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The Best “Free” Extras At Disney World

By
Chip
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There are lots of “extras” to be enjoyed at Walt Disney World. Some of them are hard ticket events requiring the purchase of a separate (and often expensive) ticket, some of them require that you attend a dinner show (also not cheap), but there are some that only require that you be in the park to enjoy them. These are, again in my opinion only, the three best “Free” extras available and they are so significant that many visitors plan their vacations to coincide with them.

  1. The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights – We saw this one for the first time in 2009 and it simply took our breath away. The word spectacle simply doesn’t do it justice. Millions and millions (literally) of lights all synchronized to Christmas music put on a spectacular show culminating with a snowfall. The only way to truly appreciate it is to be there to see it for yourself but the next best way is to check out these videos. The whole thing started when the neighbors of Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne became a bit irritated as his Christmas display grew and grew causing major traffic and other issues in his neighborhood. The folks at Disney, never the ones to pass up an opportunity, asked him if they could move the display to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the rest is history. This particular extra generally runs from about mid November through New Year’s Day.
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Sneak Peek of the ‘Oz: The Great and Powerful’ Super Bowl Spot

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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oz

I’m sure quite a few of you are as excited about the new Oz film, ‘Oz: the Great and Powerful’, which will be hitting theaters on March 8, 2013, as I am. Directed by Sam Raimi, the brilliant man behind Sony’s original ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, as well as the cheeky B-movie horror trilogy of ‘The Evil Dead’, starring Bruce Campbell, the film tells the tell of just how the man known as Oz, played by James Franco, gained his power and reputation in Oz. The film also stars Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, and looks to deliver a new and exciting tale set in the Oz universe that we haven’t seen before. With just a little over a month until the release day, Disney’s marketing campaign is hard at work, and they’ve now provided us with a sneak peek at the this Sunday’s Super Bowl spot, as well as some new character posters. Hit the jump to check them out and, and tell us what you think in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

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Brad Bird’s Mystery Film ‘1952’ Actually Titled ‘Tomorrowland’

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Tomorrowland

Not long ago, we announced that George Clooney had officially signed on to star in Bard Bird’s new sci-fi film, ‘1952’, written by Damon Lindelof. There’s much secrecy surrounding the project at this time, but thanks to the official D23 twitter, we’ve just learned something new and exciting. The film we’d come to know as ‘1952’ is actually to be titled ‘Tomorrowland’. Even more interesting, is the photo Brad Bird recently put on twitter, pictured above, that shows some of the things that inspired the film. There’s not a lot there, and all it will do is lead to more speculation, but you’ll notice that one of the pictures is of Walt Disney himself. This is all very interesting and exciting, and I really can’t wait to see just what the film is about.

Could it possibly have to do with what inspired Walt Disney to build Tomorrowland in the Disney parks? Or could this just be something different that has nothing to do with it at all. All the unknown variables surrounding the project right now are really making me giddy for the movie, and the speculation about the film is really going to keep me invested in its production, so you can be sure I’ll be posting more news as it becomes available, only here on Chip and Company! Are you excited for ‘Tomorrowland’, and do you have any theories on what it could be about? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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  • Brad Bird's Mystery Film '1952' Actually Titled 'Tomorrowland'George Clooney Officially Set to Star in Brad Bird’s ‘1952′
Brad Bird's Mystery Film '1952' Actually Titled 'Tomorrowland'

Disney World Challenge – Visiting all 4 parks in one day!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Walt Disney World Entrance

When it comes to visiting Walt Disney World, there are so many things to see and do that it almost seems impossible to see it all!  When we visit, we take about a week to see as many of the sites and sounds of all four parks, but what if you only have one day?  Is it worth it to attempt to see all four parks in one day?

This challenge is known as the Disney World Challenge — and I’ll tell you, it probably isn’t easy, but I certainly think it is possible!

Pre-requisites

Before you start, you do need to do a little pre-DWC (Disney World Challenge) planning.  To make the most out of your time, here are some questions you’ll want to get answers too.

  • Pick a day that has either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot with evening Extra Magic Hours.
  • Decide what attractions you’re going to absolutely need to ride at each of the parks.
  • Are you driving to each of the parks or utilizing Disney Transportation?
  • I recommend starting your day with Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.
  • Lastly, make sure that you have park hopper tickets or annual passes — standard Magic Your Way tickets without Park Hopper will not allow you to get in to all the parks on the same day.
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What is Happening on It’s a Small World Ride?

By
Anonymouse
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disneyconfidential2

Hello lassies and lass Anonymouse here. I have been looking high and low for some gossip today and found some!

So as you are riding along on “It’s a Small World” and you sail into the good-bye room right before disembarkation and there is the familiar of many languages saying good-bye. We read them all and guess what languages they are and talk about them (as the back up to disembark may take a few minutes). Good times…well today bam it is gone! Black tarps everywhere! ACK!

The signs are gone, black tarps are hiding what??? Well thanks to MagicBands and all that cool new technology, your experience in the good-bye room will be customized and personalized! Now it is just a rumor, but a rumor that makes sense…how cool is that? I know there has been some mixed feelings about the RFID technology and wristbands, etc. and people do not always love change (especially at Disney) but even the hardest of minds have to admit – this could be really fun for kids and cool to see!

Anywho 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

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PUSH: The Magic Trash Can!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Sept Oct 2012 437

To say there’s more than meets the eye at Disney World is an understatement.  When it comes to magic, every angle is considered.  Even the trash.  Now, don’t click away just yet.  PUSH on through the urge to abandon this article and you’ll come out smelling roses!

I’ll go ahead and tell you, we’re not talking your typical trash.  No Premium Mickey wrappers, Dole Whip cups, or water bottles here!  Today we are talking the real deal, the supreme stinker, the ever lovable can with the plan…PUSH: the magic trash can!  Today I’m doing the dirty work and giving you a heap of information about this awesome interactive experience.  Let’s get started!

A trashcan is a trashcan is a trashcan…right?  

Short answer…NO!  PUSH is much more than your ordinary trash can!  In fact, this trash can isn’t really meant to hold your trash at all (although many guests “feed” him anyway).  PUSH is a talking robotic trashcan who interacts with guests.  Young and old alike will be left in wonder as PUSH carries on conversations with unsuspecting guests.  There is a secret to how PUSH works, but I’ll never tell. I hate to take away that magic, but with a bit of observation, prediction, and theory testing you can discover the magic for yourself (if you can’t watch PUSH first hand, catch him on countless Youtube videos).

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Follow us on Instagram

By
Chip
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While we are on vacation at Walt Disney World we will be sharing pictures on Instagram so you can follow along. I have our Facebook page setup to share some pictures from the Chip and Co Instagram channel but not all of them.

You can follow along with me as I eat Cupcakes, check out the all new Fantasyland Expansion, eat more food, and even take tours of the Disney World Resorts.

So just click here and Follow Us. Make sure to comment and let me know any requests you have.

See you there!

 

Follow us on Instagram

Walt Disney World Moms Panel Renamed Disney Parks Moms Panel

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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mp

Today, Disney Parks has officially given a new name to the ever-growing Walt Disney World Moms Panel: the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Along with the change in title the company announced the website’s 19 newest members.

New for 2013, two Team Sports Moms will join the roster to assist guests with youth sports-related travel to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Disney Parks Moms Panel, located at www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com, is an online forum that serves as a resource for planning Disney Parks vacations. Whether guests are looking to kick it on the fields of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, find the best character dining experience for their family, jog around Disney theme parks with runDisney or discover the cultures of the world with Adventures by Disney, there is a panelist who can share authentic opinions and tips on almost anything and everything Disney Parks. Spanish-speaking visitors can also read and submit questions to a group of dedicated multilingual panelists.

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Food Booths Coming to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 6th – May 19th

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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I am so excited for this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival because it seems like Disney has stepped it up (about 10 steps!) Who does not want a Dole Whip at Epcot….with rum? Read on Disney fans because Flower & Garden is getting a reboot…

Disney festival planners will boost floral fun and plant power to a whole new level during the 20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Whimsical Disney topiary spectacles and sweeping garden landscapes set the colorful scene this year for new festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area and nighttime illuminated gardens.

Debuting this year:

  • Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice.  Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others.  Around the World Showcase promenade
  • Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush.  Beverage specialists will feature brews and beverages at food marketplaces and at Fruits by the Glass andPineapple Promenade. Around the World Showcase promenade.
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Collecting Disney World Pressed Pennies

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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pp

Before our first Walt Disney World trip, I prepared my step-son for the pressed penny machines. I thought he might like a penny here or there to put in the scrapbook. Little did I know this was the beginning of a pressed pennies addiction.

Since then every walk in the park is a pre-meditated prowl for the penny press machines. Yes, it’s 51 cents to get a cent back…but it’s relatively inexpensive and he really enjoys it. I’d much rather have him collect those and have them forever than to invest $11 in a toy that lights up during the parade and/or fireworks and breaks before either is finished.

The penny press situation can quickly become trouble if you aren’t prepared. Cutting across oncoming traffic to run to a penny press, dig through the fanny pack, back pack, or camera bag for pennies and quarters is frustrating and time-consuming.

I’ve come up with Quick Tips that will make your penny pressing addiction problem free.

  • Buy a roll ($.50) of NEW pennies from the bank. The penny you put in the machine is the one that gets pressed, the shinier the penny the better it will look when pressed. Start asking your bank in advance, new pennies aren’t always in circulation.
  • Start collecting quarters. Whether you want your kids to raid their piggy banks or you want to just purchase a roll, you’ll need 2 quarters for each penny you want to press.
  • Collection container-The best thing you could do as a penny presser is have a container of your pennies and quarters ready to go. Candy containers work great for this-especially containers from M&M mini’s. We take the label off and make our own decorative penny containers. Then you stack them in layers: 2 quarters, 1 penny; 2 quarters, 1 penny…repeat until it’s full. This way when you approach the penny machine all you have to do is pop the top and slightly tip the container until 2 quarters and a penny fall out. No muss, no fuss and you’re ready to press in no time!
  • Grab a press penny receptacle-a tiny ziploc bag from your local craft store works perfectly, or an empty change purse. This helps you keep all your pressed pennies together and you can put them in the pressed penny book at the end of the night. Carrying the book around all day is cumbersome, it gets very heavy. Not to mention the penny’s are hot after they are pressed and the sleeves in the book are plastic…so you end up with a steamy sticky mess trying to get them in there during the heat of the day. Drop them in a change purse and move on. Keep them all in one place so you don’t have miscellaneous pennies going into the washer and dryer later on.
  • Plan ahead and print the list. There’s no reason to drive yourself crazy and waste time running around the parks wondering where the next machine is or if it’s worth while. The Penny Press website will tell you what’s where and this site is reliable and is updated often. You can also go to Guest Services at the parks and they have a map for you to use.

How about you do you collect the Pressed Pennies at Walt Disney World? Let me know in the comment box below.

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Collecting Disney World Pressed Pennies

Disney World Refurbishment & Closures Calendar for February 2013 and beyond

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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refurb

Disney World  Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website.

Magic Kingdom

  • Main Street Bakery will close from January 12 through May 17, 2013 for conversion to a new Starbucks location. During the closure, Tomorrowland Terrace will be opening for breakfast serving waffles, yogurt parfaits, egg, cheese and ham croissants, oatmeal, danish pastries, coffees and beignets. Cinnamon rolls are available at Gaston’s Tavern, and continental breakfast offerings can be found at Auntie Gravity’s Galatic Goodies, Cheshire Cafe, Sleepy Hollow, Sunshine Tree Terrace and Westward Ho.
  • Splash Mountain will be closed from January 2 through March 19, 2013 for refurbishment.
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh will be closed from January 22 through January 24, 2013 for refurbishment.
  • The Great Goofini will be closed from January 29 through January 30, 2013 for refurbishment.

Epcot

  • American Heritage Gallery in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion will be closed from January 22 through March 1, 2013 to introduce a new cultural exhibit that tells a story of determination and inspiration through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books, sculptures and documents. The Kinsey Collection will showcase personal treasures of African-American art and history that were collected from 90 countries and date back to as early as the 17th century.
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J.J. Abrams Has Officially Signed on For ‘Star Wars Episode VII’

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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J.J. Abrams

Just yesterday, I reported that J.J. Abrams had been offered the director’s chair of ‘Star Wars Episode VII’, taking over the reins once handled by George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, and Richard Marquand, respectively. The Wrap had originally reported the news, but there was silence on the studio side, and almost everyone involved in both parties. Some started to chock it up to mere internet rumors. I wanted to believe the rumors were true, and I kept holding out hope that we’d hear something official, and thankfully, my patience paid off, because just over 24 hours later, Disney and Lucasfilm have released a press release confirming that Abrams, and his Bad Robot production company, are getting a chance to bring ‘Star Wars’ back to the big screen. Even better news is that Lawrence Kasdan, the man who wrote ‘Raiders of the Lost’, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, and ‘Return of the Jedi’, will also be be helping consult on the film, as well as ‘Sherlock Holmes’ writer Simon Kinberg. Hit the jump for the full press release.

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