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Disneyland and Disney World Vinylmation Event Calendar for Summer 2011

Disneyland and Disney World Vinylmation Event Calendar for Summer 2011

If you are really into Disney’s Vinylmation(who isnt) check out the event calendar listed below. I have them separated by parks to make thing easier. For more details visit the Vinylmation Website.

Disneyland:

MAY 27, 2011
PRODUCT RELEASE
D-Street at Downtown Disney® District in California:

  • Vinylmation™ – Disney Afternoon – Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers
    Note: As an added convenience, D-Street will open at 8:00 am for this release.JUNE 3, 2011
    PRODUCT RELEASE
    D-Street at Downtown Disney® District in California:
  • Vinylmation™ – BakeryJUNE 4, 2011
    ARTIST SIGNING
    Little Green Men Store Command – Vinylmation™ – Star Wars™ Series #1 Release & Signing with Disney Design Group Artist, Mike Sullivan
    9:00 am – 11:00 am

    Join us as we welcome back Disney Design Group Artist, Mike Sullivan for the re-release of the extremely popular Vinylmation™ – Star Wars™ Series #1. Mike will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 9am to 11am at Little Green Men Store Command in Tomorrowland Area at Disneyland® Park.

    Limit TWO (2) cases per Guest. Limit TWO (2) items signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event and information are subject to cancellation or change without notice including but not limited to dates, times, artwork, release dates, and retail prices. Merchandise for signing must be purchased on the event day at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Paid admission is required to enter Disney theme parks.

    JUNE 10, 2011
    PRODUCT RELEASE
    D-Street at Downtown Disney® District in California:

  • Vinylmation™ – Urban #6 – 9-inch Figure – “Moai Statue” by Casey Jones (Edition Size 800)
  • Vinylmation™ – Urban #6 – 9-inch & 3-inch Figure – “Angel & Devil” by Thomas Scott (Edition Size 1000)JUNE 11, 2011
    ARTIST SIGNING
    Treasures in Paradise at Disney California Adventure® Park
    The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – Release & Signing with Artist Noah
    10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Custom Hand Painted 3″ Figures – Edition Size: 12 – Retail: $150
  • Custom Hand Painted 9″ Figures (with stand) – Edition Size: 12 – Retail: $595 

    JUNE 24, 2011
    EVENT
    Sci-Fi Academy – Exhibit Hall, Disneyland® Hotel Join fellow recruits for a Disney Trading event at the Disneyland® Hotel. Click Here for additional details. Registration for this hard-ticket event is now open. This is a trading event, but there are no Vinylmation™ releases scheduled for this event.

  • Disney World

    MAY 27, 2011
    PRODUCT RELEASE
    D-Street at Downtown Disney® WestSide in Florida:

  • Vinylmation™ – Disney Afternoon – Chip ‘N Dale Rescue RangersARTIST SIGNING
    Jabba’s Hut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ – Vinylmation™ – Star Wars™ Series #1 Release & Signing with Disney Design Group Artist, Mike Sullivan
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

    Meet Disney Artist Mike Sullivan who was responsible for the designed the Vinylmation™ – Star Wars™ Series #1. He will be signing figures from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Jabba’s Hut (the specially designed merchandise location located near Disney’s Rock ‘N Roller Coaster) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    MAY 28, 2011
    ARTIST SIGNING
    Jabba’s Hut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ – Vinylmation™ – Star Wars™ Series #1 Release & Signing with Disney Design Group Artist, Mike Sullivan
    2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

    Meet Disney Artist Mike Sullivan who was responsible for the designed the Vinylmation™ – Star Wars™ Series #1. He will be signing figures from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Jabba’s Hut (the specially designed merchandise location located near Disney’s Rock ‘N Roller Coaster) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    JUNE 3, 2011
    PRODUCT RELEASE
    D-Street at Downtown Disney® WestSide in Florida:

  • Vinylmation™ – BakeryJUNE 10, 2011
    PRODUCT RELEASE
    D-Street at Downtown Disney® WestSide in Florida:
  • Vinylmation™ – Urban #6 – 9-inch Figure – “Moai Statue” by Casey Jones (Edition Size 800)
  • Vinylmation™ – Urban #6 – 9-inch & 3-inch Figure – “Angel & Devil” by Thomas Scott (Edition Size 1000)SEPTEMBER 11, 2011
    EVENT
    World ShowPlace at Epcot® :
    Take a trip back to the Walt Disney World® Resort “preview center” for a Disney Trading event at Epcot®. Click Here for additional details. Registration for this hard-ticket event is now open.
    • Vinyl + Animation = Vinylmation (chipandco.com)
    • Disney Afternoon Comes To Vinylmation (chipandco.com)
    Disneyland and Disney World Vinylmation Event Calendar for Summer 2011

    Toys”R”Us Revs Up to Celebrate Disney-Pixar’s Big-Screen Adventure Cars 2

    Toys"R"Us Revs Up to Celebrate Disney-Pixar's Big-Screen Adventure Cars 2

    As Disney-Pixar’s Cars 2 prepares to speed into theaters on Friday, June 24, Toys”R”Us® stores are helping kids join the “Race Around the World” by creating the ultimate Cars 2-inspired “racetrack” boutiques in nearly 1,300 toy stores across the globe. Beginning June 1, United States fans can jump behind the wheel in-store and online at Toysrus.com/Cars2 to find these “racetracks” which offer the largest assortment of Cars 2 toys, including wood and diecast replicas of Cars characters, R/C vehicles, construction sets, playsets, musical instruments and electronic devices, including special Cars 2 product lines that are available exclusively at Toys”R”Us stores worldwide. Cars 2 “racetracks” will also open in Toys”R”Us stores internationally, coinciding with the movie’s release in each respective country.

    “With its unique blend of humor, spy-themed fun and unforgettable new characters, we anticipate that Cars 2 will capture the imaginations of kids and parents who want to bring home the adventure from this animated feature film,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, U.S. “Toys”R”Us is the ultimate destination for the broadest and most differentiated selection of toys based on characters from Cars 2, including Lightning McQueen and Mater.”

    “Since Cars first rolled into theaters, kids and kids at heart have sought Cars-inspired toys to recreate favorite scenes from the films and deepen their relationship with favorite characters,” said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president, Global Toys, Disney Consumer Products. “From classic wood track sets and collectible diecast cars to customized vehicles and construction sets, Toys”R”Us boasts an expansive Cars 2 toy line with extensive variety including innovative, exclusive items that offer something for everyone.”

    Toys”R”Us Stores in the United States Start Their Engines

    Now at the starting line, Cars 2 has received dedicated space at the front of every Toys”R”Us store in the United States. Inviting kids to join a “Race Around the World,” just like in the film, each “racetrack” features images of new characters introduced in this epic adventure alongside Lightning McQueen and his best friend, Mater. New international characters also make an appearance in displays at Toys”R”Us stores, including Francesco Bernoulli, an Italian Formula Racer champion; Raoul ÇaRoule, known as the “World’s Greatest Rally Car” from France; Nigel Gearsley, a cool, refined racer from England; Jeff Gorvette, a great American racecar; and Shu Todoroki, a Le Motor Prototype from Japan. Fans should also note that Toys”R”Us stores nationwide will receive regular shipments of new Cars 2 merchandise throughout the year. The company’s international flagship store, Toys”R”Us Times Square, also features a dedicated “racetrack” near the store’s main entrance on 44th Street and Broadway to showcase Cars 2 products.

    In the weeks leading up to the film’s June 24 theatrical release in the United States, Toys”R”Us is kicking into overdrive with deals on a variety of Cars 2 toys, games and more. Taking first position, customers who purchase $25 worth of Cars and Cars 2 merchandise from Sunday, June 19 to Saturday, June 25 will receive $10 in complimentary Cars 2 movie cash, while supplies last. For additional details, customers should check the company’s newspaper circulars. Cars 2 fans will also be treated to additional special promotions at Toys”R”Us stores throughout the year.

    Taking A Road Trip To Babies”R”Us®

    As part of the Cars 2 celebration, Babies”R”Us stores in the United States are now showcasing a carefully selected assortment of Cars 2 merchandise geared toward younger children. Featured in Cars 2 “racetracks,” the collection focuses on bedding, feeding, bath time and more featuring Cars 2 characters. Additionally, the “racetracks” include Cars 2 playthings for the tiniest of tikes, such as the Cars 2 Imaginext® line from Fisher-Price®.

    Hitting the Digital Road

    To help prepare kids and collectors for the theatrical arrival of Cars 2, Toysrus.com/Cars2 has become an online destination for all things related to Cars 2-inspired products. Beyond offering a broad assortment of Cars 2 toys and games, the site also features content that race fans crave, including videos highlighting the hottest Cars 2 products.

    “Race Around The World” – Driving Toward Toys”R”Us Stores Across the Globe

    As Cars 2 opens in theaters internationally, Toys”R”Us stores around the world will also celebrate the film’s arrival with dedicated “racetracks.” These special shops in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and additional countries will offer special product lines available only at Toys”R”Us stores worldwide, including the DisneyPixar Cars 2 Wood Collection, DisneyPixar Cars 2 Color Changers™, the DisneyPixar Cars 2 Imaginext® toy line from Fisher Price®, and a special line of DisneyPixar Cars 2 RIDEMAKERZ only available at Toys”R”Us.

    Fueling Up with Exclusive Products

    In addition to the broadest assortment of toys based on Cars 2, kids will find dozens of unique Cars 2 items available exclusively at Toys”R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/Cars2. Selected highlights of the differentiated Cars 2 product line, including examples from the unique lines available only in Toys”R”Us stores around the world, include:

    Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Wood Collection Rainbow Bridge from Toys”R”Us

    The Cars Wood Collection expands to include the world of Cars 2 with new characters and two new playsets, including the Rainbow Bridge from Japan. Kids can speed through the first leg of the World Grand Prix with the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge playset, complete with a colorful light sequence that activates as Lightning McQueen races over the bridge. The set comes complete with the illuminating Tokyo Rainbow Bridge, two ascending wooden track pieces, two wooden ramp pieces and a World Grand Prix Lightning McQueen vehicle. 3 AG13 batteries required (included). Ages 3 years and up.

    Disney-Pixar Cars 2 RIDEMAKERZ Starter Kit from RIDEMAKERZ, LLC

    Now kids can pretend they’re running Ramone’s Paint and Body Art Store as they trick out their favorite Cars 2 characters, including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Finn McMissile and Francesco Bernoulli. The starter kit comes with everything kids need to begin customizing their favorite characters, including a body, four tires, a spoiler and more. Additional parts are sold separately, allowing fans to build their dream machine. No batteries required. Ages 4 years and up.

    DisneyPixar Cars 2 Color Changers™ Color Splash Speedway from Mattel®

    Color Changers lets kids give their favorite Cars characters new paint jobs by running them through warm or icy cold water. Just in time for a super-secret spy mission, racers can create the ultimate disguise by changing their colors as they speed through this circular, double lane track set. Kids can zoom the Finn McMissile car (included) around the track before dunking him in a pool of water for a full paint job, or they can jump through the water tower for a customized look. And don’t forget you can spin dry before driving off to your next mission.  No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.

    Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Imaginext™ Mater’s Spy Garage from Fisher-Price®

    Imaginext® brings the world of Cars to younger kids with bigger pieces that can easily fit into small hands. Junior spies can find out what secrets are stored in Mater’s garage with this two-sided set that comes with everyone’s favorite tow truck. First, kids can drive Mater over the “tire scanner” to open the garage door before revealing a world of gear, including pop-up binoculars and snap-on spy equipment, as well as a working vehicle lift, elevator and crane. No batteries required. Ages 3 – 8 years.

    Disney-Pixar Cars Power Wheels™ Mater from Fisher-Price®

    Kids can jump behind the wheel of one of their favorite Cars characters with this battery-powered version of Mater. Featuring English and Spanish phrases, Mater springs to life allowing children to drive up to 2 MPH, forward and in reverse, on grass and pavement. Additionally, a single push-button operation and wide door openings make the vehicle accessible for toddlers. 6V battery required (included). Ages 12 – 36 months.

    Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Mater Golf from Hasbro® Games

    Golf fans can bring mini golf indoors and putt around with Mater with this all-in-one golf set. Players sink their shot underneath Mater, using the two included golf clubs and golf balls, and then Mater sends the balls back for the next hole. Keeping score is easy with a point counter on the putter, and the clubs snap into the game for easy storage when play time is done. Now kids can “Git-R-Done” with a hole in one! No batteries required. Ages 3 years and up.

    Disney-Pixar Cars 2 Tokyo International Circuit from LEGO® Systems, Inc.

    Building toward race time has never been more fun than with this LEGO set that lets children construct one of the signature speedways of Cars 2. Based on the pit area of the Tokyo International Circuit, the set comes with 842 pieces that can build three pit areas and the starting line area, as well as eight cars, including the World Grand Prix Lightning McQueen, Francesco Bernoulli and Japanese racer, Shu Todoroki. No batteries required. Ages 8 – 12 years.

    Disney-Pixar’s Cars 2 (in U.S. theaters June 24, 2011)

    Toys"R"Us Revs Up to Celebrate Disney-Pixar's Big-Screen Adventure Cars 2

    Disney STEP Classic 2012 Dates Announced

    Disney STEP Classic 2012 Dates Announced

    A high-energy and highly memorable experience awaits your step team at the 2012 Disney STEP Classic, hosted by Disney Youth Programs! We are excited to announce that next year’s competition dates are February 18-19, 2012.

    I am also thrilled to announce that we have decided to add a new age group to the competition: 14 & Under. There will still be the traditional 18 & Up and 19 & Under age groups.

    Participating teams will have the magical opportunity to perform on stage in the Premier Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well as attend Master STEP Workshops provided by the National Step Show Alliance (N.S.S.A.). These workshops will help improve technical proficiency and teach the fundamentals of stepping. Participants will also, of course, have the chance to enjoy the magic of all four Walt Disney World Resort parks! Here is a look at the event:

    To stay up-to-date with Disney STEP Classic, please visit their Facebook page.

    If you have ever participated in Disney STEP Classic, please tell us your story in the comments below.

    Source Disney Parks Blog

    Disney STEP Classic 2012 Dates Announced

    Disney STEP Classic 2012 Dates Announced

    Coming Soon Lion King Bluray, 3D, DVD, Digital Download, and in theaters

    Coming Soon Lion King Bluray, 3D, DVD, Digital Download, and in theaters

    The wait is over! For the first time ever, experience the majesty of Disney’s epic animated masterpiece as it roars off the screen and into your living room on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D! With a spectacular digital picture, spine-tingling high definition sound and immersive bonus features, you will feel the love for this critically acclaimed and universally beloved classic like never before!
    The Lion King on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack Blu-ray™ 3D and Movie Download Fall 2011.

    Note from Anonymouse:

    No official word yet but it also looks like they are releasing Lion King on Bluray on October 4th. As an added bonus I hear Disney is going to be re-releasing the Lion King in 3D to theaters starting September 16th.

    Stay tuned to C&C for complete details.

    Become a fan on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing
    Pre-order here: http://amzn.to/epzX3G
    Official website: http://bit.ly/f2qih9

    Coming Soon Lion King Bluray, 3D, DVD, Digital Download, and in theaters

    Disney’s Grand Gathering: The Experiences

    Disney's Grand Gathering: The Experiences

    If you’re traveling in a Grand Gathering, you have the option to enjoy exclusive experiences only for parties of 8 or more. Yes, these have an additional charge but they are wonderful experiences designed to delight everyone in your travel party.

    International Dinner and IllumiNations Desert Reception: Enjoy a buffet dinner with international cuisine (from five different nations) while you are entertained with live music and storytelling. Keep an eye out for some of your favorite characters, you never know who might drop by! After dinner, your feast continues with a dessert buffet while you view “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” from an exclusive reserved area.

    Safari Celebration Dinner: At the end of the day you’ll be taken on a ride through Kilimanjaro Safari, followed by dinner at the Tusker House Restaurant. This African inspired meal is all you care to eat and is served family style. Don’t forget your cameras and autograph books because during dinner you’ll meet and great Mickey and all his safari friends.

    Good Morning Gathering: Enjoy a family style, all you care to eat breakfast at Tony’s Town Square at the Magic Kingdom. Meet Mickey and all your favorite Disney characters, take pictures, get autographs and join your friends in a dance party! Tony himself hosts this magical breakfast and will give you preferred entry to Mickey’s PhilharMagic.

    There is an additional charge for these Grand Gathering experiences, but the price is all inclusive, including gratuities. Rates vary by the experience and your travel dates. These experiences require advanced reservations and payment. Separate park admission is required for these events as is not included in the cost of the Grand Gathering experience. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, you can utilize 2 of your table service credits per person for your Grand Gathering experience.

    Disney's Grand Gathering: The Experiences

    Disney’s Grand Gatherings: Explanations and Tips

    Disney's Grand Gatherings: Explanations and Tips

    The term “Grand Gathering” can cause a lot of confusion when it comes to your Walt Disney World vacation. There always seems to be confusion about what a Grand Gathering is, how it’s different than a normal reservation and what it entails, so let’s take a look at the basics and some tips to make your next Grand Gathering truly magical.

    A “Grand Gathering” is Disney’s term to describe a group of 8 people (or more) traveling together. Any mixture of family and friends (with a total of 8 people) is considered a Grand Gathering.

    No, you will not receive discounts for being a “group”. A group, by Disney’s definition is something entirely different and requires a much larger travel party. To be considered a group (and be eligible for exclusive discounts) the reservation requires a minimum of 10 rooms. A group and a Grand Gathering are not the same thing.

    There are some differences in the booking process for a Grand Gathering as opposed to a normal reservation. If you are booking directly with Disney, they will direct you to the Grand Gatherings department, which specializes in….you guessed it, Grand Gatherings. The booking process is very much the same, however you’ll be able to give your Gathering a name, and when you call for payments, changes and dining reservations, you will deal with a specialist in the Grand Gathering department. The Grand Gathering department will also be able to assist you in booking adjoining or connecting rooms at your resort (if you wish!). Your travel documents and all the magical extras will remain the same, nothing changes because you are a Grand Gathering.

    Keep in mind that many travel agencies that specialize in Disney travel offer booking incentives for Grand Gatherings and may offer you additional perks for booking your Disney Grand Gathering through them. The package price when 8 or more people are traveling is usually higher than your average family, so agencies are able to provide additional promotional items for larger travel parties. This of course, depends on the agency (and the agent) and is by no means a standard in the industry.

    Disney does offer something special experiences exclusive for Grand Gatherings. You can choose from several exclusive experiences (each with their own pricing which changes during peak and non-peak travel dates) including: International dinner & Illuminations dessert reception at EPCOT, a safari celebration dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or a good morning gathering at Tony’s Town Square in the Magic Kingdom. Each event has something different to offer, to see details click here.

    So now you know the basics, to make your Grand Gathering worry free, I recommend booking your gathering through a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations, check out our friends at Pixie Vacations!

    Traveling with friends and extended families isn’t always as “grand” as you might expect. There are challenges to every travel party, here are some tips to make sure your gathering is “grand”!

    • It’s everyone’s vacation! You must consider the wants and desires of every member in your travel party, it’s their vacation too!
    • Everyone has their own ideas of what will make your gathering “grand”. Some people prefer for everyone to stay together all the time, some groups like to break up during the day and meet for dinner, the possibilities are endless so make sure you discuss the plan for your group BEFORE you reach the parks!
    • Decide which meals you will be eating together BEFORE you book your dining reservations. Your options can become slightly limited when dining in a larger party, so make sure you know what your top picks for dining are and be flexible with your dining demands so you can accommodate everyone in your party.
    • Decide on a meeting place, if your group is going to split up during the day, determine a meeting place and time to gather BEFORE you split up. It’s much easier to say “be at __________ at _______” than to try to meet at the last minute. This eliminates a lot of phone calls, confusion and aggravation when you need to get back to your group.
    • Set realistic expectations-remember that traveling in a larger party will inevitably slow down your pace, especially if you’re traveling with small children. When you are making your park plans, set realistic goals for what you want to accomplish and experience.
    • Last but not least, remember to pack your patience and leave your temper at home. Being frustrated with your family and arguing won’t make anyone’s trip magical. Be understanding to everyone’s needs and wants and accept that not every family travels the same, have fun learning everyone’s travel style and maybe you can improve your own!
    Disney's Grand Gatherings: Explanations and Tips

    Disney World Play Areas: Hollywood Studios

    Disney World Play Areas: Hollywood Studios

    Unlike the play areas in the other parks or resorts, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the only playground in the park is a movie set.  Inspired by the movie from 1989, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” HIStK the  movie set adventure, represents the  popular children’s movies when DHS opened (as MGM Studios) in 1991.  And, though the movie has lost much of it’s relevance, the play area is still going strong in the Studios.

    With 11,000 square feet of play area geared towards little ones and preschoolers, anyone passing through becomes the size of a bug, looking up to 40 ft tall bumblebees, 30 ft tall blades of grass, and slides made from oversized film strips.  Also in this play area are spraying water hoses, sure to cool off anyone on a hot summer day.  In the movie set adventure, you’ll find your way through toys, and grass, to come out back to your normal size.

    This attraction can also inspire another article entitled “attractions in desperate need of a makeover.”

    One bit of warning while this attraction has one exit keep an eye on your kids in the tunnels as you can get separated from the very quickly.

     

     

    2011 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Details

    Kristen Hoetzel Photography
    Kristen Hoetzel Photography

    This fall the World Showcase will host the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The food and wine festival is a popular event that celebrates your favorite culinary delights. If you have never experienced the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival here are some highlights that you can look forward to:

    • Tasting of regional food, beer and wines around the World Showcase (there are approximately 25 kiosks offering foods from 6 continents).
    • Participate in seminars and demonstrations from world renown chefs, winemakers and guest speakers. Some seminars may be subject to a nominal fee, schedule and rates have not yet been released.
    • The festival welcome center is where you can grab a glass of champagne or wine, enjoy a seminar, a book signing and enjoy exclusive festival shopping (look for great cookbooks!)
    • The Eat to the Beat Concert series is a perfect side dish to the festival festivities and provides a variety of live entertainment throughout the festival.

    2011 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up (subject to change)

    • Taylor Dayne: 9/30-10/2/11
    • 38 Special: 10/3-5/11
    • Jon Secada: 10/6-7/11
    • Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp: 10/8-9/11
    • Billy Ocean: 10/10-12/11
    • Starship starring Mickey Thomas: 10/13-16/11
    • Sugar Ray: 10/17-19/11
    • The Orchestra starring former members of ELO: 10/20-21/11
    • Howard Jones: 10/22-23/11
    • Boyz II Men: 10/24-26/11
    • Gin Blossoms: 10/27-28/11
    • Sister Hazel: 10/29-30/11
    • Hanson: 10/31-11/1/11
    • The Pointer Sisters: 11/2-3/11
    • Night Ranger: 11/4-6/11
    • Air Supply: 11/7-8/11
    • Richard Marx: 11/9-10/11
    • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: 11/11-13/11

    If you have an appetite for big savings, don’t miss out on the exclusive Pixie Pricing for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Offer valid October 5, 2011 through October 10, 2011 (dates may be extended to include September 30th through October 4th and October 11th through October 15th) Packages offer a 30-40% savings!

    Sample Pricing Includes:
    Travel Party-2 Adults
    7-Night Stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    6-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket
    Disney’s Plus Dining Plan
    1-Day Ticket into Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach or Disney Quest
    TOTAL: $2,206.78

    All bookings must be made by September 1, 2011
    Payment due in full at time of booking
    Minimum 2-day package required
    Mention booking code EIFWF11
    Days may be added to the beginning or end of your package, subject to availability
    Rooms are standard view, upgrades subject to availability

    Book with Pixie Vacations in May or June (for travel anytime) and be entered into a drawing for a $250 Disney Gift Card! Michele@PixieVacations for your free quote or Pixie Vacations.com

    2011 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Details

    Disney Parade Viewing Spots from a Wheelchair

    Disney Parade Viewing Spots from a Wheelchair

    One of my favorite things at Walt Disney World are the parades. It is a great opportunity to take a break and grab a snack. Plus if you are limited on the amounts of attractions you can ride its a great way to spend the afternoon or evening and see some great characters.

    Walt Disney World has designated areas for wheelchairs along all of the parade routes. The areas are marked on the guide maps you pick up at the front of the park and the disabled guest guide maps you can pick up at guest services. The symbol marking where the wheelchair areas are located is red with a P and the International Wheelchair Symbol. This does not mean this is the only place you can view the parade but I find it to be more comfortable because you don’t have so many people standing around you.

    My biggest piece of advice is to get there early, especially if you want a good view from the front. The wheelchair areas tend to fill up fast and there are only so many spots. We usually get there about 40 to 30 minutes early, depending on crowd levels.

    As with most things I have encountered at Disney, they go out of there way to make things as accessible as they can be. There is always a cast member at the wheelchair parade areas making sure as many people as possible can fit and entertaining everyone while they wait. If you are lucky enough to be up front you will be rewarded with some great character interaction. Below are some of my favorite parade viewing spots in Walt Disney World.

    1. Celebrate a Dream Come True –  Liberty Square Area
    2. Main Street Electrical Parade – The hub in front of Cinderella Castle
    3. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade – Africa
    4. Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun – Near the Sorcerer’s Hat

    Melissa or Mel can be found on her website Disney on Wheels or on her Facebook here.

    Disney Parade Viewing Spots from a Wheelchair

    Top 5 Places to Find Unique Merchandise at Disney World

    Top 5 Places to Find Unique Merchandise at Disney World

    Many stores in WDW tend to sell the same type of merchandise. For shoppers, this can be frustrating; but fortunately there are a some stores in WDW that sell unique merchandise that is difficult to find anywhere else on property. Here are my top 5 favorite places to find unique merchandise at WDW.

    1. World Showcase: All of the shops found in Epcot’s  World Showcase nations offer merchandise native to their individual countries. Here you can find souvenirs, candy, jewelry, perfume, and more from all around the world without ever leaving Florida! This location is a shopaholic’s dream!
    2. Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Unlike other Disney Resorts, the Grand Floridian has a variety of shops that offer both typical merchandise you can find everywhere and unique merchandise. Our favorite items to purchase at Grand Floridian are Disney Dooney and Bourke bags and Grand Floridian bathrobes! With the variety of shops and different merchandise, this resort is a shopping destination within itself.
    3. Hollywood Studios: At the exit of many of Hollywood Studios attractions are gift shops selling unique merchandise reflecting the ride itself and its characters. For example, at the exit of Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Star Tours, you will find Aerosmith souvenirs and Star Wars merchandise! Tower of Terror also has a gift shop selling Twilight Zone products, Tower of Terror bathrobes, hotel keys, and other hotel items with the Tower of Terror logo! Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular also has a shop selling replica Indy hats, jackets, and posters around the corner from the show. Finally, one of our favorites is a little shack near the park’s entrance known as Sid Cahuenga’s. This shop sells film posters and autographed photos of major celebrities, past and present. It’s a definite stop for any movie buff!
    4. Test Track: After exiting Test Track, you will be ushered into a showroom where you can get a glimpse of new cars that have been released! Guests are free to even sit in the cars and peer through the windows; and there are individuals nearby to answer any questions you might have about the cars. Who knew you could car shop at Disney World? There is also a gift shop selling Test Track themed merchandise, as well as hats, t-shirts, and more displaying different auto brand logos. Ladies, this is one shopping destination that men will enjoy!
    5. Resorts: Disney’s deluxe resorts are known to have a variety unique merchandise that reflect their resorts that can’t be found anywhere else.  Two of our favorites are Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Zwadi Marketplace and Wilderness Lodge’s Wilderness Mercantile. Zwadi sells great resort souvenirs, as well as carved animals, baskets, drums, and other African influenced items. Wilderness Mercantile sells great jackets and tees with the Lodge’s logo, as well resort artwork, carved souvenirs, natural beauty products, and plush characters in wilderness apparel.

    So what are your favorite places to find unique Merchandise at Walt Disney World?

    Let me know in the comment box below.

    >>Savannah

    Top 5 Places to Find Unique Merchandise at Disney World

    Special U.S. Military Rates on Disney Cruise Line

    Special U.S. Military Rates on Disney Cruise Line

    In honor of the brave men and women who serve this country, Disney Cruise Line is proud to offer special military rates on select Disney cruises setting sail through December 2011.

    Current Offer: 14-Night Westbound Transatlantic, sailing on September 10, 2011. Category 09D rooms available, rates starting at $50 per person, per night.

    Calling all U.S. military personnel: Cast off on an unforgettable adventure for the entire family! Be dazzled by Broadway-caliber song-and-dance spectaculars and discover a plethora of exciting, Disney-themed activities and experiences for kids, teens, adults and families. Feast on a culinary confection of the finest and freshest food at sea while experiencing Disney’s unique and convenient Rotational Dining. Drop anchor at Disney’s very own private island paradise, Castaway Cay, and enjoy the legendary hospitality and commitment to excellence that Disney is known for—each and every day of your vacation.

    Rates are available to book from Monday, May 23, 2011 through Sunday, May 29, 2011. Rates are per person based on double occupancy on the categories noted. Other categories are available at higher prices. Rates are in U.S. dollars and are not combinable with other discounts or offers.

    Special Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel, including U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Department of Defense personnel. Active and retired members of the U.S. military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. This offer is limited to a maximum of 3 staterooms per military member, per sailing. A U.S. Military service member is required to sail to take advantage of this offer. Activated members of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify).

    To take advantage of this offer, be sure to enter the special booking code “MTO” when booking your cruise.

    Government taxes will vary by itinerary and are in addition to the below rates. Third and fourth Guest prices valid with 2 full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rates may vary by sail date and category. Other restrictions may apply. Limited to 50 staterooms. Other categories and sail dates may be available. Effective 2/7/11, DCL will only accept new bookings under the Military promotion, new bookings only.

    For your free quote or for more information email [email protected].

    *When you book with Pixie Vacations in May or June (For travel anytime) you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $250 Disney gift card!*

    Special U.S. Military Rates on Disney Cruise Line

    Top 5 Disney World Attractions With the Best Lines

    Top 5 Disney World Attractions With the Best Lines

    Standing in line at Disney World can be a pain. It is hot, you see strange things in line, and if you have kids they can get quite antsy. While Disney do anything about long lines (especially in the summer) here are the top 5 Disney World Attractions With the Best Lines.

    1. Haunted Mansion: This attraction’s line recently underwent renovation and now it is interactive! While waiting, you can be entertained with a spooky organ that you can play with, a mysterious book that writes by itself, and more! In this line, you are also entertained by hilarious epitaphs in the graveyard. This line will keep you and your kids entertained while you wait and sets the stage for the ride.

    2. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: For me, waiting in line for Tower of Terror is just as entertaining as the ride itself! You immediately feel as if you have walked into an episode of the Twilight Zone when you walk through the hotel’s empty, unkempt courtyard; but my favorite waiting area is the lobby which truly looks like an old hotel lobby, frozen in time. No matter how many times I’ve walked through here, I see something new every time. The careful attention to detail only continues when you enter the hotel library where Rod Serling, the host of the Twilight Zone television series, explains via video that you are now in an episode of the show and are about to enter the Twilight Zone. Even the windows in the library flash with lightning during the video! Your final waiting area is the boiler room, where the boilers are glowing and tools, coal, and belongings of the workers are scattered below the catwalk. Before you board the maintenance service elevator, take notice of the generators nearby which are flickering and make you wonder if this is such a good idea…

    3. Expedition Everest: Like Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest has one of the best lines to wait in. The story of this attraction is that you are joining an expedition team in Asia who is researching the mythical Yeti in the Himalayas. The line weaves inside and out of a research base located in an Asian village. This line is packed full of details, like the research base’s equipment and supplies, as well as photos of the research team, a small Yeti museum, and a idol to the Yeti where villages have placed food sacrifices.

    4. It’s Tough to Be a Bug: This 3-D show based off of Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life” is usually loved or hated by Disney guests, but the waiting area is always a hit. This attraction is located inside of the Tree of Life; and the line begins outside around the base of the tree, giving guests a close up look at Animal Kingdom’s breathtaking icon. This ride usually doesn’t have much of a wait; but if it does, you won’t be bored with this view! This is also a great time to snap some photos. The waiting area eventually leads inside the Tree of Life where you will experience what it’s like to be the size of a bug with the giant pebbles and tree roots around and overhead. Throughout the waiting area, be sure to pay attention to the posters advertising what characters and acts you will see in the show!

    5. Rock n’ Rollercoaster:  The waiting area for the attraction is made to resemble a working recording studio by the name of G-Force Records. The line is boring until you get inside. Be sure to notice the columns that resemble guitar necks and the details in the floor, ceiling, and doors. You will also see a display of recording and music equipment that has been used through the history of the music industry, as well as vintage Rock n’ Roll posters. Disney often shows videos that help to tell the story, and Rock n’ Roller Coaster’s is the best as you witness a projection of the members of Aerosmith in a recording session who invite you along to their concert. You are then ushered into a replica parking garage which is made to look as if it outdoors. This area is chock full of rock music references. Be sure to notice them before you board your limo!

    Top 5 Disney World Attractions With the Best Lines
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