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Disney Planning Tips: Don’t Forget To Pack For The Bathroom!

February 2, 2012

Disney Planning Tips: Don't Forget To Pack For The Bathroom!

When people make their packing list for a vacation at Walt Disney World or Disneyland most people that I know just write “toiletries”. This is fine for some people, but for me, I need “toiletries” to be listed out specifically! If I just rely on my little brain to remember all the bathroom and toiletry needs for our family of 4, I KNOW I’d forget something.

I know Disney provides soap, shampoo and conditioner in each room but I always pack ours from home so we won’t run out and so I know how my hair will do! I also pack my own hairdryer even though some rooms provide one because I am familiar with my dryer!

So, here is a list of additional toiletry/ bathroom items for your next Disney vacation:

brush/ comb
razor
toothpaste/ brush/ floss
deodorant
lotion
make up
cotton balls/ q-tips
moisturizer
mouse/ gel/ hairspray
contact solution
feminine products
First Aid Kit: fever reducer, band aids, cold and sinus meds, antacids, prescriptions, Neosporin, thermometer, Benadryl, Dramamine, etc.

A few additional items I have added to my list are:

Pump soap to make hand washing easier in the room.
Lysol spray. You can buy travel size cans in the travel toiletry section at Target. It makes me feel better to use Lysol spray for smells and germs- especially if someone gets sick!
Dishwashing liquid– if you have a baby or toddler who is using a bottle or sippy cup or if you buy the resort mugs or a bucket of popcorn, it’s nice to be able to wash it out with soap while on your vacation!
Don’t forget potty training “stuff” if you will be potty training while on your vacation! Bring the portable potty or a seat that sits on the big potty, if you can. If you reward for using the potty, don’t forget to pack the rewards!
Bath Toys for your kids! It makes bath time at night so much easier if they have familiar toys to play with in the tub.
A pop up or plug in deodorizer for the room. This helps make your room smell fresh and when you return home you still have a smell from your trip to remind you of Disney!

What are some things you bring with you?

Disney World Quick Tips – Packing Checklists (chipandco.com)
5 Things You Never Knew You Should Pack for your Disney Cruise (chipandco.com)

Disney Planning Tips: Don't Forget To Pack For The Bathroom!

Top Five Newbie Mistakes.

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 2, 2012

Top Five Newbie Mistakes.

Even if you’re a Disney vet, you can still make some newbie mistakes. Here are some of the top five mistakes to avoid.

1. You didn’t make your dining reservations ahead of time. If you’re reading here you probably know that you can make your dining reservations 180-days prior to your arrival, but did you? Hmmm? Good. But for the rest of you (and yes, Disney has a file on you) get those fingers moving and make those ADRs! Even if you just make two or three for a week-long trip, you’ll be happier knowing that you have a few incredible meals waiting for you.

2. You didn’t get a discount. If you paid full-price for your Disney vacation, raise your hand. Now look around the room. Seriously, I am shocked at how many of you there are. Go ahead and put your hands down. Next time, keep in mind that unless you’re traveling during the weeks of Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, moving your trip around just a little bit can mean a big discount. If you read here, you’ll always hear about the latest discounts the day they come out. Apply them to your existing reservation (or your travel agent will do it automatically) and relax knowing that you saved hundreds of dollars that you can spend elsewhere. Like in the parks.

3. You forgot to pack something important. Sure, you can replace it on property, but it will cost a lot more and the selection is really limited. And yes, there are Targets and drug stores close by, but do you really want to spend precious hours on your vacation roaming around a super store looking for sunblock? Make a packing list and start crossing off items as you go. You can do this weeks ahead of time. Right before you travel, put a list on the back of the door you’ll be leaving out of on the morning of your trip. Do this for things like phone chargers and medicines, stuff you can’t pack until right before the trip. Then just cross those items off the list as you go. Before you leave, check your list one last time.

4. You lost your tickets! Actually, this is easily remedied and yes, we know because we do it all the time. If you’re a guest of Disney property, just ask to have them replaced at your resort (or any resort) concierge desk or at guest services in the parks. If you’re not a resort guest or if you are but you bought your tickets separately and not as part of a package, make sure you’ve made copies of your tickets. I like to leave a copy back home with someone who can get to them easily and take a copy with me. Most of the time tickets bought directly from Disney will be in the computer and can b easily replaced, but this isn’t always the case. This is especially important if you bought a discounted ticket as part of one of your benefits of running a Disney half-marathon. These tickets are very difficult to replace for some mysterious reason I am not privy to. But I think it has something to do with elves.

5. You bought a park hopper that you didn’t need. When someone who makes a commission selling you something tells you not to buy it, you know she’s telling the truth. Not everyone needs a park hopper and at $58 per ticket, not everyone can afford one on top of an already expensive vacation. I always park hop, but if you are unsure, wait to add it. You can always upgrade a ticket by adding extra days or options like the park hopper once you get on property, just make sure you have at least one day left on the ticket.

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a travel agent and a member of the Mouse Chat podcast. Contact her at [email protected] or call 919-889-5281 for free Disney trip planning and information on how you can get free Disney gift cards and onboard credits when you book your next Disney vacation.

Family Traditions at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
Disney World Quick Tips – How to pick the least busiest park (chipandco.com)

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom opens to Walt Disney World Guests in February

Chip

February 2, 2012

This immersive, role-playing game features unprecedented interaction with Disney characters who come to life in previously hidden areas throughout Magic Kingdom park.

Families, friends and individuals can take on the animated Disney Villains by casting spell cards featuring Rafiki, Rapunzel, Woozles and more than 60 other characters. Individually created by Disney artists and trading card game experts, these beautiful, collectible cards will come in packages of five free to Guests ready to take on the villains.

“Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom gives our Guests a new way to become the hero of the Disney story, taking Disney innovation to a new level,” said Jonathan Ackley, Producer & Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a great game of discovery and excitement that plays off our wonderful theme park and incredible family of Disney animated characters.”

Imagineers spent more than four years creating and perfecting this unique experience, which can be played in 15 to 20 minute segments throughout the Guests’ visit to the Magic Kingdom, or continuously for up to three to four hours. More than 95 minutes of original animation was created for Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – equal to a full-length animated film.

While trading card games are popular with about 60 million people in the US, this is the first time players can experience the challenge in such a complex environment. Guests of all ages will love the storytelling, the engagement with Disney characters and the discovery of hidden details of the Magic Kingdom.

Sneak Peek at Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Is Play-Tested at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom opens to Walt Disney World Guests in February

The Top 10 Disney Movies – #3

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 1, 2012

Episodes & Reels is delivering our monthly Top 10 List a little differently this time around. We will post one entry in the countdown each night from Jan 23 – Feb 3 on Chip and Co until we finally reveal #1! Now back to the countdown with our #3 animated Disney film of all-time:

The Top 10 Disney Movies - #3 — Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, 1937

#3 – SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
Stars: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell
Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand
Rating: G

Well, what do you know, another film from the pages of the Brothers Grimm’s storybooks. In 1937, this became Walt Disney’s first ever full-length, theatrical animated feature film, so in a way, it’s the one that started it all. This year (2012) will give us two live adaptations of the classic Snow White tale – Mirror Mirror (starring Julia Roberts) and Snow White & the Huntsman (starring Charlize Theron). I am extremely excited to see both (you can click here to see our breakdown and preview of both those releases). Snow White’s story is also the pivotal plot-point on the new ABC fantasy series, “Once Upon a Time.” I think it’s safe to say that her classic story may be the most well-known, and definitely the most often duplicated, in all of Disney’s arsenal. This is a movie that basically created the “Evil Queen” stigma that would show up in countless others that followed. Also, thanks to Snow White, none of us can ever look at a mirror or a red apple the same way ever again. If you are lucky enough to own this one on DVD or blu-ray, please pop it in at least once a year. While you are watching it, remind yourself that without Snow White, none of the other movies on this list would have been possible – and, not only that, but where would animation be today without it?

Watch the Original Trailer

Come back tomorrow night for our runner-up #2 entry, and check us out on facebook.

First Timer Primer: Disney Cruise Line Planning

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 1, 2012

First Timer Primer: Disney Cruise Line Planning
The cruise line industry is buzzing with the release of the 2013 itineraries and the return of the Disney Magic to Europe.

Californians are saddened that the Wonder will be leaving the Port of Los Angeles, but east coasters can’t wait to have the two newest ships in their two Florida ports (Port Canaveral, Miami).

Maybe all the excitement has you interested in a cruise, if it’s your first time looking into a cruise you’ve probably already shut down the Disney Cruise Line website out of frustration and confusion. Don’t let your cruise dreams end there! Here are the five basics of cruise planning that will get you started on a path to your magical voyage!

Pick your travel dates: Disney Cruise Line offers itineraries year round based on weather patterns and destination highlights. Everyone wants to know the “best time” for cruising here or there. Disney has already picked the best times to cruise…so just pick the time that works for you, keeping in mind that popular travel times such as spring break and Christmas will have higher pricing.

Pick your itinerary: The 2012-2013 cruise itineraries have been released, you have plenty of options to choose from!

2012:

Mexican Riviera (Port of Los Angeles)-Last chance for this itinerary! The Mexican Riviera itinerary will not be offered in 2013.

Hawaii (Port of Los Angeles)-For the first time ever the Disney Wonder will sail twice to Hawaii on a 15 night (April 29th) and 14 night (October 14th). There are limited number of rooms available for this itinerary.

Panama Canal Repositioning Cruise (Port of Los Angeles): This 14-night itinerary is offered on December 9, 2012 and is a very popular itinerary. Those who have cruised this itinerary often say it was their favorite cruise.

Bahamas: Year round itineraries to the Bahamas (3, 4 and 5-night cruises)

Alaska: 7-Night itineraries departing from Seattle, Washington.

Caribbean: 7-Night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Pacific Coast: 7-night and 6-night cruises (6-night departing from Vancouver and arriving in Los Angeles)

2013

Caribbean itineraries (Western and Eastern) sailing from Galveston, Texas

Trans-Atlantic Repositioning Cruise-(May 18, 2013) Sailing from Galeveston, Texas arriving in Barcelona, Spain

Mediterranean Cruises: Departing and returning to Barcelona, Spain these voyages are 4, 7, and 12 nights.

Mediterranean with Greece: For the first time ever these two Mediterranean itineraries will include Greece! Sailings on June 15, 2013 and July 13, 2013 only.

Bahamian: Everyone’s favorite cruise is still on the agenda!

Panama Canal Repositioning Cruise (Port of Miami): This 14-night itinerary is offered on May 6, 2013

Alaska: Departing from Vancouver, Canada

Pick your stateroom: There are only a few categories of staterooms, and then there are sub levels within each category.

Inside staterooms-The most affordable, with the least square footage. The Magic and the Wonder offer no exterior view from their inside staterooms. The Dream and the Fantasy have magical portholes with real time views of the ocean.

Oceanview staterooms: The next most affordable with a tiny bit more square footage. These rooms offer one large or two small porthole windows, some with window seating.

Verandah Staterooms: Moderate to high pricing, with the most square footage compared to the other categories. Verandah rooms can offer a range of prices based on location and view.

Suites and Concierge Level: The most luxurious of them all! The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder offer a variety of suites from 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom with all the luxury you could imagine; some of those suites sleep up to 7. The Dream and Fantasy suites will only sleep 5.

Pick your dining time: There are two dining times on each ship. They are referred to as “Main Seating” and “Second Seating”. There are benefits to both, many people with small children prefer the main seating, as it happens earlier (5:45pm on the Magic and Wonder and 6:00 on the Dream and Fantasy) and second seating is later (8:15pm on the Magic and Wonder and 8:30pm on the Dream and Fantasy). Second seating dining offers “Dine and Play” for kids registered in the kids clubs. About 45 minutes into your meal a cast member from the Oceaneer’s Club and Lab will come to the restaurant and wait at the main entrance for kids who are done eating and want to go back to play. Let your server know if your child is participating in dine and play and they will expedite their meal.

Make your deposit-The deposit isn’t $200 like your average Disney World or Disneyland vacation package. The deposit is approximately 20% of your cruise fare so it’s a bit more hefty than Disney travelers may be used to. The deposit is refundable and will hold your stateroom on the ship. Keep in mind that the availability on the ship is limited to a specific quantity based on safety regulations and accommodations. There are no roll away beds available and you can’t just “add an extra” person to your stateroom as easily as you may think. Availability is no joke for these cruises. They literally disappear at any minute so if you don’t want your pixie dust to be blown away, ask your Disney Authorized Travel Planner to place a courtesy hold on your stateroom. This will hold your room for 5 days with no payment and no payment information required. It’s simply a courtesy that holds your stateroom while you decide and either prepare to make your deposit or release the room back into the system with no obligation.

Disney Cruise Line offers a vacation experience that’s unparalleled. If you’re considering a cruise vacation, you should contact a Disney Authorized Travel Planner ([email protected]) for your free quote. There are no fees when working with Pixie Vacations and we’re here to answer all your questions (you’ll have plenty…trust me!) and we offer Pixie Perks like itinerary planning, personalized service and onboard credits. Contact me about your Disney Cruise Line vacation and let’s talk about which Pixie Perks are right for you!

New Disney Cruise Line Ports for 2013 (pixievacations.com)
2013 Disney Cruise Line: Magic and Wonder Itineraries and Details (chipandco.com)

First Timer Primer: Disney Cruise Line Planning

WOW Moment of the Day Sweepstakes from ESPN and 1-800-Flowers

Chip

February 1, 2012

Enter ESPN and 1-800-Flowers’ WOW Moment of the Day Sweepstakes for your chance to win a Guy’s Guy Weekend for two at Disney World in Orlando including a NASCAR racing experience, a baseball game, and more.

Grand Prize: A Guy’s Guy Weekend including a trip for two to meet ESPN Radio personalities at ESPN Audio’s Guy’s Guys Weekend at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL from March 1 – 4, 2012. The trip includes airfare, 4 days at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, a Welcome Reception including dinner, drinks, and fireworks, a “Drive Time” night NASCAR racing experience at Richard Petty Racing, optional 18-holes of Golf at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, a Saturday afternoon Atlanta Braves baseball game at the Champion Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and !iViva Los Guys! “Casino” Night. The winner will also receive a 1-800-Flowers Arrangement of the Month 12 Month Bouquet Club, Stock Yards The Twelve-Month Club, and a Sony PS3 Sports Champions Move HW Bundle. (ARV: $10,498.71)

1st Prize A 1-800-Flowers.com Arrangement of the Month 6 Month Bouquet Club, a Stock Yards The Six Month Club, a Sonx PlayStation3 160GB system, and Cheryl’s Football Party Bowl. (ARV: $1,563.82)

2nd Prize: A 1-800-Flowers.com Arrangement of the Month 3 Month Bouquet Club, a Stock Yards – The Quarterly Club, a Sony PSPgo system, and Cheryl’s Crispy Rice Touchdown Football Treats. (ARV: $922.87)

Click here to learn more and to enter.

World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals, Yankees, Mets and Phillies Coming to Disney for Braves Spring Training (chipandco.com)

Capturing Disney in Pictures: A Fan’s Trip to Animal Kingdom

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 1, 2012

Capturing Disney in Pictures: A Fan's Trip to Animal Kingdom — Animal Kingdom; tiger nap time.

Every photo has a story.

Chip & Company fan Maleah Moskoff, the owner of www.chachatea.net, made a recent trip to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom last September. Maleah said of their theme park visit, “We always arrive at the opening hour of Animal Kingdom and head straight to the safari. After the safari, we walk through Asia and hope to catch tiger feeding time.” On this particular trip, Maleah snapped the above photo when they came across the tiger’s nap time.

Picture this…Right after their opening hour arrival at Animal Kingdom, Maleah took this shot of three rhinos. “The lighting is great early in the morning, and the animals are just waking up. Plus, it’s not too hot yet. I love the picture of the three rhinos, and I may even have that framed. Our friends think we went to Africa when they see our Disney safari photos.”

Thanks, Maleah, for sending in your photo and your story, and thank you Chip & Company fans for coming along for a photographical ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Remember, Chip & Company is looking for great Disney vacation photos without family members, preferably of Disney characters, landscapes, architecture, or funny photos for our “Caption This Contest.” Please send in pictures (one at a time please) with a brief description of your photo. Be sure to tell us what is in the picture and any important details. Just use the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, Why and When, because that way we have enough information to share the Disney Magic. Every photo has a story, so be sure to include yours.

Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation twice a day in photographs. Visit my photo blog at mouzekateerz.com, check out my photos on Pinterest at Pin Mouze Kateerz, or shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location at [email protected].

Capturing Disney in Pictures: A Fan’s Character Encounter (chipandco.com)
Capturing Disney in Pictures: A Fan’s Star Wars Weekend Encounter (chipandco.com)

For a limited time D23 Gold membership discounted for Disneyland and Disney World Annual Passholders

Chip

February 1, 2012

All of us at Chip and Co are very excited today, especially those of us with an annual pass!

For a limited time (from February 1 to March 31, 2012), annual D23 Gold membership is $54.99 for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders — a savings of 20% for the biggest fans of Disney Parks. The offer is valid for all new D23 Gold-level Memberships, which include:

Four issues of Disney twenty-three magazine, the colorful, oversizedpublication created especially for D23 Member
Exclusive member gifts delivered along with Disney twenty-three four times a year
A beautiful annual member gift for new (and renewing) members of D23
More than two dozen discounts at retailers, online sites and attractions around the country
Access to special D23 Member-only events, such as the upcoming Journey to Marceline experience; this fall’s Destination D, celebrating 75 years of Disney animated films; “From the Vaults” screenings of movies like “Newsies,” “Sister Act” and “Treasure Island”; D23’s Sip and Scream and Magic and Merriment events this fall; and “Fanniversary” activities around the country
Plus, a D23 Membership card, personalized certificate … and more surprises that are in store this year, along with special Member pricing to the D23 Expo

John Carter Pre-screening event exclusive for Walt Disney World Passholders (chipandco.com)
D23 Adds More New Discounts for Members (chipandco.com)

For a limited time D23 Gold membership discounted for Disneyland and Disney World Annual Passholders

iPad Review: Beauty and the Beast Storybook Deluxe

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

February 1, 2012

I was recently able to take the Beauty and the Beast Storybook Deluxe app for a spin. In a word, this app is incredible!

In it’s basic form, the app is a simple read-along book that your child will enjoy because of the story. However, the app does so much more than that! If your child is learning to read, the app is good because it highlights the words as it reads them to them, helping them to develop reading skills. If they are a little further along in your reading, your child can record a “page” of the book and the app will play the words back in your voice, rather than the narrator’s voice.

In addition to that, at various points in the story you will see symbols embedded into the page you are on. For example, as you see here on this image, there is a jigsaw puzzle piece. Touch that, and the scene will turn into a jigsaw puzzle for you to solve.

There are so many unique interactions that you can do with the app. For example, in some of the scenes you will see twinkling lights. Touch the light, and it will animate the scene for you. In particular, look at the scene when Belle’s father heads off to the fair!

The Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications group has done an incredible job in turning the app into a very realistic three dimensional scene. Each scene is integrated with special touches, and in some of the scenes, you can tilt your iPad for some really incredible special effects. The perspective changes as you tilt the iPad, almost as if you are looking at it from a different angle!

One thing that Sophie enjoyed was being able to “paint” some of the scenes. As you can see from this screen shot, you can set up the scene without any color and supply your own to paint the scene.

But all of this is really just scratching the surface. Take a look at all of the features that you have with the Beauty and the Beast app:

The Pages button will let you quickly move to different pages in the story. You can also look for the special symbols that indicate a page with special features.
The Read button gives you some special settings. They include the following, which you can turn on or off depending on your preference:

Read To Me — This will have the narrator read the story to you. It’s default is on.
Auto-turn Pages — This will turn the pages for you after a page is read.
Young Reader Mode — This mode will put arrows at the top right and left that you touch to turn the pages with, instead of “swiping” to turn the page.
Record — This microphone will let you record a page of the story, and when you have finished recording, it will read the page back to you. This is a good way for young readers to practice their reading!
Info — This is simply an information menu, which gives you more instruction on how to manipulate through the app.
Paint — This will display the three scenes in the story that you can paint, as I described above. Just tap one of the scenes and it will pull up the scene for you to paint.
Music — This menu item shows the two main songs that you can sing along to. This includes the songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast”
Games — There are two games you can play, one is the “Rose Garden” game where you collect roses throughout the story, and the other is the Hedge Maze, where you have to lead Belle and her friends out of the maze. In each game there are Easy, Normal, and Hard levels.
Puzzles — This shows the four puzzles that you can work on in the book. Again, there are Easy, Normal, and Hard levels for the puzzles.

All in all, this is a really well done app, and is well worth the investment for any Beauty and the Beast fans! Originally priced at $8.99, it is now available for $4.99 at the iTunes Store.

But in the end, of course, what really matters is this:

Beauty and the Beast Deluxe Storybook iPad App (chipandco.com)
Disney Leads The Way In Digital Reading With Six New Apps Based On Favorite Chlildren’s Characters (chipandco.com)

iPad Review: Beauty and the Beast Storybook Deluxe

Visiting Disneyland – What to expect from a Disney World point of view

Catie

February 1, 2012

Visiting Disneyland - What to expect from a Disney World point of view — Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland

So you’ve been to Walt Disney World, and now you’ve decided you want to make a trip to the place where the magic began. Disneyland is as special and magical as can be, and it is also VERY different from Walt Disney World.

Here are some things to expect when you head to Disneyland:

Booking your trip: Things are different in Disneyland, the Dining Plan is actually meal vouchers (purchased at a discount rate then redeemed at participating restaurants), and their Advance Dining Reservations can only be booked via phone up to 60 days in advance (versus 180 days with WDW). They do have vacation packages, where you can book hotel/tickets/meal plan all together, which is similar to how Walt Disney World package vacations work.

Hotel Choices: There are only 3 “on property” hotels at Disneyland – The Grand Californian, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and they aren’t grouped into “value/moderate/deluxe” classifications like at Disney World. However, Disney Land does give more lodging options with their “Good Neighbor Hotels”, which are hotels Disney recommends and are close to the resort, and these are listed by types (economy/moderate/superior/suites) to help you pick which one works best for you and your travel companions

Park Size: This was the first thing I noticed upon arriving at Disneyland – its so much smaller than Disney World! The Walt Disney World Resort sits on roughly 25,000 acres while Disneyland’s parks and resorts occupy just 430 acres. Instead of a huge parking lot like at WDW, you park in a tall parking garage at Disneyland, and instead of huge intricate indoor line queues, your wait times for rides at Disneyland takes place mostly outdoors (which might be in part due to the fact that California weather tends to be a lot less rainy/icky than Florida weather, but i’m sure its partly a size issue too!). It doesn’t really feel cramped or small, but there definitely was a limit on the amount of space Walt had to work with when building Disneyland – which was why he purchased so much land for the building of WDW – to make sure any and all ideas would have space to flourish in the future!

Theme Parks: There are 2 theme parks at Disneyland, the Disneyland Park (which is similar in layout and theming as it’s Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Counterpart), and Disney’s California Advanture, which opened in 2001 and is divided into 6 districts, each of which represents various aspects of Californian culture and landmarks

Authenticity: Disneyland was where it all started, it was Walt’s ideas that created it, and he was there to see them executed and was there for the opening day of the park, to see all his hard work come to life in amazing ways. Sadly, he passed away before Walt Disney World opened, so while many of his ideas were brought to life in Florida as well, Disneyland is truly ‘the real deal’ when it comes to the man behind the mouse – Walt Disney.

Oh yeah, and one more difference – the castles! At Disney World, you stand at the base of Main Street USA and see Cinderella’s Castle tall and looming in the distance (and soon you will see the Beast’s Castle too, once they complete the Fantasyland expansion!), and in Disneyland, your view down Main Street is of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

There may be a lot of differences between the two Resorts, and it is these differences that give each park a unique guest experience. But at the end of the day, both places were created by Walt Disney, a man who knew how to create a truly special place for those of all ages to go to enjoy themselves and feel like kids again. The magic is abundant in both places, and no matter whether you decide the World or the Land is more your speed, you will have a great time!

DisneyWORLD vs. DisneyLAND – what’s the difference? (livinginagrownupworld.wordpress.com)
Getting a Postcard from the Main Mouse (chipandco.com)

2012 Flower Power Concert Series at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Chip

February 1, 2012

For me it seems the lineup is a little dated and I think their should be a mix of 60’s – 90’s at the 19^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival’s Flower Power concert series. Beginning March 9 and continuing each weekend, the Flower Power lineup features two new-to-the-festival acts: Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World”) and The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (“Don’t Bring Me Down”).

Jose Feliciano, whose star shines on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and whose musical achievements have spanned five decades, revs up the Flower Power stage during the first festival performance March 9. Among the biggest hit-makers in the lineup: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (22 hits on Billboard’s Top 40 chart); Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (18 Top 40 hits); The Spinners (18 Top 40s); and The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie (9 Top 40s).

Flower Power performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Here’s the lineup (subject to change without notice):

Flower Power performances are included with Epcot admission. For additional information about the festival, visit www.disneyworld.com/flower
.

Epcot’s 2012 Flower Power Concert Series Schedule (chipandco.com)
HGTV Stars to Highlight This Year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)

2012 Flower Power Concert Series at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Not watching the Super Bowl? How about all 5 ‘Bring it on’ Movies on ABC Family!

Chip

January 31, 2012

On Sunday, February 5^th, beginning at 9:00am ET/PT, ABC Family will air a “Bring it On-a-Thon,” airing the five movies in the popular franchise back-to-back, featuring such ABC Family stars as Ashley Benson (“Pretty Little Liars”), Francia Raisa (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) and Cassie Scerbo (“Make It or Break It”). Following the marathon, the network will air “Mamma Mia,” at 7:00pm ET/PT, and “Dirty Dancing” at 9:30pm ET/PT.

Sunday, February 5 (all times Eastern/Pacific)

9:00AM Bring It On Again starring Anne Judson-Yager and Bree Turner

When the leaders of the varsity cheerleading squad alienate the wrong people, they find themselves in a battle against an alternative cheer squad to represent the university.

11:00AM Bring It On: In It to Win It starring Ashley Benson, Cassie Scerbo and Michael Copon

A high-school senior (Ashley Benson) falls for a fellow cheerleader (Michael Copon), not realizing that he is on a rival squad.

1:00 PM Bring It On starring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku and Gabrielle Union

An urban cheerleading squad accuses a champion team’s captain (Kirsten Dunst) of stealing its choreography on the eve of a national competition.

3:00PM Bring It On: Fight to the Finish starring Christina Milian and Rachele Brooke Smith

After her widowed mother remarries a wealthy man, Lina (Christina Milian) must transfer from her high school in East LA to a posh, West Los Angeles high school where she clashes with Avery (Rachele Brooke Smith), the snobby, ultra-competitive cheerleading captain when she tries to qualify for the team.

5:00PM Bring It On: All or Nothing starring Hayden Panettiere, Solange Knowles, and Francia Raisa

When her family moves across town, a teenager (Hayden Panettiere) must win over the head cheerleader (Solange Knowles) to make the squad.

Megan Park of ABC Family’s “A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song” On Sorcerer Radio (chipandco.com)

Not watching the Super Bowl? How about all 5 'Bring it on' Movies on ABC Family!

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#3 – SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) Stars: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand Rating: G

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#3 – SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
Stars: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell
Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand
Rating: G