Home Blog Page 5162

Oldies But Goodies…More Than Buses Part 2

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Oldies But Goodies…More Than Buses Part 2

Boats! Boats! Boats! In Part 1 I covered almost every alternative form of Walt Disney World transportation except my favorite and a favorite of a lot of my fellow Oldies – BOATS!!! You might be surprised by just how much boat transportation there is at Walt Disney World. Three of the theme parks are serviced by some sort of boat transportation as well as a lot of the resorts. Rather than explain each one I’ll just outline them here by venue.

  1. The Magic Kingdom area has a large number of boats traveling to and from all of the resorts in the area and the Transportation and Ticket Center (T&TC). You can get to and from the Magic Kingdom by boat from the T&TC, the Contemporary, the Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian.
  2. You can go between Downtown Disney and the Port Orleans Resorts (pictured above) on a particularly lovely and serene trip. You can also use boat transportation to get to the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney from Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.
  3. Epcot has some internal boat transportation with two Friendship Docks on the north side of the World Showcase Lagoon. The internal boats go to docks near the Germany and Morocco pavilions. One hint, if you are looking to save time, walking is generally quicker but the boats give you an entirely different perspective of the World Showcase. There is also boat service from the International Gateway to the Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, Swan/Dolphin, and on to Hollywood studios.
  4. As mentioned above, you can take a boat from Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and back. The trip takes about 25 -30 minutes each way because of the stops but if you are staying at any of the Epcot resorts it’s a great way to relax after a long day in the parks.

I can’t speak for all of my fellow Seniors but I know that after a tiring day at Walt Disney World it’s often a better to take a boat rather than fight the crowds on the buses. The bus system is terrific but as we all know – they do fill them to capacity. Using boat transportation allows you to unwind and relax so you can get a good night’s sleep and do it all over again the next day. As Oldies, we don’t rejuvenate as quickly as the youngsters so it’s always better if we are relaxed and ready to sleep when we hit the bed.

We always use the boats when we can and find that it’s not just good for the body but good for the mind also. Give it a try, I’m sure you will like it. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Review: Disney’s Mickey Mote

By
Chip
-

Review: Disney’s Mickey Mote

My little one and I had a chance to try this product out this past week. We received in the mail both Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Numbers Roundup and Handy Manny Big Construction Job.

Let me start off by saying my little on is not a fan of Handy Manny. I guess its a little to boyish for her but she does love the gang from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! So this review leans more towards Mickey’s Numbers Roundup.

So with Mickey Mote in hand we popped in the dvd to our Samsung Bluray player and went into bonus features to setup the Mickey Mote. I can tell just looking at the Mickey Mote it just emulates the arrow keys on the players remote so I had an idea how to set it up.

Once in the setup the instructions I just followed along with the video. I did run into an issue with our remote as it would not program properly. Having talked to one of the techs for Disney we determined its a bluetooth remote and not a standard infrared remote which is how the Mickey Mote operates.

No biggie I took the remote downstairs in our family room and use a standard Samsung DVD player. Setup took just a few minutes and we were underway.

This is a very good idea from Disney and I love how they incorporate the Mickey Mote in with the show. I was thinking at first it would like many of the dvd/bluray games but its not you actually watch an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and answer questions pertaining to that episode.

It took my daughter a few times to realize she needed to pay attention and not bounce around the room. Once she sat down and focused on the show she had fun answering the questions. Just in case your child is not a fan of either show that is releasing next Tuesday here is the upcoming line up of Disney Mickey Mote Titles.

I am sure as this product takes off they will expand their selection, but that is a pretty good list of titles.

One of the extra features of the DVD is the bonus Episode that doesn’t release till Jan of 2011! That was very cool and I myself love any type of bonus content. Not that my daughter really noticed..lol

Overall we had no issues other than the setup in the beginning,  as with all Disney products they are leading the way to make watching a movie or tv show more interactive.

I recommend adding these titles to you Disney Library. They are alot of fun, educational, and an interesting way to spice up how your little one watches her favorite Disney show.

With Christmas coming these would make an excellent gift or stocking stuffer.Special thanks to Disney for letting us try these out. We are going to bring them into our daughters school next week to let the whole class play! That should be interesting..

If you have any questions ask away in the comment section below.

>>Chip

Related articles
Review: Disney’s Mickey Mote

Exclusive Video: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Deleted Scenes and More

By
Chip
-

Exclusive Video: The Sorcerer's Apprentice Deleted Scenes and More

In celebration of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice coming to DVD and Blu-ray November 30th we have a few non-exclusives clips we wanted to share with you!

Balthazar Recruits Dave- Deleted Scene
[iframe 352px 284px]

Dragon Ring- Film Clip
[iframe 352px 284px]

Cleaning Up- Film Clip
[iframe 352px 284px]

Related articles
Exclusive Video: The Sorcerer's Apprentice Deleted Scenes and More

A very Disney Christmas at Sony Japan!

By
Chip
-

A very Disney Christmas at Sony Japan!

Sony Japan has announced the release of “Christmas gift boxes” of special Sony Disney products: the S-Frame Disney and Walkman S-Series Disney.

The digital photo frame S-Frame DPF-E710 will be all dressed up for Christmas with two Disney skins, “LOVELOVE” and “FLOWER”. Users will also receive “wallpaper stamps” with Mickey and Minnie. Price: 11,980 yen.

As for the Walkman S-Series Disney (as the name indicates, a Disney version of the S750/755 Walkman audio player), it will be sold with a special gift box which includes a Minnie cellphone strap, a blue decorated protective case, a special wallpaper and engraving on the back of the player. Price: 17,780 (without speakers) or 20,780 (with speakers).

Source

Related articles
A very Disney Christmas at Sony Japan!

Video: Disney’s Prom Movie Dances to theaters

By
Chip
-

Video: Disney’s Prom Movie Dances to theaters

At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.  For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom.
Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.

Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.

959 00440 R
959 09634 R
959 12747 R
PROM MainTitle Disney
Video: Disney’s Prom Movie Dances to theaters

Merry Mousemas!

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Merry Mousemas!

I love Disneyland any time of year (especially the off-weeks during the year when the park isn’t that crowded). But Christmastime at the Disneyland Resort has to be my favorite time to visit the parks. The environment is so warm and welcoming, regardless of what the thermometer says. Wreaths, twinkling lights, snow, and the gigantic Christmas tree are all part of the magic.

During the holiday season, the magic is so thick in the air you can almost see it. Guests arrive super early for Disneyland’s famous candy canes (I, sadly, have never had one) and the scents of holiday-themed beverages wafts onto Main Street from Blue Ribbon Bakery. The holiday fireworks light up the night (and set off car alarms) all throughout the season. I’m lucky enough to be able to hear them from my house. They always let me know what time it is! And the falling “snow” at the very end is always fun. I turn to my left and see all the little ones twirling around and giggling, as if they were experiencing snowfall in the mountains a few hours away. I turn to my right and see happy couples laughing, smiling and embracing. It’s such a sweet moment.

I can’t forget about the decor. New Orleans Square is one of my favorite places to see decorated. I love the combination of traditional Christmas decorations mixed with colorful Mardis Gras beads and sparkling  masks. (I don’t have the time or money to go to New Orleans, so this is the closest I will get for a while.)

The best view, though, has to be Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The snow scattered on top has that special Disney magic, so it never melts, even if it’s 90 degrees outside. (And if you’ve lived in SoCal, you know that it does happen in the fall/winter from time to time.) Once darkness falls, the castle is engulfed by purpley-pink lights, and lit up with strings of icicle lights. I like to take a moment and stand in the hub (if I’m not being pushed over to move) and take in the scene. It’s a must-do.

The point of all this? Go to Disneyland. See the lights, the snow, the magic!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images.

Related articles
Merry Mousemas!

Review: Search for Santa Paws

By
Chip
-

Review: Search for Santa Paws

My family and I had the opportunity to sit down and watch this movie the other night. My daughter who is a HUGE fan of any movie with dogs or puppies in it could not wait! She was so excited when we received it in the mail she wanted to watch it immediately.

I have never watched any of the Air Bud or Puppy movies Disney has released in the past so this is my first experience with the genre. It was very cute. The story is kinda sad and very unique.

For me it really bring the story of Christmas into focus and make you realize that you need be a kid again to really enjoy Christmas.

For parents of younger children there are a few scary moments. I am unsure why but my little one freaked out when she saw the furnace in the basement.

I was thinking how to place this movie or what this movie reminds me of. Its kinda like Beverly Hills Chihuahua meets Home Alone.

This is a great Christmas movie to get you in the mood for the holidays. I am not saying this is a classic, but it is very cute and if you little one is a fan of the puppies movies then this one will not disappoint.

If your going to buy this be sure to use the $10 off coupon here.

Let me know what you thought of the movie in the comment section below.

Related articles
Review: Search for Santa Paws

The Search For Santa Paws Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack $10 Coupon

By
Chip
-

The Search For Santa Paws Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack $10 Coupon

Now is your chance to Save $10 Off The Search For Santa Paws Blu-ray™ Combo Pack! Just click the picture above between now and November 28th, 2010. A great stocking stuffer. Be sure to check out our review of the movie.

Related articles
The Search For Santa Paws Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack $10 Coupon

Disney World Quick Tips – Budget Considerations For Your Trip

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney World Quick Tips - Budget Considerations For Your Trip

There are very few people who visit Walt Disney World without having to carefully plan and budget their available funds. I use a very measured and logical (at least to me) approach for budgeting each of our visits. First – I always try to start early enough so I can plan how much money we can put aside on a monthly basis to meet our needs. We go often enough and have enough separation between visits so that we now have a permanent savings plan that covers all of our requirements.

Once you have an idea of how much you will have available you can then budget. Make sure that you consider everything. This is a list of the things we consider:

  1. PLANNING MATERIALS: This would cover guide books and any subscription websites you use. Remember there are a lot of free websites i.e. Chip and Co and Passporter where information is available either on the site or in a site’s discussion boards.
  2. AIRFARE OR OTHER TRAVEL: This can be a significant and variable expense. Be sure to consider baggage fees and perhaps parking fees at the airport. These things can add up quickly. Also remember that there is transportation from the airport and back but Disney’s Magical Express is both excellent and FREE.
  3. RESORT HOTEL: This can also be significant and remember that Disney does not add the 12.5% tax on the base prices they herald on the site or advertising. You won’t see this until you actually total up. There are a lot of choices so you have to pick the resort that meets your physical and monetary needs. By the way, the All Star Resorts are in a different county and the tax is 13%.
  4. PARK TICKETS: Pretty straight forward budgeting here, just don’t buy options you will not use. Also please remember, when you see a ticket price, it does not include the 6.5% tax until you total up.
  5. MEALS: This can be difficult to budget accurately and everything depends on your family’s likes and eating habits. The various dining plans offered by Disney make budgeting food much easier if you can find one that meets your needs. Fear not, most people do well with at least one of the plans. Depending upon when you visit the Dining Plan might be free – be sure to ask!!
  6. SHOPPING AND OTHER EXTRAS: This is the most difficult category and only you know your family well enough to come up with a budget. I would suggest a daily limit and allow each individual to either spend it each day or carry it forward so they can do or buy whatever they want.

This isn’t comprehensive by any means but just a group of ideas so that you can feel confident that you haven’t missed anything in your budgeting process. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Related articles
Disney World Quick Tips - Budget Considerations For Your Trip

New Cars 2 Movie Poster

By
Chip
-

New Cars 2 Movie Poster

When star racecar Lighting McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

Related articles
New Cars 2 Movie Poster

FREE Disney Dining Plan on Select Dates

By
Chip
-

FREE Disney Dining Plan on Select Dates

Book   08/16 – 12/20/10 Travel 10/01/10 – 09/29/11

Buy a 4-night/5-day non-discounted Magic Your Way room and ticket package and get a FREE dining plan for limited and select arrival dates in 2010 and 2011.

For example, save $599 for a family of 4. Pay just $87 per person per day for a total package price of $1,728 at select Disney Moderate Resorts for most arrival dates from 1/2-1/5/11, 1/9-1/13/11, 1/21-2/3/11 and 2/11-2/16/11.

Contact Our Sponsor Pixie Vacations to book these today!

www.PixieVacations.com
email: [email protected]
phone: 678-815-1584

Related articles
FREE Disney Dining Plan on Select Dates

Creating Holiday Memories

By
Chip
-

Creating Holiday Memories

When it comes to making magical memories, there’s no place like the Disneyland Resort during the Holidays. Now through Jan. 2, 2011, the season shines more brightly than ever with favorite characters dressed in holiday style and daily performances of “A Christmas Fantasy” parade.. The holiday experiences include special holiday versions of “it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion, the “Believe …in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, and a nightly snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

Photo credit Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland

Related articles
Creating Holiday Memories
1...5,1615,1625,163...5,476Page 5,162 of 5,476