Michael J. Fox helps Disney Parks Kick Off ‘Let the Memories Begin’

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September 26, 2010

Emmy Award-winning actor and best-selling author Michael J. Fox poses for a souvenir photo with Minnie Mouse Sept. 23, 2010 inside a “Dumbo the Flying Elephant” attraction vehicle at “Espace” in New York City during the launch of Disney Parks’ “Let the Memories Begin” campaign.

As part of this new campaign, Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will focus on “user generated content” for its future TV commercials and print advertisements.

As part of the campaign, each night beginning in 2011 Disney Parks guests will have their own vacation photos projected larger-than-life on two iconic attractions — Cinderella Castle in Florida and it’s a small world in California.

Gene Duncan, photographer

Disney Food Confession – Freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream

By

Chip

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September 26, 2010

Freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream paired with Godiva chocolate iced coffee are on the menu in the new Belgium tasting marketplace during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Throughout the 1.3 mile World Showcase promenade more than two dozen international kiosks showcase savory samplings.

The annual festival overflows with global cuisine, celebrated chefs and special entertainment Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010.

New Nighttime Party at Disney California Adventure Park Immerses Guests in ‘TRON: Legacy’

By

Chip

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September 26, 2010

Fun-seeking families will join science fiction fans and party-goers of all ages to enter the colorful and exciting world of the upcoming Disney movie “TRON: Legacy” when “ElecTRONica,” a new, nighttime party, premieres in Disney California Adventure park on Friday, Oct. 8. “TRON: Legacy” debuts in theaters Dec. 17.
Combining dynamic music and dance, fun food and drink, and the computer-world environment of “TRON: Legacy,” the “ElecTRONica” festivities will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights this fall, plus all week Thanksgiving week, Nov. 19 -28, and nightly during the Christmas vacation period Friday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan 2. “ElecTRONica” is expected to continue through mid-to-late April 2011.
The adventure will begin in Sunshine Plaza at a “TRON”-themed stage where, at 6 p.m., an exciting music, video and dance show will welcome guests and prepare them to enter the world of TRON.
When the high-powered Sun Plaza welcoming show has concluded, the party will transition into Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Guests will pass through an “ElecTRONica” archway to a street alive with a computerized color grid. There, they will have the sensation of being digitized and transported into the computer mainframe world of “TRON: Legacy.” Among the highlights:

Buildings in Hollywood Pictures Backlot will be mapped with “TRON: Legacy” images. Light cycles will zoom across the building facades, while other dynamic images from the film fill the street.
Before entering the studio area, guests will pass under the iconic Recognizer, the vigilant sentry on the lookout for unclassified “Programs” in the digital world of “TRON: Legacy.” With smoke and lights emanating from it, this ever-watchful vehicle seems to hover above the ground as it scans those who pass below.
At the center of the party is a DJ platform, complete with a laser beam beckoning guests of all ages to the fun. Here, professional DJs will keep the energy going with electronic party music while dancers costumed as “Sirens” and “Programs” from the movie rock out at locations throughout the party.
Also appearing on the Backlot Stage adjoining the dance floor will be Laserman, a performer who does amazing tricks to music with impressive lasers and light.
Near the dance floor, guests will find a re-creation of Flynn’s Video Arcade, a key location in the adventure of “TRON: Legacy.” At Flynn’s, gamers will shoot for the highest scores as they enjoy classic 1980s arcade games. Outside the Arcade, guests will be able to play the unreleased “TRON: Evolution” video games for popular home consoles, and take part in a nightly tournament. The new video games, which feature the iconic light cycles and light discs in stories that bridge the gap between the two TRON films, will be released on December 7.
Guests will get an extended glimpse of the upcoming film at “TRON: Legacy, Exclusive 3D Sneak Peek” (presented in the venue which, by day, houses Muppet*Vision 3D). The 3D preview has special effects exclusive to this theater.
Guests will be able to purchase food from a specially-themed food truck, along with glowing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the End of Line Club, inspired by an iconic new location in the world of “TRON: Legacy.”

“ElecTRONica” will be a dynamic addition to the nighttime entertainment lineup at Disneyland Resort, which also includes nightly performances of the popular “World of Color” spectacular on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure. For information on planning a celebration or vacation at Disneyland Resort, guests can visit www.disneyland.com, call 866-60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. To explore the expansion plans for Disney California Adventure, guests can visit www.DisneysCaliforniaAdventure.com

Disney World tests new role for Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey’s

By

Chip

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September 26, 2010

This article comes to us from Kristin Ford at the Daily Disney.

Chef Mickey’s has been testing a new role for Mickey Mouse this month. Instead of circulating among the tables at the very popular Contemporary resort restaurant, Mickey has been posing for photos with each group of diners in the lobby.

The change seems to be upsetting quite a few commenters on several Disney-themed message boards. Many have said they will cancel their difficult-to-secure reservations if Mickey does not interact with kids at the tables.

I actually like the idea of a character photo better. Our family has eaten at Chef Mickey’s many times over the years, and we’ve even hosted a birthday party there. Although the characters always cooperate for photos, it’s sometimes tough to frame a nice shot while you’re eating. Plus, table greetings mean dirty dishes and other guests are likely to be in your photos. The new system also better accommodates group photos.

Click here to keep reading.

Surrounding Ourselves with Disney Lovers

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 25, 2010

Sometimes I imagine living in the world Walt dreamed of. I am not talking about the “World” I visit each year but the one where everyone would be nice to one another. Where neighbors cared for each other and families could spend time together without feeling all the pressure of society to try to keep up with the Joneses. In fact, one of my favorite quotes by Walt refers to this very idea:

“Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children’s approach to life. They’re people who don’t give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought – sometimes it isn’t much, either.” Walt Disney

I live in a nice neighborhood in one of the fastest growing cities in Texas and I consider myself to be blessed. Texans, in general, are a friendly crowd – and, no, I’m not biased. However, I cannot get over the fact that I have neighbors on both sides of my house who, even when spoken to, will not speak. Wouldn’t it be great if we could pick and choose our neighborhoods based on our likes and interests? We could have a whole neighborhood wherein every person was a Disney lover. It sounds warm and friendly, doesn’t it?

Thankfully, my family has been blessed with the friendship of another family who loves Disney just as much as we do. In fact, my friend Susan’s Tigger collection could rival any in the world bar none! We have caravanned to Disney twice with our friends, the Schultzes. We all went together in November, 2005 and then again this past Thanksgiving 2009. We have spent hours designing our trips, planning our dining plan meals, deciding which parks to visit on which days, and counting down together as we get ready to head off. We have had Sunday afternoon dinners where foods from Disney park recipes were prepared and enjoyed and followed by exciting trip planning sessions.

Having other friends who love Disney as much as we do is such a wonderful gift. Walt wanted people to come to the park and be happy, then leave the park and take that happy, infectious spirit back home with them. As someone who absolutely loves Walt Disney, I’d like to think he would be pleased with our kindness and concern for each other and the people around us. It makes everyone feel a little better. I know we can’t walk around carelessly with our head in the clouds, but we can keep looking up. So, turn off all your instant-bad-news-delivery devices for a while and hook up with some Disney lovers around your community. Partake in life the way it was meant to be enjoyed – the Disney way! If you happen to live on the Texas Gulf Coast, send me a message. I’ve been lookin’ for ya!

What On Earth Was I Thinking!?!?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 25, 2010

What On Earth Was I Thinking!?!?

Let me tell you about the day in 2007 that I took this picture of the Contemporary Resort. If there were an election held today I could easily be elected president of DUCA. the Dull Uninteresting Club of America. In 2007 I was a 61 year old guy on vacation with my lovely wife at Walt Disney World. For some reason I thought this would be the perfect time to expand my horizons and try something daring – parasailing!! Now you have to understand that prior to this I would not have been allowed to parasail because at 332 pounds I exceeded the weight limit allowed for not just one rider but the total weight allowed even for two riders. In 2006 I made some lifestyle changes and dropped 147 pounds so now I was down to 185 and well within limits. This was the perfect time to give it a try. One other thing I forgot to mention, I have an irrational fear of heights, so this was really expanding my horizons!! But – I figured if I could lose that much weight I could probably handle my height issue if I made up my mind to do it.

I didn’t have to rely on just myself to get through this adventure. The folks from Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Center were among the most encouraging and supportive people I had ever met. They explained exactly what it would feel like, how safe it was, and how it was their responsibility to make sure I enjoyed every moment of the experience. It was because of their support and skill that I was able to stand on the back of the tow boat and be slowly and smoothly lifted into the sky for one of the most exciting and at the same time most peaceful and serene experiences of my life. It also allowed me to see Walt Disney World from a perspective that not a lot of people get to view, 650′ straight up hitched to the back of a speedboat. I was also able to take some pictures that I would have for the rest of my life, like the one below.

What On Earth Was I Thinking!?!?

There was one time when I became just a bit nervous, when I looked down at the boat that was towing me. Until I looked down, I was so busy taking in the views and doing a lot of internal oohing and aahing that I had forgotten that I was that far up in the air hooked to the back of a speeding boat by a cable. Talk about a reality check!!! I took a look down towards the lake and this is what I saw:

What On Earth Was I Thinking!?!?

After I told myself that I was already up there and it was calm and just so wonderfully quiet I was able to just relax and enjoy the rest of my tour of Bay Lake. This is an experience that I would encourage anyone with an interest to try, it is soooo worth it!! As my tour ended, I was reeled back in to the boat just as smoothly as when I took off and the crew of the boat said, we only have one question – Would you do it again? All I could say was ABSOLUTELY!! They then said, “that means we did our job the way we were supposed to, thanks!” I didn’t get a chance to do it on our 2009 visit but it is a sure thing for our October 2011 trip. I have all the confidence in the world that this next time will be even better than the first. This time I’m not planning to look down until the end of the ride. Enjoy your next visit to Walt Disney World, we will!!

Ken

Ask a Disney Question: Kilimanjaro Safari and Making a Breakfast ADR.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 25, 2010

Ask a Disney Question: Kilimanjaro Safari and Making a Breakfast ADR.

This question comes from Brandy, who asks: “We are going for Christmas and are planning to do the character breakfast at Tuskers. The only time we could get was 10:10. Will we have enough time for the Kilimanjaro Safari ride before breakfast?”

Brandy, thanks for reading the site and for your question. You should be fine. The attraction takes about 20 minutes. You’ll want to be at the park at rope drop and be one of the first people to take the tour. This is particularly true if you are going the actual week of Christmas, which is very crowded. I have to warn you: The Safari all the way in the back of the park, but most everyone else will be running for Expedition Everest, so you should easily make your goal. Conveniently, Tusker House is located in Harambe Village, which is right next to the Safari.

If for some reason you aren’t one of the first groups to make it to the attraction and you think the wait is too long, grab a fastpass and go enjoy your breakfast. If you’re early, ask if you can be seated earlier if there’s room available. By the time you’re done, you’ll likely be in your fastpass window.

Let us know on Facebook or via email how this works out. Have a wonderful trip.

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

Ask a Disney Question: When is the 2010 Christmas Parade Taping?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 25, 2010

This question comes from Linda, who asks: “Have you heard when the 2010 Disney World Christmas Day Parade taping is this year? We are going the first week of December and trying to avoid this area. Can not find any dates as of yet. Thanks your site is very helpful.”

Linda, thanks for your kind words and for your question. The parade will tape this year on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th day of December. The first two days are the main days. That Sunday will be a make-up day due to rain or other issues and is often unnecessary. While Main Street itself will be very congested, the rest of the park shouldn’t be too bad as many guests will choose to avoid the Magic Kingdom on those days. If you decide to visit the MK that day, just be aware that you’ll likely be escorted “backstage” so you can move more easily around the parade. Some people don’t care for it. Me? I’m kind of nosey and like it.

If you’re used to seeing the Magic Kingdom decorated for Christmas you may be surprised to find that prior to the taping, the large Christmas tree you normally see in Town Square isn’t there. They move it from another location in the park to Town Square after the parade, so that there’s no obstruction of the view.

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful trip.

Got a Disney Question? We have answers. Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Disneyworld Quick Tips – The Perfect Christmas Card Photos

By

Chip

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September 25, 2010

We have all received Christmas Cards with the family dressed in Khakis and White shirts at the beach. While we were on vacation a couple of weeks ago at Myrtle Beach we saw a family leaving the beach right after sunset with a photographer who took pictures for their Christmas Cards..(I am nosy I ask people what their doing, especially when they have a sweet SLR camera)

So while I was writing the Resort Hopping 101 – Epcot Area Ferry Hop today I began to think of the Disney BoardWalk and all the beautiful Resorts in that area. With Christmas coming that location would make a perfect place to take a family portrait for Christmas.

There are countless locations like the spot above where you could stop for a photo. If you catch the right time where there is still enough natural light with the electrical lighting you could really make your photos pop.

I would image you could go traditional with your photo and pack Khakis and White shirts or maybe pick up some Mickey Mouse Ears for the whole family and go more funny. The possibilities are endless.

So today’s Quick Tip is more of a suggestion and something my family and I will be doing on our next Disney World Vacation. To bad I didn’t think of it earlier so for those who are getting a Christmas card from my family and I, I hope you like the beach..lol

Resort Hopping 101 – Epcot Area Ferry Hop

By

Chip

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September 25, 2010

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

If case you missed our last Resort Hopping 101 – The Monorail Express check it out at the link here. Today I want to talk to you about something outside the DisneyWorld Theme Parks and that is the Disney World Resorts, specifically the Epcot Area Resorts.

This is one of my favorite Resort Hopping experiences as you get to use the Friendship Ferry Boats. There is no way you can fit this resort hop into one day unless you took the whole day to do it. We like to split them up into 2 days but for this article I will publish them together. Also I find that this resort hop is better around dinner time or in the evening as the sunset on the BoardWalk is breath taking.

There are 5 Resorts that make up the Epcot Area Resorts, and 2 Vacation Club Villas.

Here are they:

Resorts

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Walt Disney World Dolphin
Walt Disney World Swan

Vacation Club Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Since our Resort Hop today has more of a nautical theme to it, just imagine your Friendship Boat is a Pirate ship and your sailing the high seas in search of treasure. Trust me you will find it at these Disney Deluxe Resorts!

This resort hop works best if you are in either Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Driving by car is very tedious and I would not recommend it. But if you must park your car at Disney Board Walk and just go from there as parking will be free.

Day 1

However you chose to get there lets start today’s Resort Ferry Hop from Epcot. If you take the Friendship Ferry from Epcot your first stop will be at Disney’s Board Walk. Here you can walk the BoardWalk, take in the sights and sounds, stop off for a bite to eat, or even check out the street performers. A visit to the BoardWalk is a must for us on every visit.

While here you can also check out the BoardWalk Inn and the BoardWalk Villas. Both resorts capture the charm, whimsy and elegance of 1940s Atlantic City. Sitting along a boardwalk packed with amusements, the Resorts offers dynamic views of the BoardWalk and of the glittering waters of Crescent Lake.

Be sure to walk around and explore. There are literally hundreds of points of interest to check out. Be sure to bring your camera for pictures, and a stroller for little ones. The walk around the BoardWalk is perfect for couples and for families too as it is no where near as packed as Downtown Disney or some of the other resorts.

Take your time and just soak up the whole experience. You will spend hours absorbing the culture and elegance Disney put into making you feel like you have traveled back in time. Try sitting on a park bench and watching the couples and families walk hand in hand down the walk.

Day 2

After a nice stroll down the boardwalk and around the resorts the day before jump back on the Ferry to Hollywood Studios to our next stop across Cresent Lake to the Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Beach Club Villas, and Yacht Club Resort. All of these resorts have a New England feel to them. I would say probably for me some of the best looking on Disney property. I love the crisp colors with white contrast on all the buildings.

I suggest when you are walking through Disney Beach Club Resort stop off at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. My favorite place to get Ice Cream at Walt Disney World. We have no set way to walk around these Resorts we usually just start at the Yacht Club and work our way down to the Beach Club taking in the beautiful surroundings.

After you have taken in the sights and sounds of New England its time to jump on the Ferry again for a stop off at the Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts. While not owned by Disney I consider them as much Disney’s as anyplace else on site. Be sure to take plenty of pictures! I have never eaten at any of the restaurants at the Swan and Dolphin but I hear they are very good.

If you want to check out a map of the Resorts and Ferry Route check it out here.

So that’s it for the Epcot Area Ferry Hop. You can jump back on the Ferry and head back to Epcot or Hollywood Studios for Extra Magic Hour or to take a bus to your resort. If you are lucky enough to stay at one of these Disney Deluxe Accommodations then your already home 🙂

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

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

Take Five at Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 25, 2010

When I received this next Chip Panel submission I felt honored! This article is from one of my favorite Disney Examiner authors Debra Peterson. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

When I first started visiting Walt Disney World Resort, I was the guest who was at the theme parks open to close, all day, every day. In those early trips, I received real satisfaction in checking things off my to-do list and the thrill of the touring challenge. My strategy made sense – I was new to Disney, it was new to me. And there’s no doubt I saw a lot in the theme parks this way.

But here’s the thing. I didn’t see everything or enjoy all that I saw. In my rush to experience E-ticket shows and attractions, I missed out on many of the Disney details that make up the magic.

So as much fun as it to go full-on tour commando at Walt Disney World, I learned that sometimes I needed to take a deep breath – and take five. Just five minutes, give or take, to notice some of the Disney details, to rest and recharge.

In alphabetical order, here are a few of my favorite “Take Five” moments at Magic Kingdom:

Checkers: There’s just something about a quick game or two– engaging in a little semi-competitive “King Me!” banter – that encourages an entire day of whimsical play. Set up your boards at Main Street, U.S.A. Frontierland, or Tom Sawyer Island. And don’t forget…King Me!

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade: At Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, sharpshooters and gamers alike can test their skills at this classic arcade. Disney’s not-so-wild West shootout is themed to Tombstone, Arizona. Boot Hill features almost 100 pop-up, moving, and stationary targets that light up when they are hit by shots fired from .54-calibur Hawkins rifles, all refit for safety with infrared lights. No prizes are won, but bragging rights can last for an entire vacation. There is an additional charge for this attraction of $1 per play (35 shots).

Mutoscopes: Although Main Street’s Penny Arcade no longer exists, you can still watch an early motion picture. For just one cent, experience one of these early silent films, operated by hand crank, at Main Street Station. A handful of Mutoscope machines and an antique music box (play a tune for a quarter) can be found there.

Plaza Rose Garden: I’ve learned to stop and smell the roses, literally, during my Disney trips. The award-winning Plaza Rose Garden near Tomorrowland offers a picturesque and peaceful view of Cinderella Castle. Couples seek it for evening romance, while fireworks fans enjoy it as a site for Wishes. During the day, check out the no-longer-used Swan Boat dock. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for ducks. After all, sometimes it’s nice to see animals that aren’t Audio-Animatronic figures (I think).

Rocking Chairs: Just need five minutes off your feet? Disney populates its parks with seats in scenic spots that are suitable for people watching, which is amazingly entertaining by itself. But settling into a rocker ups the comfort level for that activity. These snooze-worthy seats can be found in Main Street, U.S.A. and Liberty Square, Frontierland and, my personal favorite, on Tom Sawyer Island.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: For those who love classic Magic Kingdom attractions, the TTA PeopleMover offers a compromise between touring the theme park and taking five. This leisurely, gentle ride offers a second-flour tour of Tomorrowland, including Stitch’s Great Escape, Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

Tom Sawyer Island: Frontierland’s Tom Sawyer Island (TSI) is an extended, bonus version of a Take Five opportunity – think of it as a Take Five times Five! The land-within-a-land offers guests a welcome break from Disney civilization, the well-managed queues and carefully orchestrated entertainment that make up so much of Walt Disney World.

Tom Sawyer Island offers plenty of places to climb and explore – all inspired by Mark Twain’s imagination and pay homage to spirit of the title character. Disney calls TSI an outdoor playground, and rightly so. With its fort and tunnels, dark caves and barrel bridge there’s plenty of active fun to be found. And if you’re looking for something a little time off your feet, TSI also offers rocking chairs at and checkers, Take Fives in their own right.

“Take Five” opportunities exist everywhere in Disney theme parks. They may be as simple as enjoying a favorite snack in the shade or as silly as the found joy in trying on Mickey Ears. Although they are easily overlooked or passed over in favor of just-one-more-ride commando touring, I recommend trying these small delights.

So take a minute to Take Five. If you’re like me, you might find you enjoy these experiences so much fun that you’ll want to Take Ten!

Author: Debra Peterson

Website: Debra Peterson is the National Disney Travel writer at Examiner.com.

Photo by Brian Rechenmacher licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use.

Take Five at Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom

The Best $20 we spent at Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 25, 2010

On our last trip to Disney World we decided to try a few new things. One of the things we tried was the surrey’s at the Boardwalk. Our whole family was able to ride on one of these surrey’s.

We rented one for a half hour and off we went peddling our way around the big circle, past the Yacht and Beach club resorts, the Swan and Dolphin and back to the Boardwalk. We had the best time peddling or trying to peddle.

It turned out that out of 5 of us only 2 of us could peddle. Our whole family couldn’t stop laughing because we couldn’t make it up the little hills with 2 peddlers so my husband and oldest son had to get out and push the rest of us up the hills and climb back on to coast down the hills.

We were past by several other families who were making better time then we were. Oh, it was so much fun, we just laughed and laughed. It is one of the highlights of our trip. We managed to get around the circle twice and I always say that was the best $20 we spent at Disney World, and yes I would do it all over again.

Karen is a Disney Blogger on Exploring the Mouse. She fell in love with Disney World on our her first trip and have been back several times and can’t wait to go back!

Karen is now a member of the Chip Panel an elite group of Disney Guest Bloggers featured on the Chip and Company site. If you love Disney and enjoy writing you should apply to the Chip Panel..Along with being immortalized on Chip and Company Website you will be entered in a drawing for a free $25 Disney Store Giveaway!