Home Blog Page 4639

Which Disney Character Meal Is Right For Me?

CRT

Disney Character Meals allow you to combine the best of two worlds – character interaction, and FOOD! They are great for those of all ages, and are a perfect way to meet multiple characters at one time!

Character meals are a staple of Disney World vacationing, and I highly recommend you try at least one during your trip. There are usually a variety of characters (between 3 and 5) and they move from table to table and give autographs and hugs and pose for pictures with you. It’s great fun, and will definitely make the adults feel like kids again!

There are a lot of character meal options to choose from at Walt Disney World, so trying to figure out which one(s) to make reservations for can be quite the task. But fear not, as I am about to break it down for you.

Questions to ask yourself when picking your character meals:

Where Will I Be? You’ll want to try and pick your character meals based on which Park you will be visiting on that particular day. For example, if you are planning a day at the Magic Kingdom, you would probably want to pick a character meal in the Park (like Crystal Palace or Cinderella’s Royal Table), or a meal at a closeby Resort on the monorail line, like 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort, or Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort, or the Lilo and Stitch Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Knowing which meals are available at the Park you’ll be spending the day in, or at the surrounding Resort Hotels can be a huge timesaver! Otherwise, you will be spending most of your day traveling to get to your character meal, which can definitely take some of the magic out of the experience

Walt Disney Studios Sets Release Dates For ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’, ‘The Muppets 2’, and More

walt disney studios

 

Walt Disney Studios has just announced a slew of new release dates for their upcoming slate of films, as well as 3D announcements for two of the upcoming Marvel Studios films, and a cancellation of one 3D re-release.

‘The Muppets 2’, which is rumored to be titled ‘The Muppets…Again’, will be released March 21, 2014.

‘Maleficent’, the new Angelina Jolie starring take on the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ story has been moved to July 2, 2014.

‘!952’, Brad Bird and Damon Lindelof’s mystery science fiction film, will be released December 19, 2014.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’ will set sail July 10, 2015.

Both ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ will be released in 3D. Both films are still set for April 4, 2014 and August 1, 2014, respectively.

As for the re-release of ‘The Little Mermaid 3D’, it has now been pulled from the schedule altogether, and looks like it could have possibly been cancelled.

Which of the films on the new slate are you currently looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below, only here at Chip and Company!

  • The Walt Disney Studios Release Schedule Update for 2014 and beyond (chipandco.com)
  • Disney Hires ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Screenwriter for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5′ (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney Studios Sets Release Dates For 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5', 'The Muppets 2', and More

Tips and Details for the Disney’s Magical Express

dme

Getting from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World and back used to be quite a bit more complicated than it is today. Now we have the Disney’s Magical Express (DME) that will take guests to and from the airport to our home away from home. DME is free and incredibly simple to use, but you might need a little guidance on what to expect when you ride the Disney’s Magical Express…

Here is the basic sequence of events you follow in using DME:

  1. When you or your Authorized Disney Travel Agent make your reservations you just include your flight information, both arrival and departure. This sets the DME wheels in motion. If you are like me, you make flight reservations way in advance and flight numbers and times can change. If this happens you just call DME at exactly 45 days prior to your arrival (no earlier) and inform of the changes. They will make the adjustments before mailing your paperwork.

Elton John to Perform at Disneyland

images

On Friday, January 25th 2013 at Disneyland’s Hyperion Theater in Anaheim, Ca, a group of Yamaha dealers will get to enjoy the man and the music of Elton John.  The instrument company will be celebrating is 125th anniversary.

Elton says of the concert: “I’m constantly astonished by the inventive skills and versatility of the Yamaha team. Not only have they built all my touring pianos for the past 20 years, as well as the wonderful Million Dollar Piano that resides at Caesars Palace, but they’ve also now perfected the RemoteLivetechnologyElton John to Perform at Disneyland, which means that effectively, I can perform the concert live in Anaheim on January 25, live across the Internet and also live in venues worldwide–all at the same time! I am both proud and grateful to be a Yamaha artist and to enjoy the fruits of Yamaha’s amazing expertise.”

Using Yamaha’s groundbreaking technology, DisklavierTV, the technology will be reproducing the piano onstage with a 70-piece orchestra which will be streamed live over the Internet and simultaneously to remote Disklaviers in many countries around the world.

Disney Hires ‘Catch Me If You Can’ Screenwriter for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5’

jacksparrow

It appears there’s some life left in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean‘ franchise, or at least Walt Disney Studios is hoping there is. The popular franchise, based on the Disneyland attraction, is now four movies in, and apparently counting. Walt Disney Studios has hired Jeff Nathanson, the man who wrote the Steven Spielberg film ‘Catch Me If You Can’, which starred Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, to pen the currently untitled fifth film in the series. This will be the first in the series that hasn’t been written by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, which I think could actually be beneficial to the series. The movie is still set to be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and will once again see Johnny Depp dawn his pirates outfit as Jack Sparrow. Nothing else about the film is known at this time. 

Disney Is Considering Layoffs, Cutbacks

The_WaltDisney_Company-Logo

The Walt Disney Company is reportedly considering layoffs after an internal cost-cutting review.  The layoffs are being considered at it’s studio as well as other units along with other cost saving measures.

Supposedly Disney is exploring cutbacks in jobs it no longer needs due to improvements in technology and is considering eliminating operations that are redundant.  Sources say that the cuts are not 100% definite, but would most likely apply The Walt Disney Studio because it is the least profitable of Disney’s divisions.

Consolidation and cutbacks could also take place at Disney’s interactive unit, which produces online games, and its music division.

Do you think that Disney should be considering cutbacks at this time?  And if they need to make cuts where do you think Disney should be looking.  Tell us your opinion.

  • All New 2013 Walt Disney World Park Maps (chipandco.com)
  • Take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan with these helpful tips (chipandco.com)

Disney’s Quick Service Dining Plan is more than just burgers

Disney's Quick Service Dining Plan is more than just burgers

When it comes to eating, I am your girl.  Well, except for last week when I had the stomach virus (Happy New Year…NOT!).   Any other time, I am all about food, especially when it comes to Disney food!  I am a sucker for Disney’s Quick Service Dining Plan.  I am all for taking full advantage of pricey menus, devouring every morsel of goodness, and going so far as to leave no dining plan credits behind!

All of that said, I am always bummed when I hear people didn’t enjoy the dining plan.  Of course I ask what went wrong and I overwhelmingly hear back “all they have to eat is burgers!”  I always dig a little deeper saying something like, “tell me more about that…”  9 times out of 10 they are on the quick service plan and have eaten some combination of burgers/chicken nuggets for the entire trip, twice a day.

I always cringe to know they missed out on the golden opportunity awaiting them that Disney calls quick service!  Today, I am sharing my favorite quick service locations/offerings.  We are going beyond burgers and basics and uncovering some of the best the mouse has to offer!  Let’s get grubbin’!

Think outside the bun…

Yes, there are a lot of places at Disney World that you can grab a burger and fries.  You can actually find the same configuration of combos and offerings across many different restaurants throughout the parks.  The trick to finding options beyond burgers is to think outside the bun!  Typically, you can find a few unique items on each menu, even if the standard choices are front and center.  For example, Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers shrimp po boys, grilled veggie sandwiches, and taco salads (while still offering burgers and nuggets).  My favorite quick service restaurant, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in the Magic Kingdom has a ton of options, including my favorite meal,  the 1/2 rotisserie chicken meal served with veggies and mashed potatoes.  Think outside the bun and you’ll see that there really are loads of options when it comes to quick service restaurants.

Disney Confidential – Disney to get rid of no expire ticket option

no

This week I have some interesting news from a great little site I follow Theme Park Insider. According to their site Disney is doing away with the no expire ticket option on Walt Disney World Tickets. When purchasing tickets on their all new website there is no longer an no expiration option available. According to readers you can still access the old Disney website or call and get them their, but for how long?

I believe Disney in their attempts to combat ticket fraud and the roll of out the new Disney My Magic+ they are tying to do away with tickets all together and this is one step in that direction. Also many of the ticket booths around WDW are pulling down the No Expire information all together.

From what I have read on the Chip and Co Facebook page the whole wristband debate is getting mixed reviews. Some people like the idea, and others do not like that Disney can track your every movement. What do you think? Let me know in the comment box below.

Anywho that is all the gossip I have right now. If you want to read the full article check it out here.  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

Update* –  I just called and found out that the “No Expiration” option is still available but no longer on the site. I was told you would have to call the reservation line or add that option at any of the theme parks. I could not get any info as to why it is no longer on the site but at least you can still get this option if you like. -Sunshine

  • Disney Confidential – Main Street Bakery to Re-open with Starbucks Products on May 18th (chipandco.com)
  • Disney Confidential – Waterside Restaurant coming to Morocco Pavilion (chipandco.com)
Disney Confidential - Disney to get rid of no expire ticket option

Bastos Reclaims Crown at 20th Annual Walt Disney World Marathon

rundisney

Perhaps it was fitting that at the 20th annual Walt Disney World Marathon the greatest champion in the event’s history – Brazil’s Adriano Bastos – reclaimed his place in the victory circle Sunday.

Bastos, who had won seven previous Disney Marathons, including six straight before losing the last two to countryman Fredison Costa, this time held off Costa down the stretch for his eighth victory at the place Where Dreams Come True.

Bastos, 34, lost to Costa, 35, at the 2011 Disney Marathon after getting ill the night before the race, then was edged by him again last year, finishing just 14 seconds behind. Bastos, who trains with Costa, said the two-year drought was extra motivation coming into this year’s race, especially given that it was the 20th annual event.

“It was extra motivation, for sure,” Bastos, wearing a Donald Duck hat, said through an interpreter.

In a wire-to-wire duel between Bastos and Costa that has become commonplace at the Disney Marathon, Bastos flipped the script on Costa, winning the late-race sprint this time in the final half mile. Bastos, whose goal is to win 10 Disney Marathons, broke the tape at 2:21:16, just 16 seconds ahead of Costa (2:21:32).

ABC Considering ‘Star Wars’ TV Series

694px-star_wars_logosvg

In October, word broke that Disney had acquired LucasFilm, to much shock to the industry and onlookers. Disney and LucasFilm have had a very good working relationship for a long time, so the two merging made sense. With the announcement, we also learned that we would be getting ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ in 2015. But there were many unknown variables to the deal, including what else we would be seeing now from the ‘Star Wars’ universe. One thing I kept wondering about was what had happened to the LucasFilm’s planned series, ‘Star Wars: Underworld‘, a series set between the two trilogies, dealing with much of the seedy underbelly of the universe, such as mobsters and bounty hunters, while leaving it open to have appearances from characters that we’d come to love from the films. Now it looks like the series could see a second life, thanks to ABC. 

Disney Wonder Hosts First-Call Ceremony in Miami, Marking Inaugural Season

Disney_Wonder_Miami-640x302

Disney Cruise Line hosted local port officials and community leaders onboard the 2,700 passenger Disney Wonder for a plaque exchange ceremony today. These ceremonies are a maritime tradition and an opportunity for the Captain and the ship’s officers to celebrate the inaugural call on a new port, as well as for local officials and leaders to welcome the ship and guests to the community. This is the first time a Disney ship will have a regional homeport in southern Florida, allowing families from this area to take advantage of departing from a port close to their own backyard.

“We are excited to be in Miami for our inaugural season, sailing from southern Florida for the first time. Miami is an iconic port of call, recognized for its exciting blend of cultural influences, and is very appealing to our guests,” said Disney Cruise Line Captain Thord Haugen. “While in port, families can enjoy vibrant regional cuisine, pastel skyscrapers, South Beach and eclectic shopping.”

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami on a variety of four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. In April 2013, the Disney Wonder will return to the West Coast and resume Alaskan sailings from Vancouver.  Her sister ship, the Disney Magic, will sail three, four- and five-night itineraries from Miami beginning in October 2013. In 2014, the Disney Wonder will return to Miami to sail on four-night Bahamian and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from January through May.

  • Disney Cruise Line Unveils 2014 Schedule and Adds a New Port in Colombia! (chipandco.com)

New Details on Marvel’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ TV Series Revealed

GH-05606_R_LO.jpg_rgb

News for the new Marvel series, ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ is becoming more and more frequent lately, largely due to the fact that the pilot episode of the series is said to be shooting in the next week or so. The series, which is being overseen by ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Buffy: The Vampire Slayer’ writer and director Joss Whedon, has been somewhat of a mystery since its initial announcement. But now Paul Lee, president of ABC, and Whedon, have given us some new insight on what we can expect from the series, and when it takes place in the confines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The first bit of news, pertaining to when exactly the series will take place, comes from an interview with Paul Lee over at IGN. Speaking to the website, he had this to say:

There is no question that it is part of the Marvel Universe. In fact, the story takes place after the battle for New York.

That comes as a bit shocking, considering Clark Gregg, who played Agent Coulson in the Marvel films so far, has a prominent role in the series, but due to [SPOILER ALERT, HIGHLIGHT TO READ] his characters untimely death in ‘The Avengers’, it’s very interesting to see exactly how he fits into the series. Is it a flashback? Did Fury lie about Coulson’s death? Or is there more to this whole thing that I’m missing? It’s definitely got me intrigued, and I’m really excited to see how it plays out. [END SPOILER]