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Affordable Disney Vacations: the Candlelight Processional

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Affordable Disney Vacations: the Candlelight ProcessionalWhile Disney World may be in the midst of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, for many guests, their vacation planning focus is on the upcoming Holiday Season. So today, let’s answer a few questions about one of the most popular events during this “most wonderful time of the year”, the Candlelight Processional, and specifically discuss if this is an event that you will want to attend.

What is the Candlelight Processional?

The Candlelight Processional is a narration of the Christmas story which runs nightly from November 26 through December 30, 2010 with three performances each night, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. Each show runs about 40 minutes, and features Guest Narrators who read the story, accompanied by a mass choir and orchestra. That is the basic description. Beyond that, you will want to know that it is spectacular, moving, inspiring….and if you love Christmas carols you will likely find this to be a tremendously uplifting experience. For us, it is a “must see” when we visit during this time of the year.

Is there a cost for the Candlelight Processional?

Technically speaking, no, there is no cost beyond that of general admission to Epcot.

However…..there is a Candlelight Processional Dinner Package that there is a fee for.

And while you don’t HAVE to have the dinner package to get in to see this concert….not having it will mean that you will wait in line for at least 45-60 minutes prior to the show, and hope that there are still seats available by the time you get to the front of the line. During the peak of the holidays, there are not likely to be many…or any…seats available after the Dinner Package people have taken their reserved seats.

With the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, you remove the stress about getting a seat (although you will still need to get in line prior, but you are guaranteed a seat), you have a sit-down meal at one of Epcot’s great restaurants, and you also receive access to a preferred viewing area for Illuminations.

What You Need to Know About the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package

You schedule your Candlelight Processional Dining Package meal for before the performance you will attend.  So if you will attend the 5 p.m. performance, you will do the Lunch Package. For the 6:45 show, you will schedule a Dinner Package for dinner between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., and for the 8:00 performances, your Dinner Package will be for dinner between 5:00-6:00 pm.

Pricing is in 3 tiers, based on the restaurants you choose, and range from $32.99-$51.99/adult and $12.99-$17.99/ child for lunch and from $46.99-$61.99/adult and $15.99-$23.99/child for dinner. This year, you may choose to eat at any of the following for dinner: Biergarten, Garden Grill, Rose & Crown, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, Nine Dragons, San Angel, Marrakesh, Teppan Edo & Tokyo Dining, Chefs de France and Tutto Italia, and all of the above EXCEPT Garden Grill for lunch.

Meals include appetizer, entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. If you wish to use the Disney Dining Plan, it will cost two Table Service credits.

Should I Buy the Dinner Package?

The answer to this depends on several things:

  • How badly do you want to see/hear the entire show?
  • Do you have children that will be willing/able/interested to sit for close to an hour for this?
  • Is it in your budget?

Probably the major consideration here is if you have young children, because most are not going to be thrilled to sit in one place for the duration of this show. For anyone who wants to see/hear this show, if you have young children, in my opinion you might find that it is easier to stand along the promenade and listen from there, rather than trying to get a seat…in which case you certainly don’t need to spend the money for the dinner package. You will still be treated to an exceptional performance…but will also have the ability to move on when the little ones get restless.

As to the other two considerations, everyone is different, but for our family, we budget around this, it is that important to us. In fact, I am making sure that we arrive for our New Year’s trip in enough time to catch the final show of the season on December 30th. If you love Christmas music, massed choirs, and inspiring performances….then I would strongly recommend you get the dinner package to insure that you don’t miss a minute!

A little faith trust & Duffy the Disney Bear dust.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Episode Two of Two Lonely Deeks!


In this Episode, we interview Len Testa of the Unnofficial Guide (and WDW Today), look at Duffy the Bear and we attend the PR Junket for Let’s Make Memories…or something…

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Two Lonely Deeks channel on Youtube.

Don’t forget to stop by our site and leave some Disney Geek love!
A little faith trust & Duffy the Disney Bear dust. A little faith trust & Duffy the Disney Bear dust. A little faith trust & Duffy the Disney Bear dust.

A little faith trust & Duffy the Disney Bear dust.

Disneyworld Quick Tips – Charging your Camera & Cell Phone

By
Chip
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Disneyworld Quick Tips – Charging your Camera & Cell Phone

Last trip to Walt Disney World I was busy taking pictures, streaming video on U Stream, and texting like crazy. Funny thing is, I wasn’t the only one doing this. There were tons of other people using their phones for pictures and video. After a few hours of that and even the best cell phone battery will be completely drained.

What would be nice is if Disney had little Cell Phone/Camera Hot spots where you can sit down for a few minutes and charge your high tech electrical devices. What am I saying this is the company that doesn’t even have wireless hot spots available. Which is my biggest pet peeve at Walt Disney World.

When your battery is dead you basically 2 options other than going back to your room to charge your phone. This first tip is usually what I end up doing. It was funny this past weekend to see one of Chris’s Facebook messages that she was doing the same thing.

Most bathrooms at Walt Disney World have a electrical outlet some place outside. One of my favorite spots was the restrooms near Splash Mountain there is a small infant play area underneath the Disney Railroad. In Epcot I found some outlets near Boulangerie Patisserie which was nice cause I had a snack and let my cell phone charge.

Basically any place I saw an open outlet I would pop a squat and charge my cell phone. Sometimes Disney employees would give me a dirty look but fortunately nobody said anything to me. Its a great opportunity for a break or a quick snack through out the day.

Your second option and better choice would be Quick Charger from any electronics store. Most run from one or two AA batteries and attach via your mini usb adapter. A quick charger is easy to use and if you pair that with rechargeable batteries you can save yourself alot of money. Many of the Quick Chargers have a ton of connection options so no matter what cell phone your using they have an adapter.

Maybe someday Disney will have Kiosks to charge your electronics but for now here are a few options for you. If you have a quick tip let us know in the comment section below.

Best Things I Love About Disney…Turtle Talk With Crush

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Best Things I Love About Disney…Turtle Talk With Crush

We don’t have any kids or grand kids and we are seniors but one attraction we always try to visit is Turtle Talk With Crush in The Seas With Nemo And Friends Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World. It is a wonderful presentation and is different every time because the magic of Disney Imagineering allows Crush to actually talk to the children in the audience. The kids all sit right up front in  the human tank where Crush can see them and visit with them. As entertaining as Crush is, the best part is watching the reaction of all the kids when he talks to them and uses their names as they talk. The kids are just mesmerized as they actually talk to one of the stars of their favorite movie. It’s a wonderful thing to watch.

Those of you traveling with your kids or grand kids should be aware of something. It is very likely that Crush will encourage the kids to refer to each other, and yes you too, as “DUDE” for the entire day. Please be forewarned and prepare yourself to put up with it for the day because most of the kids will lose interest either before the end of the day or at least before the next day. Besides, what harm can it do, and it keeps the kids happy!! Play along and have fun with it!!

Whether you are with kids or not, take time to visit Turtle Talk With Crush. Watching the kids interact with the giant turtle makes it an experience you shouldn’t pass up. Enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Keeping it fun at Disneyworld – Squirts of Laughter

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Keeping it fun at Disneyworld – Squirts of Laughter

Some people say I am just a big kid. This is especially true when I am given random little opportunities to torment my kids. It doesn’t matter to me that my baby is now a senior in high school and my oldest is 25. I treat them the same way I always have – I terrorize them!

When we visited in 2000, they were younger and we went in June so it was very hot. I went to my local discount store before the trip and bought us each a spray water bottle to help keep us cool throughout the day. When we would take a rest break, it never failed that one of us would take out our spray bottle and, once the crowd parted the line of fire, start the attack! We had so much fun and those are great memories.

We always visit in the Fall now so I don’t take spray bottles even though I think we would still have just as much fun with them. There is one way in particular I can still get my fix when I am at the parks with my kids: surprise squirts. There are two opportunities for this free play time that I am particularly fond of: one at the Flying Carpets of Aladdin ride in the Magic Kingdom and one at the bridge over the Kali River Rapids ride at Animal Kingdom.

At the Magic Kingdom, just find the large gold camel that is turned away from the magic carpet ride in Adventureland. He has a bad spitting habit – especially with my kids around (tee hee). I think it’s a shame how my camera only stops working when they pose for a picture right in his path. Then I have to make them pose in front of him again for a retake. Thankfully, they are good sports and they let me annoy them once in a while.

We also really enjoy the Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom, unless it is 50 degrees outside. When I sacrifice my fun and sit out I always find my favorite spot on the bridge right before the end of the ride. There is a button there that you can press to make the elephant spray water on the riders below. Be sure to have someone else standing by at the ready with camera I hand.

There are endless opportunities for fun at Disney World. The rides are awesome but sometimes it is the little surprises along the way that really add great memories to your trip. That is, as long as you know where to look. Don’t forget to look for these two gems during your next trip and have a little extra fun!

Disney World Quick Tips – Avoiding Photo Disasters

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World Quick Tips – Avoiding Photo Disasters

I take quite a few pictures every time I travel to Walt Disney World, more than 1700 last visit. So far (knock on wood) there have been no major disasters. I generally end up taking home all of the photos snapped during the vacation. There are lots of things you can do to lessen your chances of a “photo free” vacation.

  • We always pre purchase the Photopass CD and use it at every opportunity. You not only save $50 by buying ahead of time, if you don’t feel you have enough pictures taken by Photopass when you review them on line you can get a complete refund. Here is their website: http://www.disneyphotopass.com/previsitoffer.aspx. You should always ask the Photopass photographer to take a couple of shots using your personal camera also, as a backup. They are generally happy to do it.
  • Always, always, always have enough battery power. Digital cameras are notorious battery hogs and if you don’t have enough you may miss some great pictures or be forced to pay Disney prices for batteries. I always take 4 complete sets of rechargeables and a charger to Walt Disney World. I put a fully charged set in the camera each morning and take another fully charged set in my pack. I also carry two spare sets of lithium Energizers just in case. Yup!!- I’m a bit obsessive about this item it’s that important. Don’t forget spare batteries for your flash unit if you use an external type unit.
  • A lot of people buy the largest memory card their camera can handle and use it to take all of their pictures to avoid changing cards. There are a couple of precautions here. If you lose or damage the one card you have used your pictures are gone forever. Also, if you buy a bargain card (generally a Class 2), as more and more pictures are added to the card it takes your camera much longer to initialize (you could lose opportunity pictures) and often requires longer between pictures because of processing time (uses more battery power also). If you are willing to use one large card (I use a Class 6, 16 Gig) make sure you buy a Class 6 card or faster as they become available. I also carry a backup Class 6, 16 Gig card (there’s that obsessive streak again). Expensive – yes, worth it – YES!!
  • Make sure you keep your lens clean, especially if you use a smaller point and shoot type camera where your fingers can accidentally smudge the lens. I lost several pictures a couple of visits ago when I was using a small camera and didn’t notice the smudge on the lens. Very disappointing.
  • Probably the best thing to do is download your pictures each day to a laptop computer. Most people (me included) do not carry a laptop on vacation but for those who do this is an outstanding solution.

These are just a few suggestions I hope will keep you from losing your vacation pictures. Above all , be organized with your camera and accessories and they will serve you well. Enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Oldies But Goodies…Seniors, Let’s Relax At These Attractions

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Oldies But Goodies…Seniors, Let’s Relax At These Attractions

Touring the parks at Walt Disney World can be exhausting for anyone but in particular for those of us who are, shall we say, a bit more chronologically challenged (Oldies!!). There are lots of ways to minimize the fatigue including starting a walking regimen before you go, traveling at cooler times of the year (not always practical if you are traveling with Grandkids), and avoiding the temptation to tour “commando style”. The last one is where you can have an immediate impact on improving your day by selecting attractions where you can just relax and sort of go along for the ride.

Every park has one or more attractions where you can sit in a semi dark theater or ride vehicle and just cruise along enjoying the sights. I won’t attempt to cover them all, just 2 or 3 in each park. A few examples of this type of attraction are:

  1. Magic Kingdom – There are several places to relax here and some of the best follow. The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a soothing ride and you can get out of the sun in the middle deck salon. The Hall of Presidents is a lovely attraction with a somewhat interesting presentation and also a wonderful air conditioned theater for your enjoyment. The Carousel of Progress, although a bit “corny”, is a relaxing break in the Tomorrowland area. It has been around forever but it’s still fun.
  2. Animal Kingdom – We don’t spend a lot of time at the Animal Kingdom, and one of the reasons is that no matter when you are there it always seems so hot and humid. There are a couple of places to escape though. Finding Nemo – The Musical is the most relaxing. Once again, a semi dark air conditioned theater with a lovely musical presentation of Finding Nemo. It’s Tough To Be A Bug is another good place to relax and with the exception of some of the more liquid and fragrant special effects is also a good place to relax. We always visit the Festival of the Lion King and even though it is now in an air conditioned theater, there is so much action going on during the presentation that it is not easy to relax. It’s definitely worth your time though.
  3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – There are a lot of wonderful sit down shows at the studios so I’ll just stick with some of the indoor air conditioned ones. The Great Movie Ride is one of my favorites and brings a lot of terrific memories back for all folks but especially those of us over 60. The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is lots of fun and very relaxing. There are, however, special effects there too but don’t worry they just add to the show. The American Idol Experience is just what the name implies. It is modeled after the show of the same name and generally, the entertainment is pretty good.
  4. Epcot – This is our favorite park and has many places to just sit and relax. That is good because there is a lot of walking at Epcot. In Future World, a couple of sit down air conditioned attractions are Spaceship Earth and Living With The Land. I think I may be in the minority when I say that the changes to Spaceship Earth were a definite improvement. Everything that the Imagineers did just added to an already excellent experience. Living With The Land is not the most exciting or glamorous attraction but is very pleasant and quite educational. In the World Showcase I would recommend the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion. This is a very relaxing and pleasant ride and you get to float through a restaurant at the same time. The American Adventure Show is quite good. The pre show lasts about 15 minutes and the show itself about 30 minutes (no snoozing please!!) It’s a nice show with a very pro America tone but that’s fine with me!! One hint, don’t sit toward the front. The stage is very wide and easier to view if you are at least half way back in the theater.

These are just a few of the places we can take time out from a hectic day to cool off and rest. I think if you look around in these attractions you won’t just see us Oldies but lots of younger folks who also need time to take a breather and relax just a bit. Enjoy these attractions and your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010

Want to see the Imaginerds live? Visit the Randolph County Public Library for more information. We are also featured in the newsletter:  http://www.randolphlibrary.org/newsl910.pdf

On with the show!

Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010

Don’t forget to stop by our site and leave some Disney Geek love!
Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010 Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010 Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010

Geek-End Update, Saturday, October 9. 2010

Wanted: Hero “Flynn Rider” from Disney’s Tangled

By
Chip
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Wanted: Hero “Flynn Rider” from Disney’s Tangled

When the kingdom’s most wanted—and most charming—bandit, Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi), is taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a feisty teen with 70 feet of golden hair who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, the unlikely duo sets off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade filled with adventure, heart, humor and hair—lots of hair.

Become a fan on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DisneyTangled

In theaters November 24, 2010.

Verizon and the Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group Extend Agreement

By
Chip
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Verizon and the Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group Extend Agreement

Verizon and the Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group (DEMN) on Thursday (Oct. 7) entered into a long-term, wide-ranging agreement that will continue to provide Verizon customers with the Disney and ESPN services they already receive, as well as future access to new services, including ESPN Goal Line, ESPN 3D, Disney Junior, mobile programming and live online streaming of several ESPN networks.

“We’re very excited to begin offering our FiOS subscribers this new variety of ESPN and Disney programming,” said Terry Denson, Verizon vice president for content strategy and acquisition.  “We continue to meet the goal of providing our customers with the newest programming available on every platform, whether it’s on the TV screen, online or on mobile devices.”

Added David Preschlack, executive vice president, affiliate sales and marketing, DEMN: “This new agreement represents the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry.  Gone are the days of linear channel distribution only – we are tasked with helping our affiliates grow their businesses on multiple platforms, and this deal reflects that.  With new broadband and on-demand services, Verizon FiOS TV subscribers will have better access than ever to our vast array of content.”

The new services included in the agreement are:

  • ESPN Goal Line, a super-highlight channel available to FiOS TV customers as of Oct. 9.  ESPN Goal Line takes fans around to some of the best matchups during the NCAA football season.  The network includes live look-ins of game action, focusing on scoring drives and up-to-the minute commentary from analysts and experts.  Goal Line, available at no additional cost for customers who subscribe to FiOS TV’s Extreme HD or Ultimate HD package, airs on Saturdays in HD on FiOS TV Channel 571 from noon until games are complete, around 11:30 p.m. ET.  A similar service, called ESPN Buzzer Beater, will be available for the college basketball season.  Goal Line will be available in all FiOS TV markets except for the Washington, D.C., metro area and Harrisburg, Pa., due to local affiliate exclusivity agreements.
  • ESPN 3D, scheduled to launch for Verizon FiOS TV subscribers in 2011.
  • New authenticated services, which will give Verizon’s FiOS TV customers the opportunity to watch ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Goal Line and ESPN Buzzer Beater live online on their PC or on Internet devices like tablets.  FiOS TV customers will be able to access the programming via ESPN’s websites as well as the FiOS TV Online website in the coming months.
  • Disney Junior, the recently announced, 24-hour basic channel for preschool-age children, parents and caregivers. The new channel, available to Verizon FiOS TV customers upon its debut in 2012, will feature animated and live action programming that blends Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating, and lifestyles and social skills.
  • Signature programming from Disney XD and ABC Family is expected to be available on Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Video later this year.

The new ESPN and Disney programming will join FiOS TV’s broad collection of programming, with more than 520 all-digital channels including up to 140 HD channels and 18,000 monthly video-on-demand titles.  FiOS also provides next-generation interactive services including an advanced interactive media guide; social networking, news and entertainment widgets; remote DVR management via broadband or cell phone; and more.

For the latest news, updates and information about FiOS TV, visit www.verizon.com/newscenter and http://www.verizon.com/athomeblog.

First-Ever Benefit Sale for United Way and Other Local Nonprofits

By
Chip
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First-Ever Benefit Sale for United Way and Other Local Nonprofits

Just in time for the holiday season, United Way (UW) is announcing The Benefit Sale, hosted and sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort. Supporting the efforts of UW and other local nonprofit agencies, the inaugural retail event on Saturday, November 6 from 5:30 – 9:30 a.m. will feature incredible discounts of up to 50 to 75 percent off select merchandise at many of the participating Downtown Disney locations.

Access will be limited; a special voucher will be required for entry and can be purchased in advance for $5 from HFUW or from local participating nonprofit agencies. All of the proceeds from the sale of vouchers will go directly to HFUW and the 94 health and human service programs it supports through nearly 50 social services agencies throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

“The Benefit Sale is a great way for residents to kick-start their holiday shopping while helping their friends, family and neighbors in need,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, HFUW President/CEO. “We all know someone who’s been tremendously impacted by today’s economy. United Way and our partner agencies are doing everything that we can to help residents who are in dire need. Your contribution by purchasing a voucher to The Benefit Sale will have a tremendous, lasting affect for so many people right here in our own community.”

In addition to helping Central Floridians in need, residents can enjoy great discounts for early birds. The sale will also feature door buster specials, surprise markdowns and more from Downtown Disney area merchandise locations.

Also, special boutiques from Epcot will be offering several unique assortments in a rare opportunity to shop from outside the park. Beauty specialists from Dior, Pucci, Acqua di Parma, Guerlain and Givenchy will be on hand with special offers on the latest cosmetics and fragrances.

A preview of many other special promotions, product launches and discounts from Walt Disney World Resort will be updated throughout October and can be viewed in advance at www.thebenefitsale.com.

On Nov. 6, only shoppers with vouchers will receive wristbands to gain access to The Benefit Sale. Wristbands will be required for admission to the Downtown Disney merchandise locations during the hours of The Benefit Sale. Vouchers and wristbands are not required for children ages 12 and under. To purchase vouchers for The Benefit Sale or for more information about Heart of Florida United Way, please visit www.hfuw.org or www.thebenefitsale.com.

Video: Johnny Depp thrills in school mutiny

By
Chip
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Video: Johnny Depp thrills in school mutiny

Hollywood star Johnny Depp has made an unannounced visit to a London primary school after receiving a letter from one of its pupils.
The actor turned up at the school in Greenwich, South London, dressed as his Pirates of the Caribbean alter-ego Captain Jack Sparrow.
He said nine-year-old Beatrice had written to Captain Jack, asking him to lead a mutiny against her teachers.

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