Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Newest Trailer

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June 9, 2010

Coming to theaters July 14th. Become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SorcerersAppr…

Dave (Jay Baruchel) is just an average college student, or so it appears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.

Fanciful Fountains Take Center Stage in Spectacular ‘World of Color’ Show at Disney California Adventure Park

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

Fanciful Fountains Take Center Stage in Spectacular ‘World of Color’ Show at Disney California Adventure Park

Five years in the making, the nighttime water show “World of Color” will surpass all Disney water productions with stunning special effects in the picturesque Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure park. While the larger-than-life animated projections, lasers, fog, fire and music will create a strong supporting cast for the dazzling production, the real “stars” of the show are the nearly 1,200 programmable fountains that can be found waiting in the wings just beneath the surface of the bay.

Eight different types of computerized and synchronized fountains create a giant underwater lattice of these geyser-inducing gushers, bringing Disney animation to life like never before.

The breakthrough “stars” of “World of Color” are:

Grid Fountains: Living up to their mechanical moniker, Grid Fountains cover the entire underwater platform for “World of Color” in a network that creates a vast “ensemble cast” of aquatic actors. Positioned eight feet apart, these vertical fountains are capable of firing water up to 40 feet in the air. Their on-stage specialty is creating massive, three-dimensional designs, such as a whale moving through the lagoon.

Chaser Fountains: Always “chasing” applause from fountain fans, more than 400 Chaser Fountains create lightning-fast effects that follow – or “chase” – each other in rapid-fire succession. Engineered with a unique stop-action valve, these up-and-down fountains allow booming beads of water to be projected up to 80 feet high, creating artistic patterns above the water’s surface.

Single Water Whip Fountains: While their name doesn’t imply “grace,” the Single Water Whip Fountains are some of the most graceful and elegant featured in “World of Color.” With independently moving heads that can sway in any direction and project water more than 100 feet in a vertical pattern, more than 75 Single Water Whip Fountains join together to perform a mesmerizing ballet.

Dual Water Whip Fountains: A close sibling to the Single Water Whip Fountains, Dual Water Whip Fountains create not only vertical patterns, they also can transform water into wider, fan-like designs. Combined, these water wizards create a 380-foot projection surface which rises 50 feet in the air at the rear of the underwater platform. In theatre parlance, the 65 Dual Water Whip Fountains create an ultimate cyclorama on Paradise Bay – a water screen that measures more than 19,000 square feet.

Flower Spout Fountains: One dozen Flower Spout Fountains pepper the platform beneath the surface of Paradise Bay. Among the most versatile actors in the show’s aqueous cast of players, these fountains have nozzles that can shoot high-velocity streams of big, frothy water and then easily transition the shape of those streams into a “blooming” 60-foot-wide flower petal.

Dancer Fountains: Six Dancer Fountains perform in “World of Color,” with swirling dual nozzles that create intertwining streams of water. Much like dancers performing in a Broadway theater company, their graceful, choreographed movements create a sprightly scene to complement the cast.

Butterfly Fountains: A delicate quartet of Butterfly Fountains creates a smooth and serene effect, fluttering just above the water’s surface throughout “World of Color.” With butterfly-like wings, they deliver smooth, yet stunning patterns.

Geyser Fountains: The most “vocal” member of the “World of Color” fountain cast, Geyser Fountains launch 40 gallons of water at once, creating a distinct “pop” sound that echoes throughout the bay. Along with being the loudest of the performers, the 10 Geyser Fountains also live up to their name by being the most powerful; each Geyser Fountain can shoot huge bursts of water that reach 200 feet into the sky.

These eight versatile performers make their debut June 11. While they are apt to respond to applause with grateful encores, no autographs, please.

Photo by Mastery of Maps via Flickr

World of Color Meal Plans – A World of Choices

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

“World of Color” is all about color, music, water, fun and the pleasures of Disney storytelling. To make the experience even more wonderful at Disney California Adventure park, it can be paired with delicious food and beverage selections. Before arriving at the park, guests also will be able to pre-purchase a meal that comes with reserved viewing for “World of Color.”

Guests may choose from several different meals that include reserved viewing in Paradise Park. These provide a magical dining experience along with a choice vantage point from which to enjoy the new “World of Color” after-dark spectacular. Other fun treats include “World of Color” novelty drinks, snacks and accessories.

Meals with reserved viewing are limited in availability, at these locations:

“World of Color” Picnic Meals at Golden Vine Winery*

Beginning June 11 (date subject to change), guests can go online and order a special boxed picnic meal that includes “World of Color” Reserved Viewing. Picnic meals may be ordered online – www.disneyland.com – or by walk-up purchase, subject to availability, at the Sonoma Terrace, Golden Vine Winery. They are not available for order via the 714/781-DINE line.
Picnic meals ordered online include reserved viewing to the evening’s first show. For those making walk-up purchases, reserved viewing will be included for that evening’s second show, subject to availability.
Picnic meals may be picked up at Sonoma Terrace from 2 p.m. up to 8 p.m. Reserved viewing tickets will indicate return time, location and show time.
Picnic meal options include four selections for adults: The All American (cold honey-stung fried chicken), The Taste of Asia (chilled miso-glazed salmon), The European Antipasto (cured meats, regional cheeses, artichoke heart, sun-dried tomato) and The Mediterranean Vegetarian (marinated grilled vegetables in a whole wheat wrap with roasted garlic hummus). Kids’ options include The Junior All American (chicken), The Lunchbox Classic (peanut butter and jelly) and The Little Squirt’s Box (apple wedges, string cheese).
Beer and wine for adults are available at an additional cost.
As a special bonus for pre-purchasing a meal, the entire party’s online order will be packaged in a souvenir “World of Color” reusable tote.
All picnic meals with “World of Color” Reserved Viewing are priced at $14.99 and must be redeemed for the designated reserved show date and time. No refunds, exchanges or other discounts.

The following dinner options must be reserved by calling 714/781-DINE and include tickets for Preferred Viewing for “World of Color” in Paradise Park Restaurant seatings are at specified times and space is limited.

Wine Country Trattoria Prix Fixe “World of Color” Meals*

Guests can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner in the newly expanded and remodeled Wine Country Trattoria (current prices: $39.99 for adults; $18.99 for children ages 3-9). The Italian meal includes choice of starter, entrée and dessert. . A wide selection of wines are available at an additional cost.

Ariel’s Grotto Prix Fixe ‘World of Color’ Meals*

A prix fixe meal with reserved viewing will be available in the elegant surroundings of Ariel’s Grotto (current prices: $36.99 for adults; $20.99 for children ages 3-9), on the edge of Paradise Bay.

Guests who prefer a treat or snack, perhaps with a souvenir “World of Color” takeaway, may choose from a number of bright and colorful options available at food locations inside Disney California Adventure:

“Spectrum Splash”: Beverages in light-up souvenir glasses with a colorful choice of flavors – strawberry red, blueberry blue, or sour Granny Smith apple green.
“Light-Up Cotton Candy”: White cotton candy with a colorful swirl, on an illuminated wand that lights the cotton candy from inside.
Multi-Colored & Flavored Popcorn: A delicious treat that comes in three flavors – red cherry, blueberry and purple grape – and mixed in with regular kettle corn, all served in a Disney California Adventure see-through “World of Color” souvenir popcorn bucket.
Tropical Mist Cocktail (for adults): It’s a passion fruit and mango liqueur with coconut rum – and a light-up swizzle stick. Available at the Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto restaurant.
Even more fun: “Light-Up Balloons – transparent balloons with light-up “World of Color” art inside; Light-Up Bangle Bracelets; and souvenir “World of Color” travel mugs and sipper cups.

Times for the prix fixe dinners and dessert party are subject to change and cancellation without notice. For information on “World of Color,” other Disneyland Resort attractions or to plan a celebration or vacation at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. To explore the expansion plans for Disney California Adventure, visit www.DisneyCaliforniaAdventure.com.

Disney Helps Ocean Conservation Efforts With “Oceans” On Blu-Ray And DVD

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

Disney as always remains focused it’s impact on the environment. I am glad to see the portion of the procedes of the sale of this Bluray/DVD going to the Nature Conservancy.

Here is the article:

With the focus on the world’s oceans more than ever following the disastrous BP oil spill, World Oceans Day has more of an impact this year than ever. Disney is showing their efforts with the release of “Oceans” on Blu-ray and DVD, by contributing a portion of sales to The Nature Conservancy.

“Oceans” is set to release on October 19th, 2010 in a Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack, which also includes a DVD, and a 1-Disc DVD standard set.

Disneynature, the studio which brought audiences “Earth” last year, has committed to carry on the “See Oceans, Save Oceans” initiative which started with the film’s theatrical release. A portion of sales will be donated to the Nature Conservancy which works to protect marine habitats and establish new ones in Oceans near the Bahamas. Moviegoers who went to see the film in theaters already helped conserve more than 35,000 acres of coral reef.

Directed by Jacques Perrin, who won the Academy Award for Best Documentary for Winged Migration, and narrated by actor Pierce Brosnan, who himself is a major contributor to the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s “Save the Whales Again!” campaign, “Oceans” takes viewers swimming alongside whales, dolphins, and more as high-definition cameras travel deep into the ocean to uncover the mysteries of the big blue world. The movie grossed $75 million worldwide upon its release last April.

Donations to the Nature Conservancy, one of the world’s largest conservation organizations, will be made with purchase of the Blu-ray Combo Pack or DVD of “Oceans” during the week of October 19th and 25th.

Click here to keep reading.

Disney Store Father’s Day Shop is now open

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

The Father’s Day Shop is now open at the Disney’s Store website. They have tons of great gift ideas for all those Disney Dads out there.

From Disney Shirts, Golf, Ties, Watches, and even create your own products for dear ol dad.

Check it out and get something special for that wonderful man in your life.

Happy fathers day!

Epcot Food & Wine Festival special event: 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

This article comes to us from Debra Peterson at the Examiner. She fills us in on a special event happening at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival:

Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1 – Nov 14. 2010 with the theme of “Delicious Discoveries.” The 3-D Disney’s Desert Discovery is expected to be one of the festival’s most popular events, particularly for Disney foodies with a sweet tooth.

The 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery is a dessert reception held throughout the six weeks of the festival in the World Showcase. The receptions will feature “action and prepared stations of sweet enticements,” providing a variety of desserts paired with wine, cordials and coffee. The parties are capped off with exclusive viewing for Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

The event is not unlike the Wishes Dessert Party, which is held in the Magic Kingdom and offers its attendees VIP viewing for the Wishes fireworks spectacular.

In 2010, the 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery takes place every Friday – not on Thursday, as it was announced at the D23 Flowers & Fireworks event – during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Click here to keep reading.

Disney Food Confession – Chocolate Moose

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

Where is it? Le Cellier Steakhouse – Epcot’s Canadian Pavilion, Disneyworld

What is it? Chocolate Mousse rolled in Toasted Chocolate Crumbs with Maple Leaf Antlers

Why you want it? Almost don’t want to eat it, it is that darn cute.

Photo Credit: by bbqben via flickr

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!

Celebrate The Release Of Toy Story 3 With Disney Family.com

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

To celebrate the release of Toy Story 3, in theaters next Friday, June 18, Disney Family.com is offering dozens of ideas for Toy Story-themed crafts, recipes, parties and more! I have just spent the last 15 minutes printing out a bunch of crafts we are going to attempt to make at home..

You’ve got a friend in Family.com – from how to make alien cupcakes and Jessie cowgirl hat cookies, to instructions for building a Buzz Lightyear rocket globe and a Woody marionette, the site is a one-stop source for feting the return of Andy and crew. Can’t wait to catch the movie on the big screen? Build your excitement by watching the teaser trailer.

Click any one of the links above or click the picture to check it out.

Have fun!

To Infinity & Beyond!

>>Chip

Ask a Disney Question: Getting a Haircut at Disney World.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2010

This question comes from Jason, who asks: “Where are Disney World can you get your kids hair cut. The wife said something about a Cinderella place but what about boys?”

Hi, Jason. Thanks for your question and for reading Chip and Co. Your wife is right. Girls can get a princess (or tween star) makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which is located in Cinderella Castle and at Downtown Disney. They don’t actually cut hair, just style it like your child’s favorite princess. A similar experience is available for boys in the Magic Kingdom at the Pirates League, located next to Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.

Anyone can get their hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom. Located next to City Hall, right between the car barn and the Emporium, it’s so small you might miss it. It’s open from 9:00 to 5:00 everyday. Kids haircuts start at $14; it’s $17 for adults. Add-ons like sparkly gels, glitter and temporary hair dyes are around $5 extra.

The barber shop offers a first haircut experience for kids for usual price of a child’s haircut. It includes a certificate and a complimentary “first ears” Mickey ears, so it’s a good value. Get there early and avoid the wait; there are no appointments.

There are also several full-service salons on site located at the resorts.

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

Major Expansion Coming to Disney California Adventure Park

By

Chip

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June 9, 2010

Multi-Year Plan Continues With Little Mermaid in 2011; 12-Acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Newly Designed Front Entrance in 2012

The premiere of the ground-breaking, signature nighttime spectacular “World of Color” marks the next big step in the significant multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The expansion brings new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney California Adventure park.

“World of Color” uses powerful water fountains, kaleidoscopic colors, compelling music, fire, lasers, special effects and larger-than-life digital projection to bring Disney and Disney•Pixar animation to life in a whole new way in Disney California Adventure park. A one-of-a-kind “stage” – nearly an acre of superstructure and innovative technology – has been built in the Paradise Bay lagoon to present this enchanting, exciting and moving nighttime spectacular. A new, terraced park offers prime waterside viewing and provides a site for live entertainment, music festivals and outdoor film premieres.

“World of Color is a must-see experience that will entertain and delight our guests in a whole new way, while solidifying the Disneyland Resort as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination,” said Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis.

The expansion continues in Disney California Adventure park in 2011 with an amazing attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and in 2012 with the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land, featuring the world of Radiator Springs and its three new attractions. Extensive landscaping, new stores and restaurants will create an even richer environment throughout the park.
As expansion continues, Walt Disney Imagineers will bring more of Walt Disney into the park, celebrating the hope and optimism of California that attracted Walt to this land of opportunity in the 1920s. Guests entering the new Buena Vista Street, set for completion in 2012, will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer.

Multi-day, World-Class Tourist Destination

The expansion builds upon the transformation of the original Disneyland park into a multi-day destination resort that began in 2001 with the creation of the Disneyland Resort and the opening of Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney district and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Since then, the Disneyland Resort has continued to grow with the addition of popular attractions and shows such as Toy Story Mania!, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror. In 2009, the resort completed a major expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which included the first West Coast destination for Disney Vacation Club. In addition, the signature Disneyland Hotel is undergoing a major refurbishment that is expected to be completed in 2011.

According to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Anaheim is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country, enjoying some of the highest hotel occupancy rates in the nation and attracting millions of visitors each year who spend billions of dollars in the area.

Coming Soon to Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure is already home to some of the Disneyland Resort’s most popular attractions and shows, including: Toy Story Mania!, Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’ and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Major family attractions and continued park enhancements are on the horizon for 2011 and beyond, including an all-new Buena Vista Street, envisioned as the 1920s and 30s Los Angeles experienced by a young dreamer named Walt Disney. The Carthay Circle Theatre, a re-creation of the great California movie palace where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” had its premiere, anchors the newly designed plaza. This new park landmark celebrates the legacy of Disney family entertainment. From this plaza, guests set out to experience all the thrills, excitement and wonder of California – past, present, and future.

The Red Car Trolley, based on Los Angeles’ historic Pacific Electric Red Car Line, will transport guests from Buena Vista Street, down Hollywood Boulevard, to the footsteps of the famed Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Expansion plans include the first-ever ride based on Disney’s classic animated movie “The Little Mermaid.” The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will take guests “under the sea” to experience magnificent scenes and magical songs from the movie.

Cars Land, an all-new 12-acre addition to Disney California Adventure, re-creates the town of Radiator Springs as inspired by the Disney•Pixar film “Cars.” Cars Land will feature three immersive family rides showcasing characters and scenes from the movie, including one of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park: Radiator Springs Racers, a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through the town and desert valleys of Radiator Springs.

Additional landscaping, façade and graphics enhancements, restaurant and retail innovations, and an extensive menu of entertainment, holiday celebrations and unique special events further create new, compelling and memorable experiences for guests visiting Disney California Adventure.

Blue Sky Cellar

The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar, located in the former Seasons of the Vine Theater in the Golden State region of the park, features models and Imagineering concepts – giving park guests a look at exciting new projects as well as a sneak peek at what lies ahead. Inspiring new concepts for Disney California Adventure will appear in this space through periodic updates. For more information, visit www.DisneyCaliforniaAdventure.com

About the Disneyland Resort: Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; three hotels with approximately 2,400 rooms and the 310,000-square-foot retail, restaurant and entertainment Downtown Disney District. With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest single-site employer and a $3.6 billion annual contributor to the local economy. In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth guest since opening on July 17, 1955.

Driving to Walt Disney World: Five Tips for Making it a Magical Trip

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2010

Driving to Walt Disney World: Five Tips for Making it a Magical Trip

One of the biggest discussions for many people when planning a vacation to Disney World…especially if you are trying to save money….is the one about how you are going to get there. You know, it’s the “are we driving or flying” conversation. Obviously, many folks don’t have an option, but if you do, you may very well have considered driving…or maybe you even have driven in the past. If you’re trying to have an Affordable Disney Vacation, then driving may be the best and most economical solution for you.

But will you and everyone in your family go crazy on a drive to Disney World? Can you survive with your sanity intact? Sure you can!

I live in Maryland, about 14 hours of straight-through driving down I-95, from my house to Orlando. I know this because we have driven to Disney World on more than one vacation. Like anything else related to planning a Disney vacation successfully, planning a long drive will also require some planning to insure that everyone enjoys it. Because you can all enjoy it.

Here are a few tips that may help make it a magical journey for your family:

Personally, I’m a big fan of breaking the trip up into manageable parts. I know that not everyone likes doing it that way, and honestly, I think it’s a matter of preference. I grew up taking “road trips” every summer, so I love the idea of stopping, exploring, and seeing new things and places along the way. Now I readily admit that this can add time and cost to your trip, so weigh the adventure aspect against the money and time.
If you have the luxury of time at least, consider getting off the main roads from time to time and enjoy the local scenery. Taking even these brief breaks can recharge everyone’s battery, and allow the driver to relax a bit. Better yet, pack a picnic lunch or dinner, and stop for a relaxed break where the kids (and grownups) can stretch their legs and let off a little steam.
Games for the kids are a must. You can do this several ways: you can purchase some simple “car games” that will be entertaining but not take up a lot of room, or you can opt for the traditional games that we all grew up with: looking for license plates from other states, “I Spy” etc. Don’t discount how much fun these can be either: we probably logged many hours….and laughs….over the years just playing I Spy. You would be amazed how quickly time flies! If you opt to buy some new games for your children, keep them “new” to preserve the desirability factor, and introduce one at a time. Maybe each time you get to a new state, or something like that.
I think many/most folks have access to car or portable dvd players so this is the perfect time to make use of them. Bring along some favorite movies or shows to pass the time. Again, having some new ones just for the trip would be even better: if you don’t want to buy, then rent them. Clearly, anything Disney is appropriate here. Bringing out dvds of the Disney parks can build the excitement as well as help everyone decide on what they want to see and do once you get to Disney World.
This last tip is one of our favorites, and is, in fact, one that we still use today to drive to the beach: audio books. This can be a fascinating way to spend the time no matter your age, and honestly no matter if you have read the book or not. Listening to someone read and “act out” the story can really pull you into a great book…and before you know it, you’ve traveled several hundred miles.

Driving to Disney World does not have to be something to be dreaded: in fact, it can be a great deal of fun! The key is to do some planning, be flexible, and use some imagination. Before you know it, you’ll be driving under the welcome sign….and you just may wonder where the time went so fast!

Ask a Disney Question: Is there a dining plan for Disneyland?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 9, 2010

This question comes from Christina, who asks: “Is there a Disney Dining Plan for Disneyland. I hear you guys talk about Disneyworld all the time what about Disneyland?

Christina, thanks for reading and for your question. I’ll answer your second question first: We mainly talk about Disney World because it’s the resort we go to the most often, but we’re hoping to rectify that in the future and put out more Disneyland information.

There isn’t technically a dining plan at Disneyland, at least not like the one that’s offered at Disney World. The way it works is that you pre-pay for your meals and are given vouchers. Depending on the number of days, you’ll be given a voucher for specific meals (character and breakfast). The number of table service meals isn’t equal to the number of days you’re there, as it is in WDW. The other vouchers are equal to $5, $10, and $15. If you don’t spend the entire amount of your voucher, you won’t get your change back, so you have to work to get just the right amount or lose money.

You won’t find a lot of information on this plan, mainly because most people don’t use it. If you want to pay for your meals ahead of time, something that I prefer to do just to avoid “sticker shock” during my trip, consider buying gift cards. Not only will you get your change back, you can use them at Downtown Disney, where there are a lot of good restaurants.

Hope this helps!

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