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Top 5 Best Things About Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Top 5 Best Things About Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Wilderness Lodge is a popular, deluxe resort at Walt Disney World. Since it opened in 1994, guests have been enjoying this adventurous yet noble resort and all of its offerings. While there is a lot to see, do, and appreciate about Wilderness Lodge, check out my top 5 best things about this fantastic Disney resort!

1. Theme-Part of Wilderness Lodge’s appeal is its Pacific Northwest theme. When  you stay or visit Wilderness Lodge, you truly feel as if you have left central Florida for a retreat at one of our nation’s national parks. It’s like two vacations in one! Where else can you experience the wonders of the West in comfort and luxury with a Disney twist!

2. Price-While Wilderness Lodge is a deluxe resort with close proximity to the Magic Kingdom, it typically runs cheaper than the majority of other deluxe resorts. Part of the reason for this is because Wilderness Lodge does not provide monorail transportation and the rooms are smaller in comparison to other deluxe rooms. However, for guests and families on a budget, this resort is a little more economical while still ofering the deluxe experience and its benefits.

3. Dining-Wilderness Lodge offers some great dining options! First of all, there’s the Whispering Canyon Cafe. This table service restaurant is quite an adventure with hilarious waiters, stick horse races around the restaurant, and delicious, hearty homecooked selections! Artist Point is a signature restaurant offering refined, American dishes. Dining here is a luxurious and scrumptious experience; and many consider it a hidden gem in the Disney dining world. Finally, for a quick meal or snack, there’s the Roaring Fork. It’s a mini-food court with seating both indoors and out, great for families on-the-go or on a budget. For more info on Wilderness Lodge dining, check out this post here!

4. Design-Wilderness Lodge was actually designed after the real lodges in the West. The lobby is breathtaking with its giant log columns and beams, 7 story high ceiling, and warm, earthy colors. There’s also a towering fireplace that’s 82 feet tall representing the layers of the Grand Canyon, along with cozy rockers situated nearby. Along with a variety of artwork and historical displays to enjoy, the lobby also holds a bubbling spring that flows under a bridge and out into the resort’s main pool. The rooms here also follow the resort’s design of rugged elegance, as evidenced by the log beds and furniture, rustic light fixtures, and nature inspired artwork.

5. Location-Wilderness Lodge is located on Seven Seas Lagoon, the same lake shared by the Magic Kingdom and other deluxe resorts. The Magic Kingdom is only a short, picturesque boat ride away; and right next door to this resort is Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. You can reach Fort Wilderness by boat or walking trail for more outdoor fun and other dining and entertainment opportunities.

So what do you like about Wilderness Lodge? Comment below and share your experiences!

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Top 5 Best Things About Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Disney Planning 101 – Passports

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Planning 101 - Passports

My family and I will be taking our first ever Disney cruise this December on the brand new Disney Dream. We are all very excited about our trip to the Bahamas, but planning for it is certainly different from our annual Walt Disney World trips. One of the things we are having to do is apply for passports. It is recommended that each member of the party applies for his/her passport at least 4 months in advance to allow time for processing and receiving the passport. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to receive it once the paperwork has been completed. Disney Cruise Line asks for all expected guests to supply their passport numbers at least 75 days in advance.

There are a couple of options when applying for passports: the Passport Book and the Passport Card. There are some very important differences between these two passports.

The Passport Book is the traditional passport as pictured above. It is the best form of proof of citizenship. It can be used for re-entry to the U.S. from all points of entry, including international flights. The cost is $110 + $25 fee.

The Passport Card looks very similar to, and is the same size as, a regular driver’s license. It may be used for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It can be used if the cruise is departing and returning to the same port, as the one we will be taking from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and back. The cost is much cheaper at only $30 + $25 fee.

The passport card sounds great as it would save us $80 per person, or a total of $320.00. If we were guaranteed that there was no chance we would need to get home for any emergency, we would probably opt to settle for that one. However, getting into the Bahamas and back on the ship and then back into port in Florida are not my only concerns. If something should happen back home that would necessitate us having to fly home right away, none of us would be able to get back into the U.S. on an international flight without having the passport book. So, we will pay the extra money to insure that we are covered all the way around.

Each person applying for a passport, even infants, must go in person to apply. Specific instructions on how to apply can be found on the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport. Be sure to note that there are special requirements for children under 16 years of age.

This task is tedious but it must be done in order for us to go and have an amazing cruise. Are you planning a Disney cruise soon?

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Disney Planning 101 - Passports

What is a Disney Take Over and Why Use It?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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What is a Disney Take Over and Why Use It?

Acronyms and terminology are key to Disney vacation. We all know that ADR means Advanced Dining Reservation and EMH means Extra Magic Hours. A term you may not have heard of is “take over”. This term is used mainly between Disney and travel agencies; so you may be less familiar with it.

It seems like a scary word, but when you break it down and understand it, it’s really quite rewarding!

1. Definition of a take over-A simple form that requires your name, reservation information and signature to authorize an agency to “take over” your reservation.

2. When to do a take over-This is great for when you’ve already made your reservation exactly how you want it, then decide to use a travel agent. Doing a takeover saves you from having to cancel and wait for your refund. Take overs also come in handy if you come across an agency incentive you want to take advantage of, but your vacation is already booked.

3. Why do a take over? If you aren’t the type of person who keeps up with Disney news, new promotions, discount codes or other ways to save money on your trip, a take over is for you. Any self-respecting agent specializing in Disney travel will monitor your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best rate. As your agent they can apply new promotions or discounts that would save you money. You can go relax because now it’s your agent’s job to sit on pins and needles and wait for the next big thing.

4. How much does it cost?-This is the best part…NOTHING! Agents are paid through Disney and don’t need a cent from you. Once you sign on an agent you receive your own personal vacation planning assistant. Your agent should be able to help you as much, or as little as you like.

5. Who should I let take over my reservation? Pixie Vacations of course! Pixie Vacations offers concierge level service upon booking and no fees. You receive: Pixie Perks (free goodies), itinerary planning, reservation monitoring and much, much much more.

*Exclusively for Chip and Co readers…Pixie Michele is giving away a free landyard to each member in your travel party when you do a “take over”! Email [email protected] and mention ChipandCo!

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Planning 101 – Easy Ways to Save Money for Your Disney Trip.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Planning 101 - Easy Ways to Save Money for Your Disney Trip.

In this economy, taking a vacation can be a luxury, but it’s still something we all want to do, particularly those of us who want, no wait, need to visit the Mouse. While the best way to do it is to put money directly into a trip fund every month, there are a few painless ways save up for that big vacation as well:

  1. Pay with cash and throw the change in a WDW-only jar. When the jar gets full, you can celebrate by taking it to your bank and putting it into your trip savings.
  2. Make your reservation as far out as possible. You’ll pay a deposit, then every other week, make a small payment. Those payments really add up and will give you a feeling of satisfaction every time you pay and let you know you’re getting closer to your trip. Or book a Free Dining Deal from me!
  3. Have a garage sale. You’d be shocked at how much you can make just by cleaning out the house. Take the money you make and add it to your trip fund. As an added Bonus you get a cleaner, neater house.
  4. Don’t want to have a garage sale? Put your stuff out on Craigslist. The great thing about Craigslist is that you can do it at your own pace and you don’t have to set anything up. Be wary of scammers and fraud; read the tips for sellers on the website. Craigslist has cracked down on scammers in recent months, but it doesn’t hurt to be as cautious as possible. Never meet someone at your home while you’re alone. Try a public parking lot in the middle of the day with people around. McDonalds is a good place and is always busy.
  5. Clip coupons. I have a good friend who absolutely doesn’t need to clip coupons, but she does it as a sort of hobby and gives what she saves to charity, earning about $200 a month for buying the same things she’d normally buy. You’ll put your savings into your trip fund. Check out Couponing to Disney for some great ideas. If you never seem to find the coupons you like, join a coupon train at a place like Disboards, where members join up and send each other coupons. It’s a great way to save money and meet fellow Disney fans.
  6. Shop Around. Disney World Tickets are one of your biggest expenses, if not the biggest. Shop around for discounted brokers like Undercover Tourist (sign up for the Mousesavers newsletter and save even more). Do not buy tickets off Ebay or from brokers who are not authorized by Disney. For more quick tips check out this article.
  7. Have a vegetarian or sandwich night once a week to save money. Bring your lunch to work most days. Chances are, these changes are also healthier. Ramen Noodles are usually like 50 for a $1 🙂
  8. Eat from your pantry. I love this one and make a point of doing it every few months, especially when I want to clean out the pantry before the Christmas holidays. If you’re like most people, you have a lot of food in the pantry (and freezer) that’s going to waste. Pick a month and declare it a “no-buy” month. Use items you already have on hand to make meals, supplementing with fresh veggies, fruit and dairy. At the end of the month you’ll have saved money and will have the satisfaction of knowing that you didn’t waste food. If you still have food left over that you aren’t using, donate it to a food bank.
  9. Turn off the lights when no one is in the room and turn off the computer. Unplug your phone chargers when they’re not in use. Water your grass only every other day. These little steps are great for the environment too.
  10. Negotiate a better deal. If your cable, home phone, and internet services aren’t bundled, you may be paying too much. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with most service providers. Talk to your cell phone provider about changing your plan. Many providers have introduced more competitive plans in the last couple of years, so if you’ve had the same plan for a while, now is the time to see if better deals are available. Finally, consider negotiating your monthly fees with your gym. Some gyms have taken a huge hit with the poor economy and would rather negotiate a new contract with you than lose a customer.

These are just a few options for saving money for your Disney Trip. Kristin on Couponing to Disney shares with you tips and tricks every day. Most everything we learned we picked up from hert! Thanks Kristin!!!!!

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The Princess and the Frog Trailer & Info

By
Chip
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The Princess And The Frog
The Princess And The Frog

The Princess and the Frog Trailer & Info

The Princess and the Frog is an upcoming 2009 American animated family feature film and presented by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It will be the 49th animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics and the first 2D-animated film by Disney since 2004’s Home on the Range. It is being directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, directors of The Great Mouse Detective, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and Treasure Planet, with songs and score composed by Randy Newman and with the voices of Anika Noni Rose (as Princess Tiana), Oprah Winfrey,[2] Keith David, Jim Cummings, John Goodman, Jenifer Lewis, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley, Peter Bartlett and Terrence Howard.[3]

The film, which began production under the working title The Frog Princess, will be an American fairy tale, Broadway-style musical set in the French Quarter of New Orleans. A prince named Naveen from the land of Maldonia[4] is transformed into a frog by the evil scheming voodoo magician Dr. Facilier. The frog prince asks a princess named Tiana to break the spell by kissing him. However, the kiss doesn’t break the spell, but instead turns Tiana into a frog as well. Together, the two of them must reach the good voodoo priestess of the Bayou, Mama Odie, while befriending a trumpet-playing alligator and a hopelessly romantic firefly along the way. The film is set to be released on December 11, 2009.

As shown on the Disney Channel, featurette for The Princess and the Frog takes a behind the scenes look at the film with director Ron Clements and John Musker.

Disney World Planning 101 – Don’t forget to pack your Medicine!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World Planning 101 - Don't forget to pack your Medicine!

Normally I would tell you to just say no to drugs, but on a  Disney World Vacation I’m tellin’ you…

YOU BETTA BRING SOME WITH YOU!!!

On two of my trips to WDW I got sick. Sick as a dog. Sick as in “please Jesus let me DIE before my throat explodes” kind of sick.  I’m fairly sure  I spent as much on medicine at the gift shops as I did on park-tickets!

People book Disney vacations months in advance, so if they, or their children get sick it is extremely likely they will go ahead and on vacation. This becomes a problem because, if your kids are like mine, you cannot stop the darlings from TOUCHING THE QUEUE (WAITING LINE) HANDRAILS. (enter scary huffing-out-of-frustration sound here). Which means germs are being spread like wildfire.

Do NOT underestimate the importance of bringing a medicine bag with you. Now be smart… if you’re flying  there are all kinds of wacko regulations about how much liquid you can bring in your carry-on, so don’t get yourself into a situation that requires a pat-down,  but I wanted to make sure that I told you about some medicines that you just simply SHOULD NOT go to Disney without. Obviously you’ll remember any daily meds you take regularly, so they will be excluded from the list.

1. COLD Medicines:

  • Head Cold/Congestion Medicine – DAY & NIGHT. (this costs a TON at WDW and goes fast)
  • Tussin – will work for both kids or adults if a cough creeps up.
  • Claritin – With the ABUNDANT flora of Middle Florida and California you may discover you have an allergy to something you didn’t know you had. I would just suggest taking one every day just in case.
  • Thermometer – Is your kid just acting crabby b/c they’ve had a busy/overstimulating day, or have they caught something? A thermometer will help to see.
  • Ayr Nasal Spray – again, allergies or congestion can really ruin a trip. Don’t forget this kind of stuff.

2. TUMMY Medicines

  • Gas X – especially if you’re not accustomed to lots of high-fat foods.
  • TUMS/ antacid of some sort – again heartburn can kill an otherwise fun day at the World.
  • Pepto capsules – heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea . Nuff said.

3. HEADACHE MEDICINES

  • Advil/Ibuprofen.- Your feet and legs will most likely hurt from the LARGE amount of walking that you will be doing (on average 10-15 miles per day!!!!) so make sure you’ve got some pain reliever to take with you.
  • Tylenol/Acetaminophen/ kids version of this. If a fever creeps up you don’t want to be without, also can help with the HEADACHE which sometimes accompanies the over stimulation effect Disney can have on both you and your family.
  • Heating pad or Heat packs – Again, this will be amazing for you if you have any level of back pain. Even if you don’t I’d still sleep on it around my neck to release the day’s tension.

4. FIRST AID MEDICINES

  • A small first aid kit you can keep in your backpack is great.  You will  need some band aids, alcohol pads, triple antibiotic ointment if you don’t want to buy it all together as a little kit.
  • Band-aid Friction Block Stick – Honestly I wouldn’t be caught dead at a Disney park without it! It helps to put a thin layer of protection on your skin so you are less likely to get blisters. Get some blister bandages too just in case. Your feet really take a beating at Disney parks!
  • Suntan lotion , baby face stick, and Sooth-A-Caine Spray.Disney KNOWS you have to have suntan lotion. IF you forget it you will be out MUCHO DENARO!! Don’t forget your sunscreen.

5. ODD, BUT HELPFUL MEDICINES TO HAVE

  • If your little one has had pink eye and you have any of that medicine left, bring it with you. My son picked it up last trip and it was great having it available.
  • A/B Octic Ear Drops OR Swimmers Ears drops – If your kid frequently gets ear infections or if you think they might be swimming this will pay off HUGE DIVIDENDS if you’ve got some.
  • Tampons (sorry guys but its true). Tampons are a small FORTUNE at WDW Gift Shops. Make sure you pack some just in case. (Midol might be nice too)

If you are staying on property WDW resorts have a shuttle that will take you to a “Doc in the Box”. However, it will be a little pricey and, OF COURSE, you can’t get to them in the middle of the night which is when MY kids normally show up sick. On my December trip I SWEAR I thought I had Strep Throat and when I read in the packet I couldn’t do anything till after 8am I sat there and cried. They also have “first aid stations” in every park, but they’re not for anything other than BASIC first aid (think like what your school nurse would do).

Do NOT underestimate the importance of bringing Medicines with you down to WDW. Save room in your bags and remember to JUST SAY YES TO DRUGS – (when packing for a vacation at Disney Parks that is!)

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Are you guilty of these 5 Disney World Sins?

By
Chip
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Are you guilty of these 5 Disney World Sins?

I am sure many of us have done a few of these Disney World Sins in the past. I for one live dangerously. Actually if you didn’t know Danger is my middle name. Ok well not really.

While most of these things can and will land you in hot water. I am sure some of you might know someone who in the past might have done a few of them. Keep in mind I am not talking about shoplifting or doing the banana dance in public (see my writer Chris) but I am referring to a few Disney No No’s that are frowned upon or are against the rules.

So confess your sins so ye may be forgiven.

  1. Using refillable cups from previous trips – I don’t drink pop that often but I might know someone who in the past might have used one of their old cups to partake in some refreshing bubbly beverage. Per an article from last month Disney is fixing that starting at the Pop Resorts.
  2. Pool Hopping. – Back in my youth when touring some of the resorts I know a friend of mine who liked to run and jump in the pools for no apparent reason. Call me crazy but for some strange reason the temperature in Florida tends to go up in the summertime and they felt like cooling off from said heat. Pool hopping is not allowed so I don’t recommend doing this as you will be escorted off the property.
  3. Long term parking – I might know a guy who has gone to a resort for an Advanced Dining Reservation and might have wandered over to the monorail after finishing their meal and found themselves magically transported to the Magic Kingdom for a few hours before coming back and parking their car at their own resort and taking a bus to another park. This is very risky and you car can get towed so do not try this.
  4. Multiple ADR’s – Since the creation of Online Advanced Dining Reservation System it has become a piece of cake to make your ADR’s. So with this new easy to use system I might know someone who has double books an ADR at another restaurant just in case. While this wont get you thrown out or anything and I am sure the walk up people love the additional seating I would not suggest doing this.
  5. Older than they look – I might know a parent of a very petite little girl who was already 3 years old and might have fibbed a little bit to gain free admission for their child. Keep in mind Children 3 years of age and older need to pay for admission and Disney can ask for a birth certificate.

So those are just 5 of the Disney World Sins that could land you in some hot water. I am sure we all know somebody who might have done these in the past. All I can say is you must repent of your transgressions so Mickey can free your soul. If you have any more you would like to add to the list let us know in the comment box below.

Amen

For more Disney Sins check out this article from the Banana Dancing Chris and our Disney Diva.

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Turning Play Dates Into Disney Travel Dates

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Turning Play Dates Into Disney Travel Dates

A motivating factor for our Disney Vacation Club (DVC) purchase was the ability to vacation with close family and friends. As dedicated Disney fans, we feel it’s our duty to spread the pixie dust! The time has finally come when the impractical has become the practical and we think our family is ready to enjoy Walt Disney World with another family. In other words, within the year, our household will be diaper-free, sippy cup-free, crib-free, and free of all those other trappings of toddlerhood that make travel more challenging.

Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

It is important to consider whether you should invite another family on your vacation just because you can. Not much can turn the best of friends into frenemeies faster than vacation stress and conflict.

There is a lot to consider before sharing your Disney vacation with others including finances, schedules, dining preferences, and touring style but today I would like to focus on harmony between the families, and especially the kids.

Personality and Family Dynamic

Personality of the Kids

If you’re contemplating a trip with your friends, it’s probably a good bet that the kids are fast friends. But, have they spent more than a day or two together at one time? My children haven’t spent a whole week with our friends’ family but the children have similar temperaments so we’re pretty confident it will work out well.

Ages and Stages

Who can forget the days of having to find a restroom ASAP for a newly potty-trained preschooler? The parents of a ten year-old! Vacationing at Walt Disney World can be more successful if your children are approximately the same age. Both families will be going through the same stages whether it is the antics of preschoolers or the newly found independence of pre-teenagers. Creating a touring plan will be easier since the kids will have approximately the same interests and heights. If you travel with pre-teens, it’s probably safe to say that Disney Junior – Live on Stage! won’t be a show they want to see.

We’ll have two six year-olds, two four year-olds, and a one year old. Even if the six year-olds are tall enough to ride attractions their brothers can’t, they’ll be “buddies” and can ride with an adult while the others take the little ones to do something else.

Gender

The gender of the children in the families is something to consider, if only to make sure there are adequate sleeping arrangements. You’ll also want to have a plan if your little girl wants to dine with princesses and be made over at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and your friends’ little boy has little interest in either. In our situation, we’ll have five boys, ages six and under (which may be crazy) but there won’t be any waiting on line to meet the princesses at Town Square Theatre.

Plus One

Is there a chance there will be an “odd man out” either because of ages, personalities, or sibling relationships? Think about how the kids in the group interact on play dates. Some kids are naturally drawn to others which could mean one child feels left out at times. It’s no fun to be the odd man out at home and even less so on vacation. Parents can mix up the groups by taking one group of kids on a special adventure while the others play together. These activities and groups can be changed up every day so everyone has a chance to be included and spend time together.

In our situation, the baby is the “plus one” but he will be young enough that he will be more interested in being with mom and dad than a playmate.

Rivalry

Sibling rivalry can rear its ugly head at any time but it can also happen between friends. Will the children compete for the attention of a favored adult or child? Is it all in good fun or could the kids start acting out because even negative attention is good attention to many kids? Consider spending some time alone as a family and meeting up with your friends at specified times. Breaking up the group at times can help take the wind out of the sails of any competition.

Parenting Styles

How similar is your parenting style with your friends? Although each family will parent differently, resentment could breed if one family is more lenient with snacks and purchasing souvenirs than the other. It’s possible the kids will create a chorus of “But it’s not fair – Johnny got a Mickey bar!” or parents may feel pressured to be more lax or strict than they otherwise would be to keep the peace. Be upfront about expectations with your children and explain that your family has its rules and Johnny’s family may have different rules.

Bedtimes

How similar are the sleep schedules of all the children? If the schedules of the kids are very different, it can be tough to coordinate to get to that early morning character breakfast or to stay out late to watch the fireworks.

If the kids traveling together have different personalities and family dynamics differ, it doesn’t mean your trip will be a flop. You may just need to make some adjustments and communicate well with the other family to ensure a great time is had by all.

This article is featured in this months blog carnival only on Dismarks!

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Seniors At Disney World – What Are Some Of Our Concerns?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Seniors At Disney World - What Are Some Of Our Concerns?

When we Seniors travel to Walt Disney World we have concerns that the majority of younger adults and kids simply do not have. We need to face it – as we age we have different priorities when we travel and many of these center around our own well being when we are away from home. Walt Disney World is a very public and often crowded environment and in most cases we are hundreds or even thousands of miles away from the environment in which we are most comfortable. That can be, and often is, very disconcerting. Let’s look at just a few of these concerns and see if I can make you, my fellow Seniors, feel better about your visit.

  1. Is Walt Disney World A Safe Place To Be  – There are few places on earth that have less crime or violence than Walt Disney World. When you figure that there are hundreds of thousands of people in this 47 square mile area every day of the year and that there is virtually no person to person violent crime it is truly remarkable. Walt Disney World is a totally controlled environment and you can be confident that your personal safety is in good hands.
  2. I Have Dietary Restrictions, Can They Handle Them – The simple answer to this question is a resounding YES!! Disney has the ability to deal with almost every dietary issue quite easily but it does involve a bit of effort on our part. You can find the ins and outs here at the Special Dietary Requests  page of the Walt Disney World website.
  3. I Have Mobility Issues, What Is Available For Me – The options here are endless. Rather than get into great detail here I will direct you to an article that will answer many of your questions. Check out Mike’s article about his own experiences with a mobility issue. Remember, all Disney transportation is accessible.
  4. My Meds Need To Be Refrigerated – Most Disney Resort rooms have a small refrigerator but if you happen to be in a Disney resort that doesn’t have them in all rooms you have a couple of options. You can call the front desk and they will deliver a small refrigerator to your room and since it is required to preserve medications, it will be free of charge. If you would prefer, you will most likely be able to leave those delicate meds at the front desk for refrigeration. One caution here – LABEL-LABEL-LABEL!!
  5. I Can’t Live On Burgers And Hot Dogs – Sure, you can get burgers and dogs at every major venue in Walt Disney World. Many Seniors are first time visitors and are traveling with a multi generational group. This is a wonderful experience but typical amusement park fare does not generally serve us, Seniors, very well. Please rest assured my fellow Seniors, you will have no trouble finding food to your liking. Restaurants vary from the theme park churro (YUM) stand to a 9 course meal at Victoria and Albert’s in the Grand Floridian (another big YUM!!). Please make sure that whomever in your group is doing the planning is aware of your feelings and makes the appropriate number and types of Advance Dining Reservations (ADR’s).

These are a few of the concerns we Seniors may experience when visiting Walt Disney World but certainly not all of them. Yes, I’m a huge Walt Disney World fan but I’ll make this statement from fact rather a pro Disney prejudice – If you have a special need or concern, no matter what it is, the Cast Members at Walt Disney World can most likely deal with it and they will!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Attention Seniors won’t you join me over on my all new Facebook Page Disney for Seniors. Just click the link in my signature below.

Top 5 Most Crucial Disney Movies

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Top 5 Most Crucial Disney Movies

Who doesn’t enjoy a good Disney movie? Disney movies give us memorable characters, terrific music, fantastic stories, and happy endings! Disney films are integral to the Disney company; and over the years, several Disney movies have been crucial to the company’s success! Interested? Check out my Top 5 list of the most crucial Disney movies!

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs-I know, I know, Snow White’s kind of an obvious pick; but this film was so crucial to the future of Disney and the film industry as whole! Not only was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs the first animated feature film, but it was the first Disney movie; and next to the creation of Mickey Mouse, this film marked the launch of the Disney empire. And thank goodness for that! With those facts, this film is truly “the fairest of them all.”

2. Cinderella-Cinderella was Disney’s first major film since the box office slump of World War II. In fact, rumor has it that Disney would have gone under if Cinderella hadn’t been a success! Talk about pressure! Fortunately, Cinderella was most definitely a success. Not only did it fuel the Disney Company to further greatness, but it became one of the most iconic Disney movies of all time. Big Cinderella fan? Read about Cinderella Castle Suite inside of Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle here!

3. The Little Mermaid-When The Little Mermaid debuted in 1989, it launched an era which is referred to as “The Disney Renaissance.” Since Walt Disney’s death, Disney films had failed to live up to the company’s previous successes; but with The Little Mermaid, Disney regained its former glory and marked the beginning of a string of new classics. Because it was such a breakthrough, The Little Mermaid is definitely one of the most crucial Disney films.

4. Toy Story-In 1995, Disney and Pixar released the first movie made entirely by CGI. No one had ever seen anything like Toy Story; and with it’s major success, we were introduced to the wonderful world of Pixar. This film sparked a animation revolution! Therefore, for ushering in the Pixar era, Toy Story is one of the most important Disney movies in history. By the way, have you heard the rumors about Toy Story 4?

5. The Lion King-When The Lion King came to theaters in 1994, it brought a whole new meaning to the term “blockbuster.” The Lion King was not expected to be a success, and was a departure from many Disney films in that it was an original story; but it turned out to be one of the highest grossing animated movies ever and won numerous awards. Because of the low expectations, and the fact that it marked the epitome of the Disney Renaissance, The Lion King is definitely one of the most crucial Disney films.

So what do you think? Are any of these crucial Disney movies some of your favorites? What do you think Disney would be like today if any of these failed? Let us know!

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10 Money Saving Tips for your next Disney World Vacation

By
Chip
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10 Money Saving Tips for your next Disney World Vacation

Want to take the kids to the Walt Disney World Resort, but don’t want to break the bank? With a little planning it can be done: here are ten ways to save on your next Disney World Vacation.

  1. Stay at a Disney Value Resort – While on property you still get all the extra’s as someone staying at the larger resorts. Such as Disney Transportation, extra magic hours, Disney meal plans, and much more. The rooms might be a little smaller but your just there to sleep right?
  2. Stay at a resort or vacation home off Disney property. If you have to there are plenty of decent hotel rooms available all around Lake Buena Vista. If you have a larger family (more than four people), the savings are even greater. You can get a vacation home with a private pool for a week but remember you will need your own transportation.
  3. Watch for Disney Promotions. Supposedly Disney will be running a Free Dining Program for October through December which is excellent for saving money! Who doesn’t love free food? Lately Disney is almost always running some sort of discount on their website. (Keep in mind Chip and Company constantly keep you up to date on current Disney promotions so check back with us often) Also Disney is known to send out special promotions via postcard and email.  How do you get them to send you one? Its a mystery, but signing up to receive one of their vacation planning videos and registering at www.disneyworld.com will help. Read my previous article on the elusive Pin Codes here.
  4. Purchase a dining package. Disney offers dining packages to guests staying at their resorts. These packages have to be booked in advance and you can save 30% or more on your dining if you buy one of these plans. Essentially the dining plan is a meal plan that you pay for in advance. Sorta like a lay-away. Check out this article talking about to Meal Plan or Not To Meal Plan.
  5. Travel during the “off” season. Disney resort and dining prices fluctuate depending on what time of year it is; the same trip over Christmas week will cost you a whole lot less the first week of December. There is much debate when the off season is. One guideline to follow is when school is out it will be busy. If you check on a Disney Cruise you will see the same trip almost double for Spring Break or in the Summer. OY!
  6. Use Magical Express. If you are staying at a Disney resort you have access to Magical Express, a free transport from the airport and back. This will save you on renting a car, taxi or hiring a limo to transport you.
  7. Eat meals outside the Theme parks. Plan to eat at least one meal a day in your room, breakfast being the most obvious choice. Most Disney rooms come with an in-room fridge or access to get one (make sure of this in advance if you aren’t staying in a Disney resort) You can stock it with milk, yogurt, fruit, water or drinks. Add a loaf of bread, some peanut butter, cereal and breakfast pastries and you will save a good bit of money. Use those snack credits! If you are staying off Disney property you also have access to all the fast food restaurants and buffets in Orlando. I love Sweet Tomatoes! We even make a pilgrimage here even if we are staying on site! This is another expense category where renting a vacation home has an advantage a kitchen. With a kitchen you would be able to eliminate a lot of your eating-out expense; however, you also have to look at how much time you are spending driving back and forth to your room from the parks. Oh and the cost of parking everyday. For more check out How to Park at Disney for Free.
  8. Flash your Military ID. If you are an active or retired member of the military, there are lots of discounts available to you. To start with, there is Shades of Green resort, a resort on Disney property only for the military; it is a really nice resort, and the prices are even nicer. You are also eligible to get discounts on other Disney resorts and on tickets.
  9. Join AAA. There are several ways to save at Disney if you are a member of AAA. You can save on your room and on your admission tickets. The only downside to this is that you have to purchase a AAA Membership first.
  10. Save on airfare. All of the carriers that fly in and out of Orlando airport offer decent rates if you do a little research and plan far enough ahead you can save some good money. Check the airports actual website opposed to the travel Discount sites. For example in Greensboro Allegiant Air is not listed in Expedia but offers flights for $29, 39, and 49 if you fly on certain days of the week.

I hope this list will help you save some much need money on your next Disney Vacation. If you have some tips you would like to share let us know in the comment section below.

What level of Disney Addicts are your Chip and Co Writers?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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What level of Disney Addicts are your Chip and Co Writers?Now that you all know what Stage of Addiction YOU’RE in after reading THIS ARTICLE . You might be happy to learn that all of your Chip & Co writers are Stage 4 addicts (can I get a big “DUH?!) here please?

Just in case you needed some proof of their addictions I asked them to share a bit of “evidence” of their addiction. Look into our inner selves, deepppper deeeperrrr……

(Ps you can click on any of these people”s names and be able to read all their articles on C&C)

Chip – I have the word Andy tattooed at the bottom of my foot. (oh, and he also has a GIANT Disney devoted website) Quick Note from Chip – Actually I don’t I was messing with Kristin 🙂 haha

Linds – I have a collection of Disney collections- Olzewski miniatures, Disney Precious Moments, “Best of Mickey” kitchen theme, snowglobes and movies!

Chris- “I have a phd in Disney math. My dissertation topic was “Flying in a Day Early Saves You Money: Why You Should Stay at the Grand.” She also said “You know when I knew I was in deep? When I saw Len Testa in the Magic Kingdom and I screamed “OH MY GOD IT’S LEN TESTA” really loud and slapped my husband on the arm. He was like “Who?”   (I know you’re all going over to google Len Testa’s name, you’re not fooling anybody! Lol)

Mike –“Before [daughter] was born, we went to the Disney store and bought Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs primarily because I wanted to get the lithographs for her room. I started My Dreams of Disney to document my past trips. Sophie is now 10 years old, and we have been every year since she was five, six years in a row now. Oh, and we bought DVC last June and about freaked when we found out we could have paid for about half of it by then with the trips we had taken previously.

D.K. – “I started running just because my husband promised me an annual trip to Walt Disney World if I would do marathon weekend. My first race was the Goofy.”

Lee – “I knew I was in deep when I started to calculate how much cubic space my wife took up and how many Disney collectibles I could fit into that space if she wasn’t occupying it. Of course, it was only a fleeting thought…”

Wendy – “When I dropped over $200 in the Art of Disney store and walked out thinking “I love annual pass discounts. That was a great deal!” I knew I was done for.”

Jessica – “I have so many Vinylmation Jr. keychains i have to keep them on a separate lanyard from my car keys, or else it can kill my starter…” she also said “…I was like two feet away from Bob Iger. I had butterflies.”

Mel – “I had to buy a separate cabinet just for all my disney scrapbooking stuff. & i have every animated disney movie ever released on dvd and have started over collecting blu ray.”

Jennifer – “I’ve made sure to indoctrinate my son.., at 19 months, he says “monocar” for monorail and sees Disney parks and says his version of “Epcot” more like “ekcha” :)”

Disney Diva –“ In the car today my kids got into an argument about the ranking of our family members addiction to Disney World. Both wanted the second spot. We settled that my husband is the most addicted, son is second, daughter is third, and I’m fourth. If that makes you nervous considering I write about disney every day and I’m the least addicted in my family, it should.”

Crazy? Maybe. Addicted… YES! And that’s what keeps you coming back for more!

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What level of Disney Addicts are your Chip and Co Writers?
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