New Lion King Photo Opportunity Appears at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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January 24, 2019

This year the Lion King animated film celebrates its 25th anniversary. Debuting in 1994, the film became an almost instant classic and has inspired an upcoming live-action remake for later this year. Walt Disney World is marking the film’s anniversary with many new offerings throughout Animal Kingdom. One of these special new features is the addition of a fun new photo opportunity.

This lively photo stop features close pals and movie favorites Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon. The three friends are featured dancing across a log bridge over a waterfall. This scene is taken straight from the Hakuna Matata musical number and is an amusing new way to capture memories from your trip. The new picture spot can be found across from Tiffins restaurant.

The new picture area isn’t the only way to celebrate the Disney classic. A new Lion King sequence has just been added to the Tree of Life Awakenings happening nightly in the park. To satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure you grab the returning Simba cupcake at Creature Comforts. When you’re ready to work off some of those delicious calories, head on over to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party on Discovery Island and cut a rug with characters Timon and Rafiki.

The Lion King photo opportunity, Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party and special Tree of Life Awakenings are available to all guests with park admission. It’s a great time for fans of the Lion King to visit Animal Kingdom and enjoy all of the exciting ways the park is wishing Simba and his crew a happy birthday!

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.

Love is in the Air for Valentine’s Day at Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2019

Now you can not only feel the love at Disneyland, but you can see it too! Disneyland has festively placed pink, red, and white throughout the park to celebrate the February 14th holiday, Valentine’s Day.

Greeting you as you enter the park is some Mickey love with hearts surrounding the floral designs and arrangements in front of the Disneyland railroad. Stop for an Instagram worthy photo and spread the love throughout social media.

Go big or go home! What would Valentine’s Day be without a traditional Valentine card? Minnie sends her love to guests and Cast Members alike with an oversized Valentine on Main Street, U.S.A. Do you think Mickey will be jealous of the hugs and kisses she is sending all of us? Or, could it be that this is an extra large gesture to the main mouse in her life?

Main Street U.S.A. spreads the love with banners adorning the tops of the shops lining the street. Stop to enjoy the sweetness as you wait to see the new Mickey’s Mix Magic at one of three locations where you can catch the nightly high energy show. Make it a Disney date and move to the beat with the one you love as DJ Mickey Spins some old and new favorite tunes.

Be sure to make it memorable by enjoying some of the festive sweet treats during your visit. Or perhaps a dinner reservation with your love at Red Rose Taverne, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, or Blue Bayou Restaurant. All three restaurants have some lovely options in honor of the holiday.

So this year, come celebrate Valentine’s Day at Disneyland during a magical visit with the ones you love!

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.

Black Widow to Start Production at the End of February.

By

Jessica Jones

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January 24, 2019

Marvel Studios has confirmed the production date for their upcoming feature, Black Widow. However, the production of this film is starting early. The original Marvel feature set to film next was the anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 3. Unfortunately, Black Widow became top priority after Director James Gunn was fired from Guardians.

No worries, though. The sultry Scarlett Johansson, returning as Natasha Romanoff, will keep us occupied for a while!

As previously reported, the Black Widow spy-flick is set to begin production in both Croatia and Miami, Florida. However, a date was not previously announced for a production date, but we have one now! Omega Underground announced the production date as February 28, 2019. Charles Murphy from “That Hashtag Show” has also confirmed that production will run through March, but has not solidified a release date yet. Never fear, film buffs are here to make their guesses on when Black Widow will be released with a prediction of May 1^st, 2020, but again that is not confirmed.

Is anyone else excited as I am for the release of Black Widow?!

Source: Geeks World Wide

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself by becoming a racecar yourself at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], follow on Facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Reservations Now Available at Toledo – Tapas, Steak, & Seafood!

By

Katelyn G

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January 24, 2019

Reservations are now open for Toledo – Tapas, Steaks, & Seafood at Coronado Springs!

The Gran Destino Tower and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is set to open this summer. Sitting atop this new expansion will be Spanish-inspired restaurant Toledo – Tapas, Steaks, & Seafood!

An open kitchen will allow guests to watch as chefs prepare pintxos (small plates), soups, and grand platters of artisanal meats and cheeses.

Appetizer and tapas options include items like salt cod-stuffed piquillo peppers with goat cheese, olive oil-poached tuna, charred octopus with romesco and chimichurri, and heirloom tomatoes with stone fruit and farmer cheese. Delicious!

If guests are looking for a larger entree, things like wine-braised chicken and hanger steak with potatoes can also be found on the Toledo menu.

Guests can also choose from several amazing desserts for a sweet ending to their meal. Items like a chocolate avocado mousse with strawberry-basil sorbet, classic crema Catalana with Valencia oranges and a chocolate tuille, and Mickey-shaped raspberry mousse with strawberries all adorn the dessert menu.

And we can’t forget the beverages! Toledo – Tapas, Steaks, & Seafood will offer handcrafted cocktails like the “Gin Tonic” with saffron tonic and Spanish and Californian wines hand-selected by the Master Sommelier.

Reservations are now available for booking starting in July. To snag a seat, visit the WDW website or call 407-939-3463.

Source: Disney.

Would you like to stay at the Gran Destino Tower and Disney’s Coronado Springs?

Let’s book your adventure to Walt Disney World today! Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Fill out the form below to receive a free no obligation quote from 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 Paris, 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], or fill out and submit the form below.

Adventures by Disney Expands European River Cruises for 2020

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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January 24, 2019

Adventures by Disney recently announced that it would be expanding the offerings for its European river cruise vacations. Details have just been announced for the new sailings and what guests can expect from the expansion. The additions include three new Short Escape itineraries in Paris, Budapest, and Amsterdam that can be added to cruises or taken as stand-alone trips. There is also a brand new vacation on the Rhone River in southern France.

The river cruises are offered with luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways and will expand Adventures by Disney’s offerings to a record-breaking 27 departures. The all-inclusive vacations have been lauded for allowing guests to explore Europe in an immersive and fun way with the Disney level of service. The company has also increased their number of adult-exclusive departures for 2020.

New Rhone River Sailings Through Southern France

This eight-day, seven-night sailing on the Rhone River will include a trip through southern France and the world-renowned region of Provence. Trip highlights include amazing sightseeing by bike, kayaking under the Roman aqueducts, and a tour by train and rail bike. Interactive culinary experiences will be available featuring cheese tasting and jam making at a local goat farm and a tasting experience at a family-owned olive oil farm near Les Baux-de-Provence.

The cruise will also have art focused excursions to let guests immerse themselves in the rich artistic history of the region. Offerings like a walking tour of Roussillon’s Ochre Trail followed by a painting class or a demonstration of silk weaving in Lyon are sure to be popular with vacationing families. Those wanting to take in the history of southern France can participate in immersive historical tours like a viewing of the Palais des Papes. This palace was once the seat of Papal power amongst many other roles in France’s rich past.

New Short Escape Itineraries in Paris, Amsterdam, and Budapest

These new three-day, two-night stays can be added to European river cruises beginning in 2020. Guests will enjoy a guided group itinerary highlighting the best-known attractions in each destination as well as some hidden gems.

Each Short Escape package is a new offering available to combine with existing river sailings. These additions are designed to give guests the best of each city like visits to the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum in Paris. Guests can explore Dutch windmills and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. And visitors to Budapest can experience a performance at the Budapest Opera House and a visit to Matthias Church. Booking for 2020 Adventures by Disney river cruise vacations opens on January 31, 2019.

Photo Credit: Disney

Are you ready to start your next vacation with Adventures by Disney 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.

Swan & Dolphin Resort Announces NFL Champions Package

By

Kelly Kerl

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January 24, 2019

Is your team headed to Superbowl LIII? No matter if the Rams or the Patriots walk away victorious on Superbowl Sunday, one thing remains the same… the winning team is going to Disney World! Now fans can celebrate the victory in style as well with a new package put together by the Swan & Dolphin Resort.

Guests of the winning team’s state (or states for New England) are eligible for this exclusive offer. Guests that book a stay with the package will receive a $100 meal credit to Shula’s Steak House. The famous restaurant is owned by the NFL’s most winningest coach, Don Shula. Fans will also receive a complimentary room upgrade (not including suites).

The Champions Package is eligible on stays with a minimum of 3 nights, from February 4th through December 24th, 2019. Guests must also be able to provide the appropriate state identification (California, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island or Connecticut). For full details, or to make reservations, guests can call 1-800-227-1500 and mention CHAMPS.

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort just completed a $150 million dollar renovation. Refurbished guest rooms, updated Dolphin lobby, as well as two new dining venues, are just some of the projects completed. Guests can also enjoy the Mandara Spa, five pools, two health clubs, and complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World.

The Swan and Dolphin is the perfect place to celebrate your team’s victory this year! Good luck to the Rams (and the Patriots too, I guess…) 😉

Source: Swan & Dolphin Champions Package

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.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Is Zooming Into Hollywood Studios!

By

Jessica Jones

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January 24, 2019

Buckle up racing fans! Disney has just released opening dates for the Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy! Get your adrenaline pumping as this exciting new feature will open March 31, 2019!!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World is going under some major refurbishments. Disney is transforming this already amazing park into a whole new world! With the recent opening of Toy Story Land with the Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, guests were already raving about this park. Now with the addition of Star Wars Land this fall and now Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy on March 31st, guests will never want to leave; even more than they didn’t want to before. We all know those Disney Blues, it’s a real thing, go ask your doctor!

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will throw your right into the “Cars” World as you learn what it takes to be a champion racer at Sunset Showcase. When the show first starts, Lightning McQueen demonstrates what he has learned over the years using his brand-new, state-art-of-the-art simulator and wraparound screen! Watch out though, things don’t always go as planned for Lightning McQueen. With the help of Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the crew from Radiator Springs, Lightning McQueen will have to think fast to get back on course!

So dawn those shiny red lightning bolt sneakers and say “Kachow!” as you cruise through Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Once the ride is completed, step outside and snap a photo with the trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez before you speed on out of sight!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself by becoming a race car yourself at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey. Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], follow on Facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Disneyland Creates Special Shake to Celebrate Mickey’s 90th

By

Kaitlyn

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January 24, 2019

Disneyland Creates Special Shake to Celebrate Mickey’s 90th. Oh Boy! Disney is well known to create unique sweets and treats for guests to try while visiting the many Disney Theme Parks located around the world. This time, Disneyland has concocted a Mickey Cookies ‘N Cream Shake to celebrate our favorite mouse’s major milestone! Happy 90th Birthday. Mickey Mouse!

In this festively decorated shake is a perfectly hand-blended Cookies ‘N Cream Milkshake , with a red sparkly-sprinkle rim and two M&M candies that represent the icon buttons on Mickey’s shorts, with a generous amount of whipped cream on top, two Oreo cookie “Mickey Ears”, and sprinkled at the tippy-top with, well, red, yellow and black sprinkles!

As Mary Poppins would say, it is “practically perfect in every way”.

The Mickey Cookie ‘N Cream Shake costs $5.99 and can be found at Schmoozies! in Disney’s California Adventure theme park.

Disneyland guests should note, you may have to wait a little after order your Mickey Cookies ‘N Cream Shake, since these special shakes are made by hand, but it is well worth the extra wait time!

The Mickey’s Cookies ‘N Cream Shake is not the only special treat available during the celebration. Be sure to check out the other food and beverage offerings, such as the Mickey Donut with Apple Filling and the Minnie Donut with Cherry Filling or the “Get Your Ears On” Funnel Cake Fries before they are gone!

Have you tried this special treat already? Or planning to go to Disneyland soon? Be sure to share your photos in the comment sections on our social media pages! We would love to see your photos and hear about your experiences!

Have fun celebrating Mickey’s 90th and be sure to try this new shake at Disneyland while it lasts!

Disneyland Resort Is Restoring Sleeping Beauty Castle To Celebrate 60 Years

By

Kelly Kerl

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January 24, 2019

Ever since opening day of Disneyland Park in 1955, Sleeping Beauty Castle has stood as the symbol for all things magical. The castle icon is modeled after King Stephan’s Castle from the movie Sleeping Beauty. It actually debuted a whole 4 years before the animated film was released, in January 1959.

Over the years the castle has seen many improvements and re-stylings, all based on the original concept art by Artist Herbert Ryman. This year, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the film, the castle is getting some TLC to restore her former glory. The construction will be complete by this spring, just in time for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this summer.

Earlier we reported that certain areas in and around the castle would close to guests so that work could be done. Castle walls were put up to surround the area where the work is to be completed. Starting earlier this month, the castle walk-through experience is closed until the project is complete.

Project Stardust

The refurbishment is part of a larger project in the parks called Project Stardust. This initiative has kicked off a number on magical enhancements in and around the Disneyland Resort property. Main Street USA received brand new curbs to help improve access when guests enter the parks. In Fantasyland, Matterhorn, it’s a small world, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant received updates to their queues. In Adventureland, the addition of the Tropical Hideaway near the Tiki Room welcomes guests to an area that was previously not utilized. When everything is complete guests will have a bright and shiny new park experience.

Check out this video to learn more about the history of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and what it will look like when the project is complete:

While it can be disappointing to have a closure during your vacation, Disney is always making improvements for future years. There’s still lots to see and do while the castle is closed, including new Sleeping Beauty inspired walls and backdrops for that perfect Instagram-able photo. I can’t wait to see Sleeping Beauty Castle back to grand self in the spring!

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.

Member Discount Available for Epcot Festival’s Disney on Broadway Dining Packages

By

Laura Mason

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January 24, 2019

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is an exciting way to end your day at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The dining package is eligible to Disney Vacation Club Member to enjoy 10 percent off and receive guaranteed seating. The performances take place in the America Gardens Theatre.

New in 2019, the concert series has moved to being a nightly event through the end of the festival (February 25). It showcases a rotating variety of Disney on Broadway stars giving a breathtaking performance three times each evening of our favorite Disney songs.

There are many participating Epcot restaurants offering the dining package options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Each dining package reservation is paired with guaranteed seating to one of the three performances. Akershus Royal Banquet, Biergarten Restaurant, and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room are available in World Showcase. Coral Reef Restaurant and The Garden Grill Restaurant are available in Future World.

DVC members should call Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to book you discounted dining packages. More information on Disney Vacation Club and Membership Extras here.

Not a DVC member, but still interested in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages? It’s a great way to guarantee your spot at one of the three performances each night!

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 all Disney Destinations® and the Universal Orlando Resort®. I am mentor with Key to the World Travel, the official travel partner of Chip and Company, and 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.

In Store True Original Mickey Ice Cream Bar Review

By

Danielle

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January 24, 2019

Unless you’ve been hiding lately, I’m sure you’ve heard about the new Mickey ice cream bars you can now pick up in select grocery stores. Being that they are my favorite Disney Park treat, I couldn’t resist the chance to buy a box and do a Mickey Ice Cream Bar Review! I’m really taking one for the team here, right?

At my local Publix these beautiful blue boxes filled an entire end cap case all by themselves! Honestly if I had the freezer space, I might have gotten them all myself anyways. You know you’re thinking about it too.

First I would like to note that the price of the Mickey Ice Cream Bars vary depending on location! My store had them for the highest I’ve seen reported at $8.19, but I’ve had people tell me they’ve found them for closer to $6 in their area. So be prepared to shell out more or less depending on where you live.

The box comes with six ice cream bars, and each one comes individually wrapped in a plain white wrapper. I dd have a couple of cracked ones, so I would be careful not to shake the box around too much. Taking them out of the wrapper was really kind of magical. They look so much like the beloved Mickey bars! They are a bit smaller, but hey everything feels bigger at Disney anyways.

Taste Test Verdict: OH EM GEE DELICIOUS! The ice cream tastes and feels almost exactly the same as our delicious treat from the parks. The chocolate is where the differences lay though, it’s a very tasty chocolate, just not exactly the same taste as the original. The chocolate is a bit softer, so you don’t have that Klondike bar like crunch when you sink your teeth into it, but the chocolate doesn’t shatter as much so it’s less messy at the same time.

They are slightly smaller than the original, but as you can see they are still a really good at home snack size!

I really enjoyed this yummy park treat at home. It really did taste very close to the original we all know and love so well! I wasn’t really expecting it to taste anywhere near as close to my favorite park snack, but it sure came close. I plan to buy more very soon.

The best part is, I didn’t have to take a vacation to Disney to get one, and I was able to enjoy them in my own backyard with my family.

A fun side note, while I was outside photographing these marvelous delights a neighbor’s dog from a few houses down ran out of nowhere and snapped a bite of one of our Mickey bars! That must be how delicious they are!

I hope you enjoyed my Mickey Ice Cream Bar Review, it was such hard work (kidding) tasting all of these delicious treats! You can find them at select grocery stores around the United States, I found mine at the Publix in Dania Beach, FL. Let us know where you find yours!

The opinions of this review are 100% my own, these were purchased personally

Mickey’s Mix Magic Debuts at Disneyland Theme Park

By

Brittney Hughes

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January 24, 2019

Mickey’s Mix Magic, the new nightly extravaganza at Disneyland theme park is one exciting show!

DJ Mickeys spins a fun playlist of new original tunes and popular Disney music remixes. Guests are treated to the worlds of Aladdin, Frozen, The Jungle Book, Coco and more! Main Street, U.S.A is lit up with projections and lasers, while the façade of “it’s a small world” is transformed into a beautiful display of color.

See the show from Main Street U.S.A or in front of “it’s a small world.” Viewing at Rivers of America will be available in March when Fantasmic! returns.

The show is fantastic on it’s own, but on select nights fireworks will also light up the sky, adding more magic!

Event Playlist

“It’s a Good Time”
“I Wanna Be Like You”
“Ev’rybody Wants To Be A Cat”
“Friend Like Me”
“Grim Grinning Ghosts”
“Un Poco Loco”
“Let It Go”
“It’s a Good Time” (Finale)

You won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing and singing along to Mickey’s Mix Magic!

Ready to step into the middle of 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!