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Beyond The World Showcase and into the world with Adventures by Disney

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Beyond The World Showcase and into the world with Adventures by Disney

A Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation is a one of a kind vacation, an experience that the whole family can share; with something for everyone. If your family makes an annual trip to a Disney destination, you have probably heard, “Why do you always go to Disney? Don’t you know there are other places in the world?” and you reply, “yes, there are eleven places in the World of “the World” that I visit-it’s called Epcot’s World Showcase”.

My vacation daydreams consist of far off places, exotic islands, amazing adventures and European culture; but my day-nightmares consist of lost luggage, language barriers, endless debacles in transportation, upside down maps and mysterious foods.

Perhaps your vacation dreams have started to detour off their general route. This is not to say that you are sick of Disney World (say it ain’t so!), but maybe your dreams go beyond the eleven “countries” in the World Showcase. What if your vacation day-dreams of seeing the world could come true, with no day-nightmares? What if you could combine two of the most precious entities: your vacation dreams, and the Disney Difference?

You know about Disney World, you know about Disneyland, you’ve sampled different continents on Disney Cruise Line and you’re ready to take the leap: it’s time to see the world. What now? Adventures by Disney.

I guarantee if you’ve heard anything about Adventures by Disney the first thing you heard was the rumor of the price. You immediately said, “no thanks” “that’s not for us” or “we can’t afford that!” what you didn’t hear is that Adventures by Disney can take you to 19 destinations over 6 continents with 25 itineraries to choose from. This vacation takes you from a tourist and transforms you into an adventurer.

Just like your favorite Disney Destinations, Adventures by Disney offers several “package” tiers so you can find the perfect fit for your family:

Signature collection: (The “Deluxe Resort” option)-Includes upgraded hotels, VIP ammennities, special entertainment, additional exclusive activities, enhanced elements and an even more extraordinary vacation experience

Gateway Collection: (The “Moderate/Value Resort” option)-This collection offers a more affordable vacation experience to the most popular destinations, with average ammenities, and extra free time to explore on your own and see and do the things that interest you the most. Concierge service from Disney trained Adventure Guides allow you the knowledge and peace of mind you need to feel confident to explore on your own.

  • Exclusive Adults Only Departures-If your sophistication level is above the Mac-N-Cheese crowd, try an adults only departure and meet fellow travelers (seasoned veterans and newbies alike) with trips that offer a twist of sophistication with experiences and adventures designed for adult travelers.
  • Disney Cruise Line Upgrades-If you aren’t ready to “rock the boat” and feel Adventures by Disney might be a little overboard for your tastes, you can add an Adventures by Disney experience to your Disney Cruise Line itinerary. On select itineraries, you can combine the adventure and excitement of Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line. This option still allows you to experience the Disney difference, with special onshore experiences full of local flare. Meet local experts and learn about new cultures in these exciting places. By land or by sea, this adventure continues even onboard with special events and private receptions throughout your cruise. Don’t worry, your Junior Adventurers can come along too!

All your vacation day-nightmares are taken care of when you choose Adventures by Disney. Throw your vacation woes out the window, all the classic vacation problems have Disney remedied solutions:

  • “I’m Bored”- VIP experiences (guided tours, special performances, bypass the lines at the most popular museums and attractions and you never know what other magical things await!)
  • “What is this place?”-Immersive cultural experiences with local experts, and in true Disney style, “something for everyone” including special events for Jr. Adventurers.
  • “This is so stressful”-Hassle Free Travel-Disney takes this to a new level and includes airport meet n’ greets, transfers to and from hotels, concierge service to help you plan your free time, snacks en’ route between adventures, luggage service, and all those pesky travel taxes are included!
  • “I’m hungry!”-most meals are included (with tax and gratuity!) there’s even an adult dining experience complete with wine tasting. The kids get to have fun with their new friends during their own dinner and movie night, made just for them.
  • “How much extra is that?”-on this vacation, the things you actually WANT to do are included! Disney brings “all inclusive” to a whole new level, with Adventures by Disney you get it all….including National and Regional park entrance fees, tickets and admission to events and attractions, entrance to nature and wildlife educational programs, etc. Wherever your adventure takes you, it’s included.

In the four corners of the world experience a variety of itineraries including:

  • North American Adventures: Southern California/Hollywood, Montana and Alberta Canada, or the Spirit of America (Pennsylvania, District of Columbia and Virginia)
  • European Adventures: Cities of Knights and Lights (England and France), The Emerald Isle (Ireland), Once Upon A Fairytale (Germany), Alpine Magic (Italy and Switzerland), Viva Italia! (Italy)(*there is also a signature experience available for the Italy itinerary), or Bella Italia (Sorrento and Florence)
  • Southern & Central American Adventures: Costa Rica (*there is also a signature experience for this itinerary!), Treasures of the Galapagos and Peru
  • Africa, Asia and the Pacific: South Africa, Enchanted China and Discovery Down Under (Australia), (Currently Egypt itineraries have been suspended).

If something here strikes your fancy, visit www.AdventuresbyDisney.com or ask your Disney Authorized Travel Agent for pricing and more information. You never know where your next dream could take you!

 

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Beyond The World Showcase and into the world with Adventures by Disney

New restaurant and lounge planned for California Adventure park

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Sunburst has been dismantled at Sunshine Plaza at the center of the Disney California Adventure entrance, and the Carthay Circle Theatre replica will be built in it’s place.New restaurant and lounge planned for California Adventure park

The Carthay Circle Theatre is a tribute to the landmark that used to show Silly Symphony cartoons and the first full-length feature, Snow White in the late 1920’s and 30’s.

A menu and interior are still to be decided upon where there will be a restaurant and lounge inside the building.  “Walt’s Cafe” and “Carthay Circle Steakhouse” are the names on a model of the building.  No theater is planned for the project.

They are setting this as part of the entrance for Buena Vista Street back in the days when Walt Disney arrived to start his studio career as part of their $1 billion makeover of California Adventure to be complete in 2012.

New restaurant and lounge planned for California Adventure park

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue NEW Concept Art

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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New concept art from “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” began leaking on the web today. Here are a few images:

New ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’ Concept Art
New ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’ Concept Art

The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine once again to create an unforgettable new Star Wars experience in Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – in 3-D! This deep-space flight simulator features light-speed travel to galaxies, far, far away. See “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 20, 2011 and at Disneyland in California, on June 3, 2011.

Here are some previously leaked images of the re-imagined attraction:

Star Tours 2 Concept Art
Star Tours 2 Concept Art
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue NEW Concept Art
New ‘Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’ Concept Art
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Star Tours: The Adventures Continue NEW Concept Art

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’ – Getting to Know Jessica Swaney

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting to Know Jessica Swaney

Disclaimer:

This thing is long. I apologize. No, wait. Nevermind. I wanted to go into detail with my answers, and write as if I were conversing with you all in person. So I stand by my long answers.

About Me

Name: Jessica Swaney
Where do you live? Orange County, CA. I’m right next-door to Disneyland — only a few miles away.
How long have you been with Chip and Company? A whole year! End of February/Beginning of March 2010.
What topics do you write about? Disneyland and whatever else I feel like. But mostly Disneyland.
Favorite C&C Writer? I don’t really play “favorites”, but I’ve been with Chip and Chris for the whole year that I’ve been with C&C.
Do you have a Blog or Website? Unfortunately, I do not have my own at this time. Maybe one day I’ll start one. Who knows. I’m not sure if I would even have that many readers! (If you’d read it, be sure to let me know!)
Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? I’m on Facebook and a I’m a Tweeter.
Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? Hmmm. Honestly, I don’t really look at other websites! I don’t have time — I’m either at Disneyland or I’m at school!
What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? I have a Jack and Sally long-sleeve shirt, and a Jesse the cowgirl T-shirt.  I have a Nightmare Before Christmas tote bag. I have a pair of Class of 2009 ears in my sight. That’s all I see, so far, other than the Disney DVDs in my DVD rack thingy….Wait, wait, wait — nevermind. I see my two Winnie the Poohs from Japan. Can’t find those anywhere else. My father brought them back for me years ago. GAH okay, I have two Nightmare Before Christmas Vinylmations (Jack and Zero) and I just found a wintertime Pooh. And I just realized I’m curled up with a super old Mickey blanket that I’ve had for as long as I can remember. I think I’ll stop here…

Chip or Dale? I think I like them equally, but if I have to choose, I’ll go with Chip. You can remember which one he is by the “chocolate chip” nose, and I’m a chocoholic. (See? I even put a Chip and Dale photo just because of this question. That’s my boyfriend and me during the Lunar New Year Family Fun Weekend.)

About the Parks

What’s you Favorite Disney Park? I’ve never been to WDW (I know, I know) so I’ll have to stick with Disneyland. Can I start a “Jessica to WDW” fund?
How many times have you been to the Disney Parks? For my fellow Spanish speakers out there, I would need to use the imperfect past tense to describe this. For those who DON’T speak Spanish, the imperfect past tense is used for habitual actions, or actions that you have done so many times you don’t have an exact number. For the past several years I’ve gone at least once a week, unless my pass was blocked out. I had a pass when I was in elementary school, too. And I think junior high. But I remember going through a period of time without a pass. That was such a dark time.
What’s your First Disney Memory? I’m not sure which came first, but I remember going for my fourth or fifth birthday and going in Goofy’s bounce house, and I remember my parents taking me Trick or Treating at Disneyland for Halloween. I was Belle.
What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? Ride: Big Thunder Mountain. My boyfriend and I had our very first kiss on the first lifthill after those annoying bats. Show: Hmm. Fantasmic! I grew up with it. I know Mickey’s choreography; I know the show’s music. But I do love World of Color. Event: Oh, gosh. This year it’s June 3. Haha! But as far as events go, Disneyland doesn’t really have them like WDW does.
Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? Club 33. Too bad it’s super expensive. I wonder if we still have our connection…But since I’ve only been there once and can’t dine there regularly, I’ll switch to my backup. There’s this little place by Pirates called the Royal Street Veranda or something. It’s not a restaurant or anything, it’s like a shack booth thing. They sell gumbo and clam chowder sourdough bread bowls. Also out of my price range most of the time, but they’re a great treat for when I’ve been a good college student. (Pffft.)
What’s your favorite snack? Cinnamon roll from the Blue Ribbon Bakery! And if they’re in season, pumpkin muffins, also from the bakery.
You have the whole park to yourself. Tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? Well, since I haven’t been to any other Disney parks outside of DL or DCA, I’d have to probably say Magic Kingdom over at WDW. Plan of attack? Call and bother Chip, asking him what to do. Hahaha
Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? NO SUCH THING! HOW DARE YOU? Okay, okay. Fine. I’m not a big fan of…wow, I’m having a tough time with this. Umm…..
What’s missing from the parks? More roaming characters. But, uh, that won’t ever happen.
Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? Remember Rocket Rods? On the old People Mover track? Yeah, I’d love to see those back. The ride was so ridiculously glitchy back then, but I’m sure they could work out the kinks now. People Mover would be a nice thing to return, too.
What do you bring to the park with you? Snacks, water, my boyfriend or girlfriends.
Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? I could ride my bike if I really wanted to. But nah, I drive.
What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? I really don’t know if I can answer this question. I don’t really have a favorite…I can’t think of anyone, really. I even like the villains! I’m going to change the question: Who is your favorite Disney princess and why? My favorite princess is Belle because she’s literate. Hahaha! She’s the smart one and can see one’s inner beauty. I like to think I’m more of a Belle.
Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? I’m a cheap-o. I bring food. Then again, I don’t really have to plan too much or stay at the resort, so it’s easier for me.
Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? It should be included with admission. Seriously. I would love to go to Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party again.
When is your next trip to WDW or DL? I go once or twice a week, so probably Friday, March 18.

Everything Else Disney

What is your favorite Disney Movie? Nightmare Before Christmas, all the way. Ever since the first time I watched it.
Do you do any Disney Collections? My boyfriend and I got sucked into Vinylmation. So far, we only do the small keychains, Vinylmation, Jr., but that’s because we’re poor. Haha
Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? *sniffle* No.
Ever been to DLRP or TDL? *more sniffles* No, not yet. One day.

Finally what does Disney mean to you?

I’ll keep it short. Disney is a way of life for me. I have loved it since the beginning of time. Okay, well, MY time. I don’t really remember a time without Disney in my life. Disneyland is my happy place — it calms me down after a stressful week. I really don’t know what I’d do without my pass. I can’t think of other things to do anymore. Sure, I’ve gotten some crap for going to Disneyland so much, but that’s okay because they’re just jealous of my Disneyland-filled lifestyle.

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The Magic Behind the 'Company' - Getting to Know Jessica Swaney

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’: Getting to Know Brenda

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’: Getting to Know Brenda

This is an interesting little assignment from Chip this week. He wanted to let all of you get to know all of us which is a great idea, but I don’t remember the last time I thought about myself so much. 🙂
About You:

Name? Brenda
Where do you live? I was born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast and I am here to stay; at least until I retire, buy a mobile home and become a part-timer at the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds in  Walt Disney World.
How long have you been with Chip and Company? I have been writing for C&C for 6 months.
What topics do you write about? I have a new weekly spot called “Wednesday with Walt” which I love because I think he was an extraordinary man; I also write a cornucopia of things related to Walt Disney World, having a Disney family, and being a Disney fan in general.
Favorite C&C Writer? All of them.
Do you have a Blog or Website? No, I don’t have one of my own, but I help out Nancy on The Affordable Mouse!
Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? Sure, my facebook page is linked here and my Twitter account is @bootsietx (although I seldom use it because I am Twitter-challenged).
Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? The Affordable Mouse of course!
What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? I would say roughly 70%.
Chip or Dale? Chip, of course — why would you even ask?
About the Parks:

What’s your Favorite Disney Park? Magic Kingdom, followed closely by Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? 15
What’s your First Disney Memory? My first Disney memory was of Disneyland when I was 8. That is the only time I have been there and I don’t remember much, except for the tea cups and how beautiful it was.
What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event?
My favorite ride, hands down, is Tower of Terror. If anyone has read my blogs they are very familiar with what a thrill I get from that ride.
My favorite show would be Finding Nemo: The Musical, which is exceptionally done and can be found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
My favorite event is the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My family and I look forward to that breathtaking spectacle of Christmas lights every year — it is a wonderful start to the Christmas season.
Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? My favorite places at WDW are Le Cellier (Epcot) and ‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort).
What’s your favorite snack? Anything chocolate!
You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? My park of choice would be Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My plan of attack would be to ride Tower of Terror and Rock N Rollercoaster all morning. Then, I would head to Starring Rolls for some yummy chocolate snack options. I would then get in line for The Great Movie Ride and request to ride both versions of the ride. I would spend a couple of hours in One Man’s Dream (the story of Walt Disney). I would then head to the American Idol Experience (except that if I am having the whole park to myself, I would have to be the entertainment and the audience so that probably wouldn’t work), so I would instead play around with the Citizens of Hollywood for a while and maybe take them all to the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater for a burger, fries and a shake. After that, I would ride Toy Story Mania about 10 times before seeing Beauty and the Beast, followed by Voyage of the Little Mermaid. I would especially love being able to attend the Art of Animation and do some sketching myself at the Animation Studios, as I would have one-on-one lessons from one of the world’s best animators. I would take pictures with every character at the park; then I would have someone else take my picture with each photopass photographer because they never get to be in the pictures. I would grab dinner at the Brown Derby and take it with me to enjoy during Fantasmic! Then, I would sit on a bench with a monster cup of cappuccino and reminisce about the day and how all this got started in the first place.
Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? I definitely do not like the Astro Orbiter. I have an issue with heights so going up in an elevator to ride a ride that goes up in the air, while you are already on top of a building, is not for me…but thanks anyway!
What’s missing from the parks? Walt
Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? The original, working Yeti in Expedition Everest.
What do you bring to the park with you? My family, of course. I also take my itinerary, water, chap stick, sunscreen and my camera.
Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? We drive to WDW, although I would prefer the Magic Carpet.
What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? Mickey Mouse is undoubtedly my all-time favorite Disney character because I have always been charmed by his optimistic and friendly nature. My least favorite would have to be Ursula; I’m no petite princess at 5’10” but that big girl scares me!
Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? I do all 3 depending on the circumstances. When free dining is offered, that is a no brainer. When it is not offered, we often dine out of pocket. On budget trips, we eat breakfast in the room with foods we brought from home and carry our snacks in our backpacks; then we buy only one meal while out in the park.
To ADR or Not to ADR? We only ADR when we have the dining plan, usually. We definitely ADR with free dining (please bring it back, Disney!)
Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission?  The one extra cost event we usually attend is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. We were wondering this year if it is worth the added expense, so we may not do it this year.
When is your next trip to WDW or DL? September, 2011 — and I can’t wait — so hurry up September!!!
Everything Else Disney:

What is your favorite Disney Movie? I absolutely LOVE the Pirates of the Caribbean movies — all of them. We attend the first midnight showing of all of them — it’s a family affair.  My new favorite animated Disney movie is Tangled in 3D. I also love Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo, and loads of other Disney movies.
Do you have any Disney Collections? Well, yes, I sure do. I have a Disney office my hubby created for me full of our memorabilia, pictures, photo albums, Disney pictures and paintings, all my stuffed Disney characters, etc. I write my blogs in there and it is my favorite room in the house. I have a collection of about 50 snow globes in the china closet in my dining room, most of which light up, move and sing some beautiful Disney song; and I have a Mickey collection of all types of Mickey items. Every Christmas decoration we adorn our house with at Christmastime is Disney as well.
Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? Not yet, but a Disney cruise is  coming this December!
Ever been to DLRP or TDL? No, believe it or not I don’t have any desire to go to Paris nor Tokyo. I am happy to stay right here in the USA, unless my bucket list trip to my grandmother’s hometown in Italy ever becomes a reality.
Finally what does Disney mean to you? Wow – now that is a question! Walt Disney always said that we should remember, “It all started with a mouse.” To me, it started long before there was a mouse. It all started with a boy — a very special boy named Walt Disney. Without ever meeting the man, he has influenced my life in so many ways I cannot even count. He had vision, unwavering dedication, a super-highway of ideas running through his brain at any given time. He saw an opportunity to bring happiness to people’s lives through many different avenues and he followed through with his vision. Disney to me is the idea that the world could be a beautiful place if everyone could figure out how to live in harmony and be kind to one another. This is what it’s like at Walt Disney World. That is why every year for a 10-day period we go to a place that was part of Walt’s utopia. Staying on property keeps you submerged in Disney throughout every minute of every day. Every single one of my senses is heightened there: the music is more melodic; the sun shines brighter; the birds sing sweeter; the grass is greener; everything is cleaner; and, most importantly, the folks are nicer — everything is better and it makes me wish I could stay there forever. I wish all the world was just like it! And, I wish I had Walt’s gift to help make it happen!
That is a little about me — actually more than I ever knew about myself! I hope all you Disney fans out there will let us hear about you too!!!
Have a magical day!
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The Magic Behind the ‘Company’: Getting to Know Brenda

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Grand Launch (and Discount!)

By
Chip
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The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Grand Launch (and Discount!)

Get the Most Out of Your Disney Dining Experience, Guaranteed!

For most of us a Disney World vacation represents the kind of financial investment we can’t afford to waste. We can drive ourselves crazy worrying that we’re going to have a bust of a vacation and have a big bill to show for it.

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is here to help!

This week, you can pick up this instantly downloadable PDF for just $14.95 (regularly $18.95).That’s 20% off! AJ is also offering  a 100% money-back guarantee, so you’ve got nothing to lose!

Click the picture above to learn more and get your copy today.

 

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The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Grand Launch (and Discount!)

The Magic Behind the ‘Company’: Getting to Know Nancy

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

The Magic Behind the 'Company': Getting to Know Nancy

About You:

Name? Nancy

Where do you live? Near Baltimore, Maryland

How long have you been with Chip and Company? Umm I think about a year…but it seems longer….in a good way of course! 🙂

What topics do you write about? How to make a Disney vacation affordable, getting the most value while at Disney World, information for the person “new” to planning a Disney vacation, and anything else that pops into my head.

Favorite C&C Writer? Seriously this is like asking me which World Showcase restaurant I like….which is all of them in different ways. So sorry Chip, you are not going to pin me down on this one…. 🙂

Do you have a Blog or Website? My site and blog is The Affordable Mouse (www.theaffordablemouse.com)

What do you talk about there? I offer help, ideas, tips, suggestions, and strategies for planning affordable Disney vacations.

Have a Facebook Page or Twitter? Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theaffordablemouse, and Twitter: http://twitter.com/affordablemouse

Favorite Disney Website other than Chip and Company? I presume you mean other than my own? 🙂 There are so many amazing blogs and sites out there that offer great information about Disney. The really cool thing is that they all offer something different: a “specialty”, a fun point of view, or just ideas that are not found elsewhere. I have a lot of favorites but some that I always look forward to are The Disney Driven Life, Meltdown Free Disney, Magical Mouse Schoolhouse, The Disney Chick, Disney Dispatch, and WDW Fan Zone.

What % of your clothes and house is decorated with Disney Gear? LOL I am afraid I am NOT a big Disney clothes person….as to house, hmmm, that’s hard because that I DO have quite a bit.  It’s all spread out all over the place though, so that I can have a Disney fix wherever I am, so I’m not sure exactly HOW much. Not as much as I would like….

Chip or Dale? Ever the soul of diplomacy, and wanting to continue to write for Chip and Co. I will, of course, say Chip. 🙂

About the Parks:

What’s you Favorite Disney Park? Epcot. Love them all, but I could LIVE in Epcot if they’d let me.

How many Times have you been to the Disney Parks? I have lost track now…maybe around 15 or so?

What’s your First Disney Memory? The first time I went to Disney World was about a year after it opened, when it was just Magic Kingdom. Never mind how old I was…. 🙂 The memory that sticks with me from that visit were the horse-drawn trolleys on Main Street…probably because I had a horse fixation at the time, like lots of girls do. I also remember how cool I thought the monorail was going right through the Contemporary (where we did NOT stay, but I so wished we had!)

What is your favorite Ride, Show, and Event? Hmmm, favorite Ride is Soarin. Favorite Show, is probably Illuminations. Favorite Event is a tie between the Candlelight Processional and the Food and Wine Festival.

Where is your favorite place to get your grub on? Ahhh this constantly changes, as I love so many of the restaurants! Sigh…..ok, *current* favorites are Boma, California Grill, The Captain’s Grille, Kouzzina, and Chef’s de France.

What’s your favorite snack? Again, too many favorites…..I guess my current *favorite* favorite is the Carrot Cake Cookie.

You have the whole park to yourself tell us what park it would be and plan of attack? It would be Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival. Would do all the Future World rides except Mission Space in the morning, then hit World Showcase at lunch, and pretty much eat and drink around the World for the rest of the day. Maybe take a nap at some point: since I would have the park to myself, I could find a lovely bench on which to do this. 🙂 Finish the day with a front row view of Illuminations.

Least Favorite Disney Ride or Attractions? Wow this is hard, because while I have several that I don’t especially care about one way or the other, I don’t especially have a Least Favorite. Hmm, well, here are the ones that I don’t particularly make an effort to see: Magic Kingdom: Stitch’s Great Escape; Epcot: Mission Space; Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror and Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster (my family loves them, but I am a major Ride Wimp); Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur.

What’s missing from the Parks? I would love to see additional countries added to World Showcase. And it would be nice to see some of the newer Disney movies have rides, attractions, or shows devoted to them, like Wall-E, or UP.

Which thing do you wish Disney would bring back? When we visited Disneyland several years ago, I had the chance to ride the Finding Nemo Submarine which brought back memories from visiting MK that first time, of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It was a fun ride, and I would love to see it come back, even if it was like the current Disneyland version.                                      

What do you bring to the park with you? As little as possible. My family consists of 3 adults, so we don’t take more than is absolutely necessary, so no one is stuck carrying around a backpack all day. Lately we visit during the winter, so that presents a challenge, with bringing sweaters and/or coats sometimes, but we really try to travel light.                                                                                                                                                   

Do you fly, drive or take a Magic Carpet to the Disney Parks? I would love to fly on a Magic Carpet…but sadly we fly on a plane. I would be happy to drive and save the money, but we are a 14 hour drive from WDW and my family overrules me every time.

What’s your most and least favorite Disney character and why? Oh another “favorite” question….geez these are hard! Favorite “classic” Disney characters would be Tigger and Eeyore (for being total opposite personalities), Minnie (because she is just so darned sweet), and probably Donald (because I just kind of feel sorry for him). Favorite “new” characters would be Belle and Mulan (I have a daughter, so I liked being able to point out strong personalities to her when she was little), Genie (Robin Williams, ‘nuff said), WALL-E and EVE (they just make me smile!) and Ray the Firefly from the Princess and the Frog (when he meets his Evangeline at the end, I am just a blubbering mess…). Least favorite? Stitch.

Dining Plan, OOP, or Bring Food with you? Disney Dining Plan, for my family, it’s been the best thing ever.

To ADR or Not to ADR? Absolutely ADR. Seriously? I am quite the fanatic about this actually. It may even be an illness.

Events at the park that cost extra good idea or should be included with park admission? I do not have a problem with Disney charging extra for special events: I feel that there is plenty that is offered to make regular admission a good value, so charging for extra events makes sense to me. I feel like this is the only way they could keep the crowds under control.

When is your next trip to WDW or DL? ***SIGH***….I do not yet know. Am hopeful for a trip this fall for just me, and then our next family trip will hopefully be late winter/early spring 2012.

Everything Else Disney:

What is your favorite Disney Movie? Beauty and the Beast.

Do you do any Disney Collections? We collect pins!

Have you been on a Disney Cruise or Adventures by Disney? We have done two Disney cruises: a 3 day on the Wonder and a 7 day on the Magic.  Hoping to do an Adventures by Disney “some day”.

Ever been to DLRP or TDL? Not yet, but they’re on my bucket list for sure.

Finally what does Disney Mean to you? You know, Disney means a lot of things to a lot of people, and it means different things at different times to me as well. I love visiting the parks for the tangible: the attractions, the attention to detail, the food, the music, and the fun. But honestly, I love the “Disney feeling” more: that idea that “magical” things can happen, and that if you believe you can do pretty much anything.

New Method Hand Soap Inspired by Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse

By
Chip
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New Method Hand Soap Inspired by Disney's Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Method, the leading innovator in premium, eco-friendly household and personal care products, announces today a collaboration with Disney Consumer Products to make hand-washing fun through a bold new bottle designed by Method and modeled after the silhouette of two of Disney’s most iconic characters — Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

“We were inspired by the opportunity to positively influence kids of all ages to wash their hands with a symbolic bottle that pays homage to the iconic Disney characters we all love,” said Lucy Leahy, general manager, Hand Care, Method Products.

The Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse soaps are a naturally derived, biodegradable eco-hand wash formula that leaves hands feeling soft and clean. The bottles’ whimsical designs and sweet fragrances — Lemonade and Strawberry Fizz — provide the ideal sink-side companion to any bathroom or kitchen. The new hand washes underscore the importance of washing hands and using sustainable cleaners by creating playful products that children and parents will want to use again and again.

“Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have had an everlasting presence, remaining cool with kids and adults alike through the years,” said Johanna Mooney, director of health and beauty, Disney Consumer Products. “The fresh new design of the Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse soaps by Method is sure to provide an irresistible pop on the counter that will make a daily habit like hand washing fun for the whole family.”

The Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse hand washes will be available in the United States and Canada in early April at national retailers including Target, Shoppers Drug Mart, Babies”R”Us, Soap.com, Amazon.com and methodhome.com.

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About Method
Founded in 2000, Method is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. Method can be found in more than 25,000 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia. Major retailers include Target, Lowe’s, Whole Foods, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wegman’s Safeway, Duane Reade, Tesco (UK), Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada) and Woolworth’s (Australia). Method is a privately held company backed by San Francisco Equity Partners, Simon Equity Partners, and private individual investors. For more information, visit www.methodhome.com.

About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. This is accomplished through DCP’s various lines of business, which include: Disney Toys, Disney Fashion & Home, Disney Food, Health & Beauty, and Disney Stationery. Other businesses involved in Disney’s consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines, and www.DisneyStore.com, the company’s official shopping portal. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America and Europe. The Disney Stores chain in Japan is operated under a license agreement with Disney. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving and www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving.

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First Look: Disney’s ‘The Ballad of Nessie’

By
Chip
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First Look: Disney’s ‘The Ballad of Nessie’

Here’s a first look at Disney’s The Ballad of Nessie short film that will play before Winnie the Pooh on April 15th. Directed by the Emmy Award-winning team of Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters, the film is animated in classic Disney hand-drawn style, and narrated by Billy Connolly.

Here is a synopsis

Set in the “bonny blue highlands” of Scotland, The Ballad of Nessie is a whimsical and colorful tall tale about the friendly Loch Ness monster, Nessie, and how she and her best friend MacQuack the rubber duck came to live in the moor they now call home. Setting the adventure into motion is a greedy land developer named MacFroogle, who decides to build a mini-golf empire on top of Nessie’s home.

 

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Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure on Blu-ray and DVD April 19th

By
Chip
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Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure on Blu-ray and DVD April 19th

Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure is an all-new Disney comedy adventure starring the multi-talented Ashley Tisdale, as Sharpay Evans, in a hilarious fish-out-of-water tale about a small town Diva and her dog’s mis-adventures in New York City!

Just how fabulous do you have to be to make it big in the Big Apple? One aspiring diva is about to find out…the hard way! Ashley Tisdale shines in this totally captivating comedy.

After a talent scout spots her performing with her dog Boi at a charity gala, Sharpay Evans (Tisdale) sets off for the bright lights of NYC, convinced instant fame and fortune are in the bag (designer, that is). But the theatre is a dog-eat-dog world, as she and Boi discover when they encounter the devious owner of a pampered Pooch named “Countess” and a scheming Broadway starlet who will do anything to crush the competition. Fortunately, Sharpay also meets Peyton (Austin Butler), a handsome student filmmaker who finds Sharpay nearly as fascinating as she finds herself.

U.S. Release Date:  April 19, 2011

Rating:  Not yet rated

Feature Run Time: Approximately 90-minutes

Release Format: Direct-to-video release on Blu-ray™ & DVD

Suggested Retail Price:

3-Disc Superset (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) with Limited Edition Pink

Clutch Purse – $49.99 US/$54.99 Canada

2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD) – $39.99 US/$44.99 Canada

1-Disc DVD – $29.99 US/$35.99 Canada

Staring:

Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical franchise, Hellcats)

Austin Robert Butler (Life Unexpected, Ruby & The Rockits, Zoey 101)

Bradley Steven Parker (Good Luck Charlie)

Cameron Goodman (The Phantom, Disaster Date)

Alec Mapa (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives)

Jack Plotnick (Reno 911, Drawn Together)

Lauren Collins (Take the Lead, Degrassi: The Next Generation)

Director: Michael Lembeck (Tooth Fairy, The Santa Clause 2 & 3 & TV’s “Friends”)

Producer:   Jonathan Hackett (Honey I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show, Relic Hunter)

Executive Producers: Barry Rosenbush (High School Musical), Bill Borden (High School Musical)

and Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical franchise, Hellcats)

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“More than a place to stay, it’s a place to start”-A look at Aulani

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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"More than a place to stay, it's a place to start"-A look at Aulani

Everyone knows Disney tells the best stories, have you heard the story behind Disney’s newest destination, Aulani? Located in Ko Olina, Hawaii Aulani will say “aloha” and open its doors to guests on August 29, 2011.

What can you expect when you arrive at the Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina? A breathtaking tropical paradise with accommodations only a Disney imagineer could create; with vibrant tropical colors, patterns and textures and Menehune, the “magical people” of Hawaiian legends.

Disney refers to Aulani as, “more than a place to stay, it’s a place to start”. Settle in to all the comforts Disney imagineering has prepared and step out into all the adventures that Hawaii holds. Local experts guide you through cultural excursions to experience the legends of the land. Learn to dance (Hula), speak and cook like a Hawaiian while immersed in this tropical paradise.

Be sure to say hello to some of your Disney favorites (in their vacation attire!) and send the little adventurers to Aunty’s Beach House-a kids only club where Hawaiian adventures are as big as they guests they welcome.

Connect as a family in a different Disney way, with a picturesque sunset ceremony, special character dinners, family activities, and pool parties.

Aulani sits on twenty one acres, filled with ten recreation facilities, two lounges, four restaurants, and an 18,000 square foot spa with fifteen treatment rooms and a fitness center. There are 36,695 square feet of outdoor venues and plenty of activities to choose from!

Immerse your family in the culture, beauty and comforts of Hawaii, Disney style. Aulani is now accepting reservations; to book your dream vacation contact your Disney travel agent!

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Jack Black Sent a HS Band to Disneyland!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Jack Black Sent a HS Band to Disneyland!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a former high school marching band geek kid who actually marched down Main Street U.S.A. during the SpectroMagic Parade, I found this story incredibly amazing and needed to share.  The story was originally found on TMZ

Jack Black just dropped more than $10,000 so a group of music students could travel to Disneyland to perform in a parade tomorrow … TMZ has learned.

The whole thing came to fruition thanks to Jack’s mom — who lives in Tonasket, Washington and is a HUGE supporter of the local music programs.

We’re told the band — made up of local high school and middle school students — entered a Disneyland contest and were selected to perform at the Magic Kingdom … but there was a catch — they had to pay for their own travel expenses.

We’re told the community was rallying to raise the cash — when Jack caught wind and came through with a MONSTER donation.

The band arrived in L.A. yesterday after a two-day bus trip and will perform in the Town Square parade this afternoon. After that, we’re told the kids will all have dinner with their famous benefactor.

“And we shall teach rock ‘n’ roll to the world.”

And, as TMZ reported, Jack Black showed up at Disneyland not only for a dinner, but to cheer them on during their parade!**

 

Story originally posted on TMZ.com

 

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