How to be Pregnant and Happy at Disney Resorts

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May 27, 2010

Awaiting a new bundle of joy is a magical, amazing experience in itself. But while you’re waiting…why not have some fun and relaxation at Disney! If you’re healthy and have no pregnancy complications (and your doc gives the ok), don’t shy away from some fun in the parks!

I spent my entire pregnancy hanging out at Disneyland. About once a week I’d go get my dose of Disney magic. It was the one thing that kept me from going completely nuts during a rough pregnancy! And oh my stars…the FOOD there satisfies any and every craving! Visiting Disney resorts during pregnancy doesn’t mean refraining from all attractions and just sitting on a bench all day…there is so much to do! And here’s a guide to staying comfortable, safe, healthy, and HAPPY while visiting Disney during your pregnancy.

Of course, ALWAYS speak with your doctor to make sure you are healthy and able to fully enjoy your vacation at Disney!

Here’s some tips!

1. Clothing: Comfy shoes are a must…good support, shoes that allow your feet to breathe but also won’t slip around easily. Uncomfortable clothing or any article that you would have to keep tugging at or adjusting isn’t going to be fun. Go for comfort, number one rule!

2. Take it Easy: Remember to take it easy…take some breaks along the way! There are many benches to sit and relax under a tree. Grab a snack! There are entertaining attractions that have no wait lines…just walk right into the Main Street Cinema on Main Street U.S.A to sit in the cool, dark theater and watch black & white Mickey cartoons…as well as Disneyland’s The Disney Gallery on Main Street offers beautiful and exciting Disney art by many different artists. The lobby of Great Moments With Mr Lincoln (on Main Street, adjoining with The Disney Gallery) is also filled with art-pieces and offers places to sit and watch a short film hosted by Steve Martin and Donald Duck. Or you can relax bayside in Disney’s California Adventure’s Paradise Pier area. Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular at California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater is a great place to relax and see a cool show!

You can also rent wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. Taking a time-out to go back to the hotel room for a nap or a relaxing float in the pool is also refreshing!

3. Visit the restrooms often. Enough said.

4. Keep hydrated! This is always important, for everyone at any time…but especially when pregnant! Chilled bottled water is sold throughout the park, as well as there are water fountains. I liked to keep a bottle with me and refill it with cold water throughout the day.

5. Foods/Snacks: Disney food is a pregnant woman’s dream…every food craving you could possibly have can be indulged here! Turkey legs, churros, chimichangas, nachos, ice cream, but there are also HEALTHY snacks as well! Fresh fruit carts are all over…all I wanted when I was pregnant was ice cold fruit…those fruit vendors knew me by name! mmm, and Dole Pineapple Whips….*drool*

6. And finally…Attractions! Never ignore any warnings or concerns from your doctor about your pregnancy…and also pay attention to any attraction warnings and recommendations as well. Of course, most of the slow and steady dark rides are perfectly fine…and there are other rides you can go on as well!

The attractions that are officially restricted at Disneyland are:

Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
Star Tours
Matterhorn
Indiana Jones Adventure
Gadget’s Go Coaster
Autopia
and at California Adventure:

Grizzly River Run
California Screamin
Silly Symphonies Swings
Maliboomer
Mulholland Madness
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Tuck n Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies

Also, WDW’s list of restricted attractions…

Magic Kingdom:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
The Barnstormer (at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm)
Epcot:

Mission: SPACE
Test Track

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Star Tours
Rock n Roller Coaster
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Animal Kingdom:

DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safari
Primeval Whirl

Some other attractions may make you weary, but it all depends on you and your pregnancy…I personally rode Pirates of the Caribbean millions of times while I was pregnant…but I wasn’t totally comfortable with going on Soarin’ Over California. So just follow your instincts and what you feel comfortable with!

There are also multiple entertaining shows, parades, exhibits to explore at any of the resorts…not to mention the amazing Downtown Disney area at both Disneyland Resort and WDW Resort…which provides many more options of shopping and dining, as well as live music, and a movie theater that shows current films.

Megan

You can contact Megan at Pixie Vacations for help with your next Disney Vacation at:
Megan Vandiver
Phone: 714-253-3352
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.PixieVacations.com

Iron Man: Extremis Episode 4

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 26, 2010

Iron Man: Extremis Episode 4 — Iron Man: Extremis

Iron Man fans, check out the fourth episode for Iron Man: Extremis. It’s a very well put together Motion Comic that is now available on iTunes, Xbox Live, Zune Marketplace and the Playstation Network. Here’s the full release from Marvel: link.

[Image Credit]

Ask a Disney Question: How do I get a pin code?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 26, 2010

This question comes from Shelly, who asks: “Where can I get a Disney Pin code.”

Shelly, thanks for your question and for reading Chip and Co. Ahh, the elusive pin code. Just so everyone reading this knows, pin codes are special discount codes given out by Disney. They can be for packages, free dining, and resort-only discounts. Many times, although not always, these codes are precursors to general public discounts that are available later, but because you received yours ahead of time, your chances of getting the rate you want when you want it are greater. Pin codes are specific to the addressee so you can’t give them away to your friends and family; we’ve even heard of people not being able to use a code that was emailed to them that had the wrong home address on it. To get a pin code, go to the official Disney site and sign up and then wait. If you’re one of the lucky ones, a pin code will show up in your email inbox soon after, but if you’re like most people, you’ll wait for a while. We’ve heard reports of frequent travelers never getting a code.

We think there are probably ways to increase your chances of getting a code but Disney isn’t telling, so all we have to go on is anecdotal evidence we’ve read on message boards or heard from our Disney-obsessed friends. Here’s a few things that seem to work:

1. Order a Disney vacation planning DVD (pictured above). This seems to be one of the most common ways people try to get a pin.

2. Have your spouse or partner sign up. In fact, have anyone you travel and plan on sharing a room with do this. So, if you’ll be travelling with a friend, have her sign up, that way you’ll both have feelers out for pin codes. When one of you gets one, that person makes the reservation in her name for both of you. If you normally do the vacation planning in your household, have your spouse sign up at the Disney site. In our house, I book all our vacations, so everything from resort reservations to dining reservations is in my name. For several years, I didn’t get a pin code. As an experiment, I actually signed my husband up just to see if I would get an offer. Within a week or so, I received a free dining pin code in my husband’s name.

3. Play with some travel scenarios on the Disney website. I did this several times over April and May. In one case, I was checking out prices for a Disney newbie friend of mine. In another, did some comparisons for a Chip and Co article. The last one was for me, because I was trying to add on an extra day to a trip that’s already booked. In the last three weeks, I’ve received three pin codes. One thing I’ve done differently in recent months is filling out the survey that pops up when you go to leave the site (without booking) and leave an actual comment in the box saying that I’m waiting for discounts. I don’t know if that made a difference, but I don’t normally get pin codes so something must be working.

4. Keep your profile updated at Disney.com.

5. Enter contests on the Disney website.

6. Sign up for a Disney Visa rewards card.

Finally, don’t forget to check your spam folder to see if your emails are going there. Also, when you call Disney to make a reservation, ask if there’s a code attached to your name in case you missed it. Cast members aren’t allowed to pass current codes onto you if you haven’t been mailed one, but if there’s one attached to your name, they will honor it even if you can’t provide the number yourself.

Good luck and let us know if this helps!

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

Disney D23 Members Set Off on the Adventure of a Lifetime!

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Now through June 21, 2010, D23 Members can book select Adventures by Disney vacations for travel before April 26, 2011 and receive $200* off per person!

Whether you want to explore the splendors of America’s great Southwest, learn an Aboriginal dance in the outbacks of Australia, or discover the fairy-tale lands of Europe, Adventures by Disney has a wide range of expertly planned guided vacations for the whole family to some of the most intriguing and beloved destinations around the world. And now, D23 Members can book select Adventures by Disney journeys for travel before April 26, 2011 and receive $200* off per person!

* Offer applies to the purchase at the non-discounted Regular Rate of select Adventures by Disney 2010 season departure dates of eligible itineraries when booked between 5/20/10 and 6/21/10. Travel must commence prior to 04/26/2011. Offer valid only for D23 members; membership subject to verification. Subject to availability. Valid on new land package bookings made through Adventures by Disney Travel Services Inc. You must advise the Concierge Agent of this offer at time of booking. Not applicable toward deposit amount. Offer non-transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion or sold or transferred for commercial use. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply, subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited.

Please call an Adventures by Disney concierge agent at 877.728.7282 or click here for more information. Be sure to ask for this offer and mention that you are a D23 Member.

Click here for more info

Upcoming Disney’s Blockbuster “Lightspeed” Space Adventure

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer, the team that has brought you Prince of Persia, Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure are now developing a space adventure, called “Lightspeed.”

The story focuses on a young pilot who makes the Earth Interstellar Racing Team and must take his ship on a journey across the galaxy on the brink of war.

Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii (Deja Vu) wrote the script, which was bought by Disney for a whopping $3.5 million. Bruckheimer envisions the project as a live-action and potentially 3D pic.

Source Variety.com

Glendale OKs major Walt Disney Co expansion

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

This article comes to us from the LA Times:

The Glendale City Council this week gave its blessing to a proposed 338,000-square-foot expansion of Walt Disney Co.’s creative campus.

The plans call for a six-story office building walled largely in glass, landscaping with palm trees and a park-like area for outdoor activities.

The 338,000-square-foot project includes a six-story office building, a five-story wing and a six-story parking garage, to be added onto the company’s creative campus in the San Fernando Road corridor.

“It’s a beautiful project,” Councilwoman Laura Friedman, chairwoman of the Glendale Redevelopment Agency, said during a public hearing on the development. “It’s going to look terrific and certainly improve the area aesthetically.”

The expansion will include the main six-story building, a five-story wing with a basement and a six-story parking garage with solar panels.

Disney representatives said they expected to break ground in September.

Click here for more.

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green Keeps on Growing!

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

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What a difference a year can make. For the planet and for kids!

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is celebrating its one year anniversary with the premiere of all-new content.

Starting May 30, new on-air messages will begin airing on Disney Channel and Disney XD. They feature nearly forty Disney stars including the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, as well as young environmental heroes. The spots will also be featured on Radio Disney and the recently redesigned program website, www.Disney.com/projectgreen.

A Program With Purpose

The aim of this ambitious movement is to empower children to take charge when it comes to the environment, whether it’s their own piece of the planet or a big picture approach.

“With Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green, kids are discovering that helping the planet is easy and fun when they work together and have the right tools,” said Jennifer Anopolsky, senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “In just one year, participation has exceeded our wildest expectations and we’re building on that momentum by extending Friends for Change to kids in other parts of the world and enhancing the program with fresh new content, local community events, and more grant money that will empower kids with even more ways to get involved.”

Twelve months after the launch of Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green, kids have made nearly two million personal promises to change their daily routines, from unplugging electrical devices when not in use, to taking shorter showers.

Kids can also go global with their votes on where to allocate Disney grant money. As a result, one million dollars in grants from Disney are now supporting 25 critical environmental projects around the world.

With the new videos and web content debuting May 30, young people will learn even more ways to recycle, save water, help habitats and reduce energy consumption. They will also have the opportunity to again vote on how another $1 million in grants will support worthy environmental causes throughout the year.

Kids Making A Difference

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is setting the pace for environmental initiative. With nearly two million promises, kids have pledged to:

— Cut 70,000 tons of carbon emissions annually

— Reduce/recycle 2.4 million pounds of trash annually

— Save 120 million gallons of water per month

Kids are also learning about the power of their vote. Thanks to their input, Disney has donated more than one million dollars to 25 environmental projects in 15 countries, including:

— $50,000 to the National Resource Council to help fund a forest restoration project in Costa Rica.

— $25,000 to the African Wildlife Foundation to help protect elephant habitats in Zambia.

Kids can turn their own local environmental project into a reality. Disney’s Friends for Change grants, in collaboration with Youth Service America, provide seed money to help get them started. The next call for grant applications opens June 7. To date, these grants have positively influenced nearly 8,000 kids. See http://www.youthserviceamerica.org/grants/programs/friends-for-change for more information.

Kids can also help raise money through iTunes downloads of Disney’s Friends for Change anthems Send It On and Make A Wave. At last count, nearly $700,000, representing 100-percent of download proceeds, have been contributed to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. (www.Disney.com/conservation)

Full Speed Ahead

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is set expand locally and globally in the coming year:

— Local events in cities across the country will inspire kids through hands-on experiences including tree-planting and clean-ups. The first event kicks off June 6th, World Oceans Day, at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

— Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green launched last month in Latin America. Kids have already made more than 200,000 promises! European markets are next in line.

About Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green

Disney’s Friends for Change: Project Green is a multi-platform initiative that empowers kids to help the planet. Through the program, kids learn practical ways to help the environment, get their friends involved, track their collective impact and have the opportunity to help Disney decide how to divide $1 million in annual donations to various environmental causes. Kids can join for free at www.Disney.com/projectgreen.

Disney Legend Art Linkletter Dead at 97

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Actor and Disney legend Art Linkletter has passed away today at the age of 97. A personal friend of Walt Disney’s, Linkletter is famous in Disney circles as being the master of ceremonies for the nationally-televised opening of Disneyland Park on July 17, 1955.

When Disney could not afford to pay Linkletter for his services, an agreement was reached that would allow Linkletter to instead receive the profit from all cameras and film sold in the park for its first 10 years of operation. This agreement led to what would become the highest-paying television host gig in history, a record that still stands to this day.

Source

2 New Shops to open at Disneyland Resort – Treats & Sweets

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Great News from the Disney Parks Blog:

Have you heard the news? This week we are opening two new shops at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re looking for delectable treats to satisfy your sweet tooth or you have an eye for the perfect wardrobe accessory, one of our new destinations is surely going to appeal to you.

Plans for the two new shops are well under way and the talented teams at the Disneyland Resort are fully immersed in the hustle and bustle of last minute touches to these exciting new shops. On May 26, the place to be is…Geppetto’s Sweet Shoppe in Fantasyland, especially if you’re craving something particularly sweet. Some of the most delectable treats you’ll ever taste, including peanut brittle, toffee and more will be at your fingertips.

But if it’s jewelry, handbags and trendy ‘must have’s’ that you crave, then the crown jewel in your fashion collection will definitely be found at Jewel of Orleans. Set to open May 28, this new shopping destination will offer stylish accessories from designers like Tarina Tarantino, Classic Hardware as well as handbags by such notable fashion houses such as Steve Madden and Dooney & Bourke, among other designers as well.

Click here to keep reading.

Alice in Wonderland “Tag Your State” Sweepstakes

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

We are running a new sweepstakes on Chip and Co’s Facebook Page. It’s the Tag Your State for Alice in Wonderland on BluRay/DVD contest.

We will be giving away a copy next week of the Alice in Wonderland on Bluray/DVD Combo Pack through our Facebook page.

All you have to do is:

Like our Page
Click on the Map
Tag your Home State
Share with your friends and family

It’s just easy!

What are you waiting for go enter now!

Disney in Retail – T-Shirts Galore

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

My family and I were in Old Navy a few days ago using a coupon we got in the mail for $5 off. Not really needing anything just checking things out and while I was browsing the clothes back in the kids department I ran across a most interesting discovery!

It seems Disney has made an arrangements with Old Navy to sell their Toy Story, Iron Man, Marvel, Disney, etc.

Here are some really cool Disney t-shirts that are for sale at Old Navy right now.

Had to get this one for my little Princess 🙂

Glow in the dark Buzz

80’s Minnie

Iron Man 2 for the Big Kids

They had a bunch of these X-Men white shirts

Old school Spiderman/Dr Oct there.

What do you think of these shirts? Let us know in the comment section below.

Floridians Can Enjoy Summer Nightastic! Fun and Save With Special Florida Resident Play Pass

By

Chip

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May 26, 2010

Floridians Can Enjoy Summer Nightastic! Fun and Save With Special Florida Resident Play Pass

Floridians can enjoy the fun of Summer Nightastic! with a special “Play Pass” available only to residents of the Sunshine State.

The Florida Resident Play Pass comes in 3-Day and 4-Day versions that offer savings compared to generally available tickets and an enhanced expiration feature not generally available. Here are the details:

The Florida Resident 3-Day Play Pass ($134 plus tax ages 10-up, $114 plus tax ages 3-9) and Florida Resident 4-Day Play Pass ($164 plus tax ages 10-up, $139 plus tax ages 3-9) provide admission to one theme park a day.
Florida Resident guests have 180 days from first use to experience the designated number of days on the ticket (generally available tickets expire in 14 days unless a non-expiration option is purchased).
Florida Resident guests can add the Park Hopper option and / or the Water Park Fun & More Option for 50 percent savings ($26 each). The Water Park Fun & More Option provides a number of visits to water parks and more equal to the number of theme park days on the ticket.

Proof of Florida residency is required to purchase this special ticket – as well as other offers available to Florida Residents. Information about other special offers for residents is available at www.disneyworld.com/floridians.