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We’re Going to Disney World…for New Years!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

We’re Going to Disney World…for New Years!

As I am writing this post, we are within just a few days of our trip to Walt Disney World for New Years, and I honestly think that the next best thing to being at Disney is getting ready to go to Disney. 🙂

Of course it’s all kind of crazy, trying to wrap up all the details that didn’t get taken care of because, well, we had this little Holiday over the past weekend…..but it’s all still good, because it’s a fun crazy!

Now, I have written in the past about how very busy it is at Disney World during the week between Christmas and New Years, as we have gone during this week in the past. But still, despite the crowds and lines, we’re excited and looking forward to ringing in 2011 in the best place I can think of to start a New Year: the place where dreams and hopes live for so many.

Fortunately, we have been blessed to have visited many times, so if we don’t get to see all the attractions or ride all the rides, its ok. Going to Disney World over the holidays is as much about soaking up the atmosphere as it is about “doing things”. So we’ll go with the flow more during this week than we might at other times of the year, since the irony of being there with crowds is the chance to actually vacation more relaxed. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

We do have some “must-sees” though, so these will be our priorities, and we’ll work everything else around them:

  • Visit Magic Kingdom on the 30th to see the daily Christmas parade that afternoon
  • Do the Candlelight Processional that evening (the last performance of the year)
  • Spend New Year’s Eve at Epcot with thousands of our new best friends 🙂
  • Start the New Year with a breakfast at Cape May Café
  • See Holiday Wishes at Magic Kingdom
  • See the Osborne Lights

We will also be experiencing a few “new” things that I just booked this morning.  It’s a bit of a surprise though, so you’ll have to wait to see what those are, and how we liked them. 🙂

Which brings me to this: want to follow along virtually with us as we celebrate the New Year at Walt Disney World? I will be posting updates to my Facebook page, and providing Chip with some pictures along the way to share with you. So stay tuned!

Wishing you and yours the happiest and most magical New Year ever!!

Nancy, her husband and college-age daughter live in the Baltimore MD area, but consider Walt Disney World their second “home”. She started her site, The Affordable Mouse, as a way to share ideas about how to plan affordable Disney vacations. She will be posting live updates from her family’s upcoming New Year’s Disney vacation on The Affordable Mouse facebook page.

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We’re Going to Disney World…for New Years!

The Chip and Company Week in Review For December 27th

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Chip and Company Week in Review For December 27th

Here is the Chip and Company Disney Week In Review for Christmas week 2010. We have a lot of News as well as the Views of our amazing group of writers. Let’s start with a bit of a peek at what Disney has in store for us next year.

  • Events, Attractions, and More Coming To Disney In 2011 tells us what there is in store for us from each segment of the Disney Company. There is a lot of good stuff here.
  • Chris took some big news for all of you super planners about the new Advance Dining Reservation enhancements and broke it down so that it makes sense in Disney World Special Dining Events Can Now Be Booked Online. Thanks Chris that was a big help!!
  • Chip gave us a bit of a different view of the Disney Christmas Parade in a special type of video. His article, Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade – “Tilt Shitf” Video puts the parade in a whole different perspective. These “Tilt Shift” videos are always fun to watch.
  • If you are going to be at Walt Disney World between Christmas and New Year‘s this year or next, take Nancy’s well researched advice and follow these 10 Tips For Surviving The Christmas/New Year’s Holidays at Disney World. You won’t be sorry.
  • Lisa had the perfect set of ADR’s for a 10th Anniversary trip to Walt Disney World but, unfortunately, the plans fell through. She shares her disappointment with us in I Had Le Cellier And Now I Don’t. Hang in there Lisa, I’m sure with your tenacity you will get those ADR’s again for an equally important trip.
  • Anonymouse, that little dickens, has come up with another one for us. His/her article Disney Confidential: New Toy Story Short “Hawaii” Coming To Pixar’s Cars 2 lets us in on that little secret.
  • Brenda has been sharing secrets about the Magic Kingdom with us as a result of her Keys To The Kingdom tour. This installment concerns one of the “Nine Old Men“, Marc Davis, and his love for chess. See where his fascination for the game shows up when you read Keys To The Kingdom Lesson: Chess Anyone?
  • Chip takes a trip to the Dark Side when he shows us the Star Wars Christmas Special…That One Everyone Really Wanted. Enjoy it, it’s a lot of fun.
  • I’m sure we have all heard talk about Walt Disney’s apartment but here is a rare video of the apartment plus a virtual tour. Watch it while you have a chance in a Virtual Tour Of Walt Disney’s Apartment.
  • Debra finished the installment in her “Take Five” series covering Disney’s Animal Kingdom you can read it here in Take Five At Walt Disney World: Disney’s Animal Kingdom and you can view the entire series here.
  • Mike tells us about roller coasters in his study of My Favorite Disney World Roller Coasters take a look, you may just be driven to try one you have missed in past visits.
  • Leezer gives us some tips on enhancing your Walt Disney World visit by getting the best available seats for some of the bigger attractions. Follow the advice in What Is “The Best Seat In The House” At Walt Disney World and you may be surprised at the result.
  • I addressed the main demon I face on each visit to Walt Disney World in Are You A Member Of The Motion Sickness Club? See how I took care of my issue and the options and necessary precautions that may help you.
  • We welcomed a new writer, Jennifer, this week. She’s off to a great start with her first article, Disney World Has Made Me a Runner. Welcome Jennifer!
  • For those of you who love Disney food there is a new cookbook available. The information is in a New Disney Cookbook Features Old,New Recipes.
  • This one is for the “Pirates” people out there. If I didn’t already own all three movies in both DVD and Blu Ray I would be standing in line for this one. When you read Coming To Bluray – Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy 7-Disc Set I bet you will be ready to stand in line!!

That’s all for this week and all of us at Chip and Company hope that your Christmas holiday was all that you wished for and we wish you the best for 2011. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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The Chip and Company Week in Review For December 27th

runDisney 2011 Disney Parks Marathon Schedule

By
Chip
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runDisney 2011 Disney Parks Marathon Schedule

Here is the complete runDisney 2011 Marathon Schedules for both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

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  • Lots of ‘Run ‘n’ Fun’ at Disney Parks: Last Call for Entries in Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Events (chipandco.com)
  • Dates for 2011 Wine and Dine Marathon. (everythingwdisneyworld.com)
runDisney 2011 Disney Parks Marathon Schedule

Twice Upon a Year Sale at Disney Store. Save up to 50% Off!

By
Chip
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Twice Upon a Year Sale at Disney Store. Save up to 50% Off!

Here is a chance to use some of that Christmas Money! Two new offers from Disney Store start today!

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Twice Upon a Year Sale at Disney Store. Save up to 50% Off!

Man dies after walking in front of Disney bus at Port Orleans resort

By
Chip
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Man dies after walking in front of Disney bus at Port Orleans resort

This article comes to us from the Orlando Sentinel.

A Massachusetts tourist was killed Sunday when he walked in front of a bus at Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans resort, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

According to witnesses, Robert Krueger, 69, of Yarmouth Port, Mass., on Cape Cod, was walking alone when he stepped into the path of a Disney bus traveling through the parking lot of the resort about 5:50 p.m., said Sgt. Kim Montes, a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman.

The front of the bus struck Krueger and knocked him to the ground, a report says.

He died at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Montes said.

Click here to keep reading.

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Man dies after walking in front of Disney bus at Port Orleans resort

Gnomeo and Juliet – In Theaters February 11, 2011

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Gnomeo and Juliet – In Theaters February 11, 2011

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Walt Disney Pictures will be releasing a new Romeo and Juliet movie. It is called Gnomeo and Juliet in 3D and I can’t wait to see it because garden gnomes just happen to hold a special place in my heart.

Among my other volunteer jobs, I serve as the Youth Leader of the High School Youth Group at my church. One of the events I plan each year is a “Gnome Kidnapping” and my teens and I all love it. Each Fall, we “kidnap” garden gnomes from neighborhood homes (of church members – pre-arranged, of course) and we take the gnomes on fun adventures. The slogan for the night is “No Gnome Left At Home” and is based on the premise that all Summer long homeowners have traveled on vacations and have completely ignored their lawn friends, not to mention their need for a little excitement as well. Each team takes the gnome on different adventures and they document them on film and video to earn points. Different activities earn different amounts of points and the team with the most points after they return their gnome to his humble dwellings wins.

We all have so much fun with our gnomes, whom we name for our night out on the town. You can bet that the first Wednesday night after Gnomeo and Juliet is released, my youth group and I will be found in the theater enjoying this fun-loving film.

In Gnomeo and Juliet, our star-crossed lovers are said to be getting a comical, off-the-wall makeover. The movie will feature the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet who, just as their quasi namesakes, will have many obstacles to overcome when they get caught up in a feud between neighbors. The trailer looks hilarious but, with all the antics going on, will they possibly find a happy ending? One can only guess.

I know some adults and teenagers who will soon find out. I am really looking forward to this sure-to-be-fun night.

Why I Love the Epcot Resort Area

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Why I Love the Epcot Resort Area

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, choosing the resort you’ll stay at is often times one of the hardest decisions to make. After all, with over twenty different choices, it can be a bit overwhelming! Over the years, I’ve tried several of them, ranging from Value to Deluxe, and I have to say, I found my favorites: The Boardwalk and The Beach Club. When it comes to these two hotels, it’s not just about the room décor or the themes they depict, but more about their location.

The Epcot Resort area is comprised of a few different hotels: The Boardwalk Inn and Villas, The Beach Club and Beach Club Villas, the Yacht Club, the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin. They surround Crescent Lake, which spans from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Epcot. So what is it about these deluxe hotels that make them so special?

Why I Love the Epcot Resort Area


Easy access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Both of these parks are within walking distance of the resorts. Epcot is just five to ten minutes away and Hollywood Studios is 15 to 20 minutes away by foot. This is a great perk, especially at the end of a long day at the parks. Who wants to stand in a long line waiting for the bus? Not me. If you aren’t up for the walk or are looking to rest your feet, you can also take a boat to and from these parks, and even to the other resorts around the lake.


A Plethora of Dining Options
The Epcot resort area is a great place to head to outside of the parks when you’re looking for a bite to eat. Not only are there lots of different restaurants, but they range from candy stores to Signature Dining establishments. Some of my favorites on property, like Yachtsman Steakhouse and Boardwalk Bakery, are located in the area. Looking for a burger? Or maybe some ice cream? Beaches and Cream is the place to be! If you’re hungry, try the Kitchen Sink!

Why I Love the Epcot Resort Area


Entertainment
There is so much going on in this area, especially in the evening hours. Stroll through the shops around the Boardwalk. Get your picture taken in the photo booth. Watch street performers act, dance, and juggle. Sing along at Jellyrolls or dance the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall. Catch the game at the ESPN Club. Ride a surrey bike around Crescent Lake, or rent a pontoon boat and tour the lake yourself! These are just a few of the many, many activities that occur nightly.

If you haven’t stayed in one of the Epcot resorts, I highly recommend you give them a try. If it’s not in your budget, or you’re not sure if you would like the experience, stop over one night on your next trip and walk around, explore the Boardwalk, and check out the hotels. I can almost guarantee you’ll be back for more!

Have you stayed in the Epcot resort area? What did you like about it?

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Why I Love the Epcot Resort Area

I Am So Psyched For Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 – On Stranger Tides

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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I Am So Psyched For Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 – On Stranger Tides

I am a HUUUUUGE fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Although some critics felt that 2 and 3 were not as good as The Curse of the Black Pearl, I loved all of them. I had them on DVD and recently bought the set on Blu Ray and all I can say is WOW, what a difference. The detail and clarity in the Blu Ray is beyond belief. I had seen all three in the theater and watched the DVD’s 3 or 4 times each before watching the Blu Ray and one more time – WOW!!

There is only one thing that excites me more than the May 20 release of On Stranger Tides and that is our October visit to Walt Disney World but those trips always take first place. I think I’ll miss Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom but as long as Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush are there I’m happy!!

I just viewed the trailer and it looks as though Captain Jack will be at his best in this one. His sense of adventure along with his comic portrayal really give the character life. Oh, did I mention that I’m also a HUUUUUGE Johnny Depp fan.

I hope everyone will join me in the theaters (although not at the same time) in making this the most successful of the series so that Disney will proceed with plans for POTC 5 & 6. As always, enjoy your next visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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I Am So Psyched For Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 – On Stranger Tides

Deeky Geek Review of Epic Mickey at 2 Lonely Deeks

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Deeky Geek Review of Epic Mickey at 2 Lonely Deeks

There has been a lot of discussion on most major gaming blogs about Epic Mickey. I agree with most of the statements: it is beautiful, sounds great and has a terrible camera. The levels range from stultifying to head-scratchingly run to google difficult.

Still, if you are a Deek (Disney + Geek), then this game pays out in spades!

Check It Out – Deek Disney Geek Guide to Epic Mickey

Oh and don’t forget to enter our Epic Mickey Collectors Edition Giveaway while your there. You have till December 17th to enter.

Related articles
  • Win a Free Copy of Epic Mickey for the Nintendo Wii from 2 Lonely Deeks! (imaginerding.com)
  • First Impression: Epic Mickey Gameplay, Quirks, and More (2lonelydeeks.com)
  • Epic Mickey Hidden Books! (imaginerding.com)
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Ask a Disney Question: Getting Merchandise from the Parks.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Ask a Disney Question: Getting Merchandise from the Parks.

This question comes from Linda, who asks: 

We just got back from a magical 9 day visit at Kadani Village. While we were there I had a glass of wine at the Sanaa Restaurant.  I do have the name of the wine but can not fine it anywhere to purchase. Do you know whom I would contact to buy this bottle of wine? Thank you.

Linda, thanks for reading the site and for your question.  If you see merchandise in the parks but didn’t purchase it while visiting, you can still purchase it when you get home by calling 407-363-6200.   The more descriptive you can be the better, including where you saw it, but they can usually find it and send it to you with just a general description.   The only issue I see with your situation is shipping wine over state lines.

Hope this helps!

Have a Disney question? We have answers. Write us at  Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World.  She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast.

My Fab Five Magic Kingdom Attractions

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

My Fab Five Magic Kingdom Attractions

Most of us really love the Magic Kingdom, and for many reasons. It is really the most “Walt Disney” of all the parks, it has so many attractions that Walt actually had a hand in, and it is full of fun and fantasy. I know we all have favorite attractions so I’ll just give you mine in reverse order. You may be surprised!!

5. “it’s a small world” – I know, I almost don’t believe it myself but there is something about the little figures, the cheeriness of the whole thing, and that “delightful” song that makes it a must at least a couple of times each visit.

4. Jungle Cruise – The jokes are tired (but still appropriate) and there is not a lot of high tech involved here but it’s a pleasant sojourn around the rivers of the world. People still play along with the “Captain” and generally have a good time. It’s a fun relaxing way to start your day.

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – It has been classified as a gentle roller coaster but the way it is themed makes the lack of raw speed secondary. You need to ride it during the day and also at night for two completely different experiences. You won’t be sorry!!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean – This one is a no brainer for me. I’m a huge fan of the whole Pirates “thing” from the attraction to all the films. I never tire of the music and the detail in the attraction, it’s a fun adventure every time. I will admit that I prefer the Disneyland Resort version primarily because of the beginning of the ride as you sail through the Blue Bayou Restaurant but I love them both.

1. The Haunted Mansion -This is hands down my favorite Magic Kingdom attraction. The incredible detail in every part of it and the way the story line flows through the entire thing makes it a complete item for me. You won’t often hear this from a real Disney fan but the major refurb they recently did to add to and enhance the story line as well as the effects really added a lot to the attraction. I much prefer it now. We had a kind of extra treat in 2009 when we had to be evacuated from the attraction because it just shut down. We got to see some things that most folks don’t because they had to turn on the lights for a safe evacuation. You can really appreciate the complexity of the attraction when you see it in the light.

These are my favorites, what are yours!! Feel free to comment!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

My Fab Five Magic Kingdom Attractions

Disney World has Made Me a Runner

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World has Made Me a Runner

I have never been a runner.

Remember in school having to run the mile? I walked. I’d jog a few steps when the gym teacher would yell at me, but then I’d go right back to walking my 16 minute mile.

Soccer? I never liked soccer: too much running. Softball was more my speed, but I only played that for a few years.

Then, one summer in college, a friend convinced me to run. Several times a week, we’d head out to a beautiful 4-mile lake near campus, and go. I started jogging 1 minute at a time and slowly built up to more running than walking the 4 mile trail (and a 20 lb weight loss!) But, I definitely wasn’t a runner.

A few years after that, I enlisted in the U.S. Army. Just to enter basic combat training (boot camp), I had to run 1 mile in 10 minutes. No problem. In boot camp, we ran several times a week, either group runs, track runs, or interval training. By the end, I could easily run 2 miles in about 19 minutes. But, I still wasn’t a runner.

Over the past few years, I would frequently head out on a run to stay in shape, but rarely ever more than 3 miles. Heck, 4 or 5 miles seemed incredibly long for me. Around 7 or 8 months into my pregnancy- 7-8 months of only walking and doing yoga, I wanted a change- I wanted to become a runner.

I have never enjoyed running, but longed to find a way to enjoy the experience. After all, I have to run for the duration of my career. Then it dawned on me: Walt Disney World. The races run through the parks – and more importantly, through Cinderella Castle! Not convinced? Check out the main page video at runDisney. I’ve almost convinced non-Disney-addicts with that! Somehow, at 36 weeks pregnant, I convinced my husband and a good college friend to sign up for the 2011 Disney Half-Marathon. 13. 1 miles. Sounds scary? It does to me, too, but I’ll be running from EPCOT to the Magic Kindgom, and back. And through both parks.

I purchased the “In training for the Disney Half-Marathon” tech shirts for my husband and myself in hopes of motivation. We followed runDisney’s Training Consultant and Olympic marathoner Jeff Galloway’s training programs, and have set out on our journey to become runners.

Now, with only 1 long run left, I’m ready for January 8th – my first Disney race, first half-marathon, first medal, and first run through Cinderella Castle. We’re already considering heading back for the Food and Wine Festival Half Marathon, or visiting Disneyland for the first time to run in their half-marathon in September, to earn the Coast to Coast Challenge medal. Or, maybe we’ll become regulars for the WDW January Marathon Weekend. Either way, thanks to Walt Disney World, I finally consider myself a runner. Those 2 mile runs for the Army Physical Fitness Tests (APFT’s) are going to be easy now!

Jenn lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. with her husband and 1 year old son. She has been a regular to Walt Disney World her entire life, thanks to having a Floridian family. Jenn can also be found at her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog, that she created while planning to take her 6 month old son to WDW. In her non-Disney life, you can find her playing the clarinet in a D.C. military band. Or, running and practicing yoga.

Related articles
  • runDisney 2011 Disney Parks Marathon Schedule (chipandco.com)
  • Lots of ‘Run ‘n’ Fun’ at Disney Parks: Last Call for Entries in Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Events (chipandco.com)
Disney World has Made Me a Runner
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