The largest number of front-entrance topiaries ever, 1,000 brilliantly hued butterflies, 240 floating mini-gardens and 30 million blooms paint a landscape masterpiece at the 19^th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 7-May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Among this year’s fun festival facts:

•  30 million blooms blanket the park throughout the festival, which runs 75 colorful days.
•  The festival’s front-entrance Fantasia topiary scene comprises 28 topiaries - more than have been used in any front-entrance display.  The 28 include Sorcerer Mickey, three ostriches, two hippos, two alligators, two elephants, nine stars, a spiral and eight mushrooms.
• 22,615 plant plugs of 15 plant varieties make up the Fantasia front-entrance topiary.  They include reindeer moss for Sorcerer Mickey’s face and red begonias for his hat; creeping fig for Mickey, hippos and gators; Sweet Ayssum, and three shades of Lobelia  simulate water spilling over a large topiary rock made up of Black Scallop Ajuga upon which the Sorcerer stands.
• 4,000 Blushing Bride air plants from Guatemala color the two hippos’ tutus and 300 Cotton Candy air plants from Peru feather the wings and tails of the three ostrich topiaries.  Smaller air plants are used as ostrich slippers.
• 1,250 feet of quarter-inch irrigation tubing is woven into the Fantasia front-entrance topiaries.
• Dozens of additional Disney character topiaries represent the largest collection of Disney character topiary in the world and include classic film stars like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Cinderella and Tinker Bell.
• At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colors, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen, are used to create and define features of additional festival topiaries.  More color has been added to the topiaries than in any previous topiary presentation.
• 1,000 native butterflies represent up to 10 species at the expansive Bambi’s Butterfly House. Among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants are Cape Royal plumbago, passion flower, coral honeysuckle, blazing star, butterfly bush, scarlet milkweed and canna lily.
• More than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are planted for the festival; 250,000 of those are annual blossoms installed for the festival.
• Festival plants include 60 different species of trees, 47 types of palms, and 48 varieties of bedding plants.
• 150 hands-on gardening demonstrations and seminars will be presented.
• Thirty “flower towers” of impatiens line Innoventions Plaza.
• 240 floating mini-gardens, each three feet in diameter, of multi-hued impatiens provide splashes of color on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase.
• 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns enhance the landscape throughout Epcot.
• 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists are needed to install the festival landscape, topiaries and many exhibits; 100 Epcot horticulturists maintain topiaries and other festival displays.
• It takes more than one full year and about 24,000 cast member hours to prepare for the annual festival.
• The festival’s weekend Flower Power concert series includes 11 artists and groups known for more than 100 Top 40 hits.  This year’s musical hit-makers from the 1960s and ’70s include Jose Feliciano, Starship starring Mickey Thomas, The Guess Who, The Spinners, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (NEW!), The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (NEW!), Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone and Davy Jones.

Guest information for the 19thannual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower or at 407/W-DISNEY.

Related articles

• Coming Soon! Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival March 7-May 20 (chipandco.com)
• 19th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Coming March 7 – May 20, 2012 (chipandco.com)

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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The largest-ever Disney front-entrance topiary and a stellar cast of HGTV design celebrities boost the flower power at the 19^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 7-May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort.  Here’s a sneak peek of this year’s festival news:

• Disney’s gardening magic goes a long way when an eight-foot-tall floral Sorcerer Mickey topiary holds court in front of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth.  Standing atop a 12-foot-tall floral mountain cliff, Sorcerer Mickey directs a riot of color in the manicured shapes of dancing broomsticks, buckets, mushrooms, hippos, alligators and elephants straight from the classic Disney film, “Fantasia.” The scene pops with pink geraniums, white poppies, violet petunias, blue delphiniums and pansies.
• Twice daily each Friday through Sunday of the festival, HGTV designers and hosts share their insights on landscapes and design with Festival Center audiences.  John Gidding of “Curb Appeal: The Block” kicks off the series March 9-11 with curb-appeal design tips for homeowners.
• Music fills each festival weekend when pop music hitmakers of the 1960s and ’70s rule the America Gardens Theatre stage with performances of their greatest songs.  Jose Feliciano ignites the Flower Power concert series March 9-11 with his treasure trove of tunes.  Two new festival acts are in store:  Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (April 27-29) and The Orchestra featuring former members of ELO and ELO Part II (May 4-6).

The front-entrance floral spectacle will welcome guests to a festival packed with new gardens and displays, featured speakers and hands-on fun for all ages, including daily gardening workshops with take-home projects for all who participate.

Thirty million blooms, 240 floating mini-gardens on two ponds, 700 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables, dozens of Disney character topiaries, 30 “flower towers” of impatiens and sweeping beds of original floral designs create a new tapestry of brilliant color across the 260-acre Epcot landscape.  It takes more than one year and 400 Walt Disney World horticulturists to plan and prepare for the 75-day festival.

Halfway through the festival, Disney gardeners remove the cold-hardy blossoms that thrive in March and early April to plant a new crop of flowers that flourish in spring’s warmer temperatures.  And throughout the event, dozens of gardening experts meet guests daily with fresh landscape ideas for 2012.  Daily workshops at the Festival Center let guests dig into projects they can take home at the end of the day.

Don’t Miss!

• The Festival Center- Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend demonstrations and get ideas and tips from master gardeners.  In Future World between Universe of Energy and Mission:SPACE.
• Disney Gardening at Home presentations - Disney horticulturists and local experts like Robert Bowden of Harry P. Leu Gardens will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity. At the Festival Center.
• Special Festival Weekend Celebrations - An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 23-25; a Disney’s Animal Kingdom Specialists weekend presents indigenous insects that are part of our world; a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs gathering will be April 27-29; and a Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute is slated for May 4-6.
• Bambi’s Butterfly House, three times the size of the festival’s original, is a-flutter with multiple species of brilliant butterflies.  At Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West.
• Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden - Fabulous Disney fairy topiaries alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsical garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5.  At the Test Track Walkway.
• The HGTV Designers Stage presents HGTV celebrities each Friday through Sunday and nationally recognized garden personalities Monday through Thursday.  At the Festival Center.
• Flower Power concert series welcomes back 20^th century pop favorites this year when Chubby Checker and The Wildcats, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Davy Jones and eight other bands rock the America Gardens Theatre with their timeless tunes.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers and appearance dates subject to change.

More information about the 19th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower.  The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Related articles

• HGTV Stars to Highlight This Year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)
• 2012 Flower Power Concert Series at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)

For me it seems the lineup is a little dated and I think their should be a mix of 60′s – 90′s at the 19^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival’s Flower Power concert series.  Beginning March 9 and continuing each weekend, the Flower Power lineup features two new-to-the-festival acts:  Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World”) and The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (“Don’t Bring Me Down”).

Jose Feliciano, whose star shines on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and whose musical achievements have spanned five decades, revs up the Flower Power stage during the first festival performance March 9.  Among the biggest hit-makers in the lineup: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (22 hits on Billboard’s Top 40 chart); Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (18 Top 40 hits); The Spinners (18 Top 40s); and The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie (9 Top 40s).

Flower Power performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Here’s the lineup (subject to change without notice):

Flower Power performances are included with Epcot admission. For additional information about the festival, visit www.disneyworld.com/flower
.

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Andrea Canaday's Star Wars Weekend Encounter

Every Photo has a story…

Chip & Company fan Andrea Canaday from Beaufort, South Carolina , and her family love to attend Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Andrea said, “Every picture does have a story. I took some great photos on a Disney vacation in June of 2009.  We were also staying at our Home Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, for the first time since it’s completion. A dear friend I had not seen in a while and her fiance were also joining me and my family for the weekend. Can you say we were excited?”

Picture this…

When Andrea and her family arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Storm Troopers where all across the top of the ticket entrance. “It was crowded and as my friend and I were waiting for the lines to move, we decided to take pictures of them. This particular Storm Trooper noticed us taking his picture. The next thing you know, we were interacting with each other.  I love to interact with the characters; it’s so much fun!  He pointed his Blaster Rifle at us and then did the ‘I’m watching you’ with his fingers. You know, the pointing to his eyes and then to person thing.  My friend and I did it right back.  He pointed the Blaster Rifle back at us and did the ‘I’m watching you’ again.  This went on for a little bit, and we laughed and carried on with him. It was one of those magical memories you never forget!”

Thanks, Andrea, for sending in your Star Wars Weekend photo and your story, and thank you Chip & Company fans for coming along for a photographical ride!

Do you have any fabulous Disney vacation pictures you’d like to share? Remember, Chip & Company is looking for great Disney vacation photos without family members, preferably of Disney characters, landscapes, architecture, or funny photos for our “Caption This Contest.”  Please send in pictures  (one at a time please) with a brief description of your photo. Be sure to tell us what is in the picture and any important details.  Just use the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, Why and When, because that way we have enough information to share the Disney Magic.  Every photo has a story, so be sure to include yours.

Drop by and share your photos on Facebook at Mouze Kateerz. Take a virtual Disney vacation twice a day in photographs. Visit my photo blog at mouzekateerz.com, check out my photos on Pinterest at Pin Mouze Kateerz,  or shoot me an email of your favorite Disney location at mouzekateerz@chipandco.com.

Tails will be wagging at Walt Disney World® Resort this week: The Best Friends Pet Care Treat Truck for Dogs is coming to town with free ice cream and cookies for canines.

The colorful, doggy-logo’d truck will be making frequent visits to the Fort Wilderness dog park, downtown Celebration and at Best Friends Pet Care on Bonnet Creek Parkway starting Thursday, January 26 through Saturday February 4.

The Treat Truck will also be visiting community dog parks in Orlando, Apopka, Kissimmee and Winter Garden.

Best Friends created the truck to give the dog lovers a taste of the fun and caring its staff provides to pet guests every day at its pet care center. Best Friends is the exclusive pet care provider for Walt Disney World® Resort.

For the detailed schedule of stops and times, visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com/treat-truck-tour/

Best Friends Pet Care launched the Treat Truck was launched last summer. It has traveled down the east coast from Boston through New England, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Atlanta. After Florida, the Truck will head west to Texas.

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While winter is still in full swing, we at Walt Disney World Resort are already thinking of spring and the 19th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by HGTV! This year’s festival will run from March 7 to May 20, 2012, and will include favorite elements like beloved Disney character topiaries, “how to” demonstrations and presentations by HGTV and Disney experts, unique gardens themed to the countries of World Showcase, the Flower Power Concert series and much more.

The festival will include special activities for kids like Bambi’s Butterfly House, presented by HGTV; the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden; Sounds of Nature, presented by Nature Conservancy; and unique play structures offer fun for the little ones—the Evos™ play systems for ages six and older and the Weevos™ play systems for ages two through five.

We are EXTREMELY excited to continue our relationship with HGTV, with their expertise and support of the festival returning for a second year. HGTV stars scheduled to appear this year include (Talent/dates subject to change):

• John Gidding, HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block—presenting March 9 – 11
• Sabrina Soto, HGTV’s The High/Low Project—presenting March 16 – 18
• Jason Cameron, DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves—presenting March 23 – 25
• Camille Styles, HGTV.com Entertainment contributor—presenting March 30 – April 1
• Dan Faires, HGTV.com’s DanMade, Fan Favorite HGTV Design Star Season 5—presenting April 6 – 8
• Brandon Johnson, host of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney—presenting April 13 – 15
• Meg Caswell, HGTV’s Meg’s Great Rooms—presenting April 20 – 22
• Monica Pedersen, HGTV Dream Home Tour 2012 and Designed to Sell—presenting April 27 – 29
• Antonio Ballatore, HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment—presenting May 4 – 6
• To be determined—presenting May 11 – 13
• Genevieve Gorder, HGTV’s Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star—presenting May 18 – 20

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with botanical beauty during the nightly Flower Power concert series. Enjoy a varied lineup of performers throughout the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 through May 20, 2012. The concerts will again groove-ify the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. throughout the festival dates. Scheduled to appear this year include (Talent/dates/times subject to change):

For more information on the festival, you can check out disneyworld.com/flower and continue to check back for more updates. See you in the spring.

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Star Wars Weekends returns to the Walt Disney World Resort during May and June 2012, as Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the Star Wars film saga and the hit animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The annual special event, included in regular theme park admission, will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18-June 10, 2012.

The power of the Force and magic of Disney combine as plenty of out-of-this-world characters – including Wookiees, droids, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Jedi – roam the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greet opportunities with guests.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the spectacular 3-D attraction, “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.” The attraction, which opened last spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, uses eye-popping 3-D, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology to immerse guests in the Star Wars galaxy like never before.

“Jedi Training Academy,” one of the interactive entertainment experiences at the theme park, allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing their newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Also featured at Star Wars Weekends: the chance for fans to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars games, plus there’s special Star Wars parades and motorcades, star conversations and autograph sessions with Star Wars actors and creative talent (celebrity lineup will be announced at a later date). The ever-popular “Hyperspace Hoopla” ends each Star Wars Weekends day with a show filled with comedy, dancing, high-energy music and many of the famed Star Wars characters.

For more information and future updates, guests may go online to disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or starwars.com.

STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

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As most Walt Disney World fans know, the popular Test Track attraction at Epcot is going to be down for refurbishment from April 2012 to sometime in the Fall of 2012.

So, what are you supposed to do with the Test Track junkie in your party with the attraction down for the busy and crowded summer season?

Most of the people I have spoken to agree that Test Track’s biggest fans are usually under the age of 12. Not that adults don’t enjoy it, but younger kids seem to relish the attraction. Obviously, you need to prepare your Test Track junkie that the attraction is going to be closed. After the initial wave of disappointment is over, you can start planning your trip.

Other Epcot attractions to try:

The Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East. This is a state of the art motion-simulator ride where you can design your own track layout. It seats two people per ride. You are enclosed in a large hood and cannot touch your face or upper body during the ride. You must be 48 inches tall to ride and 54 inches tall to invert (an average 8 year old should be able to ride but not do inversions).

Soarin’ in the Land Pavilion. This is a gate buster and will typically have a large wait with Test Track open. This is the first attraction you should hit for a FastPass at rope drop.

Mission: Space. This attraction is often critiqued, but it still offers plenty of thrills, especially for the Green Team which offers less spinning. You have to be 44 inches tall to ride.

Maelstom. Located in the Norway Pavilion, this five minute boat ride has a few surprises and drops, but nothing that requires a height restriction.

Epcot does offer other amazing attractions, but nothing with the same intensity and speed as Test Track.

Looking for other experiences at Epcot? Try some of these.

Behind the Seeds Tour at the Land Pavilion. This 45 minute walking tour takes you behind the scenes to see the future of food production. There is a charge for the tour.

Reflections of China and O Canada Circle Vision films. Both of these films surround you and offer amazing shots and scenes. People bypass them because they are just films, but they are spectacular and can offer multiple viewings to see it all.

Captain EO. Take a trip back to the future and enjoy this retro presentation of this 3d film. It is Michael Jackson at his height and a great way to relive some of the 1980s at EPCOT Center.

Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. Perfect for any age, you can work your way around World Showcase looking for clues with the special Kimmunicator.

Kidcot Fun Stops. Situated in each World Showcase Pavilion, kids are able to meet cast members from their respective countries and make a souvenir craft.

George writes at Imaginerding and The Disney Navigator. He is also a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. You can email him at george@pixievacations.com for vacation help and planning.

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Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful entertainment to Magic Kingdom theme park. During this contemporary Christian music festival, Guests can delight in live performances by music superstars across a variety of genres—including rock, pop and gospel.

Mark your calendars for a weekend of outstanding entertainment on September 7, 2012 and September 8, 2012. Enjoy performances from a variety of Christian artists, including:

Performing Friday, September 7, 2012:
Casting Crowns
Chris Tomlin
NEEDTOBREATHE
Red
Francesca Battistelli
Brandon Heath
Royal Tailor
Disciple

Performing Saturday, September 8, 2012:
MercyMe
Third Day
Kutless
Thousand Foot Krutch
Lecrae
Chris August

From soulful, inspiring singers to hard-hitting, high-energy rockers, Night of Joy offers a variety of entertainment that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Join the Community
Get the latest concert news, browse artist photos and share your excitement for the ultimate Christian music festival at the official Night of Joy Facebook page!

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Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with botanical beauty during the nightly Flower Power concert series. Enjoy a varied lineup of performers throughout the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, March 7 through May 20, 2012.

Location: America Gardens Theatre at World Showcase

Show Times: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

The concerts and dates are as follows:

March 9 to 11 – Jose Feliciano
March 16 to 18 – Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 23 to 15 – The Guess Who
March 30 to April 1 – The Spinners
April 6 to 8 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 13 to 15 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 20 to 22 – The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 27 to 29 – NEW! Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night
May 4 to 6 – NEW! The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
May 11 to 13 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 18 to 20 – Davy Jones

As always dates and artists are subject to change.

Related articles

• HGTV Stars to Highlight This Year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)
• 19th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Coming March 7 – May 20, 2012 (chipandco.com)

A food and wine lover’s paradise awaits you at Epcot Theme Park with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, held September 28, 2012 to November 11, 2012!

There’s something to satisfy most every taste and interest. In addition to the attractions Guests already enjoy at Epcot theme park, this annual autumn event features a delectable array of offerings, including:

• International kiosks featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages
• Cooking demonstrations and dining events—including experiences with celebrity chefs!
• Mixology classes and wine tastings
• Live musical performances by popular hit-makers

Enjoy all this—and more—when this annual event returns to Epcot theme park in fall 2012. Dine your way around the world. Cultivate your cooking skills. Savor a rare vintage. Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert. Make magical memories to last a lifetime at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Don’t forget the Wine & Dine Marathon has been moved to November 9th & 10th this year to make way for the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10-Miler Weekend

Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more details.

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Photo by Pixie Brenda

After a wonderful day spent on the beautiful beaches of Castaway Cay, we were all welcomed to attend a unique pirate celebration onboard the Dream. Upon returning to the stateroom, we found a note along with 4 pirate bandanas (one for each of us) inviting us to don the bandanas for dinner and to dress up in our pirate attire. Although dressing in character is optional, we are no party poopers; we dress for the party.

Photo by Pixie Brenda

Our pirate dinner was enjoyed at the Royal Palace. You can see great pics from this at my website, Ideally Disney. After dinner, the nighttime festivities really kicked off at Mickey’s Pirates In The Caribbean. This full-out pirate celebration included a chance to play, dance and acquire all the necessary pirate skills required to become an official member of Mickey’s pirate crew!

A special and one-of-a-kind element of the celebration was Buccaneer Blast Fireworks, an awesome fireworks display by the only cruise line able to offer fireworks at sea. After the fireworks, we were able to dance, dance, dance and party down with DJ Automatic at Club Pirate on deck.

Photo by Pixie Brenda

An awesome time was had by all, full of lots of fun and special new memories. This was a delightful way to spend an evening with family in a fun, party atmosphere!

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PlanItDisney map-based planning

PlanItDisney.com, a revolutionary free Disney trip planning website, went live to the public today.  PlanItDisney allows users to build an online travel itinerary and budget from over 3000 Points of Interest in and around Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Planning a vacation with PlanItDisney is a four step process:

The Map – An interactive map containing photos, details, descriptions, and reviews for every single attraction, show, hotel, service, food, and transportation location at the Disney resorts is the starting point to building your perfect trip. Browse the map, find things to do and add them to your itinerary queue.
The Planner – Select any point of interest and drag-and-drop it anywhere in your itinerary.  Shuffle events around until your trip is just right.  Color coding of events gives you a quick overview of what kind of activity is up next.  You can add custom itinerary items or attach a note (like ADR information) to any event.
The Budget – Once you’ve got your itinerary looking the way you’d like, with one click PlanItDisney will help create a budget based on your exact trip.  Common (but commonly overlooked) budget items like internet charges, parking, and other costs are noted for you.
Book It – Once your plan and budget are in place, PlanItDisney makes it easier than ever to book your Disney vacation online.  You can choose to share your itinerary and budget with one of a select group of Authorized Disney Travel Agents who can help finalize all the little details of your trip and make all the hotel, ticket, food, and theme park reservations at absolutely no cost to you.  Or you are free to make your own travel arrangements.

Interactive itinerary tool

PlanItDisney is the quickest and easiest way to learn about everything to do at Disney, remove the confusion and hassle of planning and budgeting a trip, and get on with enjoying the most magical vacation of your life!

"Smart" budgeting helps estimate the trip

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  Ok, I may be a little biased, but one of my FAVORITE Disney trip-planning websites is Tips from the Disney Diva www.tipsfromthedisneydiva.com

The site, which really began taking off in December of 2009, was originally designed to help families in the planning process for their trip to Walt Disney World, but is expanding this year with the addition of multiple “Diva & Devo” writers who specialize in tips on:

- Disneyland trip planning – RunDisney Events – WDW & Dland dining, attractions, and resort reviews – Packing tips – Disney trips with Toddlers in your party – Disney on a budget – Disney trips with TEENS in your party (from a teen’s perspective) – Disney trips WITHOUT kids in your party – Traveling with people who have dietary or physical special needs  in your party – Traveling to Disneyland Paris – Disney Cruises – Traveling to Disneyland Hong Kong – Traveling to WDW and Disneyland from outside of the country – Disney Weddings and Honeymoons – Disney Vacation Club – Thrill ride lovers – Specialty Tours – Photography at Disney Parks and more!

Tips from the Disney Diva is EXCLUSIVELY a trip planning site. It does not discuss Disney news, Disney movies or television, ABC Family,  or any of the other great stuff that is covered here at Chip and Company, so we’re QUITE compatible with one another. Tips from the Disney Diva’s goal is for you to have the BEST POSSIBLE Disney vacation you could have , so information is sincere, fun to read, easy to understand for people who are planning their FIRST TRIP, and straight talk that will help you plan a trip even a DIVA would love!

If you’re looking for some great HELPFUL tips for planning your next Disney come meet me over at Tips from the Disney Diva (www.tipsfromthedisneydiva.com) and look around. You can get just a taste of the site by looking at some of the most frequently read posts and join us on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/tipsfromthedisneydiva and/or TWITTER @WDWDisneyDiva. Bring your friends and make sure you sign up get emails sent to you daily with fresh tips for planning the best Disney vacation EVER!

• Packing the PERFECT Walt Disney World Backpack
• Packing Checklists
• Counter Service Lunch AT Magic Kingdom
• Only got TWO days to do Disney…. check it out
• Breakfast in the Magic Kingdom
• Ride or Walk? Strollers at Walt Disney World
• The 7 Deadly Sins of Disney World Vacationing
• In Case of a WDW Melt-Down: Break G.L.A.S.S.
• Fast Pass Pouches
• “Hoofing it”. Walking around Walt Disney World

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19^th annual runDisney event to include new marathon relay option and commemorative 15^th anniversary half marathon medal; weekend field to top 56,000

Reality TV stars and wounded military soldiers are expected to be part of the more than 56,000 runners participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna this weekend.

Ethan Zohn (Survivor / Amazing Race), Jenna Morasca (Survivor / Amazing Race)  and Trista and Ryan Sutter (The Bachelor) are among the celebrities entered in the weekend of events at Walt Disney World Resort.   All are running in the half marathon on Saturday along with four wounded veterans who are part of the Achilles Freedom Team, which supports disabled runners.  Workout guru Tony Horton, founder of the P90X workout, will be on hand to prepare runners for their race.

The marathon weekend also features a new relay option that gives runners the opportunity to pair up and split the 26.2 mile journey through all four Disney theme parks – Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios – and receive a special Chip and Dale medal. And to commemorate the 15^th anniversary of the half marathon, all finishers will be awarded a one-of-a-kind Donald Duck half marathon medal.

The 56,000 total runners – a new Disney marathon record – includes more than 26,500 registered runners for the half marathon, 16,500 for the marathon and 8,000 for the Family Fiesta 5K featuring the Three Caballeros – 3,000 more runners than last year.  Approximately 6,500 runners will compete in Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge which involves running the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday – 39.3 miles.  And about 3,000 young runners will join in the fun and participate in the Mickey Mile and Marathon Kids Fest events on Friday and Saturday.

There’s also a Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Thursday – Saturday.  Vendors will showcase  the latest running merchandise and equipment, plus there will be seminars by leading healthy and fitness authorities, including marathon training expert Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney.

For more information on the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or future runDisney events, visit www.rundisney.com.  For coverage throughout the event follow us on Twitter @DisneySports, on the runDisney Facebook page and at www.disneysportsnews.com.

For coverage information and credentials, please contact Bob Hitchcock at 407-922-3422 or at Robert.g.hitchcock@disney.com , by Friday, January 6.

Source Article from http://disneysportsnews.com/2012/01/03/celebrities-and-wounded-veterans-join-record-disney-marathon-weekend/

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This is the Lights! Camera! Happy New Year! Fireworks recorded 12/31/11 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World!

Thanks Jeff Lange!

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Thank you guys for another great year on Chip and Company.! None of this would be possible without great fans as you!

Thank you for making Chip and Co your home for the best in Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways and More!!

A special thank you to all of my writers too! you guys rock!

As a special thank you we have a video of Disney New Year’s Eve Fireworks.

Continuing a grand Disney tradition from past years (file video), New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2011) is one of the biggest fireworks evenings of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, a place where fireworks are both spectacular and an every-night event. Magic Kingdom presents “Holiday Wishes” at 8:30 p.m. and the classic “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks display at 11:51 p.m. Epcot’s “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” salutes the approaching 2012  at 7:00 and 11:42 p.m. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the 25-minute spectacular “Fantasmic!” will be presented at 6:30 and 8 p.m., with the popular “Lights! Camera! Happy New Year!” fireworks display at midnight.

Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.*

And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation.  One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.**

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012,” Staggs said. “To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”

In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer:

• Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels.  The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012. ***

In 2011, Disney Parks has encouraged families to “Let the Memories Begin,” with guests celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their vacation stories, photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Guests can find out more information about other Disneyland Resort offers and tickets at www.disneyland.com and other Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket offers at www.disneyworld.com. Guests can find out more information about “One More Disney Day” and get official rules for the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” at www.OneMoreDisneyDay.com.

*Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available for 24 hours. Subject to capacity restrictions.  Valid theme park admission required.

** NO PURCHASE/ TEXT MESSAGE NECESSARY.  Void where prohibited.  Open only to persons who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors.  Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 1/1/12 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 2/29/12.  To enter, send on your cell phone the key word “DISNEYDAY” as an SMS text message to the SMS shortcode 347639 (Disney).  Msg. & data rates may apply. Or to enter for free and for Official Rules, visit Disney.com/memoriessweeps.  If entering via SMS you will receive a confirmation text in response to your entry.  LIMIT: ONE ENTRY ALLOWED PER PERSON/Cell/Address for each day.  Sponsor:  Disney Online 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.

*** Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.  Room charge based on average per night rate of applicable room during stay.  Offer is valid for bookings from 1/1/12 through 1/31/12 for arrivals from 2/26/12 through 3/10/12.  One (1) consecutive night will be added to the hotel stay and one (1) day added to the tickets.  Offer applied once per package/reservation and excludes suites.  Disneyland® Resort multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or 3/23/12, whichever occurs first, Walt Disney World® tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.  Each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Advanced reservations required.  No group rates or other discounts apply.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Check for packages of other lengths of stay.  Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50.  ©Disney

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Disney Parks Has a Rockin’ New Year’s Secret

On December 31, 2011, tune in to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on ABC or Univision Television Feliz 2012 hosted by Don Francisco live from Disneyland Park for a special announcement. Check your local listings for exact air times.

Disney Parks will be celebrating like never before!

Here is news drop on the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade:

Here is the teaser Disney Released online a few days ago

For more information check out this site.

Disney Parks One More Disney Day.

Speculation on the internet is that both the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will remain open all night on February 28 and continue operating through Leap Day, February 29.

So unless you will be at Walt Disney World on those days the news is probably not going to interest you. What would really be cool is for the entire 2012 year the park stays open 24-7. That would be AWESOME!

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