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December Movie Schedule at Fort Wilderness

December Movie Schedule at Fort Wilderness

Last month I shared with you the details of taking your family to the Campfire Sing-A-Long and outdoor movie at Fort Wilderness.  This is such a fun and unique FREE activity at Walt Disney World.  Spend some time sitting around the campfire, get your photo made with Chip and Dale, sing a few songs with a cast member playing guitar and end the night watching one of your favorite Disney movies under the stars!  If you want to spend money, you can buy snacks at the snack bar.

Here is the movie schedule for December:

December 1 – Toy Story 3
December 2 – Cinderella
December 3 – Tangled (PG)
December 4 – Secret of the Wings
December 5 – Lilo and Stitch (PG)
December 6 – Finding Nemo
December 7 – The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 8 – Brave (PG)
December 9 – Lady and the Tramp
December 10 – The Santa Clause
December 11 – Toy Story
December 12 – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
December 13 – Up (PG)
December 14 – The Princess and the Frog
December 15 – Toy Story 3
December 16 – Cinderella
December 17 – Tangled (PG)
December 18 – Secret of the Wings
December 19 – Lilo and Stitch (PG)
December 20 – Finding Nemo
December 21 – The Muppet Christmas Carol
December 22 – Brave (PG)
December 23 – Lady and the Tramp
December 24 – The Santa Clause
December 25 – Toy Story
December 26 – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
December 27 – Up (PG)
December 28 – The Princess and the Frog
December 29 – Toy Story 3
December 30 – Cinderella
December 31 – Tangled (PG)

Which movie do you want to see at Fort Wilderness?

  • Taking the family to an Outdoor Movie and Sing-along at Fort Wilderness (chipandco.com)
  • Planning an “Off Day” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness (chipandco.com)
December Movie Schedule at Fort Wilderness

Snow And Fun For All At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Snow And Fun For All At Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

There are few things more magical than Walt Disney World at Christmastime. Should you be traveling to WDW during the holiday season, I highly recommend you purchase tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. And if this is the first you are hearing of this event, then read on for more details on how you can join in the fun!

What is it? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held annually to celebrate Christmas and is loads of fun for those of all ages!

Where? The Party is held at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Park

When? It’s held on select nights from 7pm-midnight in November and December, this year the Party is happening on November 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30; and December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20.

How Much Does It Cost? The cost per person is $59-$70 (depending on the night) Purchase your tickets here

What Is It Like? It’s a magical night full of amazing fireworks, a great holiday parade, and live entertainment featuring some of your favorite Disney characters. Cinderella’s Castle is lit up beautifully, and Mickey makes an appearance as Santa Claus. You can ride select attractions, munch on free cookies and hot cocoa, and enjoy the snow as it falls on Main Street USA (that’s right, I said SNOW! In FLORIDA! It’s quite the sight!)

DIY Disney Vacation Countdown

DIY Disney Vacation Countdown
Making a Disney Vacation Countdown has become one of our pre-WDW Vacation traditions.  We typically travel to “the World” the first part of June, so the whole month of May is full of anticipation of school ending and our Disney vacation on the horizon.  Paint chips are an easy, inexpensive way to make a countdown.  Along with some canvas, some fun markers and scrapbooking paper, this countdown comes together easily!
Supplies:  
Paint Chips
Bright Colored Markers
Scissors
Hot Glue
Disney Themed Ribbon and Scrapbook Paper
Small clothespins
16×20 canvas
Glue Stick
Directions:
1.  Put a dab of hot glue on the end of your ribbon and attach it to the back edge of the canvas. Run it width wise, to the other side.  Dab some glue on the other end and attach it.  Continue this until you have five rows of ribbon.

Stars Sightings at Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Taping at WDW

Stars Sightings at Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Taping at WDW

After the stars came out last month at the Disneyland Resort during the west coast taping of the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, the spotlight shifted to Walt Disney World Resort for its annual TV taping at the Magic Kingdom Park.

It’s all in preparation for December 25, when the award-winning parade telecast airs nationwide on the ABC Television Network from 10 a.m.-noon in the Eastern time zone, and 9-11 a.m. in the Central, Mountain, Pacific time zones. The show also will air in Canada on CBC Network, and around the globe on the American Forces Network.

“Finding Nemo” Blu-Ray Review

Finding Nemo 3 Disc Collector's Edition

On December 4, 2012 prepare to experience “Finding Nemo” all over again as it will be released for the first time on Blu-Ray™. I recently had the opportunity to review the 3-Disc Combo Pack and I can honestly  say that it is definitely a “sea”-worthy adventure.

Having owned a Blu-Ray™ player for sometime now, I was skeptical at how different it could be from the original DVD. But fear no more because  I am happy to say that “Finding Nemo” is brilliantly adapted to Blu-Ray™. The colors and definition are awe-inspiring. The quality is beautiful. My kids were completely engrossed in the film; I have never seen them so still and zoned in on a movie before.

The bonus features are jam-packed and interesting to watch. Knick Knack, a theatrical short, is included and even though I have seen it many times before-it still makes me chuckle. It also includes: Aquarium-which is much like an animated wallpaper for your television. Aquarium features the opening of “Finding Nemo” with Nemo’s home and the anenome. When this feature came on-screen, my children thought the movie was going to start again as it looks identical to the title screen.

Spending Christmas Day at Walt Disney World

xmas

Spending Christmas Day at Walt Disney World?  For many this is a once in a lifetime trip, for others a family tradition.  Either way, if you find yourself at Disney World at Christmas, here are a few tips for events and dining.

The Magic Kingdom is definitely the place to be on Christmas.  Prior to the holidays you can enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  However on Christmas Day, the park is one big party.  Be forewarned, the crowd level at this park on Christmas Eve and Day is the highest all year.  Often the park will be closed within hours of opening because they are at capacity.  If you brave the crowds, you will be rewarded with amazing holiday decorations and atmosphere.  The parades are Christmas themed as are the fireworks.  Cinderella’s castle is covered with a layer of LED snow and icicles.   While all restaurants are open for Christmas, many with holiday features, the following offer a special Christmas meal (don’t forget your reservations):

Hollywood Studios – More Than Just “Thrill” Rides!

Hollywood Studios - More Than Just "Thrill" Rides!

We all know and love the big attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, like Star Tours, Rock N Roller Coaster, and the Tower of Terror, but have you ever stopped to check out some of the other attractions and rides at Hollywood Studios? There really are some great ones that are totally worth a look!

Magic of Disney Animation – This is a great guided tour/show where you sit with a live artist for a 10 minute segment called “Drawn to Animation”, where you learn how Disney characters are brought to life. After that, you are led to an area where you can explore a series of interactive workstations, that teach you how characters are created, from drawing and coloring to sound and animation. You can even learn how to draw your own Disney character! This is really a fun attraction that shows you the magic behind the animated Disney movies we all love to watch over and over!

Great Movie Ride – This is one of my favorite rides of all time, and it is definitely one of the more popular ‘non thrill’ rides in Hollywood Studios. You board a tram that takes you through some of the best scenes in move history. You have a cast member who is your ‘tour guide’, and they even get a chance to get in on the movie action! Some of the more notable scenes include Dorothy in Oz (complete with munchkins and the yellow brick road!), Casablanca, and a scene from Alien. It’s a great way to relive some truly amazing movies, and what’s even better is there is movie memorabilia in the queue, and there is concrete hand/footprints of some of Hollywood’s most beloved actors outside the ride! While this attraction tends to be pretty popular, the lines usually aren’t too bad for it, but even if you have to wait – there is plenty to look at while in line

Common Disney Abbreviations and Acronyms

dak

Disney has a language all it’s own. If you have a fan of Chip and Co long then you will hear us speak in many Disney Abbreviations and Acronyms just like you would a 2nd language. We get asked all the time what many of these mean so here are a few of our favorites.  For the most complete list All Ears has just about everyone that I am familiar with.

WDW – Okay, sure. It’s obvious.  Walt Disney World.

MK – Magic Kingdom. You’ll see this everywhere.

CRT –  Cinderella’s Royal Table.  The hardest reservation to get at WDW, it’s located in Cinderella Castle (and yes, there’s no apostrophe s in that one).

BBB – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  Where you get your princess makeover and your fancy new ballgown.

BWV – Boardwalk Villas

BW –  For Disney’s Boardwalk which is a great place to hang out!

Burton Snowboards Brings Two Favorite Disney Brands together

Burton Snowboards Brings Two Favorite Disney Brands together

Burton invites you to snowboard with your favorite characters from two of Disney’s most iconic brands – Disney’s the Muppets and Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story through two new exciting product collaborations.  Released for Winter 13, riders of all ages will be able to enjoy these two new collections including 2013 Custom Restricted snowboards featuring Disney’s the Muppets characters and 2013 Chopper youth snowboards and outerwear showcasing the Toy Story gang.

Burton’s Custom Restricted snowboard series features the graphics of everyone’s favorite Muppets characters, including Kermit the Frog, The Great Gonzo, Animal, Dr. Teeth and the unforgettable Miss Piggy. Burton Pro Rider Mikkel Bang’s board of choice, the Custom Restricted is a super fun, all-mountain board that floats like a dream in powder but can also hold its own in the park.  The boards come in a range of sizes and are available now at select Burton retailers worldwide with a suggested retail price of $529.95.

“The Muppets collab is so cool and I am so stoked on how it came out,” said Mikkel Bang.  “I ride the 163 Custom Restricted with Miss Piggy, she is such a babe.”

Kids can take it to infinity and beyond on the mountain this winter with a complete head-to-toe snowboarding setup from the new Disney·Pixar Toy Story collection.  Whether kids are Team Woody or Team Buzz Lightyear, there is a board for every grom as each youth-sized Burton Chopper board in the series features a different original graphic from the beloved movie.  Even the Aliens and Hamm make a special guest appearance.  The collection comes in small sizes that range from 80 cm to 130 cm long. Offering the softest flex possible and lifted edges all the way around, the Chopper allows even the lightest riders to master balance and board control. In addition, the three smallest sizes in the series come complete with grippy foot pads and the Riglet Board Reel accessory, so parents can tow their youngest rippers around until they’re ready for bindings. The limited-edition board series is available now in Burton dealers worldwide for a suggested retail price of $199.95

Disney Names Jennifer Lee Director of “Frozen”

Disney Names Jennifer Lee Director of "Frozen"

Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) taps Jennifer Lee to join Chris Buck at the helm of its 53rd full-length animated feature “Frozen,” which is slated for the big screen on Nov. 27, 2013. Lee, who has contributed to the film’s screenplay, is one of the screenplay writers of this year’s hit arcade-hopping adventure “Wreck-It Ralph.”
Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, “Frozen” is the coolest comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.
“Frozen” producer Peter Del Vecho says the match-up is perfect. “Jenn has a real connection to the film and creates dynamic and relatable characters. Her sense of comedy, adventure and story structure paired with Chris Buck’s vast experience and incredible instincts create an ideal situation for this film.”
Lee’s screen adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights” is being produced by Troika Pictures. She has an original screenplay in development with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way, and her original script “Lucid Dreams” was optioned by Wolfgang Peterson’s Radiant Productions. Lee holds an MFA in Film from Columbia University and a BA in English from the University of New Hampshire.
Buck directed (with Kevin Lima) Disney’s 1999 high-swinging feature “Tarzan,” which won an Oscar® and a Golden Globe® for Best Music/Original Song (Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart”). He directed (with Ash Brannon) 2007’s Oscar-nominated “Surf’s Up” for Sony Pictures Animation. His credits within animation also include 1989’s “The Little Mermaid,” “The Rescuers Down Under” (1990) and “Pocahontas” (1995).
With original songs by Tony®-award winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters Nov. 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.
Disney Names Jennifer Lee Director of "Frozen"
Disney Names Jennifer Lee Director of "Frozen"

The Disney Wonder Prepares to Sail Out of Miami

speed

Disney Cruise Line is on the move again and will start sailing out of Port Miami for the first time EVER in December. The Disney Wonder is re positioning from the West Coast and will no longer offer Mexican Riviera cruises out of Los Angeles. The Wonder will head back to the West Coast for Alaska cruises in the summer of 2013 but during the winter months it will be in South Florida.

The Disney Dream and Fantasy will continue to sail out of Port Canaveral, and the Disney Magic is sailing out of Galveston, Texas to the Caribbean.

The Wonder will arrive in Miami on Sunday, December 23rd and will sail on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary in a 7 night sailing stopping at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

It will then have a 6 night Western Caribbean trip sailing on December 30th, great way to spend New Years Eve! After that it will switch gears entirely and offer 4 day itineraries with stops in Key West, Nassau and Castaway Cay as well as a 5 day itinerary to the Western Caribbean with stops in Cozumel and the Cayman Islands.

The Wonder will return to Alaska in May and then it will trade places with the Disney Magic in the winter of 2013 with the Magic sailing out of Miami and the Wonder out of Galveston.

Do any of these ships and their itineraries excite you? Do you think Disney will have trouble selling these itineraries?

I am hoping that with so many ships sailing so close together we will start seeing some more  discounts!

 

Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. If you are interested in booking a Disney vacation email her at [email protected] or check her out at www.destinationmagic.com . Lesley will make all of your dining reservations and give you a  personalized itinerary  for FREE as a part of her service to you AND offers Disney gift card incentives and on board credit booking incentives too!

The Disney Wonder Prepares to Sail Out of Miami

Chevrolet and Disney Inspire Design Innovation with Test Track

tt

Chevrolet designers and Walt Disney Imagineers have joined forces to give Walt Disney World Resort guests a deep glimpse inside a professional design studio creating a first-of-its-kind multi-sensory virtual experience in automotive design at the all new Test Track!

Chevrolet and Disney tapped their best design talent with expertise ranging from industrial and automotive design to architecture and animation. The design collaboration began 18 months ago with a few guiding principles – create an experience that is personal, future-focused and optimistic.

The two teams met regularly throughout the development process in both GM’s Design studios in Warren, Mich., and at Test Track in Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The collaboration allowed for the greatest level of innovation yet ensured the values of both brands were accurately represented in the new attraction, while allowing both teams to learn from each other’s expertise.

“At Chevrolet, the diversity of talent on our team allows us to consistently produce sophisticated, refined and detailed design – but we don’t typically design through the eyes of a 12-year-old,” said Jeff Mylenek, GM Design Manager, Global Exhibit and Merchandising Design. “Working with Walt Disney Imagineering, we were inspired to see our brand story from a more youthful perspective and really opened the parameters on how to approach this design challenge.”

The result is a unique experience that gives an authentic, inside the studio look, at the actual automotive design process, while empowering guests themselves to create their own designs, possibly inspiring the next generation of automotive designers.

“The re-imagined Test Track portrays an optimistic view of the future, and reflects the deep collaboration between Disney and Chevrolet on both the design and the overall experience,” said Eric Jacobson, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a thrilling attraction supported by rich exhibit displays and interactive elements that bring guests directly into the design process – with a few surprises thrown in.”

The teams used multiple mediums throughout the re-imagined attraction for storytelling, including: