Matt Smith Joins Cast of ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

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August 28, 2018

Matt Smith, who played the 11th incarnation of the time lord in the British sci-fi series Doctor Who, will join the cast in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX. Even though he is taking on an unspecified role, he will play a ‘key role’ in the film, rather than just a cameo.

Just a few others to join the cast are Dominic Monaghan, Kerri Russell, and fan favorites Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams.

Dominic Monaghan and J.J. Abrams worked together on ABC’s hit series, Lost, which ran from 2004 until 2010. Abrams is directing the latest installment of the Star Wars franchise, which is still untitled at this point. It has yet to be announced which role Monaghan will be playing in the film.

Sources confirmed that the galactic gambler would indeed be returning to a galaxy far, far away- for the first time since 1983 in Return if the Jedi. The Lando Calrissian character made his suave debut in 1980’s Empire Strikes Back.

Source: EW

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Pumpkin Spice Mickey Beignets Arrive at Disney’s French Quarter

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Pumpkin Spice Mickey Beignets

It may not be officially Fall yet but Disney World is getting us in the mood by introducing us to the Pumpkin Spice Mickey Beignets. Disney thankfully didn’t change up the Mickey beignet recipe to achieve the yummy Fall flavor. Instead, there is a dusting of pumpkin spice added to the abundance of powdered sugar sitting atop the golden-fried dough. When these warm treats are served up, the aroma is intoxicating.

Now the Pumpkin Spice Beignets aren’t new as they hit the Disney World scene last year BUT this year brings the Mickey version. The Mickey beignets are thicker than the previous variety. I would say the Mickey beignets is more similar to a donut where the standard pillow version is more hollow.

You can find the Pumpkin Spice Mickey Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. They are priced at 3 for $4.49 or 6 for $6.99.

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]

New Baby Giraffe Arrives on the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Cute baby alert! Baby giraffe calf, Aella, is now roaming the savanna on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Aella is just a little thing at two months old which makes it easy to spot as she is the longest and youngest giraffe in the herd.

Aella was born June 29 and five-feet-tall at birth. Until now, she was bonding and nursing with her mom, Lily in a backstage habitat.

Aella is named after an Amazon warrior. Like her namesake, Aella is brave and bold with a curious and independent spirit. Guests can view her adventurous while on safari when she runs up ahead of her mom.

Aella’s birth marks a first for her parents – mom Lily and dad George. The pair was chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species. Breeding this pair is important to the long-term survival of the species because it adds more genetic diversity to the giraffe population, which helps ensure future generations.

Aella will nurse for about a year, and then, as a herbivore, she will move to the lush vegetation available throughout the savanna. When full grown, she will use her 18-inch tongue to strip leaves off thorny branches from the tops and sides of trees to consume up to 75 pounds of food a day. That’s a tall order!

The Masai giraffe is a vulnerable species found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania. There are believed to be roughly 32,000 Masai giraffes left in the wild, and their population continues to decline because of poaching and habitat loss.

The Disney Conservation Fund supports conservation efforts in Africa to protect wildlife habitats, including those of giraffes. Earlier this year, several Disney animal care experts went to Uganda to help relocate a herd of giraffes across the Nile River to establish a newer, safer habitat away from oil-drilling fields. Another team went to Kenya to support a giraffe and zebra population census.

When will you see Aella at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World and Disney’s Animal Kingdom? 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

The End Zone Food Court Refurbishment Continues at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

An End Zone Food Court Refurbishment is in the works! The Food Court at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort is getting a facelift and we can’t wait to see the end results!

The refurbishment began earlier this summer and is has moved on to include the floors at this point.

Additional seating is being provided to make up for the space lost to this refurbishment. It shouldn’t cause too much of an issues for guests staying at this Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

There isn’t an official end date for this refurbishment and it has been in the works since late May.

Have you stayed at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort recently? Was your stay impacted by the refurbishment at End Zone Food Court? Let us know in the comments!

Because refurbishments happen, you will want to make sure you check out our Walt Disney World Refurbishment page to stay on top of all of the refurbishments happening at The Walt Disney World Resort! This is a great resource as you are planning your Walt Disney World Resort vacation!

While it’s never fun to have things closed during your trip to Walt Disney World, sometimes it happens! Do you want to make sure you are aware of closures and refurbishments happening during your vacation? Let one of the travel experts at MickeyTravels help you plan a Magical vacation and they’ll keep you up-to-date on all of the happenings at the parks and resorts! Click HERE for your No Obligations Free Quote (or use the form below)!

New Details Revealed for Tropical Hideaway Coming Soon to Disneyland

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Earlier this year, we here at Chip and Co. shared the news that Disneyland was working on a new area of Adventureland called Tropical Hideaway. This outdoor dining location will offer good grub, refreshing beverages and ample seating in an area that will make you feel like you are on a tropical island getaway.

We are pleased to announce that Disneyland has revealed a few new details this week giving us a taste of what a spectacular new addition this will be to Adventureland. For starters, the new spot will be set up as an exotic marketplace offering extraordinary eats from around the world. A variety of unique food and beverages will be on offer with something that is sure to please all tastes and ages!

Highlights of the marketplace menu include warm bao buns which will come in three varieties (Vegetable Bao, Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao, and Bulgogi Beef Bao), chilled ramen salad and Sweet Pineapple Lumpia (a spring roll filled with pineapple and sweet cream cheese!)

The seating area includes an open-air dock where you can soak in the sights of the Jungle River waterfront where you can sit back and listen to the musical sounds of the tropics. After dark, flickering torch lights bring a special glow to the area meaning that the Tropical Hideaway can double as an enchanting nighttime venue.

The eatery is slated to open later this year so we are sure that these are just a few of the exciting details that will be coming your way in the weeks ahead.

Stay up to speed on the latest Disney World and Disneyland news by continuing to follow along with Chip and Co!

Thinking about a visit to Disneyland? Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? 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 reservations and sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disneyland. I also love sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Play Disney Parks App Adds New Playlist Curated by Richard Sherman

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

We can’t stop singing the praises of the Play Disney Parks App which made its official debut in this past June. The perfect accompaniment to your Walt Disney World or Disneyland visit, the app is brimming with fun ways to pass the time from games, trivia, interactive attraction queues and more! The app even features integrated music playlists via a connection with Apple Music® allowing you to experience the musical magic of Disney from home!

That’s why we are excited to share the news with Chip and Co. readers that a brand new playlist has been created which is guest curated by Disney Legend Richard Sherman! The playlist is called “Disney Parks Hits” and features songs that have been carefully selected by Richard based on his experiences crafting music for much-loved Disney attractions.

You’ll find the playlist in Apple Music and the Play app.

Richard Sherman had this to say about the exciting collaboration, “Walt Disney always new music could deliver far more emotional impact than merely words. We teamed his unparalleled optimism with our own to fuel the creative process. We will forever be grateful for the many wonderful opportunities Walt afforded us.”

Through the Play Disney Parks app, guests can celebrate the songs of Disney in a whole new way. Simply access Apple Music® from within the app to start tapping into curated audio experiences featuring official playlists inspired by the theme park lands, characters and attractions.

For more information on the fun things you can do with the Play Disney Parks App check out this article.

Thinking about a visit to Disney? Click here for your FREE no obligation quote or fill out the form at the bottom of this page!

Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to sharing tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at Disneyland. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Images copyright Disney.

Delicious Coco Inspired Cupcakes Found At All Star Sports Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Disney’s cupcake game is still going strong! Just in time for the Halloween season, Coco inspired cupcakes have popped up at the End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort. These incredibly delicious cupcakes are spiced ganache. They are filled will spiced ganache buttercream and come topped with a sugar skull and color splatter chocolate ears. You can even see that distinct magical Disney sparkle on top.

These festive cupcakes can also be found at All Star Music Resort along with a few other spooky treats. We are loving the creepy chocolate spider cupcakes!

All of these colorful treats are $5.49 or one snack credit on any Disney dining plan. These are the perfect snacks to have on your way to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party at Magic Kingdom. Be sure to stop by Disney’s All Star Sports or All Star Music Resort to pick yours up today!

Would you like some help planning the perfect Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, a Platinum level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I can not only help you find the perfect vacation package at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney, I can also help with the details afterwards such as dining reservations, FastPass selections, shore excursions and more. My detailed itineraries and touring plans ensure that your vacation is absolutely perfect. Best of all, my service are 100% FREE! Contact me today to book your dream Disney vacation! 1.803.290.7334 or via email at [email protected].

Images Copyright: Chip and Co

Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre Will Close This Month

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

It is with sad news I announce the closing of Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Walt Disney World. After 20 years, the water sports supplier for Walt Disney World will close for good on August 31, 2018.

If you have ever gone parasailing or even water skiing at Walt Disney World, chances are your adventure was through Sammy Duvall’s which is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The following statement was just released on Facebook:

“To all our fans and families who have enjoyed a day on the water with us a great thank you for the support. It has been a joy to share the sport we love with everyone along the way!

We are sorry to inform you that after 20 years of water sports operations at Walt Disney World our last day will be 8/31/2018. Accordingly, if you have a future prepaid reservation we are issuing a refund to the credit card used for your reservation.If you have a future non paid reservation you will be receiving a email cancellation notification today as well.If you have any questions regarding your refund you may contact 407-939-0754.

Guests looking to add more recreation activities to their vacation itinerary may contact the front desk or call 407-WDW-PLAY for information about watercraft rentals, surfing programs, fishing excursions and more”

Join us in wishing Sammy Duvall’s best wishes after a magical 20 years!

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.

Image/Source Credit: Sammy Duvall’s

Have You Tried The New Anaheim Produce Sunset Strawberry Daiquiri Yet?!

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Anaheim Produce Sunset Strawberry Daiquiri

There is a new adult beverage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On Sunset Boulevard the Anaheim Produce Sunset Strawberry Daiquiri has replaced the Mango Colada.

Have You Tried The New Anaheim Produce Sunset Strawberry Daiquiri Yet?!

Perfect after a “stay” at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, this new daiquiri joins the Frozen Golden Margarita on the menu for tasty and refreshing adult libations available at Anaheim Produce. You can get one for $10.50.

Have You Tried The New Anaheim Produce Sunset Strawberry Daiquiri Yet?!

Anaheim Produce is a great place to stop for a snack. We love the Mickey Pretzel with Cheese Sauce and the Churro with Chocolate Sauce. But if you’re looking for a healthier snack they’ve got a wide variety of fruits and veggies to choose from as well.

Several beverages are on the menu, including Minute Maid® Frozen Lemonade. And there are several options for Beer here as well.

If you’re looking for a more filling lunch or dinner make sure to check out the new menu items at ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They’ve also got a new Watermelon Margarita you may want to try!

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)!

New Labor Day Fan Zone Event At ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex This Weekend

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Labor Day Fan Zone Event

Fans have an extra reason to visit ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex this Labor Day weekend. A new, fan-friendly event is making its debut at the complex, which is taking place alongside two top youth sports events.

The Labor Day Fan Zone takes place Saturday and Sunday inside the Visa Athletic Center and will be an interactive event featuring high-energy music by a popular DJ, food and beverage options, event merchandise, vendor booths, character greetings and big-screen televisions showing various sporting events. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days.

Access to the Labor Day Fan Zone is included in the admission price to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (Adults and kids ages 10-over is $18.50; children ages 3 – 9 is $13.50).

The Labor Day Fan Zone is designed to give fans a fun experience while at the sports complex this weekend for the Disney Labor Day Baseball Classic and the Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier.

The Disney Labor Day Baseball Classic is Friday through Monday (Aug. 31-Sept. 3) and the Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier Saturday through Monday.

More than 260 athletes from 43 teams – including five from the U.S. Virgin Islands and five from Puerto Rico – will participate in the Disney Labor Day Baseball Classic.

Nearly 4,400 boys and girls soccer players from 270 teams around the country will be competing in the Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier. Champions from the various age group divisions at the Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier earn automatic selection into the Disney Girls’ Soccer Showcase (Nov. 22-25) and the Disney Boys’ Soccer Showcase (Dec. 27-31), which are nationally regarded as the top youth soccer tournaments in the country, attracting hundreds of college coaches looking for top recruits.

For more information about upcoming events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, visit www.espnwwos.com.

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]

Hong Kong Disneyland Welcomes Its First Starbucks

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 28, 2018

Hong Kong Disneyland Starbucks

This past weekend Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened the doors to its’ first Starbucks® store at the brand-new “Market House” on Main Street, U.S.A. The new store offers guests a unique spot to recharge and enjoy their favorite handcrafted Starbucks® beverage and food at the magic kingdom.

The Hong Kong Disneyland Starbucks is set in an elegant building that exudes Victorian charm, the new “Market House” brings to life the classic coffee house style, offering guests a warm and welcoming ambiance with its interior decorated in natural wood and materials complemented with cozy lighting. With its casual and carefree atmosphere, this Starbucks® store is the perfect gathering place for guests as they immerse themselves in the magical journey at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Hong Kong Disneyland Welcomes Its First Starbucks

To celebrate the opening, Starbucks and Disney are introducing a Starbucks® + Disney Magical Series merchandise collection in “Market House” for the first time at Disney Parks across Asia, including a 24oz Starbucks® + Disney Magical Cold Cup and a 12oz Starbucks® + Disney Magical Double Wall Mug.

The design of the Starbucks® + Disney Magical Series merchandise collection combines the classic patterns of Starbucks and Disney, featuring Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, as well as various unique Disney elements.

Inspired by the Starbucks® + Disney Magical Series merchandise collection, the takeaway serve-ware at Market House will highlight the design of the Starbucks® + Disney Magical Series merchandise collection as guests continue to create magical memories at HKDL.

Source Credit: Disney

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]

The Pumpkin Mickey Hat Is A Must Have Disney Halloween Accessory

By

Danielle

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August 28, 2018

Pumpkin Mickey Hat

The Halloween season has already begun at the Disney Parks, and I am ready for pumpkin everything! The new Pumpkin Mickey Hat from the Disney Parks is definitely the perfect way to top off any Disney Halloween outfit. This adorable hat is a baseball style cap, with a pumpkin themed Mickey design, complete with Mickey ears!

A post shared by A I M E E☀️ (@golden_aimeee) on Aug 13, 2018 at 7:18pm PDT

This spook-tacular cap is beginning to pop up at both Disneyland, and Walt Disney World. It is a vibrant orange, with a classic Mickey jack-o-lantern face. Plush ears, and a three dimensional stem top off this hat, for a fabulous Halloween style.

A post shared by Rachel? (@theneverlandprincess) on Aug 19, 2018 at 1:40pm PDT

“Hey Pumpkin” is also beautifully stitched on the back of the cap. I’m obsessed with all of the little details, right down to the pumpkin ridge lines on the Mickey Ears! You can find this cap at select locations throughout the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts for $24.99.

Would you show off your Halloween Disney style with this adorable Pumpkin Mickey Hat?