An Inside Look at the Despicable Me Character Breakfast at Universal Orlando

By

-

February 12, 2019

Universal Orlando Resort is in the process of a massive expansion to its offerings both inside the parks as well as at its resorts. With new hotels, rides and even rumors of a soon to be announced new park, there’s a lot to check out. One of the many new experiences available to guests is character meals in the parks and hotels. We recently got a chance to experience the Despicable Me Character Breakfast at Lowes Royal Pacific Resort and want to share a look at what guests can expect from the encounter.

The Despicable Me Character Breakfast happens on Saturdays at the beautiful Tahitian room in Royal Pacific. There are currently three seating times available to book, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Your experience begins with check-in at a podium located outside the restaurant. Reservations must be made and paid for in advance and you are required to present your printed out tickets upon arrival. Once checked in, guests are treated to the first special photo opportunity with Gru and one of his Minions.

After the first photo area, guests are escorted to their table inside the restaurant. Tables are arranged by group seating, so your party will be sharing a table with other guests. Once seated, guests are allowed to fill up on a large standard breakfast buffet. The spread included items like eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and of course bananas! Continental breakfast items are offered as well like pastries and fresh fruit. Coffee and juice are also provided.

The meal continues with table-side visits by favorite characters from the popular movie series. Characters are led to each table where every party gets a chance to interact and take photos. While Universal Team Members are on hand to take your photos, you will need to provide them with a camera or phone to use. The characters were fun and the staff made sure that each group had time to interact with them. Our first visit was from Gru himself, followed by the girls (Agnes, Margo, and Edith) and finally one of the silly Minions.

We loved our visit with the characters and found the food to be tasty and fresh. We never felt rushed and would definitely recommend the meal if you have a Minion fan in your family. The Despicable Me Character Breakfast isn’t the only offering of its type at the resort. Guests can also dine with superheroes at the Marvel Character Dinner in Islands of Adventure. Reservations for a Universal Character Meal must be made up to 24 hours in advance. Theme park admission is not required for the Despicable Me Breakfast but is required for the Marvel Character Dinner.

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.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Refurbishment Update

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 12, 2019

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is actually my favorite out of the three All-Star Resorts. The room refurbishments have made the rooms much more functional and utilize the space in quite an innovative way. I recently had the opportunity to stay in one of the newly refurbished rooms and loved every minute of it!

Refurbishment

The room refurbishment is actually quite an extensive one! The carpet has been replaced by wood flooring. Personally, I love this, especially if traveling with kids! The beds are higher and have enough room for storing your suitcases under them.

Speaking of the beds, the double beds have been replaced. There is now a queen-sized bed and a queen-sized pull-down table bed in these rooms. I can attest that both of them are extremely comfortable. The queen-sized pull-down table bed makes the room feel much larger since you can choose to not have it down during the day.

A functional coffee station has been added to the rooms with a coffee maker as well as a beverage chiller. There is also a wall-mounted TV which is honestly enormous! (Seriously, I think that TV is larger than the one that I own!) Mounting the TV on the wall has opened up space for storage on top of the dresser. There are also both outlets as well as USB charging stations found here as well as throughout the room. This simplifies charging your electronic devices at the end of the day.

The room itself has a more modern design with the fixtures that are being utilized in this refurbishment. From the light fixtures to the sink, the room has a more modern feel. The bathroom area is separated from the living area by a sliding barn door. The Disney touches have not been removed from the room. There is a photo of Micky Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck that can be found above the main queen bed. The top of the headboard of the pull-down queen-sized bed has drawings of DuckTales characters Huey, Dewey, and Louie which are just adorable!

The toilet and shower area are separated from the sink area by a pocket door. The pocket door takes up less space than a standard door which utilizes the space beautifully. The shower curtain in the shower has been replaced by a sliding shower door. Shelving has also been added to the sink area which gives guests staying here much more storage space.

Refurbishment Progress

While some of the buildings at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort have been refurbished, others have not. The refurbishment was put on hold in November 2018 and is expected to start back up sometime in 2019. To date, the following buildings are complete with the refurbishment:

Building 6
Building 7
Building 8
Building 9
Building 10

Building 6 and 7 are both Love Bug section and are in the Standard Room category. Building 8 is in the Fantasia section while Buildings 9 and 10 are both in the Toy Story section. These buildings are all considered to be in the Preferred category.

Have you had the opportunity to stay in one of the newly refurbished rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Disney Channel Confirms ‘Zombies’ Sequel Is A Go!

By

Kelly Kerl

-

February 12, 2019

This Spring, the Disney Channel will start production on the highly anticipated sequel to Zombies, Zombies 2! Milo Manheim and Meg Donnally are reprising their roles a Zed, the zombie and Addison, the cheerleader who loves him.

The original Zombies debuted in February 2018 to huge success. It was cable TV’s #1 rated telecast among kids ages 6-11 and tweens ages 9-14 for the year. The movie follows Zed, the zombie football player, and his human cheerleader friend Addison, as they work together to unite two communities in their town of Seabrook.

The sequel will pick up where the last film left off, with the community becoming united (spoiler alert!). However, a new group of outsiders, Werewolves, arrive and threaten to destroy the peace. This causes the budding romance between Zed and Addison to be put in jeopardy once again.

Disney is bringing back writer/producer duo David Light and Joseph Raso for the sequel. Last year, the co-writers earned a nomination for a Humanitas prize for Zombies, honoring the film for inspiring compassion, hope, and understanding.

Zombies 2 is expected out sometime early next year. Until then, you can catch the original film on demand via the DisneyNOW app. Also be sure to check out the soundtrack to the film, that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Children’s chart, and #3 on the iTunes album chart. You can also catch the official music videos on DisneyMusicVEVO.

Who’s ‘fired up’ to see Zombies 2?

Source: Disney Channel

Time for a Disney vacation getaway? 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.

D23 Expo Design Challenge and Mousequerade

By

Heather Adamczak

-

February 12, 2019

D23 EXPO 2017 - Friday, July 14, 2017 - The Ultimate Disney Fan Event - brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (Disney/Image Group LA) MOUSEQUERADE

August 23rd, 2019 D23 will be holding the sixth biennial Expo in Anaheim. It’s the largest Disney fan event in the world, D23 Expo celebrates all the wonderful worlds of The Walt Disney Company under one roof, including the best of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars across film, television, theme parks, products, online, music, live entertainment, and more.

This will be my first time attending and I am excited to share with you that D23 is now taking submissions for this year’s D23 Expo Design Challenge and Mousequerade.

Mousequerade presented by Raw Threads will again have five categories designed to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Ashley Eckstein and Yvette Nicole Brown will be returning to judge the costume contest. Entries are due March 15, and more information is available here. And here are social posts on Facebook and Twitter.

The 2019 D23 Expo Design Challenge is themed to Haunted Mansion, in honor of the Disneyland attraction’s 50^th anniversary this year. Guests are asked to create works of art inspired by and Haunted Mansion and Haunted Mansion-like attractions (e.g. Mystic Manor and Phantom Manor) around the world. The deadline for submissions is March 29. More info is available here. And here are social posts on Facebook and Twitter.

The winner of each contest will receive $2,300!

Let’s book your adventure to Disney! 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.

The Cheerful it’s a small world Collection Is A Colorful Delight

By

Danielle

-

February 12, 2019

Ever since the release of the it’s a small world Spirit Jersey last fall, we’ve been obsessed with the colorful designs. Then we were treated to the fabulous Minnie ears, and now there is a whole it’s a small world Collection to enjoy! Between the Disney Parks and shopDisney there are now so many delights to enjoy inspired by the iconic ride.

Colorful items include a gorgeous hoodie, and coordinating tote bag. Lots of cheerful “it’s a small world” elements come to life as cute characters, and ride designs. I’m really loving the soft blue color, I think it really makes the designs stand out.

Another favorite is the D-Tech phone case featuring the beloved clock face!

The MagicBand is a colorful treat for it’s a small world fans visiting Walt Disney World.

Everything from the ears to the apparel coordinates so wonderfully, that you can mix and match pieces for a perfectly small world outfit.

The colorful it’s a small world Collection is available throughout the Disney World Parks and Resorts, as well as online at shopDisney!

Is A Live-Action Nightmare Before Christmas In The Works?

By

Heather Adamczak

-

February 11, 2019

Word is swirling around the interweb that there is a Nightmare Before Christmas live-action film in the works!

Moviehole is reporting that they a source stating there is talks of developing the film. Tim Burton has said he would have nothing to do with a sequel in the past so we are curious how this would be directed. “Live-Action” would be hard to imagine as well.

Here is Moviehole’s take on the idea:

“Now that doesn’t mean there’s a live-action “Nightmare” movie on the way – would that even work? I don’t know… – it just means that Disney are considering all options for some sort of sequel or follow-up, and one of those is having “Nightmare Before Christmas” go the way of their “Lion King”, “Aladdin” and “Dumbo” remakes and have us humans headline it. No surprise, really.
On the other hand, maybe they’ll give us a standard stop-motion sequel and heck, if they can come up with a script that’s decent, I think fans would much prefer that over seeing an A-lister get about in a skeleton-suit.
Either way, there’s definitely some “Nightmare Before Christmas” talks, and I guess Disney will look at how some of their other returning brands, like the aforesaid live-action remakes, go before locking in their return to Halloweentown.”

What do you think? Is a live-action Nightmare Before Christmas a good idea? Would you go to the movies to see it?

Disney Skyliner Test Run From Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Heather Adamczak

-

February 11, 2019

Disney Skyliner Test Run From Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests visiting Walt Disney World got to witness the beginning test runs of Disney Skyliner back-and-forth between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The new gondola system is opening in Walt Disney World Resort beginning later this fall. The 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.

Let’s book your adventure to Disney! 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 D-Lish Pop-Up Event Promises Awesome Special Surprises

By

Lisette R

-

February 11, 2019

Disney D-Lish Pop-Up Event promises awesome special surprises for attendees. Disney Springs has invited all of us to an interactive event running February 21st-February 24th, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm daily. Be sure to stop by the area near the Disney Style Store to join in the fun!

The invitation was delivered to us, via special delivery, with instructions to conduct an un-boxing video for our Followers. We had no idea what to expect. Inside the Canvas Bag was a pizza box. When we opened the pizza box we discovered a set of four D-Lish collectible pins. Also included in the box, the “You Had Me At Pizza” t-shirt featuring Minnie Mouse holding a heart-shaped pepperoni pizza. Finally, an invitation for all of our Chip and Company Followers to stop by Disney Springs for the fabulous Disney D-Lish Pop-Up Event.

We love attending events and could not be happier that all of you have been invited too! Stop by Disney Springs to discover new merchandise in the D-Lish Line. Special Surprises are promised so be sure to come by and check out this event. We hope to see you there!

Please comment in the box below if you are planning to attend the Disney D-Lish Pop-Up Event.

Cinderella’s Royal Coach is Coming Back Back to Celebrate Valentines Day At Magic Kingdom

By

Heather Adamczak

-

February 11, 2019

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the royal treatment! ?✨#DisneyPhotoPass photographers will capture your fairy-tale memories at Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella’s Coach February 13the through the 15th!

Previously, the coach had come out for a limited time photo opp July 3rd and 4th only where guests could pose for a magical photo in front of Cinderella’s Coach at Magic Kingdom park at the Walt Disney World Resort!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney PhotoPass Service (@disneyphotopass)

Let’s book your adventure to Disney! 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.

Giant Corn-Dog Arrives at The Magic Kingdom

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

February 11, 2019

One of my favorite spots to grab a snack at Walt Disney World is Sleepy Hollow Refreshments at the Magic Kingdom. This walk-up quick service window has become popular for its selection of delectable waffle sandwiches and ice cream. Now there’s even more to love with the addition of a giant corn dog to the menu!

The new giant corn dog is a foot-long hot dog wrapped in a slightly sweet corn batter that has been fried to golden brown perfection. Although it’s not the same as the hand-dipped regular sized corn-dog that appeared at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments a couple of years ago, there’s still a lot to love about its colossal cousin.

The enormous new corn-dog is served with house-made chips to create a pretty full meal. The chips add a nice salty touch that balances the slight sweetness of the corn-dog crust. The flavor of the sizable corn-dog is comparable to the popular mini corn-dogs found at Casey’s Corner on Main Street. So if you’re one of Casey’s many fans, you’re sure to love this hefty new offering. For guests wanting to top off their meal with something sweet, we highly recommend grabbing one of the vanilla ice cream churro sandwiches as well.

The giant footlong corn-dog is available for $10.99 at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments located at the entrance to Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. It’s not eligible for dining plan snack credits (most likely due to its size!).

Are you ready to start your next great adventure at Walt Disney World 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.

February Burger of the Month at The Edison

By

Katelyn G

-

February 11, 2019

This month, The Edison’s Burger of the Month is full of cheesy deliciousness. The “The Mozzarella Madness Burger” is composed of the signature Edison blend of sirloin, short rib, and brisket. This monstrous sandwich is topped with crispy fried mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce paired with a side of tater tots.

The Edison is a relatively new dining location in Disney Springs that serves classic American dishes in a 1920’s industrial atmosphere. This location is family friendly for lunch and dinner but turns to exclusively 21+ after 10 pm with a required dress code. Adults can enjoy cocktails while listening to live music and watching aerialists and contortionists in a more “burlesque” inspired setting.

The Edison has debuted a new burger of the month since April 2018. Make sure to stay up-to-date and keep an eye out for next month!

To make reservations at The Edison, visit https://www.theedisonfla.com/ or call 407-560-9288.

Source: Disney.

Interested in trying the Mozzarella Madness Burger? Me too!

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.

Select Universal Studios Orlando Resorts Offer Universal Express Unlimited Pass!

By

Brittney Hughes

-

February 11, 2019

The Universal Orlando Resort has some incredible on-site hotel options. They range in theming, pricing and amenities offered. When it’s time to book my client’s vacations, however, I always start with the three legacy hotels. Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay and Loews Royal Pacific offer something that the other Universal Orlando hotels do not: the Universal Express Unlimited Pass.

Think of the Express Pass as a way to jump the line on nearly all attractions in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventures. Rides and shows that offer the Express Pass will have a separate queue for you to enter. Flash your Express Pass and walk past all of the park guests waiting in the standby line. And before you ask, the Express Pass is valid in the Wizarding World on rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts!

The three legacy hotels are different in personality, so you should easily be able to find one that appeals to you.

Loews Portofino Bay – Just like it’s namesake in Italy, this resort makes you feel like you are on the streets of Europe! Quaint cobblestone streets, live music and gelato welcome you home at Loews Porotfino Bay.

Hard Rock Hotel – The good times never end at this hip resort. To channel your inner celebrity, book the Future Rock Star Suite! You can even have your room card cut into a guitar pick here!

Loews Royal Pacific – This resort typically prices lower than the other two, so it is a good option for families on a budget. Indulge in an island vacation without flying around the world! There’s a lagoon and sandy white beach to relax in after a long day of theme park fun.

If you book your stay at one of these three hotels, the express pass will be given to you at check-in with your room key. I find that wearing a lanyard is the most convenient way to carry your express pass so that you don’t have to keep getting it out of your wallet or purse at each attraction.

The Universal Express Unlimited Pass gives you the ability to see and do more during your time at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure! Are you ready to book your trip today?

Image Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Ready to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? 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!