Disney World Free Dining for 2020 Now Available

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October 4, 2019

You can get a FREE dining plan for your kids (ages 3 to 9) when you buy a non-discounted 3-night/3-day package for you and your kid(s) that includes a room at a select Disney Value Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for arrivals most nights from January 1 – March 7, 2020 when they book through January 1, 2020.

All 3 dining plans—Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan and Disney Deluxe Dining Plan—are eligible with this offer, but everyone in your reservation must be on the same package. For instance, if you purchase a package with the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, then your kid(s) (ages 3 to 9) on that package will receive the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.

Make their first visit even more special with an extra dash of magic. With this offer, they’ll receive the Frozen Welcome Pack, including:

Voucher for one stroller rental for the length of your stay
Voucher for one in-park 5×7 photo print per room
One merchandise bag per room including a plush, book and 2 treats.

Important Details:

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Kid(s) must stay in room with adult.
Advance reservations required.
Disney Dining Plans exclude gratuities.
Children ages 3 to 9 must order from the children’s menu, if available.
Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.
Theme park admission is required for some dining locations.
Theme park ticket valid for admission beginning date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket. View ticket details.
One merchandise bag per room.
One Disney PhotoPass 5X7 photo print per room.
One stroller rental for each theme park ticket day. The initial voucher provided must be presented at one of the Walt Disney World theme park stroller rental locations to initiate the rental and then a receipt will be provided for the remaining rental day(s). Type of stroller (single or double) will be provided based on availability.
Only offered at select Disney Value Resorts hotels.
Length of stay requirements apply.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Booking Information:
This offer is available to book as “Kid-Sized Package Offer” on the Disney World Website.

First Disneyland Customer Enjoys A Lifetime Of Magic

By

Monique Lopez

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October 4, 2019

First Disneyland Customer Enjoys A Lifetime Of Magic

Ever since the Disneyland opened its gates in 1955, the park has been an epicenter for creating magical memories for many guests. One man in particular has creating some magic memories of his own since his first experience with Disneyland. Dave Macpherson was the first customer to enter the Disneyland gates back in 1955. To this day, Dave is still creating magic memories every year at the park.

Back when Dave MacPherson was just 22 years old, he was studying at Long Beach State College. While Mcpherson was a student, he heard all the buzz surrounding Disneyland finally opening. Before its official opening day to the public, Walt Disney opened up the park to family, VIP’s, and other esteemed guests. After seeing the festivities on television, Dave decided that he would be the first of public to enter the park.

Next, at 2 am, MacPherson took a 10 mile motorbike ride from Long Beach to Anaheim. He started the 1st queue at a ticket booth. A few hours later, he purchased the first ticket and got to be the first to enter Disneyland‘s gates. Not only was he the first customer of the park, he also received a lifetime pass to use at his convenience!

Ever Since, Dave MacPherson has returned to the Happiest Place On Earth to celebrate! Now he enjoys his annual visit with his wife and his friends. Over the years, he’s definitely made enough magical memories to last a lifetime.

What would you do with a lifetime pass to Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Bored Panda

Follow all of Monique’s Disney Adventures on Instagram: @gimmemodisney

Universal Team Member Fired After Photobombing Family Photo With “OK” Hand Symbol

By

Kaitlyn

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October 3, 2019

Universal Team Member Fired After Photobombing Family Photo With “OK” Hand Symbol. According to USAToday, A Team Member from Universal Orlando Resort acted inappropriately in a Family Photo with Despicable Me Characters. The Team Member has since been fired from the entertainment conglomerate.

USAToday’s Adrianna Rodriguez shared this surprising story and stated, “The photo shows the 6-year-old girl, who is biracial and has autism, posing with an actor dressed as the movie character Gru from “Despicable Me” during a Universal Orlando breakfast event attended by the Zinger family in March. The character formed an upside-down “OK” symbol with his fingers, recognized by some as a hate symbol, on the girl’s shoulder, according to a photo and video reviewed by USA TODAY.”

The family has declined to share the names of their children, but did share an image with the faces of their children blurred for privacy.

“We just wanted to take them to see the minions,” Tiffiney Zinger said. “Do something special for our family and this person ruined that special warm feeling.”

“It’s more than the ‘OK’ sign,” Richard Zinger said. “A lot of people don’t understand what that sign means.”

A Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) spokesperson shared a statement on Tuesday regarding the incident, “We never want our guests to experience what this family did. This is not acceptable and we are sorry – and we are taking steps to make sure nothing like this happens again. We can’t discuss specifics about this incident, but we can confirm that the actor no longer works here. We remain in contact with the family and will work with them privately to make this right.”

You can read the full story by CLICKING HERE or visit USAToday.com

Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort/Richard Zinger

Artist Photoshops Himself With Disney and Pixar Characters

By

Kaitlyn

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October 3, 2019

Artist Photoshops Himself With Disney and Pixar Characters. Disney Fan and Artist, Luigi Kemo combines his talent of photoshop with his love for Disney characters to bring fun content to his Instagram account, @luigi.kemo

The fun photos range from Disney Princesses and Princes, 2D and 3D animated characters, and characters from Pixar to boot! Here are some of our favorite photos that Luigi has shared.

I think every Disney fan has wondered what it would be like to have Mushu feed them before going off to train for battle with the Chinese Army… or is that just me?

Hank from Finding Dory seems to be a better handy-helper than Doris ever was in Meet the Robinsons.

There’s no place he’d rather be, that with Lilo and Stitch beside the sea…

This one can seem a bit too real at times when we are sad or feeling lonely, but at least Sadness from Inside Out is a good cuddle.

Look’s like Luigi brought Ariel and Flounder a part of his world. They sure look good in Ray-bans!

This looks like a dream come true! Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up to Baymax from Big Hero 6 for some comfort and a good movie?

You can check out more of Luigi’s work via his Instagram Account: @luigi.kemo by CLICKING HERE. Though we shared some of our favorites in this post, please note some of the other posts on his account are meant to be more humorous in nature, but may not reflect standard Disney ideals.

What do you think of Luigi’s photos? Do you think they are creative and clever? Which images were your favorites? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Disney!

Photo Credit: Luigi Kemo

Disney World Refurbishments & Closures for October 2019 and Beyond

By

Chip

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October 3, 2019

There is nothing more frustrating than heading to Walt Disney World and one of your favorite ride, attractions or restaurants being closed for Refurbishments. Unfortunately, from time to time things do need to close for maintenance or repair and this is where our monthly Closures and Refurbishments article comes into play.

Here is the current list of Closures and Refurbishments for October 2019 and beyond at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom Park

Monorail
The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

Ongoing until further notice

Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A.

Early December 2018 – Until further notice

Epcot

As part of the ongoing transformation of Epcot:

Fountain View featuring Starbucks will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall.
Club Cool will also close during this time with elements set to return in the future.
Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close beginning on September 8, 2019. Enjoy meeting favorite Disney Characters at other locations throughout Epcot and at their temporary location.
Pin Central will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. The Camera Center will close this fall to become a new home for Pin Central.
Heritage Manor is also scheduled to close and return early next year.
Art of Disney will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. Heritage Manor will later become the new home for Art of Disney offerings.
Electric Umbrella is scheduled to close this winter. New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.
Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.

Fall-Winter 2019 – 2020

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
None

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Primeval Whirl is down until further notice. It will be operating on a seasonal schedule when it returns. More information.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will close for refurbishment beginning on January 5, 2020 and reopen in mid-March 2020.
January 5, 2020 – mid-March 2020

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Additional refurbishment work and enhancements to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will take place later this year, resulting in a longer annual downtime than in previous years. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will close for refurbishment beginning on September 8, 2019 and reopen in early 2020.

September 8, 2019 – early 2020

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Calypso Pool

The Calypso Feature Pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort will be closed for refurbishment, but the Piano leisure pool will be available. Additionally, Guests at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort are welcome to use the Feature Pools at either Disney’s All-Star Movies or Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts. During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. All dining and merchandise locations will remain in full operation.

Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Big Blue Pool

The Big Blue Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, other pool and recreation offerings will remain open-including Flippin’ Fins Pool, Cozy Cone Pool and the Schoolyard Sprayground. Noise may be heard while this work is being completed, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.

Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Early August through Winter 2019

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Tri-Circle-D Ranch will relocate to a nearby area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. As part of this, The Draft Horse Barn and Pony Farm will be redesigned into one new, enhanced barn within the ranch.

In preparation for the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch location, the current Draft Horse Barn, Blacksmith Shop and Pony Farm will close in mid-August 2019. The Draft Horses and ponies will move to a temporary location nearby in order to continue providing exceptional care for the animals until the new barn is completed.

Pony Rides have temporarily moved to the Trail Blaze Corral near the entrance and Reception Outpost at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
August 2019 – Until further notice

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Mizner’s Lounge

Beginning in April 2019, Mizner’s Lounge will be closed for refurbishment, with a reopening planned for fall 2019.
April 2019 – Fall 2019

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha dinner show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be closed for maintenance.
January 19 – 27, 2020

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Hippy Dippy Pool

The Hippy Dippy Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests can use the Bowling Pool, Computer Pool and the kiddie pool. Also, Movies Under the Stars will be offered in an alternate location. Guests may notice construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but the noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.

January 2020 – Early Spring 2020

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Green Cabin Room Floor Replacement

The Green Cabin Room at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will be closed for refurbishment in early September and is expected to reopen later in the month. Guests may still visit Wind & Waves Bar which will offer extended hours from 11:00 AM – Midnight.
September 2019

Disney Springs
None

Golf Courses
None

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Roadwork

Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.
Ongoing until further notice

runDisney

Please be aware that several roads near Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort may be operating under traffic restrictions or closed completely to accommodate runDisney events on the following dates:

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM during the Walt Disney World Marathon race events
Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM during the Disney Princess Half Marathon

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM during the Walt Disney World Marathon

New World Showcase Nations Plush Arrive at Epcot

By

Susan Wilson

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October 3, 2019

Get ready World Showcase fans! There are some adorable new Fab Five plushies that just made their debut. The World Showcase Nations Plush include designs from Norway, Canada, Mexico, The UK, Italy, France, and Germany. These Nations characters can be found in their respective countries and in Mouse Gear at Epcot. Let’s take a closer look at these cute new souvenirs.

Queen Minnie and Beefeater Mickey – $29.99

Mickey and Minnie are getting their royalty on with the plush toys found at the UK Pavilion. You’ll find Minnie dressed quote regally in a white dress, complete with a cape and crown. Mickey is also ready to stand by the queen as a loyal Beefeater, but with a cheerful smile.

Fräulein Minnie Mouse – $29.99

Over in Germany you can find Minnie ready for Oktoberfest! She is wearing a flower crown, and a beautiful dress with delicate flowers. Her costume is similar to what Cast Members wear at the German Pavilion in Epcot, but in brighter colors.

Pizza Chef Mickey Mouse – $29.99

Itsa Mickey Mouse, and he’s whipping up a delicious pepperoni pizza! This pizza has a fun surprise though, there is a hidden Mickey created from pepperonis on it!

Parisian Mickey Mouse – $29.99

Mickey is ready for a stroll along the scenic Seine River by the Eiffel Tower. He is even wearing an adorable little blue beret! His outfit is similar to what many of the cast members at the France Pavilion in Epcot wear as well.

Maiden Minnie Plush- $29.99

The Norway Minnie. Minnie is dressed in the same outfit the cast members wear in the World Showcase. Her bow even has a fun matching print. Like all of the new plush series she has Norway embroidered on her foot.

Minnie was located in the room with most of the Frozen merchandise. When we found her she was at a table with some other Mickey themed Norway merchandise.

Lumberjack Mickey Plush- $29.99

Next is the super adorable Canada Mickey. He’s also in the traditional outfit that the cast members of the Canada Pavilion wear. I love his little maple leaf beanie. To complete this outfit Mickey even has an axe in hand.

The knit hat is such a perfect touch. This one may be my favorite of the three. I also have a soft spot for the main mouse though so finding plush in different outfits is always fun.

Mexico Donald Plush- $29.99

In Mexico you’ll find Donald in his Three Caballeros outfit. If you’ve been to Epcot you may remember that Donald actually wears this same outfit in a meet and greet outside of the pavilion. He looks so festive with his sombrero and poncho.

Donald was a little bit harder to find. He’s in a basket on the floor next to a bunch of Coco themed merchandise.

A cast member said we can probably expect a plush for each of the countries in the World Showcase to be released. Hopefully that’s true because I think these are really fun souvenirs to collect. They are each $29.99 before tax and discounts.

New PhotoPass Opportunities at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

By

Katelyn G

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October 3, 2019

There are new PhotoPass opportunities at the Food & Wine Festival!

You can eat your way around the World Showcase and make wonderful memories along the way. Don’t forget to purchase Memory Maker so you can take all of your favorite photos home and make your memories last forever!

Enjoy new Photpass opportunities in front of Spaceship Earth, on Test Track, and throughout the World Showcase pavilions. My favorite is in the France pavilion – it looks just like you went to the real Eiffel Tower!

What’s your favorite?

New PhotoPass Opportunities at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival

Source: Disney.

New MagicBand Designs Available For Pre-Order Now!

By

Ana Leal

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October 3, 2019

Ready to unlock the magic?

If you have a Walt Disney World Resort reservation for the upcoming months then you can start customizing your magic band or even better pre ordering exclusive designs before anyone else!

The new designs include Vampirina, Descendants and Fancy Nancy, they will retail for $24.99 but you can get it at a special pre order price for $15.

But if Christmas is more your thing then you would love this new holiday snacks design! It’s the perfect accessory for the season and you can get it for $20 before anyone else or $29.99 once it hits the stores.

So what are you waiting for? Go and get yours before they sold out!

First Look Photo From James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ Sequel Set Revealed

By

Kaitlyn

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October 3, 2019

First Look Photo From James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ Sequel Set Revealed. The sequel to the cinematic marvel, Avatar, has been in production for some time now, with little to show for it. The film’s plot and details have been kept tightly under wraps by James Cameron and Fox Studios, but recently a new photo was shared from the film set and if it doesn’t get your mind racing like a banshee, then you are not looking close enough.

The verified Avatar page on Twitter shared the photo taken by producer Jon Landau that share a ton of details, but like any good “spoiler” no context for the material. The account posted: “Wave machines, blazing fire, and @JimCameron wielding a 3D camera – just another day on the set of the Avatar sequels! Thanks to producer @JonLandau for capturing the photo. be sure to follow him for future sneak peeks.”

Wave machines, blazing fire, and @JimCameron wielding a 3D camera — just another day on the set of the Avatar sequels!

Thanks to producer @JonLandau for capturing the photo. Be sure to follow him for future sneak peeks. ? pic.twitter.com/MxuPlOIQ3e

— Avatar (@officialavatar) October 2, 2019

Though this seems to be a scene we will find in the sequel Avatar 2, the page did not confirm that this scene in particular would appear in the immediate sequel. It is common knowledge, for folks who have followed the Avatar journey, that most of the sequels have already begun or finished filming. With confirmation that even Avatar 4 is a third of the way through filming by producer Jon Landau back in February 2019.

Likely the intense film schedule is to give as much time as possible for CG Artists to work their magic for the sequels with plenty of time before the theatrical releases. We will just have to wait and see which of the Avatar films will involve what appears to be a sinking ship/and fiery blasts or explosion when the films hit theaters in Dec 2021, Dec 2023, Dec 2025, and Dec 2027.

Are you excited for the Avatar sequels? Which film do you think this shot will take place in? Will you be seeing the sequels when they make their theatrical debuts? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Avatar!

Photo Credit: Fox Studios/Jon Landau

Marvel Announces Avengers: Damage Control VR Experience

By

Chip

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October 3, 2019

Assemble alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers: Damage Control, an all-new virtual reality adventure from Marvel Studios and ILMxLAB.

Shuri has recruited your team of four to test her latest prototype design, a powerful new suit that combines Wakandan and Stark Industries technologies. When a familiar enemy from the Avengers’ past seeks to steal the technology for themselves, your team must stop them before they unleash an oppressive new age upon the planet.

Fight alongside some of your favorite Avengers like Doctor Strange, Wasp, Ant-Man, and more in a race to protect the world. Suit up, step in, and save the world in the ultimate Marvel Studios immersive experience.

Launching exclusively at The VOID locations for a limited time beginning October 18. Click here to see if it is available in your area.

Tickets available now: TheVOID.com

Spooky Halloween Discounts & Offerings at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney

By

Chip

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October 3, 2019

It’s time to get spooky. Enzo’s Hideaway and The Edison in Disney Springs and Catal and Uva Bar & Café in Downtown Disney will be offering ghoulishly good discounts leading up to Halloween.

Check them out:

Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney Springs

Join us at Enzo’s Hideaway dressed as your favorite prohibition-era character on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 to receive a 25% discount on gourmet tunnel bar dishes and swanky libations. Bootleggers, gangsters, flappers, jazz age icons, and all guests in costume are welcome to speakeasy in our secretive world of transatlantic smuggling modeled after the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

The Edison in Disney Springs

Join us in your most frightful Halloween attire on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 at The Edison for a bone-chilling good time from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to participate in our annual costume contest. All manner of spooky spirits, monsters, ghosts, and more are invited to partake. Guests in costume will receive a 25% discount on food offerings to sink their fangs into and on wickedly delicious beverages all night long. No ticket is necessary.

“We’re delighted to host another costume contest this year at The Edison in Disney Springs to give our guests that come dressed to impress a frightfully fun Halloween experience,” said Patina Restaurant Group Marketing Director Kyle Collins.

Catal and Uva Bar & Café at Downtown Disney

Enjoy a free dessert like the Candy Shoppe Sundae when you show us your Halloween costume (with purchase of entree) at Catal and Uva Bar & Café on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays throughout the month of October. Promotion ends on 10/31.

Get into the Holiday Spirit at Paddlefish in Disney Springs

By

Chip

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October 3, 2019

It’s officially October! and Paddlefish at Disney Springs is getting into the holiday spirit with experiential events and specials.

This Thanksgiving, Paddlefish is offering a Traditional Turkey Dinner (Herb-roasted turkey breast, chourico cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish, pan gravy) for $34/adult and $17/child.

This Christmas, enjoy a King & Snow Crab boil (Dutch Harbor King, Canadian Snow, sweet corn, red potatoes & cornbread) for $60.

Time with loved ones is one of the best parts of the season.

Here are Paddlefish’s upcoming events you don’t want to miss:

Fall Cocktail Mixology Class on Oct. 16 from 1-4 p.m.
Rooftop Wine Experience on Nov. 12 from 5-6 p.m.
Holiday Party on Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m.