Mickey’s Attic Helps Central Florida Organizations

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August 1, 2013

Princess wands and sports equipment put smiles on the faces of children and families around Central Florida after Walt Disney World Resort recently donated more than $1 million in goods to local non-profit organizations.

The items are part of a novel program called Mickey’s Attic that gives charitable organizations an opportunity to browse through an online catalogue to select surplus Disney products. After they select the items, the organizations can collect the donated goods with help from Disney VoluntEARS from a local storage location.

Mickey’s Attic is one of the ways that Walt Disney World Resort works with community programs that are focused on building better futures for local children and creating a stronger community. Last year, Walt Disney World Resort donated more than $30 million in cash and in-kind support to local nonprofit organizations.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Interactive Announces Disney Infinity Power Discs

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 1, 2013

20 Power Discs Available on August 18 in Blind Packs of Two.

Disney Interactive announced its first wave of the Disney Infinity Power Discs. What are they you may ask? Well they are additional play pieces that give you the opportunity to enhance their experience. By placing a Power Disc on the Disney Infinity base, it allows players to unlock special powers, classic Disney gadgets, themes and vehicles.

The Circular Power Discs grant characters special power ups that can be used in both Play Set and Toy Box modes. Hexagonal Power Discs unlock special gadgets, vehicles and themes to allow for even more personalization and customization opportunities within Toy Box mode. Players can stack up to two Circular Power Discs or up to three Hexagonal Power Discs to optimize all the add-ons. There will also be three rare discs, designated with a special lenticular design.

The power discs will be available in blind packs of two for $4.99, making these collectable and tradable discs, a must have to enhance your Disney Infinity experience.

Check out the trailer:

Looks pretty awesome!!!!

Below is the full list of the Power Discs:

Circular Discs

Bolt’s Super Strength – Character that you’re playing with does 10% more damage

Fix It Felix’s Repair Power – Character you’re playing with has 20% more health

C.H.R.O.M.E’s Armor Shield – In-game character receives -10% less damage

Pieces of Eight – In-game character gains 10% more loot

Hexagonal Discs

Mickey’s Car – Drive Mickey’s Jalopy in the Toy Box

Cinderella’s Coach – Drive Cinderella’s Carriage in the Toy Box

Kahn– Ride Kahn the Horse from “Mulan” in the Toy Box

Stitch’s Blaster – In-game character gets Stitch’s blaster from “Lilo and Stitch”

Carl Fredericksen’s Cane – In-game character gets Carl’s cane from “Up”

Sugar Rush

King Candy’s Dessert Toppings Texture Set– Adds a “Sugar Rush” theme from “Wreck-it-Ralph” to Toy Box terrain objects

Sugar Rush Sky Skydome – Adds a “Sugar Rush” theme from “Wreck-it-Ralph” to the Toy Box sky

Alice in Wonderland

Alice’s Wonderland Texture Set – Adds an “Alice in Wonderland” (animated film) theme to Toy Box terrain objects

Tulgey Wood Skydome – Adds an “Alice in Wonderland” (animated film) theme to Toy Box sky

Finding Nemo

Marlin’s Reef Texture Set– Adds a “Finding Nemo” theme to the Toy Box terrain objects

Nemo’s Seascape Skydome – Adds a “Finding Nemo” theme to the Toy Box sky

Tangled Lantern

Rapunzel’s Kingdom Texture Set – Adds a “Tangled” theme to Toy Box terrain objects

Rapunzel’s Birthday Sky Skydome – Adds a “Tangled” theme to the Toy Box sky

Rare Hexagonal Discs

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Adds the Dumbo ride from the Parks in the Toy Box

Abu the Elephant – Adds the elephant version of Abu in the Toy Box

Astro Blasters Space Cruiser – Adds the Astro Blaster vehicle from the Buzz Lightyear attraction in the Toy Box

I love video games. This sounds like a new addiction for many of the Disney Addicts out there. What do you think?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Fall Free Dining & Room Only Offers

By

Chip

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August 1, 2013

Just as we predicted a few days ago. Disney Fall Free Dining and Room Only offers has gone live! Here are the details.

Here are Disney’s Free Dining official 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

Excluded
•Campsites
•3-Bedroom Villas
•Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
•Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
•Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
•The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

You must book by Sept 15th!

For full details click here.

Room only Discount

Fall brings enchanting experiences to Walt Disney World Resort—and you can get closer to the excitement with this special offer for fall travel!

Save up to 30% on stays at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights:

September 29 through November 9, 2013—book by September 15, 2013
November 10 through November 22, 2013* and November 30 through December 23, 2013—book by November 3, 2013

Resort Category	Savings
– Collapsed Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels	30%
– Collapsed Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels	30%
– Collapsed Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels	20%
– Collapsed Select Disney Value Resort Hotels	15%

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply.* In addition to the dates above, this offer is also valid for stays November 23 to
November 25, 2013 at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts.** Offer valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites for stays the following nights: September 29 to October 5, 2013, October 20 to November 2, 2013, November 10 to November 22, 2013 and December 15 to December 23, 2013.

For full restrictions and details for room only offer click here.

To book use the Request a Quote box on the right side of the page or click the Book button here.

Save 20% Off Disneyland Prices

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 31, 2013

Are you ready to save up to 20%* off Disneyland prices at the Disneyland resort hotels on most stay Sunday through Thursday nights from Aug. 25-Sept. 28, 2013.

From the stately elegance of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, to the renovated Disneyland® Hotel and contemporary updates at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel, the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are so much more than a place to stay. Plus, at 20% off Disneyland prices, it is the perfect time to travel. You can enjoy a distinctive selection of shopping, dining experiences, themed pool areas and legendary Disney service.

Discount Disneyland Prices Info

Booking Window:

Booking window: July 30-Sept. 5, 2013.
Travel window: Aug. 25-Sept. 28, 2013. Travel must be completed by Sept. 29, 2013 (one-night minimum stay).

Upgrades:

Upgrade to a 2-night or longer package – including Theme Park tickets – and enjoy a variety of magical extras that will make their stay more memorable than ever!

*Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel on most Sunday through Thursday nights between Aug. 25, 2013 and Sept. 28, 2013 when booked from now through Sept. 5, 2013. Travel must be completed by Sept. 29, 2013. Offer is not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Advance reservations required. Check for offers on different lengths of stay. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the parks.

Are you ready to save up to 20% off Disneyland prices? Contact the Destinations in Florida team to book your Disneyland, California trip. Our agents specialize in all Disney Destinations, including Disneyland. Call us at 877-918-8941 and be sure you mention Chip & Co for additional gift card incentives. You can also request a quote on the right!

Top 10 Best Things About Disney in the ’80s

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 31, 2013

Despite the embarrassing fashions and massive hair, the 80s were a fun decade and made a big mark in pop culture! This got me thinking… While Disney is as magical today as ever, many of us Mouse Ear sporting fans were first to introduced to Disney in the 80s and it truly was a great time to be a Disney fan. How? Read on to find out what I think are the top 10 best things about Disney in the ’80s!

10. Old Attractions-Back in the 80s, some of Disney’s extinct attractions were still in their heyday, such as the beloved 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mission to Mars, and Plaza Swan Boats. Tomorrowland? It looked nothing like the retro-futuristic land that we know today! Also, in 1980, we also had a our last chance to enjoy the Mickey Mouse Revue, an adorable show featuring a myriad of Disney Characters and their songs. Today we have Mickey’s Philharmagic, which is like the next generation of the Mickey Mouse Revue and pretty awesome in its own right; but we still have to shed a tear for those Magic Kingdom attractions which we won’t see again except in our old, dusty photo albums. But on a brighter note, in 1985, we were able to see Tinker Bell descend from Cinderella Castle for the first time; and even the 80s are quite a few years behind us, seeing Tinker Bell fly over the park at night still amazes us even today.

9. New Movies-The 80s held for us both a mix of both live action and animated movies to enjoy, including the Flight of the Navigator, Tron, The Brave Little Toaster, and Fox and the Hound! While they often are overshadowed by more of Disney’s early and more recent releases, these films are classics in their own right and few of my faves!

8. New Management-In 1984, Michael Eisner became the CEO of the Disney Company, thus beginning what is now known as the “Eisner Era.” During these years, new life was breathed into the parks and the Disney Renaissance, which would be a rebirth of Disney animated classics in the 90s, began. Eisner would also pursue other entertainment avenues for Disney and open up a future for the Disney Company which had seemed lifeless and lackluster since Walt’s death years before. But back in the early 80s, all of this was just beginning!

7. Debut of the Mickey Ice Cream Bar-In 1985, Disney guests were treated, literally, to Mickey shaped ice cream treats. Yum! Today known as the Mickey Premium Bar, this favorite park snack which began in the 80s sure makes our park visits all the sweeter!

6. Disney Channel-In 1983, Disney fans were able to enjoy Disney magic at home with the debut of Disney Channel! It made those of us who didn’t have cable feel even more out of the loop at school, but what we wouldn’t give to go back in time to those old, original shows instead of watching what’s on today…

5. Classic Disney Cartoons-Don’t you miss the cartoon era? I sure do! I also miss Disney’s version of cartoons, such as Ducktales and the Gummi Bears! Now this was quality television, people!

4. Disney and Star Wars Partnership-Several years after the release of Return of the Jedi, you get the news that the galaxy far, far way is being made into an attraction at the newest Disney park, MGM Studios! You know that nothing was cooler at the time than seeing Mickey dressed in a rainbow space suit rubbing elbows with R2-D2 and C3PO on the front page of the newspaper; and when you got to ride Star Tours (which as now been refurbished and in 3-D) for yourself, it quickly became your new favorite ride!

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad-In 1980, Disney got a brand new attraction, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! This was great news if you were a thrill-seeker as, at the time, Space Mountain was the only other stomach-dropping ride to be found at the park.

2. The Grand Floridian-In 1988, Disney’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian, opened its doors and transported guests back to the Victorian era to pamper them in luxury within sight of Cinderella Castle! Back in the 80s, your jaw was sure to hit the floor when you walked inside the immaculate, cavernous lobby of this resort. Come to think of it, it probably still does even now!

1. Opening of EPCOT-In 1982, Disney opened, EPCOT, the first Disney park separate from the Magic Kingdom. Disney was unable to execute Walt’s original vision for EPCOT, but they took some of the core ideas and themes of his concept, along with a World’s Fair concept, to create the park we came to know. This theme park was a breed all of its own and endured some criticism in its early years; but the EPCOT of 1982 is very different from the EPCOT we know now. Back in the 80s, you wouldn’t find Mickey merchandise or princess dresses like you find now, and you could still enjoy some original EPCOT park attractions, such as the original Journey into the Imagination and Horizons! You also would’ve been rocking your big hair and neon windbreaker as you took in Captain EO for the first time around!

Were you a Disney fan in the 80s? What do you miss the most from this decade?

Is Disney’s Club 33 Closing?

By

Anonymouse

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July 31, 2013

Aloha fellow gossip fans. It is “I” Anonymouse your friendly neighborhood gossip columnist. Well I got a heads up on some gossip floating around that was heard straight from a CM and of course eventually made it’s way to little old me.

A family was lucky enough to be able to visit Club 33. While they were waiting a CM informed them that Club 33 will be closing for a refurbishment. There no dates known yet as to when this will be happening. Apparently it was supposed to have started earlier this year, so I guess that means it could be anytime now.

If you have pleasure of going make sure you take lots of pictures, and send me some food. Club 33 has not been refurbished since its opening, so I guess it’s about time. With that being said they are still taking reservations. Confused? Don’t worry you are not the only one!

I hear Club 33 is amazing so not sure how they could improve perfection. Disney always find a way to make things even more magical than you could ever imagine.

I would imagine there would be a lot of ticked off members if Club 33 had to shut down for a few months, considering the membership fees are CRAZY!

Of course the second I know anything you will be the first to know!

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.

New Fastpass+ at Be Our Guest

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 31, 2013

We all know that coveted Be Our Guest restaurant is extremely hard to get into for dinner, long lines have even been reported for lunch. Well Walt Disney World has done it again.

Introducing a FastPass to a table, that’s right a table. They have started testing a new FastPass for lunch which gives you the option of choosing FastPass+ Direct to table or FastPass+ Expedited Arrival.

FastPass + Direct To Table allows you to choose the menu for the entire party, one at a time or as a group and it will be delivered right to your table. FastPass + Expedited Arrival allows you to go straight to your table.

You have three time windows to choose from, 10:55 – 11:10 am, 1:30 – 1:45 pm, and 2:00 – 2:15 pm.

Since it’s still in Beta testing it’s not working for all reservation, right now it seems to be room only. I was able to reserve a FastPass + Expedited Arrival for my trip in September, so we will see how it goes.

What do you think about this? Taking FastPass + too far or a great idea? Were you able to get a reservation?

Disney developing Artemis Fowl the movie!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 31, 2013

THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS DEVELOPING
BEST-SELLING BOOK “ARTEMIS FOWL” WITH PRODUCER HARVEY WEINSTEIN

The Walt Disney Studios is pleased to announce that it is in development on the film adaptation of Artemis Fowl with producer Harvey Weinstein. The live-action feature will be based on the first and second installments in Disney Publishing Worldwide’s best-selling children’s fiction series by author Eoin Colfer. The screenplay is being written by Michael Goldenberg. Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal will executive produce the project.

“Harvey is one of the preeminent producers in the industry, with impeccable taste and creative instincts,” added Alan Horn, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “I had a wonderful time working with Harvey during my tenure at Warner Bros., and I’m very happy to continue that relationship here at Disney.”

“If you would have told me five years ago I would be producing a project with Disney I would have thought you were crazy,” said Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company. “I feel as though everything is coming full circle considering Bob DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal brought me this book while I was still at Miramax and within hours I told them I wanted the rights to the film. I am thrilled to be reunited with Alan Horn who I worked with while he was at Warner Bros. and we had tremendous success with The Aviator, Starsky and Hutch and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It is also exciting to partner with friends Alan Bergman, Sean Bailey and of course Bob Iger who has been incredibly generous to me over the years. This is a special project for me because my children absolutely love this book. This story is for everyone and there is no one better than Disney to make a film that will excite people of every age.

Artemis Fowl is about a 12-year-old Artemis who is a millionaire, a genius – and above all, a criminal mastermind. But Artemis doesn’t know what he’s taken on when he kidnaps a fairy to harness her magic to save his family. These aren’t the fairies of the bedtime stories – they’re scary and dangerous.

The Artemis Fowl book series currently has more than 21 million copies in print in 44 languages worldwide!

Disney Donates to Central Florida Red Cross

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 31, 2013

The American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region has received a $100,000 donation from Disney World Resort to support the organization’s disaster relief services. The contribution will be used to help the Red Cross respond immediately to the needs of kids and families in Central Florida impacted by local disasters.

“We are thankful to Disney for its support of the American Red Cross,” said Karen Hagan, president and CEO of the Red Cross, Mid-Florida chapter. “This generous donation allows the American Red Cross to continue its lifesaving work preparing for and responding to emergencies in Central Florida.”

In addition to financial contributions, Disney has supported the American Red Cross through the commitment of Disney VoluntEARS. So far this year, nearly 100 Walt Disney World Cast Members have successfully completed the “Ready when the Time Comes” training, which prepares volunteers to provide basic shelter set up and food services assistance to victims of disasters.

Last month, Disney also donated $250,000 to support Red Cross relief efforts in response to the Oklahoma tornados and severe storms that affected several states in the Midwest.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

John Williams Returning to Score ‘Star Wars Episode VII-IX’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 30, 2013

One of the main ingredients to the entire ‘Star Wars’ saga’s success, in my opinion, has been the sweeping and epic scores that each film has been provided by composer John Williams. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that any movie that has Williams involvement is bumped up a notch, because the music he crafts for the films is second to none. Few men have given us nearly as many iconic themes for films, including ‘Star Wars’, the Indiana Jones series, ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Superman’, ‘Jaws’, and the theme music that would accompany the entire ‘Harry Potter’ series. There are few men in the business like him, and the question on whether or not he would be returning for the new ‘Star Wars’ trilogy was always a big question on every fan’s mind. Well, question no more, because this weekend at the ‘Star Wars’ celebration in Germany, Kathleen Kennedy, the new head of Lucasfilm, announce that John Williams would in fact be returning to score the entirety of the new trilogy. Hit the jump for more, including a video of Williams talking about the new trilogy and his return.

This is huge and exciting news for the series. While the worst kept secret in Hollywood continues to be the return of the original trilogy’s stars, as no official confirmation has been made at this point, it’s great to see someone from the saga returning, even if isn’t an actor. This just goes to show that the company wants to make sure the series stays with its roots, while moving forward in a new direction, and I’m so excited to see that Williams is returning to the Galaxy far, far away. But I’m not the only one who’s excited about his return, check out this video, released by Lucasfilm, where Williams discusses coming back to the series.

Listening to him talk about the returning makes me so giddy and excited about what’s to come, and you can tell he couldn’t be more about being asked. My anticipation for ‘Star Wars Episode VII’, and the rest of the new trilogy, continues to grow more with each announcement, and I can’t wait to see what this new series has in store for us. ‘Star Wars Episode VII’ is directed by J.J. Abrams, and is rumored to be starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, as they reprise their roles as Luke, Han, and Leia, respectively. With no firm release date set, many are assuming a Memorial Day Weekend, 2015 release, to coincide with the saga’s history. Are you excited about John Williams returning to score the new ‘Star Wars’ trilogy? Leave your thoughts below, only here at Chip and Company!

Disney’s Magical Express Tests New Pickup Spot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 30, 2013

Disney’s Magical Express is testing pickup service from Downtown Disney for next month.

Guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort can choose to be picked up from Downtown Disney rather than the resort. Eligible Guests must have a domestic flight that departs from Orlando International Airport between 3pm and midnight or an international flight between 4pm and 1am on the day of check-out.

The pickup location at Downtown Disney in the parking lot near Raglan Road. There are signs and cast members in the area will be on hand to assist guests.

I think this a bit odd. How do you feel about it?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Do I Really Need To Make ADRs?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 30, 2013

There are many great table service restaurants to choose from at Walt Disney World. For many of them, guests will have the option to make Advanced Dining Reservations, ADRs. All Disney guests can make ADRs 180 days prior to the day they will be dining at the restaurant of their choice. Guests staying on Disney property are able to make ADRs 180 prior to their check-in date plus 10 days, so essentially 190 days ahead of time. Planning your dining experiences 6 months out may seem like excessive planning, but it is really necessary?

While there is a very small chance you may walk up to a table service restaurant on your vacation and actually get a table, this more than likely will not be the case at many table service restaurants. Without an ADR, you risk very long wait times and the possibility of being turned away from your favorite dining experience. Many of the popular restaurants, including Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana for dinner, and Be Our Guest, are often completely booked with ADRs. Even at 180 days out, it is often very hard to book an ADR at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom. If you want to experience table service dining during your Walt Disney World vacation, I highly recommend making those ADRs as soon as possible.

Scheduling your ADRs is easy and adds to the excitement of planning your vacation! Once you have decided which restaurants your family wants to experience, you can make your reservations online, through the My Disney Experience app, or by calling Disney at (407)WDW-DINE. If you’re not sure when you can begin making ADRs for your trip, just give Disney a call and they will be happy to let you know.

For guests staying on Disney property, it’s important to use those extra 10 days to your advantage. If you want to book an ADR at a popular restaurant, such as Be Our Guest, try to schedule your meal for the end of your vacation to optimize your chances of getting that ADR. This means if you call Disney 180 days prior to your check-in date and are staying 10 days, you could book Be Our Guest for the last day of your vacation which is currently 190 days out. Guests staying off property are only able to schedule ADRs 180 days ahead of time. So, there will be less competition for your ADR if you book it towards the end of your vacation.

If you have trouble getting an ADR for a certain day, don’t give up – you may still be able to dine at that particular restaurant. Try scheduling an ADR for an unusual time such as a lunch at 3 o’clock. Most people will want to eat lunch earlier, so you shouldn’t as much competition when dining at an unusual time. If that does not work for you, keep checking back with Disney. Sometime guests will cancel their ADR, leaving an opening available for you.

Which table service restaurant do you hope to schedule an ADR for on your next Walt Disney World vacation?