Vegan Marketplace, Chef Tours, and More at 17th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Sept. 28-Nov. 12

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May 30, 2012

For a record 46 days beginning Sept. 28, Disney guests can taste their way around the world during the 17th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. The culinary event, just named one of the Best Food and Wine Festivals by the Travel Channel, includes daily Eat to the Beat! pop concerts and one extra day of festival fun as the foodie celebration continues through Nov. 12.

Festival chefs are firing on all burners with menus designed for every palate and a new Marketplace VIP Access Chef Tour geared toward the foodie who wants the inside culinary scoop.

New festival marketplaces debut – TERRA Marketplace will offer all vegan menu items including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips and Cashew Cheese; FLORIDA Marketplace will introduce fresh twists on regional flavor samplings. More than 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces with tantalizing new aromas and flavors will tempt guests in the World Showcase.

Marketplace Chef Tours give VIP access – Each Wednesday, festival chefs will host a walking-and-tasting tour around World Showcase with stops at several international marketplaces. Guests will taste five marketplace dishes and five beverage items to include beer, wine and cocktails while learning chefs’ culinary secrets.

Newly crafted beverages are geared toward family dining – Children of all ages can try inventive new sips during the family’s marketplace dine-around. Child-friendly bites to pair will include beef empanadas and cheese fondue.

Fan favorites debut at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – Pop acts like Smash Mouth (Oct. 11-12) and Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice” (Oct. 13-14) will sizzle during their first Epcot nightly concerts included with other festival activities in admission. Eighteen Eat to the Beat! acts are slated, including other new bands Blues Traveler (Nov. 5-6) and Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX (Nov. 7-8). Night Ranger kicks off the concert series Sept. 28-30, and other returning fan favorites include Boyz II Men, The Pointer Sisters, Sister Hazel and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

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Phineas & Ferb: The Perry Files Coming to DVD

By

Chip

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May 30, 2012

While Phineas and Ferb do it all to make every day the best day ever, evil lurks just around the corner! But there is hope for the unsuspecting citizens of Danville. Now, for the very first time, crack open the top- secret archives of O.W.C.A. (Organization Without a Cool Acronym) to expose… THE PERRY FILES!

Join Perry the Platypus–a.k.a. Agent P.–on his most exciting adventures as he thwarts his nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, at every turn. With groovy gadgets, mad skills and his trademark brown fedora, this semi- aquatic, egg-layin’ mammal of action is unstoppable! Experience the hilarious havoc as he defends the Tristate Area against Doof’s “inators,” battles rogue agent “Dennis the Bunny,” and much more. When it comes to secret agents, Perry’s not only the real deal, he’s real teal!

Available June 5 on Disney DVD with Digital Copy and Perry Activity Pack!

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Orlando Theme Parks Begin Hiring for Summer

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 30, 2012

Orlando Theme Parks Begin Hiring for Summer

Great news for Central Florida residents. ClickOrlando.com is reporting that all of the major Orlando theme parks are ready to begin hiring for the summer season. According to the report, Disney will is looking to fill positions from housekeepers to performers. Universal Orlando is looking to fill part time and seasonal positions that range from food service jobs to attraction operators.

SeaWorld is also looking to fill around 300 positions of various types. SeaWorld spokeswoman Christine O’Neal says “These are positions of various levels, they include seasonal positions part time positions certainly, some full time and entry level leadership and also some salaried and professional positions.”

While the theme parks generally start hiring this time every year it seems they are looking to fill more positions that usual. It could be a record breaking year for theme park attendance.

Central Fla. theme parks looking to hire thousands (clickorlando.com)
DisneyStore.com: 25% off Theme Park Merchandise (Including Dooney!) (couponingtodisney.com)

Orlando Theme Parks Begin Hiring for Summer

Top 5 WDW Theme Park Activities That Adults Will Love

By

Catie

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May 30, 2012

Growing up, I was lucky enough to get to travel to Walt Disney World almost every year for vacation. And now, as an Adult Who Loves WDW, I find that there are some things that I loved as a kid that I still love doing, but I also have discovered some new and exciting things that might be right up your alley too!

So here are my Top Five Walt Disney World Theme Park Activities For Adults (In no particular order!)

1. “Behind The Scenes” Tours – There are a few of these out there, including the “Keys To The Kingdom Tour” where you can actually go UNDER the streets of the Magic Kingdom and find out how the magic happens! Each Theme Park offers their own unique tours/experiences, from Segway tours and under the sea diving at Epcot, or a backstage safari at Animal Kingdom, there is something for everyone, and while most cost extra/require a separate ticket purchase, I think they are well worth the money!

2. Fun(ky) Photos – Everyone has a million pictures of Cinderella’s Castle or of themselves with various characters, so why not try and think outside the box, and create some unique and funny memories of your Walt Disney World Trip? Here is an article on Disney Photo Travel Tips & Techniques, and there are some great suggestions on using scenery to create layered photos, capturing the moment using candid shots, and much more! If you aren’t that creative when it comes to photography (or if you happen to like having those pictures of the castle and characters – I know I do!), then you might want to think about utilizing Disney’s Photopass service, a free service where you can have your photo taken all over the Parks, some of the spots are nice like the ones in front of Cinderella’s Castle, but a fun activity would be to stroll around the Parks and find the Photopass photographers that are off the beaten path, for some unique and memorable photo ops! On our last trip, my husband brought an old Mick-A-Matic camera from the 70’s that he fixed up, and it certainly got some attention – even from Donald Duck – who just about threw a fit because it wasn’t a Donald camera ha! Pictures are my favorite trip souvenir, and I love spending time capturing trip memories!

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What’s New for the 17th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

By

Chip

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May 29, 2012

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was named by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top food and wine festivals. Chefs are cooking up fantastic new experiences for this year’s fest, which open September 28 and runs for a record 46 days through November 12.

There’s no better setting for noshing, sipping and wandering than Epcot’s World Showcase, with a one-of-a-kind backdrop of architectural icons from around the globe.

Fresh for 2012:

Two new festival marketplaces: TERRA Marketplace offers vegan menu items, including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips and Cashew Cheese. The FLORIDA Marketplace introduces fresh twists on regional flavors. There are more than 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces in all.
Feel like a VIP with Marketplace Chef Tours. Each Wednesday, festival chefs host a walking-and-tasting tour around World Showcase with stops at several international marketplaces. You get to taste five marketplace dishes and five beverage items, like beer, wine and cocktails – and learn a few culinary secrets.

More kid-friendly tastes. Kids of all ages can try inventive new sips during the family’s marketplace dine-around. Pair with yummy bites like beef empanadas and cheese fondue (new this year).
Don’t miss (free) Eat to the Beat! Check out pop acts like Smash Mouth (October 11-12) and Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice” (October 13-14). With 18 different bands, look for Blues Traveler (November 5-6) and Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX (November 7-8). Night Ranger kicks off the concert series September 28-30, and other returning fan favorites include Boyz II Men, The Pointer Sisters, Sister Hazel and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Back for an encore: look for HGTV designers, celeb chefs, culinary demos and wine seminars, and special culinary programs – more than 270 chefs are showing off for the festival. And, yes, the fab Party for the Senses returns October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3.

Call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations. Information and reservations for select events and programs will be updated throughout the summer at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Blues Traveler, Smash Mouth and More Set for ‘Eat to the Beat’ Concert Series This Fall at Epcot (chipandco.com)

What’s New for the 17th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna

By

Chip

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May 29, 2012

2013 Marathon Weekend – January 10-13, 2013

Imagine a weekend of runs where every mile is filled with Disney fun at the 2013 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna on January 10-13, 2013. Join us for a weekend of races that are magical as they are memorable, from Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo to running through all four Theme Parks in the Marathon. Complete with medals of Mickey Mouse and his friends, you’d be, well, goofy to miss it!

Registration now open for the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend!

Weekend events will include:

* The marathon relay will not return to the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend in 2013.

Changes Coming to 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Course (chipandco.com)
Runners to Race Around the “High Banks” and “Bases” As Part of 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Course (chipandco.com)

2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: When to make Reservations and what to bring with you?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 29, 2012

Nothing says “girly girl” quite the way that a totally princess-ed out girl can! And nothing at Walt Disney World quite princess-es out your girly girl like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

There are two locations for the BBB at Walt Disney World. The first is at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney and the other is INSIDE Cinderella’s Castle. Yup you read that correctly, INSIDE the castle.

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE RESERVATIONS? You really need to make your reservation AS CLOSE TO 180 DAYS IN ADVANCE of your trip as you can by calling 407-WDW-STYLE. However, if you are under the 180 days mark when you decide to book your Walt Disney World trip, then I say book them AS SOON AS YOU CAN! Time slots do fill up quickly, so do not hesitate.

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Preparing for Hurricane and Tornado Season at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 29, 2012

Preparing for Hurricane and Tornado Season at Walt Disney World

June 1st is the official start of hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean and it also starts the summer tornado season in Florida. If you are traveling to Walt Disney World you may want to prepare yourself for this type of weather. With hurricanes, you usually get a few days warning as they develop in the Atlantic. However, tornadoes can “pop up” at any time usually affecting a smaller area. While it is slim that either of these weather events will ruin your vacation, there is always a possibility.

You can view Walt Disney World’s Hurricane Policy here.

Here are a few tips for traveling when a tornado is present:

Keep an eye on the weather at all times. Stay tuned to local weather reports so you are “weather aware.” If you have a smart phone, you may want to search for a weather app that will alert you if there are severe warnings or watches for the WDW area.
Pack a small battery operated weather radio if you don’t have an app on your phone to warn you of severe weather.
Know where to go if a tornado should happen. In the WDW resorts, you’re best bet will be the bathroom. If you are camping at Fort Wilderness, you may want to ask a cast member where the closest “safe spot” will be to your campsite.
If you are in the parks during a tornado, ask a cast member (if you can locate one quickly) where to go. If you can not find a cast member, take your family to the most interior space of the nearest building.
Finally stay indoors. Don’t be that guy or girl who wants to get video of the tornado.

For some great tips on how to tour the parks when it is raining check out the articles below.

Making the Most of Counter Service Dining-Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 29, 2012

Making the Most of Counter Service Dining-Disney's Hollywood Studios

Recently, I shared with you how to make the most of your counter service dining at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Today, I am giving you some suggestions for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just because you have counter service dining, doesn’t mean you have to eat the same thing over and over again. Even if children are part of your group, they don’t have to eat just chicken tenders and peanut butter and jelly all the time. Yes, those are often choices at the counter service restaurants as far as children go. However, we’ve been known to get a kids meal for a “snack”…..no worries, we use those snack credits, too :)…..and maybe let the kids share off of our meal for dinner or lunch. We don’t misuse our food credits. We just try to be creative, and use them so we’re getting variety, trying new things, and getting the most for our money.

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Disney Wonder Begins Sailing from Seattle Today

By

Chip

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May 29, 2012

The Disney Wonder sets sail for the first time from the Port of Seattle today taking cruisers on the first of 14 seven-night Alaskan itineraries. To celebrate the inaugural call on Seattle, Captain Thord Haugen and his shipboard officers hosted local port officials and community leaders aboard the vessel for a plaque exchange ceremony, which is maritime tradition.

“The Pacific Northwest is a favorite destination for our guests and we are excited to be here,” said Disney Cruise Line Captain Thord Haugen. “Our guests can’t wait to experience the breathtaking beauty this region is known for, from spectacular glaciers to snow-capped mountains to a wide variety of wildlife.”

The Alaskan itinerary for the 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder includes stops in Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, and Victoria, British Columbia. In September, the ship heads back to Los Angeles, Calif. to sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera in the fall. At the end of the year, the Disney Wonder will reposition to Miami, marking the first time a Disney Cruise Line ship will sail out of Southern Florida.

Set Sail for New Adventures with Disney Cruise Line’s Summer Itineraries (chipandco.com)
Disney Cruise Line Embarks on New Itineraries and New Ports in 2012 (chipandco.com)

Disney Wonder Begins Sailing from Seattle Today

Finding Nemo 3D Coming to Theaters this fall!

By

Chip

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May 28, 2012

Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to Marlin (Albert Brooks), his worrisome father, and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly but forgetful Regal Blue Tang, to make the epic journey to bring Nemo home. Their adventure brings them face-to-face with vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more. Marlin discovers a bravery he never knew, but will he be able to find his son?

Sea Finding Nemo in 3D this fall

Like Finding Nemo on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarFindingNemo

Tables in Wonderland vs. Disney Dining Plan

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 28, 2012

Tables in Wonderland vs. Disney Dining Plan

Which do you think is better? Tables in Wonderland (and out of pocket expenses) or signing up for the Disney Dining Plan?

For those that aren’t aware, the Tables in Wonderland program is a special discount card that you purchase to get 20% off of dining costs at various restaurants at the Walt Disney World dining locations. However, there are some things that you need to know about the TiW program:

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