Is Disney’s Boardwalk The Right Resort For You?

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November 11, 2012

Should you stay at Boardwalk Inn & Villas? Well it all depends on what you are looking for in a resort, how much time you will actually spend at the resort, and what types of amenities you prefer. We have stayed at all three types of resorts, Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The resort we choose depends on what type of vacation we are taking. If we are planning on relaxing we stay at a Moderate or a Deluxe but if we are going to be spending most of our time in the parks we stay at a Value Resort.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of Disney’s Boardwalk Resort:
Pros:

The resort is beautiful and themed like you are staying on the Atlantic Boardwalk in the 1920’s.
You can walk to two of the parks, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as take a Friendship Boat.
The Cast Members were all extremely friendly and helpful.
The Luna Park Pool is beautiful and a fun place to spend the afternoon. There is a play area for kids with a playground as well as several hot tubs.
There is also a quiet pool with hot tubs if you just want to relax.

Another pro is that your Resort is on the Boardwalk and can take advantage of everything it has to offer:

There are three table service restaurants that are a short walk from the Villas, Flying Fish Cafe, Kouzzina, ESPN Club, and Big River Grill and Brewing Works.
Quick service options include the Boardwalk Bakery and the Boardwalk Pizza Window. If you have dessert on the mind you can visit the bakery as well as Seashore Sweets. There are also carts that serve hot dogs, pretzels, and funnel cakes.
The Boardwalk has lots of entertainment options. During the day you can rent a surrey bike. At night you can enjoy shows from magicians and jugglers, visit the Yard Arcade, or play carnival games at Midway Games & More.
For the over 21 crowd, the Belle Vue Lounge is a great place to relax in the evening or you can visit Leaping Horse Libations at the Luna Park Pool. At night you can also walk to the Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.

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Disney World’s Guest Assistance Card Details

By

Chip

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November 11, 2012

Disney World's Guest Assistance Card Details

For anyone that is visiting Walt Disney World in a wheelchair or if you have another medical condition that requires accommodations, I highly recommend stopping by guest relations to pick up a Guest Assistance Card. This card will help alert Cast Members of your needs and can make your vacation a little easier.The type of card that is issued to you will depend on your needs. They are extremely useful if you have a disability that is hidden. This could include Autism, heat sensitivity, or crowd phobias.

When you arrive at guest relations all you need to do is explain your needs to the Cast Members. If you don’t want to disclose your exact medical condition you are not required to do so. You just need to explain the type of accommodations that you need. Also, make sure that the person requiring the Guest Assistance Card is present when you are requesting it.

If you have a disability that is not visible, I would recommend getting a note from your doctor. It is not required but it can be helpful. Again, you don’t have to disclose your medical condition. Your doctor can just explain what you need to make your vacation more magical. You should also get the Guest Assistance Card if you are using a stroller as a wheelchair so that you can take the stroller into queues when other strollers have to be parked. You can also get a stroller as a wheelchair tag that will help alert Cast Members.You only have to stop at Guest Relations at one park. Once you have the card it is good for all four parks and will be valid for the length of your stay. The type of accommodations that you receive will depend on the type of card that you are issued.

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Disney Offers Grants for Local Nonprofits

By

Chip

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November 10, 2012

Approximately 100 local nonprofits have applied for financial support through the Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants program, one of many initiatives that seeks to strengthen the Central Florida community and the well-being of children and families.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 will be awarded to programs that focus on character development, compassion, and creativity and innovation to build better futures for local children. Last year, Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $1.5 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine grants to 59 nonprofits and school districts in Central Florida. Combined, the programs are expected to benefit an estimated 70,000 in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and Lake counties.

“At Walt Disney World, we invest in programs that can make a lasting change in our community and promote the success and well-being of children and families,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World. “We do that by sharing our in-kind resources and talents, but we also make significant financial investments in organizations we believe achieve outstanding results.”

The deadline to apply was Nov. 2. Grant awards will be announced in March 2013.

Community Service Awards began in 1957 at Disneyland by Walt Disney himself, who believed in the value of people dedicated to making a difference in their community’s quality of life. The program began in Central Florida in 1972, changing its name to “Disney Helping Kids Shine” in 2004. Now in its 41^st year at Walt Disney World Resort, this initiative continues to recognize community organizations making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Disney Offers Grants for Local Nonprofits

Dream Works Lincoln Movie Premiere Images & Trailer

By

Chip

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November 10, 2012

LINCOLN was the closing night Gala screening at AFI Fest 2012. Images featuring cast, crew, and special guests at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, in Hollywood CA.

Steven Spielberg directs two-time Academy Award® winner Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln,” a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.

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Epcot Guests “Drive their Design” at the Re-Imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet

By

Chip

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November 10, 2012

Walt Disney World Resort guests will experience the thrill of designing their very own virtual vehicle – then putting their design through its paces – when the re-imagined, multi-sensory Test Track Presented by Chevrolet grand re-opens Dec. 6, 2012.

The iconic Epcot attraction, a new collaboration between Chevrolet Design and the creative team of Walt Disney Imagineering, celebrates how meticulous design not only shapes the look of Chevrolet cars and trucks, but drives their performance on the open road.

For inspiration for the project, Walt Disney Imagineers made numerous visits to Detroit, collaborating with Chevrolet designers and touring the inner sanctums of Chevrolet’s design studios.

“As storytellers, to be able tell Chevrolet’s design story was fun for our Imagineers,” said Eric Jacobson, senior vice president of WDI. “Chevrolet designers come from the same creative roots as Imagineers. Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will become, for Epcot guests, an exciting part of their visit to Walt Disney World Resort.”

Amid upbeat music, eye-popping lighting effects and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests themselves will become automotive designers – and peer into the future of personal transportation in the process.

“Through an enduring partnership, Chevrolet and Disney continue to inspire generations to imagine the impossible and innovate,” said Chris Perry, vice president, U.S. Marketing, General Motors. “The re-imagined Test Track reflects the personality and values of Chevrolet design and offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at a discipline that drives our business. This first-of-its-kind automotive design attraction represents the best of Chevrolet design and Disney innovation.”

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Disney World Quick Tips – Locker Rentals at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 10, 2012

Often the question is asked, can you rent lockers at Walt Disney World? The answer is yes! Locker rental is an additional fee, but if my memory serves me correctly, the fee wasn’t a terrible expense.

Here are the locations where you can rent lockers:

Magic Kingdom has locker facilities available adjacent to the wheelchair and ECV rental location.
Epcot has lockers in several locations.
Near the west side of Spaceship Earth
At the International Gateway (these are considered unattended lockers)
Oversized lockers are available at the Bus Information area.
Hollywood Studios has lockers available near Oscar’s Classic Car Souvenirs at the main entrance.
Animal Kingdom has lockers available both inside and outside the main entrance.
Typhoon Lagoon has lockers available adjacent to the main dressing room and also by Hammerhead Fred’s Dive Shop.
Blizzard Beach has lockers available at Snowless Joe’s.
Lastly, at Downtown Disney lockers are available at the dock near the Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant and at the marina rental window.

If you need a locker, I hope that these locations help you out! I don’t think lockers are used all that much, but it’s good to have them available as an option, especially in the case where you might be leaving that day and have some time to enjoy before your flight leaves. How often do you utilize the lockers at Walt Disney World?

Mermaids now appearing on Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Last Minute Tips before you leave for Walt Disney World! (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tips - Locker Rentals at Walt Disney World

Is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge the Right Resort For You?

By

Chip

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November 10, 2012

When you arrive at Walt Disney World and approach Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort for the first time it’s difficult to believe that you are in central Florida as opposed to a beautiful woodland setting in the far northern part of the United States. The setting itself is gorgeous and it is matched by the beauty and splendor of the resort. It is one of Walt Disney World’s best themed resorts and a favorite of thousands of regular visitors, in fact, many visitors to this resort simply will not stay anywhere else. I can’t say that I blame them because it is one of the most relaxing of all the Disney resort hotels. Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort:

PROS:

The setting and the resort itself are absolutely beautiful, as good or better than any other at Walt Disney World.
The theme of the resort is striking, not just in it’s detail and accuracy, but also in it’s scope and splendor. Yes there is a running stream inside the lobby.
The cast members are truly helpful and friendly but that is the norm for Walt Disney World.
The quality of the dining venues is excellent from the Roaring Fork Snack Shop self service cafe to the Whispering Canyon Cafe table service to the Artist Point Signature restaurant. (See also CONS). Roaring Fork is pretty typical of Disney quick serve hotel locations. The Whispering Canyon Cafe serves excellent food with plenty of variety in a raucous but fun setting and Artist Point is an outstanding upscale restaurant that serves not only many standard choices but a variety of exotic game dishes. For you salmon fans, the Cedar Plank Salmon at Artist Point is NOT TO BE MISSED!!,

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Starbucks Locations Opening at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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November 10, 2012

In case you missed the news from earlier this year, six Starbucks locations are planned at Disney Parks in Florida and California. In June, the first Starbucks location opened at Disney California Adventure park in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Café and is already a guest favorite.

Today, we’re excited to share that the first two Walt Disney World Resort locations will open next year, one at Magic Kingdom Park and one at Epcot.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Main Street Bakery will close for refurbishment in January 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in early summer. At Epcot, Fountain View will close in March 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in midsummer.

Both locations will be designed to fit the theme of their surroundings. At Magic Kingdom Park, for example, cast members will wear a costume consistent with the early 20th century look and feel of Main Street, U.S.A. At Future World in Epcot, the new Starbucks location and cast member costumes will be designed to match the park’s futuristic theme.

The Starbucks locations at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot will both offer the full complement of Starbucks® signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods, including muffins, scones and specialty treats.

More Starbucks locations are coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland park soon. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Choosing the Best Day of the Week to Visit Each Disney World Park (chipandco.com)
Things you can only get at Walt Disney World… (chipandco.com)

Starbucks Locations Opening at Walt Disney World

Disney “Festival of the Masters” Artist Brian Rood Showcases Works on New Facebook Page

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 9, 2012

Disney "Festival of the Masters" Artist Brian Rood Showcases Works on New Facebook Page — Boba Fett watercolor by Brian Rood

Brian Rood has provided some of the most memorable Star Wars, Disney and Marvel art around. If you’ve visited the Art of Disney stores, D Street or picked up a Hasbro game you’ve no doubt experienced his brilliant masterpieces first hand. Recently his work has been featured in the Star Wars Saga boxed set as well as marketing for Star Wars Celebration VI. This weekend he will be participating in Walt Disney World’s Festival of the Masters which showcases only the best Disney art around.

Rood has recently started a new Facebook site where fans of his work can check out the latest art, works in progress as well as some of his personal endeavors. Please check out his page and give him a “like.” I look forward to catching up with Brian on Sorcerer Radio as well as have highlights of my interview with him on the WDW Tiki Room Podcast soon.

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D23 is a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious gift idea for the holidays!

By

Chip

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November 9, 2012

D23 is the world’s only official Disney fan club – and a Gold ($74.99) or Silver ($34.99) membership is a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious gift idea for any Disney Fanatic!

Taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company, D23 brings its members a host of exclusive benefits.

Disney twenty-three Magazine – Our stunning, oversized, quarterly publication is included with all D23 Gold Memberships
Annual Member Gift – Each new and renewing D23 Member receives a special collectible gift from The Walt Disney Archives Collection. Gold-level D23 Members receive an extra four gifts a year that get sent with their copy of Disney twenty-three Magazine.
D23 Special Discounts and Offers – D23 Members can save hundreds of dollars by presenting their D23 Membership cards at dozens of select retailers and attractions (details can be found at www.Disney.com/D23Discounts)
D23 Website – D23.com features Disney breaking news and behind the scenes exclusives from the Walt Disney Archives among many other perks!
Special Member-Only Events – D23 Members can take part in amazing tours of the Walt Disney Studios and Archives, signature events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, special film screenings and opportunities to see Disney movies before the general public, and many other events throughout the country and throughout the year. These one-of-a-kind experiences are created specifically for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club!
D23 EXPO 2013 – This August, the third D23 Expo brings the entire world of Disney under one roof to Anaheim, CA… it’s the biggest Disney fan event in the world! D23 Members get special ticket discounts and additional perks at this astonishing event.

2013 D23 Expo the Ultimate Disney Fan Event Returns to Anaheim From August 9 – 11 (chipandco.com)
Wreck it Ralph Jumps into Winter Issue of D23 Magazine (chipandco.com)

D23 is a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious gift idea for the holidays!

Choosing the Best Day of the Week to Visit Each Disney World Park

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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November 9, 2012

There are many theories on how to choose which park to visit on each day of your vacation. There are also many helpful websites that give insight into why you should attend a certain Disney park on a specific day. My preference in choosing a park is based on avoiding the crowds. There are three things I look at when choosing a park to visit.

Here they are:

Historical Park Attendance. Historically, Mondays have been known to be the most crowded days at the Magic Kingdom. The theory being that most people travel on the weekends and with the Magic Kingdom being the most popular park, most people want to visit that park first. Following this mentality, people also tend to visit the parks in chronological order as they were created. Therefore, as the Magic Kingdom tends to be the most crowded on Mondays, Epcot is most crowded on Tuesdays, Hollywood Studio’s has higher crowds on Wednesdays, and Animal Kingdom can be busier on Thursdays. This theory doesn’t always hold true, as Extra Magic Hours or Special Events do alter which days are busiest at each park. That’s why it’s important to take Park Hours into consideration as well.

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Downtown Disney Offers More Than Just Shopping And Restaurants!

By

Catie

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November 9, 2012

Downtown Disney is known for its wide variety of shopping and restaurant options, but did you know that it offers a lot more than just food and stores? It’s really an entertainment complex, offering so many things to do that you could spend a whole day there and not even come close to experiencing all the fun!

Here are some of the unique things you can do at Downtown Disney:

Catch A Movie: the AMC movie theater offers all the new releases, and also has a bar/lounge area you can relax and grab a drink in while waiting for your movie time. If you are wanting to do dinner and a movie, the theater offers a unique chance to experience both at once – with their Fork and Screen theaters. Fork and Screen is a movie theater that is also setup as a restaurant, with an extensive menu including appetizers, salads/sandwiches/pasta and desserts. You might think dining while trying to watch a movie would be distracting – but it’s not at all, the servers are very stealth-like, and the discrete call button lets you summon your waiter/waitress without disturbing others. It’s a fun way to spend a relaxing evening full of drinks, dinner, and entertainment!

Go Bowling: Splittsville will be opening soon in Downtown Disney, and will be offering bowling, billiards and some delicious eats as well! It will have a very retro, 60’s bowling alley feel to it, with late night age restrictions that will turn the family friendly by day establishment into a more upscale adult environment at night. Bowling is a great group activity, and a fun way to have a little healthy competition too – it will be a great addition to the Downtown Disney area, giving you a place to hang out and relax away from the hectic pace of the Parks.

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