Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates International Women’s Month With Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Florida

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March 22, 2019

March is International Women’s Month and to celebrate this Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando Science Center recently teamed up for a special event. More than 100 Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Students were able to enjoy an interactive and educational evening thanks to these two entities.

STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics – was the focus of the night. Participants gained exclusive access to select museum exhibits, including the new Kinetic Zone and Above and Beyond: The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition. There was also a panel discussion that students participated in which features inspirational women in STEAM leadership roles across Walt Disney World Resort.

“These students are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow, and connecting them with leaders making a real difference in the diverse world of STEAM shows them that anything is possible,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort has a decades-long relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. In 2018, the organization received a $100,000 Disney Grant in support of their Lake & Sumter Counties club locations, and Disney VoluntEARs dedicated more than 600 collective hours to the organization.

Photo Credit: Disney

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? I would love to help you! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Company. Key to the World Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Whether you want to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, a cruise or a vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort, I can help you. Contact me today so we can get started on your vacation planning! You can call or text me at 908-773-0930 or email me at [email protected]. Feel free to follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below as well. My planning services are FREE with booking!

Here’s A Complete List Of PhotoPass Magic Shots At Hollywood Studios

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2019

Have you seen all of the great PhotoPass Magic Shots offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? View them all here and tell us which one is your favorite!

Attention! The Green Army Man Magic Shot can be found throughout Toy Story Land.

How cute is this Mickey Ballons Magic Shot? Get this shot taken at the entrance of the park, Sunset Blvd, and Hollywood Blvd.

Find a PhotoPass photographer with this adorable Chip Magic Shot near the Theater of the Stars and on Sunset Blvd.

You don’t need pixie dust to have this adorable picture with Tinker Bell! You can get it at the entrance to the park and on Hollywood Blvd.

Is there a flurry in the air? Both of these Frozen Magic Shots can be taken by a photographer stationed near Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Echo Lake.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are waiting to hop into these Magic Shots with you. These PhotoPass photographers are stationed on Sunset Blvd and near the Theater of the Stars.

And how adorable is this Balloon Frame Magic Shot? PhotoPass photographers at the park entrance and along Sunset Blvd and Hollywood Blvd are waiting for you.

Source and photo credit: Disney PhotoPass

Are you ready to book a Disney vacation? Send me an email or submit the form below for a no-obligation quote! Our booking and planning services are free, so what are you waiting for? You work hard for your vacations, so let me do the hard work of planning! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Instagram!

Have You Seen The Current PhotoPass Magic Shots Available At Epcot?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2019

Have you seen the PhotoPass Magic Shots that are available at Epcot? Check them out below, including some Flower and Garden Festival exclusives!

This Magic Shot is the cat’s meow! You can find PhotoPass photographers for this shot stationed near Italy in the World Showcase.

Bee on the lookout for this Spike the Bee Magic Shot from photographers located around the World Showcase.

Another Flower and garden Festival Magic Shot includes these adorable butterflies! Photographers are located in Future World and the World Showcase.

Are you a fan of Orange Bird? Get your photo with him all throughout Epcot.

With a little bit of faith, trust, and pixie dust you can transform into a Fairy too! Visit the PhotoPass photographers in Future World and around the World Showcase for this fun photo.

Source and photo credit: Disney PhotoPass Service.

Are you ready to book a Disney vacation? Send me an email or submit the form below for a no-obligation quote! Our booking and planning services are free, so what are you waiting for? You work hard for your vacations, so let me do the hard work of planning! Like me on Facebook and follow me on Instagram!

Disneyland Paris Returned Profit First Time in a Decade!

By

Tessa H

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March 22, 2019

According to the Telegraph, for the first time in over a decade, Disneyland Paris has returned to profit due to an increase in attendance and guest spending, boosting the park’s revenue to a record £1.5 billion according to recently filed accounts.

Despite being Europe’s most visited tourist attraction, the resort has rarely made a profit since opening in 1992 due to large interest payment used to fund the resort’s construction. However, this changed in 2012 when Disney provided £1.1 billion to repay the bank debt. Likewise, in 2017, Disney regained ownership of Disneyland Paris.

The annual accounts of the resort’s main operation company, Euro Disney Associés, revealed revenue from the resort’s activities rose 14.5% to £871m in the year to Sept 30 2018, while a further £387.5m came from a subsidiary that operates five of the Disney hotels and a 10-acre on-site entertainment district.

The increased revenue outstripped a 7.2% increase in costs, largely due to the rise in pay for cast members from £65 million to £627 million. Disneyland Paris is the largest private employer in the Paris region with cast member numbers rising 4.3% to 16,386 last year.

In total, this financial year the company achieved an £18 million profit compared to its £43 million loss in 2017, which is not only a significant difference but also an incredible achievement.

In 2018, Disney invested £170 million into the resort to renovate the attractions and hotels for its 25th anniversary. Last year Bob Iger, Walt Disney’s chief executive announced that the company will invest a further £1.8 billion into Disneyland Paris to expand the Walt Disney Studios Park to include lands inspired by Frozen, Marvel and Star Wars. Furthermore, the planned expansion will create more than 1,000 new jobs.

Photo source- telegraph.co.uk

Walt Disney World Guests Sue for $15K Due to a PeopleMover Accident

By

Heather Adamczak

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March 22, 2019

The Orlando Sentinal is reporting two couples have filed lawsuits against Disney for $15,000 dollars over accidents that occurred while on the PeopleMover ride at Walt Disney World inside Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.

The Sentinal is reporting that the first couple was visiting the park from New Jersey with their two children. The lawsuit states the ride car came to an abrupt stop in the darkness of the Space Mountain attraction and was struck from behind by another cart. Heather Tregidgo states she needed two orthopedic surgeries due to the injuries occurred on the ride.

The second accident was filed March 1, states a woman from New York was injured as the ride came to a halt abruptly 100 yards from the station. Kristie Deieso says she needed surgery to repair a herniated disc in her neck from the injury.

No word from Disney on these incidents/ lawsuits.

Source: Orlando Sentinal

The Adorable Yeti Plush Packs In Abominable Levels Of Cute

By

Danielle

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March 22, 2019

Move over regular Expedition Everest Yeti plush, there’s a new sassier girl in town. The Adorable Yeti Plush is well, adorable! This cute plush has a sparkling expression on her face, and has joined as part of the yeti plush family. There’s also a cute baby Yeti too! All three of the fun plush are now available on shopDisney too.

Expedition Everest Yeti Plush – Girl – 11”

Traverse the twisted tracks of Expedition Everest with confidence when you have this fiercely adorable Yeti plush in tow. Featuring a soft, fuzzy body complete with felt claws and a satin bow, this Yeti is one snuggly snow monster. If you like the original, he’s available still too…

Expedition Everest Yeti Plush – Boy – 11”

Featuring a soft, fuzzy body complete with felt claws and a friendly face, this Yeti is one snuggly snow monster. Of course we can’t forget the baby plush either!

Baby Yeti Plush – Expedition Everest – Mini Bean Bag

Track down a legendary cutie with our plush Baby Yeti. This soft-stuffed snowmonster mascot from the Expedition Everest attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park will melt your heart with just one hug!

You can find all three of these Adorable Yeti Plush toys at select locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as online at shopDisney now!

Fun Facts about Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean

By

Sarah Johnston

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March 22, 2019

Fun Facts about Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Disneyland fifty-two years ago this week on March 18^th. Throughout the decades it’s become a fan favorite to Disney fans around the world. For me, the Disneyland version is my favorite. In celebration of the iconic ride, here are some fun facts and history from the Disney Archives about how Pirates of the Caribbean came to be what it is today.

Pirates was originally meant to be a wax museum. Before the Imagineers came up with the ride idea, Walt Disney had the simple idea of “Pirates of the Caribbean”. He left it to the team of Imagineers to take it from there. One of the early plans from Walt was a walk-through wax museum. Disney legend, Marc Davis enhanced the idea into an interactive walkthrough. During the walkthrough, guests would encounter six different vignettes, each telling a story. As we know, neither of these happened. It turns out, the ride system was developed for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

Have you heard of Disney animator Xavier “X” Atencio? He became a Disney legend 1965 moving from an animator to Imagineering. He worked on another iconic attraction, Haunted Mansion as well as Pirates of the Caribbean. You don’t see his work, but you hear it. Xavier Atencio penned two famous park songs, “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and “Yo Ho, A Pirates Life for Me”. Prior to these two songs, he had never penned a song tune in his life. He also provided the voice of the Jolly Roger skull and crossbones.

Walt personally asked X to join the Imagineering team to develop the attraction. He got his inspiration for the ride from Disney’s 1950 live action Treasure Island.

Pirates of the Caribbean is the longest attraction at Disneyland. The 15-minute boat ride travels 1,838 feet through two enormous structures. At the rides opening, the attraction featured 119 life-size, three-dimensional figures – 64 human and 55 animals.

During the designing of the characters, there was a slight issue. Sculptor Blaine Gibson loved to people watch. He got his inspiration for his characters from watching people on the streets. His wife scolded him for staring at people whenever they were out in public. His bad habit finally caught up with him. He had to change the nose on one of his pirates after another employee mentioned that it looked like a man from another department at Disney. Whoops!!

Famed voice actor and Disney Legend Paul Frees is famous for two voices at Disneyland. He’s the voice of Ludwig Von Drake and he also belts out the greeting at the Haunted Mansion, “Welcome, foolish mortals…”. Do you recognize his voice anyplace else? His other famous phrase in the park is, “Dead men tell no tales…”. Did you just read that in your head as it sounds on the ride? Oh good, me too!!

If you’ve never experienced Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, you’re missing out! It’s not the same as Walt Disney World at all, which is why I love it so much!

Photo Source: Disney & D23

Yo ho, yo ho, a vacation’s what you need! I make sure you have a swashbuckling good time! As a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company, I can help you with all Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando, Cruises, and more! Best of all, my services are FREE to you! For a no obligations quote, send me an email me at [email protected] or fill out and submit the form below.

Jurassic World, The Ride opening at Universal Studios Hollywood, Summer 2019

By

Laura Mason

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March 22, 2019

Universal Studios Hollywood reveals a first look at the highly anticipated attractions, “Jurassic World–The Ride.” The attraction opens this summer in Universal City, CA.

“Jurassic World–The Ride” will take guests into themed environments and create new life into dimensional animatronic dinosaurs, including many fan favorites from the Jurassic World films from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

The attraction will be state-of-the-art technology with an original storyline taking place in the theme park depicted in Jurassic World. It will also include new dinosaurs from the film, amazing scenic design, and ground-breaking technology that is yet to be experienced at a theme park.

“Jurassic World–The Ride” will welcome guests in a newly reimagined space that reflects the Jurassic World films. A brand-new, fresh entry, stonework landscaping, and a contemporary design of the iconic pillars illuminated with flames to support the “Jurassic World” marquee logo.

While guests are in the queue-line, they will get to learn facts and information about the dinosaurs that first roamed the earth more than 65 millions year ago. Guests will also get to learn about dinosaurs within the ride, which will set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Now the expedition begins.

“Once aboard specially designed rafts, guests will navigate the lush environs of dense vegetation, traversing new areas besieged with towering dinosaurs meandering just an arm’s length away from visitors. Encounters with such docile creatures as the Stegosaurus and Parasaurolophus will quickly turn awry as predatory Velociraptors and Dilophosaurus begin to wreak havoc, turning guests from spectators to prey. When the Tyrannosaurus rex begins to battle one of the attraction’s new behemoth dinosaurs, the rafts will spill down a treacherous 84-foot waterfall as the sole means of escape.” –NBC Universal

Located just adjacent to the ride will be where guests can engage face-to-face with Blue, the most deadly, but beloved Velociraptor from the Jurassic World franchise, and her beta Raptors in an all new “Raptor Encounter.”

Finally, in addition to the above, a new interactive “Dino Play” area will be available for children of all ages. “Dino Play” will incorporate educational components and allow guests to partake in excavations and investigate giant dinosaur fossils.

Now is the time to get set up to enjoy all the new must-do and see experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood! Not to mention, there’s also a “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” section here! Add in a couple days at The Disneyland Resort for the ultimate family vacation this summer!

If you love dinosaurs and want to be apart of Universal Studios Hollywood, fill out my form below! Buy memories, not things. That’s been my family’s motto for the last several years. If this is you, let’s chat. I am a full-service travel agent, but I specialize in Disney Destinations® and the Universal Orlando Resort®. I am with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company. I am here to make all of your travel wishes come true! If you’re jumping out of your seat with excitement for traveling in 2019, let’s chat. My services are entirely FREE! To receive a no-hassle, no-obligation quote, email me at [email protected] and/or follow me on Facebook.

Mickey-Shaped Cookie Pops Recipe

By

Katelyn G

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March 22, 2019

All Disney fans know one thing about food – everything tastes better in the shape of a Mickey!

Let’s combine two wonderful things, cookies and Mickey, with these delicious Mickey-shaped cookie pops!

These special treats are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, fun to decorate, and can be personalized for any holiday or event.

Check out the recipe below:

Mickey-shaped Cookie Pops

Ingredients –

1 batch of your favorite sugar cookie dough
Rolling pin
Mickey Mouse cookie cutter
Lollipop sticks
1 container of royal icing
Food coloring
Piping bags
Sprinkles in various colors

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
Roll out sugar cookie dough to 1/2 inch thick. Use the Mickey cookie cutter to cut out Mickey shapes.
Place Mickey shapes on lined cookie sheet and carefully insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
Ice cookies with royal icing and decorate with sprinkles. Enjoy!

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.

Travel the World in Summer 2020 with Disney Cruise Line

By

Katelyn G

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March 22, 2019

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Greece — In summer 2020, Disney Cruise Line will embark on a variety of itineraries around the world, including a long-awaited return to Greece and the addition of five first-time ports of call in Europe. During one 12-night and two nine-night cruises from Rome, guests can marvel at the beautiful landscapes and archeological wonders of destinations like Piraeus, the gateway to Athens; Katakolon, near ancient Olympia; and the islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Travel the World in Summer 2020 with Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line will set sail on a plethora of itineraries around the world in Summer 2020!

The long-awaited return to Greece and five additional first-time ports will debut next Summer. Adventures will also continue to popular destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas.

European Explorations

The Disney Magic will return to Greece as part of three Mediterranean cruises departing from Rome after five long years. Guests can view the Piraeus, Athens, Katakolon, ancient Olympia, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete during either one 12-night or two 9-night cruises.

Two of the announced sailings include a new port of call in Messina, Italy. Here guests can see landmarks in Sicily like Mount Etna or the Piazza del Duomo. The third sailing features a visit to Dubrovnik, Croatie or the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

Other new ports of call include Gdynia, Poland; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Plymouth, England; and Zeebrugge, Belgium. These destinations are part of the Disney Magic’s grand tour of Europe which starts in the Mediterranean before heading to northern Europe in late Summer 2020.

Alaskan Adventures

Also in 2020, the Disney Wonder will head to Alaska. Guests can see glaciers and wildlife on multiple 7-night cruises. Each itinerary departs from Vancouver, Canada with ports in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Dawes Glacier.

Travel to the Caribbean and Bahamas

The Disney Fantasy will embark on several cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas in Summer 2020. In addition to the 7-night Eastern and Western cruises, choose to set sail on a 5 or 9-night cruise to the Caribbean or a 3, 4, or 5-night Bahamian cruise! Three of these include two stops at the private island, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Dream will also be sailing to the Bahamas with 3,4, or 5-night cruises. A series of these sailings also include two calls on Disney’s private paradise – Castaway Cay.

New in 2020, guests can book the ultimate Disney cruise to the Caribbean with Adventures by Disney too!

What’s different about this than the usual Caribbean cruise? Throughout your trip, knowledgeable Adventure Guides will provide special excursions, interactive activities, and “off-the-beaten-path” adventures. Adventures by Disney cruises also provide exclusive amenities like private talkback sessions with the Walt Disney Theatre cast members!

Pre-Cruise Vacations

Adventures by Disney also offers pre-cruise vacations in Rome, London, Barcelona, Spain, and Copenhagen. These 2 or 3-night vacations provide special experiences like a private visit to the Vatican Museum or the Sistine Chapel. Also, activities like flamenco dancing, mosaic making, and cooking of local cuisine will help to immerse travelers into the culture of each region.

Source: DCL.

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.

August and September Disney Early Morning Magic Dates Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2019

Dates in August and September for Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland have been announced! This special ticketed event will take place on the following:

August 25, 27
September 1, 3, 8, 10, 17

Guests who participate in Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland get to experience Fantasyland before the park opens to regular park Guests. This limited-entry, first-access experience in the park is truly magical!

Both regular theme park admission to Magic Kingdom Park, as well as a reservation to Disney Early Morning Magic, is required. During this special ticketed event, 7 iconic Fantasyland attractions are available to Guests:

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Peter Pan’s Flight
Princess Fairytale Hall
“it’s a small world”
Mad Tea Party
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Disney Early Morning Magic is offered on select Sundays and Tuesdays and takes place from 7:45 AM to 10:00 AM. Breakfast is included at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and features items such as:

Scrambled eggs
Smoked bacon
Sausage
Breakfast potatoes
Pancakes
Freshly baked pastries
Cheese and cured meats
Seasonal fruit
Oatmeal
Granola
Yogurt
Assorted juices
Coffee and teas

Admission costs $79 per adult and $69 per child (tax not included). Admission is limited so make sure to book your reservation before it is too late!

Disney Early Morning Magic is also offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fans of Toy Story Land, especially those wishing to ride Slinky Dog Dash without a long wait, will love Disney Early Morning Magic – Toy Story Land!

Source: Disney

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? I would love to help you! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Company. Key to the World Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Whether you want to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, a cruise or a vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort, I can help you. Contact me today so we can get started on your vacation planning! You can call or text me at 908-773-0930 or email me at [email protected]. Feel free to follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below as well. My planning services are FREE with booking!

Registration For The Fall 2019 Session Of The Disney College Program Ends Today

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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March 22, 2019

Every year, the Walt Disney Company offers qualifying college students the chance of a lifetime – the chance to participate in the Disney College Program! The Disney College Program is a 4-7 month paid internship program located at either Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida or Disneyland Resort located in Anaheim, California. Students are given the opportunity to become part of the magic all while taking part in college-level coursework and possibly having the opportunity to earn college credit.

Disney College Program participants gain valuable, on-the-job experience working in the Disney theme parks and resorts. Besides participating in college coursework, they also have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country and possibly the world in company-sponsored housing. This program allows students to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service, and effective communication.

Details about the Disney College Program can be found on the website. Applicants for this program must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must be currently enrolled and taking classes at one accredited program or institution and have completed one semester OR have graduated within the past 12 months.
Meet any school requirements for participation, such as GPA, grade level, and the number of earned credit hours.
Be at least 18 years of age by the time the program begins.
Possess Unrestricted Work Authorization.

Further information, as well as an application, can be accessed at this LINK.

Are you ready to start planning your next adventure? I would love to help you! I am a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, the Official Travel Partner of Chip & Company. Key to the World Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Whether you want to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, a cruise or a vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort, I can help you. Contact me today so we can get started on your vacation planning! You can call or text me at 908-773-0930 or email me at [email protected]. Feel free to follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below as well. My planning services are FREE with booking!