Actress Auli’I Cravahlo Enjoyed International Festival of the Holidays.

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January 1, 2019

If you don’t know who actress Auli’I Cravahlo is let me give you a little hint. “I’ve been starring at the edge of the water, as long as I can remember, never knowing why”. You guessed it! Auli’I is best known as the voice of the title character Moana. At the young age of 18, actress Auli’I Cravahlo is one of the most recognizable voices on the planet.

Auli’I is a great example of a modern-day princess. The actress showcases incredible inner strength and vulnerability. Both qualities were exhibited during her narration of the 2018 “Candlelight Processional”. As she narrated the processional on December 21 through 23^rd, actress Auli’I Cravahlo recalls the joy she felt with the choir singing behind her and the audience in awe in front of her.

Even though the event ended on December 30^th the Candlelight Processional is an amazingly beautiful event for anyone who is lucky enough to attend. In case you missed it, it was the line-up for 2018’s celebrity narrators:

Chita Rivera, November 22 – 23

Helen Hunt, November 24-25-New for 2018

Alfonso Ribeiro, November 26- 27- New for 2018

Robby Benson, November 28-30

John Stamos, December 1-2

Neil Patrick Harris, December 3-6

Whoopi Goldberg, December 7-9

Bart Millard, December 10-12 -New for 2018

Blair Underwood, December 13-14

Gary Sinise, December 15-17

Pat Sajak, December 18-20

Auli’I Cravalho, December 21-23-New for 2018

Joey Fatone, December 24-25

Jodi Benson, December 26-27

Cal Ripken Jr., December 28-30

As a beloved part of the Walt Disney World holiday season, celebrity narrators read the biblical Christmas story backed by a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. For the first time, the performances of the Candlelight Processional began on Thanksgiving Day. The event ends on December 30^th, but don’t worry, this is a yearly tradition that will continue. Be sure to check back for the 2019 celebrity line-up and dates for the Candlelight Processional.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself? 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], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

D23 Raises Membership Fee Effective Today

By

Heather Adamczak

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January 1, 2019

We just received an email stating that for the first time in history D23 has raised their membership fee. Since D23 began in 2009 they have not increased membership fees. The increase is not a surprise with all of the events and perks that come with membership. They continue to sell out Disney events around the country and offer many benefits to its members. We love our D23 membership!

Thank you for being a valued D23 Member! We are reaching out to provide you with advanced notice that the price of your gold will increase to $99.99. This change will take effect on your next renewal date. As a reminder, your gold is set to expire on 2019-08-01. Be sure to renew your membership and set up auto-renew on or prior to 2019-07-31. Your gold will continue uninterrupted. Renewing your membership means you won’t miss out on the dazzling new D23 2019 Gold Member gift–a stunning collectible set of 10 pins, each representing a film, attraction, or character that is also celebrating a landmark anniversary this year, as well as exclusive D23 Gold Member events, the Disney twenty-three quarterly publication, and benefits and discounts on merchandise, dining, attractions, accommodations, and more! You can review your membership and billing details at any time by visiting https://www.shopdisney.com/secure/account/d23 As always, if you have any questions, we are happy to help. Please contact Guest Services at (800) 328-0368 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you, The D23 Team

Gold Membership is now $99.99 per year and Gold Family memberships are $129.99 per year. This is up from $74.99 and $99.99 per year. Memberships will be automatically recurring until the member chooses to cancel their membership.

The free option is still available, with access to the D23 website and select free member events. Returning members who sign up for automatic renewal can receive a discounted rate of $79.99 per year for Gold Members and $109.99 per year for Gold Family members.

D23 has hinted to many more events and perks to its members coming this year. We can’t wait to see what is going to be coming soon.

The New Paillette Minnie Mouse Ears Really POP!

By

Danielle

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January 1, 2019

Hold on to your bows ladies and gents, there’s a flashy new pair of Minnie Mouse ears to check out! The new Paillette Minnie Mouse Ears have a vintage feel to them, and are perfect for a shimmering start to the new year.

These new ears are a sleek black with multi colored dots in various sizes. To add a little extra shine to the very 60s and 70s mod style, there is also Paillettes (or extra large sequins) sprinkled onto the ears amongst the polka-dots. The dangling sequin discs adds a beautiful touch of sparkle that adds a pop of magical style. The entire ensemble is topped off with a dazzling pink sequined bow!

You can find these mod styled ears currently at Epcot, and the Pop Century Resort of Walt Disney World for $27.99. With these and the new Purple Potion Minnie Ears kicking off the new year, I’m sure we’ve got an exciting assortment of ears look forward to for 2019!

Are you a fan of the retro inspired Paillette Minnie Mouse Ears?

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Heather Adamczak

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January 1, 2019

On May 1, Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is honoring this achievement all year with a new 30th-anniversary logo and other fun and excitement. Take a look at all there is to come this year! Make your plans to celebrate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Starting Jan. 18, celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary with The Incredibles, who will host a dance party at Pixar Avenue (where you can also meet the one and only Edna Mode!). A door to the monster world will open at Walt Disney Presents, where Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” will be greeting you. And Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang are ready to welcome you into Andy’s backyard at the new Toy Story Land.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios – When this new show experience opens this spring, you’ll come face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who will teach you about racing from his years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!

New Cinematic Nighttime Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – As part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary, Wonderful World of Animation will debut May 1. The show will use state-of-the-art technology to take you on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey.

Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Live your own Star Wars adventure when this deeply immersive land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall (and this summer at Disneyland Park in California). You’ll explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where you’ll find all manner of new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, characters and creatures from a galaxy far, far away. The land will also feature two thrilling new attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Take a Ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Opening later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this will be the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. It will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, taking you on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an astounding multi-dimensional experience.

Animal Kingdom Babies Born in 2018

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Heather Adamczak

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December 31, 2018

Who doesn’t love baby animals? Disney’s Animal Kingdom has brought so many adorable babies into the world in 2018! What a better way to ring in 2019 with reminiscing over these adorable 2018 Animal Kingdom babies.

First, we will start with the not so little, Agustus! This little man is the first hippo to be born at the park in 13 years! His birth was a huge celebration and cast and guests as the newest Nile hippopotamus added to the herd.

Agusutus’s mama Tuma and her mate Henry were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is a vulnerable species with a declining population. This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. We hope guests will see this adorable hippo calf and be inspired to take action to protect them in the wild.

There is a new baby Mandrills born this year as well! Mandrills are a vulnerable species found in African rainforests along the equator, where their habitat is disappearing because of deforestation and poaching.

This birth is another example of how our dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which ensure responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species, in order to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of such animals for years to come.

Welcome Amira, which means “princess” in Swahili. We are delighted with her name and thank you sincerely for playing a role in this important moment in her life. Amira appears to be an adventurous young calf, and we’re excited to see her explore the savanna. Born on Oct. 1, Amira is already standing bonding and nursing with mom Kenya in a backstage habitat.

A huge celebration is in order with the birth of a rare okapi, who was born on Oct. 1 to mom Zelda. Weighing in at 54 pounds, the calf was up and mobile within the first hour of his birth. He has been nursing and bonding with his mom. The pair will remain in a backstage habitat for the next few months before joining the animals on the savanna.

2018 has been a great year for babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We can’t wait to see what 2019 brings to the park as well! Who is your favorite bundle of joy born at Animal Kingdom this year?

New U.S. Military Walt Disney World and Disneyland Ticket and Resort Offer Now Available

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 31, 2018

Disney announced a new promotion for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort honoring active-duty and retired members of the U.S. military with special offers on theme park admissions and resort stays for most dates in 2019.

Starting today, multi-day Disney Military Promotional Tickets will be available for each location. Here’s a look at the details:

At Walt Disney World Resort – Military Promotional Tickets include four- and five-day tickets with Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option. The Park Hopper Option with each ticket allows guests to visit more than one park at the resorts on each day of their visit.

For more details and pricing for the Walt Disney World Resort Military Promotion Ticket, please visit Disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/military-multi-day-tickets-2019/.

At Disneyland Resort – Military Promotional Tickets include a three- or four-day Park Hopper ticket valid for adult or child admission with blockouts on select dates in April. The Park Hopper Option at Disneyland Resort also allows guests to visit more than one park at the resorts.

For information, including pricing, for the Disneyland Resort Military Promotion Ticket, check out Disneyland.disney.go.com/offers-discounts/military-3-day-tickets/.

Also, active-duty and retired U.S. military personnel can take advantage of great rates at select Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort hotels.* The Walt Disney World Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through April 13, 2019, and April 26, 2019, through Dec. 19, 2019. The Disneyland Resort room offer is valid for stays most nights from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec.19, 2019.

Here are some other important details you should know:

Offers are available only for Eligible Service Members. “Eligible Service Members” are active-duty or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets only by Eligible Service Members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use. May not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions.
Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
Subject to certain exceptions, Disney 4-Day/5-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows.
Disneyland Resort Military Promotional tickets are valid beginning Jan. 1, 2019, and expire Dec. 21, 2019. Blockout days of April 14, 2019, through April 22, 2019, apply. Tickets are not valid for Magic Morning early-entry admission at Disneyland Park.
Subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

*Room offers are subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for these offers are limited. Eligible Service Members or spouse must present a valid military identification at check-in. If valid military ID is not presented, the non-discounted room price will be charged for the duration of the stay. Offer is non-transferable, and Eligible Service Member/spouse must stay in the room. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. The Walt Disney World Resort room offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, campsites, Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Additional per adult charges may apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than 2 adults per room. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply. Disneyland Resort room offer excludes select Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Excludes applicable fees and taxes.

Photo Credit Disney

Time is Running Out to Try the Tasting Sampler at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 31, 2018

Time is running out to try the Tasting Sampler at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Have you tried the Tasting Sampler offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this holiday season? It is a great way to make a full day’s meal out of snacks. However, time is ticking and today is your last day to purchase this offer. Head over to Disney Dining to purchase your digital value card for $30. Feel free to purchase one or more cards then choose from a variety of snacks and beverages at the park. While the Tasting Sampler is a great value for food and drinks it also includes an additional perk with preferred seating at Rivers of Light.

Wondering how the Tasting Sampler works? The day after purchasing the offer you will receive a digital gift card in your email worth $35.00 valid for snacks at more than 40 locations throughout Animal Kingdom. If you are not looking to stand in a long line at quick-service restaurants, you are in luck! The card is only valid at participating carts and food-and-beverage kiosks. Purchasing multiple cards is allowed, they will all be automatically combined into one value card in the email.

Once you arrive at the park pick up a pamphlet with participating Tasting Sampler locations at either Creature Comforts or Isle of Java. Then you are free to nibble and sip your way around the park redeeming your card along the way. Whether your taste buds are craving a Curry Chicken Bowl in Africa, a beer flight in Asia, a pretzel in Pandora, or a Smoked Pastrami Slider on Discovery Island you can snack as you go.

Enjoy these and other tasty options between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm. Then head on over to enjoy Rivers of Light with preferred seating at the second show of the evening. The water-based show featuring stunning images is a crowd pleaser and the Tasting Sampler is sure to be as well!

Arrest Made For Man Attempting to Kidnap Girl from Harry Potter Ride at Universal

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 31, 2018

It is truly a scary world we are living in! WFTV9 Orlando reported that a 23-year-old man attempted to kidnap a 9-year-old girl outside the Forbidden Journey Ride inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Reports from the Orange County Sheriffs state that Jason Mikel, of Minooka, Illinois, approached the 9-year-old girl Sunday around 3:45 p.m. in a locker room area of the Forbidden Journey ride. The girl told officers a man grabbed her shoulders and told her to go outside to her mother. A witness told police she overheard the man tell the girl, “Mommy was over here.”

According to the report, a witness said the girl broke free from the man and ran over to her mother. The girl’s mother told police she lost sight of her daughter for only a brief moment. The man ran away from the Forbidden Journey ride where park employees followed him to the Hogwarts Express train ride, where he appeared to fall while running away. Mikel was detained by a police sergeant working at the park.

Mikel is charged with battery, attempted kidnapping and marijuana possession. He was also issued a trespass warning for all Universal Studios properties, police said.

Source: WFTV9 Orlando

Disney and Verizon Come to Programming Agreement

By

Kaitlyn

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December 31, 2018

Disney and Verizon Come to Programming Agreement. The Walt Disney Company and Verizon have been debating over the fate of Disney owned channels being viewed by Verizon Fios customers.

After years of back and forth battling over media content, both companies have agreed to continue allowing Verizon Fios customers to view Disney owned channels. Some well know channels are ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, and other Disney owned channels. It has not been clear what the outcome would be, though both companies seemed optimistic during negotiations. The agreement comes just before the predetermined December 31, 2018 deadline.

Verizon and Disney released a joint statement regarding the agreement on Sunday, December 30, 2018. “Verizon and The Walt Disney Company have reached a broad-based distribution agreement.”

In the statement it was also made clear that more details about the agreement would be released within the following days. If the two could not have reached an agreement before the December 31, 2018 deadline Verizon’s Fios network would have stopped supporting Disney owned channels.

Fios customers can breathe easy knowing they will still be able to view their favorite Disney shows and movies while using their network. Be sure to check back here for any updates.

Photo Credit: Verizon

Magic Kingdom Reached Capacity Closure With New Years Crowds

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 31, 2018

Walt Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth, but today… It is a little crowded for most guests! Disney announced this morning through their My Disney Experience app and social media that they reached Phase B capacity closure by 11:30 this morning.

New Years is a beautiful time at the park. The fireworks are one of the best shows throughout the parks. However, some may want to ring in the new year from home and watch the show from their less crowded living room.

You can still visit Walt Disney World today as Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios are accepting guest to celebrate with them! Prepare for long waits, parking restrictions, and large crowds. The word of the day is “patience.”

“We are experiencing a very busy day at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is not accepting new Guests at this time,” Disney said on its Twitter feed.

https://twitter.com/WDWToday/status/1079781991057375232

New Virtual Gravity Falls Tsum Tsum On Quidd App

By

Danielle

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December 31, 2018

Gravity Falls has landed on the Quidd app! You can now collect Virtual Gravity Falls Tsum Tsum characters on the iMessage application Quidd. There are four virtual characters to collect, and you can purchase them separately or with the mystery box!

New Virtual Gravity Falls Tsum Tsum On Quidd App

You can purchase Mabel Pines, Grunkle Stan, Dipper Pines, and Wendy. They are available for $1.99 and $2.99 depending on their rarity.

There is also the Gravity Falls “Mystery” box, that you can purchase for in game currency. This is the only way to obtain the virtual characters without using real money. I purchased 10 with coins and got 3 out of 5.

The Virtual Gravity Falls Tsum Tsum characters are a limited edition of 1500 to 5000 depending on the character. These are only available on the Quidd App that you can find here.

Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park Closing for Refurbishment

By

Kaitlyn

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December 31, 2018

Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park Closing for Refurbishment. Guests planning to visit Disneyland Park in 2019 will want to hear this! The popular night time spectacle “Fantasmic!” will be closed for refurbishment for a good portion of the new year.

For those who don’t know, Fantasmic! is a night time spectacular show revolving around our favorite Mouse, Mickey, as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Mickey shows us, the audience, scenes from some of the greatest stories Disney has ever told. During the show he is sucked into the Magic Mirror and is forced to navigate through a horrible dream world created by various big and bad Disney Villains! Legend says you may even see Mickey fight a 45-foot tall dragon! Can Mickey escape the clutches of evil? Will he become a true hero and save the day? You’ll have to see the show for yourself to find out!

If you are planning on seeing this fantastic show you’ll have to do it soon.

Starting January 22, 2019 there will be no showings for Fantasmic! until the end of the refurbishment sometime in Spring 2019. An official re-opening date has yet to be determined for the Disneyland Park nighttime show.

During normal operation, Fantasmic! can be found in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park.

For those who can’t wait to see the show, Fantasmic! is also available for nighttime viewing in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Photo Credit: Disney/Disneyland Park