A Disneyland Resort Summer Ticket Deal for Southern California Residents: 3 Days for $139 (1 Park per Day)

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June 2, 2011

If you’re planning a summer visit to the Disneyland Resort, here’s a great, new deal for local residents starting June 3. Just in time to experience “Disney Soundsational Summer,” the Resort is offering a new ticket for residents of Southern California and Northern Baja.

Here are the details:

Southern California resident ticket: This offer is good for three park visits to either Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park (one park per day) within a 45-day period, for residents residing in ZIP codes 90000 through 93599, and 21000- 22999. For $139, guests will enjoy three fun-filled summer days and nights at the Disneyland Resort. This offer is subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Yes, you can upgrade: For an additional $15, local residents can upgrade to a 3-day Park Hopper ticket that allows guests to visit both parks on the same day.

When you can get it: This offer is available for use June 3 through Sept. 5 and is blocked out from July 2-4, 2011, and August 21-22, 2011.

Where you can get it: The summer ticket can be purchased at www.disneyland.com/summer, the Disneyland Resort box office, Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort hotels and a variety of southern California supermarkets and retail chains, including Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelson’s and Deardens. Resident ID is required.

Thinking about a getaway? Visitors can turn this ticket into a multiday getaway with special rates at Disneyland Resort hotels.

What’s new: At Disney California Adventure park, expansion continues with the enchanting new attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. It opens June 3, along with Star Tours, now in eye-popping 3-D at Disneyland park. On Main Street, U.S.A., rhythm is king as the magic of Disney music takes to the streets daily in the new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade.”

For more information about the this summer value – and new entertainment from “under the sea” to a galaxy far, far away – go to www.disneyland.com/summer.

Disneyland Planning for Disney World veterans (chipandco.com)

A Disneyland Resort Summer Ticket Deal for Southern California Residents: 3 Days for $139 (1 Park per Day)

Book with Pixie Vacations in June and be entered into a drawing for a $250 Disney Gift Card!

Book with Pixie and Receive:
*Agents specializing in Disney travel
*Reservation Monitoring
*NO Fees!
*Pixie Perks
*Concierge level service

[email protected] for your free quote or visit www.PixieVacations.com

Highlights of this summer’s D23 Expo in Anaheim

By

Chip

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June 2, 2011

The first-ever D23 Expo in 2009 left Disney fans asking when there would be another. From August 19–21, 2011, the Expo returns, bringing all the wonderful worlds of Disney under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center for three remarkable days. From celebrity appearances and eye-popping pavilions to fascinating presentations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there’s plenty of magic for everyone at D23 Expo 2011. Highlights of the Expo will include:

The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, audiences will be treated to an up-close look at select movies from the Studio’s upcoming film slate.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be showcasing its “great big beautiful tomorrow” with a sneak peek at imaginative new experiences in the works for Disney Parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit will offer a unique glimpse into the fantastic world of the Walt Disney Archives as we throw open the vaults and bring out the crown jewels of our amazing collections in an exciting, never-before-seen showcase boasting costumes and props from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Pirates of the Caribbean to Tron and LOST.

The Disney Living pavilion, presented by Disney Consumer Products, will inspire the Disney lifestyle through the worlds of Style, Play, Celebrations and more. From the nursery to the runway, from hot toys to cool book apps, favorite Disney characters will come to life in exclusive and never-before-seen products, collections and experiences for Disney fans. Meet the artists, designers, authors and innovators who create the magic and fun, and join in hands-on demos, activities and immersive environments.

Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will jump off the screen at this year’s D23 Expo! Look for special appearances from many of your favorite stars from our biggest shows—and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to delight the whole family.

Radio Disney invites you to join the party as we celebrate the ultimate Disney fan event with music, fun, games and the chance to meet some favorite Radio Disney stars!

Disney Interactive Media Group pavilion will bring beloved Disney stories and characters to life digitally though exciting new interactive experiences. Guests will be able to try out new and upcoming games for videogame consoles, mobile and online, as well as fun creative activities from Disney.com.

D23 Expo Dream Store will be filled to the brim and bursting with D23-themed merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise. From souvenirs and upscale logo assortments to Disney-inspired art and collectibles, ear hats, pins, Vinylmation™ and more, it will be a Disney enthusiast’s dream come true.

Disney Fan Art Gallery will feature the creative talents of D23 Members at D23 Expo 2011, putting the “spot”-light on One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Disney lovers were previously invited to create work inspired by the beloved animated film, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Winners, selected by a panel of Disney’s creative executives, will see their work prominently showcased in the D23 Expo’s Fan Art Gallery, themed to the infamous House of de Vil, inside the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit.

Collectors Forum will be the ultimate Disney marketplace for fans. Collectors, dealers and other vendors will have the opportunity to showcase their collections in this ultimate forum for buying, selling and trading Disney merchandise and memorabilia. This year, in addition to Disney, Pixar and ABC collectibles, the Forum will feature items from the amazing world of Marvel, the newest addition to the Disney family, and Star Wars, in celebration of the reimagined attraction Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort.

Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro’s Trivial Pursuit | Disney Edition is an exciting new addition to D23 Expo 2011. The eccentric, professorial quack-meister Ludwig Von Drake will preside over the festivities as competitors demonstrate their deep knowledge of all things Disney, including park attractions and shows and parades, past and present; films and TV shows through the years; consumer products, games, company history and, of course, Walt and his family. No corner of Disney’s magical kingdom will be left unexplored in this quest to find that uniquely talented individual who knows more about Disney than anyone else. Trials for the Tournament will take place on Thursday, August 18 at the Convention Center, the day before the Expo opens.

D23 Expo 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards—a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy, and a product showcase featuring Disney Pins and Vinylmation in a special area where collectors can swap stories, treasures and meet the artists.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 are available at a discounted price through June 30, 2011. All D23 Members—both Gold level and Silver level—can take advantage of additional exclusive admission savings at www.D23Expo.com.

Gold-level D23 memberships are $74.99, and Silver-level memberships—which provide all benefits with the exception of a subscription to Disney twenty-three magazine—are just $34.99 a year. All discounts and special promotions are available to both Gold- and Silver-level D23 Members.

Win a Trip on Disney Fantasy at the D23 Expo! (chipandco.com)
D23: Announces Spectacular New Prize For Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Disney For All Edition (chipandco.com)

Highlights of this summer's D23 Expo in Anaheim

Walt Disney World Adventure: A Field Guide & Activity Book for Explorers Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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June 2, 2011

Our friend Tracie at Vacation Field Guides hooked us up with a copy of Walt Disney World Adventure: A Field Guide & Activity Book for Explorers Guidebook for giveaway this week!

Here are some details on this excellent guidebook!

Turn a trip to Walt Disney World into a learning adventure!

The mystery and magic of Walt Disney World is captured in this fun-filled adventure field guide. Jam-packed with curriculum-based activities and challenges, “Walt Disney World Adventure” encourages Explorers to follow cryptic clues, decode concealed messages, and solve challenging puzzles as they uncover hidden details and unlock Disney secrets around the four theme parks.

“Helpful hints”—tools provided to help the reader navigate the Challenges—ensures motivated young learners through adventurous middle schoolers will find the fun facts, games, and activities interesting and entertaining.

“Walt Disney World Adventure: A Field Guide and Activity Book for Explorers” is perfect for building anticipation before a trip, a useful and accessible guide to the parks, and a learning resource after the trip with the use of “Next Step” learning activities. There are also “Kid Tips” offering recommendations from other Explorers.

Now your Walt Disney World vacation will have the educational content of a school field trip, the self-guided fun of a quest, and the lasting documentation of a personal journal. Plus, kids can earn their “Explorer Certificates,” share their own recommendations, and find out how to become a Featured Kid Explorer.”

We will be hosting this giveaway on our Facebook Page I am going to post the picture above on Facebook. To enter all you have to do it Tag yourself in the picture. Also if you haven’t already make sure you like Vacation Field Guides on Facebook!

I will pick one lucky winner tomorrow afternoon and notify them via Facebook that they won.

If you have any questions drop me an email or on Facebook.

Good Luck.

Don’t forget to check out Tracie’s other book! – K id Tips for Walt Disney World: Touring Advice by Kids for Kids

Downtown Disney restaurants host kids cooking classes this summer

By

Chip

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June 2, 2011

Levy Restaurants in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort are offering a three-part Kids Cooking Class from noon-3 p.m. June 24.

The chefs of Wolfgang Puck Café, Portobello Restaurant and Fulton’s Crab House will walk through a full demonstration at each location for children ages 6-12.

The class/menu will feature:
Crispy Chicken Finger Roll at Wolfgang Puck Café
Ravioli Gigante at Portobello Restaurant
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae at Fulton’s Crab House

The class is $30 for all three lessons or $12 for each individual class and available for children ages 6-12. Each attendee will receive a chef hat and apron. To register, call 407-828-8996.

Source

Guide to WDW – Recommended Downtown Disney Drinking Spots (chipandco.com)
Guide to Downtown Disney – ‘Must Sees’ for Foodies (chipandco.com)

Downtown Disney restaurants host kids cooking classes this summer

Kids Sail Free to the Mexican Riviera!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 1, 2011

Great news! Kids 17 and under sail FREE* when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same verandah stateroom in Categories 4A-6A on most Mexican Riviera sailings from October 30 – December 18, 2011. Government Taxes and Fees not included. Sailing from Los Angeles, enjoy the beauty and fun of the Baja California and Mexican coasts on a voyage filled with unmatched Disney entertainment, legendary service and magic made for everyone of every age.

*This offer is only available to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Offer applies only to verandah stateroom categories 4A-6A (excluding suites and concierge) for most sail dates October 30, 2011 – December 18, 2011. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. There are a limited number of staterooms for four or more guests. Must mention booking code KFO. This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Additional Terms and Conditions apply. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

Contact Pixie Vacations and ask for booking code KFO. When you book with Pixie in June (for travel anytime) you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $250 Disney Gift Card!

Set Sail Without Sinking Your Budget (chipandco.com)
Disney Cruise Line Begins First Summer Cruise Season in Alaska (chipandco.com)

Disneyland Paris: Resort Review Series – Hotel NY

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 1, 2011

I toured the Disneyland Paris Resorts (DLPR) this week and have put together a review, or more of a pictorial of these different unique resorts. The first resort I visited was Disney’s Hotel NY.

Disney's Hotel NY Skating Rink — Disney's Hotel NY Ice Skating Rink (uses fake ice)

To give you a little background about the Disneyland Paris Resort area let me explain a little bit about how the resorts are laid out. The majority of the Disney resorts are around Lake Disney. If you come to the DLPR via the RER A train from Paris you arrive right in the center of the action. To your immediate right is the Disney Village and just though the Disney Village is Lake Disney and Disney’s Hotel NY.

The Main entrance to the Hotel NY

You can walk to both Disneyland Parks from all the Disney Resorts, except from Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch which is a Ft. Wilderness like area with Cabins that is away from the main park.

So just like Disneyland you can walk from your Disney resort to all the entertainment options and parks.

Disneyland Paris Map Resorts — Disneyland Paris Map

The first hotel you come to on Lake Disney is the Hotel NY. It is at one end of the rectangular shaped lake Disney and Disney’s New Port Bay Club is at the other end. The longer sides of the rectangular lake have the Disney Village on one side and the Sequoia Lodge on the other.

Disneyland Paris: Resort Review Series - Hotel NY — Disney's Hotel NY on Lake Disney

When you enter Disney’s NY Hotel from the back, lake side, you first see a large skating rink. The skating rink is made out of fake ice, sort of like the white plastic some cutting boards are made of. There are fountains close to the hotel entrance and modern architecture with earth tones and symmetrical square windows are prominent in the design. If you are familiar with Team Disney at Disney World, this building has a similar feel. The building is constructed to give a modern NY City skyline type feel while using earth tone colors.

I would consider this hotel a deluxe resort when compared to Disney World. The resort has several table service restaurants, a gift shop, indoor pool, and a convention center. I also want to mention that there is an indoor pool which I did not get photos of but will try to on my next trip to the resort.

The inside of the Hotel NY does carry the NY theme. There are large NY Mets and Yankees logos on the floor, framed artwork of NY landmarks and the different bars, restaurants and entertainment areas all are names after locations in NY.

disney-hotel-ny-lobby — The Main Lobby and Check in Area at the Hotel NY

I did not spend the night at the Hotel NY so I can not comment on the rooms. My overall impression is the hotel is nice, has a fun theme, is clean, and being a Disney resort hotel it put you right there in the action.

Now Prices in Paris are more than at Walt Disney World, so you should except to pay more for your room, meals, and other entertainment at Disneyland Paris.

It is difficult to not always compare Disney World and Disneyland in CA to Disneyland Paris. DLPR is different. I did not get that WOW factor when I walked in like you would get at the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, etc. It is not that the Hotel NY is not nice, it’s different because it’s in Paris. The hotel spaces are mostly one floor so you do not walk into an expansive lobby.

Photo Tour:

Disneyland Paris: Resort Review Series - Hotel NY

Part of the convention center at the Diney Hotel NY in Paris — Part of the convention center

By the skating rink at the Disney Hotel NY

Also see the Disney’s Hotel NY Video.

Join me tomorrow for another Disneyland Paris Resort Review.

au revoir,

Steve Griswold

Also See: The How to Get to Disneyland Paris Article and Video

Pixie Vacations | www.PixieVacations.com | 678-815-1584 | [email protected]

Disney Baby Launches Disney Cuddly Bodysuit Collection

By

Chip

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June 1, 2011

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced a dedicated collection of Disney Baby brand products designed to equip parents with the essentials they need for Creating Magical Moments Right From The Start™. The collection debuts with the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit™, an infant bodysuit made of Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton™ with a second row of snaps that allow the bodysuit to “grow” with baby, available on Amazon.com/DisneyBaby this month and at select retailers this fall. Developed by Disney “Momgineers” in collaboration with leading licensees and manufacturers, the Disney Baby collection provides mom with conscientious products for every stage, including Apparel, Nursery, On the Go, Bathtime, Feeding, Discovery and Celebration. A multifaceted online resource for families, the Disney Baby brand now offers a new consumer facing website DisneyBaby.com, Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/DisneyBaby), YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/disneybaby) and Twitter account (www.Twitter.com/DisneyBaby).

Photos available below

The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit is the only infant bodysuit made of Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton and features snaps that grow with baby, outfitting baby with comfort and style through the first magical year. Disney’s research found that infant bodysuits are a wardrobe staple for baby, with the average mom purchasing more than 35 bodysuits in the first year alone. The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit, however, is an infant bodysuit that grows with your baby, as the design features two rows of snaps for an inch of longer wear. As babies typically grow in length fastest, the second row of snaps provides both comfort for baby and convenience for mom. For a demo video and a look at the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit’s styles and features:

“As a mom of an infant and a toddler, I know firsthand the information overload and uncertainties that come with transitioning into parenthood all the while trying to bond as a family,” said Jessi Dunne, executive vice president, Disney Moms and Babies for Disney Consumer Products, who has also been dubbed Disney Baby’s ‘Chief Momgineer.’ “Disney Baby aims to provide great products based on our research with moms, that deliver ease, convenience and quality with a touch of Disney magic.”

In addition to features that grow with baby, Disney research indicates softness, design and durability are the top attributes mom looks for when purchasing an infant bodysuit. The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit delivers on all of these features – transitioning the infant bodysuit from an expendable item to a quality wardrobe essential allowing parents to “Welcome Your Little One With a Cuddle!”

Features of the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit include:
• SOFT: Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton for a super soft feel against baby’s sensitive skin;
• LASTING: Holds its shape through repeated washings
• RELIABLE: Consistent sizing for a reliable fit
• EASY: Lap shoulder neck opening make countless outfit changes easy
• THOUGHTFUL: The tagless neck label won’t scratch baby’s delicate skin
• BETTER FOR MOM: Snaps that grow with baby for extended life
• ADORABLE: Over 85 magical styles to choose from, including white and solid colors with no characters, playful patterns and character-inspired designs

“With the incredible variety of styles and offerings in the Disney Baby collection, and the uniqueness of the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit, we believe our customers will respond enthusiastically to this offering, and we’re proud to be the first to bring this mom-friendly and adorable bodysuit to moms and babies,” said Stacy Kerr, director of clothing for Amazon.com.

The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit ranges in price from $7.99 to $12.00, $19.50 for a 3-pack, $27.00 for a fashion color 4-pack to $24.99 for a 5-pack in white, and is available in 0-3mos, 3-6mos, 6-9mos sizes. The full line, featuring characters, prints, white and bold non-character solids, will be available first on Amazon.com/DisneyBaby in May and at select retailers in Fall 2011.

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For more than 80 years, Disney has been a leader in the business of family and togetherness. Recent consumer research conducted by Disney through comprehensive in-home testing and in-person focus groups found that pre- and post-natal moms are looking for a brand to rely on as they experience the magic of beginning and expanding a family and bonding with baby. Disney Baby answers this need by providing infant essentials for every stage, in addition to a one-stop resource for moms with DisneyBaby.com, part of Disney’s Babyzone.com, providing mom-to-mom advice, community forums and exclusive promotions.

Funko POP! Vinyl Now at Disney Store (chipandco.com)
Disney’s Small World INDIA collection at Nordstrom (chipandco.com)

Disney Baby Launches Disney Cuddly Bodysuit Collection

Disneyland Hotel Debuts New Pool Area and Dining Locations

By

Chip

-

June 1, 2011

Disneyland Resort today announced the completion of significant upgrades to the Disneyland Hotel, marking a milestone in the landmark property’s current renovation project. A new courtyard, restaurant, bar, pool and water play area add immersive experiences to a Disneyland Resort vacation.

“This exciting renovation extends the immersion and magic of our park experience to this classic hotel,” said Tony Bruno, vice president Resort hotels and Downtown Disney. “We’ve woven important pieces of Disneyland park history into the Disneyland Hotel, particularly with the reopening of the pool and courtyard area. These nostalgic enhancements not only highlight the hotel’s unique heritage, but also our continued investment in the guest experience and our ongoing work to evolve the Resort and Anaheim into a world-class, multiday tourist destination.”

New Iconic Dining Locations

Tangaroa Terrace, a “fast casual” restaurant, and Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar take their architectural cue from the original Tahitian Terrace restaurant in Disneyland park and the Polynesian/Tiki architecture that was popular during the early era of the original hotel. Tangaroa Terrace features Island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner including cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cakes with Island fruit compote, Hawaiian and Kalua pork flatbreads, and miso-glazed salmon, along with a selection of sandwiches, salads and “grab-and-go” items. Guests use an innovative, easy-to-use touch screen to select menu items, which are prepared to order and delivered to their tables either inside or on the large outdoor patio.

Trader Sam’s – Enchanted Tiki Bar, named after Trader Sam, Disney’s Jungle Cruise “Head” Salesman, recounts the story of his worldly travels through the artifacts and memorabilia he collected along the way. The bar features interactive special effects blended with classic Disney storytelling. Trader Sam’s serves a mix of signature cocktails such as the flaming Uh Oa, Shipwreck Island — perfect for sharing — and the Hippopotamai Tai. The creative appetizer selection includes panko-crusted Chinese long beans with Sriracha mayonnaise and tamarind-glazed Island pork shanks with green papaya slaw.
Rounding out the tropical experience, Trader Sam’s features live music performed on the patio each evening.

Guests also can relax next to a large, outdoor stone fireplace or enjoy the view of the new Cascade Falls and Old Unfaithful, both of which are reflective of the former Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction in Disneyland park.

New Immersive Pool Experience

Guests of all ages can now enjoy a new, immersive water play area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” is spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two thrilling water slides. Reminiscent of the original Monorail station at the Disneyland Hotel, at each slide’s entrance sits a replica Monorail Car that guests glide through as they twist and turn their way to the water below. The larger of the two main slides sits 26 feet high and stretches 187 feet, until it plunges into a splash pool. The second slide is 13 feet high and 112 feet long. For younger guests, the area includes a third, two-lane mini-slide that sits just 3 ½ feet high and is 19 feet long, as well as a series of small bubble jets in which to play.

A new, “D Ticket”-themed, 4-foot-deep pool is situated next to the new Monorail water play area. The “D Ticket” theme ties in the historic ticket books that were used in the early days of Disneyland to experience attractions, where each ticket received a letter assignment. In late 2011, the “E Ticket” pool will open at the Never Land pool site, which currently is under renovation.

The new pool area also features a Minnie Mouse-themed spa, which will match a Mickey-themed spa that is scheduled to open with the “E-Ticket” pool. In addition, three new cabanas are available; each features a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, phone, and ceiling fan.

New Themed Suites

The Disneyland Hotel boasts a unique collection of suites including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse, and the Pirates of the Caribbean and Fairly Tale suites. The newest additions are the Adventureland Suite, which offers guests a two-bedroom hideaway complete with a grotto in the master bathroom that simulates various settings through light and sound effects, including a rain forest and African savanna, and the Big Thunder Suite, where up to six pioneers are immersed in luxurious rustic accommodations inspired by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park.

Guest Towers

In June, the hotel’s three guest room towers are being renamed for the distinctive lands of Disneyland. The Dreams Tower is becoming the Adventure Tower, and the Wonder Tower will become the Frontier Tower. Finally, the Magic Tower, which will be finished in late 2011, will transform to the Fantasy Tower. At the entrance of each tower, large marquees will feature classic artwork of Adventureland, Frontierland and Fantasyland identifying each building.

The Disneyland Hotel renovation is now nearing completion of its two-year transformation. The beautifully remodeled guest rooms feature exquisite Disney touches woven into the décor including a stunning new headboard with an artistically carved representation of Disneyland park’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle, which serves as the focal point in each guest room. The background on the headboard uses fiber optics to create a magical skyline with fireworks – bringing the immersive park experience into the room. Along with the E-Ticket pool, main lobby and port cochere of the Fantasy Tower, the façade of the hotel’s convention center also will be completed.

The work at the Disneyland Hotel is a part of a larger expansion project underway throughout the Resort. Disney California Adventure park is undergoing a multiyear expansion project that includes new experiences, attractions and nighttime spectaculars, culminating in 2012 with the opening of Cars Land. The four-diamond Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also underwent an expansion in 2009 that added 203 hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club, marking the club’s West Coast debut.

New Pool Opening This Weekend at Disneyland Hotel (chipandco.com)
Disneyland Planning for Disney World veterans (chipandco.com)

Disneyland Hotel Debuts New Pool Area and Dining Locations

Wednesday with Walt: Happiness Is…

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 1, 2011

Wednesday with Walt: Happiness Is…

Walt Disney said, “Happiness is a state of mind, it’s just according to the way you look at things.”

Disney fans know all about happiness. Merriam-Webster describes happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment; or a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” All we know is that it is the sheer joy we feel when we visit the most magical place on earth. Happiness is manifested in different ways for different people. What is funny to me is that Walt said “it is in the way you look at things,” and I think our perspective actually changes just from being at Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

I went to some of the happiest Disney people I know, the Chip & Co writers, to get their opinions on where happiness comes from during their visits. This list is not all-inclusive but I am sure you can get the idea.

It’s in the memories

Looking back on past trips with our families and watching our children grow up in the pages of our photo albums makes us happy and proud.

It’s in a child’s eyes

The sheer joy in a child’s face when she sees her favorite characters is worth a million bucks.

It’s a walk down the street

Not just any street; it’s our first walk down Main Street USA. This brings joy to many people; whether it is the first walk or the 50^th makes no difference at all. It is the fact that we are finally on Main Street. For others it is the main street in any of the parks.

It’s a seat with a view

Finding the perfect seat for viewing the Magic Kingdom night parade is an easy shot to sheer joy.

It’s in our daily lives

Having pieces of Disney scattered all around our daily lives keeps many of us in a happier place. Mementos, pictures, collectibles are all things that remind us of happy times we have had or will have in the future.

It’s under the arches

No, it is not under the golden arches, but the ones you drive under when you are finally entering Walt Disney World. You know them.. and hopefully you will be seeing them again soon.

It’s in our wish for a better world

Disney guests and cast members alike take the time to treat each other as individual people. The kindness is infectious and it creates a sense of “home” like no other. It’s a magical feeling.

It’s in our interaction with cast members

Watching the Citizens of Hollywood at the Studios is a lot of fun and puts a smile on your face that will last all day. There are some special people I call cast members extraordinaire that have really made an impression on me at WDW.

It’s in the joy of the ride

Riding the Tower or Terror, Expedition Everest or Rock N Rollercoaster, just to name a few, takes you back to being a kid again. It is wonderful to feel that kind of youth and free-spiritedness again.

Riding the monorail and boats says “welcome back” and that is a fantastic feeling as well.

It’s the sounds and sights of a water parade

Watching a time-tested and treasured tradition such as the Electric Water Pageant can bring you nostalgic happiness – Walt’s favorite kind.

It’s in a special treat

Each bite of an ice cream cone on Main Street or a sundae at Beaches and Cream makes you happier and happier.

It’s in a hug from Mickey Mouse

The moment you walk up to Mickey and he puts his arms out for a hug is a time that love overflows from your heart. Be sure to snap a photo so you can feel that feeling over and over again.

It’s in the joy of knowing Disney friends from all over the country

As I said, I got much of the information for this article from my fellow writers at Chip & Company. Thank you to all of you for your input. I know and love these friends through a Disney bond, even though I have never met them in person. My happiness comes from friendships with people who have this special connection in common across the globe.

Another thing Walt said was, “We create happiness.” Well yes, Walt, you definitely did create happiness and we thank you very much for that.

He gave us the tools; we just have to use them!

Classic Disney – Walt Disney World – Journey into Magic (chipandco.com)
Accessible Ride Vehicles at the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)

Disney’s Hawaiian Getaway Sweepstakes

By

Chip

-

June 1, 2011

Enter Disney Family Fun’s Hawaiian Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win a trip for four to Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa. Contest ends June 30, 2011.

Just click the picture above to enter!

Good Luck

Unlock Disney Resort Memories Sweepstakes (chipandco.com)
Disney Confidential – Spa at Disney’s Aulani Resort gets a new name (chipandco.com)

Funko POP! Vinyl Now at Disney Store

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

June 1, 2011

Star Wars collectors are no strangers to the Funko company and their ‘POP!’ line of vinyl figures. With the popularity of Vinylmation Disney now introduces their ‘POP!’ series 1 available at DisneyStore.com.

Funko POP! Vinyl Now at Disney Store — Princess Leia POP! Vinyl by Funko

Characters span the entire range of Disney and Pixar film franchises from the classic Snow White to ‘Toy Story’s’ Buzz Lightyear. The colors are bold and brilliant and would be a welcome splash of Disney magic on your shelf or cubicle at work.

Pick them up individually for $12.50 or buy an entire set of 12 for $150 US. Which one is your favorite? Do you think these figures will be as popular as Vinylmations? I’m looking forward to picking up a few of these figures myself real soon.

Vinyl + Animation = Vinylmation (chipandco.com)
Disneyland and Disney World Vinylmation Event Calendar for Summer 2011 (chipandco.com)

WDW Fantasyland Construction Updates 5/31/2011

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

May 31, 2011

WDW Fantasyland Construction Updates 5/31/2011 — The 3 areas visible are marked on the concept art map

With the new Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World set to open in 2012, anticipation is running high. Tall construction walls edge one side of Fantasyland adorned with beautiful concept art and descriptions of the wonders that will appear next year. The looming cranes, thrumming motors, and occasional voices of workmen drifting from behind the wall, however, hint at a far more practical process going on just beyond view.

With the help of a bench or decorative wall and the help of a tall friend (shout out to my tall friend Mike), some of that excitement is visible. There are three particular locations where glimpses of what’s going on behind that wall can be had – near Pinochio’s Village Haus, where the Beast’s castle, Be Our Guest restaurant, and Maurice’s cottage are well underway; past Dumbo, where more of the Beauty and the Beast area can be glimpsed; and across from The Adventure of Winnie the Pooh, where both the Little Mermaid show building and entrance to the dwarves’ mine train are visible.

The Beauty and the Beast area is, of course, the most visible and the most recognizably complete. Well aware that the Beast’s castle, perched atop the building that will become the Be Our Guest restaurant, would be clearly visible over the construction walls, Disney made sure that the forced perspective building was complete and painted almost as soon as it was installed. In a way, the structure serves as what Walt would have called a “weenie” – a visual teaser to pique interest and draw people’s attention to the new expansion.

Below that highly visible structure, however, other less visible things are taking shape. The stonework of the mountains around the castle is visible as is the clearly recognizable shape of Maurice’s cottage, which will serve as the location for a Belle meet and greet/show where guests will be transported from Maurice’s cottage to the Beast’s castle in a 40 minute show.

Below the castle, several pointed gothic arch openings are also visible, possibly marking the entrance to the restaurant. They seem to resemble the pictures of the restaurant entrance shown at Destination D.

Further along, opposite The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the basic structure of a building is visible. Based on its location and shape, it seems likely it is a part of the cottage pictured as part of the entrance to the Dwarves’ Mine Train.

WDW Fantasyland Construction Updates 5/31/2011

And, although individual features are not yet visible, the rockwork for Little Mermaid is taking shape around the ride building.

WDW Fantasyland Construction Updates 5/31/2011

There is still a massive amount of work to be done, of course, but the overall skeleton of the Fantasyland expansion is quite definitely taking shape. The areas for the rides and their basic structures are well underway, and construction will no doubt accelerate once those basic elements are in place. We’ll be keeping a watch on the progress over the construction walls whenever possible. Magic may be coming in 2012, but right now the excitement is in seeing that magic get underway!

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