Captain Marvel Global Press Conference

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February 24, 2019

Captain Marvel, the first female lead movie from Marvel Studios, is set to be released in US theaters on March 8^th.

We were invited to both the film screening and the global press conference for the movie. The press conference took place in Beverly Hills, CA on a Friday afternoon. We were seated as the cast and panel arrived. Producer Kevin Feige walked in on the stage first and he was followed by actors Lashana Lynch, Jude Law, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Gemma Chan and Clark Gregg. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck who wrote and directed the movie were also present.

The Q&A was started off by Jacqueline of Rotton Tomatoes asking Kevin Feige “What made you choose Anna and Ryan to write the screenplay and direct Captain Marvel.” Kevin mentioned that there “a number of meetings and it was their body of work, and it’s their focus on character and it’s their focus on – and our belief that they wouldn’t have lost the character once the spectacle and the fun and the effects, and really Anna spoke eloquently about Carol Danvers.”

Brie Larson spoke on what she loved about Captain Marvel and why she took on the role. She described her love for a lot of several things about the character. She also added, “the defining moments of her character where she doesn’t lay down and she gets back up. I mean, that’s everything. That’s for everybody. There isn’t a person who can’t relate to that, I don’t think.”

After the Q&A, we were sent to another room for both lunch and a preview of the merchandise for the movie. This included toys, apparel, and accessories. They also had a few of the costumes from the movie out on display. Some members of the press were given a chance to do a one on one interview with the cast, directors, the producer, and Reggie – the cat who played Goose in the film.

The movie comes to US theaters on March 8th and tickets are already on sale!

Okapi Brownie Will Delight Chocolate Lovers!

By

Brittney Hughes

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February 24, 2019

Check out this delicious brownie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. The Mara has long been known for having delicious safari themed treats, and the Okapi brownie is definitely taking a walk on the wild side.

This Mickey-shaped delight has a solid layer of fudge on the brownie. It is frosted with chocolate and hazelnut, completed by a white chocolate drizzle. It’s chewy and crunchy and just all around delicious.

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The Okapi Brownie retails for $4.79. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, you can redeem a snack credit for it. If you haven’t visited the Animal Kingdom Lodge, plan to make a trip over. This resort is simply stunning. Grab a treat from The Mara and enjoy seeing the animals roam the savanna!

If you are a chocolate lover, add this to your list today!

Ready to step into the magic? 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!

Pin Collectors Will Love These New Pins From FigPin

By

Heather Adamczak

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February 24, 2019

The NY Toy Fair was last weekend and we found some fun great options for Disney Pin collectors! FigPins can be displayed like your most coveted figure or worn as your favorite accessory. Pin them to your favorite bag or jacket, or simply display them on your desk with their patented backer.

All FiGPiNs include a laser engraved, alphanumeric serial number on the back, making every single one uniquely yours. The pins come in three different sizes: Mini, Regular, and FinPin XL.

FigPin mini sized approximately 2″ tall (51.82mm) 3/32″ thick (2.0mm)
FigPin regular sized approximately 3″ tall (76.2mm) 3/32″ thick (2.0mm)
XL FiGPiN sized approximately 6.25″ tall (158.75mm) 0.11″ thick (3.0mm)

You can get the following collectible pins:

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Stay tuned for more updates from the NYC Toy Fair 2019 here!

Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World 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.

Runner Battles Paralysis and Triumphantly Walks Final Stage of Disney Princess Half Marathon

By

Heather Adamczak

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February 24, 2019

There was a time when Cheri Srour couldn’t walk or talk, robbed of the most simple tasks by a paralyzing autoimmune disease. But Sunday, the Brooklyn woman showed that the debilitating disease is no match for her as she triumphantly rose from her wheelchair and walked the final stage of the Disney Princess Half Marathon.

Pushed in her wheelchair by her brother-in-law, Srour stopped about 100 yards from the finish line of the 13.1-mile race and rose from her wheelchair to walk the remaining distance as spectators cheered her every step.

She and Solly Elmann had previously competed in various races. The duo did the Disney Princess Half Marathon two years ago when Elmann pushed Srour the entire race. They did it again last year but that time Srour got out of her wheelchair and pushed Elmann in it the final 100 yards. But Sunday’s race was the first time she walked unassisted in a race – a feat that comes about 10 years after she was first diagnosed with the autoimmune neurological disease.

Overall, Jackie Pirtle-Hall of St. Charles, Missouri won the race, easily finishing well ahead of the field of more than 25,000 runners. Pirtle-Hall, who recently qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials, posted a time of 1:18:30 – more than four minutes ahead of second-place finisher Bianca Toledo of Bergenfield, New Jersey, who was followed by Elizabeth Conlon of Montgomery, Maryland (1:24:26).

Source: Disney PR

Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World 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.

Missouri Runner Becomes Disney Royalty with Princess Half Marathon Victory Sunday

By

Heather Adamczak

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February 24, 2019

Jackie Pirtle-Hall wins her first runDisney race as part of her preparation for the 2020 Olympic Trials; More than 25,000 half marathon runners among the 56,000 participating in the race weekend at Walt Disney World Resort.

Jackie Pirtle-Hall nearly won a runDisney race last year. Sunday, she got it done, writing her own fairytale ending in winning the Disney Princess Half Marathon. For Pirtle-Hall, who finished second in the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2018, the Princess-themed race Sunday was her first runDisney victory and added another highlight to her list of accomplishments, which includes qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Trials.

If Sunday was any indication, Pirtle-Hall of St. Charles, Mo., is already close to Olympic form. Leading virtually the entire 13.1-mile race through Epcot and Magic Kingdom, she crossed the finish line in 1:18:30 – two minutes faster than last year’s winner and more than four minutes ahead of the rest of the field of 25,000 runners. Bianca Toledo of Bergenfield, N.J., was second with a time of 1:22:53 followed by Elizabeth Conlon of Montgomery, Md., in 1:24:26.

“When you go through the Magic Kingdom with the castle, it really is just a whole visceral feeling where you just feel overwhelmed with emotion,’’ Pirtle-Hall said. “This is one of those races where you literally just feel grateful to be experiencing such joy (because) everybody is just so happy for each other and supportive, and that’s what you feel from the crowd. It’s really incredible.’’

Source: Disney PR

Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World 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 World Room Tour: Disney’s Yacht Club

By

Kelly Kerl

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February 24, 2019

Today we’re taking you through one of the beautiful refurbished rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

About Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The Yacht Club and it’s sister resort, The Beach Club, embody a New England seaside vibe along Crescent Lake, adjacent to World Showcase in EPCOT. This Deluxe Resort offers plenty of dining and entertainment for guests staying on property. Nautical touches throughout the resort, along with amenities like Stormalong Bay, a sandy beach, and easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, make this resort a personal favorite of mine.

Yacht Club Rooms

All of the rooms at the Yacht Club were refurbished in late 2017 to bring the decor up to date, and add a light, modern feel. Now, hues of navy blue and beige created a muted nautical vibe with accents like riveting and textile add to the subtle theming. Almost all the standard rooms at Yacht Club can sleep five guests, with 2 queen-sized beds, and one twin pull-down sofa bed.

The dark woods in the floors and furniture give the whole space a sophisticated feel, and the details on the furniture give it a steamer trunk look and feel. There is a large chest of drawers below the mounted flat screen TV that provides tons of space for storage of clothes.

During the latest renovations of most rooms at Disney, they are opting for a laminate floor over rugs, to make the rooms easier to clean, and more allergy/dust friendly. They’ve also eliminated the platforms under the beds, which leaves a huge open space to store luggage during your stay.

A small enclosed nook houses the small mini-fridge, and there’s a cute little coffee station above it. You’ll find a 1-cup Keurig coffee maker, along with a selection of Joffery’s K-cups. Additional glasses and mugs are stored on the shelves above.

A huge wardrobe stands in place of the traditional sliding closet, which has tons of room in it. The smaller door to the right hides the room safe, as well as a fold out ironing board and iron storage.

Directly across from the closet space is a divided bath. The sink area is now closed off to the rest of the room with a large sliding barn door. You’ll find double sinks and a huge lighted mirror. There’s also tons of storage space below the sinks, as well as a lighted rotating make-up mirror.

The toilet and tub/shower are in their own sperate place, closed off by a pocket door, to save space. Sliding glass doors replace the older shower curtains. In the shower, there is a fixed showerhead, as well as a smaller handheld sprayer. Perfect for rising those sandy feet after a day in Stormalong Bay.

Every room includes either a full balcony or a balconette. If you’ve reserved a water view room, you can expect fantastic views of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk Resort just across the water. From this room we had an amazing view across the water, and we were able to see the fireworks from IllumiNations at night.

Skyliner Transportation – Coming Soon!

In addition to the amazing resort amenities and location, the Yacht Club is also one of the resorts that will be served by the new Skyliner transportation system. Beginning this Fall, the Skyliner will take guests from the International Gateway entrance (a quick walk from the resorts main entrance) to Hollywood Studios, as well as other resorts, including the new Rivera Resort, opening late this year!

Ready to experience the Yacht Club for yourself? 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.

The New Aladdin Minnie Ears Are A Whole New World Of Style

By

Danielle

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February 24, 2019

A shining, shimmering, splendid new pair of Minnie Ears have flown into Disney Parks! Straight out of the lamp The Disney Parks have introduced new Aladdin Minnie Ears! These new ears are one of our three Genie wishes come true for sure. You’ll now find these enchanting new Minnie Ears at both Walt Disney World, and Disneyland.

Decked out in sequins the same beautiful turquoise shade of Jasmine’s iconic outfit these ears sparkle like magic. The bow is a actually the “Magic Carpet” pinched together with a beautiful blue gem like the one in Jasmine’s crown! Adorable little gold tassels hang from each corner of the Magic Carpet, which is such a great little detail. I also love that while there are gorgeous unique details to these ears, they are still subtle and not crazy over the top. I feel like that makes them stand out even more. These new ears are perfect with the new Live Action Aladdin Film coming out in just a few months too!

You can find these dazzling new ears at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World for high flying style!

Will you be adding these new Aladdin Minnie Ears to your collection? Which other Disney movie or character Minnie ears would you like to see?

Latin Superstar Prince Royce Added to Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 24, 2019

Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration is well underway for 2019. This family-friendly version of New Orleans’ famous holiday is a yearly event featuring authentic Cajun cuisine, music, and a lively parade. One of the most popular parts of the festival are the concerts from some top names in music and Latin superstar Prince Royce has just been added to round out this year’s lineup.

The multi-platinum award-winning singer will perform on March 31st in the Universal Studios Florida park. Prince Royce, well-known for hits like “Corazón Sin Cara”, “Darte Un Beso” and “Las Cosas Pequeñas” is the final name added to the star-studded list. Other notable performances during the Mardi Gras festivities are acts like Pitbull (March 24), Sabrina Carpenter (March 2), and The Steve Miller Band (March 16). In addition to the concerts, guests can enjoy a French Quarter Courtyard with tasting-sized Cajun dishes. The big highlight is this year’s Mardi Gras parade that features a whimsical animal theme and happens nightly.

Here’s the full list of the rest of this year’s concert lineup:

March 2 – Sabrina Carpenter
March 9 – Becky G
March 10 – Sean Paul
March 16 – Steve Miller Band
March 17 – Ziggy Marley
March 23 – NF
March 24 – Pitbull
March 30 – Bazzi
March 31 – Prince Royce

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration takes place daily at the Universal Studios Florida park until April 4th, 2019. Access to the concerts and the rest of the Mardi Gras offerings are included in park admission.

Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Are you ready to start your next great adventure at Universal Orlando Resort without all of the stress? Click on my photo or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote. I am a Travel Advisor with Key To The World Travel, the official travel partner for Chip and Company. I specialize in Disney, Universal, cruises and more. My services are FREE to my clients. Contact me via email at [email protected], on Facebook or by filling out the form below.

Pirates of the Caribbean: A Treasure of an Attraction

By

Tessa H

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February 24, 2019

Coming to Disneyland Paris on the 27th of February is a new collection of works dedicated to one of the most iconic attractions ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ at Disneyland Paris. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean- A Treasure of an Attraction’ will be available on the 27th February at the Coffre du Capitaine, Storybook Store and The Disney Gallery at Disney Village and will be available on shopDisney soon and will cost €19,99.

The book is 96 pages long and written in both French and English, the book has been created by the InsidEars team at the time of the Pirates of the Caribbean refurbishment, including details of the history and specificities of the Parisian version of the attraction, through numerous archive documents, testimonies, photos and anecdotes.

Disneyland Paris has also rumoured to be working on a collection dedicated to the Phantom Manor, set to release in a few months. Richly illustrated, these books immerse the reader into the world of these mythical attractions.

New Pandora at Disneyland Paris!

By

Tessa H

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February 24, 2019

Two new Pandora products have arrived at Disneyland Paris. The first is the jewel with the Sleeping Beauty Castle (€69), which is exclusive to Disneyland Paris and the jewel Rose Gold Headband (€75) is exclusive to the Disney Parks.

Both of these charms can be found at Harrington’s Hollywood Jewel Box, Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Newport Bay Club and Disney Fashion!

Two beautiful charms would be an asset to any collection!

The Star Wars Guided Tour is a Must for Any True Fan

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 23, 2019

It’s no secret that any Walt Disney World guest looking to add a little magic to their vacation has countless options. From the Keys to the Kingdom Tour to the Fireworks Dessert Party to the Wild Africa Trek, there are specialty tours and events available to cater to whichever aspect of Disney World you’re most passionate about! This weekend, we got a firsthand peek at just one of these amazing offerings: the Star Wars Guided Tour, an immersive, in-depth journey provided at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Monday through Saturday. Let’s take a look at exactly what this incredible experience includes!

The Star Wars Guided Tour begins at 8:00 a.m.–early enough to enjoy the calm serenity of having Disney’s Hollywood Studios all to yourself. The first stop on the tour is none other than Star Tours–complete with a full story of the ride’s creation.

Not a detail was left unexplained as we made our way through the queue–from pointing out Imagineer Easter Eggs to explaining the reason the outdoor set is left unfinished (it’s to mimic the way movie sets work: only what is seen on camera is created!).

Before boarding the attraction, we got to check out the ride system with the lights on (no pictures, sorry–Disney magic!), and learn a bit about the technological design of the attraction. Guests with a strong interest in Imagineering, ride design, and theme park history will definitely adore this part of the experience!

Our next stop was Path of the Jedi, a ten-minute film retelling of the Star Wars canon thus far, from The Phantom Menace through The Last Jedi. This nostalgic offering is only open seasonally for non-tour guests, so getting to view it outside of peak season (in a private theater, no less!) was a real treat.

The longest segment of the tour takes place in the Star Wars Launch Bay–and for good reason. We were given a private screening of The Stars of Star Wars–which introduces the creative minds behind the franchise as it exists today–and were given back door access (no lines for us!) to meet Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, AND BB-8!

Many guests rush right through these areas after enjoying their meet and greet, but we were given a guided tour of what turned out to be a veritable museum. Launch Bay is chock-full of props, costumes, and pieces used in Star Wars films from the prequels to Solo, including the Millennium Falcon model used in flying shots, real prop light sabers from the franchise, and yes, even the ice cream maker infamously carried by an extra in The Empire Strikes Back when George Lucas realized the man needed a prop and grabbed the first high-tech looking device he saw in his trailer.

Remember when I said this tour was immersive? Well… part of that immersion involved joining the First Order ourselves, as we became surprise members of the daily March of the First Order parade! Walking in line behind Captain Phasma, just a few feet from the Stormtroopers… is there any better dream for a fan of the Dark Side? We followed this march all the way to the Chinese Theater stage, where we had VIP viewing spots for the finale of their show waiting for us.

When lunchtime rolled around after the March, we headed off to the Backlot Express, where our food had already been ordered and was ready for us to enjoy in a private room (lunch is included in the price of the tour). We were also surprised to find a few gifts: a Star Wars “traveler” badge, a personalized memory sheet, and a Darth Vader drink holder! More surprises came when our lunch was crashed by more stormtroopers, who harassed us to no end (but made sure to stop for pictures). Lunch was followed by a light saber churro dusted with red sprinkles–yum!

Next, we headed over to One Man’s Dream, gaining some interesting knowledge about the making of Galaxy’s Edge along the way. Did you know that the planet Batuu, where the new land’s outpost is set, was conceptualized as a trading port that became neglected once lightspeed was created, meaning it doesn’t attract many visitors anymore and is falling into abandon? Kinda sounds like another Disney-created city we know of… Radiator Springs, maybe?

We got to check out the scale model of the new land situated inside One Man’s Dream and learn a bit more about the various rides and restaurants that will be offered. I’m interested to see how this aspect of the tour will change once Galaxy’s Edge officially opens in Fall 2019.

Our final experience was a prime viewing location for Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away, a show directly in front of the Chinese Theater that features all of your favorite characters–Darth Maul, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca, BB-8, Stormtroopers, and even Rey! Getting a good view of this stage can be difficult in Disney crowds, so it was nice to have a reserved spot right next to the rope.

All in all, this was a remarkably personalized, thorough look at all of the Star Wars experiences Hollywood Studios has to offer, made even more magical by our incredible tour guides, Hannah and Darion. Their funny anecdotes, high-energy personalities, and limitless knowledge of all things Star Wars gave an already interesting tour that extra dose of magic! Most of the offerings included in this experience can be achieved on your own in an average park day, but a few aspects validate the price of the tour:

Back-door access to experiences, resulting in a zero-minute wait: no waiting in line for Star Tours, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, or BB-8, VIP viewing locations for two live stage shows, and a private screening of two short film offerings.
An included lunch valued at around $20, including an entree, fountain drink, and dessert.
A witty, high-energy, informative VIP tour experience that offers a plethora of Star Wars-related information impossible to easily find from other sources, including behind-the-scenes information about the films, attraction creation stories, and funny anecdotes (Did you know that the sounds of one Disney World attraction can be found in The Force Awakens? You’ll have to go on this tour to find out which one!).

Star Wars Guided Tours are offered for $99, but a current promotion offers a 15% discount to Annual Passholders, DVC members, and Disney Visa cardholders. This exceptional experience is a must for any Star Wars fan!

Jodie Benson, The Voice Ariel, Looks Back On “The Little Mermaid” After 30 Years

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 23, 2019

The movie “The Little Mermaid” swam into theaters on November 17, 1989, which means that it is turning 30 years old this year! Even after all of this time, Jodie Benson who is the voice behind Ariel still gets recognized for her role to this day. She has appeared at various Disney events as well as in the movies bonus features.

Benson recently told TODAY, “I was a chaperone for our daughter, Delaney, at the Junior Theater Festival, and everywhere I went, kids would stop me, and parents would stop me, and they’d go, ‘Oh, my gosh. Do you know you look exactly like the voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson? Do people tell you that?’ I’m like, ‘Yes! That is so weird. Everybody says that to me!’”

Stories From Fans

Over the course of the last 30 years, fans of “The Little Mermaid” have shared some moving stories with Benson. Although she loves to hear where fans where the first time they saw the movie, what they were wearing, what they were feeling, and who they were with, some stories are difficult and painful to hear.

Benson recalled one story that involved a little girl who was a burn victim. She would watch the movie over and over during the full-body skin graft sessions. There are also stories of autistic children connecting to the loss of Ariel’s voice and learning to speak from the movie. Benson has also been told about children in wheelchairs that connected to Ariel because of the loss of legs and gaining the legs. The story is truly magical in that there are bits and pieces that connect with the audience on a universal level.

Jodie Benson’s Memory About Making “The Little Mermaid”

Jodie Benson’s favorite part of making “The Little Mermaid” was recording “Part of Your World” with the film’s late producer and lyricist, Howard Ashman. The two had previously collaborated on “Smile” which was a Broadway musical.

“He really knew how to get everything out of me,” she said. “I kept oversinging the song like I was onstage with 1,500 people. And he’s like, ‘Just less. Less, less, less.’ He goes, ‘I have an idea. Let’s just turn out the lights, sit on a stool, put your head in your hands and just say the words.’ He was so incredibly brilliant, and we lost him way too soon. So every time I sing ‘Part of Your World,’ which is almost every weekend, I go back to that moment, and I remember exactly where I was when I recorded it.”

According to Jodie Benson, Ariel’s greatest quality is her tenacity. “There’s nothing impossible for her,” Benson said. “And that’s who I am. I’m very tenacious. I will knock on a closed door until it slams literally in my face. So that’s how we connect.”

I for one definitely connect with that quality as well. Do you have any stories of how you connect to “The Little Mermaid”? Share them in the comments!

Source: TODAY

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.