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GardenGrocer.com Nearing Their 100,000 Delivery!

GardenGrocer.com Nearing Their 100,000 Delivery!

Today Gardengrocer.com Florida’s leading online grocery delivery company, announced that they are getting closer to their 100,000 grocery delivery. The online service offers grocery delivery to residents and vacationers in the Central Florida area including Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, and surrounding cities.

Fueled by two entrepreneurs who were committed to creating a successful business –  gardengrocer.com was created.  Since the launch of gardengrocer.com, it has evolved into one of Clermont’s leading employers with more than 50 employees, a selection of 4,800 items and 98,000 successful deliveries.

To celebrate this huge milestone, GardenGrocer.com will surprise their 100,000 delivery with a gift certificate valued at $100 to use toward their next grocery purchase through GardenGrocer.com.

“We’ve made more than 98,000 deliveries over the last six years, so we would like to honor our success by giving back to our loyal customers”, says Brian Coleman, President of Garden Grocer Inc.  This couldn’t have happened without our affiliate partners and our faithful fans!
Gardengrocer.com offers shoppers the ability to shop at their convenience, read nutritional information, and even have their orders delivered prior to arriving at their hotel, resort or vacation home.  GardenGocer.com offers its customers an easy to shop format and a wide selection of well-priced, top quality and fresh products.

  • Garden Grocer: Florida’s #1 professional grocery delivery service (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t waste those Snack Credits. (chipandco.com)
GardenGrocer.com Nearing Their 100,000 Delivery!

Taking a Ride Down Main Street USA

Taking a Ride Down Main Street USA

Have you seen the Main Street Vehicles that ride down Main Street USA? These wonderful historic vehicles come in the form of a  fire engine, omnibus,  horse-pulled trolley or horseless carriage.

At Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park they offer guests an opportunity to take a  one-way ride on a fire engine, omnibus and more down Main Street.

This is not something you are going to want to experience when you are in a mad rush at rope drop to head to your favorite ride, however if you take time to take it slow and hop on board and enjoy the ride you will not regret it.

There is no cost for this experience and you do not make a reservation. When you see one of these vehicles stopped, just hop on board and enjoy the ride! 

Taking a Ride Down Main Street USA

You can get on board one of these vehicles in front of the Train Station by the main entrance to the park which will take you on a one way journey to Cinderella’s Castle or you can pick up a ride in front of Cinderella’s Castle to take you back to the front of the park.

Taking a Ride Down Main Street USA

Have you experienced this for yourself yet, if so, what did YOU think?

Lesley is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations, contact her for your next Disney vacation at [email protected] or check her out at www.destinationmagic.comShe is currently offering generous booking incentives (Disney gift cards for Disney World/Disneyland, and Disney on board credits for Disney Cruise line)

  • Tickets On Sale for Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party Events at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
  • I Just Clicked “Confirm Reservation”….Now What?! (chipandco.com)
Taking a Ride Down Main Street USA

Why I love Walt Disney World Extra Magic Hours!

One of my favorite memories from evening Extra Magic Hours!
One of my favorite memories from evening Extra Magic Hours!

When it comes to Walt Disney World and Extra Magic Hours, the debate is endless!  There are strategies about how to make the most of your Extra Magic Hours (EMH), there are debates over which is better, morning EMH or evening EMH, and there are people that avoid them like the plague!  For those that don’t know, Walt Disney World opens up a park either one hour early in the morning, or keeps a park open up to three hours later in the evening, just for guests of the Walt Disney World Resorts.  So, if you are staying on property, this is included to you for no additional cost.  The beauty of it is that if you plan it properly, you can get a lot extra time in the parks (and consequently, enjoy a lot of rides without really long lines!)

Ironically, my family has only enjoyed the Extra Magic Hours a few times in all the years that we’ve been staying on property.  Primarily this was because our daughter was a little too young to be staying out so late, and also because we would wake up to late to get to a park in time for morning extra magic hours.  So, as a result, our experiences with them are somewhat limited.

The first time we experienced EMH was in 2007.  Since this was the first time that we stayed on property, that put us off to a good start.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom had evening extra magic hours for part of the park, and we were able to enjoy a block party over at Dinoland, U.S.A.!  We had character dancing, meet and greets, music, and just a whole lot of fun, and out of that I got this photo of my daughter!

Sophie dancing with Chip
Sophie dancing with Chip

Not long after that, though, the Animal Kingdom stopped offering up extra magic hours in the evening, so we haven’t experienced that again.  We then went a few years without experiencing any extra magic hours, but in June, 2010, when we took my niece Stephanie to Disney World, we decided that it was time to experience them to a greater degree!  We had been going all day, we were at Animal Kingdom in the morning, we got wet on Kali River Rapids and poured on by an afternoon rainstorm, and to top it all off, we were racing to get over to Epcot in order to eat at Akershus for dinner!  We made it over there, and after we ate, we decided that we had just had enough of our cold wet clothes (we were really drenched!) so we went back to Port Orleans French Quarter to change.  After we did that, we decided that it was a perfect time to head over to the Magic Kingdom to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade, and then enjoy the evening, so that’s what we did.  Since it had rained for quite a while during the afternoon, the park wasn’t as busy, and since it was extra magic hours, we decided to enjoy them to the fullest!  It was when Stephanie and Sophie were going to ride Dumbo, and my wife Cindy and I were going to ride the Carrousel that we saw Mickey and Minnie Mouse over at Dumbo, where they surprised a family by riding with them on the ride.  That’s where my opening photo originated from.  Here are some others from that magical moment!

Why I love Walt Disney World Extra Magic Hours!
Stunned Silence

 

The Ride of her life!
The Ride of her life!

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that, if you are inclined to not bother with Extra Magic Hours, either morning or evening, you might want to give it a second look.  You never know when the incredible Disney Magic will jump up and transform your vacation from wonderful into a memory that you will never forget!

  • Disney in Pictures — Disney Magic (mydreamsofdisney.com)
  • Disney World Planning – Extra Magic Hours Strageties (chipandco.com)
Why I love Walt Disney World Extra Magic Hours!

Disney Wonder Sails Inaugural Trip to Hawai’i

Disney Wonder Sails Inaugural Trip to Hawai’i

As the Disney Wonder sails on its historic trip to Hawai’i, the ship will call on multiple ports for the first time. Keeping with maritime tradition, Captain Fabian Dib will join shipboard officers and host local port officials and community leaders aboard the vessel for a traditional plaque exchange ceremony in the following ports:

  • Friday, May 4 – Hilo, Hawai’i
  • Saturday, May 5 – Kahului, Maui
  • Sunday, May 6 – Honolulu, O’ahu
  • Monday, May 7 – Nawiliwili, Kaua’i

“Bringing the Disney Wonder to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands marks a significant milestone in our history,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Blending the enchantment of Hawai’i with the magic of Disney is a natural fit. Hawai’i is one of the world’s most extraordinary vacation destinations, offering stunning scenery as well as rich cultural traditions and storytelling.”

Crew members and ship officials will bring a little Disney magic to the local communities in each port as a way of celebrating this monumental occasion. These events not only mark the first call of the Disney Wonder to these ports, but the first time Disney Cruise Line is sailing to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to the overwhelming popularity of Disney’s first Hawaiian cruise, the Disney Wonder will sail a second voyage in October.

The ship will sail seven-night itineraries to Alaska from Seattle, Wash. this summer before heading 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.

Disney Heritage and Hawai’i
In August 2011, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. A first-of-its-kind resort, Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with the Hawaiian community to create a place that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. From contemporary Hawaiian art to myriad recreational activities, culinary programs, excursions and more, guests are immersed in the legends of the islands. Recently, Aulani was named one of the world’s best new hotels on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 16th annual “Hot List.”

Founder Walt Disney had an affinity for the Hawaiian culture, which continues to influence The Walt Disney Company today. From the 1937 Mickey Mouse animated short “Hawaiian Holiday” to the Polynesian theming of Disneyland’s groundbreaking Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, which debuted in 1963 and established the Audio-Animatronics art form, to the inclusion of Disney’s Polynesian Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort, Walt often pulled inspiration from Hawai’i and the Pacific.

Disney Cruise Line
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. Most recently, the company was recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisure magazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact Pixie Vacations.

  • Set Sail for New Adventures with Disney Cruise Line’s Summer Itineraries (chipandco.com)
  • Disney Cruise Line Honors Grand Cayman Students For Conservation Efforts (chipandco.com)
Disney Wonder Sails Inaugural Trip to Hawai’i

2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule

2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule

The concerts for the 2012 Food and Wine Festival have just been released.

We love going to the Food and Wine Festival and it’s not only for the different booths of delicious samples of food,desserts or drinks but for the free concerts!

The concerts are held at the America Gardens Theatre starting September 28th running until November 11th. They are held nightly at 5:15,6:30 and 7:45 but times and preformers are subject to change. The concerts are free but you still need admission into Epcot to enjoy these shows. 

If it’s someone you really want to see you should be there lining up about 30 to 45 minutes before they start letting people in to be seated.Last year we had to go to the final show of STARSHIP because both of the earlier shows were packed.And a lot of people that live locally usually do come out to the Food and Wine Festival to enjoy the concerts and food.

Here is the list of who is scheduled to appear:

9/28-9/30: Night Ranger
10/1-10/3: Sugar Ray
10/4- 10/7: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
10/8-10/10: Boyz II Men
10/11-10/12: Smash Mouth
10/13-10/14: Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”
10/15-10/17: Air Supply
10/18-10/19: Gin Blossoms
10/20-10/21: Survivor
10/22-10/23: Hanson
10/24-10/25: The Pointer Sisters
10/26-10/28: Sister Hazel
10/29-10/31: Billy Ocean
11/1-11/2: 38 Special
11/3-11/4: Howard Jones LIVE
11/5-11/6: Blues Traveler
11/7-11/8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX
11/9-11/11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Have a wonderful time enjoying the food,wine and music at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series
and maybe I’ll see you there!

Dulcie writes here and has a blog over at Have Mouse Ears and Loves To Travel.She is also a travel agent who enjoys bringing the magic to others.Feel free to email her at [email protected] or stop by her Facebook page Pixie Vacations *Dulcie* for your free” quote.And you never know what kind of  *Pixie Dust* may be sprinkled on your next family vacation!

 

 


  • Dates Announced for the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (chipandco.com)
  • Tickets On Sale for Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party Events at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
2012 Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule

Disney Publishing Celebrates ‘Free Comic Book Day’

Disney Publishing Celebrates ‘Free Comic Book Day’

With the Avengers movie out today and this weekend’s “Free Comic Book Day,” Disney Publishing is offering up a few ways for comic fans to celebrate for the whole week!

1.     Disney Comics App – Free

  • Available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, the Disney Comics app gives readers instant access to one of the most extensive collections of comics, short stories and graphic novels ever created, ranging from classic adventures starring Mickey Mouse to brand new stories like Cars 2 and Toy Story.  The app allows readers to download more comics whenever, wherever — including FREE Disney comics from the DigiFree section.

2.     Avengers Origins: Assemble! App Promo – Running 5/4 – 5/11

  • Starting today and running until next Friday (5/11), Disney Stores and Apple are teaming up to giveaway 100,000 coupon codes for a *FREE* download of Disney Publishing’s Avengers Origins: Assemble! app when a consumer purchases at least $20 worth of merchandise at all Disney Stores locations across the U.S. and Canada.

3.     Marvel Super Heroes Magazine

  • Disney Publishing recently unveiled the brand new 36-page publication for its youngest comic readers.  Available on newsstands and by subscription, kids can now join forces with their favorite Avengers: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk.  Inside every issue there are action-packed comics and a never-ending cast of villains ready for battle. Inviting families to bring home the “Mighty Marvel Universe,” the magazine features brain teasing puzzles, cool activities, cut-outs, plus an exclusive poster of the Invincible Iron Man.
  • App Review: “Avengers Origins: Hulk” by Disney Worldwide Publishing (chipandco.com)
  • Tickets On Sale for Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party Events at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Disney Publishing Celebrates ‘Free Comic Book Day’

Disney and Target Present: Disney Phineas and Ferb Summer to Remember Sweepstakes.

Disney and Target Present: Disney Phineas and Ferb Summer to Remember Sweepstakes.

Disney Channel and Target Will Award 26 Grand Prizes that will Make it a Summer to Remember at Walt Disney World!

You can enter for a chance to win a vacation for you and three guests to make unforgettable memories by celebrating the end of the summer with Phineas and Ferb! The Disney Channel and Target will award 26 Grand Prize Packages that include one hotel room for four nights, theme park tickets, Disney Gift Card and an end-of-the summer party.

Click here to learn more and to enter!

  • Summer Version of “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” Coming to Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
  • Coming this summer to Epcot: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure (chipandco.com)
Disney and Target Present: Disney Phineas and Ferb Summer to Remember Sweepstakes.

Show Your Friends That You Are Strong with the Force with Star Wars Day Facebook Cover Photos

Show Your Friends That You Are Strong with the Force with Star Wars Day Facebook Cover Photos

It’s “Star Wars Day!” Spread the word! Share and use these sets of “May the 4th Be With You” Facebook cover and profile photos. Or, take your own profile pic and match it to visually interact with one of the cover photos.

The Force is strong with these: May the 4th Profile & Cover Photo Album

Show Your Friends That You Are Strong with the Force with Star Wars Day Facebook Cover Photos

Tickets On Sale for Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party Events at Walt Disney World Resort

Buy Your Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Events at Walt Disney World Resort, On Sale Now

Those of you who are already busy planning fall vacations will be happy to hear that tickets are now on sale for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select evenings at Magic Kingdom Park. Purchase of an additional admission ticket is required to attend, and plenty of fun is in store, including trick-or-treating, performances of Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade and Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, Disney characters in costume, themed décor and much more.

Parties will take place:

  • September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 and 30
  • October 4, 5, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31
  • November 2

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event that takes place on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park throughout the holiday season. Don’t miss Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, a very special holiday fireworks display, live entertainment with your favorite characters, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., free hot cocoa and cookies, and so much more! Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend.

Parties will take place:

  • November 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29 and 30
  • December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21

TIP: Purchasing tickets ahead of event dates may get you a discount of $10 per ticket!

Contact Pixie Vacations for more details.

 

  • How Soon Should You Start Disney Planning? (chipandco.com)
  • Night of Joy Tickets Are Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)
Tickets On Sale for Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party Events at Walt Disney World Resort

When You Want To Send Someone the Very Best on Star Wars Day Send Star Wars E-Cards

When You Want To Send Someone the Very Best on Star Wars Day Send Star Wars E-Cards

Happy Star Wars Day! Send out a message to family and friends with the newly launched StarWars.com E-Cards, featuring imagery from the saga as well as brand new art. If you’ve got something to say, say it with Star Wars. This new feature on StarWars.com is available now, and this inaugural set of cards includes an assortment specially made to commemorate “Star Wars Day.” Short of a hologram delivered by an astromech droid, they’re the perfect Star Wars greeting.

Wish someone a Happy Star Wars Day (or any other celebratory e-card)  now at StarWars.com!

May the Fourth Be with You!

When You Want To Send Someone the Very Best on Star Wars Day Send Star Wars E-Cards

Five Rides for Little Guys (and girls) @ EPCOT


Five Rides for Little Guys (and girls) @ EPCOT

With its history as being Walt’s “future world”, EPCOT holds some fun rides for the little ones, too.  At first glance, it seems that EPCOT may not be “fun” for the younger set-I mean, what little kid wants to stroll and drink their way through the World Showcase?  Or you may think your little one will be bored with all the “futuristic” attractions at EPCOT.  Think again!

Today, I’m sharing with you my top five attractions for the younger ones at EPCOT.  I guarantee the adults and cool older kids in your traveling party will enjoy these too!

1.  The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends.  This one is our family favorite because ALL of us can enjoy it together.  While riding in your clam shell, you experience all the highlights of Finding Nemo.  We find this is a great ride for hot afternoons.  Another great time to ride is “eating” time.  While my daughter was still on bottles, we rode this so I could hold her and feed her in the air conditioning.  At the same time, our family could enjoy the attraction together.

2.  Living with the Land.  Again, another fabulous ride for the hot afternoons.  In our experience, our wait time here has been minimal.  Our young children love seeing the plants and unique flowers growing in The Land.

3.  Turtle Talk with Crush.  As you exit The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends, you’ll be in a room with all sorts of oceanic life and stations.  From there, you’ll be led into a theatre where a 3D, voice activated Crush will appear in front of the audience.  He answers live audience questions, interacts with the littles in the room, and educates the audience on sea life.

Five Rides for Little Guys (and girls) @ EPCOT

4.  Journey into Imagination with Figment.  Figment, the cute purple dinosaur, pops up when you’ll least expect him.  He’s so fun to watch out for, and the song will be in your head all day.

5.  World Showcase.  When it is nap time, we put the sunshade on the stroller, and my husband and I enjoy a leisurely walk through World Showcase.  When the kids are awake, we do the Three Cabelleros in Mexico.  World Showcase is also a great place to meet characters.  We’ve seen Belle and Beast, Snow White, Mary Poppins, and some Aristocats in this area.  The kids also might enjoy the German cuckoo clock show, and the small train moving through the gardens in Germany.

Five Rides for Little Guys (and girls) @ EPCOT

If you’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers, I hope you won’t skip EPCOT on your visit.  Not only does EPCOT hold some fun for the younger kids, it’s also a wonderful park to interact with characters.  We’ve seen the “Fab Five” at the EPCOT Character Spot, near Innoventions in Future World.  Also, princesses in their “home countries” and we’ve seen Stitch or Daisy Duck right at the entrance to EPCOT.

Do your children enjoy EPCOT?  What is their favorite attraction?

 

Magically  Yours,

Carrie

 

  • Coming this June to Epcot: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure (chipandco.com)
  • How to tour the Parks – Splitting up Epcot (chipandco.com)
Five Rides for Little Guys (and girls) @ EPCOT

Disney Cast Members to be Outfitted with iPads

Disney Cast Members to be Outfitted with iPads

Disney has begun outfitting Cast Members with ipads as they test the new next gen FASTPASS system.  As we reported here earlier, the new system will allow guests to schedule FASTPASS windows before their vacation begins.  Guests that have been selected will receive a FASTPASS card embedded with an RFID chip and will be able to choose  FASTPASS windows prior to their arrival at the Magic Kingdom. The new system will be tested until May 15th.

According to Disney Projects, when resort guests arrive at their scheduled time they will scan their FASTPASS card at a sensor at the entrance of the queue. The information is then sent to a Cast Member’s iPad.

Now that is what I call cutting edge technology!

  • Disney to Begin Testing Next Generation FASTPASS System (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Fastpass 101 (chipandco.com)
Disney Cast Members to be Outfitted with iPads