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Author Archives: Brenda
Disney Announces Disneyland Ticket Price Increases
This is a notice to all our loyal C&C fans who are planning an upcoming trip to Disneyland. Buy your park tickets today as the prices will be going up tomorrow! Disney has announced that they will increase their ticket prices for Disneyland Resort on May 20, 2012.
Prices for a one-day regular pass will increase from $80 to $87. In fact, every ticket option will increase on both regular and park-hopper tickets as shown below.
|
Ticket |
Ages 10+ |
Ages 3-9 |
| 5-Day Park Hopper |
$290 |
$270 |
| 5-Day 1-Park Per Day |
$260 |
$240 |
| 4-Day Park Hopper |
$275 |
$255 |
| 4-Day 1-Park Per Day |
$245 |
$225 |
| 3-Day Park Hopper |
$250 |
$235 |
| 3-Day 1-Park Per Day |
$220 |
$205 |
| 2-Day Park Hopper |
$200 |
$188 |
| 2-Day 1-Park Per Day |
$170 |
$158 |
| 1-Day Park Hopper |
$125 |
$119 |
| 1-Day 1-Park |
$87 |
$81 |
This is also bad news for Disneyland Resort Annual Passport holders as their costs will also rise as follows:
Premium - $649 (previously $499)
Deluxe – $469 (previously $379)
Southern California* – $329 (previously $269)
Southern California Select* – $269 (previously $199)
Additionally, the Premier Passport that allows guests to visit all the parks at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World is increasing from $749 to $849.
According to a Disney representative I spoke with, these changes for AP holders will not affect their current monthly payments, but when they renew they will be charged the higher price.
Additionally, if Disneyland tickets are purchased before tomorrow at the current, lower rate they will be honored at the gate.
Get your tickets today!
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Art of Animation Discount for Disney Visa Cardholders
Use your Disney’s Visa Card to save 15% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Book now through 6/14/12
for travel 6/18/12 – 9/27/12
Experience Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort and save 15% when you book with your Disney’s Visa® Card.
From the magically themed family suites and rooms, to the spectacular courtyards and sparkling pools, you can experience what it’s like to be a Character inside some of the most popular and beloved Walt Disney Pictures and Disney•Pixar movies. Choose to be immersed in one of four wonderful “worlds,” including:
- Finding Nemo Family Suites
Opening May 31, 2012 - Cars Family Suites
Opening June 18, 2012 - The Lion King Family Suites
Opening August 10, 2012 - The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms
Opening September 15, 2012
And every family will find the right accommodation for them — from suites sleeping up to six, to standard rooms accommodating up to four Guests. Plus, every Family Suite provides just the right amount of extra room to spread out in comfort.
Check out what Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has to offer. Click here
Plus, when you stay at a select Disney Resort Hotel, you’ll enjoy an array of special Disney touches that let you do things like:
- Spend more quality time with your family and friends with a benefit where a Theme Park is open extra time each day to enjoy select attractions! (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required.)
- Get around with ease – thanks to complimentary motorcoach transportation between Orlando International Airport and your Disney Resort Hotel AND throughout Walt Disney World® Resort, as well.
- Experience amazing entertainment for everyone – fantastic pools included!
Call 1-407-939-1896 or your Pixie travel agent, use code Q4F.
The number of rooms available at this rate is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday and Saturday arrivals. See important details.1
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Walt Disney World Planning Tips: What to Pack?
Whether you are a frequent visitor to Disney World or if you are planning your first magical visit, I hope you will find this Packing Tip helpful.
Up on the top shelf of my closet, I have what I refer to as my Disney Trunk. The contents of this oversized plastic bin have been very important to me over our last eleven years of traveling to Walt Disney World, as it keeps all of our necessities in one place, which makes packing time easy.
I am happy to share with you the list of reusable items I keep inside. Since we are a family of 5, you might guess that there are five of each item inside the box:
Backpacks
We each have a backpack made of lightweight but strong polypropylene with a drawstring closure and straps. They weigh less than an ounce when empty and are 15” high by 13” wide. Each person carries one loaded with the items below which are needed for a day in the parks.
Insulated Lunch Bags
When we are penny-pinching (like when gas is near $4.00 a gallon, for instance) and when we are not taking advantage of a free dining offer, we pack our lunch in the mornings on the days we will eat in the parks. We usually pack a juice box, sandwich, bag of chips, fruit, snacks such as nuts, fruit rollups, etc. and maybe even a surprise special treat that I pull out in the morning. Whenever everyone decides they are ready to eat lunch, we can pick a couple of benches and people-watch while we have our lunch. An alternative would be to rent a locker and put all the lunchbags in it and then go to the front of the park when you are ready, but we like to just stop and drop.
You can use a delivery service like Garden Grocer for all your shopping needs!
Lanyards
We have lanyards to use during Extra Magic Hours (EMH), which is a special privilege for all Disney resort guests. Our lanyards each have a top-seal card holder attached for our key to the world (room key) which you must show at each ride during EMH. This saves us the time and trouble of taking out our key at each ride. We have even graduated to extra special ones with blinking lights so I always know where my family is if we accidentally get separated during nighttime EMH.
Rain Ponchos
I purchase these at my local Dollar store a few weeks before our trip but always have extras in the box because we have been blessed with great weather during most of our trips. They are sold two for $1.00 and I usually buy 2 packs for each person. Since most of the time, we may have to use only 1, or at the most 2, we usually have some left over. We keep 2 ponchos in each backpack – one just in case the other breaks.
Ziptop Bags
We use ziptop bags for a couple of reasons and every day we place two in each backpack. One holds our cell phone, camera and anything else we want to keep dry. The second is carried as an extra to put a wet poncho in, if necessary. We can also use the spare if we have any leftover chocolate anything from a meal so we can take it with us for a snack later. If you know me, you know I NEVER waste anything chocolate.
Cell phone pouches
Every person in my family has a cell phone, which I am sure you can understand since my kids range in age from 17 to 25. They can easily get dropped and broken if carried loose in a backpack, so each person has a soft cover pouch. These pouches keep them from getting damaged hopping onto and off of rides all day. The only time we use these pouches is at Disney World so when we return home they get put right back into the trunk.
Carabiners
We have a carabiner with a water bottle holder ring for each person. Each of us carries a bottle of water in addition to the drink in our lunch kit. We refill them throughout the day with the FREE ice water Disney offers to every guest at the quick service locations at any of the parks. We hook the carabiner to the drawstring cord at the top of our backpack.
Air Freshener
I always take a spray can of air freshener with us. I am sure you can understand why. Five people (3 males and 2 females) sharing one bathroom — need I say more? Since we are there for only ten days, we usually have enough in the can for the next visit. I replenish this item as needed.
Shoe Organizer
I have an over-the-door shoe organizer I like to use for the bathroom. The organizer has 6 rows of 4 “shoe” slots each. So, for five of us, each person gets a row. That is 4 large slots each to use for our personal bathroom necessities: deodorant, toothbrush, hair gel, hairspray, makeup, face cleanser, etc. It has been very handy to keep us organized since the resort bathroom areas are usually not equipped to handle such a large number of items and, especially, since I don’t want anyone to have to live out of a suitcase for 10 days. The rows are assigned by height, so my youngest at 6’3” gets the top row and so on down to the next to the bottom row. I use the bottom row for other items such as bandaids, pain and fever reducer, lotion, etc.
Power strip
I always take a powerstrip with us on the trip. We have 5 cell phones, Ipods, and other electronic devices to charge and there never seems to be enough plugs in the room. Having a powerstrip with many plug-in slots has been a lifesaver for us. We never leave home without it.
Waterproof Map Holder
If you have read my other posts, you have probably gathered that I am old school. I have a smartphone and I really love it but I still like doing things on paper. I prepare a one-page, color-coded Excel spreadsheet for every trip which has my itinerary, ADR confirmation numbers, park times, parade times, fireworks schedule, etc. on the one sheet. When I fold it in thirds horizontally it is the perfect size to fit into my waterproof map holder. Now, when I am having a blast on Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, or if I am stuck in the rain, I know that my trip bible is safe and sound and protected from the elements.
Body Glide/Monistat Soothing Care
These products are used to prevent and combat chafing (like on the inner thigh area). When my kids were young I went ahead and put it on them to keep them from having any discomfort from walking all day, getting wet on rides then taking a while to dry out, etc. We now take them just as a precaution but if we need it, we have it.
Germ-X, sunscreen, lipbalm
We have been carrying Germ-X with us for years, long before Disney installed the antibacterial soap dispensers. We still each carry one out of habit, as well as necessity. I know it is not necessary since the Disney installation but I am a moderate germaphobe so I will not even go there. I also keep sunscreen in my backpack as well as a lipbalm for each person, just in case.
It sounds hilarious that I still carry lipbalm for each of the kids, especially when I think of my oldest son who now has his own mortgage, but the thing is that we can’t turn off “the mom thing” and I have been doing it this way for so long that it’s just natural. Believe me, I don’t pack their suitcases for them and I don’t hold their hand on the way to the bus stop (even though I would really like to).
Keeping all of these reusable items organized and in one place throughout the year keeps me from having to fumble around for them when our time finally arrives to go back to Walt Disney World. About five weeks before the trip, I take out the box to see what needs to be replenished.
We have been very thankful for the Free Dining offer, because that means we can go to the parks without having to pack a lunch and sometimes we don’t even need to take the backpacks at all. Free Dining makes everything easy. Come on Disney, make the offer – pretty please!
During the times when free dining is not offered though, we really watch our budget and these items have saved us time, trouble and lots of money. Hope you enjoyed these tips! Share your own tips with us as well!
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GCB: The Complete First Season – Available June 12, 2012
From Darren Star, creator of ‘Sex And The City,’ and Robert Harling, writer of ‘Steel Magnolias,’ comes a deliciously fun, wicked new drama that shows you can go home again…but only if you’re ready to face the sins of your past.
Back in high school, original mean girl Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb) mercilessly tormented her less attractive classmates. Twenty years later, after her hubby is busted for a Ponzi scheme – and meets his maker in a particularly scandalous way – a disgraced Amanda is back in Dallas to start life anew under her mother’s (Annie Potts) palatial roof.
But will the good women of her hometown welcome her with open arms or dole out some kick-ass karmic payback? Let’s just say, hell hath no fury like the cosmetically enhanced!
“GCB” stars Leslie Bibb, Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Jennifer Aspen, Miriam Shor, Marisol Nichols, David James Elliott, Mark Deklin and Brad Beyer. Released in a three-disc DVD set.
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Rating: TVPG D L S
Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 US; $44.99 Canada
Running Time: 430 minutes (10 episodes)
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Interview with Jonathan Morgan Heit of “Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Peter Pan Returns”
I recently had an opportunity to chat with Jonathan Morgan Heit, star of Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns which arrived on DVD and Digital Copy on April 3. In this great adventure, Peter Pan is back – but his shadow is missing! When Peter loses his shadow while playing a game of Catch-Me-If-You-Can, he returns to Never Land to seek help from his kid pirate friends Jake, Izzy and Cubby.
Jonathan Morgan Heit plays the lovable Cubby. I was already a fan of this special young man since he played adorable Patrick in Bedtime Stories and Oliver in Date Night, and he is one busy little dude. He is a top student, plays several sports, acts, directs, sings and is already working on several great philanthropic projects. At a mere 11-years-old, he has already begun a great career and is ready to help change the world.
Jonathan Morgan Heit began acting at only 4 ½ years of age. His professional acting debut was in 2006, when he appeared in the television series Close to Home and General Hospital. In 2007, he appeared in two more television shows, ER and the talk show The Showbiz Show with David Spade. Some of the highlights of his movie career, thus far, include roles in Bedtime Stories, Valentine’s Day, and Date Night, just to name a few. He has also directed two short films.
His television career has included roles on How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement, voice over for Santa Buddies and he is, of course, the voice of Cubby on the television series Jake and the Never Land Pirates which is Disney Junior’s uber popular series for children through age 7.
Jonathan has a heart for doing good in his community and the world. He has been active in serving with the Los Angeles Mission, Book Pals, Autism Speaks, and the Lollipop Theater Network. He has been featured on a special series, Young Icons, and by the end of this interview I hope you will understand why.
Brenda: I know the Jake and the Never Land Pirates series has been very successful and I know you must be super excited about the release of the feature-length animated adventure Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns. How has it been for you working in the studio for both the show and the movie?
Jonathan: It’s really great because I get to work with Madison Pettis and Colin Ford and everyone is really great. And now I get to work with the new Jake, Cameron Boyce. And, of course, I got to work with Peter Pan who is a great actor and it was really cool because Peter Pan is such a classic character and it was awesome getting to do a movie with Peter Pan.
Brenda: When you’re doing the voice over, are you actually watching the animation on a screen while performing your lines or are you just in the studio with a mic and a script and a chair?
Jonathan: It’s kind of the second one but it’s not as dark as it sounds (chuckle). It is great fun because you get to work with all the other people so it is fun, but you are in there with only a script, a chair, a table and a mic. But it’s really cool because you can go in there in pajamas and it doesn’t matter. How many people get to go to work in their pajamas?
Brenda: I really like Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns because the writing is terrific, the animation is perfectly done, and it gets kids up and moving. It is also a great way to introduce important life lessons to kids. What drew you to the role of Cubby?
Jonathan: Well, I really like the role of Cubby because, like you said, in the script they might not say “you shouldn’t do this” or “do that” but it is kind of subtle like, “oh don’t get mad at Captain Hook he has his reasons” and stuff like that. Also, Cubby is funny because he always has his map. So, whenever they have to go somewhere he says “we have to go this way, then this way, then this way.” Whenever I go on a trip with my family, I always have the map. Do you really? Yes, I am always saying go right up here or left here it is really funny.
Brenda: You know, being a writer for Chip and Company, I am a humongous Disney fan and I know you have recently been to Disneyland. Have you ever visited Walt Disney World?
Jonathan: I haven’t actually been to Disney World but I really want to. We want to because it is so huge in comparison to Disneyland. I really want to go and I think we are going to probably end up going soon.
Brenda: For all of our Chip and Company Disney lovers, I am going to ask you a series of quick answer questions about Disneyland. Just give me a quick response to each, OK?
Jonathan: OK, ready.
All-time Favorite ride? Tower of Terror and California Screamin’
Favorite park food? Funnel cake
Favorite Disney character? Mr. Smee, I really like him because he is really funny. Besides the classics, I think he is a great character. Captain Hook tries to force him to be evil but he is funny and tries to be nice when he has to do what Hook says.
Favorite Disney princess? Belle
All-time Favorite Disney movie? Lion King
Brenda: What do you think of the new Jake and the Never Land Pirates makeovers at The Pirates League – pretty cool huh? Kids can be dressed as Jake and get a Jake and the Never Land Pirates bag and everything.
Jonathan: That is cool, I will have to check it out when I’m there. I think it would be fun if we could have Cubby looking like Cubby!
Brenda: I know you love acting and that you have already completed a couple of courses at the New York Film Academy. What are your career aspirations – acting, directing?
Jonathan: Actually I have already directed two films (It Happens and Coincidence) and I really want to do that later on as it’s really fun. Also acting is great, because when you work on a movie everyone is like a big family. You get to know everyone on the set and that is really great because you build real connections with people you didn’t really expect you would.
Brenda: You have already begun a wonderful and very promising movie career and you have been able to work with some A-list stars. May I ask whom you would love to get to co-star with but haven’t met yet?
Jonathan: Well, I am open to everyone but I think it would be really cool to work with Morgan Freeman.
Brenda: I am on the Board of a foundation for orphans in Kenya that began exactly 11 years ago tomorrow. I find it strangely ironic that today I am interviewing an 11-year-old young man who has such a heart for charity and has even begun a charity for Kenya as well. I have read about your Crowdrise “Kids for Kenya” campaign and I must say that I am so proud to meet you. You have such a great heart and you have the celebrity to really make a difference. Can you tell me a little more about “Kids for Kenya”?
Jonathan: Sure. I went to Kenya last summer and my aunt has always been working in Kenya and has an organization called NextAid that uses the power of music to improve the lives of kids and adults affected by AIDS. So, through NextAid, I started an organization called Kids for Kenya. There is a place I visited called the Kawangware Vision Centre and what they do is provide positive opportunities to get kids off the streets from the slums and give them food and shelter and all this great stuff. I was thinking, you shouldn’t do things for them, you should help them do it themselves. If you coddle something and don’t let them do it for themselves then you leave, or can’t fund them anymore, they won’t know what to do. So, I am interested in helping them raise money to help the kids there. It’s a great organization.
Brenda: Here is a topic that I know is near and dear to you, from where did you develop such an obsession for shoes?
Jonathan: Well? I have no idea where my shoe obsession comes from (chuckle). I think it’s that it’s one way for girls but different for boys. I mean girls’ clothes have a lot of different options: colors, different dresses, ruffles and stuff, but it’s not so much for boys. It’s more just like normal shirts and stuff, so the shoes are a way to express yourself because you can have the craziest shoes you could ever imagine and you can still wear normal clothes. I almost just want to start my own shoe company, I mean for younger kids there’s not that many different shoes. You’d expect there to be more really cool shoes. I mean, there are baby-size shoes which are really cool because Jordan and Nike are making baby versions of the big shoes. But, they don’t make the middle sizes, and I have small feet – I wear a size 5.
Brenda: You are clearly an inspiration for young people all over the world. I saw you featured on Young Icons and you most certainly are one. I understand you are the first kid spokesperson for Soles4Souls. Will you please tell me a little about Soles4Souls?
Jonathan: OK, well Soles4Souls is an organization that gives shoes, nice shoes, to kids all over the world who need it. The problem is, just like I saw in Kenya, people are walking around without any shoes and there was glass, nails, and harmful things to your feet and they had no shoes. It’s really not good for your feet. So, Soles4Souls gives shoes to people who need it. Next summer, I am going to Haiti and I am going to be able to give shoes away there.
You don’t even realize what a difference a pair of shoes can make. I mean, right now I don’t have shoes on and I’m pretty cold. And the kids run; I mean I met a kid in Kenya and I asked him where his school was and he said it was about 10 miles away. And I was like, ‘10 miles, do your parents have a car?’ And he said “no,” and I said ‘well how do you get to school every morning?’ and he said, “I run.” And I was like ‘without shoes on?’ I mean it is a far distance to run without shoes and he does that every single morning.
Brenda: I know you are extremely smart, what are your favorite subjects in school?
Jonathan: My favorite subjects are math and science. I like Math because of the numbers and Science because it is exploring things. I like pretty much all subjects but I read a lot of scripts and I am a good reader but, being an actor I read scripts like every single day so rather than sitting down to do English and reading, I would rather go out and do sports. This year, I have really liked history because of what we are learning: ancient civilizations. I really like that.
Brenda: I know you really enjoy playing sports, what are your favorite sports to play and which ones do you like to watch?
Jonathan: For playing, the order would be lacrosse, basketball, and tennis. For watching, it would be basketball, soccer, and football.
Brenda: Thank you so much for meeting with me today. I wish you the very best of everything life has to offer. Keep up the good work with your acting and your charities. And from me, and all of us at Chip and Company, happy soon to be 12th birthday on July 16!
Jonathan: Thank you and good luck to you too!
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