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Ask a Disney Question: What Resorts Can Accommodate Five People?

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

Ask a Disney Question: What Resorts Can Accommodate Five People?

This question comes from Amanda, who asks:

My family is planning a trip for Christmas. There will be about 25 of us all together and we need about 8 rooms. I want to know which hotel will allow a family of 5 in the same room without getting a suite. Also, does that same hotel have a room with two double beds and a walk in shower?

Amanda, thanks for your question and for reading the site. We see this question a lot. Unfortunately, none of the Disney value resorts will accommodate five people unless one of those people are under three-years of age. Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, both second tier deluxe resorts, will accommodate five people in concierge level rooms. All other deluxe resorts will sleep five, with the fifth sleeping in a foldout daybed.

All resorts have handicapped accessible rooms with roll in showers, but not all of them have two beds. The Polynesian, for example, has one bed. Newer resorts with larger rooms, such as the Grand Floridian, have two beds and a roll in shower.

One final thing. Since you’re traveling with such a large group, you qualify as a Grand Gathering. Not only does this entitle you to sign your group up for special activities, it also means that you’ll be assigned a planner who is an expert in organizing larger groups. For example, they can advise you on the best the best dining locations for larger groups or arrange it so that your group’s rooms are close together.

I hope this helps!

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

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat podcast.

Photo copyright Walt Disney Company.

On Site Childcare Review: The Neverland Club. (chipandco.com)
Half the fun is how you get there (chipandco.com)

Ask a Disney Question: What Resorts Can Accommodate Five People?

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For January 7

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For January 7

Once again, we have had a busy Disney week and have a lot of News as well as the Views of our amazing staff of writers. Let’s start by looking at some of the new discounts, benefits, and opportunities offered in 2011.

D23, the Official Disney Fan Club has added benefits and discount opportunities to their membership package. They were presented in – Disney Expands D23 Member Discounts & Benefits For 2011.
One announcement that we were particularly excited about because we use Photopass on every visit concerned the addition of extra Character photos to your CD when you have photos taken at select Meet and Greets. You can find details at – Disney Photopass Adding Bonus Character Photos To Select Meet-and-Greet Locations.
Always on the lookout to make your vacations easier, Chris did a review of The Neverland Club at the Polynesian, one of many child care opportunities at Walt Disney World. Thanks Chris, I know all the Moms and Dads appreciate it.
Jessica, our Disneyland specialist, gave us a look at a real event at the Disneyland Resort. The redo of Disney’s California Adventure reached a milestone with the removal of the iconic letters that graced the entrance. Her article covering the letter removal has some great photos.
Anonymouse had a busy week chasing down rumors and gossip and gave us a look at Disney’s latest round of discounts a day early. Check out Disney Confidential – Room Only Discounts Leak On The Net. He/She also gave us a heads up on Play-cation! The Pixar Movie Short and Book. After a busy week like that, I think a vacation is in order!!
I don’t think Chip realized that Lisa is a closet Gamer but she showed her true colors in her Review of Toy Story Mania! Point And Shoot Video Game. It looks like Chip and George have a new playmate.
I know all of our Florida friends, especially those in Port Canaveral , have been awaiting the arrival of the Disney Dream. Well, she’s here and you can read about her arrival in the Disney Dream Arrives In Port Canaveral sparks new jobs.
Mike has been exercising his new Christmas toy by testing out some new software. See how much fun he had when you read Review: Walt Disney World Notecast Guide 3.0. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of these reviews from Mike.
For those of you who feel you might be getting ever so slightly jaded in your Walt Disney World visits Leezer has given us some fantastic alternative activities in his article, Ten Things You Haven’t Done At Walt Disney World. Thanks Leezer, I’ll be trying some of these in October!!
Great news, Chip and Company has teamed up with Sorcerer Radio to enhance the presentation of all things Disney to the world. Not only that, Aljon and Kristen Go from Sorcerer will also be joining Chip and Company as part of our writing staff. Welcome Aljon and Kristen!!! You can read details here.
For those of you with Tweens in your family, you may want to take a trip to Target to see the New Alex Russo Tween Collection available there.
Just a little while back I wrote an article about my Fab Five Magic Kingdom Attractions. This week I finished up the short series and covered my Fab Fives at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You may be more surprised by what is not there rather than what is there. Remember, it’s from an Oldies perspective, an Oldie with a very “precise” personality.
Allie gives a great breakdown on transportation opportunities in and around Walt Disney World in her article Half The Fun Is How You Get There. That’s super helpful Allie and I know the picture you chose shows my favorite, the boat from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney, thanks! She also tells how to recuperate from that vacation in Beating The Post-Disney Vacation Blues.
Kristen fills us in on a light but satisfying lunch opportunity at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check out Quick Eats – Greek Salad From Studios Catering Company at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Looks delicious!!
Jennifer tells us how she has grown as a Disney traveler in her article covering The Evolution of a Walt Disney World Traveler. Thanks Jennifer, I wish I could have started as young as you did but when I was 1 year old, Disneyland was still eight years in the future!!
While this one is over, Chip introduced the first of 2011’s Chip and Company giveaways in Disney 6 Games in 6 Days Giveaway – Day 1. This reflects what we have to look forward to in the rest of 2011. Thanks Chip!
I know there are a lot of food fans (especially burgers) out there so a study of the Designer burgers now at Walt Disney World merits some attention. Check this out – Designer Burgers Are A Hit.
I’ve always wanted to be a Custodial Cast Member at Walt Disney World. I want to even more now that I have seen this – H2O to ‘Oh Wow’: Custodial Cast Members Wow Guests With Water.
Brenda told us how planning for family vacations has changed over the years as her family has matured. Everyone can pick up some ideas by reading Some Adjustment Required. I know everyone will appreciate your advice Brenda.

That’s about it for this week, quite a busy one. I hope to see you again for next week’s Disney Week In Review. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

The Chip and Company Week in Review For December 27th (chipandco.com)
‘WDW After Dark’ set to debut on Sorcerer Radio January 14, 2011 (chipandco.com)

The Chip And Company Disney Week In Review For January 7

Half the fun is how you get there

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

Half the fun is how you get there

The Walt Disney World Resort is huge. Spanning nearly 47 square miles, the resort encompasses four theme parks, dozens of resort hotels, countless restaurants and shops, and several other recreational and entertainment venues. Needless to say, getting from place to place can require some thought and consideration.

Before you call up your favorite rental car company, you might want to explore the many facets of Disney’s transportation system. There are so many options provided for you — for free! There is no need to rent a car while visiting Disney World. In fact, ever since Disney’s Magical Express started up, I’ve yet to rent a car. If you know the ins and outs of Disney’s offerings, your trip will be so much smoother and stress-free!

Disney’s Magical Express
Staying at a Disney resort hotel? Flying to Orlando? Consider your transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport taken care of! Disney will pick you up and drop you off at your resort — and even take care of your bags for you. This complimentary service must be arranged in advance, so call Disney as soon as you know your flight details.

The Disney Bus System
Once you’ve arrived on property, the free bus rides don’t stop! Disney buses run approximately every twenty minutes to and from the parks, to the water parks, and to Downtown Disney. If relying on bus transportation, give yourself plenty of time for traveling from place to place, as some resorts make stops at multiple resorts. The only downfall to bus transportation can be the lines to get on them — especially at the end of a long day touring the parks. And once a bus arrives, they get pretty packed — some nights it’s standing room only!

Boats
For a change of pace, try hopping on a boat around the World. Boats around the Seven Seas Lagoon travel to the resorts and Magic Kingdom. Friendship Boats connect the Epcot resorts to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. There are also boats from Fort Wilderness on Bay Lake to the Magic Kingdom, and don’t forget the boats along the Sassagoula River and Downtown Disney! If you’re in a hurry, bus transportation might be a better option, as the boats tend to load and unload slowly, then travel at a more relaxed pace. They’re great in the evening, or on your way back to your room for a midday nap.

The Monorail
Ah, my favorite mode of transportation! The monorail is by far the most unique form of transportation around Disney World. Some people even hop on it and ride around for fun — which I highly recommend! The monorail has two tracks. The first track travels around the Seven Seas Lagoon, making stops at the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian resorts, the Magic Kingdom, and the Ticket and Transportation Center. The second track runs from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot. Both routes are quite scenic, and you can get some great photos aboard the monorail.

What’s your favorite mode of transportation at Walt Disney World?

Disney World Quick Tips – Ten FREE Things To Do At Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
On Site Childcare Review: The Neverland Club. (chipandco.com)

Half the fun is how you get there

My Fab Five Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

This installment will be easy. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of two parks where I really enjoy all of the Biggies. I know there are quite a few folks who disagree with some of my choices for my Fab Five but here, all of the best attractions fit in to the choices. Let’s get going:

5. Star Tours – We have always enjoyed the original and are looking forward to trying the new 3-D version when we get back in October. The only concern I have is possible motion sickness issues when you combine the motion simulator and 3-D. But- I plan on being ready for that eventuality!!! It’s just a very fun attraction that always leaves me with a smile.

4. Fantasmic – This show has always been one of our favorite things to see at Walt Disney World. The staging is spectacular and if the wind isn’t blowing the water projection screens really add to the experience. It’s unfortunate that the number of performances has been so drastically reduced in recent years but that just requires a little better job of planning so that we are in the right place at the right time to see it.

The next three are all kind of equal as far my being my favorites – I truly enjoy all of them, A LOT!!! Even though they are designated 3, 2, and 1 they could all be #1 in my book!

3. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster – I remember my wife saying she would never go on a roller coaster that went upside down so I just left out 3 details when I was describing RnRC to her. The 3 details I didn’t mention were 3 inversions that awaited her. After the ride I asked her how she enjoyed it and she really enjoyed the ride. When I told her about the inversions she just said O.K. let’s ride again. It’s a fast, exciting, and very smooooooth ride. The lighting and music by Aerosmith really add to the experience so take the time to give it a try, you’ll enjoy it.

2. Toy Story Midway Mania – This attraction is totally addictive!!! We tried it for the first time in 2009 and rode it as many times as we could while we were there – we lost count!!! The whole “shooting gallery” type concept was a proven success with Buzz Lightyear but the Imagineers brought it to a whole new level with the 3-D effects. It’s just plain fun and the friendly competition it generates just adds to the enjoyment. Go for this one but watch out, you will get hooked!!!

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Remember when I said the last three on this list were equal, I was wrong! This has got to be one of the top 2 (Haunted Mansion is the other) attractions at Walt Disney World for me. The back story is intriguing, the themeing is absolutely magnificent, and the ride itself lives up to any hype it has been given. All of the details are incredible and fit together beautifully. Remember – if you see a Cast Member with gold epaulets on their shoulders congratulate them because they have been with that attraction since opening day. You will really like this one.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a very underrated park. Some of Walt Disney World’s very best attractions are here and concentrated in a very compact area. Do yourself a favor and don’t blow DHS off as a half day park because if you look around you will find plenty to enjoy. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

My Fab Five Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions

Disneyworld Planning 101 – Are you a Disney Planner?

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January 8, 2011

Right now I am planning 2 Disney Vacations. One smaller mini trip in May for the D23 Event, and our yearly vacation in September. I am handling both vacations very differently which goes against my better judgment. By nature I am a planner. I write up these elaborate spreadsheets documenting where we are eating, parks we are going, transportation options, park hours, you name it. My sheets have everything. Here is sample of one I used last trip.

This was not the finished product as about a month before we left I added some personal information to it and tweaked it further. But you get the idea on the steps I take when planning our vacation. What was really nice about this years edition of the Chip and Company Planning Guide (which is where the name of the website came from) is that it was 100% digital. My wife and I had it in pdf format on our phones and no trees were killed in the making of.

So with my 2 trips coming up the May trip I am just flying by the seat of my pants to see what that is like and to document how it goes, and the October trip is much longer which will require more work. Also we are having some friends come with us so it will be interesting to see how they like the planning guide.

Some tools I will use when planning are:

Crowd Calendar from Touring Plans – One of my favorite tools for determine what park to goto. I highly recommend getting a premium membership!
Disney Dining and Reservations – Perfect to pick here and when you want to eat!
Disneyworld Transportation Map & other Maps – To get an idea on how to get around at the park.
Park Hours & Times – I like using WDW Info for all my park, extra magic, parade, firework hours.
Park Resurants and Menus – Again WDW Info is one of my favs for looking up menus and restaurant info

There are a few other odds and ends I use but for right now these are the tools I focus on when planning my vacation. As the time gets closer I will share with you more Disneyworld Planning 101 articles.

So that leaves the question what are you? So you like to plan our the details of your trip or do you fly by the seat of your pants. Let me know in the comment box below.

>>Chip

Disneyworld Planning 101 – Discounts (chipandco.com)
Disneyworld Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Backup Plan (chipandco.com)

Disneyworld Planning 101 – Are you a Disney Planner?

My Fab Five Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

My Fab Five Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the park we spend the least time in. In spite of that there are a number of attractions we try to visit on each trip so here are my Fab Five attractions. As I go through them you will notice a couple of the biggies are missing from my list and I’ll explain why at the end of the article.

5. It’s Tough To Be A Bug – This park is the hottest of all the parks and as you tour you are always on the lookout for somewhere to cool off. This attraction is ideal because it not only provides an air conditioned theater to relax in, the show itself is very clever and very entertaining. There are lots of clever effects that are enhanced because it’s a 3-D show. Some of the physical effects can be a bit scary if you have an issue with bugs and one particular effect can be a little bothersome if you are sensitive to somewhat unpleasant aromas. They aren’t bad and they fit the story very well but it’s good to know about them ahead of time. Try the show you will like it.

4. The Tree of Life – The park icon is an absolute work of art. The 18 months and countless artisan man hours it took to get the approximately 360 animals on the trunk can only be appreciated if you take the time to really look at them and observe the incredible detail in each animal. It’s not just the artwork that is remarkable, the structure (with portions of an oil rig as the base) is an engineering marvel. Don’t just walk past it, take the time to look closely and appreciate the efforts of the Imagineers and the folks who put it together.

3. Dinosaur – This is a fun attraction with a great story. You are going back in time to rescue a specific dinosaur before it (and you) become extinct. The pre show is excellent and sets you up for the ride portion as well as tying everything together. There are a couple of precautions here, the ride can be a bit rough so if you have back issues be a bit careful. Also, there are some scary effects which may bother some of the younger kids. It is fun and exciting so if you feel up to it, give it a try.

2. Finding Nemo – The Musical – This is a truly beautiful production utilizing giant puppets. I thought the theatrical puppeteers, who are visible interacting with the puppets would be a distraction but these artists are so talented that you don’t even notice them. There is a lot of original music and kids who love Nemo (I think they all do) will be enthralled watching the action on stage. It’s wonderful, take the time to see it.

1. Festival of the Lion King – This is, in my opinion only of course, the absolute best stage show at Walt Disney World. It is actually more of a pageant than just a show because it has singers, acrobats, and dancers who seem to be going and going throughout the entire production. There are floats that come out of the corners of the theater that absolutely make the show what it is. The performers have so much energy that you can’t help but get involved. Don’t just go to watch, participate because it will enhance your enjoyment of the show. If you like The Lion King, you will love this show.

I mentioned that I left a couple of the biggies off my list but I did so with reason. Expedition Everest is truly a structural marvel built as three separate (they do not come in contact at all) concentric sections so the coaster wouldn’t shake the mountain apart. The themeing is at the top of the Disney Imagineer standards, truly well done. Why didn’t it make my list, the coaster ride itself is rather unexceptional. Except for the short backwards ride it is pretty much like any other roller coaster. My opinion only, many many people love this attraction. Kilimanjaro Safaris is another great attraction but I am bothered by the hokey Little Red and the Poachers story. That story line is totally unnecessary. I know Disney is using the story to make an ecological statement and that is wonderful but the story line detracts from the splendor of the setting and the majesty of those beautiful animals. I think we could appreciate the attraction for what it is, a magnificent attempt to educate people about the amazing animals of our world. Again, my opinion only and I’m probably in a distinct minority here. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

My Fab Five Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attractions

Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0

Timestream Software has released an update to their series of Notescasts for the iPhone and the iPod Touch, and I have been asked to review it for Chip & Company.

The Walt Disney World Notescast is a cool little app to have in your library! The beauty of the Notescasts is that they are not dependent on any network access at all! In their basic form, Notescasts are eReaders that you can have on your iPod Touch or iPhone, and once you have it installed, you can use it anywhere you want to without needing to look anything up over a network somewhere.

The opening shot of the Walt Disney World Notescast is one of the most sought after photographs at Disney World: Cinderella Castle with fireworks going off in the background.

Once you tap past the opening shot, you immediately realize just how much information is contained in this guide! The information is laid out in great, easy to peruse sections. In the opening menu, there are 26 different categories of information to look through! Here are just some of the sections:

WDW Annual Events
WDW Attractions
WDW Beginning of the Magic
WDW Disney’s Magical Express
WDW Dining
WDW Tips to Find Characters
and much more!

The amount of information is really incredible, and reflects well on the level of detail that you have available at your fingertips. The really nice thing about this information is that it is written for all types of Disney visitors, whether they have a lot of knowledge about Disney or not. For example, there is a section specifically for Guests that have disabilities that need addressing.

Another really neat thing about this Notescast is the incredible photography that is on display throughout the guide. The developers of the guide have done a wonderful job of capturing some of the best photographs I’ve seen. Some of their shots are even of views of an attraction while on the ride! They take pride in their work, and it shows in the details. Take a look at these photos they’ve taken of Big Thunder Mountain, Cinderella Castle during Wishes, and Expedition Everest!

Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0

Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0

Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0

Another great feature of the app is that there is a seamless integration between sections. As an example, in the WDW Tips section, the reader is presented with several sub-sections, including “Walt Disney World Tips I”. If you tap on this section, there are a series of tips, one of which is referring to how you can cut down your time waiting in line by using FastPass. At this point, there is a link to read more about the FastPass.

In fact, the only downside that I have found with this app is the way that it has handled the closing of Mickey’s Toontown Fair in February. Unfortunately, the app talks about how Mickey’s Country House and Minnie’s Country House will be closing due to the Fantasyland expansion, and it talks in great detail under the “WDW What’s Coming” section about the expansion, but no where that I was able to find did it actually talk about the fact that Mickey’s Toontown Fair is closing. However, one of the bonuses of the app is that you can communicate your comments directly to the developers via an email address, and they use those comments to help make the app better for the next release!

This app, at $3.99, is extremely well priced in my opinion, and is a welcome addition to my library of Disney apps for my iPod Touch. I highly recommend this app to anyone with an iPhone or iPod Touch!

Next week I will be talking about another Timestream Notescast: Walt Disney World Secrets Gold!

Mike is a newer member of the Chip & Company team. When he isn’t writing for C&C, he also writes on his own blog at My Dreams of Disney, and enjoys planning trips to Disney for his family and friends! His next trip is in June with his wife and daughter, and his wife’s brother and his family.

Timestream Software Releases New Walt Disney World 3.0 Iphone App Update (chipandco.com)
TimeStream Software Releases Walt Disney World App for Android (chipandco.com)

Review: Walt Disney World Notescast Guide 3.0

Ten Things You Haven’t Done at Walt Disney World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

Ten Things You Haven’t Done at Walt Disney World

After many visits to Walt Disney World, we all have more than enough pictures of Cinderella Castle, the characters, and attractions. And we have visited all of the big, obvious places. So what can we do to mix it up a bit?

Well, here are ten things you may not have done:

Climb The Contemporary Resort. You can’t get to the top of this Resort using the elevators, because non-Guests are locked out of the upper floors. And maybe dining at The California Grill, the restaurant at the top of the building, isn’t in your budget. But there is a way up! Head to the end of the building that faces The Magic Kingdom. Head left just under the Monorail beams and exit to the balcony. Look to your left again and take the exterior stairs. These stairs lead to an observation deck on the roof of the Resort. From there, you can see and photograph for at least 180 degrees. Not many will have this experience, but you have to be fit. Believe me!
Eat with another Guest. You are visiting The Happiest Place on Earth, so spread some joy! While dining at any of the quick-service food courts, why not ask if you can join someone who is already seated? Make a quick scan of the faces, pick the happiest ones, and start up a conversation. And perhaps a new Disney friendship!
Photograph a theme. Don’t just snap away at anything that moves! OK, the Castle doesn’t move, but you know what I mean! Pick a theme and then keep an eye out for things to add to your photo-essay. Lamp Posts, Cast Costumes, and signage: all of these things are different in every Park and in every Land within the Parks. And if each member of your family picks a different theme, you’ll have lots of interesting photographs to share!
Email from EPCOT. There are many Activity Stations in this Park. Simply ask a Cast Member: “Are there any activities here that I can do and then email to friends and family?” If there are, they will direct you to them. And it’s always free! Spaceship Earth, Mexico Pavilion, and Innoventions are just some of the locations that offer Activity Stations.
Bird watch. Not every animal at Walt Disney World is Animatronic or placed in its position for maximum effect by Imagineers. Florida’s wildlife is just that, and Disney has no control over when they come or where they go! Children especially can have fun finding and noting all of the varieties of birds that have made their way into the Parks without paying.
Take the DVC tour. Every Disney fan should do this at least once. It only takes about 2 hours, you get access to a beverage and snack bar at the beginning and ice cream at the end, plus a $15 Gift Card per adult or Fastpasses. You also get a souvenir book and some things for your scrapbook. And just between you and me: The Disney Vacation Club actually makes sense! This is especially a good use of your time if it’s raining.
Break with tradition. It can be a lot of fun to step outside of your comfort zone! So on your next vacation, go on that ride that terrifies you. Visit the attraction that you think you wouldn’t like. Or visit your favorite attraction in a different way. For example, during our last visit to WDW, my wife and I went on The Jungle Cruise at night for the first time. It’s a whole new ride when viewed in the dark!
Hunt for obscure landmarks. Do you know how to find the Lawnmower Tree at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground? Do you know where the Survey Marker is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? And what other obscure things are out there to be found? Only time and a keen eye will tell! Surf the net for ideas (perhaps here at Chip and Company) before your next trip.
Join in the fun. Get involved in some Streetmosphere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or World Showcase at EPCOT. Wear a funny hat when visiting a Park. Sing along on It’s a Small World. Just don’t sit there watching everyone else have fun! Get involved whenever possible. Remember, no one knows who you are, so let loose!
Ask a Cast Member. There are thousands of people working at Walt Disney World. How many have you actually talked to? The next time you’re at a Park, find a Cast Member who isn’t busy, like the one standing outside a closed attraction. Trust me, she’s bored! Introduce yourself and ask: “What is your favorite Guest experience?” or “I want to do something different. What do you recommend?” You get a new perspective on the Park, and she gets a change in her day. It’s win-win!

So there you have it. Ten things you may not have done yet at Walt Disney World.

Lee Beatens has two sides as a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his artistic side is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here.

Bob-a-Long Boats at Walt Disney World (2lonelydeeks.com)
Best Places to Take Holiday Photos at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Ten Things You Haven’t Done at Walt Disney World

My Fab Five Epcot Attractions

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

My Fab Five Epcot Attractions

Here we go with my Fab Five attractions at Epcot. Once again I’ll do them in reverse order so we get to the most favorite last. Down the road a bit I’ll explore Fab Fives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Some of the Epcot favorites are not exactly attractions in the truest sense of the word but are terrific anyway.

5. Mission Space – This is an amazing attraction and probably would have been much closer to the top of my list except for one major issue – Motion Sickness. I would love to ride the “Orange” version every time but I only have the courage to put up with the dizziness and queasy stomach every once in a while so the “Green” version has become the choice. It’s not as intense as Orange but the basics are still there and there is no motion sickness problem. A truly great attraction!!!

4. Epcot Character Spot – How can you top having your picture taken with all of the Biggies in one place in a matter of 30-40 minutes. I mean there is Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip (that’s for you boss) and Dale, Donald, and Goofy all in one place. All of the photos are placed on your Photopass card or if you choose not to use Photopass they will use your camera. I highly recommend you take advantage of this “attraction”.

3. Test Track – Another outstanding attraction from start to finish. It’s also quite educational in that you learn a lot about the actual types of tests that automobiles go through on their way to consumer availability. The queue is loaded with all sorts of equipment and displays of some of the static tests and when you finally get to your test vehicle the fun really starts. All of the tests are a real hoot but the standout has to be the high speed run (60 mph+) at the end of the ride. Don’t forget, as you exit you can put the ride picture they take of you on your Photopass card for free – that’s right, no charge!!

2. Illuminations – Absolutely the best fireworks show at Walt Disney World. The sheer size of the display and the compelling music make this an attraction that we always see at leas twice during our visits. Pick a viewing spot in the World Showcase (I suggest the Italy area) for an almost crowdless experience rather than fighting with all of the other folks who stand near the World Showcase to avoid the crowd that they have become. You may wonder what could top that – I definitely saved the best for last.

1. Strolling Through World Showcase After Illuminations – This is wonderful particularly if you are with those or the one you love. After Illuminations just stroll slowly through World Showcase in whichever direction you choose as you head for your transportation. We always see the show twice so we can stroll in both directions on each visit. It’s an experience you will never forget. Let everyone fight to get the first bus and be content yourself to catch a later (and much less crowded) bus. It is absolutely worth doing – Trust me!!!!

Those are my Epcot Fab Five – we really love Epcot and spend a lot of time there on each visit. I really hope you will get a chance to give #1 a try. By the way , if you are still strolling about 30 minutes after Illuminations you may get lucky and see them burn off the excess propane from the globe! WOW!! The timing is a little inconsistent so you may or may not get to see it. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Photo By Disney

My Fab Five Epcot Attractions

Poreotics Tuts Their Stuff at ElecTRONica

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 8, 2011

Poreotics Tuts Their Stuff at ElecTRONica

Okay, so if you’re not in with the dance world, “tutting” is a dance movement. Think of today’s version of dancing to “Walk Like an Egyptian” except replacing the music with something hip-hop or techno. And it looks crazy. Or you can check out an example of tutting here. (It’s got arm tutting AND finger tutting!)

Poreotics (also known as Poreotix) has performed quite a few nights at California Adventure throughout November and December. The local dance group won season five of America’s Best Dance Crew. (I actually went to high school with one of the members. We were in math class together. Hi, Can!)

Below are some photos from one of their TRON-inspired performances. Even my mom is a Poreotics fan and went both nights that I went.

Poreotics Tuts Their Stuff at ElecTRONica

Poreotics Tuts Their Stuff at ElecTRONica

Poreotics Tuts Their Stuff at ElecTRONica

Poreotics Tuts Their Stuff at ElecTRONica

Disney Aulani Resort in Moving right along

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January 8, 2011

Our friend Joel from Coconut Wireless wrote me today to let me know about the progression of Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii.

He says:

The remaining cranes were removed from the site and more of the exterior art work and detail are starting to show. They still have a wall around the place so I can’t get any better shots although I have noticed that they do have a number of trees in place already. Gotta give them time to root and fill out a bit!

Here are some of the pictures he was able to get for us. Thanks Joel!

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Joel/Coconut Wireless
Host of Meandering Mouse Club TV and Trapped in Paradise vidcasts
www.frikitikiproductions.com
Guest Host on In The Loop podcast
www.coastercrew.net/intheloop.php
His blog
thetikioutpost.com

Waikolohe Stream: Journey Along ‘Mischievous Waters’ Will Be an Aulani Highlight (chipandco.com)
A guest room at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (chipandco.com)
Progress Continues at Aulani, With Inspiration Taking Shape Outside and Inside (chipandco.com)

Disney Aulani Resort in Moving right along

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