Meet Amira, the Newest Giraffe Calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

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December 7, 2018

Meet Amira, the newest giraffe calf at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The new darling giraffe calf born October 1st at Animal Kingdom now has a name! Amira, which means “princess” in Swahili was introduced to us last month and we are told she is doing great with mom Kenya! We can’t wait to meet her on the Savanna. Just a couple months old and Amira is already standing at more than five-feet tall. Since her birth, Amira has been bonding and nursing with mom Kenya in a backstage habitat.

Found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania, Masai giraffe are currently listed as a “vulnerable” species but may soon be moved to endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. There is grave concern for the future of these beautiful creatures in the wild as they face threats of poaching and habitat loss. It is estimated about 32,000 Masai giraffes are left in the wild, and their population continues to decline at alarming rates.

Disney is actively involved in efforts to save Masai giraffes by lending our support to conservation efforts through the Disney Conservation Fund and sending our animal care team to lend their expertise in the field. 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.

Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake Arrives at Animal Kingdom

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 7, 2018

The new Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake has arrived at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree how delightful you are as a sweet little cupcake with Mickey Mouse ears. You can find this holiday dessert at Pizzafari, Creature Comforts, and Restaurantosaurus during the month of December.

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I wish you had smell-o-vision because this gingerbread cupcake smells amazing and tastes incredible. On top of the gingerbread cake, cream cheese frosting “snow” is decorated with a buttercream Christmas tree and chocolate Mickey ears. For $5.99 or one snack credit, you can have your own merry little Christmas. Where do you like to grab a sweet treat when you are spending the day at Animal Kingdom? Post in the comments below. Stay hungry Disney friends.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic” is back!

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Heather Adamczak

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December 7, 2018

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic” is back with an all-new installment once again hosted by Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker. This year’s stunning and romantic weddings at Walt Disney World Resort will feature a spectacular “Mary Poppins Returns” theme and a special performance by country music superstar Martina McBride.

Tune in to Freeform on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8:00-9:00 p.m. EST/PST.

Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 7, 2018

The Walt Disney Family Museum has announced a new exhibit, Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World. This will be an exclusive exhibit celebrating the most recognizable character in animation. The exhibit will appear in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall from May 16, 2019 until January 6, 2020. The exhibit is also appearing in conjunction with the museum’s tenth anniversary. The photo above is of a Tennessee Loveless tribute to Mickey Mouse that will be included in the exhibit.

They will also be including animation cells and concept art, like this one of Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

This sketch was done by Les Clark and is a publicity drawing from some time around 1930. It was gifted to the museum by Ron and Diane Miller.

This poster of Mickey Mouse from 1935 is part of the Walt Disney Archives Photo Library, and has been loaned to the museum for this special exhibit.

Joanna Miller donated this unique piece of art to the exhibit. This is an original entitled Thru the Mirror by Tom Wood. Created in 1936, it was featured in Good Housekeeping in 1942. The exhibit will take guests on a journey through nine decades of Mickey Mouse and tell the story of Walt Disney by his side. There will be artwork never before seen by the public in addition to production pieces and artifacts. For young visitors, there will be interactive displays and hands on activities. While museums tend to appeal to adults, we cannot forget that Mickey Mouse was created to delight children of all ages.

During the first week the exhibit is open, please join the Walt Disney Family Museum for some special events. On Wednesday, May 15, 2019 you can experience Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World Preview with Guest Curator Andreas Deja. These tours will take place from 1pm-2pm and 4pm-5pm. Saturday, May 18, 2019 will be Voicing an Icon: Talks with Bret Iwan from 11am to 12:30pm and 3pm-4:30pm. For more information, please visit their website.

Are you excited about this new exhibit? Let us know in the comments below!

New Tasting Sampler at Animal Kingdom

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Katelyn G

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December 7, 2018

There is a Tasting Sampler at Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World! Guests can now taste their way around Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A, Pandora, and Discovery Island while enjoying preferred seating for Rivers of Light.

For the low price of $30 per person, guests will receive a $35 digital value card ($5 bonus!) to redeem select food and drink items in the Animal Kingdom. The digital value card can be used at more than 40 food and drink carts/kiosks throughout the park from 10:30 am-6 pm. Some of the flavorful food options include:

Africa: Chicken curry bowl, Dole Whip float and craft beer selections
Discovery Island: Meatball with polenta, mac & cheese with pulled pork or shrimp, house-smoked pastrami slider and apple cider donut holes
Pandora: Pineapple lumpia, pretzels and select beverages
Asia: Tuna bao, Korean beef slider, fried dumplings, margaritas and a beer flight
Dinoland U.S.A.: Corn chip pie, Buffalo chicken chips, milkshakes and a holiday sundae
Other Locations: Additional carts are available throughout the park

Please note that the digital value card cannot be used at table service restaurants or at quick-service dining locations. Theme Park Admission is required.

After filling up on delicious eats, guests can make their way to the second showing of Rivers of Light. The preferred seating section of the theater offers dazzling views of the incredible light-and-water show that celebrates the magic of nature.

The Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler is on sale now for Rivers of Light performances on December 22nd, 2018 – January 2nd, 2019. Guests can purchase online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE to redeem their $35 digital value card via email.

Source: Disney.

Celebrate New Years in ‘Incredibles’ Style at Disneyland

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 7, 2018

Celebrate New Years in 'Incredibles' Style at Disneyland

Celebrate New Years in ‘Incredible’ Style at Disneyland Get set for fun as you count down the minutes to New Years. Celebrate in ‘Incredibles’ style with a one-of-a-kind party at Disney’s PCH Grill. An impressive buffet of delectable dishes catering to your every whim! The all-you-can-enjoy smorgasbord is a treat for party goers. This cheerful meal is punctuated by appearances of our favorite family of Pixar supers from The Incredibles in the Pacific Ballroom at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

Here are some details of tasty offerings available; Pozole soup and New England clam chowder, a selection of imported and domestic cheese, a meat display, fresh homemade salads, and fruit. Dinners will find mouth-watering main dishes to delight every pallet.

Here is a sampling of the scrumptious items that wait; A carving station offers a selection of herb-marinated prime rib served with savory au jus and horseradish sauce. Juicy herb-roasted turkey breast served with cranberry relish and sage-infused turkey gravy. A special house-made fried chicken, salmon coulibiac with roasted cauliflower butter sauce. Unique stout beer-braised short ribs with a coffee ancho chile sauce. Finger-licking braised short ribs with a red wine reduction sauce. Vegetarian options are also available such as saffron rice pilaf and, chef’s pan-seared wild mushroom blend. Other delicious hot dishes sure to delight all dining preferences!

Just when you thought it could not get better, DESSERT! Be sure to save some space as these treats will not disappoint! A Yule log, cranberry mousse pie, tiramisu cheesecake, mud pie and a selection of traditional desserts.

This New Years celebration is for all ages and for, there are dining selections with child-friendly dishes; petite grilled beef tips, oven-baked mac and cheese, and create-your-own pizzas. Kids always find room for dessert, and an array of sweet treats awaits!

The Pacific Ballroom is the place to be to ring in 2019! Great music and glittering lights will delight and dazzle. Photo ops abound. Beloved Pixar Characters will mingle and mix in the fun! This special event boasts TWO count-down-to-midnight celebrations. Yes, TWO! A special toast with a fun balloon drop will occur at 9:00 p.m. and at midnight. Who doesn’t love double the fun?!

Here are some additional details; Disney’s PCH Grill Have an Incredible New Year Dinner Buffet and Celebration takes place on December 31, 2018. Dinner is served from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Pacific Ballroom New Year’s Eve Character Celebration event begins at 6:00 PM and ends at 12:30 AM.

Join the party for $100.00 per adult and $35.00 per child (ages 3 to 9); tax and gratuity not included. Please note: A service charge will automatically be added for parties of 8 or more Guests.

For reservations, book online or call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM Pacific Time daily. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Please note; Complimentary self-parking for the duration of the event is included with a Disney’s PCH Grill validation, available at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Reservations must be canceled 72 hours prior to the event to avoid a $10 per-person charge. An Annual Passholder discount may be available for the event. Please inquire when you call. Character appearances and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

First Look – New Avengers End Game Trailer Now Available!

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Chip

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December 7, 2018

The first official trailer for Avengers End Game is out now. If you haven’t seen Avengers Infinity War I recommend you skip over this trailer…

Avengers End Game picks up where the gut-wrenching Infinity War ended. For those who have seen it know exactly what I mean.

Marvel’s Avengers End Game is in theaters this April, and good cause I have been waiting far too long for answers to some very important questions.

Fox and the Hound Best Friends MagicBand at Disney Parks

By

Danielle

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December 7, 2018

Best Friends MagicBand

I honestly can’t even see the beginning credits of the Fox and the Hound without tears starting to well up in my eyes. It’s a movie I love, even if it breaks my heart every time. Of course my eyes even got watery when I saw this adorable Best Friends MagicBand inspired by the Fox and the Hound.

Fox and the Hound Best Friends MagicBand at Disney Parks

This too cute MagicBand features Copper and Todd when they first meet, on the new deep green MagicBand color. The phrase “Best Friends” is printed on the other side, with the paw print of Todd and of Copper. While this story will always bring a tear to my eye, I still love it, and I’ve fallen in love with this MagicBand too.

The Fox and the Hound Best Friends MagicBand can be found at select locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and Theme Parks where MagicBands are sold.

First piece of track installed for Guardians of the Galaxy Ride in Epcot

By

Chip

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December 6, 2018

As you can see in the photo above the first piece of track has been laid for the Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Ride in Epcot.

This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World in Epcot. It will feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

This attraction is part of our ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant and more timeless. “As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021. I can’t wait!

In case you missed it here is An Inside Look at New Disney Parks Technology, Personalized Experiences and More

Disneyland Resort Celebrates 2019 with Lunar New Year and Food & Wine Festival

By

Robbie

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December 6, 2018

In early 2019, two exciting events are returning to the Disneyland Resort, Lunar New Year and Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! To start planning your visit, here’s a quick guide to help:

Lunar New Year
Ring in the Year of the Pig with 24 days of Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney California Adventure park, Jan. 25 to Feb. 17. A joyous celebration of Asian cultures, Lunar New Year welcomes guests of all ages to commemorate traditions with beloved Disney characters, and welcome another year of good fortune.

Enjoy multicultural performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful décor, delicious cuisine, and themed merchandise. One of the highlights is “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” a bright and bold parade hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu. This year, the parade will feature the Three Little Pigs as a special treat for the Year of the Pig.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

Popular culinary festival expands to eight weeks, March 1 to April 23 in 2019. You will have a chance to explore California-inspired cuisine and beverages, plus live entertainment, family-friendly seminars, and cooking demonstrations. Kids can even join the fun with hands-on “cooking” experiences that end with tasting your creations.

Foodies will broaden their palettes at more than a dozen mouthwatering Festival Marketplaces, featuring small plates, specialty wines, and craft beers. To taste your way through the festival, the Sip and Savor Pass will be available for all guests looking to try a variety of dishes. In addition, limited-time, Festival-inspired menu items will be served at restaurants throughout Disney California Adventure park.

To help jump-start your vacation planning, take advantage of the limited-time ticket offer, available to book now! For a limited time in 2019, guests can visit a Disneyland Resort theme park for $70 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket.* The ticket offer is available for purchase online today and may be used for visits Jan. 7 through May 23, 2019 (blockout dates of April 14-22 apply). Four- and five-day ticket options, as well as Park Hopper tickets, are also available. Book through May 18, 2019.

Mary Poppins Cupcake is Practically Perfect in Every Way

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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December 6, 2018

The Mary Poppins Cupcake is practically perfect in every way. Let’s go fly a kite at Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridan Resort. To celebrate the upcoming premiere of Mary Poppins Returns on December 19th, Gasparilla Island Cafe has created this charming new cupcake.

This beloved cupcake starts with a vanilla cake that is filled with orange pastry cream. To add even more flavor, it is decorated with a citrus buttercream and a white chocolate kite. For just a little more than a tuppence well $6.99 or one snack credit to be exact, grab yours and celebrate the return of everyone’s favorite nanny!

Just a spoonful of sugar with a sprinkle of Disney pixie dust, and voila you have the new Mary Poppins Cupcake. Are you excited for Mary Poppins Returns? Post in the comments below. Stay hungry Disney friends.

2019 Garden Rocks Concert Series Expands to Seven Days a Week

By

Heather Adamczak

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December 6, 2018

2019 Garden Rocks Concert Series Expands to Seven Days a Week! Last month we shared that the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival dates were announced and now we have more news about the event. New this year, the Garden Rocks Concert Series will expand to seven days a week! This means over 270 concerts spanning over the entire 90-day event.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers outdoor kitchens and beautiful flower and topiaries all around the park. There have been a limited number of artists announced and more will come as weeks go on. Keep checking back as we add to this list.

March 9-10: Glass Tiger “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”
March 17-20: Simple Plan “Welcome to My Life”
March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away”
March 30-31: The Smithereens (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Top of the Pops”
April 3-4: Christopher Cross (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Sailing”
April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
April 12-13: Sister Sledge (NEW to Garden Rocks) “We Are Family”
April 17-19: Sister Hazel (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All For You”
April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman (NEW) “Cinderella”
April 22-23: TobyMac (NEW) “The Elements”
April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed”
April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”

The concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 pm each night of the festival and are included in park admission. There are also Garden Rocks Dining Packages to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner and enjoy guaranteed concert seating as well. Reservations open up on December 13th and can be booked with your travel agent or directly with Disney here.