The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

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August 17, 2013

Here comes Santa Claus, right down Main Street, U.S.A.! The holidays at the Disneyland Resort in California will be bringing the merry once again, from November 12, 2013, through January 6, 2014.

There’s so much to look forward to during this special season that you don’t want to miss any of the following:

The all-new “World of Color – Winter Dreams”
Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, where you can meet Santa Claus and enjoy games, music and crafts
Buena Vista Street and Cars Land and “a bug’s land” decked out with holiday ornaments and décor
Wintertime nighttime funtime at Mad T Party
“Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party: Holiday Edition”
The return of Three Kings Day celebration

And of course, you will also want to see Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “it’s a small world” holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

So start making your holiday plans now, because the Happiest Place on Earth is about to get merrier.

Are you thinking about a Disneyland vacation? Contact Siera at [email protected] to plan your holiday vacation and make this holiday season more special than ever!

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

Disney World Gossip Roundup – Magic Bands, Rapid Refill, and Resort Fridges

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Anonymouse

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August 17, 2013

Hiya!! I have been a busy little bee lately, getting all the best gossip for you. I have quite a bit of gossip for you today, but who doesn’t love some good Disney World gossip right? Chippy might get jealous that I know more gossip than him so remember you didn’t hear it from me.

I know a lot of people have been looking forward to the Magicbands, well I have some great news for you. It seems as though Magicbands will be rolled out at the Port Orleans Riverside resort as of September 3. It is technically classified as a test but I was told there is no end date so the consensus is that this will be permanent. French quarter will roll out the Magicbands a few months after Riverside. A full roll out of the Magicbands will be available to every resort guest by the end of the year. I know I can’t wait for the Magicbands!!

For those of you concerned about using the band, you don’t have to wear the band if you choose not to. You can choose and RFID card instead. If you do pick the Magicband you will still be issued a Key to the World card as a back up.

On to the next hot button topic, the Rapid fill mugs. The machines are already installed in all resorts and will be in use by the end of this month. The mugs can be used at any resort quick service restaurant. The new mugs will not be able to be used again at any future resort stays, you will have to buy a new one.

The design on the mug is still the same but there are some new colors added: black, orange, green, pink, purple, yellow, and teal.

There will now be tiered pricing for the mugs. You can buy a mug for your length of stay. The mugs will still be included in the dining plan.

A little tip: On the mug pricing, a day is not a 24 hour period, it is a calendar day!

I have an update on the resort room fridges. They are installing new ones as we speak. I have heard that a few resorts are half way done. All medical requests are being filled. Of course Disney will accommodate you as best they can, isn’t that one reason why we love them? All the fridges are supposed to be replaced by the end of the year.

I am on a roll today! Not sure if you heard but the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade is ending in December. It will be replaced by the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will now run at regular park hours during Christmas time, and they say that the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade will be ending the week before Christmas.

The new Festival of Fantasy parade will not begin until March of next year, so there will be a few months where there will be no afternoon parade.

Whew that was a lot!!!! I need a nap.

First look at Disneynature’s Bears

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2013

In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure “Bears” showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. Set against a beautiful Alaskan backdrop. Their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting—but risky—as the cubs’ playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat of avalanches. As the season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to find food—ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run—while staying safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf pack.

Check out the trailer

Some Fun facts:

“Bears” is the fifth theatrical release for Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years. The label was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to capture a variety of wildlife subjects and stories.

The first four releases under the Disneynature label—“Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee”—are among the top five highest grossing feature-length nature films of all time.

Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960.

This movie looks adorable. Bears are so cute, from a distance!!

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Reimagining the Disney Magic: After Hours

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2013

You’ve read about all the new changes coming to the Disney Magic, we have a behind the scenes look at the new nighttime entertainment district coming for adults.

Check out this video from Walt Disney to show you all the new things that you can expect.

Have you sailed on the Disney Magic before the refurbishment? What do you think of the new night life onboard?
Do you take advantage of the night life while sailing ?

Are you ready to try out the new night life on The Disney Magic? I can help you set sail on a “Magical” Disney Cruise. At DIF we offer personalized travel planning and lots of extras. 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 !

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2013

Can you believe that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park next month? This year’s parties, which celebrate Halloween with a special parade, fireworks, and trick-or-treating, will also offer a rare character greeting opportunity, new Halloween entertainment, and more.

This year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will mark the debut appearance of Jack Skellington and Sally (from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) at Magic Kingdom Park. Look for these two in the Town Square area of Main Street, U.S.A.

Phineas and Ferb will also take charge of the Creepa Crew this year. This group gets you warmed up for fun on Main Street, U.S.A., while you wait for the parade’s arrival.

Over in Tomorrowland, “Monsters, Inc.,” scarers Mike and Sulley will host their own Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball dance party on the Rockettower Plaza Stage. You better show up ready to scream your lungs out!

Trick-or-treating will also be enhanced this year. In addition to trick-or-treat stations, there will also be two treat trails – pathways that you trick-or-treat through that offer multiple candy stops along the way. There may be one or two surprise treat locations to stop at as well.

Two returning party favorites are the Boo-to-You Halloween parade, which features the Headless Horseman, Disney characters in Halloween regalia and the ghostly inhabitants of The Haunted Mansion. Another is the Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular, which illuminates the park in glittering color and light.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place from 7 p.m. – midnight on September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 29; October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29 and 31; and November 1. Prices vary based on event night. Discounted tickets are available for pre-sale for select nights.

Contact Siera at Destinations in Florida to book your fall vacation where you can plan to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Plus, you can take advantage of free dining or a room discount for most dates.

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

Disney is the Top Choice for Internships

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2013

There was a recent national survey of nearly 18,000 college students ranked The Walt Disney Company as the number one employer for undergraduates with degrees in liberal arts, humanities or education. Disney ranked second in the business and engineering category.

The survey was conducted by Universum, a global research and advisory firm. Of the students surveyed from more than 300 universities nationwide, nearly a quarter chose Disney as their dream company.

For students, being one step closer to a dream job often begins with a professional internship. Paid professional internships gives students a hands-on, real-world work experience that helps prepare them for next steps in their careers.

One of those interns is Kimberly Berry, a recent graduate of Texas Tech University, who knew she wanted to work at Walt Disney World Resort since her first visit in 2003. Now, as a professional intern in costume design, she is realizing one of her dreams.

“I have always admired Disney’s ability to create exceptional experiences for guests through storytelling and creativity,” said Berry. “As an intern, I’m so excited to be a part of creating the magic.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Store Celebrates Grand Opening in Las Vegas

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2013

Saturday, August 17, Disney Store will celebrate the grand opening of its brand new store at Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. The new Disney Store location has many Disney Aspects, including a Disney Princess castle, magical trees, Disney-Pixar CARS neighborhood and the Disney Store Theater. As guests enter the store and look above, they will see a custom skyline with Disney and Nevada landmarks.

In celebration of the new store opening, one lucky child from the local Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) chapter will “unlock imagination” and officially open the Disney Store location at Fashion Show Mall at 10 a.m. on August 17.

The first 500 guests to attend the grand opening celebration will receive a free gift and, from noon to 4 p.m., a meet and greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will take place in the shopping center’s Great Hall with an opportunity for guests to take photos with the characters.

Disney Store will donate 10 percent of grand opening day’s sales to the local Boys and Girls Clubs of America chapter.

This store sounds like a mini theme park. Sounds Awesome right?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Great Discounts Available at the Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2013

It’s a great time to plan a magical vacation for the Walt Disney Resort in Florida. There are great discounts available at the Walt Disney World Resort throughout the rest of 2013. You can choose from free dining or a room discount.

When you purchase a non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, you will receive a free dining plan during your stay. You will receive a free quick service dining plan when you stay at a value resort and a free Disney Dining Plan when you stay at a moderate, deluxe, or deluxe villa resort. You can also pay only the difference to upgrade your dining plan. You must book this special offer by September 15, 2013 in order to take advantage of this discount. The free dining offer available is during the following dates:

September 29 to October 2, 2013
October 18 to November 2, 2013
November 11 to November 23, 2013
December 12 to December 22, 2013

If those dates don’t work for you, then instead, you can save up to 30% on stays at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, valid for stays on most nights. With a variety of dates available, you can save on your stays from now until December.

Book by September 15, 2013 for stays September 29 through November 9, 2013
Book by November 3, 2013 for stays November 10 through November 22, 2013 and November 30 through December 23, 2013

Would you like to start planning your Disney World vacation and take advantage of one of these great offers? Contact Siera at Destinations in Florida at [email protected] to request your free, no obligation quote!

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

Disney Wins Lawsuit

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2013

The WaltDisney Company Logo

I must admit that I never heard of this lawsuit.

A federal judge has thrown out a huge $1 billion environmental lawsuit against Walt Disney that accused the studio of dumping cancer-causing toxins at its Burbank studio.

Not only did the judge throw out the lawsuit that accused Disney of dumping poison through “secret pipe” into the L.A. River for years, sanctions have also been imposed on the groups that filed the lawsuit. They also must pay Disney’s legal fees.

The U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee called the suit “legally baseless” and noted that even if realtor RBC Four Co. had sufficiently made their case about alleged false statements made by Disney to federal officials, it did not necessarily show the company was harmed by those purported statements.

This lawsuit is the latest in a series against Disney in the last six years involving the same plaintiffs.

In the judges ruling, the judge said that 12 similar cases had been filed in connection with Disney’s groundwater pollution, and that since several others had been dismissed, this one should never have been filed.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Fun Facts

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2013

epcot food and wine festival logo

You can sip new wines, beers and cocktails, taste flavors from around the globe, and eat to the beat of live entertainment at the 18^th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from September 27-November 11, 2013.

This 46-day festival at Epcot serves up authentic cuisine from six continents; wine, beer and inventive new cocktails; nightly Eat to the Beat! concerts with entertainment ranging from rock and soul to funk and blues; cultural exhibits of more than 25 international regions; and regularly scheduled performances by acrobats, musicians, dancers and comedy troupes. Exotic marketplaces from Scotland to Brazil offer exciting treats. The festival is believed to be the largest food and wine event of its kind in the world, beginning at the Festival Welcome Center in Future World and fanning around the promenade encircling World Showcase Lagoon.

Here are some facts about the 18th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival:

More than 300 national and international wines
A record 46 days long, the festival began in 1996 with a first run of 30 days
More than 220 food-and-beverage menu items, each tapas-sized portion or drink priced $3-$8
100-plus celebrity chefs and 160 Walt Disney World chefs
More than 300 wine and beer seminars take place during the 46-day festival
More than 1,200 fireworks exploding each night over World Showcase Lagoon in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”
138 Eat to the Beat! concerts performed; 6 bands appearing for the first time at this year’s festival
The festival’s Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog is refilled three times during the course of the 46-day event, using a total of 910,000 cranberries or more than 3,000 pounds of the sweet-tart fruit
1.5 million sumptuous samplings throughout the festival
300,000 wine servings — if laid end-to-end the number of wine glasses used would reach from Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista to the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral, Fla.
360,000 beer servings, enough to fill the aquariums 5 times over at Rainforest Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
100,000 dessert servings including the dessert trio of Cherry Pistachio Mousse, Orange Cupcake and Hazelnut Cheesecake. More than 500 pounds of watermelon is expected to be tasted at the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery parties
More than 80,000 servings dished up of the most popular savory item at the 2012 international marketplaces: the “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce from Canada

Are you planning to attend the 18th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival?

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

Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Member Offer

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2013

Make sure to check your mail if you are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club, invitations have been mailed to Platinum, Gold and select Silver Disney Cruise Line® Castaway Club Members with an offer to receive a $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). Your Clients can use their credit for a variety of onboard activities and experiences, including spa treatments, shopping, adults-only dining and more!

Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members will automatically receive the $100 onboard credit when booking an applicable sail date or reference the booking code SAIL.
Silver Castaway Club Members must have sailed on four Disney Cruise Line sailings in order to be eligible for this offer. To book this offer for eligible Silver Castaway Club Members, please contact Disney Cruise Line Reservations and reference the booking code VIP. Please verify your Client has sailed on at least four Disney Cruise Line sailings prior to booking this offer.

Additional Details:

The number of staterooms for this offer is limited.
Offer excludes IGT, OGT and VGT Categories with Restrictions.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Mention booking code SAIL for Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members.
Mention booking code VIP for Silver Castaway Club Members who have sailed on Disney Cruise Line four times.
Onboard credit is per stateroom booked, nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Are a Castaway Club member, did you receive your invitation? Even if you didn’t I can help book your Disney Cruise Line 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 !

Disney Magical Express Crashes Near Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 16, 2013

Disney World has confirmed that a Disney Magical Express bus has crashed with a car near Epcot.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported a crash with injuries on Disney around 4 p.m. today.

Epcot Center Drive is completely blocked.

It not yet known how many people were injured or the extent of the injuries.

Disney’s Magical Express is a Mears-owned and operated bus service. I must admit I thought Disney owned the Magical Express. Stay tuned we will update you as soon as we know more details.

UPDATE (4:45pm): One person is dead. FHP said the victim died at Celebration Hospital. Our thoughts, prayers and pixie dust goes out to their family.

UPDATE: (5:00 PM) Reedy Creek fire officials said two people on the bus, including a child, were transported as a non-emergency precaution.

UPDATE: (5:15 pm) Victim who died in the crash was in the car.

UPDATE: (5:25 pm) A woman on the bus took to Twitter to say that her children were traumatized by the crash.

She did not want to be identified, but said they were just arriving at Disney World when the crash happened. She said Mears told passengers they were waiting for clearance from FHP to move them off the bus.

UPDATE: (5:40 pm) FHP said the victim was in her 60s.

UPDATE: (5:46 pm) The Florida Highway Patrol says the bus hit the car.

UPDATE: (6:01 pm) It is believed the car had mechanical issues that caused it to slow down.

Photo Credit: cfnews13.com

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine