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Disney Cruise Line Embarks on New Itineraries and New Ports in 2012

Disney Cruise Line Embarks on New Itineraries and New Ports in 2012

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is setting sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to guests around the country.  Additionally, the cruise line will offer more choices than ever before with several new itineraries planned.

“In 2012, we’re making it easier than ever for families to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation by offering cruises from a variety of regional homeports,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz.  “Guests can now enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind Disney cruise experience with the convenience of departures from their own backyard.”

Bahamas, Canada and Weekend Getaway from New York

Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York – including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada plus two-night cruises that will give a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience over a weekend:

  • The eight Bahamas cruises will include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and a stop at Port Canaveral, Fla., giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort.  As part of this itinerary, each guest will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between their Disney ship and the resort.

Departure Dates: May 25, June 2, 22, 30, July 20, 28, Aug. 17, 25

Rates for the eight-night Bahamian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $1,480 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

  • The nine five-night cruises up the New England coast will call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.  In these popular Canadian ports, guests can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafes and charming shops, and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market.

Halifax highlights include Peggy’s Cove, a famous fishing village renowned for its lighthouse, and the family-friendly Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. In Saint John, guests can marvel at the world-famous Reversing Falls and take a high-speed jet boat ride on the rapids.

Departure Dates: June 10, 17, July 8, 15, Aug. 5, 12, Sept. 2, 7, 12

Rates for the five-night Canadian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $715 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

  • Three two-night cruises out of New York are perfect for families looking for a quick getaway with a day at sea over a weekend. Rates for the two-night cruises start at $512 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Departure Dates: June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10

Disney Cruise Line Embarks on New Itineraries and New Ports in 2012

Western Caribbean from Galveston

Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel.

A Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic offers families a tropical getaway with world-class entertainment and impeccable guest service found only on a Disney Cruise Line vacation.  Guests will enjoy three magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Magic and three days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.

Departure Dates: Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8

Rates for the seven-night Western Caribbean cruise itinerary departing from Galveston start at $840 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Alaska from Seattle

Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship.  Disney Cruise Line works closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale. They can explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

Departure Dates: May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27

Rates for the seven-night Alaska cruise itinerary departing from Seattle start at $917 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles

The Disney Wonder is scheduled to continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the majority of the year – throughout winter, spring and fall.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $791 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Additionally, the Disney Wonder will sail four seven-night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles (on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7), calling on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the seven-night Pacific Coast itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $770 per person for a deluxe inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

For the first time, the Disney Wonder will offer two special voyages to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico. The 15-night Hawaiian itinerary, which includes nine days at sea, departs April 29, 2012. The 14-night Hawaiian itinerary, with eight days at sea, departs Oct. 14, 2012.

Rates for the Hawaiian cruises start at $1,834 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral.

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel).  Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  Five-night itineraries include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $513 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Until she is repositioned to New York, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries and four- and five-night Bahamian cruises.

All pricing reflects a standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included.

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

  • Disney Fantasy Arrives Home at Port Canaveral (chipandco.com)
  • First Timer Primer: Disney Cruise Line Planning (chipandco.com)
Disney Cruise Line Embarks on New Itineraries and New Ports in 2012

Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns DVD Giveaway

Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns DVD Giveaway

Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns is out on DVD today! Packed with more value than ever before, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns” comes with over two hours of content on DVD and features Jake’s first digital copy.

In celebration we are giving away to one lucky Chip and Co Fan their very own copy!

To enter all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Enter, Comment, Share, and Tweet as many times as you like. The more you do the more chances you have to win!

I will pick a winner Saturday morning and notify them that they won. As always they have 24 hrs to respond or I will pick another person. Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns On DVD & Digital Download April 3rd (chipandco.com)
  • Peter Pan Returns to Neverland in All New ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ Premiere (chipandco.com)
Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns DVD Giveaway

Marvel Will Participate in the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll

Marvel Will Participate in the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll

This is pretty cool! It looks like Marvel will be a part of the Easter Egg Roll this year at the 134th annual White House Easter Egg Roll!

Marvel Entertainment will be participating in the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll

The 2012 Easter Egg Roll, which takes place on the South Lawn of the White House, is focused on promoting health and wellness with the theme, “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move!”  All of the activities, including sports courts, dancing and cooking encourage children to lead healthy and active lives, which is a central part of the First Lady’sLet’s Move! initiative, a national campaign to combat childhood obesity.

World-renowned Marvel Super Heroes will make a special appearance at the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll.  Costume characters including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America will be on hand for a meet and greet with children.

This will be the 134th annual White House Easter Egg Roll with more than 30,000 people visiting the South Lawn for games, stories, and, of course, the traditional egg roll.

Souvenir White House Easter eggs first became an annual keepsake in 1981, when President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan hosted a hunt for wooden eggs that bore the signatures of famous people. The tradition continues this year with the addition of an official First Dog “Bo” egg. These collector’s eggs are available to view or purchase atwww.easter.nationalparks.org.

To learn more about the Easter Egg Roll visit www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll. Tune in for live streams from the South Lawn all day on April 9th, 2012 onWhiteHouse.gov/live. You can also join the conversation online using the hashtag #EasterEggRoll and get the latest updates by visiting Let’s Move! on Twitter andFacebook.

  • Marvel’s The Avengers Movie Poster by LEGO (chipandco.com)
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Marvel Will Participate in the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll

Pirate & Easter Activities from Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns

Pirate & Easter Activities from Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns

In celebration of JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES: PETER PAN RETURNS on DVD and just in time for Easter, we have some fun Pirate and Easter activities for your reader’s enjoyment! These printable activities include a Treasure Hunt, Pirate Crafts, Coloring Sheets, Easter Egg Crafts, and more!

Download Printable Activities!

Download Printable Activities!

 

  • Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns DVD Giveaway (chipandco.com)
  • Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns On DVD & Digital Download April 3rd (chipandco.com)
Pirate & Easter Activities from Jake And The Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns

Disney Adds Art of Animation Resort to Free Dining Offer

Disney Adds Art of Animation Resort to Free Dining Offer

Here is great news for everyone who has been looking forward to staying at Disney’s brand new Art of Animation Resort but gave up your chance in order to get free dining. Disney has just added the Art of Animation Resort to its list of resorts for the current free dining offer.

To take advantage of this amazing Disney World Vacation offer, contact Pixie Vacations today.
This Disney Free Dining offer is limited so book now to reserve your preferred Disney Resort.

Booking Window: 3/5 – 5/18/2012
Travel Window: 8/25 – 9/29/2012

Disney World Free Dining Details:

Purchase a non-discounted 5 night / 6 day Magic your way package for stays most nights 8/25 – 9/29/12 with accommodations and Theme Park tickets included and get Free Dining.  You will get a Free Quick Service Dining Plan when you book this offer for stays at select Disney Value Resorts, including Disney’s brand new resort, Art of Animation.

Or, you can receive the Disney Dining Plan for Free when you book your stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts.  This offer is limited so do not delay and book today.

  • Is Disney World Free Dining For You? (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Free Dining is Back! (chipandco.com)
Disney Adds Art of Animation Resort to Free Dining Offer

Julie Andrews, Target and Disney Host National Princess Week

Julie Andrews, Target and Disney Host National Princess Week

Beloved Academy Award-winning actress, singer and bestselling children’s book author Julie Andrews, in collaboration with Target and The Walt Disney Company, introduce the first annual National Princess Week. During this enchanting week-long event, taking place April 22-28, children across the country are invited to celebrate the sparkle and wonder of every princess – real, aspiring or imagined.

“Throughout my career as an actress and author, I’ve encouraged children to use their imaginations and dream big,” said Julie Andrews. “Joining Disney and Target to create National Princess Week is an extension of my work – a moment in time for children to celebrate their individuality and let their inner sparkle shine.”

Throughout National Princess Week, Target will showcase a variety of products designed to engage every princess, including:

  • 10th Anniversary release of a very special two-movie collection featuring two modern-day fairy tales, “The Princess Diaries” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” – starring Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, and available for the first time ever on Blu-ray™.
  • Target guests will also find Julie Andrews’ “The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl!” co-authored with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. It is the latest publication in their critically-acclaimed No. 1 New York Times best-selling “The Very Fairy Princess” children’s franchise. The book follows a little girl, Geraldine, through her adventures readying for her aunt’s wedding and the magic that happens when she helps others.
  • Fans of Disney’s beloved princess characters will find an array of themed merchandise at Target stores and Target.com. Items include Blu-rays, books, toys, bedroom décor, games and more, inspired by Disney’s classic animated films including “Beauty and The Beast,” “The Princess and The Frog,” and “Tangled,”starting at just $5. Guests can view the full selection of products by visiting Target.com/Princess.

“Disney and Julie Andrews have inspired the imaginations of generations of children and families,” said Casey Carl, Target’s senior vice president. “We’re excited to bring that magic to Target guests everywhere and offer them an opportunity to create a princess experience through rereleased Blu-rays, books, toys and other merchandise.”

  • Souvenirs: Women’s Vintage Disney Princess Tops (aglassslippervacation.com)
  • iPad Review: Disney Princesses A Royal Christmas (chipandco.com)
Julie Andrews, Target and Disney Host National Princess Week

Spring Training at Disney Wraps Up for the Atlanta Braves

Spring Training at Disney Wraps Up for the Atlanta Braves

The 2012 Atlanta Braves spring training season at Disney wrapped up its 15th edition on April 2. The noon Mets game concluded a month-long slate of 17 home games (and one rainout) at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Braves faced the Mets three times, along with visits from the Yankees, world-champion Cardinals and Detroit Tigers.

On March 28, the sports complex recognized its 15th anniversary with an ESPN broadcast of Yankees-Braves at Champion Stadium. An additional eight games were broadcast from Champion Stadium, as well as visits from ESPN’s Baseball Tonight and MLB Network’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days.

Spring Training at Disney Wraps Up for the Atlanta Braves

Braves at Disney was once again a family affair, with visits from Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, along with fireworks, the on-field experience and kids running the bases postgame.

  • Atlanta Braves Open Spring Training Home Schedule at Disney World (chipandco.com)
  • AS Roma and ESPN WWOS Create Italian Pro Soccer Presence for America’s Youth Athletes (chipandco.com)
Spring Training at Disney Wraps Up for the Atlanta Braves

Actors Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor Host Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World

Actors Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor Host Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World
Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor Return as Celebrity Hosts for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World

Disney Parks announced today that Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor are reprising their roles as hosts for Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Disney Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort.

James Arnold Taylor will be the the emcee of the festivities while Ashley Eckstein will host “Behind the Force,” a look into “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated series.

Taylor is the extremely talented actor whose versatile vocal range has given him success in every facet of the voice-over industry. Star Wars fans know him as the voice of the venerable Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and he has performed celebrated roles in animation and video games, as well as exacting voice-doubling for such stars as Christopher Walken, David Spade, and Michael J. Fox. Taylor debuted his high-energy one-man performance “Talking to Myself” in 2011.

Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” is a former Walt Disney World Resort cast member at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not only did she grow up around the parks but also stared as Muffy on Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven.” In addition to doing film and voice work, Eckstein also started Her Universe, a company that produces licensed merchandise targeted specifically for women and girls.

Actors Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor Host Star Wars Weekends 2012 at Walt Disney World

Ask a Disney Question – Rental Cars Locations and Agencies at WDW

Today’s question comes from Michelle:

We are staying at Port Orleans and then heading to a condo for another 5 days.  Is there a way to rent a car while at Disney World?  We are using the Disney bus to pick us up when we fly into Orlando.

You are in luck!  Renting a car while staying at Walt Disney World is really fairly easy!  Most cities keep all of their rental car companies at the airport, and while MCO does play home to the majority of rental car companies (with over a dozen located off-airport property with shuttle service), there are also convenient locations located on WDW property as well.

FYI – located at one of the terminals at MCO are:

Luckily, a few of these same companies can be found at Walt Disney World – I would call ahead to double check, but you should be able to pick up a car staying on property and drop it off at the airport terminal!

Alamo and National have several locations on property:

  • Walt Disney World Car Care Center (407) 824-3470 – they have free shuttle service to pick you up at your resort and take you to get your car
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Shades of Green for military personnel only
  • National only has a location at the Buena Vista Palace near Downtown Disney

Avis has a location at the Hilton in the WDW Resort, near Downtown Disney

Budget has a location at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton in the WDW Resort

Dollar has a location at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista near Downtown Disney

Enterprise has a location at the Royal Plaza in the WDW Resort

 

If you’re planning to arrive via train, the Orlando Amtrak  Train Station (ORL) has a Hertz counter with a limited hours – if necessary to transfer to MCO to pick up car, they will reimburse up to $25 in taxi fees.

 

  • The Avengers Monorail Debuts At Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
  • Military Perspective – No Shades of Green for Me (chipandco.com)
Ask a Disney Question - Rental Cars Locations and Agencies at WDW

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to Feature RFID Technology

Disney's Art of Animation Resort to Feature RFID Technology

According to our friends at wdwmagic.com, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort’s guest rooms will feature RFID (Radio Frequency ID) proximity sensors in place of standard card swipe locks. What this means is that you can just put your key near the door and it will open. No more swiping the card until you get a green light. Disney has been conducting hard hat tours of the resort

The RFID technology is becoming increasing popular at the Walt Disney World Resort. The cards used in the popular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game use RFID sensors and it is rumored to be a part of several NextGen projects including FASTPASS, Photopass, and park entry. Adding guest rooms to the list seems like the next logical step. I am guessing that if the project goes well at the Art of Animation Resort we could see the technology implemented at other Disney resorts.

 

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Releases Earlier Opening Dates (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort Fun Facts (chipandco.com)
  • Video: Take a Look at the Suites Coming to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (chipandco.com)
Disney's Art of Animation Resort to Feature RFID Technology

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Features Landscape of Flavors Food Court

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Features Landscape of Flavors Food Court

“Better-for-you” options at five mini shops serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is the theme of the Landscape of Flavors food court at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The new restaurant will be adjacent to the lobby.

“The idea is that you customize your choices,” says Chef Ed Wronski, Director, Food & Beverage Concept Development, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “From burgers to pasta, salads, ethnic flavors, omelets, even parfaits and gelatos, everything is made fresh as you order.”

There’s a big focus on beverages, too. Fresh fruit smoothies are made to order, as well as lemonade and pomegranate limeade. Organic teas, beer (including gluten free), wine, coffee and juices also will be stocked.  Half bottles of wine are paired with cuisine from the food shops.

Menu highlights:

  • Create a salad at the Soup-Salad-Sandwich Shop, including a caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on focaccia, or a Buffalo-style turkey sandwich with arugula and a blue cheese-Buffalo sauce-mayo spread. Both served with house-made potato chips.
  • The World Flavors Shop adds Indian-African flair to breakfast, with scrambled eggs, tandoor potatoes, Portuguese sausage, slab bacon and a mini-naan; or a veggie flatbread sandwich on naan with cauliflower, spinach and paneer. Lunch and dinner is a choice of tandoori chicken or shrimp, Mongolian beef with vegetables, mahi mahi, Portuguese sausage or roasted acorn squash served with sides and naan bread.
  • The Pizza Shop features make-your-own pasta, cheese and pepperoni pizzas and meatballs on ciabatta bread. Room delivery is an option, too.
  • The Burger Shop includes a breakfast burger with chicken breakfast sausage, cheese and scrambled eggs on a multi-grain bun, and a steak-and-eggs breakfast burger with a burger topped with fried eggs, cheese and bacon.  Besides the traditional burgers, lunch and dinner includes a surf and surf burger with crab cake and fried popcorn shrimp, and a pastrami cheeseburger topped with pepper jack cheese and a slice of fried green tomato.
  • The “grab ‘n go” Market Shop offers drinks, yogurt, bagels, pastries, gourmet cupcakes, cookies and gelato.

The food court is part of the Disney Dining Plan.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Features Landscape of Flavors Food Court

Disney World iPhone/iPad App Giveaway

Disney World iPhone/iPad App Giveaway

Our good friends over at Where in Disney World let us check out a few of there products over the past few weeks. Everyone (who has an iPhone) loved them! Those who didn’t (me) was wondering when they will be on the Google Market.

Here is a peek at some of their great apps.

This week were going to do something different and have a Twitter Giveaway. Between now and Wednesday April 4th we will be giving away to one lucky fan all 4 of these great Disney World Apple apps!

To enter all you have to do is:

  • Follow Chip and Co on Twitter (you can use the button at the top of the page)
  • Tweet or RT about the Giveaway (as many times as you like)

That’s it.

I will pick one lucky fan between now and Wednesday and notify them on Twitter that they won.

Good luck and happy Tweeting.

P.S. – You will need an iphone, ipad or access to the itunes market to receive your prizes, and sorry we are not giving away and iphone or ipad 🙁

  • Buses Boats and Monorails – WDW Transportation App Review (chipandco.com)
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Disney World iPhone/iPad App Giveaway