Take a Video Look at Disney’s All New Skyliner!

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October 19, 2018

Disney Skyliner

Disney Skyliner is brining a new way to move guests across Walt Disney World Resort with a bird’s-eye view! The gondola system will connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort.

“To bring Disney Skyliner to life, teams are making progress on this innovative system. In addition to uniquely Disney station designs that complement their surroundings, support towers have been popping up across Walt Disney World Resort and will soon be connected with a series of reinforced cables to carry guests in stylish themed gondolas. You may even see this work underway over the next several months as teams install the miles of cable between towers.”-Disney Parks Blog

Check out this detailed video of the new Skyliner! Are you excited? We can’t wait for an additional way to get those extra magical Disney photo opps!

New Cheshire Cat Treats are a Taste of Wonderland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 19, 2018

cheshire cat cupcake

Two new Cheshire Cat-inspired treats will have Alice in Wonderland fans in love! Disney World will offer both of them, beginning in November.

You can find this Cupcake of the Month for November at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort at the Intermission Food Court. It’s a delicious vanilla cupcake filled with pink and purple crunchy edible pearls. It’s topped with strawberry buttercream frosting, more crunchy pearls, two pink chocolate ears and a chocolate smile! Don’t miss your chance to try it! Stop by any day in November for yours.

cheshire cat drink

Now this drink just looks fun! It should taste pretty good too! The Wonderland Slush is made with cool layers of purple and pink slush–grape and raspberry lemonade flavors! Then, just for good measure, it comes with a pink rock candy straw! Just don’t drink the whole thing before you get on the Teacups ride! Find this bright cup of happiness at the Cheshire Café in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom beginning November 7.

Are you an Alice in Wonderland fan? What kind of nonsense makes you the most curious and which of these new fun treats are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments section below!

Tomorrow Rafiki’s Planet Watch Will Close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Heather Adamczak

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October 19, 2018

Rafiki's Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet is scheduled to close up tomorrow and you will have to wait until Spring of 2019 to be able to check it out again. It was previously reported that it was going away for good however, Disney announced they are keeping it around. It will take a little break and hopefully come back in the spring bigger and better than before. Maybe Rafaki needs a little vacation? What are your thoughts on this closure? Is it an attraction you can live without at Animal Kingdom. I know my children loved this interactive experience and will miss it if it doesn’t come back!

Accessible by the Wildlife Express Train, Conservation Station is located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Enjoy an in-depth look at animal habitats from around the globe and discover the expert care our park animals receive. Through informative interactive exhibits and a viewable onsite research facility, Conservation Station invites you to uncover the mysteries of the wild—and to go behind the scenes of Disney’s efforts to promote conservation awareness. Designed for animal lovers of every age, Conservation Station features more than 10 care areas and Disney-themed experiences, including:

Animal Encounters Stage
Enjoy fun shows starring a rotating roster of animals that offer an up-close peek into the habitats of our wildlife friends.
Song of the Rainforest
Join Grandma Willow for a 3D audio journey through a rainforest and experience the wondrous serenade of nature.
Veterinary Treatment Room
This healing facility—viewable through an expansive glass window—offers a unique look into the “hands-on” care of the park’s animals.
Nutrition Center
Watch handlers prepare meals for the park inhabitants and discover the diets of some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.
Amphibian, Reptile and Invertebrate Windows
Glimpse tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes and snakes at this creepy-crawly spot.
Science Center
Take a look inside the lives of our actual working scientists as they study and learn about wildlife all around the world.
And, as can be expected, helpful experts are on hand to answer your questions and educate you and your family on the protection of animals.

Attractions within Rafiki’s Planet Watch include:

Affection Section, an animal petting zoo providing delightful hands-on encounters with a variety of animals, including goats and sheep
Habitat Habit!, an outdoor discovery trail featuring exotic sights and sounds
Devoted to the preservation and conservations of animals, Rafiki’s Planet Watch features fun educational exhibits and activities to help create awareness of animal issues and offers a behind-the-scenes look into the inner workings of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Stay tuned as we get more details about Rafiki’s Planet Watch! Hopefully, we get a solid re-open date soon!

Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone is Coming Soon to the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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October 19, 2018

All it takes is faith and trust. Oh! And the all new Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone!

You can find this tasty lime treat starting Nov. 1st at Storybook Treats at the Magic Kingdom!

You remember this past summer the craze over the Peter Pan Float… I predict people will go crazy for Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone this fall!

Get yours soon!

All it takes is faith and trust. Oh! And Tink's Pixie-Dusted Cone! Find this tasty lime treat starting Nov. 1 at Storybook Treats at Magic Kingdom Park! pic.twitter.com/LHD1Yf2zU5

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 19, 2018

New FastPass Options at Disneyland Paris

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2018

Guests will have another way to enjoy their favorite attractions at Disneyland Paris in order to make the most of their visit to this magical place. After introducing the FASTPASS system (Disney AccessOne) earlier in the year Disneyland Paris Resort has decided to give guests much more flexibility by launching 2 new FASTPASS options this week, the SUPER and ULTIMATE options.

These FASTPASS options will be considered as an add-on to the park admission ticket starting at $34 per day per person (prices are seasonal).

SUPER FASTPASS

The Super FASTPASS option divides the attractions into 2 categories: Family Attractions or Big Thrill Attractions.

Each guest will be able to use 3 FASTPASS tickets once at any time during the day.

Ultimate FASTPASS

Definitely more bang for your buck here.

Prices ranging from $69 to $192 per person (seasonal prices).

Guest will be able to choose a Single One-time access or Unlimited Use FASTPASS option.

The nice thing about these 2 new FASTPASS options is that not only do they have a special FASTPASS entrance but they do not have a specific time that you have to return.

Simply scan your park ticket at the special FASTPASS kiosk and you’re good to go.

However, similar to the FastPass systems in the U.S. you better get up early if you haven’t preordered your FastPasses because only a limited number of Super FASTPASS and Ultimate FASTPASS tickets are available per day.

KEEP IN MIND OF SEASONAL AND BLACKOUT DATES

Even though these options exist guests will still be able to get the standard and FREE FASTPASS tickets.

Since the FASTPASSES include attractions from both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios parks, it is recommended that guests purchase the 2-park admission tickets.

Also, keep in mind of possible attraction closures. Visit Disneyland Paris online for a listing of closures and refurbishments ahead of your visit.

Super FASTPASS & Ultimate FASTPASS are on sale at Disneyland Paris Hotels, Disney Parks entrances, at City Hall in Disneyland Park and Studio Services in Walt Disney Studios Park.

Additionally, Super and Ultimate FASTPASS products will be available on sale from Disneyland Paris website or through your travel agent and are subject to availability.

The best deal ever is that guests at the Disneyland Paris Hotels & Resorts can enjoy the Ultimate FASTPASS at the price for single use Ultimate FASTPASS.

If you would like to learn more about traveling and planning a trip to Disneyland Paris or any other Disney parks please reach out to me at [email protected].

Bette Midler to Join Freeform’s Hocus Pocus Bash

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2018

Freeform announced today that Bette Midler will join Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker for the network’s “Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash,” an all-star party in honor of the cult classic film’s milestone anniversary.

The two-hour special, filmed at the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery to celebrate the movie’s status as a Halloween staple, will premiere on SATURDAY, OCT. 20 at 8:15-10:15 p.m. EDT/PDT, as part of Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming event.

Hosted by Vanessa Hudgens and Jordan Fisher, “Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash” will feature exclusive interviews with the Sanderson sisters themselves, Bette Midler (“Winifred Sanderson”), Kathy Najimy (“Mary Sanderson”), and Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sarah Sanderson”), plus musical performances by Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Jordin Sparks, Jordan Fisher, Emily Estefan, PrettyMuch and Junior New System, as well as a “Hocus Pocus” themed costume contest, judged by Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Margaret Cho and hosted by Ross Mathews. The special will also include exclusive interviews with “Hocus Pocus” cast and crew members Kenny Ortega (Director), Mick Garris (Writer), David Kirschner (Writer), Omri Katz (“Max”), Thora Birch (“Dani”), Vinessa Shaw (“Allison”), Sean Murray (“Thackery”), Amanda Shepherd (“Emily”), Doug Jones (“Billy Butcherson”), Larry Bagby (“Ernie”), Jason Marsden (voice of “Thackery Binx”), Tobias Jelinek (“Jay”), Peggy Holmes (choreographer) and John Debney (Composer). Drag superstar Lady Bunny will be rocking the spooky beats throughout the evening as the resident DJ.

The night of Oct. 20 will be full of bewitching fun as the network will also be airing a “Pop’n Knowledge” edition of “Hocus Pocus,” before and after the Bash at 6:05 p.m. EDT/PDT and 10:15 p.m. EDT/PDT. The special edition will celebrate everything about the iconic film and the fandom with a mix of trivia, funny observations and commentary around key moments and quotes. This “Pop’n Knowledge” version of “Hocus Pocus” is an experience no fan should miss!

“Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash” is executive produced by Kenny Ortega and Michael Levitt.

Twenty-five years after its theatrical release, “Hocus Pocus” is more popular than ever – exclusively airing on Freeform during the Network’s “31 Nights of Halloween” stunt, the film reached 8.2 million Total Viewers in its first week. If NATO’s average ticket price of $8.97 were applied to the film’s performance, “Hocus Pocus” would have had a weekend box-office equivalent of approximately $73.6 million in its first five days if it were released today.

During the first week of “31 Nights of Halloween,” Freeform ranked as the No. 1 cable network in the daypart among Women 18-34 (164,000) and Females 12-34 (202,000).

Freeform has expanded their annual Halloween programming event to “31 Nights of Halloween,” bringing more thrills and chills to the entire month. From Oct. 1, the network will be invaded by everyone’s favorite witches, a murderous barber, out of control dinosaurs and everything else that goes bump in the night. “Hocus Pocus” will air throughout the most haunting stunt on television, as well as conclude the event with a day-long marathon featuring the Sanderson Sisters on Oct. 31.

Winnie The Pooh Bear Spirit Jersey Is As Sweet As Hunny

By

Danielle

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October 18, 2018

This Winnie The Pooh Bear Spirit Jersey may say “Oh Bother” on the back, but it’s never a bother to me when a new Spirit Jersey comes out! This golden honey hued jersey is the perfect cozy top for fall, especially with Christopher Robin coming out on DVD and Blu ray soon!

Winnie the Pooh Spirit Jersey for Adults

You can show your Disney spirit in this long sleeve jersey with glittering Winnie the Pooh art on the chest and puffy ”Oh Bother” sparkly lettering on back. It has a distressed stone wash look that will transport you back to the Hundred Acre Wood in sporty style. This would also be fabulous for a casual and cozy autumn Winnie the Pooh DisneyBound outfit!

The new Spirit Jersey is available on shopDisney.com for $49.95!

I really hope to see more Spirit Jerseys inspired by the other friends from the Hundred Acre Woods in the future. Just imagine how adorable Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, And Owl Spirit Jerseys would be! Of course I’d also love to see more Spirit Jerseys inspired by other Disney characters too, I’m just a little obsessed.

Would you wear this snuggly as honey Winnie the Pooh Bear Spirit Jersey for a cozy fall outfit?

World of Disney – New Merchandise Preview

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2018

The World of Disney at Disney Springs hosted a new merchandise media preview morning. As the finishing touches are put in place for the upcoming World of Disney grand reveal, I had the honor of attending the new merchandise sneak peek. WOW is all I have to say…just W-O-W!

Holiday

Redesigned Souvenir Bags Arrive at World Of Disney

Recycled tote is a perfect way to bring home all these goodies!

My eyes started to twinkle as soon as caught a glimpse of all the new Disney Christmas collection. The big theme this year is “The happiest holiday on Earth.” That theming just sums up the feeling when you step foot in this new section of the World of Disney store. You can not help but smile, and think of fondly of holiday memories with your family. From new Mickey ears to gingerbread popcorn and holiday spirit jerseys, it will really be “the happiest holiday on Earth.” I know I have my eye on the pajamas, as that is a Christmas Eve tradition for my family.

Mickey Mouse Club

I was absolutely blown away by the Mickey Mouse Club collection. It is vintage in all the right ways. There is no better way to celebrate everyone’s favorite mouse turning 90 years old. I love the fact that my family can all wear this gear together too! Honestly, I want one of everything for my whole family!

Tees

Full of funny sayings and everyone’s favorite characters, check out the new Disney tees section. There are so many options for the Disney fanatics in your life.

Kids

A brand new display of Ralph Breaks the Internet toys, and apparel welcome you into the children’s area. All I could think about was my toddler as I perused the aisles of toys, clothing, and plush. Did I mention the plush? It goes as far as the eye can see, and it is wonderful.

Overall Thoughts

As soon as I stepped through the doors of the World of Disney, my jaw hit the floor. I did not know where to look first. I was in Disney merchandise heaven. My shopping list is long… that is all I have to say LOL! When is your next shopping trip at the World of Disney in Disney Springs? Post in the comments below. PS, stay tuned for the World of Disney grand reveal on October 27th.

Disneyland Announces Work to Bring Joy to Kids Who are Ill

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2018

childrens hospital CHOC

Disneyland has announced a collaborative effort between Disneyland Resort and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

As part of this effort, Disney will dedicate over $100 million in cash, products and services to reimagine the patient experience in hospitals for children and their families. The work is part of the Disney Team of Heroes Initiative. The goal is to put an imaginative and creative spirit into the lives of these young patients while they are hospitalized.

The first hospital to work with Disney in this effort was Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas.

The end result will be one that will be shared with hospitals world-wide. Disney hopes to “infuse [children’s] hospital stays with some Disney magic,” per Disneyland Resort President Josh D’Amaro. Disney and CHOC will work together to create experiences for children that involved beloved Disney characters. The program will further include the training of doctors, nurses and other staff in the customer experience so that their is a multi-disciplinary approach to each child and his or her family.

Tips for Military Families from the Disney Parks Moms

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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October 18, 2018

Tips for Military Families from the Disney Parks Moms

What better way to honor our armed service members, active and retired than with specials. With Veterans Day approaching, (November 11, observed November 12) Disney Parks Moms Panel is sharing some ways to make the magic of a visit to Walt Disney World and the parks even more memorable.

You will be happy to know military moms and dads are members of the panel. These folks know first hand what it is like to juggle time and finances to take full advantage of the limited quantities of both. Making the most of the precious moments is what they do! Let’s get to it…

Here are tips straight from the Disney Parks Moms panel;

Walt Disney World Resorts offers a special “Thank You” to U.S. Military members through its Military Salute promotion, which is currently running through December 19. The ticket is available in a four- or five-day option, both of which include Park Hoppers
Some families like to split their tickets purchased with the Military Salute program as a way to bookend a deployment by having a few fun days before a loved one leaves, and by celebrating in style once they come back
Shades of Green runs a promotion in January and September that allows all service men and women who were honorably discharged and can present a DD-214 to stay at the resort. They can purchase tickets through Shades of Green and can take advantage of the deluxe accommodations at a great price. The property also sells park passes onsite that are sales tax-free!
Walt Disney World Resort hotels also provide great rates for military members! Those planning a visit can book by December 19, 2018, for stays most nights from January 1 to March 24-2018 and April 6 to December 19, 2018
With an active or retired military ID, guests can visit a Walt Disney World Resort ticket window for a specially priced Memory Maker that allows them to truly be in-the-moment while Disney PhotoPass Photographers document everything for them along the way as they capture special memories
Walt Disney World Resort is a great option for military members and their partners to get some R&R even if booking a last-minute stay! Relax by the pool, enjoy the bustling entertainment and shopping scene, walk Disney springs, dine at the array of delicious restaurants, and enjoy a number of activities outside the parks like golf, bowling or horseback riding

It is truly the most magical place on earth. Making memories that will last a lifetime is what it is all about. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures at the parks. Be sure to visit us often and share with Chip and Co

Information provided courtesy of Disney Parks Moms Panel

First Look: Okapi Calf Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

By

Chip

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October 18, 2018

In honor of World Okapi Day, Walt Disney World Resort today announced the birth of an okapi at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The calf was born Oct. 1, 2018, and weighed 54 pounds. This member of an endangered species will remain in a backstage habitat for the next several months before joining the animals on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Born to mother Zelda and father Mandazi, the calf was up and mobile within the first hour of his birth. He will remain in a backstage habitat for the next several months before joining the animals on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Africa-inspired resort hotel at Walt Disney World. During that time, keepers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will observe the okapi, ensuring he bonds with his mother, nurses properly and attains all significant maturation milestones.

The calf’s parents were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species.

Okapis are an endangered species found in rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known as the “ghosts of the forest,” okapis are reclusive and, thus, rarely encountered in the wild; the species was not discovered until 1901. There are an estimated 20,000 okapi in the world, and their population continues to decline due to poaching and habitat loss
from commercial logging and mining.

The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney Conservation Fund and its involvement in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, has been at the forefront of okapi conservation for many years. The company has a long-standing relationship with the Okapi Conservation Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Okapi Conservation Project created World Okapi
Day to generate awareness for this rare and endangered mammal.

Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge may gaze out on a savanna featuring more than 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles and more. To learn more about okapis and other animals at Walt Disney World Resort, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

New Disney 90s Collection By Oh My Disney at shopDisney

By

Danielle

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October 18, 2018

Disney 90s Collection

The Forever Disney line from Oh My Disney has been giving us one amazing collection after another since it’s launch this summer. Now Oh My Disney has taken us on a flashback ride to childhood nostalgia with the totally rad Disney 90s Collection.