company you like.

Chip’s Tips: We recommend Kingdom Strollers! Chip and many of the writers use their service.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Channel and Disney XD Open Call Audition

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2013

disney channel logo

Have your kids always dreamed of being a Disney Star? Well Disney Casting is holding a nationwide search for Actors Ages 10-17 for Upcoming Series and Movies Produced for Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Many have auditioned at Disney’s open call in Texas, Disney Channel and Disney XD announce another opportunity for kids and teens to attend an open call audition on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 and SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 in Wilmington, N.C. The search for new talent ages 10-17 is part of Disney Channel’s and Disney XD’s ongoing search to find and develop diverse young actors for series and movies.

Judy Taylor, senior vice president, Casting and Talent Relations, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “We received an incredible response to our recent open call audition and want to give even more kids and tweens the opportunity to be seen by a professional casting director with this second open call. We look forward to seeing even more young talented actors eager to demonstrate their ability and helping make their dreams come true.”

The open casting call auditions will be held on Saturday, September 21 for last names beginning with A-M and Sunday, September 22 for last names beginning with N-Z from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on both days at the Wilmington North Carolina Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington, N.C. 28401. In addition to street parking, attendees can park at the convention center for a fee.

An application and monologue will be provided upon arrival, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are no guarantees of employment and there will never be any fee to audition for Disney Channel or Disney XD.

Good Luck!!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

United Way Gets a “Loan” from Disney Cast Members

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 31, 2013

Disney World Resort Cast Members help make magic for guests everyday. However this fall, two Cast Members are taking their “extra magical” talents to the Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), where they will help out the nonprofit during its annual fundraising campaign.

Ian Craig, a manager for group sales and Beth Terray, a human resources manager, join a team of executives, that are on loan and were recruited by HFUW from many local companies. After receiving intensive training from the region’s most comprehensive health and human services organization, they will spend three months helping more than 450 local businesses implement their United Way workplace campaigns.

“The Loaned Executive Programs is a win-win opportunity,” said Robert Haight, senior vice president of development for HFUW. “Heart of Florida United Way and Central Florida gain when imaginative, dedicated and respected individuals share their talents with the community. They will also learn valuable new skills, strengthen relationships within the community and get a better understanding of their collective impact within our community.”

Disney has been doing this since 1992 and has loaned 83 Cast Members to serve at HFUW.

“I am very excited to be selected as one of two United Way loaned executives from Walt Disney World Resort,” said Craig. “This experience will be a wonderful opportunity to share my passion and commitment to the local community.”

In addition to loaning Cast Members to assist the agency, Walt Disney World supports HFUW by hosting and sponsoring Chef’s Gala, which serves as the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event. Cast Members also donate nearly $3 million annually to the organization, making Walt Disney World its largest corporate contributor.

Last year, they raised $17.5 million to support 50 partner agencies through 70 local programs across Central Florida.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

New Custom Toy Boxes free on Disney Infinity

By

Chip

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August 31, 2013

Disney Infinity fans can continue their adventures in the revolutionary Toy Box mode with five brand new custom Toy Boxes that are available now for download free of charge on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U. New Toy Boxes include one inspired by Aladdin where players can adventure through the Cave of Wonders and the Agrabah Castle.

Take a look at new screenshots from each Toy Box below.

Players can download the new Toy Boxes for free by selecting “Toy Box” from the Disney Infinity Main Menu and then select “Toy Box Share” and “Disney’s Toy Boxes.” Once there they will see a list of all the featured Toy Boxes and can choose one to download. They will be able to come back every week for new Toy Boxes. Players should also let us know what they want to see because Disney Infinity developers will soon begin creating content based on player suggestions.

Here are the five free Toy Boxes available now for download:

Cave of Wonders Race – Race through the Cave of Wonders and Aladdin’s Agrabah Castle. Compete against Cars characters or other players! (View video here)
Super Sidescroll – Trigger the side scrolling camera to start. Then jump and bash through a classic game level. (View video here)
ESPN Speedway – Rev those engines! Race friends around the stadium loop, brake for a pit stop and celebrate with a victory lap. (View video here)
Hot Lava – Rope bridges are the only thing between players and flowing lava in this treacherous Toy Box. (View video here)
Wrestling Arena – Want to become the Disney Infinity combat champ? Battle friends in two tricked out wrestling rings. (View video here)

As a refresher, Disney Infinity’s Toy Box is a combination of Disney-created and user-generated content, which is a wide-open space that gives players free range to create entire levels or worlds of their own. Players can upload their creation, onto Disney’s server and Disney will curate and release the best ones so all gamers can experience the magic.

Wrestling1 M

SuperSidescroller1 M

Speedway1 M1

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Young British Tourist Honored with an Award for saving little girls life

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2013

This an amazing and inspiring story. Fair warning this is a tear jerker so get out the tissues.

Little Ethan Temmen was on the vacation of a lifetime. He and his family were visiting Orlando. While he was on vacation he did something extra magical, he pulled a drowning 2 year old girl out of the pool after he noticed her floating face down in the hotel swimming pool in Lake Buena Vista, Orlando.

Pictured above is the the brave boy from north east London being given a Citation Award Medal by the Orange County Sheriff for his courage.

Ethan was swimming one night when he noticed the girl that he had been playing with earlier that day, floating face down in the swimming pool at the Wyndham Hotel.

The fast thinking 9 year old picked the baby girl up and swam her to the edge of the pool where the adults performed CPR.

Just incase that is not enough of an uplifting story for you, it gets even better, Ethan’s brother, Aaron was also quick to react as well. He ran to the hotel reception desk and asked them call 911 after he saw what happened.

The brave boys knew exactly what to do after practising water rescue routines at home, where they are both avid swimmers according to their mother.

Sheriff Jerry Demings said Ethan swam into three feet of water to retrieve the child and pulled her to the edge.
‘I got really scared and decided to help her’, Ethan said,after receiving his medal. ‘I’m just really amazed that she is still alive.’

The boys’ mother, Susan Thompson was full of pride at Ethan’s award ceremony, where Orange County Sheriff, Jerry Demings praised her son’s ‘selfless actions and quick thinking.’

Ms Thompson said: ‘I’m just so proud of both of them and I’m just so glad the little girl’s OK. In my eyes they’re heroes.

The family was rewarded by the hotel too with free passes to Disney World for the rest of their trip.
‘We want to send him back to England as a rock star,’ said Jay Leonard, the hotel’s general manager.

The little girl had been in the care of a relative who lost sight of her for a moment.

The little girl has made a full recovery since the accident.

How rare is it that a child pays that much attention to notice something like this happen. They are amazing children and their parents have every right to be proud. If we had more people like this, the world would be better place. I firmly believe this couple should have many more children!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Disney Quick Tips- Teach Your Children To Recognize Cast Members

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2013

Disney Vacations mean fun-filled days of rides, adventures and family time. Often crowds within the parks build as the day goes on and it can take just a moment to lose track of a family member. Taking precautions and teaching children how to recognize cast members can help in an event where a child cannot locate his or her family.

Familiarize your children with the name tags that cast members wear. Park cast members wear their name tag on the left side of their shirt or costume. Bus drivers display their name tag on the right side of their shirt so guests can read their name as they enter the bus. All cast members wear a name tag no matter what their role within the Disney Parks. The name tags are the same distinct oval shape and helps to identify cast members.

MagicBand technology once fully rolled out, will allow cast members to easily locate and reunite lost family members. If your child is wearing a MagicBand, they can show it to a cast member if they become lost for identification purposes.

For families not using MagicBands, consider purchasing ID tattoos or jewelry for your little ones. Some online companies offer temporary tattoos and ID jewelry that allows you to list your phone number and contact information. For older children, knowing their last name and a parent’s mobile phone number can also be helpful.

Talk to your children about what to do if they become separated from the family in a Disney park:

Stay calm.
Find the nearest cast member. They can be found in restaurants, stores, at the nearest ride, kiosks and walking around the parks.
Tell the cast member that they are lost, give their name and show the MagicBand or ID if they have one.

Cast members within the parks are trained in how to assist lost children. A cast member will walk your child to the nearest Baby Care Center and the staff will proceed to locate your family.

If your child becomes lost, notify a cast member who will alert security and direct you to the Baby Care Center.

Do you have a special technique to teach your children how to recognize Disney cast members? Please share your thoughts and ideas.

Ravenswood comes to life this October on ABC Family!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2013

RAVENSWOOD HOLDS MORE THAN JUST THE LIAR’S SECRETS IN THE ANNUAL HALLOWEEN EPISODE OF “PRETTY LITTLE LIARS” AND THE SERIES PREMIERE OF “RAVENSWOOD,” AIRING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22ND STARTING AT 8:00 PM ET ON ABC FAMILY

All Day Pretty Little Liars Marathon to Air 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The town of Ravenswood reveals itself to be more than meets the eye for many in the two hour “Pretty Little Liars” and “Ravenswood” special event airing on Tuesday, October 22nd during the network’s annual “13 Nights of Halloween’ programming event.

In the special Halloween episode of “Pretty Little Liars,” entitled “Grave New World,” airing Tuesday, October 22nd (8:00 – 9:00 PM ET), Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer crash the Ravenswood Founders Day Celebration after finding a clue in “A’s” new lair that Ali may indeed by alive. Dressed in their finest Edwardian wear, the ladies hit the creepy cemetery party to find Ali before “A” can. But if Ali is truly alive, could the PLLs be leading “A” straight to their friend without knowing it? With Ezra lurking in the shadows, “A” may be closer than the girls realize. Meanwhile, Caleb heads to Ravenswood to help the girls and meets kindred soul Miranda (Nicole Anderson) along the way.

The mysteries continue in the series premiere of “Ravenswood,” airing Tuesday, October 22nd (9:00 – 10:00 PM ET). After opting to stay in Ravenswood to help out new pal Miranda, Caleb begins to rethink his decision, especially after he meets Miranda’s cold and unwelcoming Uncle Raymond (Steven Cabral). Caleb also has some unpleasant interactions with local resident Luke (Brett Dier), who is struggling to deal with a recent family tragedy and its ensuing scandal, which has also swept up his twin sister Olivia (Merritt Patterson).

Unnerved by what they witnessed the night of the party, and besieged by strange and supernatural occurrences, Caleb and Miranda begin to investigate this bizarre town. Their first ally is Ravenswood teen Remy (Britne Oldford), who has a keen insight to the town’s peculiar history and has started connecting some troublesome dots. These five teens have no idea how connected their lives are the plans that Ravenswood has in store for them.

After the action packed finale of PLL what do you see happening in the halloween episode? We just learned that Ezra is quite possibly Uber A. Do you think his intentions are truly evil? Do you think Ali is still alive? We have to tune in to find out! Plus we finally get a look at Ravenswood which i am really excited about! Miranda already seems like my new favorite character. Why is October so far away! Something tells me we are in for a heck of a ride!

Stay tuned for more on Ravneswood and Pretty Little Liars!

-A

Exclusive Gift Set with Monsters University

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 30, 2013

If you have been thinking about pre-ordering Monsters University, this will give you a little more incentive to go ahead and place that order, if you have the Disney Infinity game. Order from Wal-Mart and you can get this awesome exclusive gift set. You will get the movie (Blu-Ray/DVD) and and a Monsters University figure for the Disney Infinity game. You will get either, Mike Wazowski or Randall ‘Randy’ Boggs figures.

Keep in mind you do need the Disney Infinity starter kit for your game console in order to use the figure.

I can’t wait to see this movie. I know I am the only Disney addict that has not seen it yet, but I already placed my pre-order. So I am waiting patiently (somewhat) till October 29th.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine