Magic Kingdom’s Club 33 Is Now Visible Without Scrims

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September 7, 2018

Magic Kingdom's Club 33

Hi, Chip and Co fans! We stopped by Adventureland for a quick peek at the construction progress of the future Magic Kingdom’s Club 33 location happening at the Adventureland Veranda. We were happily surprised to see that the large green scrim walls that previously lined the walkways have disappeared.

Magic Kingdom's Club 33 Is Now Visible Without Scrims

As you can see the construction has extended all the way to the entrance bridge to Adventureland. Both the location of the structure and that it is two stories, is going to give Club 33 members a great climate-controlled view of Happily Ever After at Cinderella Castle!

Magic Kingdom's Club 33 Is Now Visible Without Scrims

Once complete, there will be a total of four Club 33 locations at Walt Disney World – one in each of the four parks. Currently, the location inside Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are open. The location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is still under construction as well.

As reported by Orlando Theme Park News, this Club 33 location will be known as Captain’s Quarters. The lounge will be themed after Skipper Canteen and will actually be using a dining room originally built for the restaurant when it opened back in 2015.

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote (or fill out the form below) from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Contact me today to start planning your magical Disney vacation. As an agent with MickeyTravels (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Find me on Facebook or feel free to email me with any Disney vacation questions at [email protected]

Dedicated Support Contacts Announced for Annual Passholders

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2018

Dedicated support contacts announced for Annual Passholders! Are you a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder? Then, I have some good news to pass along. As part of Disney’s new V.I.PASSHOLDER program, they have rolled out dedicated lines of communication just for Annual Passholders to ask questions and get support.

Now, Annual Passholders can contact Disney directly via these three avenues:

Contact Disney directly at 407-WDW-PASS (407-939-7277)
Access a Cast Member via an online chat option while logged into your My Disney Experience account that has an Annual Pass linked. You can access that function by CLICKING HERE.
If you have a need or question that isn’t as time-sensitive, Annual Passholders can now fill out an online form. Once the form is completed, an email will be sent to a Cast Member who will then respond. To access that form, please CLICK HERE.

These new dedicated contact options for contacting Disney are just one of several new ways Disney continues to enhance the experience for Annual Passholders. Also announced as part of the V.I.PASSHOLDER program is the V.I.PASSHOLDER Nights and Play Big Mornings at Toy Story Land.

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World? There are some amazing Annual Passholder discounts available for this Fall and beyond! Fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Don’t Miss the Amorette’s Patisserie Fall Treats Now Available

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 7, 2018

Amorette's Patisserie Fall Treats

Fall is in the air! And there are some wonderful Amorette’s Patisserie Fall Treats for you to try! You won’t want to miss them so head on over to Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort and grab one – or more! – today!

Don't Miss the Amorette's Patisserie Fall Treats Now Available

First up is this beautiful Fall Harvest Petit Cake. Amorette’s Patisserie is known for their Petit Cakes and this Fall Harvest Petit Cake is a winner! It is a cinnamon and nutmeg chiffon cake, layered with Calvados salted caramel mousse, cranberry cherry pate de fruit, and roasted hazelnuts! You can get one for $16.

Don't Miss the Amorette's Patisserie Fall Treats Now Available

And then there is the Apricot Peach Verrine! This is Dulcey chocolate mousse, buttermilk panna cotta, apricot gelee, and garnished with sugared almonds! Grab one for $8.

Don't Miss the Amorette's Patisserie Fall Treats Now Available

And we always love the macaroons at Amorette’s Patisserie. Isn’t this Pumpkin Mickey Macaroon adorable?! It is made with white chocolate ganache and flavored with pumpkin purees and pumpkin spice. They are $5.

Amorette’s Patisserie is also serving up a Apple Cider Riesling Wine Slushie this season! Nothing screams falls like apple cider but a slushie is nice because Florida weather is still a “little warm” this time of year!

There are so many delicious fall treats at Amorette’s Patisserie right now that you’ll want to make a stop on your next visit to Disney Springs!

There are so many amazing treats to eat and drink at the Walt Disney World Resort that you’ll want to try them all. Let one of the amazing travel experts at MickeyTravels help you plan the Disney World vacation of your dreams – and make sure you can experience all the tasty goodness for yourself! They will work with you to make sure every Magical details is though of – the only thing you’ll need to do is decide which of the amazing food and drink items you will want to try first! Click HERE for your No Obligations Free Quote (or use the form below)!

The Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee For a Spooky Disney Game Night

By

Danielle

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September 7, 2018

Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee

The Nightmare Before Christmas celebrates it’s 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate shopDisney has fun commemorative items like the Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee game! This frightfully fun game is a great way to add a spooky theme to your next Disney family game night too.

The Nightmare Before Christmas 25 Years Yahtzee

Add a fright to game night and celebrate 25 years of The Nightmare Before Christmas. This special anniversary edition of Yahtzee features many of our favorite characters, including the Mayor, Oogie Boogie, Sally, and the Pumpkin King himself.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee For a Spooky Disney Game Night

The game includes dice with images of iconic characters from the movie, a Jack Skellington shaped Yahtzee cup, and score papers with Jack’s familiar wicked grin. The dice can be stored in the Jack Yahtzee cup and sit out as a decorative accent too! Add the Tower of Terror Clue game and you’ll have a frightfully fun Halloween inspired Disney Game night for sure!

Would you host a Halloween inspired game night with the Nightmare Before Christmas Yahtzee game?

Ariel Inspired Mermaid Cupcake Now Available At All Star Music

By

Danielle

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September 6, 2018

Ariel Inspired Mermaid Cupcake

Guests visiting the All Star Music Resort in Walt Disney World can go under the sea for a very special treat. A new Ariel Inspired Mermaid Cupcake is available at the Intermission Food Court. This cupcake is decked out in Ariel colors, and has mini candy pearls on top.

Ariel Inspired Mermaid Cupcake Now Available At All Star Music

The mermaid cupcake is made with vanilla cake, and vanilla buttercream frosting. The main whip of the frosting is coated in tiny nonpareil pearls in a green color that matches Ariel’s fin. A swoop of red ruffles over the top like Ariel’s flowing red hair. Lastly two purple chocolates shaped like the shells Ariel wears top off this cupcake like a pair of Minnie ears! This cupcake is only available at the Intermission Food Court of All Star Music for the month of September! You make this snack part of your world for $5.99.

Ariel Inspired Mermaid Cupcake Now Available At All Star Music

Mermaid seems to be the trend entering fall, as other Mermaid Cupcakes are also popping up around Disney Property. This is a lot like the Unicorn inspired treats did this summer.

Will you be trying this Ariel Inspired Mermaid Cupcake on your next visit to Disney’s All Star Music Resort?

New Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Mug At Magic Kingdom

By

Danielle

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September 6, 2018

Mine Train Souvenir Mug

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to refill my drink I go! You can now find this super cute Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Mug at Magic Kingdom! This mug is available at Pinocchio Village Haus with a fountain drink, or a slush, so you can whistle while you play around the Magic Kingdom.

New Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Mug At Magic Kingdom

The souvenir mug is inspired by the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. The mug has a green handle and lid for portability around the parks, and a colorful wrap design. The design showcases the Mine Train racing off around the tracks, with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, and Goofy merrily riding along.

New Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Mug At Magic Kingdom

Of course we can’t have a 7D mug without one of the dwarfs! Doc surveys a sparkling gem while Mickey and the Pals ride the rails. You can get the cup with a fountain drink for $10.28, or a slush for $13.38.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Mug can be purchased at the Pinocchio Village Haus in the Magic Kingdom.

Don’t forget to whistle while you work!

Disney World Workers Vote For Historic Wage Increase

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2018

Disney World Workers Vote For Historic Wage Increase

Walt Disney World union employees voted almost unanimously to approve a new contract – including an historic wage increase.

Today was the final day of voting by Walt Disney World union employees on a new contract. This newly approved contract will increase the starting minimum wage for almost half of the parks’ employees to $15 per hour over span of the next three years.

This new contract came out of months of negotiations between Disney and the unions. The last time the unions voted on a proposed contract they almost unanimously voted to reject it. That was back in December of 2017.

Also as a part of this new contract will be a $1,000 bonus for workers from the six union involved in the negotiations. With this new contract, however, Disney will be allowed to utilize more part-time employees. Disney will also be able to utilized more random drug testing.

“Our 50 percent wage increase will have a real, meaningful impact on our Cast and their families—and is part of our commitment to the thousands of Cast Members who make magic for our guests each and every day,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Increasing wages for Cast Members represents a significant investment in Central Florida, and will provide a powerful boost to the local economy.”

Walt Disney World employees began voting yesterday and the voting was over today at 6pm EST. 13,673 Cast Members turned out to vote on this history-making contract over the two day period. Of those who voted, 116 employees voted against the contract. Meaning 13,557 Walt Disney World Cast members, or 99.15% of those who cast a vote did so to approve this contract.

Orlando Weekly was in the room when the results were announced. Check out the video capture here:

Here are more specifics of the new contract, straight from Disney:

This industry-leading shift to $15 an hour will be phased in over the next three years beginning in December when starting pay for hourly, non-tipped Cast Members will increase to $11 an hour. In March 2019, starting rates will rise to $12 an hour; $13 an hour in September 2019; $14 an hour in October 2020; and finally, $15 an hour in October 2021.

Eligible Cast Members will also receive retroactive pay of 50 cents an hour or 3 percent, whichever is greater, dating back to Sept. 24, 2017; they will also receive a one-time, $1,000 bonus. Additionally, the increase will substantially raise the earning potential of current Cast Members whose pay is already above $10 an hour, giving them at least $4.75 an hour more by October 2021.

This collective bargaining agreement runs through October 2022.

Union representatives are considering this a pretty big win today! And knowing how much of an influence the Walt Disney World Resort has over the Orlando area and the other theme parks found there, it is possible to see the impact of this vote spread beyond Disney.

Source: Orlando Weekly

Source: ClickOrlando.com

New Permit Hints at Changes to Toy Story Land

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2018

Yesterday, Disney filed a notice of commencement with the Orange County Comptroller hinting at changes coming to Toy Story Land. As you can see below, the address on the permit is “555 Stage Lane Bay Lake, FL 32830,” which is a backstage road at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that runs to the north and south of Toy Story Land.

A notice of commencement is filed right before work is scheduled to begin on a project. These notices last one year unless otherwise noticed. The one filed above does not have a date noted on it.

Even though the address noted on the notice is closest to the Toy Story Land. it could be tied to another project going on at the Park. Here is a list of ideas on what the notice of commencement might mean:

Additional theming being added to one of the three rides in Toy Story Land. The company listed on notice is MAD Creative Fabrication which known for working on small, art-related projects. With this company being involved, it is most likely that new pieces might be being added to one of the rides in the Land.
Additional shaded might be added to Toy Story Land. One of the only downsides to Toy Story Land is the lack of shade. Could a new type of shade cover be added? We will have to wait and see!
Even though the road is closest to Toy Story Land, the permit could indicate that work is going to be done on another attraction inside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s not likely, as another address could have been used but it’s nothing to rule out at this time.
The notice could signal some additional work being done at the Chinese Theater for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad. It is possible the fabrication company might be designing something for the queue of the ride that is scheduled to open in 2019.
The notice of commencement could be related to the ongoing construction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. MAD Fabrication has previously done work for Star Wars along with Pixar in the past. They could be working on something for the new Star Wars Land or even the existing Launch Bay.

What do you think the notice of commencement means? I am leaning towards work at Toy Story Land due to the address listed on the permit. I hope it would be the addition of some shaded areas but think it will just be additional theming for one of the rides. We will just have to wait and see at this point!

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World? Fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Shanghai Disney Resort To Lead Shanghai Tourism Festival’s Parade With “Mouse Party” Float

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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September 6, 2018

“Mouse Party” Float

The Shanghai Tourism Festival kicks off again this year on September 15, 2018, and Shanghai Disney Resort will once again be participating in this fantastic event that stretches across the city of the city of Shanghai. This will be Disney’s fifth consecutive year appearing in the festival and will mark the occasion by leading the float parade with its newly designed float – “Mouse Party”. The brand new float is designed to be a magnificent celebration, led by the most renowned mouse in the world – Mickey Mouse – bringing an authentic Disney party wherever it goes, sharing happiness and excitement with visitors from China and across the globe.

“With Shanghai attracting millions of tourists every year, we are so proud to see that Shanghai Disney Resort has rapidly become one of the country’s most popular destinations, benefiting significantly from the success of the city’s booming tourism industry,” said Philippe Gas, general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort. “The theme of this year’s float is ‘Celebration’, and we look forward to helping our guests celebrate many of their important milestones with us for years to come.”

A number of colorful party elements will draw the audience into the float’s immersive and festive feel, including glowing stars, Mickey-shaped balloons, a huge spinning cake with Mickey features, and an illuminated castle made of party hats in various sizes and colors incorporated into the design. To top it all off, Mickey will also appear at the center of the float surrounded by his pals Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

The entire float will also be adorned with gifts from Mickey and his pals, wrapped with supersized red ribbons, helping to bring the celebratory atmosphere to local residents and millions of TV viewers across China. Twenty of Disney’s energetic performers will also be dancing alongside the float to the hit song “It Began with a Mouse”, introducing festival attendees and parade spectators to the magic and legend of Mickey Mouse.

2018 will mark the fifth consecutive time Shanghai Disney Resort has participated in the Shanghai Tourism Festival, with each float proving to be a huge hit with all in attendance. The resort was recognized as an “Excellent Organizer” last year, following its “Best Performance” award in 2016 and “Most Popular Float of the Year” award in both 2014 and 2015.

The “Mouse Party” Float will make its debut on Saturday, September 15 at the 2018 Shanghai Tourism Festival’s Grand Opening Parade. Then, from September 16 through October 6, the float will cross the city, bringing the celebration to several areas of Shanghai and allowing more residents and tourists to get a taste of the Disney’s magic.

On October 6, the 2018 Shanghai Tourism Festival’s closing ceremony will be held at Shanghai Disney Resort’s Disneytown for the first time ever. Featuring an extension of the Disney experience, Disneytown is a unique destination for dining, shopping or catching a Broadway show.

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote (or fill out the form below) from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Contact me today to start planning your magical Disney vacation. As an agent with MickeyTravels (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services are FREE? Find me on Facebook or feel free to email me with any Disney vacation questions at [email protected]

Actor Burt Reynolds Passed Away at the Age of 82

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 6, 2018

Burt Reynolds Passed Away

The entertainment industry lost a legend today. Actor Burt Reynolds passed away at the age of 82. The Michigan native, who spent the better part of 60 years entertaining the world suffered a cardiac arrest according to his agent, Todd Eisner.

It’s hard to a career as big and wide reaching as Reynolds without touching Disney in some way. His Disney roles include appearing as himself in the 1988 Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectacular and appearing in Mickey’s 60th Birthday.

He also worked with Disney’s subsidiary, Buena Vista Television, subsidiary on the Win, Lose or Draw gameshow. This family friendly show was based off game nights held at his house with a set modeled after his living room. Reynolds served as co-producer along with with host Bert Convy, BVTV and game show veteran Richard S. Kline. From 1987 to 1989 the show aired on NBC with a syndicated edition running until 1990. From 1989 until 1992 Teen Win, Lose, or Draw aired on Disney Channel with a revival in 2014.

But when I think of Burt Reynolds and Disney I must admit I go straight to “Planes: Fire & Rescue.” In that animated film Burt Reynolds was spoofed as the character Boat Reynolds although he does not speak.

Finally, Reynolds is mentioned in Herbie Goes Bananas and played the role of Judge Walter Burns in the 1999 Hollywood Pictures film, distributed by Buena Vista Pictures, “Mystery, Alaska.”

All of us at Chip and Co send our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and coworkers of this legendary entertainer. You will be missed Burt Reynolds.

Source: CNN and IMDB

Photo Credit: THR

Loungefly Disney Mini Backpacks Available On shopDisney Now

By

Danielle

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September 6, 2018

The stylish new Loungefly Disney Mini Backpacks they debuted at the Disney Parks this summer, are no available online! Even the Haunted Mansion backpack that sold out. There are even matching wallets to coordinate with.

Haunted Mansion Mini Backpack by Loungefly and Haunted Mansion Wallet by Loungefly

You’ll wonder if the room is actually stretching with the Haunted Mansion mini backpack and wallet. These spook-tacular accessories are inspired by the stylishly sinister wallpaper pattern from the famed attraction. Or is it your imagination?

Mad Tea Party Mini Backpack by Loungefly and Mad Tea Party Wallet by Loungefly

Tote your essentials in dizzying fashion with this mini backpack and wallet inspired by the famed Mad Tea Party attraction. The allover print features the colorful cups and saucers that swirl and twirl with centrifugal delight.

Pineapple Swirl Mini Backpack by Loungefly and Pineapple Swirl Wallet by Loungefly

You can tote your essentials in icy cool style with this Dole Whip inspired backpack and wallet combo. They feature an allover pattern of pineapples and cups of the delicious delicacy that is a Disney fan favorite. This Adventureland inspired print is as sweet as can be!

Orange Bird Mini Backpack by Loungefly and Orange Bird Wallet by Loungefly

Orange you glad you have a place for your stuff? Featuring colorful appliques, the Orange Bird mini backpack and wallet by Loungefly, are inspired by the beloved Walt Disney World character! Orange Bird definitely makes for fine feathered fashion!

Mickey Mouse Rainbow Mini Backpack by Loungefly and Mickey Mouse Rainbow Wallet by Loungefly

You will enjoy the full spectrum of the rainbow as you cruise down Main Street, U.S.A. with this Mickey Mouse mini backpack and matching wallet in tow. Featuring a multi-hued sequined exterior and dimensional ears, these prismatic accessories pack a colorful punch!

You can find all of these delightfully whimsical Loungefly Disney Mini Backpacks on shopDisney now!

“Incredibles 2” Arrives on Digital Release, Blu-ray, and DVD This Fall!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

September 6, 2018

It’s not a stretch to say audiences have missed their favorite family of Supers over the past 14 years. Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” the sequel to 2004’s beloved Oscar-winning “The Incredibles,” received a mega-strong reaction from critics and audiences — earning a 93 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, rocketing atop the list of highest-grossing animated films, and surpassing $1 billion at the global box office. Fans can reunite with this incredible family of Supers instantly on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD and on Movies Anywhere on October 23, 2018, and on Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on November, 6 2018.

Family members of all ages will be hypnotized by hours of delightful entertainment, with never-before-seen “Incredibles 2” bonus material highlighting the beloved characters in the film and the filmmakers who bring them to life. When audiences instantly bring home the film two weeks early on Digital, they will receive additional exclusive featurettes, including two SuperScene Breakdowns and Samuel L. Jackson discussing his character Frozone a.k.a. “The Coolest Guy in Show Business.” Overall bonus includes an all-new mini-movie “Auntie Edna,” which gives a glimpse of fashion visionary Edna Mode’s all-night endeavor to design a suit to best harness baby Jack-Jack’s expanding super powers. Also included are an inside look at the impressive production team at Pixar Animation Studios; documentaries highlighting the film’s relatable characters and stand-out scenes; 10 never-before-revealed scenes; filmmaker commentary; the touching theatrical short “Bao” and a corresponding featurette about how the dumplings sprung to life; and much, much more.

“Incredibles 2” is packaged and released in several different ways, offering families the flexibility to watch the movie instantly and on a variety of devices of their choosing, including Digital 4K Ultra HD, HD and SD and physically as a 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital Copy), a Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy) and a single DVD. Additionally, the Digital HD/SD, Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film have been modified in an effort to accommodate photosensitive viewers, however individual sensitivities may vary.

In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose super powers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.

Are you excited to own a copy of “Incredibles 2”? Let us know in the comments below!

Planning a visit to a Disney Destination? Fill out the form below, or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Image/Source Credit: Disney-Pixar