Cinderella’s Wishing Well Coins Make Wishes Come True for Florida Children

By

-

July 6, 2013

For years, Cinderella’s Wishing Well at the Magic Kingdom park at the Walt Disney World Resort has been the “launching pad” for millions of wishes. It recently became the place where one of those wishes came true.

Walt Disney World Resort donated $15,000 to the Foundation for Foster Children after gathering up the coins tossed by hopeful guests. This non-profit organization helps make wishes come true for children living with foster families such as attending summer camps, art classes, social activities, tutoring and even receiving cakes for special occasions.

“One of our goals is to increase public awareness and support for more than 1,400 foster children who live in Central Florida,” said Betsey Bell, executive director of the Foundation for Foster Children. “This donation enables us to give these kids new opportunities and experiences that will help them succeed and become contributing members of our community.”

There is a plaque in front of Cinderella’s Wishing Well to remind guests that their wishes will help the dreams of other children come true.

“Each coin is a symbol of hope and dreams,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations at Walt Disney World Resort. “This donation will help foster families make wishes come true for children living under their care.”

Walt Disney World has donated the money from the wishing wells, fountains and water-based attractions to children’s charities for more than 30 years. This year, Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members voted for the Foundation for Foster Children to receive the donation.

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 is an agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner, and can help you. Plus, can receive up to a $50 in-room credit! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Top 5 Table Service Meals at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 6, 2013

If you are planning your dining reservations for your upcoming Disney trip chances are you are going to want to include a restaurant or two in Epcot. Epcot is home to arguably the best table service meal choices in any theme park.

This list was exceedingly hard to make, but here are my top five pics for table service meals at Epcot. I have not ranked these in any particular order as they are all great options!

1. Via Napoli in the Italy pavilion is always a winner. You really cannot go wrong with pizza and this is the best pizza on property! The pizza is made in a wood fired oven and it is sure to please both kids and adults. I am a big fan of the Margherita pizza!

2. Garden Grill is located in the Land Pavilion. This is a family style meal that includes not only great food (especially the bread and butter) but also Mickey, Chip, Dale, and Pluto. This restaurant also rotates. That means it spins very slowly as you eat so you get new scenery throughout your meal.

3. Rose and Crown Pub located in the UK pavilion is a great choice for families or couples. The fish and chips is delicious and the view of the world showcase lagoon is to die for. If you can get an outside seat during illuminations I promise it will be one of the most memorable meals of your vacation!

4. Akershus is another great character dining option…but this time the characters are of the royal variety. In my opinion this is princess dining at it’s very best…dare I say better than Cinderellas Royal Table. Great food, great character interactions, and you also have a great chance of getting a reservation here, unlike other princess meals!

5. Le Cellier located in the Canada pavilion is a great option for some steak and cheddar cheese soup. This restaurant is considered a signature restaurant which means it will cost two credits on the dining plan, but it remains one of the hardest reservations to get at Disney World. Make sure if you want to eat here you make your reservations at the 180 day mark.

What is your favorite restaurant at Epcot?

Disney Infinity Summer Road Trip

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 6, 2013

Disney and Pixar characters are going on a summer road trip! Disney Infinity is embarking on a multi-city “Summer of Endless Fun” tour. The road trip, which is free to the public, kicks off on Sunday, July 7 at 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Downtown Disney in Anaheim, Calif. Players will get an exclusive sneak peek at the game before it hits store shelves on Aug. 18.

Be on the lookout for the Disney Infinity tour bus as it makes its way across the country to visit Chicago, San Diego, Boston, Detroit and Richmond, ending with a weekend of launch activities in New York City on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18. In each city, fans will get the chance to play Disney Infinity.

Each stop will feature game demos, surprise guests, photo opportunities, giveaways, contests, entertainment provided by Radio Disney and more. Here is the ‘Endless’ list of stops:

DISNEY INFINITY “SUMMER OF ENDLESS FUN” SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS

July 7: Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif.

July 13-14: Taste of Chicago in Chicago, Ill.

July 18-20: Gaslamp Quarter during San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego, Calif.

July 19-21: Revere Beach National Festival in Boston, Mass.

July 26-28: Coast Guard Festival in Detroit, Mich.

August 10-11: Prince William County Fair in Richmond, Va.

August 17: Nintendo World Store in New York City, N.Y.

August 18: Times Square in New York City, N.Y.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Taking your Tween to Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 5, 2013

So, you are going to Disney with a TWEEN…

You may be asking yourself, “is he/she too old?”, “will they complain and be bored?”, “is it really safe to let them ride alone?” “Am I CRAZY?”

Welcome to vacationing with a tween. The bad news is – yes, they are going to complain. It’s in the DNA of a tween to whine. BUT the good news is this – it will last for no longer than a few seconds because they are NOT too old for Disney! Will you sit happily on a bench eating a Dole Whip while they ride Big Thunder Mountain for the 6th time in a row? Thankfully, YES! (Wondering what a Dole Whip is? Wonder no more!)

Disney with a tween is so wonderful and fun. You are able to ditch the strollers, skip a nap, stay up late, and race each other to the next ride. It is fun unlike any other vacation with a tween. They drop the ‘tude, smile, and may even hold your hand by mistake. They race towards Pooh without a backwards glance and ask you to take a photo with their phone so that they can post it on Instagram for their friends to see. It’s a brave new world, but it lets you squeak that last little bit of kid out of them – and it’s worth it.

So, having said all of that…where to begin? I am your proverbial guinea pig, as I am a mom of TWO tweens. No need to reinvent the wheel, just take notes, sit back, and act like YOU planned the coolest vacation ever.

Flip your family. I know this sounds very unconventional, but read on. When we go to Disney, we flip our body clocks upside down. We stay up VERY late – I mean 2 am late and take advantage of the Evening Extra Magic Hours. Then, we sleep in until 11 the next day and take our time getting to the parks without a crowded bus, rope-dropping Nazis, or screaming little ones. Here are some more thoughts on Extra Magic Hours.

Why on Earth would you want to stay at a park that late (Magic Kingdom does stay open that late in the summer, by the way)?

1. No crowds. Really, you walk onto almost everything.

2. No toddlers…do you think they can stay up past 10 pm?

3. No toddlers = no strollers.

4. Your tween with think you are a rock star. Staying up until 2 am? Coolest parents ever allow that.

5. The promise of sleeping in. You may have noticed that your tween likes to sleep in. A lot. Vacation = relaxation. Embrace the sleep!

So, consider it. Nighttime is magical at Disney, it’s a totally different vibe when you are there past midnight. So, tie a sweatshirt around your waist…leave your backpack at the resort, grab your iphone, and hit the parks. It’s cool to have a tween – they may even forget to roll their eyes at you. Hey, a mom can dream, right?

Are you ready for free spending money? Book your Disney World package with Cameron and receive a free credit on your Key to the World card up to $50. Cameron Fisher is a Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

You can contact her at: [email protected]

Happy 25th Birthday to the Maelstrom

By

Chip

-

July 5, 2013

Today is a special milestone for one my favorite Epcot attraction: Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion turns 25!

The attraction is a journey into Norwegian culture, history and legend that whisks guests through enchanted swamps, eerie fjords and swirling seas. When it first opened in 1988, the attraction became the first (and still is the only) attraction at Epcot to feature a flume drop – of 28 feet, to be precise.

In honor of today’s milestone, here are five fun facts about the attraction.

The ride vehicle is a 10th-century warrior’s longship with a dragon head bow.
During the journey, guests pass through a scene that features ancient wall carvings called “petroglyphs.”
One scene features a yellow-eyed “Nokken” or river troll.
The attraction’s polar bear rears up to measure more than 10 feet tall.
The attraction’s film, “Norway – The Film,” was shot with the same camera that filmed “Lawrence of Arabia.”

The Cost of the Disney Dining Plan Has Increased

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 5, 2013

Well, the last update that we were waiting for in order to price out 2014 vacations has finally been announced. Here’s the bad news (as expected), the cost of the Disney Dining Plans has increased. The prices for all of Disney’s dining plans have increased for any Disney World vacation package bookings made on or after June 17, 2013.

Although Disney has not released exact totals yet, they have announced what the costs of the Disney dining plans will be no more than.

Disney’s Quick Service Dining Plan- less than $41 per adult and less than $17 per child
Disney’s Dining Plan- less than $60 per adult and less than $20 per child
Disney’s Deluxe Dining Plan- less than $106 per adult and less than $31 per child

Remember, adult prices are charged for anyone 10 years of age and older. Children’s prices are applicable to children between the ages of three and nine while children under three years of age are free!

Do you purchase one of the Disney dining plans for your vacations?

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 is an agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner, and can help you. Plus, can receive up to a $50 in-room credit! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 5, 2013

On the Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour you can take this guided tour behind the scenes and learn about how key events in Walt Disney’s life inspired Magic Kingdom and some of his beloved attractions in it.

Follow in Walt’s Footsteps

On this walking tour, discover some of the secrets behind the magic.

Your knowledgeable guide will share many little-known facts about Walt as well as the design and operation of several classic attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. You’ll also get to enter Magic Kingdom park before it opens to the general public and enjoy first-rate photo ops along Main Street, USA.

Learn about attractions spawned from Walt’s participation in the 1964 World’s Fair.

This insider’s look at the history of Magic Kingdom park is perfect for the avid Disney fan and offers a lighter alternative to the more in-depth Keys to the Kingdom tour.

Discover the Man Behind the Magic

Fond memories of Marceline, Missouri, where Walt’s family moved when he was 4, led him to create Main Street, U.S.A. The small railroad town was also the beginning of his lifelong fascination with trains.

Though the Disneys would live there only 4 years, this idyllic boyhood backdrop was never forgotten, and by the time Walt had his own family, it fueled his vision of Disneyland as a place to spend quality time with his daughters.

Know Before You Go

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

This tour is more suited for adults, though Guests as young as 12 years of age may attend.
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult (18 years of age or older).
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there will be periods of walking and standing.
Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
Please check in at the Chamber of Commerce adjacent to City Hall, just inside the Magic Kingdom park 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.
Adults $30.00

Have you ever “walked in Walt’s footsteps” ? What did you think? I would love to learn more about the attractions that meant so much to him.

Let me book your your chance to “walk in Walt’s footsteps” 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 !

http://www.chipandco.com/disneys-magic-steam-trains-tour-130932/

http://www.chipandco.com/magic-kingdom-extras-disneys-family-magic-tour-126671/

http://www.chipandco.com/magic-kingdom-extras-disneys-keys-kingdom-tour-126683/

Disney Cruise Line Ranked Number One Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line for Families

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 4, 2013

Disney Cruise Line has been honored once again. Disney Cruise Line was recently recognized as the number one Mega-Ship Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards for Families 2013. This marks the fifth consecutive year it has been ranked in the top spot. The winners were selected by Travel + Leisure readers who completed a survey and then rated cruise ships on how well they cater to families.

“We are honored that the readers of Travel + Leisure have recognized Disney Cruise Line as the ‘World’s Best’ for families,” explained Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “We are fortunate to be in the business of delivering memories that endure for a lifetime for families around the globe. Our focus on creativity, storytelling and innovation enables our cast and crew members to deliver a unique and memorable experience at sea.”

Disney Cruise Line has pioneered the family market in the cruise line industry. Disney Cruise Line provides a one-of-a-kind vacation experience where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Disney Cruise Line has four ships in their fleet, including the recently launched Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. You can now sail to more destinations with Disney than ever before, including Greece, Sicily, Spain and Grenada, plus Venice and San Juan departures for the first time beginning in 2014.

Disney Cruise Line has also demonstrated a commitment to reinvesting in their fleet as well as continuously making shipboard enhancements to enhance the guest experience. The renovations of the Disney Magic this fall is just another step forward in Disney’s commitment to offering the absolute best family vacations at sea.

Here are some highlights of new “magic” you will find aboard the Disney Magic:

A spectacular three deck lobby redesign
Reimagined children’s areas, including Super Hero icons of Marvel for the first time
The new water thrill rides AquaDunk, a three-story body slide that begins with a surprise launch, the Twist n’ Spout water slide and splashtacular children’s water play areas
New restaurants and new technology to surprise guests, such as “Drawn to Magic” at Animator’s Palate
An all-new line up of nighttime fun for adults at the entertainment district After Hours
The enhanced Senses Spa & Salon

Did you know that Disney Cruise Line has received more than 100 distinguished awards and recognitions in the travel industry since first they first set sail in 1998. These awards have included every aspect of the operation from dining and entertainment, to youth activities and spa facilities.

Are you thinking about your next Disney Cruise Line vacation? Contact Siera for more information!

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 is an agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner, and can help you. Plus, can receive up to a $50 in-room credit! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Hyperion will be no More

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 4, 2013

The publishing industry got a little smaller Friday when Hachette announced plans to buy Hyperion, the adult imprint owned by the Walt Disney Co. Disney, under Disney Publishing Worldwide, will retain its children’s books.

With Hyperion’s absorption into Hachette, the middle ground of publishing is shrinking. Agents will have one fewer publisher to pitch their clients to. Randy Pausch and Mitch Albom were among the writers who found a home at Hyperion.

Hyperion was founded in 1991 by Bob Miller. What was initially a generally independent publishing arm had in recent years become increasingly tied to Disney/ABC projects. The publishing titles directly tied to the company’s television properties, such as the mysteries by the character in “Castle,” will remain with Disney as well.

Hachette will get are more than 1,000 titles that have been published by Hyperion over the years.

The announcement also noted, “HBG will take on Hyperion’s extensive backlist, rich in the areas of inspiration, pop culture, cooking, humor, business, sports, history, self-help, fiction, and more, books that continue to sell year after year in a variety of formats and editions.

Some Hyperion employees are expected to join HBG in such areas as editorial and publicity,” Publishers Weekly reported. “Other Hyperion employees will be given the opportunity to interview for other positions at Disney.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times July 1, 2013

Latest Edition to Beautifully Disney Line – Unlock the Spell

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 4, 2013

There is exciting news for Disney fans and makeup fans alike! Wickedly Beautiful was the first collection to debut with Disney’s new makeup line Beautifully Disney, and now the second collection, Unlock the Spell, recently made it’s debut on both coasts! This line has been met with much anticipation.

Disney is hoping this new collection inspires the inner beauty in everyone to come forth. It allows you to experiment with your favorite colors while helping you feel a little closer to the wonderful stories that each pigment and product represents. Unlock the Spell includes three nail polishes, three lip glosses, a mini nail polish set and an eye shadow palette, which unleash the alluring soft colors of three spell bound princesses: Belle, Rapunzel and Tiana.

The character inspired collection is the first of its kind for Disney Parks. It has the actual Disney touch because it’s produced by Disney itself, unlike other collections similar to the ones Saphora and Urban Decay are offering. This line has been developed to evoke the spirit, beauty, and fantasy of all things Disney. The Unlock the Spell collection creates modern interpretations of Tiana, Belle and Rapunzel.

For a limited time, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a Beautifully Disney 5 Piece Brush Set for $15.00 plus tax with any Beautifully Disney cosmetic merchandise purchase of $40.00 or more.

Are you unable to pick up this brush set during this special promotion? No worries, you can still look for it at its normal retail value of $19.95. Are you excited about this new line and do you think you will be giving it a try?

Bill Nye the Science Guy App Review!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 4, 2013

As I mentioned the other day, I am geeking out over the new Bill Nye the Science Guy app! I was really excited to see more from this childhood favorite and the app didn’t let me down! Like most things in life, this app reminds me of Disney World. Perhaps it’s the fact that Bill Nye’s narration reminds me of Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur? Maybe the games (sound effects, graphics, etc.) remind me of games and exhibits in EPCOT’s Innoventions? Maybe the fact that it’s just plain good fun at my fingertips? Whatever the reason, this app has reignited (as if that was necessary) my homesickness for Disney. I got a fever and the only cure is MORE Disney!

So, what all does this app offer? Let’s take a look at the logistics!

Price: FREE! There are other apps and videos for purchase within the app, but for the most part, the features of the app are excellent!

Features: Users are granted special fingerprint recognition into Nye Labs. Users are encouraged peruse Bill Nye’s desk of amazingness (I made that up…Disney can cut me a check) and plunder the scientific wonders of space, archaeology, and optical illusions to name a few! There are plenty of science related games, D.I.Y experiments, factoids, and video clips from the man himself, Bill Nye. Open Bill’s desk drawer and learn to tie Bill’s signature bow tie, buy episodes from the app store, or check out Bill’s business card (complete with what else, the period table of science. As a bonus, you can click on the elements to learn more about them!).

User Experience: I really enjoyed the overall look and feel of this app, I found it to be very user friendly. I think it would be appropriate for kids and adults (younger children will probably need some help from an older child or adult). I plan on using this with my kindergarten kiddos next year!

I hope you’ll try out this awesome app! I really enjoyed catching up with the quirky antics of that zany Bill Nye. Now, I’ve got to go brush up on the sun dials AND plan my next Disney vacation!

Thanks for reading and commenting!

See ya real soon!

Ashley

New “Mickey Mouse” Cartoon Shorts Video App & Website

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 3, 2013

Disney Interactive Launches New Mickey Video App & Website to Watch New “Mickey Mouse” Cartoon Shorts.

Mickey has come a long way since his ‘Steamboat Willie” days. Now he’s starring in an all new short-form series of 19 comedy cartoons, titled “Mickey Mouse” which are now streaming live on both Disney.com’s new Mickey & Friends website and Disney’s new Mickey Video app, available for iOS devices on the App Store .

After each short premieres on the Disney Channel, it will also stream on the new Mickey & Friends website, which is the digital home of Mickey Mouse. After it’s debut, the shorts will also be immediately available in the new Mickey Video app.

The first four episodes, including “Croissant de Triomphe” set in Paris and “No Service” set in Santa Monica are live now. If you would like to watch the upcoming “Mickey Mouse” shorts, and who wouldn’t? Here is what you need to do:

Download the Mickey Video app for FREE from the App Store: http://bit.ly/MickeyVideoApp
Visit the official Mickey & Friends portal on Disney.com at: Mickey.Disney.com

You can also get a behind the scenes look at the making of “Mickey Mouse” with Disney Insider’s “Making a New Generation of Mickey Mouse Cartoons,” which dives into the inspiration behind the cartoons.

I will be downloading this app. If you have small children this is a good idea to keep them occupied while you are on the go. Does it get any better than Mickey Mouse and free?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine