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Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t Let Your Ego Ruin Your Vacation

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World Quick Tips - Don't Let Your Ego Ruin Your Vacation

Hi everyone!! You may or may not have noticed that I have been among the missing for the past several weeks and the cause of that absence is my main focus for writing this article. Suffice it to say I went from being extremely healthy to desperately ill in a very short period of time and am now in a fairly long recovery period (hey – at least I can call it a recovery). The illness has given me a new perspective on physical limitations and their potential effect on a vacation to Walt Disney World and what effect they may or may not have on our upcoming October visit.

A lot of folks in their mid sixties have huge egos when it comes to their physical prowess and abilities (GUILTY!!!). In the past I have had no issues with the theme park death marches every day on a visit to Walt Disney World vacation but my recent illness may have a significant effect on that and my stamina may still be limited come vacation time. Things may change in the next four months but in the event I am still somewhat limited come vacation time there is a rental scooter in my future. That is something I never thought I would do but we will be traveling with friends on this trip and I refuse to let my ego impact this vacation. The minimal cost of a scooter will make the trip go as planned so that my issues don’t impact my wife and friends. O.K. I’m off the soapbox!!!

The point I’m trying to make is that no one will think any less of you when you do the smart thing and take advantage of all of the assistance available at one of the most “disabled friendly” places on earth. Your companions will probably thank you for your consideration. There are always those folks out there who might think someone using assistance is faking it, especially if you look perfectly healthy as I do. Who cares what they think, your aim is to have a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World regardless of limitations. Believe me – if I can overcome my gigantic ego out of respect for my fellow travelers (not to mention how much easier it will be on this old body) you can too. Don’t forget, your willingness to take advantage of the assistance available will not only make your visit better for your companions but it will allow you to enjoy your visit in the style to which you have become accustomed. Everybody Benefits!!! WIN-WIN-WIN!!!

I am thrilled to be at a point where I can resume writing for Chip and Company and even though my contributions may be a bit limited at first, I should be back at full speed in just a few weeks. Thanks for taking the time to read my stuff! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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Disney World Quick Tips - Don't Let Your Ego Ruin Your Vacation

Save 17%-30% off your Disney Resort!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Save 17%-30% off your Disney Resort!

Disney Discounts – Late Summer Vacation Package

Disney World Late Summer Vacation Packages

Package for 5 nights / 6 days at select Disney Moderate, or Deluxe Resorts
and get a FREE Disney Water Park or DisneyQuest Ticket for each person in your party.

Save 17% to 30% off your Disney resort.

The Summer Vacation Package Includes:
*Accommodations
*Magic Your Way Base Ticket
*Disney’s Plus Dining**
*A Free DisneyQuest or Disney Water Park Ticket

Contact your Pixie agent and request promo code: PVLS

Examples:
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Room: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Sample Party: 2 adults, 2 children (age 8 & 12)
Park Tickets: 7 Day Base Tickets
Disney Dining Plan: Plus Dining
EXTRA: 1-Day Ticket into Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, or DisneyQuest for each person in the party.

Standard Price: $4336.58

Vacation Package Price: $3560.97 (Save $775.61)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Room: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Sample Party: 2 adults, 2 children (age 8 & 12)
Park Tickets: 4 Day Base Tickets
Disney Dining Plan: Plus Dining
EXTRA: 1-Day Ticket into Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, or DisneyQuest for each person in the party.

Standard Price: $2654.31

Vacation Package Price: $2286.73 (Save $367.58)

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Room: 5 Nights / 6 Days
Sample Party: 2 adults, 2 children (age 8 & 12)
Park Tickets: 6 Day Base Tickets
Disney Dining Plan: Plus Dining
EXTRA: 1-Day Ticket into Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, or DisneyQuest for each person in the party.

Standard Price: $2898.39

Vacation Package Price: $2611.55 (Save $286.84)

Booking Window: 6/20 – 7/11/11
Travel Window: 7/25 – 8/12/11
Available Disney Resorts for this Special Vacation Package are:

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (Moderate Resort) 7/27 – 8/1/11 & 8/7 – 8/12/11
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (Deluxe Resort) 7/25 – 7/31/11
Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Deluxe Resort) 7/31 – 8/3/11

To Book:

Click here to get a detailed quote!
Ask about packages available in other resort categories and for other lengths of stay.

www.PixieVacations.com

[email protected]

This Exclusive offer is ONLY available to guests that book with Pixie Vacations. The number of rooms and dates are limited so contact Pixie Vacations ASAP.

All resorts in this offer will have a 12.5% tax added.
There will be a fee of $15.00 per person per night for 3rd and 4th adults (18 years old or older) in each room at the moderate category resorts.
There will be a fee of $25.00 per person per night for 3rd and 4th adults (18 years old or older) in each room at the deluxe category resorts.
* Price based on 2 Adults, 1 Junior and 1 Child. The number of packages available at this rate is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required.
** Excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3–9 must order from children’s menu if available. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

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Save 17%-30% off your Disney Resort!

Desperate Housewives: The Complete Seventh Season August 30th

By
Chip
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Desperate Housewives: The Complete Seventh Season August 30th

It’s high noon on Wisteria Lane as a brand new rival stirs up even more excitement, deceit and romance in the neighborhood. This sizzling DVD release allows audiences to collect every red-hot episode, plus juicy never-before-seen bonus features.

Release Format: 5-Disc DVD Set

Suggested Retail Price: $45.99 US/$54.99 Canada

DVD Bonus Features include:

  • “Desperate For Trivia” – Discover how much America’s favorite cast really remembers about their characters when asked trivia questions from the past seven years
  • “Growing Up On Wisteria Lane” – This fun featurette will juxtapose a group interview with “older kids” (Andrea Bowman, Shawn Pyfrom, Joy Lauren, Cody Kasch) reflecting back on their experience “growing up” on Wisteria Lane
  • 12 Deleted Scenes Straight From The Cutting Room Floor
  • Bloopers, Outtakes & Gags
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Disney World Quick Tip – Enjoy Snacks as Your Meal

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World Quick Tip - Enjoy Snacks as Your Meal
China's Joy of Tea at Epcot

I’m as much a Disney “snackie” as a Disney foodie, and don’t always want to eat as much food as Disney serves. At least a couple of times during my Walt Disney World vacations I’ll use snack items as a light lunchtime meal. Doing so curbs my appetite just enough so I’m not distracted by a rumbly in my tummy when I’m going theme-park commando.

I’m particularly fond of “mini-meal” snacks that are also on the Disney Dining Plan (DDP). Using a snack credit or two on more substantial Disney snacks has the added benefit of helping me save up a table-service credit or two for special meals. It’s a pretty painless, and dare I say healthier, use of my snack credits while I keep my eye on the BIG prize – like a meal at California Grill or Crystal Palace.

Among my favorites are the baked potato found in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, the curry chicken pockets at China’s Joy of Tea in China, and the chicken-fried rice at Yak & Yeti’s Anandupar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Even the pre-packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches available at many places make a good light meal, especially when paired with a side of fresh veggies or fruit (another snack option).

And I’m leaving off entirely the options for using snacks as a breakfast meal, as there are muffins, bagels and yogurt for morning meals. Using snack credits in the a.m. might be a great option if you’re not a breakfast person. (I am….a Disney character breakfast person!)

DDP planning tip: Of course, if you’re a person who plans to have a sweet snack every day of your trip, you may wish to save your DDP credits for the sweet stuff, like some of my favorite Disney candy stops. Sweet treats tends to be more expensive (and sometimes big enough to share). As a general rule, pay out-of-pocket for the least expensive snacks.

And for those times when I’m not touring Walt Disney World on the Disney Dining Plan, I can feel good about having a lighter meal, both on my tummy and my pocketbook.

While I have my favorite mini-meal snacks throughout Walt Disney World parks and resorts, I’m always on the look-out for new favorites. What are your recommendations?

 

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Muppets are GREEN with Envy

By
Chip
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Muppets are GREEN with Envy

When Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.

Coming to theaters November 23, 2011.

Become a fan on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Muppets

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/MuppetsStudio

Website: http://disney.com/muppets

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Disney Family Fun – Backyard Fun Sweepstakes

By
Chip
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Disney Family Fun - Backyard Fun Sweepstakes

Enter the Disney Family Fun’s Backyard Fun Sweepstakes for your chance to win one of five prizes to help you have a fun camp-out in your own back yard. Sponsored by Energizer!

Click here to enter.

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Disney World Quick Tip – How to Get the Best Seat

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World Quick Tip - How to Get the Best Seat

Many popular Disney World attractions are shows, such as Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Mickey’s Philharmagic, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, the American Adventure, and more! However, what most guests are thinking about when the theater doors open is how to get the best seat, especially when you have kids!

While many theaters at Walt Disney World have seating that offers great views no matter where you’re at, the best views for many shows are in the center, near the front.  From this location, you have a direct view of the action and close proximity to the characters, especially when it’s a live show. However, when you enter the theater, Cast Members require guests to move all the way across the aisle. Therefore, if you’re the first one in, you will probably get one of the worst seats!

So if you want a great seat at a show at Disney World, don’t push to be the first through the theater doors. If you do, you will be required to go all the way across the aisle and end up with a distant aisle seat. Instead, hang back a little and let the crowds flow in until they have filled up half of the theater, then make your way to an empty seat which should be at the center of the theater! However, be warned that the seats towards the front tend to fill up fast!

So when you’re hunting for a great seat at a Disney World show,  don’t rush! Let other guests take the other seats and then get the ones you want. It’s much less stressful and you and the kids will have a great view!

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Stress Free Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Stress Free Disney World

When Walt Disney World travelers envision their trips they think of perfect weather, smiling children, wonderful food, characters surrounding them. While all of these things can be true when traveling to Disney World, a trip to Disney can be tiring, stressful and a little bit of work. There are plenty of ways that to alleviate stress on your Walt Disney World vacation.

Understand the size

Walt Disney World covers 46 square miles of property, has 4 main theme parks 2 water parks and Downtown Disney. In addition, there are 19 resort  hotels on Disney property. Basically, Disney World is HUGE! It is important to understand the size before you travel so that you can accurately plan out your days and times.

Plan Ahead

It is very important to know the time of year you plan to travel. Crowds, weather and prices vary for different times of year and can greatly impact many of the factors of your trip. In order to help you plan you may want to pick up a few Walt Disney World vacation guide books such as Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World 2011. These books are designed to give you a lot of information about Walt Disney World. Another option would be to visit touringplans.com, this site is devoted to helping you design a step by step plan to the most magical vacation ever!

In all of the special planning you will do it is important to remember not to over plan. If you do and things don’t go the way you planned, it may leave you feeling disappointed. When you are planning be sure to work room into your plans for rest and relaxation. Disney is a working vacation and you will need a little R&R.

Get Familiar With Attractions

As you read through your Disney planning books create a list of attractions that you think your family would enjoy. It is very important to take note of any restrictions when planning out your attractions. Many rides AT Disney World have height restrictions. You would not want to have a child disappointed at the park because they cannot get on an attraction. It is a good idea to have a to do list per park. I usually recommend adding 4-5 attractions on your list per day, this way if you get to more than that, you feel very accomplished.

Use Fastpass

Fastpass is a reservation system for rides that allows you to reserve a ride time and return at a later time in the day. This system can save you a ton of time from waiting in line while you are at Walt Disney World.

Check Your Mindset

The most important thing to do to keep your stress low while at Walt Disney World is to keep the mindset that you are on vacation. While it is a working vacation, it is still a vacation. Try to relax and remember that you are at a magical place where memories are made that will last a lifetime. If you keep this in mind you are sure to have the best vacation you can possibly have.

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Disney Pixar’s “Cars 2” Rolls Into Target Stores Nationwide

By
Chip
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Disney Pixar's "Cars 2" Rolls Into Target Stores Nationwide

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced its collection of merchandise inspired by Disney·Pixar’s “Cars 2,” arriving in theaters on June 24. The “Cars 2” collection at Target features products in categories throughout the store, including several exclusive items, such as the Racing Rivals Buddy Pack, Change Ups Racing Track set, Topper Deckington — a double-decker bus vehicle, “Cars 2” Guess Who game and a bedding pattern. The Target collection also features LEGO® Ultimate Build Francesco and the Fisher Price® Wheelies Racing Rivalry Track.

“Target’s collaboration with Disney offers our guests a wide selection of playful products inspired by the ‘Cars 2’ star characters, Lightning McQueen and Mater,” said Casey Carl, senior vice president of merchandising at Target. “From play sets and electronic devices to bedding and apparel, Target is the destination that Disney·Pixar movie fans are racing to for merchandise at an exceptional value.”

A dedicated boutique of “Cars 2” merchandise can also be found online at Target.com/Cars2, which has an expanded assortment of products inspired by the film and an interactive experience featuring the movie’s exciting characters. The site also houses the exclusive, custom animated TV spot created by Disney·Pixar for Target, featuring favorite characters from the film. In the spot, two cars are racing toward their nearest Target store when a surprise competitor comes up from behind and leaves them in the dust. The 30-second spot began airing on June 4.

“Fans are clamoring for ‘Cars’- inspired merchandise that brings the stories and characters from the film to life,” said Bruce Morrison, senior vice president of sales at Disney Consumer Products. “Target has captured some of the movie’s magic through its expansive ‘Cars 2’ assortment, and we know fans will love it.”

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Disney World Quick Tip – Base Package vs. Room Only.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World Quick Tip - Base Package vs. Room Only.

You may think your only choice when booking a Disney vacation is a package or a room-only reservation, but there’s one very handy option a lot of guests don’t know about:  The base package. A base package is different from a regular Disney package in that you don’t add dining or tickets.   You’re probably saying to yourself “Duh, Chris, that’s a room-only reservation.”    Well, it is.  And those work great as long as the deposit is only a couple hundred dollars, but if you’re booking a deluxe room or villa, your deposit can be hundreds of dollars.  No one wants to pay that months before you travel, right?  This is where the base package comes in.

A base package is essentially a fiction:  You book a room-only reservation with the intent, but not the obligation, of adding tickets and dining at a later point.  This isn’t cheating Disney out of the full deposit; they’re aware that guests do this.  You’ll pay a $200 deposit to secure this package, the same as a regular package.  Like any Disney package, you pay the final amount in full at the 45-day mark.  One nice advantage of the base package is that unlike a room-only reservation, if you have to cancel after the grace period*, you’re only out your $200 deposit rather than the cost of one night’s stay.

Next time you book a room-only reservation, consider this option.  It can save you a hefty down payment.

*For  Disney packages, you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel 45-days prior to travel. For room-only reservations, it’s 5-days prior to travel.

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World of Color Dinner Package: Wine Country Trattoria

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

World of Color Dinner Package: Wine Country Trattoria

If you prefer not to dine, “Under the Sea” at Ariel’s Grotto, Wine Country Trattoria offers a more upscale dining experience in a beautiful setting.

Wine Country Trattoria also offers a three course prix fixe menu, $39.99 for adults and $20.99 for children (ages 3-9) (passholder discounts may be available). Reservations are recommended and can be made 60 days prior to arrival by calling (714) 781-DINE.

The three course meal begins with your choice of a mixed green salad or soup selection (varies daily). Entrees offer your choice of chicken, pastas, sustainable fish, lamb shank, beef tenderloin (I recommend this!).

The desserts are plated in petite portions to share and include tiramisu, mini fruit crostada, vanilla bean panna cotta with fresh fruit and chocolate hazelnut mousse with lemon cream.

We asked to be seated upstairs where the roof is overhead but the California breeze blows through the terrace. The warm terra cotta tones make you feel like you are in the Napa Valley and the wine list follows suit. The mixture of the fantastic food, beautiful atmosphere and excellent service made this a family favorite, we can’t wait to get back here for our next meal!

If you would like to experience Disneyland and the World of Color Show, take advantage of the Summer Room-Only offer and save up to 25% on Disneyland resort hotels. Book by June 18, 2011 for travel June 19, 2011 through August 13, 2011. Book June 19, 2011 through July 23, 2011 for arrivals most night July 17, 2011 through August 13, 2011. Travel must be completed by August 14, 2011. Upgrade your room only reservation to a package and receive two Disney FASTPASS tickets for each person in their party per stay for check-in dates June 3rd through September 5th. Also receive early access to “The Little Mermaid~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” 30-miutes prior to the opening of Disney California Adventure park from June 4th to September 5th.

Book with Pixie Vacations in June (for travel anytime) and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 Disney gift card!

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Disney World Quick Tip – Avoid Morning Madness

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World Quick Tip - Avoid Morning Madness

My quick tip is for all those non morning people out there.

If you aren’t the character breakfast type, or need a little something to get you going in the morning, you can still avoid the morning madness! In the evening when you arrive back at your resort from a long day in the parks, stop into the snack shop and pick up a muffin, granola bar, pop tart or pastry and bring it back to your room (many of these count as snacks on the Disney Dining Plan).

When you wake up the next morning you have your breakfast snack ready to go, no muss, no fuss and no morning madness!

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