Disney’s Mars Needs a Mom Poster

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October 23, 2010

Take out the trash, eat your broccoli—who needs moms, anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out just how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young.

Produced by the team behind “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” “Mars Needs Moms” showcases Milo’s quest to save his mom—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D that involves stowing away on a spaceship, navigating an elaborate, multi-level planet and taking on the alien nation and their leader (Mindy Sterling).

With the help of a tech-savvy, underground earthman named Gribble (Dan Fogler) and a rebel Martian girl called Ki (Elisabeth Harnois), Milo just might find his way back to his mom—in more ways than one.

Notes:

Berkeley Breathed, a Pulitzer-Prize winner for his comic strip “Bloom County,” is the author and illustrator of the book “Mars Needs Moms.” The story was inspired by a particular moment of disagreement that took place between his son Milo and his wife.
Producer Robert Zemeckis, who wrote, directed and produced “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and “The Polar Express,” is a pioneer in performance-capture filmmaking. The process digitally captures the performances of the actors with computerized cameras in a full 360 degrees, allowing actors like Jim Carrey and Tom Hanks to play several roles of varying ages in one film, and for 36-year-old Seth Green to portray a 9-year-old.

Disney Fantasy Sets Sail in April 2012 – Disney Cruise Line 2012 Itineraries Open for Booking

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

The Disney Fantasy will sail her maiden voyage on April 7, 2012, bringing even more innovation, unique guest experiences and personalized service for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned. A sister ship to the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy will feature an AquaDuck water coaster, magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersive experiences for guests of all ages with beloved Disney stories and characters.

Guests will be able to book Disney Cruise Line sailings, including the Disney Fantasy, for the initial part of the 2012 season beginning Oct. 20, 2010. The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla. on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Dream will continue to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Disney Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

“The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”

Additional Disney Fantasy details and 2012 itinerary information will be released at a later date.

Disney Fantasy 2012 Schedule (April – Aug.)
The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage April 7, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Dream 2012 Schedule (Jan. – Aug.)
The Disney Dream will sail alternating three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Five-night itineraries will include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for Disney Dream Bahamas cruises start at $333 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Wonder 2012 Schedule (Jan. – April)
The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $658 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic 2012 Schedule (Jan. – April)
Prior to the Disney Fantasy entering service on April 7, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean itineraries on the Disney Magic start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, government taxes and fees not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

Take your kids to Disneyworld for Free!

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

I know your reading that heading and wondering Chip this is to good to be true. Before you start packing your bags you might want to read more…

Disney has a new iPad app called – Walt Disney World Magic Vacation Mirror

Here is the description:

Start planning your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation with the first official Disney Parks iPad application! Join your host, Tinker Bell, on a magical, interactive tour filled with photos, videos and 360° images.

It is basically a Free iPad application that in essences a very cool Disney Brochure. So you can tour the theme park in the comfort of your own home!

Sorry I really wish I know a way to get your kids in the parks for free but atleast with this cool app you can have fun on your couch and pretend your at Walt Disney World.

Click here to learn more and to download this app for your iPad. Since I don’t have an iPad let us know what you think of it in the comment section below.

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Dress up at a Disney Store Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

Dress up in Dreams at the Disney Store’s Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party

Join them for games, prizes and a costume parade! Wear your favorite costume and receive a FREE gift!*

Friday, October 22nd
Session 1 – 4:30 pm
Session 2 – 6:00 pm

Saturday, October 23rd
Session 1 – 11:00 am
Session 2 – 12:30 pm

*Minimum age requirement for free gift is 3 years. Limit one per child in costume, while supplies last. Event limited to a maximum of 50 children per session. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins. Event subject to change or cancellation without notice. Call your local store to confirm participation.

Disneyworld Refurbishment Schedule November 2010

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyworld.com

Current

Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed through 10/20/10 for refurbishment.
Sand Trap Bar and Grill closed through 10/20/10 for refurbishment.
“it’s a small world” (Magic Kingdom) closed through 10/22/10 for refurbishment.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom) will not offer FASTPASS through 10/25/10 due to construction in the area.
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream (Hollywood Studios) closed through 11/3/10 for refurbishment.
Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom) closed through 11/12/10 for refurbishment.
Star Tours (Hollywood Studios) closed through 5/16/11 for refurbishment.

Upcoming

Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 10/21/10-10/30/10 for refurbishment.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom) closed 10/25/10-11/14/10 for refurbishment.
Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses closed 10/31/10-11/15/10 and 11/21/10-11/22/10 for refurbishment.
Typhoon Lagoon closed 10/31/10-1/8/11 for annual refurbishment.
Oak Trail Golf Course closed 11/15/10-11/21/10 for refurbishment.
Palm Golf Course closed 11/23/10-12/2/10 for refurbishment.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora (BoardWalk Resort) closed 11/29/10-12/14/10 for refurbishment.
Magnolia Golf Course closed 12/1/10-12/10/10 for refurbishment.
Paddock Leisure Pool (Saratoga Spring Resort) closed 12/3/10-6/29/11 for refurbishment.
Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom) closed 12/5/10-12/9/10 for refurbishment.
Palm, Osprey Ridge and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses closed 12/25/10.
Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom) closed 1/3/11-1/29/11 for refurbishment.
Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom) closed 1/3/11-1/31/11 for refurbishment.
Stormalong Bay Pool Slides (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 1/3/11-2/10/11 for refurbishment. Guests may use the rest of the pool complex or use the slide at the BoardWalk Resort.
Blizzard Beach closed 1/9/11-3/26/11 for annual refurbishment.
Ohana (Polynesian Resort) closed 1/17/11-1/20/11; will reopen for dinner on 1/20/11.
Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) closed 1/17/11-4/5/11 for refurbishment.
Luna Park Pool Slide (BoardWalk Resort) closed 2/7/11-3/16/11 for refurbishment. Guests may use the pool or use the slide at the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

Source Mousesaver Newsletter

Disneyland refurbishment schedule November 2010

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyland.com

Current

Donald’s Boat (Disneyland) closed through 10/21/10 for refurbishment.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin (Disneyland) closed through 12/16/10 for refurbishment.
Village Haus Restaurant (Disneyland) closed through 12/19/10 for refurbishment.
“Honey I Shrunk the Audience” (Disneyland) closed through 1/28/11 due to the temporary return of “Captain EO.”
Corn Dog Castle (DCA) closed through 3/20/11 due to construction in the area. Corn dogs are currently available at Award Wieners.
Mulholland Madness (DCA) closed through 4/20/11 for conversion to Goofy’s Fly School.
Star Tours (Disneyland) closed through 5/20/11 for renovation and upgrade to Star Tours 2.0.
Pizza Oom Mow Mow (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.
Burger Invasion (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Paradise Garden Grill.

Upcoming

It’s Tough to Be a Bug! (DCA) closed 10/25/10-10/29/10 for refurbishment.

“it’s a small world” (Disneyland) closed 10/25/10-11/11/10 for installation of holiday overlay.
Space Mountain (Disneyland) closed 11/1/10 for removal of holiday overlay.
Sailing Ship Columbia (Disneyland) closed 11/1/10-11/3/10 for refurbishment.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (DCA) closed 11/1/10-11/18/10 for refurbishment.
Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland) closed 11/2/10-11/3/10 for refurbishment.
Blue Bayou Restaurant (Disneyland) closed 11/2/10-11/3/10 due to Pirates of the Caribbean refurbishment.
Jungle Cruise (Disneyland) closed 11/15/10-11/18/10 for refurbishment.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Disneyland) closed 11/29/10-12/2/10 for refurbishment.

Source Mousesaver Newsletter

The Disney Store Unlock Imagination Contest!

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

Disney announces an online contest on Family.com to win a trip to the grand opening celebration of Disney Store’s Times Square, New York City location on November 9 and a starring role during the star-studded opening ceremony. The crown jewel of Disney Store’s slate of store openings around the world this year, the Times Square location will be celebrated with magical festivities including celebrity appearances, live musical performances, a parade of Disney’s most beloved characters and interactive experiences storewide. Beginning October 19, Disney fans will have just one week to register online for the chance to join the fun in-person, win a $250 shopping spree, and have the distinction of their child taking the stage to turn the key to imagination and officially unlock the all-new Disney Store in Times Square. The lucky family will also meet award winning singer Jordin Sparks during a private VIP reception after she performs Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” theme song, which she rerecorded to celebrate the 2010 release of the Blu-Ray and DVD.

To participate, families should visit www.Family.com/sweeps/disney-store between October 19-26 and register for Family.com’s Disney Store Times Square Grand Opening Sweepstakes. Details will also be shared on Disney Store’s Facebook page and through its Twitter feed. One lucky family of four will be notified on October 27 and then set to pack their bags for a 3-day/2-night trip to New York City (November 8-10). See www.Family.com for complete details and official rules.

The lucky winners will join VIPs, celebrities, tourists from around the world and New York guests in exploring the magical new store. Centerpieces include:

Two-story Disney Princess Castle complete with its “talking” Magic Mirror
Colorful Lucite trees spring up throughout the store, showcasing custom Disney content
Disney-Pixar CARS-branded Ridemakerz interactive custom car building experience
Disney Store Theatre that allows guests to customize their experience by selecting their favorite Disney film clips, videos, classic animation and more

To find a Disney Store, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates, become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.

The Magic Behind The Scenes – Background Music

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 23, 2010

The Magic Behind The Scenes – Background Music

It’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere!! On every visit to Walt Disney World I am amazed at how upbeat everyone seems to be. There are lots of reasons but one of them has to be the continuous presence of delightful background music. You hear it as you walk through the parks, in the resorts, and even in the restaurants and shops. You may not really notice it but your mind knows it’s there and it helps to boost your mood.

One thing to listen for are the changes as you go to different areas. This is especially true in the parks such as the Magic Kingdom where it changes as you go from land to land and even changes within the land. I usually first notice it as we cross the bridge from the Hub area to Adventureland where you hear tropical type music and by the time you get to the Pirates of the Caribbean your mind is singing Yo Ho Yo Ho! If you happen to own the Pirates CD’s you will also hear that, particularly in the shops.

I have been told but can’t personally confirm (YET) that the tempo of the music as you change from land to land is closely matched so as not to jolt your mind so that it becomes very noticeable. Oh those crafty Imagineers!!

On your next visit, take some time to notice and enjoy the music. It’s a very nice experience if you are taking a sit down break and doing some people watching. It’s just one of those magical behind the scenes additions that Disney makes to thoroughly enhance your overall experience. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

On My Way – A Long Awaited Return to the Contemporary Resort

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 23, 2010

On My Way – A Long Awaited Return to the Contemporary Resort

In three short weeks, I will be staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for the first time since 1979. At that time, I visited with my mom and my sister, Linda, and it was a wonderful vacation. We spent most of our time at the pool but I do remember the two of us making a break for Space Mountain as soon as the Magic Kingdom opened.

I also remember sitting at the Coconino Cove Lounge (now Chef Mickey’s) with my sister having Pina Coladas while I cried over how much I missed my high school sweetheart (she still teases me about this to this day). For this upcoming trip, Linda and her family, as well as our mom, will all be with my family…and did I mention, my high school sweetheart is now my husband? Despite the crying, I have many amazing memories of the Contemporary Resort from when I was a teenager and I am looking forward to creating new memories with my family.

As you would guess, the hotel has changed a lot since my last visit. The thing that hasn’t change is the stupendous staff. Last year, my family took a tour of the rooms with one such staff member. We wanted to see if we were willing to splurge for this year’s trip and, believe me, it is a splurge for us as there are five of us and the expenses can mount up quickly. We really liked the rooms, especially the theme park view rooms, which was the final selling point. I am so glad we decided to book it because I think the special memories from our trip long ago played a large part in my sister’s family joining us this year. I am truly looking forward to our Magical Gathering!

Aside from getting to be with my family in this iconic resort, there are a few Contemporary-specific treasures I am looking forward to:

I must say that what I am looking forward to most is viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks from my balcony at night…while sipping coffee… in my pajamas. I am a simple kind of girl. I also plan to enhance the experience by turning the tv in the room to channel 20 to hear the Wishes soundtrack play simultaneously with each breathtaking burst.
Waking up to the welcoming view of the Magic Kingdom outside the glass is most certainly the second thing to which I am looking forward. I know that each morning I will feel more like I am at Disney World than I have at any other resort where I have stayed.
I am also looking forward to being able to walk to the Magic Kingdom. It only takes about ten minutes at the most to get there and I absolutely love the Autumn weather. On the Texas Gulf Coast we have a lot of humidity and I breathe best in the Fall when the humidity is low. It is a sheer joy to be out in the fresh air, especially at Disney World.
There are so many fun, free activities available for resort guests and I hope to take advantage of all of them. Upon check-in, each guest is given a Recreation Activities Flyer which lists all the free activities during your stay. Some of these activities include movies by the pool, volleyball games, trivia games, etc. They really know how to keep their guests entertained when not at the parks.
Visiting The Wave restaurant for the first time is a dining experience I am very excited about. We will be having a delicious Thanksgiving lunch here. I can’t wait to try it as I have read many great reviews about their regular menu items and that day they are serving all the traditional Thanksgiving fare with turkey and the trimmings.
Even though I ride the monorail during every trip, I am looking forward to being able to just ride down the elevator and hop on. We will be riding to Epcot, as well as to the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Since we have breakfast and dinner reservations at both (thanks to free dining), we will be able to take full advantage of this unique treasure.
I love going to Chef Mickey’s for breakfast on our last day. We do this even when we are not staying at the Contemporary so this year will just be more convenient. We haven’t been since they have taken Mickey out of the restaurant and put him in the front for picture taking opportunities, so my personal opinions on that change will be in another article to come.

Each visit to Disney World is a memorable and enjoyable one. This one will have some special nostalgia thrown in and I am very excited about it. For all of you with an upcoming trip planned, I hope you will take the time to really think about all you are looking forward to and I hope, above all, that you will have a memorable and magical trip that you will reminisce about often in the years to come.

Resort Hopping 101 – Animal Kingdom Safari Hop

By

Chip

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October 23, 2010

One of our focuses on the website the past few months has been Quick Tips. We like to prepare you for the parks and offer up tips and tricks to making your vacation more enjoyable.

If case you missed our last Resort Hopping 101 ‘s check them out Monorail Express, and the Epcot Area Ferry Hop. Today I want to talk to you about something outside the DisneyWorld Theme Parks and that is the Disney World Resorts, specifically the Animal Kingdom Area Resorts.

For those people who drove to Walt Disney World or have a rental car this is an easy Resort Hop. If you are like most people who fly there this Resort Hop is going to require you to ride the buses.

Transportation issues aside this resort hop has the most variety and is great for pictures. So lets get started..

Resorts

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Cornado Springs Resort
All Star Movies
All Star Music
All Star Sports

I was trying to think of a theme for today’s Resort Hop so since we are in the Animal Kingdom area we are calling this a Safari Hop. So grab your safari hat and boots as we swing right in.

The best way to use today’s Resort Hop is to use Animal Kingdom as your base of operation. The buses to Animal Kingdom generally are light and all the buses are compacted in a nice area. With today’s resort hop we like to spread it out over a couple of days so what we normally do is go to the Animal Kingdom for the day. We find the 9am-5pm park hours works very well for this.

Day 1

Usually we like to leave after the Mickey Jammin Jungle Parade. That gives us a little time before we eat dinner to cruise around the resort and work up an even bigger appetite (as if walking around AK wasn’t enough)

About 99% of the time we have our ADR for Boma as its easily one of my favorite places to eat at WDW. So we head off to the Cornado Springs first. The CSR is beautiful, just walking around the lake is so serene. Be prepared to do some walking if you want to check out the whole resort. If you don’t feel like walking just stay around the main area, but if you don’t mind the walk be sure to walk over to the Dig Site. Check out a map of the resort here.

So after some window shopping its time to jump back in the car or bus and make your way to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. If your going by bus you will have to go to DAK first then to AKL. This is where leaving the park early comes into play. If you taking the bus be sure to watch your time if its to late your going to have to bus hop from Epcot to the AKL.

When you arrive at the Animal Kingdom Lodge be prepared to be amazed. I remember walking into the resort for the first time and was just in awe of how beautiful the inside of the resort is. Take your time and walk around. Sit in the comfy lobby chairs.

If I could move into a resort and live there is would be it. It is breath taking just to walk the grounds. You can easily spend hours walking around this resort. We were fortunate on our last trip to do that as our little one passed out in the stroller..To bad she missed out on the animals in the savanna.

If your not eating anywhere at this resort be sure to still check out the restaurants. Usually if you ask the hostess you want to take some pictures or look at the food they don’t mind.

The best article I have read with the most info on the Animal Kingdom Lodge comes from Allears. Check out the link here to learn more about the resort.

The attention to detail is phenomenal so TAKE YOUR TIME! Explore and just take in all the sights, sounds, and smells.

Day 2

The best thing about the All Star Resorts is they are all together. The worst thing is they all share the same buses. So depending on your situation and what resort you want to check out will determine how long of a bus ride you have so have patience. Most times we just go in order Sports, Music, and then Movies.

Walking around the resorts have fun taking pictures, exploring, and playing with all the fun things on site. You can get real creative with the pictures if you have a good imagination.

The three resorts are no where near the size of a moderate resort so you can easily do all three in a few hours depending on transportation.

Normally we use this day to kill time till our dinner ADR, or its something fun to do after dinner if you didn’t want to go back to another park.

So that concludes this weeks Resort Hopping 101. I hope you enjoy Safari Hopping as much as my family and I do. Stay tuned next time as I discuss the Lights Camera Action Hop.

If you have anything little tips or suggestions on things to do and see at these resorts be sure to let us know in the comment section below.

Resort Hopping 101 – Animal Kingdom Safari Hop

Best Thing I Love About Disney is PhotoPass

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 23, 2010

Best Thing I Love About Disney is PhotoPass
In short, Disney’s PhotoPass service allows guests to view and purchase digital photos taken by professional PhotoPass photographers throughout their vacation. Photopass photographers are available at Character Greeting locations and throughout the parks, most notably at the park entrance and other locations that provide a perfect backdrop for a special Disney photograph.

Before I had small children, I didn’t give a second thought to this service. Although I appreciate photography, I don’t appreciate being the subject. Other than a picture of my husband and me taken by my stepson on our familymoon, I can’t find a picture of either of us at Disney prior to us bringing our young children.

Now that we have small children, documenting their Disney World trips in pictures is a must. How could I not have a photograph of my son’s first ride on Dumbo or the sweet and touching photograph of him meeting Mickey with his college-age brother?

Why do I love PhotoPass so much?

Because I’m the only mommy who forgot to bring her camera and capture her son’s first horseback ride at the “Fun with Horses” class. Because I’m the mommy whose camera always seems to have a dead battery when I try to capture my kids doing the cutest things ever Because when I do have a working camera, I cannot seem to master the delay inherent in digital cameras so the pictures are either blurry or a candidate for the delete function. Because I am challenged at photography. Although the quality of the PhotoPass photographs varies with the photographer they are all good and some are great.
Enjoying the Moment. When I’m trying to take photographs, I’m so intent on trying to make sure everyone is in focus that I often miss out on part of the experience. Knowing that Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture an image of my toddler touching Pluto’s nose means I can relax and just soak up every detail of the experience.
Splitting Up? No Problem. On our multigenerational Walt Disney World trips, it is not unusual for us to split up for parts of the day. There’s no fighting over the PhotoPass card since Disney allows you to link multiple cards to a single PhotoPass account. I can use one card when my oldest meets Donald Duck while grandma can use another to have her picture taken with our little guy in front of Cinderella Castle as they make their way back to the resort room for an afternoon break.
Christmas Shopping Made Easy. The Disney PhotoPass site allows you to purchase not only your PhotoPass photographs but also other customized products. One year I created custom calendars and Christmas tree ornaments. A few short clicks and a credit card number later and I had made a large dent in my Christmas shopping list.
Sharing the Memories. At some of the character dining experiences, PhotoPass photographers are on hand to take a picture of your dining party. If you purchase the photograph that is brought to your table during your meal, the digital version can be added to your PhotoPass account so it can be shared with family and friends.
You Just have to Ask. PhotoPass photographers are often very willing to take a photograph with your own camera if you ask.
The Discount. Guests can pre-purchase the PhotoCD that contains all their digital photographs and save $50. Visit http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitoffer.aspx.
Professional Portrait Service. Have a professional portrait taken of your family at one of the following five resorts: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, and Wilderness Lodge. To book a session, call 407-934-4004.
Test Track is a Freebie. After riding Test Track, you can download the photograph taken of you on the ride to your PhotoPass card.

And most importantly…

Capturing my family’s vacation memories forever. Priceless.

Lisa M. Battista is the author of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers When she’s not chasing after her little ones, you can most likely find her at the beach or in the kitchen trying her hand at a new recipe. You can follow her on Twitter @DisneyExplorer or become a fan of Beyond the Attractions on Facebook.

Is Disney Becoming too PC?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 23, 2010

It is interesting to me that by even asking that question, I may not be Politically Correct! To wonder if anyone has taken this non-offense initiative too far is to invite criticism. But if you have read any of my other Essays, you know I’m going to do it anyway!

So when is being Politically Correct really Too Much?

The simple answer is: When it ignores history.

Take Song of the South for an instance. This film is likely never to be re-released any time soon. It is apparently thought that it would spark more controversy over the racial problems of the past, and perhaps inflame some of the prejudices that still exist today. But I wonder if burying such a movie will make such controversy disappear? It’s unlikely.

The fact is that this film was made. It was released. It had an impact. And so I believe it should have a place in today’s society.

Take also the portrayal of smoking in Disney films. Now, I agree that we don’t need our children to see their favorite Disney character puffing away on a Virginia Slim. Can we imagine Ariel lighting up while relaxing on a rock after a hard day’s swim? Mickey pulling out a pipe on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and then breaking into a song all about the joys of smoking? Neither scenario is appealing!

But neither is denying that Disney characters have always been depicted as smokers if the story and situation called for it. Like Pinocchio when he was making an ass of himself. Or Cruela de Ville with her iconic long cigarette holder. And we have to remember that Walt Disney himself was unapologetic about his own chain smoking.

Lately, there have been a series of commercials depicting Disney characters having bad experiences with smoking, like the aforementioned Pinocchio example. The overlaying narration suggests that smoking is bad, so this is a good use of this old footage. But should this old footage be changed, perhaps edited out of the Classic films altogether?

I ask this because of something I noticed in the DVD release of Pixar’s Shorts. One of my favorites is Knick Knack, where a Snowman in a snow globe sees a pretty girl lying on another tacky souvenir. He spends the whole picture trying to escape his globe to reach her. Why? Because she has big breasts! But in the re-release of this Short on the DVD, her breasts are gone. She is now PC. How do I know? Because I have the original VHS release, the box art of which accompanies this Essay. Not only is she very buxom back then, but she is prominently featured on the packaging.

The Point: Should the PC movement have the power to, not only ignore, but to change history? Maybe that is the true controversy!