Learning experiences at Disney World for Children

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August 18, 2010

It’s That Time of Year Again

It’s that time of year again when the kids head back to school, the weather gets cooler, and of course, Disney pulls out some deep discounts. You wonder why Disney the most “kid friendly” place on earth offers great deals when the kids are in school. (I have wondered this for years) These discounts are so tempting – do you pull the kids out of school and head for the most magical place on earth? Well, here is an option that may allow you to do just that. Did you know that most school districts will approve an educational leave for a trip to see the Big Cheese? Yes, you read correctly. You can take the kids to see Mickey and get a discount too!!!

I bet you never thought of Mickey Mouse and Cinderella as educational. But, Walt Disney World has educational opportunities beyond belief – hands on learning that could never take place in a classroom. Let’s look at this in a more in depth perspective:

The Magic Kingdom: This is the world where make believe and storytelling comes to life. This where children can use their imagination to transform them into the story books that they have read prior to their arrival such as Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, Pinocchio, and Dumbo. I don’t think any classroom can allow a child to become a part of a story quite like a trip to Walt Disney World. Don’t forget the hall of presidents. This is an exhibit like none other. Where else can you see all of our presidents in one place?

Epcot: WOW!! The education prospects here are endless. Let’s start with a trip to The World Showcase. Can you imagine touring 11 countries in one day? It can be done here! You can visit and dine with natives of the countries, buy merchandise exclusive to the particular country, and see special shows related to each country. Now, tell me that’s not educational! Another part of Epcot is Future World. I think the name says it all. Here a child can see what concepts are out there for the future, whether it is a future automobile, a new way to grow plants, or exciting futuristic communicational devices.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Here children can learn the magic of movie making, the lights, the sounds, and the stunts. They can also learn how their favorite cartoons come to life through animation. This is the perfect place for an aspiring little actress or actor. Where else can you see the Hollywood lights without traveling to Hollywood?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Imagine a 500 acre animal sanctuary. This has got to be the most educational experience of all that Disney has to offer. Here children can learn about hundreds of different species of animals. How they are cared for and where they are native to. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also boasts two countries much like Epcot where you can have one on one experiences unique to each country. If you have a dinosaur fanatic you can also visit Dino Land to explore these enormous creatures of the past.

So, you may ask, if I have personally taken advantage of the deep discounts and taken my children to Walt Disney World during the school year? Well, I am for the first time this September. Not only taking my daughter who is in kindergarten, I am taking my two nieces who are 15 and 11. I have contacted the schools principals and am in the process of completing the paperwork. The paperwork in my district consists of a letter outlining what we will be doing each day and what role it will play in the educational experience. Also, ways that they can share their Disney experiences with their classmates. Yes, it will require some extra effort on your part. But, it will pay off in the end when you see your child light up at the sight of Mickey Mouse and his/her classmates when he/she shares the magical experience. Not to mention the little extra cash the discounts will leave in your pocket!

Natalie is a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. She would be more than happy to guide you to deep Disney discounts and assist you with an educational leave for your children. You may contact her at [email protected], 304-784-5705, or find her on facebook – Natalie Pixie Vacations.

Disney Food Confession – Mmm Waffles

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

What is it? – Freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream paired with Godiva chocolate iced coffee

Where can you get it? 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 showcasing savory samplings.

When can you get it? The annual festival overflows with global cuisine, celebrated chefs and special entertainment Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010.

Photo credit: Disney

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Off with their heads! Furniture Company Sues Disney

By

Chip

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August 18, 2010

According to TMZ a man claiming to be the creator of the “Chair Heart” used in the movie “Alice in Wonderland” is suing the Disney Corporation, claiming the company used his design in the flick and didn’t pay him a cent.

In his lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Arman Mkrtchyan is asking for a “decoration fee” of $50,000.
Mkrtchyan claims the “Alice” chairs are a dead ringer for his design … in fact, he claims he has a chair for every suit in the deck — including spades, clubs and diamonds.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Walt Disney World Quick Tip – Illuminations Viewing

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 18, 2010

It seems that people are always looking for the best Illuminations viewing spot and invariably , most seem to end up between the Friendship Docks on the Future World side of World Showcase Lagoon. They do this to avoid the crowd and the rush to the exit but by viewing from this spot they become part of both.

Over the years I have found that unless you have a prime dinner reservation at the Rose and Crown and want to take a chance on an outside table (even if you don’t they will allow you to stand outside during the show) you should look elsewhere. Our favorite spot is somewhere around the Italy Pavilion depending on wind direction (extremely important). Normally the crowds are non existent in this area and you can get right up to the fence for an unobstructed view. Be sure to look around for speakers, if you are too close the music is quite loud. Further, there are no islands in the water in this area to obstruct the view.

After the show enjoy a leisurely stroll around an almost deserted World Showcase to either the parking lot/bus area or the International Gateway if you are staying in the Boardwalk area. The people who stood opposite you on the other side of the lagoon to avoid the crowd (themselves) will be gone and you will have a very short wait for transportation. Enjoy the show!!!

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark Official Trailer

By

Chip

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August 17, 2010

Producers Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth,” “The Orphanage”) and Mark Johnson (“Chronicles of Narnia”) join forces to deliver “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” a tale of hair-raising, spine-chilling horror.

Sally Hurst (Bailee Madison), a lonely, withdrawn child, has just arrived in Rhode Island to live with her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes) at the 19th-century mansion they are restoring. While exploring the sprawling estate, the young girl discovers a hidden basement, undisturbed since the strange disappearance of the mansion’s builder a century ago. When Sally unwittingly lets loose a race of ancient, dark-dwelling creatures who conspire to drag her down into the mysterious house’s bottomless depths, she must convince Alex and Kim that it’s not a fantasy—before the evil lurking in the dark consumes them all.

Coming to theaters January 21, 2011

Become a fan on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DontBeAfraidOfThe…

Visit http://dontbeafraidofthedark-movie.com

Classic Disney Commercials – You Could Win this New Car

By

Chip

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August 17, 2010

In this classic Disney Commercial you could win a Geo Metro..Woohoo! I wonder why they don’t give away things anymore? Here is a classic commercial from Disneyland 35th Anniversary in 1990. I hope you enjoy it as much as the people in it 🙂

$300 Savings on a Disneyland Resort Vacation Package

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2010

$300 Savings on a Disneyland Resort Vacation Package

You can save $300* on a 4-day, 4-night Disneyland® Resort vacation package for travel most dates Oct. 1 — Dec. 16, 2010. It’s the perfect way for them to experience either Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort or Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. And if your you are looking for a shorter stay, check out the savings in the latest room-only offer.

Contact Pixie Vacations for details today.
http://www.PixieVacations.com
Phone: 678-815-1584

Fairy Tales Come True at Newly Designed Franck’s Studio at Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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August 17, 2010

Franck’s Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World Resort has undergone a major enhancement, bringing high-tech tools to couples tying the knot at the popular wedding destination.

Franck’s, named after the wedding planner character Martin Short played in the film “Father of The Bride,” was built 15 years ago alongside Disney’s magical Wedding Pavilion. The Victorian summerhouse was created as a one-stop shop for couples to meet with a Disney wedding planner to review all the details for the big event. The immersive studio showcases cakes, linens, floral, table settings and other details for a dream-come-true affair.

A highlight of the Franck’s makeover involves online tools to assist with remote planning, including a Facebook application (http://apps.facebook.com/Disney-weddings) so couples can easily share details of their wedding with friends and family. The tools also allow guests to accept RSVPs and purchase tickets and room nights. Using Google Earth images and video, the Virtual Venue Tool brings storybook wedding and reception venues at Disney to life with the click of a mouse.

Two new planning rooms, additional computers and televisions, and newly designed furnishings round out the elegant setting.

ABC Signs A Deal with Peanuts to air Charlie Brown Specials

By

Chip

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August 17, 2010

Peanuts Worldwide, the newly formed joint venture between Iconix Brand Group and Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates today announced that it has signed a new five year deal with ABC Network for the popular PEANUTS animated holiday specials.

The beloved Emmy Award winning specials, including the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” created by Charles M. Schulz and produced and animated by Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez, began airing on ABC in December 2001.

“The PEANUTS holiday TV specials are iconic and represent a family tradition of watching Charlie Brown and the gang kick off the holiday season,” stated Neil Cole, CEO, Iconix Brand Group. Cole added, “This new deal with ABC demonstrates the continued relevance of the PEANUTS brand as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.”

This fall, the famed PEANUTS comic strip will celebrate its 60th anniversary. The first and most well known of the beloved animated holiday specials, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on television in 1965, marking this year as its 45th anniversary.

Do you watch the Charlie Brown Specials every year? Let us know in the comment section below.

Disneyworld Snack Off – Vote for Your Favorite Disneyworld Snack

By

Chip

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August 17, 2010

Disneyworld has some of the best snacks on the planet! If you have ever been there then you know what I mean. If you haven’t you don’t know what you are missing.

While everybody has their own favorite snack at the parks, I wonder if we matched the top Disney World Snacks Face to Face who would win the Disneyworld Snack Off?

This is where you come in. Let us know what you think is the best Disneyworld Snack. While I might not have every snack, I am going by the more popular ones.

There is one rule these are all foods you can get with a snack credit not something you get at mealtime.

Let the snack off begin!

[poll id=”27″]

If I am missing something make a comment below and I will add it.

Disney Food Confession – Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding with Recipe

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2010

What is it? Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding served–wait for it–with individual pitchers of creme anglaise and butterscotch. Sigh.

Where to find it: Raglan Road in Downtown Disney.

Why you want it: Imagine bread pudding, if you will. It’s good, but ordinary. But add two delightful little pitchers of butterscotch and creme anglaise goodness and well, you’ve just elevated the frugal use of day-old bread to cult status. Do they serve actual entrees at Raglan Road? Yes they do. Do I care? No. I’m here for the pudding.

Photo credit: The Daily Disney

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected] or let us know on the Disney Food Confessions Facebook page.. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Raglan Road Irish Pub’s Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding

Yield: 4 servings.

12 slices medium-sliced white bread
3 ounces salted butter, at room temp
2 ounces raisins
1/2 pint cream
1/2 pint milk
4 egg yolks
3 ounces super-fine sugar
Sauce of choice for serving

1. Butter ovenproof dish. Remove crusts from bread; butter on both sides and cut into quarters. Arrange layers of bread in triangles (overlapping slightly) in bottom of dish, scatter raisins on top. Cover with another layer. You should have some bread pieces leftover to use in Step 4. Press down gently with spatula.
2. To make custard, heat cream and milk in pot until it almost comes to boil. Remove from heat.
3. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in large heatproof bowl set over pan of simmering water until thick and whisk leaves a trail in mixture. Remove from heat and beat in cream mixture. Pour 2/3 of the custard over layered bread. Let stand 30 minutes or until bread has soaked up custard.
4. Heat oven to 350 F. Pour remaining custard over soaked bread and arrange remaining bread slices on top. Press down gently with spatula so that custard comes halfway up bread slices. Bake 30 minutes until custard is just set and top is golden brown. Serve immediately with sauces of choice.
Recipe note: A custard or butterscotch sauce works well.

Disney on Monday added a series of new travel dates in 2011 for vacation packages

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 17, 2010

Walt Disney World, navigating a still-soft economy, has extended a sizable hotel discount deep into next year, though the resort continues scaling back the scope of its promotions.

Disney on Monday added a series of new travel dates in 2011 for vacation packages that pair hotel rooms with free meals at Disney World restaurants. It is the second time this year that Disney has extended the free-dining offer.

The extended offer covers approximately 13 weeks next year, with scattered dates throughout the spring and early fall.

Disney is trying to wean travelers off the discounts it has been using since the start of 2009 to stimulate travel amid the global recession. Walt Disney Co. executives have said they expect to return to “normalized” pricing sometime in 2011.

The extended promotion announced Monday amounts to a significantly smaller offer than the one Disney used last spring, when travelers could still book buy-four-get-three-nights-free hotel packages. The dates of the new offer are also more targeted to historically slower travel periods.

Disney World’s attendance has slipped as it cuts back on discounts. The company announced last week that attendance at the Orlando resort fell 2 percent during the three months that ended July 3. Occupancy at Disney World hotels dropped eight percentage points to 83 percent.

But it has made up some of that lost attendance through higher average prices. Per-capita spending inside Disney World’s four theme parks climbed 3 percent during the quarter; per-room spending in it hotels rose 4 percent.

“We basically are trying to reduce the amount of discounting — promotional discounting that we’ve been doing in the depth of the recession to maintain our volumes — and carefully playing off our rates with our volumes,” Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo said during a conference call last week.

Source: Orlando Sentinel