Mobile Ordering Gets A Brand New Look

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February 1, 2019

If you ask me, one of the best advances in technology to enter the parks in recent years has been the ability to Mobile Order from your smartphone. Saving time by getting exactly what you want, without waiting in line, is so perfect for a busy park go-er. Now that the system has been fully integrated with online payment and use of the Disney Dining Plan credits, it’s hard to think there was room for improvement.

Now, my favorite feature is getting a makeover! Launching soon, the newest version of mobile ordering gives us a fresh and more streamlined look. Colorful icons and real photos of menu items are a few of the updates noticed at first glace. Once you place your order, guests will also be able to customize menu items to their liking and filter the menu for food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have over 20 participating locations where you can use the Mobile Ordering feature. Simply log-in to your account and select the location you’d like to order from. Fill out what you’d like and customize your options. You can pay with your credit card or Disney Dining Plan credits (where applicable). You’ll be given a window of time when you can pick up your food order. Once you’re ready, tap “I’m Here” on your app to indicate you’ve arrived to pick up your order. You’ll receive a notification when your food is at the window. Easy peasy! No waiting in line with your starving kiddos. You can plan ahead while you’re waiting for your next FastPass, or while watching a parade.

The updated Mobile Ordering features are available now for the Disneyland App, and will be launching soon on the My Disney Experience App for Walt Disney World!

Have you used Mobile Ordering? What is your favorite dining location with the service?

Ready to experience Disney 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.

Epcot Reusable Shopping Bags Now Available

By

Sarah Johnston

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February 1, 2019

Epcot Reusable Shopping Bags Now Available

Throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland, reusable shopping bags are starting to pop up around the parks. Disney is committed to reducing single-use plastics around all their parks and resorts worldwide. Epcot is the latest park to begin selling the reusable bags. The bags range from $1.00 – $2.00.

Currently available at Mouse Gears, the Epcot reusable bags are available in three sizes. The gray, black, and white bags feature iconic Epcot attractions such as Mission: Space, the monorail, Spaceship Earth, and World Showcase.

The small Epcot reusable bags are $1.00.

The medium bags cost $1.50.

Large Epcot reusable bags cost $2.00.

Reusable bags are already available for purchase at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom in all three sizes. The traditional plastic bags are currently still available and will be until they’re gone. At that time, your only option will be to purchase a bag to bring your souvenirs home. Reusable bags have not arrived in Magic Kingdom yet. We’ll keep you posted once they arrive.

Are you excited about the new Epcot reusable shopping bags? I personally love all three bags and can certainly put them to good use when I return home. These bags would be great to re-use for gift bags as well. I may have found my new souvenirs to collect during my next trip to Walt Disney World!

Ready to start planning your next magical getaway? Let’s get yours booked today! 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 or fill out and submit the form below

Disney Will Hold Super Bowl Parade On February 4th

By

Kelly Kerl

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February 1, 2019

The Super Bowl festivities are well underway for the big game in Atlanta on Sunday night. As the Los Angeles Rams take on the New England Patriots, the Vince Lombardi trophy isn’t the only prize on the line. The winning team’s “Player of the Game” will be leading the way down Main Street, U.S.A. on Monday afternoon.

If the Los Angeles Rams win, the parade will take place in Disneyland in California. But, if the New England Patriots come out victorious, the parade will be held at the Magic Kingdom, in Florida. Exact details of the location and time of the parade will be announced immediately following Sunday night’s festivities. The winning team’s participating members will be “Goin’ to Disney World!” (or Disneyland!).

The parade is expected to take place on Monday, February 4th, immediately prior to the parks afternoon parade. In the Magic Kingdom, this would be just before the 3 pm Festival of Fantasy Parade. Over in Disneyland, it would be just prior to the performance of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade.

Can’t make it to the parks on Monday? No worries! The Player of the Game Parade will also be streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog and their Facebook page.

Special Vacation Package for Super Bowl Winners

Fans of the winning team who plan to visit Walt Disney World in the near future are in luck! Disney’s Swan & Dolphin recently announced a special celebratory package, available exclusively to the winning team’s fans.

Who are you cheering for in Super Bowl LIII? Will you be attending the special Super Bowl Parade? Let us know in the comments!

Ready to experience Disney 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.

Drop the Mic Features The Muppets

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 1, 2019

Growing up, I always loved the Muppets. In fact, Muppet*Vision 3D may just be my favorite show at Hollywood Studios. I honestly can’t watch it enough!

If you are a fan of the Muppets like me, then you are going to want to check out the latest episode of Drop the Mic! Drop the Mic started as a segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden however it quickly became its own spin-off. It is hosted by rapper and actor Method Man and Hailey Beiber. Joshua Silverstein provides the original beats for each rap battle.

Episode 2 of Season 3 aired on January 30, 2019 and included a rap battle between two teams of Muppets. It was Kermit the Frog and Pepé versus Miss Piggy and Beaker. This matchup does not disappoint! Kermit the Frog stays true to himself and is overly kind. He goes as far to say that he is sure that both Miss Piggy and Beaker “will both be great”! Miss Piggy brings the heat and refers to Kermit the Frog as a “glorified tea-sipping meme”. (I think we all know the one that she is referring to!) Luckily for us, both Pepé and Beaker understand the concept of the show. Kermit tries to smooth things over but ends up offending Miss Piggy. In the end, Miss Piggy and Beaker definitely deserved to bring home the bacon – uh, I mean the golden mic!

If you have not already seen the clip, you must watch it below!

Source: Drop the Mic

Would you like to experience Walt Disney World? I would love to help you with your vacation planning! 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 and I specialize in Disney Destinations. These include Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. I am also certified in Universal Orlando Resort and a Certified Sandals Specialist to name a few. My planning services are FREE with booking, no matter your vacation destination. Contact me today to get started on your vacation plans! You can call or text 908-773-0930. You can also email me at [email protected], follow me on Facebook or fill out the form below.

Vampirina Joins the Disney Junior Dance Party! At Disney California Adventure Park Today

By

Sarah Johnston

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February 1, 2019

Vampirina Joins the Disney Junior Dance Party! At Disney California Adventure Park Today

Guests visiting Disney California Adventure Park are in for a treat. Beginning today, Vampirina is joining in on the fun at the popular Disney Junior Dance Party. This high energy live show features your favorite Disney Junior characters. Join in the fun and welcome Vampirina to the party.

Perfect for preschoolers and kids, the Disney Junior Dance Party! encourages singing and dancing. Bring your dancing shoes and party with Finn Fiesta and DJ Deejay. Your little ones will be up their feet in no time. During this 18-minute interactive show, be on the lookout for visits by Doc McStuffins, and Timon from, “The Lion Guard”. Racing over to the party is Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from, “Mickey and the Roadster Racers”. Lastly, the newest character to bring some high energy and fun, Vampirina, from the hit show on Disney Junior, “Vampirina”.

Don’t miss Vampirina and the rest of the characters at the Disney Junior Dance Party! Pack your dancing shoes and favorite party clothes and dance your day away. Your kiddos will love this show and it’s a perfect break from the sun. Check your My Disney Experience App for daily show times. Join in the fun and watch as your kiddo’s party and dance with there favorite characters.

Source: Disney

Ready to start planning your next magical getaway? Let’s get yours booked today! 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 or fill out and submit the form below.

New Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket Has Floated Into the Magic Kingdom

By

Danielle

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February 1, 2019

Who doesn’t love the whimsy and fun of Mickey Balloons? An adorable new Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket has floated into Magic Kingdom, and carried us away in excitement! Our friend Monica found her’s over in Adventureland, but they are POPping up at popcorn carts around Magic Kingdom today.

This popcorn bucket is simply too cute for words. Shaped like the regular Mickey balloon popcorn bucket, this one has a twist with black ears, and classic red Mickey shorts. Yellow Mickey shoes dance along a white carrying strap, that is connected to the bucket by white Mickey gloves too!

You can find this delightful new Mickey Balloon Popcorn Bucket for $18.00 at select popcorn Kiosks throughout the Magic Kingdom! I know the next novelty Disney souvenir on my must have list.

Happy Snacking!

Special thanks to our friend Monica Pena-Kolar for the pictures!

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Casting Call

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 1, 2019

What’s better than just visiting one of the many Disney Parks? How about getting engaged or married at one!

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings has been bringing us a glimpse of real-life couples living their very own fairy tale weddings since May 2017.

Some great news has just been released for those wanting to be on this show. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is now searching for adult couples of all backgrounds and cultures with varied traditions who dream of getting married or proposed at one of the Disney Park locations. The casting is for Summer 2019 or specifically between May and August 2019. If this applies to you, you can apply HERE.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings (@disneysfairytaleweddingstv)

Make sure you are prepared with photos as well as a short (30-45 second) introduction video of the two of you. These are needed to complete your application. Congratulations and good luck to everyone who applies for this casting call!

If the casting dates do not work for you but you would like to get married or engaged at a Disney Park, you should check out the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons website. Locations from which you can choose include Florida, California, Hawaii and of course a cruise!

Source: Instagram

Galaxy’s Edge an Imagineer’s Take on Buliding Batuu

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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February 1, 2019

Take a look at the construction going on at Disneyland with an Imagineer! Have you ever wondered what is it like to work on creating the highly anticipated Star Wars Land? While often talked about, the Disney Imagineering team rarely on stage sharing their roles. Anticipation is building for the Star Wars additions at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. As renderings and construction updates are released fans get more and more excited, and often forget all that goes into a project of this scope. In the Every Role A Starring Role series construction manager Kristina Dewberry gives us an inside look at what it is like to be an Imagineer for Galaxy’s Edge. The short video gives us a glance into what is often described by many as a dream job. With a backdrop of Batuu Dewberry gives us a sneak peek into the construction on the area and her day in the life.

Kristina has been with Disney Imagineering for 10 years. The most recent years of her career have been spent working on the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge project as a logistics manager. Her day focuses on making sure anything that comes or goes from the construction of Galaxy’s Edge does so in a safe and efficient manner. So what does a typical day look like for a construction manager for Batuu? First things first, there is no typical day and communication is critical to the success of the project.

Check out the video to learn more about Kristina Dewberry’s role and a behind the construction walls look at Batuu.

The Walt Disney Company has Cast Members for so many different roles. From parks and resorts to corporate positions, Imagineering, television and film, operations, and many, many more roles throughout the world. What is your dream role with the Walt Disney Company?

Source: Disney

Be one of the first to see Galaxy’s Edge!! Let’s start planning your stress-free magical and memorable Disney vacation! Contact me today at 864-214–5981 or [email protected]. As a Travel Advisor with the official travel partner of Chip & Company, Key to the World Travel (An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner) I provide no-obligation quotes and complementary booking and planning services. Join my Facebook page to learn more about the travel services I provide.

Artist Appearances in Disneyland February and March 2019

By

Laura Mason

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February 1, 2019

Disneyland is bringing artists to the area for an artist showcase and signing. The event takes place in February and March. Disneyland is asking that you do not bring any personal items to be signed, but each guest is allowed two items signed. A valid Disneyland Resort receipt may be required as proof of purchase before artists will sign an item.

Artist in Resident
Gabby Zapata will be at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, February 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24. She will be present from 5 pM to 9PM on those dates.

Rebecca Hook Trunk Show
Rebecca will be at Disney Dress Drop in the Downtown Disney District, February 8 and 9 from 11 AM to 7 PM.
She offers amazing, sparkly Disney-themed jewelry.

Doll artisan Linda Rick Showcase
February 8, 9, and 10, Linda Rick will be inside China Closet, Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland Park. Stop by and admire the work of Linda Rick and select the perfect addition for your personal collection.

WonderGround Gallery Artist Showcase and Signing
John Coulter, June Kim, and Gabby Zapata will all be at the Gallery on February 17 from 11 AM – 1 PM.

Artisan of the Month – Eunjung June Kim
Come visit Eunjung June Kim at WonderGround Gallery from 1 PM – 4 PM on February 16, 17, 23, and/or 24.

As always, separate theme park admission is required for entry into Disneyland. If you’re ready to meet and visit with these outstanding artists, it’s time to get your Disneyland Resort Package taken care of! There’s a lot happening at the Disneyland Resort in 2019.

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 here and/or follow me on Facebook.

2019 runDisney Virtual Series Themed 80 Years of Marvel

By

Laura Mason

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February 1, 2019

It’s time to lace your running shoes and hit the pavement! The 4th annual runDisney Virtual Series kicks off June 1st – August 31st, 2019. Each year is themed and this year is celebrating 80 Years of Marvel!

For the first time ever, the runDisney Virtual Series will be using Captain Marvel, Iron Man, and Black Panther as their themes. Registration will open May 7th at 10:00am EST on the runDisney website. You have the choice of participating in one of the three Marvel-themed 5Ks or participating in all three to earn a bonus Challenge medal! Each “race” is completed on your own, at home (or wherever you choose.)

You get to choose the location of your runs. They can be done in your neighborhood, on your treadmill, or any location! While the distance equalling a 5k or 3.1 miles does need to be completed per challenge, you are able to do this at your own pace! So come on! Grab your favorite workout buddy, family member, or dog, and get geared up to participate in the 4th annual runDisney Virtual Series summer 2019.

I love the runDisney Virtual Series because it’s a great way to bring runDisney to my home. It’s also a fantastic way for new participants to “get their feet wet” in the ‘Disney running world.’ –as I like to call it myself. This can be awesome for new participants as well as seasoned runners.

Themes for the 2019 runDisney Virtual Series are:

*Virtual June 5K – Captain Marvel
*Virtual July 5K – Iron Man
*Virtual August 5K – Black Panther
*Challenge – Marvel 80th Anniversary

What’s really neat about the Virtual Series, also, is that you still get a medal! In addition to the medal, you will also receive a digital race bib and a finisher certificate. Furthermore, challenge participants will have the opportunity to purchase commemorative Challenge items, which will be revealed at a later date!

Photo copyright runDisney.

Have you ever been interested in a runDisney event? I’ve participated in almost every single event, and would love to talk with you more about them.

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, fill out the form below, email me here and/or follow me on Facebook.

February 2019 Walt Disney World Refurbishments

By

Heather Adamczak

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February 1, 2019

Walt Disney World has begun refurbishment on many attractions to continue the enhancements throughout the parks. Take a look at the current list of closures and refurbishments ongoing at the parks.

Magic Kingdom Park
Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.	Ongoing until further notice
Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A.	Early December 2018 – Until further notice
Tomorrowland Speedway	Early January 2019 – mid-May 2019
Peter Pan’s Flight	Early January 2019 – Early February 2019
Liberty Square Riverboat	January 8, 2018 – TBD
Epcot
None
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
None
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Kali River Rapids	Early January 2019 – late March 2019
Rafiki’s Planet Watch Starting October 21, 2018, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Wildlife Express will be unavailable to Guests. In the meantime, our world-class animal care will still continue behind the scenes. Please check back for updates.	Oct. 21, 2018 – Until further notice

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Closed for Refurbishment	January 6, 2019 – March 16, 2019
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
None

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Big Blue Pool The Big Blue Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, other pool and recreation offerings will remain open-including Flippin’ Fins Pool, Cozy Cone Pool and the Schoolyard Sprayground. Noise may be heard while this work is being completed, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.	Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020
Disney Skyliner We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.	Ongoing until further notice
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Disney Skyliner We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.	Ongoing until further notice
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney Skyliner We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time, multiple construction projects will be seen and heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00am.	Ongoing until further notice
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
General Construction/Rooms Refurbishment During this time, amenities including dining locations (such as the newly reimagined Rix Sports Bar and Grill) and merchandise locations, pools, La Vida Health Club with the spa and salon, and recreation activities such as beach volleyball, Iguana Arcade, Movies Under the Stars and more, will remain available. Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is undergoing refurbishments, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms prior to 9:00am daily.	Ongoing until further notice
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Hippy Dippy Pool The Hippy Dippy Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests can use the Bowling Pool, Computer Pool and the kiddie pool. Also, Movies Under the Stars will be offered in an alternate location. Guests may notice construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but the noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.	January 2020 – Early Spring 2020
Disney Skyliner We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.	Ongoing until further notice
Best Western, Lake Buena Vista
General Construction Best Western Lake Buena Vista is currently undergoing refurbishments to make exciting updates to the hotel. Work will be limited to the hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM during the week and occasionally on weekends. All hotel amenities are available and every precaution is being taken to minimize any disruptions during your stay.	Ongoing until December 2020

Disney Springs
None

Golf Courses
None

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Roadwork Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.	Ongoing until further notice

Disneyland Paris Refurb and Closures for February 2019

By

Chip

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February 1, 2019

We all dislike when our favorite Rides or Attractions have to close, especially when we have an upcoming trip to the parks. Sometimes an update, fresh coat of paint or more is needed to keep our favorite things going at the Disney theme parks.

Here is the current list of Refurb and Closures at Disneyland Paris for February 2019 and beyond.

Autopia : closure on 5 November 2018 – reopening in 2019

Riverboat Landing : from 5 January to 8 February 2019

Cars Race Rally : closing on January 7 2019 – reopening in 2019

Crush’s Coaster : from 7 January to 8 February 2019

Casey Jr – Le Petit Train du Cirque : from 7 January to 8 February 2019

Le Pays des Contes de Fée : from 7 January to 8 February 2019

Pocahontas Indian Village : from 10 January to 1 March, 2019

La Tanière du Dragon : from 21 January to 8 February 2019

Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups : from 11 to 22 March 2019

Big Thunder Mountain : from 11 to 22 March 2019

Dumbo : from 11 March to 31 May 2019

Phantom Manor : reopening Spring 2019

Stitch Live! : from 13 May to 28 June 2019

To allow for the creation of new exciting experiences as part of the Walt Disney Studios Park development plan, note that the following attractions will definitely close under their current form:

Armageddon Special Effects: from April 1, 2019

Disney Jr Live on Stage : from April 1, 2019

Rock’n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith : from September 2, 2019

For a most up to date list please check disneylandparis.com