Verizon Releases Mickey Gizmowatch

November 16, 2018

New merchandise for Mickeys 90th birthday is popping up everywhere, and the latest us Verizon! They’ve recently released a brand new Mickey Themed Gizmowatch to celebrate Mickey Mouse on his 90th birthday. Gizmowatch, for those not familiar with them, are wearable tech designed for kids age 3-11 designed to give parents peace of mind about their child’s location all while looking “cool”. They look very much like the smartwatches that their parents likely wear. GizmoWatch is also totally cellular network capable and runs on Verizon’s 4G LTE network, so parents can call and text their children to keep tabs on them.

How cute are those bands? I can’t decide which I like better. The black and white band gives off a classic Mickey Feel. I have to admit, I have a bit of a soft spot for Steamboat Willie, so I do love that. But the colorful Mickey heads are just so fun! We may ask Santa for one of each this year!

If you want to show these beauties off in Disney Parks, fill out the form below or contact me at [email protected] for a free, no obligation quote! I’d love to help you plan a magical Disney vacation!

Deck The Halls With This Mickey Shaped Christmas Wreath

Danielle

November 16, 2018

Mickey Shaped Christmas Wreath

It’s time to deck the halls in festive cheer, and of course add touches of Disney to our holiday magic. A Mickey Shaped Christmas Wreath like this one is perfect for decorating the home with a little bit of Disney Holiday spirit.

This gorgeous Mickey wreath is made with shimmery Christmas ribbons, that come together to create a beautiful swirl of holiday colors. Each ribbon on this wreath has been hand applied with a pushpin, which I think is quite incredible!

You can find this stunning Mickey Shaped Christmas Wreath on Etsy by Dzne Diva Designs. Would you decorate your door with this festive Mickey ribbon wreath?

Mickey Mouse Inspired Content Coming to Disney Games For Mickey’s 90th Celebration

Kaitlyn

November 16, 2018

Happy 90th Birthday, Mickey Mouse! It’s time to party and what’s a party without games?

In honor of our favorite mouse, various Disney Games have added new Mickey themed content and special deals for players for a limited time. Fans of all ages will enjoy these themed additions to our favorite games.

If you play any Disney Games, be sure to check out the list below and see what new offerings may be available, as well as images and screenshots of what you can expect to see while playing with the new content. Check them out!

Disney Stickers: Mickey’s 90th:Fans can celebrate Mickey’s 90th through iMessage with 21 new animated stickers featuring “The True Original”. The pack will feature beloved Mickey expressions celebrated throughout the years and include more than 20 themed stickers. Disney Stickers: Mickey’s 90th is available for download today through the App Store.

Disney Heroes: Battle Mode:Now – Nov. 21 – Players will be able to add Mickey himself to their teams during a week of special contests and events. Battling through the campaign will unlock his powerful skills like Silly Symphony and Apprentice Sorcery. Disney Heroes: Battle Mode is available on the App Store, Google Play and the Amazon App Store.

Disney Magic Kingdoms:Now – Nov. 22 – Players can celebrate 90 years of Mickey by welcoming him, Minnie, and Pete as their classic versions. Additionally, Mickey is preparing some musical fun on a new attraction – the Steamboat! Disney Magic Kingdoms is available on the App Store, Google Play Store, or Windows Store.

Disney Emoji Blitz: Now – Nov. 20– The “Clear the Frosting” event will award a Diamond Box prize to players who complete the event, featuring either Steamboat Willie Mickey, Sorcerer Mickey or the new, exclusive Rainbow Mickey. A special Mickey giveaway will also take place in-game on Mickey’s birthday, November 18. Disney Emoji Blitz is available for free on the App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store.

Disney Tsum Tsum: Now – Nov. 21– A special, limited-edition pick up capsule will be available for a short-time, containing Pirate Mickey, Fantasmic Mickey, Conductor Mickey, Sorcerer Mickey and Musketeer Mickey. Disney Tsum Tsum is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross]: Now – Dec. 7–A Mickey Mouse quiz will be available in-game until the end of the month, allowing players to win up to 1,000 Jewels to celebrate Mickey’s 90th birthday. Additionally, players will have the chance to obtain even more Jewels through a free daily draw running through Dec. 7! Keyblade wielders will also be able to celebrate Mickey in style with discounted Mickey and Minnie-themed avatar boards available through Dec. 2.

Covet Fashion x Disney Style Challenge: Sunday Nov. 18 ONLY– For one day only, Covet Fashion will host a Mickey’s 90^thDisney Style Challenge. Players will style a classic look inspired by Mickey to celebrate the 90th anniversary of a true original! The app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Limited-Time Sales:Mickey’s birthday celebration will feature sales across the above titles as well as Disney Stickers: Mickey & Friends, Disney Junior Appisodes, Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, ranging from 25% – 50% off.

Woah! There is so much to see and do we’re ready to go and play. Be sure to join in on the celebrations while they last and enjoy these great offerings from Disney Games. Happy Birthday, Mickey!

Photo Credit: Disney

Ring in the New Year in Style at Disney Parks

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 16, 2018

It’s hard to believe another year has almost come on gone, but 2018 is indeed drawing to a close. Soon it will be time to sing Auld Lang Syne and toast 2019! I love New Years. Dressing up and hitting the town to begin a brand new year with those I love most are some of my fondest memories. If you’ll be ringing in the New Year at Disney Parks, your options for an unforgettable evening are nearly endless. In fact, with so many possibilities the only question is- how can you possibly decide?!?

Disneyland:

New Year’s Eve at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Napa Rose is offering two different ways to celebrate. The earlier dining option is family friendly and fun for the whole family! Enjoy a delectable 4-course meal by Chef Andrew as he prepares his renowned wine country feast. The decor will match the evening and provide fun surroundings that will be sure to get everyone in a festive mood. This early option is available for a short time- 5:00 pm -6:30 pm so if this is a must do for you, you’ll want to book it ASAP.

If a more adult evening is more your style.- book you’re evening starting at 8:15 pm where you’ll be able to partake in some unforgettable fun with a reception featuring live music and Champagne. Later, at 8:45 pm, you’ll be invited to take a seat and treat your senses to an amazing Napa-style 5-course tasting menu. You can even pair your tasting experience with a flight of world-class wines! And for dessert, you’ll enjoy the unique Sugar Piñatas, exclusive to Napa Rose! After you’ve eaten your fill it’s time to party! Pick up a party hat and party favors and hit the dance floor for a countdown to midnight, and dance the night away until 1 am.

To reserve either of these exclusive events call your travel agent or (714) 781-DINE to secure your spot!

Walt Disney World:

New Year’s Eve at Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk

Sophistication meets family friendly at this signature dining event. Enjoy a multi-course, prix fixe menu with dishes such as Aged Cognac Lobster Bisque, Wild Alaskan King Blue Crab, Chilean Sea Bass, and more. For dessert, you’ll love the Cocoa Beach (chocolate hazelnut cake with warm ganache) or the Florida Sunset (vanilla custard with lemon broth, segmented fruits, and white chocolate).

New Year’s Eve Bash at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalkFor a more adult fun dust off your dancing shoes and head over to the Atlantic Dance Hall. The champagne will be flowing and the music will be rockin’! On the menu, you’ll find assorted antipasto and charcuterie, cheeseburger spring rolls, pork pot stickers, vegetable samosa, a create-your-own slider and taco bar, and a dip station including veggies, chips and salsa, pretzel bites, assorted flatbreads, and more. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll enjoy a selection of desserts including mini-cupcakes and macarons.

This particular event is open only to those 21 and up and can only be booked by phone.

Special New Year’s Eve Dining at Monsieur Paul at Epcot

Make a visit to the France pavilion at Epcot for an experience to remember at Monsieur Paul! This acclaimed gourmet restaurant will be open for lunch on Dec. 31, 2018. For this special lunch, Monsieur Paul presents braised ribs with bordelaise sauce, roasted halibut with beurre blanc sauce, roast turkey, and more. There is also still some limited availability for the 8:45 pm and 9:45 pm dinner seatings. This delectable dinner menu includes a fish course featuring roasted black bass with a lobster mousse or black halibut served with seared scallops in a Champagne sauce as well as a meat course that includes roasted venison loin or quail stuffed with truffles. Both lunch and dinner provide an array of delicious appetizers and side dishes as well as a special New Year’s Eve dessert that will give you sweet memories throughout 2019!

New Year’s Eve Dinner at World Showcase Pavilion at Epcot

Another family-friendly favorite! Say farewell to 2018 at the World Showcase pavilion with an amazing New Year’s Eve dinner. Starters include a selection of savory soups and a selection of salads, including an amazing antipasto salad with basil, grilled vegetable and bean salad, roasted Ruskin tomato basil soup, and creamy seafood-and-corn chowder. The main event consists of entrees such as seafood mac and cheese with butter-toasted panko and fried chicken breast with corn gravy to gluten-friendly options like oven-baked with tomatoes, olives, and peppers, demi braised beef with mushrooms and pearl onions and apple cider brined pork with roasted apples and cherries. Kids can dig into chicken fritters, meatballs with red sauce and other tasty plates. Finally, be tempted by all of the decadent desserts: fresh cut fruit with berries, key lime raspberry glitter tarts, snow-dusted hazelnut-stuffed chocolate Bundt cakes, assorted cookies, cheesecakes, and macarons to name a few! The mood is set with Disney tunes. Don’t forget to strike a pose by any of the unique backdrops to take home a lasting memory of the night!

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Beach Dessert Party

If less formal is more your style, throw on your boots and mosey on down Clementine’s Beach on New Year’s Eve! Start your night off right at the beach with irresistible sweets and eats including an assortment of yummy desserts, seasonal fruits, flavorful cheese, and refreshments including beer and wine. You’ll also have to opportunity to watch the stunning Magic Kingdom fireworks display from across Seven Seas Lagoon and toast to the New Year at midnight.

To book any of these unforgettable events, call your travel agent or (407) WDW-DINE!

If you’re ready to book an unforgettable Disney vacation, so out the form now or contact me at [email protected] for a free, no obligation quote! My services are completely free and I’m excited to help bring the magic of Disney to your family!

90-Character’s For Mickey’s 90th Birthday Today At Magic Kingdom!

Heather Adamczak

November 16, 2018

90-Character’s For Mickey’s 90th Birthday Today At Magic Kingdom!

This morning Good Morning America was live from Magic Kingdom to tape the Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Special and we were on hand to witness it! Not only was Mickey and Minnie in their new birthday celebration outfits, but they had 90 of their friends with them! This was a gathering of epic proportions! Check out the video below as all of the characters come together to celebrate Mickey’s 90th Birthday!

Look how wonderful they look in their party outfits! Mickey even talked to Lisette and made her feel magical! Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, Bob Chapek was on hand and gave Lisette some exclusive details on what is coming soon. Stay tuned this weekend to hear more big news from Disney!

Are you ready to celebrate Mickey’s 90th Birthday at Disney in 2019? New Walt Disney World and Disneyland packages have just been announced.

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the photo above or fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from Pixie Dusted Dreams Travel and Events, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. As an agent with Pixie Dusted Dreams Travel and Events, 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] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.

Feast on Festive Fall Favorites at Tomorrowland Terrace For a Limited Time

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 16, 2018

It’s beginning to look a lot like… Fall?!? If you’re anything like me, Thanksgiving is one of your favorite holidays! I hate to see Turkey Day so overlooked, especially when there is much to be thankful for. All too often it seems we jump straight for Halloween to Christmas. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered that Tomorrowland Terrace was serving up some of our favorite fall comfort foods.

Tomorrowland Terrace has long been one of my favorite spots for a quick bite at Magic Kingdom so I am thrilled that this spot, which is only opening seasonally will be serving Thanksgiving favorites and even some unorthodox festive flavors! Take a look at all the amazing offerings:

Flavors of Fall Salad (with or without Roasted Turkey) – Mixed Greens, Granny Smith Apples, Cranberries, Sharp Cheddar, Pumpkin Seeds, and Maple Shallot Vinaigrette
French Dip – Roast Beef, Au jus on a Roll served with French Fries or Apple Slices.
Frozen Pumpkin Pie – A creamy pumpkin slushy topped with whipped cream, pumpkin spice, and a sugar cookie leaf.
Oven Roasted Turkey BLT – Roasted Turkey, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Smoked Gouda, Chipotle Garlic Aioli, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Roll served with French Fries or Apple Slices
Plant Based BBQ Cheeseburger – Plant Based Hamburger topped with BBQ Vegan Aioli, Vegan Cheddar and Onion Straws served on a Pretzel Bun
Pumpkin Pie Tart – with vanilla whipped cream and a spiced cookie crumble.
Traditional Thanksgiving Meal – Oven Roasted Turkey, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Dressing, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce

You’ll want to sink your teeth into these delicious offerings while you can, they disappear November 24th!!!!

If you’re ready to experience the magic of a Disney Holiday, fill out the form below or contact me at Jill@pixiedusteddreams for a free, no obligation quote! I can’t wait to help you plan your magic from start to finish. Let’s turn those Disney Dreams into Disney plans!

Snow In Southern California: Winter Is Here At Disneyland Resort

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 16, 2018

Snow In Southern California: Winter Is Here At Disneyland Resort

Snow in sunny Southern California? You bet! It’s snowing at Disneyland Resort. Well….sort of! With some smart imagineering and little bit of magic, Disney-landers are being treated to a wintry wonderland featuring new freezing takes on attractions, food, and shows. This holiday season, visitors can take advantage and enjoy frosty festivals, frigid food, and chilly characters. Running through January 6th, 2019…enjoy these “snowy” features to get in the holiday spirit at Disneyland Resort.

If you’re looking for now this season, Disneyland Resort has it! Check out the bitterly cold holiday must-sees:

“Let it snow, let is snow, let is snow!” Join Elsa, Anna, and all those other familiar Frozen characters in “Frozen-Live at the Hyperion.” Experience a great story line featuring music and snowflakes!
Check out the 7 foot tall gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. You’re sure to leave with lots of pics, and glad-tidings.
Get your own snowflake Minnie Mouse ears! Pick up and pair to show your holiday spirit!
“The weather outside is frightful!” Not really, but you can enjoy a fresh snowfall at Grizzly Peak shortly after dusk.
What better way to beat that California heat than to meet Elsa. Greet her and Anna in Arendelle. Then take the short walk after to see their pal Olaf in Hollywood land.
Christmas isn’t Christmas without holiday snacks! Get yours all over…you’ve gotta try the Snowman Shortbread Cookies located at the Market House or Red Rose Taverne. Make sure to check out the ice-cold merchandise too!
Wanna visit snap-capped mountain peaks? Be sure to ride “Soarin’ Around the World” which features the Swiss Alps and other icy landscapes.
Are you sorta in the Christmas spirit, but not really over Halloween? The Haunted Mansion, with it’s Nightmare Before Christmas layover, is the perfect place for you! Check out Jack Skellington as he tried to bring Christmas to the ghostly residents of the mansion! Be sure to snap a pic of the snow-covered pumpkins (NO FLASH!)
Not into mountains and snowy lands on a screen? Hop on a Matterhorn bobsled and outrun the Abominable Snowman!
Watch as snowmen and skiers make their way down Main Street in ” A Christmas Fantasy” parade.
Radiator Springs is bringing the Christmas cheer this year! Head over to cars land to check out the wrench snowflakes and snow car!
“It’s A Small World” hosts some snowy scenes that’ll be sure to nip at your nose.
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” is sure to kick winter into high gear with fireworks, music, and spectacular snowfall!
Icy castles more your style? Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle is the spot for you. Take in the magic as the castle transforms under a winter sky, lit, sparkling, and snow-capped!

Who says it doesn’t get cold in Southern California? Certainly not anyone celebrating the holidays at Disneyland Resort. Be sure to check out all of these frosty park features! Make sure to pack gloves and a camera…there are always sure to be one or two more winter surprises along the way!

Disney Channels BUNK’D Will Return for a Fourth Season

Kaitlyn

November 16, 2018

Disney Channels BUNK'D Will Return for a Fourth Season

Fan favorite Disney Channel Series, BUNK’D, has been picked up by the network for a fourth season!

Originally a spin-off of Disney Channel’s “Jessie” , BUNK’D has done well to set itself apart as its own hit series for the network. Filming and production will begin in March 2019 for a fourth season following fan-favorite counselors and campers return to Camp Kikiwaka.

The series will follow the adventures and mishaps of the counselor-turned-owner of Maine’s rustic Camp Kikiwaka, Lou Hockhauser (Miranda May) and the gang as they create a summer filled with fun and friendship to a group of young and new campers. Miranda May will be joined by cast mates Mallory James Mahoney (Disney Channel’s “Adventures in Babysitting”), Raphael Alejandro (ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”) and Will Buie Jr. (“Gifted”). Additional casting is to be announced at a later date.

Disney Channels BUNK'D Will Return for a Fourth Season

Vice President for Current Series, Disney Channels Worldwide, Kory Lunsford stated, “On the heels of a successful third season, we’ve decided that there is more fun to be had at Camp Kikiwaka! We are excited to gear up for another season with the campers from Woodchuck, Grizzly and Weasel cabins as they embark on hilarious new adventures, reunite with beloved characters and meet new ones.”

Season 4 will be executive produced by Emmy-nominated producer Phil Baker (“Andi Mack,” “Good Luck Charlie”) and Erin Dunlap (“Andi Mack,” “Jessie”).

The series was created by Pamela Eells O’Connell. BUNK’D is a Laugh Productions, Inc. production with a TV-G parental guideline rating.

Actor’s Peyton List, Skai Jackson, and Karen Brar starred in both Jessie for 98 Episodes and BUNK’D for 58 Episodes before finishing their run on the series. List and Brar even made their directorial debuts directing episodes of BUNK’D.

The Season Four release date for Disney Channel’s BUNK’D will announced at a later time. Congratulations to the BUNK’D cast and crew!

Photo Credit: Disney Channel

Contempo Cafe Celebrates Mickey’s Birthday With An Amazing Cupcake

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 16, 2018

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! As you are certainly aware by now, the Big Guy is celebrating his 90th birthday and the party is huge! Everyone is getting in on the fun, and that includes the resorts at Walt Disney World. The Contemporary Resort has created a special birthday cupcake just for the big event! Today we got an up-close look at it and wow is it ever amazing!!!!

We found it at The Contempo Cafe– the Contemporary’s quick service location. We just don’t know where to start with this one. Honestly, we are a little blown away by it. For starters, the cupcake itself is Red Velvet- a cake decadent enough for Mickey. It’s filled with chocolate buttercream frosting which adds a touch of richness (without being overbearing). The real stand-out for this cupcake though is that frosting on top!

Fondant, cream cheese, and buttercream all come together to create this masterpiece. Classic Mickey Balloons adorn the base and on top a miniature cake crowns the treat. If you look closely, you’ll notice a piece is missing. Could Mickey have already sampled a slice? If he has, we are sure he’d approve of this delicious connection in his honor!

This amazing birthday treat can be yours for $5.99 (+ tax) or as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan! This birthday cupcake definitely tops our list of favorites for the 90th birthday celebration. What has your favorite been? Let us know in the comments.

If you are ready to plan a trip to try all of the amazing food available at Disney Parks, fill kit the form below or email me at [email protected] today for a free quote. My planning services are free and I can’t wait to help you plan a magical vacation from start to finish! Let’s turn those Disney dreams into Disney plans!

2019 D23 Events Schedule

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 16, 2018

It’s an exciting time to be a D23 member. Today, at the D23 Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse event the schedule of events for 2019 was announced we are so excited! Next year the Official Disney Fan Club will celebrate its 10th anniversary and, to mark the occasion, D23 is bringing extra magic to some of its most popular events as well as introducing exciting new experiences for fans. You won’t have to be in Anaheim or Orlando to join in on the fun either! There will be events all over the country for fans to enjoy!

January

January 25: Lunch with a Disney Legend (To be determined)- Burbank CA

January 26: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour (Presented by D23)- Burbank California

February

February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty- Burbank CA and Walt Disney World, Florida

April

Date to be announced: Lunch with a Disney Legend (Linda Larkin) – New York City, NY

Apr 7: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour Presented by D23 (Gold Family exclusive)-Burbank, CA

May

May 4: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King – Walt Disney World Resort, FL

May 11: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King – Burbank, CA

June

Date to be determined: Lunch with a Disney Legend- Location to be determined

Date to be determined: Return to Walt’s Birthplace – Chicago, IL

June 22: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour Presented by D23 – Burbank, CA

July

July 20: D23 Member Mixer celebrating 90 years of Marvel Comics – San Diego, CA

August

August 23-25: D23 Expo 2019 – Anaheim, CA

September

September 21: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – Walt Disney World Resort, FL

September 28: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – Burbank, CA

October

Sate to be determined: Lunch with a Disney Legend- Location to be determined

October 21: Sip and Stroll – Walt Disney World Resort, FL

October 26: D23 Heads to the Hollow – Sleepy Hollow, NY

November

November 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour Presented by D23 – Burbank, CA

November 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up – Walt Disney World Resort, FL

November 23: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up – Burbank, CA

December

Dates to be determined: D23 Holiday Event – Walt Disney World, FL

Light Up the Season with D23 – Burbank, CA

All of these events are open to D23 members of any level (unless otherwise stated). We can’t wait to experience all of the fun in store!

If you’re planning on traveling to attend any of these events or wanting to experience any of the magical vacation destinations Disney has to offer, fill out the form below or email me at [email protected]. my services are completely free and I am looking forward to helping you plan a magical experience!

Speciality 90th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Merchandise

Danielle

November 16, 2018

Speciality 90th Anniversary

Hooray the Disney Parks are celebrating Mickey’s 90th anniversary this weekend! In celebration of this, some Speciality 90th Anniversary has popped up at Mickey’s Star Traders in Magic Kingdom! The fantastic Mickey Mouse items celebrate Mickey then and now, and are only available for a limited time.

Speciality 90th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Merchandise

We already saw a sneak peek of this celebratory raglan tee earlier this week, but oh boy it’s so cute! This is an adult tee that is available up to 3X and retails for $39.99.

Speciality 90th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Merchandise

It all started with a mouse, and we can celebrate the 90 magical years he brought with this stunning ornament. This beautiful glass bauble is shaped like a Mickey icon, and has a flat gold base. Inside the glass globe are icons from the four Walt Disney World parks, and a shower of fireworks adorns the outside. The ornament is available for $27.99.

Speciality 90th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Merchandise

Nostalgia is on full display with these brilliant retro inspired plush dolls. These Mickey and Minnie plush dolls have been beautifully recreated from the original 1933 patterns acquired by the Disney Archies in 2012. This incredible set is only for the 90th Anniversary event and retails for $90.00.

You can find these incredible Speciality 90th Anniversary Merchandise offerings at Mickey’s Star Traders in Magic Kingdom.

Disney Spending Billions For Massive Park Enhancement Plans

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

November 16, 2018

There’s been a lot of consistent and exciting news regarding changes, new attractions, and updates at Walt Disney World Resort. It seems of late that nothing is staying the same! From the addition of Pandora: World of Avatar, a new gondola system, to resort refurbishments, we’ve often used the line “Disney is sparing no expense to give their guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Well, according an article published by the New York Times this morning, “sparing no expense” may be a massive understatement. We all know that Disney is at the for-front of new technology and customer experience…its no secret. But what we didn’t know…Disney is so dedicated to guests experience that they are currently spending more on their theme parks than they did in the acquisition deals of Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Marvel!

We don’t want to get into the numbers too much, but to put that into perspective: Disney will spend around $ 24 billion on new cruise ships, park attractions, and resorts over the next five years! If it was appropriate to insert a “WOW!” emoji, I’d do it here! That’s a lot of money! But as Disney is so well dedicated to their 56 million annual guests to Walt Disney World (and all other Disney property guests) we can find peace in that they are putting profits back into the experience for us!

Disney boasted an operating profit for their parks and resorts of $4.5 billion, increasing more than 100%! Of course this isn’t including other branches of the Walt Disney Company, but it’s good to know that a very large sum of that profit is going back to make the experience more thrilling, magical, and just flat-out better for you and me!

So, how do you spend $24 billion? Let’s take a look! Walt Disney World and other Disney parks are currently undergoing a “worldwide transformation” to quote the original writer. Bob Chapek, Disney’s theme-park chairman, has called it “enhancement on steroids.” New attractions, refurbished and upgraded resorts (some new ones too), even whole new worlds are being installed as I write this! Here’s a look at some of the new features that has Mr. Chapek, Mr. Iger and Disney guests so excited:

Walt Disney World
Guardian of the Galaxy Rollercoaster
Space Restaurant
Ratatouille Ride
Skyway Gondola Station
New Fireworks Shows
Future Showcases at Epcot
Mickey Mouse Ride
Resort Refurbishments
Star Wars Galaxy
Star Wars Resort
Other new and re-themed rides

To get a better idea of the actual size of future projects that Disney is currently undertaking, check out these maps highlighting new and refurbished attractions compliments of The New York Times.

Epcot Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
1. “Guardians of the Galaxy” roller coaster 2. Space restaurant 3. Skyway gondola station 4. “Ratatouille” ride 5. Future Showcase (overhauled) 6. Fireworks show (overhauled) (NYTimes, 2018)

Disney Studios Park at Disneyland ParisMarne-la-Vallée, France
1. “Frozen” land 2. “Star Wars” land 3. Marvel superhero land 4. “Iron Man” roller coaster (overhauled) (NYTimes, 2018)

Hong Kong Disneyland Lantau Island
1. “Avengers” ride 2. “Ant-Man” attraction 3. “Frozen” land 4. “Moana” stage show 5. Castle and amphitheater (overhauled) (NYTimes, 2018)

California Adventure Anaheim, Calif.
1. Marvel superhero land 2. Pixar Pier (overhauled) (NYTimes, 2018)

Hollywood Studios Lake Buena Vista
1. Mickey Mouse ride 2. “Toy Story” land 3. “Star Wars” land 4. “Star Wars” resort (NYTimes, 2018)

Y’all! That’s just Walt Disney World. Massive changes are coming to Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris as well. Oh yeah…don’t forget cruise lines and other non-park resorts. It’s incredibly ambitious, but Disney guests have come to expect more and more, and Disney representatives are willing to listen and build it!

Disney’s initiative to invest their return into guests experience says a ton. For those that don’t like the annual ticket increases…this is absolutely a variable at play. Sure…we’ll pay an extra five bucks to experience new thrills that bring awesome technology and shows to the parks. Fans of Disney parks expect a certain standard when they visit, and it’s nice to know that the brass who make the big decisions not only understand this, but also maintain a constant exceeding of those presumptions!

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