Be Sure to Protect Those Disney World Park Tickets

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May 13, 2010

On a vacation to Walt Disney World, there is probably nothing more important than your park tickets. After all, visiting the theme parks is the focus of your visit! But what if you lose your tickets? What, if anything, can be done? If you bought your tickets at the theme park’s gate, producing a saved receipt can allow Disney to look up your information, and replace your tickets. But what if you bought discounted Disney World tickets through a broker?

Happily, there is one very simple way to make sure that your vacation is not ruined by lost theme park tickets: make a copy of the back of them.

The back side, with the magnetic strip, has coded information with all the details of your personal ticket. All these numbers, letters, and dates will actually help Disney replace the tickets if you lose them. And while the tickets do say “Disney is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen tickets”, in all likelihood, if you can provide the coded information, they will usually re-issue the pass.

Alternate ideas for saving this valuable coded information include taking a photo of the backs, either with a digital camera or cell phone. By doing this, if you lose the tickets while at the park, you will have immediate access to the codes on your camera or cell phone.

It is important to note that receipts that you receive from ticket brokers, while important, will not help in getting your tickets replaced. You must have the codes from the back of your passes. For my family, I generally copy the tickets the minute we receive them.

This one simple, yet valuable tip for protecting your discounted Disney World tickets can make certain that lost theme park tickets don’t ruin your vacation.

Refurb/Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World May 2010

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Refurb/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at http://www.disneyworld.com

Current

Magic Kingdom

Construction for the Fantasyland expansion has begun. Pooh’s Playful Spot playground, Ariel’s Grotto Character meet-and-greet and Scuttle’s Landing have closed.
Baby Care Center- 5/14/10-5/20/10

Epcot

Honey I Shrunk the Audience closed on May 9th to make way for Captain EO.
Cantina de San Angel at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot has closed for refurbishment and expansion until fall 2010
Via Napoli, is still under Construction in the Italy pavilion.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Muppet Vision 3D will be closed for refurbishment April 24-May 14
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster will be closed for refurbishment May 15-20

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian Tennis Courts are currently closed for refurbishment through May 21, 2010.

Saratoga Springs

Paddock area of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Pool Construction.

Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Stormalong Bay pool slide will be closed to guests beginning May 2 until late in May.

Blizzard Beach

The unseasonably cold winter has delayed work on the Teamboat Springs attraction, so it will remain closed for an additional few weeks.

Disney’s Golf Courses

Disney’s Palm Golf Course- 6/1/10-6/10/10 closed Tuesdays only 6/22/10-7/27/10
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course- 5/24/10-6/3/10 closed Wednesdays only 6/23/10-7/28/10
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Course- 5/17/10-5/27/10 also closed Mondays only 6/21/10-7/26/10
Disney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Course- 6/7/10-6/17/10 closed Thursdays only 6/24/10-7/29/10

Click here for May’s Disneyland Refurb & Closures Schedule.

Disney Food Confession – Classic Banana Split

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

What is it? Ripe banana, three scoops or ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry), pineapple, strawberry and marshmallow topping, finished off with hot fudge, butterscotch, toasted almonds, whipped cream and a cherry.

Where to find it: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World

Why you want it: 3 Scoops of Delicious Ice Cream smothered with all the fixins..YUM!

Photo credit: dolcedanielle via flickr

If you have a Disney Food Confession email [email protected]. He is accepting Food ideas or Photos if you have them!

Top Eats: Disneyworld Counter Service Meals

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 13, 2010

Disney World Table Service locations offer more than just burgers and fries. Here are my personal top five, which is definitely light on the burgers and fries:

5. Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom. I’m not a huge hot dog fan anywhere else, but there’s something about a hotdog from Casey’s, especially on your way out of the Magic Kingdom or while you’re watching the fireworks. Check out our article for more Disney World Firework Viewing Locations.

4. Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s a bit out of the way, so if you’re not staying there you may never get a chance to try it, but if you’re doing some resort hopping, it’s definitely worth having lunch at Mara. Good sandwiches, flat breads, and friendly service. The turkey sandwich on ciabatta bread with kalamata olive spread is literally one of the best sandwiches I’ve had anywhere.

3. Sunshine Seasons, Epcot. Something for everyone, good quality, and fresh taste. Some of the best counter service options in any Disney park. It’s also one of the few counter service places in Epcot that serves breakfast. Many times it is not that busy too!

2. Sommerfest, located in the Germany Pavilion at Epcot. It’s a bit out of the way, located next to the queue area for Biergarten, so you might just miss it. There’s not a lot of variety, but you can satisfy your craving for German food with a bratwurst and a slice of Black Forest cake. They also serve beer, wine, pastries and pretzels. The seating area is small, but if you can get a table it’s very cool and shady. You’ll feel like you’re in a little town square in Germany.

1. Wolfgang Puck Express, Downtown Disney. Hands down, the best value for your counter service dining plan credits. It’s also just plain good food. Disney pizza tends to have a bad reputation, but WPE serves pizza that I would eat anywhere, not just because I’m at Disney World and the kids really want pizza. The service is friendly, it’s in an open and airy space, and it’s rarely crowded like the Earl of Sandwich, which is nearby. Love the aforementioned pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and salads. The entrees here are as good as you’ll find in a casual sit-down restaurant; some of them are even better. There’s no skimping on the quality ingredients. Don’t forget to try the crème brulee.

With Top Eats, Chip and I want to share our favorite food experiences with you. We’d love to hear about your favorite counter service restaurants as well in the comments section.

IronKids Orlando Debuts at Disney World

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

How do you inspire Central Florida’s kids to lead an active, healthy life? IronKids, a national non-profit, believes in introducing them to the sport of triathlons. Walt Disney World Resort will host the first IronKids Orlando event on May 15. Open to children ages 6 to 15, IronKids Orlando is an event at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that kids can “tri” for fun even without training.

IronKids Orlando appeals primarily to local and Florida-based children and families who are looking for a fun way to spend the day.

“I like to exercise because it makes my body stronger,” says six-year-old Celebration, Fla. participant Harley Gamble, who is diabetic. “When I exercise, I’m more energized. I’m most excited to participate with other kids, but also to cross the finish line.”

Participants will swim in Bay Lake, followed by a bike and run on closed roads throughout Fort Wilderness. A portion of the run course will pass through the petting zoo at Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which features horses, ponies, goats, potbellied pigs and more.

Distances vary by age group:
Ages 6 to 8: 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run
Ages 9 to 11: 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run
Ages 12 to 15: 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run

Kids thinking of participating should go ahead and try it, according to Harley. “I would tell other kids who are scared to participate that everything will be ok. It will be fun,” the first-grader said.

In February, Disney announced that it will develop a program in collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama supporting “Let’s Move,” her newly announced campaign to create a healthier generation. In addition, Disney established food guidelines in 2006 aimed at giving parents and children well balanced food options at theme parks and resorts.

To register for IronKids Orlando or learn more, visit www.IronKids.com.

Disney Cruise Line Fun Facts – Dining and Onboard Features

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Dining
– On an average seven-night Disney Cruise Line voyage, the following food items are consumed:
• Beef – 5,000 pounds
• Chicken – 10,000 pounds
• Salmon – 1,200 pounds
• Shrimp – 1,300 pounds
• Lobster Tail – 1,000 pounds
• Melon – 12,800 pounds
• Pineapple – 3,300 pounds
• Individual Eggs – 71,500
• Coffee – 57,820 cups
• Soda – 3,125 gallons
• Beer – 12,385 bottles/cans
• Wine and Champagne – 2,700 bottles

– In a single day, each Disney Cruise Line ship uses:
• 10,000 forks
• 5,000 cloth napkins
• 800 tablecloths

– Disney Cruise Line dining room Cast members represent, on average, 60 different nationalities.

– The décor and food of the Palo restaurant are inspired by Italy, the birthplace of both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

– Palo takes its name from the poles that line the canals of Venice. Palo’s extensive reserve wine list features selections that hail from some of the most mature vineyards in the world and highlight some of the greatest Super Tuscans like Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Tignanello.

Onboard Features
– The Disney Magic interior is in the art deco style, characterized by geometric designs and bold, solid colors. The interior on the Disney Wonder is in the art nouveau style, which is characterized by organic influences and curved patterns.

– A bronze statue of Helmsman Mickey adorns the lobby of the Disney Magic and was inspired by the famous “Man at the Wheel” statue in Gloucester, Mass. On the Disney Wonder, a bronze statue of Ariel from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” graces the lobby.

– The main atrium chandeliers on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are each one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces created by celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly. To meet cruise line safety standards, Chihuly worked within a new medium and fashioned the vibrant chandeliers out of acrylic plastic.

– The décor of the Buena Vista Theatre on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder was designed to emulate the elegant movie houses of the 1920s and 1930s, the period when Walt Disney was producing the first Mickey Mouse animated films.

– The main showplace for entertainment onboard Disney Cruise Line ships, the Walt Disney Theatre spans three decks and can seat 977 guests.

– A leader in family entertainment, Disney is the only cruise line to feature first run films from the Walt Disney Pictures film banners, with movies premiering exclusively at sea on the same day that they are released in US theaters. Disney Cruise Line is also the industry leader in onboard enhanced digital entertainment with advanced Disney Digital 3-D technology in all shipboard theaters.

– With ships purpose built for family cruising, both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder boast nearly an entire deck of space dedicated to age-specific children’s activities.

– Don’t worry about getting a chill! The swimming pools on Disney ships are heated when the water temperature drops below 75 degrees.

– A room with a view! 73% of staterooms onboard Disney ships have ocean views. Of those outside facing rooms, 60% boast private verandahs.

– Stay connected, even at sea! Disney ships feature Wi-Fi service in staterooms and public spaces, allowing guests to surf the web at sea from their wireless-ready personal laptop computers.

Don’t expect Spider-Man at Disney parks soon

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Spider-Man, Captain America and Thor will be slow to join Disney theme parks, while the Disney company is quickly adding Marvel to other areas of its business, Disney’s president said.

Disney purchased the comic-book powerhouse for $4 billion last year, adding about 5,000 characters to its portfolio.

Marvel’s presence in the theme parks will be “limited in nature” for the short term because of previous agreements preventing the widespread use of characters, said Bob Iger, the Walt Disney Co.’s president during a Web cast on Tuesday. Iger responded to a question about Marvel during a discussion about the company’s second-quarter earnings.

Before Disney bought Marvel, Disney and Universal Parks and Resorts struck a deal that restricts Marvel characters to Universal’s properties on the East Coast and in Japan, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Universal has a Marvel Super Island in its Islands of Adventure theme park in Florida. California parks reportedly are exempt from the agreement.

Iger said that Disney is looking at putting Marvel merchandise at theme parks.

Already, Disney’s California Adventure is selling Iron Man products on a temporary basis with the release of “Iron Man 2.” See a story about Marvel merchandise at the Disneyland Resort.

In other parts of the company, Disney is adding a Spider-Man show to its Disney XD channel and working on games and digital media products, Iger said.

Read more Disney and Marvel news at the Register’s Around Disney.com blog

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Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ musical to remain at California Adventure

By

Chip

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May 13, 2010

Contrary to earlier reports, the Hyperion Theater won’t be setting the genie free just yet. By popular demand, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will remain at Disney’s California Adventure park.

We received a lot of comments on the Blog asking for Aladdin to continue its run. It’s almost as if the Genie granted your wish!

Although “Toy Story – The Musical” was scheduled to move into Hyperion Theater following Genie’s last bow, Buzz, Woody and their pals will stay focused on the new additions in Toy Story Mania…for now.

Construction has been scheduled near the Hyperion Theater for August 15. Although that may still impact some performances, we’re doing everything we can to keep the show up and running. Stay tuned to the Blog for updates, and we’ll share details when we have them (or, you can always check disneyland.com for showtimes).

Now, close your eyes, make a wish and hit play to see Genie in action. And don’t forget to tell us your favorite Genie joke – and oh, no wishes for more wishes.

Source

Disney Parks to Take Attendance Hit in Effort to Cut Discounts?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 12, 2010

We’re big fans of discounts over here at Chip and Co, so we were disappointed to hear that Disney plans on weaning the public off of them in the very near future. The company announced Tuesday that it is

“determined and confident that we can take our pricing back to normalized levels,” Walt Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo said during a conference call with stock analysts.”

While recent discounts have kept resort beds full and people in the parks, revenue is still down. Nonetheless, it appears that Disney is willing to take a short term hit on attendance in order to wean the public off discounts. This, in turn, is expected to gradually increase park revenues, the idea being that fewer people in the parks paying full price is better than more people paying the deep discounts we’ve seen in recent years. Says Disney President and CEO Box Iger,

“We made a decision to reduce the size of the discount. In doing so, we were pretty certain, short-term, that was going to reduce volume,” adding however, that bookings have very recently begun to accelerate, suggesting, he said, “It’s possible that we’re starting to see signs that the consumers are starting to look past” discounts.

One thing I’m wondering is whether or not pin codes (discount codes sent via email that are specific to the individual), bounce back offers, and annual pass discounts will gain in importance as general public discounts are reduced, or will these also become a thing of the past? I certainly would be more willing to buy an annual pass if I knew I could count on an AP discount, which at this point isn’t any better than the general public discounts that are out there right now. What do you think? Will a lack of discounts keep you out of the parks?

Source: The Daily Disney.

Summer Nightastic! Dazzles with After-Dark Excitement at Walt Disney World Resort June 6-Aug. 14

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Summer nights at Walt Disney World Resort will enchant theme park guests when glittering light magic, high adventure, dance fever, thrills and chills set the after-dark scene. From June 6 through Aug. 14, “Summer Nightastic!” lights up the entertainment experience at the Vacation Kingdom with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises.

Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot all present special events designed to add summertime energy to the after-dark theme-park experience. At Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

“There’s a special energy in the parks at night,” says Chris Oyen, show director for the “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.” “It’s all about the magic and the sense of adventure and mystery that nighttime possesses in the Magic Kingdom.”

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror adds new thrills and chills to the mix for anyone who dares to enter the attraction’s infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the 122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.

At Epcot, live “Sounds Like Summer” tribute-band concerts rock guests each evening from June 12 to July 31 with familiar tunes ranging from “Hotel California” to “Stayin’ Alive.”

The multi-park festivities promise a veritable Cinderella-coach-full of sensory surprises for all who visit during the 10-week-plus summer celebration.

“Main Street Electrical Parade” – This classic pageant of illuminated floats goes all the way back to 1972, when it first debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. With 23 floats, more than half a million tiny colorful lights, 80 performers, synthesizer music based on “Baroque Hoedown,” and Disney theme songs woven in, the parade returns to Walt Disney World Resort for the first time since 2001. A nostalgia trip for many, this “crown jewel of summer” kicks off the season with lighting effects, floats and characters new to Walt Disney World Resort.

Tinker Bell waves her magic wand from the basket of a dazzling balloon float. The Tinker Bell float alone generates more than “25,000 points of light,” says Paul Chychota, the parade’s production manager.

Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade in Magic Kingdom this year, and Snow White appears with the Seven Dwarfs on a Diamond Mine float glittering with colorful gems.

Ten thousand strobes of “pixie-dust” light the parade trail as a treasury of classic Disney stories comes to life. Floats feature enhanced effects and, though the music stays true to the original parade, the score’s dynamics soar to greater heights thanks to state-of-the-art technology, Chychota says.

Beloved floats like the “Honor America” finale display – featuring the American flag and giant American eagle – return, along with costumed characters like Alice in Wonderland, Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

“Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular” – Magic Kingdom presents more after-dark magic when the sky explodes with vivid color and visual effects that tell a thrilling story headlined by fairies and pirates.

“With this show, we’re making the skies come alive – we’re not just going to immerse you, we’re going to surprise you, too,” says show director Oyen.

The summer fireworks are accompanied by a whimsical score of classic Disney tunes and theme music from the hit film “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”

The Fairy Godmother from “Cinderella” and other famous fairies star in the fireworks spectacular.

The fireworks perimeter around Magic Kingdom will expand by 25 percent for the summer show. No matter where you are in the park, you’ll be surrounded by the spectacle.

Pirate Alert: Captain Hook and his band of buccaneers burst onto the scene to seize the park’s Cinderella Castle.

Disney’s creative entertainment team designed fireworks that tell the story, including a skull-and-crossbones display and other visual effects convincing enough to make you believe the castle is under siege.

“We’re constantly innovating, pushing ourselves to be more creative with the kind of pictures we paint in the sky – we’re trying to make the skies come to life and dance,” Oyen says.

New Frights at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – If you think you’ve been to the “fifth dimension” and survived The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, think again. Surprise enhancements to this headline attraction are programmed to deliver even greater levels of special-effects frights just for the “Summer Nightastic!” celebration.

Rock ‘n Glow Dance Party – Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests are invited to trip the light fantastic at a rockin’ dance party every Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. A DJ and a special engagement rock band play sizzling summer sounds beginning three hours before park closing on Hollywood Boulevard. Watch for popular Disney characters to step into the dance party spotlight.

“Sounds Like Summer” — Blasts from the past are in store at Epcot, where the curtain rises on popular rock-band tributes June 12 at the park’s America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Each evening through July 31 at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m., “Sounds Like Summer” tribute-band concerts drum up lots of nostalgia with hot tunes and cool riffs, from “Satisfaction” to “Saturday in the Park.” The lineup (subject to change):

June 12-19: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to The Bee Gees
June 20-26: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson – A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 4-10: Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones Tribute Band
July 11-17: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 18-24: 2U– A Tribute to U2
July 25-31: Beginnings – A Tribute to Chicago

Guests can Learn more about “Summer Nightastic!” and check out deals for summer travel by visiting www.disneyworld.com/night or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or a local travel agent. All special summer events are included in regular theme-park admission.

The Screams of Summer is coming at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

THE SCREAMS OF SUMMER: From June 6 to August 14 the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios will bring more thrills to those who dare to enter.

From June 6 to August 14 the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios will bring more thrills to those who dare to enter. A chilling new drop sequence was created especially for Summer Nightastic! at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The after dark, three-park program includes with a megawatt parade, a fireworks extravaganza, a rockin’ dance party, concerts and more.

Disney Cruise Line Fun Facts – Uniquely Disney and Guest Experience

By

Chip

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May 12, 2010

Uniquely Disney

The Disney ships are painted in Mickey Mouse-inspired colors – black hull, white superstructure, yellow trim and two giant red funnels, each with the Disney Cruise Line Mickey Mouse logo.

– Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line to have yellow lifeboats, instead of the traditional regulation orange. Disney was granted special permission from the U.S. Coast Guard to paint the lifeboats yellow, to keep with the special color theming of the ship.

– The Disney Magic was built in two halves… one hundred miles apart! Part of the ship was constructed in Ancona, Italy then towed 100 miles to meet the stern in Marghera (just outside Venice) to be perfectly joined and welded together.

– Disney Cruise Line ships use the iconic first seven notes of the “When You Wish Upon a Star” song melody as their horn signals.

– Disney ships are the only cruise ships to have four captains – the ship’s captain, Captain Mickey, Captain Hook and Captain Jack Sparrow.

– Measuring 964 feet in length, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are each longer than Main Street U.S.A at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

– The anchor on the Disney Magic weighs 28,200 pounds – about the same as three full-grown elephants. Each ship weighs 90 million pounds.

– Taking place every cruise onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the “Pirates IN the Caribbean” deck party features the only fireworks display at sea.

Guest Experience

– Seventy-five percent of staterooms on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are outside, ocean view cabins. Of those, nearly half offer a private verandah.

– In a cruise industry first, most staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ships feature a split “bath-and-a-half” design, providing families the added convenience of a sink and tub/shower in one room and a sink and toilet in a separate room.

– Onboard each Disney Cruise Line ship, there are about 950 crew members representing more than 60 different nationalities. That is approximately one crew member for every three guests.

– Disney Cruise Line was named the top large cruise ship experience by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the ninth annual “Reader’s Cruise Poll.” In fact, Disney Cruise Line has won more than 50 different awards and accolades since launching in 1998.