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New Star Tours Destinations to be Announced Soon

By
Chip
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Star Tours Departure Board

Recently, Disney Parks Blog talked about the characters you’ll meet in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Since then, there’s been a lot of speculation about where we’ll meet those characters. Well, stay tuned. While the Star Tours Company does fly to many destinations (as you can see in the attached image – especially if you read Aurebesh) we’ll soon give you the flight list for the show!

For more information on Star Tours, see these previous updates:

 

New Star Tours Destinations to be Announced Soon

Sneak Peek of 2011 Disney Star Wars Pins

By
Chip
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Sneak Peek of 2011 Disney Star Wars Pins

Fans who know where to look may have caught a couple recent updates from Disney regarding some exclusive Star Wars pins and pin sets coming soon to Disneyland Resort in Southern California — a Star Tours launch pin from Disneyland Park as well as several Star Wars pin exclusives and first offerings at the Disneyland Hotel in June!

Disney.com recently announced an exclusive Star Tours launch pin (shown at right) that will be available April 14 at Disneyland, with registration starting March 28 — get more details here.

The site also announced a Sci-Fi Academy Trading Event for June 24 at the Disneyland Hotel, which includes a first opportunity to purchase event-themed merchandise via the Random Selection Process Event Exclusive “Purchase with Purchase” pin promotion — more details here.

While there will be many more Star Wars-themed Disney pins to come this year, we’ve selected a few from the catalog listed at the bottom of the Sci-Fi Academy Trading Event announcement page to present here. Stay tuned for more Disney Star Wars merchandise updates!

Click here to see more.

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Sneak Peek of 2011 Disney Star Wars Pins

Save $5 on the 4-Disc or 5-Disc Tron Blu-ray Combo Pack!

By
Chip
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Save $5 on the 4-Disc or 5-Disc Tron Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Hurry now to get $5 off Tron Legacy 4 or 5 Disc Bluray Combo Pack from Disney!

Click the picture above to get yours today.

*Available and good in the U.S.A., its territories and Canada only. Limit two printed coupons per computer. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Coupon expires 4/10/11. While supplies last. See coupon for complete details. Redeemable at participating retailers.

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Save $5 on the 4-Disc or 5-Disc Tron Blu-ray Combo Pack!

GoGo squeeZ: Healthy Snack Gets Families “GoGo” Going at DISNEY!

By
Chip
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gogo
gogo

GoGo squeeZ: Healthy Snack Gets Families "GoGo" Going at DISNEY!GoGo squeeZ, the first squeezable, re-sealable, 100 percent fruit, applesauce snack in the U.S., is pleased to sponsor the GoGo on the Go Challenge at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival, being held at the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, Fla. through May 15. As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to help families thrive through healthier lifestyles, GoGo squeeZ offers festival-goers the opportunity to test their jump rope and hula hoop skills while learning fun facts about active play, healthy snacks and the fascinating world of fruits and flowers. As well, during the weekends of March 25, April 22 and May 13, the yummy, no-mess, portable snack can be sampled at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Center. Visitors will have the opportunity to try this healthy treat as they enjoy gardening activities and demonstrations at the Festival.

“GoGo squeeZ is the ultimate smart and simple snack solution for active families on-the-go, whether they are taking in the sights at a theme park or managing the many activities of their busy lives,” said Meena Mansharamani, Managing Director for Materne North America. “The GoGo on the Go Challenge is a great way to engage with parents and kids and show that healthy eating and an active lifestyle can be both easy and fun.”

The GoGo on the Go Challenge also continues online with fun facts and sweepstakes. Facebook users can complete the three-question “Go Challenge Quiz” for a chance to win free GoGo squeeZ products as well as the grand prize: a year’s supply of GoGo squeeZ. To participate, connect with the brand at http://www.facebook.com/i.like.gogosqueez and “like” us on Facebook to uncover the secret path.

GoGo squeeZ is 100 percent fruit, squeezable applesauce for kids. Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and made with no artificial flavors or preservatives, GoGo squeeZ applesauce is packaged in re-sealable pouches with a built-in straw, making it a no-spoon, no-mess way to enjoy three-fourths serving of fruit on-the-go — no refrigeration required. All five delicious flavors — Apple Apple, Apple Peach, Apple Banana, Apple Strawberry and Apple Cinnamon — contain no refined sugar and are Kosher certified. GoGo squeeZ is available at grocery stores nationwide.

About Materne

Materne North America is a fast-growing company committed to improving the lives of kids and families by offering healthy, natural fruit snacks in convenient pouches.

Materne GoGo squeeZ was launched in the US in June 2008 to offer American families the opportunity to enjoy our no spoon, no mess, all natural squeezable applesauce when on the go! Each pouch contains the equivalent of three-fourths serving of fruit and supports our mission to American consumers: Helping parents feed their kids better foods when they are on-the-go!

Materne’s brand in the U.S. is called GoGo squeeZ and is sold at Whole Foods, Costco, Wal-Mart, Publix and a growing list of other major retailers.

GoGo squeeZ was recently featured on “Good Morning America,” CHOW.com, and Parents magazine as a top healthy snack for children.

Outside of the US and especially in France, GoGo SqueeZ is sold as Pom’Potes. Since the brand’s inception in 1998, Pom’Potes has grown into a major snack brand in France, selling more than 1.6 billion pouches across Europe.

You can find us at www.materne.us and on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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GoGo squeeZ: Healthy Snack Gets Families "GoGo" Going at DISNEY!

Disney World Planning 101: How to Tour the Disney World Parks

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World Planning 101: How to Tour the Disney World Parks

“What’s the best way to tour the Disney World parks?”

For people planning their first trip to Walt Disney World, this is an important question. It’s an important question for Disney veterans as well, and is perhaps one of the most debated questions on the internet. Go to any Disney blog or message board and you are likely to read about this-best-way or that-best-way. It’s so important to so many people that entire books and websites are even devoted to just this topic: how to best tour Disney World.

And it’s understandable: everyone wants to make the most of their time/vacation dollars by seeing as much as possible. So getting advice from Disney veterans about where to go, at what time, for how long etc etc. is helpful to folks trying to maximize their Disney fun.

With that in mind, I may as well jump into this discussion too. 🙂  How do we plan our touring?

A big part of how my family approaches things is dependent on the time of year and expected crowds, as well as how long we will be there. More crowds mean that if we want to see/do a lot of things, we need to plan more than if crowds are lighter. Likewise, shorter trips mean more careful planning than a longer trip where we can build in more time to go at a slower, less structured pace. So first, we see how many days we have, and decide which parks matter the most. The ones that have the most things we want to see get more days than the others do.

Next we make a list of what we REALLY care about. This is not nearly as important now as it was on our first visit when we had a 7 year old: then it really mattered if we did, or didn’t do certain things. So back then, we created a list for each park (and absolutely had her input on this!):

  • Things we HAD to see
  • Things we WANTED to see
  • Things to see if we had TIME

After that, we decide which days we will go to which park. I take into consideration Extra Magic Hours (during high crowd days, we always took advantage of the morning ones with a young child…evening ones were a bit iffy for us then ) and plan mornings at the parks with those morning EMH if possible. Afternoon breaks are always planned for us as well (so if a park starts to get crowded, it doesn’t really matter), and then as we typically get Park Hoppers, we often go to a different park in the evenings (usually decided by where we wanted to eat dinner.)

And what about when we get to the park? My planning takes conserving energy into account. Let’s consider Magic Kingdom for example. We typically will plan 2 half-days to visit MK. This allows us to focus on a “half” of the park each time. The first time may be Adventureland/Frontierland/Liberty Square, and the 2nd visit will be Tomorrowland/Fantasyland. Within each of those areas, we will decide which rides are priorities, get FastPasses for the ones likely to develop lines quickly and ride the other must-sees in the same general area, while waiting to use our FastPass or to get another one. No running back and forth across the park for us.

Doing this has always allowed us to see and do everything we want to do, take a mid-afternoon break, and not wait in long lines…even during the busiest week of the year. 🙂

Now this is the most important part of this discussion: this is what works for US. I am not fond of pre-published touring plans because I think everyone needs to approach touring Disney World in the way that works best for them. No two families are the same, and no two Disney vacations are the same. At least they shouldn’t be. You need to consider the needs/wants/likes/dislikes of your own family, and then develop a touring strategy that is right for YOU.

So what is the right way to tour the Disney World parks? As with pretty much everything when it comes to planning a Disney vacation….the answer is, it depends on what is best for YOUR family!

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Disney World Planning 101: How to Tour the Disney World Parks

Baby Care Centers – A Hidden Oasis for Parents

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Baby Care Centers - A Hidden Oasis for Parents

For most vacationers, standard routines go out the window.  Regularly scheduled meals, diapers, potty breaks, naps, go out the window in search of magic and fun.  But, even though the schedules may not be exact, Walt Disney World provides a safe haven for families to escape to, in search of return to normalcy.

Located in all four parks, though not at the water park or Downtown Disney, these baby care centers are nice and air conditioned, providing a comfortable place to cool down and relax.  There is a room full of changing tables, cleaned in between each diaper change by cast members, high chairs, and private nursing rooms.  There is a microwave to heat up food or bottles, fresh bottles of water (for free!) to mix formulas, or simply have a drink!

A separate room usually has a Disney movie on, and a big open area for children to run around without fears of bumping into other people, or getting run over by strollers.  Chairs or couches line the walls, so parents can sit and relax while their children burn off energy from being in strollers all day.

Forget anything?  Bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, or wipes?  These, along with bibs and other Disney paraphernalia are for sale in the Baby Care Centers as well.  As per Disney custom, expect them to cost a bit more than at your local store, but not insanely unreasonable, especially in an emergency!

Other bathrooms around the parks having changing stations, but none nearly as nice (actual changing tables with changing pads!) or as clean as in the Baby Care Centers. Unfortunately, there is only one changing station per park, so it may not always work to run all the way for a simple diaper change or a very hungry and fussy baby feeding, but if you’re in the general vicinity you will have a wonderful refuge waiting for you.

By park, the Baby Care Centers are located:

  • Magic Kingdom – next to the Crystal Palace Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • EPCOT – Inside Future World’s Odyssey Center
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom – In Discovery Island, behind Creature Comforts (look for the ladybugs!)
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – In the Guest Services Building inside the Main Entrance.

On a related note for nursing mothers – it is Florida law that nursing in public is absolutely legal.  Feel free to nurse wherever and whenever you like.  Many attractions offer dark, comfortable areas to feed babies, instead of hauling the family to a Baby Care Center from across the park.

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Baby Care Centers - A Hidden Oasis for Parents

Character Meet and Greets at Walt Disney World

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Character Meet and Greets at Walt Disney World
Sophie and Donald Duck having so much fun!

As a Disney Dad with a Princess Daughter, the one thing that we are always looking for is character interaction when we visit Disney World.  We all have our favorites – mine is Mickey Mouse, my wife loves Daisy Duck, and my Princess is a big fan of all of the princesses, and also has a real soft spot for Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Chip & Dale, Goofy, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch, well, you get the picture!

I could plaster this post with picture after picture of character photos that we have taken while having a character dinner at one of the great dining locations, but not all of us are able to take advantage of seeing our favorite characters while we enjoy our meal.  So, for this exercise, I’m going to hopefully help you out by giving you a list of the characters, and where they can be found, both in meet and greet locations and at character dining locations.  For the meet and greet locations throughout the parks, be sure to check your “Times” guide for the times when the characters will be at those locations!

Magic Kingdom – The Magic Kingdom has a ton of character meet and greets throughout the park!  Check out some of the characters that you can meet as you visit the Magic Kingdom:

  • Mickey
  • Minnie
  • Donald Duck
  • Daisy Duck
  • Snow White
  • Ariel
  • Belle and the Beast
  • Jasmine and Aladdin
  • Mary Poppins
  • Chip ‘n’ Dale
  • Sleeping Beauty
  • Woody, Buzz, and Jesse

Some of the meet and greet locations include City Hall at Town Square, the Adventureland Congoasis, and Frontierland.  Don’t forget, though, that you can also see Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Crystal Palace if you go there to eat, and you can see Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, and some of their friends if you make a reservation at Cinderella Royal Table.

Lastly, don’t forget that Exposition Theater is being redone, and will be open soon, for a special meet and greet for Mickey and his friends, and the Princesses also.

Epcot – In Epcot, there are several locations that you can meet up with your favorite Disney characters.  In the Epcot Character Spot (located near Innovations West in Future World), you can meet up with Mickey and his friends.

In the World Showcase, you can visit with Dopey and Snow White in the Germany Pavilion, and you can visit with Belle and the Beast over in France.  Additionally, the following characters can be seen in various locations around the World Showcase, so be on the lookout for them:

Lastly, don’t forget – if you can schedule a meal over in Norway at Princess Storybook Dining, you will be able to visit with many of the Princesses!  Last year we saw Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, and we were met by Belle when we first arrived!

Hollywood Studios– At Hollywood Studios, the following character greetings are available:

  • The Little Einstein characters June, Leo, Quincy, and Annie.
  • Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Incredible
  • Buzz, Woody, and Jesse from Toy Story.
  • Mike and Sully from Monster’s, Inc.

Remember, check the “Times” guide for the times and locations for your favorite characters.  Also remember that you can get your own meet and greet if you eat at the Hollywood & Vine for Breakfast or Lunch with some of the Disney Junior characters!

Animal Kingdom – At the Animal Kingdom, most of the character greetings are done at the Camp Minnie-Mickey greeting trails, which is located at the left hand side of the park at you head towards the Tree of Life.  As always, check the “Times” guide for more details on who will be there.

I hope that this helps you out when you are looking to get that special photograph of your favorite character!  As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!

Character Meet and Greets at Walt Disney World

Disney World Planning 101 – Doing Laundry versus Packing a Full Suitcase

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World Planning 101 - Doing Laundry versus Packing a Full SuitcaseWhen it is time to get ready for your trip to Disney World, many of us gather our latest packing list and get ready to get down to the business of packing!  But here is one thought I have never had when going to pack, should I bring a full suitcase or a smaller suitcase with plans to wash clothes during the vacation.  All of the resorts at Walt Disney World house a laundry facility.  Most of the facilities are located close to the pool area.  As such, many people combine their hours of laundry duty with a bit of swimming fun!  When doing laundry in one of these facilities, the costs are as follows:  Washer $2 per regular sized load, $2 per drying cycle (sometimes it takes more than one cycle to get the laundry dry depending on the dryer and the load type).  If you do not bring your own laundry detergent, you can purchase a box of single use laundry detergent for $1.  The machines work on quarters and each facility has a change machine.

There are a few reasons why you may want to bring a smaller suitcase and do laundry during your vacation:  1) less to keep up with, load, and carry on your day of travel, 2) less room taken up by your items in your room, 3) you only own 3 Disney shirts and that is all you want to wear the entire trip! 4) you want to save the money you would otherwise spend on checking in bags with your airline (if flying).  Many of the airlines now charge a checked bag fee.  The fees for many of the airlines is $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag for bags under 50 pounds.  For a family of four, the cost of the checked baggage would be $100 ($25 per person X 4 people) if each person checked only one bag.  Of course, this does not consider that the bags would also need to be checked on the flight home as well.  With this in mind, that same family of 4 would spend $200 on checking in baggage!

Of course, if you decide to do laundry while on vacation, you will need to be sure to set aside the time needed to wash and dry the loads of laundry.  If you are already planning on returning to the resort to swim or rest, doing a load of laundry should not be difficult to accomplish.  However, if you are a open-to-close theme park goer, doing a load or two of laundry could be difficult to squeeze in to to the beginning or end of a long day at Disney World.

So what do you do to save money AND not have to do laundry while on vacation?  Perhaps plan on only brining a carry-on bag.  According to regulations, these bags can be approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″. The FAA mandates that all carry-on items have to fit under a seat or in an enclosed storage compartment.  Here are a few tips to help you in your quest for only bringing a carry-on bag:  1) Bring along clothes that are thinner and take up less space.  2)  Wear the clothes that take up the most amount of space.  For example, if you are bringing along flip flops and tennis shoes wear the tennis shoes when flying since they take up far more room in the suitcase than the flip flops.  Along those same lines if you are bringing a jacket, wear it on the plane.  3)  Look at the clothes you are bringing and see if you cannot reduce what clothes are needed by matching shirts with shorts or pants that can be worn more than one day during your vacation.  4) Fly Southwest Airlines where checking on baggage is free!  With these tips, you should be able to save yourself some time and some money!

When not contemplating the baggage costs, Natalie can be found at Meet the Magic where she regularly writes articles on ways to save money before and while traveling to Disney.  Check out these for more money savings strategies!

Related articles
  • Learning to “Let Go” With Disney’s Magical Express (theaffordablemouse.com)
  • Affordable Disney Vacations: Saving Time AND Money with Disney’s Magical Express (chipandco.com)
Disney World Planning 101 - Doing Laundry versus Packing a Full Suitcase

Whatever happened to…Disney’s Flight of the Navigator

By
Chip
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flight of the navigator
flight of the navigator

Whatever happened to...Disney's Flight of the Navigator

Some of you might remember this classic Disney movie, Flight of the Navigator. This movie is in my top 10 greatest movies of all time. Dare I say it is one of Disney’s finest non animated movies from the 80’s? Come along as we discuss this movie and I fill you in on some interesting news on a in the works remake of this treasured Disney Classic.

Here is the official Wiki in case you have never seen it:

Flight of the Navigator is a 1986 Disney science fiction film directed by Randal Kleiser and written by Mark H. Baker and Michael Burton, about a 12-year old boy, David, who is abducted by an alien space craft in 1978. David is gone for only a few hours, but when he is returned to Earth, it is eight years later in 1986. Everyone else on Earth has aged eight years, but David is still physically twelve years old.

On paper that sounds pretty dry but for me the highlight of the movie was Max and his Space Ship. Max was voiced by Paul Reubens or you might remember him as Pee Wee Herman. He really added a fun element to the movie and the banter between him and David was funny at least by 10 year old standards 🙂

The first person point of view flight scenes were very cool and kinda felt like you were on a ride. Secretly I think a lot of kids out there wished they were David and had an opportunity to fly in the space ship. I am sure a lot of big brothers could relate with the relationship David had with his little brother too.

The following year of when the movie released it was my first time going to Disney World and I didn’t see anything from the movie anywhere! I thought maybe I could see the ship or they might have a ride or something. I am sure I wasn’t the only kid that was disappointed.

Whatever happened to...Disney's Flight of the Navigator

Presently one of ships underwent refurbishment and is currently used as the Cool Ship in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The other hull can today be seen on the backlot tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. This hull is now in a state of disrepair however, with extensive weathering and discoloration of the paintwork.

I posted an article last year when I heard Disney was remaking this movie. Brad Copeland has been hired to write the screenplay. He brings quite an interesting resumé to the project, having produced scripts for “Arrested Development,” “My Name Is Earl” and “Grounded for Life,” as well as for the movie “Wild Hogs.” It is also worth mentioning that original “Navigator” exec producer John Hyde will fill the same role for the remake. No director has been hired and no other news has been published as of yet.

I hope Disney does a good job at bringing back this classic film. This movie had such a great impact on me growing up this movie ranks up there with Back to the Future, The Last Starfighter and Wargames. If you have never seen it go out and rent it or buy it for a couple of bucks on ebay. This is a classic piece of Disney Film that brings back a lot of memories for me. I hope you enjoyed it too..

Whatever happened to...Disney's Flight of the Navigator

Subscribe to Disney News & Views with Chip and Co

By
Chip
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Subscribe to Disney News & Views with Chip and Co

Do you Love Disney? Do you wish you could wish you could keep up with all our Disney Parks News, Planning Tips, and Giveaways on a daily basis? Do you have email?

Subscribe to Disney News & Views with Chip and Co and have it delivered right to your inbox daily! I package up all the best Disney News & Views from the day and ship it out to you in a nice easy to view email.

While I would love to have you visit the website everyday. I know that isn’t always possible.

Just click the link and Get Chip and Co. delivered by email and enjoy the very best in Disney News & Views delivered to you!

Oh did I also mention we are on your mobile phone too! Streamlined and very stylish you can take us on the go. Check us out while you are waiting in line, sick in bed, driving in your car.. Just kidding don’t drive and read out site.

Just visit http://m.chipandco.com on your Droid,  iPhone, or other smart phone with a browser.

Just another way we deliver to you the very best in Disney News & Views..

Subscribe to Disney News & Views with Chip and Co

Whew My Dogs are Tired…Disney World Walking Tips

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Whew My Dogs are Tired…Disney World Walking Tips
A Walt Disney World vacation means lots and lots of walking and by lots I mean 5+ miles a day. Your feet will need some TLC and I’m here to help.

Before Leaving Home

To get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation, you plan your dining, lodging, and create a plan of attack for hitting the parks. Planning to take care of your tired dogs should be no exception.

Shoes
Plan on wearing comfortable, well broken-in footwear on your trip. It sounds obvious but every trip I see people wearing awesome, but very impractical, shoes that put my sensible sneakers to shame. After a brief moment of envy, I know that my sensible sneakers will get my feet through the trip without protest.

If water rides such as Kali River Rapids are part of your touring plan, pack some quick-drying footwear such as flip flops to slip-on before the ride. A quick change into your dry walking shoes after the ride and you’ve avoided the issues of wet footwear rubbing against your feet.

Create a Touring Plan
A touring plan is a list of attractions and shows you plan on seeing at Walt Disney World along with the order you plan on crossing attractions off your list. Depending on your group and your touring philosophy, this touring plan can be a loose collection of attractions and the general time of day you plan to visit or it can be a precise list planned in 15-minute increments, updated with a little help from Lines or another attraction wait time app. Touring plans are designed to save you time waiting in line but they can also save your feet. Being familiar with the park layout, the location of the attractions you want to visit, and show times will save a lot of aimless and unnecessary walking trying to get to your next attraction.

Train
That’s right – start training for your Disney World vacation a few weeks before your trip. Daily family walks are a great way to reconnect with loved ones, talk about your upcoming trip, and help prepare your feet for the workout they’ll soon be put through.

Pharmacy Run
Pick up some moleskin or Band-Aids before the trip and throw them into your suitcase.

Room Request

When you check-in, request a room near resort transportation (some resorts have multiple bus stops) or the main building where food options are located; it can be a quite a hike to the Disney transportation stops and dining from rooms in some resorts.

Hitch a Ride

Disney transportation (monorail, boats and ferries, and buses) will take you wherever you need to go at the Walt Disney World Resort. Sometimes taking Disney transportation will take longer than a walking option though. For example, Friendship boats run between the Boardwalk-area resorts and Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios. Unless you time it just right, it’s often quicker to walk than to take the boats. Let your feet make the decision.

In Magic Kingdom, hop on the Walt Disney World Railroad or Main Street Vehicles to get from Point A to Point B and rest tired feet while taking the scenic route at the same time.

In the Parks

Get Where You’re Going Before the Parades
Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom each have an afternoon parade. Starting about 30 min before the parade until shortly after it ends it can be very difficult to navigate the parks. Sections of the park are roped off to create the parade route and crowds build. If you’re not planning to watch the parade, make sure you’re in the section of the park you want to be in during the parades to avoid long walks around the parade route.
Plan a Sit-Down Meal
Give your feet some relief by planning to eat while sitting down and not on-the-move. You don’t have to dine at a table-service restaurant to sit down, quick-service restaurants offer nearby seating. Even if you select a grab-and-go snack, find a nearby bench to eat and do some people-watching while giving your dogs some much needed rest.

Take a Break

There’s no better way to take care of your feet than taking some breaks during the day. Nancy shares her favorites. Here are some of mine.

Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s PhilharMagic; Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover; Carousel of Progress

Epcot: Ellen’s Energy Adventures; World Showcase Players

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!; Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show; The Great Movie Ride; Living with the Land

Animal Kingdom: Festival of the Lion King; Flights of Wonder

Don’t Rush Home
At the end of the night, there will be long lines waiting for Disney transportation. Long lines mean lots of standing on feet screaming for a rest. Sit on a bench and watch the crowds streaming by for a while as the parks clear out at park closing. When the crowds have thinned, make your way to the exit and hop on your ride home with less wait.

A Disney World vacation can be hard on your feet but with some planning and rest strategies, they’ll hold up well during your trip.

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Whew My Dogs are Tired…Disney World Walking Tips

Oldies But Goodies – Counter Service Can Be Just Fine

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Oldies But Goodies - Counter Service Can Be Just Fine

As Oldies, I think we are somewhat notorious for only dining at table service restaurants on our Walt Disney World Visits. On our last visit we decided we wanted to include some counter service restaurants,  just to check them out. I must say we were quite pleasantly surprised in many instances beginning with breakfast. We were staying at Port Orleans Riverside and had breakfast there nearly every day at the Riverside Mill –  1- plenty of variety, 2- good quality, and 3-very convenient to get an early start on the parks. We also found the Sassagoula Float Works at the French Quarter to be quite good for a couple of dinners.

The parks also have quite a few excellent counter service venues but numbers and quality vary from park to park. Oldies generally don’t go for the burgers and fries type menu, we like some variety. I’ll just try to give you some of our favorites for each park so my senior buddies can have some idea where their needs can be met:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom – There are not a lot of places to dine in general but there are some very good counter service choices. The Flame Tree Barbecue is as good as any here as well as the Yak & Yeti Counter Service (which also has an excellent table service portion).
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The Studio Catering Company is among the best here. Fairfax Fare isn’t bad at all either (good chicken and ribs combo). As you pass Mama Melrose’s and head toward the Streets of America keep an eye off to the right for the Writer’s Stop, it’s a great place for a quiet cup of coffee and a pastry.
  • Magic Kingdom – Lots to choose from here but the very best are the Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (big variety), Tortuga Tavern (formerly El Pirata y El Perico) when it’s open, and Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe. There is something for everyone among that group.
  • EPCOT – By far the best choices are here and there are really too many to mention but I’ll hit the best starting in Future World and then heading counter clockwise through World Showcase. To be fair, I haven’t tried the new La Cantina de San Angel so I won’t include it here. The Electric Umbrella has the basics (burgers etc.) down pretty well, Sunshine Seasons has a varied menu and it’s good stuff, the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe has light but tasty fare, quick service German food can be had at Sommerfest, and the Liberty Inn at The American Adventure is another basics specialist but good. Now we get to the Best of The Best. The Tangierine Cafe in Morocco, the Boulangerie Patisserie in France, and the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK are as good as any counter service venues at Walt Disney World.
  • Downtown Disney – Either Wolfgang Puck Express is excellent, Cooke’s of Dublin is terrific also. The Earl of Sandwich is quite good and don’t you dare pass up the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop for dessert. We have not tried the two restaurants (Pollo Campero and Fresh A-Peel) that took over from McDonald’s this past Fall.

See fellow Oldies, you don’t have to eat at a table service restaurant for every meal but I will admit that we love them, particularly the Signature restaurants. You can get good, fresh, healthy food at many locations all over Walt Disney World so don’t hesitate to give some of those counter service establishments a try, they are good. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Oldies But Goodies - Counter Service Can Be Just Fine
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