Oldies But Goodies – Should Seniors Use Disney’s Magical Express?

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August 28, 2010

One thing we value as Seniors above almost everything else is our independence. We have grown up in an era where we were required to depend on ourselves for almost everything. Unfortunately, this may lead to a feeling of reluctance to let others take total control of something that is personally very important – our luggage while flying. Certainly we trust the airlines (sometimes with mixed results) to get our luggage from point of departure to point of arrival but then we can get our hands on our stuff and control it from there. That gives us our independence back because now, we can get our stuff where it needs to go.

Sorry fellow Oldies, here is where I am willing to surrender this particular part of my independence and let Disney handle my stuff!! Disney’s Magical Express is a free service that handles your luggage from the time you arrive in Orlando until the time you leave. They pick it up at the airport, deliver it to your resort, and the resort then delivers it to your room. The only cost that you may incur will be a tip for the bellman if you happen to be in the room when it’s delivered. When it’s time to leave you check your luggage in at the resort and they take it from there. As if by Magic, this is Disney after all, your luggage will be at your home airport baggage terminal when you arrive. This, of course, depends on the airlines doing their job.

Did I forget to mention that the service also includes free transportation to your resort on comfortable air conditioned buses normally operated by very friendly and entertaining drivers. There is also an entertaining video played while in transit – it gets you in the mood. I’m not just repeating the Disney company line, I’ve used the service on every visit since it was instituted. If you want the official information you can find it here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/benefits/airport-service/

Word of caution – always pack a carry on with essentials (change of clothes, MEDS, etc) because there are occasionally delays of up to a few hours, depending on airport traffic, in getting luggage from the airport to your room. If you do take a carry on with you on the Magical Express bus please tip the driver when he retrieves it for you from under the bus. These people work hard and you will notice that they receive very few tips.

To answer my question posed above, should Seniors use Disney’s Magical Express – Yes! Yes! Yes!

Disney World Quick Tip – Getting Those Character Pictures

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2010

O.K. I’m 64 years old and I still want my picture taken with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, etc. There are a number of ways to do this and if you want specific characters in specific costumes, i.e. farmer outfits at the Garden Grill you have to go to those places. You can also hunt them down in the parks and wait in line for a quick shot and off you go to search out another one. This method can quickly overcome other plans and the character pictures become an obsession.

I’ve found that a stop at the Epcot Character Spot at park opening gets you a series of character shots with all of the “biggies” in a short time. It’s located right next to Club Cool on the west side of the Fountain of Nations and opens at park opening. Characters are there most of the day and each character has a Photopass photographer with them. If you get there early enough there is not much of a line.

Make sure and bring your own camera and hand it to the person helping the Photopass photographer. They will take pictures while the photographer is working. I found this to be important last trip because our shots with Mickey were missing in our Photopass shots but I had them in my camera. We have found that normally Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and either Donald or Chip ‘n Dale (oftentimes both) are there. As you can see, you can get a lot of pictures in a short time and it’s indoors and air conditioned. Give it a try!!

Chip and Co. Interviews Melissa Joan Hart.

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2010

Chip and Co. Interviews Melissa Joan Hart.

On Monday I got to sit in on a phone interview with Melissa Joan Hart, one of the stars of Melissa and Joey, airing on the ABC Family Channel. You may remember Melissa from Clarissa Explains it All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In her new show, Melissa plays a politico who suddenly finds herself taking care of her niece and nephew after their parents get into trouble. She hasn’t the first clue about parenting, so she hires a “Manny” played by Joey Lawrence, who is recently divorced and has lost his white collar job. Unlike shows like “Who’s the Boss”, which had a similar theme, Melissa and Joey is more focused on the adults and will highlight their relationship.

Melissa and Joey have worked together in the past and it’s apparent from the good chemistry the two have together. They also share a similar work ethic, which no doubt has contributed to their longevity in the business. Says Melissa,

We have a very strong relationship with our siblings and now we have great marriages and children, but we both have this incredible work ethic that I think comes from when we were younger just knowing that we wanted to be in the business and instead of shooting for the stars, instead of just like “I want to be famous, I want to be rich,” like a lot of I think kids do these days, we were more “I want to work. I want longevity. I want to do this.”

In an era when child stars seem to go the way of Lindsay Lohan, Melissa’s words are refreshing. Smart, funny, and as practiced in her craft as you’d expect someone to be who’s been acting since the age of four, in real life Melissa is a married mom with two young children learning how to balance career and work. About twenty minutes into the interview, I found myself thinking “Wow, she’s so nice . . . and normal.” Speaking candidly, Melissa talked about her life as a teen actress during her Clarissa years, away from home and surrounded mainly by adults, and about the amount of work it took to put that show together. She also spoke of the thrill of working on the Sabrina set where, for the first time, she worked with peers her own age, creating fun traditions like cookouts and a weekly bowling night . Some of those people have remained as close as family.

There are a lot of things Melissa loves about the new show, the wardrobe, being one of them. Working with old friends is another: Not only is Joey on the set, but she’s working with lots of familiar talent from her past. But what struck me is that was she truly loves the chance to make people laugh. Sitcoms, she said, make her happy. I had a chance to watch the show the other night and you can see that. It’s cute and funny. And yeah, I like the clothes too.

Best of luck to Melissa in her newest endeavor.

Melissa and Joey airs tonight 8:00 p.m. eastern on the ABC family channel. You can also get caught up with pervious episodes here.

Disney Food Confession – World of Color Candy Apple

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Chip

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August 28, 2010

What is it ? It’s a Granny Smith apple smothered in caramel, dunked in white chocolate, and sprinkled in colored sugar.

Why you want it? Almost too pretty to eat. Notice I said almost.

Where can you get it? You can’t…Disney was handing these out at the Disney Parks Blog World of Color meet-up event.

Photo credit – Jessica

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!

D23′s “Sip & Stroll” Event at the Walt Disney World Resort

By

Chip

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August 28, 2010

Join the D23 team as we celebrate Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival with a weekend of unique events and experiences just for D23 Members. Our weekend begins Friday evening as we gather for a wine and cheese reception in the foyer of The American Adventure pavilion. Sample a selection of artisan cheeses with dried fruits, berries, nuts, and house made breads along with Canadian cheddar cheese fondue and additional flavorful treats. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be served to set the tone for a fabulous event.

Guests may then choose to join us inside the VIP Lounge of The Living Seas as we honor Disney Legend Dave Smith, retiring Chief Archivist for The Walt Disney Company. October 15 is Dave’s final day of work, and he wanted to celebrate with his friends and colleagues from D23. So we’re throwing an elaborate dinner inside one of Epcot’s most beautiful private spaces, which features an enormous glass window that looks into the pavilion’s 5.7 million gallon aquarium. Dinner includes a selection of crisp salads, grilled flatbreads, pecan-roasted turkey, fresh scallops and beef medallions. Sumptuous sides include sweet potato mash, wild mushrooms and truffle mac ‘n’ cheese. You can also wash down some delicious German sausage and baked spaetzle with Radeberger beer from Germany. For dessert, there will be a selection of sweets inspired by Disney movie classics. Dinner includes wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages — all perfect to toast the man who founded the Walt Disney Archives 40 years ago. Note: there is an additional cost to attend this dinner.

Saturday morning we will convene at the Mexico pavilion in World Showcase to sample some robust Mexican coffee and pastries at the newly opened La Hacienda restaurant, hosted by Ricky Deblar, president of the San Angel Inn, who will be on hand to talk about the latest addition to Epcot eateries.

Following our breakfast treat, we head to the Odyssey for exclusive presentations and surprises. Our friends from Guerlain and Givenchy will explore their rich histories with Epcot — and Givenchy will offer a sample of their brand new fragrance. Chef Scott Hunnel and Israel Perez of Disney’s exquisite Victoria and Albert’s restaurant will share exciting details about the new Queen Victoria Room, and they will prepare a new dish that will be featured at Remy — the new restaurant on the Disney Dream!

That afternoon, guests can join D23 head Steven Clark, Dave Smith, Archives Director Becky Cline, Disney twenty-three editor in chief Carmen Capone, D23’s Disney Geek Jeffrey Epstein and others from the D23 Team as we sip and stroll our way around World Showcase. As we talk about some of our favorite Epcot spots, each guest will have a “passport” they can use to obtain exclusive Sip & Stroll surprises at various locations around the lagoon.

Event Information
DATE
Friday and Saturday, October
15 and 16, 2010

LOCATION
Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

TICKETS
Available Monday, August 30, 2010 at 1 p.m. EST. Check back here for ticket link.

COST
$85 per person/$185 per person includes Dave Smith’s Retirement Celebration Dinner

SCHEDULE
Check In begins at 5:30 p.m. on October 15

Hanes Magical Golf Getaway Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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August 28, 2010

Hanes Magical Golf Getaway Sweepstakes

Enter Hanes’ Magical Golf Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win one of six trips for four to Orlando, Florida to visit any of Disney’s theme parks and golf at a Disney golf course. Each prize is worth about $5,700.

Eligibility:

USA, 21+

Start Date:

August 16, 2010

End Date:

September 26, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Entry Frequency:

1 x daily per person/email.

Sweepstakes Prizes:

Grand Prizes (6): A 5-day trip for 4 to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL including airfare, ground transportation, hotel, Magic Your Way tickets with the Park Hopper Option, 4 create your own custom Mickey Mouse Ear Hat, a $500 Disney Gift Card, and 2-Round Golf Passes and Tee Times at a Disney golf course. (ARV: $5,715)

Click here to enter.

Source

New Comedy Series “Fish Hooks” to Premiere Friday, September 24th on Disney Channel

By

Chip

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August 28, 2010

“Fish Hooks,” an imaginative, eye-catching and funny animated series revolving around three tweens, Milo, Bea and Oscar (who happen to be fish), as they navigate the choppy waters of high school, will premiere FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. An 11-minute preview of the series will get the coveted timeslot following “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” on Friday, September 3.

Created by children’s book illustrator and author Noah Z. Jones (“Not Norman,” “The Monster in the Backpack”), the series is produced using an innovative mixture of digital animation and photo collage. It stars Kyle Massey (“Cory in the House”) as Milo, Chelsea Staub (“JONAS L.A.”) as Bea and Justin Roiland (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) as Oscar. Recurring guest stars include comedian Rachel Dratch (“Saturday Night Live”), exercise guru Richard Simmons, comedic legend Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”), ABC TV star Atticus Shaffer (“The Middle”) and Edie McClurg (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”), among others.

Maxwell Atoms (“The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy”) is the executive producer and Noah Z. Jones is the co-executive producer. Carl Greenblatt (“Chowder”) and Bill Reiss (“Chowder”) direct the episodes.

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, September 3

A preview of “Fish Hooks” (10:00 p.m., ET/PT) follows the premiere of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” on Disney Channel.
Viewers can enter the world of “Fish Hooks” online at DisneyChannel.com/FishHooks to meet the characters, Milo, Bea and Oscar, in the “Interactive Fish Tank” and to play “Fish Hooks” themed games.

Saturday, September 4

Preview of “Fish Hooks” available on mobile VOD.

Friday, September 10

Preview of “Fish Hooks” available on iTunes.

Friday, September 17

A full episode preview of “Fish Hooks” available on Disney Channel SVOD.

Friday, September 24

“Fish Hooks” series premiere on Disney Channel (9:00 p.m., ET/PT) with simulcasts on Sprint TV, MobiTV and Flo TV.

“Fish Hooks,” from Disney Television Animation, follows Milo, Bea and Oscar, three best friends who live in a giant fish tank trying to navigate their way through the choppy waters of high school. Together they experience the typical life challenges and triumphs, including friendship, dating and sports, along with more atypical situations such as giant lobster attacks and, with the use of special land suits, school field trips to the hamster cages.

Miss America 2011 Contestants Have a Magical Day at Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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August 28, 2010

All 53 contestants for the title of Miss America 2011 visited Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort on Friday, August 27, 2010.

Representing fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, the ladies continued the Miss America tradition of walking together down Main Street USA toward Cinderella Castle. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella and Belle met the 53 contestants for photos before the women broke up into smaller groups to see the rest of the park.

Through the day, guests may have spotted contestants on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and other attractions.

The 53 Miss American 2011 contestants also recorded interviews that are scheduled to appear in the 2011 Miss America Pageant broadcast. Returning to ABC for the 90th anniversary of the Miss America Pageant, the competition will broadcast live from Las Vegas on Saturday, January 15 at 8 P.M. ET.

As the world’s largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation’s leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.

The 53 Miss America 2011 contestants are in the Orlando area to attend the annual Miss America Outstanding Teen Competition.

Camp Rock: The Final Jam Video Game for Nintendo DS

By

Chip

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August 28, 2010

Camp Rock: The Final Jam is all about Summer fun ! The game comes out August 31st on Nintendo DS. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Disneyland set to close 2 rides for upgrades

By

Chip

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August 27, 2010

This article comes to us from Sarah Tully from the OC Register.

Two Disney park rides are set to close Monday to undergo improvements.

Toy Story Mania in Disney California Adventure is set to close for more than a month to undergo routine rehabilitation, said John McClintock, a Disneyland Resort spokesman.

The interactive ride is expected to reopen Oct. 10.

Toy Story Mania, which opened in 2008, takes visitors in a carriage in front of a series of 4D video games based on the movie series. Disney does not plan to add new features or games during the closure, McClintock said.

In Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion will be shut down while crews install decorations for the seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday. The ride is slated to reopen Sept. 17, the first day of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

Click here to keep reading.

500 millionth customer visits Tokyo Disney theme parks

By

Chip

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August 27, 2010

The total number of visitors to Disney’s two theme parks on the outskirts of Tokyo hit 500 million Friday, with a housewife winning a ticket for free admission to both resorts for five years.

“I’m surprised and happy,” 38-year-old Megumi Soma, flanked by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, said on a podium as a crowd of visitors cheered.

Soma, a housewife from Gumma prefecture north of Tokyo, was visiting Tokyo Disneyland with her husband and two children and struck lucky on her children’s first visit to the nation’s most popular theme park.

Tokyo Disneyland opened in the suburbs of the Japanese capital on April 15, 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside the United States.

Built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay dubbed “Maihama” — a Japanese take on Miami Beach near Florida’s Disney World — it has sprawled to include hotels, a shopping mall, an aqua park and a permanent Cirque du Soleil.

Oriental Land Co. Ltd. of Japan runs the resort under a licence contract with the Walt Disney group.

Japan’s birth rate may be on the decline, but the parks boast loyal fans.

The number of visitors to Disneyland and DisneySea, a water park opened in 2001, has stood at record levels of around 25 million annually in recent years, up from 9.9 million people in Disneyland’s first year.

Oriental Land has set its sights on the generation who grew up watching Disney cartoons on television and took their children to the park’s opening 27 years ago, launching a cut-rate annual pass for visitors aged 60 or older.

Disney World passholder event to introduce Duffy the Disney Bear

By

Chip

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August 27, 2010

This article comes to us from Kristin Ford at the Daily Disney.

Duffy the Disney Bear will become a regular for character meet-and-greets at Epcot in October. Known as the teddy bear who sailed around the world with Mickey Mouse, Duffy made regular appearances at Disney’s Teddy Bear & Doll Weekend and has been spotted at Once Upon a Toy store occasionally. Duffy also is very popular at the two Disney parks in Japan.

Walt Disney World passholders can hear about Duffy’s background at a special presentation at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at The Odyssey at Epcot. Each hour-long show will feature a guest speaker from Walt Disney Creative Entertainment.

This event is for passholders only, and seating is limited to those who reserve it online at Disney’s passholder website. Adults can claim children ages 3 to 17 as their guests when making reservations, but the kids still must be passholders and show valid passes and the confirmation slip at the time of check-in. This is a welcome change and should help many families who were frustrated by the tedious reservation process in the past that required each family member to log in and reserve a seat. (Children younger than 3 must sit on an adult’s lap.)

Click here to keep reading.