Red Car Trolley to ply Disney California Adventure streets in 2012

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August 15, 2010

red car trolley disney california adventure 55540991

A very interesting look at the Red Car Trolley’s from LA Times.

It’s a testament to Disney California Adventure’s disconnect from the vision of its famously transportation-obsessed namesake that the Anaheim theme park was built without a ride dedicated to a bus, streetcar or train.

Across the way, Disneyland’s Main Street USA bristles with vehicular traffic: A horse-drawn streetcar, a fire engine, a “horseless carriage” and double-decker bus take turns carrying tourists up and down the thoroughfare. Passengers board the Disneyland Railroad near the main entrance. The Monorail zips past the front gate.

Come spring 2012, the Red Car Trolley will add a much-needed burst of kinetic energy to the streets of Disney California Adventure. Somewhere, Walt Disney is smiling.

Click here to keep reading and to see more pictures.

Disney extends monthly pay plan

By

Chip

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August 15, 2010

Walt Disney World, which earlier this summer introduced a monthly payment option for annual passes sold online, has extended the program to tickets sold in person.

Florida residents buying or renewing annual passes can now opt for the installment-payment option at Disney World ticket windows.

Although it’s new at Disney World, a monthly payment option has been offered at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., since December 2008 and has helped that resort sign up record numbers of annual passholders.

Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have long offered similar payment plans for their passholders. SeaWorld was the first to introduce the concept in 2001 when it rolled out “EZ Pay.” Universal followed two years later with “FlexPay.”

Click here to keep reading this article from the Orlando Sentinel.

Possible Deep Discounts Coming for Walt Disney World?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

Rumors are floating around this weekend that Disney will announce new, drastic discounts on Monday. According to Touring Plans, these discounts possibly include:

The extension of free dining through September 2011 (with blackout dates). If true, this is unusual, as Disney rarely announces free dining this far in advance. In fact, guessing when they’ll announce free dining in the fall has become almost a sport on some Disney message boards.
Room discounts until March 2011. Touring Plans was very specific here, suggesting that the values, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge will all have discounts of 20%, whereas the moderate and deluxe resorts will be discounted their usual 30 and 40% respectively. That kind of detail is interesting, don’t you think?
A gift card offer for five and six night stays.

The website stresses that these are just rumors, but they were spot on when free dining was announced last time (right down to the prediction that value resort guests would only get the quick service plan), so I’m putting some stock in these rumors.

The bigger question is what does it mean for park goers in the next year? I’m not buying that these discounts are in response to Universal’s opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Sure, attendance is up at Universal from last year, but given last year’s dramatic losses, I’m not sure it’s cutting into Disney park revenue as much as getting back to normal. There’s some suggestion that Harry Potter actually helps Disney because people don’t just come to Central Florida to visit Universal–they’re going to Disney as well. It’s perhaps possible that Disney is attempting to compensate for those guests who will put off visiting Disney until after the Fantasyland expansion is complete in 2012-13. Giving guests tangible incentives that don’t have them guessing all year about whether or not discounts are coming out can be that little push that someone might need to book another trip before the expansion is complete.

Of course the huge elephant in the room, unavoidable wherever you turn, is the economy. Disney recently announced that park attendance was down slightly for the third quarter of this year as compared to last, but some of that can be explained by when Easter break fell this year. Regardless of how you look at numbers, it’s very likely that Disney is just as worried about the economy as everyone else and wants to hedge their bets, at least for the near future. You may recall Bob Iger’s comments a few months ago about weaning the public off discounts. I fully expected this to happen and began to think about changes I could make that would still make trips affordable without discounts. It seemed reasonable given optimistic predictions about he economy. Now it seems as though Disney was perhaps too optimistic about park attendance.

I always joke that rather than following the bull, you should follow The Mouse, as Disney’s discounts always seem to come out in advance of bad news from Wall Street. And maybe it’s true. When you think about it, what’s the first thing people give up during difficult economic times? Vacations. It’s a sort of easily understood bellwether of the economy. Sure, hardcore Disney fans will still travel to Disney World, but we’re not the bulk of Disney’s business. We’d go without discounts. It’s those families who come every few years, or even once in a lifetime, that fill the parks. And getting those people into the parks and perhaps more importantly, into the resorts, means extending discounts. Time will tell if Touring Plans, and the other websites that are reporting this rumor are correct. At the very least, expect a busy Monday morning on Disney websites and message boards as these rumors are confirmed or denied.

What Do Changes to the Fantasyland Expansion Mean for Guests?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

Yesterday Disney confirmed what has been rumored for weeks now: That plans for the elaborate Fantasyland expansion have been re-tooled in an attempt to balance what many perceive as being too “princess” oriented, leaving very little for boys and adults. Why the change? Well the obvious reason is that Disney has a new Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs, who reportedly had reservations about the project for the just that reason. Others say it’s in response to Universal Studio’s opening of the Harry Potter attraction. What does this mean for the expansion? Well, it’s still a go. Disney has said that most of what was promised will happen including, one assumes, the Little Mermaid dark ride. Construction is still taking place behind those walls and the company has said that the completion is still on schedule, sometime in 2012-13.

One of the most persistent rumors has been that the whole Pixie Hollow idea has been scrapped. No one from Disney has confirmed this, but the idea of a entire section of the park nearly the size of Mickey’s Toon Town Fair being devoted to Tinkerbell and friends has always seemed a bit out of step with what fans want to see. Yes, a small meet in greet is probably called for. But I don’t actually know any little girls who, despite full shelves of fairy themed toys sitting tantalizingly in the stores, are interested in playing with Tink and her friends.

One of my criticisms of the Fantasyland expansion is that it’s too meet and greet heavy. Now personally, I’m not a big fan of meet and greets, so I’m probably the worst person to opine on this subject, but having an entire land devoted to meeting one princess after the other seems to be too much waiting for too little. It also seems dangerously limited to the three to eight-year old girl segment of the population. Sure, there are activities planned at each meet and greet, but do you tour the parks that way? We’re sort of a ride-oriented family, like most people. We love the shows and parades, but meet and greets are probably the last thing on our list. We do them if there’s no lines. My daughter might want to slow down for a few minutes to make a birthday card for Princess Aurora, but her brothers do not. I suspect that this means that moms will be waiting with their little girls while dads take the boys (and older girls) out to enjoy the action. That doesn’t sound like too much fun for mom.

It looks like the “Dueling Dumbos” as it’s been called, is still in the works. Dumbo will be relocated to the Toon Town area. If you haven’t seen the drawings, it’s two Dumbo rides right next to each other, with an interactive queue. This is really a welcome change, as anyone who’s ever waited in this line can attest to. The rumor is that the old Toon Town area will also be re-themed as a circus. I keep wondering where this idea generated from. Sure, Dumbo is a popular ride, but most kids haven’t seen the movie or even the books. And circuses are so politically incorrect at this point that most kids have never been and therefore have no frame of reference, which can be important for developing loyalty and interest in an attraction. Most schools no longer do circus field trips and many parents refuse to take their children, so it would appear that a circus theme , while in keeping with the Dumbo attraction, is out of step with today’s kids and parents.

One thing I don’t agree with is the idea that Disney is making these changes in response to the popularity of Universal’s Harry Potter attraction. Disney is a very smart company and they have known about Harry Potter for years. In fact, Disney backed away from the franchise because Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling wanted too much control. So it’s not like Disney was taken by surprise by the popularity of the attraction. While the Fantasyland expansion itself may be an attempt by Disney to always have something more than Universal can offer, I don’t think the changes are a result of Disney being caught off guard by the popularity of Harry Potter.

I think ultimately these changes are going to be great for guests. I’ll admit it, I love the Disney Princesses, but even I saw the area as being too much for little girls. Sure, I’d enjoy it myself, as would my daughter who will be the perfect age when the project is complete, but my boys would not and I’m sure they’re not in the minority. I also don’t think these changes should surprise anyone. Any project this big is going to get some tweaking along the way. I can’t wait to see the final project.

Disneyworld Quick Tip – Want to save money at Disney?

By

Chip

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August 14, 2010

Summer in Disneyworld means its going to be very hot. Having grown up in Florida I know how unbearable it can get in the summer months. You step outside and are instantly smacked in the face by the heat. With all that heat you need to take in extra water. Last time I went to Disney water cost me $2.50 a bottle. That is crazy!

An average person will need six to eight beverages a day per person to stay hydrated. The cost can get very expensive. Start multiplying the cost of eight beverages times a family a four and you could spend $80.00 a day just on bottled water or pop. Stay for a seven day trip and you easily spend $500.00+ on beverages alone!

There are 2 ways to save money in today’s quick tip, the first one is go out to Walmart or some other grocery store buy a few cases of bottled water, and crystal light packets, now a days everyone from Kelloggs to Gatorade makes those packets. Most usually cost around $2 for a box of 10. Bring a couple of bottles with you each day and refill them around the park whenever you stop for a snack or a meal.

The second way is a little more environmentally friendly, same as before go to Walmart or Target but this time pick up a reusable water bottle and keep using it throughout your trip. You can drink the water plain or with packets like before.

No matter what method you use you can stay hydrated your whole trip and save a bunch of money. If you get the Disney Dining Plan you have some pop or sweet tea at mealtime to mix things up a bit.

With all the money you will save on beverages, you could use that money to purchase all of your Walt Disney World souvenirs.

Ask a Disney Question: Childcare during Disney Marathons.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

This question comes from Eric, who asks: “Me and my wife would like to go to Disney World in January for the marathon and for fun. However with both of us wanting to do the marathon we need to know if there will be any child care for our son. Thank you for the help.”

Eric, thanks for your question and for reading the site. Disney doesn’t provide childcare during the marathon, but there are several good off-site childcare providers that you might try. Kids Nite Out and Fairy Godmothers (407 277-3724) are the most popular services. Disney does not recommend any one service, but if you ask at your resort, you’ll most likely be given Kids Nite Out’s phone number. All childcare providers have had thorough background checks. You can specify the type of sitter you feel most comfortable with, say “college age girl” or “grandmother type.” They’ll come to your resort, either on or off site, and watch your child for as long as you need. They won’t bathe or take your children to the pool, but they will take them out for some activities in your resort if you ask. They can also accompany families to the parks if you need an extra hand. There is an additional charge per child and a small transportation fee.

I’ve used Kids Nite Out several times and have been very happy with them. You can read a recent review of them that I wrote here.

I hope this helps. Good luck in the marathon!

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

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Magical Express.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

One of my favorite benefits of staying on site is Disney’s Magical Express which, despite its name, isn’t the name of the tour bus belonging to a 1970s-era rock band. Magical Express, or “ME” as it’s known in Disney online communities, is Disney’s bus system that takes guests from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Disney World. Here are some of the questions I see a lot about Magical Express.

Sign for Magical Express at MCO.

QUESTION: How does Magical Express work?

ANSWER: Surprisingly well, actually. I know that some detractors criticize Magical Express as a way of getting guests on property and leaving them dependent on Disney transportation, which in turn makes it difficult to go off site. Okay, so that may be one of the results, but honestly, it’s a pretty good system. One of the things I hate dealing with on vacation is my luggage and this pretty much eliminates the need to worry about it from check-in at my home airport until I walk into my room later that day. That, to me, is brilliant.

Disney has a contract with MCO for the foreseeable future that gives them a central baggage receiving area right at the airport. All luggage with the yellow Magical Express tags goes to this location where it’s loaded onto Disney transportation and sent to the appropriate resort.

You’ll call ME at 866-599-0951 at least ten days before your departure date and give the cast member your flight and resort information. Shortly thereafter, you’ll receive your luggage tags. When you check in , you’ll put these tags on your bags and that’s it. Once you arrive you’ll take the bus to your resort and several hours later, your bags will be sent to your room. It’s a great feeling to spend a day in the parks and then come back to your room—happy and exhausted–and see your bags waiting for you.

QUESTION: Who can use Magical Express?

ANSWER: Anyone travelling domestically and staying at a Disney resort. The does NOT include the Downtown Disney hotels, Shades of Green, and the Swan/Dolphin. Not all carriers use the luggage service, although if your airline does not, you may still use Magical Express . Just check your own baggage, pick it up when you arrive, and bring it to the bus.

Currently, the following airlines use ME’s luggage service: Air Train, Alaskan, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United and USAir. Southwest is currently in a trial phase of delivery to resorts. At this time it does not deliver luggage to all of them, so you’ll want to verify that with Magical Express that your resort is a participating resort for Southwest.

Keep in mind that minors under the age of 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult.

QUESTION: When should I book Magical Express?

ANSWER: At least ten days prior to arrival. Anecdotally, I’ve taken spur of the moment trips and used ME with only a few days notice; I didn’t get luggage tags on time so I just checked my own bags. I’ve also heard that people have gone up to ME with no reservation at all and used it after providing their resort reservation number. As always, it depends on the time of the year and availability, so if possible, let ME know ahead of time, even if it’s only a day’s notice.

About a week before your departure, you’ll receive your luggage tags and ME voucher. Your tags will have your name and your resort name. Should you change your resort after the tags arrive or if the resort name is incorrect, cross out the name, put in the proper resort and inform ME before you leave.

Magical Express luggage tags.

QUESTION: What do I do when I get to MCO?

ANSWER: You’ll go to Terminal B, Level 1 to get checked in and wait for your bus. Sometimes, there is no check in at all; you’ll simply be waived over to your bus. I’ve literally walked right on, waited a couple of minutes, and been on a bus out of MCO.

QUESTION: What are the buses like?

ANSWER: They’re very clean, with comfortable seats. It’s a typical tour bus, except with bright and cheery Disney colors. There are two seats on each side of the aisle. As the bus leaves the airport you’ll be shown a program telling guests about Disney World. It’s cute and like most people who ride ME a lot, for me it kind of says “We’re here!” On the way back, you’ll see a short program as well. I’d like to tell you what it’s about but I’m usually too sad to watch.

Service dogs are allowed with the owner. There is also wheelchair accommodation. Let the cast member know about any accommodations you’ll need when you make your ME reservation.

A little word of advice. These aren’t like Greyhound buses. There aren’t any bathrooms (however frightening) on board. If you or someone in your group can’t make it to the resort, make sure you stop and use the restroom before boarding. There are some on your left just as you get into the Magical Express area.

QUESTION: Do I have to check my bags with Magical Express?

ANSWER: No. Just use your airline’s regular baggage service. You’ll go to your appropriate luggage carousel when you arrive, get your luggage, and then bring it your bus. Your driver will load it underneath the bus and unload it when you reach your resort.

Feel free to use the force to get your luggage.

QUESTION: How long does it take to get from MCO to Disney World?

ANSWER: It depends on the time of year. During busier times, it could easily take three hours from landing to check-in at your resort. The usual wait is more like one and a half to two hours. This is mainly due to lines at MCO for Magical Express, not the drive itself. Keep in mind as well that MCO is actually around 35 – 45 minutes from Disney property. My average wait/travel time is about 90-minutes, although on more than one occasion I’ve gone from the airport to the parks in just under two hours. Often, I’ve walked right onto a bus and haven’t had to wait. Despite the occasional horror story you see posted on Disney message boards, Magical Express works quite well and is often the quickest way to get you to your resort.

Again, I want to caution that travel time can vary a lot. In fact, even during slower times of the year, you could easily get stuck behind a tour group and have to wait at MCO for a while. I’m a worse case scenario kind of girl: I assume, even during slower times, that it will take me a minimum of two hours to get from MCO to check-in at my resort, with another hour added on to reach the parks after check-in, that way I’m always pleasantly surprised when it takes less time.

QUESTION: I’d like to go directly to the parks. Can I ride a different bus to Disney property (such as a monorail resort) and then go back to my resort and check-in later?

ANSWER: No. You’ll have to ride the assigned bus for your resort. There’s no rule that says you have to check in right away. If you’re arriving with a lot of people, you could go right from your bus to a resort bus and head to a park. In fact, I often check in later if there are a lot of people ahead of me.

QUESTION: I won’t be staying at a Disney resort until several days after I arrive at MCO. Instead, I’ll be staying at Universal and plan on renting a car for those days and then returning it to MCO as I don’t think I’ll need it in Disney World. Can I take ME to my resort even though it’s not my arrival day?

ANSWER: Yes. You get one transfer to and from your resort. As long as you use your transfer on a day you are a registered guest, you’re fine. In other words, you don’t have to use ME on the day you fly in. To avoid confusion, some people just give ME an arrival day that isn’t the actual day they are coming into Orlando, but the day they will actually use ME.

QUESTION: On our next trip my son is bringing a friend who will need to return home several days before we do. His mother does not want him to ride ME alone as he is only fifteen. Can I go with him and then get a ride back to our resort?

ANSWER: Yes. While you are normally allowed one only trip to and from your resort, Disney will make exceptions in cases like this. Disney actually prefers that a parent or guardian accompany anyone under the age of 18.

QUESTION: What if I want to rent a car? Can some of my party take ME or do we all have to take it?

ANSWER: You’ll hear the same answer everywhere: Magical Express is not a luggage delivery service. If you ask Disney, they will tell you that at least one person in your party needs to ride ME. The reality is, Disney has a contract with MCO to deliver every yellow-tagged ME bag to its proper resort. Your checked bags do not go on ME with you. This means that if you’re willing to take the chance of your luggage making it to the resort even though no one in your party checked in with Magical Express upon arrival, then you don’t have to ride ME.

QUESTION: I have a carry-on bag that I don’t want to take to the parks. If my room isn’t ready, what do I do with it?

ANSWER: You can leave your bag with the resort’s baggage services. They’ll tag it and you can just pick it up later.

QUESTION: How many luggage tags will Disney give me?

ANSWER: They will give you one tag per guest. If you need more, call 866-599-0951 and they will send them to you.

QUESTION: How do I get back to MCO?

ANSWER: When you make arrangements to use ME, you’ll provide them will all your flight information. You’ll receive information the night before you leave telling you what time you’ll need to meet the ME bus the following day, usually three hours before your flight departs. You’ll check your bags and if you’re flying a participating airline, you won’t see them until you arrive back at your home airport.

Buses stop at four places in the airport, as well as at the several resorts that particular bus serves.

QUESTION: What if I miss my bus?

ANSWER: When you make arrangements with Magical Express, you’ll give them all your flight information which allows them to assign you to a bus. If your plane is delayed or if you miss your plane, Disney will still take you to your resort when you arrive. In other words, you’re not assigned to a bus for a specific time; there’s some flexibility. If you miss your flight and will be getting in later than 10:00 p.m., check your own luggage and pick it up.

Missing your bus from your resort is somewhat more complicated. Officially, Disney won’t put you on another bus. Unofficially, I’ve heard they sometimes will, particularly in cases where the delay is not your fault. Be prepared to pay for a cab, as it will depend on the time of year and the cast member you speak to. Keep in mind that their official policy is to only let you ride on your scheduled bus, so it really is beyond the individual cast member’s discretion.

A few final points:

o Magical Express luggage service stops picking up for flights arriving after 10:00 p.m. If your flight is arriving near or around that time, you’ll check your bags normally, pick them up at the baggage carousel, and then have them loaded on the bus.

o Drivers can accept tips. If they help you with your luggage, even a couple dollars is a nice way to say “thank you” to someone who works very hard. In my experience, ME drivers are especially friendly and helpful.

o Carry a travel-on bag with necessities. You bags may arrive within an hour or two or they may be . . . delayed. Significant delays (more than six hours) are rare and are usually the fault of your airline, but it does happen. Take medications, glasses, your little one’s favorite teddy bear, etc., with you on the plane. You can check that bag once you arrive at your resort.

o If your flight arrives later than 2:00 p.m., considering not going to the parks. Use that day to explore your resort. Many guests treat arrival day as a good excuse to enjoy the pool. There will be towels at the pool that you can use, so don’t worry about packing any.

o Don’t waste that Le Cellier reservation you worked so hard to get on your first day if you think there’s any chance your flight could get delayed or you’ll encounter substantial waits at MCO.

o Still feel like you need a car? You can rent one on Disney property and save money. o It sounds obvious but remember: If you don’t have a Magical Express tag on your bag, you’ll need to pick your bag up at the baggage carousel when you arrive.

o Car seats need to be stowed with luggage. They are not allowed on the bus.

Thanks to readers here and at Everything Walt Disney World for their questions and tips regarding Magical Express.

Disneyworld Quick Tips – How to recharge your batteries

By

Chip

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August 14, 2010

I love the transportation at Walt Disney World. I just enjoy riding the monorail, boats, and even the buses. I especially love taking the Friendship boats between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. On days we are at Hollywood Studios we like to take the Friendship over to Disney’s Boardwalk and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the Boardwalk fare.

The boat ride between the 2 parks with stops is around 40 minutes. While for some people they might say that is a long time but for my family and I the time is just right to recharge your batteries.

Here are a few tips of things you can do on this relaxing boat ride.

Relax and enjoy the beautiful views
Take a nap (my favorite) works well for toddlers too.
Read a book
Share pictures on Facebook or on your website
Sneak in a snack (popcorn is a great snack to snack on)
Pull out your park maps and decide on what ride you want to go on next
Call and make a Disney Dining Reservation (have done this before)
Play a game or your phone or portable gaming system
and Much More…

I encourage you to try it out the next time you are at the parks and need a much needed rest. You will find when you come out at the other park you are rested and ready for some more Disney fun.

Let us know some of your Disney Transportation Quick Tips in the comment section below.

Ask a Disney Question: Does Tink Fly During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

Ask a Disney Question: Does Tink Fly During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

This question comes from Terri, who asks:

I plan on bringing my Grandson to Disney Dec 19th for the Christmas night event, will Tink fly that night? The last three times I have brought him to Disney Tink did not fly and he was disappointed. My second question is I saw a TV special on Christmas at Disney it showed various motels and the Christmas themes. There was one that showed a big Gingerbread House, do you know which Disney Resort has this display? Do you have a list of the various resorts and the Christmas themes for each? Thanks for any help!!

Hi, Terri. Thanks for your question and for reading the site. Tinkerbell usually flies on party nights, but as you’ve discovered, that’s not always the case. Unfortunately, there’s really no way to tell ahead of time if she’ll be flying or not. Sometimes it’s a weather issue. Sometimes it’s a “Tink” issue; she can be feisty, you know! I wish I could give you a better answer.

Disney resorts are decorated according to their usual theme at Christmastime. The charming, life-sized gingerbread house pictured above is in the Grand Floridian. It’s a more formal-looking gingerbread house than most people are used to in keeping with the style of the Grand Floridian itself. It’s so big that you can buy gingerbread cookies from one of its windows. At the Contemporary, you’ll see a display inspired by famed imagineer Mary Blair, whose artwork is behind It’s a Small World and the mural in the Contemporary”s Concourse.

Ask a Disney Question: Does Tink Fly During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

At the Boardwalk, you’ll see a gingerbread carousel.

Ask a Disney Question: Does Tink Fly During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

And at the Wilderness Lodge, which has perhaps the most popular Christmas display in Disney World, the decorations carry on the rustic, outdoorsy theme.

Ask a Disney Question: Does Tink Fly During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Both the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian are on the monorail, so they’re very convenient if you’re attending the party. Come early and “resort hop” for a few hours before the party begins. You can tour any Disney resort simply by telling the gate guard that you want to look around. Each resort has counter service meals available, so you can have a snack before the party if you wish. Don’t be shy about finding a comfy spot and resting; the fireplace in the lobby at the Wilderness Lodge is especially nice during December.

If you’d like to see more pictures of holiday decorations at WDW, check out this post on AllEars.

I also liked this thread full of pictures of Christmas decorations from the resorts on Disboards.

I hope this helps! Thanks again for your question and for reading the site. I hope you have a wonderful trip and that Tink flies that night.

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

Hawaii location shooting ends on Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean 4

By

Chip

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August 14, 2010

This article comes to us from Hawaii Magazine, they share with us the end of on location shooting for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 including an interesting video.

It’s time to bid “Aloha!” to Capt. Jack Sparrow and his crew.

Hawaii location shooting ends today on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth installment in Walt Disney Pictures mega-blockbuster action-comedy series.

“Mahalo to everyone in Hawaii who made our PIRATES 4 shoot such a great one,” executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer wrote on his Twitter account this morning. “You taught us “aloha” isn’t just a word.”

Right back ‘atcha, Mr. Bruckheimer! (The photos you see here are his.)

The Pirates 4 production celebrated the end of Hawaii filming last night with a hush-hush wrap party … location still unknown to this uninvited writer. The Pirates 4 crew and cast—which includes Johnny Depp reprising his role as Capt. Jack Sparrow, Geoffrey Rush as Capt. Hector Barbossa and Penelope Cruz as new Capt. Jack love interest/foe Angelica—now moves on to California and London for more filming.

Hawaii location filming of Pirates 4 began June 14 on Kauai’s Napali Coast, continuing at multiple sites on the island through late July. The production then moved to Oahu, with the bulk of filming taking place at Kaneohe’s Heeia Pier aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge (upon its Hawaii arrival, mistakenly believed to be the previous films’ Black Pearl). Other Oahu production locations included Halona Beach Cove—aka From Here to Eternity Beach, where Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster famously rolled in the surf in the 1953 movie.

Click here to keep reading more of this entertaining and informative article.

Here is the video from the article:

This video was taken by Darrin L. Wong, during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean. The location, Heeia Kea Boat Harbor, was packed with Johnny Depp fans.

Ask a Disney Question: Keeping Kosher at Disney World.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

Ask a Disney Question: Keeping Kosher at Disney World.

This question is for Sarah and Ben and all the other readers who’ve asked us about keeping Kosher on Disney property. The easy answer is yes, it’s possible to do so. Obviously, there are no certified Kosher kitchens on Disney property, so you can’t get a meal made to order as you might with other dietary requests. Instead, Disney provides prepared meals from several distributors. All Kosher food is certified by OK Labs.

Most WDW table service restaurants can accommodate guests who eat kosher. Call 407-WDW-DINE at least 24 hours ahead of time to let them know about your needs. You’ll receive a ready-made, packaged meal that will be microwaved. At buffet style restaurants, you will receive one meal. None of these meals are in keeping with the theme of the restaurant: In other words, you won’t receive Chinese food n the China pavilion. So your meal at Chefs de France might be the same as your meal at Citricos or the California Grill. It’s not ideal, but it will meet your needs, particularly if you’re only there for the atmosphere, such as a character meal. For this reason, I absolutely do not recommend the dining plan, as it’s simply not worth it to eat microwaved food. There are several places off-site that you’ll be much happier with.

Unfortunately, the following restaurants do not serve Kosher meals: Garden View Afternoon Tea, Teppanyaki Dining Room, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Fulton’s Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club, Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Cafe, Shula’s Steakhouse, Bluezoo, and Fresh Mediterranean Market.

Some snack vendors have Kosher items. In addition, each park has a location where you can purchase kosher counter-service meals:

Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.

Animal Kingdom: Pizzafari.

Epcot: Liberty Inn.

Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary

The word on Disney message forums is that these meals are decent enough, particularly the Weberman meals, but let’s be honest: It’s still a pre-made meal heated up in a microwave. If you want something special and have access to a car, considering visiting one of the Kosher restaurants outside of Disney World. Cohen’s Kosher Deli is about a ten minute drive from Disney property and is reportedly excellent.

You can also have food delivered to your resort. Kosher Culinary gets very high marks from Disney guests. They’ll delivery groceries and pre-made meals to your resort. There’s a new Whole Foods near SeaWorld that has a nice supply of Kosher foods; I generally find Whole Foods’ prices on specialty foods to be comparable or better than the grocery store. You can also find packaged Kosher foods at any Publix and at SuperTarget (there’s one on Highway 192 that’s very convenient to Disney World).

Some sites you may consider checking for more information:

I liked this database for all things Kosher in Orlando. I’m not sure how up to date it is. Includes reviews.

Chowhound: Local food reviews and recommendations. Has a Kosher sub-forum.

Passporter: Disney oriented message board with a dining board.

Disboards: Probably the most active restaurant board for Kosher food. You may want to do a search.

I hope this helps. Thanks for your questions and please let us know about your experiences and any tips you might have for our readers.

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

Ask a Disney Question: Race walking and Disney Marathons.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 14, 2010

This question comes from Marcia, who asks “Is there a racewalkers division at the marathon?”

Marcia, thanks for your question and for reading the site. There are no race walking divisions in Disney marathons, although you may race walk the event. Disney marathons, of which there are now several big events including the January half and full-marathon, the princess marathon in early spring, and various races in the fall for Food and Wine, used to be regarded as very beginner friendly events. Pace wasn’t so much of an issue. In recent years, Disney has implemented a very strict policy that participants must maintain a 16-minute mile or be taken out of the race. However, how you arrive at that pace is your own business: Walk, jog, run or any combination of the three. Keep in mind that Disney knows how to throw quite a party. There will be distractions during the race, such as character meet and greets, so try to factor in the possibility of meeting Goofy during the race as well as a quick bathroom break.

During marathon weekends, Disney usually schedules a 5K fun run. These races are about fun, not meeting a certain pace and are a good way to get your feet wet if you’re worried about making the 16-minute mile in the other races.

Good luck and please send us an email and let us know how it works out if you decide to try one of the marathons.

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