The 2018 dates have just been announced for the D23 Expo 2019 and we couldn’t be more excited! This year it will once again be held at the Anaheim Convention Center during the weekend of August 23–25.
Highlights planned for D23 Expo:
More than 50 shows, presentations, and panels, including the Disney Legends Ceremony
Mousequerade – showcasing the most creative designs by fans
The D23 Expo Design Challenge
Tickets go on sale for the D23 Expo 2019 starting August 23, 2018. There will be special pricing for both one and three-day tickets to the event (including an Early Bird Discount) will be exclusively available to D23 Gold Members. D23 Gold Members will also have an opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.
Stay tuned to Chip and Company for the announcement of ticket prices later this summer.
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]
This weekend we got to be some of the first to experience Legoland’s newest coaster attraction: The Great LEGO Race Virtual Reality Coaster. The first VR coaster #BuiltforKids in a 360 degree brick-built world!
This awesome coaster merges the virtual reality world of LEGOS as you’ve seen them in your favorite movies with 1,312.3 feet of real life coaster fun with speeds up to 35 miles-per-hour… complete with this nearly 50 foot drop!
As you start your engines, you are invited into a virtual world where you get to race against several LEGO minifigure competitors throughout this roller coaster race.
Who might you see in this world?
Some of the crazy and fun teams such as Team Pirate, Team Wizard, Team Surfer where Surfer Girl rides a rocketpowered windsurfing rig, Team Trendsetter on a stylish scooter fueled by espresso, and Team Pharoah on his ornately canopied bed (called a “litter”) carried by mummy servants.
Whichever team you pick as your favorite, you will see the team photos in line and even have a chance to “build your team” as you wait… We loved Team Speed and Team Pirates, although we might qualify for Team Trendy since we are quite often powered by espresso!
For those who grew up playing 8-bit video games, it’s like being thrown into one of your favorite games with nods to the 8-bit world shown in some of the graphics and surprise moments throughout the ride. This was our first time on a VR roller coaster and it did not disappoint! If you are used to your virtual reality experiences in a simulator you are in for a treat since you get to experience the VR technology paired with the real sensations and feelings of being on an actual roller coaster!
You become a part of this 360° action as you race though brick-built environments that include a desert, mountain, forest, volcano and rushing river!
“Developed under the supervision of Merlin Magic Making, the global creative and delivery division of LEGOLAND Florida Resort parent company Merlin Entertainments Group, The Great LEGO Race will transform the existing Project X roller coaster into a high-octane, virtual reality (VR) experience that puts guests in the drivers seat for a rollicking race against a colorful lineup of LEGO minifigure characters.”
Guests riding the coaster must be at least 42” tall and accompanied by a responsible rider 14 years of ago or older. Guests that are 48” tall and at least 6 years of age can wear the VR headset unless the rider is supervising his or her companion.
It is a fun experience both with and without the VR headset, so it’s great for those who love virtual reality attractions and if you don’t, you can still enjoy the coaster with your friends and family who do. It’s nice to have option to ride with or without the headset, but getting to be a part of the LEGO racing world is pretty amazing!
The Great LEGO Race VR Coaster trailer can be found in the “Beginner” section. It’s even compatible with a headset if you happen to have one at home!
“In a dazzling environment where everything is made of LEGO bricks.”
This was our first trip to LEGOLAND Florida Resort! We had a fantastically fun day experiencing and reliving our childhood! LEGOLAND has more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions inspired by popular LEGO and DUPLO brand, including the NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu Ride, LEGO City, and even the LEGOLAND water park. The rides are great for families and big-kids alike! We especially loved The Dragon coaster and Mia’s Riding Adventure, where you take a twirling pony ride to new heights. Of course, you don’t want to miss the Grand Carousel that has 2 levels to ride upon!
So come over to the land where “Everything is awesome!” and start your engines because this brick-built world is pretty sweet!
One of the newest additions to Disney Springs, Wine Bar George, is hosting weekly wine tasting experiences and monthly wine dinners for Disney Vacation Club Members and special guests as part of Membership Magic.
Each week, on Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m., there will be a wine tasting experience that will include samplings of 6 types of wine from well-known and also up-and-coming wineries. These weekly events can accommodate up to 30 people that will be able to taste wine like a Master Sommelier. Each week will feature a different collection of wines paired with a sampling of cheese and charcuterie. The cost of $45 a person (maximum of six people in a party) includes tax and gratuity.
The monthly wine dinners, on select Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm, will accommodate as many as 10 people. They will be hosted by George Miliotes and, when available, a featured winemaker. This monthly experience, which includes a reception and three-course dinner with wine pairings, is priced at $115 a person, inclusive of tax and gratuity.
Call Member Services beginning on March 29 for event registration or more information, and learn more about Wine Bar George online at WineBarGeorge.com.
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.
The Disney and Marvel release, Black Panther, has achieved a milestone on Saturday. The blockbuster hit has become the top-grossing superhero film of all time in the US. This is after passing fellow Marvel title The Avengers, which grossed $623.4 million in 2012. Black Panther finished Sunday with $630.9 million to put it at No. 5 on the all-time list and is one of seven films to ever earn $600 million or more domestically. The film has since broken numerous records since being released in the theaters on Feb. 16.
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.
Instead of cooking this Easter make your Easter brunch reservation at House of Blues and enjoy the world-famous Gospel Brunch. At House of Blues in Disney Springs, you can feed your body and soul with delicious food and the high-energy sounds of gospel music as it fills the air.
The Gospel Brunch has 10:30am and 1:00pm seatings and offers a buffet stocked with your favorite breakfast items, southern specialties, chicken and waffles, tender carving stations, and a selection of desserts you won’t want to miss. Enjoy your meal and the sweet sounds of contemporary and traditional-style gospel music. Don’t be shy about getting up out of your seat if you’re feeling moved!
Tickets for Gospel Brunch are $43 for adults and $24 for children, plus applicable fees and tax. Bookings for Easter will go quickly, so grab your tickets now.
Thinking of planning a Disney Vacation?There are many destinations to consider. Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Let me know if you’d like moreinformation.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you plan the perfect Disney Vacation whether it’s Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney. I’ll work with you to find a package that suits your budget, nab those hard-to-get dining and FastPass+ reservations and throw in a sprinkle of pixie dust. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at (888) 580-MAGIC, via email [email protected]or follow along onFacebook.
A look at the new entrance for Toy Story Mania inside Toy Story Land
A look at the new entrance for Toy Story Mania inside Toy Story Land
As we previously reported,Toy Story Mania! at Hollywood Studios is currently not offering FastPasses due to the entrance of the ride being refurbished to all Guests to enter through the new Toy Story Land. Originally, FastPasses were supposed to be available to Disney World Guests looking to ride Toy Story Mania! beginning May 7.
However, now that we are well within May 7th’s 60-day window (the time when Guests can begin scheduling their FastPass selections) we are finding that Toy Story Mania! FastPasses continue to remain unavailable. While there has been no official announcement from Disney regarding the extended unavailability, upon calling into Guest Services we have received word that the FastPasses may not be available again until June 30 alongside the opening of Toy Story Land.
Disney has reported, that beginning April 9, two of the three tracks of Toy Story Mania! will be unavailable. As a result, the attraction will only be available via the standby queue through May 7, hence the reason FastPasses will not be available to schedule during this time.
At this point, we are inclined to believe FastPasses will become available on June 30, but what we can guarantee is that we will bring you an update on FastPass availability as soon as we find out.
Let’s start planning your visit to Toy Story Land and Disney World!CLICK HERE! One of our wonderful MickeyTravels agents will be in touch to start planning your magical Disney visit! MickeyTravels is the preferred agency of Chip & Co. and a Platinum Earmarked Agency. Our services are always 100% FREE!
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.
Saturday nights at Disney Springs are about to get a whole lot more fun! Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is introducing a new weekly event called Saturday Night Shine. Every Saturday night, starting April 7th, guests will enjoy live music, tasty eats, and specialty drinks all under the shine of the moon while sipping moonshine!
Stay tuned as more details will be announced later this week, like a chance to reserve a front row seat to watch Chef Art show off his cocktail making skills, all while enjoying a FREE appetizer.
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]
Disney has been providing us with an on-going series of Disney-inspired Bento box tutorials. In celebration of Epcot’sFlower and Garden Festival, Mike Kravanis has created this topiary-inspired Lady and the Tramp bento box.
I’ll “paws” while you take in this work of art.
Creating these beauties may not be as difficult as it first appears. Both Lady and Tramp’s faces are rice balls formed with a cookie cutter. To create a “leafy”, topiary look, microgreens are added to the rice. Black olives and white American cheese are used to finish off facial features and of course a little “pasta bowl” for the pups to enjoy their “Bella Notte”.
Try your own hand at creating this Lady and the Tramp bento box and be sure to check out past ideas as well!
Thinking of planning a Disney Vacation?There are many destinations to consider. Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Let me know if you’d like moreinformation.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you plan the perfect Disney Vacation whether it’s Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney. I’ll work with you to find a package that suits your budget, nab those hard-to-get dining and FastPass+ reservations and throw in a sprinkle of pixie dust. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at (888) 580-MAGIC, via email [email protected]or follow along onFacebook.
Looking to enjoy a serving of poke the way you want it? You are in luck because over at Surfside Lounge in Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, you can now order the Build Your Own Poke bowl.
The Poke bowls are all served with a helping of avocado, cucumber and both red and green onions. However, the rest is up to you to pick.
Start by selecting your base:
White Rice
Brown Rice
Romaine Leaves
Next, add your choice of protein which has been marinated in Ponzu:
Tuna
Salmon
Tofu
Finally, choose your sauce:
Spicy Mayo
Poke Sauce
Wasabi
The bowl is then garnished with:
Seaweed Wakame
Tobiko Caviar
Fried Onions
Pickled Ginger
Bonito Flakes
Sesame Seeds
The Build Your Own Poke Bowl is currently available for $16.00, but if it’s as good as it looks we think it will be worth it. And if the Build Your Own Poke Bowl is as big of a hit here as they’ve been at Aulani, we think you can expect to see them on the menu for a while.
Thinking of planning a Disney Vacation?There are many destinations to consider. Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Let me know if you’d like moreinformation.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you plan the perfect Disney Vacation whether it’s Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, Aulani or Adventures by Disney. I’ll work with you to find a package that suits your budget, nab those hard-to-get dining and FastPass+ reservations and throw in a sprinkle of pixie dust. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at (888) 580-MAGIC, via email [email protected]or follow along onFacebook.
The Grand Floridian unveiled its whimsical 2018 Easter Egg Display on March 24th. Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, and his Pastry Team, spent the past couple of months preparing for their 7th year presenting this amazing Annual Display. We were on hand to meet some of the Creators of these beautiful Eggs as they finished prepping their display.
Meet Magaly; the adorable Creator of this amazing Frozen Butterfly Fairy Egg. If you look closely you will see signs of Spring in the form of colorful flowers amongst the traces of snowflakes and frozen fractals. Her whimsical egg is one of the newest additions to this year’s display.
Meet Rheanna; the lovely developer of the all-new Nightmare Before Christmas Egg. She also restructured the Evil Queen Egg for us this year. Rheanna is definitely in touch with her Villain side!
Here is a peek at some other new additions to the Grand Floridian 2018 Easter Egg Display mixed in with some from the 2017 display:
Many Eggs are preserved in a temperature controlled room allowing the Pastry Team to refurbish them the following year. The majestic American Bald Eagle is one of these eggs and sits central on its own table:
Here is a peek at some of the additional eggs featured at the Grand Floridian 2018 Easter Egg Display:
For a full walk through tour of The Grand Floridian 2018 Easter Egg Display, via our Live video, here:
We wish to send a special thank you to Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek and his Team for this incredible 2018 Easter Egg Display. Each Egg takes 40-60 hours and between 2-4 months to complete as they work on their eggs about 1 hour at a time. If you happen to see a member of the amazing Pastry Team, while visiting this year’s display, be sure to let them know how much you enjoy this annual tradition.
Each year, we at Chip and Company eagerly await the unveiling of The Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display. For us this has become one of our yearly Spring traditions. The Whimsical 2018 Easter Egg Display is absolutely magnificent and a must-see for anyone visiting the Walt Disney Resort. What are some of your seasonal Disney traditions? This year’s display will be featured now through April 10th in the lobby of the Grand Floridian.
Are you ready to start a new tradition with a visit to The Grand Floridian 2018 Easter Egg Display? Please leave your comments in the box below.
Sunshine Seasons is one of my favorite places to eat when I’m visiting Epcot. The Sunshine Seasons Tuna Poke Salad is a new menu addition that we are pretty excited about.
This noodle salad is topped tuna poke and wakame seaweed salad for a delicious flavor combination!
As a Travel Agent, one of the most popular questions I receive is, “When are rates the least expensive for Disney Cruise Line.” For that question, I have two answers:
When rates are first released by Disney
When Disney releases “Staterooms with Restrictions” for a sailing a few months prior to a cruise’s scheduled sailing date. These are also known as IGT, OVT, and VGT staterooms
Let’s take a closer look at these “Staterooms with Restrictions” as I have seen a few available recently which means you can save big on your cruise for this Spring!
Staterooms with restrictions are available in three categories. They are listed as acronyms which mean:
IGT is Inside Stateroom Guarantee
OGT is Oceanview Stateroom Guarantee
VGT is Stateroom with Verandah Guarantee
Those acronyms mean you are guaranteed a stateroom in one of those three categories. However, there are restrictions that come along with these discounted staterooms. The highlights of the restrictions are:
New bookings only. Existing reservations cannot be modified to these new categories.
Disney Cruise Line will assign your specific stateroom at a later time, based on remaining availability.
Specific stateroom requests will not be accommodated.
Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
The stateroom offer cannot be combined with any other discounted or promotional offer.
If you are a family looking for an exact stateroom in a certain location on the ship, these staterooms might not be for you as your stateroom is not usually assigned until a few days prior to your sail date. Full payment is due at the time of booking but since these staterooms are offered at the last minute, full payment would be due anyways per Disney guidelines.
Another way to save: Are you a Florida resident or military member? Disney offers discounted rates periodically throughout the year with your Florida or Military ID!
Ready to start planning your Disney Cruise or would like more information on these special rates?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 ONBOARD CREDITS for all my cruise clients so you will be saving even more and my services are 100% FREE!
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.
