So you just stuffed yourself on a scrumptious meal at your favorite Walt Disney World eatery. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you likely enjoyed a four-square meal and beverage of choice, right? What you need is a nap, but what your family wants is a ride!

Do NOT “walk this way” when you are stuffed to the gills:

1)      Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith—A tour of G-Force Record Studio is cut short when the band Aerosmith takes off for a show. They take Guests with them, though, in a super stretch limo. Each “car” pumps 32,000 watts of onboard audio through a 125 speaker, 24 sub-woofer sound system and accelerates from a zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds with the force of a supersonic F-14. Three inversions offer a unique view of Los Angeles: upside-down! [Disney’s Hollywood Studios]

2)      Mission: SPACE—Designed in consultation with 25 NASA experts and five astronauts, Mission Space is a flight training simulator that allows passengers to experience space travel without ever leaving Earth. Green offers a milder ride but still rough on a full tummy. Orange is full throttle, utilizing a multiple-arm centrifuge that spins and tilts to simulate speed and 2.4G gravitational forces—more than twice the force of the Earth’s gravitational pull. [Epcot]

3)      Mad Tea Party—Climb into one of 18 tea cups set up for The Mad Hatter and the March Hare’s “Unbirthday” party and take a wild, dizzying adventure. Each ride vehicle has a wheel in the center that lets you control the speed of spin. The faster you turn the wheel, the faster you spin. The faster you spin, the faster you may learn what a “protein spill” is. [Magic Kingdom]

4)      Twilight Zone Tower of Terror—According to legend, the once glamorous Hollywood Hotel hosted stars of the silver screen during Hollywood’s Golden Age until Halloween night 1939, when a violent storm struck the building, whisking 5 unfortunate souls “beyond the fifth dimension.” Guests board the “fright elevator,” which goes up, then down, then maybe up again…or down. Random drops depart the 13th floor and are determined by the Tower itself. [Disney’s Hollywood Studios]

5)      Star Tours—This recently reimagined attraction features 54 ride sequences, offering motion-simulated 3D journeys aboard a Starspeeder 1000. Each ride is a different experience. You might flash through space at warp speed, zip past trees on the Wookiee planet Kashyyyk, weave through wrong-way traffic on the city-planet Coruscant, slide down treacherous slopes on the snowy planet Hoth, or just hang on for several other thrills before landing and safely delivering the spy to rebel headquarters. [Disney’s Hollywood Studios]

6)      Space Mountain—This classic Magic Kingdom coaster is an all-time fan favorite. Climb the 180-foot mountain then blast off into deep, dark space through twists and turns and past shooting stars and black holes. Two separate tracks, the Alpha and the Omega, mirror each other as they hurl rocket ships through the cosmos at 28 miles per hour. [Magic Kingdom]

7)      Cyber Space Mountain—This virtual roller coaster, custom built by you at Downtown Disney’s Disney Quest, can be as tame or as wild as you wish. Bill Nye the Science Guy directs the computer design. When you’re done, jump in a simulator and ride your creation in full 360° motion—rocking, tilting, rumbling along the “track” you created. [Disney Quest at Downtown Disney]

8)      Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain—The 199-foot “snow”-covered mountain adds a second “wienie” to Animal Kingdom Park. Board a runaway tea train and plunge into dark hairpin turns, careening forward and backward around and through this breathtaking Himalayan Mountain peak in effort to escape the mountain’s guardian Yeti, a phenomenal Audio-animatronic beast standing more than 18 feet tall that, when working, has an arm thrust equivalent to the force of a 747 jumbo jet. [Disney’s Animal Kingdom]

9)      Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—The “wildest ride in the wilderness” reaches speeds of 25-30 mph, matching that of the monorail, as it rumbles past gold mining tools on two-and-a-half acres of desert canyons and caverns. Those rough-and-tumble twists and turns can make a full stomach churn. [Magic Kingdom]

10)  Dinosaur —Dinosaur! is housed inside the Dino Institute toward the rear of DinoLand, USA. Once you eek past Dino Sue, a 40-foot long, 20-foot high exact replica of the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever unearthed, proceed through the ride queue, strap into your Time Rover and hang on for a turbulent tour of the Cretaceous era  to fetch a dinosaur before it and you become extinct. [Disney’s Animal Kingdom]

You look a little green. Feeling OK? Don’t worry, you’ll have fun, but you might want to take in a show first.

Enjoying a Beer Flight at Big River Grille

Over the years, Walt Disney World has really worked on improving the dining experience for their guests, and they have done an amazing job, it really sets them apart from amusement parks where all you can get is burgers/fries/chicken fingers and the occasional grilled chicken sandwich. The problem they have now (if you can even call it a problem), is that they are so many choices, that a lot of people stick with what they know, which is the chicken fingers and burgers – which are still delicious, but not exactly adventurous.

One of the best things about going to Walt Disney World as an adult is the FOOD – now that you’re grown up you can decide where you want to eat, and what you want to eat, so to get you out of that bland theme park food rut, I have compiled the top 5 ‘different’ restaurants for adults to try at Walt Disney World, in hopes that you will get out there and experience some of the amazing food that WDW has to offer!

5. Via Napoli – This is a relatively new restaurant in Italy at Epcot’s World Showcase, and they are serving up some truly amazing and authentic italian dishes, like lasagna, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti with veal meatballs (yum!). They are also doing a variety of wood fired pizzas with everything from tomatoes and cheese to eggplant and artichokes. The smell of the pizzas is drool worthy for sure, and as if that wasn’t enough, they are serving a variety of wines and other italian inspired beverages to help you cool off after a hot day of touring the Parks.

4. Big River Grille and Brewing Works - Head over to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and have a casual dinner at this microbrewery, where you can sample flights of their beer made on premisis. The menu isn’t huge, but the items on it are delicious – start out with the beer cheese soup, then an entree of hazelnut crusted chicken, and finish with a rich dessert of chocolate confusion (chocolate cake, mousse, chips, and then more chocolate!). If you aren’t in a food induced coma at this point, you can take an evening stroll down the idyllic Boardwalk, which is nice in the daytime but is even more beautiful when it’s all lit up at nighttime

3. Cape May Cafe – This buffet at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a surf inspired character meal by day, and a surf-and-turf (character free!) seafood buffet by night. Enjoy a true New Englad Style Clambake with steamed clams, mussels, and other favorites, including chicken, ribs, salad bar, and dessert. What could be better than delicious all you can eat seafood in a beautiful resort setting?

2. Raglan Road – This Irish Pub is located in Downtown Disney and serves up Irish classics like Bangers and Mash, as well as crowdpleasers like New York Strip Steak. Their full bar has a wide array of beer and wine selections, and the Irish dancers and live Celtic tunes will keep you happy all night! OH and I can’t forget to mention their Bread Pudding Dessert, it is to die for, and worth going there just for that!

1. Boma – The bus ride over the Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth it for this buffet of African inspired dishes, including Bobotie – a spiced meat dish with an egg topping and the ever popular Zebra Domes, a dessert treat filled with a delicious custard with a hint of liquor in it! Boma has so many amazing dishes I had never tried before that it would be impossible to name them all, they were all worth trying (and most were worth going back for seconds too!), the meats and different salads and hummuses were out of this world! I wasn’t too sure about the ‘ethnic’ cuisine and if I would enjoy it or not, but I loved every single thing I tried and would go here again in a heartbeat, and that’s why it has received the coveted #1 spot on the list!

Honorable Mention:
Kouzzina - I just had to mention this little gem, with their Greek inspired dishes and ideal location at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, I would highly recommend breakfast here – as many of the dishes were updated and some new ones were added (think gooey baklava and fluffy omelettes stuffed with feta and spinach!)

Now, I know there are TONS of other amazing restaurants out there, these are just some of my personal favorites that don’t abide to the standard “theme park cuisine” code, and each one is unique and does things it’s own way, which I love!

Dining in Walt Disney World can be an amazing experience, and I urge you to try something new and different, after all, you’re on vacation!

Related articles

• Disney Acronyms. What’s It All Mean? (chipandco.com)
• Eats Outside the Parks – Why They’re Worth The Trip (chipandco.com)

Anyone who has ever been to Walt Disney World during February, March, or April would use the same words to describe it – rainy, and CROWDED! This is definitely one of the ‘peak’ times to visit, which means prices are higher, lines are longer, and tempers are shorter.

Having visited WDW every year during this time growing up, I have compiled some ‘helpful hints’ that can make your trip less stressful:

Eat at “off” times: If you want to get Advance Dining Reservations to popular WDW restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table where you can dine with the Princesses, or Chef Mickey’s where you can meet and greet the Mouse himself, you may have to willing to take those weird reservation times, like a 10:45 am breakfast, or a 4:55 pm dinner. Everyone else wants to eat at these places too, so if they are that important to you, be willing to take whatever reservation they can give you

Explore New Places: The 4 theme parks of WDW are amazing places, and obviously the main reason why people travel there, and that means they are also going to be packed to capacity during these peak times (we’re talking 90+ minute waits for popular rides, crowded counter service restaurants, and hordes of strollers all waiting to bang you in the ankles). This would be a great time to explore what Disney World has to offer beyond the parks like watersports (including water skiing and boat/jetski rentals), spa treatments, and plenty of shopping/dining options at Downtown Disney. The best part of all these is they don’t require a park admission, and just might give you a chance to relax and unwind (after all, isn’t that what vacations are really for?)

Extra Magic Hours: This is one of the best perks of staying at one of the WDW Resort Hotels – each day, one theme park stays open an hour later or opens an hour early for WDW Resort guests ONLY. It’s called Extra Magic Hours, and its a great chance to get in some early mroning or late night rides with shorter lines and fewer crowds. You can pick up an Extra Magic Hours Schedule at your WDW resort upon your arrival

Have A Plan…and be willing to change it: When visiting a place like Disney World where there is SO much to do, it is always helpful to have a rough idea of how you will spend your days. During busy season, the key to this is definitely having a ‘rough’ plan – and realizing that things could change and you should have a backup, if at all possible. So plan, but don’t overplan (you’ll just end up disappointed if you plan out every minute, because it never works out exactly as you plan!)

Know your “must do’s”: Whether this is your first trip to WDW or your 100th, you should do some research ahead of time and pick 3-5 rides/attractions/shows you really want to do at each park – and make those your goal. Check the wait times when you arrive at the park, utilize Fastpasses, and be willing to wait. Patience is key, and if you really love the ride, it will be well worth the time spent in line!

DON’T STRESS: The bottom line is, you are still going to the most magical place on earth, so you will have a great time no matter what! Just try and be flexible, and don’t get too upset if you don’t see it all…there’s always next time!

Related articles

• Adding to the ambiance at WDW (livinginagrownupworld.wordpress.com)
• Eats Outside the Parks – Why They’re Worth The Trip (chipandco.com)

If you are at Walt Disney World right now, or if you will be visiting throughout the rest of this month like our own, Chip, you will need to note some short-term transportation changes at Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney Marketplace bus stops are now closed for refurbishment and will remain closed until January 31. 2012.

During this period, the only operating bus stops will be the Pleasure Island stops near to Planet Hollywood.

Related articles

• Update to Hollywood Studios Rope Drop and Other News (easywdw.com)
• Looking Ahead in 2012 at Disneyland Resort (chipandco.com)

Fantasmic

Chip & Company would like to extend a Pooh-sized welcome to all Guests! Come one, come all Cast Members and VoluntEARS to the Show. We hope you’ll find us to be a Fantasmic Innovention and refer to us often as an E-Ticket Attraction. Consider us your Automagic Fastpass to the Utilidors of Disney knowledge!

The world of Walt Disney entertainment is so unique it requires its own language. Some words originated directly from Walt and his Imagineers. Others, it seems, have grown into their own Disneyness and have acquired new meanings along the way.

Attraction = a theme park ride or show
Audio animatronics = realistic robotics that bring 3-D effect to an Attraction
Automagic = play on automatic; the Disney way of making things magically happen
Backstage = a park area not accessible to guests
Cast Member = a Disney theme park or resort employee
Casting center = theme park or resort employment office
Costume = the uniform worn by a Cast Member
Crew Member = Disney Cruise Line employee
Disney point = to point with index and middle finger together; in some cultures it is rude to point with only one finger
Earffel Tower = water tower at DHS; example of wienie
Epcot = from EPCOT, Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
E-Ticket = the newest, best, most popular attraction; stems from former system of ride coupons ranking rides A-E (A were least popular, E most popular)
Fantasmic = lights, lasers, fireworks, and waterworks show at DHS
FastPass = ticket generated to assign Guest a time to return to a busy Attraction without waiting in long line
Guest = visitor to Disney theme park or resort
Hallowishes = special Magic Kingdom fireworks during MNSSHP Halloween celebrations
IllumiNations = fireworks at Epcot
Imagineer = employee of Walt Disney Imagineering (formerly Walter Elias Disney, WED Enterprises); combination of imagine+engineer; scientists and artists who design the Attractions
Innovention = innovation+invention
Mousekeeping = resort housekeeping/maid service
Mouseketeer = play on musketeer; cast members of the TV show The Mickey Mouse Club
On stage = any area where a Cast Member might be seen by Guests
Philharmagic = philharmonic+magic 3-D film at MK
PhotoPass = barcoded card/web access to photos taken by Cast Member photographers
Plussing = constantly striving to improve a project even when it is considered complete
Pooh-sized = big, like Pooh Bear
Protein spill = term used by Cast Members to indicate someone has vomited
Show = everything that encompasses an Attraction or park feature; all the effects & mood setters that combine to make it feel like you’re walking into that world
Utilidors = utility+corridors The underground tunnels at Magic Kingdom that provide access for maintenance, Cast Members, readying, etc.
VoluntEARS = The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time and expertise to charitable causes.
Wienie = a visual Attraction or landmark that can be seen by Guests from far away; it is used to guide visitors through park, i.e. Cinderella Castle
Wishes = Magic Kingdom fireworks

Then, there’s a slew of abbreviations representing different Resorts, restaurants, shows, etc.
Parks:
DLR = Disneyland Resort
DLP = Disneyland Park
DCA = Disney California Adventure
DTD = Downtown Disney (both DLR & WDW)
WDW = Walt Disney World Resort
AK or DAK = Disney’s Animal Kingdom
DHS = Disney’s Hollywood Studios
EC = Epcot
MK = Magic Kingdom
BB = Blizzard Beach
TL = Typhoon Lagoon
DLRP or DLP = Disneyland Resort Paris
DCL = Disney Cruise Line
TDL = Tokyo Disneyland
TDS = Tokyo Disney Sea
HKDL = Hong Kong Disneyland

Resorts:
AKL = Animal Kingdom Lodge
AS = All Star Sports
ASM = All Star Movies
ASMu = All Star Music
BLT = Bay Lake Tower
Cont = Contemporary
CS = Coronado Springs
DLH = Disneyland Hotel
FW = Fort Wilderness Campground
FtW = Fort Wilderness
GC = Disney’s Grand Californian
GF = Grand Floridian
PFQ = Port Orleans French Quarter
Poly = Polynesian
POP = Pop Century
POR = Port Orleans Riverside
SS = Saratoga Springs
WL = Wilderness Lodge
Y&B = Yacht & Beach Club

Attractions:
BTM = Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
CoP = Carousel of Progress
EE = Expedition Everest
GMR = Great Movie Ride
HM = Haunted Mansion
MNSSHP = Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
MVMCP = Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
PotC = Pirates of the Caribbean
RnRC = Rock–n–Roller Coaster
SM = Space Mountain
SSE = Spaceship Earth
SM = Splash Mountain
ST = Star Tours
ToT = Tower of Terror
TSM = Toy Story Mania
TTA = Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Other:
AA = Audio Animatronics
ADR = Advanced Dining Reservations
AP = Annual Pass
CM = Cast Member
DDP = Disney Dining Plan
DVC = Disney Vacation Club
ECV = Electric Convenience Vehicle (motorized scooter)
EMH = Extra Magic Hours
FW = Future World
HM = Hidden Mickey
ME = Magical Express
TIW = Tables in Wonderland
TTC = Transportation and Ticket Center
WS = World Showcase

Next time you want to impress your friends, drop some Disneyspeak. It’ll confirm what they’ve suspected all along: Yep, you’re a Disney addict!

These lists are hardly exhaustive. Help us add to them in the comments below.

Related articles

• Do You Need a Car while at Walt Disney World? (chipandco.com)
• What’s It All Mean? Disney Acronyms. (chipandco.com)

Walt Disney World Transportation

A Chip & Co. reader recently asked: Do you need a car while at Walt Disney World Resort? The short answer is no.

My family and I vacationed at Walt Disney World Resort not long ago, and while I’d love to be there still, my feet are overjoyed not to be walking miles and miles a day. There’s one aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation that just can’t be beat: the transportation system.

Guests bound for Disney-owned Resort hotels via commercial flights to Orlando International Airport experience VIP treatment before they ever enter the Parks. Guests can arrange prior to their arrival to be treated like royalty with Disney’s Magical Express system. Special luggage tags allow vacationers to check their bags at departure and not have to worry about them again. Guests can bypass baggage claim, enjoy a complimentary ride aboard comfy motor coaches to their Resort, and find their bags magically awaiting them in their Guestroom. And, of course, when it’s time to leave the Kingdom, Guests again check their luggage and board motor coaches for complimentary transportation back to the airport. It’s all available at no extra charge no matter where you stay on Property.

Magical Express

Once onsite, Guests have many modes of travel to choose from within the Walt Disney World Transportation System. We drove our own vehicle to get there, but once it was parked, it stayed parked. Most convenient is the bus service. More than 300 buses driven by 1,100 full-time and 400 part-time drivers track 20 million miles per year toting Guests to and from the Parks, Resorts, and onsite attractions. The buses go just about everywhere on Disney Property. However, they do not transport Guests from Resort to Resort. To get from one hotel to another, Guests must take a bus to one of the Parks or Downtown Disney and transfer to another bus. Always allow extra time to get where you need to go.

While each Park has its own unique representative attraction, the monorail is Walt Disney World’s wienie. One line services the transportation center, Magic Kingdom, and the Resorts surrounding Seven Seas Lagoon, and a second line runs between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. According to Lou Mongello’s The Walt Disney World Trivia Book Volume Two, if you were to add up all the trips these German engineered trains have made over the 14.7 mile track since 1971, the mileage logged would equate to more than 25 round trips to the moon!

Ferry boats (or fairy boats?) provide one more option. Since they are limited to waterways, they do not offer access to all entertainment or Resort areas. Guests can, however, take in some scenic relaxation while en route to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, and select Resorts. Boats launch about every 15-30 minutes, but I’ve found them to be one of the quickest rides to catch.

Perhaps the best part of Walt Disney World Transporation is that it’s all available at no extra charge no matter where you stay on Property. Segway tours, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, surrey bikes, canoes, yachts, and golf carts are some fee-based options offered at various locations around Walt Disney World Resort.

So, do you need a car at Walt Disney World? Four out of the five times my family has vacationed there, we have driven our own car. We’ve used it onsite once! I would say that if you have a restaurant reservation outside of the Parks, say at ‘Ohana or Whispering Canyon, since buses do not run between Resort hotels, it may be quicker and easier to take your own vehicle. If I remember correctly, the one time we drove our car it was to Downtown Disney in the pouring rain when our youngest was an infant. That worked out well for us, but for most other instances, Disney’s taken good care of us.

A previous version of this article originally appeared at Magical Mouse Schoolhouse, where Disney IS school.

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That is the question!

When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s not hard to get caught up in the excitement of the parks, rides, and attractions. When you’re on Disney property, you might feel like you’re “missing out” on what’s going on inside one of the parks if you’re not in them. You can’t help but think “I could be on Space Mountain right now!” or “I wonder if there’s a lot of people watching Illuminations tonight?” Maybe you feel guilty for leisurely strolling the shops or grabbing a bite to eat at Downtown Disney, but the days of feeling guilty are over!

I love Downtown Disney. I find it’s a great place to go to escape the chaotic atmosphere that can sometimes be present in the parks. It’s also free! I like to visit Downtown Disney on my travel days, so I don’t have to worry about wasting half of a ticket day. It’s also a great way bookend to a vacation — a great place to start to prep for the parks, and a great place to end your trip and purchase last-minute souvenirs.

Are you on the fence about whether or not you want to make the trip downtown and explore? Here are some of my favorite places you’ll find at Downtown Disney that just might convince you:

The World of Disney
This is by far the largest souvenir store you’ll find on Disney property! It’s pretty much a Disney department store. The World of Disney is broken up into twelve different themed rooms, each featuring select merchandise. Any kind of souvenir that you could possibly get in Disney, you can find here! From home goods and plush toys to jewelry and apparel — it’s here. A few years ago, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was built right in the World of Disney store. If you’re having trouble booking an appointment for your princess in the Magic Kingdom, try this location!

Disney’s Days of Christmas
One of my favorite things to bring home from any vacation is a Christmas ornament. This store is filled with tinsel, holly, lights, trees, and ornaments. From the second you walk into the door, you’re transported to a winter wonderland, any time of the year. You can even get ornaments personalized with your name or the year of your trip.

Eateries
Forget the shopping. If I’m going to be completely honest, I come to Downtown Disney for the food! A couple of my favorite places to eat and snack are found here. If you’re on the dining plan, don’t miss Wolfgang Puck Express — it is probably one of the best values on property for a counter service meal. The portions are huge and the food is gourmet! My favorite place to grab a sandwich can also be found here: Earl of Sandwich. The sandwiches are warm, savory, and bursting with flavor.

The final place I recommend is a place I dream about when I’m not in Disney: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. The sundaes are to die for!

If you have a few hours to spare on your next trip, stop by Downtown Disney. There is so much to do and see that it’s worth your time. And don’t forget — stop for some ice cream!

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All things sweet at Goofy's Candy Co.

Every photo has a story…

Downtown Disney…the ultimate in Disney themed shopping and dining.  But what about dessert?  No trip to Downtown Disney would be complete without a stop by Goofy’s Candy Company.  All kids, even the kid-at-heart, should definitely stop in for some yummy holiday treats, Goofy style!

Goofy’s Candy Co. has a wide variety, in all the most mouth-watering colors, of candy, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, Rice Krispie Treats, slushies, and chocolate-covered caramel apples with a delightful Disney spin. There are pre-packages candies to purchase, plus display cases of delectable items to take with you in a to-go box.

Picture this…the Goofy’s Glaciers section offers a “Build-A-Cup” option for a cold drink. For $8.00, you build your own Disney Character cup, and for $3.69 you fill it with a delicious slushie. Refills are just $3.00, so hang on to that souvenir cup.

By making a reservation ahead of time, you can also celebrate your child’s birthday in Goofy’s private party room.  You can check out all the details here .

So be sure on your trip to Downtown Disney to stop in for some holiday sweet treats at Goofy’s Candy Company…Gawrsh, it’s good!

Thanks for stopping by for a photographical Disney ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share?  Drop by and share your photos on facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation twice a day in photographs. Visit my blog at mouzekateerz.com, or shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

In less than two weeks, the joy of the holiday season will come in the form of a fully decorated tree to 17 local military families from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit!

If you happened to visit Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort this weekend, you were likely greeted by the unique and beautifully decorated trees near ESPN Zone. These fun trees were created by the employees in various locations including Build-a-Bear-Workshop and RIDEMAKERZ, which are shown below, World of Disney, Rainforest Café, La Brea Bakery and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Each is themed to its respective location and includes everything from ornaments to toys and even gift cards.

If you haven’t seen the trees, stop by and check them out! They are available for your viewing pleasure during the week from 3-10 p.m. and on the weekend from 1-10 p.m.

You can even vote for your favorite tree by texting to DPARK (see the tree of your choice for instructions on what to text).

Happy Holidays!

Source Disney Parks Blog

If you’re looking for a cool family-friendly event to ring in the new year, you might want to check out the cyber celebration at DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney. The event was very popular last year so they brought it back for another go-around. From 8 p.m.-1 a.m. kids are entertained with a DJ and dance party, plus unlimited access to all the games and DisneyQuest attractions including Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters, Virtual Jungle Cruise and CyberSpace Mountain. For those who can stay awake till the clock strikes midnight, there’s a confetti drop and festive party favors. Partygoers also get a coupon for a pizza, hot dog, chicken casesar wrap or hamburger, plus chips and soda. If you purchase tickets ahead of time you can save $10 – $45 advance purchase – or day of $55, including tax. Call 407-934-7639 to reserve tickets.

Here’s a look back at past New Year’s celebrations around Disney Parks:

• A Look at New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Disneyland Resort Over the Years
• New Year’s Eve Disney Style
• New Year’s Eve 2010 at Disneyland Resort

Source Disney Parks Blog

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Holiday decorated topiary at Downtown Disney

Every photo has a story.

When you need a break from the Walt Disney World theme park holiday crowds, or you would just like to do some Christmas shopping, look no further than Downtown Disney. There’s no better shopping spot for the ultimate Disney fan.  With fabulous stores like Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, and Disney’s Days of Christmas, the Downtown Disney area offers up a holiday feast for the eyes, ears, and wallet.

Picture this…there are 365 days a year when Florida residents and WDW guests can shop for holiday merchandise at the Disney’s Days of Christmas shop in Downtown Disney.  Here you’ll find items like ornaments, Christmas hats, stockings, each with a Disney twist and available for purchase every day of the year.  But only during the holiday season will you see 150 tractor-trailer truckloads full of decorations spread out across 24 resorts, four theme parks, Downtown Disney and other locations.

While you’re doing your Downtown Disney shopping, be sure to attend some of the activities held during the Festival of the Seasons there from now until January 8.  You can grab a photo with Santa Claus in person at Santa’s Chalet  until Dec 24th. Festival of the Seasons showcases holiday carolers plus traditional songs performed by jazz, pop, and Latin musical entertainers.  You may also catch a glimpse of costumed stilt walkers, street performers, and at certain times, a holiday dance party with a deejay.

No trip to Downtown Disney would be complete without a snack from Goofy’s Candy Co.  Chocolate-dipped caramel covered apples, cupcakes, pasteries… the suggary choices are endless, but you’ll be glad you made the trip.

Thanks for stopping by for a photographical Disney ride!

Santa’s Chalet at the Downtown Disney Marketplace is now open. Visiting hours are from noon to 10 p.m. through Dec. 24. Once Santa takes off for his long night of travel, Santa Goofy takes over at the chalet. Goofy will greet guests from 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 25 to Jan. 1.

Also Santa’s daily appearances at The American Adventure at Epcot begin Nov. 25 and continue through Dec. 24. Each country in the World Showcase also features storytellers who describe local holiday traditions. In many countries, the storyteller is a representation of Santa, such as Pere Noel in France and Father Christmas in England.

At the Magic Kingdom, Santa is also greeting guests during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, in addition to his appearances in Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade. Remaining party dates are tonight, Nov. 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9,11,13,14,16 and 18. (Dec. 18 is sold out.)

If he’s not called back to the North Pole, Santa likely will be in the Magic Kingdom after the last Christmas party and in most hotel lobbies between 5 and 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. (At Fort Wilderness, he can be found on the porch at Crockett’s Tavern.)

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• Santa Claus comes to Walt Disney World for the 2011 Christmas holiday season (examiner.com)
• Santa Claus is coming to Walt Disney World (blogs.orlandosentinel.com)

BLINK, a young women’s denim-focused store, owned and operated by The Wet Seal, Inc., will join the collection of shopping and entertainment destinations located in Downtown Disney West Side at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. BLINK features the latest trends in denim and fashion tops, as well as accessories to complete a desired look.

The BLINK concept was developed out of Wet Seal’s strong denim focus and serves as an extension of the brand. Blue Asphalt by Wet Seal, Wet Seal’s exclusive label, will offer a selection of five fits, three lengths and over twenty washes, making it possible for nearly everyone to find her signature fit. BLINK also will carry fashion denim brands, which include an array of trend-focused styles. “Denim Stylists” will be available to offer a high level of service and product knowledge to every Disney guest.

“We are excited to open BLINK in this highly trafficked tourist area. The opportunity helps to further expose and reinforce the Wet Seal brand as a fashion destination,” said Susan McGalla, chief executive officer of The Wet Seal, Inc. “The store design reflects the refreshed concept, layout, and color palette representative of Wet Seal’s brand direction.”

This location will be the second BLINK by Wet Seal located at a Disney Resort. BLINK is already a destination at Downtown Disney adjacent to Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.

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It’s Thanksgiving and while some people are eating their big turkey dinner, others are prepping for the big shopping day: Black Friday. At the Disneyland Resort, Disney has some great deals at the Downtown Disney District for you Black Friday warriors! Don’t miss these specials:

LEGO Imagination Center

• Spend $99 and get an exclusive LEGO holiday set
• Shop early on Black Friday to get surprise savings on your entire purchase

Quiksilver

• 40% off Quiksilver, Quiksilver Men’s and Roxy fleece, jackets and sweaters
• 2 for $30 tees

RIDEMAKERZ

• Build one RIDE and build a second RIDE for FREE*

Also, don’t miss these other great specials throughout the holiday season:

• Apricot Lane: Spend more than $100 and receive a free gift
• LEGO Imagination Center: From 11/1 – 12/24, spend more than $75 and receive a Free Pick a Brick Box
• Quiksilver: Shop in November and receive $10 to spend in a Quiksilver or Roxy store during the months of December and January (can’t combine cards or receive cash back)
• RIDEMAKERZ:**
  • Spend $50, earn a $5 Gift Card
  • Spend $75, earn a $10 Gift Card
  • Spend $100, earn a $15 Gift Card

*Body of equal or lesser value. Free RIDE includes freewheel street chassis, stock wheelz, and treadz. Additional accessories not included. Offer not valid on line. Offer valid 11/25/2011 only. Offer may not be combined and cannot be bought, sold or exchanged for cash or coupons. Not valid on prior purchase, a RIDEMAKERZ BASH® or RIDEMONEY® gift cardz. Not valid with any other offer. Local and state taxes, as applicable, are payable by bearer. Valid in the U.S. only. Limit one per person, per visit. Nontransferable. Offer good while supplies last. Void where prohibited or restricted. Where required cash value 1/100 or 1 cent.

**Offer valid in-SHOP only from 11/26 – 12/24. Promotional gift cards are not valid for use until 12/25 and can be used in-SHOP or online. Offer may not be combined and cannot be bought, sold or exchanged for cash or coupons. Not valid on prior purchase, a RIDEMAKERZ BASH® or RIDEMONEY® gift cardz. Not valid with any other offer. Local and state taxes, as applicable, are payable by bearer. Valid in the U.S. only. Limit one per person, per visit. Nontransferable. Offer good while supplies last. Void where prohibited or restricted. Where required cash value 1/100 or 1 cent.

Source Disney Parks Blog

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Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is one of those Disney Resorts that — at least for our family — takes our breath away every time we visit.  POFQ is a Moderate priced resort, so it’s a little more expensive than the Value resorts, but not as expensive as a Deluxe resort.  POFQ is the sister resort to the other Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, which is just a short distance away.  Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons for staying at this resort!

Pros:

• Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest resort on Disney Property.  This is a huge bonus for us, because the moment we walk through the doors it just seems like time slows down for us.
• As it’s name suggests, POFQ is based on the French Quarter section of New Orleans.  The first time we stayed at POFQ was in August, 2009, and after we got home, we went to see The Princess and the Frog.  Let me tell you, the first time I saw that movie I felt like I had been transformed into POFQ on Disney property!
• POFQ is one of the Downtown Disney resorts, and as such, has a great water taxi that takes you down the lazy Sassagoula River to DTD.  You can also ride up the river to Port Orleans Riverside.
• The pool at POFQ is quite nice, and has a fun slide.  Also, you can pool hop between POFQ and POR.
• The food court at POFQ is nice, and serves beignets!
• You can get a carriage ride between the French Quarter and Riverside resorts.
• All amenities for Riverside are included in the French Quarter rooms, and vice versa, so you can head up to Riverside and enjoy the catch and release fishing!

Cons:

• Unfortunately, POFQ only has the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court for dining options.  If you want a table service meal, you’ll need to head up to Riverside to enjoy that.
• What my family enjoys about POFQ — it’s quiet nature — may not be a benefit in everyone’s mind.  If you are looking for a more upbeat tempo to your vacation, you might want to choose a different resort.
• Your Disney transportation options are either the buses or the water taxi to DTD.  Sorry, no monorail stops here!

My family loves Port Orleans French Quarter.  I highly recommend it, and hope you will stay there if you haven’t already!

Related articles

• Is Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort for You? (chipandco.com)
• The View from Room 5225, 37 Days Til Disney! (mydreamsofdisney.com)
• Port Orleans French Quarter – a Perfect WDW Getaway Spot For Adults (chipandco.com)

What is it? My favorite Disney souvenir ever is my zippered hoodie from Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

Why is it so special? I got my Epcot hoodie on our first trip to the World in 2006. We had road tripped to Florida in our rockin’ new minivan, and I discovered that although it was sunny, hot September, the A/C in the van blasts like an arctic freeze. I needed a jacket for the trip home. Each subsequent trip has required an updated look and so began my collection. I now have a zippered hoodie for each Park visit, plus one from the Disney DREAM Christening Cruise, and one Disneyland jacket I got at the Disney Store outlet (ssh! Don’t tell it’s not really from the Park).

Where did you get it? I got my Epcot hoodie at Mouse Gear.

How much did it cost? I think it was close to $50.

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Port Orleans Riverside

My family has enjoyed a couple of weeklong stays at Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The question asked above, is it for you, depends on what you are looking for in a Resort, how much time you will actually spend at the Resort, and what types of amenities you prefer. My family stays at the Value and Moderate Resorts, because we do not spend a lot of time in our room or exploring the property. We get our fill of adventure at the Parks and Downtown Disney area and only hit the room to drop off souvenirs or catch a nap. Perhaps when the kids are older and we slow down a bit, we may justify the extra expense of the Deluxe Resorts and their magical appeal.

Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of Port Orleans Riverside (POR): 

PROS:

• The property is absolutely beautiful, quiet, peaceful, and serenely scenic.
• Bus service is excellent, with 4 convenient, covered stops. (POR shares buses with only neighboring Port Orleans French Quarter.)
• The rooms are in excellent condition and are in the process of getting new queen beds in all rooms. (This creates a new CON below.)
• The food court is spacious and picturesque with lovely views of the Riverside Mill water wheel and Ol’ Man Island, and the food is delicious.
• Boatright’s Dining Hall table-service restaurant serves dinner only, but it’s a great place for hearty Cajun cooking.
• Surrey bikes, rowboats, pedal boats, and canopy boats can be rented for leisure time. Also, fisherman, you can cast a rod-n-reel into the pond stocked with catfish, perch, bass, and bluegill (catch and release only).
• The main pool on Ol’ Man Island features a lovely swimming area with slides, kids’ wading area, and hot tub. There’s also a shaded playground nearby. POR features five “quiet” pools throughout the Resort.
• For the romantics out there, POR offers a private carriage ride for $35.
• Friendships pick up Guests at POR and ferry them along the Sassagoula River to Port Orleans French Quarter and to Downtown Disney Marketplace until 11:00 p.m., running every hour until 4:00 p.m. and every 15 minutes after that.
• Fulton’s gift shop is well stocked and the Cast Members are very nice.

Surrey bike at POR

 CONS:

• The resort is large, and some of the buildings are difficult to access. We had to walk from the lobby in pouring rain and blustering wind on a 40-degree night to our room on the backside of Building 18, to which there is not direct route.
• Disney is in the process of replacing all full sized beds with queens. While that’s great news for families of four or fewer, as soon as that work is complete, those of us with parties of five will no longer be accommodated. *
• POR is divided into two themed “parishes”: the backwoods-cottage styled buildings of Alligator Bayou and the stately Gone with the Wind styled mansions of Magnolia Bend. In Alligator Bayou, the multi-level buildings are elevator-less. Guests with handicaps should be sure to request ground floor rooms.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a lovely resort with beautiful grounds and a well-maintained setting. My family has enjoyed staying at POR, because its relaxing atmosphere helps us unwind after busy days in the Parks.

Will we stay there again? We’d love to, but probably not, because as soon as all rooms are converted to queen beds, they will no longer accommodate our family of five. But that’s alright. There are many more Resorts left for us to explore!

*Author’s note: There seems to be some discrepancy in reports concerning the refurbishments. Parties of 5 WILL still be accommodated at POR when renovations are complete. However, that applies to the buildings of Alligator Bayou only, and there may be some time periods where trundles are not available while the work is in progress. Rumors state the trundles are being replaced with Murphy-style twin beds, but we’ve been unable to confirm that information at this time.

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Michaels, North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, is expanding its framework by signing on as the presenting sponsor of the 36th Festival of the Masters at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL., November 11 – 13, 2011.  In addition to acting as presenting sponsor for the 2011 Festival, Michaels will continue as the Festival’s presenting sponsor through 2013.

Founded in 1975, the Festival of the Masters is a vibrant open-air art festival that takes over the Downtown Disney® area for three days each year.  Featuring more than 150 award-winning artists, this world renowned show is a highly anticipated event for Disney guests, artists, collectors and art lovers. It is the longest running signature event at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

As presenting sponsor, Michaels will have activity stations in each of the festival’s distinct areas: West Side, Pleasure Island and Marketplace. Stations include Michaels Art Creation Station, dedicated to introducing children to various art forms; Michaels “How To” Decor Corner, featuring product demonstrations and Make-it Take-its; and Michaels Framing Fun, where guests can learn how to frame and have their works of art professionally framed on-site.

Creative Expert Jo Pearson and a host of individuals from the Michaels creative team will take center stage at the festival to host presentations on the Waterside Stage showcasing their knowledge and design creativity with festival guests.

“Michaels is where creativity happens and Walt Disney World is where dreams come true, and the Festival of the Masters is the perfect place to bring creativity and dreams together for a total family fun experience,” said Michaels Chief Marketing Officer Paula Puleo. “We look forward to supporting our shared commitment to inspiring creativity and families by continuing our relationship with the Festival of the Masters for years to come.”

“Our relationship with Michaels compliments our company’s commitment to providing high quality entertainment experiences for every member of the family,” said George Aguel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Alliances, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re thrilled to have Michaels join us, as together we inspire creativity through memorable and interactive experiences during the Festival of the Masters.”

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The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World is one of the funnest extra’s you can do if you have a little girl!  The salon is normally noisy and crowded but each “Fairy Godmother” treat the girls as if they are the only ones there!  It is a must do for us each time we visit Walt Disney World.  In order to make that happen, I have had to come up with ways to do the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on a Budget!

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers three different packages to choose from.

• Coach Package includes hairstyling and shimmering makeup—starting at $49.95 USD plus tax.
• Crown Package includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup and nails—starting at $54.95 USD plus tax
• Castle Package includes the Crown Package plus the Imaging Package (one 6″ x 8″ and four 4″ x 6″ photos in a princess-themed photo holder) and complete costume of your choice with accessories—starting at $189.95 USD plus tax.

We ALWAYS choose the crown package!  Not only do you get the hair, makeup and nail – there is a photopass photographer going around taking your daughters picture constantly!  So if you have already ordered the photopass cd, like we do, there is no need to have extra prints of these when you have already paid for them on the photopass cd.

On top of choosing the Crown Package for our daughter, we always bring a princess dress from home!  We normally make a trip to our local Disney Store before our vacation and pick up a dress of her choosing.  This runs us normally less than $40.00 depending on which dress she chooses and if we get accessories.  That is a lot cheaper than the dresses at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!   And guess what… they treat you no different if you bring your dress from home!  Just tell the ladies up front and they will arrange for you to go into the fitting room and put it on just like the girls who bought the more expensive package!  It really is great, Disney does a great job of accommodating people with all types of budgets!  You certainly don’t have to bring a princess dress at all.  One year my daughter just wore a special outfit we picked out for her instead!  Etsy is a great place to look for custom outfits and they are reasonably priced!  No matter what you choose for your child to wear, your Fairy Godmother will make a fuss over her!

I also like the crown package because of the goodie bag you recieve at the end of your daughters makeover.  You will receive the makeup pallet used on your daughter, two bottles of nail polish, the rest of the face gems and a pretty sash!  It is really fun to take this bag home and use it to play Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with your child once your vacation is over!

There are several dresses and accessories for sale at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  They are never forced on you, in fact I have never even been asked if I would like to purchase anything other than my package!  It is really great to not feel pressured into spending more money!  Make sure you do save a little cash out to tip your Fairy Godmother!  They do a great job with the girls and make it a lot of fun!  You can put your tip in a special wishing well and make a wish, everything is an event at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

And here is a tip for moms too, at the end when they glitter up your daughter ask for them to do you too!  They will sprinkle pixie dust on you and you can be glittered right along side of your child! It is a fun little extra I love to have done!

No matter which package you choose, you will certainly have a great time and with my tips you might save a little money too!

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Members of Disney’s official fan club are invited to partake once again in a sweet holiday tradition. Kids of all ages are invited to partake in this festive and fun tradition of building and decorating gingerbread houses at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort with Jazz Kitchen Executive Chef Darrin Finkel. December 3, 2011 is a day reserved just for D23 Members! Plus, D23 Members can receive extra savings and special treats.

The workshop kicks off with each participant receiving a chef hat and being named “chef for the day.” Next, Chef Darrin Finkel leads an interactive demonstration on the proper assembly of gingerbread houses. Then, the good stuff! You can decorate your gingerbread house with several handfuls of holiday candy personally procured by Santa’s elves. Finally, in the spirit of the season and in recognition of the participants’ hard work, Santa will pay a surprise visit and hand out commemorative gifts to all attendees.

And don’t forget, D23 Member’s always receive 10% off their meals at the Jazz Kitchen and all Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group venues, just by showing their D23 Membership card! Click here for more information (Discount does not apply to registration for this event.)

What: Holiday Gingerbread House Building Workshop

Who: Kids of all ages! (An adult must accompany children under 12)

When: Saturday, December 3, 2011, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Price: Exclusive price is $43.00 per Gingerbread Kit and 2 seats (+tax)—a savings of $5.00! (Price includes gingerbread house and candy, chef hats, unlimited sodas, and two seats.) Additional seats can be purchased for only $10.00 (+tax)

Exclusive for D23 Members only and available only on December 3:
1.    
10% off all food orders
2.    
Jingle bell
3.    
Special goodie from your friends at D23
4.    
Date exclusive to D23 Members only

Additional opportunities:
1.    
D23 Members may also reserve two houses and four seats for $80.00 (+tax)
2.    
Additional seats may be purchased for $10.00 per seat

Tickets: D23 Members may begin making reservations starting Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Reservations must be made through the Sales Office, Monday—Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 714-776-5200 through Bruno Duarte.

***Advance Payment by credit card required for reservation confirmation***
***Refunds given only with a 72 hour notice from date selected***
***Valid D23 Membership number required when making reservation***
***Phone lines will be busy, please remain on hold***

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Valid D23 Member number required during time of reservation. Above date not valid to AP holders. Space is limited. For entry, members must present a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. Jazz Kitchen will not be responsible for the assembly, holding or transporting of Gingerbread houses.

Source

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