Downtown Disney: Characters in Flight balloon ride

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July 29, 2011

Downtown Disney: Characters in Flight balloon ride

Characters in Flight Downtown Disney

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

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

Characters in Flight take guests to new Disney heights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011 prices:

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

Children 2 years and under ride free.

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

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

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Chip

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July 29, 2011

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

Here is whats inside:

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

More information can be found here.

Before you enter you must:

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

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

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

Please note:

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

For an additional entry:

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

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

Good Luck!

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

Fall Free Dining Coming August 3?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 29, 2011

Fall Free Dining Coming August 3?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck!

Disney’s Discover What You Treasure Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

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

Just remember to bring me with you!

Click here to enter.

Planning

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

ABC Family’s The Lying Game – All New 60 Second Preview!

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

“The Lying Game,” a new one-hour scripted drama on ABC Family, follows Emma, a kind-hearted foster kid who learns she has an identical twin sister, Sutton. Sutton, unlike Emma, was adopted by wealthy parents and is seemingly living an ideal life. After their initial meeting, Sutton talks Emma into stepping into her life for a few days while she pursues a lead on the mysterious identity of their birth mother.

After Sutton inexplicably fails to return to the girls’ designated meeting place, Emma must decide whether to come clean about her identity and risk her own safety in the hope of uncovering her twin sister’s whereabouts, along with the truth about why they were separated in the first place.

“The Lying Game” stars Alexandra Chando (“As The World Turns”) as Emma/Sutton; Andy Buckley (“The Office”) as Ted; Helen Slater (“Supergirl”) as Kristin; Blair Redford (“90210”) as Garrett; Sharon Pierre-Louis (“Lincoln Heights”) as Nisha; Kirsten Prout (“Kyle XY”) as Char; Alice Greczyn (“Lincoln Heights”) as Mads; and Allie Gonino (“10 Things I Hate About You”) as Laurel.

Charles Pratt, Jr. (“Ugly Betty,” “Desperate Housewives,” “All My Children,” “Melrose Place”) serves as executive producer and writer; Leslie Morgenstein (“Pretty Little Liars,” “The Nine Lives of Chloe King,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries”) and Gina Girolamo will serve as executive producers. Produced by Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television, the series is based on the novel by author Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars).

American Idol winner Lee DeWyze is engaged to his girlfriend Jonna Walsh at Disney World

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

American Idol winner Lee DeWyze is engaged to his girlfriend Jonna Walsh at Disney World

Congrats to the American Idol winner Lee DeWyze who recently got engaged to his girlfriend Jonna Walsh while they were at Walt Disney World earlier this month.

After a whirlwind eight month romance, the 25-year-old singer got down on bended knee at Disney World in Florida and proposed to his girlfriend.

The 2010 Idol winner confirmed the happy news to People magazine.

We hear DeWyze went all out for the romantic July 16 proposal, chartering a private yacht and pouring champagne for his 26-year-old lady love.

Check out this article if you want to class it up like Lee.

Congrats Lee!

Disney Stars To Meet Fans Every Day At Disney’s D23 Expo – Full Schedule

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

Kids, tweens and families can meet their favorite stars of Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior, over three fun-filled days, FRIDAY, AUGUST 19–SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, at the ultimate event for Disney fans, Disney’s D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The schedule includes a musical performance by actress and Hollywood Records recording artist China Anne McClain (Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”), a martial arts performance by actor Leo Howard (Disney XD’s “Kickin’ It”), musical performances from Radio Disney’s newest N.B.T. Artists, Hollywood Records recording artist Coco Jones and a boisterous performance by Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band (from Disney Junior’s “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”).

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 in the Disney Channel booth, fans of all ages are invited to join Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist Dave Barry and noted New York Times best-selling author Ridley Pearson, Disney Publishing Worldwide co-authors of prequels to the classic Peter Pan, the “Peter and the Starcatchers” book series, along with beloved “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” characters Jake, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, for a celebration of the power of imagination and the magic of Disney storytelling. This event also includes an appearance by actor David Arquette (the voice of Skully in the hit Disney Junior series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) and a special announcement from The Walt Disney Company Corporate Citizenship team.

On SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 in the D23 Arena, the stars of Disney Channel’s hit series “Shake It Up” will take the stage for a high-energy, live dance performance and Q&A session. The event will kick off with a Style Shake Up runway event, featuring fashions for the new school year from Disney Consumer Products. A special screening of an upcoming episode will be followed by a fan meeting with the “Shake It Up” cast in the Disney Channel booth.

Perry the Platy-bus, a 4000 pound customized Airstream trailer in the likeness of the character Perry the Platypus of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Phineas and Ferb,” gets a prime parking spot on the Disney D23 Expo Floor, in Disney Channel’s colorful booth, one transformed into Phineas and Ferb’s iconic backyard. Fans are invited to step inside the famous “Perry the Platy-bus” to play interactive games, enjoy live performances, meet the stars, get autographs and rock out to Radio Disney tunes.

Popular radio personalities Ernie D, Jake, Candice, Blake and Hallie from Radio Disney, the 24-hour contemporary hits radio network and the only radio broadcaster for kids and families, will join in the fun along with special musical guest stars Coco Jones and the newest N.B.T. artists.

Following is the schedule of stars making special appearances and signing autographs in the Disney Channel booth:

Friday, August 19

10:00-11:00 a.m. “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” character appearances by Jake, Captain Hook & Mr. Smee
12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. The Never Land Pirate Band musical performance
1:00-1:30 p.m. Special announcement and storytelling event from The Walt Disney Company Corporate Citizenship team with noted Disney Publishing Worldwide authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (“Peter and the Starcatchers”), David Arquette, Jake, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”
1:30-2:30 p.m. “Good Luck Charlie” stars Jason Dolley, Leigh-Allyn Baker and Bradley Steven Perry,
3:00-4:00 p.m. Radio Disney’s N.B.T. artists Tay Barton, Zack Montana, Shealeigh, Ladina Spence and Hollywood Ending perform
4:30-5:45 p.m. “Lemonade Mouth” stars – Adam Hicks, Hayley Kiyoko and Chris Brochu
5:45-7:00 p.m. “So Random!” stars – Tiffany Thornton, Sterling Knight, Doug Brochu, Allisyn Ashley Arm, Damien Haas, Matthew Scott Montgomery and Shayne Topp

Saturday, August 20

10:00-11:00 a.m. “Phineas and Ferb” character appearances — Phineas, Ferb and Agent P
11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon “Phineas and Ferb” creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire and Swampy Marsh and cast Vincent Martella, Alyson Stoner and Dee Bradley Baker
12:30-1:30 p.m. “Kickin’ It” stars Leo Howard, Dylan Riley Snyder, Alex Christian Jones and Olivia Holt, plus a special martial arts performance by Leo Howard
2:30-3:00 p.m. Performance by Radio Disney’s guest and Hollywood Records recording artist Coco Jones
3:00-4:00 p.m. “Fish Hooks” creator/executive producer Noah Z. Jones and cast Chelsea Kane and Kyle Massey (both also of ABC-TV’s “Dancing with the Stars”)
4:00-5:00 p.m. “A.N.T. Farm” stars — China Anne McClain, Jake Short, Sierra McCormick, Stefanie Scott and Carlon Jeffery, plus a musical performance by China Anne McClain

Sunday, August 21

10:00-11:15 a.m. Handy Manny character and appearance by the voice of Manny, Wilmer Valderrama
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Special Agent Oso character and appearance by the voice of Oso, Sean Astin
12:30-1:30 p.m. “Pair of Kings” — Doc Shaw, Kelsey Chow and Geno Segers
1:30-2:30 p.m. *** Photo Opportunity *** “Shake It Up” stars (Arena foyer)
2:30-4:00 p.m. D23 Arena Showcase — “Shake It Up” featuring stars Bella Thorne, Zendaya, Davis Cleveland, Roshon Fegan, Adam Irigoyen, Kenton Duty and Caroline Sunshine and executive producer Rob Lotterstein plus Style Shake Up fashion runway event
4:00-6:00 p.m. “Shake It Up” cast meet and greet in the Disney Channel booth

Tickets to the D23 Expo are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 Expo for themselves and their guests.

Disney Food Confession – Kalua Pork Slider

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

Where is it? – Hawaii tasting marketplace at the 16th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival running Sept. 30-Nov. 13 at Walt Disney World Resort.

What is it? – The Kalua Pork Slider (not the liqueur Kahlua but the Kalua barbecue method of cooking.

Why you want it? – Cause it’s heaven on a bun!

Photo Credit Matt Stroshane

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

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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July 28, 2011

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

Epcot’s Future World may not be “officially” divided into east and west on Disney maps but the area does lend itself quite well to that type of separation. The east portion contains primarily the “biggie” attractions as well as a few other very entertaining items. As you enter Future World through the no longer active Leave A Legacy area you are greeted by the park icon, Spaceship Earth. This is not just an icon but also a very entertaining and educational foray into the world of communication throughout history. During a recent refurbishment the entire attraction was upgraded and some real “whiz bang” technology was added to entertain the electronically savvy younger folks. It always has been and continues to be a fun and relaxing attraction.

Also in the east portion is one of the Innoventions pavilions. Designed to be both educational and entertaining, Innoventions East focuses on technology, test labs, video e-mail etc. It is also the sign up point for the Kim Possible adventure. Another charming diversion is The Universe of Energy (Ellen’s Energy Adventure) which studies and entertains while exploring the history of energy. Large animatronic dinosaurs and booming sound effects make this one fun but just maybe a bit too much for younger kids.

There are two of Walt Disney World’s biggest e-ticket attractions in Future World east. Mission Space opened in 2003 and has been drawing crowds (and turning quite a few stomachs) since then. This ride is so intense that Disney was forced to introduce a much tamer version a year or so later. The “Orange” version is the full deal including spinning the ride vehicle on a ferris wheel/gyroscope type mechanism. If you are in any way prone to motion issues, avoid the Orange Version. The “Green” version is the exact same experience but without the spinning, it’s much easier on the stomach.

The other “biggie” on the east side is Test Track, one of my personal favorites. Both educational (but not overly so) and exciting, it is the fastest ride on property. This attraction takes you through many of the tests that new vehicles are put through to judge their performance and ends with a hair raising 60+ mph spin around the track on the outside of the building. FUN! FUN! FUN! For those users of Disney’s Photopass, as you exit the attraction make sure you look for the Photopass area where you can insert your card and have the on ride photo added to your collection – free of charge!!

One thing lacking on the east side of Future World are dining establishments. There is really only one, the Electric Umbrella. Pretty good basic food with available options for those of you who prefer to eat healthier fare. There are a couple of places to sit down and eat here; upstairs, on the main floor (kinda’ noisy), or outside. Good food and reasonable prices, for Disney, make this a pretty good option.

We spend a decent bit of time on the east side of future world primarily because of the e-ticket attractions. I know you’ll enjoy it but please heed the Mission Space Orange caution I mentioned above. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Photo By Disney

Rest in Peace – Ranger Stan

By

Chip

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July 28, 2011

While many of you might not recognize the name Stanley Richard Moore. This hard working 20 year vet of Walt Disney World 15 of those years at the Wilderness Lodge went by another name. Ranger Stan.

Ranger Stan was responsible for raising the flags every morning on the roof of the hotel with one lucky family. He would also lead architectural tours. However, his favorite responsibility is greeting the guests of the hotel. Ranger Stan loves people, and it truly shows.

Our good friend Cynthia was able to participate in the flag raising with Ranger Joe in this article. If you would like to read more about it.

Here is part of his obituary:

Stanley Richard Moore passed into eternity surrounded by his family on July 26, 2011, at Florida Hospital, Altamonte Springs, Fla. He was 83.

Born in Langhorne, Pa., he moved to Apopka, Fla. from Rancocas Woods in 1989.

He worked for Walt Disney World for 20 years, the last 15 years at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as ‘Ranger Stan,’ retiring in Oct. of 2009.

Click here to read more.

Goodbye Ranger Stan you will be missed!

Jennings Osborne creator of ‘Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights’ Dies at 67

By

Chip

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July 27, 2011

Jennings Osborne whose Christmas light displays drew international attention at both Disney World and his home, died on Wednesday at the age of 67. Osborne was battling complications following heart surgery.

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Family spokesperson David Bazzel said Osborne passed at 3:30 p.m. surrounded by family and friends.

The Fort Smith native with the larger than life personality often called himself “the luckiest guy in the world” for all that he was able to do with his wealth, which he made in the medical testing business.

The Osborne family released a statement on Jennings Osborne’s passing.

“My father was an amazing man who all my life showed what a big heart he had for everyone, young and old and regardless of background or wealth,” Osborne’s daughter, Breezy, said in a statement. “Sadly, my father’s big heart finally gave out. But knowing my “Dadoo”, there will be fireworks at the gates of Heaven. We want to thank everyone from Arkansas and across the country for all their well wishes and prayers. It meant so much to my dad, me and my mom.”

Click here to keep reading

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