To celebrate the release of Disney’s John Carter, Disney.com is offering guests a chance to discover paradise at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in the “John Carter: Journey to Aulani Sweepstakes.”

Inspired by John Carter’s exploration of an amazing new world, the grand prize winner can wake up a world away in Hawai’i with a four night stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, as well as roundtrip airfare and a $500 room credit.

Guests can enter the sweepstakes once per day at Disney.com/JohnCarterSweeps or by texting “JOURNEY” to “347639” (“DISNEY”). The sweepstakes closes on March 23, 2012. Please click here for official rules. For more information about the movie, visit Disney.com/JohnCarter.

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There is more to choosing your ideal resort than just looking at a picture and clicking “book now”. I’m always sad to hear that someone had a bad experience at one of my favorite resorts on Disney property, basically because they didn’t know any better! That is one reason we started Chip and Co. We wanted to share our Disney knowledge and help you plan the best trip possible with offering Tips, Tricks, and Planning Info.

Disney has many “on property” resorts in various categories: value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villas. There is something for everyone but not ever resort will fit your ideal vacation experience.

You have to keep in mind that at each resort are multiple buildings of rooms and offer a variation of rooms at different price points. Much of the price is decided by proximity to the main building and/or transportation and the view. Standard view, water view, garden view, theme park view…these all effect the cost of your room. Just because you choose a standard view room doesn’t necessarily mean you have to look at a parking lot or roof tops.

So how do you find out which resort and which room will work for you?

• Know the differences in category-obviously a value resort and a deluxe resort are going to offer different amenities and have quite a different effect on your bank account. Even if you are going deluxe you need to research. Many people don’t know that not all the deluxe resorts are on the monorail system. For us Disney veterans it’s hard to believe…I know, but we can’t blame them…they’re newbies!

• Book what you can afford-If your bank account is saying “value” and your mind is saying “deluxe”…you need to book what you can afford. It’s much more reasonable to book a vacation you can afford than to book and plan way beyond your budget and have to cancel. We all would love concierge level theme park view rooms but fortunately for all of us Disney offers other accommodations as well.

• Research the various resorts: Disney has a ton of information on their own website about their resorts including photos, virtual tours, floor plans, etc. They also give detailed informational sites to Authorized Vacation Planners like this one to give you even more information to pick your perfect resort.

• Research the rooms within your resort: Once you decide which resort feels like home you still need to keep researching. Much of your vacation experience can be affected by your room location, for example if you are staying at the Coronado Springs resort your vacation from a room in the Cabanas can be far different than a room in the Casitas. While both are beautiful and have a lot to offer, perhaps you’d prefer to be closer to transportation or the main building or don’t feel like a 10 minute walk to the main pool. You need to research building locations and pick one that would suit your families needs. You CAN make requests about which building you’d like to be in, Disney doesn’t guarantee this but they do their best to accommodate requests.

• Make an informed decision-Picking a resort can be overwhelming and there are so many options. If you’re having a hard time making a decision use a Disney Authorized Travel Agent to help you. We can answer your questions and give you information that will help you make an informed decision. Not all resorts are created equal and someone’s “perfect resort” may not be perfect for your family. Know what the benefits of staying at your resort are and make an informed decision!

Vacation planning isn’t for everyone. If you aren’t into the details or just want someone to do all the work for you, so you can have all the fun; contact Michele@PixieVacations.com for a free vacation quote and concierge level service upon booking. Personalized autograph books, spiral bound itineraries and personal service make your vacation Pixie Perfect!

Chip and Co & Episodes & Reels is giving away some Free Money this week! With Valentines Day coming next week we thought it might be nice to giveaway some Disney Cash to use on your next Disney Vacation or Shopping Spree.

So our good friends at Episodes & Reels just shared with us The Top 10 Animated Disney Movies a few days ago! Where did your favorite Disney Movie place on their list? I was sad Wall-e didn’t make it as that was my favorite animated Disney Movie! What’s yours?

To enter just use the Rafflecopter form below. Try to do everything on the checklist. You can tweet and share this post on your Facebook wall as many times as you like! The more you share the more entries you receive!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ends on 12:01am on Saturday February 11th. I will pick a winner that morning and notify them via Rafflecopter that they won. The winner has 24 hours to respond or I will pick another.

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With a pop of confetti and the drop of a banner from atop the CHOC Children’s construction site, Disneyland Resort today announced a $5 million donation to CHOC in support of the “Change CHOC, Change the World” comprehensive fund-raising campaign.

The gift includes sponsorship of the lobby in the seven-story tower, slated to open in spring 2013. The tower will house new pediatric services and will incorporate the most advanced design and safety principles of any children’s hospital in the country. Disney Imagineers are busy helping to create an inviting lobby space sprinkled with special Disney touches to complement the hospital’s serene healing environment for children and their families.

“Disney makes magical moments for millions of people every day, and it’s especially important for us to provide some Disney magic to support children during difficult times,” said George A. Kalogridis, Disneyland Resort president. “On behalf of our 22,000 cast members and their families, who live in this community, I am honored to show our support for CHOC as together we build a community where children have the best opportunity to be healthy and happy.”

“Thanks to this generous $5 million gift, our ‘Change CHOC, Change the World’ campaign has surpassed the $100 million milestone,” said Kim Cripe, president and CEO of CHOC Children’s. “We are extremely fortunate to enjoy such a strong partnership with the Disneyland Resort, who understands there’s no higher purpose to philanthropy than to change, to heal and to save the life of a child.”

During this morning’s celebration, Cripe and Kalogridis joined Mickey Mouse, Disney Ambassador Jolie Hales, and 14-year-old CHOC patient Tommy Conforti, CHOC’s Campaign Ambassador, to announce the gift.

Disneyland Resort and CHOC have been part of the fabric of Orange County since Walt Disney first formed a bond with the hospital in 1960, when he was appointed as one of the founding members of CHOC’s executive council. That support continues today with Disneyland Resort President George A. Kalogridis serving on CHOC’s board of directors. For the past 21 years, the Resort has played host to the hospital’s biggest annual fundraiser — the CHOC Walk in the Park — where 15,000 participants stroll through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks to raise funds. In 2011, walkers raised more than $1.5 million, which included $240,000 from the Disney VoluntEARS walk team and other Resort-sponsored initiatives. Many Disney cast members have a tradition of volunteering their time and talent at CHOC and our beloved characters often can be found visiting the hospital’s young patients.

The Walt Disney Company also has a long history of supporting children’s hospitals. Through Disney’s wishes and hospital programs, the company helps bring happiness, hope and laughter to those who need it most. This month, Disney is expanding its annual care-package program and sharing Disney products and experiences with more than 450 hospitals in the U.S., 110 children’s hospitals and hospices in Europe and 25 children’s hospitals in Latin America.

About CHOC: Named one of the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report (2011-2012) and a 2011 Leapfrog Top Hospital, CHOC Children’s is exclusively committed to the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients. Affiliated with the University of California, Irvine, CHOC’s regional healthcare network includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo, several primary and specialty care clinics, a pediatric residency program, and four centers of excellence – The CHOC Children’s Heart, Neuroscience, Orthopedic and Hyundai Cancer Institutes.  CHOC earned the Gold Level CAPE Award from the California Council of Excellence, the only children’s hospital in California to ever earn this distinction, and was awarded Magnet designation, the highest honor bestowed to hospitals for nursing excellence. Recognized for extraordinary commitment to high-quality critical care standards, CHOC’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is the first in the United States to earn the Pediatric Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence.

About Disneyland Resort: Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the 969-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With 22,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and generates $4.7 billion annually for the Southern California economy. The Resort has welcomed more than 600 million guests since opening on July 17, 1955. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit Disneyland.com.

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Patricia A. Disney, second from left (Lee Salem Photography, LA Times)

We have some sad news to pass along today. Patricia Disney, who was once married to Roy E. Disney the late nephew of Walt Disney, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 77. Family spokesman Clifford Millard said she passed in her Los Angeles home surrounded by her children.

She was a longtime advocate for higher education and served as a trustee for Occidental College in Los Angeles and was a regent at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She also served on the board of the Peregrine Fund which is a foundation that helps to protect birds of prey.

Bob Iger, the Walt Disney Company President and CEO released this statement expressing his condolences.

“Her passing marks a sad milestone for the Disney family, and we will always remember her irrepressible spirit and dedication to our company,” Iger said. “Patty was known for her kindness, outgoing nature and especially for her philanthropy, and will be missed by all who knew her.”

Patricia Disney is survived by her four children Roy Patrick Disney, Susan Disney Lord, Abigail Disney, and Timothy Disney as well as 17 grandchildren.

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GardenGrocer.com is Florida’s #1 professional grocery delivery service with over 5 year’s experience and well over 50,000 orders proudly delivered!

How have they done this?

• First and foremost: Outstanding Customer Service
• Second: Products of the Best Quality
• Finally: A Strong Delivery Structure.

Not only does Garden Grocer have the  everyday items that you and your family use back home they all carry specialty items like:

• Kosher
• Gluten Free
• Organic

So people with specialty dietary requests they got you covered!

If you have questions about their service check out their Q & A Page as they cover everything. From what is Garden Grocer to tipping and how your delivery is packaged.

I am proud to announce our partnership with Garden Grocer here on Chip and Co. GG is the only Grocery Delivery Service in the Orlando area that we support and use! Myself and many of my writers have used their service in the past and highly recommend them to anyone needing Groceries delivered to your Rental Home, Resort, and Vacation Club Property.

Just click on any of the images above to learn more.

Happy Shopping.

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Disney Baby announced today the launch of an all-new, expanded collection of products to help parents create magical moments right from the start. The new Disney Baby collections provide feel-good, unique products organized around key moments of the day, including In the Nursery, Dressing Baby, Mealtime and Bathtime. Disney Baby also recently introduced DisneyBaby.com, an online destination featuring the Disney Baby Magical Moments upload tool and gallery, inspirational ideas, mom-tested tips and a comprehensive Disney Baby product showcase for expecting and new parents.

“Disney Baby celebrates the fact that life with baby is filled with so many magical moments to be cherished,” said Jessi Dunne, executive vice president, Disney Moms and Babies for Disney Consumer Products. “In order to help parents to bond with their baby, the new Disney Baby collections are designed to provide quality products essential to every experience throughout the day with a touch of Disney magic.”

Whether it’s Simba in the nursery or Nemo in the tub, the new collections offer an extensive selection of delightful products for every magical moment. DisneyBaby.com not only serves as a one-stop resource to search the most comprehensive collection of Disney Baby brand products on the Web, it also allows parents and gift givers the ability to filter by gender, product type, Disney character and retailer.

New Product Collections include:

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After leading his team to a game-winning drive and the Super Bowl championship Sunday night, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning led another drive Monday: down Main Street, U.S.A. to cheering fans at Walt Disney World Resort.

“I’m going to Disney World!” proclaimed Manning Sunday shortly after his team scored a dramatic 21-17 win over the New England Patriots to capture Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. In a gala parade Monday at Magic Kingdom, Manning made good on that promise, waving and smiling alongside Mickey Mouse from a red convertible in the shadow of Cinderella Castle.

Fans of the Giants and Manning, including those sporting team jerseys Monday, got to see their hero up-close in the place where memories are made. New York Giants balloons mixed in with red, white and blue balloons along the parade route, Mickey Mouse was joined by other Disney characters and confetti in the shape of the Lombardi Trophy (awarded to the NFL champion) rained down on the happy scene. Manning was joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth football players.

Manning – who was named the game’s MVP — is no stranger to storybook finishes. Sunday’s late, game-winning drive marked the seventh fourth-quarter comeback Manning led this season. His 15 fourth quarter touchdown passes set an NFL single-season record.

Manning’s “I’m going to Disney World!” — anchoring one of TV’s most enduring and iconic Super Bowl commercials — was captured seconds after the final whistle. Monday’s visit marked his second “What’s Next…?” appearance in the Disney commercial. In 2008, Manning was celebrated following the Giants’ 17-14 upset win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

This latest commercial is the 45th in a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “I’m going to Disney World” commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion. Manning again joined a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m going to Disney World” commercials.

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After his epic play in Super Bowl XLVI leading his team to a come-from-behind 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots, what is New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning going to do next? In the celebratory moments after his team captured the National Football League championship Sunday night in Indianapolis, Manning stood in front of a TV camera and shouted five words that have become ingrained in Super Bowl victory celebrations: “I’m going to Disney World!”

Manning’s pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and iconic Super Bowl commercials, was captured seconds after the final whistle. Manning – named the game’s MVP — completed 30 of 40 passes and amassed 296 yards, including his trademark fourth-quarter heroics, leading the Giants to the winning score.

Manning’s stellar performance was crucial in Sunday’s game and earned him a second “I’m going to Disney World!” accolade.  In 2008, Manning was treated to a hero’s welcome at Disney after leading the Giants to an upset win over the Patriots, 17-14, in Super Bowl XLII.

He becomes the first Giants quarterback to win two Super Bowls.

On Monday (Feb. 6), Manning is scheduled to go to the place where millions of vacationers make memories celebrating their own personal milestone moments – Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. Manning will be joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth football players, who will participate with the Giants star in the Super Bowl celebration near Main Street, U.S.A.

This latest commercial is the 45th in a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “I’m going to Disney World” commercial, featuring Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion. Manning again joins a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m Going to Disney World” commercials.

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Chip & Company Week in Review.  There have been a lot of stories to read about, so here are the stories that caught our eye last week:

• Have you heard about the special D23 event “Disneyland Off the Map?”  If so, will you be there on March 6^th?
• Have you made your plans yet for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Show?  It will be around from March 7^th – May 20^th, 2012, so look into making your plans soon if you are going!
• For those of you with the name John or Carter (or some variations) you’ll want to enter “The Real John Carter” sweepstakes!  Take a look!
• Discover the sights and sounds of Disneyland with Disneyland Explorer!  Sounds like an iPad app that’s got my name on it!
• Speaking of iPad apps, I reviewed three different iPad apps: Beauty and the Beast Storybook Deluxe, Pooh’s Birthday Surprise, and Toy Story Showtime!  I’ll have one more review for you early next week!
• Patrick reported to us that Marvel hosted an Avengers Q&A session on Twitter recently.  Did you submit a question that got answered?
• Allergyfreemouse.com is hosting a guest blogging contest.  Check out the post for more information!
• Chip has started a new rewards program on the site.  Check out the Chip & Company Rewards Program to win free gift cards!
• Did you see where Star Wars Fans worked together to create a remake of Star Wars Episode IV uncut?
• Lastly, the spring issue of the D23 magazine is paying tribute to 75 years of Disney Animated Films.

That’s our look at some of the news stories from last week, now let’s take a look at some of the incredible original articles that our writers produce each and every day!  Enjoy!

• Are you a Meatatarian?  Do you even know what a Meatatarian is?  Is it even a real word?  Well, Chip shows you how to be a Meatatarian at Walt Disney World!
• Melissa shares with us how you can get postcards from Walt Disney World!  This is just another way to capture Disney Magic at home!
• Lastly, Chris shares with us her top 5 newbie mistakes!

That’s all we have for you this week.  I hope you have a terrific week, and remember to check out Chip & Company often for the latest in Disney News, Views, Giveaways, and more!  To keep up with the latest Disney news and views on the fly, check out the Chip & Company Facebook Page or follow Chip & Company via Twitter!  Also, head on over to the Disney for Seniors page and tell Ken you hope he’s feeling better!  Ken, get well soon my friend!

Sometimes the sound of the mail slot makes me cringe…it’s normally bills or junk mail. But when I hear a package go into the door it’s sheer excitement, especially when I know it’s my 2012 Walt Disney World PassPorter Guidebook!

The folks over at PasspPorter press have done it again with the must have guidebook for all of your Walt Disney World needs. Yes, there are other guidebooks and “official guides” for Disney World but I assure you, I’ve read all of them and none are nearly as good, or as user-friendly as PassPorter.

This spiral bound guide is printed in color and boasts “350+ pages of advice, maps, photos of resorts, restaurants and theme parks plus our famous organizer pockets”.

If you are looking for a hoity-toity, fancy-schmancy guidebook that looks impressive on a bookshelf but is of absolutely no use at all, get one of those “other” guide books. If you want the most complete, up to date, user-friendly trip planning and reference guide, then you want the PassPorter. That was a mouthful, but it’s not nearly enough adjectives to describe the magic of PassPorter.

If you’ve never experienced a PassPorter guidebook here is what you’re missing.
Honest opinions: the missing “official guidebook” stamp means that these are people just like us; they are Disney travelers. They can give an honest opinion about what they see and experience instead of giving you the “real estate” review : “quaint accommodations in a charming atmosphere”,when it should really read “rooms so small you can’t express an emotion and don’t look outside”.

• Travel equals: These folks travel just like you and I. They don’t squeak in on VIP treatment, free passes etc. They stay in the rooms we stay in and hunt for the same deals that will benefit you and I. They gather information from their own experiences and from fellow travelers in the PassPorter Community.

• Beyond a guidebook: This is more than a guidebook, this is a planning guide. The planning doesn’t start when you want to book your vacation, it starts far before. It starts at the conception of your vacation thought and encourages you to immerse yourself in the Disney experience prior to your vacation. Participating in forums, learning from other travelers, ordering vacation planning video’s. etc. are all a part of the planning process and PassPorter will show you how to do it all. The book is designed to be personalized with spots to make notes, interactive planning pages you can access online, and “Passpockets”-the one page folder that holds all of your day-to-day details (confirmation numbers, notes, tips, etc.) and also serves as a folder to store your receipts.

• Worksheets: There are budget worksheets, planning worksheets, transportation worksheets, lodging worksheets, packing lists and more. These folks know what you need to plan, even if you don’t!

• All inclusive information: The PassPorter breaks down into eight main categories: planning, getting there, staying in style, touring, feasting, making magic, index, notes and more. You’ll find everything you need to know within these categories. For example, the “staying in style” section outlines each resort and includes the following: ambiance, resort layout and rooms, eating and drinking, playing and relaxing, getting about, tips, notes and ratings. Then there’s the mini resort maps (in color of course!), best locations, rates and info. Whew. I’m exhausted and that’s just one category!

Passporter is your one stop shop for any question you may ever have about Disney World and is great to keep on hand for reference; even for us veterans! I know what you’re thinking, “why should I invest in this guidebook when things are constantly changing?” Well, the folks at PassPorter have already thought about that! Their books are being updated in real-time with PassPorter articles on their website, questions and answers in their forums and the free book updates you can get online.

You can find me on Passporter Boards, if you book your vacation with me and mention Passporter I’ll give you a $25 Disney gift card to spend on your trip!

Michele@PixieVacations.com for your free quote! Don’t forget that all of my services as your Authorized Disney Travel Planner are FREE!

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Guests can make the most out of their summer vacation at Walt Disney World Resort—and enjoy terrific perks—thanks to Disney’s Premier Visa Card from Chase.

The new card offers Disney fans more ways to earn rewards twice as fast, plus the opportunity to redeem toward airline travel in addition to most everything Disney.

There’s more, including special Cardmember-only perks when visiting Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort and when shopping at more than 200 Disney Store locations in the U.S.

With Disney’s Premier Visa Card, Cardmembers earn 2 percent in Disney Dream Reward Dollars on card purchases at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and at most Disney locations at Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Store. Cardmembers earn 1 percent on all other purchases made with the card.

In addition to being able to redeem Disney Dream Reward Dollars toward Disney hotel stays, Disney Theme Park tickets, Disney merchandise and cruise vacations aboard the ships of Disney Cruise Line, Disney’s Premier Visa Cardmembers also can redeem toward airline travel on any airline to any destination with no block-out dates. Cardmembers simply buy airline tickets with their card and then pay themselves back by redeeming reward dollars for a credit on their monthly statement.

Disney’s Premier Visa Cardmembers also enjoy year-round perks when visiting Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, including a Disney Character Meet ‘N’ Greet at a private Cardmember location and special savings at Disney’s U.S. Theme Parks, Disney Store retail locations and at DisneyStore.com. See DisneyVisaPerks.com for more details.

Existing Disney Rewards Visa Cardmembers can apply for an upgrade to Disney’s Premier Visa Card at upgrademydisneycard.com or by calling the number on the back of their card.

The annual fee for Disney’s Premier Visa Card is $49. For more information or to apply for a new card, please visit getdisneycreditcard.com or call 888/752-3788.

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You might notice this little Green Button on the side of the page that says Rewards. If you have been brave enough to click on it then you might notice a slide out box that says something about winning Gift Cards.

That’s right not only do we share the best in Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways and More! You now have a chance to win actual giftcards by joining the Chip and Co Rewards Program!

Here’s how…

All you have to do is Like, Comment, and Share your favorite articles from Chip and Co through Google, Facebook and Twitter and earn points that you can put towards free giftcards at retailers like Amazon, Pappa Johns and More!

Just follow these instructions:

At the top or bottom of any article you will see Share Boxes for Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Many More. Just click one or all of those and share them with your friends.

After your Like, Comment or Share you should see a little pop up like the one pictured above. You are now on your way to getting a free Giftcard from Chip and Co! It is just that easy. (Some signup may be required)

You are free to do this as many times as you like!

So scour the Chip and Co site and check out and share articles you might have missed and win free swag just for doing it!

Also be sure to watch out for special giveaways we will be hosting through our Rewards Program!!

Thanks for being a fan of Chip and Co!

Update – Commenting on Disqus still has a few bugs in it and should be resolved soon. For now if you just want to share Chip and Co on Facebook & Twitter you will earn points the fastest!

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When the Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet launches March 31, 2012, it will be a high-water mark for family cruise vacations. This ship, Disney’s fourth, offers entertainment, activities and dining experiences purpose-planned for seven-night cruises from her maiden voyage forward.

The Fantasy fun includes:

• Two new Broadway-style musical stage shows – “Wishes” and “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” in the lavish Walt Disney Theatre
• Magical princess makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and during pirate nights, swashbuckling transformations at The Pirates League
• The Muppets are coming to the Disney Fantasy in an interactive detective adventure game using the ship’s Enchanted Art
• “Animation Magic” – a new dinner show in Animator’s Palate restaurant that brings guests’ cartoon drawings to life
• Europa – a nighttime entertainment district for adults featuring sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by the very best in European travel

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact Pixie Vacations.

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“Better-for-you” options at five mini shops serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is the theme of the Landscape of Flavors food court at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The new restaurant will be adjacent to the lobby.

“The idea is that you customize your choices,” says Chef Ed Wronski, Director, Food & Beverage Concept Development, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “From burgers to pasta, salads, ethnic flavors, omelets, even parfaits and gelatos, everything is made fresh as you order.”

There’s a big focus on beverages, too. Fresh fruit smoothies are made to order, as well as lemonade and pomegranate limeade. Organic teas, beer (including gluten free), wine, coffee and juices also will be stocked.  Half bottles of wine are paired with cuisine from the food shops.

Menu highlights:

• Create a salad at the Soup-Salad-Sandwich Shop, including a caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on focaccia, or a Buffalo-style turkey sandwich with arugula and a blue cheese-Buffalo sauce-mayo spread. Both served with house-made potato chips.
• The World Flavors Shop adds Indian-African flair to breakfast, with scrambled eggs, tandoor potatoes, Portuguese sausage, slab bacon and a mini-naan; or a veggie flatbread sandwich on naan with cauliflower, spinach and paneer. Lunch and dinner is a choice of tandoori chicken or shrimp, Mongolian beef with vegetables, mahi mahi, Portuguese sausage or roasted acorn squash served with sides and naan bread.
• The Pizza Shop features make-your-own pasta, cheese and pepperoni pizzas and meatballs on ciabatta bread. Room delivery is an option, too.
• The Burger Shop includes a breakfast burger with chicken breakfast sausage, cheese and scrambled eggs on a multi-grain bun, and a steak-and-eggs breakfast burger with a burger topped with fried eggs, cheese and bacon.  Besides the traditional burgers, lunch and dinner includes a surf and surf burger with crab cake and fried popcorn shrimp, and a pastrami cheeseburger topped with pepper jack cheese and a slice of fried green tomato.
• The “grab ‘n go” Market Shop offers drinks, yogurt, bagels, pastries, gourmet cupcakes, cookies and gelato.

The food court is part of the Disney Dining Plan.

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A new interactive exhibit, Habit Heroes presented by Florida Blue and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, debuted at Innoventions at Epcot today.

This new experience encourages children of all ages to learn healthy lifestyle habits and become more active. Guests can join forces with Habit Heroes Will Power and Callie Stenics to fight off villains like Sweet Tooth and The Snacker.

Two Habit Heroes even made a special in-person appearance today for the kick-off of the exhibit.

Can’t make it to Epcot? Kids can visit www.HabitHeroes.com to create their own avatar and learn how to fight bad habits.

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During February and early March, the streets of New Orleans Square will be filled with music, Disney characters, street performers and delicious food at New Orleans Bayou Bash!

Come join the party from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the following dates:

• February 10, 11, 12
• February 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
• February 24, 25, 26
• March 2, 3, 4
• March 9, 10, 11

Special entertainment will include performances by Princess Tiana, Louis and Naveen and meet & greet opportunities with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – all dressed up in their Mardi Gras finest!

Please keep in mind that entertainment offerings are subject to change, so be sure to check the park Entertainment Guide for character greeting times and availability.

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Soon Walt Disney World Resort will open the doors to its newest resort hotel with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a value property consisting primarily of family suites that immerse guests into the magical worlds of classic Disney and Disney•Pixar films.

Opening in phases, each of the four wings celebrates rich storytelling, spirited characters and playfulness with colorful icons and whimsical theming inspired by each beloved film depicted.  Three family suite wings will showcase Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King, with elaborate storytelling both inside and out. Standard guest rooms make up The Little Mermaid wing, the final phase to open.

The three-story resort will immediately put guests into the worlds of favorite Disney characters and animated films beginning at check-in as pixilated patterns and wavy ribbons of color decorate the resort’s exterior. Pencil drawings of Ariel, Lightning McQueen, Nemo and Simba adorn the entryway, and a cleverly created chandelier composed of animation storyboards enhance the lively and modern lobby.

“Our goal is to make guests feel like they have been immersed in the artistry and enchantment of Walt Disney and Disney•Pixar animated classics,” said Walt Disney Imagineer Frank Paris.

Giant sketchbooks filled with favorite characters seem to come to life as they pave the way to each storyline revealed. Scenic settings, icons—including a brightly-colored coral landscape, a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, a towering Mufasa and more—immerse guests into the playful world of animation. At the Cars wing, a freshly paved road leads to the Cozy Cone Motel complete with a Cozy Cone pool and cone-shaped cabanas. It’s a journey through an African landscape in The Lion King complete with an elephant graveyard play area that invites youngsters to seek hakuna matata time. Treasures from the human world fill Ariel’s grotto in an under the sea kingdom in Little Mermaid courtyard.

From linens and carpeting to fixtures and furniture, all details of the guestroom tie to the storyline. In Finding Nemo, there’s coral-shaped chairs and bubble ceiling lights; Zazu takes center stage on the headboards in The Lion King, while Pumbaa and Timon decorate the shower curtain.

Kids of all ages can make a splash at the “Big Blue” pool, the largest resort swimming pool at Walt Disney World Resort measuring 11,859 square feet. Guests enter scenes from the animated world and can explore the colorful reef with a giant-sized Mr. Ray whose wings span 27 feet, pose for a picture with Crush or frolic with Squirt in the Righteous Reef, a children’s play area. An arcade and two additional pools round out the fun.

Dining options include a poolside snack bar and pizza delivery. The Landscape of Flavors food court will feature items such as fresh smoothies, hand-scooped gelato and Mongolian barbecue.  It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The whimsical property, situated adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, will open in phases beginning in late May 2012 with rates from $248 per night. The 1,120 family suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six. Some 864 standard rooms sleep up to four. Rates as low as $94 include complimentary transportation, Extra Magic Hours and other benefits available to a Disney Resort guest.

For reservations, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or contact Pixie Vacations.

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Photo courtesy of the LA Times and Disney

To help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, Disney has announced a new night time event that will take place in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle as well as a reimagined evening parade.

According to the LA Times, the new Disney Dreams show will basically combine parts of the Magic, Memories, and You and the World of Color at Disney California Adventure. The show will feature water screens, dancing fountains, projections onto the castle, pyrotechnic displays, and laser effects.

The Disney Dreams nighttime spectacular will be a show about courage and compassion that follows the adventures of Peter Pan’s shadow. The story will feature many Disney and Pixar films including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Wall-E, Tron, Tangled, and Toy Story.

The current parade at Disneyland Paris will also be transformed. The daytime Once Upon a Dream Parade will become a nighttime parade called Disney Magic on Parade. It will have a theme of light and color as a part of the anniversary celebration. The opening and closing floats will be redesigned. Two carriages with carousel type horses will feature Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty along with their Princes. The finale float will have Mickey and other Disney characters in Sorcerers Apprentice costumes. There will also be all new music, costumes, and choreography.

I am wishing now more than ever that I could make a trip to Disneyland Paris this year.

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Lady and the Tramp is coming to Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on Tuesday, February 7th. If you have an existing copy of Lady and the Tramp (on either DVD, VHS or LaserDisc), you can enter that UPC code on the Disney Movie Rewards website to print a coupon for $8 off the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack or $5/1 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

Plus if you need Tangled, Beauty & the Beast, Dumbo, Lion King, Bambi or Winnie the Pooh, you can get a really great deal at Target:

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Combo Pack Deal:

Buy Lady and the Tramp Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Combo Pack — $27.99
Buy either Tangled, Beauty & the Beast, Dumbo, Lion King, Bambi or Winnie the Pooh — $19.99
Save $8 instantly at the register when you buy both movies
Use the $8/1 Lady and the Tramp Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack coupon
Total: $31.98 for both movies!

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Deal:

Buy Lady and the Tramp Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack — $22.99
Buy either Tangled, Beauty & the Beast, Dumbo, Lion King, Bambi or Winnie the Pooh — $19.99
Save $8 instantly at the register when you buy both movies
Use the $5/1 Lady and the Tramp Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack coupon
Total: $29.98 for both movies!

Thanks Couponing to Disney!

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