PHOTOS: A Mary Poppins Returns First Look is a Showstopping Scene

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August 13, 2018

Mary Poppins Returns First Look

We are getting closer to the release of the upcoming Mary Poppins movie. And we’ve got a Mary Poppins Returns First Look thanks to Entertainment Weekly!

Check out this photo of Emily Blunt, who plays the title character in a showstopping lift in one of the new musical numbers, ” Trip a Little Light Fantastic.” In this number Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who plays a street smart lampligher, enjoy a musical jaunt through London!

Emily Blunt told Entertainment Weekly “She’s just such fun to play.” She went on to say, “The dancing is the thing I really had to learn. Lin and I are not trained dancers in any way, so that was the most arduous part. You see why dancers have the best bodies on planet Earth. You just pour with sweat all day.”

While this new film won’t forget the 1964 classic, they will go further into the eight book children’s series that P. L. Travers wrote. This new film finds the Banks children all grown up and having lost their childhood home thanks to economic difficulties. Michael (Ben Whishaw) also finds himself a window, trying to raise his three children alone, with the help of his sister, Jane (Emily Mortimer). We also get to meet more of the Bankes relative in this film, like Meryl Streep’s oddball cousin Topsy!

We can’t wait to see our Mary Poppins sweep back to 17 Cherry Tree Lane and add some adventure and whimsey to the Banks house again!

Mary Poppins Returns will hit theaters on December 19th – and you won’t want to miss it!

Source and Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

Tables in Wonderland Members Get a New Dining Experience at Contemporary Resort

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

Tables in Wonderland Members

Tables in Wonderland Members will get to join a unique Chef’s Table experience with the Catering Chefs and Service Staff at the Exclusive Chef’s Table located backstage at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center. The evening begins with a reception in the Catering Kitchen that then leads the Tables in Wonderland Members through a secret entrance to the Chef’s Table where they get to enjoy 6 courses, all presented and finished on-stage and accompanied with an outstanding wine selection. The evening is very interactive with the chefs and sommelier, so Tables in Wonderland Members are in for a real treat!

This experience is $259 per Guest, plus tax, gratuity included. Call (407) WDW-7762 to book a seat at a Contemporary Resort Chef’s Table Experience.

Event Dates (please, keep in mind that space is limited at this special event.):

Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Guests are asked to adhere to the minimum dress code requirements at this Signature Dining experience. Dressier attire is also welcome. Please explore the minimum dress code requirements:

Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.

This event is designed for Guests 18 years of age and older. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age.

A Tables in Wonderland Guest may make a reservation for a party of up to 10 Guests, including themselves. Note: A valid Tables in Wonderland Member Card must be presented upon arrival.

Discover a world of flavor as a member of Tables in Wonderland—and enjoy access to a bountiful buffet of dining discounts and benefits at Walt Disney World Resort. Tables in Wonderland is exclusive to Florida Residents, Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

Source: Orlando Park News

Photo cred: Disney

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the link above or fill out the form below from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), I’ll be available to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.

Starbucks Dog Days of Summer Menu Appears At Disney Springs

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

Starbucks Dog Days of Summer

After a long day exploring Disney Springs, a Starbucks visit is always a must! We stopped by the Marketplace Starbucks and found a fun surprise. A new Dog Days of Summer menu has appeared all themed with our favorite Disney canines.

Experiment 626 – Blended Mango Fruit Lemonade with Fresh Blueberries
Goofball Frappuccino – Java Chip with Toffee Nut Syrup and Mocha and Caramel Drizzle
Mouse’s Best Friend Frappuccino – White Mocha with Caramel Syrup and Caramel Drizzle
Dalmatian Frappuccino – Vanilla Bean with Java Chips and Mocha Drizzle
Cone of Shame Frappuccino – Hazelnut Creme with Caramel Drizzle and Extra Whipped Cream

Sorry guys, none of these drinks are available on the Disney Dining Plan.

Starbucks Dog Days of Summer Menu Appears At Disney Springs

Although they all looked delicious we had to try the Shark Attack Frappucino themed for Shark Week! It’s a Serious Strawberry Frappuccino with fresh blueberries mixed in. They then take a confetti cookie, break it in half and blend half of it in the drink and use the other half to make a cute shark fin poking out of the top of the drink. We opted for a lid so no fun fin included on this one. The Venti is priced at $10.60 (tax included) and sadly once again is not available using Disney Dining Credits.

It definitely hit the spot on this extremely hot day but the flavor was a little lacking for our taste and we will probably move on to a puppy themed drink next time around.

Which drink would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.

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]

Auli’i Cravalho, Voice of ‘Moana’, Records New Music for Disney

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

Moana

It’s hard to believe it has been two years since Disney’s “Moana” was released and we were introduced to the angelic voice of Auli’i Cravalho. Auli’i was the voice behind “Moana” and of course, some of the songs from the movie such as “How Far I’ll Go.”

Today, I am happy to report Auli’i is back with some new music made especially for Walt Disney Records with “Live Your Story.” “Live Your Story” was made especially for Disney’s Dream Big, Princess campaign and truly captures the theme of the campaign which inspires children everywhere to spark their creativity and aspire to be the hero or heroine of their own story.

Check out Auli’i’s new song here:

It’s so good, isn’t it? It should be the theme song of little ones, everywhere!

Let’s hope this is not the last we hear from Auli’i and Disney will put her amazing talents to go use again in the not so distant future!

I think I will go and watch “Moana” now….

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.

The Surprises and Romances Keep Coming on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

ABC’s “Bachelor in Paradise” get off to an exciting start this past week. The next episode of this summertime drama begins as a noncommittal single returns from his date with a former flame and unwanted confrontation awaits him back on the beach.

Meanwhile, the next date card goes to a professional wrestler who steals one lively lady away from a handsome firefighter who was courting her just the night before. With all of the mixing and matching going on, it’s anyone’s guess who will stay and who will go, and it’s left up to the women at the first rose ceremony of the season. After pressure from her girlfriends, one frustrated friend-without-benefits tells her guy with cold feet to be all in with her or she’s moving on. So, when the former NFL player decides to explore his options, his rival for her affection sees an opportunity to score major points. Who will ultimately be rewarded with this bachelorette’s rose and who will say goodbye to Paradise?

Things get intense when a man finds out that last season’s Bachelorette has arrived in Paradise to pay a visit to her girlfriends. After only recently telling her that he loved her, this conflicted contender realizes just how confused he is, resulting in a major breakdown.

In the next “Bachelor in Paradise” rollercoaster ride of an episode that airs Tuesday, August 14 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), Becca Kufrin is still in Paradise and on her way to talk to an emotional bachelor from her season. Will he get the closure he needs? And will he stay in Paradise?

Elsewhere, one specific romantic hopeful already imagines leaving Paradise engaged to the gorgeous guy who’s been making her feel special ever since she got there. Yet when a new arrival touches down in Mexico, this blindsided babe is suddenly worried that she may be on her way out the door. Later, a nerdy computer programmer is surprisingly a hot commodity when two other newcomers both take him out on dates.

The sands are constantly shifting and drawing a heart in that sand is a single dad who prepares a special candlelit rendezvous to let his love interest know the seriousness of his intentions. When she indicates that she would prefer to take it slower, he is not at all pleased to have been put in the friend zone. As another mixed-up man tries to figure out what he wants, the woman who has been waiting on him shifts her focus to the one who claims that he’s all in. Except when another feisty female finds this smooth talker sitting alone, they end up sharing a kiss. His loose lips about his escapades get him in trouble when the deceived damsel is enlightened by her ex and decides she needs to have a word with the cheat.

Are you watching this season of “Bachelor in Paradise”? 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.

Source/Image Credit: ABC/Disney

New ‘Eat to the Beat’ Quick Service Dining Packages Available

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

The 2018 edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off in just a few short weeks! One of the most popular events during the festival is the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. The nightly concert series combines a delicious dining experience with music from some of your favorite artists.

Dining packages have been offered for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series for several years now. However, the dining packages included meals from only select table service restaurants at Epcot such as Askerhus and Garden Grill. But, that’s about to change for 2018!

TheDis.com is reporting that in 2018 quick service dining packages will also be offered for those attending Eat to the Beat. The quick service packages are just $29.99 and will include an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. Reserved seating for that evening’s concert is also included.

The quick service packages can only be purchased the day of the concert from Liberty Inn. The number of packages offered will vary daily based on the number of seats filled by those who purchase the table service packages. To have the best shot at getting the quick service package, make sure to be at Liberty Inn when it opens at 11:30 am daily.

To see the full Eat to the Beat lineup, please CLICK HERE.

It’s not too late to start planning your visit to the 2018 Food and Wine Festival! 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.

Source Credit: The Dis

Guests Get a Bird’s Eye View of Purple Martins at Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

Guests are able to get a close up of the Purple Martins at Walt Disney World. The teams over at Disney’s Emerging Technologies, Microsoft, and Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment, they are reaching more about migratory birds’ behaviors. Microsoft and the Emerging Technologies team helped ASE create the “Purple Martin house of tomorrow” by setting up tiny cameras and sensor arrays to record what happens on the porch and in the nest of a Purple Martin house. Microsoft and the Emerging Technologies team have made it much easier for the animal care team to sort through all this data by using artificial intelligence known as computer vision, to “learn” specific birds and their behaviors in order to tag videos with identifiers like “eggs,” “feeding,” “hatching” and “chicks.” This saved enormous amounts of researchers’ time because they didn’t have to comb through hours upon hours of footage. They could connect to Microsoft’s cloud and download one-minute video files of the behaviors they wanted to see.

“The porch and in-nest cameras delivered amazing high-definition footage of our purple martins as the chicks grew up under the care of their parents,” said Dr. Jason Fischer, Conservation Programs manager. “The environmental sensors recorded temperature, humidity, and air pressure throughout the nesting season, and a visitation sensor recorded each time a parent entered or left the purple martin house.”

The cameras have given tremendous insight into the purple martins’ world – the birds incubating their eggs, eggs hatching, birds feeding their chicks and other important milestones during the birds’ nesting season. Guests are able to view the fascinating stories of the Purple Martins on 2 iPad apps that the Emerging Technologies team and Microsoft developed.

“A core motivation for this project has been expanding our ability to tell the story of purple martins and their conservation to our guests,” Jason said. “Currently, there are limited opportunities for guests to see a nest check-in action. The technologies we have been testing have the potential to allow so many more people to see purple martins, be inspired by what they’ve seen, and get ready to join us in helping to conserve these amazing birds.”

The teams have been very satisfied with their results of the study and have already begun thinking of ways they can improve the process of gathering data for the next time. In the future, they could track individual birds, measuring how much they feed their chicks and how they prepare for their 3,000-mile migration journey from the Walt Disney World Resort to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

Jason said, “The big next step will be to deploy these smart houses on multiple nest compartments to learn more about how purple martins care for their families.”

Source: Disney

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? Click the link above or fill out the form below from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist from MickeyTravels, the official travel partner for Chip and Company.

Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? As an agent with MickeyTravels, (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney), I’ll be available to help with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook. Or fill out and submit the form below.

A Review of Avengers: Infinity War

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

A Review of Avengers: Infinity War

I’m going to begin this review of Infinity War with a little background. Much to everyone’s horror, the only Marvel movie I had seen up until a few weeks ago was Guardians of the Galaxy (which I loved) and aside from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, was never really interested in seeing any others. However, once Infinity War hit theaters, I knew I had to see it and how could I do that until I had a full understanding of the Marvel Universe as it currently exists?

So off I was to view them all and did so in this order:

Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk
Iron Man 2
Thor
Captain America: The First Avenger
Avengers Assemble
Iron Man 3
Thor: The Dark World
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians of the Galaxy
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Ant-Man
Captain America: Civil War
Doctor Strange
Guardians of the Galaxy 2
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Thor: Ragnarok
Black Panther

It didn’t take me long to become the newest “Marvel Fan Girl” and I was READY for Infinity War. The day the DVD arrived in the mail, I stopped everything and prepped for a full-on movie night celebration.

A Review of Avengers: Infinity War

Infinity War picks up right where Thor: Ragnarok left off. With so many franchise and storyline crossovers, I think this Avengers movie requires more knowledge of storylines and background than the other Avenger movies.

Thanos

Thanos steps into a lead role and sets out to “restore balance” by wiping out half of the universe. With his gauntlet in hand, he seeks out the Infinity Stones so that with a mere snap of his fingers half of the population disintegrates into dust.

Avengers Infinity War

The punches are packed harder in this film and the violence seems more intense than in previous Avenger films, the humor is turned up to high, but most notable is the emotional toll this film will take on Marvel fans. It’s always exciting to see our favorite heroes crossover in films and meet one another and there is plenty of that. The Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow), Vision, Scarlet Witch, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and The Guardians of the Galaxy (Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, “teenage” Groot, Rocket) all come together for the action, laughs and the devastating strikes from Thanos.

**SPOILER ALERT**

In the end, Thanos proves to be the strongest villain the Avengers have faced thus far. His story is more developed in this film and we realize he is a much more complex of a character than meets the eye. A couple of times during the film we are presented with some tender moments featuring Thanos proving that amidst the mass genocide there is more complexity to him than simply an evil villain who is out to kill.

**LAST WARNING FOR A SPOILER ALERT**

However, “restoring balance” remains his mission and Thanos succeeds at wiping out half of the universe, including main characters including: Loki, Gamora, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, “Bucky” the Winter Soldier, Scarlet Witch, Star-Lord, Groot, Drax, Mantis, Nick Fury and Maria Hill (both of which are seen disintegrating in an after-credits scene).

Infinity War Spider-Man

However, with new films on the horizon such as Spider-Man: Far From Home and Guardians of the Galaxy 3, it’s hard to imagine that the dissolving of some of these characters is permanent. Perhaps in the same way that we see the Red Skull is transported to another dimension in space, our favorite heroes are simply “relocated” as well? Or perhaps the Time Stone will allow the remaining heroes to time travel (as we saw Thanos do) and return everyone to their “pre-dust” selves. While I don’t claim to be a Marvel expert, I am holding out hope for many of these characters since my fandom is new and I am simply not ready to say “goodbye”.

All in all, Infinity War gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. I recommend viewing the films I listed above (in a similar order) if you have not already done so as it brings more meaning and a better understanding to Infinity War. So head out and grab your copy of Avengers: Infinity War when it hits stores on Tuesday, August 14th. Be ready for action, laughs and possibly a few tears (I may or may not have cried…). You’ll even get to enjoy over 2 hours of bonus content including a gag reel. As with all Marvel movies, be sure to keep watching for the after-credits scene. For now, I join my fellow Marvel and Avengers fans as we await the arrival of Avengers 4, set to hit theatres on May 3, 2019.

Did you know you can meet some of your favorite Marvel characters at Disneyland and on a Disney Cruise? 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 including the Disney Cruise Line. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.716.697.1211, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Revitalized Boardwalk Pizza Window Review

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

Ok, I may not be Italian by birth, but since 95% of my friends growing up were Italian, I count it as Italian by proxy. From an early age, I knew what a good red sauce, meatball, and pie (pizza) should be. So I was excited to try out the updated menu at the Boardwalk Pizza Window at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort and relive my “Italian” roots!

New Menu Items

New pizzas: Sausage and Mushroom Pizza – Personal $10.99/ Whole $22.99 and White Pizza with Bacon and Mushroom – Personal $10.99/ Whole $22.99
New sandwiches: Meatball Sub with Chips – $11.99 and Italian Hoagie Sandwich with Chips – $9.99
New desserts: Limoncello Dessert Bar – $3.79 and Mini Cannoli – $4.29
New salads: Caprese Salad – $4.49 (or 1 snack credit) and Antipasto Salad – $4.49 (or 1 snack credit)
Pizza is NO longer being served by the slice only personal 10″ or whole

Caprese Salad – $4.49

Juicy cherry tomatoes, Italian spices, mozzarella and balsamic come together for an excellent Caprese salad. I only wish it was larger!

Antipasto Salad – $4.49

Salami, artichoke, kalamata olives, cherry tomato, pepperoncini, and mozzarella cheese unite to create a jam-packed Antipasto Salad. My only wish same as the Caprese is that the serving was bigger.

Meatball Sub with Chips – $11.99

A perfectly toasted bun is topped with red sauce, meatballs and mozzarella cheese served with a side of classic Lay’s potato chips. Meatballs can easily be bland and dry, but these were juicy and seasoned just right! This was my favorite! Ugh, I am still dreaming about that meatball sub!

Personal 10” Cheese Pizza

Nothing ruins a pizza like a terrible crust. No one likes a “soggy bottom” (any other Mary Berry fans?)! A thin crispy crust, perfectly seasoned sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese equal pizza pie perfection!

Mini Cannoli – $4.29

With four mini cannoli in an order, it is the perfect dessert to share! The shell had a nice crunch (no one likes a soft cannoli shell) and there was no shortage of delicious filling.

Limoncello Dessert Bar – $3.79

Two slices per order, the limoncello dessert bar is like summer in a bite. The lemon is incredibly refreshing, and not overly sweet.

Overall Thoughts

Boardwalk pizza window is a great option for the whole family, especially with picky eaters. Order the cheese or pepperoni for the kids and the parents can enjoy one of the new sandwiches or pizzas! Two thumbs up on the new revitalized menu. Stay hungry Disney Friends!

Strawberry Cheesecake Bread Pudding

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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August 12, 2018

strawberry cheesecake bread pudding

Disneyland always seems to get the best treats and here is one to satisfy your sweet tooth: Strawberry Cheesecake Bread Pudding. Strawberries? Yum! Cheesecake? Delicious! Bread Pudding? Of course! Strawberry Cheesecake Bread Pudding? Are we dreaming?

Next time you’re wandering around Disney California Adventure Park, stop by the Pacific Wharf Café to get your sweet fix. The Strawberry Cheesecake Bread Pudding is topped with whipped cream and dusted with “active rocks”, which “pop” in your mouth. This dessert item will set guests back a mere $5.39, which sounds like it would be worth every bite.

Strawberry Cheesecake Bread Pudding

However, if you’re not looking for something sweet there are plenty of other options on the menu such as:

Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Chinese Chicken Salad
Turkey Pesto Club
Chicken, Apple & Walnut Salad
Pixar Fest Celebration Cake and more…

The menu here also offers a slew of allergy-friendly options including soy-free, peanut/tree nut-free, milk-free, egg-free and fish/shellfish-free meals.

Planning a Disney vacation? 2019 rates are now available for Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and Aulani! 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 including the Disney Cruise Line. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.716.697.1211, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.

Disney Villains Spirit Jersey and More From The Disney Store

By

Danielle

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August 12, 2018

Disney Villains Spirit Jersey

You can make the rules with the new Disney Villains Spirit Jersey that has materialized at the Disney Store. That’s right, there is now a Villains inspired Spirt Jersey, and it’s wickedly fabulous. This jersey is currently an in store only find, and is flying off the shelves.