Kakigori Cart Expands with Savory, Sweet Bites

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July 29, 2011

On a hot afternoon, nothing is better than a shaved ice, or kakigori, from the little cart in front of the Japan pavilion at Epcot. A brain freeze is inevitable as we slurp the icy, sweet treat.

Now the cart, just reopened this week, has as new name – Kabuki Cafe – and new tastes, the kind of satisfying nibbles you can eat and still stroll. The shaved ice still is there, but now the menu includes edamame (steamed soybeans in the pod) and meal-in-a-bowl miso soup, plus sweet plum wine and sake. And smoothie and ice cream cups join the sweet line-up.

Delicious salty-sweet tastes for munching and strolling World Showcase Lagoon.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Canoe Races Foster Competition and the Spirit of Camaraderie

By

Chip

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July 29, 2011

As the sun came up over Cinderella’s Castle, cheers and laughter filled the air as hundreds of Walt Disney World cast members took to the Magic Kingdom before park open to compete in the 38TH annual Canoe Races Of the World, or C.R.O.W.

For two weeks each July, Disney cast members paddle off into the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom Park to train and compete in predawn canoe races. A longtime favorite event among cast, the 82 teams averaged five to six minutes to complete the one-mile course, which stretches from Splash Mountain to the Haunted Mansion.

The dedication and commitment of Disney VoluntEARS and competitors have made the canoe races an annual tradition that dates back to 1973. Together, they work year-round contributing hundreds of hours of brainpower and muscle to make the event a success.

Sarah Nowak, recreational guest service manager and team captain of BadROWmance, said the motivation to come together and work hard helped lead her team to become the women’s pro division champs.

“You really become a team when you’re out in the water together at 6 a.m. day after day,” she said. “Just being out there having fun and then coming back to get our scores is the most exciting part.”

The annual tradition fosters some fierce competition, but cast members say they return annually to get a work-out and boost camaraderie among co-workers.

“It’s my fourth year competing and our first victory, so I’m really proud of all the hard work that went into getting us here today,” said Scott Hall, industrial engineer and captain of the grand champion team, IE Oars 3.

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace’ on Blu-ray/DVD September 16

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 29, 2011

After the Cartoon Network debut of their first-ever original television special, The LEGO Group and Lucasfilm will join forces once again to bring LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace to Blu-ray Disc and DVD. Launching on September 16, the 22-minute original standalone special will feature the charm, action and irreverent humor that have become the signature style of LEGO Star Wars animation collaborations and will include five LEGO Star Wars shorts, as well as an exclusive, collectible “Young Han Solo” minifigure.

LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace BD/DVD combo pack is available now for pre-order exclusively at WalMart.com.

Featuring situations, characters and locations from throughout the entire Star Wars Saga, the original adventure is written by Emmy Award winner Michael Price (The Simpsons) and produced by Oscar-winning Animal Logic, the production company behind Happy Feet.

BONUS MATERIAL:

Hunt for R2-D2
Bombad Bounty
Star Wars in Two Minutes (Part 1)
Star Wars in Two Minutes (Part 2)
Star Wars Clone Wars In Cinema

SYNOPSIS:
A routine Jedi Academy field trip is turned into a rip-roaring comic adventure in LEGO Star Wars: The Padawan Menace. Tour guide Master Yoda leads a group of rambunctious Jedi Younglings through Senate chambers when he senses a disturbance in the Force. Summoned to help save the Republic, he discovers that one of the Younglings secretly boarded his ship…and has a taste for adventure! Meanwhile, C-3PO and R2-D2 are put in charge of the boisterous group and find themselves in over their heads. As the evil Sith prepare to wreak havoc, it’s up to Yoda and the droids to ensure that their young charges aren’t torn to bricks!

Disney World Quick Tips – Disney Food for Less

By

Chip

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July 29, 2011

Planning, Budgeting, and Saving for Walt Disney World Vacations are a way of life at the Chip and Co Household. I am constantly looking for ways to save some extra money so I can make yet another trip to our home away from home.

Today I am going to teach you some Quick Tips and tricks to really maximize your money while still taking full advantage of the food at the Walt Disney World Resort.

We all love Kona Cafe. I for one fell in love with Tonga Toast. But did you know just downstairs in the Polynesian Resort at Captain Cooks you can get Tonga Toast for a lot less. Great to grab when you are in a hurry. As you can see in the picture above the menu is pretty limited and there is no Kona Coffee.
Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my favorite snack shop in all of Walt Disney World. I have confirmed this from several sources that if you ask one of the Cast Members behind the counter would it be possible to get a piece of Grapefruit Cake from the Hollywood Brown Derby if they are not to busy they will walk over and grab you a piece. I would be very polite and not get upset if they don’t have the time to do it. I am going to try this on our next trip and let you know how it goes.
Every time we have gone to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at the Port Orleans Resort it has not been busy. What would make me venture all the way out to this resort you might ask? The Beignets of course! Hot, fresh, and delicious! They are a very inexpensive treat and a good way to start the day.
Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite buffet. I love the fusion of Asian and Indian cuisine. Having good friends who are from South Africa we have tried many of these dishes before ever eating here. One dessert talked about a ton all over the internets is the Zebra Domes. But how can you get some ZD’s without having to get the full buffet at Boma’s? Stop by Mara’s of course! Stop by and pick some up to take back to your room for later 🙂
Another trick you can try is goto restaurants that serve a la carte or have a menu you can order from. Split appetizers or find where they serve up a fruit trey and split it. For example at the Grand Floridian Cafe you can easily split several items or meals to save money.
Drink water instead of Pop, Juice, or Coffee. Bring Mio Water Enhancers to flavor up your water or Star Bucks makes single serving packets to make your own coffee. If you ask any server at a Table Service restaurants for hot water they will bring it for you free of charge.

Well that is all I have for now. These are some of the tricks I use when I visit Walt Disney World. Our next trip we are paying out of pocket so I really need to stretch our dollar much further than previous vacations where we did the Disney Dining Plan.

If you have any Quick Tips let me know in the comment box below.

Top 5 Things They Should Bring Back at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 29, 2011

Walt Disney World opened in 1971 with a very different footprint than it has today. Certainly a smaller one, anyway! But Walt himself said (of Disneyland) that it would never be finished but would instead be changing and growing over the years. This would naturally apply to his ‘Florida Project’ as well.

So we can’t, or shouldn’t, really complain when one of our favorite rides, shows, or attractions goes M.I.A. on us. We were forewarned! But it’s OK to miss them. And what about those classics that we never got a chance to experience before they too were gone?

With that in mind, here are the Top Five things that are gone that I think they should bring back at Disney World:

No. 5 – River Country. I’ve seen pictures of this great little Water Park just to the side of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.
Although it obviously didn’t have the extreme theming of a Blizzard Beach, it had a charm all of its own!

I’ve often wondered why Disney decided to simply scrap River Country when Fort Wilderness has such awful and bland swimming pools! Why not make it a special place for FW Guests? From my dream to your ears, Mickey!

No. 4 – Dreamfinder. Performer Ron Schneider was the first man to take on the persona of Figments handler at EPCOT’s Imagination! Pavilion. Ron wore the purple outfit from Park opening until 1987 and enjoyed thrilling Guests with imaginative interaction 5 days a week!

In its present incarnation, I could do without the Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction. Apparently the little dragon’s goal is to capture our imagination. OK Figment, you can have it, IF… you bring back the Dreamfinder!

No. 3 – Fort Wilderness Train. I want more trains! Yes, I’m a steam train fan and never miss an opportunity to ride one, whether at WDW or Greenfield Village, or wherever one can be found! This great little railroad steamed along for a short time and was discontinued after a storm damaged large sections of the track.

Economics and not Guest experience prevailed and we lost another classic perk at the Campground!

No. 2 – Discovery River. This long-gone boat ride around the river of Disney’s Animal Kingdom was an awesome idea! Just as with the Train at the Magic Kingdom, it gave a beautiful preview of the Park in a relaxing and fun way. Apparently Discovery River was discontinued because of long lines and wait times, which should have told Disney just how popular this experience was!

You could see things on this boat ride that you couldn’t see anywhere else. Now that would have been worth the wait! The only thing left of this ride now is a smoking area.

No. 1 – The Diamond Horseshoe Revue. It all started with a two-week contract for Wally Boag and others over at The Golden Horseshoe Revue in Disneyland, but it soon whooped its way to Disney World. Thankfully we have archival photographs and video segments of this Guinness Book of Records wonder, and one TV special that never fails to get a laugh!

Top 5 Things They Should Bring Back at Disney World

At least we still have the similar Hoop-De-Do Musical Revue over at Fort Wilderness, so the pangs of separation aren’t quite as strong for this missing show. And the DHR is still open for snacks!

Wow! That was a hard Top Five to write. There are so many great rides, shows, and attractions that we’ve had to say goodbye to over the years. Don’t let your favorite go unmentioned! What do you want Disney to bring back into the World?

HGTV Seminars at 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13

By

Chip

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July 29, 2011

Seven popular HGTV celebrities will offer the inside scoop on home entertaining at weekend seminars during the 45-day Epcot International Food & Wine Festival running Sept. 30-Nov. 13. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival a top HGTV personality will appear at The Festival Center in Future World to share his or her own secrets to throwing a perfect party.

“Design stars from the network will talk about home entertaining,” said Michael Jenner, festival manager. “Think about the way interior decorators design a room … and imagine that same creative process brought to the dinner table. It’ll be a great way to get ready for all the holidays coming up.”

Here’s the lineup (subject to change):

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 “HGTV Design Star,” winner Season 5 “Design Star”

The appearances are included with Epcot admission.

ErinLoechner 571×800

FW Logo LOCKUP 1 640×301

Henderson 571×800

kim stoegbauer 533×800

LisaLaPorta 571×800

MonicaPedersen 571×800

TaniyaNayak 571×800

Vern Yip 571×800

Around The ‘Disney’ World – Epcot’s Future World (West)

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 29, 2011

Around The 'Disney' World - Epcot's Future World (West)

The west side of Future World is full of outstanding attractions, pleasant diversions and some pretty darn good dining. We have to start off with what is arguably one of the top two most popular (Toy Story Midway Mania being the other) e-ticket attractions in all of Walt Disney World – Soarin’. A tour of California by hang glider this attraction, with it’s spectacular photography, is a fun and quite tame attraction enjoyed by people of all ages. If you want to ride it more than once (and you will) get there early, get a Fastpass and get in the standby line right away. Soarin’ is located in the Land Pavilion along with Living With The Land and The Circle of Life, both of which are fun and educatiuonal and worth some of your time.

The Innoventions West pavilion has a bit more diverse selection of of entertainment choices including Segway Central. There are lots of things here that appeal to both kids and adults so plan on visiting. Behind Innoventions West and to the right is another outstanding pavilion, The Seas With Nemo And Friends. You can ride on what Disney calls Clamobiles and get spectacular views of the world’s largest salt water aquarium. By the way, you will also find Nemo and many of his friends swimming in the same aquarium. If you decide to skip everything else in this pavilion, make sure to take the kids to see Turtle Talk With Crush and let them go sit down on the floor right in front. It is an experience they will not likely soon forget.

Captain EO is back but no one is sure for how long. I first saw it in 1990 and am looking forward to seeing it again this October. It has a lot of fans (perhaps Michael Jackson has something to do with that) and as I remember was kind of cute in its own quirky way. In the same pavilion is Journey Into Imagination With Figment. I do enjoy this one but after a few times it has become a bit stale. It’s a good one for kids, especially some of the younger ones.

One attraction that surprisingly few people realize is there is the Epcot Character Spot. Located right next to Club Cool it offers the chance to get Photopass pictures with all of the major characters in one spot at the same time. Each Photopass photographer has an assistant so make sure you give them your own camera and they will be happy to take extra pictures for you (good back up for missing pics). Club Cool is an attraction by itself. It offers you a chance to try Coca Cola products from all over the world for free. If you can convince a friend to try the “Beverly” selection make sure to have your camera at the ready, the reactions are priceless.

There are some good dining opportunities on this side of Future World. Fountain View Ice Cream, next to Club Cool, is a good place to get scoops, sundaes, floats, and shakes (Edy’s Ice Cream). One of the truly fine counter service locations at Walt Disney World is Sunshine Seasons located downstairs in the Land Pavilion. It was designed to fit in well with Soarin’ in that it looks like an airport type food court. There is a lot of variety to suit all tastes and the food has always been fresh and well prepared.

There are two good table service restaurants on the west side. The Garden Grill is a character meal serving only dinner. The meal is served family style and the tables are visited by Farmer Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n Dale. Since it is served family style the menu is somewhat limited but the food is quite good. You can count on turkey, beef strip and fish with all the appropriate sides. All of the vegetables come from the gardens located in the Land Pavilion. Just one more added feature, the restaurant rotates while you dine for a view of some of America’s best landscapes.

Finally, the Coral Reef in the Seas With Nemo and Friends Pavilion is as beautiful a venue as you are likely to see for lunch or dinner. It is done in beautiful blue tile and as you dine you can see the same salt water aquarium that you saw from your personal Clamobile. You won’t have to squint either because the windows to the aquarium are huge. There is excellent food for all tastes, not just sea food so you can be sure everyone will be happy.

That pretty much covers the west side of Future World where you will find plenty of opportunity for enjoyment and quality family time. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Photo By Disney

Downtown Disney: Characters in Flight balloon ride

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 29, 2011

Downtown Disney: Characters in Flight balloon ride

Characters in Flight Downtown Disney

When many guests think of Downtown Disney (DTD), they think of it primarily as – even only as – a shopping and dining destination. Yet DTD also offers Disney guests some of the most fun, active experiences at Walt Disney World (WDW). Among them is one of my favorites, Characters in Flight at DTD West Side.

Characters in Flight is a short balloon ride, about 10 minutes from take-off to landing, that takes you up in the air in a tethered balloon called the Aéro30, built and operated by Aérophile S.A. When it’s your turn, you and up to 28 other guests, plus a FAA-certified balloon pilot, board the 19-diameter-feet gondola which is attached to the helium-filled balloon. (The number of guests vary with demand and with weather conditions.)

Characters in Flight take guests to new Disney heights

After purchasing tickets, guests can watch other flights and talk to the knowledgeable ground crew while waiting for their flight (there may be a wait depending on how busy it is).

Characters in Flight is pleasant and fun for those who have held on to their childhood dreams of flying without a plane, a desire captured in the balloon’s silhouette images of Peter Pan, Dumbo, Aladdin and Mary Poppins and other Disney characters. It’s an especially rewarding experience for photographers who would like to capture some aeriel shots of Disney, and I highly recommend everyone plan on taking some pictures.

As you hover approximately 400 feet in the air, you can enjoy a 360-degree look at the WDW. On clear days you can see up to 10 miles away, with familiar icons from Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom and some Disney Resorts. Of course, some of the most impressive sights are of DTD and surrounding area such as Saratoga Springs Resort. The ride is designed to provide breathtaking views during both day and night, providing two different visual experiences.

Yet the balloon ride also a (surprisingly?) fun time for those who are a little hesitant about moving heights, in part because the experience is smooth and safe. Not only is the ride tethered, but guests are surrounded by a solid wall that is approximately waist-high (adult). Above the waist level, wall there is loose netting with spaces large enough to push a camera lens through. There is also a handrail for additional steadiness.

For those with a fear of heights who are wondering whether the balloon ride might be a good experience, see Ken’s review of Characters in Flight or watch Lou Mongello’s video of the balloon ride.

Ticket and ride information for Downtown Disney’s Characters in Flight

Characters in Flight is located at Downtown Disney West Side. The balloon ride is open to guests of all ages and is wheelchair accessible with assistance. (Guests in Electric Convenience Vehicles can also ride, but will need to transfer to a Disney wheelchair as the ECVs are too large for the gondola. The same may be true for personal wheelchairs.)

Because of its DTD location, guests need not purchase Walt Disney World park tickets to ride this attraction, although it does have its own cost. No reservations are required.

2011 prices:

$18 adults (ages 10 and up, tax included)
$12 children (ages 3 – 9, tax included)

Children 2 years and under ride free.

Characters in Flight operates daily from 9 a.m. to midnight, weather permitting. The number of passengers on each flight depends, primarily on wind conditions; the windier the weather, the fewer guests ride at one time.

Last Chance! PassPorter’s Disney Cruise Line 9th Edition Guidebook Giveaway

By

Chip

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July 29, 2011

We are really honored and excited to host today’s giveaway! Our good friends over at Passporter’s is giving away to one lucky fan a copy of their unreleased Disney Cruise Line 9th Edition Guidebook!

Here is whats inside:

Book passage on the ninth edition of the very first guidebook dedicated to the Disney Cruise Line. Our completely updated field guide is packed with more than 450 pages of information, original photos, maps, and charts. The new ninth edition includes details on 2011 ports of call, along with recent changes onboard the Disney Magic and Wonder, firsthand reviews of the Disney Dream, information on the Disney Fantasy, and much more! There are ten worksheets to help you plan your trip. We also include new reader tips and memories, and the whole thing is checked for accuracy by our expert peer reviewers!

More information can be found here.

Before you enter you must:

You must be a fan of Chip and Co on Facebook. You can click here to Like us or you can use the box on the right side of this page.
Next you must be a fan of Passporter on Facebook too.

Once you have added both of our pages as a friend then you can enter:

Comment on this article below or on Facebook. Tell us if you have ever been on a Disney Cruise. How did you like it? How was the food. Briefly share with us your experience on board. I have never been on a Disney Cruise but hope to someday, so I need all the Tips, Tricks, Reviews and Suggestions you can offer.
Each comment here or on Facebook counts as 1 entry. So the more you comment the better your chances are to win.

Please note:

Spamming the same word or comment over and over does not count as an entry.

For an additional entry:

Share this article via Twitter, Facebook, Google +1, etc. (1 share = 1 entry) Use of the options at the top or bottom of this article for an additional entry. In this section you can spam all you want. If you want to retweet this article a hundred times go right ahead.
Head over to Passporter’s Facebook Page and leave a comment how you saw this giveaway on Chip and Co. (I will track comments there as well)

Contest ends Friday Morning July 29th at 10am. I will pick one lucky person and notify them via Facebook that they won. That person will have 24 hours to respond back or I will pick another. So please use a valid way for me to contact you.

Good Luck!

Sailing Soon.. PassPorter’s Disney Cruise Line and its Ports of Call (chipandco.com)

Fall Free Dining Coming August 3?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 29, 2011

Fall Free Dining Coming August 3?

We’ve been a little mum about free dining around here, mostly because we haven’t heard any credible rumors until now and we didn’t want to put anything out that might have you coming toward us swinging pitchforks and Mickey bars if we were wrong. However, we’ve been seeing this one popping up all over, and we thought we would share it. Here are the details:

Bookings Between August 3, 2011 – December 17, 2011
Travel Dates

October 2, 2011 – October 8, 2011
October 23, 2011 – November 5, 2011
November 13, 2011 – November 19, 2011
November 27, 2011 – December 3, 2011
December 11, 2011 – December 17,

Free quick service dining for values and regular dining for moderates deluxe and villas

Minimum stay: 3 nights – maximum Stay: 14 nights.

Now, keep in mind this is just a RUMOR at this point, but it’s also the first really solid one we’ve heard in months. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything to the contrary. If you’ve got a trip booked, call Disney and have the code added or save yourself a three-hour wait and have your travel agent do it for you. I suspect this offer will be very limited based on availability I’ve seen when I call Disney, so don’t hesitate–if this is true, this is the best offer you’ll see for fall.

Good luck!

Disney’s Discover What You Treasure Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

Enter Disney’s & Verizon’s Discover What You Treasure Sweepstakes for your chance to win a 4-night trip for four to Walt Disney World Resort valued at $13,000!

Just remember to bring me with you!

Click here to enter.

Planning

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

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