Ask A Disney Question: How do I get from one resort to the other?

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August 21, 2010

This question comes from Renee, who asks:

We’re staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. I’ve heard that it can take some time if using the Disney transportation to get from one resort to another. When we get there, who would be best to ask for what times to leave to make some of the reservations that we have lined up? Thanks!

Renee. Good question, and one we hear a lot. You can always ask the cast member on duty at the concierge desk of your resort about this and other issues, but for the most part, plan on at least an hour and fifteen minutes transportation time from your resort to any other resort. During busier times of the year, I would add an extra fifteen minutes. Caribbean beach is somewhat centrally located, so you have that working to your advantage. The problem is, there’s no direct transportation from one resort to another (unless you’re talking about the monorail resorts), so you’ll need to get a little crafty. Here are few ideas:

For most resort dining options, you can either go to the nearest park or to Downtown Disney and then take a connecting bus from there. So say you’re having dinner at Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Your choices are taking a bus from CBR to Animal Kingdom (you’ll want to make sure it’s open as this park has shorter hours) or taking a bus from CBR to Downtown Disney. From there, you’ll take the AKL bus to the lodge.

Monorail resorts are very easy to get to and will take a bit less time. Just take the bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail. If you’re going to the Contemporary Resort, you can also walk to there from the Magic Kingdom; it’s a very short walk. If you’re going to Ft. Wilderness or the Wilderness Lodge, consider taking the boat rather than the bus from the Magic Kingdom (there is no monorail access). It’s faster and a lot more fun.

Friendship boats go between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. If you happen to be in either of these parks and are eating at one of the Epcot resorts (the Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, Beach Club), you can take a boat from the park and get there very easily. Boats have wheelchair access and kids can stay in their strollers.

A few final thoughts:

Buses don’t run from Downtown Disney to the parks, although you can take a bus from the parks to Downtown Disney. This is to keep visitors from using Downtown Disney’s parking lot rather than the parking lots at the parks.

Cabs are available at all resorts, Downtown Disney, parks and the Ticket and Transportation Center. Expect to pay around $20 plus tip to get anywhere on property.

Transportation starts approximately one hour before the park opens and goes for around two hours after closing. Check with the conceirge desk for specifics.

Thanks for your question and for reading the site. Disney transportation is really quite efficient. I hope this helps.

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

Disney World Quick Tips – Where to feed and change your baby?

By

Chip

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August 21, 2010

A lot of parents I have talked to say all the time they are going to wait till their children are older to take their children to Walt Disney World. Some say they want to wait till they are potty trained, others say they want them to remember it. Many say they don’t want to bring a baby to Disney World as it is to hard to change and feed them.

I think alot of people are unaware of the FREE Disney provided gem known as Baby Care Centers. These places are great for parents of small children. We have taken our little one since she was 10 months old, and still frequent these lifesaving stops as a toddler.

Baby Care Centers are in all 4 parks and each have their own theme inside. They are a perfect place to break away from the park to change and feed your little ones. Not only do they have changing tables, rocking chairs, and restrooms they have a little mini drug store in there too. You never know when you might need some childrens Tylenol or Motrin.

If you want to learn more check out this article from WDW Info.

I just wanted to let all those parents of younger children know that Disney is looking out for them by providing them with a free location to change, feed and take care of your little ones. So there is no excuse for not taking your little one to the parks early..Oh and did you know children under 3 get into Disney for Free!!!

Run Disney Logo Unveiled

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

This new Disney logo was unveiled this week for all those people who run in the various Disneyworld Marathons. I am unsure what Disney has planned for this logo but stay tuned to Chip and Company for more details.

Nominations Now Open for Fourth Disney’s Dreamers Academy Class

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

Do you know a high school student who could benefit from several days of interactive workshops and seminars, mentoring and inspiration focusing on careers and life enrichment – all sprinkled with Disney fun?

One hundred students just like that will be packing their bags for Walt Disney World Resort in early 2011 as the fourth class of Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine – but to have a chance to be part of the experience, they need to be nominated. A parent, teacher, school administrator, church group and even the student himself or herself can initiate the nomination.

Nominations for the Class of 2011 can be submitted between now and Oct. 31, 2010, with information about procedures at www.DisneysDreamersAcademy.com.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Schedule & Details

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

“Boo” has never been uttered in a bouncier, bubblier, “not-so-scary” fashion than during “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” … and ghostly apparitions never have been more wistful than they are skittering along the rooftops of Main Street, U.S.A. When you put it together with a green-and-orange fireworks spectacular and Land-to-Land trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom, you have a Halloween event like none other: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

It’s enough to bring a smile to the face of a Disney villain! And the special-ticket after-hours party on 24 select evenings between Sept. 14 and Nov. 1, 2010, at Walt Disney World Resort will do just that. About the only one not wearing a grin is The Headless Horseman as he rides his trusty steed through the park.

Guests wanting to join in the “spirit” of the party are welcome to don their favorite Halloween costumes for the 7 p.m.-to-12 midnight event. The special entertainment schedule includes “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. and “HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular” at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with characters and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions – including, of course, The Haunted Mansion – are available to experience (but beware of hitchhiking ghosts).

Party dates in 2010 are: Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31; and Nov. 1.

Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and
Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9). Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for the parties on Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24 and 26; and Nov. 1.

Additional information is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.

Disney & Time Warner Talks Escalate

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

This article comes to us from the NY Post.

Negotiations between Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Cable over continued carriage of ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels are intensifying as both companies gird for battle.

ESPN President George Bodenheimer and Sean Bratches, the sports network’s head of sales and marketing, were told to cut short their vacations and get back to the bargaining table, said a source close to the negotiations.

Both companies began waging marketing campaigns to sway consumers to their side well before their current contract is set to expire on Sept. 2. Disney wants more money for its programming, while Time Warner wants to hold the line rather than pass higher costs along to customers. ESPN is the most expensive cable network, costing pay-TV providers on average $4.40 a month per subscriber.

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Epcot’s Food & Wine Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Schedule

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

Pop music hit-maker Taylor Dayne will raise the curtain Oct. 1 on Eat to the Beat!, the long-running concert series in conjunction with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010. She will be the first of 18 musically diverse acts scheduled during the six-week festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

During a recording career of more than two decades, Dayne has hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Dance/Club and Adult Contemporary charts with “Prove Your Love,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Planet Love” and “Beautiful,” all ascending to the top of one or more list. She has had 18 “Top 10s” since “Tell It to My Heart” in 1988.

Dayne will perform Oct. 1-3 and will be followed in October by a lineup that includes four acts playing Eat to the Beat! for the first time: Sugar Ray, Air Supply, Howard Jones and 38 Special. Here’s the complete October schedule (artists are subject to change without notice):

Oct. 1-3 – Taylor Dayne
Oct. 4-5 – Kool & The Gang
Oct. 6-8 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 9-10 – Taylor Hicks
Oct. 11-12 – Air Supply
Oct. 13-15 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 16-17 – Howard Jones
Oct. 18-19 – Expose
Oct. 20-21 – 38 Special
Oct. 22-24 – Night Ranger
Oct. 25-27 – Billy Ocean
Oct. 28-31 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas

All performances are at America Gardens Theatre, with shows at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each day. The opportunity to enjoy Eat to the Beat! is included with Epcot admission on the days of scheduled shows.

Disney Fan Art Contest Honors One Hundred and One Dalmatians

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

Disney fans are some of the most imaginative people in the world. To celebrate that wellspring of creativity, D23 is holding the second annual Disney Fan Art Contest, open to D23 Members.

This year’s contest honors the beloved animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011! A select number of finalist artwork will be displayed in the Fan Art Gallery at D23 Expo 2011 this August 19-21, 2011, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Members must submit a sketch of their proposed work to the Walt Disney Archives no later than April 4, 2011. No more than three (3) sketches may be submitted per member. Work will be judged by a panel of
creative executives.
Artists whose work has been accepted by the panel at the initial sketch stage will be notified by telephone or e-mail on or before May 9, 2011, and must respond to notification. If a response has not been received within ten days of notification, the acceptance will become null and void.
Final art must be submitted to the Walt Disney Archives no later than July 11, 2011. Entries received after this date will not be accepted, judged or returned. From the final artwork received, the panel will select several pieces, which be displayed at D23 Expo 2011. Those finalists whose artwork has been selected will be notified no later than July 18, 2011.

CONTEST GUIDELINES

ARTIST ELIGIBILITY: This contest is open to any D23 member in good standing who is 18 years of age or older.

ART SPECIFICATIONS: The final work will be inspired by One Hundred and One Dalmatians. The work may be two- or three-dimensional. Art may not be electrical, digital, require electricity or require the use of any external device including but not limited to a generator, computer, battery pack, or external outlet. Art may not be made out of food, vegetation, or any perishable item, nor may it utilize any animal byproducts or pelts. Art may be no larger than 5′ square and weigh no more than 50 lbs. Art may be signed by artist.

ELIGIBLE WORK: Works must be original in concept and created solely for this contest. Work may not have been previously published in any form whatsoever. Work done for The Walt Disney Company family of companies, or with any help from or under the supervision of another person will not be accepted.

ENTRY FORMAT AND FINALIST SELECTION: Initial entries must be original sketches of the planned work in any media and any size selected by the artist.

ENTRY FORMS: Entry forms must be downloaded from the D23 or D23Expo Web site and must be fully completed, signed and affixed to the original sketch(es). Entries submitted without completed forms will not be considered. Entries must be received on or before April 4, 2011. Entries received after this date will not BE CONSIDERED OR RETURNED. D23 is not responsible for late mail deliveries. Click here to enter the Disney Fan Art Contest.

SPECIAL NOTE: Upon submission, all entries (sketches and final paintings) become the property of Disney Enterprises, Inc. (“Disney”) and may be used in perpetuity at Disney’s sole discretion. Artists are responsible for all material costs including packaging and shipping.

Disney Food Confession – Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

What is it? Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

Where can you get it? Tomorrowland Terrace, Disneyland Park

Why you want it? Served cold with Portobello mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, onions, Provolone cheese and basil aioli on multi-grain bread.

Photo credit: Disney

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!

Steve Harvey poses with Mickey Mouse at Epcot

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

Actor/Comedian Steve Harvey poses with Mickey Mouse at Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Harvey is at Walt Disney World for the third annual “Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey,” which took place Feb. 11-14. During this years event, 100 high school students from across the nation participate in a career-inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational seminars, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

Kent Phillips, photographer

Disneyland Resort Announces Fall Savings

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

As the spooky fun of Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort gets underway this fall, guests and vacationers can enjoy exciting savings with special resort vacation offers.

Featuring such favorite seasonal attractions as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort offers families a chance to enjoy seasonal attractions and décor as well as interact with beloved Disney characters decked out in whimsical Halloween costumes. Guests will also encounter Cruella DeVille, Captain Hook and other Disney villains who make special appearances at Disneyland for Halloween Time.

In addition, “World of Color,” the new nighttime spectacular in Disney California Adventure park, will perform nightly throughout the fall, presenting a dazzling array of characters, expressive music, performing fountains and astonishing special effects.

Fall vacation value highlights at Disneyland Resort include a $300 savings on a four-day, four-night package at any Disneyland Resort hotel if booked between now and Dec. 1. For vacationers seeking a hotel room-only offer, great savings are available at all three of the on-site Disneyland Resort hotels, when booked between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1, 2010.

$300 SAVINGS ON FOUR-DAY, FOUR-NIGHT VACATION PACKAGE

Vacationers can enjoy a $300 savings on a four-day, four-night Disneyland Resort Vacation Package at any Disneyland Resort hotel if booked between now and Dec. 1, 2010. Travel must take place between Oct. 1 and Dec. 16, 2010. The offer is perfectly timed for guests to take advantage of the popular festivities taking place at Disneyland Resort during the Halloween season.

The savings also include all of the magical extras that come with booking a vacation package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. These benefits include preferred seating to some of the popular shows and attractions, Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets, a Magic Morning admission into Disneyland one hour before the park opens to the general public and a “Key to the Magic” card which allows clients to charge meals and merchandise to their resort hotel account.

For more information and to book, call your local travel agent or visit www.disneyland.com.

SPECIAL OFFERS ON DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTEL ROOMS ONLY

For those seeking a hotel room-only offer, Disneyland Resort features great savings this fall at its on-site deluxe hotels. Guests can take 30 percent off their room rate at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 25 percent off at Disneyland Hotel, or 20 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Resort hotel room-only offers require a two-night minimum stay. Reserve before Sept. 30 and savings jump to 40 percent off room rates at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 35 percent off at Disneyland Hotel, or 30 percent off at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Travel must take place between Oct. 1 and Dec. 16, 2010.

For general Disneyland Resort information, park hours and entertainment schedules, call 714/781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.

D23 Expo Tickets are Now Available

By

Chip

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August 20, 2010

D23 Expo Tickets are Now Available

When Purchasing Tickets…

D23 Members can purchase up to 4 (four) discount tickets (1-day or 3-day)
Each ticket purchased will need to have the ticket bearer’s full name upon purchasing
New D23 Members will need to wait 2-3 business days for their membership number (located in your DisneyStore.com order confirmation) to be activated in the ticket purchasing system
Only D23 Members can purchase Premiere and Sorcerer tickets.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 will fall into three different pricing tiers, based on purchase date (see table above), and D23 Members can enjoy additional savings, plus members-only benefits. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $204 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate.

In addition to these special advance-purchase savings, D23 Members can also buy new D23 Expo VIP packages that are only available to members. These new packages offer incredible exclusive opportunities and will have very limited availability.

The Premiere Package includes three days of admission to the D23 Expo; reserved seating at all events and presentations in the Arena; access to a relaxing Premiere Lounge with concierge and complimentary refreshments, as well as a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives; a D23 Expo autograph book; and a special Premiere Package gift bag.

The Sorcerer Package includes all benefits in the Premiere Package; a private tour of and reception in the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit the night before the Expo opens; exclusive hardhat tour of the show floor prior to opening; limited edition artwork signed by Disney artist Dave Pacheco; reserved seating at all presentations and panels; a voucher for an appointment with an on-site massage therapist; special shopping opportunities at the Disney Dream Store; and a hardbound, collectible D23 Expo guidebook.

Only 250 Premiere Package tickets will be available at $500 per ticket. Availability of the Sorcerer Package will be strictly limited to 50 D23 Members at $1,000 per ticket. Both packages are only available to D23 Members. All D23 Members — both Gold level and Silver level — can take advantage of these exclusive admission savings and access to the special packages.

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