NEW! Disney Attractions+ now available at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

By

-

December 12, 2012

NEW! Disney Attractions+ now available at Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts. With Attractions+ you can take home all your Attraction images, taken within a 14 day visit to the parks, for $44.95.

How does it work?

RIDE: Ride one of the participating Attractions
ASSOCIATE: Present your Attractions+ card at the Attraction Imaging Sales Center within 24 hours of riding to associate your photo.
CLAIM: Visit DisneyPhotoPass.com and enter the ID on the back of the card.
DOWNLOAD: Go to “My Downloads” to access your Attractions+ photo downloads.

Disney Attractions+ is available for purchase at any of the participating Attractions.

Walt Disney World Participating Attractions: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Test Track

Disneyland Participating Attractions: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, California Screamin, Radiator Springs Racers, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Let us know if you are going to check this out in the comment box below!

NEW! Disney Attractions+ now available at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

Tips for Celebrating your birthday at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 12, 2012

Birthdays are so special. It’s a day just to celebrate you! Celebrating your birthday at Disney World makes a birthday even more magical. Visiting Disney on our birthdays has been on my family’s Disney bucket list for many years. My son has been lucky enough to celebrate his birthday there a few years ago and this year it is my daughter’s turn. Through our planning, we have found some special adventures, both big and small, to help celebrate a birthday while at Disney World.

There are many different types of adventures for both pirates and princesses, both young and young at heart, to enjoy a magical birthday at Disney World. We have been lucky enough to enjoy a few of these adventures and look forward to more of them in the future.

Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

Tea Party: There are three different options available for you to enjoy at the Grand Floridian if you would like to treat your prince or princess to a tea party. My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party, Wonderland Tea Party at 1900 Park Fare, and afternoon tea at the beautiful Garden View Lounge are very special ways to celebrate a birthday.

Princess Makeover:Another special experience that your prince or princess might enjoy is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. There are two locations to choose from and several different packages available for your makeover. What better day to feel like royalty than on your birthday?

Continue

Where to start when Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World

By

Catie

-

December 12, 2012

If you’re a Walt Disney World lover like me, then it probably doesn’t take much to get you pumped about a trip to WDW. To get myself even more excited, there are some things I like to do to prepare me for my reunion with Mickey and all his friends:

Research – The trick with this one is not overdoing it! Once you book your trip, there are some definite musts for research. Click the Planning button at the top of the page to learn more. Also check out what Deals and Offers are available. I know if you sign up for a Disney Rewards Visa you have 6 months to pay off your trip from when you get home and they also have some great rewards as well!

Weather-check and see what that time of year is typically like in Orlando and plan to pack accordingly (noting of course that the weather can be different than the average, but at least it gives you a place to start!)

Dining options – if you’re a foodie like me you will love this one, and if you don’t know where to start check out Walt Disney World’s official dining website for information The great thing is, most of this can be done online. For restaurant info check out Guide to Walt Disney World Section.

Continue

Staggs Says Avatar Land Is Still On

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 12, 2012

During the Grand Opening Press Event for Walt Disney World’s New Fantasyland, Parks and Resort Chairman Tom Staggs confirmed that another one of the WDW projects is still on track – that being the Avatar Land to be built in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

News on the “Avatar” land front has been quiet for some time since it was announced more than a year ago. This has caused the rumor mill to be filled with stories that the land was either being re-evaluated or even cancelled. Fuel was poured on the rumor mill fire recently when Disney announced the acquisition of Lucasfilms and the rights to the “Star Wars” franchise.

But Staggs reaffirms that the development plans are continuing. “We’ve gotten more excited about Avatar as we’ve gone through development. Because we are finding that really playing around with this notion of allowing guests to visit Pandora can be very magical. We’re not in construction yet. We’re still in development. And we’re still honing exactly what we’re going to do. But it’s going to be big.”

Staggs compares the Avatar development to that of the newly opened “Cars” Land in DCA and the New Fantasyland at MK. “We love that as a direction,” Staggs said. “We’re going to go for that in Avatar. Cars Land has been a tremendous hit in Anaheim. It’s such a hit with our guests that it clearly factors into our thinking about the long-range plans for our other properties,” he said. “We haven’t made any final decisions about if or when that might happen. But we’re excited to see how much the guests are really loving that land.”

Staggs also confirmed that the presence of “Star Wars” in its theme parks will expand, “You’ll see more Star Wars in the parks,” Staggs said.

Prior to any Avatar or Star Wars development however, Disney must complete the roll out of it’s “NextGen” project which has been in development for years. “NextGen” pieces include a reservations system which allows visitors to book rides from home, keyless hotel-room doors and interactive ride queues.

Disney Confidential – Avatarland is BACK ON…Maybe! (chipandco.com)
Top Disney exec says Avatar Land remains on track (orlandosentinel.com)

Joss Whedon Has Turned in His Outline For ‘The Avengers 2’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2012

Joss Whedon Has Turned in His Outline For 'The Avengers 2'

Fans of the Marvel cinematic universe are about to get very excited. We all know that Joss Whedon has signed on to write and direct ‘The Avengers 2’, while also over seeing the rest of Marvel’s slate through 2015, including ‘Iron Man 3’, ‘Thor: The Dark World’, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, and writing and directing the pilot episode of the Marvel series ‘S.H.I.E.L.D’ for ABC. I thought with the ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ pilot set to shoot in January, that Whedon was hard at work on the script for the pilot, but it looks like Whedon’s done much more than that. We have learned Entertainment Weekly has learned that Joss Whedon has already turned in his outline for ‘The Avengers 2’.

Continue

Austin and Ally and Jessie come together for an incredible night!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2012

Austin and Jessie and Ally all star new year!

Recently I watched the holiday special Austin and Jessie and Ally all star new year. I have to say going into it I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it actually was! We start out with Austin and Ally in good old Miami Florida where Christmas means Santa Claus in shorts. We start off with the Christmas Soul performance which is a holiday song recorded by Austin and Ally star Ross Lynch. I really think the stage in this performance was entirely too small and just a little too jumbled but I did enjoy the fake snow it gave it that magical touch Disney is known for.

We then move to Trish booking Austin at the wrong place in typical Trish fashion she tries to worm her way out of it and only makes more trouble for everyone involved. Eventually they get on the plane to New York and they’re off to Time Square!! Although they must first endure a plane ride with Trish as an attendant and a hilarious little boy who just doesn’t believe Austin is who he says he is. Finally after getting diverted to Philadelphia and taking a very expensive cab to New York they make it only to run into …

Continue

“Babes in Toyland” BluRay Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2012

"Babes in Toyland" BluRay Review

Done with your Holiday s shopping? Watched ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas already? Then head out on Tuesday, December 11th for your own copy of Disney’s 1961 classic “Babes in Toyland“. It’s time to carve out a little time to watch a BluRay with the family.

A childhood tradition in my family, I was excited for the opportunity to review the digitally remastered release of “Babes in Toyland”. Starring Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands, the movie is Walt Disney’s first try at a live performance film. Based on a 1903 operetta, the story had been told in a 1934 film with Laurel and Hardy. In that version there is a mouse that looks a lot like Disney’s Mickey Mouse. In an interesting twist, Walt’s production featured characters that looked a lot like Laurel and Hardy.

The film is 1960’s campy, but stands the test of time for a holiday movie. The remastered Technicolor gives the set a Wizard of Oz look. The premise of the film is that you are watching a stage production, so the sets and costumes are over the top. I enjoyed the storyline and musical score as much as I did as a child. As an adult, I was entranced by Ray Bolger (Wizard of Oz, scarecrow) as the evil Barnaby. He pulled off the smarmy, bad guy with a comedic twist. There are no special features with the BluRay, which is a disappointment. This movie was heavily promoted by Walt Disney himself and even filmed the wrap party for his “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color” program on NBC. It would have been nice to see some old footage or some commentary from the actors. That however, is all that is missing from this beautifully restored classic.

Continue

Changes Coming to Disney World in 2013

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2012

Heading to Walt Disney World in 2013? You can expect a few changes and some new experiences at everyone favorite theme park! Here is your guide to everything new in 2013 and beyond.

Price Changes

Of course, prices always change and not necessarily in the way we would like them to. Price increases can be seen this year in everything from dining to tickets to behind the scenes tours.

Tickets– We are already living the ticket increase for 2012-2013. Disney traditionally raises park admission prices in the summer and this held true in June of 2012. It is likely that the next ticket price increase we will see will be in summer of 2013. When prices went up last June we saw a $4 increase in the price of a 1 day base ticket which now stands at $89 and a $27 increase in the price of a 10 day base ticket which now stands at $318.

The biggest changes however, were seen in the prices of annual passes. On the annual pass front there is good news and there is bad news. The good news: Disney World Annual Pass rates rose only 11% from $519 to $574. I am considering this good news because Disneyland passholders saw a 30% increase in the price of their passes. I think it is safe to say a bullet was dodged in Orlando.

The Bad News: Disney World now has no distinction between a childs annual pass and an adult annual pass which means guests can expect to pay nearly $100 more for a child’s AP than they did in 2011.

Continue

Getting Around Disney – An Overview of Disney World Transportation

By

Catie

-

December 11, 2012

When planning your Walt Disney World vacation, one question that might come up is, “How will we get around Disney World?” I know it can be a challenge sometimes, but Disney World Transportation has the answers for you!

If you’re staying at a WDW Resort (which I highly recommend, as it has comes with many perks!), then you have a free ride from Orlando Airport to your Resort via Disney’s Magical Express, a bus and luggage service that brings your and your bags from the airport to your resort and back again at the end of your stay.

Once you’re at WDW, there are several ways to make it from point A to point B:

Bus – this is one of the more common modes of transit at WDW (and the one I am most familiar with, since it’s the only way to get from any of the Value Resorts to the Parks). Buses travel from all Resorts to the Theme Parks, Downtown Disney, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and the Water Parks. The buses are large and offer a lot of seating and standing room, and usually run around 15 minutes apart (or more often during high volume times). It’s definitely not a speedy way to get around, so be sure to plan for extra travel time in your schedule when utilizing the bus system.

Monorail – This is a fun way to travel, high above the ground, and you get some great views along the way! The monorail travel from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary Resorts in a loop, and another monorail makes the trip between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Epcot, and a 3rd travels from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom. It’s a quick and convenient way to travel, and the Resort monorail gives you almost instant access to the Magic Kingdom, and what could be better than that?

Continue

Disney Confidential – Disney Ticket Prices Going Up

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 11, 2012

Hey there Ladies and Gents it is I, Anonymouse! Delivering right to your computer the best in Disney News & Gossip. Normally, I bring you gossip that may happen, but there is a chance that it would not. Unfortunately, I am pretty sure on this front and want to grumble a little to my fellow Disney fans and that is about the prices at Disney going up..up…up.

First, did you hear the news last week that Table in Wonderland’s price is jumping up to $100 for DVC and AP members and $125 for Florida residents? Now, for Florida residents my guess is this is still a good deal and great savings but for the DVC and AP members who only go 4 or 5 times a year, then they are going to need to re-do their numbers and see if it still works.

Disney ticket prices have no recent increases, which means watch out, because these prices have been raised 12 times over the last 9 years. But, to be fair to Disney with the increase in price does come constant upgrades, additions and refurbishment so the good news there is you get something for your dollars, but it is still increasing.

Continue

New Dreamworks Movie “Need for Speed” is Speeding Into Theaters in 2014

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

December 10, 2012

Dreamworks studio is at it again! In association with Bandito Brothers they are in pre-production on the Walt Disney Studios movie “Need for Speed.” This racing theme featured film is based on the Electronic Arts video game franchise that is the most successful racing game video series in the World.

“Need for Speed” is based on a storyline of a racecar driver that “soups” up cars in his garage to make them fly around the track. During a race, his best friend is murdered and the racecar driver is framed and sent to prison. When he gets out he seeks his revenge on the person(s) responsible for his time spent in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Already tagged for prime roles in “Need for Speed” is Aaron Paul, best known as Jesse Pinkman in the AMC series “Breaking Bad”. Paul will play the starring role as the racecar driver who is framed for his best friends murder. British Actress and Model, Imogen Potts is also signed on to play as the savvy exotic car dealer.

George and John Gatins co-wrote the story and John Gatins will stay on to produce. Filmmaker Scott Waugh will take the directors chair.

The movie is scheduled to speed into theaters in 2014 (See what I did there…did you like that?)

Court upholds $319M verdict against Disney over ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ profits (chipandco.com)
‘Need for Speed’ Casting in Atlanta (cwatlanta.cbslocal.com)

New Dreamworks Movie "Need for Speed" is Speeding Into Theaters in 2014

‘Monsier Paul’ Restaurant Debuts December 11th at Epcot France Pavilion

By

Chip

-

December 10, 2012

“Monsieur Paul restaurant introduces the culture and the authentic taste of French cuisine that Chef Paul Bocuse introduced to the world,” says Jerome Bocuse, son of the famous French chef and president and owner of the company that runs the new restaurant re-opening December 11 in the France Pavilion at Epcot World Showcase.

Upscale but less formal than the former Bistro de Paris, the new decor captures classic French architecture with fresh colors and a touch of modernism. “The newly renovated restaurant inherits the air of hospitality of my father’s restaurant as each staff member goes above and beyond to offer the warmest, most inviting service possible,” says Jerome.

Continue

Related articles

Related articles