Disney Cruise Line – What in the world is a Fish Extender??

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July 24, 2012

My family and I are going on our third Disney Cruise (yes we are HOOKED!) in 2 weeks and I can’t wait!!! We will be sailing for 7 nights aboard the brand new Disney Fantasy. This trip was totally spontaneous because a great deal on an inside stateroom IGT popped up (meaning the rate is extremely low because you can’t hand pick your stateroom) so I JUMPED on it.

On this cruise I wanted to do something fun that we hadn’t experienced yet on a previous Disney cruise- a Fish Extender Exchange.

What is a Fish Extender you may ask? Well, I asked the same question. When you sail on Disney Cruiseline each stateroom has a small silver fish or seahorse outside of your stateroom door where they leave you messages, etc. A lot of the Disney online communities started using these fish to hang “fish extenders” from and to participate in gift exchanges.

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5 Common Disney Park Touring Mistakes

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 24, 2012

There are a lot of “mistakes” tourists make at Walt Disney World. Many of us come home from a Disney vacation and think “Next time I’m going to do this differently…”

Here are 5 common mistakes that tourists make. Perhaps we can learn from others mistakes and avoid a possible mishap on our next Disney vacation.

1. Not having a Plan. This is likely the biggest mistake that many people make. They get to the park, grab a park map, and then huddle around it figuring out what they want to do. Talk about wasting time!! Filling out this Disney Planning Itinerary Chart before your trip begins actually ‘forces’ you to look at the park maps and get familiar with the layout of each park. This ends up being a very good thing, as you’ll know right where to go and you won’t be looking at a map feeling lost. It will also solve the problem of “Where should we eat?!” Plan as much as you can ahead of time, but don’t try to plan every single minute of your day. Give some wiggle room. You don’t really have to fill out a chart, you can design your itinerary however you like. But having some sort of plan will save you a lot of time in the parks!

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Coming Soon – MAGICAL MOUSE SCHOOLHOUSE: Learn While You Play at Walt Disney World

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Chip

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July 24, 2012

I have some exciting news! One of my writers has a new Disney fan book coming out very soon! Jodi Whisenhunt is a Disney-devoted, veteran homeschooling mom of three and an award-winning freelance writer and editor. She has written for me here on Chip & Company since April 2011 and covers educational topics, movie and product reviews, and general news and information. Jodi says she and her family plan to keep vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort until they’ve seen it all! As they do, she’ll continue to bring you creative ways to keep the magic alive at home.

Jodi’s new book MAGICAL MOUSE SCHOOLHOUSE: Learn While You Play at Walt Disney World should be available in print and electronic reader format at the end of this week. Stay tuned for the official release. Jodi will be hooking us up with a copy to review and giveaway on Chip & Co.!

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Ginny Tyler dies at 86; voice actress was Disney legend

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 24, 2012

When episodes of “The Mickey Mouse Club“ were repackaged for syndication, a new head Mouseketeer held court from the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland in 1963.

For a year, Ginny Tyler hosted new segments of the television show that were woven around the old. As she took viewers behind the scenes of the theme park, more than one noted her resemblance to original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello.

As one of the “Disneyland Storytellers,” Tyler had already narrated such records as “Bambi” and “Babes in Toyland” and would become known for voicing animal characters. In one better-known role, she gave voice to Polynesia the Parrot, who helps teach Rex Harrison to talk to the animals in the 1967 film “Dr. Dolittle.”

Tyler died July 13 of natural causes at a nursing home in Issaquah, Wash., said her son, Ty Fenton. She was 86.

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Disney World and Anxiety

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2012

Disney World and Anxiety

Many people suffer daily with Anxiety. It can be a struggle for most people to enjoy everyday life without worrying what will trigger the next panic attack. Today I want to help you Survive Anxiety while visiting Disney World.

I have a degree in Psychology and my daughter has anxiety. This has been a lifelong struggle for her, hopefully some of our experiences can help you to maximize your fun at Disney and keep the panic attacks to a minimum.

Anxiety is a very common thing that most people with deal with from time to time, but for some it is a daily struggle. Anxiety can be a stand-alone problem or it can accompany other disorders like A.D.H.D. Either way it can be controlled, here are some helpful hints.

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The Final Farwell: Disney Cruise Line

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2012

While you may have seen “the kiss goodnight” at the Disney parks, or you’re among those who slowly wander down Main street toward the exit gates at a snail’s pace, trying to get every minute worth of magic you possibly can…how do you make those last sweet moments last when you’re on a cruise?
There is no such thing as late checkout on cruises. Your breakfast time is scheduled and your luggage is taken the night before to expedite your debarkation. There is no leisurely stroll anywhere on the ship on the last day. There is a hustle and bustle that starts while you’re sleeping and continues until you are off the ship and the next guests are boarding.

Many cruisers make a terrible mistake on the last day of their cruise; they spend the day in mourning that they have to go home in the morning and then call it an early night to pack and prepare for the morning rush.

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Free 50 Points from Disney Movie Rewards

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Chip

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July 23, 2012

Want a free 50 points from Disney Movie Rewards?

Head on over to their site and enter the following code:

M1D1756NJFDK

You will get 50 more points if you enter a code from a movie before 8-15.

Disney Movie Rewards: Add 10 points to your account (couponingtodisney.com)
Cinderella Fairytale Fantasy Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)

Free 50 Points from Disney Movie Rewards

Pregnant at Disney World? What will you do…?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2012

If you happen to be traveling to Disney World while you are pregnant you are in for a treat. Though many of the big thrills may be off limits to you, there is still so much you can do!

Here I will highlight the rides that are off limits, the attractions not to skip, and even give you some good options for R&R in the parks! Keep in mind that Disney does a fabulous job of warning you which rides they feel are not good choices for mommy’s to be, so read any and all warning attached to the attractions.

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Top 5 Boat Rides at Walt Disney World Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2012

Pirates of the Caribbean Barbosa Wicked Wench

I’m checking in with Part 2 of my current Top 5 series: Top 5 Boat Rides at Walt Disney World Resort. It seems four out of five of my favorites are found at Magic Kingdom Park. I must admit it was hard to narrow the list down to just five rides. I mean, in addition to the 10+ boat-oriented park attractions, you’ve also got ferries (or is that fairies?), fireworks cruises, and water craft rentals. In the end, though, it came down to which ones my family rides over and over and over and over…

1. Pirates of the Caribbean – Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean was the last attraction Walt Disney had a hand in designing. It was originally designed to be a walk-through wax museum, but Walt plussed that idea into a boat ride while the attraction was already under construction. A copy of this popular ride was added by popular demand to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1973 and is still one of the park’s most frequented stops. Pirates of the Caribbean has inspired four hit movies; now those movies have, in turn, have inspired Imagineers, as Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbosa, and Davey Jones have been added to the story line.

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Join the WDW Swan and Dolphin Frequent Dining Program and Earn Loyalty Points!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2012

Frequent diners at select Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin restaurants can begin earning Loyalty Points on their very first visit! Points accumulate with every purchase and are stored automatically on your Dining Passport. When enough points are accumulated, they can be redeemed for exclusive dining experiences, gift certificates and more.

Joining is easy! Simply stop by one of our participating restaurants and pick up a card! Then click the registration link to join.

WDW Resorts – Which Deluxe Resort Is Right For Me? (chipandco.com)
Summer Games Celebration coming to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin (wdwinfo.com)
Special Room Rates for Teachers and Students at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin (chipandco.com)
2013 Disney Dining Plan Details Released (chipandco.com)

Walt Disney World Resort at Holidaytime Unwraps Festive Traditions

By

Chip

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July 22, 2012

Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday revelers at Walt Disney World Resort as early as November 9. There’s an extra night of merry at the Magic Kingdom with 20 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party; and at Epcot, singer/actress Olivia Newton John makes her debut as a celebrity narrator for the beloved Candlelight Processional.

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 magical nights from November 9-December 21. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2012: Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. For more information, visit www.Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty. NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

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Taking Little Cruisers on a Disney Cruise

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2012

“Will my kids like the kids clubs?” is a question I receive all the time when families are interested in cruises, I would provide them with information about the programs to put their minds at ease. When my 10-year old step son took his first cruise I can now tell parents, in painstaking detail…exactly how much their kids will enjoy the kids clubs and my best advice is “good luck getting them out!”

When it comes to the nursery department, it’s a place I’d never thought to look until I became an agent. If you don’t have babies you really don’t think about what to do with them on a cruise ship. My curiosity got the best of me and I took a tour on embarkation day and I’ve gotta tell you…the nursery is so cute it might make you want to have a baby!

I toured the Small World nursery on the Disney Dream and was astounded at how adorable it was! Themed like the popular attraction, “it’s a small world”, this is a pint sized haven for the happiest little cruisers that ever sailed.

There are 3 main areas in the nursery’s: an acclimation zone, a main play area and a nap/quiet room. The play area also has kid-sized tables and chairs with crafts, games and books. Unlike the other kids programs, the nursery is the only place you won’t find a structured plan in place. The nursery activities are flexible and based on the needs of its tiny tenants.

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