Disney Files Permits for Upcoming Projects in Epcot

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May 9, 2018

Per permits filed today with Orange County, it appears that big changes are coming to Epcot! The permits are notices of commencement meaning that work is about to begin on these projects. The permits are very vague at this point and just list Buena Vista Construction Company as the contractor which is standard procedure when Disney files permits for new projects.

While the permits don’t give much information, they do give some addresses. More specifically, the addresses listed are for “Avenue of the Stars.” If you are not familiar with “Avenue of the Stars,” it is the perimeter road that wraps around Epcot and its backstage area. It’s also important to keep in mind, all the notices of commencement filed today for Epcot list the same project name: JPEC8060.

While nothing is certain at this point, here are a few theories on what we think might be going on at Epcot:

As you know, Disney World is currently constructing a gondola system to be called the Skyliner. The Skyliner will have an Epcot stop and these permits may hint at some renovations will have to be made right inside Epcot.
There are currently two new attractions coming to Epcot that we are sure of. The first is the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the other is the new space-themed restaurant that will be run by the Patina Group which we learned more information about today. The permits might be related to these two new attractions. The Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster will be going in and behind the former Universe of Energy attraction where the new space restaurant is to be built between Mission: SPACE and Test Track which are a tad bit away from the entrance.
In addition to those two new attractions being added to Future World, there also is a new confirmed attraction coming to the Wold Showcase. Construction is already underway for a Ratatouille ride for the France Pavilion. In addition, rumors have been going around for some time that a Mary Poppins-themed ride would be coming to the United Kingdom. These permits might be related to either one of these projects.
As we covered this past summer, concept art was released from the D23 Convention showing a re-imagined Future World. These notices of commencement might point to those changes beginning to take shape.
There has also been talks that the Leave a Legacy stones at the entrance to Epcot would be removed. The removal of the stones will allow for a full refurbishment to the entrance to Epcot.
Finally, there has been online chatter that a new Resort would be built right at the entrance to Epcot and be themed as a Future World Resort.

In addition to these permits for Epcot, there were also notices of commencement filed today for the Magic Kingdom area and even Animal Kingdom.

While we don’t know for sure what might be coming to Epcot, once thing is for certain with these notices of commencement – change is coming! Keep following along with us here at Chip & Co. for all the latest on these developments.

Planning a visit to Disney World? CLICK HERE, 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 and my services are 100% FREE!

Let us help plan your next Disney Vacation!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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 Credit: Orange County Comptroller

TCM Treasures from the Disney Vault Summer Lineup has been Announced

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 9, 2018

TCM Treasures from the Disney Vault summer lineup

The TCM Treasures from the Disney Vault summer lineup has been announced. Beginning at 8pm ET on June 6th and hosted by film critic Leonard Maltin, you’ll be able to view a wide variety of Disney classics for the entire family to enjoy. This will include animated shorts, feature films, live-action movies, documentaries, nature films and made-for-television movies.

The schedule for June 6th is:

8:00 pm: A Trip Through the Walt Disney Studios (1937)

8:15 pm: The Best of Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures (1975)

10:00 pm: The Legend of Lobo (1962)

11:15 pm: Greyfriars Bobby (1961)

11:15 pm: Society Dog Show (1939)

1:15 am: Pluto’s Purchase (1948)

1:15 am: Big Red (1962)

3:00 am: Moose Hunters (1937)

3:10 am: Benji The Hunted (1987)

4:45 am: The Biscuit Eater (1972)

As with other airings, these programs go well into the wee hours of the morning the following day so you’ll want to set a DVR so you don’t miss anything!

What are you most exited to watch? I always love seeing “Behind the Scenes” type footage of Walt – especially from the very early days of his career so I’m really looking forward to A Trip Through The Walt Disney Studios!

You can learn more information on TCM Treasures from the Disney Vault here.

Photo credit: TCM

New Hawaiian Luau Area Coming to Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 9, 2018

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is set to return this Fall from October 26 to October 28 for its ninth year. When it returns it will have an all-new themed area featuring the tastes of a Hawaiian Luau all located on the Resort’s private beach!

The new area, named The Pig and The Poke, will feature Hawaiian décor along with several food favorites of the island state including:

Traditional Earth Baked Kalua Pork with steamed white rice, barrel-aged tamari and Napa cabbage
Tuna Poke featuring Hawaiian yellowfin tuna, sushi rice, avocado relish and crispy fried wontons
Finely Shaved Ice in a variety of tropical flavors: guava, pineapple, coconut cream, passion fruit, lychee, kiwi and mango

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Executive Chef Robert Ciborowski drew upon his years of living and working in Kapalua, Hawaii as inspiration for the dishes.

The Pig and The Poke will join the event’s returning themed areas which offer specialty cuisine in immersive atmospheres: Carnival Corner, Chinatown, Bubble Lounge and a Beer Garden. Access to The Pig and Poke is included in the standard ticket price.

Fans can CLICK HERE to view the complete food menu for the 2018 event.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 60 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on seminars with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts as well as a Sunday Bubbles Brunch.

Let’s start planning your visit to the 2018 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! CLICK HERE, 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 and my services are 100% FREE!

Let us help plan your next Disney Vacation!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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.

A Disney Springs Vice President Job Opening has been Posted

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 9, 2018

Disney Springs Vice President job opening

The Walt Disney World Resort is looking for a new Vice President of Disney Springs. The Disney Springs Vice President job opening was posted on May 9th. This comes after the announcement that the current Vice President, Keith Bradford, is stepping down at the end of the month.

To fill this position Disney is looking for a seasoned executive with significant retail and dining experience. The person chosen for this position must be able to define, drive and deliver the strategy for every aspect of the business as they work to deliver world class experiences to guests and at the same time achieve the financial goals set by the company.

The selected candidate will manage a staff of 11,000 Cast Members and report to the VP, Operations – Walt Disney World Resort.

Some of the responsibilities of this position, straight from the job posting are:

Defines and develops business strategies for Disney Springs in alignment with Walt Disney World site operations
Drive financial growth and operating income of Disney Springs by optimizing revenue, costs and resources
Demonstrate agility – create new and better ways for the organization to be successful by driving property-wide innovation and optimization efforts while, at the same time delivering an exceptional Guest & Cast experience
Identifies, develops and leads talent – effectively manages talent by nourishing, stretching and developing people to meet both their career aspirations and the organization’s goals
Collaborate with the Commercialization team (Marketing and Sales) to drive strategies to increase attendance and guest spend
Collaborate with Senior Leadership to develop and implement the overall development strategy for the Disney Springs

Qualifications for the position include:

5+years of executive level general management experience with P&L accountability
Minimum of 5 years executive leadership experience in Retail, Dining and Entertainment Operations
Exceptional leadership skills; ability to inspire others through an overarching vision and drives results by leveraging creative sensibilities, strong business acumen and strategic thinking
Proven consumer knowledge and ability to deliver upon consumer-centric strategies designed to drive short and long term financial results.
Strong business acumen with natural curiosity to understand the business

A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.

For a full list of responsibilities and qualifications you can find the full posting here.

Disney Springs is a themed retail, dining and entertainment center located within the Walt Disney World Resort. There are 4 ―The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center— that are built around bubbling springs. This one million square foot RD&E complex is home to an eclectic mix of over 100 unique shops, 57 food and beverage locations and 8 entertainment venues.

Space-Themed Restaurant Lands in Future World at Epcot

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 9, 2018

Space-Themed Restaurant Lands in Future World at Epcot

Last summer, we reported that a space-themed restaurant was planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests one of the most unique dining experiences available on Walt Disney World property. The new restaurant will give diners the feeling that they are in orbit as they will be surrounded with breathtaking panoramic views from high above the Earth and will be built adjacent to the park’s Mission: Space and Test Track attractions in a newly developed area.

Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald had this to say about this new dining location, “We know our guests love dining at Epcot – and the restaurants really are out of this world. Now we’re about to create one that takes that literally.”

The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group which also operates Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.

As of right now, we do not have an opening date for the new space-themed restaurant.

In the meantime, you can experience the newly updated Mission: SPACE that launched last summer. And, starting June 9th, Guests can catch up with Star Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” as a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer” offerings.

Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, five times a day from June 9 through August 19.

Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more updates!

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There are still fantastic 2018 packages available. Send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner!

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.

Toy Story Mania Ride at Hollywood Studios To Close for One Week

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 9, 2018

As we have been reporting, the entrance to Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios has been undergoing a refurbishment in order to make it accessible from the soon-to-be-open Toy Story Land. Currently, the entrance to the attraction is located in the Pixar Play area. During this refurbishment, tracks of the ride have been closed which has also led to a suspension of FastPasses for the ride

Today it was announced, per the Walt Disney World website, that Toy Story Mania would be closed completely from June 11 to June 18. The popular attraction will reopen for Guests visiting Hollywood Studios on June 19.

It was recently reported that Guests were able to find day-of FastPasses for Toy Story Mania. However, we have not heard of any Guests getting these FastPasses in recent days.

Toy Story Land is set to officially open on June 30.

Planning a visit to Toy Story Land and Walt Disney World? There are still great discounts available for this Summer! CLICK HERE, 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 and my services are 100% FREE!

Let us help plan your next Disney Vacation!

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote!

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.

Disney Cruise Line Possibly Developing Another Private Island

By

Heather Adamczak

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May 9, 2018

Disney Cruise Line Possibly Developing Another Private Island

Disney Cruise Line is possibly considering adding another exclusive island in addition to Castaway Cay! Castaway Cay is an extremely popular and intimate destination with Disney cruisers and it looks as if Disney Cruise is close to adding a second island to the cruise lines already very popular destinations.

The Tribune, a Bahamian news outlet, confirmed that Disney Cruise Line is interested in creating a new private island, but where? Kim Prunty, a spokeswoman for Disney Cruise Line stated that the interest was in the development of Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera. It is a 700-acre property that is currently for sale with Bahamas Realty. It is described as “…ideal setting for a grand vision, with exceptional beachfront acreage, colorful reefs, and breathtaking landscape.”

Chip and Co will continue to give you up to date information on the development of this possible new island destination on Disney Cruise as we learn more! Check back to Chip and Co for more!

Source The Tribune

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Are you thinking about planning a trip to Disney? I can help!

There are so many great packages and new promotions being released for 2018. In addition to writing for Chip and Co. I am a travel agent with MickeyTravels (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney)! My services are 100% FREE and I can customize no-obligation quotes for all Disney and Universal Orlando destinations! I create custom itineraries, book advanced FastPasses+ reservations, monitor for discounts, and much more! Find me on Facebook or feel free to email me with any Disney vacation questions at [email protected]

Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart Exclusive Recipe from Woody’s Lunch Box

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 9, 2018

We are just a little less than 2 months away from the Grand Opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios on June 30th. I am so excited to experience Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers! But let’s not forget about the debut of Woody’s Lunch Box, Toy Story Land’s new quick service dining location. As we count down the days until we can be there in person, I have an exclusive recipe from Woody’s Lunch Box to share.

The Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart is one of the many new tasty treats that will be served up for Toy Story Land guests. Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries but with an interesting twist. The tart comes in a delicate crust and is topped with icing and garnished with bacon bits!

Check out my previous article giving you a look at the entire Woody’s Lunch Box menu, including pricing!

Let us help plan your next Disney Vacation!

Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote!

Ready to experience Disney for yourself? There are still fantastic 2018 packages available. Click here or send an email for a FREE, no-obligation quote from a Certified Disney Travel Specialist.

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]

Furrytale Friends Collection Launches at shopDisney and Disney store

By

Danielle

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May 8, 2018

Furrytale Friends Collection

Our favorite furry characters from Lady and the Tramp and the Aristocats are now available in a new toyline! Toddlers can now enjoy the Furrytale Friends collection that is made just for them, featuring their favorite furry friends from classic Disney movies. These new pals are available now at shopDisney and the Disney Store.

Furrytale Friends Collection Launches at shopDisney and Disney store

Furrytale Friends features toys that incorporate a range of textures and the ability to stack and build, kids will be inspired to create their own stories. Starter homes can be interchanged to create neighborhoods by linking gates or stacking with animal figures living throughout. The collection also includes related plush toys, apparel, sleepwear and accessories!

Furrytale Friends Starter Home Playset – Colette, Jock, Marie ($12.95/ea) – These Furrytale Friends are the perfect playtime companions, and your little one will love the adorable little starter home. Collect all the Furrytale Friends playsets, and you’ll discover they stack and connect!
Marie, Tramp, and Lady Plush – Furrytale friends – Small ($12.95/ea) – Your favorite friends have been reimagined for the Furrytale friends Collection as soft, cuddly plush animals with velvety fur and perfect poise.
Lady and the Tramp Rolling Luggage for Kids – Furrytale Friends ($44.95) – Your little traveler can take some from Furrytale Friends on your next adventure with this colorful Lady and the Tramp rolling suitcase. Featuring Lady, the Tramp, and scenic icons from the movie, it will roll its way into your family’s hearts.

Starting today, you can find these and the full Furrytale Friends Collection at your local Disney store and shopDisney!

Solve a Mystery With the DuckTales Tsum Tsum Collection

By

Danielle

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May 8, 2018

DuckTales Tsum Tsum Collection

Life is like a hurricane here in Duckburg! Or maybe that’s just the new DuckTales Tsum Tsum Collection turning heads like a duck blur! Uncle Scrooge is joined by Webby, Huey, Dewey, and Louie for cute stackable versions of our favorite DuckTales heroes.

You’ll love these adorable, collectible mini ”Tsum Tsum” plush dolls featuring your favorite characters from DuckTales. You can collect all five in the DuckTales series, because you richly deserve them.

You can collect all five of the DuckTales Tsum Tsum Collection at shopDisney today!

Disneyland Paris Brings Together a Night of Disney Loves Jazz Live

By

Heather Adamczak

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May 8, 2018

Disneyland Paris Brings Together a Night of Disney Loves Jazz Live

Disneyland Paris brings to life an evening of special jazz music called Disney Loves Jazz. There will be a series of nights with the first edition to come in the Walt Disney Studios Park on Saturday, September 29^th from 8 pm to 1 am. So far the line up of acts has not been announced, but we expect it to be world-renowned jazz artist that have been featured on Jazz Loves Disney and Jazz Loves Disney 2.

Enjoy a night with characters, rides, and the opportunity to hear some amazing jazz music throughout the park. You can buy tickets will go on sale May 17^th online.

Click here for your FREE no obligation quote.

Are you thinking about planning a trip to Disney? I can help!

There are so many great packages and new promotions being released for 2018. In addition to writing for Chip and Co. I am a travel agent with MickeyTravels (designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney)! My services are 100% FREE and I can customize no-obligation quotes for all Disney and Universal Orlando destinations! I create custom itineraries, book advanced FastPasses+ reservations, monitor for discounts, and much more! Find me on Facebook or feel free to email me with any Disney vacation questions at [email protected]

Mark Hamill Drops ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Spoiler

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 8, 2018

Mark Hamill, better known as Luke Skywalker, may have just dropped a huge spoiler for the latest upcoming Star Wars installment, “Solo: A Star Wars Story” revealing a cameo appearance. He confirmed that C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels will have a part in the upcoming Han Solo spin-off.

“Daniels was so happy, ’cause he’s in every single ‘Star Wars’ movie,” Hamill explained. “Every single one. All the prequels, he’s in ‘Rogue One,’ he’s in ‘Solo.’ Whoops! I hope that’s not, erm, but anyway, he’s in every single ‘Star Wars’ movie. That’s not such a reveal – all ‘Star Wars’ fans expect him to be in every movie.”

Hamill says Daniels is in all of the “Star Wars” movies, just not always at C-3PO. So he could appear in another form, as an altogether different character.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story” invites viewers onto the Millenium Falcon and takes us to a galaxy far, far away on a new adventure with the galaxy’s most beloved scoundrel- Han Solo. A series of daring escapades await Solo, deep within the dangerous criminal underworld. Watch as Han Solo befriends his furry and mighty future copilot, Chewbacca, and meets the notorious gambler, Lando Calrissian. This journey sets the course for one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

Alden Ehrenrecich (Solo) is joined by a cast of stars including Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany.

Will you be seeing “Solo: A Star Wars Story when it hits theaters on May 25th?

Source: WESH 2

Click Here for your FREE no obligation quote!

There are still fantastic 2018 packages available. Send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner!

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.