Ask a Disney Question: Chocolate Carousel at Beach Club.

By

-

October 2, 2010

This question comes from Kerry, who asks: “When do they assemble the chocolate carousel at the Beach Club? My daughter wants to come down and watch them put it together.”

Kerry, thanks for your question. The carousel, like most Disney resort decorations, usually goes up after the bulk of the park decorations. Right after Halloween, Disney begins a process of putting up the major decorations in the parks. This goes on overnight and usually takes five to seven days. Although guests will notice a difference almost overnight, smaller details are adding throughout the first week of November. After the parks are decorated, the bulk of the resort decorations go up, usually the second week.

The cast members I spoke to couldn’t give me an exact date, but they did confirm the above timeline. I’ll be in Disney World next week and promise to go over to the Beach Club and talk to someone in person for you. I’ll update this post and send you and email. Hope this helps.

Have a Disney question? We have answers! Write us at Chip and Co. We answer everyquestion.

Excerpt 5: Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011)

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 2, 2010

Excerpt 5: Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011)
Update: Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011) has been released and is available from Amazon.com.

What’s a Walt Disney World travel guide without tips? The excerpt below has two sets of tips; the first are general tips for visiting Walt Disney World while the second focuses on successful vacationing with preschoolers.

Excerpt 1, excerpt 2, excerpt 3, and excerpt 4 can be found here at Chip and Company.

Top Six Tips

Have a Plan. There are an incredible number of attractions and recreational activities available at the Walt Disney World Resort. Research the park attractions and jot down your family’s must-sees. Download theme park maps and calendars to familiarize yourself with each park’s layout and hours prior to your visit. The Disney theme parks may close up to three hours earlier in the off-season. Park hours will influence your touring plans and dining times. See “Resources” for website addresses.

FASTPASS®. Walt Disney World ticket holders may take advantage of FASTPASS, a means of bypassing the standby line for a much shorter FASTPASS queue. Using FASTPASS can dramatically decrease the time you spend in line and increase the number of attractions your family will enjoy. Refer to Chapter 4, “Touring,” for more FASTPASS details.

Start Early. It’s tempting to sleep in at Walt Disney World. After all, you are on vacation. It’s important to know that crowds are lighter when the parks first open, and during the warmer times of the year the weather is more hospitable early in the day. Get an early start to minimize the amount of time you spend on lines. When the crowds become heavier and the weather warmer, take a break and return to your hotel for a swim and a nap.

Make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). With the many table-service restaurants in Walt Disney World, it’s difficult to imagine not getting a seat at the restaurant of your choice. However, this routinely happens with the large crowds visiting the resort. It is best to make your ADRs, guaranteeing a table, well in advance of your trip by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Ask a Cast Member. Walt Disney World staff, or Cast Members, have been trained to provide an exceptional level of service and to make your vacation even more magical. If you have any problems, concerns, or questions, do not hesitate to ask the nearest Cast Member for help.

Wear Comfortable Shoes. This may seem obvious but I cannot tell you the number of people I see in very stylish but impractical footwear. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing at the theme parks. Walking 5-10 miles a day is not unusual when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.

Top Six Tips for Travel with Preschoolers

Be Flexible. The single most important thing you can do to have a successful Walt Disney World trip with preschoolers is to have a plan and then be willing to deviate from it. When the kids get hot, tired, or over-stimulated, slow down the pace of your touring, have a snack, or take a break in your hotel room. Yes, you may miss the afternoon parade or the next showing of Festival of the Lion King but the whole family will be happier if your little ones are content. On the other hand, your preschoolers may surprise you and may be able to tour longer than you thought.

Use a Stroller. Visiting Disney World is not like a typical day at your park or local zoo. Chances are you’ll be out of your hotel room for hours at a time and your family will put in mile after mile at the theme park and at your resort. Even the most energetic four- or five-year old who would never consider sitting in a stroller at home will likely be asking for one by mid-day. See Chapter 4, “Touring,” for more information.

Don’t Force the Issue. Preschoolers are a funny bunch. They sometimes have difficulty communicating a fear or just plain discomfort with a ride or situation. If they resist a particular attraction, don’t force the issue; it’s easier to find a ride they do enjoy than having to coax them on future rides if they have a “bad” experience. See Chapter 5, “Attractions,” for a list of attractions that may scare little ones.

Ship Bulky Items. Times have changed and airlines charging their customers for each checked bag are becoming the norm. Travel with toddlers includes lots of bulky items such as diapers, wipes, sippy cups, and toddler utensils. If you need to bring disposable items, ship them to your Disney resort. The shipping costs will likely be less than baggage fees for a round-trip flight and you’ll have less baggage to juggle to and from the airport. See Chapter 1, “Preparing,” for more information.

Pack Snacks. There’s no doubt about it, you may very well suffer from sticker shock at the Disney World snack stands. Pack some healthy, dry snacks, and water in your theme park bag. A little pick-me-up may be just the thing for your child. You won’t have to worry about a sugar high or your child not eating the next meal because of the super-sized park snacks.

Try a Lanyard. When at the parks, I try to travel light – that means minimizing the number of bags I bring. My husband I switch off carrying the backpack we bring to the park and sometimes divide and conquer the attractions and food; this means I cannot rely on putting my park pass, room key, FASTPASS, PhotoPass card, credit card, I.D., and a little bit of cash into the backpack. I’ve found the easiest way for me to carry all my cards is using a lanyard with an attached card-holder. I throw it around my neck and go. Mine was purchased at the local Walmart.

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

Oldies But Goodies – How Old Is Too Old For Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 2, 2010

Your age in years actually has very little to do with how old you are! Fellow Seniors, some people say you are as old as you feel and that does play a role. I say, you are as old as you act!! In the picture above, my wife and I don’t seem to be acting properly for a couple of seniors – who cares – we were having a good time with Mr. Goofy. When I get to Walt Disney World a bit of a transformation happens, I am no longer a Senior Citizen with a touch of arthritis in my feet and knees but a ten year old with slightly sore lower extremities. It’s time for playing and having fun!!

When people ask about our vacation plans and I say we are headed for Walt Disney World – again, they seem to feel that we are silly. After all, that place is only for kids. The people who say that are generally the ones who have never been to Walt Disney World. Our very first visit to Walt Disney World was in 1990 when my Wife was in her late 30’s and I was 44. We traveled with my Sister then 40, my Aunt then mid 50’s, my Uncle then mid 60’s, and my parents both then 70’s one mid and one late. Everyone in the group had a wonderful week and nobody acted like a fuddy duddy. We rode the rides and generally acted like a bunch of kids on vacation – shocking!! My Dad took his first ride on Space Mountain at the tender age of 78 and my personal goal is to go parasailing at age 80. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

I think a lot of us know people who are too old for Walt Disney World. Surprisingly, most of them are in their 40’s to early 50’s and a bit too sophisticated to actually let go and be a kid again. Sophistication has never been one of my strong points and as we all get older I think we all develop a more “live for the moment” attitude and learn how to have fun. That’s what makes Walt Disney World such a wonderful place. A majority of the folks you see are there for the same reason as we Oldies are, to have a good time. No matter how silly or childish you act you will not be subject to criticism, you will most likely earn the respect and smiles of the people who see you enjoying yourself.

On your next visit, take the time to look around and study who is there and how they are acting. I’m betting you will see a lot of us Old Fogies strolling around with great big smiles on our faces just enjoying where we are and who we are with. Join us, have fun, enjoy your surroundings and above all my fellow Seniors – DO NOT ACT YOUR AGE!!!

Ken

Will the Marvel Universe Ever Land at the Disney Parks?

By

Chip

-

October 2, 2010

Ok so it has been awhile since Marvel Entertainment was bought out for 4 Billion Dollars by Walt Disney Co. So far I have seen a trickle of Merchandise come to the Disney Parks, but nothing of the characters. I mean are we ever going to see Spiderman walking around Epcot? (I am sure climbing Space Ship Earth has to be tempting for him) Will Iron Man ever walk down Main Street USA in Disneyland?

I don’t know maybe I am just hopeful that one day I will be able to get my picture taken with Wolverine in front of Cinderella’s Castle or ride the newest Avengers ride in Tomorrowland. I am sure a bunch of legal stuff still has to take place so Disney can get exclusive rights to the characters.

I will say this about the merger I think Disney isn’t getting the best Marvel has to offer in way of movies. Think about it Spiderman has already had 3 BIG movies now, XMEN has already had their run at the box office, same thing goes for the other Marvel characters. I mean what else do they have up there sleeve as far as BIG BLOCKBUSTERS? Is Antman really going to sell out theaters? Will the Avengers have enough steam to push the Disney Marvel train ahead? Will Thor’s Hammer be mighty enough to crush the competition…I am crossing my fingers. Just please don’t give us another Punisher movie..

I hope Marvel has some aces up its sleeves to make up the 4 billion price tag. I also hope that Disney will get their big, beautiful marketing maching going and get some Marvel presence at the parks. I know there are alot of people as excited as me out there!

What do you think? Do you want to see Marvel Characters at the Disney Parks? Should they stay at Universal or hanging up in my closet?

What about the upcoming Marvel movies? Anything you can’t wait to see?

Let us know in the comment section below.

Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 2, 2010

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 1, 2010

Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 2, 2010

Daveland delves into some Disneyland history. Dave also posts Part Two of his Disneyland Trip Report (with some great photos).
Princess Fee at DF’82 takes in some nice details at Disneyland Paris.
Didier Ghez at the Disney History Blog interviews an author of a forthcoming book.
Jamie at OnlyWDWorld looks at the Jungle Cruise Queue.
Robert at a Filmic Light shares some early Snow White post cards.
Long-Forgotten Haunted Mansion posts a fairly detailed look at the inspiration for many of the Mansions effects.
Mesa Verde Times returns with a fond farewell.
Matterhorn at Stuff From the Park has acquired some great World’s Fair photos. Here is an inspiration for Horizon!
Whoah…Ray posted something! And it is book-related!!!
Matt at Studios Central looks at a big book and why it is there!
A HUGE congratulations to the Greg Grimsley!
Amid at Cartoon Brew shares a very unique property that is up for sale!
Mike at The Jungle is “101” posts an article about the 1981 Jungle Cruise.
Outside the Berm attended the Mechanized Magic Event at the Disneyland Hotel and shares some photos.

Disney pacts with Spanish Broadcaster Telecinco

By

Chip

-

October 1, 2010

This article comes to us from Variety Magazine.

Walt Disney and Spanish broadcaster Telecinco have inked a multiyear TV and movie deal. Telecinco will pick up upcoming titles from ABC Studios and ABC Family beginning in November 2011.The Mediaset-owned TV operator has also taken free-to-air Spanish TV rights to an undisclosed number of Disney catalog pics including “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” “The Rock,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and “Pretty Woman.”

Deal includes Disney/Pixar toons “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “The Incredibles,” plus new titles from Disney Channel Original Movies.

Deal gives Telecinco Spanish adaptation rights to TV series produced by ABC Studios, Stateside and abroad.

Telecinco, which is now producing Juan Antonio Bayona’s “The Impossible,” toplining Naomi Watts, has also committed to a nonexclusive but close working relationship with Disney, which will distribute films co-produced by Telecinco Cinema.

The Disney-Telecinco pacts reflects the state of play in the Spanish TV market. The launch of new DTT services is forcing Spain’s TV operators to bet on cost-effective acquisitions such as Hollywood programming.

Click here to keep reading.

New Book Encourages Young Travelers to Plan Their Disney Vacation

By

Chip

-

October 1, 2010

Now your kids can help plan your family’s Walt Disney World vacation. “Kid Tips for Walt Disney World: Touring Advice by Kids for Kids” is designed to encourage kids to truly experience the best of the Walt Disney World Resort (3,130 pages, $10.95).

Written by Tracie A. Cook, a high school teacher and life-long Disney fan, “Kid Tips for Walt Disney World” is a compilation of actual tips written by children between the ages of 7 and 15 years of age. Young travelers responded to questions about what they liked best about Walt Disney World. The book is broken up into sections including the four theme parks, resorts, water parks, and Downtown Disney.

Mike Scopa, senior feature writer and blogger for AllEars.net and one of the hosts of WDW Today Podcast, notes how beneficial it is to have kids talk to other kids about Walt Disney World. “It’s difficult as an adult to explain to a child what they are going to experience at Walt Disney World. A child speaking to another child goes much further. ‘Kid Tips for Walt Disney World’ prepares kids for their Walt Disney World vacation, and lets them know what to expect in a child-friendly language.”

The pleasantly clear-minded thinking utilized by the kid-tipsters is apparent, as is the wide range of experiences that they reportedly enjoyed. Some experiences that are available at the Walt Disney World Resort are often overlooked, while in this case they were highly rated. This information will certainly impact vacation planning when parents understand why kids really like some of the lesser-known attractions.

Kim LaPaglia, travel agent and WDW Moms Panel alum, was pleasantly surprised by the book. “Tracie Cook offers a book for children with vacation tips that are equally helpful for the adults in the family. Even though I consider myself a seasoned Walt Disney World visitor, it is very eye-opening to read which restaurants kids find the most memorable. I was especially surprised to find out that one of their favorite choices was the Biergarten in Germany.”

Assembled in a very logical, usable format, “Kid Tips for Walt Disney World: Touring Advice by Kids for Kids” is not only richly informational, but also genuinely entertaining. Readers will enjoy a kid’s-eye view on everything that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. The kid tip suggestions are sure to make any trip to Walt Disney World more fun, comfortable, and enjoyable for the whole family.

For more information check out www.vacationfieldguides.com

Disney Store Launches You Tube Halloween Costume Sweepstakes

By

Chip

-

October 1, 2010

Disney Store is rolling out a host of fun surprises for the whole family this Halloween season. First by letting down its hair and celebrating the arrival of its new Rapunzel costume, inspired by the Disney film Tangled opening Nov. 24. Rapunzel is just one of many Disney Halloween costumes making Disney Store’s Halloween fashion collection its biggest ever. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2010 Top Costumes survey, conducted by BIGresearch Alice In Wonderland will be a top choice for adults for the first time ever, and more than half a million kids are expected to go to “infinity and beyond” this Halloween dressed as Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear; princesses continue to be the most popular children’s costume while Disney Princess specifically ranks in the NRF’s Top 10 Children’s Costume list for the sixth consecutive year.

In addition to having the most popular costumes in store and online, Disney Store will offer more family fun with its new “Disney Store 30 Costumes in 30 Seconds” YouTube Halloween Sweepstakes, on DisneyLiving, showcasing 30 costumes from this year’s spectacular collection. Families can dress up and join a costume parade at the Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party at Disney Store locations nationwide October 22 and 23, and receive free prizes (while supplies last).

Making the search for Halloween costumes fast, easy and fun for busy families, the “Disney Store 30 Costumes in 30 Seconds” YouTube Halloween Video features this year’s hottest Disney Store costumes for toddlers, kids and adults. For the first time ever, five lucky winners will score a free Disney Store costume by identifying all the outfits. The video sweepstakes starts Thursday, Sept. 30, and runs through Friday, Oct. 8. (view a complete set of rules).

“Disney Store costumes feature rich details, elaborate embellishments and high-quality materials, plus the most authentic designs to transform little girls and boys and even their parents into the princess, pirate or fairy they’ve been dreaming about,” said Molly Adams, vice president and general manager of Disney Store North America. “It’s no surprise that Disney Princess and Buzz Lightyear costumes are among the favorites for kids this year because they extend the story and play-value well for Halloween and beyond. And now, with our costume sweepstakes and our in-store party we are offering more than we ever have before to celebrate the fun of Halloween.”

Girls’ Costumes

Based on the upcoming Disney film Tangled, Disney Store’s new Rapunzel costume features a violet gown that transforms little girls into maidens with super-long golden hair—just by adding on the accompanying 3-foot-long wig and crown (sold separately). The storybook costume features a laced satin bodice with delicate glitter details around the bottom of the organza skirt.

Disney Store designers created only 2,000 Limited Edition Belle costumes, featuring a gold bodice, metallic gold bows and full glitter skirt with floral accents to celebrate the Oct. 5 release of Beauty and the Beast Diamond Edition on Blu-ray and DVD. The classic Belle costume and adorable toddler version will be more widely available. According to NRF, more than 4.3 million children will celebrate Halloween dressed as a princess, and Disney Store is the Halloween destination for all the favorite princess costumes including Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Tiana.

Boys’ Costumes

For boys, Buzz Lightyear and Woody costumes, inspired by this year’s hit film Disney&middotPixar’s Toy Story 3, are already top sellers at Disney Store. The new toddler plush Rex costume, featuring a squeaky nose, is based on the lovable dinosaur in Toy Story. Boys will look like real-life racecar drivers in the Disney·Pixar CARS costume, with checkered stripes and racing patches.

Adult Costumes

As a treat for adults, the new Alice in Wonderland costumes, based on Disney’s 2010 movie, will transport adults into another world. Authentic adult Alice, Red Queen and Mad Hatter costumes are available online at DisneyStore.com. In addition to the Alice in Wonderland costumes, DisneyStore.com offers a great selection of other Disney costumes, allowing parents to coordinate with their kids for a complete family look.

Chilling Décor

To transform your home into a “boo-tiful” and friendly haunted domain, DisneyStore.com offers exclusive decor for both inside and outside, including Nightmare Before Christmas items and Mickey Mouse inspired items. Disney Store reusable trick-or-treat bags in Mickey Mouse or Jack Skellington designs are available to stash all your goodies.

In-Store Event: Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party!

To usher families into the magical Halloween spirit, Disney Store locations nationwide will host a “Halloween Dress Rehearsal” party on Oct. 22 at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Kids and adults will be invited to join in a costume parade and play games, and children three and up will receive a free gift (while supplies last) for wearing a costume.

For more information on Halloween products and Disney Store events visit www.DisneyStore.com/updates, become a fan at www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or call 1-866-902-2798. For quick and easy online shopping, visit DisneyStore.com.

Dreamworks Studios I Am Number Four Trailer

By

Chip

-

October 1, 2010

Three are dead. Who is Number Four? D.J. Caruso (“Eagle Eye,” “Disturbia”) helms an action-packed thriller about an extraordinary teen, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), who is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him.

Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events—his first love (Dianna Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.

John (Alex Pettyfer) is an extraordinary teen, masking his true identity and passing as a typical high school student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed…he is Number Four

Website and Mobile site: DreamWorksStudios.com

Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/DreamWorksStudios

Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/dw_studios

Disney’s Let the Memories Begin Campaign 2011

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 1, 2010

Disney Guests will be appearing in television and other communications as part of the new Let the Memories Begin campaign. For the first time, Disney Parks is featuring home video and snapshots of real Guests in television ads and other marketing efforts that allow an audience of millions to share in true-life, heartfelt moments.

And, beginning in January 2011, Disney Parks Guests may find that the memory they just made has become a larger-than-life image during a special nighttime experience.

At Walt Disney World® Resort, Guest photos will be projected onto the Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom® Park. At Disneyland® Resort, the iconic façade of “it’s a small world” will be the canvas for the show.

In both locations, Disney PhotoPass photographers will provide images of Guests shot that day. While the show is still in development, producers estimate as many as 500 photos will be shown in each location every day.

These Guests could also appear in Disney Parks television commercials, online campaigns and social media opportunities that will showcase to the world the power of memories. Disney Parks is asking Guests to share their memories by uploading photos and videos via a special Let the Memories Begin online hub at www.DisneyParks.com/Memories.

Save $300 on a Disneyland Resort Package

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

October 1, 2010

Disneyland Resort guests can save $300 on a 4-day, 4-night Disneyland Resort vacation package.

You can save $300* on a 4-day, 4-night Disneyland® Resort vacation package. This package features a 4-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper® Souvenir Ticket, which is your passport to two amazing Theme Parks filled with all-time favorite attractions, shows and more. It’s the perfect way for you to experience either Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort or Holidays at the Disneyland Resort.

Offer Details:
You can save $300* on a 4-night Disneyland Resort vacation package that includes a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Souvenir Ticket.

Booking Window:
Aug. 17 – Dec. 1, 2010

Travel Window:
This offer is available for arrivals Oct. 1 – Nov. 23, 2010 and Nov. 27 – Dec. 16, 2010. Travel on this offer must be completed by Dec. 20, 2010.

Contact our Sponsor Pixie Vacations to book the Disneyland Vacation offer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 678-815-1584

Walt Disney World Guests Can Make More Memories with Special ‘Free Dining’ Offer in 2010 & 2011

By

Chip

-

October 1, 2010

As guests of Walt Disney World Resort are starting to “Let the Memories Begin,” sharing special vacation memories with each other, they have ways to make those memories with a special offer.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will find a feast of savings with a great “free dining” offer for select dates from October 2010 through September 2011. Dates include arrivals on most nights during the following date ranges:

In 2010: Oct. 1-7; Oct. 22-28; Nov. 12-18; Nov. 27-Dec. 2; Dec. 10-21;
In 2011: Jan. 1-5; Jan. 9-13; Jan. 21-Feb. 3; Feb. 11-17; Feb. 25-March 3; May 27-June 2; Aug. 19-Sept. 29.

Guests booking a 4-night/5-day room and theme park ticket package at select Disney Value Resorts can add the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan for FREE. The plan includes two quick-service meals and two snacks for each night of the package stay. The plan also includes one (1) Resort refillable drink mug per person, per package (eligible for refills at Quick Service locations only in the guest’s Disney Resorthotel).

For example, purchase a 4-night/5-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Value Resorts and save $467 for a family of 4. That’s like paying just $70 per person per day in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort for a family of 4 – or a total package price of $1,397 for stays most nights 8/19/11 – 9/29/2011.

Guests booking a 4-night/5-day room and theme park ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts can add the Disney Dining Plan for FREE. The plan includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal at up to 100 restaurants for each night of the package stay.

For example, purchase a 4-night/5-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Moderate Resorts and save $599 for a family of 4. That’s like paying just $88 per person per day in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort for a family of 4 – for a total package price of $1,751 for stays most nights 8/19/11 to 9/29/11.Packages can be booked now through Dec. 20, 2010.

How to Book
Guests can book these special offers at disneyworld.com/deals or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (407/934-7639) or their local travel agent.

Price based on 2 adults, one junior and one child. Number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.