Collecting Pressed Pennies at Disney World

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June 27, 2013

Kids LOVE to collect stuff. It doesn’t matter if it’s gross stuff or cool stuff…they collect it. How many times have you walked around the park near your house holding a disgusting seagull or pigeon feather just because your little one deemed it a “treasure”? Or how about old bottle caps? Pull tabs? Rocks? The list goes on and on. We all know that our kids love to horde (I mean, collect). How about some fun collecting – Disney style?

Disney really has this down to a science – the collecting thing. Last week we talked about pins, this week let’s get down and dirty with Pressed Pennies. Not just reserved for National Parks or Museums anymore, you can find them all over the place at Disney. It’s really a lot of fun to find all of the characters, take a break from the touring madness, and do some stuff off the beaten path. I knew nothing of this pressed penny thing until someone sent me “a secret map” of where all of the machines are at Disney. Isn’t that neat? You can also goto any guest relations and ask for a park map like the one Chip picked up below.

What are pressed penny machines, you ask? They are those really cool machines that you put two quarters into – along with your penny, select a character/design, turn the big crank, and the machine smooshes that penny into a flat, cool, souvenir with something new and fun printed on it…right in front of your kid’s eyes. Disney Magic in 30 seconds flat. And there are NO train tracks involved…do you remember hearing as a kid that you could put a penny on train tracks and it would get smashed flat? Let’s just stick to the machines…

Here is my favorite pressed penny secret: Before you leave for your trip, go to WalMart, Target, Walgreens, really anyplace that has candy. Find the tubes of mini M&M’s. These will EXACTLY fit a stack of quarters. Eat all of the M&Ms (or let your kids eat them on the trip), fill it with quarters and pennies. After they are smooshed pennies, they will slide right back into that cool container! They even come in different colors so that your kids know which one is theirs.

Happy Hunting! Remember, Disney isn’t just about Dumbo and Space Mountain. Disney is about reconnecting with your family and making special moments with your kids. Engage them, don’t just run from ride to ride and end in a puddle of tears. Take your time, and venture off the beaten path – you will be glad you did.

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]

Sofia the First Merchandise Line Launches at Retailers Nationwide

By

Chip

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June 27, 2013

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced the launch of “Sofia the First” products at retailers nationwide for the first time starting this month (previously only available at Disney Store locations). From key licensees such as Mattel, JAKKS Pacific, Jay Franco and others, the expanded product offering features an assortment of items inspired by cable TV’s #1 series among kids 2-5[1]. The line includes Sofia’s iconic dress and amulet necklace, home décor bedding and bath accessories, apparel, as well as an assortment of dolls, plush, a castle and more. The line was unveiled in New York at Disney’s annual holiday preview to the press and mom bloggers showcasing what is arriving at retailers this month and what is in store for the holidays.

“Since the debut of “Sofia the First” on Disney Junior last year, we have heard from parents whose children have asked for everything from a Sofia doll to her dress and the magical amulet. After a successful launch at Disney Store, we’re excited to give parents an even bigger selection of products to delight their preschoolers and extend the storytelling,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products. “As Sofia and her cast of characters continue to grow, we look forward to bringing fans more magical products to experience the series.”

(Pictures below)

Highlights from the new and enchanting product line include:

Sofia the First Talking Sofia and Animal Friends by Mattel (MSRP: $39.99): Wearing her special amulet from the King and signature princess gown, the talking Sofia doll can recognize and talk with three of her best animal friends: Clover the Rabbit, Robin the Robin and Mia the Bluebird.
Sofia the First Magical Talking Castle by Mattel (MSRP: $59.99): When girls place Sofia or Clover the Rabbit on the castle’s special base, they can “magically” hear phrases said in each character’s voice. Other dolls and figures from across the line unlock even more character phrases.
Sofia the First Transforming Dress (MSRP: $19.99) and Magical Amulet (MSRP: $14.99) by JAKKS Pacific: The Sofia the First Transforming Dress features two dresses in one and comes with a free collectible magic lesson card to use with the interactive talking magical amulet which features the voice of Sofia and teaches little girls valuable princess lessons about kindness, sharing, manners and more. The talking magical amulet comes with 12 collectible cards.
Sofia the First Talking Clover Feature Plush by JAKKS Pacific (MSRP: $19.99): Soft and cuddly Clover loves to chat with friends. Press his tummy and feed him his cookie to hear him say five different phrases from the show; he also comes with a free collectible magic lesson card to use with the talking magical amulet.
Sofia the First Bedding Collection by Jay Franco (MSRP: $23.99 – $59.99): Send your princess in training off to dreamland in this Sofia the First bedding set available exclusively at Toys R Us.
Sofia the First Tee Shirt by Freeze (MSRP: $12.00): Your child will be voted ”Best Princess in Class” while wearing this tee featuring Sofia the First and her friends Clover the Rabbit and Robin the Robin.

Disney Publishing will be introducing a Sofia the First Digital Magazine and Story Theater App this summer, as well as second storybook Sofia the First: The Floating Palace (the first storybook – Sofia the First – is currently on The New York Times Bestsellers list).

“Sofia the First” is set in the storybook world of Enchancia and tells the story of Princess Sofia, an adventurous little girl who is learning how to adjust to royal life after her mom marries the king and she becomes a princess overnight. In each episode, Sofia addresses girl-relevant themes and lessons, educating young girls on how to embody key qualities such as kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace. “Sofia the First” airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

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For the entire Sofia the First assortment, visit participating retailers nationwide and online.

Unleash the Villains on Friday the 13th at Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 27, 2013

Disney has had events throughout the year as part of the year-long promotion, Limited Time Magic, which celebrates those events that only happen for a limited time and are inspired by a little Disney magic. One of the upcoming Limited Time Magic events is a special party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Friday, September 13th, 2013 that will celebrate villains.

The event is titled “Unleash the Villains” and will celebrate Friday the 13th by keeping Disney’s Hollywood Studios open until the 13th hour, 1:00 am. This event will also host numerous Disney Villains at a dance party that will offer limited-edition merchandise and collectibles you can purchase.

Some of the characters who are expected to participate in the Unleash the Villains party include Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar, and more favorite Disney villains.

What do you think of Unleash the Villains? Would you like to attend?

Contact Siera to book your Disney World vacation and you can be part of Unleash the Villains this year!

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!

ESPN Films to Present a Sneak Preview Of The ’99ers at D23 Expo

By

Chip

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June 27, 2013

The world of women’s sports was kicked upside down on July 10, 1999. Before a sold-out crowd of more than 90,000 at the Rose Bowl and an estimated 40 million Americans watching on television, the women’s soccer team reached a cultural and athletic pinnacle with its penalty kick shootout victory over China to win the Women’s World Cup. As part of ESPN Films’ new Nine for IX series, The ’99ers explores the story behind this incredible team. Attendees of the D23 Expo 2013 can catch an exclusive screening of this film featuring a Q&A with the director Erin Leyden and the producer Julie Foudy. The screening/ Q&A will take place at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Stage 28 at the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, August 11 at 2:30 p.m. PT.

The ’99ers is told through the voice of Foudy, a longtime team captain, who gives viewers an inside look at the strong team ethic and rare “do for each other” mentality that propelled them to victory that day and turned the team into a cultural touchstone. With unprecedented access, the film uses candid, behind-the-scenes footage shot by the players themselves during the tournament to present a unique portrait of the women who irrevocably changed the face of women’s athletics. Reuniting key players from the 1999 squad and talking with current U.S. players as well, the film examines how women’s soccer – and women’s sports as a whole – has changed since that epic day at the Rose Bowl.

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

Sony and Disney Working to Stream Movies Still In Theaters

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 27, 2013

The Walt Disney Company and the Sony Corporation are currently working with a new service in South Korea to allow you to stream movies still in theaters. This technology allows you to watch movies on-demand from your home while the films still run in theaters. This is the first time any major U.S. studio has attempted to do this so Disney and Sony are trying to keep their efforts quiet to keep peace with movie theater chains.

Individuals in South Korea will have the option to purchase a ticket to see major releases in theaters or watch the movies at home through their cable, satellite or Internet provider. Sony and Disney are hoping this option will help reduce the piracy of their movies in Asia.

Movie theater chains have previously been wary of attempts by movie studios to increase home video viewing. When Disney tried to decrease the run time of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” from 17 weeks to 12 weeks, Odeon cinemas in Europe threatened to completely pull the movie. Therefore, Sony and Disney are testing this program in South Korea, which happens to be the eighth-largest movie market in the world.

Some independent films have been successful with simultaneously releasing in theaters and online. Since this is the first attempt of its kind, other studios and theater chains will surely be watching closely. If this service is successful at reducing piracy while still bringing in profit, it could send a frightening message to movie theater chains.

What do you think of this potential new service by Disney and Sony? Would you choose to watch new releases from home?

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!

Tinker Bell Run – Disneyland’s 1/2 Marathon

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 26, 2013

Unless you’ve been training so hard you haven’t had a chance to keep up with us here at ChipandCo, then you already know that we have teamed up with Destinations In Florida for an encouraging Race Team for the Princess Marathon at Walt Disney World. We don’t want all our West Coast fans to miss out either, so we’re bringing the love to a Disneyland run too. Who already has plans for the Tinker Bell Run?

Tinker Bell Run Highlights:

Sunday, January 19th, 2014 at 5:00 a.m.
Start/Finish Disneyland Resort
13.1 Mile course through Disneyland and City of Anaheim
Disney Characters and Entertainment along Race Course

Run Participants will receive:

Champion Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women’s or Men’s cut
Tinker Bell Finisher Medal*
Official Race Program Guide*
Tinker Bell Half Marathon Mesh Bag
One-Year Subscription to RedBook
iGiftBag
Personalized Bib (Must Register before November 1st, 2013 for it to be personalized)
On-Course and post-race refreshments
Chrono Track B-Tag Timed race with live runner tracking
Personalized Website Results

* Participants must attend Packet Pick-up at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend Expo to receive their race packet, bib, and tech shirt. Finisher medals will be distributed to finishers during the race. None of these items will be mailed to registrants that did not participate in the race.

Team of Two Participants will also receive:

Commemorative Team Bib (Same Rules as Individual Bib – Register by November 1st)
Commemorative Team Sash
Team Photo Area at Packet Pick-Up
Eligibility for Team Awards

As with any Disney Event, you can count on ChipandCo and Destinations In Florida to manage all the back end planning and tips, while you focus on the enjoyment and if need be training.

Stay tuned for further information as we work to bring you the best deals, tips and tricks for the Tinker Bell Marathon. To join our mailing list to be the first in the know please sign up here! Or Contact DisneyDaniel

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disneyland he can be found either wishing he was at Disneyland or planning his and other’s Disney Vacations. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the ChipandCo Page.

WDW Resort Rooms – Which Is Right For You?

By

Catie

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June 26, 2013

Picking a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel to stay at can be a difficult task – there are a lot of things to consider, like size, cost, amenities….so I’m about to break it down for you, give you the Resort Room basics that will hopefully make your decision easier:

Value Rooms: These are found at WDW’s Value Resorts and are the most basic rooms on property. Most come equipped with two double beds (a King can be requested, but is not guaranteed) and sleep up to 4 people. They all have TV’s, mini fridges, a table and 2 chairs, dressers, and a full bathroom with hair dryer and closet area. They are pretty small, and if you have a family of 4 or 4 adults sharing a room, it will be a tight squeeze for everyone. The upside to that is the cost – they are the cheapest rooms in WDW, and besides, you probably won’t spend much time there anyway, so size might not matter that much in the end. As for views, the only upgrade available here (for a slight increase in the nightly rate) is to a “preferred” room location, which usually just means it’s closer to the main pool or main lobby area

Moderate Rooms: Moving up to the slightly nicer Moderate Resorts means more of everything – space, theming, and options! Rooms with King beds can be reserved here for an extra cost (versus just requested and not guaranteed at the Values), and some of the Resorts even offer extra special rooms – like the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, themed after The Princess and The Frog with touches from other Disney classics, these rooms are perfect for that Princess lover in your group. Another special option is available at the Caribbean Beach Resort, where your little mateys will love the Pirate themed rooms with their Pirate ship-shaped beds. The Moderate Resorts also tend to be more adult-friendly in their theming, and the decor is much less…huge and loud than at the Value level Resorts. The downside? These nicer resorts will be more expensice than the basic Value Resorts, but I generally find that moving up to a Moderate doesn’t break the bank, and it’s worth the extra cost!

Deluxe Rooms: The largest and most luxurious rooms on WDW property can be found at the WDW Deluxe Resorts, not only are the rooms bigger, better decorated, and feature nicer beds and linens, but there are many more room types available at this level too – from your basic, to a room with a balcony, or a room with a garden, water, or even Castle view! Most standard rooms feature 2 queen beds, and King rooms are available as well, and suite options of varying size and bedrooms can be booked in the Deluxe resorts as well. Additionally, there are options for room service as well as concierge service at these Resorts. Of course, anything with “Deluxe” in the title won’t be cheap – these are the most expensive rooms on WDW property, but many people believe they are the only ones worth staying in, that the amenities and size, as well as the increased transportation and dining options available at these Resorts, make them the only choice for many families

Suites: I mentioned that there are suites offered at many of the Deluxe Resorts which are great for larger groups, but for those of us on a bit more of a tighter budget, Disney’s Family Suites at the Value Resorts are the perfect option. They are available at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort as well as the All-Star Music Resort, and they sleep up to 6 and feature a seperate bedroom and 2 bathrooms, as well as a kitchennette. This a great way for a family to get to stay on WDW property without having to cram into one small room with only one bathroom, and the kitchen area makes it easy to prepare meals which can help save money on dining costs too!

Villas: If you’re someone who really appreciates the comforts of home, then these might be just the ticket for you. Villas are available at the following Resorts: Saratoga Springs, BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, Wilderness Losge, Animal Kingdom, and Old Key West. They come in studio, 1 and 2 bedroom styles and feature full kitchens as well as washers and dryers in each villa. The bigger villas can sleep up to 9 people, which makes them perfect for two families to share (don’t worry, they come with multiple bathrooms too!). In addition to having the functionality of a full apartment, they also are all located at Deluxe Resorts, which means the ameneties and services of that Resort are all at your fingertips too when you stay in a Disney Villa
There are many many options when it comes to lodging at WDW – so I recommend you sit down and think about what you really need/want from your Resort room, and then use this information to help break down your options – because trust me, Disney definitely has a perfect room and Resort for everyone!

The Little Mermaid Adventure At Sea Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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June 26, 2013

Enter the Disney Movie Rewards The Little Mermaid Adventure at Sea Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-Night Bahamian Cruise aboard the Disney Dream for up to four guests. The grand prize will include round trip airfare (or reimbursement for ground transportation if the winner lives within 200 miles of Orlando), and ground transportation to Port Canaveral. The estimated retail value for this cruise is around $7400.

Other Prizes include:

First Place: $500 Disney Store Shopping Card

One winner will receive a $500 Disney Store shopping card which will be redeemable online at DisneyStore.com and at participating retail Disney Store locations.

Second Place: Little Mermaid Home Prize Pack

Twenty-Five second place winners will each receive the Little Mermaid Home Prize Pack, which includes a Transforming Fashion Doll from Mattel, 2 Pack Storage Cubes from Idea Nuova, and a Little Mermaid “Shimmer and Gleam” Hand Towel and Bath Towel from Jay Franco and a Little Mermaid Comforter and Sheet set from Franco Manufacturing. The estimated value is about $120.

Third Place: Little Mermaid Toy Prize Pack

Twenty-Five second place winners will each receive the Little Mermaid Toy Prize Pack valued around $100. The toy prize pack includes a Little Mermaid Acoustic Guitar from First Act, a Little Mermaid Star of the Sea MP3 Microphone from KidDesigns, an Under The Sea Surprise Ariel doll from TollyTots and Ariel’s Floating Fountain Playset from Mattel.

Second Place: Little Mermaid Back to School Prize Pack

Twenty-Five second place winners will each receive the Little Mermaid Home Prize Pack, which includes a 16 oz. Little Mermaid Tervis Tumbler, A Plate, Bowl and Pull Top Bottle from ZAK! Designs, A Little Mermaid Rolling Art Desk and a Little Mermaid Color N Style Fashion Purse Activity from Tara Toys, and an Ariel Backpack and Lunch Kit from Fast Forward The estimated value is a little over $95.

How to Enter

To enter the Little Mermaid Adventure at Sea Sweepstakes log into your Disney Movie Rewards account, or create a free account. If you are not familiar with the Disney Movie Rewards program, and you frequently buy Disney Movies & Disney CDs, or see Disney movies in the theater you need to check it out. By entering a code found in the Blu-ray/DVD or taking a photo of your movie tickets you will earn reward points which are redeemable for various merchandise.

Once you are logged in click on the Sweepstakes tab and look for the the sweepstakes banner featuring the Disney Dream. Disney Movie Rewards members will get one entry, but you will be able to redeem DMR points for up to 99 additional entries. Each additional entry will deduct 5 DMR points from your account.

The sweepstakes is open to Disney Movie Rewards members, 13 years or older and who are legal residents of the United State, Puerto Rico and Canada. The Little Mermaid Adventure At Sea Sweepstakes ends on January 31, 2014, with a winner selected around February 14, 2014. For more fine print, click over to the official rules.

Source/Source

Special Tables in Wonderland Event in July – Food & Wine Festival Sneak Peek

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 26, 2013

Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot – Saturday July 27, 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Price: $133.13, tax and gratuity included

Counting down the days to the Festival? Looking forward to international marketplaces featuring tasty tapas-sized dishes and refreshing beverages? Eager to try your hand at mixology? Ready for some Culinary Demonstrations? Excited to enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert?

With the 18th Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival just around the corner, we would like to invite Tables in Wonderland members only to a “sneak preview” of this year’s Festival! Join us as we sample the food and hear speakers talk about the new and exciting things we have in store for you this year! Learn what new marketplaces will be added, as well as new special events. Be one of the first to be “in the know” as we taste our way around the world!

Please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/SneakPreview for self-booking and instant confirmation.

The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 10:00am

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number (number beginning with a W and includes a date)
First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit Card

Personal Email Address

Food Allergies (if any)

The event is limited to 150 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. Park admission not required.

Menu:
The menu for this event is inspired by the International Marketplaces:

Buffet Reception:

Florida Local: Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with White Cheddar and Sweet & Hot Pickles

South Korea: Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce and Kimchi

Terra: The Vegan Vine Red Blend

Cheese: Once Upon a Vine’s The Fairest Chardonnay

Brazil: Carnaval Moscato White Sparkling

Craft Beers: Sierra Nevada, Torpedo® Extra IPA

Poland: Frozen Szarlotka (Frozen Polish Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Plated Dinner

Appetizer

Brazil: Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro

Brazil: Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery, Xingu Black Beer

Salad

Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Rewind – Florida Fresh: Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

Florida Local: Florida Orange Groves Hurricane Class 5, Florida White Sangria

Entree

Canada: “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce

Scotland: Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
With Baby Root Vegetables

Africa: The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier)

New Zealand: Mohua Sauvignon Blanc

Dessert Trio from Desserts & Champagne:

Chocolate Orange Cupcake

Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake

Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse

Desserts & Champagne: Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé
Soft Drinks, Water, Coffee, Tea

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, which you have not already told us about, please send an email to [email protected] to give us time to accommodate your needs.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney Confidential – Handy Manny Retires Sofia the First takes over

By

Anonymouse

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June 26, 2013

Here there guys and gals. Anonymouse here! I have some interesting Disney Character Gossip for today.

Reports are coming in that beginning July 19, Handy Manny will be retiring and Sofia the First will replace him for Meals, and Meet and Greets at Hollywood Studios.

I guess Manny is getting old and looking to retire to a community somewhere in the Orlando area 😉 Maybe he will work Part Time driving the Friendship boats like Chip plans on doing 😉

I wish had more info on this but that is all I have heard.

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.

Sephora Introduces Princess Ariel Makeup Collection

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 26, 2013

If your like me, and can’t get in at the Bibbid Bobbidi Boutique due to your age or other reasons – take heart! Ariel of The Little Mermaid has inspired Sephora to create a makeup line that can now be part of your world! Starting in July, the makeup store will roll out their third complete color collection, inspired by yet another one of our favorite Disney Princesses. What better princess for summer than everyone’s favorite mermaid?

Just like the previous Cinderella and Princess Jasmine collaborations, Ariel’s lineup will include fragrance, shadow palettes, nail polishes, lipglosses, and a compact mirror that would be an absolutely gorgeous fit among Ariel’s gadgets and gizmos. I mean…look at this stuff…isn’t it neat? Now you can make your collection complete. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) Another bonus for Disney fans? Sephora pulled actual colors used in the film to create the eye shadow palettes! Good to know we can now work Ursula’s purple in real life! You will find the Ariel collection in Sephora stores and sephora.com starting in July 2013.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 25, 2013

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Held in an open air theater at Luau Cove, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (SoA) offers the sights, sounds, and tastes of Polynesia. Billed as a classic Hawaiian luau, guests are treated to a feast of traditional island fare as well as authentic dancing from various regions of Polynesia. This is certainly a not-to-be missed show!

If you are using the Disney Dining Plan (DDP), the dinner show will require 2 TS credits per person for Categories 2 and 3 only. For guests not using the DDP, tickets range from $73.99 to $58.99 per person for adults and $39.99 to $29.99 for children ages 3 to 9 depending on the seating category purchased. Categories are based on seating areas in the theater. Category 1 seating is located on the main floor and lower level. It offers a premium view and is also the closest to the performers. Category 2 also offers a small amount of main floor and lower level seating (located to the right and left of the Category 1 seating area). It also offers seating on the upper level with a direct view of the main floor and stage. Category 3 offers tables on both the lower and upper level that are to the extreme right and left of the stage. Shows are held Tuesday through Saturday with shows at 5:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Pre-payment for the dinner show is required and includes all tax and gratuity. Refunds are given if cancellations are made 48 hours before the show.

Planning Tips:

Ask about discounts

If you are a Tables in Wonderland cardholder, a 20% discount is currently available if you book the 8:00 p.m. dinner show. Other discounts for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Disney Visa Cardholders may be available at the time of booking. Just ask the cast member assisting you. It’s always worth asking. For example, a party of 5 adults in a Category 3 seating area would cost $314.95 with tax and gratuity. With a 20% discount it is $251.96. That’s a savings of $62.99 which is the cost of 1 ticket!

Make ADRs 180 days in advance

Disney dining reservations, including dinner shows, can be made 180 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. When reserving dinner shows, table assignments are given in the order in which tickets were purchased. It pays to book as early as possible in order to get the best view. Shows also frequently sell out during both regular and busy times of year. However, it is possible to get reservations at the last minute, if there are cancellations or if the show is not full. This is particularly true during value season at Disney World.

Arrange for special dietary meals

If you have special dietary needs, you need to contact the dinner show catering kitchen at least 48 hours in advance to make meal arrangements. Unlike regular TS locations, guests must contact the kitchen in order to make such arrangements, as they prepare large amounts of food each night. For example, arranging for a gluten free & dairy free meal means slight modifications and includes special gluten free & dairy free rolls.

Watch the weather

Another important thing to remember is that Disney may cancel the show due to weather. This typically happens during extremely inclement weather, like severe thunderstorms or cold temperatures. It’s always worth checking with the resort, as they typically still run the show even during the rain. Because the theater is covered, guests will still get to enjoy the meal and some limited entertainment—though some of the show may not run because of the weather conditions.

Plan the late show in the summer

If you are planning on going to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show in the summer time, be prepared for warm weather. Florida is known for its high humidity and scorching temperatures. Even though the dinner theater is an open air venue, guests will be happy to know that there are many fans to help cool down the seating area. The best option is to attend the 8:00 p.m. dinner show. While still warm, it will be a much more pleasant show to watch with cooler temperatures. Plus, the fire dancing is even cooler in the dark!

Arrive early

Luau Cove is located at the side of the Polynesian Resort, closest to the Grand Floridian. While not a long walk, it is a bit of a distance from the main building, so it’s best to arrive early. Guests must pick up their tickets from the Concierge Desk in the main lobby of the resort and then may check-in up to 30 minutes early at Luau Cove. If you have a car, you can park directly at the resort. If you are using Disney Transportation, you can access the Polynesian from any Disney Theme Park. It is located on the Magic Kingdom Monorail Line. Give yourself plenty of time to travel to and from the resort.

Plan on meeting lots of “cousins”

Ohana means family, and here you will get to know a lot of your new family members. The theater is filled with long rows of tables. While you will be at your own table, you are seated in close proximity to other guests as the tables have small gaps between them. If you have specific needs, let a cast member know when you make your reservation.

Enjoy the food

While not 100% authentic, Spirit of Aloha definitely offers a variety of Hawaiian inspired fare–from Aloha pulled pork, BBQ pork ribs, and Jasmine rice with nori. You won’t go hungry with this tropical feast! And don’t forget the famous pineapple-coconut bread. It’s a SoA favorite! Save room for dessert. You’ll want to enjoy the warm pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce. For children, PB&J sandwiches, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese are also available on a limited kids menu.

Get a tropical drink

While soft drinks, beer and wine are already included in the price of your meal, you can also purchase a fruity cocktail (additional costs apply). The house specialty is Pele’s Fire Punch: The Volcano Goddess’ blend of Bacardi rum, Myers’ Original Dark Rum, Banana Liqueur, blackberry brandy, pineapple juice, and Grenadine served in an authentic, hand-carved monkey coconut. You keep the coconut! $14.95

Enjoy the show

The most exciting part of the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is the show itself! From dancers, drummers, and even fire dancing, this show truly offers some great authentic Polynesian entertainment. True to Disney fashion, it does have a story line. Guests will be greeted by Auntie Wini who hosts a fun-filled luau as a going away party for Leilani, one of the local girls who is leaving for the “mainland.” Once the luau gets going, you’ll be treated to dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. Don’t leave early because the best part is the ending!

Overall, guests are sure to enjoy this fun-filled Hawaiian luau. From the food to the entertainment, there’s something for everybody. It’s a true Polynesian Resort classic and and a show that you and your family are sure to enjoy and remember for Disney trips to come. Make it a tradition or visit for a once in a lifetime experience. I recently went with my family for the first time, and we had a blast. It’s definitely a new family tradition for us!

Have you been to Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show? What tips do you recommend for making your experience even more magical?

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at the Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.