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Parents try this new product on us..

Parents try this new product on us..

Kidfresh the company that pioneered natural and wholesome food for children, is back with another healthy innovation to help parents meet the challenge of raising strong and healthy kids in an environment drowning in junk food and TV commercials that drip with fat and sugar.

The Kidfresh team includes both pediatric nutritionists and award winning chefs. Together, they have taken kid favorite meals – such as mac and cheese or pasta with meat balls – and remade them with 100% natural ingredients, while eliminating all artificial additives, flavors, colors, preservatives, trans fat and high fructose corn syrup. They are even providing up to 33% of a child’s daily vegetable requirements by the addition of hidden vegetables. Kidfresh frozen meals packed with goodness are based on all the research and expertise developed by interacting with parents and children for the past 3 years.

With its line of 100% natural frozen kids’ meals, Kidfresh offers today’s parents a convenient and fun way to feel good about mealtime without sacrificing taste or nutrition. “Today’s generation of moms are taking more time to carefully read the ingredient list on kid packaged food”, said Sharron Dalton, PHD, RD, who works with Kidfresh as a Sr. Pediatric Nutritionist. “They have little tolerance for preservatives, processed food, high sodium, fat or sugar. Kidfresh frozen meals provide healthy, nutritious and natural food that actually tastes good to kids”.

Kidfresh was nice to send us some free coupons to try out their new all natural kids meals! See the picture below!

Parents try this new product on us..

Here are the details to enter:

  • First head to the Kidfresh Website to see if it is available in your area. If it is continue to the next step.
  • Next Add them as a friend on Facebook Also be sure to add Chip and Company as a friend on Facebook (if you aren’t already)
  • Finally leave a comment below or on Facebook and let us know what Kidfresh Meal Option sounds the Yummiest!

If you meet all the requirements above..I will pick 9 lucky people to win a Free Kid Fresh Meal and a $1 Off Coupon to try an additional meal. FYI there is also additional $1 off Coupons on their website.

Contest ends Wednesday Feb 9th 2011 at 9pm.

Please make sure when you comment I have a way to contact you to get your address, so I can send these coupons out to you. You have 24 hrs to respond otherwise I will pick another person.

If you have any questions email me chip @ chipandco (dot) com

Good Luck!

Parents try this new product on us..

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For February 7th

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For February 7th

Welcome to this week’s version of the Chip and Company Disney Week In Review. We are introducing a new addition to the Week In Review starting this week which I will explain a bit later. First, let’s start with some of the big news from Disney this week.

  • We have some updates for the happenings later this year at Epcot. Some of the details for the 2011 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival were released. Also released this week was the schedule for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Flower Power Concert Series for 2011.
  • An international partnership between V8 Supercars and Pixar was announced this week lending more support for an ever expanding sport.
  • The Magic, The Memories, and You!, the projection show debuted at Disneyland this week. Pictures of vacation memories are projected on the “it’s a small world”  building facade much like what is happening at Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.
  • This is a big one! The Disney Dream took it’s Maiden Voyage this week and you can read about it in this article.
  • The Boss (Chip) was busy this week not only reporting news but adding to his Disneyworld Planning 101 series with articles covering Making The Best Use Of Time and Shopping Smart For Tickets. Read them both and save  time and money!!
  • Cynthia, a Chip Panel Guest Blogger, gave us a treat with her post entitled Dreams Really Do Come True At Disney. Thanks Cynthia, I know we all really believe the same thing about Disney and we hope to hear more from you.
  • Our pals at Pixie Vacations gave us some food for thought about vacation planning with I Don’t Need A Travel Agent…Or Do I? Check it out – even as many times as I have been to Disney, I always use a Travel Agent. It makes things so much easier, they handle the details and you enjoy the results!
  • Nancy, our own Affordable Mouse, gave us the scoop on Saving Time And Money with Disney’s Magical Express. She also gave us some excellent touring advice in Details, Details: What You May Be Missing At Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I know I’ll be stopping by the Writer’s Stop in October, thanks Nancy!
  • Anonymouse came up with an interesting rumor about the plight of the Yeti at Expedition Everest. Take a look and see what you think!!
  • If you are a Disney Vacation Club Member or are considering a DVC purchase you definitely need to read Lisa’s article, Changes Are Coming To The Disney Vacation Club. Thanks for the input Lisa, lots of folks appreciate it!
  • Chip and Company is growing like crazy and we absolutely need some additional writers in some areas that aren’t getting the coverage they deserve. We’re Looking For A Few Good Writers outlines what we are looking for so if you would like to consider joining us, take a look.
  • The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar at the Disney California Adventure opened a new display this week to highlight the Upcoming Little Mermaid Attraction at the Disneyland Resort. You could probably assume that the Walt Disney World version will be very similar.
  • O.K., we know Brenda is all excited because she told us so in What A Thrill – A New Trip Is In The Works. She also filled us in on the new Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes. Go ahead and enter, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
  • Jess had a couple of new entries in the Guide To WDW series. You can read about the Carousel Of Progress and the Tomorrowland Speedway when you check them out. Thanks Jess, the more you know the more you enjoy!!
  • Mike completed the rest of the theme parks in his One Ride I Must Ride series. You can check out Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in these posts.
  • Lee did a movie review of one of our “Forgotten Favorites” , Home On The Range and then gave us some terrific advice in Pin Trading For Newbies – Realistic Tips, thanks Lee. (more about Lee coming a bit later)
  • We all remember the inspiring story of the Chilean miners who were trapped for endless days. The happy ending continued when they visited Walt Disney World. Take a look at Chilean Miners Honored At Walt Disney World Resort and then check out Chilean Miners Inspire Boys & Girls Club Members at Walt Disney World.
  • We got a lot of Star Wars/Tron information from Aljon this week. He talked about the new Star Wars and Tron Legacy Mashup Video, how  to Determine Your Jedi Name, and some more collectibles in the form of Star Wars Frames and the latest Hasbro Vintage Collection Figures.
  • Melissa is taking us on a guided tour of World Showcase dining opportunities and this week she covered La Hacienda de San Angel, La Cava de Tequila, La Cantina de San Angel, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Akershus, and Yakitori House.
  • Jennifer, our running guru, has given us pointers for Training For Your Disney Marathon with Starting From Scratch and Options Options Options.
  • Anne spent a lot of time researching and telling us about the re mastering of the old Alice In Wonderland and exactly what is on the Blu Ray disc for us to explore in Re-mastering Wonderland.
  • Debra detailed the how to’s of Disney Pin Trading: Rules And Etiquette For Enjoying The Experience. Read this one and you will know how it’s supposed to be done.
  • Kristen helps us make some dining decisions with 2 articles; Dining Out At Disney vs. Bringing Your Own Food and Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Disney Dining Plan…Which To Choose? Read both of those and you will be able to determine exactly how you want to dine while on vacation.
  • In my Oldies But Goodies article this week I outlined What Should We Expect From A Walt Disney World Vacation? In one of my Quick Tips this week I asked you Don’t Miss The ‘Train Setup’ At Epcot it’s really very neat.

In our new feature, Lee, our “Denizen of the Blogosphere” searches the Disney oriented Internet for items that appeal to all of us as Disney fanatics. He will be bringing us articles from friends of Chip and Company and beyond to paraphrase Buzz Lightyear. Thanks for the help Lee!! Give us your best stuff!!

OK then, without further ado, here are some interesting and informative Posts from the last week or so:

  • Ever want to just get away from it all? Or from the rest of your group during a WDW vacation? Well, George over at Imaginerding has a suggestion – The Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness Nature Trail. So jump on your Surrey Bike and peddle on over for a pictorial tour.
  • It’s an Everest expedition over at My Dreams of Disney. Mike shares The ONE Ride I Must Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Do you hear screaming? Oh, and be sure to check out his Disney Tote Bag Giveaway!
  • What is the Best Way to Eat a Cookie? Bake It In a Cake!! Sounds good to me. Click on over and visit Melissa Lynn at Confections of a Disney Addict to learn about this revolutionary new baking innovation.
  • Be sure to add Everything Walt Disney World to your list of favorites! Chris covers a wide variety of topics including Tips, Attractions, and Disney News. Tell her I sent you! It won’t get you anything, but tell her anyways.
  • And back to food! Jenn and Melissa over at the Disney Babies Blog had a Foodie Friday this week. For great pictures of some delicious edibles, check out the article Kouzzina by Cat Cora. And don’t miss the unique Hidden Mickey at the end of the Post.
  • Hey, what about me? I’ve been busy sharing all kinds of Disney Collectibles over at my blog called Disleelandia. My favorite pick of the week (if I do say so myself) is the Cast Member Atlas from WDW. The Post features a great diagram of the underground tunnels beneath The Magic Kingdom, or as Imagineers would call them, the Utilidors.
  • Thirsty? Good, because although I’m not saying that Kristen over at Cooking With Mickey drinks alot, it seems that she thinks we would like to! She shares two recipes for those who would like to imbibe: An Italian Margarita and the Monorail Yellow Drink. Make mine a double!
  • Two articles over at The Affordable Mouse caught my eye this week. First, Brenda shares Learning to Zig When Others Zag, which teaches us how to enjoy WDW even when it’s over crowded. And Kelly shares Escape to the Border, a comprehensive look at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
  • Aljon is rockin as always over at Sorcerer Radio. Every Friday brings a new Podcast on a variety of Disney subjects. But while you’re waiting for those, don’t forget that you can hear great Disney music and Theme Park audio tracks all day, every day. Too cool for words!

And I think that’s it people! Thanks for giving us a look this week, and be sure to come back next week for a whole new list of the Best of the Best on the Blogosphere!

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For February 7th

Packers’ Aaron Rodgers ‘Going to Disney World’ after Memorable MVP Performance in Super Bowl XLV

Packers’ Aaron Rodgers ‘Going to Disney World’ after Memorable MVP Performance in Super Bowl XLV

After making memories with his heroic play in Super Bowl XLV, what is Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers going to do next? In the frenzied moments just after the Packers claimed the National Football League championship Sunday night in Dallas, he stood in front of a TV camera and shouted five words that have become an almost iconic reaction to milestone achievements: “I’m going to Disney World!

And on Monday (Feb. 7), Rodgers is scheduled to be at the place where millions of vacationers make memories celebrating their own personal milestone moments – Walt Disney World Resort. He will be joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth Football players, who will participate with the Packers star in a Super Bowl celebration parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

Rodgers’ pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and celebrated commercials, was captured after the Packers’ 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers – a game during which he completed 24 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. It added up to be a catalyst for the Packers’ first Super Bowl celebration since 1997 and fourth all-time.

This latest commercial is the 44th of a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “I’m going to Disney World” commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion. Rodgers joins a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m going to Disney World” commercials.

Packers’ Aaron Rodgers ‘Going to Disney World’ after Memorable MVP Performance in Super Bowl XLV

Waldorf Astoria Near Disneyworld: Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends

Waldorf Astoria Near Disneyworld: Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends

Chocolate lovers rejoice!

All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then never hurts!

Spoil your soul with the most indulgent things in life — chocolate, wine and romance – during the inaugural Waldorf Astoria Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends, held exclusively for overnight guests at the Orlando resort, Feb. 11-13 and Feb. 18-20, 2011. During these weekends, where luscious chocolate and spicy wines take center stage, rates are available starting at $309.

Guests who visit during the ‘Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends’ can enjoy several surprises and decadent diversions.

Events

  • Art and Chocolate: A Walking Tour – an opportunity to learn more about the commissioned artwork collection of Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and sample chocolates that have paired to add inspiration to each painting.
  • Bar du Chocolat: A Chocolate Extravaganza – enjoy a nightly opportunity to experience nearly 30 ala carte chocolate treats from Waldorf Astoria’s display of decadence. Peacock Alley is transformed into a chocolate boudoir, offering an evening of self indulgence. Guests can choose from a selection of chocolate treats from the hotel’s talented pastry team, including handmade chocolate truffles, exotic chocolate cakes, pillows of chocolate mousse, and bowls of beautiful bon-bons. [Priced per piece]
  • Smooth Jazz: Featuring Joseph Billups Duo – enjoy nightly entertainment in Peacock Alley, where our Smooth Jazz Trio will add spice to the night.
  • The Marriage of Chocolate and Wine: A Seminar – Take a sip of wine first. Then take a bite of chocolate and let it melt through your mouth. Then take another sip of wine. You’ll notice a totally different taste in the wine, especially with the heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. It seems like the chocolate will bring out the best qualities of the wine and diminish any imperfections. They complement one another. They’re just made for each other. Learn what wines pair the best with chocolate. [Priced at $25 per person]
  • For the Love of Wine: A Tasting Experience – A casual wine tasting experience that features the best new wines available this year – our 10 favorite new wines we love! Note: not chocolate related. [Priced at $25 per person]
  • Sinful chocolate choices at our restaurants including a special chocolate feature at Bull and Bear Steakhouse, and chocolate inclusions at the popular Oscar’s breakfast buffet.
  • Chocolate perks at Spa by Guerlain – Pair your spa treatments with chocolate treats (and complimentary champagne!), all weekend at Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain.

Schedule

Friday

3-5pm

Art and Chocolate tour (self-guided, arrive at your leisure) [complimentary]

6-10pm

Sinful Dessert Course (Bull & Bear Steakhouse)

8:30-11:30pm

Smooth Jazz at Peacock Alley (Featuring Joseph Billups Duo) [complimentary]

5-10pm

Bar du Chocolat: A Chocolate Extravaganza (Peacock Alley) [Priced per piece]

Saturday

All Day

Chocolate Display

7-11am

Breakfast Buffet at Oscar’s, with special chocolate features, including a chocolate drizzle option for crepes and pancakes, chocolate croissants, and chocolate doughnuts.  Also featuring a chocolate fondue at the pastry bar with strawberries, pineapples, and other fresh fruit.

3pm

The Marriage of Chocolate and Wine, A Seminar[$25 per person]

4-5pm

Art and Chocolate tour (self-guided, arrive at your leisure) [complimentary]

5pm

For the Love of Wine, A Tasting Experience [$25 per person]

5-10pm

Bar du Chocolat: A Chocolate Extravaganza (Peacock Alley) [Priced per piece]

6-10pm

Sinful Dessert Course (Bull & Bear Steakhouse)

8:30-11:30pm

Smooth Jazz at Peacock Alley (Featuring Joseph Billups Duo) [complimentary]

Sunday

All Day

Chocolate Display

7-11am

Breakfast Buffet at Oscar’s, with special chocolate features, including a chocolate drizzle option for crepes and pancakes, chocolate croissants, and chocolate doughnuts.  Also featuring a chocolate fondue at the pastry bar with strawberries, pineapples, and other fresh fruit.


Book your exclusive weekend getaway now for great rates!
Waldorf Astoria Near Disneyworld: Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends

Romance at Walt Disney World Resort

Romance at Walt Disney World Resort

Beloved Disney character couples are “feelin’ the love” at Walt Disney World Resort during Valentine’s month. Against the fairytale backdrop of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom are Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Aladdin and Jasmine, Belle and Beast, Price Eric and Ariel, Cinderella and Prince Charming and Donald and Daisy Duck.

Photo: Gene Duncan/Disney

Romance at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Disney Dining Plan… Which To Choose?

Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Disney Dining Plan… Which To Choose?

I enjoy dining and trying new places and was very excited a few years ago when they came up with the Disney Dining Plan. It gave me the ability to not have to worry about what I was going to order, price didn’t matter and I could try new restaurants every night. Since the start of the Disney Dining Plan I’ve done both the original Disney Dining Plan and the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan.

The Disney Dining Plan includes 1 snack, 1 quick service (non-alcoholic drink, entree and dessert or combo meal) and 1 table service (non-alcoholic drink, entree and dessert or full buffet) per person per night for $45.99 ($2 more during peak season) for adults and $11.99 ($1 more during peak season) for children.

The Deluxe Disney Dining Plan includes 3 meals, 2 snacks and a resort refillable mug per person per night for $78.99 for adults and $21.99 for children. The Deluxe plan lets you choose whether or not you want quick service (non-alcoholic beverage, entree and dessert or combo meal) or table service (non-alcoholic beverage, appetizer, entree and dessert or full buffet).

Both of the plans require that everyone in your room be on the same package and it must be purchased for the entire length of your stay. Other important information to mention is that gratuity is not included. It used to be, but Disney has since removed it. Another important thing to note is that in the morning you don’t dessert so you get juice instead.

Now on to which one is for you… Are you someone that likes to eat a table service meal every day, try new restaurants and check out those that are more expensive? If so, then the Deluxe plan is for you. The way that I use this plan is that I arrive early on the first day of my trip and leave in the evening on my last day so I get one more day to use the credits. That way, I dine at no more than 2 locations a day and try some of the restaurants that require 2 table service credits. I often choose to have breakfast table service or a very early lunch and then have a late dinner. I use some of my snack credits during the trip when I need to but enjoy saving some so that I can take items home like fudge or treats from Goofy’s Candy Company. If we drive down, I save a credit so that I can stop by Earl of Sandwich and pick up a sandwich or salad to put in the cooler to have on the way home. You can even take it on the plane if you’d like. One of the best things, that saves you tons of money with this plan is the refillable resort mug. At $2.39 for a drink you’ll find that you can get a really good deal out of this. For example, say your vacationis 7 days and you visit the food court in the morning and in the evening (twice a day) to get drinks, this would normally cost you $33.46 +tax. It’s one of benefits to this plan that frequently gets overlooked. This plan is also perfect for those that like to relax on their vacation and aren’t in a hurry to try to catch every attraction.

For those of you that aren’t wanting to spend a lot of time making Advanced Dining Reservations or spend much time sitting down in a restaurant, then the Disney Dining Plan would be the option for you. You aren’t as tied down with only having one table service a day, unless you decide to use 2 credits to dine at a signature restaurant or at one of the dinner shows. This is a great plan for those that like to fill their vacation full and try to see and do as much as possible. You can try some great dining options and not be tied down every day.

As far as which Disney Dining Plan is for you depends on really what it is you want out of your vacation. I don’t always do one or the other. It depends on the number of days that I’m visiting Walt Disney World and what all I want to accomplish. I will say that I’m much more likely to go with the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan when I book a long trip. That way I can try many new restaurants and still have plenty of time to see and do what I want at the parks and resorts.

If you have any questions about the Disney Dining Plans don’t hesitate to ask me questions. I’m more than happy to answer them.
_

Kristen Hoetzel
Cooking With Mickey

Twitter @CookingwMickey

Kristen Cooks It Up Disney Style On WKRN News-2

Kristen Cooks It Up Disney Style On WKRN News-2

Cooking with Mickey host, Kristen Hoetzel, Featured on ABC/WKRN’s ‘Positively Tennessee’
Nashville Tennessee, February 4, 2011 – Kristen Hoetzel, Sorcerer Radio personality and host of the “Cooking with Mickey” web-series, will be featured on Middle Tennessee’s  ABC affiliate WKRN-tv on a segment called “Positively Tennessee” airing Friday, February 4th, 2011 at 4 p.m./central.

Julie Kroenig, anchor of “News 2 This Morning” talks to Kristen about her blogging, how-to YouTube cooking show and her love of Disney. The segment also captures her cooking as well as broadcasting the “WDW Tiki Room” show for award winning internet radio station, Sorcerer Radio.

After the initial broadcast of “Positively Tennessee” it will be rebroadcast February 7th, 2011 at 4:45 and 5:45 a.m./central and posted for on-demand viewing at www.WKRN.com.

###

About Kristen Hoetzel:

Kristen Hoetzel is passionate about food and drink. Hoetzel holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology which she earned while working several years in restaurants, to pay her way through college. After graduating she spent several years in retail management and marketing. In 2006 she received a kidney transplant and after getting a second lease on life decided it was time to pursue her true loves and passions, including cooking.  In 2007 Kristen developed the webseries “Cooking with Mickey” for Sorcerer Radio, an internet radio station on LIVE365. Her website www.CookingwithMickey.info launched soon afterward providing cooking advice, as well as tips to vacationing at the Disney resorts. Hoetzel continues to share her love of both food and Disney by hosting several radio shows on Sorcerer Radio (www.SRSounds.com), writing articles on Chip and Company, doing podcasts about Disney, travel and food reviews. Follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/CookingwMickey.

About Positively Tennessee:
“Positively Tennessee” is a segment on Nashville Tennessee’s ABC affiliate WKRN-tv/News-2’s morning and afternoons news programs. It highlights local businesses and personalities that have positive economic impact. WKRN has always been committed to regional news coverage. The station has been recognized for its news coverage with numerous awards and honors including Midsouth Emmy’s, Peabody Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards and many more. Community involvement has always been a top priority to WKRN throughout its history. From the early days of Toys For Tots and UCP Telethon to its current community efforts with Food 2 Family and Ronald McDonald House “Calls For Kids”, WKRN continues to have a strong presence in the community. WKRN-tv services Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. For more information visit: www.wkrn.com

Aljon Go is our in-house Jedi and  Star Wars aficionado. Between battling the Sith and visits to  Disney World, he is also the co-host of the ‘WDW Tiki Room‘ radio show and station manager for Sorcerer Radio, the official Disney station of Chip & Company! E-mail: aljon@chipandco (dot) com. Follow Aljon on Twitter@JediMouseketeer!

Kristen Cooks It Up Disney Style On WKRN News-2

Kidfresh Winter Contest: Win a $100 Patagonia Gift Card

Kidfresh Winter Contest: Win a $100 Patagonia Gift Card

Our friends at Kidsfresh are sponsoring a sweet contest on their Facebook Page right now!

As we’ve already been hit hard with snowstorms this winter and if this bad weather can be tough to handle for parents, we’re pretty sure that little ones love sledding, building snowmen and doing snow ball fights!
How to enter:

  1. Post a photo of your child enjoying winter wonderland by 11:59 PM EST Thursday February 13th, 2011 on our Facebook wall
  2. The picture which gets the greatest number of ‘like’ wins a $100 Patagonia gift card
  3. 10 first participants will get 1 free Kidfresh coupon.

Click here or the picture above to learn more and to enter.

Stay tuned as we will be running our own Kidsfresh Giveaway on Chip and Company soon!

Kidfresh Winter Contest: Win a $100 Patagonia Gift Card

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

I posted this on our Facebook page earlier last week. In case you missed it I am posting this Star Wars commercial on the site too.

The spot features a pint-sized Darth Vader who uses the Force when he discovers the all-new 2012 Passat in the driveway. It leverages humor and the unforgettable Star Wars™ score to create an emotional commercial.

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country WeekendThis Family Fun Weekend was definitely entertaining. I’m not a super big country music fan or anything, but this was oodles of fun. Some of our favorite characters like Mickey, Minnie and Goofy were decked out in their best Western duds as they greeted guests and took photos, while Chip and Dale led some country line dancing lessons. (I caught Pluto line dancing!) We even had quilt makers!

Here are some of my photos from this weekend.

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Kickin’ Country Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

This past weekend was the much-awaited Character Fan Day weekend. Park guests could take photos with many different Disney characters, most of them rarely seen in the park. Characters included the Seven Dwarfs, Daisy Duck, and Snow White with the Evil Queen. Pictured above is Pinocchio, who ran out to pose for a picture just for me!

Sketch artists were also there, sketching characters for guests. Unfortunately the line was too long for me to get one, but they were still a cool sight to see.

On Friday the event was a huge hit; I’m sure it was on Saturday as well. Rain ruined Sunday’s character day — the festival arena was actually closed off by Disneyland security for a period of time. (I’m not sure if they re-opened it.)

All of my photos below are from Friday, as Sunday was rained out. Unfortunately I was unable to get photos of all the characters, as they rotated after a period of time.

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

Snow White and the Evil Queen pose with a young fan.

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

Rarely-seen  Daisy Duck poses with park guests.

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

Esmeralda, Frollo and Clopin from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. I think I last saw them in the 90’s when they had a “Hunchback” show!

Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

Pinocchio also kept a younger guest entertained by playing around the umbrellas. It was so adorable!

  • Next Family Fun Weekend: Character Fan Days, Jan. 28-30 (chipandco.com)
  • Character Fan Days Are a Big Hit With Guests at Disneyland Park (chipandco.com)
Family Fun Weekend Recap: Character Fan Day Weekend

Doesn’t Disney World Get Old?

Doesn’t Disney World Get Old?
Doesn’t Disney World Get Old?

This seems an obvious and reasonable question to ask frequent Walt Disney World guests. You may think Disney World would get old for visitors who have dozens of trips under their belts but the short answer is, “No.” Walt Disney World is continually evolving and growing which brings guests back time and again. Attractions are always being built, new promotions are announced, parades and nighttime fireworks shows are switched up. Let’s not forget that every season offers new things to experience in the “World;” Epcot’s International festivals, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, winter holiday events, marthon weekends, and Star Wars weekends are just the tip of the iceberg. And if that’s not enough for you, there are resorts in every price point and with many varied themes and hundredes of places to eat. Sure, there are attractions that are decades-old but even they have been updated along the way.

If you’ve been following along at Chip and Company, you may know our October 2010 trip was postponed until January 2011 and our January trip had to be cancelled. That means it’s been about nine months since I was last at Walt Disney World. Let’s take a look at just some of the changes that have taken place in this short period of time.

Attractions

  • Captain EO. I’ve never seen the original attraction. I have to say it’s not at the top of my list but now that it is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I’ll have to try it out.
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Okay, so the attraction isn’t new, but the interactive queue is and from the pictures I’ve seen, it looks ah-ma-zing.
  • MuppetVision 3D. This family favorite attraction in Walt Disney World recently underwent a refurbishment that enhanced both the film and also the theater.
  • Tangled Play N Greet. Storytime with Belle is no more; this new play and greet area replaces it. Although it seems as if it may be geared toward girls more than my boys, I’ll have check it out in the name of research.
  • Duffy the Bear. I’m not sure if I can rightly call Duffy the Bear an attraction, but he does have his own meet and greet in Epcot.

Experiences and Entertainment

  • Magic, Memories, and You Castle Show. I was skeptical of this show until I saw the video. As part of the Let the Memories campaign, Cinderella Castle has images and photographs taken by PhotoPass photographers projected on to it nightly. The show is so much more than I expected.
  • Wild Africa Trek. This is a must-do on my list. This new, albeit expensive, tour takes guests behind-the-scenes of Animal Kingdom’s savannah. Get up close and personal with hippos and crocodiles.

Parades

  • Main Street Electrical Parade. Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade returned to the Magic Kingdom as part of Summer Nightastic! after a long hiatus. Lucky for me, this popular parade’s run has been extended indefinitely.
  • Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun. I was a fan of the afternoon parade in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Block Party Bash. Sadly, it has been retired. The new parade, Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun has been received with less than glowing reviews but I want to see it for myself.

Dining

  • Via Napoli. Coming from New Jersey, where there is a good pizza place on practically every corner, I’m really excited to try this new pizzaria which has received really great reviews.
  • La Hacienda de San Angel. This restaurant is located on a coveted piece of World Showcase Lagoon. With large windows in the dining room, diners are treated to spectacular views of IllumiNations, my favorite Walt Disney World fireworks show.
  • Karamelle-Kuche. The Germany pavilion is now home to a caramel shop. Although caramels are not my favorite, I think it’s worth stopping in for a sample.

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.

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