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Panasonic Named Exclusive Sponsor of D23 Expo

By
Chip
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Panasonic Named Exclusive Sponsor of D23 Expo

Panasonic has become the exclusive consumer electronics sponsor of Disney’s D23 Expo 2011, held August 19-21 at the Anaheim Convention Center, which is adjacent to the iconic Disneyland Resort.

The agreement was announced today by Steven Clark, Head of D23, and Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Chief Technology Officer, Panasonic Corporation of North America.

“D23’s first signature event surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “We’re thrilled that Panasonic will be joining us for the festivities.”

This year’s D23 Expo brings together two 3D pioneers: Panasonic, the acknowledged leader in 3D for the home, which offers an extensive lineup of the finest 3D plasma and LCD displays plus award-winning 3D-capable Blu-ray™ disc players; and The Walt Disney Studios, an industry leader in the creation and distribution of digital 3D filmed entertainment.

“There is a great fit between our two brands,” said Panasonic’s Eisuke Tsuyuzaki. “The Walt Disney Studios makes incredible 3D entertainment, and there’s no better way to watch it in the home than on a Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D TV. The D23 Expo is the perfect venue for us to showcase our latest offerings to Disney’s enthusiastic and loyal fan base.”

The first D23 Expo attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans, bringing the entire world of Disney to one central location. During the D23 Expo, fans were treated to appearances by superstars; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for three full days of festivities. Admission is $42 for a one-day adult ticket and $32 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $121 for adults and $91 for children. Members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans will receive a discount on admission as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23” on Twitter and Facebook.

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Panasonic Named Exclusive Sponsor of D23 Expo

All New! Enchanted Tiki Room Full Show

By
Chip
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All New! Enchanted Tiki Room Full Show

After months of closure and years of “Under New Management,” Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room has reopened at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando in a classic version, featuring sing-along songs and familiar characters, without Iago and Zazu.

Visit http://www.InsideTheMagic.net for much more from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room!

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  • Tiki Room Reopening Slated for Aug. 15, 2011 (chipandco.com)
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All New! Enchanted Tiki Room Full Show

Around the “Disney” World – Streets of America

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Around the "Disney" World - Streets of America

Streets of America, is a walkthrough area in Hollywood Studios.  Here you can literally walk down the streets of New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.  Characters can be found here often and there are great opportunities for some fun pictures as well! Play close attention to detail and you could find yourself spending more time then you’d expect walking through!

The annual Osborne Spectacle of Lights is held here during the holiday season (mid-November through early-January) where the “buildings” are decorated to the nines and its even been known to snow as crooners like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra can be heard singing holiday favorites!

You can also stop at the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area here! This is a great stop for playtime for kids and some more great photo ops!  There are also often snack carts found throughout the area as well as Herbie’s Drive-In which is open seasonally and features some counter service options!

 

Chip & Company Week in Review, August 15, 2011

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Chip & Company Week in Review, August 15, 2011

I hope you all had a great week last week!  There were a lot of news reports on Chip & Company last week, so let’s take a look at some of the ones that you might have missed:

  • In our latest Fantasyland Expansion update, we learned about the innovative technology that the Walt Disney Imagineers are using in the construction and design of the expansion.
  • Are you a fan of the Starcatcher series of books for young adults?  If you are, then you’ll enjoy learning that Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson are at it again in the release of their new book, “The Bridge to Never Land”.
  • Do you love food as much as I do?  Well, if you love food, and want a great value, check out the deals you can get over at Disneyland Resort!
  • As the days continue to count down to D23, more details keep emerging.  Check out the latest news to come out about best-selling authors, exclusive giveaways, and interactive surprises!
  • Did you see the Disney movie Prom?  If you are looking to add it to your collection at home, you’ll enjoy knowing that the movie arrives in stores on August 30th.
  • One of our new writers, Danny (welcome aboard Danny!) writes about Disney discontinuing some aspects of the Grand Gathering Celebrations.
  • Did you see the medallion that they will be giving to finishers of the 2012 Walt Disney Half Marathon?  Marathon Weekend is January 5-8, 2012, and this is the 15th anniversary of the race!
  • Our friends at Character Central bring us information about the latest Disney Character News and Rumors for August.
  • Michele brought us news over $1 million dollars worth of black market tickets were confiscated recently.  Check out her piece on what to look for when buying tickets.
  • Lastly, Hong Kong Disney is celebrating it’s fifth anniversary this year, and to help celebrate the occasion, they are transforming the castle into “Tinker Bell Castle!”

That’s our look at some of the news stories from last week, now let’s take a look at some of the incredible original articles that our writers produce each and every day!  Enjoy!

  • In one of our Disney Food Confessions, Chip writes about his obsession with the Dessert Trio!
  • In our Around the “Disney” World series, this week we were looking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Brenda brought us her take on Animation Courtyard.
  • Do you hunt for Character autographs when you go to the parks?  If so, the DisneyDiva brings you her top five places to find those great autographs!

That’s all we have for you this week.  I hope you have a terrific week, and remember to check out Chip & Company often for the latest in Disney News, Views, Giveaways, and more!  Don’t forget to also check out the Chip & Company Facebook Page, as well as our new page Disney for Seniors and the group we created for those Disney Addicts like us!

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  • Now available: The Bridge to Never Land by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson (chipandco.com)
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Chip & Company Week in Review, August 15, 2011

Disney files construction permits for former Pleasure Island clubs

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Hyperion Wharf Concept
Hyperion Wharf Concept Sketch

A notice of commencement form filed by Disney on August 4 announces that “improvements will be made to certain retail property” and specifically cites Mannequins, BET Soundstage, Adventurer’s Club, and the Comedy Warehouse.  The forms noted by the Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia provide only a broad description with little insight into the nature of the upcoming project.

The Notice of Commencement does, however, specify that whatever plans Disney has for Pleasure Island include the basic structures of the mentioned clubs.  No permits have been filed for demolition; instead the documents specify renovation and construction.

With Disney’s July 12 announcement that construction would be pausing for a re-evaluation of the master plan, the announcement of new construction is surprising, particularly so soon after the announced halt. Neither the permits nor the announcement of the Pleasure Island construction pause mention Hyperion Wharf, the shopping and dining area announced as the new plan for Pleasure Island in November 2009.

Hyperion Wharf was proposed as an area loosely themed to a turn-of-the-century wharf that offered an expansion of shopping and dining without any clearly defined entertainment options. The new construction filed for the area could be the next phase in Hyperion Wharf development, but fans of the former Pleasure Island will wait for further announcement from Disney regarding possible entertainment or further theming of the currently unused 1.5 miles of Downtown Disney.

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Disney files construction permits for former Pleasure Island clubs

2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Special Festival Experiences

By
Chip
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2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Special Festival ExperiencesFrom educational experiences to sumptuous tastings to specialty shopping, Festival Guests enjoy a variety of culinary experiences at little to no extra cost.

Most of these events, seminars and demonstrations can be found at the Festival Welcome Center at Epcot Theme Park, unless otherwise indicated.

New Offerings Included in Festival Admission

Cranberry Bog Display – NEW!: Before entering World Showcase, visit the Cranberry Bog Display, hosted by Ocean Spray® Craisins® dried cranberries. Learn about the history, harvesting process and health benefits as you sample this unique fruit.

Home Entertaining Seminar Hosted by HGTV – NEW!: In this new, 30-minute seminar, HGTV celebrity designers show you how to create the ultimate entertainment room. Learn about holiday table setting, herb and vegetable gardening, and kitchen/dining room designs. Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

 

  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, Vern Yip, “HGTV Design Star “and “HGTV Urban Oasis”
  • Oct. 7 – 9, Monica Pedersen, “Designed to Sell”
  • Oct. 14 – 16, Erin Loechner, “Design Happens”
  • Oct. 21 – 23, Taniya Nayak, “Designed to Sell”
  • Oct. 28 – 30, Kim Stoegbauer, “On-line Party Inspiration”
  • Nov. 4 – 6, Lisa LaPorta, “Designed to Sell”
  • Nov. 11 – 13, Emily Henderson, “Secrets from a Stylist” and Season 5 winner of “HGTV Design Star”

Additional Offerings Included in Festival Admission

Authors Without Borders: Renowned authors from the food and beverage industry discuss their craft. Times vary on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Hosted by Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries.

Authentic Taste Seminars: Learn about the origins, properties and history of pure ingredients in lively, 30-minute presentations by subject experts. On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Hosted by Driscoll’s® Only The Finest Berries™.

Book Signings and Meet & Greets: Meet celebrated authors and personalities, and have them autograph your purchased book or merchandise. Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.

Bottle Signings: Meet the winemaker and have your purchased bottle of wine autographed—great for a souvenir or special occasion! Check the daily schedules or visit the Festival Information Desk for details.

Seasons of the Vine: View a “behind-the-scenes introduction” to wine growing. This 7-minute film runs continuously each day.

Shopping & Specialty Products

The Cellar: The wine shop offers hundreds of wines from the celebrated wineries showcased throughout the Festival, as well as spirits, beers and a unique collection of bottles.

Intermissions Café: Indulge in wine, cheese and light snacks at this venue hosted by Kobrand™.

The Stockpot Shop: Shop for commemorative items, such as the event poster, Festival cookbook and an extensive selection of cooking and entertaining products.

Tasteful Chapters: The official book-signing location for celebrity chefs and authors, our book shop also offers collectible Festival-themed mini Disney Gift Cards, which make it easy to pay for so much fun at the Festival!

Demonstrations & Seminars (Additional Fee Required)

Learn to create mouthwatering recipes or learn a little more about food and wine.

The following seminars and demonstrations are available at a fee, in addition to your Epcot Theme Park admission.

Culinary Demonstrations: Celebrated chefs and beverage professionals offer helpful tips and tasty samples at these 45-minute culinary demonstrations. At 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. $11 and $13 per person, tax included. For additional details about these seminars—including the scheduled wines and beverages—click here to view the information. Schedule is subject to change.

Mixology Seminars – NEW!: A mixologist demonstrates the art of preparing trendy and classic cocktails, then serves you the final product. Cheers! At 6:00 p.m. daily. $12 per person, tax included. For additional details about these seminars—including the scheduled wines and beverages—click here to view the information. Schedule is subject to change.

Scent Demonstration – NEW!: Join scent critic Chandler Burr for a unique double-culinary experience—a meal made entirely of scents! You’ll also get to taste one of the courses, prepared by a Disney chef. Sunday, Oct. 2 from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. $13 per person, tax included.

Wine/Beverage Seminars: Meet a featured winery principal or beverage expert, learn a handful of tips and sample the selected wines/beverages. At noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. $10 and $12 per person, tax included. For additional details about these seminars—including the scheduled wines and beverages—click here to view the information. Schedule is subject to change.

To secure a spot at any of the above events, book online or call (407) WDW-FEST or (407) 939-3378. Reservations open for booking on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance.

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2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Special Festival Experiences

Around The ‘Disney’ World – Hollywood Studios’ Echo Lake Area

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Around The 'Disney' World - Hollywood Studios' Echo Lake Area

There are only a few ‘lands’ at Walt Disney World where you get the variety you get the Echo Lake area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This variety is in both attractions and dining venues. As far as attractions, we have a relatively new attraction in the American Idol Experience, an old solid standby in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, an attraction that is and has been in limbo for an extended period of time in Sounds Dangerous, and finally a long standing favorite that has just undergone a HUGE update and refurbishment in Star Tours II. As you can see there seems to one of everything at Echo Lake.

  • American Idol Experience – This one has seen a lot of success. It’s modeled after the huge television show and operates the same way except that auditions and voting for an ‘Idol’ don’t take place over a period of weeks but rather in one day. Auditions and initial voting are done in the morning with the finals later in the day. Check your times guide for the exact times for each phase.
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – This one has been around for a very long time and still draws large crowds for each show. The different scenes that take place during the show are loosely borrowed from the Indiana Jones series of films. They choose a number of folks from the audience to participate with the Cast Members so if you want to be chosen dress brightly and when they ask for volunteers be VERY enthusiastic.
  • Sounds Dangerous – You may or may not get to see this show during this visit because this C-Ticket attraction operates very seasonally (read that only when crowds are seasonally huge). I haven’t seen it for a number of years because we generally travel at slower times of the year. If it is operating give it a try especially if you are a Drew Carey fan, it’s entertaining but can be very loud and may scare the younger children.
  • Star Tours II: The Adventure Continues – I can’t wait to give this one a try in October. I rode it in 2009 before the upgrade and it was fun then but 3-D, assorted pilots, and different adventures WOW!! If you have motion issues ask the Cast Member to sit you in the front row because it’s less disturbing to your equilibrium. It shouldn’t be too difficult to get that front row seat because all of the hard core riders will be fighting for the back row.

There is also a lot of dining variety so I’ll be brief with each one but will give you an idea of what to expect:

  • Backlot Express – This counter service location is tucked between Indiana Jones and Stat Tours and you will rarely find large crowds here. They serve the basic burgers and dogs but also have some sandwiches and salads. The food is good and this is a good choice for a counter service meal.
  • 50’s Prime Time Cafe – This is one of our absolute favorites (eating there twice in October). The setting is a 50’s kitchen and the Cast Members act as your relatives. Play along and you will have a fun time but if you don’t want to play the Cast Members are excellent at sensing this and will not force the fun on you. The food is excellent and there is a lot of variety. The milk shakes are amazing. Just remember, eat all your vegetables and keep your elbows off the table. You have been warned!!!
  • Hollywood And Vine – We are not buffet fans but this one is actually quite good. It’s designed like an old Hollywood Cafeteria and the breakfast and lunch meals are character meals with the gang from Playhouse Disney. Dinner is not a character meal. There is a lot of variety and the menu does change on a fairly regular basis. There is an ice cream bar where you can make your own desserts and the children actually have their own buffet line.
  • Snack Shops – There are three locations in the Echo Lake area serving different items. Dinosaur Gertie’s (see the picture above) has ice cream treats, Peevy’s Polar Pipeline has cold beverages some of which are frozen, and Min & Bills serves ice cream type drinks and other light fare. Pick one depending upon what strikes your fancy.

Disney’s Hollywood  Studios is one of our favorite parks and the Echo Lake area is one of the most fun in the park. Take some time to enjoy it. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Photo By Disney

Around The 'Disney' World - Hollywood Studios' Echo Lake Area

Disney’s Lone Ranger gets the boot

By
Chip
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Disney's Lone Ranger gets the boot

According to several sources on the internet production on Disney’s Lone Ranger has stopped. Some additional sources are saying that the movie has been cut completely.

The Lone Ranger from Gore Verbinski that would have starred Johnny Depp was Disney Big production for 2012. It appears the film was too expensive to the tune of 250 MILLION DOLLARS.

Here are the details from Deadline:

In a stunning development, Disney has shut down production on The Lone Ranger, the Gore Verbinski-directed period Western that was to star Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the title character. Jerry Bruckheimer is the producer and the script is by Justin Haythe.

I’m told this all just happened, and Disney pulled the plug because of the budget. I’ve heard the filmmakers were trying to reduce the film’s cost from $250 million (some even say $275 million) down to $232 million. But it wasn’t the $200 million that Disney wanted to spend. And between Depp, Bruckheimer, and Verbinski, the gross outlay on the film is substantial.

Click here to keep reading.

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Disney's Lone Ranger gets the boot

Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis leaves company

By
Chip
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Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis leaves company

According to the Orlando Sentinel the president of Walt Disney time-share business was fired Friday, according to several people familiar with the move.

A spokeswoman for Disney confirmed late Friday night that Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis was no longer with the company. She declined to discuss further details.

“We wish Jim Lewis well in his future endeavors and we plan to announce his successor in the near future,” spokeswoman Rena Langley said.

Lewis had been president of Disney’s time-share business since 2006.

Click here to read more.

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VisitOrlando – Win a Second Summer Orlando Vacation Sweepstakes

By
Chip
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VisitOrlando - Win a Second Summer Orlando Vacation Sweepstakes

Win a Second Summer Orlando Vacation

Enter VisitOrlando’s Win a Second Summer Orlando Vacation Sweepstakes for your chance to win a trip to Florida including activities like tickets to Disney World or other theme parks, dinner out, and more.

Enter below to win your very own Second Summer Orlando Vacation for four people including:

  • Round trip flights
  • Four-night accommodations with daily breakfast at The Hilton Orlando in King and Double Queen connecting guest rooms. The Hilton Orlando is an upscale, award winning resort-style hotel, and is the newest Orlando hotel of its kind centrally located to everything important that Orlando has to offer.
  • Hilton Orlando cabana rental for one complete day
  • Two (50 minute) Deep Tissue massages
  • Dinner at the hotel’s onsite restaurants David’s Club and Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops
  • Two days to visit your choice of Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando or Universal Orlando.
  • Full size car rental courtesy of Dollar Rent A Car

Click here to enter.

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Steakhouse 55 A Cut Above With Indulgent Angus Beef, Award-Winning Wine List

By
Chip
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Steakhouse 55 A Cut Above With Indulgent Angus Beef, Award-Winning Wine ListWith an vintage Hollywood ambience that includes classic photos of Walt Disney dining with movie stars, white linen tablecloths and servers in old-fashioned bowties, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel is an upscale-yet-comfortable culinary indulgence.

“My goal is to capture the feeling of a traditional steakhouse, but with our own flair, and to celebrate a great steak,” said Chef Jason Martin.

The “55″ is an ode to 1955, the year Disneyland opened, an era when a night on the town was a glamorous experience. Start the evening with cocktails in the cozy adjoining lounge before settling in at a curving banquette or table in the handsome, 108-seat restaurant with touches of oak and etched glass, and an impressive wine cellar.

Beautiful, thick Angus steaks are the star, from the signature 18-ounce bone-in ribeye with steakhouse rub to a flawlessly broiled 7-ounce filet mignon. The ideal sidekick is Martin’s potato stack au gratin with countless layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in decadent butter and cream.

If you prefer surf to turf, tuck in to the cold water lobster tail, broiled Atlantic salmon or the Chef’s sustainable fresh fish selection. Start with a taste of the sea – shrimp cocktail, Dungeness crab cakes or chilled ahi. Beyond other cuts of beef including New York strip, prime rib and a generous porterhouse, meat entrées include herb-crusted rack of lamb and free-range chicken breast.

Steakhouse starters such as Seven Onion Soup with Parmesan Crisp, “wedge” iceberg lettuce with Gorgonzola, Caesar salad or the Steakhouse Salad with bacon, tomato, cucumber, and cheddar pair nicely with any entrée choice.

Most of the servers, as well as Chef Martin, are sommeliers, and they happily will offer a taste or two or offer a vintage from the award-winning selection.  When he’s not too busy in the kitchen, Chef Martin said he enjoys a visit  to the restaurant’s wine cellar with guests.

“I enjoy sharing the celebration of fresh, vibrant food and wine, and introducing guests to new flavors,” said Martin.

Steakhouse 55 has been awarded “Four Stars” from the Orange County Register and a Golden Bacchus from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association. Zagat rates the restaurant “amazing,” “a gem,” “elegant” and “the best ribeye in town.”

Prix-fixe and children’s menus are available. The private Oak Room may be reserved for parties of up to 22.

 

Breakfast Menu

Breakfast feels like a special occasion at Steakhouse 55, where guests tend to relax and sip lattes and cappuccinos – or maybe a hot chocolate with whipped cream. Specialties such as buttermilk pancakes with warm Bananas Foster or French toast with warm berries are an indulgent way to start the day, or fill up on eggs Benedict, omelettes, huevos rancheros or a hearty breakfast burrito. Splurge with the 7-ounce Angus steak and eggs, or behave with granola, yogurt and fruit or the Smoked Salmon and Bagel platter. For kids, Mickey-shaped pancakes, scrambled eggs or favorite breakfast cereals are on the menu.

Steakhouse 55 is located at the Disneyland Hotel and is open daily for breakfast and dinner. For reservations, call (714) 781-DINE.  For general Disneyland Resort information, visit the Disneyland Resort Web site at www.disneyland.com.

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Steakhouse 55 A Cut Above With Indulgent Angus Beef, Award-Winning Wine List

Disney passholder sweepstakes to award stay in Cinderella Castle

By
Chip
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Disney passholder sweepstakes to award stay in Cinderella Castle

Walt Disney World passholders are invited to enter a new sweepstakes just for them in celebration of the resort’s 40th anniversary. The prize is a much-sought-after stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom.

The package for the winner and three guests also includes breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, a $250 Disney gift card, one-day Magic Your Way tickets and transportation to Walt Disney World if the winner lives more than 250 miles away.

Passholders can enter once a day between Sept. 1 and Oct. 1 by downloading the entry form here and either submitting it at Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom or mailing it to Disney Destinations, LLC, 2011 Passholder 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

Passholders have to be in good standing as of Sept. 1, at least 21 years old and legal residents of the 50 United States or D.C. to be eligible. See complete official rules here.

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