Don’t Let The Weather “Rain On Your Parade” at Disney World

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June 6, 2013

The ugly truth is that there are some things that can ruin even a vacation to the happiest place on earth – Walt Disney World. One of those potential hazards is the weather, specifically RAIN – but luckily, there are ways to prevent the rain from messing up your day. Especially when Tropical Storm Andrea is out in the Gulf.

Fist things first – Pack For The Weather – That means coming prepared for rain by bringing ponchos for everyone, extra socks, assorted sized ziploc baggies and grocery bags – which come in handy for keeping cell phones/cameras/wallets etc dry and protected from the elements. Make sure you bring all of this with you to the Parks and you’ll be sure to stay (mostly!) dry

Next, make sure you Check The Weather Report a few days before you leave home, and pack based on that, but always remember that the Orlando weather can change in the blink of an eye, so even if it says “sunny and 85 degrees” forecasted for all your vacation days, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be bringing those ponchos or a hoodie in case it gets cool.

Oh, and you might be wondering, when does it rain the most in Orlando? Well, the rainiest months are June-September, and the rain tends to happen in the hot muggy afternoons. Usually it passes quickly, but some days it may stick around. My personal rule of thumb is to assume it will rain while I am at Walt Disney World, and make sure I am fully prepared

When the rain hits, take refuge in one of these indoor rides/attractions:

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Disney Collections – Combining Cherished Childhood Memories and Great Investments

By

Chip

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June 5, 2013

Many of us have fond memories of childhood trips to Disney. Perhaps it was that first trip with mom and dad, visiting the Magic Kingdom and enjoying the magic that only Disney can provide. Maybe it was a long-awaited summer vacation with the whole family, enjoying all those great rides, taking in all the shows and falling into bed exhausted after a great day. No matter what the memories, Disney collectibles can help you relive those childhood days and provide you with a wonderful collection you will be proud to pass down to your own children and grandchildren.

There are many great family heirlooms parents and grandparents can pass on to their children and grandchildren, but few have the emotional impact – or the lasting value – of Disney collectibles. The great thing about collecting Disney items is that they are so timeless. Just about every child today knows Mickey Mouse on sight – and the same has been true of children going back generation after generation. Those famous Mickey Mouse ears are a symbol of a company that is synonymous with the wonder and joy of childhood. What better gift for the child in your own life than a unique Disney collectible?

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Enter HGTV’s Monster of a Summer Sweepstakes for a Disney Parks Vacation

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2013

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You can now enter HGTV’s Monster of a Summer Sweepstakes for a chance to win a Disney Parks vacation!

The grand prize winner of HGTV’s Monster of a Summer Sweepstakes will win a monstrously fun five-day, four-night Disney Parks vacation to their choice of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or the Disneyland Resort in California:

Round-trip airfare for four and ground transportation between the airport and the selected Disney Resort
Magical accommodations at a deluxe Disney Resort hotel
Play all day and scream all night with four 5-day Magic Your Way tickets with the Park Hopper option
$1,000 Disney gift card

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Saudi Prince Celebrates Graduation at Disneyland Paris

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2013

Saudi Prince Fahd al-Saud hosted his graduation celebration at Disneyland Paris. The Saudi prince booked the theme park for three days for himself and his friends. Reports say that this celebration cost 15 million euros, or the equivalent of $19.5 million.

British and French media reported that sections of the Disneyland Paris theme park were booked between May 22 and 24 in order to accommodate the 60 guests invited to the celebration. These sections also implemented special security provisions for the Saudi prince and his guests.

The reports have not stated where Fahd graduated from or even what he studied.The Daily Telegraph quoted Euro Disney which said that the special event even included “rare Disney characters.” The Telegraph also referred to a local paper, Ouest France, which said that special costumes, sets, and 80 dancers participated in a special show called Disney Dreamers Everywhere. The show had previously been featured at other Disney theme parks including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and the United States. Ouest France also reported that the tour was “entirely at the expense of the Saudi royal.”

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D23 Member Mixer at House of Blues Orlando June 3rd 2013

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2013

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Thanks to our dear friend Tony, last night my husband and I were lucky enough to participate as some D23 Members gathered for food and Drinks at House of Blues Orlando. It was a terrific opportunity to socialize with friends and members of the official Disney fan club. A reserved seating area was held for members and up to 3 guests, so we were all separated from the rest of the diners in the restaurant. Dinner and drinks were not covered by D23 or House of Blues, but we didn’t mind that at all, and were just thankful for the opportunity to be there. Upon checking in, we were all presented with wonderful swag bags that included one 15-percent-off coupon good on all merchandise in the House of Blues store, tickets to 2 tribute bands who would be performing at a later date, and a few other small gifts provided by by D23.

House of Blues Orlando, is known for their Shrimp & Grits, Pulled Pork Sliders, Jambalaya, and Hand Stretched Flatbreads.

A fun addition exclusive to the D23 party was a Specialty Cocktail menu. The menu included fun beverages with creative names such as True Love’s Kiss and Electric Lemonade Parade!

My group and I tried both of these and they were delicious!

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Starbucks at Disney World Will Be Opening Soon

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2013

Coffee drinkers will be excited to know that Starbucks at Disney World will be opening soon! Starbucks is coming soon to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World! It has been over a year since Disney announced that they would be adding a Starbucks to their theme park and we are finally seeing the signs!

You can now see a gold Starbucks’ logo on the window of the Main Street Bakery as well as a second Starbucks sign located above its doorway. However, you will still find a notice on the door — featuring the “Main Street Restoration Society” logo — alerting guests that the bakery is still under construction.

Disney and Starbucks announced back in April 2012 that the coffee retailer would open a location in each of the the Disney Parks United States theme parks. Although these locations will be the first Starbucks found in Disney’s domestic parks, the two companies have worked together elsewhere, including Disneyland Paris’ Disney Village.

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Lilo and Stitch two disc blu-ray and DVD review

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 5, 2013

This summer Walt Disney Studios treats audiences to two heartwarming and hilarious animated comedies about bringing friends and family together even when they seem worlds apart in one fun “Lilo and Stitch” 2-movie collection.

“Lilo and Stitch” is the story of Lilo, a lonely little girl, and Stitch the mischievous little creature from outer space. When Stitch crash-lands in Hawaii, Lilo adopts him as her pet, but he soon turns her world upside down.

In the first installment we get to see our favorite characters come to life with amazingly vivid color and sound. Lilo and Stitch has always been a favorite of mine and will continue to be for a very long time. Lilo is a little girl who is out casted by her fellow hula dancers because she’s different. What I love about this movie is that Lilo has such a feisty nature and is always willing to stand up for herself even if it means being branded an outcast. Then there’s Stitch a little blue alien with a killer demeanor but a soft heart underneath he’s fuzzy and blue and totally adorable. We meet him as experiment 626 a creation of the evil genius Jumba. For an evil genius he’s surprisingly kind hearted but he still has those evil moments. Then there’s Pleakely the one eyed nature loving agent of the galaxy. Pleakely loves to go by the rules which might become a problem since he has to do work with an evil genius.

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Mickey and the Magical Map is now open at Disneyland Park

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 4, 2013

“Mickey and the Magical Map” is now open at Disneyland park, and we’re celebrating the all-new live show with some “Limited Time Magic!” From June 3-9, everyone who goes on this musical journey to imagination with Mickey Mouse will be invited to extend the experience with Mickey’s Compass Quest.

Guests will receive a map of their own after seeing the show at the Fantasyland Theatre, which will lead them to locations throughout Disneyland park in search of a series of hidden markers with the help of clues inspired by the show. And a special prize awaits those who complete the challenge!

The quest is on, June 3-9, keep an eye here for more “Limited Time Magic” at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Mickey and the Magical Map is now open at Disneyland Park

Relax at Disney World? Yes it IS Possible!

By

Catie

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June 4, 2013

One of the chief complaints I got from my husband the first time we went to Walt Disney World together was that it didn’t “feel like a vacation” because it wasn’t “relaxing”. And I agree that it’s definitely possible, especially if it’s your first trip there, or you have kids with you, to feel overwhelmed and develop the need to rush around and do it all. WDW has a lot to offer – rides, attractions, characters, restaurants – it’s impossible to do it all, and you will run yourself down trying – so much so that you will need a vacation to recover from your vacation!

Luckily, there are many ways to deal with this “Disney Overload” syndrome that will help you slow down, relax, and enjoy your vacation:

Take A Day Off – From the Parks that is: Spending all your days at the Parks means you will get as much Disney Magic as possible – but it also means you will be tired, achy and cranky, so I suggest a “non parks day” where you can relax and swim or shop or just catch up on sleep and recharge yourself for those nonstop Park days. And if you’re not sure what there is to do outside the WDW Parks, click here to find out!

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Disney Hosted Chef’s Gala Raises a Record $296,000 for Heart of Florida United Way

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 4, 2013

Twenty-four top chefs from Central Florida’s finest dining establishments, including 12 from the Walt Disney World Resort, participated in the 21st Annual Chef’s Gala at Epcot World Showplace, raising a record $296,000 for Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW).

“This year’s Chef’s Gala was yet another outstanding success especially considering the economic challenges still facing our community,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President/CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “Thanks to the dedication of our co-chairs, Disney, the chefs and our title sponsor Tupperware, 95 percent of all money raised will go to help our neighbors, friends, family and co-workers who have fallen on hard times recently.”

The money raised will benefit local non-profit programs supported by United Way that provide food, shelter and other services in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.

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Curious George at Universal Studios Orlando

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 4, 2013

On your next visit to Universal Studios be sure to pack an extra set of clothes for the kids and stop by to see Curious George. This area in the back of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

Someone’s let all the circus animals out of their trailer and turned the whole town upside down. What has that mischievous monkey gotten himself into this time? Now your children can join him on his adventures. Follow George’s footsteps as a series of colorful storybooks highlight the pathways and add to the charm that is the Curious George book series.

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Book Your Disney World Vacation & Get a FREE Disney Gift Card

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 4, 2013

Are you ready for a free Dole Whip on your Disney World vacation? Are you ready for a free Disney Dooney & Bourke wristlet? Are you ready for a free manicure at the Saratoga Springs Resort Spa? Chip and Co. has partnered with Destinations in Florida, who is the official travel agency of Chip and Co.

We now have a special offer for your Disney World vacation, exclusively for Chip and Co. fans- FREE spending money during your Disney World vacation. When you book your Disney World package with Destinations in Florida, you will receive an in-room credit or Disney Gift Card (your choice). You can use this free gift for souvenirs, dining, snacks, and more! The Disney Gift Card will be mailed to you if you are within the United States and are booking at least a month out. The in-room credit will be put on your Key to the World card upon check-in. You can use it anytime during your Disney World vacation!

The amount of the room credit/gift card you receive is dependent on your package total, excluding airfare:

If your package total is between $2,000- $3,000, you will receive a $20 room credit
If your package total is between $3,001- $4,000, you will receive a $30 room credit
If your package total is between $4,001- $5,000, you will receive a $40 room credit
If your package total is $5,001 and above, you will receive a $50 room credit

In order to receive this promotion, the package total is calculated before airfare and you must purchase a minimum 3-day ticket pass.

Plus, don’t forget about all of the other great perks you receive when you book your Disney World vacation with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner! Best of all, their services are free to you! Learn more about Destinations in Florida Travel.

Are you ready to take advantage of this special offer and book your Disney World vacation? Call us at 877-918-8941. Be sure you mention Chip & Co for this free spending money promotion. You can also request a quote on the right side of the page or click here to request a 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, can help you. Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290! Be sure you mention Chip & Co for this free gift card/room credit.

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