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News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

By
Chip
-

News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

There are so many new things happening at Disney this summer. Check out below for pictures and news from all the events and changes going on at Disney.

More Castaway Cay Fun, Alaska Cruises, Nighttime Shows also on Schedule

Talk about making vacation memories: In summer 2011, guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will begin embarking on adventures to places no one has ever gone — to the planets Coruscant and Tatooine, located in a galaxy as far away as imagination can carry you.

Or how about this: Vacationers on a Disney Dream cruise can embark on itineraries during which they get to bask in the fun and sun of Disney Cruise Line’s most popular port of call not once but twice. Or this: Disney Wonder cruise guests can venture to the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”

And back in the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park, guests can revel in the memories they’ve made, during a new nighttime show, “The Magic, The Memories, and You!”

Here are some of the details about what’s in store:

News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

Star Tours launches new itineraries … and more

From the time Star Tours debuted at Disneyland Park in 1987 and at Walt Disney World Resort in 1989 until the attraction went dark for “reimagining” in fall 2010, guests embarked on a journey to the Moon of Endor and beyond, with a trainee pilot named REX at the controls of 40-passenger Starspeeder 3000 spacecraft.

Now the Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida (scheduled to reopen May 20) and at Disneyland Park in California (scheduled to reopen in June) puts a whole new twist on virtual space travel with Starspeeder 1000 craft — predating the Starspeeder 3000 because the new show depicts an earlier chapter of the Star Wars saga than the original Star Tours did. But fear not: Techno-wizards are equipping passengers on the 1000 with the ability to experience the new adventure in eye-popping 3D — wherever that adventure may take them.

The destination is not necessarily what guests expect — unless they expect the unexpected — as C-3PO, a new pilot (by accident) takes the controls for a journey to the “metropolitan” planet Coruscant (pronounced /’k???s?nt/) or to Tatooine (pronounced tætu’in), an arid planet on the “Outer Rim,” or to some other planet within Star Wars’ mythical universe. Even the outcome of the adventure may change from one “launch” to the next.

News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

A ‘dream come true’ for fans of Castaway Cay, Alaska

The comments of Disney Cruise Line veteran cruisers make it clear: On itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean, a guest favorite is Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s private island. A common remark is that “it would be nice to have more time” at the remote paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters as far as the eye can see.

Between May 29 and August 20, 2011, that vacation wish will be fulfilled on a dozen 5-night Disney Dream sailings out of Port Canaveral, Fla. Each 5-night cruise will include two stops at Castaway Cay separated by a day at sea and a day at Nassau. The new, 4,000-passenger ship will embark on 5-night cruises on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Meanwhile, the Disney Wonder will be repositioned from the Port of Los Angeles to Vancouver, B.C., where it will embark on 7-night Alaska sailings between May 3 and August 30, 2011. The seven-night cruises call on Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, and mark the first time ever that Disney Cruise Line will sail to Alaska.

Guests will experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. Available Port Adventures include a fun scavenger hunt through the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp in Skagway that sets the stage for a gold-panning expedition joined by beloved Disney characters, and the Glacier Dog Musher-for-a-Day experience in Juneau during which guests travel by helicopter over the massive Juneau Icefield where they will tour a sled dog camp and explore behind-the-scenes areas including the kennel, living quarters and veterinary clinic. Mushers and their dog teams then take guests out on the snow-capped glacier for an unforgettable sled trip through the pristine wilderness.

A dramatically different experience beckons back in the Bahamas, where 1000-acre Castaway Cay features powdery white sand beaches under foot, swaying palm trees and beautiful tropical flowers, providing the ultimate escape, whether a guest is seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family.

Flying high above the island on a parasail adventure, snorkeling in a 12-acre lagoon, casting off on a fishing tour, building sand castles on the beach, bicycling around the island or swimming with Southern Stingrays are just a few of the activities that every member of the family can enjoy. There are water slides, rental watercraft, and enough other splashing-good fun that Castaway Cay has been depicted as “a water park with an ocean.”

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

Filling the night with memories

“The Magic, The Memories, and You!”, a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, transforms Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort and “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort into shimmering canvases for images of guests and the memories they made that day at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park.

In the nighttime spectacle, as many as 500 photos of guests — captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers in the park that day as guests create memories “smiling for the castle” — are projected larger-than-life among the spires and turrets of Cinderella Castle and on the towers and landmark replicas of “it’s a small world.” The show also features video and thousands of additional photos displayed on the iconic buildings by 16 projectors — all accompanied by stirring music and punctuated by fireworks.

The ten-minute experience dazzles park guests in ways never before experienced, themed to beloved Disney stories and with playful animated sequences that seem to defy the architecture of the buildings — and even “bring the architecture to life,” said Alan Bruun, associate creative director, Walt Disney World Entertainment. The spectacle is scheduled most nights with up to two shows per night depending on theme park operating hours and other special ticketed events.

News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

So what else is new?

At Walt Disney World Resort, a “soft adventure” and three new entertainment experiences also are debuting in 2011 in time for summer vacation:

  • Guests wanting to venture off the beaten path at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have the chance during a new, immersive, add-on experience, Wild Africa Trek, that takes a small group of adventurers on personalized, guided excursions that include a bushwalk through unexplored areas of the forest along with over-landing in customized vehicles across an animal-filled savanna. On these expert-led treks, extended time is spent observing and learning about the wildlife. Reservations for Wild Africa Trek (ages 8 and up) can be arranged by calling 407/939-8687. More information: disneyworld.com/disneyafricatrek.
  • Ever since ‘Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!’ premiered in 2001, it has been a chance for younger guests to experience Disney Channel friends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As that circle of TV friends has grown and changed, the Disney entertainment gurus have endeavored to make those new friends part of the vacation fun, too. So here come Jake and the Never Land Pirates as part of Disney Junior–Live on Stage! The show also includes current favorites from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins. Guests should check their Times Guide for show times.
  • Favorite Pixar pals perform in an all-new Disney’s Hollywood Studios parade, Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!, showcasing appearances by four characters not previously featured — Remy and Emile from “Ratatouille” and Carl and Russell from “UP.” The parade is performed to a new musical track from the current Pixar parade at Disney California Adventure. The new show replaces “Block Party Bash,” which was presented between March 2008 and January 2011.
  • Guests will be able to take part in an energetic and fun-filled meet-and-play experience with Phineas & Ferb at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (scheduled to begin in May). Phineas and Ferb — from the popular television show of the same name — “know what they’re gonna do today”: they are going to make a movie all about their crazy adventures. With the help of guests and movie director Cletus Filmore, they will recreate some of their favorite moments…unless they are taking a break to meet with their adoring fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. The fun will take place near the exit to Muppet(Vision 3-D.
At Disneyland Resort, a new attraction and a new parade also are debuting this summer:
  • With the premiere of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Disney California Adventure will take guests “under the sea” to experience magnificent scenes and magical songs from the popular motion picture. The attraction represents the next big milestone in the ongoing expansion of the park.
  • At Disneyland Park, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will stomp, clang and drum its way down Main Street, U.S.A. Musicians, dancers and Disney characters join together in the explosive music festival that will bring to life some of the most beloved melodies from Disney films.

More information about Walt Disney World vacations is available at disneyworld.com, at disneyparks.com/blog, from a travel agent or by calling 407-W-DISNEY. For information on new attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

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News and Events Coming to Disney Summer of 2011

Fulton’s Crab House At Downtown Disney Features Private Space For Group Events

By
Chip
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Fulton’s Crab House At Downtown Disney Features Private Space For Group Events

Who says planning your next event has to make you crabby? Trust the expert staff aboard Fulton’s Crab House riverboat replica restaurant to flawlessly plan any large group event. Fulton’s Crab House, located scenically and conveniently in Downtown Disney® at Walt Disney World Resort, offers fresh seafood, signature crab dishes and mouth-watering steaks sure to please any and every palate.

Meetings & Professional Events
Specializing in last minute business gatherings as well as social soirees, Fulton’s is a truly unique meeting and group dining location. With a panoramic view lake view from the Third Deck, audio-visual capabilities and space to accommodate up to 200 guests, any breakfast, lunch or dinner meeting is sure to be thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable.

Banquet Menu options range from $30 to $45 per person with a 20-guest minimum, and cover choices from continental breakfast to lunches featuring fresh market fish dishes, grilled angus burgers and grilled chicken ciabatta (to name a few).

Group Event Information:

•Complete banquet menus – Fresh seasonal seafood, non-seafood and vegetarian items available
•Wine lists available from moderate to connoisseur preferences
•Signed contract and balances due upon booking, if booked within 30 days of event
•Physically challenged accessible
•All prices subject to 6.5% Florida sales tax and 21% taxable service charge
•American Express, Visa, JCB, Master Card, Discover and Diners Club are accepted
•Audio-visual equipment can be contracted for your meeting or presentation needs

Weddings & Rehearsal Package
Fulton’s Crab House is honored to host any intimate rehearsal or wedding lunch when you celebrate your special day aboard the beautiful and classic riverboat with unforgettable panoramic lake views.

When planning with Fulton’s, the dedicated staff assist event organizers in making the experience memorable and flawless down to the very last detail.

For convenience and ease of planning, Fulton’s Crab House offers the perfect wedding or rehearsal package to fulfill every couple’s needs and desires for their special day.

Package includes:
• Up to Three Hour Ceremony and Dining
• Officiate
• Wedding Lunch Menu
Featuring:  Salad, Entrée, and Dessert
• Rehearsal Lunch Menu
Featuring: Appetizer, Salad, Entrée, and Dessert
• 2 Hour Beer, Wine, Soda Package or Champagne Toast
• Complimentary Linens
• Complimentary Votive Candles
• Complimentary Access to Exterior Decking for Ceremony, Beautiful
Views & Photo Opportunities. (No Rental Fee!)
• Personalized Menus for each guest

All-inclusive package rates begin at $2011.00.
•*Package quoted is for 20 adult guests inclusive of tax and service charge.
•Deposits required with signed contract, balances due 7 business days prior to event
•American Express, Visa, JCB, Master Card, Discover and Diners Club are accepted
•Accessible for the physically challenged
•Children’s menu available, as well as vegetarian items upon request

For further information on specific group meeting menus or to start planning the perfect event today please call:
Fulton’s Crab House 407-934-2628

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Toys”R”Us and Disney Create New Collection of Innovative Wood Toys Based on Disney-Pixar Cars

By
Chip
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Toys"R"Us and Disney Create New Collection of Innovative Wood Toys Based on Disney-Pixar Cars

Toys”R”Us, Inc. today announced the launch of its first-ever collection of wood vehicles, track and playsets based on the popular Disney-Pixar movie, Cars. Two years in the making, and now available exclusively at Toys”R”Us® stores around the world and online at Toysrus.com, the Disney-Pixar Cars Wood Collection was created and designed by Toys”R”Us in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products.  The current collection of 15 items consists of a variety of collectible Cars vehicle 2-packs, destination playsets and a track set giving kids a unique way to recreate the storyline from the 2006 blockbuster movie.  The wood line will soon be expanded with vehicles and playsets based on the highly anticipated release of Cars 2, in theaters June 24, 2011.

(See Below for Pictures)

“The Disney-Pixar Cars Wood Collection builds on our long-standing relationship with Disney Consumer Products and our desire to bring new and innovative play experiences to kids and families through quality products,” said Richard Barry, Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Learning Toys, Electronics and Entertainment, Toys”R”Us, Inc.  “We are excited to introduce this differentiated line of toys that allows kids to race through the world of Cars in a whole new way.”

“Toys”R”Us has shown a commitment to offering a broad selection of high quality toys,” said Chris Heatherly, Vice President of Toys at Disney Consumer Products.  “In developing this wood collection with Toys”R”Us, we were able to capture the unique personality of each cherished movie character and transfer it into premium products that bring the world of Cars to life through classic wood track set play.”

The Cars franchise continues to capture the imaginations of kids year in and year out with compelling products and content, delivering new adventures such as the Cars Toon series of shorts airing on Disney Channel.  The Toys”R”Us Product Development and Merchandising teams worked together with the Disney Consumer Products team to develop a specialty product that offers kids’ favorite characters in real wood with vibrant colors and innovative functionality.  The resulting Disney-Pixar Cars Wood Collection captures amazing details to deliver high play value for kids and striking aesthetics for collectors.

The Disney-Pixar Cars Wood Collection is one of this year’s first Toys”R”Us global exclusives with the full product line available in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, U.K., Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.  Cars enthusiasts, both young and old, can collect all of their favorite, four-wheeled characters like Lightning McQueen, Mater, Doc Hudson and Sally, and race through an adventure-filled wood world of ramps and tracks down the iconic Route 66 to end up at original Cars destinations, such as Tow Mater‘s Yard or Luigi‘s Casa Della Tires.  Customers can find the distinctive wood vehicles, playsets and track set in the Imaginarium® department of Toys”R”Us stores.

The Disney-Pixar Cars Wood Collection products are priced from $16.99 to $49.99 and include:

Disney–Pixar Cars Wood Collection Vehicle 2-Packs

Kids can collect all of their favorite Cars characters in special 2-pack sets, including favorites like: Radiator Springs Lightning McQueen and Sally; Doc Hudson and Dusty Lightning McQueen; Fillmore and Sarge; Flo and Ramone; Mater and Hudson Hornet Doc; The King and Chick Hicks; Dinoco McQueen and Tex; and Wingo and Boost.  Additionally, the following Disney-Pixar Cars Wood Collection Vehicle 2-Packs will be available exclusively at Toys”R”Us this spring: DJ and Snot Rod; Cruisin’ Lightning McQueen and Ramone; Tractor and Young Tow Mater; Red and Guido.

Luigi’s Casa Della Tires Playset

Little ones can work with Luigi at his Casa Della Tires to make sure the residents of Radiator Springs are ready for their next road trip. While visiting Luigi’s, kids can spin his tower of tires, stop by the air pump for a “fill up,” or crank-up the vehicles onto the mechanic’s ramp for a quick tune-up before launching them onto the track.  This playset includes a Luigi vehicle.

Tow Mater’s Yard Playset

Kids can join Lightning McQueen’s pal, Mater as he pulls and hauls cars into his home base – Tow Mater Towing and Salvage.  From there, kids can use the working crane to grab, lift, swing and drop the vehicles into the fenced-in tow yard or head out into Radiator Springs through the quick-escape ramp that exits through the garage.  This playset includes a Mater vehicle.

Sheriff’s Race ‘n Chase Track Set

Cars fans will be delighted to relive one of the film’s classic scenes – when Lightning McQueen first raced through Radiator Springs frantically searching for Mack with Sheriff hot on his bumper!  Kids can race through the set, knock down a row of cones and topple a tower of Luigi’s tires.  This set includes a special edition metallic Lightning McQueen vehicle, a Sheriff vehicle, a Radiator Springs billboard sign for Sheriff to hide behind, a race ‘n chase ramp, interchangeable track pieces and four tires.

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Main Street Maze

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Main Street Maze

Disneyland has been repaving Main Street, which means lots of walls are up one day and down a few days later. These walls aren’t exactly pleasing to the eye, but would you rather see a hole in the ground or the wall? Aside from the eyesore problem, they’re somewhat tough to navigate around, especially when the park is closing or the mad rush of people leave right after the fireworks.

Disneyland’s got to do what they’ve got to do to keep up park maintenance. I give them props for truly caring about the park’s appearance. (Disneyland is known for their high appearance and grooming standards.) I don’t think anyone wants to see Main Street full of cracks and missing chunks of asphalt. I just wish it didn’t create a tough exit.

The new paved areas do look nicer, though…

Main Street Maze

Main Street Maze

Main Street Maze

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Coming to Bluray: Tales from Earthsea

By
Chip
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Coming to Bluray: Tales from Earthsea

From Disney and Studio Ghibli comes the epic animated adventure Tales From Earthsea, directed by Goro Miyazaki, and featuring the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, and Mariska Hargitay.

Based on the classic “Earthsea” fantasy book series by Ursula Le Guin, Tales from Earthsea is set in a mythical world filled with magic and bewitchment. Journey with Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a master wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, on a tale of redemption and self-discovery as they search for the force behind a mysterious imbalance in the land of Earthsea; crops are dwindling,dragons have reappeared, and humanity is giving way to chaos.

Featuring a timeless story and magnificent hand-drawn animation, Tales From Earthsea is must-have DVD for every film enthusiast’s collection.

Coming to Bluray March 8, 2011

Rating: US-PG-13; Canada-PG

Suggested Retail Pricing: 1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada

Bonus Features:

  • Behind the Studio
  • Enter The Lands
  • Studio Ghibli Trivia Challenge

Cast:

  • Timothy Dalton (Toy Story 3, The Tourist, The Informant)
  • Willem Dafoe (John Carter of Mars, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Spider Man)
  • Cheech Marin (Cars, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Spy Kids)
  • Mariska Hargitay (TV’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order)

Director:

  • Goro Miyazaki (directorial debut)

Producers:

  • Toshio Suzuki (Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke)
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Coming to Bluray: Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

By
Chip
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Coming to Bluray: Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

For the first time ever, the magic of Blu-ray™ high definition reveals the exquisite details in Hayao Miyazaki’s epic masterpiece, Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. Experience the film that launched the Academy Award–winning career (2002 for best animated feature, Spirited Away) of one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation.

After a global war, the seaside kingdom known as the Valley Of The Wind remains one of the last strongholds on Earth untouched by a poisonous jungle and the powerful insects that guard it. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley engage in an epic struggle to restore the bond between humanity and Earth.

Like Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away and Ponyo, Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind will dazzle your senses with its intricately imagined storytelling and stunning animation.

Coming to Bluray March 8, 2011

Suggested Retail Pricing: 2-Disc  Blu-ray Combo Pack (BD+DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$44.99 Canada

Features:

  • Behind the Studio
  • Enter the Lands
  • Studio Ghibli Trivia Challenge
  • Original Japanese storyboards
  • Behind the Microphone
  • The Birth Story of Studio Ghibli
  • Original TV trailers

Cast:

Director:

Producers:

  • Michio Kondô (Nausiacaä and the Valley of the Wind)
  • Isao Takahata (Castle in the Sky, Nausiacaä and the Valley of the Wind)
  • Yasuyoshi Tokuma (Spirited Away, Pulse, Ritual)
Coming to Bluray: Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

Help with Disney Dining Questions

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Help with Disney Dining Questions

I love talking about Walt Disney World with anyone who will listen, especially those who have never visited before. Nothing brightens my day more than having someone who has never been contact me for help with their first ever trip. I get so excited for them and I really appreciate having the pleasure of helping them to plan such an important family trip.

I am not a travel agent, nor do I have the skills of a travel agent. All I can offer is my advice from my own personal experiences and the first-hand knowledge gained from my travels to WDW this past many years. My children are always telling me I should go back to school and become a Disney travel agent but, as I tell them, I am looking forward to actually being able to stop working one day not start a whole new career from scratch. I am looking forward to spending my retirement years at Walt Disney World, after all. Still, if I had known 20 years ago what I know now, that is exactly the path I would have taken.

I was recently contacted by a very sweet lady who had some questions regarding her upcoming first-time Disney trip. Her questions revolved mostly around the free dining plan she was lucky enough to secure for herself and her family. Specifically, she asked questions about Cinderella’s Royal Table and her other choices for table service meals. She also asked for advice on maximizing her free dining benefits while incorporating some additional meals.

I thought that maybe others were having the same questions, so I thought I would share the advice I gave to her with all of you. This information will be of the same value to those who are paying for the dining plan. Just to be clear, the Disney Dining Plan affords you 1 table service meal, 1 quick service meal, and 1 snack per person per day.

Here is the advice I offered:

1.  I believe it is a great idea to use a table service credit for a character breakfast on your first full day at Walt Disney World. Good choices are Chef Mickey’s, the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, and the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom, just to name a few.

2.  Using snack credits for breakfast items and having breakfast out by the pool, and then letting the kids have a lazy morning swimming and having some fun at the resort, is another great idea. Your kids will love you for it.

3.  If you plan to head to Downtown Disney after a day in the park, but you are unsure about eating at Downtown, an alternate idea would be to take a bus from the park to any resort of your choosing and have a meal there. You should choose a resort you are really interested in seeing and have dinner, then check out the property. Afterwards, take that resort’s bus to Downtown Disney.

4.  If you are interested in a signature dining experience, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table, but you cannot decide whether or not you want to use 2 table service credits per person for the meal, try paying for some less expensive meals and go ahead and use the credits.  For example, breakfast dining is the least expensive meal, so you might choose to pay for a breakfast at Chef Mickey’s in order to save some TS credits.

Let’s look at this idea more closely. For this example, I  have based the figures on a family of 4 with 2 adults and 2 children. The charge for breakfast at Chef Mickey’s is $26.62 for adults (2) and $13.99 for kids (2). So, that would be 81.22 to pay for Chef Mickey’s instead of using the 4 TS credits.

Another example would be breakfast at Hollywood and Vine. Here, the cost for adults is 24.99 (2) and 13.99 for kids (2). So, that would be 77.96. If you pay for this you will save 4 TS credits.

So, if you decided to pay for both breakfast meals, you would be paying a total of $159.18 which is still cheaper than paying for Cinderella’s Royal Table at $173.00. If you do not want to use them for a signature dining experience, you will be able to use TS credits you saved for more dinner-time meals, if you choose to use them that way.

There are many options to maximizing the meal credits based on your family’s wishes. If you have specific dining questions, feel free to call on the experts at Disney Dining at 407-WDW-DINE.

Whether you are lucky enough to get free dining or if you have to pay for it, these tips will still help in your planning. Either way, I hope you will have a magical vacation with your family.

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Disney Character Updates and News for February 2011

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Character Updates and News for February 2011

Walt Disney World Updates

The big upcoming character news for WDW are the changes coming because of Toontown closing. All the current residents of Toontown will be moving to new locations:

  • Mickey and Minnie are moving to Tomorrowland near Space Mountain but may also occasionally show up in Frontierland and Liberty Square
  • The Princesses will be moving to the Adventureland Veranda
  • The Fairies (including Tink) will be moving to Epcot near MouseGear. At first not all the fairies may be out but at least Tink, Terrence, and Vidia should be and more of Tink’s friends may be back for Flower and Garden once that starts

The next big piece of news is that it has been announced that Phineas & Ferb will be coming to DHS in May!

Disneyland Updates

Family Fun Weekends are continuing through the beginning of March and extra characters or more common characters in special outfits have been there for each event.

In California Adventure they have expanded their little shows that have “replaced” the Pixar Play Parade and now there is a “Monsters Inc: Monster Mayhem” show in addition to the Heroes in Training show.

Due to various refurbs currently Critter Country is completely closed… no word on where or if the characters that normally meet there have found a temporary home while the refurb is going on.

Disneyland Paris Updates

Most of the current changes to Disneyland Paris are related to the Fantasyland refurbs with characters showing up in unusual places. For example the Disney All Star Express has had more random characters much like the original Character Express and some characters have randomly shown up in Videopolis. Things will probably be quiet in DLP until the start of the new festival in April.

That is all the news for this month. As always you can find the latest Character news and information as well as lots and lots of photos at Disney Character Central!

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A DiVine Sight

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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A DiVine Sight

For many years I have really enjoyed the live entertainment at the Disney parks. Whether it was an act that is no longer in the parks, such as the living statues in Italy at Epcot, or the current entertainment offerings, I have always found them to be so unique. My family and I experienced one of the best examples of this during our day at the Animal Kingdom this past November.

We were on our way to our favorite ride at the park, Expedition Everest, when all of a sudden my husband started scrambling for the camera. He said, “Oh my gosh, look at that!” I couldn’t believe it. It was DiVine and I hadn’t seen her at the park for the last couple of trips. This time we got lucky again. When we were there a few years ago, she was in the middle of the walkway but this year she was in great camouflage with her surroundings and she was moving ever so gently behind the fenced area toward Asia.

She is mesmerizing to watch. She moves in a strange but graceful way and I can’t seem to stop staring at this unique artistry. I did some research on DiVine for this blog and found out that she is a performance artist named Priscilla Blight who has travelled all around the globe and has now brought her expressive talents to the Animal Kingdom for an exclusive engagement. She now makes her home on the pathways between Africa and Asia.

You must look carefully or you will walk right past her, as I guess I have done for the past couple of years. This time, she was easier to spot and even if we had not seen her right away, she caused such a crowd that we certainly would have caught on. We all had our cameras out and we were all following her around like paparazzi. If you are lucky enough to spot her, take a moment to enjoy this unique 10-foot tall plant girl.

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Mickey’s Soundsational Parade to Debut in Summer at Disneyland

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Mickey's Soundsational Parade to Debut in Summer at Disneyland

Along with Star Tours 2.0 and Little Mermaid being pushed back to June, the new parade at Disneyland will also make its way to the park in the summer. This news, along with the date push-backs, were announced on Inside the Magic’s website.

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade will feature many performers and Disney characters making their way down Main Street while grooving to Disney tunes.

I’m super excited for this parade, and I hope a lot of other people are, too!

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.

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Star Tours 2.0, Little Mermaid Delayed at Disneyland and California Adventure

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Star Tours 2.0, Little Mermaid Delayed at Disneyland and California Adventure

I found this bit of news on Ricky Brigante’s Inside the Magic website. You can read the original article here.

The Little Mermaid dark ride, currently under construction at California Adventure, was supposed to have a spring opening date, but alas, it has been pushed back to June. No specific date has been announced.

Across the way at Disneyland, work is being done on Star Tours. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (aka Star Tours 2.0) had an opening date of May 20, 2011, but that has also been pushed back to June 2011.

While I’m sad that I’ll have to wait a bit longer for these two attractions, I think it’s important that they make sure everything is done properly to give guests the best experience they possibly can. I can’t wait until June! (I just hope they don’t open when my pass is blocked out.)

The photo above is concept art from Blue Sky Cellar. The pictured mural will be featured in the Little Mermaid dark ride attraction.

Related articles
  • A Decade of Fun at Disney California Adventure Park: Top Attractions, 552,000 Points, 236 Doors and More (chipandco.com)
  • New Blue Sky Cellar Show Previews Little Mermaid and Unveils an ‘Animated’ Map (chipandco.com)
Star Tours 2.0, Little Mermaid Delayed at Disneyland and California Adventure

Disney Family ‘Out of the Cold’ Sweepstakes

By
Chip
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Disney Family ‘Out of the Cold’ Sweepstakes

Melt away those winter blues with a vacation to sunny California. Enter the Disney Family & Campbell’s Out of the Cold Sweepstakes.

Grand Prize Winner

One Grand Prize winner will receive $4,500 toward a trip for four to beautiful San Diego.

For more details and to enter click the picture above.

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Disney Family ‘Out of the Cold’ Sweepstakes
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