New Experiences Added to Play Disney Parks App

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May 13, 2019

Play Disney Parks App has just unveiled new Splash Mountain – themed interactive experiences and Kidcot Fun stops at Walt Disney World!

The Play Disney Parks mobile app connects you to the Disney theme parks through interactive experiences. From listening to your favorite Disney songs to racing virtual rockets at Space Mountain, this app is a must for Disney lovers!

The more you discover the theme parks, the more you discover in the app. Disney has just added two brand-new experiences presented by Ziploc for guests to discover. Check them out below:

The Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day: Guests will find their laughing place as they play together through a series of Splash Mountain-themed mini-games featuring some woodland pals from the attraction. After completing these whimsical challenges, guests are rewarded with special photo frames to help them capture their memories. This experience is a great way to turn wait time into play time while waiting in line for the attraction, and it can also be played anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort!
Disney Kidcot Puzzle Hunt: Guests will embark on an interactive world tour to find physical jigsaw puzzle pieces throughout the Kidcot Fun Stops in all 11 World Showcase pavilions. After completing a pavilion’s puzzle hunt through the app, guests are rewarded with digital jigsaw puzzles and special photo frames themed to each pavilion to commemorate their journey around the world. It’s a perfect companion to the existing Kidcot Fun Stop activities the park offers.

There’s even more coming soon to the Play Disney Parks app too! Make sure to check the app when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on May 31st in Disneyland park and August 29th at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios to be led into a galaxy far, far away.

Source: Disney.

Let’s book your adventure today! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from me – an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations from Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 815-953-4804, via email at [email protected], my Facebook Page, or fill out and submit the form below.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort

By

Kelly Greer

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May 13, 2019

Are you planning to head to Disneyland this summer? Here’s what you need to know before visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort. With the opening rapidly approaching May 31, being prepared

1.) Reservations are required to enter between May 31 and June 23. Guests who are visiting during this time will need a reservation to enter the land, along with valid theme park admission. Reservations are no longer available at this time.

2.) Guests can still get a reservation by staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23. Guests staying at an onsite hotel will be given a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay. This reservation, one per guest, will be given the date and time of their reservation when they receive their registration confirmation. Valid theme park admission is required.

3.) No standby line will be available to enter between May 31 and June 23. Only guests with reservations will be permitted to enter at that time.

4.) Reservations will no longer be required to visit after June 23. A virtual queueing system will be utilized, as needed, to allow guests to visit the new land. Guests will be able to visit the rest of the resort while they wait to enter. The Disneyland app will have a designated module where guests can request to join a group to enter the land. Guests will be able to do this upon entering the park. Groups will be sent a notification when it is time for them to enter the land. They will be able to monitor using the app. For those not using the Disneyland app, there will be select locations throughout the park where guests can request to join a boarding group. There will be signage throughout the park. In addition, it is important to remember that entrance into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be subject to capacity. Having an assigned boarding group does not guarantee entrance into the land.

5.) The current Disneyland costume policy will be in effect. Costumes will not be permitted for guests 14 years of age and older. Disney bounding is permitted.

6.) Download the official Disneyland Mobile App to plan ahead and make the most of your visit. The Disneyland app will allow guests to check wait times, locate character meet and greets, and use mobile ordering at select dining locations in the land.

7.) Download the Play Disney Parks mobile app in advance. The Play Disney Parks app allows guests to further engage and interact with every aspect of this immersive land on the planet of Batuu. Guests may be able to interact with droids, translate Aurebesh, and more.

8.) The goal is to provide a great guest experience. While waiting in line, guests will be able to order snacks, interact with the Play Disney Parks app in the line queue, and even use the restroom if needed.

Now that you are aware of what you need to know before visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, enjoy your visit! Being prepared will help you become fully immersed in this exciting new land!

Ready to visit that galaxy far, far away? Let’s get started planning your next vacation! As an agent with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company, I can help you plan your trip to any Disney Destination and beyond! Contact me today at [email protected] or fill out the quote request form below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram too for all the latest news and planning tips.

Photo Source: Disney

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menus Opening May 31, 2019

By

Heather Adamczak

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May 13, 2019

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening to the public on May 31st, 2019 and with that means new food to try at the dining locations inside the new land. Docking Bay 7 and Cargo has a Quick Service menu for breakfast lunch and dinner and has just been released. There are some items on here that we can not wait to try!

At this restaurant housed in a working hangar bay, choose from a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from across the galaxy—all of it delicious, but none of it familiar. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has docked a food freighter loaded with fresh supplies and he’s ready to satisfy the appetites of visitors and locals alike with an array of exotic offerings. His planet-hopping travels allow him to prepare fare with unusual flavors that delight customers.

Once you’ve got your grub, sit inside the spacious hanger, or grab a table in the rustic outdoor seating area surrounded by the crumbling walls of the old marketplace. Check out the menus here:

Breakfast:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menus Opening May 31, 2019

Lunch/Dinner:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menus Opening May 31, 2019

If you still haven’t gotten your reservation to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it’s not too late. There are still rooms available at the Disneyland Resort Hotels that guarantee admission with your hotel stay. Fill out the form below and get your free quote today!

Let’s book your adventures NOW! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from a Key to the World Travel agent, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Paris, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 716-479-5412 , via email at [email protected] on Facebook, or fill out and submit the form below

Disney Parks to Release Limited-Release Designer Mouse Ears

By

Danielle

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May 13, 2019

Disney has announced an exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands! These Limited-Release Designer Mouse Ears are designed by notable celebrities, designers and artists extending the stories of fan-favorite Disney Parks attractions and characters, with new ears debuting each month.

The innovative designer collaborations take the popular headwear to new heights and come from an array of famed designers including Vera Wang, The Blonds, Betsey Johnson, Cupcakes and Cashmere, COACH and more. In addition, an all-new design by supermodel, television host and entrepreneur Heidi Klum will be released this fall. In 2020, another exciting design will come from American supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss.

“Bedazzling the most famous ears in the world is like a dream come true for me. I am still pinching myself,” said Heidi Klum. “To all Mickey and Minnie fans – I hope you love wearing them as much as I do.”

“As a lifelong lover of Disney, and the joy and happiness, not to mention fantasy Disney has inspired in all of us— I am both thrilled and honored to have partnered with them to create the Vera Wang Disney wedding veil with the iconic mouse ears so symbolic of their global brand,” said New York designer, Vera Wang. “The hand sewn crystal and pearl embroidery, together with the same silk and tulle fabrics that we use in our wedding gowns, bring a sense of authenticity and beauty to this signature headpiece. To brides and collectors alike, this is a special item to treasure and celebrate!”

Other designers in the collection include HARVEYS, ALEX AND ANI, Loungefly and Star Wars actress Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe. Artists from around the world will also expand upon the stories of some of the most beloved characters and attractions in a whole new way, including designs from artists as featured in the WonderGround Art Galleries such as NOAH, SHAG, Jerrod Maruyama and Dave Perillo.

“Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are synonymous with the inspiration and optimism that the Disney brand embodies,” said Lisa Baldzicki, vice president of Merchandise and Product Development for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “The iconic ear silhouette immediately sparks fond Disney memories for me and all our guests, and we are beyond excited to collaborate with an incredible roster of creative talent for this new line celebrating that magic.”

Designs from the Disney Parks Designer Collection will be revealed monthly, kicking off with the new Harvey’s Americana ears on May 24th. This launch will coincide with the Harvey’s Americana collection event at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Disney Springs.

Check out the schedule for the upcoming releases, and other additional designers will be announced in the coming months:

HARVEYS – May 24th
Betsey Johnson – Summer 2019
ALEX AND ANI – Summer 2019
Noah Fine Art – Summer 2019
Kim Irvine – Summer 2019
Her Universe – Summer 2019
SHAG – Summer 2019
Jerrod Maruyama – Fall 2019
Heidi Klum – Fall 2019
The Blonds – Fall 2019
Loungefly – Fall 2019
COACH – Fall 2019
Joe Rhode – April 2020
Vera Wang – Spring 2020
Cupcakes and Cashmere – Spring 2020
Kevin Rafferty – Spring 2020
Karlie Kloss – Spring 2020
John Coulter – Summer 2020

The Limited-Release Designer Mouse Ears will include hats and headbands, and will be available at Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and online at shopDisney.

Universal Orlando Resort is Offering Florida Residents 2 Days Free

By

Heather Adamczak

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May 13, 2019

Universal Orlando Resort is Offering Florida Residents 2 Days Free

Update: 6/26/2019:

TICKET OFFER EXTENSION: FLORIDA RESIDENTS GET 2 DAYS FREE WITH A 2-DAY TICKET NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

CLICK HERE For Purchase Details

Universal Orlando Resort is offering Florida residents 2 DAYS FREE with the purchase of a 2-Day ticket, starting as low as $179.99 per adult, plus tax.

That’s four days for less than $45 per day to enjoy all the thrills and entertainment experiences at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk, including epic new additions debuting across the destination this summer. This offer also allows residents to get in the spirit with “the most wonderful time of year” at Universal Orlando’s destination-wide Holidays celebration (beginning Nov. 16, 2019).

Plus, Florida residents can upgrade their ticket to include access to Universal’s Volcano Bay, a revolutionary water theme park blending thrills and relaxation, for only an additional $25 per adult, plus tax.

This offer is valid for purchase through June 28 with a promo code from specially-marked cans of Coca-Cola® and Coke® Zero Sugar. Residents can visit on non-consecutive days through December 20, 2019, blockout dates apply.

Chicken Guy at Disney Springs Out of Bounds Menu

By

Heather Adamczak

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May 13, 2019

Recently we were invited to have a meal at Chicken Guy owned by Food Network star Guy Fieri. If you’re a fan of his show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” you know Guy like to take a trip to “Flavortown” with amazing flavors and unique food.

Chicken Guy is just that! With a chicken based menu of grilled or fried chicken and 22 signature sauces there was a lot to try.

We went through and tried all of the sauces to see the heat level and flavor profiles. Some of our favorites were the Nashville Honey Hot, Gaelic Parm, and Chipotle Ranch. They are all great and work well with the chicken tenders and French fries.

He whole quick service location has a fun and funky vibe with art of Guy or graffiti chickens on the wall.

We tried two different signature sandwiches:

Southwestern

Pepper Jack, Special Sauce, Avocado Crema, Cumin Lime Mojo, Charred Corn, Roasted Peppers, Black Beans, Lettuce, Tomatoes and Crispy Tortilla Strips

$6.99

Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ

Pepper Jack, Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, Special Sauce, Slaw, Pickles and BBQ Kettle Chips

$6.99

Hands down our favorite was the Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ. It was the best thing we had while we dined at Chicken Guy. The pickle chips were a great add on!

Chicken Guy is known for their tenders. The flavor on the breading is so good. The crunch exceptional! They come in 3 or 5 count options for those who may want to have some sides too.

Chicken tender Mac & Cheese was an ooey gooey bowl of yum that we could hardly finish.

The Flavortown Shakes were incredible! The Cinnamon Apple was the best. It was like you were having vanilla ice cream with Cinnamon Toast Crunch in it! The little bites of apple were a fun treat too.

Triple Double Mint

Hand-spun Mint Chocolate Soft Serve, Crushed Oreo® Cookies, Chocolate Mints, Chocolate Syrup and Fresh Whipped Cream

$4.99

Cinnamon Apple

Hand-spun Vanilla Soft Serve, Cinnamon Toast Crunch® and Apple Jacks® Cereal and Fresh Whipped Cream

$4.99

The best part of the whole experience was the service. We had a great experience from the moment we walked in until we rolled out with full bellies. I recommend Chicken Guy to anyone visiting Disney Springs.

Say Hello To Summer With The Americana Disney Spirit Jersey

By

Danielle

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May 13, 2019

Celebrate summer in patriotic style with a Disney twist. Joining the rest of the patriotic Disney gear is the new Americana Disney Spirit Jersey! This fun new red, white, and blue jersey has arrived just in time to celebrate summer!

This year’s version of the Americana jersey has a more star spangled look to it! The jersey is a beautiful deep blue, with a red and white striped collar, and cuffs. The back has the Walt Disney World logo in puffed ink with a field of stars on “Walt”, and the flag’s red and white striped on “Disney World”.

The front of the jersey continues the star spangled style, with a graphic of Mickey’s face decorated with an American flag design. This new Americana Disney Spirit Jersey can be found at World of Disney in Disney Springs, as well as other large retail shops throughout WDW. It is available for $64.99, and you can use your passholder discount.

I have not seen the Disneyland version yet, but I’m hoping we see one soon!

Say Hello To Summer With The Americana Disney Spirit Jersey

If you’re looking for a more a more vintage vibe for summer, the Disney Store also has a tie-dye Mickey Spirit Jersey! Mickey ignites a fashion flashback with this tie-dyed Spirit jersey salute to the ol’ red, white, and blue. Puff ink lettering on back proudly hails him as an ”American Original.”

Will you be celebrating summer and the Fourth of July with the new Americana Disney Spirit Jersey?

Special thanks to the wonderful Brittani for the fantastic photos!

New Bathroom Construction at Art of Animation

By

Brittney Hughes

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May 13, 2019

New Bathroom Construction at Art of Animation — New Bathroom Construction

We were out and about this weekend and noticed some new construction at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. A new bathroom facility is going up! We don’t have much info on this new bathroom construction, but are sure that when it’s complete, it will be a nice addition to the resort.

Art of Animation also has construction right now to accommodate the upcoming Disney Skyliner. During these two phases of construction, all resort amenities remain open. The food court is expansive with a large variety of options. The feature pool is zero entry, plays music underwater and has a nearby splash pad.

Art of Animation has two main room categories: standard rooms and family suites. The standard rooms are Little Mermaid themed and offer two double beds or one king. The family suites are Cars, Lion King and Finding Nemo themed and offer accommodations for up to six guests.

Have you stayed at the Art of Animation? Did you like it?

I am a Senior Travel Planner with Key to the World Travel and specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Universal Orlando. I will work with you to create the best vacation for your family! Send me an email or fill out and submit the form below to receive a free quote today from Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. Be sure to follow me on Facebook!

Disney’s Artist Draws Special Winnie the Pooh Tribute for Prince Harry and Meghan’s Baby

By

Susan Wilson

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May 13, 2019

Disney’s Artist Draws Special Winnie the Pooh Tribute for Prince Harry and Meghan’s Baby

There’s a new addition to the Royal household. Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have welcomed a new baby boy named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. To celebrate his May 6th birth, Disney’s senior principal artist Kim Raymond drew up a tribute with a very special appearance. Kim Raymond drew a special tribute featuring Winnie the Pooh.

This short was painted by hand and features Winnie the Pooh carrying a book from what we can guess is The Hundred Acre Wood to Buckingham Palace. Winnie is then seen sitting by the new family of three while they admire the book.

Disney’s Artist Draws Special Winnie the Pooh Tribute for Prince Harry and Meghan’s Baby:

https://mobile.twitter.com/scobie/status/1126580022150598657

The beautiful piece of art is a hand painted watercolor by Kim Raymond. Although it’s only 25 seconds the fact that she painted it by hand is such an amazing tribute. The image of the royal family reading with Pooh Bear at the end is so heartwarming. It’s such a special and personalized gift. The images are really moving and detailed.

Winnie the Pooh is such a sweet choice and is such an icon not only in Britain but in the world. Nurseries all over have a Winnie the Pooh theme and I bet now even more will. I like the use of the classic Winnie the Pooh.

Follow among for more Disney news and updates on our Instagram www.instagram.com/chipandco/

Information and Video are from Omid Scobie’s tweet found here.

Looking to book a magical vacation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, across the pond to the UK, or anywhere in the world? Let our partner agency Key to the World Travel help! Fill out the form below to have an agent contact you for a FREE no obligation quote today!

126.1 Million People Visited Florida In 2018

By

Kelly Kerl

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May 12, 2019

For the eighth consecutive year in a row, Florida set a tourism record for itself. 126.1 million out of state visitors arrived for tourism purposes last year, up 6.1 percent of the previous year.

Visit Florida, the state tourism marketing agency credits the jump in part to their latest publicity push in print, TV and online advertisement.

Orlando itself had a total of 72 million visitors in 2017. Visit Orlando, the local tourism agency is expected to announce its 2018 numbers sometime this month.

Despite the growth in numbers, the number of overseas visitors dropped 1 percent (10.6 million). The drop is largely in part to a 6 percent decrease in tourists coming from Great Britain last year.

Domestically the greatest number of visitors came from Georgia (9.6 percent, New York (8.5 percent) and Texas (5.5 percent). Annual numbers grew for every major theme park in Orlando, as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea World all opened new attractions last year.

2019 will definitely see even more record-breaking crowds. The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge alone is expected to draw huge numbers of visitors.

Source: Orlando Sentinal

Ready to be one of Florida’s next visitors? Receive a free, no-obligation quote from me, a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney Travel! As an agent with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company, I can plan everything from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch via email at [email protected], follow along with me on Facebook, or fill out and submit the form below.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort Review

By

Heather Adamczak

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May 12, 2019

Disney has my heart and I love to stay on Disney property. However, this past week I was visiting Universal Orlando for a conference with our partner Travel Agency, Key to the World Travel and had the pleasure of staying at Loews Sapphire Fall Resort at Universal Orlando.

There are six (soon to be eight) on-site Universal Orlando Resort hotels, which are split up into four tiers: value, prime value, preferred, and premier. Each one offered something a little bit different and has something to offer that the others don’t. Sapphire Falls Resort is only one venue in the preferred tier with rooms starting at $199 per night with large room sizes(321 sq feet), and 1,000 rooms at the resort in different towers.

When you pull up to the resort you are greeted at your door with friendly service and helpful bellmen that take your bags immediately and inform you where to go for check in and the process. Once I got to the desk I was welcomed by Jessenia who greeted me and made my check in process easy and very quick. She gave me a brief explanation of how to get to my room and called over someone to take my bags to my room. Moments after I got into my room I received a text from her letting me know that if I needed anything I could text back to that number: ” Good Morning, Ms. Adamczak. Welcome to the Caribbean- we hope you are enjoying your tropical oasis. How is your room?- Jessenia” I responded that my room was lovely and I received another nice message: “We are glad you like your room. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything. Additional amenities? Our pleasure! Wake up call? Just say the word.-Jesenia” I could tell we were on our way to becoming BFF’s!

The lobby had many work station style tables and beautiful chairs and sofas to relax and hang out with friends or meet for business. One of my favorite places to visit was the hotel bar/restaurant, Strong Water. Opening at 4pm daily, the bar was decorated like it was right out of the Caribbean… there was lots of rum! Each night they had musical performances from just a solo man on guitar or a live band.

The artwork on the walls inside Strong Water had a sophisticated nautical theme and there was a very large drink menu that was Caribbean inspired. My only complaint about the experience was that the bartending as inconsistent and our drinks rarely tasted the same. That didn’t stop us from returning every night. The decor in the lobby is incredible. This large stone entry to the stairs down 3 levels was beautiful. You can walk down them to the boat launch and pools. I took the water taxi here to Universal City Walk and it was less than 5 minutes! There is also a walking path there that is a nice walk as well.

One of my favorite parts of the resort was the Universal Studios Store located inside the lobby. Everything you needed was here! From Harry Potter, Simpsons, Dr. Seuss, and more! If you came unprepared for your day at the park, the store had you covered! You were even able to get a wand to bring home here! These are the same ones they have inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Once you take the stairs down to the lower level you walk out a path tot he bus transportation and walkway to Cabana Bay. The boat launch for the water taxis are here as well. You walk through a metal detector before you board the boat as well which was welcomed safety precaution.

Now for the rooms! I was blown away at how beautiful and well themed it was. Keeping with the tropical vibe the room was fresh and brilliantly colored with a beautiful view. This room offers two queen beds, separate bath and vanity areas, single brew coffee maker, flat screen TV, work desk, and mini-fridge.

The entire experience at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort was one that was exceptional from check in to check out. I would visit this resort and all of the Universal Orlando properties again any day.

Let’s book your adventures NOW! Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from a Key to the World Travel agent, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Key to the World Travel, I can help from everything to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Paris, Universal Orlando, Sea World, and so much more! Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 716-479-5412 , via email at [email protected] on Facebook, or fill out and submit the form below

Photos: Coronado Springs Construction, Villa Del Lago and Gran Destino Tower.

By

Jessica Jones

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May 12, 2019

Prepare for a picture overload! We have recently had the opportunity to see the Coronado Springs construction site of the new Coronado Springs resort that is taking shape!

The building is beautiful and HUGE! The beautiful Coronado Springs celebrates the daring spirits of the great Spanish artists, writers, architects and explorers!

A hub of activity, Villa del Lago—the “Lake Villa”—is a mirage-like collection of one-story, wood buildings set in the middle of Lago Dorado.

This centralized amenities area is inspired by the “artists, dreamers, adventurers and explorers of a bygone age whose passion for life is celebrated in the rich legends, lore, art and cuisine represented here” according to the Walt Disney World website.

Villa del Lago is located at the intersection of the 3 new bridges that span the lake and link to the hotel. The restaurant represents a bustling “crossroads” for those in search of recreation and relaxation.

What do you think of the Coronado Springs Construction? Will you be staying at the new resort?

Want to experience the Disney Resorts?!? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agency that specializes in Disney Destinations, Universal Resort and more, and with Key to the World as the official travel partner for Chip and Co, we can help you begin your journey. Just fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote!