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Disney Confidential – Free Dining for all!

By
Anonymouse
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Disney Confidential - Free Dining for all!

I interrupt the Chip and Co daily News and Views with this special report!

I have always wanted to do that….

Hey there guys and gals your #1 Disney Gossip Columnist Anonymouse here. Today has been a big news day already and I have learned some JUICY Disney Gossip!

Now that Disney Visa Cardholders have been offered free dining for August 28 through September 24, is it just a matter of time before the general public recieves free dining?  Well, yeah.  Let’s look at the evidence.

Disney usually gives Disney Visa cardholders a few days advance notice before they offer the general public (you my kiddies) the same discount.  I’m thinking Monday or Tuesday of next week, but don’t discount this Friday. What I’m saying is that you should be obsessively checking this site (www.chipandco.com) until the offer comes out!  Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone about your little obsession.

But, since we’re chatting, don’t you think this offer is a little, hmmm, odd?  I mean, it’s only for a month.  The interesting thing is that it covers a period where free dining has already been offered.  I think this tells us that there’s no way another free dining offer will come out for the summer. After all, Disney offered free dining to everyone and their brother back in the fall of 2010, you just had to book by late December 2010.  So, don’t expect another summer free dining offer.  I also have it on good authority from friends in the know that Disney is pretty booked for summer, so it’s probably not needed. If I’m wrong, I will  happily eat my pretty pink bow, because I know how important these discounts are and even little ole’ Anonymouse has a heart. However small and dark.

So, what about free dining for the rest of the year?  Well, Disney never offered free dining for October through December, so you can almost count on something coming out, the question is when. So keep you little eyes posted and your little hopes up.  Anonymouse likes to strap on the feed bag too (although, she is very dainty about it).  We”ll let you know.

Well that is all the time I have for today . Good luck and happy discount hunting!

Got any good rumors?  Please email me at [email protected] on my Facebook Page.

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Disney Confidential - Free Dining for all!

Oldies But Goodies – How Effective Is Disney Transportation For Seniors?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Oldies But Goodies - How Effective Is Disney Transportation For Seniors?

Let me be up front with you, as a Disney consumer who happens to be an Oldie I really enjoy the Walt Disney World transportation system. There are a few reasons why. We have stayed off site and driven to the parks each day (that will never happen again), we have also rented a car for an 8 day visit and the only time we used it was for a 1 day trip to Universal so if that comes up again we will do a 1 day rental, but it has become our norm to rely strictly on the Disney transportation system to get us from place to place. On our upcoming visit in October we will be going to see Harry Potter for 1 day but the friends we are vacationing with are driving down so that is covered.

When people hear Disney transportation their thoughts seem to drift towards the bus system and any bad experiences they have had with it. Sure, we have had a few less than perfect experiences but never anything I would call bad. Yes, they get crowded (especially at park closing) and some fellow passengers can occasionally be somewhat rude or annoying but when you consider how many people that bus system moves and the complexity of Walt Disney World it works pretty doggone well. I know I am regularly offered a seat if I am standing but there are lots of folks who need that seat worse than I do so I always politely decline.

So much for the bus system, and yes it is very effective for seniors and those folks who might have some mobility issues. What else is available and how well does it work? Of course there is the monorail which works just beautifully for moving everyone from toddlers to Oldies. The ride is smooth and always well air conditioned. We have heard a lot about accidents but overall the safety record is excellent. The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t go everywhere in Walt Disney World and that’s not likely to happen. But, if you are staying in one of the Magic Kingdom Resorts it can’t be beat for efficiency. The ride from the TTC to Epcot is also a treat. Again, the monorail system is a very effective mode of transportation for us Oldies.

My personal favorite method of transportation at Walt Disney World are the many types of boats that navigate the World’s waterways. I’ll just list a few of them for you:

  • The ferry from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom
  • The smaller boats that go between their respective resorts and the Magic Kingdom on the Seven Seas Lagoon
  • The ones that sail in Bay Lake moving us to and from Fort Wilderness, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Contemporary
  • Then there are the Friendships that ply the World Showcase Lagoon from one side to the other (but it’s normally faster to walk)
  • There are also Friendships that go from Epcot to the Boardwalk and then to the Yacht Club and over to the Swan/Dolphin and on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Saving my favorite for last, the Sassagoula Steamboat Company that runs from Port Orleans Riverside to the French Quarter and on to Downtown Disney. There is also another line that goes between Saratoga Springs and Downtown Disney.

Using the boats is a great way for Seniors (and everyone else) to relax after a hectic day and be ready for a good night’s sleep. So the answer to the question is Disney transportation is very effective for seniors and I didn’t even mention that it’s free!!! As Always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Photo By Disney

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Free Dining Out For Dinsey Visa Cardholders

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Free Dining Out For Dinsey Visa Cardholders

We just have preliminary details on the latest free dining offer, but here’s what we know so far:

Disney Rewards Visa Cardholders FREE Dining & Photo Book Offer!

Special magic Your Way packages with a FREE Disney Dining Plan are available for 8/28/11 – 9/24/11 travel dates. Guests who book a stay at one of Disney’s Value Resorts will receive a free Quick Service dining plan. Guests who book a stay at Disney’s Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas resorts will receive Disney’s Basic Dining Plan free. Guests will also receive a Disney Photopass Photo Book included as part of their package. Availability is limited.

This usually precedes a free dining offer for the general public, but as you can see, it’s very limited date-wise. We’ll keep you posted.

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a travel agent with Pixie Vacations and a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast.  Email her at [email protected] for information on how you can get a free $25 and $50 gift card when you book a new vacation. This offer is in addition to currently available discounts.

Disney World Tips and Tricks: Buying and Protecting Your Disney Tickets

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World Tips and Tricks: Buying and Protecting Your Disney TicketsYou’re going to Disney World and have spent months researching where to stay, where to eat, what to see and do, and how to get there and back. A Disney vacation is a sizeable investment, and is worth spending all that time so that you and your family can get your money’s worth and have a truly magical vacation experience.

But what about your Disney park tickets? This is one of the most expensive parts of your Disney vacation budget, so thinking about where you get your tickets, or what to do with them after you get them, is just as important as all the other parts of your trip…..…because clearly, there will be no rides or attractions without them!

So my Walt Disney World tip for today is to give this some thought: carefully research where you are buying from if not getting them through Disney, be cautious, and then once you have them….protect that valuable investment just as you would anything else that costs you hundreds of dollars!

Here are 4 things you should know if you are buying your Disney World tickets yourself:

1.     Use Only Authorized Ticket Agencies

Authorized ticket brokers are able to sell tickets for less money than gate prices because they buy tickets in bulk from each attraction and theme park, and these large quantities enable them to receive discounts which they then pass on to their customers. An authorized Disney ticket agency will display the Disney logo and the “authorized ticket agent” designation.

In addition, check to see if the business belongs to the local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau, as this is a good indication of the company’s standing in the community. It’s also worth it to see that they have been in business for at least several years.

2.     Cheapest is not Always Best

The key to saving money on Disney tickets is frankly to remember what your mother always told you: “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” So when doing your research, know that you will find websites with prices that are lower than the gate prices at Disney…but use some caution: if they are so low they are unbelievable, you should assume that it’s a scam. You can also take a look at the URL on the website: many scams originate in Romania (you will see an .ro at the end of the URL), where they will usually request that you pay by wire transfer, which is a huge red flag. Always buy discount Walt Disney World tickets with a credit card, so that you can get your money back if there is any problem.

3.     Craigslist or eBay? No Thank You!

Anyone who is familiar with Craigslist or eBay will know that really cheap Disney theme park tickets are available on these sites on a regular basis. But buyer beware! The problem with buying discount Walt Disney World tickets from eBay or Craiglist is that there is literally no way that you can be certain that you will get tickets that are valid…until you get to the park gate and try to use them. Only once the ticket is scanned at the turnstile, will you know how many days, if any, are on your tickets.

Sadly, there are many con artists on eBay and Craigslist who are supposedly selling Disney tickets for less. And even if you, in good faith, get a “partially used” park pass, since Disney tickets are non-transferable (and Disney enforces this through a biometric finger scan), you would not be able use it, since it is illegal in the state of Florida to re-sell partially used multi-day admission tickets.

4.     Keep Your Ticket Investment Safe!

Have you ever thought about what would happen on your vacation if you lost your tickets? I can’t think of many things that would ruin a vacation quicker than to spend hundreds of dollars on theme park tickets…only to lose them! Happily, there is one very simple way to make sure that your vacation is not ruined by lost theme park tickets: make a copy of the back of them.

The back side, with the magnetic strip, has coded information with all the details of your personal ticket. All these numbers, letters, and dates will actually help Disney replace the tickets if you lose them. And while the tickets do say “Disney is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen tickets”, in all likelihood, if you can provide the coded information, they will usually re-issue the pass.

So save this valuable coded information by making a copy, or taking a photo of the backs, either with a digital camera or cell phone. By doing this, if you lose the tickets while at the park, you will have immediate access to the codes on your camera or cell phone.

It is important to note that receipts that you receive from ticket brokers, while important, will not help in getting your tickets replaced. You must have the codes from the back of your passes.

So that’s my Disney World tip of the day: Buyer beware….and then protect what you buy! Do these things and there will be no unpleasant surprises when it comes to your Disney park tickets!

 

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Disney World Tips and Tricks: Buying and Protecting Your Disney Tickets

Disney Cruise Line Alaska-Last minute deals available!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Cruise Line Alaska-Last minute deals available!

If you are itching to sail Alaska but your piggy bank isn’t quite full the month of May might be your good luck charm!
Disney Cruise Line Alaskan itineraries seem to have GTY (guarantee stateroom categories with restrictions) available at great rates.

Here’s what i’ve found so far:
May 3, 2011 (7-Night)=$1,871 for 2 adults
May 17, 2011 (7-Night)=$2,311 for 2 adults
These great opportunities go quickly, take advantage of it if you can!

Star Wars Weekends Brings Sci-Fi Saga to Life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By
Chip
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Star Wars Weekends Brings Sci-Fi Saga to Life at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Jedi, Wookiees and Ewoks, Oh My!Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20-June 12, 2011, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the galaxy’s home for out-of-this-world characters including Sith, Bith, droids, bounty hunters, Twi’leks and Rodians.

Dates are May 20-22, May 27-29, June 3-5 and June 10-12. This year, guests blast into the universe of Star Wars like never before in a new attraction — in 3-D! “Star Tours — The Adventures Continue” takes Jedi from Tatooine to Coruscant and beyond. With several possible missions, you never know where the Force may take you.

There will be Star Wars characters roaming the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Also featured: the chance to purchase special- and limited-edition Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars parades and the popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” dance party.

There’ll also be celebrities from the Star Wars films and creative geniuses who helped create the saga on hand each weekend for star conversations and autograph sessions. Already announced:

  • Anthony Daniels, known worldwide for his portrayal of everyone’s favorite protocol droid, C-3PO, will return this year for Weekend 1 (May 20-22) and Weekend 2 (May 27-29).
  • Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will appear each weekend as Celebrity Host of a behind-the-scenes talk show entitled “Clone Wars: Behind the Force.”

Guests can visit StarWars.com and Disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends for information updates.

Event activities are included in theme park admission.

Star Wars Weekends Brings Sci-Fi Saga to Life at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Tickets and Details for Disney’s Night of Joy 2011

By
Chip
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Tickets and Details for Disney's Night of Joy 2011

Christian music Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay and Skillet will headline one of the most-decorated lineups in the 29-year history of Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, 2011. Filling the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort with the sound of contemporary Christian music will be 16 artists with a 20-year legacy of accolades — 70 GMA Dove Awards and eight GRAMMY® Awards.

Thirteen of the 16 acts were 2011 Dove Award finalists in 19 categories that span the musical spectrum — from rap and hip hop … to rock and pop … to contemporary gospel and praise and worship. They won 11 categories. Nobody was decorated more highly than Battistelli, who also received Dove Awards as Female Vocalist of the Year and for pop/contemporary recorded song (for “Beautiful, Beautiful”). Night of Joy newcomer Chris August earned the nod as New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year plus the Dove for pop-contemporary album (No Far Away).

Here’s the night-by-night Night of Joy 2011 lineup:

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011: newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets and Disciple.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011: MercyMe, TobyMac, Jars of Clay, Marvin Sapp, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Chris August and VaShawn Mitchell.

Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists are performing at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions also are available for Night of Joy guests.

Tickets are available beginning May 1, 2011. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax each and two-night tickets for $87.95. Additional information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.

Tickets and Details for Disney's Night of Joy 2011

Register to Attend a Pixar Speaker Session at Epcot May 14-15

By
Chip
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Pixar’s 25th Anniversary Weekend

Just a heads up to all you Pixar fans who plan to attend Pixar’s 25th Anniversary Weekend May 13-15 at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: Registration is now open for the “Presenting Pixar” speaker sessions, featuring special guests who will give you an inside look at Pixar Animation Studios.

Speakers will take the stage May 14-15 at the following times:

  • Noon – Jay Ward: “Cars 101 – Inspiration for all of the CARacters you know and love”
  • 2 p.m. – Jonas Rivera: “Pixar: Celebrating 25 Years of Animation”
  • 4 p.m. – Michael Giacchino: “Behind the Music: A Score is Born”
  • 6 p.m. – Special presentation by Jay Ward, Jonas Rivera and Michael Giacchino

Oscar-winning Composer Michael Giacchino

Oscar-winning Composer Michael Giacchino began studying music composition at Julliard and UCLA, eventually becoming a producer for Disney Interactive Division, writing music for video games. His work grabbed the attention of Television Producer JJ Abrams, who hired him to write the score for ABC’s “Alias,” and “Lost,” the latter of which Michael earned an Emmy.

Michael’s more recent composition credits include Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” as well as “Up,” which earned him an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and two Grammy Awards. He’s currently working on Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2.”

Oscar-nominated Producer Jonas Rivera

Oscar-nominated Producer Jonas Rivera joined Pixar Animation Studios in 1994 as a production office assistant on the studio’s first feature film, “Toy Story.” Working on almost every Pixar feature film to date, Rivera’s ability and expertise has enabled him to advance in his role on each of the studio’s subsequent productions. Some of his film credits include: “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Cars.” He most recently served as producer on the Academy Award-winning feature “Up.”

“Cars” Franchise Guardian Jay Ward

“Cars” Franchise Guardian Jay Ward came to Pixar Animation Studios in December 1998 to work as an art department production assistant on the 2001 feature film, “Monsters, Inc.” In 2001, he began early development work on the 2006 film, “Cars.” During production, Jay’s knowledge of the automotive world allowed him to perform different roles on the film, including character team manager and consultant to the film’s director and co-director, John Lasseter and Joe Ranft. Ward continues to contribute his enthusiasm for cars and his artistic passions to the creation of any and everything within the “Cars” franchise.

As you can see, preparations are already underway for the celebration, which also will feature themed topiaries, Disney-Pixar character meet-and-greet experiences, kids’ activities and more.

Visit http://www.pixarweekend.com/ to register for the “Presenting Pixar” sessions and to learn more.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Register to Attend a Pixar Speaker Session at Epcot May 14-15

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Register to Attend a Pixar Speaker Session at Epcot May 14-15

New Character Fun Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By
Chip
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New Character Fun Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Winnie the Pooh, Phineas and Ferb and the car stars of the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Cars 2” are joining the ever-changing cavalcade of characters involved in meet-and-greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s what Walt Disney World guests have to look forward to:

  • Winnie the Pooh replaces Lotso in the meet-and-greet location at Feature Animation on May 16. Lotso will continue to be seen in the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade.
  • Guests will be able to take part in an energetic and fun-filled meet-and-play experience with Phineas and Ferb beginning May 16 near Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.
  • A “Cars 2” meet-and-greet is scheduled to open June 5 near Muppet*Vision 3-D.
  • Lightning McQueen replaces Herbie the Love Bug on stage in Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Spectacular beginning June 5.

The experiences are included with regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. More information about the Studios is available at Disneyworld.com.

New Character Fun Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns to Epcot June 12

By
Chip
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Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns to Epcot June 12

The Sounds Like Summer concert series returns to Epcot beginning June 12 featuring tribute bands that will bring back the sounds of decades of summers gone by. Opening with Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles, June’s lineup of bands will also “play” tribute to the timeless tunes of the Bee Gees and Bon Jovi.

“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Associate Creative Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play.”

Sounds Like Summer concerts are under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. Show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Here’s the June lineup (subject to change without notice):

June 12-18: Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
June 19-25: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 26-July 2: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Additional information is available at Disneyworld.com.

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Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns to Epcot June 12

Disney Parks updated return policy

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Parks stores and resorts have an updated policy, starting May 2.

Returns and exchanges for purchases made after that date must take place in 30 days.  Any purchases made before this will follow the previous policy of 90 days.

Without a receipt, guests can only receive a merchandise credit.  This credit cannot be used with discounts such as annual passholders, DVC or cast members pricing.

Disney Parks updated return policy

D23 Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Disney’s THE ROCKETEER!

By
Chip
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D23 Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Disney's THE ROCKETEER!

For Disney fans and movie buffs alike it’s time to grab the helmets and prepare to take flight once again! On June 21, 2011, come relive the action and fun of Disney’s 1991 adventure-fantasy The Rocketeer at the legendary El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood as D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the 20th anniversary of this Disney film favorite.

Film director and writer Kevin Smith will host a panel discussion and reunion of original cast and crew from the film. Fans will then delight in the viewing of this out-of-this-world adventure on the big screen. Following the movie, guests are invited to tour the Hollywood Museum — located in the nearby historic Max Factor building — and explore the museum’s four floors of exhibits as well as a special exhibition of props and costumes from The Rocketeer, curated exclusively for this event by the Walt Disney Archives.

On June 19, 1991, Hollywood’s landmark art deco El Capitan Theatre, restored to its original grandeur, re-opened its gilded doors for the premiere of The Rocketeer, transporting audiences to a golden age of thrills, glamour and, of course, sleek jet packs.

The Rocketeer follows the adventures of stunt pilot Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell) who discovers a stolen rocket pack and sets off on a series of heroic (and sometimes hilarious) adventures that attract the attention of Howard Hughes, the FBI, gangsters, a band of Nazis and one aspiring actress, namely Cliff’s girlfriend Jenny (Oscar® winner Jennifer Connolly). Directed by Joe Johnston, the film also stars Terry O’ Quinn, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton and Paul Sorvino.

Check out the trailer

D23 Members may purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PST and will have the advantage of being able to reserve their own seats. The general public will be able to purchase remaining General Admission tickets on May 23. Event ticket cost is $50 per person.

D23 Members and their guests will receive a special commemorative Rocketeer gift. All attendees are invited to attend the special Rocketeer exhibit following the film, where there will also be exclusive, limited-edition Rocketeer collectibles available for purchase from D23 and event co-sponsor, Creature Features.

Event check-in begins at 6:45 p.m. at the El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd; panel and screening begins at 7:30 p.m. The Walt Disney Archives exhibit will follow the screening from 9:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Museum located at 1660 N. Highland Ave.

Click here to learn more.

D23 Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Disney's THE ROCKETEER!
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