Category Archives: Tips &Tricks
Ask a Disney Question: Epcot Wine Walk.

This question comes from Teresa, who asks: “I cant seem to find any information on Epcot Wine Walk on your site. Is there such a thing? A coworker told me briefly about it. What is it?
Teresa, the Epcot Wine Walk is a card or “passport” you purchase for $20 that allows you to taste two two-ounce servings from each of the three World Showcase countries that participate, Italy, France and Germany. The passport your receive is a two-sided description of the wines; it includes a map of where to find them.
The wine walk is a year-round offering. Selections occasionally change. If you’d like to read more about the wine walk, check out this thread on Mouseowners. You can also read AJ’s post about it here in the Disney Food Blog.
Thanks for reading Chip and Co and for your question. Hope this helps.
Have a Disney question? We have answers! Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Company.
Disneyworld Dates to Remember through October 2010

With summer in full swing at Walt Disney World I wanted to give you a heads up on the upcoming dates when planning your Disney Vacation. For more information click on the links.
- June 6–August 14, 2010
- Summer Nightastic! at all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks
- June 12–July 31, 2010
- Tickets on Sale Now! September 10 & 11, 2010
- Night of Joy is back at Magic Kingdom Park
- Tickets on Sale Now! Select dates in September & October, 2010
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
- October 1–November 14, 2010
- Saturday, October 2, 2010
- Mickey’s Halloween Family Fun Run at Magic Kingdom Park
- Saturday, October 2, 2010
When booking your Disney Vacation give the guys at Pixie Vacations, or Best Orlando Vacation Packages a call and have them price out your dream vacation.
Disney Vacation Checklist: Tips for Saving Money and Time at Disney World

Are you getting ready to leave for your Disney vacation? If you are like most people, you have spent months planning your trip, trying to learn as much as you could about the parks and resorts. You may also be trying to save money too, as Disney can end up being very expensive if you are not careful in your planning. With this in mind, in the few days before you get ready to go, there are several things that you can and should do in order to make sure that you have a smooth, and affordable, Disney vacation.
Here are five important ones:
- Check the weather forecast before you leave and make sure you pack for the weather. Believe it or not, Florida can get cold in the winter, rain is always a possibility, and tropical storms/hurricanes don’t necessarily avoid Disney World. Not packing appropriately may mean you will be buying those ponchos, scarves, hats and gloves at the parks, which will definitely put a dent in your wallet.
- Go to the Disney World website and check the park hours. If you are staying on Disney property, you may want to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. Make sure you know when they are to make the most of your time while at Disney World.
- You will also want to check which rides/attractions will be closed during your visit. Everyone in your family, especially kids, should be prepared ahead of time if a favorite attraction won’t be open. Plus, you won’t want to waste time walking over to rides that are closed!
- Do you have a packing list? This is a great way to make sure that your costs stay as low as possible, because it will help insure that you don’t forget anything! You can be sure that you can buy whatever you forget at Disney….for a lot more money than you would have paid at home.
- Lastly, if you have young children and a stroller is part of your park plans, consider bringing one from home. Or if you don’t want to do that, consider renting one from a stroller company in the Disney area. Both options will cost you a lot less than getting one at the parks.
After months of planning, you will want to make sure that your Disney vacation is the best it can be. Taking a little time as you get ready to leave, to do these things, can help you save money on your trip and make the most of your vacation time as well.
Toys”R”Us Stores Around the World Bring ‘Toy Story 3′ to Life

To celebrate the highly anticipated theatrical release of “Toy Story 3,” Toys”R”Us® is helping kids worldwide reach “to infinity and beyond” by creating the ultimate “Toy Story 3” destination in all of its nearly 1,300 toy stores in 34 countries around the world. In the United States, kids can “Live the Adventure” in stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToyStory starting today when they visit dedicated “Toy Story 3” boutiques, filled with the largest assortment of “Toy Story”-inspired toys, including action figures, construction sets, role play accessories, musical instruments and electronic devices. At Toys”R”Us, kids can find everything they need to continue the movie adventure at home with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. Similar “Toy Story 3” boutiques will open in Toys”R”Us stores around the world, coinciding with the movie’s release in each respective country.
“For nearly 15 years, kids and kids at heart have imagined that the toys they find in Toys”R”Us stores can come alive and have their own adventures thanks to the magical storytelling of the “Toy Story” films,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “The powerful connection to toys evoked by the films match our brand perfectly, and to bring this playtime experience to a new generation of kids, Toys”R”Us stores are now showcasing a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” merchandise, including dozens of items that can only be found in our stores.”
“Since 1995, Toys”R”Us has consistently offered “Toy Story” fans a place to find items based on their favorite characters, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Hamm, Rex and MR. POTATO HEAD,” said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president of global toys for Disney Consumer Products. “With the introduction of new characters like Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Twitch, as well as the addition of LEGO® construction sets and characters based on Barbie® doll and Ken®, kids will find more “Toy Story 3” items than Andy can fit into his bedroom when they visit Toys”R”Us stores.”
Toys”R”Us Stores in the United States Invite Kids To “Live the Adventure”
To kick off the celebration, “Toy Story 3” has received a dedicated space at the front of every Toys”R”Us store in the United States. Inviting kids to “Live the Adventure” of the newest Disney∙Pixar film, each boutique features images of classic “Toy Story” characters, such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, Bullseye, Slinky Dog, the Aliens and more. Inside the boutiques, children will find an exciting assortment of interactive toys, games, trains, playsets, role play accessories, construction sets and everything else needed to help bring “Toy Story 3” to life. “Toy Story” fans should also note that Toys”R”Us stores nationwide will receive regular shipments of new “Toy Story 3” merchandise throughout the year.
The company’s international flagship store, Toys”R”Us Times Square, is also featuring a dedicated boutique near the store’s main entrance on 44th Street and Broadway to showcase “Toy Story 3” products. Visitors can find out what it is like to become a “living toy” with a life-size, walk-in “Toy Story 3“-branded action figure package. Kids can also soar over the three-story toy store on the indoor, 60-foot Ferris Wheel which features Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the Aliens.
In the week leading up to the film’s June 18 theatrical release in the United States, customers who purchase $25 worth of “Toy Story” merchandise from Sunday, June 13 to Saturday, June 19 will receive a complimentary “Toy Story 3” movie ticket, while supplies last. For more details, customers should check the company’s newspaper circulars. “Toy Story” fans will also be treated to additional special promotions at Toys”R”Us stores throughout the year.
“Toy Story” Travels To Babies”R”Us® Stores
As part of the “Toy Story” celebration, Babies”R”Us stores in the United States are now showcasing a carefully selected assortment of “Toy Story” merchandise geared toward younger children. Featured in “Toy Story” boutiques, the assortment focuses on room décor, with a large assortment of baby furniture, toddler beds, stepping stools and more featuring “Toy Story” characters. Additionally, the boutiques include “Toy Story” playthings for the tiniest tikes, such as the “Toy Story 3” Imaginext® line from Fisher-Price®.
Telling Toy Stories Online and On-The-Go
To help prepare kids and collectors for the theatrical arrival of “Toy Story 3,” Toysrus.com/ToyStory has become a playroom for all things “Toy Story.” Bringing together a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” toys, the site also features content that fans crave, including downloadable coloring sheets and wallpaper for iPod touch and computers. As an added bonus, shoppers can also find videos highlighting the unique features of the hottest “Toy Story 3” products.
And, since everyone knows the characters from “Toy Story” can’t be contained on the silver screen or the computer screen, they’ll even break loose on Toysrus.com when “Toy Story” Aliens begin to hide throughout the site from Sunday, June 13 through Sunday, June 27. Popping up throughout the site, visitors who find these fan-favorite, three-eyed characters will receive access to a variety of content including special deals on “Toy Story 3” items and previews of fun “Toy Story” animation clips featuring the gang. Everyone who clicks on and captures an Alien will be rewarded.
Additionally, kids and parents can take the adventure onto their mobile devices beginning later this month with a downloadable “Toy Story 3” Memory game available exclusively for iPod touch and iPhone. Offering a new spin on the classic card matching game, players will be challenged to test their memorization skills by flipping over “Toy Story“-themed cards in an attempt to find a matching picture underneath. Customers interested in downloading the game will find a link to it at Toysrus.com/ToyStory.
To Infinity and Beyond – Toy Story line to launch in Toys”R”Us Stores Around the World
As “Toy Story 3” opens in theaters internationally, Toys”R”Us stores around the world will also celebrate the film’s arrival with dedicated boutiques. These special shops in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and additional countries will offer exclusive products, including U-COMMAND Buzz Lightyear, which is available only at Toys”R”Us stores worldwide.
Andy’s Favorites – Exclusive Products
In addition to the broadest assortment of toys based on the movie, kids will find dozens of unique “Toy Story 3” items available exclusively at Toys”R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/ToyStory. Selected highlights of the differentiated “Toy Story 3” product line include:
Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3″ U-COMMAND Buzz Lightyear from Thinkway®
It’s “Buzz Lightyear to the rescue” with this fully programmable action figure. Children just take control of Buzz by using an infrared remote control to make him speak, spin around, move forward and back, move his arms and activate his laser. With 10 program buttons that can create over 1,000 action combos and the ability to control Buzz using a joystick controller, kids will think Buzz actually left Andy’s house en route to their own home. This global exclusive can only be found at Toys”R”Us stores around the world. 7 “AA” Batteries required (4 included). Ages 6 years and up.
Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3″ Interactive Buddies Woody and Jessie from Thinkway®
Sheriff Woody and his pal Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl are together again, and just like in the “Toy Story” movies, they banter and bicker with each other. With this Toys”R”Us exclusive, kids can choose between three different interactive modes to hear these pals speak individually or converse with each other, using their actual voices from the movies. Between Woody and Jessie, the duo can say over 100 phrases, including lines from “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3,” along with additional buddy interactions. 3 “AA” batteries and 3 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 4 years and up.
Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3″ Buddy Packs from Mattel®
Designed with little hands in mind, these chunky “Toy Story 3” action figure sets each come with seven different characters. The Hero’s Gang set lets children easily collect Andy’s toys, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Hamm, Rex and Workout Barbie®. Kids who want to meet the new characters waiting for them in “Toy Story 3” can check out the Lotso’s Gang set which comes with Lotso, Stretch, Big Baby, Twitch, Chunk, Sparks and Ken®.
No batteries required. Ages 3 and up.
Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3″ GeoTrax™ Exploding Bridge RC Set from Fisher-Price®
Oh, no! A dastardly villain has booby trapped the bridge, and Buzz Lightyear’s train is headed for certain peril! Now it’s up to Woody and his trusty horse, Bullseye, to save the day in this constructible train set. Featuring a remote control train, a figure-8 loop of track, an “exploding” bridge that breaks away from the track, TNT, and three figures, kids will have plenty of pretend rescues with their favorite “Toy Story” characters. 6 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 2 to 7 years.
POP-O-MATIC® TROUBLE Game®: Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Edition from Hasbro® Games
The classic race-ahead, bump-back game takes on a “Toy Story” twist as players partner with their favorite characters. Kids can either play along with Buzz Lightyear (blue), Woody (yellow), Rex (green) or MR. POTATO HEAD (red) as they race around the board in an attempt to land at home base. As always, players use the POP-O-MATIC dice roller to determine their moves, but they better watch out because if an opponent lands on them, it’s back to the start of the board. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up.
Disney∙Pixar “Toy Story 3” Garbage Truck Getaway from LEGO Systems, Inc.
Kids can recreate a climactic scene from “Toy Story 3” with this 402-piece construction set containing enough pieces to build a garbage truck and dumpster. Once the four included Minifigure versions of Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear and Twitch dive into the dumpster, the truck can lift it and automatically toss the contents into the back of the truck. No batteries required. Ages 7 to 14 years.
Ask a Disney Question: What does Disney do for birthdays?
Michelle asks, “What does Disney do for you or your little ones birthday? They get anything like a free cake?”
Hi, Michelle. Thanks for reading and for your question. Disney does a number of things for birthdays. When you make your reservation, you’ll normally be asked if you’re celebrating something and if so, they’ll make note of it. Often, the birthday boy or girl will have a welcome card waiting in the room; you can ask if your child can get a card “autographed” by his favorite character. You’ll also want to make note of your special occasion when you make your dining reservations. When you check in, you’ll receive a birthday pin; you can also get one at Guest Relations in the parks. Cast members will frequently acknowledge your birthday when you wear the pin. It’s not a front of the line pass, but on occasion, a child with a birthday pin will be singled out at attractions for something special. You may even be given a “Magical Moment Certificate” which is a certificate given out to acknowledge a special moment, be it a birthday, anniversary, or some other occasion. Wearing a birthday pin is not for those who are shy: You’ll likely receive birthday wishes throughout the day and even some good-natured teasing.
Often, when you order from a counter service restaurant, the cast member will acknowledge your birthday and a free dessert will be included in your order. At table service restaurants, you’ll often be given a free dessert as well, usually a birthday cupcake or if you’re ordering a dessert off the menu, you’ll receive it with some kind of addition that acknowledges your special day, like a chocolate “Happy Birthday” or some other kind of decoration. At a character meal, your cupcake may be brought out by a character, which is a nice touch. You may also be given a card “signed” by the characters. Many restaurants go all out and sing “Happy Birthday,” such as 50s Prime Time Cafe and Hoop De Doo (which highlights birthdays and other celebrations). In general, the more formal the restaurant the more restrained (a dessert and good wishes) the acknowledgement; more casual restaurants tend to decorate the tables with confetti and make a bigger deal out of it.
Here are a few other ideas you can do to make your son’s day special:
1. Order a special cake through Disney to be delivered at one of your meals or to your resort. This can be arranged by calling the Cake Hotline at 407-827-2253. As an aside, was there ever a better name for a hotline?
2. Make special matching birthday t-shirts for your group. Zazzle has a nice selection of Disney themed t-shirts that you can customize. I’ve also heard good things about ordering from Disney Direct.
3. Buy a special autograph book for that day for character meet and greets. Makes a nice memento of that birthday.
Let me just end this with one caveat: Sometimes, nothing happens at all, so go in with the expectation that anything that happens is just the extra icing on the cake that is spending your birthday at Disney World. I’ve only heard of this happening on rare occasions, but sometimes people have bad birthday luck, for lack of a better way of putting it.
If you want more information,there’s a currrent thread on Disboards right now that is essentially “Everything Birthday at WDW.” Good luck and I hope your son has a wonderful birthday!
Have a Disney question? We have answers! Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.


















