How amazing is the Mickey Mouse Penthouse Suite located at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA? In this stylish yet fun themed suite, guests will find Mickey Mouse accents throughout. How could you not be happy in a place like this?
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The Guardians of the Galaxy Space Station Challenge is officially underway! If you know a student ranging in age anywhere from 13-16, be sure to tell them about this awesome opportunity. Students can enter the Guardians of the Galaxy Space Station Challenge by submitting a microgravity flight experiment concept that can be conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory. Students are encouraged to develop flight proposals focusing on the attributes of Rocket and Groot, characters from Guardians of the Galaxy. Submissions are due by January 31, 2018. After the submissions have been reviewed, two student-submitted flight concepts will see their vision turned into reality and become an official ISS National Lab investigation, launching to the space station in 2018.
In 2016, CASIS and Marvel partnered to develop a mission patch featuring Rocket and Groot that represented all ISS National Lab investigations from the calendar year. Now the two entities seek to engage and excite American students by providing a truly unique opportunity to send experiments to the space station inspired by Rocket and Groot in far-reaching scientific areas.
The contest is divided into two separate research opportunities: Team Rocket, and Team Groot. Students with an interest in materials sciences, engineering and enabling technology development are encouraged to submit flight concepts through Team Rocket – Who has strong ties to innovation and engineering. Students interested in fundamental biological and regenerative science concepts are encouraged to submit flight proposals under Team Groot – Who is the embodiment of genetics and plant biology.
The student(s) who submit flight concepts through the challenge will be asked to explain their flight experiment proposal, and ultimately how microgravity has the potential to enhance findings that otherwise can be explored on Earth-based laboratory settings. Additionally, students will be asked to consider the size of their proposal experiment. Winning concepts will be housed in a NanoRacks NanoLab (in partnership with space-based education services provider DreamUp) and Space Tango’s TangoLab, which are both project facilities that are currently flying aboard the ISS National Lab and provide investigators the ability to access microgravity for a wide variety of research.
“The ability to partner with a brand as recognizable as Marvel to bring awareness, opportunity and excitement to our nation’s students is a great way to bridge the comic book community with the space community to advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education,” said CASIS Director of Operations and Educational Opportunities Kenneth Shields. “Both Rocket and Groot have characteristics that are researched onboard the ISS daily, and to allow students to propose experiments based on their favorite Super Heroes will be an exciting way to engage our Nation’s youth about STEM principles and the space station.”
Want to go to Walt Disney World? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand 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. Find me on Facebook or Instagram for some extra Disney Magic. Feel free to email me with any Disney vacation questions you may have at [email protected].
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Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing like starting the day with a Mickey Waffle at Walt Disney World. But, if you are looking to change things up a bit, you must check out the Floridian Pancakes at the Grand Floridian Café!
The Floridian Pancakes are pancakes covered in roasted pecans, sun-dried cranberry, and house-made orange butter. The pancakes are also served with a side of bacon or sausage.
The Grand Floridian Café is, of course, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Floridan Pancakes will cost you $16.00 plus tax and are served from 7:30 to 11:00 am.
Let’s start planning your visit to Disney’s Grand Floridian or another Disney World Resort! Fill out the form below, send an email or CLICK HERE for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I also offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!
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Are you beginning to plan your 2018 vacation? Not sure where to visit at this point? Why now visit Walt Disney World and Disney Springs? If you do, you will be visiting one of the “Top 52 Places to Go in 2018” by the “New York Times!”
The “New York Times” posts contains locations from around the world including Bhutan, Fiji, Tasmania. So, being included on the “Top 52 Places to Visit in 2018” list is great company to be in.
There is also something new and exciting going on at Disney Springs. Guests are invited to check out one of the new eateries including Maria & Enzo’s or Pizza Ponte. Or, why not check out the new “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire” Virtual Reality attraction. And, don’t forget all of the amazing shopping opportunities including the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, World of Disney!
To read the complete New York Times list, please CLICK HERE.
Let’s start planning your visit to one of the “Top 52 Places to Go in 2018” in Disney Springs! Fill out the form below, send an email or CLICK HERE for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I also offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!
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The start of a new year means many things. At Walt Disney World, it means the return of the gorgeous migratory birds, purple martins. We are happy to report that one of the first sightings of the purple martin in the United States is at Walt Disney World!
Each year, purple martins travel to Walt Disney World Resort to raise their young before flying more than 6,000 miles to the Brazilian rain forest and back, providing us with a unique front-row seat to the magic of nature.
To prepare for the birds’ arrival, Disney VoluntEARS gear up a month in advance by cleaning and prepping all 20 purple martin bird houses across Walt Disney World Resort. Each house has multiple rooms, so Disney now has 460 nest compartments ready and waiting for purple martins to check in. All this preparation is important because purple martins have specific needs for nesting. They prefer birdhouses almost exclusively, which enables us to attract them to areas close enough for us to observe them as they find mates, as they find mates, lay eggs and care for their chicks until they learn to fly.
Over the past few years, much has been learned by studying the birds. For example, Disney’s conservation team collaborated on a study with Dr. Kevin Fraser of the University of Manitoba that used GPS technology to pinpoint where purple martins in Brazil go to settle at night. Based on past observations by Brazilian scientists, Disney discovered that many purple martins come together at night in cities and towns in the Amazon basin, but were surprised to learn they more often frequented small islands in the Amazon River and its tributaries. This new information is critically important because only about 17 percent of the roosts identified were in protected areas of Brazil.
At Walt Disney World Resort, we have been just as curious about where our nesting birds spend the night. Using the same GPS technology, we found that our birds do not always sleep in their bird houses with their chicks. Instead, they spend some nights on freeway light fixtures. Disney believes these are popular spots because they attract nocturnal insects, which are easy early-morning meals. As soon as it starts to get bright outside, these birds race back to their nests to feed their young. And I mean they race! One of our birds flying back at 45 miles an hour. Wow!
So now, when you see those unique structures above, you will know what they are for!
Ready to go checkout the purple martins in person? Fill out the form below, send an email or CLICK HERE for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I also offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!
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Yesterday kicked off the Second Annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The festival features various artisans from the around the world including those more local from the Central Florida area.
Todd Bright, a former animator for Walt Disney World Feature Animation Orlando, went on to open his own business, Bright Animation LLC. Bright Animation is headquartered right in the Orlando area and when asked to create a seminar for last year’s festival, he jumped at the chance. Bright told the Orlando Business Journal, “I basically jumped at the chance to create a seminar for last year’s festival, I’m looking forward to coming back.” Bright went on to say, “I had freedom to create the content and build my own seminars. Now I get to come back and demonstrate more techniques and participate even further.”
In addition to Bright Animation, these are the other Central Florida area based firms who are hosting seminars at this year’s Epcot International Festival of the Arts:
Artisans on Fifth, Mt. Dora: Will guide Guests in various creative mediums including paper sculptures, jewelry making, and stained glass
Simone Amaduzzi Photography, Oviedo: The internationally renowned photographer will be giving tips on finding the perfect shot
Just-in Wood Signs LLC, Oviedo: If wood is your medium, you are invited to learn some tips on carving and aging wood
Driftwood Market, College Park: Guests can learn everything from wreath-making to caligraphy co-owners, Bonnie DiCocco and Donna Price, use in their boutique.
Bright Animation LLC, Orlando: Guests can learn the principles of film-based medium, sketching, and creating an animated clip from a former Disney Animator
Axum Coffee, Winter Garden: Guests will be treated to live latte demonstrations
Ten10 Brewing, Orlando: Receive pointers on crafting your own homebrew from co-owner, Mike Wallace
Muni Strings, Winter Park: Guests can learn the process of making a violin and how the production techniques give the violin it’s unique sound.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts runs until February 19. In addition to these seminars, there so many others offered for Guests to learn about the various principles of several forms of art!
It’s not too late to start planning your visit to this year’sEpcot Festival of the Arts! Fill out the form below, send an email or CLICK HERE for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I also offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!
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Those planning on hitting up the miniature golf courses during your Walt Disney World stay should take note of the following schedule changes. Starting on January 14th, the Winter Summerland Golf Course located just outside Blizzard Beach will be reducing its operating hours. The golf course will now close at 10 p.m. According to a piece in Orlando Theme Park News, this is due to the fact that fewer guests have been visiting in the late evenings.
The early closure is part of a trial expected to run until the Fall. Guests should note that the course may offer extended hours during peak periods or public holidays. Visitors should consult disneyworld.com or My Disney Experience for up-to-date park hours.
As of going to print the hours are staying the same at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf (near the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin) which has a closing time of 11pm.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with Chip and Co. for the latest in Walt Disney World news and updates.
Thinking about a visit to Disney World? Packages are currently available to book through until the end of 2018. Read below to find out how you can get your FREE quote.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from booking 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 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected]or follow along on Facebook.
The 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports venue is wildly regarded as the leading facility for youth sports in America and hosts 100+ sporting events throughout the year, including NFL Pro Bowl Week and the Atlanta Braves Spring Training.
Among those attending were Maribeth Bisienere, Senior Vice President of ESPN Wide World of Sports and Disney Springs; Faron Kelley, Vice President of Sports; and Jeff Webb, Founder & Chairman of Varsity Brands; along with Minnie Mouse who arrived cheering and wearing her new cheerleader outfit.
(Jan. 12, 2018) – Walt Disney World Resort officially opened The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, continuing the growth and expansion of the 220-acre Disney sports venue during its 20th anniversary celebration. (From L-R) Varsity Brands Founder and Chairman Jeff Webb, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney Springs Sr. Vice President Maribeth Bisienere, Disney Sports Vice President Faron Kelley and AAU President Dr. Roger Goudy participated in dedicating the 300,000-square-foot indoor venue.
We were also excited to see Meg Donnelly (ABC’s “American Housewife”) and Milo Manheim (“Ghost Whisperer”) who we will see as Addison and Zed from the upcoming Disney Channel Zombies movie that premieres on February 16th!
The Arena becomes the third indoor venue at ESPN Wide World of Sports and is one of the largest in the country for cheer and dance events. This state of the art facility will host events such as basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling in addition to being specifically designed with cheerleading and dance competitions in mind.
With its focus on these sports, it is only fitting that the inaugural event at The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports is the legendary UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, which runs through this Sunday, January 14, 2018.
This prestigious event is celebrating a milestone of its very own. “We are thrilled to have our 35th College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship as the inaugural event in the new arena,” said Varsity Brands Founder and Chairman Jeff Webb. “This year, we’ll host seven premier events and welcome nearly 70,000 athletes to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Our athletes and coaches are going to be very excited when they see the space, the warm-up areas and all of the other amenities that truly make this building one of a kind. We’re looking forward to a fantastic event, in a great building that’s being hosted by a terrific partner in Disney.”
One of the most fascinating features of this venue is flexibility, as the General Manager of Sports Operations, Jose Mola, shared with us at the event. He spoke about how the venue can adapt to the various events they will host there and how even the bleachers can be retracted and adapted to the needs of each event.
One of the little things I am most excited about is how the bleachers have seats attached, providing an extra level of comfort for spectators! If you’ve ever sat through long days of sporting events or competitions without a back on a seat, you will definitely appreciate the design team going the extra mile to make sure this place is great. The Arena can seat more than 8,000 guests and has the ability to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts, and/or concert configurations. For dance and cheer events, there can be one large competition space that can be adapted to as many as four competition areas.
If food is your preferred sport, have no fear! They have introduced a few new items at the 7 concession stands surrounding the main arena with 35 additional concession points of sale. There will be some specialty items including hazelnut churros (can we say, “Nutell-a-ll your friends!”), chocolate banana empanadas, donut crusted chicken, Greek Dogs, and an Adobo Chicken Rice Bowl. With all these options you can keep yourself pepped-up and ready to cheer all your favorite teams on!
If you would like to catch a glimpse inside, The Arena will be hosting the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals this February 22-25, 2018.
What sporting event or sporting event treat are you looking forward to the most? Tell us below!
Feast your taste buds on this delicious Orange Cream Funnel Cake!
This treat can be found in the World Showcase at the funnel cake kiosk near American Pavilion. Only available during the Festival of the Arts!
Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation?Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels,(designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney),I’ll be on hand 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.
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Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, similar to our Haunted Mansion, closed this week for a refurbishment. The spooky attraction entered into refurbishment until at least September 2018.
The Phantom Manor is a guided tour with a spine-tingling twist. Ghastly goings-on keeps you suitably scared. Rooms stretch, portraits move and mirrors bend, all to a backdrop of eerie sounds. Then, once aboard your doombuggy, the voice of a phantom directs your every stomach turn in an experience sure to have you screaming for more.
Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation?Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels,(designated with Platinum Earmarked status by Disney),I’ll be on hand 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.
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It is Marinated and grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Onions and Bell Peppers topped with Pepper Jack Cheese served on a toasted Potato Bun. It is served with seasonal fruit or Filmstrip Fries for $8.49.
Grab one on your next visit – you won’t regret it!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand 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.
Just fill out the form below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Want to go to Walt Disney World? Then why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand 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. Find me on Facebook or Instagram for some extra Disney Magic. Feel free to email me with any Disney vacation questions you may have at [email protected].
Just fill out the form below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
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