What’s New and Next at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

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August 23, 2013

Animal Kingdom visitors with dietary restrictions will now have an have a very easy way to learn about meal options available to them in the park.

Thanks to the new Gardens kiosk, it is open daily on Discovery Island from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Guests can stop and chat with cast members about food allergies or intolerances.

Gardens also has some yummy, but healthy snacks for purchase including hummus with vegetables, granola bars, popcorn, desserts, chips, a gluten-free beer and vegan sweets from Baby Cakes.

You can visit Disneyworld.com to review special dietary requests, or send an email with your specific needs to [email protected] 14 days before your visit.

In addition the new kiosk there is also something called Conservation Days at Animal Kingdom, have you heard of it?

Coming this fall, guests can participate in activities themed to special critters and learn how Disney cares for them and supports their conservation in the wild through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

The special days are:

September 5: International Vulture Awareness Day

September 26: Elephant Day

October 31: Bat Day

November 12: Rhino Day

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Limited Time Magic Continues this fall at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2013

Get Ready for some more Limited Time Magic coming in September and October at Walt Disney World.

Disney dream makers are coming up with more surprises:

Unleash the Villains: Mark Friday the 13th with extra hours and special meet and greets. On Sept. 13, 2013 Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will stay open until the 13th Hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Capt. Hook, Hades and other Disney villains host a dance party, plus “Villainy in the Sky” fireworks and other nighttime mischief.

Pirate Week: Celebrate scalawags all week long as the adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bicoastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland Resort and Disney World Resort become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets, and more. Popular Disney Junior favorites Jake and the Never Land Pirates will join the festivities at Disney World Resort.

Chalk Art Festival: The streets of Downtown Disney on both coasts transform into a giant canvas during a Chalk Art Festival. Guests enjoy Disney characters and scenes from classic Disney films portrayed in epic 3-D chalk art, for a limited time only.

Keep an eye on limitedtimemagic.com for updates

Club Penguin is Making Waves with Teen Beach Movie Summer Jam

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2013

Teen Beach Movie Club Penguin Summer jam

Disney’s Club Penguin is the #1 virtual world for kids is keeping the summer fun going with a summer jam inspired by “Teen Beach Movie”. “Teen Beach Movie” is the #2 movie in cable TV history, and the #2 cable TV telecast of all time, behind only “High School Musical 2.” To keep the party rolling, Club Penguin Island will transform into “Teen Beach Movie” from August 22 to September 3.

While they hit the waves and the open road, members can dress up like their favorite characters. Penguins will be able to chill out by the campfire, play with friends at the beach and rock out with the penguins inspired by Brady and McKenzie while they rock the stage at the popular beach hangout Big Momma’s.

Some fun features during the takeover Event on Club Penguin:

Everyone can chill out with friends at Big Momma’s, make a splash at the Water Park, shoot the curl in Epic Wave and members can become easy riders on the Highway.

In tiki shacks hidden around the Island, all players can find and collect seven different beach items like a ukulele, campfire marshmallow, and flower lei to complete their groovy beach attire.

Members can get their igloos summer-ready with items like a pool, a diving board, jukebox and a lifeguard chair.

Members can receive an exclusive summer igloo by playing in the My Penguin app.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

2014 Disney World Vacation Packages

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 23, 2013

disney 2014 logo 1 012513

Are you dreaming of a Disney World vacation in 2014, but wondering where to start? Which 2014 Disney World vacation package is right for your family? There is a 2014 Disney World vacation package to suite every family’s needs! Whether you want to eat quickly on the go or take time to sit down, relax and savor the fine cuisine Disney World has to offer they have the perfect vacation package for you!

The foundation of a 2014 Disney World vacation package is the Magic Your Way package which includes your room accommodations at a select Disney World resort and tickets to the theme parks. These tickets could be base tickets or park hopper tickets and you can add the Water Park, Fun and More option to your 2014 Disney World vacation package. You can build on to the basic 2014 Disney World vacation package as follows:

Magic Your Way Plus Quick Service Dining Plan: This 2014 Disney World vacation package includes your room accommodations at a Disney World resort, tickets to the Disney t heme parks as well as the quick service dining plan. The quick service dining plan includes 2 quick-service meals and one snack per person, per night, as well as a resort refillable mug per person.
Magic Your Way Package Plus Disney Dinging Plan: This 2014 Disney World vacation package includes your room accommodations at a Disney World resort, tickets to the Disney theme parks, as well as the Disney Dining plan. The Disney Dining Plan includes one quick service meal, one table service meal and one snack per person, per night, as well as a resort refillable mug per person. Meals include an entree, dessert and soft drink.
Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe Dining Plan: This 2014 Disney World vacation package includes your room accommodations at the Disney World resort of your choice, Disney World theme park tickets as well as the Deluxe Dining plan. The Deluxe Dining plan includes 3 meals and 2 snacks per person, per night, plus a resort, refillable mug per person. Meals can be either quick-service or table service meals and include an appetizer, entree, dessert and soft drink.
Magic Your Way Package Plus Premium Package: This 2014 Disney World vacation package includes your room accommodations at a Disney resort of your choice, Disney World theme park tickets and the Deluxe Dining Plan. In addition, this 2014 Disney World vacation package includes recreation facilities and equipment use, unlimited use of the child care centers, a Richard Petty Jr. ride along experience, one LaNouba ticket per person on the reservation and theme park tours.
Magic Your Way Package Plus Platinum Package: This 2014 Disney World vacation package is the ultimate in luxury! Not only does it include your choice of accommodations at a Disney World resort, theme park tickets and the Deluxe Dining Plan, but it includes so many mind boggling extras including unlimited recreation use, unlimited select tours, unlimited use of the Children’s Activity Centers and in-room childcare, one LaNouba ticket per person, per reservation, a spa treatment per person over 12 and a dazzling fireworks cruise and so much more!

With so many 2014 Disney World vacation packages to choose from the only question is which Disney World vacation package is right for you and your family in 2014?

Need help deciding which 2014 Disney World vacation package is right for you? Let the experts at Destinations in Florida take the stress out of your vacation and find the perfect fit for your family! Contact Gretchen at 818-519-0777 or on my page here for help in finding the perfect vacation package, as well as all our other FREE magic as we make your vacation dreams a reality!

Vin Diesel to Play Groot in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2013

Vin Diesel has been teasing for a little while now that he’d be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in some fashion. There was a lot of speculation on who the actor might play, with most under the impression that he would be playing the Marvel character Vision. But now we know exactly who Diesel will be playing, and it actually makes quite a lot of sense. Diesel will be playing Groot, a tree like creature from space who is best friends with Rocket Raccoon, pictured above. Diesel is hard at work right now, promoting his newest film, ‘Riddick’, before heading out in the next month or two to star in ‘Fast and the Furious 7’, so playing a character like Groot actually makes a lot of sense because of his time constraints. Diesel will be doing motion capture for the character, as well as doing the voice work for him.

Groot is known for saying the line, “I am Groot!”, which many think is the extent of his dialogue. But the character is actually much deeper than that, and he has said more in his many years in the Marvel Universe. You don’t get someone like Vin Diesel to do just one line of dialogue over and over again. Marvel getting Diesel as the character proves to me they see this character as more than that, and they’re hoping he’ll be a scene stealer in the film, as well as a major player down the line. Vin Diesel joins the already spectacular cast of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Glenn Close, John C. Reilly, Benicio del Toro, Michael Rooker, Lee Pace, and Karen Gillen. That just leaves announcements for who is voicing Rocket Raccoon, and who will be playing the infamous villain, Thanos, to come. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, directed by James Gunn, is set to be released on August 1, 2014.

Reaction to the Marvel Studios Panel Footage – Comic-Con 2013 (chipandco.com)

Disneyland Refurbishment Calendar for August 2013 and Beyond

By

Chip

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August 22, 2013

Disneyland Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disneyland Website.

Disneyland Park

Now-Aug. 22, 2013: Matterhorn Bobsleds closed for maintenance.
Now-Aug. 29, 2013: Big Thunder Trail will be closed.
Now – Aug. 29, 2013: Mad Tea Party will be closed for refurbishment.
Now-Aug. 30, 2013: Disney’s Pin Trader will be closed.
Now-Oct. 30, 2013: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment.
Now-To Be Determined: Market House/Disneyana will be down until further notice. Re-opening to be announced.
Aug. 20, 2013: The Golden Horseshoe will be closed.
Aug. 26-29, 2013: Matterhorn Bobsleds will be closed for maintenance.
Aug. 26-Sept. 12, 2013: Haunted Mansion will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 3-4, 2013: Rafts to Tom Sawyer’s Island will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 3-5, 2013: Matterhorn Bobsleds will be closed for maintenance.
Sept. 3-12, 2013: Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 3-26, 2013: Mickey’s House will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 3-27, 2013: Downtown Disney Poppy Fountain will be closed.
Sept. 3-Oct. 10, 2013: King Arthur’s Carrousel will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 9-12, 2013: Mark Twain Riverboat will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 9-12, 2013: Space Mountain will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 9-27, 2013: Snow White Grotto will be closed.
Sept. 11-Nov. 20, 2013: Captain EO (Magic Eye Theater) will be closed.
Sept. 17-19, 2013: Sailing Ship Columbia will be closed for refurbishment.
Sept. 23-26, 2013: Jungle Cruise – Horticulture maintenance will be taking place inside the attraction.
Sept. 30, 2013: Jungle Cruise – Horticulture maintenance will be taking place inside the attraction.
Oct. 1-3, 2013: Jungle Cruise – Horticulture maintenance will be taking place inside the attraction.
Oct. 17, 2013-Jan.1, 2014: Starcade second floor will be closed.
Oct. 14-24, 2013: Casey Jr. Circus Trains will be closed due as Storybook Land is down.
Oct. 14-24, 2013: Mad Tea Party will be closed.
Oct. 14-24, 2013: Storybook Land Canal Boats will be closed.
Oct. 21-Nov. 14, 2013: Flik’s Flyers will be closed.
Oct. 21-Nov. 7, 2013: it’s a small world will be closed.
Oct. 21- Nov. 14, 2013: Tiki Juice Bar will be closed.
Oct. 28-Nov. 14, 2013: Dumbo The Flying Elephant will be closed.
Nov. 1-7, 2013: Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm will be closed.
Nov. 4, 2013: Space Mountain will be closed.

Disney California Adventure Park

Now-Jan. 1, 2014: Tower of Terror will operate at reduced capacity during routine maintenance.
Sept. 9-12, 2013: Muppet Vision 3D will be partially closed for maintenance.
Sept. 16-19, 2013: Toy Story Midway Mania! will be closed for maintenance.
Sept. 30-Nov. 12, 2013: Disney Animation will be partially closed for maintenance.

Hotels of Disneyland Resort

Please note due to a possible defect in refrigerators in some of the Guest rooms at the Disneyland Resort, Resort Hotels at these locations have removed or temporarily
disconnected Guest room refrigerators until the issue can be resolved.Guests staying at the affected Resort hotels will be notified of the refrigerator removal via a letter in their room.

Disney Quick Tip – Making Advanced Dining Reservations

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2013

So many dining options at Disney, so little time! When planning your Disney vacation, don’t forget about making advanced dining reservations for your favorite table service locations. Some table service locations book up more quickly than others and you can learn which locations those are by reading the following article – Hardest Restaurants to Get Advanced Reservations at WDW.

If you are vacationing at Disney World, you can make up to 10 days worth of dining reservations 180 days prior to your vacation start date. When you are staying at a Disney property, you get an extra 10 day bonus, meaning you can book dining 190 days out. You can book your reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online through Disney’s online booking system. The 180 +10 booking window can be a little glitchy when trying to book online, so you may have to call in if it does not work for you. The reservations department opens up at 7:00 am EST. Vacationing at Disneyland instead? Most dining reservations or priority seating can be made at 60 days out by calling 714-781-DINE.

When booking, make sure you have your list of desired table service reservations ready and your credit card handy. Some dining reservations require a full prepayment or a credit card guarantee.

What should you do if you can’t get your desired location? Keep on trying! Reservations change all the time and you never know when a slot may open up. With a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, you may just snag the reservation you were after all along.

Fountain View Ice Cream at Epcot is Serving Up Changes

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2013

Fountain View Ice Cream will be reopening in early September it will have a new look and new menu offerings for Epcot guests, featuring Starbucks products. Don’t worry the ever popular Disney treats will be still be served along with Starbucks treats like coffee, espresso and Frappuccino-blended beverages, and breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

I love Starbucks. I am so excited they will now be at some Disney parks. I have said on many occasions, while at the “World” that there should be a Starbucks. I know there are many strong opinions on this, so tell me is this a yay or nay for you?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Susnine

ABC To Layoff 2% of Workforce

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2013

For those of you who don’t know ABC television is owned by Walt Disney Co. Unfortunately yesterday they begun laying off about 175 people, or 2 percent of its workforce. They say it’s to adjust to changes in viewing habits.

The layoffs were prompted by a company-wide review of possible cutbacks to jobs Disney no longer needs, either because of improvements in technology or redundancies following a string of major acquisitions in the past few years.

The layoffs will happen across the Disney/ABC Television Group, which includes the ABC network and the Disney and ABC Family channels. Most of the cuts will happen in technical operations, and at eight ABC-owned stations in the U.S.A.

An ABC statement did not confirm the numbers of job cuts but said the unit had reviewed its businesses and decided to restructure.

This year, Disney in April cut 150 jobs at its movie studio, 150 the newly acquired Lucasfilm.

Disney reported $1.85 billion in net income for the quarter that ended in June.

Wishing you, Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Backstage Magic Tour at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2013

See first hand how thousands of dedicated Cast Members make magic happen every day at Walt Disney World Resort on the Backstage Magic Tour.

Do Four Disney Parks in One Day !

This 7-hour tour is a must for the avid Disney fan, giving you an insider’s look at all 4 theme parks and then some! Pull back the curtain and discover the heritage, secrets and daily operations of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot: Explore the inner workings of The American Adventure, the patriotic Audio-Animatronics extravaganza.
Magic Kingdom Park: Discover hidden details on Main Street, U.S.A., then navigate the legendary underground “Utilidor” tunnels and see how they enable the unseen transport of Cast Members, deliveries and more.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Learn how Disney Imagineers deliver hair-raising thrills on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, and visit Creative Costuming to see how Disney shows come to life.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park: Go behind the scenes of Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade and witness the talent and teamwork it takes to make this African-inspired spectacle a success each day.
Central Shops: Meet the skilled craftsmen who make dreams come true—from the smallest landscaping details to the biggest set pieces.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Enjoy a lip-smacking, family-style barbeque lunch at Whispering Canyon Café, included with your tour.
Walt Disney World Nursery & Tree Farm: Find out how our horticulture experts create the unparalleled botanical beauty of Walt Disney World Resort.

Each Guest also receives a special gift!

Know Before You Go

View important information including Guest restrictions, recommended attire and cancellation policies.

Locations visited on the Backstage Magic tour are subject to change. Bus transportation and bottled water will be provided.
For safety reasons, closed-toe, closed-heel shoes, such as sneakers, are required for this experience. No sandals, open-toe or open-heel shoes will be permitted.
No cameras, video equipment or cell phones may be used while backstage. Photography is allowed and encouraged in non-backstage areas.
Guests must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid photo ID.
Please check in near the silver-and-blue “EPCOT GUIDED TOURS MEETING LOCATION” sign to the far right of the Main Entrance 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel within 2 days of your reservation.
Price per person (adult) $229 – $249.

Let me book your your chance to experience a little “Backstage Magic” or any of the other tours and events we have talked about on your next vacation. At DIF we offer personalized travel planning, lots of extras and kids get the first Mickey Mouse Ice Cream on me. Call me at 832-233-4468 or check out my page, here and we can get started on making me your personal travel assistant for free !

Princess Fairytale Hall Opening This Fall in the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 22, 2013

Princess Fairytale Hall is set to open Fall 2013. Princess Fairytale Hall will be the new place for Disney princesses to meet their royal fans in the Magic Kingdom. The castle inspired entrance will feature stone walls and stained glass windows opening up into a large gallery, where portraits of the Disney princesses decorate the walls.

When it’s time for their royal audience, guests will proceed to one of four elegantly finished chambers to meet their favorite Disney princess. Each chamber accommodates up to two Disney princesses.

I don’t have younger children anymore but I must admit I will have to check this place out. It sounds beautiful!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades on DVD 10/1!!

By

Chip

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August 22, 2013

Blythe and her friends are back for 5 more exciting adventures on DVD!! On October 1st, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios will release Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades on DVD!! Share with your followers by using #LittlestPetShop Fans and collectors can pre-order now at ShoutFactory.com

Blythe and her best friends — Zoe the spaniel, Pepper the skunk, Sunil the mongoose, Russell the hedgehog, Penny the panda, Vinnie the gecko and Minka the monkey — are back for five more exciting adventures in the Littlest Pet Shop! On October 1, 2013, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades on DVD. This collection features encounters with legendary parrots, movie stars and Blythe’s sudden inability to understand the pets! All of these adventures and more happen in these petacular episodes of The Littlest Pet Shop!

Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades delivers captivating entertainment the whole family can enjoy and contains a brand new bonus sing-along. Featuring all-new original music by Daytime Emmy^® Award nominee Daniel Ingram and the vocal talent of Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain, Nicole Oliver and Peter New, Littlest Pet Shop currently airs on The Hub TV Network in the US. Fans can pre-order their copies of the collection now by visiting ShoutFactory.com

Episodes Include:

Blythe’s Crush
Dumb Dumbwaiter
Lights, Camera, Mongoose
What Did You Say?
Terriers & Tiaras

Bonus Features:

Sing-Along

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