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Disney Fantasy New Main Stage Musical “Wishes” Debuts

By
Chip
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wishes1

New Main Stage Musical “Wishes” Debuts

Like never before, Disney Cruise Line takes cruise ship entertainment to new heights: Performers soar and surf over the stage in aerial maneuvers … Pirates rappel from atop the ship’s funnel during a swashbuckling adventure … The evening sky lights up with a dazzling display of sound and color.

On the Disney Fantasy, entertainment is designed to charm and bedazzle the entire family. Guests delight to some of the most elaborate original musicals presented at sea, over-the-top deck parties and, bursting above it all, the largest fireworks spectacular aboard a cruise ship.

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It’s Show Time!

Every night is show time at Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant, 1,340-seat entertainment palace that is at once classic and ultra-modern. Spanning three decks with orchestra and balcony seating, the theater is resplendent with art deco styling recalling luxurious show places of a bygone era. At the same time, it is equipped with theatrical technology that makes it one of the most advanced venues on land or sea, bringing original productions and Disney stories to life in a whole new way.

The lineup of musicals presented at the Disney Fantasy Walt Disney Theatre includes “Wishes,” “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular,” “Disney’s Believe,” “A Fantasy Come True” and “An Unforgettable Journey.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

“Wishes”

A new ship means new main stage entertainment at the Walt Disney Theatre, and “Wishes” is a spectacular production debuting on the Disney Fantasy. This signature show is a 45-minute musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.

The story begins as long-time best friends Kayla and Nicole along with Nicole’s twin brother Brandon visit Disneyland to celebrate their high school graduation. Each is unsure of what the future holds for them, so they make a wish to go on the “Ride of Our Lives” – the show’s original opening number.

Their wish evokes an enchanted world where a cavalcade of Disney characters – including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Lilo, Stitch, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio, Timon and Pumbaa – materialize to guide the teens through their magical journey.

Full-scale production numbers and special effects bring excitement to the stage as the cast of “Wishes” performs original songs and classic Disney tunes with a contemporary twist. Notable moments include:

  • In an over-the-top musical comedy production number, the song “I’ve Got a Dream” from “Tangled” sets the scene as the Snuggly Duckling Tavern comes alive, with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and a tavern full of hilarious thugs.
  • In the “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from “Lilo and Stitch” scene, the stage fills with giant windsurfing sails, kites and surf boards. The infectious music inspires Kayla as she rides a surfboard, flying atop a giant blue wave silk.
  • King Louie and the Monkeys perform a high-energy swing band version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book.

 In the final act, the trio celebrates their extraordinary journey at a graduation party as the pop tune “Breakthrough” from the Disney Channel original movie “Lemonade Mouth” keeps the revelry going.

For the “Wishes” Fact Sheet, click here.

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”

New to Disney Cruise Line, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” takes the stage on the Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the characters from the classic animated Disney film “Aladdin.”

In this fast-paced musical comedy, Aladdin is back as the “street rat” of Agrabah meeting a Genie who grants him three wishes, battling the evil Jafar, and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.

Classic scenes and songs from the movie are re-created on stage – and some of the action even spills out into the aisles, like Prince Ali’s jubilant arrival in Agrabah on the back of a stallion. Magic lamps, wise-cracking genies, princesses and evil wizards are all part of this musical production.

And of course, an Aladdin production would not be complete without a magic carpet scene. In this spectacular, mechanical wizardry and state-of-the-art projections combine to send Jasmine and Aladdin soaring as they perform a heartfelt duet of “Whole New World.”

Many of the songs from the movie are featured in the 45-minute musical production, including “Friend Like Me,” which is performed as a lively, Las Vegas-style production number featuring special effects, illusions and more than a dozen dancing genies. Composer Alan Menken, who created the original soundtrack with songwriters Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, composed an original song for the stage production entitled “To Be Free.”

“Disney’s Believe”

“Disney’s Believe” is a stage spectacular that combines a heartfelt story with a captivating musical score. The lavish production tells the story of a workaholic father who, through the power of Disney magic, reconnects with his daughter and learns a valuable lesson about what is important in life.

“Disney’s Believe” takes guests to the garden of Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with cultivating his precious plants. Dr. Greenaway is so preoccupied with his garden that he overlooks the birthday of his daughter, Sophia. Saddened, Sophia makes a special birthday wish and the impossible happens: Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin” appears to make her wish come true.

Joined by a host of characters, Genie takes Dr. Greenaway on an enchanting journey into the world of Disney stories. Through spirited production numbers, Dr. Greenaway learns that magic is real and is embodied in his beloved daughter.

More than 20 of Disney’s most beloved characters take the stage during “Disney’s Believe,” including Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle (“Beauty and The Beast”), Rafiki (“The Lion King”) and Princess Tiana (“The Princess and the Frog”).

“A Fantasy Come True” Welcome Show

“A Fantasy Come True” is a 45-minute, high-energy, multimedia musical production that follows one family’s journey as they discover the amazing experiences and enchanting surprises that await them aboard the Disney Fantasy. Ultimately, they learn the greatest experience the ship has to offer is the opportunity to make memories – together as a family – that will last a lifetime.

“An Unforgettable Journey” Farewell Show

“An Unforgettable Journey” is a good-bye hug in the form of a 45-minute musical production that allows guests to reflect and savor the experience they have had onboard the Disney Fantasy. This farewell show connects the guests’ experiences to the man who started it all – Walt Disney – through audio and video clips that steep the memorable moments and distinctly Disney touches in Walt’s words and wisdom.

Party on Deck

In addition to nightly stage productions, Disney Cruise Line brings the upper decks of the Disney Fantasy to life with incredible live entertainment.

The fun begins with “Sailing Away,” a “welcome aboard” show starring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the Disney gang. The show is a celebration of the fun aboard a Disney cruise, building to the exciting sounding of the ship’s horn.

On a special night each cruise, the entire Disney Fantasy transforms into a pirate ship with a night of events brimming with buccaneer fun and a fireworks spectacular.

The evening kicks off on the Donald’s Pool stage with “Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean,” a family-friendly interactive show featuring the famous Disney characters. Guests become members of Mickey’s Pirate Crew as they participate in a series of pirate-themed musical numbers.

Later in the evening, Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films makes a special appearance on deck in “Hunt Fer Jack,” a thrilling live-action pirate showdown which culminates in “Buccaneer Blast” – a spectacular display of piratical pyrotechnics.

As the night rolls on, a high-tech, open-air dance party on the upper decks of the ship heats up. Guests unleash their inner pirate and dance their boots off during “Club Pirate,” a family-friendly bash featuring electrifying music, stunning visuals and special effects.

Fireworks at Sea

The only cruise line to feature fireworks at sea, Disney Cruise Line ups the entertainment ante and lights up the sky with a fireworks extravaganza.

As part of the pirate night celebration, the skies above the Disney Fantasy explode with brilliant colors during “Buccaneer Blast.” With more “bang” than ever before, the pyrotechnic spectacular is choreographed to a dramatic score featuring songs from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or Pixie Vacations.

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Disney Fantasy New Main Stage Musical “Wishes” Debuts

Four Seasons Resort breaks ground at Walt Disney World Resort

By
Chip
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Four Seasons Resort breaks ground at Walt Disney World Resort

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts kicked off construction of its luxury resort at Walt Disney World Resort today, in a groundbreaking ceremony with joint venture partners Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate. The 444-room resort will create about 2,000 construction jobs and hundreds of resort positions when open.

“Travelers around the world know and trust Four Seasons, and Walt Disney World is the world’s premiere family vacation destination,” said Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations U.S. and France. “Together, our two companies offer a brand-new reason to visit and experience Central Florida.”

With an opening anticipated in 2014, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views of Magic Kingdom Park; a 14,000 square foot spa; fitness center; three pools and a “lazy river”; sports and recreational facilities; as well as meeting and event space, and a business center.

Kathleen Taylor, President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, spoke of the relationship with Disney: “Each of us is dedicated to creating a product of the highest quality and standards, something that will become a landmark here in Orlando and a destination unto itself for travelers from all over the world. It is truly a one-of-a-kind project and Central Florida will be a valuable addition to our family of resorts, particularly since this is a destination our guests already enjoy.”

The development will encompass the existing Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Ridge 18-hole championship golf course, which will be renovated and subsequently managed by Four Seasons. The first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.           

Four Seasons first acquired the land from Walt Disney World in 2008 and is working closely with New York-based Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate Partners to develop the new resort.

Larry Silverstein, president and CEO of Silverstein Properties, recalled making the decision to back the project. “At the end of the day, it became apparent that the concept was right; that the team superb; the location first class; and the two names – Four Seasons and Disney – as good as you can get,” he said. “The best.”

Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality, with 85 properties in 35 countries, and more than 50 projects under development.

Silverstein Properties, Inc. is a privately held, full-service real estate development, investment and management firm based in New York.

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Top 5 Ways To Have A WDW Birthday On A Budget

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Top 5 Ways To Have A WDW Birthday On A Budget

Spending a Birthday at Walt Disney World can be one of the most magical birthdays a person ever has!  What a special memory, especially for a child.  But a birthday at Walt Disney World can be expensive especially if you take into consideration the cost of the vacation in itself with park tickets and room rates we are talking a lot of money.  My daughter has been lucky enough to spend 2  out of her 4 birthdays at Walt Disney World and here are a few things that we do to keep the cost down.

  • Instead of having a pricey birthday breakfast let your little one have a Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar!  Every child should experience ice cream for breakfast so why not at Walt Disney World on their birthday?!  Even the grown ups will enjoy this treat!
  • Let souvenirs be birthday gifts.  If you are lucky enough to spend a few days at Walt Disney World before the big day you will have a good idea of what your child likes souvenir wise.  Pick them up without the child knowing and surprise them with fun Disney toys on their big day!  This also saves you from packing a lot of gifts to take on vacation with you!
  • An experience is always fun on birthday but can be a little pricey.  If you have a girl the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers a wonderful princess makeover!  I recently wrote about how to have a great experience there on a budget!  Also you could spring for afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.  Contrary to what you may think, Tea at the Grand Floridian can be very economical as they have an al a cart menu!  The tea for little ones is only Apple Juice but is still served in tea pots and it is so much fun! You can also do both of those activities without a park ticket, cutting down on cost as well!
  • Instead of shelling out a ton of cash for a custom birthday cake at Walt Disney World, pick up a large rice crispy treat instead!  The great thing about the rice crispy treat is that it doesn’t spoil.  So if you don’t eat it all and don’t have a refrigerator in your resort room no worries!  You can take it back to your room and munch on it for a few days!  It is also really fun to just be different than everyone else! My daughter got a ton of oohhs and ahhhs over her rice crispy “cake,” which made her feel really special!
  • Decorate the room yourself!  Yes, you can have goodies delivered to your room while you are out but that is very expensive.  I recommend picking up birthday treats and decorations where you live.  Party City has great Disney Themed decorations and so do the Dollar Stores.  When your child falls asleep decorate the room in a Disney Theme.  Even sprinkle confetti and glitter around, make it look like Tinkerbell visited her room at night!  When your child wakes up they are in for a huge surprise! A room fit for a Birthday Princess!

These are a few things I do for my daughter when we are celebrating at Walt Disney World, maybe on your next vacation these will come in handy for you!  Have you ever spent a Birthday at Walt Disney World? What was your favorite part of the day?

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Top 10 Things I Learned from Pixar’s Finding Nemo

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Top 10 Things I Learned from Pixar's Finding Nemo

Pixar’s Finding Nemo is a masterpiece and one of Disney’s most popular films! Disney and Pixar are brilliant in their ability to weave humor, drama, and touching storylines into beautiful films that every member of the family can enjoy.

Since Finding Nemo is so popular, I decided to have a little fun and mention a few things I learned from this magnificent film. So check out my Top 10 list of things I learned from Finding Nemo!

10.Fish are friends, not food. Towards the beginning of this film, Bruce showed us that even sharks engage in self-improvement and join support groups to deal with their issues. Just remember, “I am a nice shark, not a mindless eating machine.”

9. Clownfish are not very funny. But hey, we can’t blame Marlin because human clowns aren’t that funny either.

8. Fish are smarter than we are. Seriously. Ocean life must have a high literacy rate because all throughout this film, the intelligence of the characters continually brought me to shame. I mean, Nemo goes to school, the Tank Gang is highly knowledgeable in regards to dentistry, and Dory is both literate and bilingual. Remember, she speaks whale!

7. Anemones are valuable real estate. No real estate crisis here, unless you are trying to say anemone that is.

6. The life expectancy of sea turtles is surprisingly high. Still young at 150?  Sweeeet, dude!

5. Sea Gulls are the least intelligent of the bird world. Can you still hear that “Mine! Mine!” in your head? Me too.

4. Don’t shake the bag! Don’t be a Darla and don’t let your kids be one either. I mean, hasn’t Nemo gone through enough?

3. Fish are mentally and emotionally complex. Everyone probably felt like shedding a tear a time or two during this film, such as when Marlin lost his wife and when he grappled with letting his son grow up. Didn’t expect that kind of depth and angst from that goldfish of yours, did you?

2. Sea Turtles are the Dr. Spock’s of the ocean world. Need parenting advice? Find a laidback, surfing sea turtle to put things in perspective.

1. When life gets you down you should just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming! Sometimes the wisest individuals are those you least expect.

Is Finding Nemo one of your favorite films? If so, leave us a comment and let us know!

Finding Nemo–The Musical

Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., and Little Mermaid Will Make 3D Theatrical Debut in 2012 and 2013

Make Your Own Magic: Mickey Christmas Ornaments (aglassslippervacation.com)

 

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Create Your Custom Disney Holiday Cards & Gift Tags on Disney.com

By
Chip
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Create Your Custom Disney Holiday Cards & Gift Tags on Disney.com

DISNEY.COM/CREATE INVITES GUESTS TO CUSTOMIZE AND SHARE HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH FREE MICKEY MOUSE CARD MAKER

To spice up the season, Disney.com/Create has launched the holiday Mickey Mouse Card Maker.  Inspired by classic Disney characters, vintage artwork and holiday traditions, the card maker lets guests create custom artwork to share warm wishes and memories with friends and family for the holiday season.

Guests can use winter backgrounds, classic character stamps, and spirited frames to create festive masterpieces, then can share them on Disney.com or download and print their artwork for an affordable holiday greeting card, personalized gift tag, or custom gift solution.

Create Your Custom Disney Holiday Cards & Gift Tags on Disney.com

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Glee’s Star Wars Holiday Special Spoof Starring Chewbacca

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Glee's Star Wars Holiday Special Spoof Starring Chewbacca

Heads up Star Wars fans! Everyone’s favorite furry star ship co-pilot Chewbacca, will be guesting on the Glee  holiday special airing December 13th. Glee’s Matthew Morrison mentioned in a recent visit to the Jimmy Kimmel Show (see the embedded clip) that he was working on a the show’s mash up of the Star Wars Holiday Special and a Judy Garland Christmas special… hmm… an interesting combination to say the least.

Note that Peter Mayhew, the original actor who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, is NOT playing the Wookie in this episode but is played by the official actor cast by Lucasfilm to do special appearances.

Be sure to tune into Glee: “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” airing Tuesday, December 13th at 8pm on FOX.

The Coolest Star Wars Video you will see today! Cello Wars!

By
Chip
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The Coolest Star Wars Video you will see today! Cello Wars!

With Star Wars The Old Republic coming out for PC December 20th this video gets me even more excited! Check out this very cool video titled Cello Wars! BTW if your shopping for a Sith Guild to join our team is looking for more members. Check us out at Shades of the Sith.

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Patty Jenkins Drops Out of Directing ‘Thor 2’; Director Search Is On

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Patty Jenkins Drops Out of Directing 'Thor 2'; Director Search Is On

‘Thor 2’ has just hit a bump in the road on it’s way to the screen. Patty Jenkins was set to helm Marvel’s follow up to this years blockbuster, has just stepped down as director of the project. Deadline was the first to break the news, citing creative differences between her and Marvel Studios. But there is no bad blood between the two, as Deadline is quick to point out that Patty Jenkins may be directing another one of Marvel’s films, it just won’t be ‘Thor 2’. So the search is on for a new director, and with the movie just a little less than two years away from it’s release date of  November 15, 2013, it’s safe to say Marvel will be hiring someone fairly quickly. Thor will return soon though, in next year’s highly anticipated Marvel crossover film, ‘The Avengers’.  Is there anyone you’d like to see direct the ‘Thor’ sequel? Let me know in the comments below!

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Fantasy on Land and at Sea adds to the Fun for Disney Guests in Leap Year 2012

By
Chip
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Fantasy on Land and at Sea adds to the Fun for Disney Guests in Leap Year 2012

What leap year brings with it in 2012, besides an extra day, is nonstop fun for Disney guests.  At Walt Disney World Resort, they can spin with Dumbo as a new Fantasyland begins stirring to life, luxuriate in new royal guest rooms or family suites, chase down villains in a new interactive game in Magic Kingdom, or get behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche on a new supercar racing circuit. At sea, the all-new Disney Fantasy of Disney Cruise Line enters service with exciting new shipboard fun.And to all of the above add the exciting mid-year debut of Cars Land at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

Here’s a quick leap around what’s in store in 2012:

The Exotics Course featuring “supercars” (January 2012) — Beginning around mid-January, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will feature a brand-new adrenaline rush, the “Exotic Driving Experience.” The Exotics Course at Walt Disney World Speedway, a new one-mile circuit custom-built for the attraction, will be home to a riding experience for guests in “supercars” by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Thrill-seekers can get behind the wheel of these epic vehicles or navigate the circuit with a professional driver.  Reservations for 2012 can be made at www.exoticdriving.com.

Sorcerers invade the Magic Kingdom (early 2012) – In an all-new interactive experience, “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” Merlin the magician will recruit guests as apprentice sorcerers to undertake missions to subdue villains and ne’er do wells.  Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, guests must search for the magic symbols that lead them to animated villains’ hiding places. By casting different magical spell cards, players can do battle with Yzma, Kronk and other “baddies” hiding throughout the land. From fireballs to frantic frogs and cyclones, there are spells to bring down each and every villain, with a simple flick of the wrist. This immersive role-playing adventure is included with park admission.

New Fantasyland (early 2012) – The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open in phases beginning February 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland.  Among the novelties, guests will be able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “immerse” themselves in Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and “be our guest” at the Beast’s Castle. Out of the gate in early 2012 will be The Barnstormer coaster, Fantasyland Station and – for the first time anywhere turning counter-clockwise – the first half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction. Completion of The New Fantasyland is scheduled for 2014 with most new experiences open by 2013.

Royal Guest Rooms (mid-February 2012) – Imagine waking up in a place where Disney Princes and Princesses have stayed. Beginning mid-February 2012, Walt Disney World guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will discover special treasures left behind by the stars of favorite animated films such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess and the Frog.” In quarters befitting the young Princes and Princesses of the family (their parents, too!), guests can unwind amid remarkable décor. They’ll be able to watch “fireworks” swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens and more. It is majesty and fun, rolled into one. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds.

Launch of Disney Fantasy (March 2012) – The Muppets leading guests in an interactive detective adventure game around the ship. Guests’ own drawings springing to life and dancing with animated Disney characters. Two new Broadway-caliber, spectacular musical stage shows. A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for magical princess and pirate makeovers. A fanciful water play area called AquaLab. Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, will bring to life these innovations and more, offering a cruise experience from stem to stern that caters to every member of the family. The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012. For a “boatload” of information about the new ship, go to www.disneycruise.com, click on the Ships & Activities tab and choose Disney Fantasy.

Disney Cruise Line Visits New Ports, Offers New Itineraries (beginning May 2012) – For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas – with several new itineraries planned. Beginning in May, the Disney Magic will sail 20 cruises from New York – including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas, five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada and two-night weekend cruises. Also beginning in May, the Disney Wonder will sail 14 seven-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Beginning in September, the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (May 2012) – A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation will feature 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings. Animated scenes will carry throughout building exteriors and room interiors and feature larger-than-life icons from the animated films in courtyard areas. Nemo will be the first wing to open, in May 2012, at the resort hotel — Disney World’s 25th. The “Cars” wing is scheduled to open in late July and “The Lion King” wing in late September. The final wing, themed after “The Little Mermaid,” will debut in late 2012. Crowned by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Upscale entertainment center (late 2012) – Splitsville, a 50,000-square-foot facility that combines bowling with billiards, dining, music and nightlife, is in development for Downtown Disney West Side.

Hit the Road with Mater and Lightning McQueen (summer 2012) — Some of the biggest thrills in the Disney California Adventure expansion are just down the road. Crowning the multi-year expansion project in 2012 will be the opening of Cars Land, inspired by the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.”  Cars Land will feature three immersive family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, including one of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park: Radiator Springs Racers, a twisting turning, high-speed adventure through the town and desert valleys of Radiator Springs. Other Cars Land attractions will include Luigi’s Flying Tires (striking a chord with anyone who remembers the Flying Saucers in Tomorrowland) and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, a spinning attraction with a musical, hoedown theme. Guests also will enjoy “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations.

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Everyone Gets The “Royal Treatment” When Dining With Cinderella

By
Catie
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Everyone Gets The "Royal Treatment" When Dining With Cinderella

When I heard that I could dine in Cinderella’s Castle, I swear I just about passed out I was so excited. The chance to see the inside of such a magical place was enough to get me to whip out my credit card, and the fact that they serve food there was an added bonus!

Cinderella’s Royal Table is a character meal located at Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. They serve Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, all with a regal flair. We dined here for dinner on our honeymoon, and had a really amazing time.

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect when you arrive at the Castle for your meal:

Once you enter and give your reservation information, you then proceed to the picture area, where Cinderella herself greets you and poses for photos with you and your party (the pictures are actually included as part of the package, and they also offered to take pictures with our camera too, which was nice!)

Everyone Gets The "Royal Treatment" When Dining With Cinderella

Once your name is called, you are escorted upstairs to the dining area, which is beautiful – high ceilings, dark wood decor, very much what you would expect the inside of a castle to look like. The dining area itself isn’t very large, and there are tables or varying sizes (we had the only 2 person table in the whole place – and it had the best view in my opinion!)

Everyone Gets The "Royal Treatment" When Dining With Cinderella

 

The food at dinner consists of bread, an appetizer (each person chooses their own from salad/soup selections), an entree (usually 5 or so choices, with at least 1 vegetarian option), and a dessert (again, a list of 3-5 options, including 1 ‘no sugar added’ option). Breakfast is “all you care to eat”, meaning they serve you platters of food and you can request as much as you want of everything. Lunch service is similar to dinner, with a few options for each course to pick from.

As for the characters, Disney Princesses are announced early on during meal time and circulate for pictures and autographs. We saw Belle, Ariel, Snow White, and Aurora (Cinderella stays in the lobby during the meal so she can greet all her guests as they arrive). The princesses were personable, polite, and spent a lot of time at each table, which doesn’t always happen at character meals.

 

Some FAQ’s about Cinderella’s Royal Table:

How much does it cost? For adult meals: $45 for breakfast, $49 for lunch, and $55 for dinner, and for childrens meals $30 for breakfast/lunch, and $35 for dinner if you’re paying out of pocket. If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan (Which I strongly recommend!), Cinderella’s Royal Table is a Signature Dining Experience, which means it will cost you 2 Table Service Credits per person on the Dining Plan (remember, the cost does include a photo package of you and Cinderella!)

Is it worth it? It definitely can be worth it. If it’s your first time in Walt Disney World, you’re celebrating a special occasion (like a honeymoon, birthday, or engagement), or you have a Disney Princess fanatic in your party, then it is totally 100% worth it. We were celebrating our honeymoon and wanted something really special, and this was perfect for us. Would we go back? Probably not until we have kids. Personally, I think it’s a one time experience, and I am glad I went for dinner, as it seems to be the best/most popular meal there. If princesses are your goal and you don’t want to spend the money on the Royal Table experience, you may have better luck attending the Princess Storybook meal at Akershus, located in Norway at Epcot’s World Showcase, where all 3 meals offer a character meal with princess appearances at lower prices than you will find at Cinderella’s Castle.

Isn’t it just for kids? NO WAY! This is a great experience for both the young AND the young at heart, and while adults may not be thrilled by the appearance of Belle or Ariel, there are definitely other aspects of the meal that will appeal to them. The setting and view from the castle is beautiful, and there is of couse the FOOD, it is high quality, upscale, worth the price and in a word, delicious!

How’s the food? Like I said, delicious, and beyond that, the dinner choices are fancy (without being so fancy that I don’t know what they are/what’s in them!), and the portions are decent (not huge, but not tiny like some other upscale eateries), and the waitstaff is great and accomodating, and really give you the “Royal Treatment”. Lunch choices (food wise) tend to be similar to dinner, and breakfast in Disney World is always great (and with the family style service you won’t leave hungry!). My husband says this was the best prime rib and creme brulee of any he had ever had (and I am pretty sure he still dreams about the prime rib!

Everyone Gets The "Royal Treatment" When Dining With Cinderella
My husband (throughly) enjoying his Prime Rib at CRT!

 

Is it hard to get a reservation? In a word, YES! Cinderella’s Royal Table is a VERY popular place to eat, and the best advice I can give if trying to score a seat is to be willing to eat at a not so popular time, and to also make reservations as early as possible (Disney lets you make dining reservations 180 days in advance, so take advantage of this!)

 

Overall, we really enjoyed our experience at Cinderalla’s Royal Table, its a special experience that was a lot of fun, and I would definitely recommend it to adults and children alike!

Related articles
  • Disney Dining Review: Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare (mydreamsofdisney.com)
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table: Worth the Price? (disneyfoodreport.com)
Everyone Gets The "Royal Treatment" When Dining With Cinderella

ABC Family Launches “A is Everywhere” Photo Contest – Pretty Little Liars

By
Chip
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ABC Family Launches "A is Everywhere" Photo Contest - Pretty Little Liars

As the new season of ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars” draws closer, fans are seeing evil doer, “A,” in the most unusual places: on their bus rides to school, in the clouds, on mountains, in their food and even on their pets!” Inspired by fan photos of these unexpected sightings, ABC Family is launching the “A is Everywhere” photo contest on ABCFamily.com/AisEverywhere and Facebook.com/prettylittleliars beginning Dec. 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PST. The person who submits the photo that gets most votes wins a trip for two to Los Angeles to visit the set of “Pretty Little Liars.”

“Our fans are fascinated by ‘A,’ the mysterious, unidentified villain on the show who leaves messages for our main characters threatening to reveal their secrets unless they do what she—or he—says,” said Danielle Mullin, VP Marketing, ABC Family. “These messages are always signed with a big letter ‘A.’ On our Pretty Little Liars Facebook page, we noticed that fans were posting photographs of the letter ‘A’ as they came across it in their daily lives—emphasizing the fact that no one can escape A’s reach! We decided to capitalize on this organic trend by creating a campaign called ‘A is Everywhere’—a great example of how social media allows us to connect with our fans and build upon the aspects of the show that are truly resonating with them.”

To enter the contest, fans can upload their photo of “A” on the ABC Family website, ABCFamily.com/AisEverywhere or the official Facebook page, Facebook.com/prettylittleliars. The photo that gets the most votes wins. The person who submitted that photo will win a trip for two to the “Pretty Little Liars” set (includes airfare and hotel). The top 50 photos will be included in a special edition “Pretty Little Liars” poster. The contest ends January 23rd at 8pm PST.

All new episodes of “Pretty Little Liars” premiere on Monday, January 2, 8:00 PM–9:00 PM ET/PT.  Based on the popular Sara Shepherd book series, the show follows four friends –  Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer – who are being tormented by taunting texts by the mysterious “A” after their best friend Alison turns up dead after vanishing a year before. The texts reveal secrets only Alison would know. In the upcoming new episodes, the girls take matters into their own hands and try to finally put a stop to their tormentor. As relationships are put to the test, new and old secrets are revealed and the stakes are raised higher than ever before as the Liars come closer to the truth.

“Pretty Little Liars” won three Teen Choice Awards in 2010 and 2011 for Choice Summer TV Series, Choice Summer TV Actress – Lucy Hale and Choice Summer TV Actor – Ian Harding. The show also won the “TV You Betta Watch” Award for 2011’s NewNowNext Awards, the “Cast to Watch” for 2011’s The Young Hollywood Awards, and was just named the #1 Television Hot Topic on Twitter in 2011. The series was also nominated for a People’s Choice Award in the “Favorite Cable TV Drama” category.

The show is produced by Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television and is executive produced by I. Marlene King, Oliver Goldstick and Leslie Morgenstein. The series stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Holly Marie Combs, Lucy Hale, Ian Harding, Laura Leighton, Chad Lowe, Shay Mitchell and Sasha Pieterse.

 

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.

Related articles
  • ABC Family Picks Up “Pretty Little Liars” for a third Season (chipandco.com)
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ABC Family Launches "A is Everywhere" Photo Contest - Pretty Little Liars

Coming January 3rd 2012 – ABC Family’s new original series Jane By Design

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Coming January 3rd 2012 - ABC Family’s new original series Jane By Design

Jane By Design is a new lighthearted Drama coming to ABC Family Tuesday, January 3rd at 9/8c!  The new show is about a high school girl, Jane,  who is mistaken for an adult and hired at the prestigious  Donovan Decker, a hip fashion house!  Jane soon learns just how hard it is to balance the two lives of a high school student and an assistant to a high powered executive in the fashion industry – all while trying to keep her identity a secret!

Jane By Design has some big names in this new show!  Stars include Erica Dasher (The Lake) as Jane Quimby; Nick Roux (Lemonade Mouth) as Billy Nutter;  Rowly Dennis (Desperate Housewives) as Jeremy Jones and many more!  Also featuring  Andie MacDowell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) who stars as Gray Chandler Murray – Jane’s steely boss whose constant demands keep her on her toes.

Make sure to tune in Tuesday, January 3rd at 9/8c!  In the meantime check out the shows official website – Jane By Design

Here are a few pictures from the awesome cast! I can’t wait to see how this show plays out!

Coming January 3rd 2012 - ABC Family’s new original series Jane By Design

 

Coming January 3rd 2012 - ABC Family’s new original series Jane By DesignComing January 3rd 2012 - ABC Family’s new original series Jane By Design


 

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  • ABC Family’s New Original Series Jane By Design Premieres Jan. 3 9/8c (chipandco.com)
Coming January 3rd 2012 - ABC Family’s new original series Jane By Design
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