Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a DVC Villa

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July 23, 2011

You may not know it, but you can stay at a Disney Vacation Club Villa even if you’re not a member! It’s true! Villas are connected to several of Disney World’s deluxe resorts and offer some extra benefits; but now you may be asking yourself, why should I choose to stay at one? Well, my Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a DVC Villa will answer just that!

1. Space-If you stay at a DVC villa, you are getting more space. There are several room types available, some offering more than one room for even more space! This is a great benefit if you have a large family, are traveling with older kids, or just want to live in luxury while at Disney!

2. Amenities-Every type of room at the villas, regardless of whether you are staying in a studio, one bedroom, or two bedroom, all rooms offer a microwave, wet bar, refridgerator, private porch or balcony. Most of the villa room types, except for the studios, offer a DVD player, whirlpool tub, washer and dryer, king size bed, and more! If you are interested in these extras for your stay at a DVC villa, make sure that your type of room offers what you are looking for and check with Disney when you make reservations to be sure. Also be aware of a downside at the villas, which is housekeeping doesn’t clean your room every day.

3. Cheaper-Sometimes some DVC Villas can actually run cheaper than standard Deluxe rooms! It’s like a Deluxe Resort discount with extras!

4. Laundry-One of the biggest pains at Disney is laundry. Most rooms at Disney World don’t have a washer and dryer so halfway during your trip, you have to fill your pockets full of change, haul your family’s laundry to the resort’s laundromat, and then wait and wait. Some guests pack enough clothes for the whole trip to avoid this; but with today’s baggage fees, that’s hard to do. It’s also difficult in the summertime where you will probably change more than once during the day because you will get hot and sweaty or soaked in a sudden downpour. If you are debating the packing/laundry issue, click here for some help.

5. New Experience-DVC villas are often housed in connecting but separate buildings at Disney resorts. They often offer different room decor and a homey like atmosphere. If you stay at Wilderness Lodge, you will get to see its own Vacation Club’s separate lobby that you may not have known was there! It has a small fireplace, relics, and even a game room decorated with old fashioned trains.

Do you prefer staying at the DVC villas? What’s is your favorite resort villa?

Related Articles:

Is the Disney Vacation Club Right for your Family?
Benefits of being on P-R-O-P-E-R-T-Y

Ask a Disney Question: E-Tickets

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 23, 2011

Today we have a question from Mark, who writes:

I heard people mention E-Ticket rides at Disney World? Other than park admission do we have to get additional tickets? I am confused what is an E-Ticket???

Mark, thank you for your question! I hope that I can help get rid of your confusion over what an E-Ticket is. For that, though, we need to look at a little Disney history.

When the Magic Kingdom first opened, on October 1st, 1971, you paid a certain amount to enter the park itself. The cost was $3.50 for an adult, $2.50 for a child aged 12-17, and $1.00 for a child aged 3-11. However, just paying to get into the park wouldn’t provide you access to many of the attractions. The Magic Kingdom also sold “Adventure Books”, which were a group of tickets that you could use to ride the attractions with. However, at Walt Disney World, then as well as today, there were different levels of attractions — everything from an A-Ticket attraction all the way up to an E-Ticket attraction.

The tamest attractions were the A-Ticket attractions, and if you used all your A-Tickets up, you would be able to buy more for a small fee. The most exciting attractions were the E-Ticket Attractions, and when you used all of them up, you could also buy more, but those tickets were more expensive.

Fortunately, Mark, today we don’t have to worry about separate tickets to ride the attractions. Now, when you purchase your Magic Your Way Ticket, you are provided entrance to the parks, and you can ride as many of the rides as you can fit into a day. A standard Magic Your Way ticket will provide you with entrance to one park per day, however, if you want to “hop” from one park to another, you can do so by purchasing the “Park Hopper” add-on to your ticket. This does cost a little extra, and the debate is endless over whether it is worth it or not (the current cost for the Park Hopper add-on is $55 per ticket, and covers all of the days you have on the ticket) — but I for one really like hopping from park to park.

Lastly, there are quite a few E-Ticket attractions at Walt Disney World. Here are what I would call the E-Ticket Attractions from each of the parks:

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I might have left some out, but you get the idea. If any of you out there think I’ve missed some, please comment and let me know which ones I’ve missed.

Mark, I hope that this helps to answer your question. If you have any further questions, or if anyone else has a question, please do not hesitate to shoot us another email using our contact form.

Around The “Disney” World – Frontierland (chipandco.com)
Around the “Disney” World – Main Street, U.S.A. (chipandco.com)
Around the “Disney” World – Fantasyland (chipandco.com)

All new Images from the Muppets Movie

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

When Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.

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Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Celebrates ‘Half Way to Paddy Day’

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

September is a relatively quiet month, kids are back in school, the perfect excuse for a party – and Saturday, Sept. 17, just happens to be the halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day. So the folks at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney are throwing a party with live music, Irish dancing, zany competitions and plenty of giveaways.

No cover charge and we’re betting it’s all the fun and way less hectic than the real deal in March. (And kids are welcome!)

The four-piece traditional ballad group, Na Fianna, a four-piece Irish trad and ballad group hailing from the heart of Ireland, will start the fun at 5 p.m. with songs from “Galway Girl” to the “Rocky Road to Dublin.” And the Raglan Road Dancers will show off traditional jigs and energetic new “reels” (Irish dance steps). Get ready to dance.

The popular Elevations band, considered the most successful U2 tribute band in the world, returns for the party with their expansive repertoire, ranging from U2′s first album “Boy” to 2009′s “No Line On The Horizon.”

Of course, for us it’s an excuse to order the Dalkey Duo (fried cocktail sausages with mustard) … crispy fish and chips … Kevin’s heavenly ham (glazed loin of bacon) … and a cold brew or two.

Mark your calendars, get your green on and join the fun!

Source Disney Parks Blog

Guide to Downtown Disney – ‘Must Sees’ for Foodies (chipandco.com)
Downtown Disney to add Splitsville, delays Pleasure Island makeover (chipandco.com)

Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Celebrates ‘Half Way to Paddy Day’

Take a Sunrise Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

Picture the morning sun rising in the Florida sky, illuminating a landscape rich with animals catching the first light of day. And you have a front-row seat. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge invites Kilimanjaro Club Level guests to an amazing two-hour experience. During an approximately 45-minute safari, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about animal care, the grounds of the theme park and the operation. Included in the cost of the tour is a lavish breakfast buffet in the park, at the Pizzafari Restaurant.

The Sunrise Safari is offered Sundays and Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. Cost is $65 adult, $32.50 child (ages 3-9). Call 407/WDW-TOUR.

Wild Africa Trek Experience

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

Been there, done that? Maybe, but did you know that inside Walt Disney World Resort lies a whole other Walt Disney World Resort? One in which you can…

“Hang 10″ and learn to surf
Set sail on a pirate adventure for buried treasure
Get nose to, well, bottlenose with Bottlenose dolphins
Be pampered in a “couples massage”
Dine with an actual Disney Imagineer

Beyond traditional theme park-going, these options and more are available to guests booking premium, add-on experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. Among a whole “world” of choices (prices exclude tax except where indicated):

Wild Africa Trek

In the newest premium experience, gear up and brace for a safari unlike any other this side of Africa. Guests on Wild Africa Trek crouch along trails, traverse swaying footbridges above crocs and hippos and delve deep into the jungly heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Several times daily, expert guides lead small groups of adventurers on excursions across untracked areas of the park. Extended time is spent observing and learning about the animals while on foot or while over-landing in customized safari vehicles. Trekkers close out their experience at a serene overlook above a wildlife-filled savanna while savoring Africa-inspired food and beverage. Reservations for Wild Africa Trek (ages 8 and up) can be arranged by calling 407/WDW-TOUR. The experience starts at $189 per person. More information: Disneyworld.com/disneyafricatrek.

Stay Tuned for More!

Disney World Art Of Animation Resort Now Taking Reservations (onlywdworld.com)
Events and Attractions coming to Disney World – July & August 2011 (chipandco.com)

‘Brain Storm’ Brought Back My Creativity

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2011

'Brain Storm' Brought Back My Creativity

A little while ago I posted a short bit about Don Hahn’s book Brain Storm: Unleashing Your Creative Self. I was sitting in my bedroom alone tonight and I got to thinking: Have I become any more creative? I’m happy to say that I have, indeed, become a bit more creative.

Brain Storm definitely encourages one to reach back into the depths of his or her brain and start pulling out ideas like a magician pulls a rabbit out of his velvety black top hat. Since this book arrived in my mailbox (courtesy of Mr. Hahn and his lovely publishers), I have started to come out of my boring shell and start producing tid bits of creative works here and there. I’m not a master pastry chef, nor am I Georgia O’Keeffe, but that’s what makes this all so great. I’m just your average Jane and I’m able to produce little pieces of creative magic all by myself.

Drawing

The only art lessons I have ever had were the ‘Meet the Masters’ school assemblies when I was in elementary school. I have always had an interest in art — sketches, paintings, sculpture, even architecture — but I knew I just wasn’t born with the gift. I enjoy going to museums any chance I get and art history was my favorite part of AP European History in high school.

It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that I can, indeed, do basic drawings with some guidance. It might sound silly, but I figured it all out at California Adventure’s animation studio. There they have a little ‘class’ where you can learn how to draw a Disney character. I’m a sucker for these types of things. I ended up drawing a darn good Piglet.

It clicked. I can draw. Oh my goodness, I CAN DRAW. If I can do it in this little classroom setting, can I do it at home? I did.

I started hunting around online for those ‘how to draw’ type websites and I found one that I liked. It had a bunch of different tutorials to choose from, and the ones I found made drawing really easy for me. There were days where I could do nothing but draw. Draw, sketch, erase, darken, color, shade; lines, circles, ovals, curves. It was as if I had been missing this my entire life. Who knew I could do all this? To some experienced artists this may seem like no big deal, but for someone who has always thought they had no artistic talent, this was major.

'Brain Storm' Brought Back My Creativity

Baking

I’m definitely a baker. I love doing it. Love love love. I would bake all day if I could. Cookies, cakes, pies, cupcakes — I love it all. I’ve started hunting more and more for fun recipes to try. I just found a recipe for homemade marshmallow fondant that I can’t wait to try out. I have always wanted to learn how to decorate cakes with it, and now I have my chance! I also recently got a frosting decorator to play with. It’s not the easiest tool, but it takes practice and in no time I should have professional-looking cakes and cupcakes!

I had decided not too long ago that I wanted to start branching out and learning how to make pies. I found a recipe for chocolate chip cookie pie. (Whoever thought of merging two amazing things together was an absolute genius.) I read through the recipe several times and imagined what the taste and texture of the pie would end up being. I decided that the recipe needed to be altered. Now, I’m someone that doesn’t like to deviate from recipes. Recipes are written that way for a reason. But this one just…it needed to be changed. I knew it. I felt it. So I did. And it was amazing. My family members couldn’t keep their paws off my pies. Now my brother wants me to make the pie for his birthday instead of a cake next month. Before, I never would have done something like this. (If you’d like my personal recipe for the pie, feel free to email me. I will gladly send it your way.)

'Brain Storm' Brought Back My Creativity

Chocolate

Yes, it gets its own headline. I have always enjoyed doing some chocolate work and candy making. I discovered I could do more with it than I thought. Sure, I could make chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, or make molded candies, but for some reason it had never occurred to me to try to write with it. Let me say that again — writing with chocolate. Veni, vidi, vici! I did it. I wrote with chocolate. You could eat my words. And oh, we did. Trust me.

'Brain Storm' Brought Back My Creativity

I highly recommend picking up the book and picking up a paintbrush. Try something new. Go outside and find something unique in nature to photograph. Go to the kitchen and discover what can be made with the contents of your pantry. Pick up a pencil and sketch some shapes and form them int a funky design. Go through your closet and see what clothes can be re-purposed. Thank you, Mr. Hahn, for helping me discover my creative side.

Go “Grand.” Luxury Yacht Sets Sail on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a pampered VIP boating experience on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. A personal captain and deckhand launch the 52-foot Sea Ray yacht from the marina at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Morning and afternoon excursions on the Grand 1 offer guests a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion and several Walt Disney World resorts. For an elegant evening voyage, romantic music sets the mood as the sun sets over the gabled roofs of the Grand Floridian. On select nights, cruisers can view “Wishes,” a magnificent fireworks display above Magic Kingdom. Those on board are treated to synchronized audio from the show.

For the ultimate cruise, the Grand Floridian private-dining staff can prepare anything from an evening snack to a gourmet five-course meal with fine wine pairings. A private-service butler can also cater to guests’ every need.

As many as 18 people can sail for $553 per hour, including charter fee, boat captain and deckhand. Dining service and private butler are available for additional fees.

Reservations for the Grand 1 can be made by calling 407/WDW-TOUR.

Disney World Quick Tips: You’re Paying For Your Resort, Now Enjoy It

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

July 22, 2011

Disney World Quick Tips: You’re Paying For Your Resort, Now Enjoy It

All too often you will pay the extra money to stay on Walt Disney World property only to find out that you have become a “park commando”. Now just in case if you are not sure what exactly a “park commando” is here is a short yet sweet description; one that opens and closes the park and NEVER takes a break. :0) Yes, you all know who you are…and believe me, I am a “park commando” too. I urge you to try to take some time to enjoy that beautiful resort you are staying at.

When you decide to stay on Walt Disney World property, you have just given yourself the bragging rights to a part of the “world.” Not only are you in the middle of the magic but when you return back to your resort, the Disney theme still surrounds you. Sit back relax and enjoy your little slice of heaven!! This is going to be a 3 part series about how to enjoy your resort at each category level.

Today we begin with Value resorts.

Disney World Quick Tips: You’re Paying For Your Resort, Now Enjoy It

• Resort Pools- The value resorts offer some of the most whimsical resorts pools on property. Adults and children will find something they are looking for, from splash-pads to wading pools to fully themed pools. You will be just amazed at the level of detail that Disney has put into your resort pools. Be sure to allow some time to enjoy the pools. Your feet and the kiddos will thank you. :0)

• Pool Bars-We all know that after a long day at the parks moms and dads alike may want to enjoy an adult beverage or two. ;0) Your resort pool bar is fully equipped with all of the fixings to make you some of the most exotic drinks around the world. In addition to fun drinks you will be fully immersed in Disney magic as your bartender is ready and willing to engage you in some fun times!!

• Game Room-All of the value resorts have a game room. This is a great place for adult, children and families to blow off some steam and have some fun! The game rooms are really more like an arcade as they are fully equipped and not short on space. Game on!!

• Walk the Grounds-The grounds anywhere on Disney property are going to be immaculately kept and full of hidden surprises. Take a walk around and enjoy the views. Be sure to bring your camera as Disney loves to throw in those photo opportunities around every corner.

• Order a Pizza-Let’s not ever underestimate the thrill of being able to order room service. Okay, this is not the most top-notch room service but you can order a pizza to the room and simply just enjoy the down time in your freshly cleaned room. Sometimes those moments will make for the most memorable. :0)

What are some of your favorite things to do at your Disney Resort? Be sure to check back next week as we talk about moderate resorts!!

Top 5 Best Disney World Pools (couponingtodisney.com)
Teens Take on visiting Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Disney World Quick Tips: You’re Paying For Your Resort, Now Enjoy It

Segway Your Way to Fun Experiences

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

Been there, done that? Maybe, but did you know that inside Walt Disney World Resort lies a whole other Walt Disney World Resort? One in which you can…

“Hang 10″ and learn to surf
Set sail on a pirate adventure for buried treasure
Get nose to, well, bottlenose with Bottlenose dolphins
Be pampered in a “couples massage”
Dine with an actual Disney Imagineer

Beyond traditional theme park-going, these options and more are available to guests booking premium, add-on experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. Among a whole “world” of choices (prices exclude tax except where indicated)

Segway Your Way to Fun!

Walt Disney World guests can experience a Segway Human Transporter (HT) for themselves, firsthand, as part of three different programs.

Around the World at Epcot is a two-hour guided tour that allows guests to operate the two-wheeled, one-person transportation device throughout World Showcase before it opens to other park guests. Cost is $99.00 per person. Tours are daily at 7:45, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 a.m.

The Simply Segway experience is a one-hour beginner’s class that gives guests a product overview, training and indoor riding time at Epcot’s Innoventions area. Cost is $35.00 per person. Simply Segway is offered daily (except Tuesdays) at 11:30 a.m.

Wilderness Back Trail Adventures is a two-hour tour that lets guests explore the natural beauty of the Florida landscape in and around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Cost is $90 per person.

For all Segway programs, class size is limited to 10 guests. For tours at Epcot, park admission is required. Riders must be at least 16 years old to participate. Guests can call 407/WDW-TOUR for more information or reservations. The Segway HT is the world’s first self-balancing human transporter that uses advanced technology, gyroscopes and tilt sensors to emulate human balance.

Topping Out Ceremony Held at the New Disney Art of Animation Resort

By

Chip

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July 22, 2011

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which will bring to life famous Disney and Disney•Pixar films, including Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, hit a major construction milestone earlier when Walt Disney Imagineers and various crews working on the project held a “topping out” ceremony for the resort. This special moment is a tradition in the construction and engineering fields and takes place when the highest piece of steel is placed on a building’s frame. The tradition dates back to the Vikings, who would place an evergreen tree on the top of a building to celebrate and wish for good luck.

Yesterday’s ceremony took place atop a wing of the resort that will be themed after The Lion King.

Disney Parks Blog author Tom Smith previously shared a look inside this resort, which will feature elaborately themed building exteriors and room interiors.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is set to open in early Summer 2012 and is already available for booking. Standard rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort start at $94 per night and family suites start at $248 per night.

For more information on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, visit disneyworld.com or call 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639).

Source Disney Parks Blog

Events and Attractions coming to Disney World – July & August 2011 (chipandco.com)
Disney’s Art of Animation Construction Update, Epcot Update Including Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Changes – Photos & Videos (jefflangedvd.com)

Topping Out Ceremony Held at the New Disney Art of Animation Resort

“The Avengers” Trailer Leaked – See It NOW!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 22, 2011

"The Avengers" Trailer Leaked - See It NOW!

When word leaked about the Avengers trailer being posted on line I had to track it down.

Note from Chip – The trailer Aljon found was taken down. I have been hunting for them all over the internet and they are being removed so this one may be gone before long.

BEWARE!!! THERE BE SPOILERS!!! You’ve been warned!

Lordy! Did you hear that thunderous applause? I can’t wait for this movie!!!

I heard people mention E-Ticket rides at Disney World? Other than park admission do we have to get additional tickets? I am confused what is an E-Ticket???

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