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The Muppet Movie Bluray/DVD Review

The Muppet Movie Bluray/DVD Review

Recently Disney sent me The Muppets 3-Disc ‘Wocka- Wocka  Value Pack’  (1-Disc Blu-ray + 1-Disc  DVD +  Digital Copy + Soundtrack Digital Download Card) for review. I fell in love with the Muppets when I was little from the Muppet Show to their movies both on-screen and made for TV. I would even be so bold to say I love the Muppets more than some Disney Characters. I hate that I didn’t get a chance to see this movie in theaters but better late than never.

After watching the trailers and commercials the Muppet Menu comes up and I had to laugh at just the intro screen. Which for me is a good sign I am going to love this movie! Watch the whole thing and keep an eye on Animal 😉

From opening Intro to closing song the Muppet Movie really delivers! Jason Segel did an excellent job with this movie. So much so that Disney is already working on another! All of the songs were phenomenal and the story line was flawless. It was like totally rad to see the original cast back again. While some of the new members were ok I fell in love with 80’s Robot! I would have liked to seen more of him and my favorite Muppet – Pepe the King Prawn.

With catchy tunes, dance numbers, celebrities, goofy jokes, and even rips on themselves this movie has not left my bluray/dvd players yet! I can honestly say I have seen this movie over 20 times in about a week and easily on my Top 10 Movie list. I can hear the “Everything is Great” song right now!

I think the best value is the Wocka Wocka Value Pack. It gave us one copy for the Bluray Player, one for in the car, and one we can bring in our laptop. I already have the Muppet Soundtrack so I haven’t used the redeem code they give you in the box.

Now onto the Bonus Content…

First thing I am going to mention is as you’re watching the film just pause it. I don’t want to say anything more but I think you will like it! You also get an extended version of Tex Richmans’s song, and the Muppets Blooper Reel.

What I didn’t like is they should have included videos of all the songs. I would have loved to go back and watched the Man or Muppet or the song I posted above. Maniacal laugh..

I would have to give Muppet Movie a 11/10 as it is that good. If like me grew up on the Muppets or want to expose little ones to a piece of your childhood you will want to run out and get this movie on March 20th.

I want to hear what you think of the Muppet Movie in the comment box below.

 

 

  • The Biggest Muppet Adventure Ever Comes Home to Bluray and DVD March 20th, 2012! (chipandco.com)
  • Win the Muppets Wocka Wocka Bluray/DVD Combo Pack! (chipandco.com)
The Muppet Movie Bluray/DVD Review

Walt Disney Records Debuts Spanish Versions of Its Best selling Children’s Titles

Walt Disney Records Debuts Spanish Versions of Its Best selling Children's Titles

In a continuing effort to better serve the Hispanic audience, Walt Disney Records will be releasing two Song & Story titles and a collection of Disney Princess songs in Spanish for the very first time.  The label will also release the Spanish language digital soundtracks for Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.  All five albums will be released on March 20, 2012.

Each Canta y Cuenta release features three to four songs from and inspired by the films, plus an audio story and will be available physically and digitally.

Canciones de las Princesas spotlights Disney’s most beloved heroines with Spanish versions of classic songs from magical films such as “Tangled,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and many more. This enchanting collection features several highlights from Mexican talent, including “Cuando Empezare a Vivir” by singer/actress Danna Paola (“When Will My Life Begin” from “Tangled”),  “Un Mundo Ideal” by Analy and Best Actor Oscar® nominee Demian Bichir (“A Whole New World” from “Aladdin”), and “Colores en el Viento” by Susana Zavaleta (“Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas”).    Sixteen-year old Danna Paola said,  “I’m thrilled to have collaborated with the team at Disney on the track ‘Cuando Empezare a Vivir,’ from the movie ‘Tangled’ (‘Enredados’). It was a fantastic opportunity to be part of the magic behind this love story.”

La Bella y la Bestia digital soundtrack features 10 songs in Spanish, five score cues and the title track performed by Mijares and Rocio Banquells.  El Rey Leon includes 12 songs (six in Spanish), four score cues and two versions of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John.

“We’re thrilled to offer Spanish-speaking families an additional way to experience the magic of Disney music in their native language,” says Cathleen Taff, SVP/GM, Disney Music Group.

All five albums will be available on March 20, 2012. Canta y Cuenta: La Sirenita, Canta y Cuenta: Toy Story will be available wherever music is sold, digitally and physically. La Bella y La Bestia and El Rey Leon will be available at online retailers. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.

  • Hungry for More Muppets?! (chipandco.com)
  • Look for the Disney Trademarks (chipandco.com)
Walt Disney Records Debuts Spanish Versions of Its Best selling Children's Titles

Disney’s Mobile Magic vs. Touring Plans Lines

Disney's Mobile Magic vs. Touring Plans Lines

As soon as Disney/Verizon finally released Mobile Magic for smart phones, I jumped on the *free* download!   I remember originally reading that it was a charged program, but never noticed a charge, so I’m sticking with free! I already had downloaded Touring Plan’s WDW Lines application – a mobile version of the incredibly useful website, but I’m willing to have multiple apps for vacation planning and touring.

At first, I thought the two apps would server a similar purpose: to check wait times.  WDW Lines is fantastic for checking wait times.  Based on times submitted by users and statistical evidence,Lines offers their own wait times, even when different from those posted, they’re different for a mathematical reason.  I love this app because not only does it have wait times, but now you can actually view touring plans from your smart phone.  So, when I forgot my printed touring plans for my upcoming trip (which I will inevitably do), I can simply open them up again on my phone.  If we change park plans, I can look up a different plan and still not worry – I can check the crowd calender (10 day forecast directly in app), see park hours, and even chat with other users!  Lines is a free app, but requires a subscription to Touring Plans to use.

Mobile Magic is not at all what I had expected.  In fact it is much more.  Mobile Magic has guide maps for all of the parks, weather forecasts, where to meet characters, descriptions, fastpass availability, approximate wait times, and even height requirements for attractions.  Another feature I love is the ability to make dining reservations through the app.  You can search by location, time, etc… and they’ll help you find availability as well as make the reservation.  With the help of GPS, the application will find which park you are in and work with you, or you can turn off that feature and explore on your own.  This app also has several games to keep you entertained whether at home or on a Disney bus.

Overall, these are two fantastic apps, I would recommend both to everyone – Lines for those looking for a more specific, planned out trip, wait times, and park recommendations, and Mobile Magic for maps, dining, and fun.  Which mobile apps do you use in planning and on your Disney trips?

  • Touring Plans: Lines, Crowd Calendar, Touring Plans and more! (chipandco.com)
  • Which Disney guidebook or online subscription is right for you? (chipandco.com)
Disney's Mobile Magic vs. Touring Plans Lines

Disney World Quick Tips – Make a To-Do List

Disney World Quick Tips - Make a To-Do List

I make two to-do lists for my upcoming Disney World trips. One big one that I start months before (stop laughing) and a shorter one that I use in the last few days before we travel.  One thing I noticed though, was that I sometimes forgot to finish the last few things on the list, only to remember when I was about halfway down I-95 on my way to Disney World.

So a few years ago, I started a new tradition:  I tape the list to the back of the front door, that way I’m bound to look at it as I leave the house. In fact, I look at it several times as I’m going in and out packing the car.  I can’t tell you how much this has helped.  I keep a little highlighter nearby so I can cross off tasks I’ve completed.

It’s one of those little things that can make your trip a little easier and ensure that you’re not out at midnight looking for a charger for your phone.

Do you make a to do list?

  • Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t skip the Advanced Dining Reservations (chipandco.com)
  • Disney World Quick Tips: Ways to help your aching feet and legs (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips - Make a To-Do List

Look for the Disney Trademarks

Look for the Disney Trademarks

We’ve all done this: We’re browsing in an antique shop or at a flea market and come across a Disney treasure. We know we’ve found something special, but how old is it? We pick it up and turn it over, hoping to find a date. But all we find is a Disney trademark.

But wait! It’s different from the one we know. We pick up another piece of Disneyana, and it has yet another trademark stamped on it! And now we’re all confused. Well, I’m here to clear up that confusion by sharing with you the Disney trademarks that I’ve found over the years, and what I know about their dates:

Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio
October 16, 1923 until 1929

There was some rare merchandise produced before this time, but it wasn’t technically ‘Disney’. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit did a tidy little bit of business in a few lines of toys and books before Walt lost him. But for original Disney merchandise, if you can find a Disney Brothers item, you’ve got a gem! But I don’t think a lot of those earliest items had trademark stamps.

Walt Disney Productions
1929 until 1986

This trademark crosses the most amounts of years. So one piece trademarked ‘WDP’ could be old and valuable while another could be newer and relatively worthless. This trademark can be spelled out in full or shortened to the ‘WDP’ letters, or even to ‘Walt Disney Prod’ with all versions being fairly common. It usually depended on how much room was available on the piece in question as to which one was used.

This is the trademark you’re most likely to come across in the average shop or online.

Walt Disney Company
February 6, 1986 to the present.

This trademark is usually spelled out in full and is the second most common trademark found today due to the sheer amount of merchandise produced since 1986. Only items produced with this trademark that had limited production runs or that featured sought-after characters will be of any real monetary value.

Disney Enterprises Inc.
(No information)

This trademark is rare but it does crop up from time to time.

Disney
(Various time periods)

I started to notice this shortened trademark sometime in the early 1990’s and it is in wide use today. But the short ‘Disney’ trademark may also be found on earlier merchandise.

And it’s interesting to note that Disney is now shortening the movie division trademark from ‘Walt Disney Pictures’ and ‘Walt Disney’ to just ‘Disney’.

Keep in mind that any or all of these trademarks can be accompanied by dates, as in the example pictured above.

Although by no means comprehensive, I hope this brief look at Disney trademarks will help you when you’re trying to determine dates during your next visit to a yard sale!

  • Order Disney Food Blog’s Guide to Walt Disney World Dining (chipandco.com)
  • WDW Tin Tray (disneyatdisleelandiablog.blogspot.com)
Look for the Disney Trademarks

War Horse on Bluray and DVD on April 3rd

War Horse on Bluray and DVD on April 3rd

Disney is releasing WAR HORSE on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. From Legendary Academy Award®-winning motion picture director/producer Steven Spielberg, this critically acclaimed and Academy Award®-nominated epic adventure tells the story of the extraordinary journey of courage and friendship as seen through the eyes of one unforgettable horse named Joey, and his miraculous journey to find his way back home.

Bonus features include a special 60 minute documentary (named “A Filmmaking Journey”), created by Spielberg, that offers a never-before-seen inside look into the making of WAR HORSE, a behind the scenes look at Spielberg’s Award-Winning “Dream Team” – the film’s scoring session with five-time Oscar-winning composer John Williams, a look through Producer Kathleen Kennedy‘s lens as she shares photos she took during the filming and recounts her discovery of “War Horse,” and much, much more!

  • Oscar Nominated WAR HORSE Gets a Blu-Ray Release Date (chipandco.com)
  • Win the Muppets Wocka Wocka Bluray/DVD Combo Pack! (chipandco.com)
War Horse on Bluray and DVD on April 3rd

Kathy Ireland Meets Minnie Mouse at Epcot

Kathy Ireland with Minnie Mouse in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot

Yesterday Kathy Ireland had the opportunity to visit with Minnie Mouse in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot. In fact, Minnie brought out her special St. Patrick’s Day polka-dotted dress to meet Kathy.

Disney photographer and Disney Parks Blog author Gene Duncan snapped this photo of the two famous ladies at the U.K. Pavilion. And as excited as Minnie was to see Kathy, the feeling seemed quite mutual as Kathy sent a tweet following the meet-and-greet that read, “Minnie is an ICON!”

We couldn’t agree more.

  • Souvenirs: Stylish Minnie Mouse Merchandise (aglassslippervacation.com)
  • ‘Minnie’s Fly Girls Charter Airline’ to Take Off at Disney California Adventure Park on February 17 (chipandco.com)
Kathy Ireland Meets Minnie Mouse at Epcot

Win the Muppets Wocka Wocka Bluray/DVD Combo Pack!

Win the Muppets Wocka Wocka Bluray/DVD Combo Pack!

In celebration of the Muppets coming to Bluray/DVD on March 20th we are giving away a copy of the movie here on Chip and Co! Stay tuned later this weekend for my official review.

This set includes the movie on Blu-ray high-definition, DVD and Digital Copy (3 discs) plus a download card for the film’s soundtrack from Walt Disney Records.

To enter just use the Rafflecopter Form Below. I will pick one lucky winner on Monday March 19th and notify them via Rafflecopter and the C&C Facebook Page that they won!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • Hungry for More Muppets?! (chipandco.com)
  • The Muppets coming to Bluray and DVD March 20th 2012 (chipandco.com)
Win the Muppets Wocka Wocka Bluray/DVD Combo Pack!

PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Target

PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at TargetI don’t know about you, but I have always thought that Tinkerbell was amazingly beautiful! When the new Tinkerbell movies came out I was further convinced that Tink is, perhaps, REALLY the fairest of them all.

So I was thrilled to hear about  Pixi Beauty, a makeup line brand created by Swedish makeup artist Petra Strand, was creating a line devoted to highlighting the natural beauty of Tinkerbell.

Pixi is all about “looking like you, only better, and has created pure, skin-loving formulas and fresh colors that create a naturally radiant and healthy look”.

So Pixi Beauty and Disney have teamed up to bring you some fresh, beautiful, light colors perfect for the Spring and Summer and sold exclusively at Target stores.

Chip and Company was honored to get a sample of the new products to try out and review for you, the reader.PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Target

 

Specifically I have been able to try out the Fairy Face Palette in “Pixi Belle”, Fairy Dust Moonlight Luster, Catching Shadows Eye Crayon, Magic Tink Tint “Happy Thoughts Pink” lip balm, Straight on till Morning eyeliner in “2nd Star Twinkle” , and Pirouette Pink fingernail polish.

When I first saw the box for the Fairy Face Palette I was awed by artist, John Quinn’s, re-imagining of Tinkerbell in a classic, PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Targetvintage-inspired style I think I literally squealed! It is beautiful box, but I was even more excited when I took out the Face Pallet and saw it the art was on the palette itself! So you would get to see that beautiful artwork every single day. Which I say is a bonus. The Kit contains 5 eye colors, 5 lip-creams, and a 3 color blush palette. It also has a duo eye applicator, blush brush, and duo lip applicator.

The kit is literally almost your entire face in one 4×6 compact as the gloss and shadow are sliders that allow you make the compact more “compact”. For my face I’d only need mascara, foundation, and powder to make it all complete. I will tell you honestly that I find it hard to get open. No way could I get it open with one hand and I have to kind of pry with two hands.PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Target

The colors themselves are beautiful and light, but very pink and berry. I normally wear darker colors than this since I’m half Italian and have a yellow under-tone, however people that have pink undertones or even dark skin I’m sure it would be even prettier. I loved the eye shadow combination! The kit seems to have three different blush colors but I have no idea how you could get only one unless you used a different brush than the one included. However the combination of those three were beautiful.Everything has a light shimmer to it. Pixi-esque I suppose!

After getting the shadows on I applied the “Straight on till Morning Liner”. The “second star to the right” liner PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Targetis a jade green with a subtle glitter. The liner goes on extremely smoothly and is waterproof, hypoallergenic, paraben and mineral oil free. It does have to be sharpened though.

 

 

 

 

 

I then opened the Catching Shadows Crayon. Let me be honest and say I had no idea whatsoever this thing did. I tried applying it under my eyes like a concealer, over my PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Targeteyes near my eyebrows like a highlighter and still wasn’t sure. So I went to their website. Directions state “Sweep over eyelids, blending quickly to create an awakened eye lift in seconds.” I still don’t know if this step happens before, after, or instead of the eye shadow step. I will tell you that it looked nice as a highlighter/ brightener under the eyebrow.

 

 

 

 

Next came the Fairy Dust! If you love to sparkle; can’t stand a day without a little shimmer, this loose powder pigment can be applied to eyes, skin, or even lips. I personally use it right above my blush so that its reflective of the light and gives my skin a dewy look.

PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at TargetThe applicator is built into the item, and although it looks a little awkward it works great. I would caution, however, if you were to apply it on top of lipstick it would likely change the color of your applicator and you may end up with some lipstick somewhere you don’t want it next application.

 

 

 

 

I tried on all the lip creams in the pallet, which are extremely light , so I wiped them off to try the Magic Tink Tint in “Happy thoughts Pink”.

PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at TargetEven my husband mentioned my lips looked pinker than usual (he didn’t know I had been messing around with the makeup). It is smooth smooth smooth! It feels like lipbalm and really felt nourishing to my lips. The box states that this “magic balm glides on to lips, teasing out your own unique perfect pink hue”. I will tell you when I “colored” it on my hand later it was completely clear. So its likely perfect for those people who just need or want a little lip tint.

 

 

 

Finally we tried out the PINK fingernail polish. I say we because I let my five-year-old daughter put it on instead of me. It is as pink as the bottle shows it to be. Serious pink. I know bright colors are coming “in” tPixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Targethough so many of you might love this.

 

 

The Pixi website also shows all the different hues of these products available if you’d like to look them up before you head over to Target to purchase them.

 

 

 

I tell you honestly that I think this might be the PERFECT “first makeup” to your pre-teen or teenager who you want to look natural and not older than she should be. It’s a hint of color, a hint of shimmer and all about brining out the beauty in you.

It’s also great for the mom on the go who only has a little time to get put together and the woman who doesn’t like to wear a lot of makeup. It is very light, pixi light if you will, and so it is unlikely to bother you.

So rush out to Target Tinkerbelle fans and find this beautiful makeup that is sure to leave you feeling “Pixi Perfect”!

PixiGLOW Tinkerbell inspired makeup now at Target

Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t lose you kids

Disney World Quick Tips - Don't lose you kids

Close your eyes with me for a moment and envision a perfect day at the Magic Kingdom.

It’s a beautiful June day filled with sunshine and the parks are a bit crowded. You have just experienced Disney magic at its finest, and have gone on many rides and attractions with your children. But that hot mid-day sun is beating down. You’re ready to head back to your Disney resort for a dip in the pool to recharge your batteries.

Near the park exit, you have your children climb out of your rented stroller while you quickly return it. Then, as you approach the turnstile at the gate, you look down and… ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN IS MISSING!!!!!

I have experienced this panic first-hand. It was the most terrifying moment of any Disney vacation I have ever had. I can tell you that ours ended happily, and we were reunited with my daughter after about 5 VERY harrowing minutes (which seemed like hours) thanks to some very helpful Cast Members who sprang into action and then literally showered us all with pixie dust to calm us down.

My article today will help you avoid this situation. If, God forbid, it does happen to you, my tips will ensure a speedy reunion with your missing child.

1)Purchase products in advance to identify your children.

Many companies have come up with incredible products to aid in finding lost children. I highly recommend purchasing one of these products for your young children (or for a disabled child of any age) so that a Cast Member will be able to tell at a glance their name and your phone number.

The first such product is a shoe identification tag. These tags fit easily on a child’s shoe, display your name and contact information, and are bright enough to grab the attention of someone helping your lost child. MyPreciousKid sells a great tag that is water-proof and has ink that won’t fade or wipe off.

If you have a child who, like one of mine, won’t wear tennis shoes in the park, you can use instead the ingenious temporary tattoos from SafetyTat. Not only can you have the company print your contact information on the tattoo, you can also customize it with different messages (such as ‘Please Call My DAD’) and different kid-friendly images.

2). Pay attention to what your child is wearing.

When we approached the gate and realized Lauren wasn’t by our side, panic hit and I began yelling to Cast Members who immediately came to our aid. They closed the front gates while we searched for Lauren. But as I scanned the vast crowd of people, the boat docks, the monorail entrances, I was overwhelmed. “Where is my daughter?!?”

The Cast Members asked me for very specific details about what Lauren was wearing and issued an APB while my husband quickly ran back to the Main Street hub – where we found Lauren in the care of another Cast Member, crying but safe. She was found so quickly, in part, because I remembered what she was wearing.

In this age of Smart Phones, make it easier on yourself and take a picture of your children each morning before you leave for the parks. Then, if you’re separated, all you have to do is show the picture to a Cast Member.

3). Teach children the power of the nametag.

Show older children an example of a Cast Member nametag, and explain to them that if you ever get separated, they’re to find someone wearing one of those nametags and ask for help. Make sure your older children know your cell phone number so they can repeat it to a Cast Member. That’s the quickest way to reunite.

My hope for you is that you’ll never have to put any of these tips to the test, and that together your family experiences Disney Magic at its finest. But please take the necessary precautions.
Fortunately, we had a fairytale ending to our frightening situation, and we’re very thankful to all of the helpful Disney Cast Members who sprang into immediate action that day to quickly reunite our family.

If you have any more we would love to hear them!

“Want to same some money on your upcoming Disney vacation? Contact Lesley([email protected]) from Pixie Vacations, she offers Disney gift cards and generous on board credits for DCL !” Check out her website at Destination Magic or Like her on Facebook.

  • Can you use a Stroller as a Wheelchair? (chipandco.com)
  • Safety That Sticks: The Ultimate Convenience In Child Safety (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips - Don't lose you kids

Storybook Circus ‘soft-opens’ at Magic Kingdom Park Photos

“The

This week was a big day for the Magic Kingdom! The first phase of the new Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland “soft” opened to guests including:

  • The first part of “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant,” with Dumbo spinning clockwise for the first time in Magic Kingdom history
  • “The Barnstormer, Starring The Great Goofini,” a family coaster attraction featuring Mickey’s best pal and
  • “The Fantasyland Train Station,” one of the three stops for The Walt Disney World Railroad.
The First Phase of the New Storybook Circus Area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park 'Soft-Opens' The First Phase of the New Storybook Circus Area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park 'Soft-Opens' The First Phase of the New Storybook Circus Area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park 'Soft-Opens'
The First Phase of the New Storybook Circus Area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park 'Soft-Opens' The First Phase of the New Storybook Circus Area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park 'Soft-Opens' The First Phase of the New Storybook Circus Area of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park 'Soft-Opens'

“The Storybook Circus area pays tribute to the traveling circuses of the 1950s and 1960s – the setting for Walt Disney’s Dumbo – and we’ve put a lot of signature Imagineer details into every nook and cranny” said Chris Beatty, Creative Director, Fantasyland Expansion for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Dumbo, one of the circus’ most famed acts, flies guests around the Big Top area – featuring shiny new red and gold colors (inspired by ‘50s- and ‘60s-era tin toys), newly-created signature illustrations from one of the animators of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and a beautiful new water feature circling the base of the attraction – a first for the Magic Kingdom Park attraction.

“We were truly honored to be asked to design the new Dumbo,” Beatty said. “Every time a new piece of it came in, it would get us excited all over again.”

The Storybook Circus has just set up shop and peanuts, hoof and paw prints can be seen in the walkways – remnants of the circus animals and guests milling about the area.

The Great Goofini, the circus’ stuntman, presents for guests one of his most daring stunts – The Barnstormer – which features an amazing array of aerial acrobatics. Some of the Great Goofini’s other stunts can be seen in posters around the circus area including “Bear Wrasslin” and “Aquamaniac.” The stunts and posters are a tip of the hat to some of the great Goofy short subjects of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

And the Fantasyland Train Station design pays homage to both the elegant train travel of America’s past and Disney history, complete with a Casey-Junior-inspired weather vane and Carolwood Park sign, with “Fair Weather Place,” a nod to “Fair Weather Route,” Walt’s tag line for the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the steam engine Walt Disney had running through his backyard.

The attractions are in what we, in the biz, call “soft opening,” which means that they will be open at certain times and not at others.

This is just the first phase in what will become the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history – nearly doubling the size of Fantasyland.

  • Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Will Open By Late March, Snow White Closing May 31st (chipandco.com)
  • Soft Opening of Storybook Circus and New Buses Coming to Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Storybook Circus ‘soft-opens’ at Magic Kingdom Park Photos

Double Down on Disney Cruise Line Discounts!

Double Down on Disney Cruise Line Discounts!

Repeat cruisers know that booking your next cruise while still onboard has it’s perks. Currently Disney Cruise Line is reducing your cruise deposit to 10% (as opposed to the standard 20%) and offering an Onboard Credit when you book your next cruise before your current cruise ends.

The onboard credit amount varies by your Castaway Club status (you are automatically entered into the Castaway Club after your first Disney cruise) and are as follows:

Silver Castaway Club Members (1-5 cruises):

  • $100 for a 3-6 night cruise
  • $200 for a 7-night or longer cruise

Gold Castaway Club Members (6-10 cruises):

  • $150 for 2-6 night cruise
  • $275 for a 7-night or longer cruise

Platinum Castaway Club Members (11+ cruises):

  • $200 for a 3-6 night cruise
  • $350 for a 7-night or longer cruise

The stipulations are that you must book onboard, it applies to new bookings only and it’s not combinable with any group discount offers through travel agencies.

So, how do you double down and stack your onboard credits for your next Disney Cruise? It’s easy…book your next cruise at the Future Cruise Sales desk while you’re still onboard and take advantage of the Disney Cruise Line  onboard credit perks and then transfer your reservation to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Inquire about discounts and other booking incentives with the individual agent and then stack your credits and incentives and shop till you drop on your upcoming cruise!

The “takeover” is Authorized by Disney…they actually even give us an official form for it, and it changes nothing on your existing reservation except adding the travel agent to your reservation.

Use your onboard credits to book spa treatments, purchase items in the gift shop, drinks at the bar and much much more! The possibilities are endless and every little bit helps!

The Future Cruise Booklet actually leaves a place for you to write in an agency/agent name when you book your cruise onboard so if you already have an agent you know and trust, write their name down but be sure to follow up with them when you get home to let them know a reservation is coming their way. If you don’t already have a travel agent you can write down: Michele Dakho/Pixie Vacations (*wink wink,* nudge nudge) and i’ll make sure you’re taken care of! If you have questions about Disney Cruise Line feel free to contact me! [email protected]

Double Down on Disney Cruise Line Discounts!