Wednesday with Walt: One Big, Happy Disney Community

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September 21, 2011

Wednesday with Walt: One Big, Happy Disney Community

One week from today I will be back at what I fondly refer to as my second home. Back to the place Walt dreamed of during his many flyovers in Florida. I will be visiting attractions he formed in his mind from thin air to bring joy to people’s lives. I will sit on the bench that honors Walt’s brother, Roy, who followed through on Walt’s dream after he passed on. I will feel the feeling of being with other Disney lovers on the streets of Main Street USA and Hollywood Boulevard. I will hug Mickey Mouse, the world’s greatest ambassador of good will. All these things I will enjoy because one man did not give up on his dreams and he pushed forward to create a wonderful family place; and all these things because those he loved loved him so much they wanted to see his dream come true.

My friend and fellow C&C writer, Ken, “hit the nail on the head” when he described just what Walt Disney World means to people like us. He said as he was walking down Main Street USA for the first time he thought, “I have finally found MY place!” That is exactly how we all feel, isn’t it? It is the place where everything is beautiful, clean, friendly, fun and welcoming. It is the place we think of when we think of a better world. We can’t wait to visit and, once we are home, we can’t wait to go back. At work, I’m already having short-timers disease, meaning that all I can think about is my vacation next week. So, I have to consciously keep myself on track.

There are so many sites dedicated to Walt, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Friends, and even a facebook page for all of us “Disney Addicts.” Each one is loaded with posts from people who feel the same way I do. We even find comfort in each other, knowing that there are others that think just like us.

I know a family in Texas. My husband and I were best friends with the couple during high school. They eventually got married and the man went to work for the light company. After working together for a couple of years, the light company guys grew so close that they, along with their wives and subsequently their families began doing everything together on the weekends. They became one big happy family. When a new subdivision was built in their city, many of them bought homes right next to each other. They formed their own little “mini community,” knowing that they liked their neighbors and wanted to share their lives with each other. For years they have all been as happy as clams.

I believe that all of the Disney Addicts would like to build a Disney Fan, USA in some location somewhere close to the Magic Kingdom and all live there together – each of us surrounded by people like us (the crazy people who go on the same vacation year after year, and sometimes multiple times a year). Until that day, we will all continue to visit our happy place and meet more and more Disney Addicts and friends from all over the world.

Walt wanted people from all over the world to live in community with one another. If Walt was alive, I think he would love the Disney Fan, USA idea … and I think he would move right in!

Disney’s “The Lion King 3D” #1 at the Box Office

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 20, 2011

DISNEY’S THE LION KING REIGNS ONCE AGAIN

3D Release Takes Top Spot With $30 Million Domestic Gross; Beloved Tale Continues to Captivate Global Audiences on Screen and Stage

BURBANK, Calif. – September 19, 2011 –The Circle of Life continues as The Walt Disney Studios’ The Lion King 3D opened at #1 in theaters this weekend with an estimated gross of $30 million. The Lion King is now the third highest-grossing animated film of all time at the domestic box office. This release of The Lion King marks the fifth biggest September opening in industry history, the second biggest September opening in Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures history, and the first reissue to open #1 in 14 years. The film will remain in theaters for a limited engagement ahead of its Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™ premiere on October 4.
Meanwhile, the London production of the hugely popular stage show recently celebrated its 5000th performance on September 13. The award-winning musical is also preparing to launch its Spanish premiere in Madrid, the largest stage musical ever presented in Spain. Opening October 21 at Lope de Vega Theatre, it is the first time the musical has been performed in the Spanish language. Since opening in 1997, The Lion King has been performing to sold-out crowds on Broadway with a remarkable 5,757 shows thus far.
“The Lion King has proven again and again the transcendent power of great stories and characters,” said Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “From the screen to the stage, this timeless classic continues to touch the hearts of audiences of all ages around the world.”

Notable Facts:
First released in 1994, The Lion King is the third highest-grossing animated film of all time with $358.6 at the domestic box office (includes all releases), the highest-grossing traditional hand-drawn animated film of all time, and the highest-grossing film from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The Lion King is the top-performing home entertainment release ever. The Blu-ray™ debut marks the first time it has been available in any form since 2004.
The Lion King is Disney’s best-selling soundtrack. It received Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (10x platinum). Only four other soundtracks in history have been certified Diamond.

Best of The Lion King, a collection of songs from and inspired by the films and the show, is currently the #3 soundtrack on iTunes.
The Lion King has won 2 Academy Awards®, 3 Golden Globes®, 6 Tony Awards® and 3 Grammys®, among other accolades, including over 70 major theatrical honors worldwide.
The stage show has been seen by more than 60 million people worldwide, grossing over $4.6 billion in 18 productions across 14 countries, spanning 5 continents and 8 languages.
Current productions include Broadway, North American Tour, Las Vegas, London, Hamburg, Tokyo and Singapore.
The Lion King opened on Broadway in 1997 and in January 2011 became its seventh longest-running show ever; it continues to be one of the highest-grossing on a weekly basis.
The North American tour recently completed a record-breaking, sold-out, 32-show premiere engagement at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Montreal, grossing more than $7 million – the highest-grossing theatrical production in the venue’s history.

ABOUT “THE LION KING”
An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music sets the stage for The Lion King, a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of “Hakuna Matata,” Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the “Circle of Life.” The all-star vocal talents—including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume, Cheech Marin and Moira Kelly—rip-roaring comedy and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty and hope make this a timeless tale for all ages. Produced by Don Hahn and directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff from a script by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton, The Lion King is rated G by the MPAA.

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel; and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live-action films from DreamWorks Studios. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!. For more information, visit www.waltdisneystudios.com.

Good Eats – Best Breakfast Item at Tusker House

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 20, 2011

Good Eats - Best Breakfast Item at Tusker House

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and finding a good breakfast at Walt Disney World isn’t all that hard. But finding something a little less traditional than eggs, bacon and Mickey waffles might be a bit more of a challenge. That is why I love Tusker House. The breakfast menu is anything but traditional and very memorable!

The best breakfast item at the Tusker House is the Cheese Blintz with the Fruit Compote! What is a Cheese Blintz you say? They are an egg based pancake that is almost crepe like, filled with a sweet cheese in the center and rolled up like a burrito. After they roll the filling up they are neatly pan fried until firm on the outside. They are served warm with either a cherry topping or cinnamon apple topping! These are great for picky eaters because they are so sweet, they are practically dessert. And who doesn’t love dessert for breakfast?!

The Cheese Blintz’ at the Tusker House can be found on the right side of the buffet (if facing it) with the fruit compote right beside it! To be completely honest, I load up on these during our breakfast there and hardly touch anything else. They are that good! These are something you do not want to miss on your next trip to Walt Disney World!

‘The Lone Ranger’ Could Ride Again with Disney

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 19, 2011

Just as things were beginning to look bleak for Disney’s adaption of ‘The Lone Ranger’, news suggests that the Ranger, and his sidekick Tonto, may still get the chance to ride with Disney.

Continue

The Buddies are Back in a Spooktacular Adventure!

By

Chip

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September 19, 2011

SPOOKY BUDDIES premieres on Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Download from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on September 20th!

For a goulish good time, catch Rosebud, B-Dawg, Buddah, Budderball, and Mudbud in their all-new Halloween-themed movie! SPOOKY BUDDIES continues the overwhelmingly popular franchise that features the adorable talking puppies, with action, laughs, and fast-paced adventure. We’ve got some assets to help spread the word.
SPOOKY BUDDIES Dog Biscuit Recipe, Family Night Viewing Party Tips, and Activity Sheet

Available for Download, here: http://tinyurl.com/SpkyBudAssets.

Facebook Embed
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Disney’s Spooky Buddies Coming to Bluray September 20th (chipandco.com)
Mickey’s ‘Spooktacular’ In-Room Celebration Returns to the Walt Disney World Resort (chipandco.com)

The Buddies are Back in a Spooktacular Adventure!

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For September 19th

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 19, 2011

Fall is sneaking up on us folks!! Even here in southern Arizona the temps are all the way down to the mid 90’s so it’s time to dig out the winter coats and snow shovels. Only kidding, I’ve only seen snow here 3 times in 27 years!! Enough about here, let’s look at those places we all love to visit in our week in review, the Disney venues!! This is just a sampling of what we present every day so be sure to stop by Chip and Company as often as you are able to see just how much information is available.

We all know we can’t be at Walt Disney World all of the time but for the rest of this week, our fearless leader Chip will be at his favorite place streaming and tweeting and Facebooking – Oh My!! So if you want to join him, feel free to Follow Chip and Co on Vacation at Disney World. You can find out how by reading the article.
One of our favorite events at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and we attend every time we are there during the fall. If you need specifics you can find them in Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns Sept. 13 with 23 Nights of Halloween Fun so check it out and have fun!!
Anonymouse is doing her/his best to find out if anything will be happening at the Magic Kingdom (or anywhere else) on October 1st for the 40th anniversary. So far there has been some teasing so if you want to find out what we know you should read Disney Confidential – Special Event planned for Disney World 40th Anniversary to see what, if anything is planned.
The Florida Project event is finished for this year and a summary of the highlights is listed in Highlights from The Florida Project Event at Epcot. Take some time to look it over to see what’s coming.
I think we are all aware of the fun aspects of the Walt Disney Company but I’m not sure we all realize that they are also a company with a conscience and are interested in the health and welfare of future generations. Yopu can find out about the role Disney Consumer Products plays in Disney Makes Healthy Living Fun With New ‘D-Lightful Living’ Program To Help Families Make Better Health & Nutrition Choice so give it a read and see where they are heading!!
Everything can’t be bubbly and cheerful here because sometimes Disney announces things we don’t all agree with. It is now happening at Epcot ant the particulars can be found here in No More “Opening Ceremony” at Epcot? Are you happy or sad about these events?
For our October travelers (me included) it’s important that we know what is and is not going to be available for our visits. So here is the Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule October 2011and the Disney World Refurbishment Schedule October 2011 so you can see what will be open/closed for your trip.
I think we all knew that Cars 2 was a big hit but I wonder how many of us realized that Disney/Pixar’s “Cars 2″ Ranks #1 at the Domestic Box Office Among This Year’s Animated Titles, you might be surprised at the particulars.
It’s not just Walt Disney World that goes all out for Halloween, but our friends at the Disneyland Resort have their own set of festivities. Disneyland may not be the same size and scope as Walt Disney World, but believe me they know how to do it right. The specifics can be found in Treats, Not Tricks, at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park so feel free to check it out.
As we have mentioned, the new Aulani resort in Hawaii is up and running and people staying there are finding out that the New Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Is a Family Paradise with a Touch of Disney Magic in Hawaii. Read the article and see if you don’t agree that what they have to offer is something special.
Remember when I mentioned above that the Walt Disney Company has a conscience, well they have done it once again, this time in the Arts. You can find out exactly what they have done when you look at Walt Disney World Earns Top Honors for Supporting the Arts for their story.

As I always say, we at Chip and Company are not just a News source, we are also delighted to have our staff of incredible writers offer their Views and also Helpful Hints to go along with the news. Here is a sample of this week’s opinion pieces.

Aljon, our Star Wars guru, is always on the watch for those things that appeal to Trekkies everywhere. This week he fills us in on the fact that StarWars.com Gets a Facelift and he lets us know What and Why!!
In this week’s Wednesday With Walt article, Brenda has taken a bit of a different approach and looks at how the genius of this man has impacted her and others. Check out Wednesday with Walt: Our Collective Tribute to get her impressions.
If the Disney Dining Plann doesn’t meet your needs there is an alternative designed for Passholders (Annual, Seasonal, and Florida) to receive dining discounts. Tables in Wonderland is a program the gets you a 20% discount at many of Walt Disney World’s finest dining locations. See where you can eat at this discount when you look at Mike’s Walt Disney World’s Tables in Wonderland Dining Locations. It’s a great program, we use it every visit.

That’s all for this week folks. As I mentioned, be sure to visit us often at Chip and Company for even more news and views. Don’t Forget that we also have lots of giveaways too!!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Between the Lines: Guide to the Disney Vacation Club

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 18, 2011

My husband and I first took our two little girls to Disney four years ago. It was a last minute decision, literally, and we didn’t know what to expect. My husband is a hard working man and we don’t see him as often as we’d like. So our impromptu week at Disney was like finding Heaven on Earth. Not only did the kids get to experience Disney magic for the first time, but they also got their daddy’s undivided attention for an entire week! We stayed on Disney property at a moderate resort and we instantly fell in love with the idea of more Disney vacations. As we traveled the World, we realized that although our resort was great, Disney property could be even greater. But as we longed to experience an even grander Disney resort, we knew that the price was a bit (or a lot) too steep. Thanks to Disney’s Vacation Club, or the DVC, my family now gets to experience the magic of Disney every year! With this experience, we now stay only at the top of the line resorts and get treated like Disney royalty.

The DVC is a timeshare, but run Disney style. With this timeshare you can pick anytime and anywhere you want to take your vacation. Since you buy points, rather than weeks, you can even divide your points up to take several vacations a year. They don’t even have to be vacations to Disney locations. Your Disney points are good towards Disney Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and most RCI timeshare properties. You are also able to bank points you would like to save, or borrow from a different year if you are planning an extra long vacation. The DVC has a costly buy in, but after doing the math, we will have spent the equivalent in about 6 ½ vacations. Last year we stayed at the Beach Club Resort. A one night cash stay in a one bedroom villa runs about $630 per night! If we were not DVC members, our week stay would cost us $4410 for just the room. We didn’t even spend that much on our last two trips to Disney put together (and that’s including airfare!) Instead, we spent 211 points for the week. Last year our annual dues were $650. That means that we stayed at this fabulous resort for one week for $20 more than a single night. It doesn’t get better than that!

As a DVC member, you also receive great discounts good for Disney dining, shopping, shows, and all night parties (including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). If you love Disney and are interested in the DVC go to http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/index or feel free to email me any questions you may have at [email protected] . I can refer you to a great sales rep who never calls or bothers you at home (unless of course you ask her to). As they say in Disney World, Have a Magical Day!

Join me at Between the Lines!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Vacation Club Villas Construction Video (chipandco.com)
Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a DVC Villa (chipandco.com)

Between the Lines: Guide to the Disney Vacation Club

Ride Restrictions – A Kid’s Guide

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 18, 2011

Ride Restrictions - A Kid's Guide

Whether it’s your first trip or your 7th, if you’re not fully grown yet, you may be wondering what attractions you can ride. Remember when you couldn’t ride Space Mountain? Well, it may just be your turn! Let’s find out:

38″

Kali River Rapids – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Asia

40″

Stitch’s Great Escape! – Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom – Frontierland
Splash Mountain – Magic Kingdom – Frontierland
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Sunset Boulevard
Soarin’ – EPCOT – Future World West
Test Track – EPCOT – Future World East
Dinosaur – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – DinoLand U.S.A.

44″

Space Mountain – Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland
Mission: Space – EPCOT – Future World
Expedition Everest – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Asia

48″

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Sunset Boulevard
Primeval Whirl – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – DinoLand U.S.A.

52″

Tomorrowland Speedway – Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland **height required to ride alone**

Headed to the Water Parks? They have their own restrictions as well!

Under 48″

T-Bar – Blizzard Beach – Ski Patrol Training Camp
Tike’s Peak – Blizzard Beach – Children’s Area
Cross Country Creek – Blizzard Beach
Ketchakiddee Creek – Typhoon Lagoon – Children’s Area
Keelhaul Falls
Mayday Falls

32″

Chair Lift

48″

Crush ‘n Gusher – Typhoon Lagoon
Humunga Kowabunga – Typhoon Lagoon
Downhill Double Dipper – Blizzard Beach
Slush Gusher – Blizzard Beach
Summit Plummet – Blizzard Beach

If you’re curious about any other rides, that would mean there is not height requirement, so hop aboard!

Disney Makes Healthy Living Fun With New ‘D-Lightful Living’ Program To Help Families Make Better Health & Nutrition Choices

By

Chip

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September 18, 2011

Getting kids to become animated about healthy lifestyle habits is not always easy. Today Disney Consumer Products (DCP) announces an exciting new program to help equip parents and busy families with the tools they need to incorporate more of these habits into a busy schedule.

Through a series of weekly challenges over the course of 12 weeks, D-Lightful Living: Animate Your Daily Routine will give parents tips inspired by fun Disney-branded products on how to help motivate their families to make simple and easy changes like eating more fruits and vegetables, improving oral care habits and preparing for cold and flu season. Hosted on DCP’s official Facebook page known as Disney Living, each week DCP will feature a video challenge from the “Go-To Mom,” Kimberley Clayton Blaine — a mom blogger, child development expert and licensed child therapist. She will showcase simple tips and product suggestions to help other parents guide their kids toward a healthier lifestyle using products that feature their favorite Disney characters. The program will run weekly through the end of November.

“Encouraging children to incorporate health-minded changes, even small ones, into their daily routines is often frustrating for parents,” said Blaine, a mom of two boys. “With help and inspiration from Disney-branded products that feature some of kids’ favorite characters, moms and dads can inspire healthier habits that feel like fun and not a task.

Beginning today, families can visit the D-Lightful Living page on Disney Living Facebook to find out information on each weekly challenge including tips from Blaine and information about relevant Disney-branded products to help succeed with each challenge. Parents can also download a checklist outlining all 12 weekly challenges and tack this up around the house to help track the family’s progress. They can also join in the online forum to share their own tips toward healthier habits and enter to win a weekly Disney-branded product prize package.Through a sharing function, program participants are encouraged to let their Facebook friends in on all the action by inviting them to participate or working together to help each other meet their family’s goals.

“From our nutritional guidelines to the ‘Magic of Healthy Living’ PSAs and programming, Disney has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to encouraging families to make better choices concerning their health and nutrition,” said Embola Ndi, vice president of Food Health & Beauty, DCP. “The D-Lightful Living campaign gives moms meaningful ideas and product solutions to help her family make these better choices while also showing kids that Disney makes healthy living fun.”

In 2006, Disney announced new food guidelines aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Under these guidelines, Disney committed to using its name and characters on kid-focused food products that meet specific criteria, including limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar. The guidelines also included a long-term target for balancing the licensed food portfolio such that 85% will be everyday foods with the smaller 15% comprised of special-occasion treats. DCP has achieved this goal in North America.

View Downloadable chart: http://bit.ly/D-LightfulLivingChallenge

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Chiquita and Walt Disney World Resort Announce Multi-Year Alliance (chipandco.com)
Robert Chapek Named President of Disney Consumer Products (chipandco.com)

Disney Makes Healthy Living Fun With New 'D-Lightful Living' Program To Help Families Make Better Health & Nutrition Choices

Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule October 2011

By

Chip

-

September 17, 2011

Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available on the Disneyland Website.

Current

Blue Sky Cellar (DCA) closed through 9/23/11 for refurbishment.
California Screamin’ (DCA) closed through 10/14/11 for refurbishment.
Blue Bayou Restaurant (Disneyland) closed through 11/23/11 for refurbishment.
Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland) closed through 11/23/11 for refurbishment.
Frances’ Lady Bug Boogie (DCA) closed through Winter 2011 for refurbishment.

Upcoming

Muppet Vision 3D (DCA) closed 9/21/11-9/22/11 for refurbishment.
Mark Twain Riverboat (Disneyland) closed 9/26/11-9/28/11 for refurbishment.
Redwood Challenge Creek Trail (DCA) closed 10/3/11-10/28/11 for refurbishment.
“it’s a small world” (Disneyland) closed 10/24/11-11/10/11 for installation of holiday decor.
Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm (Disneyland) closed 10/24/11-11/10/11 for installation of holiday decor.
It’s Tough to be a Bug! (DCA) closed 10/24/11-11/11/11 for refurbishment.
Space Mountain (Disneyland) closed 11/1/11 to remove holiday decor.

Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule September 2011 (chipandco.com)
Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule August 2011 (chipandco.com)

Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule October 2011

No More “Opening Ceremony” at Epcot?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 17, 2011

No More "Opening Ceremony" at Epcot?

Today we are the bearers of bad news. The word on the street is that Epcot will no longer be allowing early entrance into Innoventions plaza for the Epcot version of “rope drop“.

Instead, everyone will remain crammed like sardines at the front gates until the park formally opens. If you’re thinking of sneaking in from the waterway…that’s not going to work either.

The small show that featured a free roaming Test Track car has been discontinued. It remains to be seen if there is a new “rope drop opening” in the works or if this change is going to permanent.

What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney Food Blog Mini-Guide to the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book (chipandco.com)
Best Bathrooms in Walt Disney World – Epcot (chipandco.com)

Blizzard Beach- A Family Friendly Water Park!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 17, 2011

Blizzard Beach- A Family Friendly Water Park!

If you are considering going to Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World but are wondering how family friendly it really is, let me tell you that out of all the water parks I have frequented this is by far the most family oriented I have found! Disney does a great job of remembering kids of all ages (even big ones like me) at Blizzard Beach. They have created a really fun park where families of all sizes can make ever lasting memories!

First off, let me say that safety is Disney’s main goal at the water parks. In fact, they offer FREE life jackets to everyone in the park who needs one! Only you know your child’s swimming ability, if you think they should have a life jacket there is absolutely no reason not to get one!

Tike’s Peak is a really fun kids area at Blizzard Beach. It is geared more toward preschool age children and there is a height limit of 48 inches. But of course, you may accompany your child anywhere you please! In this area, there are many fun play areas to choose from. There is a tube slide, a body slide, racer slides, a wadding area and some really fun fountains all scaled down to the kids size! There is plenty of seating in this area and even some picnic tables. We try to get to Blizzard Beach early to get seats in this area. It is kind of tucked away and rarely crowded!

If you have older kids they can make a splash over at the Ski Patrol Training Camp. This area is specially designed for big kids and preteens! This area features several attractions very close together, so the kids can float from one ride to another with you still being able to have a watchful eye on them! The funnest attraction in this area are the giant floating icebergs in the main pool! Nets are suspended above so you can hop from one iceberg to the next! There is even a zip line, where kids 60″ or shorter can speed down into the water! There are also several slides in this area that are still tamed down for children who may be too intimated by the bigger attractions.

Looking for a few things to do together as a family? Blizzard Beach offers several options that the whole family can participate in together! My favorite ride at Blizzard Beach is the family raft ride, Teamboat Springs! It is actually one of the longest raft rides in the county. Teamboat Springs holds up to 6 people making it big enough for the whole family (or close to it)! But be warned, it is fast and water can get into the little one’s faces. So make sure Mom or Dad is sitting next to the smaller kids for a quick wipe of the face if need be! Are you a competitive family? Then “race” over to the Toboggan Racers where kids and adults of any age can take a turn racing on the slopes!

Blizzard Beach is so family oriented that they even make a treat for the whole family to share, The Garbage Pail! This chilly treat includes chocolate and vanilla ice cream, waffle and cookie pieces, chocolate and strawberry sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry served up in an actual pail! This treat was definitely made to share!

All of this and so much more really does make for some great family memories at Walt Disney World. If you are considering trying out Blizzard Beach, I say go for it! It is really fun to experience Walt Disney World in a whole new way, and this water park is just the way to do it – family style!

Blizzard Beach- A Family Friendly Water Park!

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