Disney World Mobile Guide Review

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April 9, 2013

Using my iPhone in the Disney parks is a must. I am always looking for new apps to make our Disney vacation more productive, easy going, and fun. I recently was able to review the new Disney World Mobile Guide from TimeStream Software, and I honestly love it.

I can use it outside the parks {like here in my own home}. I like that feature because it helps me with planning. There are a few Disney parks apps that only work when you are physically in the parks. That’s great, but when I’m trying to plan and get ideas for my next trip, I can use the Disney World Mobile Guide from home.
It’s a HUGE wealth of Disney information. If you can’t access the internet very well from your iPhone, I highly suggest downloading this app. I say this because it has ticket information and explanations, pricing, phone numbers for resorts, quick Disney tips, and so much more. It’s awesome, because sometimes I’m in a place where the connection is slow, and to get on to Chip & Co, or even the Disney website, takes forever. Here, I can quickly look up advice about meeting characters, tips for traveling with toddlers, and some vacation planning tips when I need them.

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Billy Dee Williams Set to Appear at Star Wars Weekends 2013 at Hollywood Studios

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 9, 2013

Today we’re pleased to announce that everyone’s favorite galactic smuggler, gambler and scoundrel will temporarily leave Cloud City and board the Millennium Falcon with a course set for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as actor Billy Dee Williams returns to Star Wars Weekends for the 2013 edition.

Williams, a fan favorite for his portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the film saga, will attend Weekend IV, June 7-9, 2013.

Lando, who is described on his official bio as having two weapons of choice — a blaster pistol and “a devastating smile” — betrayed the Rebellion when he made a deal with Darth Vader to capture his old friend, Han Solo. However, there was a storybook ending to the tale when he redeemed himself by later helping to free Captain Solo and assisting in the destruction of the second Death Star.

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Epcot Snack Attack: Where To Head When Hunger Hits

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Catie

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April 9, 2013

There are so many amazing restaurants at Walt Disney World to try out, but sometimes you don’t want a full meal, or sometimes you might get hungry in between meals and need a little something to get you through. This is where a snack might come in handy, and if you should happen to be in Epcot when the craving hits, then I highly suggest you check out these

Top 5 Epcot Snack Spots:

Sunshine Seasons – Head over to The Land pavilion in Future World and enjoy some goodies from this food-court style counter service eatery that features fresh salads, meats, sandwiches and Asian fare – all of which feature items grown on site at the Land’s greenhouses. For snacks you can choose from a large assortment of baked goods, including cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake, pies, and the always delicious strawberry shortcake. Assorted bottled beverages as well as coffee drinks are available here too

Karamell-Kuche – Located in the Germany area of the World Showcase, this spot features delicious baked goods and tons and tons of Werther’s caramel. Whenever I have visited this spot, the line has been out the door, and with good reason – their treats are irresistable! The Caramel Corn is one of their specialties, and is made fresh throughout the day, as are the caramel drizzled cookies, caramel apples, and assortment of chocolate/caramel covered items including grapes, pineapple, and pretzels. Even non caramel fans are sure to find something they will devour here!

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Disney Cruise Line VoluntEARS Salute National Literacy Month

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 9, 2013

In honor of National Literacy Month in March, Disney Cruise Line crew members visited schoolchildren in ports of call as part of the Reading Together educational outreach program. The crew visited schools in Grand Cayman, St. Thomas and Nassau to promote literacy and inspire children to enjoy reading.

The Disney Cruise Line Reading Together program launched 10 years ago, and since then, crew members have visited schools across The Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands to share stories and get children excited about reading.

“Disney is a company built on storytelling and imagination, so it’s a great fit for Disney Cruise Line to have a Reading Together program where our crew read and inspire children in their local school,” said Rena Langley, vice president of Public Affairs for Disney Cruise Line. “This is another way we become involved in the ports we call home each year.”

In addition to the Reading Together program, crew members also deliver donations of Disney children’s books to schools in to promote reading and help increase reading comprehension scores in classrooms. Since 2003 Disney Cruise Line donated enough books to impact more than 7,000 children across The Bahamas and Caribbean.

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Disney to Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 22

By

Jeff

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April 9, 2013

Are you planning on attending the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Earth Day, April 22?

Here are a few of the details of what’s planned for the park’s anniversary.

Special opening ceremony – Meet at the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m., to hear from Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment; and Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative. Make sure you arrive early for this!

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ABC Releases Info on “S.H.I.E.L.D.” TV Series Opener

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2013

The Avenger's S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson played by Clark Gregg — The Avenger’s S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Phil Coulson played by Clark Gregg

ABC and Marvel just released some details regarding its “Avengers” spin-off television series that had the working title of “S.H.I.E.L.D.” – the missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. The new series will now go by the name of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Here is the latest synopsis of the pilot episode.

Joss Whedon (MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) shows us not all heroes are super with MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.

Fresh from his role in the summer’s box office smash, MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS, Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) returns to the worldwide law enforcement organization S.H.I.E.L.D. He puts together a small, highly trained, team of Agents to tackle the cases that haven’t been classified yet, the new, the strange and the unknown. That team consists of straight arrow Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), an expert in combat and espionage; pilot and martial artist Agent Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen); and brilliant if socially awkward scientists Agent Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Agent Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge). They’ll be joined by civilian new recruit and computer hacker Skye (Chloe Bennet).

Prepare for an epic adventure that showcases the hope and wonder of the human spirit. This is a world of Super Heroes, aliens and the unusual – of action, spectacle and world spanning stories. The show will speak to the human condition through the lens of our very human, non-powered S.H.I.E.L.D agents – that together we are greater than we are apart, and that we can make a difference in the world.

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Long-Lost Disney Friends Coming to Disneyland Park for ‘Limited Time Magic’ April 8-14

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2013

Your votes have been counted, and it’s time for some of your favorite long-lost Disney friends to step into the spotlight at the Disneyland park for some Limited Time Magic.” From April 8-14, you will find them at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland

You will have the chance to visit the following long-lost Disney friends during this “Limited Time Magic” event:

“Esmeralda, From ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame,’ Will be at Disneyland Park for ‘Limited Time Magic'”
“Pocahontas Will be at Disneyland Park for ‘Limited Time Magic'”
From “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” – Esmeralda, Clopin and Frollo

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Top 10 Tips For Visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2013

I don’t know about you, but where I live spring has done nothing in the line of being sprung. It is still cold, dreary, and gray. Plants have fought the good fight and every now and then it seems like there will be a great big beautiful tomorrow, shinning at the end of every dreary day, but there is NOT…not yet. Spring will come. I am sure of it. I think…

So, in the absence of capri pants, sundresses, and the beginnings of warm days, I am dreaming. Yes, I’m dreaming of something Disney. Today, I’m dreaming of being at the parks, enjoying the warm sun and enjoying the many pool offerings available on Disney Property. One of the most fun Disney trips I ever went on with was a friend and her family. We drove down from South Carolina around midnight (no worries, we had a professional driver) and arrived in Orlando bright and early the next morning. After securing our rental, we took advantage of a day at Typhoon Lagoon. It was such a great idea! We rested, renewed, and enjoyed our time on the many attractions at this water park. I highly recommend adding in some water park days to your visit. The best park is you can really stretch your vacation buck, by purchasing park tickets with the water park add on. Water Park days don’t count as theme park days, so your vacation time can double by using water park tickets some days and theme park tickets for other days of your stay.

We really made a day of it at this awesome water park! Today I’m listing off my top tips for making the most of your time in the sun…if that EVER happens…though I’m sure it will soon enough! Take a look at my tips for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon!

10. Bring Your Own Towels

There is a non-refundable charge to rent towels. Plan ahead and pack a few from home! Don’t waste money on drying off! Take a tip from Scar and BE PREPARED (maniacal laugh….maniacal laugh….maniacal laugh)!

9. Bring Your Own Food

There are quick service restaurants at Typhoon Lagoon to purchase food or use dining plan credits, but what I’m talking about here is food for snacking. I don’t know what it is about playing in the water that makes me so hungry, but I like to have food to snack on handy. Stash some snacks and enjoy your time in that lounge chair!

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Annette Funicello Passes Away at 70

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2013

Annette Funicello, the legendary Mouseketeer who was a singer, big screen icon, and first and foremost, a Mouseketeer, has sadly passed away due to complications with Multiple Sclerosis. She was 70 years old. Funicello was an incredibly gifted actress, singer, and one who seemed to really embrace the fame she had been so lucky to stumble upon. She never turned her back on Disney, or the company, and she always stayed true to the ideals that Walt Disney had instilled in her. This is an absolutely sad day for fans, and the company, and she’ll truly be missed. There’s not much else to say about her, other than her passing is truly a sad day for Mouseketeers, film fans, and music fans, everywhere. All of us here at Chip and Company send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Thank you for so many wonderful memories, films, and songs, Annette. You will be very missed. R.I.P.

Hit the jump to watch some videos from her days as a Mouseketeer, and use the comments section to leave your tributes and thoughts about her.

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Harley-Davidson And Marvel Team Up For Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Man and Machine Contest

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 8, 2013

Iron Man 3

We have more news for you this week promoting the spring release of the latest Marvel Iron Man movie, “Iron Man 3.”

Harley-Davidson and Marvel have joined forces for Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Man and Machine contest. The Man and Machine contest allows fans to win the chance to be a part of a comic book created by Marvel. You can go online and select a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle to design. The winners will be drawn into the comic book as a member of the “Road Force” team.

Five people will be selected as winners of the Man and Machine contact and have the opportunity to become part of a Marvel Avengers comic book. These winners will find their likenesses be drawn into the series along with the motorcycles they selected and the characters they create. All winners will also receive a VIP trip to Comic-Con International, where they can participate in an event where their Road Force characters will be unveiled and immortalized. One grand prize winner will also win the custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle they created.

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Disney Photo Opportunities You Don’t Want to Miss

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 7, 2013

Photos at Disney are a MUST! I mean, you’ve spent months planning this trip, packed everything carefully, and you don’t want to miss a minute of the magic. Plus, there’s going to be an awesome scrapbook full of memories to put together when you get home, right? Yes, if you take some of the great photo opportunities that Disney has to offer. Aside from the obvious {we take a photo in front of every park icon}, there are some spots on Disney property that will give you unique photos to enjoy after your trip is over.

1. Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. The closer you get to the castle, the cooler the picture. One of my favorites is our family in front of the castle, with the statue of Walt and Mickey just in the distance.

2. Inside Cinderella’s Castle. There are beautiful mosaics, telling the story of Cinderella, in the castle. These make for great backdrops for photos. Or, photograph some without any people in the picture and use them for desktop wallpaper, scrapbook layouts, or to hang in your home.

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Marvel Announces New Comic Event, ‘Marvel Infinity’

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 7, 2013

It looks like Marvel has announced their newest comic event, and it appears to be a doozy. Every year, Marvel sets up a community wide event in their comic universe, one that is usually game changing, and it appears this one is going to be cosmic wide, and will bringing back one of Marvel’s biggest, and baddest villains to the forefront, Thanos. It makes sense, especially considering that Thanos is looking to be the big bad in two upcoming Marvel Studios films, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘The Avengers 2’, so this is a great way to bring him back to the public conscious. Hit the jump for Marvel’s full press release about the upcoming event, Marvel Infinity, and let me know what you think in the comments below.

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