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The Magic Behind the ‘Company’: Getting to know Allie

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Magic Behind the 'Company': Getting to know Allie

Me (Left) and my sisters at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot!

 

About You

Name? Allie

Where do you live? Saratoga Springs, NY

How long have you been with Chip and Company? About four months now!

What topics do you write about? I write about resorts, food and snacks, trip planning tips…a little bit of everything!

Favorite C&C Writer? I like them all, of course!

Do you have a Blog or Website? I do — Delicious Ambiguity.

What do you talk about there? I blog about all different things, from running and baking to traveling. It’s not all about Disney, but I do have some Disney posts every once and a while!

Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? Follow me on twitter!

Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? The Disney Food Blog! There is so much fabulous information there! I especially love the restaurant reviews.

What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? Not too much, maybe 10%?

Chip or Dale? Chip!

 

About the Parks:
What’s you Favorite Disney Park? Epcot

How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? I’ve lost count, but somewhere over 20 times.

What’s your First Disney Memory? Sadly, I don’t remember much from my first trip, but I have many memories from my second trip. I was in 2nd grade and I remember arriving at the Polynesian and just being in awe of the flowers and waterfalls while my parents checked us in. I even remember the outfit I had on – it was a purple dress with Aladdin and Jasmine all over it!

What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? My favorite ride is Soarin, my favorite show is Illuminations and my favorite event is the Flower and Garden Festival.

Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? There are too many to choose from! My favorite restaurant is probably Le Cellier.

What’s your favorite snack? Easy- dole whip!

You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? Even though Epcot is my favorite park, I would probably choose Magic Kingdom. There is just so much to see and if I was alone I could get everything done. I would start in Tomorrowland and move counter clockwise around the park, riding every single attraction, and stopping for snacks along the way. I’d linger down Main Street at night and watch the fireworks.

Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? Dinosaur! This ride still scares me!

What’s missing from the Parks? More rides at DHS and Animal Kingdom.

Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? Alien Encounter. It was so scary, but the Magic Kingdom could use a “thrill” ride and Stitch just doesn’t do it for me.

What do you bring to the park with you? As little as possible! My camera, phone, water, Key to the World Card, DVC and Disney Visa Card (for discounts!), and chapstick.

Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? Growing up, we almost always drove (about 20 hours from NY), but now that I’m older, I prefer to fly!

What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? My most favorite character is Belle. Beauty and the Beast was always my favorite Disney movie growing up (and still is!). My least favorite character is the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She is so scary!

Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? Typically the dining plan. It’s so nice to not have to worry about budgeting the right amount of money for food, and we really having it all paid for already. If we don’t do that, out of pocket.

To ADR or Not to ADR? ADR! Always, always, always ADR!

Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? Undecided. I haven’t experienced either of these events (Halloween and Christmas Party), so I can’t say for sure whether or not they’re worth it.

When is your next trip to WDW or DL? Thanksgiving 2011! We are cruising on the Dream the week before then spending a week split between the Fort Wilderness Cabins and Bay Lake Tower! I cannot wait!

 

Everything Else Disney:

What is your favorite Disney Movie? Beauty and the Beast

Do you do any Disney Collections? I collect snow globes and my boyfriend is developing quite the Disney Pez Dispenser collection!

Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? I have been on the cruise line but not Adventures by Disney.

Ever been to DLRP or TDL? Nope. Someday, hopefully!

Finally what does Disney Mean to you? Disney means so many different things to me. When I think of Disney, I immediately am reminded of my many happy memories in the parks. I think of the chills I get from watching fireworks, the pleasure of eating my way around the World Showcase, the amazing times with friends and family members, and the happiness I get from planning a trip. Even though a trip to Disney is never completely flawless, I have nothing but tremendously happy feelings about Disney World.

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The Magic Behind the 'Company': Getting to know Allie

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ – Getting to Know Debra

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ - Getting to Know Debra

Name: Debra (D.K.) Peterson

Where do you live: When I’m not traveling to Disney…Pittsburgh, PA.

How long have you been with Chip and Company: I wrote a couple of guest blogs in Fall 2010, then began writing more regularly in January 2011.

What topics do you write about: I’m primarily interested in interactive, immersive Disney experiences and in Disney theming. I’ll cover a little bit of everything, from Downtown Disney to Disney attractions to Disney cult foods to special experiences.

Favorite C&C Writer: Oh, no! I’m not falling for this one. My favorite C & C writer is our newest writer – you! Come join us.

Do you have a Blog or Website? I’m the National Disney Travel Examiner, where I write news and information on Walt Disney World and Disneyland. To commemorate Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary in 2011, I’m doing a series called “Memories of the Magic Kingdom.”

Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? On Facebook as Kungaloosh! On Twitter as @deekaypee (phonetics of my initials D.K.P.).

Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company: As if there’s only one. They all feed my addiction. For the pure pleasure of Disney details, I like DisneyShawn or Main Street Gazette. For a quirky view, I visit Magical Trash.

[For the Disney fan community, I turn to the WDW Info (The DIS) forums; I’m a member of its W.I.S.H. racing team and listen to DIS podcasts during training, as well as WDW Radio. But I love the communities at WDW Magic, Discussion Kingdom, Disney Driven Life, Laughing Place, and the WDW Fan Zone. And Touring Plans, AllEars and MouseSavers help me plan my trips. For photography or video, the Magic In Pixels or Inside the Magic. I could name dozens, but you get the idea.]

What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? I don’t know? 10% of the clothes/house, including three Disney production sketches. 75% of my books are Disney, though, with lots of  history and academic studies.

Chip or Dale? I didn’t realize they were separate identities! Chip in the cartoons, as he’s clever. Dale in the parks, as his nose is cuter.

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ - Getting to Know Debra
Debra takes a spin around Mickey's Toontown, Disneyland.

About the Parks:

What’s your Favorite Disney Park: Disneyland Park, the original!

How many times have you been to the Disney Parks? You know, I’ve lost count. Dozens. My first trip was in 1993.

What’s your first Disney Memory? “Sleeping Beauty” at the drive-in with my parents. Afterwards, I re-created the movie, but I was always the prince fighting the dragon. Apparently, Maleficent gave me nightmares but I don’t remember that.

What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? Arrgh. How can I choose? Ride – Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Show – Muppet Vision 3-D. (Can I count Streetmosphere at Disney’s Hollwood Studios?) Night show –  IllumiNations, although I have yet to see World of Color. Event – WDW Marathon Weekend, when me and my running-walking friends gather for the ultimate park hopper! I suspect Destination D might become a new favorite.

Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? California Grill for fine dining – it’s where I got engaged – and Rose & Crown Pub, for casual meals and IllumiNations. Or Boma and Jiko, for their tasty vegetarian options.

What’s your favorite snack? That’s like asking me to choose my favorite ride, character or movie. Oh, wait. You’re doing that. Let’s say the classic ice cream cookie sandwich at Magic Kingdom. Followed by a Dole Whip.

You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? Disneyland or Magic Kingdom. If I had either park to myself, would I need a plan of attack? Okay, I’d tour every ride/show in each land to see the land’s theming as a complete whole. Right now, I bounce back and forth across the park to avoid long lines. I’d also linger more to notice the details.

Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? Stitch’s Great Escape. No, wait. Journey into Narnia. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loathe the latter.

What’s missing from the Parks? A working animation studio, a Blue Sky Cellar for Walt Disney World, the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? Adventurers Club. Kungaloosh! Bring it back, Disney, bring it back – to Hyperion Wharf, Adventureland, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (Re)build it, and we will come, martinis in hand.

What do you bring to the park with you? My sense of humor. That, and my Annual Pass, are the two most important things for enjoying the parks.

Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? Fly, although if you know where I can get a good deal on a used magic carpet….

What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why?

Decisions, decisions. Most ­– Eeyore or Br’er Rabbit, a storyteller and trickster figure. Or Figment. Least – Wendy from “Peter Pan.”

Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? Out of Pocket, with a Tables in Wonderland discount. There’s too much food on the DDP for the two of us, and I’d rather score a room discount. I also bring food with me for breakfast and post-running healthy snacks. (Not that the healthy snacks replace my Disney favorites.)

To ADR or Not to ADR? A mix, depending on the season. In peak season, I always make ADRs. At other times, I’ll make ADRs for a few favorites when the dining reservation window opens, then wait a couple of weeks before the trip and see what’s opens. It encourages me to try new things. I’ll even try day-of dining for fun. I tend to nosh around Epcot on at least one day of a trip, too, rather than do a sit-down. I do try to mix table service and counter service meals.

Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? I like special hard-ticket events for the smaller crowds and more relaxed atmosphere; the price, not so much. But you know what I’d love? If Disney offered a one-day or multi-day wristband, one set price, for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. And more advance notice for AP events.

When is your next trip to WDW or DL? May 2011 for WDW. August 2011 for DLR.

Everything Else Disney:

What is your favorite Disney Movie? It depends on the day. Today it’s “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” I’m just drawn that way.

Do you do any Disney Collections? Pin trading for the trading experience, not the collection itself. Lots of books and media.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? Not yet.

Ever been to DLRP or TDL? DLRP is tentatively planned for 2012, combined with another trip to Europe. If that doesn’t pan out, we’ll try a Disney cruise.

Finally what does Disney mean to you? I’m still trying to figure this one out – hence so many trips. On the most personal level, it’s where I’ve marked numerous events in my life: an engagement, a diagnosis and recovery from ovarian cancer, my first marathon, milestone birthdays, family reunions…

Personally and professionally, this is a lifelong obsession, and trying to understand the relationship between Disney and American culture. I’m drawn to animation (hah!), impressed by Imagineering, and interested in the Disney details – all with a critical eye.

To me, though, the Disney difference isn’t primarily the place. It’s the people – Cast Members and fans alike ­– who make the magic happen every day. One of my goals n this writing life is to contribute to that magic in some small way, to walk in Walt’s footsteps and not in his shadow.

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ getting to know Jenni

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Race Day Picture

About Jennifer:
Name? Jennifer/ Jenn
Where do you live? Just down the road from where Disney America could have been (outside of Washington, D.C.)
How long have you been with Chip and Company? I’ve been with Chip and Co for just a few months now, starting back in December, with my first post being about running.
What topics do you write about? Running, military at Disney, and anything else I can think of!
Favorite C&C Writer? I’m going to have to say Chris, because without her, I wouldn’t be writing for Chip and Co.!
Do you have a Blog or Website? The Disney Babies Blog
What do you talk about there? I started DBB with a friend before my first trip to WDW with a baby (6 months at his first trip, 13 months at his 2nd!), and I share my experiences, worries, tips, etc…
Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? I’m on facebook and on Twitter @DisneyBabiesBLG
Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? Definitely the Disney Food Blog. I practically planned my last trip around A.J.’s reviews!
What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? Our Kitchen is very Mickey-fied, as is my son’s nursery.  While a good % of his clothes is Disney (Mickey/Cars), I only have a great Chip and Co. shirt and a few running shirts.
Chip or Dale? For the sake of my writing experience, I’ll say Chip!

About the Parks:

What’s you Favorite Disney Park? Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? I’ve only been to the WDW Resort, but I’ve been too many times to count.  Mostly day trips, but more recently multi-day trips, I’ve been definitely over 20 separate occasions.
What’s your First Disney Memory? Between running the WDW Half Marathon in January, and trips through my son, I’ll give 2 – Running thru the Magic Kingdom/Cinderella Castle, and 2 – My son meeting Minnie and Goofy, flirting with Minnie, and trying to chew on Goofy’s whisker!
What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? Peter Pan.  No question!
Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? EPCOT!  Whether the World Showcase or Sunshine Seasons, there is more amazing food in EPCOT than all of the other parks combined!
What’s your favorite snack? A pretzel from the German Pavilion
You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? Standard route – (MK, of course) Down Main Street, U.S.A., right at the hub into Tomorrowland, and go around, hitting every ride/attraction possible, then head over to EPCOT for Soarin’, food, and drinks!
Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? I could absolutely do without Test Track, or at least with an update, and after my initial ride on Mission: Space, I will never do that again.
Whats missing from the Parks? As a mom of a 15 month old, I will say a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!
Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? Horizons.  And, Delta Dream Flight.
What do you bring to the park with you? My husband, baby, and hopefully some friends.  Everything else, I can get there!
Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? Fly into FL, then drive to the parks. Gotta have my own car!
What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? I love Mary Poppins.  She represents such an amazing movie, dream, etc… and could absolutely do without Duffy b/c he’s the anti Mary Poppins.  To me, Duffy represents money.
Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? OOP.  I don’t need enough food to make the Dining Plan worth it.
To ADR or Not to ADR? I made several ADR’s for my last trip, and every single one fell through.  And, we still managed to eat at all of the same restaurants (Le Cellier included), by walk ups.  Sheer luck, maybe.  I’ll still make ADR’s, but they’re not as necessary as they may seem!
Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? Included.  To me, they’re the same as Duffy – they’re just for more money.
When is your next trip to WDW or DL? January – WDW Half Marathon 2012!

Everything Else Disney:
What is your favorite Disney Movie? Too many to choose.  Mary Poppins, Lion King
Do you do any Disney Collections? We just started pin collecting in June 2010!
Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? Sadly, no.  Hopefully one day for DCL!
Ever been to DLRP or TDL? Nope, not yet!

Finally what does Disney Mean to you? Disney is a place that has so much magic.  Simply seeing the signs signaling WDW are exhilarating.  I find my inner child and become giddy by just walking down Main Street, U.S.A.  I love finding my inner 7- year- old and love sharing the magic with my family and friends.

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The Magic Behind the 'Company' getting to know Jenni

The Magic behind the ‘Company’ – Getting to know Mike

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Magic behind the 'Company' - Getting to know Mike
Sophie and Donald Duck having so much fun!

In this special series, this week Chip & Company is bringing you special reports on who the people are that make up the Chip & Company writers.  I hope you enjoy hearing about me, Mike, also known as Mickey to his parents (and anyone else that wants to call him that)!

Name? Mike (but you can call me Mickey!)
Where do you live? North Carolina
How long have you been with Chip and Company? 4 months
What topics do you write about? News and Views, top 10 lists
Favorite C&C Writer? I’m not sure why this is, but I relate more to the writing that Ken does.  However, I enjoy reading all of the great writers that Chip & Company has.
Do you have a Blog or Website? My Dreams of Disney
What do you talk about there? Everything pertaining to Walt Disney World
Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? My Dreams of Disney Facebook Fan Page, Twitter account Mickey_MDOD
Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? My Disney Vacation Club member site
What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? 10%
Chip or Dale? Both!  They are a matched set!

About the Parks:

What’s your Favorite Disney Park? Magic Kingdom
How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? 11 times, coming up on #12!
What’s your First Disney Memory? Entering the park and seeing Main Street U.S.A. for the first time.
What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? Ride: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.  Show: Beauty and the Beast. Event: Wishes Fireworks
Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? I love Akershus, but I also really enjoy Pinocchio Village Haus
What’s your favorite snack? Popcorn on Main Street with a Diet Coke!
You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? This time, Epcot, leisurely stroll through World Showcase.
Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? Dinosaur over at Animal Kingdom!
What’s missing from the Parks? Mickey’s Toontown Fair 🙁
Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? I miss the Skyway.
What do you bring to the park with you?  My camera!
Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? Drive
What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? Favorite: Mickey Mouse, Least Favorite: Duffy — just not into him.
Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? We have always done the Dining Plan, but this year we are bringing our own food (we will have a full kitchen to use on our next trip).
To ADR or Not to ADR? Definitely ADR!
Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission?  We’ve never done the special events, but that is primarily because of the time of year we visit.  I think that they should be a separate ticket because it keeps the event special, and the crowds may be lighter than if it was part of the ticket? What do you think?  Agree or disagree?
When is your next trip to WDW or DL? June 17-24, 2011, WDW, staying at Bay Lake Towers!

Everything Else Disney:
What is your favorite Disney Movie? Beauty and the Beast or Tangled
Do you do any Disney Collections? I like pin trading, I certainly don’t have a full collection of them yet though!
Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? Not yet.
Ever been to DLRP or TDL? Nope, don’t really have any interest either.

Finally what does Disney Mean to you?

My family loves to take vacations to Disney.  My first trip to Disney World was when I was ten years old, so I grew up going to Disney every few years.  Since my daughter was born, we have really ramped up our trips to Disney.  She will be ten on her next birthday, which will occur when we are at Disney for our next trip, and she has been to Disney seven times in her ten years of living.  For us, Disney has it all – beautiful settings, great rides, shows, and events; first class customer service by the best hosts in the world; and all the Disney Magic that you can stand.  When we go to Disney, the cares of our world disappear for a while, and we are able to enjoy ourselves, lose a few years of our age while we are there, and just remember what it is like to be a kid again.  That is why we love to travel to Disney.

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The Magic behind the 'Company' - Getting to know Mike

Win a copy of Bambi on DVD & Bluray from Chip and Co

By
Chip
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Win a copy of Bambi on DVD & Bluray from Chip and Co

Disney was nice enough to hook us up with a copy of Bambi on DVD/Bluray to giveaway on Chip and Company. Not only will one winner receive a copy of the movie Disney will be sending out a very cute Bambi plush toy to add to your Disney collection.

To enter head on over to our Facebook Page there you will see the same picture as above. Click on the picture and Tag yourself. It doesn’t matter where. Once tagged make a comment and let us know you character from Bambi or any other classic Disney Tale.

I will pick one winner Friday Morning and message them via Facebook to gather their information. They have 24 hours to respond or I will pick another lukcy person.

It’s just that easy. If you have any questions just email me.

Don’t forget Bambi on Bluray is available now just about everywhere!

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  • BAMBI Diamond Edition Comes to Bluray March 1st (chipandco.com)
Win a copy of Bambi on DVD & Bluray from Chip and Co

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ – Getting to know Lindsey, aka Linds

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Linds and family at Minnie in the Park breakfast

Name Lindsey Pierce, but I go by Linds.
Where do you live Hawaii on the island of Oahu- for 25+ years
How long have you been with Chip and Company Just started last month officially, but I’ve written guest posts in the past over almost a year now when I started as a Disney travel agent.  It was my “dream job” I had been pursuing for years and finally got into it just after my 30th birthday- it’s been so fun and gives me the excuse to “talk Disney” daily!
What topics do you write about Mostly news updates but I’ve done some features about planning for the parks
Favorite C&C Writer Chip, he got me into this, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the others!
Do you have a Blog or Website Deals to Disney
What do you talk about there The latest Disney specials, planning help and anything else to get you ready for your Disney trip.
Have a Facebook Page or Twitter www.Facebook.com/DealstoDisney or Twitter @lindstravels
Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company CouponingtoDisney.com– so I can save money and get back there faster!
What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear Probably about 80%- there’s a hint of Disney in every room and I wear my Disney stuff almost daily!
Chip or Dale I admit I’m more like Chip, but Dale is a crack up!

What’s your Favorite Disney Park Can we only pick one? Disneyland Park is my home- similar to Magic Kingdom- I love to spend as much time in that park as I can.
How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks This year will be my 10th time to Disneyland and have been to Walt Disney World twice (most recent- Oct 2010).  Most of my trips have been a stop on the way home from visiting the mainland, but those were some of the best memories our family had.
What’s your First Disney Memory I remember meeting Minnie Mouse when I was 4.  She gave me a hug and was instantly my favorite.
What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event Ride: Space Mountain Show: Illuminations at EPCOT and Event: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Where is your favorite place to get your grub on We all really enjoy Goofy’s Kitchen, my husband likes Storyteller’s Cafe on Prime Rib night and my favorite quick stop is the chowder/chili in a sourdough bread bowl at Pacific Wharf.
What’s your favorite snack Anything at Pooh’s Corner- usually the huge chocolate-covered rice krispy treat.
You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack Why attack? Is there a time limit- I’d just go from one ride to the next- but go to Disneyland Park- starting in Tomorrowland, then skip Fantasyland and do all the rest and save that for last.  Or just give me an unlimited FastPass to all rides, I’d even share the park with others.
Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions I’ve never done Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but that’s because I already have elevator phobias and this would probably just make it worse!
Whats missing from the Parks I can’t wait for Cars Land- so the west coast has a version of Test Track too!
Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back I miss the ride that went over Fantasyland like a ski-lift (it was gone when I was still little).
What do you bring to the park with you Travel light- besides our passes, we have snacks for the kids, water and a camera.
Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks I wish we had a Magic Carpet- but we have to fly for anything Disney until the Aulani opens later this year!
What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? My favorites are Minnie, Tink and Snow White and least favorite is Daisy cause I can never find her!
Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you DDP isn’t something most people do at DLR, but we usually eat there and share meals and have a few nice stops with Characters and sit-down dinners.
To ADR or Not to ADR? Definitely ADR, and if you use a Authorized Disney travel agent like me, I do that for you!
Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? I like that the MNSSHP and others aren’t taking up my regular admission ticket days and I can get in cheaper on a one day thing like that with such extras thrown in.
When is your next trip to WDW or DL After Thanksgiving- so still over 250 days, but at least I have something to look forward to.  We will be going to DL.  It just doesn’t feel like Christmas until I’m there.

Everything Else Disney:
What is your favorite Disney Movie? Wow, that’s a tough one!  I was raised on all the Disney movies- especially the Sunday night feature they used to show and we’d watch as a family (only time we ever got soda as kids).  I do have a soft-spot for Snow White since she was the first full-length feature and still very relateable today.  I also really like Beauty and the Beast and loved seeing it on Broadway.
Do you do any Disney Collections? I love the Precious Moments with the characters- I had already been a big Precious Moments collector before that.  My kitchen is also “Best of Mickey” themed.
Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? I’ve toured the Disney Wonder and can’t wait to go on it someday or any Disney Cruise!  I’m so glad they are doing Alaska too- those are my two dream cruises combined into one!  I definitely would love to try some of the itineraries of ABD, I like how they immerse you in the culture/area you visit and not just an outsider looking in.
Ever been to DLRP or TDL? I’d love to go to either, but haven’t been out of the country ever.  TDL is definitely on my list, since I took Japanese since high school and into college.

Finally what does Disney Mean to you?

Disney has always been something that got our family together- either Sunday night movies or fun times in the parks.  And now it is the same with my family as I have little ones.  I love that it brings so many people back to their childhood and we all just become big kids at a playground while we’re there.  Getting away from the outside world is what I look forward to as we step into the parks.

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The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting to know Lindsey, aka Linds

The 2011 Walt Disney World Passholder – Sports and Recreation Discounts

By
Chip
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The 2011 Walt Disney World Passholder - Sports and Recreation Discounts

Here are some of the discounts that Disney World Passholders Receive for 2011.

Sports and recreation discounts are valid for purchases made by Walt Disney World® Passholders and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.

  • Richard Petty Driving Experience:Get $20 discount off the regular price of a Richard Petty Ride-Along Experience or $35 discount off any Richard Petty Driving Experience package. Valid only at the Walt Disney World® Speedway for the Passholder. Not valid with any other coupon or discount. Call 1-800-BE-PETTY (1-800-237-3889) for reservations and information.
  • BASS Nitro Fishing and Guided Fishing Excursion: Take 10% discount off the regular price. Valid for Passholder and the nmber of Guests permitted on the reservation. Reservation can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529) or (407) WDW BASS (407-939-2277). Valid only at Walt Disney World® Resort.
  • Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Centre: 10% off Parasailing, Water-Skiing, Wakeboarding, and personal watercraft at Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for the Passholder after 12:00 p.m. 15% off all activities prior to 12:00 p.m. Reservations required. Certain age restrictions apply. EXCLUDES MERCHANDISE AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTIONS. For reservations, book online or call (407) 939-0754. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.
  • Marina Boat Rentals: Passholder receives a 15% discount off the regular price of boat rentals at any Walt Disney World® Resort Marina including Specialty Fireworks Cruises. Subject to availability. Certain age restrictions apply (excludes Holiday Event Specialty Cruises and the Grand 1 Yacht).
  • Golf at Walt Disney World Resort: 30% discount off Day Visitor Rates for the Passholder and up to three (3) Guests in the party. The discount is available on Day Visitor Rates for play anytime of day. Discounts cannot be applied to any other discount or special rate including, but not limited to, Twilight Rates. Tee times at this rate are limited and may be made up to 14 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653). Advance reservations required. Valid on Championship Courses Only
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-824-2332.
  • The Spa and Health Club at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-827-4455.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Massage & Fitness Center: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-938-4715.
  • Disney’s Yacht & Beach Massage & Fitness Center: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-934-3256.
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Massage & Fitness Center: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-939-3030.
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort Massage & Fitness Center: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-939-2370.
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Massage & Fitness Center: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-938-4222.
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort Massage & Fitness Center: 10% discount off the regular price of one 50 min spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-824-3410.
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Salon: 10% discount off the regular price of one Salon treatment $45.00 or greater each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-824-3000.
  • Disneys Yacht & Beach Resort Salon: 10% discount off the regular price of one Salon treatment $45.00 or greater each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-934-3260.
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resorts Salon: 10% discount off the regular price of one Salon treatment $45.00 or greater each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-939-3965.
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort Salon: 10% discount off the regular price of one Salon treatment $45.00 or greater each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-824-3411

For more information click here.

*To enjoy your 2011 benefits, you must present your valid Annual Pass at the time of purchase, booking, and/or redemption of any offer. Offers may not be combined with any other certificate, offer or discount. Offers apply to the Passholder only, unless otherwise noted. Offers are subject to change without notice and are subject to availability. 2011 Passholder benefits expire on December 31, 2011. All valid Passes will be subject to the enclosed benefits from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Updated benefits will be available for all valid Passholders on January 1, 2012.
The owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort reserve the right to revoke the Annual Pass if it is presented for admission by anyone other than the Passholder of record or if the Passholder violates the policies of the Walt Disney World® Resort.
The owners of the Walt Disney World® Resort shall not be liable for non-utilization of ticket components or loss of recreational opportunities due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather, special events or any circumstances beyond their control.

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The 2011 Walt Disney World Passholder - Sports and Recreation Discounts

Book a Disney Vacation on Saint Patrick’s Day and Win a Pot o’ Gold

By
Chip
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Book a Disney Vacation on Saint Patrick's Day and Win a Pot o' Gold

As a special “Good Luck Charm” for Saint Patrick’s Day fans, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is pleased to offer lads and lasses a sale that’s truly magical!  From 7am – 7pm EST on Saint Patricks’ Day, book your reservation and mention “LUCKY” to our charming reservations agent. As simple as that, you’ll instantly receive a “charm” drawn at random from our “pot of gold”, that will be immediately applied towards your reservation!

This deluxe Disney resort is located in the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, within walking distance to Epcot® and Disney’s MGM StudiosTM. Guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin receive special Disney benefits including the Extra Magic Hours benefit, complimentary Disney transportation throughout Walt Disney World®, Disney character dining, on-site Disney ticket desks and advance tee times on Disney championship golf courses.

Charms include, but are not limited to:

  • Grand Prize: Two nights free room accommodations (incl. taxes and resort service fee)
  • $100 food & beverage credit
  • In-room “Personal Pantry” stocked with 6 mixed sodas, 6 waters, 4 juices, 4 bags chips, 4 box cookies, 4 granola bars
  • One day, one park Disney ticket
  • Swan and Dolphin beach towels
  • Refillable Swan and Dolphin drink cup
  • Complimentary pool raft rental
  • “Poolside Piñas” for two at Cabana Bar and Beach Club
  • Two sushi rolls of your choice at Kimonos
  • AMC movie passes for two
  • Two kids eat free at Garden Grove Character Dinner
  • Additional 10% off room rate
  • Spray bottle fan
  • Chocolate box at check-in (made by two-time world pastry chef, Laurent Branlard)
  • Two Zooberry cocktails in bluezoo lounge
  • Two glasses of house wine in Il Mulino New York Trattoria
  • Ice cream cone or milkshake at the fountain for two
  • Complimentary breakfast credit for two
  • Milk & cookie turndown amenity
  • 1/2 hour Swan paddle boat rental voucher
  • Complimentary one-category room upgrade

Mark your calendars before your luck runs out! This offer will magically disappear at 7pm EST sharp on March 17, 2011 and rooms will go quickly!

Offer is valid for stays 05/01 – 09/30, 2011. One-night/non-refundable deposit required at time of booking. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Book a Disney Vacation on Saint Patrick's Day and Win a Pot o' Gold

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ – Getting To Know Kristen

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting To Know Kristen

Name? Kristen

Where do you live? In An Enchanted Castle

How long have you been with Chip and Company? 6 months

What topics do you write about? Snack and counter service food items and other Disney dining topics

Favorite C&C Writer? Myself 🙂 (Followed by Aljon… I guess.)

Do you have a Blog or Website? http://cookingwithmickey.info

What do you talk about there? Disney restaurants, food, recipes and news. Also cooking tips and personal recipes.

Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? http://facebook.com/CookingWithMickey and http://twitter.com/CookingwMickey

Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? http://cookingwithmickey.info 🙂 (Followed by http://srsounds.com)

What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? 10% or so… I have an entire room decorate Disney with collectibles, prints and more.

Chip or Dale? Dale 😉

The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting To Know Kristen

What’s you Favorite Disney Park? EPCOT

How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? 19 so far and have at least 3 more trips planned for this year. My trips to Disney have also been anywhere from 5 to 14 days.

What’s your First Disney Memory? In Dec 1991 I visited Walt Disney World on my way to the Orange Bowl and played in the Magic Music Days Parade but the first thing I remember is as soon as we arrived my friends insisted that we had to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and that’s exactly what we did.

What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? Walt Disney World: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Rock N Rollercoaster and Disney Animation drawing class. Disneyland: Pirates of the Caribbean, California Screamin’, Indian Jones Adventure and The Mad Tea Party.

Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? LOL! You shouldn’t have asked this! I have so many favorites with 77 places to choose from but these top the list: Flying Fish, La Hacienda de San Angel, Via Napoli, Le Cellier, Raglan Road, Narcoossee’s, Biergarten, Yak & Yeti, Hollywood Brown Derby and Il Mulino.

What’s your favorite snack? Brezel und Bier (Pretzel and Beer)

You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? EPCOT so I could ride everything without a wait and walk around each of the countries and find out about the CMs homeland and learn a few words in their language. I’d also stop by as many restaurants in the park as I could and eat something from each.

Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? Finding Nemo The Musical

What’s missing from the Parks? Marvel!

Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? The old Journey Into Imagination and the Captain Jack Sparrow meet n’ greet.

What do you bring to the park with you? Backpack with DSLR, Zoom, Webbie, iPhone, backup batteries, chargers, poncho, pen, sharpie, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, lanyard, wallet, meds and water. Hey! You asked..

Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? Depends on how long and when I’m going, usually fly or drive. I find it hard to get my hands on a Magic Carpet these days.

What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why?

Favorite: Belle because she is smart, likes to be educated, wants to see the world and is a brunette. Also, Remy  because he loves to cook and is good at it. He proves that anyone can cook! Could name more but won’t.

Least Favorite: I don’t really have a least favorite. If I have to name one, Stitch because Disney let him take over AlienEncounter.

Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? Disney Dining Plan or Tables in Wonderland… no way around it. Saves me money (over $400 on one vacation with the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan) and I enjoy good food, really good food. Absolutely worth the money if you are a foodie!

To ADR or Not to ADR? ADR  because I want to sit down to eat… otherwise, I’m stuck dining at the restaurants no one wants to eat at and at terrible times.

Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? Cost extra! It keeps the crowds smaller for people to enjoy them. Otherwise everyone would attend and the parks would be insanely crowded and no one could enjoy the event. Just look at what free has done to the DDP.

When is your next trip to WDW or DL? WDW May 2011

The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting To Know Kristen

What is your favorite Disney Movie? Classic: Alice in Wonderland New: Beauty and the Beast Pixar: Ratatouille

Do you do any Disney Collections? Yes – Pins, Walt Disney Classics Collection, Snowglobes, Mugs and Glasses, MouseEars, T-Shirts, Recipes, Cookbooks, Park CDs and anything relating to my favorite Disney movies.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? Not yet. Once Disney runs a good discount for adults to go on a Disney Cruise, I’ll go. Adventures by Disney is another story. I can’t afford to go on Adventures by Disney but hopefully one day. I’d love to compare them to the other European tours I’ve taken.

Ever been to DLRP or TDL? No! Just DLR in California. Hope to visit Disneyland Paris though. It’s on my bucket list.

Finally what does Disney Mean to you? A company based on the idea of spending quality time with family, entertainment for people of all ages and that brings happiness to others. However, I guess I really should be saying that Disney, to me, means Walt. It also means good food. 🙂


Kristen, creator of CookingwithMickey.info, is a foodie who has traveled extensively & dined at 80% of the Walt Disney World TS restaurants; including the Five Diamond Award winning restaurant Victoria and Albert’s & the members-only exclusive Club 33. She’s host of Cooking with Mickey videos, DJ for Sorcerer Radio, host of The Disney Foodie on the Character Breakfast, travel specialist & writer. She also enjoys photography & hockey. She’s a huge fan of the Nashville Predators, so much so she has season tickets. You can follow her on Twitter @CookingwMickey & CookingWithMickey on Facebook.

 

 

 

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The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting To Know Kristen

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ – Getting to know Aljon Go

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Chip & Company writer and Sorcerer Radio DJ Aljon Go
Chip & Company writer and Sorcerer Radio DJ Aljon Go

About Me:

Name: Aljon

Where do you live? Nashville, TN

How long have you been with Chip and Company? A few months.

What topics do you write about? Star Wars and Sorcerer Radio primarily, however, I also write about Marvel and Disney.

Favorite C&C Writer? My wife, Kristen (a.k.a. Cooking with Mickey)

Do you have a Blog or Website? Check out our “WDW Tiki Room” show page on Sorcerer Radio – www.SRSounds.com

What do you talk about there? We chat about All Things Disney there while playing the BEST MIX of Disney music!

Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? @JediMouseketeer – @WDWTikiRoom on Twitter and Jedi Mouseketeer on Facebook!

Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? CookingWithMickey.INFO & www.SRSounds.com

What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? I have a ton of Disney tees and during Christmas our home turns into a Disney shrine. Most of the time we keep our Disney stuff regulated to one room so I would guess 25%.

Chip or Dale? Hmm… Dale. Chip harasses me daily! *LOL*

ABOUT THE PARKS:

What’s you Favorite Disney Park? Epcot

How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? 12 times for stints for a week or more. That number includes Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Toyko Disney. I also go there frequently just to catch fireworks or dinner at the parks for a few hours, but I don’t count those as full trips. I also have 3-4 more trips to the parks planned for WDW and DL this year!

What’s your First Disney Memory? Watching “Pinocchio” with my family on my father’s old 8mm projector when I was a child. My parents would often times rent those films from the public library. They were fun to watch as a family!

What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? RIDE: Pirates of the Caribbean – SHOW: Mulch, Sweat & Shears or Off Kilter! – EVENT: Star Wars Weekends

Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? Hollywood Brown Derby

What’s your favorite snack? Pretzel from the Germany pavilion at Epcot.

You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? Even though I’m a HUGE Epcot fan I think if I had a whole park to myself it would be Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I don’t get a chance to ride Toy Story Mania all that much due to the long lines so I would go back and forth between that, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Muppet Vision 3D and the drawing class at the Animation Academy!

Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Whats missing from the Parks? Star Wars “Land”! They should just have an entire “park within a park” at Hollywood Studios with Star Wars themed rides and eateries!

Aljon, Anakin Skywalker, Kristen and Mace Windu at Star Wars Weekends
Aljon, Anakin Skywalker, Kristen and Mace Windu at Star Wars Weekends

Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? The ORIGINAL Alien Encounter!!!

What do you bring to the park with you? My iPhone, extra batteries, bottles of water and my audio recorder.

Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? I hitch a ride on the Millennium Falcon with Han & Chewie!

What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? Donald Duck is my favorite. He keeps it real! Least favorite… none that I can think of.

Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? Big fan of the Disney Dining Plan.

To ADR or Not to ADR? ADR of course! I love to sample the table service eateries!

Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? Good idea. The current Halloween and Christmas parties are worth an extra fee, however I believe they charge a little too much currently.

When is your next trip to WDW or DL? WDW for Star Wars Weekends & Star Tours 2 re-opening!

Kristen & Aljon at Disney's California Adventure
Kristen & Aljon at Disney's California Adventure

EVERYTHING ELSE DISNEY:

What is your favorite Disney movie? Beauty and the Beast

Do you do any Disney Collections? Ear hats, pins, books and movies. I have a few Vinylmations and really have to watch out buying them since I could really go overboard with them.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? Looking forward to going on a Disney Cruise sometime this year.

Ever been to DLRP or TDL? I’ve been to Tokyo Disney for a day. Hope to go back soon!

Finally what does Disney Mean to you? Disney is not only a happy escape but has always been a way of life. I really admire Walt Disney’s outlook in terms of creativity, service, business sense and entertainment and try to integrate that into my everyday life. When I was younger I wanted to become a Disney artist, after falling in love with music and radio I wanted to play guitar in the parks or work as a DJ on Radio Disney. As an adult I love working with the Disney fan community helping those who want to relive some of that Disney magic by listening and watching our programming on Sorcerer Radio. In a nutshell Disney equals happiness!

Wednesday with Walt: Music in Motion

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Wednesday with Walt: Music in Motion

“There is a natural hootchy-kootchy motion to a goldfish.”  – Walt Disney

Alright, Disney friends, I have to admit I chose this quote today because it gave me a chuckle! Thank you, Mr. Disney, for still being able to make me laugh nearly 45 years after your passing. Walt was talking about the Arab Dance portion of “The Nutcracker Suite” in Fantasia. If you haven’t seen it in a while, you might enjoy watching it again soon.

In this part of the film, distinctly feminine fish with long eyelashes dance around together, and then one on her own does a sultry number like a harem girl with her tail for a veil, and then bashfully disappears in clouds of bubbles. Walt wanted his artists to make the goldfish very feminine and sexy, using their “natural hootchy-kootchy” motion. He had a knack for really paying attention to how things moved and brought that to the screen. I find it amazing how he was so “present” at any given moment, as I have trouble just trying to focus on one thing at a time. His ability to concentrate must have been  just like my daddy’s — another man in my life I considered to be a genius.

When Walt decided to make Fantasia, his idea was always for the film to be void of dialogue; only the music and, of course, the animation. Ultimately, he wanted the viewer to truly “hear” the music. He had chosen Leopold Stokowski, conducterof the Philadelphia Orchestra,  to conduct the music and Stokowski had once said that, “the beauty and inspiration of music must not be restricted to a privileged few but made available to every man, woman and child. That is why great music associated with motion pictures is so important, because motion pictures reach millions all over the world.”

Walt wanted Fantasia to be simply “music you hear, and pictures you see.”  This idea is what lead to the creation of “Fantasound,” a revolutionary sound system made especially for Fantasia. This new system ensured proper sound synchronization and quality, especially important when a film contains beautiful music such as:

-Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach
-The Nutcracker Suite by Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky
-The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky
-The Pastoral Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven
-Dance of the Hours by Amilcare Ponchielli
-Night on Bald Mountain by Modeste Moussorgsky
-Ave Maria by Franz Shubert

The name “Fantasia” was chosen for the film as the name certainly seemed appropriate to the film. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word means:  a free usually instrumental composition not in strict form; and a work (as a poem or play) in which the author’s fancy roves unrestricted. I agree that both certainly apply to Fantasia.

In an interview with Walt’s wife, Lillian, entitled “I Live With A Genius,” which was published in the February 1953 issue of McCall’s (yes, I do), she describes Walt’s genius through many examples of his life. While discussing Fantasia in particular, she said, “He knew nothing about music, but he began to study it. To this day he cannot carry a tune, but he has a vast knowledge and understanding of all kinds of music. He seldom wastes time being proud of anything he has finished, but of everything he has made he is most pleased with certain sections of Fantasia, which showed music as it looks to Walt Disney in cartoon and color.”

Genius indeed!

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Wednesday with Walt: Music in Motion

Lightning McQueen from the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Cars 2” is revved up during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

By
Chip
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Lightning McQueen from the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Cars 2” is revved up during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

PETALS TO THE METAL: In a flower-filled raceway, Lightning McQueen from the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Cars 2” is revved and ready during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV.

The festival, which runs 75 days March 2 – May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, gardening and design workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission.

Matt Stroshane, photographer

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Lightning McQueen from the upcoming Disney Pixar film “Cars 2” is revved up during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
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