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Walt Disney World Replaces Turnstiles With Apple’s iPod Touch Trial

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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ipod

With all of the talk about Disney’s “MyMagic+“ and the upcoming roll out of the “Magicbands” one device has been quietly helping Disney with a trial at the entrances to it’s theme parks – the iPod touch.

Walt Disney World has started to eliminate their turnstiles at the entrances to their theme parks and guests are now greeted with cast members holding iPod touches.  It’s a move to make it a more welcoming and seamless experience when entering the parks. For the trial cast members are using Apple’s IOS iPod touch with a special accessory case and software that allows tickets and passes to be scanned.  In addition to preparing for the eventual changeover from tickets to the “Magicband” and “MyMagic+” system, Disney hopes it makes for a more welcoming way to get into the parks.

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Purchase Disney Gift Cards at Kroger to help save money…

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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dgc

Let’s face it, Disney World vacations aren’t exactly cheap. If they were I would be there almost every month. Here’s a quick and easy way for you to save money for your Disney World vacation:

Buy Disney gift cards at Kroger. 

Kroger sells Disney gift cards in $25 and $50 denominations. Sometimes you can even find gift cards that let you choose the amount you want on them. For every dollar that you spend at Kroger (with your free Kroger plus card), you earn one point. However, during select times of the year, Kroger offers 4 points per dollar on gift cards. These points can be used to save on gas when you fill up at Kroger fuel stations. Just one-hundred points gives you ten cents off per gallon. When getting 4 times the fuel points, one $25 gift card gives you 100 points, 10 cents off per gallon. You can redeem up to $2.00 off per gallon at a time, or two-thousand points.

You can use your Disney gift cards to pay for almost anything on your vacation. You can use them to buy souvenirs at Disney merchandise locations, Disney restaurants, or even your vacation reservation. Did you  know that you can even pay for your Disney World vacation with Disney gift cards? That’s right- you can pay for your entire package (resort, tickets, and dining) with gift cards!

So, why not get something extra from your vacation?

You can also use your gift cards to purchase souvenirs at disneystore.com ahead of time or if you forgot a special souvenir at the parks.

Have you ever bought Disney gift cards at Kroger? What have you used Disney gift cards to pay for on your Disney World vacation?

Purchase Disney Gift Cards at Kroger to help save money...

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival: Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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disney 2012 #2 972

It’s always important to have a game plan when it comes to visiting the parks.  When I hit the parks I want to be prepared-not preoccupied!   I want to enjoy the offerings, especially special events that I can’t see on just any old ordinary Disney day (I’m wondering what day at Disney is considered “plain old” or “ordinary”…hopefully you get what I’m trying to say here!)

This week kicks off one of my favorite “limited time” events, EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival!  EPCOT simply bursts to life as the unofficial start to spring is ushered in by magnificent topiaries,  exhibits, speakers, food, merchandise, and musicians!  There are literally petals, leaves, and blooms everywhere you look!  It is truly a breathtaking sight!

Today, we are taking a look at what you need to ” know before you go” in order to make the most of your visit to the flower festival!  Let’s get growing!

Capture it!

I can assure you that you will want to take pictures…and lots of them!  There’s nothing worse than going to snap a picture only to realize that your camera isn’t charged!  Make sure to check and charge your camera’s battery and memory card the night before you visit the festival.     The topiaries and displays really are magnificent and they make for beautiful pictures!  Don’t forget your camera or your smile!

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Disney Junior Orders Second Season of “Sofia The First”

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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sofia_030513

The animated series starring Disney’s first little girl princess, “Sofia the First,” the reigning cable TV series among Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5 and Boys 2-5, has been ordered for a second season on Disney Junior, the daily programming block for preschoolers and parents on Disney Channel, as well as the burgeoning 24-hour channel, Disney Junior. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.

“Sofia the First” stories show young viewers just what makes a real princess — the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace. Viewers follow as Princess Sofia, an ordinary little girl, learns how to adjust to royal life after her mom marries the king.

Kanter said, “We are so proud of the strong connection our young viewers and their parents have forged with Sofia. While she and her family live in a magical make-believe world, the storytelling and relatable everyday themes have struck a chord with our audience and has created demand not only for more stories, but to extend the ‘Sofia the First’ experience beyond the screen.” 

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Toy Story: Smash It! Game Review

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Toy Story: Smash It! Game

This weekend my kids and I tested out the new Disney Interactive game, Toy Story: Smash It!

Inspired by the original Disney•Pixar animated classic “Toy Story,” Toy Story: Smash It! lets players blast bricks, bounce balls and beat rainy day boredom alongside Andy’s most beloved toys. Toy Story: Smash It! is a brand-new 3D physics-based puzzler that pulls players right into the world of this most beloved of Disney•Pixar titles. Kidding around is the name of the game, as players help Buzz and the toys beat the boredom of a rainy day by knocking down their alien friends with bouncy balls all over the room!

The game has 60 levels and is broken into sections.  In each level, you help Buzz Lightyear aim Pixar balls, balloons or bombs and shoot them to knock down the cute little 3-eyed aliens.  It reminded us of an Angry Birds.  Knocking down the aliens gets more complicated as you progress and you are given new tools to help as you progress.  You also need to hit stars in each level and get a certain number before being allowed to get to the next section of levels.

My kids loved Toy Story: Smash It!  It took a bit of time to figure out the best way to aim the balls.  But, once they got it, they were hooked.  We looked at it together for a while and then I didn’t see them much for the rest of the weekend while they took turns playing.  (That’s a bonus for a busy mom!)

Happy gaming!

Amy

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Toy Story: Smash It! Game Review

PetSmart Introduces New Disney Pet Products

By
Jeff
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pet

PetSmart today introduced new Disney pet apparel and toys. Characters such as Donald Duck, Tinker Bell, Kermit the Frog, Tigger and, of course, Mickey Mouse will add fun and magic to more than 30 new products available at all PetSmart stores in North America and at www.PetSmart.com.

“Disney characters have a special place in many pet parents’ hearts, and this new PetSmart collection allows them to share the magic of Disney with their pets in a fun and fashionable way,” said Laurie Taylor, PetSmart’s vice president of dog and cat hardgoods.

From bandanas and tees to ropes and squeaky toys, the new assortment of Disney products includes:

  • Tinker Bell Flirt Dress: Hot pink trim, black lace and Tinker Bell provide a little fairy magic to a dog’s day.
  • Tigger Plush Rope Stick: This durable rope toy will keep up with dogs that have Tigger’s boundless enthusiasm. The large plush head squeaks, and the tongue and ears are great for tugging play.
  • Mickey Mouse Point Tee:  The “I’m with Goofy” imprint helps dogs point out their goofy pet parents with the help of Mickey Mouse on this fun blue shirt.
  • Minnie Mouse Bottle Cruncher: With lots of texture and fun crunching sounds that come from the plastic water bottle hidden inside, this pink and pretty toy will keep dogs busy and happy.
  • Kermit the Frog Tee: Of course it’s green! With Kermit’s friendly face, it’s perfect for lounging around the house or for a walk in the park.

To celebrate the introduction of these products, pet parents can enter to win a grand prize of $10,000 in the PetSmart “Pin It to Win It” sweepstakes featuring the Disney products, March 4 through April 1 on PetSmart’s Facebook page. The Facebook photo gallery will showcase nine new Disney products each week and allows fans to pin their favorites directly to their Pinterest accounts. For every three products pinned, contestants have a chance to win one of 15 weekly prizes and are entered into the $10,000 grand prize drawing.  No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

To view the Disney collection at PetSmart, visit: www.PetSmart.com

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PetSmart Introduces New Disney Pet Products

Disney Bowl-A-Thon Supports Junior Achievement in Central Florida

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Bowl a Thon

Over the weekend more than 5,000 VoluntEARS from Walt Disney teamed up to raise funds to support the mission of Junior Achievement in Central Florida.

Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization that goes into schools to provide age-appropriate economic education for children in grades K-12. Preparing young people for economically sound futures, Junior Achievement helps students understand financial responsibility by teaching lessons in how to earn, save, maintain a budget, manage credit and control their personal finances.

“With the support of Walt Disney World and their Cast Members, Junior Achievement is better able to achieve their goal of empowering children from kindergarten through high school to own their economic success and plan for their futures through smart academic and economic choices,” said Craig Polejes, president, Junior Achievement of Central Florida.

Qualifying donations raised this weekend by Disney VoluntEARS can be matched by The Walt Disney Company Foundation and will fund Junior Achievement programming, educator kits and classroom supplies. The Disney Bowl-A-Thon is the culmination of yearlong involvement Disney Cast Members extend to Junior Achievement by donating their time and talent to teaching Junior Achievement curriculum in Orange and Osceola County schools.

“For 19 years, Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members have generously supported Junior Achievement of Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “All of the donations are a result of their compassion and readiness to give back to the community.”

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

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Steven Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’ Comes to Blu-ray and DVD March 26, 2013

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Lincoln

One of my favorite films of last year was Steven Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln‘, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis in his Academy Award winning performance as the sixteenth Presiden of the United States. I always enjoy Spielberg’s historical epics, and ‘Lincoln’ was no different. The film, based on the novel, ‘Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln’, which explored the framing of the thirteenth amendment, and the last few months of his life. It’s a truly moving excellent film that explores a part of the history of the United States that isn’t always touched on.

The film features an impressive cast that includes Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and James Spader, all who give some of their finest performances to date. I’ve been looking forward to getting a chance to re-watch this film, so I’m excited to see that Walt Disney Studios will be releasing the film on March 26, 2013, on blu-ray and DVD. There will be a four disc Ultimate Collector’s edition, two disc blu-ray edition, and a single one disc DVD version. Hit the jump to see the differences between the different releases, as well as a trailer for this two time Academy Award winning film.

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Suggested Tipping at Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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mickey money

When traveling to Walt Disney World many people think they have paid for their vacation once they pay their travel agent.  When staying on property, the agent usually takes care of the hotel, transportation, and tickets.  If free dining is offered, your dining is paid for as well!  If you travel when WDW is not offering free dining, you will have to pay for that in the parks. I know Chip is a big fan of Tables in Wonderland…  One thing that people often fail to remember is tipping.  I have asked several people what they feel proper tipping is at Walt Disney World and here is the consensus:

At the hotel:

  • Bellhop- $2 first bag, $1 per additional bag, $2 additional service
  • Concierge- $5 if they take care of Tickets and Reservations.  (no tip required when you ask for directions)
  • Doorman- $1 per bag, $1 hailing a cab (tip extra for holding an umbrella or handling extra heavy bags)
  • Mousekeeping (housekeeping) – $1 per person per day, no less than $2 per day.  (Tip daily.  The same maid may not service your room each day.  If you wait until the last day the tip may not go to the proper people.)
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Epcot Welcomes the Kinsey Collection

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Kinsey Collection

Guests to the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot will journey “between the pages” of history as the American Heritage Gallery opens its doors to an art exhibit representing over 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution.

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” which opens March 8, draws from an extensive collection of rare art, documents, books and artifacts amassed by philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who share a passion for African-American history.

Their private collection has been displayed throughout the U.S., including in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Approximately 40 pieces will be on display for Epcot guests at any given time on a rotating basis during the exhibit run.

“We always wanted to extend the reach of the Collection to a larger, more international and diverse audience,” explained Bernard Kinsey. “So we are delighted to be collaborating with Disney to share the stories of our remarkable ancestors.”

Overseeing the collection is the Kinseys’ son, Khalil, whose school-age curiosity inspired his parents to build their collection.

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Disney-Inspired Handbags and Accessories by Vera Bradley

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Vera Bradley Bags

I’m excited to announce that new Disney-inspired handbags and accessories by Vera Bradley will bloom this fall at Disney Parks. Known for their stylish quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories, Vera Bradley has been infusing color into all aspects of women’s lives for more than 30 years. Disney Theme Park Merchandise worked closely with Vera Bradley to develop two new patterns that will appear on items this fall. Disney spoke with Cathy Dawson, merchandiser for accessories at Disney Parks, about these colorful additions.

“We are thrilled to introduce Vera Bradley to our accessories assortment,” exclaimed Cathy. “In recent years, we’ve seen several guests in our parks and resorts sporting fun, colorful bags by Vera Bradley. Even our Disney Cruise Line team recently added some items by Vera Bradley to the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. We thought it would be wonderful to add a splash of Disney to these popular and colorful accessory items.”

The new Disney-inspired patterns have names, which is something Vera Bradley does for all of their patterns. Cathy said the black pattern is called “Midnight with Mickey,” while the pink pattern is named “Just Mousing Around.” These patterns will be seen on duffel bags, totes, cosmetic bags and more.

When released this fall, guests will find these items at select locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They will also be sold via the Disney Parks online store at a future date.

If you plan on visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please stop by the Festival Center, located between Mission: Space and Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure in Future World, to get a first look at these bags on display. The festival runs from March 6 through May 19, 2013.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine

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New Trailer For ‘Iron Man 3’ Arrives

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Iron Man 3

A new trailer for ‘Iron Man 3’ has just been unveiled, courtesty of Yahoo!, and man, does it look spectacular. The threequel sees Tony Stark dealing a villain, known as the Mandarin, who is bent on destroying Iron Man. I’m honestly not sure how they’ve done it, but they’ve made ‘Iron Man 3’ look even bigger, and more exciting, than ‘The Avengers’, proving once again that Marvel Studios is the best at what they do, when it comes to turning their comic books into films. This trailer definitely plays on the dark sie of the film, but fear not, the comedic side still exists as well. The film also stars  Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall and James Badge Dale, and is directed by Shane Black. The film is set to open on May 3, 2013.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer, courtesy of Yahoo, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

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